My “pie in the sky” dream—the one that feels both inspiring and just out of reach, is to create the first holistic mental wellness institute designed specifically for dancers. Not just a therapy practice, and not just a dance studio, but a space where young artists can train, heal, learn, and grow mentally, emotionally, and physically. A place where dancers are seen as full human beings, not just performers expected to push through pain. A place I desperately needed growing up. This dream sparked long before I had the words to describe it. I grew up in the dance world, surrounded by beauty, discipline, passion, and community, but also by silence around mental health, unspoken pressure, and expectations that were often impossible to meet. I saw dancers break down in dressing rooms, cry quietly after rehearsals, and compare themselves to standards none of us could reach without harming ourselves. I lived through moments of burnout, self-doubt, and the feeling of never being “enough,” even when I was giving everything I had. These experiences planted the first seed of my dream, even if I didn’t realize it then. Everything changed when I took my first psychology class. Suddenly, the patterns I had seen my whole life, perfectionism, anxiety, body image struggles, fear of failure, had names, explanations, and possible solutions. It felt like the missing puzzle piece to everything I had experienced in dance. For the first time, I understood that our emotional world shapes our artistry just as much as our physical training. And more importantly, I realized how few spaces exist that support both. That’s when my dream became real: to create a space where dancers can receive therapy, develop mental resilience, train safely, and learn healthy coping strategies, something I believe could change futures, save careers, and impact lives far beyond dance itself. Reaching this dream will require time, courage, constant learning, and trust in myself. First, I need to complete my education and continue my studies in psychology while deepening my dance training. I plan to pursue graduate work in clinical psychology with a focus on performance psychology or somatic therapy. Mental health care is both a science and an art, and I want to understand it from every angle, cognitive, emotional, cultural, and physical. I also need to continue experiencing the dance world firsthand. My goal is to perform, teach, and choreograph in a variety of environments so I can understand what dancers truly need at different stages of their development. This will give me the experience, credibility, and insight needed to design a space that genuinely uplifts young artists. Another step is gaining mentorship from psychologists, movement specialists, dance medicine professionals, and choreographers who share similar values. Learning from those who have paved parts of this path will guide me in carving out my own. Finally, courage will be the most important ingredient. Building something that has never existed before, a full mind-body institute for dancers, will take boldness, resilience, and the willingness to face setbacks. My dream is big, but so is my dedication. My “pie in the sky” dream isn’t just about me; it’s about transforming the culture of dance from the inside out. It’s about giving young artists the support I once needed, and proving that mental health and artistry can, and must, coexist. And even though this dream feels slightly out of reach, I am committed to taking every step required to bring it closer, until it one day becomes reality.

The Arts have shaped every chapter of my life, influencing how I see the world, how I move through it, and who I aspire to become. Growing up, dance was more than an extracurricular activity, it was the space where I learned discipline, self-expression, resilience, and community. It taught me how to process emotions, how to push through challenges, and how to use movement as a language when words fell short. My identity has always been deeply intertwined with being a dancer, and it is through arts education that I discovered both my confidence and my purpose. From a young age, I was surrounded by teachers and choreographers who challenged me to grow, but the person who inspired me the most was my first ever ballet teacher. She recognized my passion long before I fully understood it myself. She pushed me to refine my technique, encouraged me to take risks, and believed in my potential even during moments when I doubted myself. Her guidance shaped my work ethic, showing me that artistry is built not only on talent, but on persistence, humility, and a willingness to be vulnerable. Because of her, I learned to trust my voice as an artist and to embrace dance as a lifelong pursuit rather than a temporary phase. As I continued growing, dance became my foundation, but psychology soon became the lens through which I began to understand the emotional and mental complexities behind the art form. Declaring psychology as my double major opened my eyes to the pressures dancers face and pressures I have personally experienced. Perfectionism, performance anxiety, body image struggles, and burnout are often hidden behind the beauty of performance, yet they shape the daily realities of so many young artists. Arts education made me realize how urgently dancers need mental health support, and this inspired my goal of becoming a dance psychologist for aspiring dancers. My experiences in dance have been transformative in every way. Years of training across different styles, performing in a variety of environments, and pushing myself physically and creatively have taught me the value of hard work and the importance of artistic authenticity. Performing gives me a sense of connection and purpose, and the thought of dancing on tour or collaborating with diverse artists excites me. At the same time, choreography allows me to explore storytelling and emotion in ways that deepen my artistic identity. Through creating movement, I can express what I cannot say, building bridges between myself, my peers, and the audience. Studying psychology has given me the tools to take this understanding even further. I am fascinated by how mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and performance visualization can help dancers manage stress, improve confidence, and sustain their artistic passion. I hope to eventually create a supportive space where young dancers feel seen, understood, and equipped with strategies to navigate both the beauty and the challenges of the dance world. The Arts have not only shaped my aspirations, but they have shaped the person who I am today. It taught me how to grow, how to reflect, and how to pursue my craft with intention. By combining dance and psychology, I hope to uplift the next generation of dancers, helping them thrive both artistically and mentally. My journey continues to evolve, and I remain committed to learning, creating, and using my experiences to make a meaningful impact in the dance community.

Art, in all its forms, is a powerful source that has the ability to inspire, heal, and transform lives. For me, dance has been the most significant force in shaping my identity and guiding my purpose in life. Over the past 13 years, dance has not only been my passion but also a source of comfort, self-expression, and personal growth. It has given me meaning and a deeper understanding of the world, and I aspire to share this with young, aspiring dancers to help them find their own paths within the art form. Dance has the unique ability to upraise emotions, foster creativity, and encourage self-identity. Through movement, I have learned to find my own unique style, broadening my mind to new perspectives. The way dance has integrated in my body and mind has always fascinated me, which is why I have chosen to pursue an education that merges both my artistic and academic interests. I am fortunate to be attending Chapman University, where I am expanding my knowledge of dance both technically and theoretically. This incredible program is allowing me to deepen my appreciation for dance while providing me with the necessary tools to make a meaningful impact on the next generation of dancers. From an academic standpoint, I am striving to become a dance psychologist. This field allows me to combine my love for psychology and dance in a way that provides crucial support to young dancers. The mental aspects of dance are just as important as the physical ones, and I aim to help dancers develop a healthy mindset to sustain their passion without being overwhelmed by the pressures of the industry. Dance psychology is a growing field, and I hope to contribute by addressing the psychological well-being of dancers, helping them with the emotional highs and lows that come with pursuing a career in the arts. Beyond the psychological aspect, I also want to teach and mentor young dancers, not only in technique but also in the emotional and creative depth of the art. By sharing my knowledge and experience in dance, I hope to inspire young dancers to show that dance is more than just a skill but also a lifelong passion. Dance has given me so much, and my goal is to give back to the world, showing the new generation of artists the beauty of this art that has become my whole life.

Throughout my journey as a creative scholar, my passion for dance has shaped my aspirations and achievements. Dance has been a crucial part of my life and how I identify myself, offering me a creative outlet to whom I connect with others. Recently, I have also begun exploring psychology and declared it as my double major, which has introduced me to the mental and emotional complexities that artists, particularly dancers, navigate. These two disciplines intertwine seamlessly, fueling my ultimate goal of becoming a dance psychologist for young aspiring dancers. My experiences in dance have been both rewarding and transformative. I have dedicated my whole life to refining my technique, exploring numerous movement styles, and pushing the boundaries of my own physical and artistic capabilities. As a performer, I indulge in the energy reciprocated on the stage, embracing the challenges that come with each performance. The possibility of dancing on tour in the future excites me, as these experiences would allow me to immerse myself in new environments, collaborate with diverse artists, and share my passion for my art with extensive audiences. Beyond performing, I have a deep desire to choreograph and develop my own unique movement style, continuously expanding my artistic vocabulary and exploring new ways to explore emotion through dance. Choreography allows me to tell stories, express emotions, and create connections with fellow peers and audiences, broadening my artistic impact. Academically, my recent introduction to psychology has sparked a new interest in understanding the mental resilience required in the dance world. The rigorous nature of this art form often places immense physical and psychological pressure on dancers, and I have had personal experience with the mental tolls dance can take on one's life. Which is why I am committed to supporting them through mental health advocacy and psychological guidance. I am particularly interested in researching how psychological techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and performance visualization can help dancers overcome obstacles and enhance their artistry. By merging my growing knowledge of psychology with my lived experiences as a dancer, I aspire to create a space in the future where young dancers feel understood, supported, and empowered to navigate their careers with confidence. Whether addressing performance anxiety, body image concerns, or burnout, I aspire to provide the necessary tools, resources, and support to help dancers maintain their mental well-being while pursuing their artistic dreams. In addition to my professional goals, my journey as a scholar and artist is driven by my desire for continuous growth. I continuously seek more opportunities to expand my knowledge in both psychology and dance, whether through research, collaborations, or mentorship. Every class, rehearsal, and academic endeavor contributes to my evolving perspective, allowing me to approach my aspirations with a well-rounded and informed mindset. Engaging in discussions and working with other artists and scholars broadens my perspective, growing a deeper understanding of how mental and emotional well-being influences creativity and performance. I believe that learning is a lifelong process, and I am committed to continuing this growth, refining my craft, and deepening my understanding of both disciplines throughout my career. By combining my love for movement in dance with my commitment to mental health advocacy in psychology, I hope to make a meaningful impact in the dance community. Through performance, choreography, and psychological support, I strive to uplift and inspire the next generation of dancers, ensuring they have the necessary tools to thrive both artistically and mentally. This journey is one of continuous exploration, and I am excited to see how my aspirations unfold as I continue to grow as a creative scholar.

Dance has been the most transformative force in my life, shaping not only my identity but also my aspirations. Over the past 13 years, it has been my passion, my creative outlet, and my greatest accomplishment. From training in ballet, modern, and jazz to choreographing and performing in prestigious programs, dance has allowed me to explore movement as both an art and a science. It has fueled my curiosity, leading me to pursue a dual education in psychology and dance at Chapman University, and inspired my goal of becoming a dance psychologist. At the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), I immersed myself in rigorous training, performing in works by renowned choreographers such as Jiri Kylian, Martha Graham, and Francisco Gella. My journey also included winning national titles, earning scholarships like the Caplin Foundation and winning awards like the Artistic Merit Award. At Chapman University, I continue to refine my technique under esteemed faculty while expanding my knowledge in the mental aspects of dance. My ultimate goal is to find that connection between dance and psychology, ensuring that dancers receive not only technical training but also the mental support to thrive in the industry. I aim to mentor young artists, helping them cultivate both their artistic expression and mental resilience. Whether through choreography, performance, or psychological guidance, I hope to give back to the dance world that has given me so much. Dance is my lifelong passion, and I am committed to using my experiences to uplift the next generation of artists.

Art, in all its forms, is a powerful source that has the ability to inspire, heal, and transform lives. For me, dance has been the most significant force in shaping my identity and guiding my purpose in life. Over the past 13 years, dance has not only been my passion but also a source of comfort, self-expression, and personal growth. It has given me meaning and a deeper understanding of the world, and I aspire to share this with young, aspiring dancers to help them find their own paths within the art form. Dance has the unique ability to upraise emotions, foster creativity, and encourage self-identity. Through movement, I have learned to find my own unique style broadening my mind to new perspectives. The way dance has integrated in my body and mind has always fascinated me, which is why I have chosen to pursue an education that merges both my artistic and academic interests. I am fortunate to be attending Chapman University, where I am expanding my knowledge of dance both technically and theoretically. This incredible program is allowing me to deepen my appreciation for dance while providing me with the necessary tools to make a meaningful impact on the next generation of dancers. From an academic standpoint, I am striving to become a dance psychologist. This field allows me to combine my love for psychology and dance in a way that provides crucial support to young dancers. The mental aspects of dance are just as important as the physical ones, and I aim to help dancers develop a healthy mindset to sustain their passion without being overwhelmed by the pressures of the industry. Dance psychology is a growing field, and I hope to contribute by addressing the psychological well-being of dancers, helping them with the emotional highs and lows that come with pursuing a career in the arts. Beyond the psychological aspect, I also want to teach and mentor young dancers, not only in technique but also in the emotional and creative depth of the art. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I hope to inspire young dancers to show that dance is more than just a skill but also a lifelong passion. Dance has given me so much, and my goal is to give back to the world, showing the new generation of artists the beauty of this art that has become my whole life.

Arts have had a positive impact on my life for the twelve years I have done it. At the ripe age of five, I started my true passion for dance and continue it now as a seventeen-year-old. Throughout my twelve years of dancing, I trained at local dance studios perfecting my craft and experiencing the idea of collaboration with many talented artists in creating beautiful pieces. I began sharing my art with the world by volunteering at her local studio called Adage Dance Center where I taught the young dancers ballet and tap, I also became a student representative at my arts high school called Lachsa. One challenge I overcame was breaking a bone in my foot which stopped me from doing what I love the most. It was in 2018 right before the most important competition of the year and I broke a bone in the most important part of a dancer's body. The 2 months I was sitting out felt like the longest months of my life. As a dancer, I wanted to get up and move every second of the day but I couldn't and it was truly heartbreaking. Luckily, I pushed and constantly iced my foot every night to make a full recovery just in time for the competition. Although it was a difficult experience, I overcame it and came back stronger and ready to learn and dance more. Dance has always been a part of my life and I may have had a few setbacks, but this is what pushed me to grow tremendously and allow me to continue my passion for the arts in college for my professional career. In my professional career, I am hoping to continue dancing, and working with artists in the industry, while also becoming a dance therapist, becoming this beneficial person to lean on when dancers need support for their foundation, moral, and overall physical selves. The arts have truly affected my life for the better, influencing creativity, well-being, cultural understanding, and social change. Dance specifically has become my whole world, the surrounding, the drive, and the overall passion I have for this art is everything. I am hoping to get into an amazing college to continue pursuing and excelling in my craft. Art as a whole gives me meaning and helps me with my understanding of the world. The appreciation I have for art improves my quality of life and makes me feel good. Creating art specifically in dance elevates my mood, improves my ability to problem solve, and opens my mind to new ideas in the near future.