This piece showcases the healing process of a student as they discover how to nurture a healthy state of mind during turbulent times. The YAM team wanted to shine light on our society’s struggles since the beginning of the pandemic, while showing how creative expression can be a source of healing. To create their animations, students learned After Effects, ProCreate, and MotionLeap software, while integrating live action footage and hand-painted illustrations into the work. The score for the animation was created by students at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music.

YAM Participants: Aaran Hogan Jr., Aliyah Pflueger, Andria Montgomery, Lazaro Vargas, Noel Dean, Raheem Newton, Shylah Pflueger, and Walker Argao

Assistant Animator: Ma’ayan Israel