In a world full of college degrees ranging from entertainment to astrophysics, the choices may seem endless. However,  for these Diamond Bar High School students, the choice was easy. Seniors Joyce Tsui, Kevin Tsao and Eden Chen have all decided to follow their dreams and pursue a career in the fine arts in the fall.

Tsui first began  drawing before she could write, yet she didn’t take an actual class until her sophomore year. Ever since, she knew a career in art was right up her alley.

“I first knew I wanted to be an artist when I realized that I couldn’t live without expressing myself through art. Without painting, I don’t think I could ever be truly happy,” Tsui said.

Instead of choosing an art school, Tsui plans on going to either UC Berkeley or UC Santa Barbara, so she can minor in computer science while majoring in studio art.

Throughout her art career, Tsui has found inspiration in renowned artists such as Yuumei and Banksy. She stated that she dreams of following in these artist’s footsteps by sending the world a message with the art she creates.

“They not only change the public’s opinion, but they also shed a light on problems in creative ways, I want to open people’s eyes to different societal issues and make a difference through my art,” Tsui said.

Much like Tsui, Tsao began his pursuit of his art at a very young age. Since the age of four, Tsao has been mastering the violin. In the fall, Tsao plans on taking this experience to the Thornton School of Music at USC.

“I knew I wanted to stay in Los Angeles because it is such a great place for music and art culture,” Tsao said.

At USC, Tsao is going to major in violin performance with an emphasis in string pedagogy, the art of teaching string instruments. Tsao’s dream job is to work at a university or conservatory while also performing in an orchestra.

Tsao began considering a focused career in music in the beginning of senior year.

“I didn’t know I wanted to pursue music until this year, I had always wanted to do a double major. I finally realized I want to only focus on music,” Tsao said.

DBHS band instructor Steve Acciani helped Tsao come to this decision and inspired him to continue his career in music.

In addition to Tsui and Tsao, Chen also plans on majoring in the fine arts. Chen was accepted into both Juilliard School and Columbia University, and he has decided to commit to  the Columbia-Juilliard Joint Exchange Program that the schools offer. This program allows students to study at both New York City universities and reap the benefits of both an Ivy League and arts school.

“I wanted to get the best music education possible, but I also wanted a great general education. I feel like each can benefit the other,” Chen said.

Chen began playing the piano at six years old and it was in middle school when he realized that he only wanted to apply to art schools and conservatories.

“My dream job would be to work as a performer, but I am open to learning about other fields in the industry,” Chen said.

Although there is a huge stigma against those that choose a career in the arts, Chen believes every art career holds value in society.

“The purpose of the arts isn’t to make money or cure cancer, the arts is for a completely different purpose. It is meant to find figurative meaning in life and to tell stories. To me, it’s about what you want to do for society,” Chen said.

Along his journey, Chen has found inspiration in Lang Lang, a famous pianist, and Chen is also a member of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, which aims to help make music education accessible to all children.

“I admire him because he has an overwhelming passion to share music with the younger generations.”