Developmental Asset: creative arts

Published in the April 30 – May 13, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Alexis Almaraz

Alexis Almaraz

Alexis Almaraz

Everyone needs some kind of creative outlook. This can be anything from dancing, acting or drawing. The idea behind being creative is to express yourself beyond words, but in a different way that speaks to you. Everyone should have some kind of creativity in their life because it can be beneficial to the individual.

Creativity can benefit your health, as it did for me. I remember entering my freshman year. It was tough dealing with common high school problems such as intimidation, stress and insecurities. It got to a point where my mind was consuming me and affecting my health. I knew things needed to change so I turned to what I knew best: art. I found security when I set aside at least a half an hour each day to sit down, listen to upbeat music while sitting at my desk sketching out my next piece. It is astonishing how all your concentration in a creative hobby can block out the overwhelming stress that happens around you.

Creative activities can make a difference to someone because they can find a passion in a particular creative field that they might want to pursue throughout their life. Creativity is also a great way to escape when dealing with stress. Parents should encourage their children to take a chance to experience a type of creative activity. Thanks to my endeavors I have found a passion in being creative and applying my creativity to everything I do.

Alexis Almaraz is a senior at Sobrato High School. She will be attending San Jose State University where she plans to major in business and marketing. She is a member of Morgan Hill’s Youth Action Council.