I grew up being very underprivileged, not sure of what the future had in store for me. The college always seemed like a necessity but no one in my family had ever gone before. So I had to push myself and find ways to make sure it was possible. I worked hard to get into college prep programs that would teach me how to get into schools. As an artist in the theatre industry, this process was even harder for me because I had to make sure I had the talent and potential as a performer to get in as well. This meant on top of my academics, I had to work hard in performing classes as well. I couldn't afford all of the masterclasses and voice lessons so I worked with what I had. I reached out to my local theatre programs for scholarships, and my school's choir directors for extra help. Due to my work and effort, I ended up getting into a musical theatre program in new york city. My first year of school seemed promising due to the scholarships I applied for and earned, and tuition decreases due to covid, but the second year didn't grace me with that same promise with prices going back up and my scholarships being for only one year. This had led me to be in a financial crisis my sophomore year working 40+ hours to make up for it. I have had to make sacrifices that have hurt my motivation and passion for the arts and skills as an actor. My hope is to have to ease my financial burdens so I can go back to focusing on my craft, so once I am able to, I can give back to my community, to underprivileged young artists who aren't able to afford classes in the arts and college audition prep for the arts.