Gissell Salgado

Dear Sohee, I want to sincerely thank you for awarding me the Failure Is Art Scholarship!!! I saw the email as soon as I woke up and cried tears of joy. Receiving this award feels like a small burden has been lifted off my shoulders. Especially during such a turbulent time, when college students such as myself are concerned about financial aid. I honestly had very little hope to win at all, but I wanted to continue trying in case someone, anyone, read my story. This scholarship specifically stood out to me because your mission was to assist students like me who have faced countless rejections and setbacks but refused to give up on their dreams. Your time and investment in my college journey as a first-generation student means the absolute world to me! It gives me strength knowing that there are people out there who see us, not just our achievements or lack thereof, but the people beneath all the labels and titles. We're all just college students trying to move forward in an uncertain world. I will cherish this award greatly, seeing it more than just $500, but as a sign to keep moving towards my goals of being a fashion designer. Designing and turning my ideas into art is what I love most, and your heartfelt generosity has given me the motivation to keep pushing forward even through the deep, murky waters of life. Sincerely, I feel like a note is not enough to encompass all the emotions I am feeling right now haha! Thank you so much, Sohee Park. Your support will stay with me throughout the rest of my college career and my life. I'll remember this as a story to tell to friends and family about resilience, even through rejections. I am eternally grateful to your mission and belief in students who persevere even after being rejected countless times. And one day I hope to be able to help others the way you have helped me! Thank you, Gissell Salgado