I would like to thank all of you who have supported me for the past 2 weeks. All of the prayers, comments, ratings, votes, emails, bulletins, forums, and everything in between have pushed my design as far as it can go...and I thank you.

I put my heart into this bag...I didn't design it for me. I didn't design it because I thought it was "cute." I designed it to reflect who I am as a designer. I don't think for myself, but what I see in the world. I want to SHARE myself to others, not make what I believe is good for ONLY me.

I dedicate this experience to everyone who has ever had an idea and ran with it. This design is for the person who is constantly overlooked and never recognized for anything. It is for those who long to inspire as well as those who need inspiration. It's for everyone who needs someone to believe in them.

I have learned that people really believe in my design. I have come to realize that my network of friends and family is the best part of this competition. Validation is all I really wanted and thanks to all of you, I understand the capacity of my abilities as a person and as a designer.

Whether I win or lose, I know that I'm a winner because I learned so much. I learned that though the general public may be pretty ignorant, I can count on my peeps to get me through it all.

My advice to you is: go with your heart AND your gut. Your heart moves you while the gut sustains you. Always dream big and don't let anyone tell you you're crazy...

Nice guys don't finish last...they finish right.

Thank you for believing in me and thank you for being there for me.

It's in God's hands now. Wish me luck and please keep me in your prayers. I will certainly update you on the results in a few weeks.

http://www. brickfish. com/Pages/PhotosAlbums/PhotoView. aspx?picid=565511_66448899&pid=950013&scid=293&

Humbly yours,
Mark