“No one else cares about that stuff but you,” a common phrase I’d hear in different iterations with a disapproved tone. Whether in school or at home, it was the worst thing in the world to be different. In the monotonous land of my hometown in Michigan, peculiar interests were sure to stand out. I was the type of kid that knew what he liked. Knowing who I was, what I liked, and why I liked it that way. No one could tell me anything, granting me a sense of freedom. However, this mindset came with its contentions. When I wanted to share my interests, no one was there to listen- if I had an idea for an art piece, there was no one willing to critique it. Other kids often excluded me. I only lived with my single mother and she was so busy providing for me, she couldn’t relate or attempt to meet me halfway. My feelings of loneliness escalated further with the sudden disappearance of my mother. I was still in elementary school when my uncle took me to my grandmother’s house unexpectedly. Everyone was talking over me or ignoring me when I asked where my mom was. My grandmother only alluded to not knowing where she was. To this day, I still don’t. The pain and uncertainty from losing someone so dear- seemingly overnight, took its toll. Whenever I tried to bring these feelings up, they were dismissed. So was my development of more intense emotions like anxiety and depression. I was hit at all angles and progressively felt more alone. It just seemed hopeless- I looked to animation and cartoons for comfort and saw a dramatic shift in tone. Watching relatable characters conquer their struggles and grow into who they are. Seeing friends and families being honest and learning to grow together. Viewing the protagonists never give up, even when confronted with uncertainty about achieving their goals. Despite the pain and tragedy- they endured. Survived. Moved forward. They didn’t have to be scared of who they were because there were people who loved and believed in them regardless. It granted hope that someday, in my own story, I too can break through this low point and rise to victory. The biggest grin spread across my face and a wave of inspiration washed over me. This sense of self is something everyone should experience. Being changed forever, my passion for animation and story writing was born. Right now, we live in an age of apathy, insecurity, and identity crisis. Representation is needed now more than ever in today’s social climate, especially for minority youths in their journey through self-discovery. For this reason and others, my mission is to be a vessel and voice for the unrepresented sectors of society. Animation and stories can change how we see the world, awakening us to new perspectives, ideas, and values. In my case, I learned the value of authenticity and to always believe in myself. Compassion for ourselves and others can secure us in who we are and inspire growth. How do I know this? During my sophomore year at Georgia State, Perimeter College held an event for young aspiring animators to create a storyboard sequence and pitch it. The contest emulated an animation writers' room environment. The story I presented was of a young girl cursed by a strike of lightning and feared by all in her town except one civilian- who saw her for who she really was. In the middle of presenting, the story made one side panelist cry. She described the narrative as hopeful and applauded me. I hadn't won the pitching contest- though I still felt victorious. My story, inspired by my own life, helped someone feel something hopeful. With more skills at my disposal, there’s no telling who or how far I could reach. Acquiring my degree is now indispensable because I will need obtainable skills to create stories, art, and animation to bring awareness to social issues, foster a sense of acceptance, bring people together by creating worlds that represent all groups of people, and teach audiences nuances to live a more conscious and fulfilling life. I believe that representation shouldn’t stop at art or films but advance beyond that. If awarded the Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship, achieving my goals will be less of a dream. Pursuing my academic and career endeavors will come with less of a concern for finances for my education. As a low-income and first-generation college student, my academic journey has been a laborious and financially straining journey. The less I need to worry about money, the more time I will dedicate to the next two years of acquiring my Bachelor’s in animation at Savannah College of Art and Design. With this degree, I can equip myself with the skills needed to create an everlasting cultural impact. Everyone knows that there is a light- they just need a reminder to keep looking for theirs With that being said, I want to thank Mr. Calvin Rosser. I am constantly applying for scholarships and dedicating hours every day, but keep getting denied time and time again because, as a current college student, the pool for scholarships I can apply for is approximately 8 percent. It can be discouraging, but I’ve never known to give up. The other people who win are just as deserving and I commend their blessing. A five-hundred dollar scholarship may not seem like much to some, but for me, that could help fund entire classes going into the fall semester. I aspire to create my own scholarship funds one day, so seeing this opportunity made available to current college students - I would love for there to be more in the future.

“No one else cares about that stuff but you,” a common phrase I’d hear in different iterations with a disapproving tone. Whether in school or at home, it was the worst thing in the world to be different. Initially, I got into animation because what kid doesn't love cartoons? However, with more experience and knowledge about the medium. I see it for the amazing and nuanced storytelling device that it is. I realized this after completing a teen animation summer program at Michigan State University. I was surrounded by upperclassmen in college- when I was only a junior in high school. The program was meant to simulate an actual art school class. We were expected to show up on time, write notes for the lecture, and complete a certain amount of work before a deadline. The class was relentless, I felt like I didn’t belong there. I never knew how laborious the animation process was and I was scared that I wasn’t cut out for this career path after all. I almost dropped out when our counselor told us only the best work makes it into the demo reel at the end of the program. After putting in an ample amount of work, I exceeded the expectations of everyone in the class including my counselor. I ended up not just as the opener for the demo reel presented for friends and family, but as the closer because two of my pieces were picked. After such a life-changing moment- I knew I needed to pursue this career even harder. Right now, we live in an age of apathy, insecurity, and identity crisis. Representation is needed now more than ever in today’s social climate, especially for minority youths in their journey through self-discovery. For this reason and others, my mission is to be a vessel and voice for the unrepresented sectors of society. Animation and stories can change how we see the world, awakening us to new perspectives, ideas, and values. I was born into a generational cycle of poverty and only knew the comfort of cartoons and animation growing up. Being a low-income student, I needed to work hard to break through insecurity. Watching relatable characters conquer their struggles and grow into who they are. See friends and families learning and growing together and never giving up when confronted with uncertainty or achieving their goals. Those stories gave me the main driving force to create inspiring works of art. I want to inspire that growth and change in everyone through the same means. Think back to a film or other piece of media that has ignited change in you. That inspired growth or instilled purpose- changed the way we perceive ourselves as a society. Those feelings are what I will emulate in my work. Acquiring my degree is indispensable because I will need obtainable skills to create stories, art, and animation to bring awareness to social issues, foster a sense of acceptance, bring people together by creating worlds that represent all groups of people, and teach audiences nuances they’ve never considered before. I vow to equip myself with the skills needed to create an everlasting cultural impact. I am Austin Mendoza. I’m pursuing this career because no one else “cares about that stuff,” but me. However, I will work hard to reach others who don’t through my work.

I’ve included this submission of a mixed-media piece of art I created for a dear friend before she passed away. What makes it “mixed media” is that it consists of three full-size canvases’ painted, inked, and bolted together. It took over seven hours and is currently my greatest artistic challenge giving me so much pride in it. While it dominates for the most laborious art I’ve ever made, the reason it exists made it completely worthwhile. I was inspired by my best friend, Courtney, who was struggling with invisible battles throughout our short time together. We met as colleagues through a part-time job and after half a year grew close to an inseparable bond. Every chance we could, we’d meet, talk on the phone, or text each other laughing and caterwauling at our conversations. This girl, while a wild card, was the quirkiest, most adventurous, and most compassionate person I have ever met. As someone who had just moved to a new state on the opposite side of the country, having someone who I could rely on to be my home away from home filled me with warm security. We told each other everything about ourselves with reckless abandon. When I told her I was an artist she immediately blurted the arbitrary “draw me” though at the time, I felt I couldn't. I knew I would never be satisfied drawing her in a regular bland portrait because of who she was. What I saw was someone who had more to her than what was on the surface. It was as if I could see her aura pouring into the ether and I didn't want to mess that up. One year later, Courtney passed away in a drunk driving incident. She was struggling with mental health and an awful day at work pushed her to cope by partying alone. Hearing the news was heartbreaking, but seeing the news coverage was traumatizing. A few years after her passing, I had finished my associate's degree and set my sights on being an educated animation director. I’m always looking to flex my creative muscles and in a rut, I remembered the request Courtney had asked of me to become inspired again. I became more confident in my artistic abilities and knew I could give the piece the justice it deserved now. An unordinary painting for an unordinary girl. I brought out three canvases and sketched the overall composition on them. Then, I decided to wash the top and bottom canvas with watercolor paint for an ethereal atmosphere. Painting the middle canvas black to juxtapose it with the brighter two colors. With a multi-pack of pens, I carefully inked everything. This piece required more skills than I had at the time pressuring me to research portrait drawing, watercolor wash techniques, and even how to bolt wood together. However, after four long days of balancing work and painting, I finished. There she was- and it was exactly how I remembered her. Beautiful, different, otherworldly. A wave of accomplishment washed over me at that moment. I didn’t just grow from this experience but as an artist too. I was used to making funny cartoons and characters, but I broke that personal limitation. I made art that meant something to someone other than myself. I submitted this in my portfolio for my SCAD acceptance with success. Even now she is helping to support me and my goal of becoming an animator. Looking at that piece, I made a silent promise that I would continue to learn and grow for both of us from now on.

My name is Austin Mendoza and I grew up in the projects, just me and my mom. She was constantly working to support me all on her own. One upcoming winter, she worried about her son not getting any gifts for Christmas. She learned of a program for low-income households offering a small child fair for free. Even though we were struggling, she still found a way to perform a Christmas miracle. That memory has since been with me and is the driving inspiration for why I get involved in my community. Poverty is the issue I would set out to solve. I want to gift that feeling of acceptance and support to others. An opportunity provided by Georgia State University allowed students to create artwork, make baked goods, or perform for underprivileged children in Social Circle, Georgia. Sparks flew instantly, so I signed up in a heartbeat. Spending 5 hours at most, I created six pieces of artwork and learned how to bake cookies from my grandmother. I also graphically designed wrapping paper with the GSU logo to wrap gifts for the kids. On the official date, I witnessed something incredible. A line of children all waited in anticipation, unaware of what was waiting. Our professor announced that the fair had begun. I spent the day passing out gifts and cookies and taking pictures. At sundown, a wave of joy washed over me. After that experience, I vowed to find a way to relieve the impact of poverty on people. I frequent the Atlanta area and see homeless people on every corner of every street. Whether in the blistering heat of summer or the debilitating harsh cold of the winter, there is always a small tent that lay perched on the side of the road. With my kitchen and a group of friends, we made modest sandwich lunches to bring with us on every trip to the city. Whenever we saw a homeless person, offering them one of our meals. My friends and I also started a small GoFundMe for homeless Atlanta residents to raise money for more shelters and poverty relief programs in the area. With the funds we’d raised, we contacted HOPE Atlanta’s Mission Homeless Shelter to donate what we could to assist in better quality of life and space for newcomers. In the grand scheme, I haven't done much for my community yet, but that only inspires me to go grander. I feel this wave of urgency to go out and make a change every morning I wake up. Through my career as an artist and my dedication to diversifying and flourishing my community, I know success is right around the corner and the Trees for Tuition Scholarship Fund, just like my real friends, will assist me in doing just that. Together, we can pursue this future together.

As we took our place behind the long and crowded line, the cold of December became harsh. I can't help but turn to look at my mom, who is smiling at seemingly nothing. What is this line even for? Why do I have to stand here? It seemed like hours had passed to my six-year-old brain, which had no patience. The plaza, crawling with people and objects covered in tarps, seemed like a cruel joke. Then suddenly, a woman at the front of the line announces, “Okay! Thank you all for waiting! You can come inside now!" Everyone rushes inside the plaza and is greeted by a large warehouse open area. Christmas decorations, horses dressed as reindeer, and a moving assembly line of wrapped gifts. Not just gifts for kids but supplies and canned food as well. I got a free gift and couldn't have been happier. I hadn't fully appreciated what this was, but as an adult, I now know it was altruistic. I grew up in the projects, just me and my mom. She was constantly working to support us all on her own. One upcoming winter, she worried about her son not getting any gifts for Christmas. She learned of a program for low-income households offering a small child's fair for free. Even though we were struggling, she still found a way to perform a Christmas miracle. That memory has since been with me and is the driving inspiration for why I get involved in my community. Every act of volunteering is me reliving the magic of that day. I want to gift that feeling of acceptance and support to others. The most recent act of volunteerism was an opportunity provided by Georgia State University. Students were requested to create artwork, make baked goods, or perform for underprivileged children in Social Circle, Georgia. Sparks flew instantly, so I signed up in a heartbeat. Spending 5 hours at most, I created six pieces of artwork and learned how to bake cookies from my grandmother. I also graphically designed wrapping paper with the GSU logo to wrap gifts for the kids. On the official date, I witnessed something incredible. A line of children all waited in anticipation, unaware of what was waiting. Our professor announced that the fair had begun. I spent the day passing out gifts and cookies and taking pictures. At sundown, a wave of joy washed over me. That day of giving what I had to support underprivileged children like me will inspire change in the cycle of poverty. I treasure memories of how support has changed me to become sensitive to the situations of the less fortunate. I will continue to volunteer and support people in my community in any way I can. I am humbled by the truth that what I have been given has made my life.

“No one else cares about that stuff but you, weirdo,” a common phrase I’d hear in different iterations with a disapproved tone. Whether at school, in my college prep class, or at home, it was the worst thing in the world to be different. These words never hurt me. The courage to be who I am, which is what others weren’t, gave me immeasurable strength. Right now, we live in an age of apathy, insecurity, and identity crisis. The need for representation has never been more prevalent in today’s social climate, especially for youths to begin their journey into self-discovery. Art can change how we see the world, awakening us to new perspectives, ideas, and values. I was born into a generational cycle of poverty and only knew the comfort of cartoons and animation growing up. I have broken through the chains of insecurity from watching relatable characters conquer their struggles and grow into who they are. Watching stories of friends and family learning and growing together while never giving up when confronted with uncertainty or achieving their goals gave me the main driving force to create my inspiring works of art. I want to inspire that growth and change in everyone through similar means. Acquiring my degree is indispensable because I will use my newly obtained skills to create stories, art, and animation to bring awareness to social issues, foster a sense of acceptance, bring people together by creating worlds that represent all groups of people, and teach audiences nuances they’ve never considered before. When I’ve shared my projects with the world, I will use my voice and influence to support aspiring youths interested in art, assist the underprivileged, and help develop a safe environment for the discussion and progression of all things cultural, ethnic, sexual, or gender identity in nature. As my career takes form, I will also give back to local foundations that support community members, schools, and businesses. Someday, I can raise enough money to host my scholarship for young, black, and different artists aspiring to break into the entertainment industry and challenge social norms. If awarded the GD Sandeford Memorial Scholarship, it will immensely assist me on my artistic journey. This opportunity is more than just a scholarship but a milestone in my mission and a solution for helping inspire everyone to reflect on their community and strive for a world that is ideal for all.

On my first day of school, I had no idea what was going on. As I turned to the big yellow vehicle that was said to take me to someplace somewhere, my mom grabbed me by the shoulder and said to me, "You are going to be different and that is okay. You will be different your whole life and even after that. But you should never be afraid of that." To this day I fear no opinion of me. I am a self-taught and self-motivated artist and have been since Elementary school. My passion is a career in 2D Animation and I've learned to harness my superpower of hyper fixation and passion for art and stories to study everything about the animation and film industry. I am a master at reading emotions, conveying them, telling stories, analyzing stories, and applying them to real life. Those inspiring stories that I've gorged myself on since grade school has motivated me to create my own and give that same drive and passion to everyone. What I bring to the table is my unique and strong perspective on everything in life because I believe if you don't have a strong feeling associated with it, it isn't worth your time. Art has the power to change the way we see the world, awakening us to new perspectives, ideas, and values. Acquiring education is important to me because I will use my stories and art to bring awareness to social issues, foster a sense of acceptance, and bring people together by creating worlds that represent all groups of people and teach audiences nuances they’ve never considered before. When you think of that one amazing TV show or movie that moved you in a way and inspired change and growth in yourself, that is the feeling I will fight my entire life to give to you and anyone else who has seen and experienced my own work. Art is an opportunity to problem-solve and grow within ourselves and our communities. A degree will teach me exactly how to provide those unique ways for understanding different points of view and inspire meaningful change in our community. The more that I learn and grow in my art and the art of others, the more passionate I become about animation and inspiring hope in others the way it has always done for me. I hope I've inspired even you today. My name is Austin Mendoza and there isn't a single person just like me.