Shakira, a freshman at Sahuaro High School, is proud of her half Indian and half Black heritage. For her, the concept of “art” is deeply personal and goes far beyond traditional drawings; it represents everything she lovesand holds great personal significance.
In her piece “The Art in Me,” Shakira Young discusses how drawing has been her means of self-expression since fifth grade. Shakira recalls, “My greatest talent is drawing. Art has been my voice since I was in fifth grade, a means of expressing what I feel and see that transcends words. Over time, my creativity has become more than just a hobby; it’s a part of who I am.”
For her, art defines an aspect of her identity. She pours her heart and soul into it, finding joy and purpose in the creative process. Whether she’s painting, drawing, or experimenting with other mediums, art allows her to express her emotions and connect with the world around her in a meaningful way.
Shakira is also interested in joining the United States Navy because “I admire the strength, teamwork, and discipline it builds. I believe the Navy will help me grow not only as a leader but also as a person. After serving, I plan to attend Jackson State University, an HBCU that represents excellence, pride, and opportunity.” During her time in Sahuaro, Shakira Young is looking forward to joining the cooking club so she can, “…learn new skills and connect with others through creativity.” Shakira also likes math because working through a problem and solving the correct answer can be very rewarding. She claims, “It shows that patience and understanding lead to results. Like art, math teaches me that every line, number, and step has a purpose if you take the time to see it clearly.”
Shakira also has a deep love for basketball. She shares, “Although I’ve never been on a formal team, the game has taught me focus, discipline, and determination. My three-pointers remind me that with consistency and effort, success will follow.” She claims that going to games has helped her learn to focus. When she aces those three-pointers, it reminds her to stay consistent and put in the effort. Shakira Young plans to use her talents to help the basketball team reach its full potential and to continue creating art that inspires others. “My goal is to earn a scholarship and attend a great school where I can keep learning, growing, and building a successful life,” Young tells us.
Shakira also faces challenges, as not everything goes perfectly for her. “One of my biggest challenges has been the fear of failure, but I’ve learned that every mistake is a lesson, not an ending,” she shares. We look forward to seeing the opportunities she will pursue in the time that she has at Sahuaro.
