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.

My mom has always been my greatest inspiration. As a first-generation daughter of immigrants, I’ve witnessed the sacrifices she’s made working tirelessly as a housekeeper, always with grace, resilience, and unwavering love. Though our upbringings were worlds apart, our lives are deeply connected, united by blood and something even deeper. My mom, raised in Mendoza, Argentina, was a foundling who never truly knew the feeling of home until she came to the U.S. and had me. I carry her fiery spirit with me every day. She is the reason I pursue education and a creative career with such determination. As a low-income student, college was never a guarantee. But through imagination, art, and her example, I’ve always believed in something more. My journey is about honoring her sacrifices and using my art to tell stories like ours—stories that deserve to be seen and celebrated. My mom’s upbringing has shaped how I see the world. Hearing her stories about growing up in Argentina without stability or a sense of belonging has made me deeply grateful for what we do have and eager to connect with my roots. At school, I’ve made it a priority to stay involved in the Latinx Student Association, where I serve as Executive Board Historian. I use my creative skills to photograph, record, and edit our events to help capture and celebrate our Latino culture within the school community. Her story has also taught me compassion, resourcefulness, and the value of simplicity. Growing up, we couldn’t afford many of the things my peers had, but we always had enough. As an only child, I turned to imagination as comfort and creative fuel. I never felt alone. Even now, budgeting and financial awareness are a daily part of my life. I don’t always have the luxury to go out or spend freely, but I focus on what I have, keep a positive mindset, and stay committed to building a future where my creativity can thrive. Growing up with limited resources but limitless imagination made it clear that creativity would be my path forward. As an artist, I’ve always been guided by creativity. Since I was a child, art has been how I made sense of the world—through drawing, animating, designing, and editing. Creating helps me express emotions and ideas that words often can’t capture. My dream is to tell meaningful stories through visual media, stories that reflect not only who I am but also the experiences of people like my immigrant parents, whose voices are rarely heard. I want to keep the child in me alive by building a career that allows me to dream, imagine, and create. I envision myself working across industries: editing videos for music or television, animating for commercials, designing merchandise, or even starting my own creative company. I believe art has the power to connect people, shift perspectives, and spark emotion. College is where I've been able to sharpen my skills, explore new mediums, and learn how to turn this passion into a lifelong pursuit of impact, storytelling, and growth. College is more than a personal dream. It’s a promise I’ve made to myself and to the woman who gave everything so I could imagine a future beyond survival. Through creativity, I’ve found purpose. Through education, I’m building a future where voices like my mom’s—and mine—are no longer overlooked. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue telling stories that matter, pursuing a creative career with heart, and making space for others who dream like I do, even when the odds say they shouldn’t.