Chapter 3: The Canvas is Calling

Chapter 3: The Canvas is Calling

Intro:

With high school nearing its end, Ethan faced the biggest question yet—how to turn art into a life, not just a passion.

Story:

Ethan returned from camp changed. He was more confident. He began volunteering to create murals at school, cover designs for the yearbook, and even illustrations for the town’s community newsletter.

But he also knew the next step wouldn’t be easy. Art school was expensive, and he didn’t want to burden his already struggling family.

He applied to a dozen colleges. One stood out: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)—one of the top art schools in the country. It felt like aiming at the moon, but Ethan put together a portfolio that included his most personal works—pieces that told stories of hope, struggle, and healing.

Weeks passed.

Then one morning, a thick envelope arrived.

“Congratulations, Ethan Miles. You’ve been accepted to the Rhode Island School of Design on a full artistic merit scholarship.”

He didn’t believe it at first. He re-read it ten times, then called Miss Renee, who burst into tears.

Before he left for college, he held his first solo art exhibition at the local community center. Titled Shades of Silence, it featured every major piece from his journey. Visitors included teachers, neighbors, and even strangers who had donated to his fundraiser years ago.

His mother, now in recovery, sat in the front row. She watched as her son, once so quiet, stood tall and spoke to a full house: “My art has always been my voice. And I want to use that voice to tell stories that help people feel seen.”

Outro:

Years later, Ethan became a professional illustrator and children’s book artist. But no matter how far his brush took him, he always remembered the boy at the desk by the window—drawing the world he hoped to live in