My name is Aaliyah Pedraza, and I ambitiously expanded my curiosity on the beauty of the ocean and marine life. A child’s dream is one that is so precious, so delicate, so intimate, so very passionate. Through this art piece, I intended to capture the infamous moment of awe taking over a child’s body and pumping a new spark of life into their veins. This felt so in touch with my own heart because I vividly remember my first big dream: to be a marine biologist. There were no worries, no calculations on how I would achieve this dream, no doubts along the road; just a dream nobody could stop me from letting go of. From the bright blue essence of the water to the individual spots of the whale shark, every detail in this shot carries undeniable meaning. My objective was to evoke the emotion of life, innocence, evolution, and even reminiscence. In contrast, young adults, their own thoughts consume them, holding them back. What dreams are worth carrying? Can a dream ensure my stability? What if nobody is willing to support me?  So many endless questions left unanswered in a person’s mind. My painting resembles the creative, courageous, and hopeful side of children who unbeknownst to them, is a superpower many adults struggle to grasp today.