SandScript 2023 [Digital Exclusive]

Heather Peterson
(she/her) is a 23-year-old artist raised in Tucson. She has three pets: her dog Argos, her
cat Sherlock, and her snake, Loki. She is honored to be published in SandScript. She
is an artist, dancer, and singer and enjoys theater and writing. Heather enjoys reading,
viewing, and collecting art in her free time. Being surrounded by art and learning about
its forms makes her happy. Heather believes that art should be shared with the world, no
matter your experience or skill. Everyone has something to show, share, and contribute
to our society. She was nervous this semester taking her first-ever art class. She had never
had any formal art training or taken any art classes. Surprisingly, she has felt comfortable
in class and is grateful to Professor Matthias Duwel and her classmates for their support
and encouragement. She hopes to continue her journey as an artist and keep learning to
improve her skills and knowledge.
Isaac Frisby
Isaac Frisby is a PCC Student
Jessica Novak
Jessica is a Senior Director at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona and has extensive
experience in building partnerships and growing resources. She moved to Tucson with her family
in 2017 after five years of living and working in Lima, Perú. She is currently enrolled in Spanish 202
and está desarrollando sus habilidades de escritura en español. Jessica is a graduate of Michigan
State University (BS) and Indiana University (MPH).
Juan M Pena
Is an artist based in Nogales, Arizona, who works primarily with colored pencils and
printmaking. He takes inspiration from wildlife, cartoons, abstract art, tattoos, and graffiti
for his works of art.
Kina
Is a freshman originally from the Philippines, and she moved to the US less than a year ago.
As a queer woman, she faced challenges with her conservative parents, who did not take
her sexuality very well. Kina's lived experience inspired her to write this essay with the help
and encouragement of her professor, Ms. Carmen, and her supportive girlfriend, Angela. Her
journey toward discovering her true identity was far from easy, and she had to make peace
with her circumstances. However, she is immensely proud of herself for overcoming one of the
most challenging times of her life. She believes that her challenges have shaped her into who
she is today. She likes to write about her experiences because she hopes it inspires readers to
embrace their true selves, just as she did.
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