ARTIST STATEMENT

Born in Montgomery, AL, but raised across different places as a military child, Jozelyn always embraced adaptability and creativity. As she prepares to graduate and begin her journey in the military, Jozelyn aims to pursue a career as either a Public Affairs Officer or a Logistics Officer— both of which align with her skills in communication, organization, and problem-solving. 

Graphic design captivates Jozelyn. Bringing ideas to life through color, typography, and digital art is something she loves exploring. Photography is another creative outlet where Jozelyn enjoys capturing moments, perspectives, and emotions through her lens. Beyond visuals, she has a strong interest in social media management, understanding how branding, engagement, and digital strategy shape online presence. With a blend of artistic passion and strategic thinking, Jozelyn looks forward to using her skills to serve in a role where communication and efficiency are key—whether in media, military, or beyond. 

THESIS STATEMENT

Mental health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of student success at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). While HBCUs foster cultural empowerment, academic excellence, and a strong sense of community, many students struggle with mental health challenges such as loneliness, depression, burnout, anxiety, and the pressure to meet high expectations. However, stigma within Black communities often discourages open discussions about mental health and prevents students from seeking help. This project seeks to assess students’ awareness of mental health, the struggles they face on campus, and their coping mechanisms through survey-based research. By gathering direct feedback, the study aims to highlight the need for culturally competent mental health resources. This project focuses on shedding light on mental health within HBCUS through a collection of digital collages. Each piece will serve as a visual exploration of the inner struggles emotional battles that many face. The goal is to artistically represent what people might be silently carrying inside, fostering empathy and understanding while breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. 

PROJECT WORK