A year ago, I took a painting course for the first time, and it quickly became evident that I was falling behind. I would often find myself still working on a piece only to notice that most if not all of my peers had already moved on to the next assignment. On top of that, I was receiving B grades for my work, so I knew that something had to change. I felt like an impostor, especially when I could easily look over my shoulder and see the masterpieces my classmates were creating. However, I didn't let that stop me. I met with my Professor multiple times outside of class to discuss how I could improve my performance, and made sure to put his advice into practice. I began to frequent the studio almost daily, and would often paint late into the night after the building had already closed, simply to ensure I wouldn't ever fall behind again. During class, I would engage with my fellow artists and exchange advice, ideas, and tips. Before I knew it, my Professor and peers began to commend me for my pieces, and my grades reflected the immense amount of progress I made in a short amount of time. I no longer felt out of place or left behind; instead, I was able to watch myself grow and go above and beyond.