Finding Freedom

Creativity is more than a concept, a practice, or a word. Creativity was the key to my freedom.

A dancer, artist, and curious child, I’ve been known my whole life as a “creative” person. But throughout the years my creative spirit was destroyed. I became a compulsive rule-follower, a crippling people-pleaser, and an academically validated shell of my former self. I followed the rules to a T, fearing at every step that I’d do something wrong and be a disappointment. I needed perfection and valued myself solely based on the approval of others. I became a product of the system, a perfect, conforming robot.

Creativity changed my life. Innovative thinking and entrepreneurial learning have freed me from my chains. I rediscovered my confidence and curious spirit. I learned to love myself, my flaws, and my shortcomings. I started pushing the boundaries, failing, learning, and being grateful for it. I have found my true values and started unashamedly living them. I now see the true independence and empowerment I always had inside of me.

Creativity has unbound me. I am free.

By: Naomi Chandler

Year: Freshman

Majors: Emerging Technology in Business + Design and Entrepreneurship

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

Fun Fact: I got stuck in Spain during the initial COVID shutdown. Would do it again, zero regrets.