Nikki Kaplowitz Senior Essay To sum up for my general approach to life I find it most fitting to borrow from the

great Nelly with his famous words: I am number one, dont matter if you like it just take it, sit down and write it, what does it take to be number one? Two is not a winner and three nobody remembers. Since I gained the cognitive ability to have aspirations and desires, I have never had a doubt that I would be number one. When I was young I wanted to be a fairy princess taxi driver but my mom said I would be a doctor/president. I have steered away from that in the past decade to make a more personalized plan to pursue a career in photography. My current plan is to run off to San Francisco to take advantage of the art scene and establish myself as a photographer before attending college at San Francisco State in 2014. The arts have been a huge part of my life since I was sliced out of my mommys womb because I was privileged to be born into a family of extraordinary musicians, who always encouraged me to express myself and explore my passions. Because of my upbringing, I know that self-expression will remain at the forefront of all of my endeavors, but I have spoken to far too many ex-photography majors to believe it will be the only thing I ever do. The only goal worthy of lifelong commitment, to me, is happiness and fulfillment. Before attending Garza I always struggled with getting my work done and sticking to my commitments, but it was surprisingly empowering for my education to be in my own hands. In traditional learning environments I would attend school with the attitude of, Ok Im here, so teach me, but having it be

my responsibility to take care of gave me confidence and a sense of pride in my work. Every Garza teacher, administrator, staff member, and, really, every adult in my life, including those at my Quaker meeting and at the Khabele school, have given me so much support and respect that sometimes I feel like a celebrity. Without the unconditional, sometimes smothering love, support, and encouragement of my parents and the balancing presence of my sister, I would certainly not be the person I am or hope to be. And even though it is clich, any of my friends will verify that I feel extremely lucky to have them. So at this point you really ain't gotta gimme my props, just gimme the yachts, Gimme my rocks, and keep my fans comin in flocks. I'm cocky on the mic but I'm humble in real life, Taking nothin for granted, blessin everything on my life, Trying to see a new light at the top of the roof .Baby name not sigel but I speak the truth I heat the booth - Nikki actin so uncouth, Top down in the coupe, spreadin the loot With my family and friends, and my closest of kin, and I'll do it again if it means I'ma win. Because I am number one, dont matter if you like it just take it sit down and write it, I am number one. Two is not a winner and three nobody remembers.