Talking with Kids: Nelsen Middle School

I went back to school last Friday. Sort of.

I had the privilege of hanging out and having some real talk with the fabulous students at Nelsen Middle School in Renton. It was my second time speaking with these kids– and it was a blast, as always. We talked fandom, graphic design, and school bullies. All of my favorite things.

Here's some of what I said:

Make art everyday.

Collaborate with friends.

Outshine your bullies.

Use the internet in a positive way.

Show love to other people.

I'm always a little nervous to speak with tweenagers. They're a tough group. Totally smart and savvy, but SO YOUNG! I think adults don't give young kids enough credit. They may be awkward (at least, I was at 12), but they're capable of so much– all you have to do is give them a good reason to care.

Just look at Tavi Gevinson and Malala Yousafzai (to name just a couple)!

Basically, I love these kids and I'm excited that they are our future.

PEACE!

Middle School is Awkward.

This past Wednesday I spoke to several groups–about 150 in total– students at Nelsen Middle School in Renton, Washington for their Exploration Day. We talked about art, college, feeling awkward, and Pokémon. Mostly about Pokémon.

It was a great experience, my first time speaking to a school group as an "adult." And the kids at Nelsen were fabulous. I was very impressed! Especially by the number of kids who raised their hands at "How many of you use Photoshop?"

My presentation is below, if you're in Middle School, or just curious.

Website? Website!

It's finally done! My website at sarahhiraki.com is now live!
Go check it out! And bookmark that sucker!

It's my favorite season

Today is my 21st birthday! And a beautiful fall day on Capitol Hill.
This past weekend I went for a walk through the neighborhood with my boyfriend. We like fancy houses and fall colors, for sure. I took some photos.

Also, today I finished three midterms and applied for graduation!

Definitely a really good day.

Vocational Discernment

It's a been a while. I'm back at school and still waiting to hear from Europe if I'm invited over in January.
I've been busy at work in my last year of school, working on a website (coming soon) and on some more projects with OurAmericanGeneration. Here's a quick sketch I made last night-- I've been loving Watch The Throne and Relax, the new Das Racist album-- while I fantasized about what it would be like to just chill. For the rest of my life.

Ok. Back to work.

A quickie

Just a quickie from my notebook.
Because sometimes you gotta tell it like it is.

Thank Yous

I made some thank you cards this morning for my recently graduated friend Eric. He recently held an art show at Seattle U., so I was very excited when he asked me to make some cards for him.

Congratulations on graduating, Eric! I hope your family likes these cards.

School is over

School is over, and for me, summer school begins soon. I made this during finals week. When you walk through the Administration building, everything is quiet-- except during the ten minutes between classes.