Art and music have been deeply influential throughout my life. My mom, an artist at heart and a fashion design professor who studied in Paris, instilled in me a love for the arts early on. From as far back as I can remember, she brought me to art museums and galleries, even naming me after the Renaissance artist Raphael—a testament to her appreciation for creativity.

While I no longer play an instrument, I was captivated by music from a young age, starting with the piano and eventually learning the ukulele, clarinet, and bass clarinet. I enjoy listening to music and have attended concerts by legendary artists like Paul McCartney, the Backstreet Boys, Adele, and Elton John. I hope to pick up piano again and learn guitar one day. Both art and music resonate with me because they allow boundless expression; they invite people to convey their thoughts and emotions in ways that defy conventional “right” or “wrong” answers.