The Pencil: A Pathway to Comfort


 The Pencil: A Pathway to Comfort 

By Salma Hreish



Growing up, sketching has always helped me create the life I want. If I am to decide on a single object that would tell my story, it would most definitely be the pencil. One would think that picking up a pencil out of boredom wouldn't mean much, and the ultimate benefit one would get out of it is a meaningless pastime. However, pencil sketching has been a major part of my life; it has helped me become a better student, daughter, friend, sister, and overall, a better human. 


Since elementary school, I have used a pencil to draw and craft ideas for my future goals. At the academic level, my skills advanced greatly after taking advanced art classes in high school. From realism to ceramics, these classes have allowed me to have a better understanding of art and how it can be used to convey emotion. Learning about perspective, shadows, light, and detail have made my art work more expressive. This passion for art paved the way for several extra-curricular activities as it boosted my chances when applying for selective summer activities; I found myself standing out more than once among a pool of applicants due to this artistic talent. For example, being able to showcase my sketching abilities has landed me research-related opportunities, the last of which was a summer focused research internship at the University of Illinois. I realized that sketching not only allows me these great opportunities, but it also allows me to preform strongly in them. Throughout this competitive program, which focused on drone performance optimization, I discovered that my skills go beyond basic sketching as I was able to lead my team in drafting the outline for our drone, three-dimensional printing of the designed aircraft, and attaching all of its necessary pieces. Thus, we managed to produce a successfully flying drone. 


Sketching has also allowed me to connect with others at a deeper social level, such as through gifting my sketches to friends and family. One of my most memorable moments was when I was asked to sketch a plane by a family friend. This was the plane that his late father used to fly as an air force veteran. Being commissioned to do such a task made me realize that sketching can also serve as a tribute rather than just a gift. Sketching can honor legacies and preserve special moments, such as the one with my family friend. It is a great way to hold memories as it gives people a physical representation of some of the happiest moments of their lives.


At the economic level, sketching has also allowed me to create an income through social media. I leveraged different platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to showcase my art for the world to see. I received several orders for sketches displayed on my account as well as custom requests submitted by clients. It is really nice to be able to practice your favorite hobby and, at the same time, get profit out of it to cover personal expenses, such as purchasing additional art supplies to improve my drawing skills.


Most importantly, the pencil has been my companion when I needed it the most–when my emotional and psychological state was not at its best. Being able to portray on paper my thoughts, emotions, stresses, and feelings, whether of sadness or happiness, has always been therapeutic. People recover in different ways; some go on a vacation or have a new haircut, while others work extra hours or see a therapist. For me, it is pencil sketching that grants me that healing effect; it is a meditative and healing process that can serve as a visual pathway into one's mind. It represents an escape from reality and is the perfect distraction from the world around you, just like reading a really good book, but the characters in this case are ones I bring to life.


Comments

  1. EldaJanuary 27, 2025 at 3:54 PM

    It was interesting to read about the way you express yourself by sketching. Your thesis was clear and supporting points contributed well to your thesis which is why sketching is important to you. The structure is also fluid. I think the way sketching allows you to go after opportunities is a good point. You also share how your hobby has helped others in the 3rd and 4th paragraph. You mention others' perspective on sketching and compare and contrast this with your experience in the 1st and last paragraph. You also allow vulnerability in your last paragraph. Good job!

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