Maria Brasil

Biography

My name is Maria Brasil and I have been part of the West Hall Fine Arts community for about 4 years. Currently, I am involved in a couple of extracurricular activities such as the National Art Honor Society (President), Student Executive Council, Volleyball, and National BETA Club (Treasurer). Being part of the fine arts community has been the best experience that I have had because I have been able to not only improve my artistic skills but make long-lasting friendships and connections along the way. Art has been an interest of mine for the longest time and, coming from a third-world country, I was not able to explore my artistic abilities until I moved to the United States. Coming to West Hall was one of the best decisions I have made. Not only was I welcomed with arms wide open, but I was also able to grow as a person. I took my first art class back in 2018 which was Visual Arts 1 which had brought me to the conclusion of how much art means to me and how it impacts me on a daily basis. I decided to keep pursuing art in the upcoming years so I took Visual Arts 3-4 and Photography during my sophomore year; that was when I was invited to join the National Art Honor Society here at West Hall High School which was a privilege to be able to join. That same year I had decided to join the International Baccalaureate Program, and I’m currently enrolled in Biology, English B, and Visual Arts. Being part of this program has allowed me to grow as a student and has taught me lifelong skills which I’m so grateful for. I was also presented with the opportunity to go to Conference for NAHS where I got to be exposed to so many artists and different art styles that really opened my eyes to a different perspective.

Being able to be so involved in this community makes it feel like family and as the year comes to an end it makes me so sad that this chapter of my life will only live in my memories. I will miss being able to see the people I love every day and especially my fine arts teachers. Not only have they been my mentors, but they have also been guiding me to constantly be growing and improving, they have been family to me. Art has allowed me to inspire other people and to help them and I will continue to do so in the future hopefully. Currently, I am creating a portrait to send to a child in a different country and I am helping the theater create wonderful props for their shows. Although I do not plan on pursuing art as a profession, I do plan on using the skills that I have learned to become a better professional and a better thinker. I couldn't be more grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this wonderful family and community. The West Hall Fine Arts program will forever be my home and family so thank you to all of the staff and student body for a wonderful high school experience.