Ultimate K-Pop Stan Scholarship

I've always wanted to fit in. To belong, to feel valued, seen, heard, and a part of something bigger than myself. I know I'm not alone in this, as humans we all desire to be connected to someone somewhere or to something that makes us feel seen. From a young age I struggled to make friends and as I grew older my circle of friends decreased as the years passed by. Now that I'm in college I look back and I'm thankful for one thing that has stayed constant amidst all the change and chaos life can bring. That thing was BTS. From the age of 15 to now almost 20 years old I've been supported by a K-pop community of ARMYS around the world and a group that taught me how to love who I was, am, and will be and that I never walk alone. BTS consisting of 7 amazingly talented members from BigHit Entertainment (now HYBE) has brought me so much laughter and comfort over the years as I dealt with loneliness, depression, isolation, and anxiety. My biases Tae and Namjoon have taught me to be myself and not worry about what others think as well as to love the life I'm living and live intentionally. BTS has helped to shape who I am, from Eat Jin Vlives to new album releases their music has touched my soul like nothing before. I've felt comforted by words I couldn't understand and I could feel the emotion behind every single lyric written. I've been greatly influenced by their way of life and how every single member of BTS lives so authentically. They are unapologetically themselves and they've modeled for me what I wanted to live like and what kind of person I wanted to be as I got older. I found comfort in their words of encouragement and at times when I was alone they became my best friends. I know I'm not the only army that has experienced their positive influence and impact. I know that on a global scale, BTS has one of the largest if not the most global influence out of all the K-POP groups in the industry. I've seen the way they have shaped Korean culture and influenced many Asian Americans to grow curious about Korean Culture through their music and promotional events. In this same way as they're a globally renowned group they've shown many young men and women around the world the value of loving who you are and knowing you are valuable and that life itself is valuable. They've spread many positive messages and supported various global causes like UNICEF to show their support to end violence against children. They've also donated thousands of dollars to fund scholarships in support of everyone receiving equal education and the right to learn. Additionally, another huge donation that was matched by ARMYs globally was to support Black Lives Matter and end AAPI Hate. Overall they've been an amazing positive influence in my life and impacted me in ways I can't even explain. Without knowing them I don't think I'd be as confident or personable as I am today, I can say the same for the many ARMYs they've impacted around the world. BTS has been a friend to me, a mentor, a comforter, an encourager, and above all else leaders who have changed the global culture and world around us to make it a better place.