Raymond W. Walsh Video Production Scholarship

I walked onto set on the first day of my first year summer intensive class. I checked my assigned role for the day. The 1st AD. This might have scared some or even terrified others, but I was three espresso shots deep. Adrenaline pumping, and thrilled to get started, I welcomed the hard work and the guidance and criticism of my professors. Receiving critique, engaging the crew, collaborating, being vested in my passion for film and film production. I finally felt as if I’d found my “place.” My passion for film originated with the infamous, “Junk Food, Popcorn, Movie Nights”with my dad. We watched a new 80s movie every month. Afterward, we talked about the films and recovered from our junk food binge. Wonderful memories. As I got older, I found joy and interest in analyzing films and relating them to topics in my English classes. In my senior year, My AP Language class served as the perfect outlet for my growing love of film. I wrote essays on the comparison between films and Shakespeare’s novels and engaged in seminars tying films to foundational writing. I even started going to church again in order to understand biblical imagery and references in films and novels. I viewed the experience as another literacy fluency class of my own. I wanted to do anything and everything to understand what films were really all about. In addition to my growing love of film, my stepmom owns a production company in Richmond, and this solidified my decision to go to VCU for Cinema. Although, before meeting her I wanted to be a Guardian Ad Litem. Not something many eight year old girls dream of being when they grow up, but that's what I was most drawn to during my parents custody battle. My Guardian Ad Litem told my story to courts to sort through the lies being told by my mother. But, my stepmom showed me the delight she had in her work and taught me by allowing me to observe her. I’d watch her help others tell their stories through film to ultimately raise awareness to new perspectives and issues. Her storytelling approach through film captured my attention in a way law never could. She’s shown me that it is possible to build a successful creative career in film, where there is rarely ever a goal cap, which is all I’ve ever wanted. It would be such an honor to be granted the Raymond W. Walsh scholarship. I attend school and work full time, something I’ve been doing since I was fifteen years old. I take pride in my work ethic, and even though I want a career in film, I’ve moved my way up in the service industry over the years. I started as a host at a pizza restaurant. I’m now a kitchen server assistant at one of the best restaurants in Richmond. I strive to advance in every work space in which I am involved. My attention to detail and focus on my future allows me to be extremely goal oriented. This Scholarship will help me pursue my goals while alleviating some of the stress of paying for school, loans, and all other living amenities on my own. My hours on set, during the upcoming summer semester, don’t align with my place of work and, therefore, I will be unable to work my usual five days a week. This Scholarship would grant me more than just money—it would give me the chance to focus and be more engaged in pursuing my passion for film and film production during my final semesters.

Essay: My Passion for Media Production From the moment I picked up a camera as a kid to record Minecraft videos, I felt something click. What began as a hobby quickly became a creative outlet that allowed me to tell stories, express emotions, and connect with others. That early spark has grown into a deep passion for media production and a clear goal: to become a filmmaker who tells stories that challenge, inspire, and reflect the world around us. Media has always played a central role in my life, but a few pivotal moments have shaped my decision to pursue it professionally. The first came when I was homeschooled during the pandemic in 8th grade. It was an isolating time, and I turned to film and digital media not just for entertainment, but for connection and expression. I started analyzing films and realized that every detail mattered. When I later moved 3,000 miles to start a new high school in a new town, storytelling through media became a way to understand my experiences and navigate a world that felt unfamiliar. Another influence has been my family. Both of my parents are disabled veterans, and their resilience and dedication to public service instilled in me a sense of responsibility to use my voice for good. That’s why I’ve focused on projects that matter whether volunteering at the local animal shelter and food bank or serving on the Youth Philanthropy Council, where I help direct grants to community causes. Media is my way of giving back: I want to create films and digital content that spotlight important issues and elevate unheard voices. At Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts, where I’ve been accepted for the fall, I plan to focus on film production with a particular interest in directing and screenwriting. I’m especially drawn to documentary filmmaking and social impact storytelling, as well as narrative films that explore identity, resilience, and transformation. I also want to gain hands-on experience in editing, sound design, and cinematography so that I can become a well-rounded storyteller capable of working across many platforms. This scholarship would be a vital step in helping me achieve these goals. As the child of veterans, I’ve worked hard to earn a 4.0 GPA, take AP and dual-enrollment classes, and contribute to my community all while preparing for a future in media production. But the financial burden of college is real. This scholarship would ease that pressure, allowing me to invest more time into honing my craft, taking on internships, and building a portfolio that reflects my passion and potential. It would be more than just financial help—it would be a vote of confidence in my dream to use media as a tool for connection, change, and creative expression. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students like me who are working to tell meaningful stories.

Before I ever heard the term "media production," I was just a curious, imaginative child who loved creating. As an only child, I filled my time drawing, reading, singing, and dancing around my room. My imagination would run wild as I invented stories to entertain myself. I didn't need an audience–just the joy of making something new. In elementary, I picked up my first instrument, the clarinet, and found a new form of expression. Later, I'd use and iPod to document moments with friends and family, taking photos and recording videos. I did it all instinctively, for the love of art. I didn't know it yet, but these were the beginnings of a passion for media production. It wasn't till college that I began to understand what media production really meant. Through my studies in Kinetic Imaging at Virginia Commonwealth University, I’ve come to see it as the art of shaping sound, image, and time into stories that move people. One of my first impactful projects was a soundscape called Home, in which I recorded and layered sounds from my family house and the city around me. It was my first time editing sound, and sharing that piece with my classmates showed me how powerful media can be in capturing feeling and memory. Since then, I’ve continued to explore storytelling through sound, video, and animation. I am especially proud of my work with the Latinx Student Association. Over the past two years, I’ve created recap videos that document the cultural events and community-building experiences we host. Presenting those videos live at general body meetings has been incredibly meaningful. Watching people see themselves reflected, laughing and smiling as their memories play back on screen, reminds me of the power of storytelling to build connection and celebrate identity. As the daughter of immigrants, pursuing a college degree has always carried deep meaning. I didn’t always know what I would study or how I would get there, but I was raised to believe that with strength and love, we would find a way. My mother is my greatest inspiration—her resilience, sacrifices, and unwavering support have shaped the stories I want to tell. I have grown up with a deep awareness of the challenges immigrant communities face and a strong desire to honor their voices through my work. Living with ADHD and navigating mental health challenges has also influenced how and why I create. I am driven to make heart-centered work that helps others feel seen and understood. I want to use media to amplify underrepresented voices, advocate for healing, and bring attention to stories that are often overlooked. I am especially interested in social impact media and climate communication. I am currently developing a short animated video and illustration for the Art on Climate competition, exploring how art can communicate urgent issues in human and accessible ways. This scholarship would relieve financial pressure and allow me to focus more fully on developing my craft and expanding my creative reach. It would support my ability to take on meaningful projects, participate in competitions, and build a portfolio that reflects my voice and values. Most importantly, it would help me continue using media to uplift, inspire, and connect. I hope to one day work as an art director, leading campaigns that are creative, emotionally engaging, and reflective of the diverse communities I care about. Through visual storytelling, I want to inspire others, help people feel seen and heard, and create work that resonates across backgrounds and experiences. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be considered.