North Carolina Scholarship

Growing up in a boisterous family of seven, I became self-sufficient at a young age. Amidst the chaos, my escape was found in the flickering images on the television screen. While others explored the outdoors, I was captivated by the magic of movies. However, one glaring issue gradually became apparent - a lack of representation for people like me. Where were the stories reflecting the diverse cultures and experiences I saw in my Charlotte community? This disconnect sparked a fire within me to create change through filmmaking. The harsh reality of Hollywood's narrow representation hit home when my sister, an aspiring actress, was bluntly told by her agent, "You're Black, Black" - code that she didn't fit the typical mold. I was outraged that her racial background could limit her opportunities. In that moment, I vowed to use my talents to amplify underrepresented voices and stories through film. Over the years, I've worked tirelessly to develop my skills, creating short films that tackle complex social issues like racial prejudice. My film "What Makes Us So Different" earned recognition in the National Youth Free Expression Film Festival, proving I have the ability to create impactful content. Now, I'm ready to take the next leap at the University of Southern California. USC's top-ranked film program provides the perfect launchpad for my vision. Through the innovative Business of Cinematic Arts program, I'll receive comprehensive training from industry experts in both the creative and business aspects of filmmaking. Required internships and hands-on opportunities will allow me to gain invaluable real-world experience. As well as the tight nit cohort where only 55 students are accepted to participate globally. My unwavering passion, coupled with a higher education, will equip me to become a force for positive change in Hollywood. I'll draw from my unique experiences to create films that reflect the world's beautiful diversity - ensuring no child ever feels unseen. Through inclusive storytelling, I'll not just envision a better tomorrow, but bring it to life on the big screen. This vision stands on the hope we'll someday live in a society where intelligence and skill sets are valued above ethnicity. Where damaging stereotypes no longer permeate the stories we see. I would have once deemed such a dream impossible, as only 5% of filmmakers are women of color like myself. Yet I refuse to let daunting odds deter me. Having immigrant grandparents who managed to come to this country with nothing, not even knowledge of the English language, and watching them thrive, as well as having two formally educated parents, and surviving my freshmen year of high school through zoom, I am confident in my ability to take on the challenges ahead. I'm driven by a belief that increasing diverse representation in media catalyzes social change. By bringing varied perspectives through inclusive storytelling, I hope to foster greater understanding and appreciation for everyone’s differences. An investment in my education means investing in a more inclusive future where everyone can see themselves represented through there television screens.

Growing up in a boisterous family of seven, I became self-sufficient at a young age. Amidst the chaos, my escape was found in the flickering images on the television screen. While others explored the outdoors, I was captivated by the magic of movies. However, one glaring issue gradually became apparent - a lack of representation for people like me. Where were the stories reflecting the diverse cultures and experiences I saw in my Charlotte community? This disconnect sparked a fire within me to create change through filmmaking. The harsh reality of Hollywood's narrow representation hit home when my sister, an aspiring actress, was bluntly told by her agent, "You're Black, Black" - code that she didn't fit the typical mold. I was outraged that her racial background could limit her opportunities. In that moment, I vowed to use my talents to amplify underrepresented voices and stories through film. Over the years, I've worked tirelessly to develop my skills, creating short films that tackle complex social issues like racial prejudice. My film "What Makes Us So Different" earned recognition in the National Youth Free Expression Film Festival, proving I have the ability to create impactful content. Now, I'm ready to take the next leap at the University of Southern California. USC's top-ranked film program provides the perfect launchpad for my vision. Through the innovative Business of Cinematic Arts program, I'll receive comprehensive training from industry experts in both the creative and business aspects of filmmaking. Required internships and hands-on opportunities will allow me to gain invaluable real-world experience. As well as the tight nit cohort where only 55 students are accepted to participate globally. My unwavering passion, coupled with a higher education, will equip me to become a force for positive change in Hollywood. I'll draw from my unique experiences to create films that reflect the world's beautiful diversity - ensuring no child ever feels unseen. Through inclusive storytelling, I'll not just envision a better tomorrow, but bring it to life on the big screen. This vision stands on the hope we'll someday live in a society where intelligence and skill sets are valued above ethnicity. Where damaging stereotypes no longer permeate the stories we see. I would have once deemed such a dream impossible, as only 5% of filmmakers are women of color like myself. Yet I refuse to let daunting odds deter me. Having immigrant grandparents who managed to come to this country with nothing, not even knowledge of the English language, and watching them thrive, as well as having two formally educated parents, and surviving my freshmen year of high school through zoom, I am confident in my ability to take on the challenges ahead. I'm driven by a belief that increasing diverse representation in media catalyzes social change. By bringing varied perspectives through inclusive storytelling, I hope to foster greater understanding and appreciation for everyone’s differences. An investment in my education means investing in a more inclusive future where everyone can see themselves represented through there television screens.

I'm told that the smell of death is something you can never forget. It permeates everything it touches, writhing into your mind and body as it separates you into two halves: the person you were before and the person you are after. So, too, will the destruction of a place you once called home or the persecution of your people leave a similar feeling. For me, these are distant possibilities, but for many migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, this is their reality. My father was such a person. As refugees from the Liberian Civil War, he and his mother came to America with nothing to support themselves but each other. My father surpassed many challenges to become what he is today: a loving father, a graduate degree holder, and a pillar of support to his community. My mother shares a similar story as she left her home in Kenya to pursue a better life in the United States. She and my father raised me with the values they wish were more present in the world: kindness, fairness, and unending generosity. As a first-generation American born to resilient and dedicated parents who triumphed over so many hurdles to be where they are today, my heart breaks for those trapped in humanitarian crises beyond their control. I dream of dedicating my education and career to serving them by advocating for global peace, sustainable practices, and the development of less fortunate countries through the United Nations, where I, too, will triumph as a leader in the international community. The first step on this path is my undergraduate studies, where I will commit to academic excellence while pursuing a degree in international relations, concentrating on peace, conflict, and cultural identity studies. A college education is more than an opportunity to learn; it is a critical moment for growth, achievement, exploration, and connection. To capitalize on this, I will continue to utilize avenues for research, exploration, and leadership in my community to exemplify what it means to be a global citizen. Additionally, I plan to earn a law degree specializing in international law because of how closely the field relates to international relations. Afterward, I will work toward realizing my dream by earning a place in the United Nations and promoting peace and prosperity for all. Beginning a career in the United Nations would allow my hand to shape the future of the international community by advocating for the rights of citizens and sovereign nations and fostering the development of less fortunate countries. Aside from working with the UN on attaining global peace and continuous self-improvement to remain true to its mission, I want to influence nations' positions on global affairs positively. Even now, I see ways the international community can improve our systems for peace to serve us better, and I want to educate myself on how to make these changes a reality.   Though I am just one person with one voice, I refuse to turn away from the suffering of others. My parents' courage and my passion for service have empowered me to aim high on my journey to change the world. In the words of the United Nations' charter, we should all promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.