Chellez Brand Scholarship

Inspiring Youth Through the Magic of Music Since I was a little girl, music has been my safe haven, a comforting escape from life's undeniable challenges. Whether in musical theatre or choir, music wasn't just an activity for me; it was a gateway to a world where emotions found expression, and worries could find comfort. This connection with music has sparked a passion in me. I'm determined to sharethe transformative power of music with young people, helping them find healthier ways to cope with life's challenges. High school was a bumpy ride. In my early years, I got caught up in rebellious behavior, hanging out with the wrong crowd, and neglecting the importance of education. Unfortunately, my involvement in choir became a target for mockery my sophomore year, leading me to make the unfortunate decision of dropping out. Little did I know, this choice would lead me into a dark and isolated place. In a moment of desperation one night in March, I found myself sending a heartfelt prayer to the Lord, pleading for a sign. Miraculously, that very night, I attended a youth group session, setting the stage for an unexpected, yet much needed, transformative journey. As I started to get involved in the church, connecting with the youth group and serving our church, while fulfilling, there remained a lingering emptines within me. Eager to fix this emptines, I sought guidance from a trusted leader, who suggested that I consider joining a community group. This advice led me to the discovery of the worship team. Time flowed by - days turning into weeks, then months - as I dedicated myself to practicing with the worship team, while also serving our community through the church. A sense of calling encouraged me to step into a leadership role. Talking with the experienced worship leaders opened up a new purpose: leading worship for our youth group. Despite my doubts on how much of a difference I could make, I stuck with it. As time passed, I noticed a remarkable change in how the youth connected with praise and worship. They started expressing themselves without hesitation, something I wouldn't have expected to happen, especially not in just six months. I realized I wanted to use music to connect with the next generation. My goal wasn't limited to worship; it included all kinds of music. I saw that music, in different forms, could help people release emotions, grow personally, and bring communities together. I want to provide a platform for young people to experience the healing power of music. I plan to achieve this by arranging laid-back weekly events like karaoke nights and hosting yearly talent shows. Although these activities may seem small, they are crafted to nurture a love for music and create a supportive community for youth with hidden talents. Starting this journey, my goal is to help young people tackle the challenges of growing up by showing them the strength music can bring. I want to create a community that embraces different types of music to help the youth grow and give them hope and confidence through the universal language of music. In conclusion, my journey is a testament to the sincere impact music can have on an individual's life. Through this testimony, I hope to inspire, uplift, and guide the youth on a musical journey of self-discovery and empowerment, ensuring that the power and magic of music lives in their hearts for years to come. A book that describes me would be RELENTLESS.

If money were not an issue, I would revolutionize social media. The overwhelming number of trends and hot topics can be difficult to keep up with. In middle school, I struggled to fit in until I realized I wasn’t meant to conform. Participating in TikTok trends, bragging on Snapchat, and posting on Instagram earned me social points but did not add value to who I was. The pressure to fit in and the constant questioning of one's character can be overwhelming. These platforms often influence us more than they should. Therefore, I would use my resources to change the perception of social media, transforming it from being seen as an "addiction" or "drug" for young people into a safe space for genuine communication through funny, relatable, and enjoyable content. Since 2020, social media has become a career for many more people, which is remarkable. However, the pressure to sacrifice personal integrity for content and views is unfair. I would create a new app similar to Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube but without the pressures that diminish self-worth. My app would include features to filter, delete, or report negative posts and videos to protect users' mental well-being. Reports would assess the positivity and impact of posts. For instance, if my friend Petra posted a video about her anxiety and how she copes, we would approve it for its meaningful content. Conversely, if she posted about yelling at a sales clerk for giving her the wrong Louis Vuitton bag, the content would be deleted. Such posts can create insecurities, making viewers dissatisfied with their own lives. My app would foster a healthier social media environment, prioritizing meaningful content and encouraging genuine expression without the negative pressures found on current platforms. By promoting positivity and well-being, my app would transform social media. Pursuing a career as a musician and performer aligns with my goal of helping and inspiring others. Having endured bullying in middle school, I am committed to ensuring that others do not face similar hardships. This commitment fuels my passion for singing uplifting songs and developing an app to encourage people. Both endeavors aim to foster happiness and positivity. The title "Stranger in a Strange Land" describes how I often feel like an alien in this world. I now know that my purpose is to stand out and lead. Growing up, I constantly battled with the desire to conform. I discovered that my uniqueness is my strength. Embracing my individuality has empowered me to lead with confidence. True leadership isn’t about following the crowd but about guiding others with authenticity and integrity.