HASLETT - Nicolas V. Sanchez grew up in Haslett, but his art has carried him across the world. Known for his ballpoint pen artwork on social media, Sanchez is now based in New York, New York and travels the world giving art classes.

After being inspired by the Haslett High School art teacher Rhonda Sherwin, Sanchez created a mural that now hangs on permanent display in the high school's library. He then moved on to Lansing Community College and painted a mural of Cesar Chavez. Sanchez then went to the Kendall College of Art and Design before being accepted at the New York Academy of Art.

Each school offered Sanchez a new way to see and explore art that he didn't experience before. They offered him new ways to connect with people and explore his Mexican-American heritage in ways that he hadn't of thought of.

"I think at the end of my art education I asked myself, 'How does art fit into my life?' and I was able to answer that by becoming a full time artist. I've been a full time artist since I left school, which has been about four years," Sanchez said. "And I think I've done enough work as an artist that I've kind of come to a place now where I'm revisiting that question, 'How does art fit into my life?' And I think when I re-prioritize things in my life, I feel like that's when helping people became a priority and something I realized I was passionate about."

As a result of his self exploration, Sanchez started a scholarship program for every school that he attended, including Haslett High School. Each scholarship offers $1,000 to one student at Haslett High School, Lansing Community College, Kendall College of Art and Design, and the New York Academy of Art. Students awarded the scholarship will also be given the opportunity to be mentored by Sanchez.