The Affect of Habit by Ellyn Chambers by Ellyn

The Affect of Habit by Ellyn Chambers by Ellyn - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

Drawing has always been a part of my life. Even if it meant drawing little stars on the top of my homework or hearts on the table in class, I was always drawing. I drew when I was bored, when I got distracted, and even when I was sitting in class doing nothing. During middle school, I mostly drew stick figures until one of my friends taught me how to draw actual people. Once I learned, I never stopped. I drew on every piece of paper I could find.

In my senior year of high school, I knew I had to find something to occupy my time. I wanted to do more with my life–something that I knew would make me happy. I was in class, listening to music, and I had already finished all my work. I wanted to do something, so I decided to draw. I made small doodles of sharks, ladybugs, flowers, and even robots. After I finished drawing, I realized how focused I had been and how fast the time flew by. I knew I wanted to do more, and I felt obsessed–in a good way.

A month went by, and I started drawing bigger things like cartoon characters and mandalas. When I explored and pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I realized how much I was capable of. I kept drawing, I kept practicing, and I eventually started drawing Marvel and DC characters. I noticed that people loved my work, and I wanted there to be a way to spread my art–my passion–and the things that make me happy.

So, I decided to open a business. I opened it up, and people loved it. I realized there are many ways to spread love and joy to others. Drawing has impacted me in so many ways, and I am incredibly grateful.