As a final project for her eighth grade year, Sandy Creek High School freshman Dominique Hairston turned her experience of the COVID-19 pandemic into a thoughtfully written and self-illustrated book. The Uninvited Guest gives an artistic and vivid view of what living during the pandemic was like for the youth in our area and across the country while honoring essential workers.
As a final project for her eighth grade year, Sandy Creek High School freshman Dominique Hairston turned her experience of the COVID-19 pandemic into a thoughtfully written and self-illustrated book. The Uninvited Guest gives an artistic and vivid view of what living during the pandemic was like for the youth in our area and across the country while honoring essential workers.
Artwork has been a consistent source of stress relief for Dominique who struggles with ADHD and anxiety. In publishing her book, she hopes to encourage others to follow their dreams and to support organizations that help other children with the same challenges she has faced. Part of the proceeds from the sale of her book go to March of Dimes (Dominique was a 1-pound, 13-ounce preemie), and part goes to Impact ADHD, a group that supports parents with kids who have ADHD.
She has also created a foundation called “We Shine” to help families provide their kids with funds for art and other extracurricular activities.
Since she was very young, Dominique has worked on projects to enhance the lives of other children. Originally from Savannah, she began working with Savannah Feed the Hungry, collecting toys and clothing to send to kids in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The organization honored her with the title of Ambassador at just five years old.
Dominique is an active member of New Hope Baptist Church, Fayette County NAACP, the Walking In Authority Teen Council, and her school’s art club. She hopes to attend Savannah College of Art and Design to continue working on her artistic aspirations with the goal of one day working for Disney, Pixar, or Dreamworks.
The Uninvited Guest is available on Dominique’s website: theuninvitedguest.org