Shaine Dyani Featherstone Finding Comfort in Art

When I got to middle school, I remember telling people I wanted to be a lawyer, but I then realized that I did not want to pursue this career path because there’s a very heavy mental weight that comes with it. I remember thinking I want to enjoy myself in life when I’m older.

I used to be very unambitious and didn’t believe in anything better than my current situation. But over time I realized everyone in my community pretty much swam in misery. I didn’t want to be like them, filled with regret because of missed chances.

I always loved helping others and expressing myself without words. I’ve been drawing on and off since middle school; the first time was when I lost my grandfather. I found it to be a great way to relieve myself of the stress I was feeling inside. Not too long in my freshman year, I discovered psychology. I realized that my community is often riddled with untreated mental illnesses and/or unhealthy habits and addictions. I decided that one day I want to help people express themselves by using art therapy.