Determining Central Theme in Maria's Story

Read the following excerpt from a fictional narrative:

Maria had always dreamed of being a painter. Every evening after school, she would sit in front of her easel, lost in a world of color and imagination. With each brushstroke, she felt closer to achieving her dream. But when the day of her first art exhibition arrived, doubt crept in. Would anyone appreciate her work? As she stood by her paintings, she realized that her passion for art was more important than the opinions of others. She smiled as visitors began to admire her creations.