Since childhood, I have been passionate about protecting the world around me. I was never quite sure the way that role would play out, but knew that my future involved making the world a better place. It took 25 years of existence on this planet for all of the pieces to align and show me where my path was headed. Spending my grade school years attending an arts school, I long imagined a future for myself filled with creativity, however, I knew I would not be able to solely focus on art, as it never felt to have a big enough impact on the world around me. Moving into college, I chose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Development, still not sure where that would take me but certain it would provide me with the foundation and knowledge needed to advocate for a better, healthier, more equitable world. After nearly 5 years removed from my undergrad, I spent years volunteering at food rescue organizations, as an artist in residency for an art therapy program focusing on those experiencing homelessness and addiction, and teaching in various roles ages 3-13. These experiences culminated in me finding understanding and direction for my life's purpose; one in which I assist in designing communities, towns, and cities to better support the environment and those who reside within it. Now halfway through a Master's of Urban Design program it feels more clear each day that this is exactly what I am meant to be doing, utilizing all of my diverse skills and interests to create a better world. Once completing this program, I will have the experience necessary to become an Urban Designer or consultant for planning and design firms around the world. Through that, I am granted the opportunity to tap into my long-term goals of saving the planet, one job at a time. Receiving this scholarship for $1,000 provides me with the chance to devote my time and energy to my demanding and fulfilling studies, rather than having to split my focus between schoolwork and juggling a job to ensure I can continue to pay for this program out of pocket.

Growing up as a queer individual in a hetero-normative world has always allowed me to see the world through a different lens with an understanding that succeeding in this society requires bold thinking, action, and advocacy. My life's passion is to use my education I am pursuing as a Master of Urban Design student to envision communities and cities that allow individuals from all walks of life to thrive. By receiving this scholarship, I will be granted the privilege of being able to focus my attention solely on my studies, instead of having to work multiple jobs in order to afford this degree. Having worked three jobs in my Bachelor's program, I understand the value in having the time and energy to devote to my studies. This will keep me from attempting to juggle too many tasks at once, leading to a watered down Master's program experience. My hope is that I can fully immerse myself in the remainder of this program, so I can better use what I learn to shape the trajectory of my future career. My unique experiences as a trans individual provides me with the insight needed to design great spaces, ones that don't simply prioritize the needs and wants of white men. For far too long, city planning has revolved around the ideas of men, leading to a world that excludes those from different backgrounds, abilities, and ages. My background in Sustainable Development with a minor in Gender, Women, and Sexuality studies has given me a greater scope for the work there is to be done in this world, as well as provided me with a toolkit and roadmap to achieve this work. By providing myself with a seat at the table where major decisions are being made that affect multiple groups of people, I will be able to use my voice to speak out for those who are often silenced which will ensure an equitable society for generations to come. Through my life I have understood that there are a plethora of ways to exist beyond the status-quo, and by spending years as a preschool teacher, volunteering in underserved communities, and working to enhance the world around me I believe I can build on all of these experiences help to continue the legacy of Coco Chanel. I plan to use my degree to create safer spaces for all, in communities that prioritize the needs of groups that have historically been excluded. By designing environments that prioritize the needs of many as opposed to the needs of a few, a better world awaits us.