Shirley

Hello! My name is Shirley and I am currently a sophomore attending Hunter College High School. When asked the question of where I was born, I often attempt to respond with the straightest face, “in a hospital, of course.” In truth, I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York for as long I can remember. Since my parents have never expressed an interest in the arts, I grew up in an environment where art was a luxury, not a necessity. Ironically, my parents’ nonchalance has actually triggered me to appreciate art. And now, I want to capture every opportunity that would help me understand this phenomenal concept. To me, art is like oxygen, it is vital to our survival. The power of art is limitless, bringing beauty into our world and allowing us to find our inner self. This burning desire to learn more about art—and in the process about myself—has brought me to the Youth Insights Program.