Art Therapy to Heal

Hello friends!

My name is Maraya and my journey has been an interesting one. I grew up on the tiny beautiful island of Guam, but in an emotionally unstable and abusive household. I found peace through my community, swimming, the ocean and most especially through art. Like many children who experience abuse, I did not have the tools or knowledge to understand or grasp what was happening to me. I grew up not knowing that what I was experiencing wasn’t normal or healthy. So, as a child, I used art (without really knowing or understanding why) to help me move through emotions and process traumatic situations. Children are incredibly intuitive and I entered a world of color and freedom when I picked up a pencil or brush; it helped me get through heavy years.

As an adult, I have continued to use it in the same capacity, but today I now know and understand the healing power of it. I have worked in education for more than 8 years and have used art with my students to help soothe them while they were working through difficult emotions - especially the students that have experienced indescribable trauma. I see how important and how healing Art Therapy is when combined with the ability to counsel and guide youth that have undergone traumatic experiences.

It has been a dream of mine to pursue further higher education in this field and to become an expert in it. I know how beautiful the impact will be to whatever community I serve when I am able to offer my knowledge and passion. From personal experience, I understand how transformative and eye opening art can be to the soul; how one human and a few words of support or kindness can plant a seed of renewal in a child’s heart.

I have recently been accepted into two international psychology/counseling and art therapy programs in Australia that I have applied for, but unfortunately financial aid will not cover the entirety of tuition fees. Australia’s education system is one of the best and it would be an honor to study at one of their universities. I am starting this fundraiser so that I am able to pay for my education, attend one of these programs and use this degree to become a professional in Art therapy and Counseling. I want to be a part of the healing journey of those truly in need and to create a global impact with Art Therapy through community outreach.

I know anyone can start a gofundme and say flowery words and be convincing, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to know more about the programs I’ve been accepted into and the confirmation of acceptance!

Even just sharing this cause is a tremendous help and I appreciate any and all.

Thank you ♥️