Ikigai is the Japanese concept of a reason to live or a purpose. Ikigai is a combination of “what you're good at,” "what you can be paid for," "what you love," and what the world needs." Having suffered from a chronic depressive disorder for most of my life, I had difficulty figuring out my ikigai. I had many interests, but nothing made me genuinely happy. I needed something artistic that gave back to the community and protected the natural environment while improving my mental health. These ambitions led me to the wonderful concept of interior design. The versatility and impact that interior design has on human psychology and sociology, our ecosystem, and the economy align with my core values and how I want to impact the world. “What I’m good at.” My artistic ability and interpersonal communication skills have always been great characteristics of my personality. The creative problem-solving, client interaction, and art-centered aspects of interior design align perfectly with my skills. Effective communication with clients, architects, engineers, and construction workers is invaluable in the pursuit of ecologically friendly and creative buildings and designs. “What I can be paid for and what I love." The ability that interior design has to transform spaces to create positive and stimulating atmospheres for others to enjoy is one of its most appealing aspects. It permits me to express my creativity and make a positive impact on the lives of those around me. Unlike traditional art styles, it's a type of art that can be used in a practical and functional way. This combination of creativity and functionality is what draws me to interior design as a career path. Effective interior design enhances not only aesthetics but also the mental and physical well-being of its occupants. I am so grateful that I can utilize my natural abilities in a career I love. “What the world needs.” More individuals concerned with the sociological, psychological, and ecological effects of design are needed in the world. In the future, I hope to work on projects that prioritize eco-friendly materials and practices, contributing to a more sustainable future. By incorporating elements of biophilic design and promoting wellness in spaces, I aim to create environments that positively impact the well-being of individuals and the planet. Interior design will allow me to fulfill all the aspects of my Ikigai while also building up my community and environment. It is a profession that allows me to combine my passion for creativity with my desire to make a difference in the world. I plan to launch my career by earning a bachelor's degree in interior design from Winthrop University, concentrating on design sustainability. This program will provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly. Additionally, I plan to gain hands-on experience through internships and projects that focus on sustainable design practices. I hope to establish myself as a credible interior designer who values environmental and social well-being.

Hello! My name is Addison Jenkins, and I am a sophomore at Winthrop University in South Carolina. I am a proud interior design student and excited to bring creative and innovative designs to the interior design world. I hope to work in an array of fields such as Hospitality, Residential, Exhibit, Furniture Design, and so much more! I believe there is no such thing as being too educated and I plan to learn as much as I can!      I want to start my essay by expressing my deep gratitude for being selected as a finalist in last year’s round of applicants. Even though I didn’t win, the excitement of being a finalist gave me the courage to continue with my interior design goals and scholarship applications. I hope to build on that momentum and display my growth and dedication in this year's application process.      Humble Yet Hungry: Something that I value as a designer and individual, is the fact that I will never know everything about anything. This is an idea that governs my life and my designs as an interior design student. There is always something else to learn, a different way to learn it, or a completely undiscovered idea or design, and that is so exciting to me! My favorite part about being an interior design student is feedback from my peers and professors. I love being molded by others to combine the best aspects of all perspectives, designs, and cultures. My hunger for education is a driving force in my designs and I hope to learn even more as I continue my journey.    Focused yet Fun: Throughout my academic career, I have displayed the necessary qualifications to be a focused and fun student. I have been/am a member of the National Honor Society, Gamma Beta Phi, and Alpha Lamba Delta Chapters at Winthrop University! I also earned a place on Winthrop’s Dean’s list for my first semester in college, the Fall 2023 semester! Despite my academic achievements, I manage to make time for things that are important to my happiness and health, such as meeting new people/businesses at on-campus events, art, spending time with my wonderful family, and learning new languages in my free time!    Super yet Human: Something that I had to learn in my first year at college is that I am going to make mistakes as a designer, and that is part of life and the design process. I view my shortcomings as room for improvement rather than faults in character or effort. Instead of showing only my best work in my portfolio, I want to show the worst too. I want to show my growth as a person, student, and designer. I am proud of the mistakes I have made and recognized, as they have allowed me to become a better person and designer. Every mistake is a step towards improvement in my book. This helps me be positive about my plans and goals. Part of being a good designer is being human, recognizing my faults, desires, and improvements allows me to see those in my designs, further fueling my growth.      I am the personification of Luminaut’s core values, this is evident through my accomplishments academically and my portfolio. I want to thank you (The scholarship Panel) once again for this opportunity and for considering my application. I hope you see my passion for interior design, my desire to grow, and the luminary I can be!

I've had multiple experiences with cancer in my lifetime. The first was when my aunt was diagnosed in fifth grade. I didn’t take it seriously though, I didn't think she would die; I thought it was like the flu or a common cold. You get sick, take medicine, and you're better. However, she didn't get better. Her tumor was inoperable, and the doctors could only make her comfortable as she deteriorated. After my aunt died, I never thought I'd have to deal with cancer again, but I was wrong. Later my uncle got cancer, and with treatment, he thankfully beat it. Finally, cancer was out of our lives, or so we thought. I recently received a call from my mother with the devastating news that cancer is back in our lives. My grandmother now has stage four liver cancer, and my uncle who beat cancer the first time is now having to re-experience the exhaustion, expense, and fear of losing his life to cancer again. Cancer has shaped my life through loss, gratitude, and a promise to myself to never let life pass me by. My aunt died in her early thirties. She had a full life ahead of her and I promised myself that even if my life was taken early, I would experience it to the fullest! This disease has made me realize the importance of having a family or support system and of pursuing your dreams. My experiences with cancer have and continue to inspire me to give my all academically and within my community. It helps me remember that not everyone has people to rely on or the chance/time to pursue their passions. Cancer has had a profound impact on my life. It has made me appreciate the life I have and the opportunities that I have been given. Pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Interior Design/Architecture and attending Winthrop Honors College, reflects my desire to live a fulfilling and beautiful life. My career goals include working on projects for the homeless, victims of abuse, refugees, and many others in need. Though my career choice is not directly related to cancer, it is related to my commitment to be happy and pursue my dreams. The excitement of watching your designs, planning, and hard work come to life pales in comparison to the blessing it is to watch those in need completely transform their lives and have a new beginning. Though I wish my family and no one in the world ever had to experience cancer, I choose to be grateful for the ways it has strengthened my family, my resilience, and my desire to help others enjoy life. The deep appreciation that I have for life and my new life goals have made me a more positive and successful person, woman, student, and employee.

Humble yet hungry: “Humility is the price you pay for a lifetime of knowledge.” Humility requires work. It’s easy to take credit for something good but it’s much more admirable to admit to a mistake or something you don’t know. When I was young it was almost impossible for me to ask for help, even from my family and friends. I often felt ashamed or as if I should have tried harder to understand the problems I faced. Humility was required to admit that I did not know something and that I needed to ask for help. However, it wasn’t something that felt okay to display at that time. I grew to have a deep appreciation for humility while volunteering over the years. Seeing those in need reluctantly ask help for help at food banks, shelters, and in school, showed me how ridiculous I had acted in the past. I knew that these people had no reason to be ashamed, so why should I? I admit that I still struggle sometimes, however, I have learned so much in practicing this type of humility. This is something I will apply in my work as an interior designer, asking questions when needed and not being shy to do so. I still like to problem-solve, however, I do know that there is always something someone else can do better or faster. Working as a team member, rather than an independent force has given me so much knowledge and new perspectives. It is something I will continue doing as an interior designer. Focused yet fun: One of the things that I love most in interior design and architecture is the opportunity to incorporate the most outlandish, brilliant, and bold ideas into a safe atmosphere. The most awe-inspiring designs are created through controlled chaos. I believe that as adults, we frequently dim our inner child to be successful rather than letting our childish curiosity and desire to gain knowledge plunge us into a successful career. Many modern designs are devoid of color, organic shapes, or even originality. I’ve seen countless boring designs. Black, white, and gray are being reused and abused, mixed up in different styles, and thrown into countless spaces. Designs today destroy character and fluidity rather than emphasizing it, something I will never do as an interior designer. As someone who is obsessed with nature and has a strong desire to redefine the boundaries of design, I bring an array of colors, cultures, and ideas to this new era of repetitive, boring, and unoriginal designs. Having a deep desire to create spaces that feel like my clients' wildest desires. My designs will be vibrant in color, balanced, and full of life. Super yet human: I know that when I am given the tools to thrive, I will be an unstoppable force. I have all the qualities required to succeed: drive, a deep appreciation for design, the ability to admit what I don’t know, and the confidence to learn what I don’t. I am an ideal representation of Luminaut values. I have the drive, and core values, and soon will have the education and experience to change the world with beautiful designs, spaces, and homes. I know that I know very little and lack a detailed portfolio, but given the chance to learn something that benefits so many people long and short-term, pushes me to soak up all the knowledge and opportunities provided to me.