Meet Mariana Chen, or as her friends call her, Mari. Currently, she is navigating her homeschool education while pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree with Liberty Online University and taking fine arts classes at the Texas Academy of Faith and Arts. Balancing both academic rigor and artistic passion, Mariana is a vibrant young woman with a heart for creativity and a deep faith.

Top Hobbies and Passions
Mari’s life is filled with creativity. Whether she’s dancing, singing, or playing the saxophone, her passion for the arts shines through in everything she does. Dancing, in particular, holds a special place in her heart, and she dreams of one day becoming a professional dancer. She hopes to audition for Arrows International Dance after graduation, while also finishing her Bachelor’s in Social Media Marketing.

A Love for Music and Family
One of Mari’s most cherished memories from high school was playing in a jazz band alongside her little brother. The joy of sharing music with her sibling has left a lasting impression, and her saxophone playing is a testament to her dedication to the arts.

Role Model and Inspiration
When asked who inspires her, Mari’s answer was heartfelt: Danielle Smallwood. She admires how Danielle uses her talents to glorify Yahweh, which deeply resonates with Mari’s own ambitions. Danielle’s influence reminds her that the path to success is paved with faith and purpose.

Dream Destinations and Aspirations
Mari’s love for the beach shines through when asked where she’d like to travel. While her love for the sun and sand is undeniable, her real journey is one of faith and artistic ambition. She dreams of choreographing a tap or jazz piece, learning to do an aerial, and going parasailing one day.

Faith at the Core
For Mari, being a follower of Christ means believing in Him as a Savior and living according to His commandments. Her faith is her compass, guiding her decisions and actions. She holds close to her belief that seeking Yahweh wholeheartedly is the key to living a fulfilled life.

What the Future Holds
As she prepares for her senior year, Mari is most excited about creating lasting memories with her high school friends and making the most of every moment. Her weekends are filled with church, music, and spending time with friends—values that will continue to shape her after graduation.

She looks forward to her senior photoshoot with Danielle Smallwood Photography, where she’ll capture those priceless memories that symbolize her journey, faith, and friendships. Mari’s journey is one of purpose, faith, and creativity, and there’s no doubt that she’ll continue to inspire those around her as she dances through life with grace.

Fun Facts About Mari

• Go-to Outfit: Tank top with flexible pants, shorts, or a romper.
• Favorite Song: “Battle Belongs” by Phil Wickham—she finds the lyrics incredibly powerful.
• Superpower of Choice: Teleportation, to cut down on travel time and gas money!
• Three Bucket List Goals: Choreograph a tap or jazz piece, learn to do an aerial, and go parasailing.

Words of Wisdom
If she could offer advice to her younger self, it would be this: “The only opinion that should impact yours is Yahweh’s.” Her strong sense of self and faith guides her through life’s challenges, ensuring she stays true to her beliefs and passions.