As a teenager, there are so many hobbies or things to do in your pastime. This is a time where students are trying to figure out who they are and what they like, whether that is theater, playing a sport, or for some, drawing.

“I’ve been drawing ever since I was around 6 years old,” junior Ryleigh Massey said. “My mom would catch me drawing on the floor with crayons and post it on Facebook, and I’ve been drawing ever since.”

What once started as a simple hobby has grown into something more personal. Massey  now uses drawing as a form of stress relief, often sketching during class or on homework pages to help clear her mind.

“Drawing helps me mind dump what’s going on in my brain,” Massey said. “I see a vision in my head of what I want to draw and put it onto paper.”

One of the first drawings Massey remembers being proud of was a sketch she did when she was younger. Sitting at home with her mom, she gathered crayons and began doodling on paper, feeling a sense of accomplishment that encouraged her to continue.

Like many student artists, Massey has had moments when she felt like her art wasn’t good enough. She admitted she sometimes compared her work to others she saw online or in person, which made her feel discouraged.

“I would always compare my artwork with others,” Massey said. “But I told myself I can improve over time.”

Although Massey does not plan to pursue art as a future career, drawing remains an important part of her life. For her, it is less about recognition and more about personal peace.

Through sketches and quiet moments, drawing allows Massey to relieve stress, proving that creativity doesn’t always have to be a career; it can simply be a way to breathe.

“Don’t compare your artwork to others because you still have tons of time to improve,” Massey said.