I’m Tebra Tassan — The way I behave is not as stagnant as I used to want it to be. More often than not, I’m constantly changing to match how those around me are acting. The easiest way to form bonds is through shared experiences, so by adapting myself to match others it makes the process of gaining friends a lot simpler. However, I started to notice a pattern within my relationships. It was incredibly hard for me to get past the friends-in-passing stage. I came to realize that the reason for this is that I wasn’t being truly vulnerable with the people I cared about. I was just parroting whatever they were saying and doing rather than acting like my own person.
I wanted to address and fix this issue through my work. I started by illustrating the problem so I could identify what exactly I was doing. Then, I tried to find ways to force vulnerability in myself. This was pretty hard for me, and noticed that even when I was consciously trying to share more, I’d still catch myself subtly shying away from fully committing. In the end I found that the only way to get closer with my friends was to accept all aspects of myself and present each of them to my friends. I can’t get rid of my habit of matching others, but I can get better at being transparent about it!
I’d like to say I have gotten a lot better! In the beginning, I was honestly intimidated by the prospect of being in AP Art. It was a class I’d always wanted to be in, but I was concerned about being able to connect with the other people. AP Art wouldn’t be the great class that it is without the relationships we form with each other. I knew that. It was especially why I wanted to use this year as a chance to get better at making friends with people I liked. I’d like to give a big thank you to all of my friends in the class. I was able to create the work wanted and grow more comfortable because everyone was so inviting and kind to me. I also want to say thank you to my teachers for supporting me throughout this school year. I especially want to thank Mr. Mac for answering all my many questions and helping me out, whether it was with my work or my nervous mumblings. Finally, I want to thank my parents for supporting me in all my endeavors! This year has been so incredible and I’m so excited to be a senior in this program next year!
Tebra Tassan Achievement Profile
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
- Lovejoy High School, Lucas, Texas
Class of 2027- GPA: 4.33
- SAT: 1310 | PSAT/NMSQT: 1350
- AP Scholar Award Recipient (2025)
- AP Scores: Pre-Calculus (5), World History (5), Human Geography (5)
- Certifications:
- CPR Certified 2026 – American Heart Association, Valid through 2028
- Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design (2025)
- Adobe Certified Professional in Graphic Design & Illustration (2025)
- Adobe Certifications: Photoshop & Illustrator (2025)
HONORS & AWARDS
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (2026): Silver Key & Honorable Mention
- College Board National School Recognition Award (2026)
- College Board AP Scholar Award (2025)
- National Honor Society (2025–2027)
- National Society of High School Scholars (2025–2027)
- National Society of Leadership & Success (2026–2027)
- Lovejoy ISD PSAT/NMSQT Scholars Program (2025–2026)
- K-12 Art Evolution Exhibition (2025, 2024): Selected for Curated Exhibition
- Lovejoy Visual Arts Association Portrait Show (2026): Selected Artist
- Consistent “A” Honor Roll (All Semesters)
- STAAR: Consistently Mastery Level Performance (2018–2024), including 98–100th percentile scores
- Duke TIP Academic Recognition (2019)
ARTISTIC & ACADEMIC DISTINCTIONS
- Portfolio selections featured in multiple curated exhibitions (2021–2026), representing top student work across grade levels
- Demonstrated excellence in both traditional and digital media, including illustration, character design, and textile work
- Advanced reading and quantitative performance (Lexile 1750L 2024, Quantile 1450Q 2023)
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- Smile Club (2025–2026)
- Digital Art Club (2024–2025)
- Textile Club, Lovejoy High School (2024–2025)
- Drawing Club (2021–2024)
Athletics – Volleyball:
- Elevate Club Volleyball, 15s Silver Nationals Team (2023–2024), Setter
- Elevate Club Volleyball, 14s Silver Nationals Team (2022–2023), Setter & Outside Hitter
Theatre & Performing Arts:
- Lead Roles: Willy Wonka Jr., Aladdin, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, One Stoplight Town
- Supporting Role: Elephant Graveyard
- Stage Intern, Lovejoy High School Theater Summer Camp
COMMUNITY SERVICE & LEADERSHIP
- Allen Community Outreach Volunteer (2026-Present)
- Assists with resale store daily operations
- North Texas Cat Rescue Animal Shelter Volunteer (2026–Present)
- Assist with animal care, socialization, and daily operations
- Therapy on the Square – Peer Group Volunteer (2025–Present)
- Support peer engagement and wellness-focused group activities