Story Submitted by Emma Friedman

Having access to an arts education has shaped me into the person I am today. I can’t not imagine what my life would be if I didn’t have access to an arts education in some of my most formative years. It is the reason I wake up every morning with an excitement for doing things. It is the reason why I excel in all other academic subjects. It is the reason I am constantly surrounded by the most incredible human beings and introduced to the most committed, passionate, creative, and inspiring educators. Everything I am is a direct result of having an arts education. It is absolutely crucial that every child is given the opportunity to experience the magic that an arts education has to offer. Hillsborough County, do the right thing and keep funding arts in schools.

Art is creativity. Art is culture. Art is Problem-Solving. Art is History. Art is what makes us human. After all, “the earth without art is just eh”.