Arabic calligraphy/art is a tool that I use as a coping mechanism occasionally. I have noticed that I am unable to be artistically creative unless I am at my worst, which is both good and bad. Though when I am living fun times I am unable to paint, I find that it still makes the times when I do get creative feel more rewarding. The activity is also something I use during times when I feel homesick and want to feel more connected to my culture. I also host art galleries occasionally to share and celebrate both my culture and art with others, and I have an Instagram account @arabiligraphy where I document my calligraphy journey. My art this quarter has been pieces that I chose to decorate my dorm with and it makes the space feel warm and personal. Most importantly, those recent pieces are ones that I hold dear because they are ones that I created for myself rather than with my usual goal in mind: to create for others. Sometimes you do need to put you first!