My work of art is a graphite self-portrait that focuses on how past experiences and people have influenced the person that I am today. Each part of the piece has a symbolic meaning that creates the overarching theme that an individual cannot grow or exist without external influences, much like how trees receive nutrients, protection, and sustenance from its surroundings and interact with the life forms around them. In general, individuals are not only contained within themselves but also exposed to the network of society. The entanglement of the roots in this work represents my interactions with others and also symbolizes that this network of influences has truly become my roots: they have constructed my core beliefs and values, behavior, and personality. As these roots grow and extend into the tree branches that make up my face and continue to grow past my portrait, this represents how I hope to and am using my voice to advocate for what I believe in, such as fighting gender inequalities and discrimination. And so, in full circle, I believe that those who care about me – my family, friends, and teachers/advisors, as well as those who have brought me down and taught me to find strength in myself, have and continue to influence who I am, including my roots of morals. I have and will persist in using my voice to advocate against what I believe is wrong in society.