Everett J. Collins, Jr. Music Scholarship

I’ve always felt like I have an old soul, and for as long as I can remember, music has been a safe place for me. It’s more than just sound—it’s spiritual, healing, fun, and full of life. Music gives me a feeling of peace and purpose. It’s helped me grow mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. When things have been tough, music reminded me of who I am and what I’m capable of becoming. I remember being a little girl, staying up at 3 AM with my headphones on, listening to Erykah Badu, Zap Mama’s “Bandy Bandy,” and other artists that made me feel something deep. I’d sing along with every word, like I was right there in the studio with them. I didn’t always understand the lyrics, but I could feel the emotions. That’s when I knew music was more than just background noise—it was something I wanted to be a part of. As I’ve grown, music has helped me build confidence in myself, even though the journey hasn’t always been easy. Learning flute taught me patience and discipline—trying to master complicated rhythms, learning how to play in tune, and understanding scales took real effort. But every mistake taught me something new. Music showed me how to keep going, even when I doubted myself. Outside of just performing, I’ve always loved making playlists, curating different moods and sounds depending on how I’m feeling. I’ve even thought about becoming a DJ one day. But my main dream is to become an artist and songwriter—someone who creates music that makes people feel seen, heard, and understood. I also have an interest in becoming an A&R one day, helping discover and shape other artists who have something real to say. I want to make an impact through my music by being honest and soulful. I want to bring back that raw, timeless sound that I grew up loving—music that connects people, music that uplifts, and music that isn’t afraid to be vulnerable. I believe there’s so much healing and power in music, and I want to use my gift to speak life into people. I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I’m following the path God is guiding me toward. I truly believe that everything I want to do—whether it’s songwriting, performing, producing, or helping others in the music industry—is a part of that journey. I want to do everything with love and purpose, and I hope to create a legacy that helps others feel inspired to chase their own dreams.

Music runs through my blood as if it was water running from a faucet. Music is one of my go to places when I need to escape a world full of chaos and confusion. It's my own self care therapy. My love and passion for music first begin when I was a little boy, my parents bought me my first instrument! My very own drum set! I loved it, I was able to make as much noise as wanted and didn't get in trouble. That was the foundation, as of today, I am currently playing the baritone in T.F. North High School Marching Band, learning the bass guitar, with future plans on learning the electric guitar and piano. It was a classic 6th generation, it was red and had 80GB on it. My first Ipod. I remember it clearly to this day because of how special it was to me. This Ipod created a true safe space for me, where I could go to drown out the rest of the world with music. The best part about my Ipod was that it had all of my father’s songs downloaded on it. I remember being so ecstatic to have it and listen to his music because my dream of becoming a musician was ignited by my father. He was my biggest inspiration getting into music and still is my drive to keep pursuing my passion in music. I watched my father play at gigs, make songs, and express himself through his music which has shown me how doing what you love as a job doesn’t feel like work at all. My Father is my role model when it comes to music and I am musically inclined just like him. My Dad played the baritone, sung, played piano since 4, and produced his own music. He always wanted to learn how to play bass guitar but unfortunately he never got the chance to because he passed away. I now play the baritone, bass guitar and sing. I strive to pick up where he left off and continue to live out his legacy with everything I do. He went to Vandercook college for music and I will also go to college for music and get my degree. I know college will equip me with the ability, knowledge and skills to turn my passion into a reality and make a difference in the world and the people around me. I feel my music will most definitely impact the world by allowing people will feel the expression and passion behind what I love to do through the instruments I play. I can inspire future young musicians to follow their dreams. I can be the gap /bridge because music keeps people together. Last but not least, I can shine light on social issues throughout the world through my music.