My name is Allison Fulton, and I was born and raised in Brownwood, Texas. Growing up with five siblings, my mother worked hard to keep our family involved in church and to build a strong foundation of faith. I accepted Christ when I was seven years old. Although I did not fully understand the significance of that decision at the time, my desire to share God's love became evident early in my life. At around eleven years old, I started a "God and Jesus Club" for children in my community. I created Bible lessons, organized worship activities, and encouraged others to grow in their faith. The club continued until the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to stop meeting. Around that same time, several family struggles caused me to question my faith. I felt abandoned by God and slowly drifted away from my relationship with Him. During my freshman year of high school, I recommitted my life to Christ and became actively involved in my youth group. However, my faith was tested again through several difficult experiences. My youth pastor left his position, my father returned to prison because of addiction, and my mother went through another divorce and remarriage. At times, it seemed as though life continued to knock me down, and I struggled to understand how God could possibly use any of it for good. Everything changed because of one conversation. One morning at school, a close friend arrived devastated. Through tears, she explained that her parents had left town to obtain drugs without even telling her, leaving her to find her own way to school. As she questioned why addiction seemed more important than she was, I recognized the same pain I had experienced with my own father. In that moment, God revealed His purpose. Because of my own hardships, I could sincerely tell her, "I understand." I reminded her that her worth was not determined by her parents' choices but by the God who created and loves her. I shared that addiction is a devastating illness, but God's love is unwavering, and through Christ we have a Father who will never abandon us. That conversation transformed my perspective. For the first time, I understood that God had not wasted my pain. He had been preparing me to comfort others who were walking through similar struggles. My experiences had become opportunities to demonstrate His love and faithfulness. Today, I feel called to become both a band director and a youth pastor. Music has taught me discipline, leadership, and perseverance, while my faith has given me purpose. I want to invest in young people, build meaningful relationships with them, and help them discover both their potential and their identity in Christ. My goal is to encourage students who feel unseen, reminding them that their circumstances do not define them and that they are deeply loved by God. My journey has taught me that even life's greatest hardships can have a greater purpose. God has faithfully used every challenge to shape my heart for serving others, and I am excited to continue answering that calling through both music and ministry.

In sixth grade, I faced a difficult decision between my two favorite hobbies: art and music. Both had become outlets for me as a shy young girl, but I chose music because I knew that if I did not join the band, then I would lose the opportunity later. I picked up the trumpet and spent the next two years discovering a love for music. However, I placed unrealistic expectations on myself, and no matter how much I improved, I convinced myself that I was not good enough. Music stopped feeling like an escape and became another responsibility. Everything changed during my eighth-grade year when I became a band manager for the high school band. The opportunity to attend rehearsals, travel to competitions, and build friendships with older students gave me a sense of belonging and encouraged me to challenge myself. Because of their support, I participated in All-Region auditions and decided to stay in band. When I entered high school, I still struggled with confidence, but I learned that growth comes from overcoming obstacles rather than avoiding them. The turning point came during my sophomore year when I joined the jazz band under Mr. Lacy. He taught me to see music as more than notes and technique; it was a way to express emotions and connect with others. Through his guidance, I gained confidence in myself as both a musician and a person. That confidence led me to become a drum major during my junior year. I wanted younger students to feel supported, just as I had been. I also challenged myself through Solo and Ensemble, jazz solos, and All-Region Band auditions, eventually advancing to the Area competition. By my senior year, I was named Head Drum Major and helped create a more positive and welcoming environment within the band. Looking back, music transformed me from a shy sixth grader into a confident leader with a clear purpose. The mentors who invested in me showed me the lasting impact teachers can have on a student's life. Their guidance inspired me to pursue a music degree at HPU and become a band director. My goal is to help students discover confidence, purpose, and belonging through music, just as I did, and to provide the same support and mentorship that changed my life.

Art has always been my escape and my outlet. Even as a child, I fell in love with drawing, making music, and reading. I could get lost for hours creating any of these things. For years, I believed my art was nothing more than a hobby. I never thought it was special or that it could become part of my future. That changed last year when I met a professional artist through my church. After seeing some of my drawings, he asked if I planned to pursue art and then offered to mentor me because he believed in my potential. His guidance pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. He challenged me to draw subjects that I thought were impossible, and with practice, I discovered I was capable of much more than I had ever imagined. My skills have grown tremendously, and I now create tattoo designs, banners, and commissioned artwork. This experience taught me to believe in myself and to embrace opportunities for growth. Art is no longer just a hobby; it is a passion that has given me confidence and a new vision for my future. I plan to major in music and become a band director, but I also hope to continue building a career as an artist and possibly combine both passions by teaching art and music. Creativity has changed my life, and I want to inspire that same confidence in others. This scholarship would help me continue developing my artistic abilities while pursuing my education. It would give me the opportunity to grow as both an artist and an educator and continue a journey that has already transformed my life. The pieces I have decided to share include a ballpoint pen sketch, a full pencil finished piece, and a full color tattoo design.

In sixth grade, I faced a difficult decision between my two favorite hobbies: art and music. Both had become outlets for me as a shy young girl, but I chose music because I knew that if I did not join band then, I would lose the opportunity later. I picked up the trumpet and spent the next two years learning the instrument and discovering a love for music. However, I also placed unrealistic expectations on myself. No matter how much I improved, I convinced myself that I was not good enough. Music stopped feeling like an escape and started feeling like another responsibility. Everything changed during my eighth-grade year when I became a band manager for the high school band. This opportunity allowed me to attend rehearsals, perform in the stands, travel to competitions, and build relationships with older students. Those friendships gave me a sense of belonging and encouraged me to challenge myself. Because of their support, I participated in All-Region auditions and, more importantly, decided to stay in band. When I entered high school, I still struggled with confidence. Some experiences made band difficult, and there were times when I questioned whether I belonged. Instead of allowing those challenges to discourage me, I used them as motivation to improve. I learned that growth often comes from overcoming obstacles rather than avoiding them. The turning point in my musical journey came during my sophomore year when I joined jazz band under Mr. Lacy. He encouraged me to push beyond what I thought I was capable of and taught me to view music differently. Rather than focusing only on notes and technique, he described music as a tool for expressing emotions and connecting with others. Through his guidance, I discovered a healthy way to channel my feelings and communicate them through performance. As my confidence grew, I began to believe in my abilities both as a musician and as a person. That confidence led me to become a drum major during my junior year. For the first time, I was in a position to influence the culture of the band. I wanted younger students to feel supported and welcomed, just as older students had done for me. At the same time, I challenged myself musically by participating in Solo and Ensemble, performing jazz solos, and auditioning for All-Region Band, eventually advancing to the Area competition. Each experience pushed me to grow as both a performer and a leader. By my senior year, I had been named Head Drum Major. Alongside a new director who valued student input and community, I helped create a more positive environment within the band. Students enjoyed being involved again, and our performances reflected that renewed enthusiasm. I also continued pursuing musical opportunities, including Jazz All-Region auditions, using both successes and disappointments as motivation to keep improving. Looking back, music transformed me from a shy sixth grader into a confident leader with a clear purpose. The mentors who invested in me showed me the impact that teachers can have on a student’s life. Their guidance inspired me to pursue a music degree at HPU and work toward becoming a band director. My goal is to help students discover confidence, purpose, and belonging through music, just as I did. I hope to leave a lasting impact by encouraging others to become the best versions of themselves and by sharing the same support and mentorship that changed my life.

Growing up, my family life was complicated and often difficult. My biological father struggled with drug addiction and spent much of my childhood in and out of prison for drug-related offenses. One of the hardest parts was that there seemed to be two different versions of him. When he was using drugs, he became angry, unpredictable, and impossible to reason with. He often blamed others for his problems and created conflict within our family. However, when he was sober, he was kind, generous, and fun to be around. He had a big heart, loved giving gifts, and created many happy memories with me. Although my father was not a bad person, his addiction led to frightening situations. One memory that has stayed with me happened when he cornered my mother in the kitchen while holding a taser. I was very young and did not fully understand what was happening, but I knew my mother was crying and scared. I ran to her and begged them to stop arguing. From that day on, I became the family problem-solver. Whenever there was conflict, I felt responsible for fixing it. When I was eight years old, my parents divorced after my father returned to jail. I was heartbroken. Soon afterward, my mother reconnected with Alex, her high school sweetheart, and they married within the same year. My brother and I welcomed him and his children into our lives, hoping this new chapter would bring stability. For a while, things went well. However, Alex eventually revealed a different side of himself. He became aggressive, and he and my mother frequently got into intense arguments. Much of the conflict centered around my older brother, whom Alex unfairly blamed for many problems in the household. We later learned that Alex had physically harmed my brother. My mother always stood up for us, and when Alex later became physically abusive toward her and refused counseling, their marriage ended in divorce. These experiences left lasting effects on me. I struggled with confidence, self-worth, and a constant need to solve other people’s problems. For years, I carried the weight of trying to keep everything together. Everything began to change when I found music. Music became my escape and a source of healing. Through music, I discovered confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging. It helped me grow into a stronger person and taught me more about myself than I ever thought possible. As I developed as a musician, I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others experience that same support and encouragement. That is why I want to become a band director. I want to be the person I needed when I was younger someone students can trust, someone who listens, and someone who creates a safe and welcoming environment. I want my classroom to be a place where students feel valued and supported, regardless of what they may be facing outside of school. To achieve this goal, I chose to attend HPU and pursue a degree in music education. I have fallen in love with the campus, community, classes, and Christian values that define the university. While attending a private institution comes with significant financial challenges, I believe HPU is preparing me to become the educator and mentor I aspire to be. With the help of this scholarship, I can continue pursuing my education and work toward becoming the kind of band director who not only teaches music but also provides students with the support, encouragement, and stability that can change a life.

In sixth grade, I faced a difficult decision between my two favorite hobbies: art and music. Both had become outlets for me as a shy young girl, but I chose music because I knew that if I did not join band then, I would lose the opportunity later. I picked up the trumpet and spent the next two years learning the instrument and discovering a love for music. However, I also placed unrealistic expectations on myself. No matter how much I improved, I convinced myself that I was not good enough. Music stopped feeling like an escape and started feeling like another responsibility. Everything changed during my eighth-grade year when I became a band manager for the high school band. This opportunity allowed me to attend rehearsals, perform in the stands, travel to competitions, and build relationships with older students. Those friendships gave me a sense of belonging and encouraged me to challenge myself. Because of their support, I participated in All-Region auditions and, more importantly, decided to stay in band. When I entered high school, I still struggled with confidence. Some experiences made band difficult, and there were times when I questioned whether I belonged. Instead of allowing those challenges to discourage me, I used them as motivation to improve. I learned that growth often comes from overcoming obstacles rather than avoiding them. The turning point in my musical journey came during my sophomore year when I joined jazz band under Mr. Lacy. He encouraged me to push beyond what I thought I was capable of and taught me to view music differently. Rather than focusing only on notes and technique, he described music as a tool for expressing emotions and connecting with others. Through his guidance, I discovered a healthy way to channel my feelings and communicate them through performance. As my confidence grew, I began to believe in my abilities both as a musician and as a person. That confidence led me to become a drum major during my junior year. For the first time, I was in a position to influence the culture of the band. I wanted younger students to feel supported and welcomed, just as older students had done for me. At the same time, I challenged myself musically by participating in Solo and Ensemble, performing jazz solos, and auditioning for All-Region Band, eventually advancing to the Area competition. Each experience pushed me to grow as both a performer and a leader. By my senior year, I had been named Head Drum Major. Alongside a new director who valued student input and community, I helped create a more positive environment within the band. Students enjoyed being involved again, and our performances reflected that renewed enthusiasm. I also continued pursuing musical opportunities, including Jazz All-Region auditions, using both successes and disappointments as motivation to keep improving. Looking back, music transformed me from a shy sixth grader into a confident leader with a clear purpose. The mentors who invested in me showed me the impact that teachers can have on a student’s life. Their guidance inspired me to pursue a music degree at HPU and work toward becoming a band director. My goal is to help students discover confidence, purpose, and belonging through music, just as I did. I hope to leave a lasting impact by encouraging others to become the best versions of themselves and by sharing the same support and mentorship that changed my life.

In sixth grade, I faced a difficult decision between my two favorite hobbies: art and music. Both had become outlets for me as a shy young girl, but I chose music because I knew that if I did not join band then, I would lose the opportunity later. I picked up the trumpet and spent the next two years learning the instrument and discovering a love for music. However, I also placed unrealistic expectations on myself. No matter how much I improved, I convinced myself that I was not good enough. Music stopped feeling like an escape and started feeling like another responsibility. Everything changed during my eighth-grade year when I became a band manager for the high school band. This opportunity allowed me to attend rehearsals, perform in the stands, travel to competitions, and build relationships with older students. Those friendships gave me a sense of belonging and encouraged me to challenge myself. Because of their support, I participated in All-Region auditions and, more importantly, decided to stay in band. When I entered high school, I still struggled with confidence. Some experiences made band difficult, and there were times when I questioned whether I belonged. Instead of allowing those challenges to discourage me, I used them as motivation to improve. I learned that growth often comes from overcoming obstacles rather than avoiding them. The turning point in my musical journey came during my sophomore year when I joined jazz band under Mr. Lacy. He encouraged me to push beyond what I thought I was capable of and taught me to view music differently. Rather than focusing only on notes and technique, he described music as a tool for expressing emotions and connecting with others. Through his guidance, I discovered a healthy way to channel my feelings and communicate them through performance. As my confidence grew, I began to believe in my abilities both as a musician and as a person. That confidence led me to become a drum major during my junior year. For the first time, I was in a position to influence the culture of the band. I wanted younger students to feel supported and welcomed, just as older students had done for me. At the same time, I challenged myself musically by participating in Solo and Ensemble, performing jazz solos, and auditioning for All-Region Band, eventually advancing to the Area competition. Each experience pushed me to grow as both a performer and a leader. By my senior year, I had been named Head Drum Major. Alongside a new director who valued student input and community, I helped create a more positive environment within the band. Students enjoyed being involved again, and our performances reflected that renewed enthusiasm. I also continued pursuing musical opportunities, including Jazz All-Region auditions, using both successes and disappointments as motivation to keep improving. Looking back, music transformed me from a shy sixth grader into a confident leader with a clear purpose. The mentors who invested in me showed me the impact that teachers can have on a student’s life. Their guidance inspired me to pursue a music degree at HPU and work toward becoming a band director. My goal is to help students discover confidence, purpose, and belonging through music, just as I did. I hope to leave a lasting impact by encouraging others to become the best versions of themselves and by sharing the same support and mentorship that changed my life.