Illustration by Lee Aulder

Legacy – anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor

My greatest taken away from being apart of MarinaBCoding is that anything is possible and can be created through communication and teamwork. Life may deal you a set of cards that you may or may not be pleased with but it’s not about the cards, it’s how you play them. Organize those cards, Strategize those cards, become familiar with your playing style of those cards.

I’ve learned a great deal about myself and the world of illustration due to my participation as an intern at MarinaBCoding. I’ve learned that playing small only causes delays, confusion and ultimately stagnation. Leaning in for support and being communication with my team, created a space for growth and advancement. I was inspired by the illustrators and copywriters on my team. I grew to respect every individual for their craft and their contributions regardless of how big or small.  

In the end, I developed a creative illustration style that evolves daily. I have a clear vision of where I am heading and can rely on the experiences of where I’ve been. My advice to anyone creating their life from the foundation, ask yourself, how would you eat an elephant? One piece at a time. Place one foot in front of the other and only stop when you meet a rest stop. Continue to believe in yourself and if you haven’t developed an intimate relationship with self, today is a great place to start. Self-awareness is where life truly begins and it will be the greatest gift you give yourself. The gift that keeps on giving. 

In conclusion, I want to leave you with one of my favorite poems by Robert Frost.

The Road Not Taken – Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.