Hi! My name’s Irene Ballard. I’m sixteen and live in Pinecrest Hills. 

I have big hair, a big family, a big heart, and of course big dreams. I’ve got lots of plans for myself in the near future.  Like, I want to travel the world because my eldest sister Ivy is currently backpacking, doing a travel blog, and thriving from her many sponsors.  Oh, but I also want to go to college! Like my eldest brother Izzy who tested out of high school early and took a gap year doing a fancy paid internship. 

I’m pretty good at art, mostly drawing and writing, so I want to make a webcomic this year and hopefully it gets so popular I can get paid like the published people I follow on social media.  It’s better than getting a crummy summer job with my friends where we get verbally abused and pennies for paychecks due to our age and inexperience.

Since both my parents were able to take their hobbies and make it their livelihoods that has us living in this nice neighborhood today, I’ve got to strike while the iron’s hot.  Sad thing is, while the rest of my family is accomplished or on their way to being distinguished, I am violently suffering from Double P Syndrome.  Meaning, I’m a perfectionist and a procrastinator, a deadly combo indeed. 

I don’t know how it happened.  One minute I’m writing tons of stories and poems or I’m sketching here and there without a care.  I got critiqued maybe about twice in my childhood and that bug of self-doubt just bit me and never let go.  Ugh, I’m too sensitive!  If I want to be an artist, a household name, then I’ve got to grow tougher, thicker skin.  Easier said than done.  I might be a teen in appearance, but on the inside, I’m a fragile baby with confidence made of glass.  

Though I sing with my whole chest rap lyrics that have me feeling as if I’m untouchable and God’s favorite, once the music stops, I’m right back where I started, clouded by the lack of faith in my skills.  No more, I say!  For too long I pretended that I’m just another drop of rain in the thunderstorm, that anybody can do what I do so I’m not special, I’m not worthy. 

I’m changing my mindset now!

Name it and claim it.

I, the one and only Irene Ballard will be...... um scratch that..... I AM A BLESSED ARTIST WHO GETS EVERYTHING I DREAM ABOUT! 

This is my chronicle, my quest for success.