The Before I Die Project

I designed an interactive public art installation which invited passersby to complete the prompt “Before I die, I want to…” in chalk. The wall was part of a global participatory art movement initiated by Candy Chang, which I first encountered in middle school through my then-favorite novel All the Bright Places. Years later, I brought the concept to life in my own community with support from my high school’s independent study program, the Strnad Fellowship in Creativity.

My installation was hosted in the Van Aken District of Shaker Heights, Ohio, and in just one week, it collected dozens of heartfelt responses — from “Cure cancer” to “Make a Hajj” to “Rock Cleveland.” The project served as both a mirror and a connector, offering a space for community members to share their aspirations, griefs, and humor in public.

Alongside the wall, I produced a five-article magazine that chronicled the project’s journey — from its global origins to my own learning curve with outdoor installation, public engagement, and creative setbacks. The magazine included a photo diary of the wall’s construction, tips for launching independent projects, and a critical reflection on the joys and limitations of community-based work.

More than a public art piece, the Before I Die wall became a catalyst for connection and reflection — and a personal testament to creative resilience, as I learned to transform an earlier failed attempt into something real, shared, and enduring.