As an educator striving to reach our youth and make a long-term visible impact, I have found art to be my vessel to enclose my deepest and truest feelings, hopes, fears and prayers. I have been blessed to teach thousands of students, over a dozen races and nationalities and abilities ranging from nonverbal, paralyzed to gifted and talented and athletes. I owe it to ALL that I’ve reach, and those that are in my future to set an example by protecting those who cannot yet protect themselves. Vaccinations are a gift from God, a means to protect and respect those I share this land with. I chose to use colors found in the Anishnaabe and other similar Nations’ medicine wheel. Their teachings touch to the 4 colors representing race, the seasons, and cardinal direction. I choose to pray, and to point my compass north. I choose to vaccinate myself, and my family and to take care of my body so I can continue to spread the joy of art to my students and my world. The Dalai Lama once imparted this knowledge that I carry with me, and I place in this piece. “Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.”