As a child, I immersed myself in colors and shapes, trying out different sketches on my drafts. My journey with art has always been a constant companion as it has tied with my growing up and consequently, the person I am today. For me, art is more than just a pastime. Rather, it is a medium through which I can speak about my ideas and feelings, and I consider it as an important device that I wish to positively utilize to impact the world. In high school, I became the chairperson of the community service club for St. Jude’s, and at that place, I created events and structured the community to make cards to donate to patients. Through this experience, I was able to understand the essence of leadership and how creativity is important in motivating others towards a common goal. I remember how I struggled whenever we organized bake sales and jewelry-making workshops, but eventually, we earned over 2000 dollars and eventually, the club became the biggest service group in the school. Witnessing the power of art every day and knowing how it can bring happiness to those in need was fulfilling and satisfying. My commitment to the arts is not limited only to community service. I remember teaching art classes to the students at the West LA Art Center, wherein they were encouraged to unlock their creative potential. Helping people through their artistic endeavors was rewarding and it helped to further solidify my perception that art can be changing and empowering. I also ran the center’s social networks and promoted the center through my design skills so as to get more students. After the devastating Palisades fire and my school being burnt down along with many friends and families, it was hard to imagine how i could continue my art career with so much hardship, yet I was persistent and kept pushing to find opportunities outside of school where I could fufill my passion. Two months passed, and I was accepted as the youngest member of the artist-owned collective TEN Women Gallery in Santa Monica, which marked a significant turning point in my artistic career. I felt validated when my work was bought and shown in public for the first time, but I also had to pay for my gallery space. To support this, I launched an online clothing store, combining my love for fashion and entrepreneurship to sustain my spot at the gallery. I learned how to maintain my passion on my own through this difficult yet empowering experience. I have always looked out into the horizon and imagined myself as a bright mind in the world of architecture & design. Art and worldbuilding have always gone hand-in-hand for me, and I plan to create structures that stand out whilst being beneficial for the environment. The kind of work that I hope to be involved in is that which inspires people and gives them hope and a sense of belonging. Creativity has been a driving force of change for me throughout my lifelong journey in the art world. I aim to realize my ambitions in various fields, whether it be architecture, community projects, or teaching art to kids. Receiving the Palette & Purpose Scholarship would enable me to pursue my career further and pursue my sound artistic concepts to make the world more colorful and beautiful.

As President of St. Jude's Hospital Club at Palisades Charter High School, I led a turnaround that enabled our group, the largest service organization at my school, to raise over $2,000 for children's cancer. As a member throughout high school, I was appointed secretary and then president in eleventh and twelfth grades, respectively. This year, our group started holding weekly fundraising bake sales at the farmer's market. Our melted cookies in plastic bags and flimsy jewelry attracted few customers and minimal sales. I was determined to change that. In the following weeks, I initiated many changes to improve sales. On Saturday nights when we baked, I experimented with changes in variables like ingredients and temperatures to make better cookies. I researched alternatives and purchased better tablecloths and gloves, new signs, platters, and packaging. Our team members would bring necessary items like tables and signs. We improved our stand and experimented with arrangements of our display, which now included a Venmo sign. I sought ideas from our group about how we could talk to people differently to engage their interest. With all these changes in place, I would wake up at 6:00 a.m., excited and optimistic about our bake sales. We loaded my car with cookies, which were delicious and perfected by now, and also our improved jewelry. As we set up our booth at the Palisades Farmers Market, the temperature again climbed to the 90s, but instead of my team's grumblings about the heat and fatigue, we now had surprising stamina and energy. Our improvements increasingly bore fruit as we made personal connections to our customers and began to promote our bake sales online. My accomplishments as a club leader have sprung from a strong sense of responsibility for the worthwhile cause of children's cancer research and treatment. These successes have also been founded on an ability to engage fellow members and make them care about our team and common values. This feeling of camaraderie motivated all of us to devote time and energy to the club until we overcame the initial slump and discouragement. Although we are no longer able to host bake sales in the Palidences because of the devastating fire, we were forced to go online while our administration looks for an alternative campus. Despite hardship, we continue to organize bake sales at other local farmers' markets with other dedicated members. I hope that with the Gregory Chase Carter Memorial Scholarship Fund, I can bring the same organizational and leadership skills to student organizations at my university and much more.

As a child, I immersed myself in colors and shapes, trying out different sketches on my drafts. My journey with art has always been a constant companion as it has tied with my growing up and consequently, the person I am today. For me, art is more than just a pastime. Rather, it is a medium through which I can speak about my ideas and feelings, and I consider it as an important device that I wish to positively utilize to impact the world. In high school, I became the chairperson of the community service club for St. Jude’s, and at that place, I created events and structured the community to make cards to donate to patients. Through this experience, I was able to understand the essence of leadership and how creativity is important in motivating others towards a common goal. I remember how I struggled whenever we organized bake sales and jewelry-making workshops, but eventually, we earned over 2000 dollars and eventually, the club became the biggest service group in the school. Witnessing the power of art every day and knowing how it can bring happiness to those in need was fulfilling and satisfying. My commitment to the arts is not limited only to community service. I remember teaching art classes to the students at the West LA Art Center, wherein they were encouraged to unlock their creative potential. Helping people through their artistic endeavors was rewarding and it helped to further solidify my perception that art can be changing and empowering. I also ran the center’s social networks and promoted the center through my design skills so as to get more students. After the devastating Palisades fire and my school being burnt down, it was hard to imagine how I could continue my art career with so much hardship, yet I was persistent and kept pushing to find opportunities outside of school where I could fulfill my passion. Two months passed, and I was accepted as the youngest member of the artist-owned collective TEN Women Gallery in Santa Monica, which marked a significant turning point in my artistic career. I felt validated when my work was bought and shown in public for the first time, but I also had to pay for my gallery space. To support this, I launched an online clothing store, combining my love for fashion and entrepreneurship to sustain my spot at the gallery. I learned how to maintain my passion on my own through this difficult yet empowering experience. Most of my work reflects my childhood, nostalgia, and growing up. Living in Los Angeles, a lot of my pieces focus on the beach and local areas. The lifeguard tower symbolizes growing up while staying connected to your roots, as it has remained constant even as the tide changes. My painting of New York, New York captures my perspective of the city—exciting and industrial, especially since I’m from Los Angeles. I hope to visit it one day. Other works, like the 10 freeway, depict familiar roads I've traveled throughout my life. Whether it was driving to school, which has transitioned to virtual since the devastating fires, the freeways serve as areas of remembrance. Creativity has been a driving force of change for me throughout my lifelong journey in the art world. I aim to realize my ambitions in various fields, whether it be architecture, community projects, or teaching art to kids. Receiving the Selin Alexandra Legacy Scholarship for the Arts would enable me to pursue my career further and pursue my sound artistic concepts to make the world more colorful and beautiful.

As a child, I immersed myself in colors and shapes, trying out different sketches on my drafts. My journey with art has always been a constant companion as it has tied with my growing up and consequently, the person I am today. For me, art is more than just a pastime. Rather, it is a medium through which I can speak about my ideas and feelings, and I consider it as an important device that I wish to positively utilize to impact the world. In high school, I became the chairperson of the community service club for St. Jude’s, and at that place, I created events and structured the community to make cards to donate to patients. Through this experience, I was able to understand the essence of leadership and how creativity is important in motivating others towards a common goal. I remember how I struggled whenever we organized bake sales and jewelry-making workshops, but eventually, we earned over 2000 dollars and eventually, the club became the biggest service group in the school. Witnessing the power of art every day and knowing how it can bring happiness to those in need was fulfilling and satisfying. My commitment to the arts is not limited only to community service. I remember teaching art classes to the students at the West LA Art Center, wherein they were encouraged to unlock their creative potential. Helping people through their artistic endeavors was rewarding and it helped to further solidify my perception that art can be changing and empowering. I also ran the center’s social networks and promoted the center through my design skills so as to get more students. Being accepted as the youngest member of the artist-owned collective TEN Women Gallery in Santa Monica marked a significant turning point in my artistic career. I felt validated when my work was bought and shown in public for the first time, but I also had to pay for my gallery space. To support this, I launched an online clothing store, combining my love for fashion and entrepreneurship to sustain my spot at the gallery. I learned how to maintain my passion on my own through this difficult yet empowering experience. I have always looked out into the horizon and imagined myself as a bright mind in the world of architecture & design. Art and worldbuilding have always gone hand-in-hand for me, and I plan to create structures that stand out, whilst being beneficial for the environment. The kind of work that I hope to be involved in is that which inspires people and gives them hope and a sense of belonging. Creativity has been a driving force of change for me throughout my lifelong journey in the art world. I aim to realize my ambitions in various fields whether it be architecture, community projects, or teaching art to kids. Receiving the Christal Carter Creative Arts Scholarship would enable me to pursue my career further and pursue my sound artistic concepts to make the world more colorful and beautiful.

This year, summer didn't bring its usual enjoyment and relaxation with friends and family. My life was instead filled with sorrow, with the sounds of my aunt and uncle sobbing and wailing day and night. Our entire family was shaken to the core when my cousin took his own life. He was such a kind, happy, highly educated, and successful person. Behind the scenes, though, he had been grappling with drug addiction. After the loss, my mom and I stayed at my aunt's house for over two weeks, joined at various times by other relatives. I would hold my aunt when she would cry and tell her that it was going to be all right, that we loved her and would be there for her. I would help around the house, prepare warm meals, and clean the dishes. I would make her tea with melted rock candy and watch her sip the hot drink impatiently. I also took care of my aunt and uncle physically to ensure their safe movement around the house, as they are both around 90 years old and have limited mobility. I pondered my powerlessness in the face of family members whose hearts and lives were broken beyond repair. But over time, I felt more reassured that my presence had soothed my aunt and uncle and their pain. They didn't have to go through their hardship alone. Our conversations and activities like sharing meals had hopefully distracted them temporarily. They showed them that life could go on and indeed continue to have redeemable qualities when loved ones had each other. This experience infused me with greater empathy and understanding and taught me to care for others in their need. I discovered that although my aunt and uncle's ultimate solace lay elsewhere in faith and spirituality, the words and deeds of our entire family working as a team strengthened not just them, but all of us. It brought us closer and reminded us not to take our friends and family for granted, but instead to make an extra effort to protect their well-being. Although this was a rough chapter in my life, it taught me the importance of family valuing the time we spend with one another and not taking anything for granted. For others going through a similar loss, I would recommend remembering the fulfilling life their loved one lived and that they should be happy they had a role in that.

The biggest influence in my life has been my Persian heritage and culture. Growing up in a Middle Eastern family, I was surrounded by the rich history and vibrant artistry of Persian culture. This deep connection to my roots has profoundly shaped my identity and fueled my passion for art and design. The intricate patterns, bold colors, and timeless elegance of Persian art have inspired me to pursue a career where I can blend traditional influences with modern innovation. As a high school senior with a strong interest in art, design, and business, I plan to use my artistic skills to create innovative solutions in the fashion industry. I am particularly passionate about sustainable fashion and the role that technology can play in making the industry more eco-friendly. My goal is to develop a line of clothing that incorporates sustainable materials and cutting-edge design techniques, creating fashion that is both beautiful and environmentally responsible. What makes my artistic skills unique is my ability to integrate my cultural heritage with contemporary design. I draw inspiration from traditional Persian motifs and patterns, reimagining them in modern contexts to create designs that are both unique and meaningful. This fusion of the old and the new allows me to tell stories through my work, celebrating my culture while also pushing the boundaries of design. In college, I plan to further hone my skills by studying art, design, and business. I am particularly interested in programs that offer an interdisciplinary approach, as I believe that understanding the business side of fashion is crucial to making a lasting impact. By combining these fields, I aim to address the challenges faced by the fashion industry today, such as sustainability and ethical production, with innovative and culturally inspired solutions. Receiving the Christian Miles Pratt Foundation Scholarship would provide me with the financial support necessary to pursue my education and bring my creative vision to life. With the knowledge and skills I acquire, I am confident that I can make a meaningful contribution to the world of art and design, using my heritage as a source of inspiration and innovation. Ultimately, my vision is to create a brand that not only offers beautiful and innovative designs but also makes a positive impact on the world. I want to inspire others to see fashion as a form of art that can drive change and promote sustainability, while also celebrating the diverse cultures that make up our global community. By staying true to my roots and embracing the future, I hope to make a difference in the fashion industry and beyond.

As a child, I immersed myself in colors and shapes, trying out different sketches on my drafts. My journey with art has always been a constant companion as it has tied with my growing up and consequently, the person I am today. For me, art is more than just a pastime. Rather, it is a medium through which I can speak about my ideas and feelings, and I consider it as an important device that I wish to positively utilize to impact the world. In high school, I became the chairperson of the community service club for St. Jude’s, and at that place, I created events and structured the community to make cards to donate to patients. Through this experience, I was able to understand the essence of leadership and how creativity is important in motivating others towards a common goal. I remember how I struggled whenever we organized bake sales and jewelry-making workshops, but eventually, we earned over 2000 dollars and eventually, the club became the biggest service group in the college. Witnessing the power of art every day and knowing how it can bring happiness to those in need was fulfilling and satisfying. My commitment to the arts is not limited only to community service. I remember teaching art classes to the students at the West LA Art Center, wherein they were encouraged to unlock their creative potential. Helping people through their artistic endeavors was rewarding and it helped to further solidify my perception that art can be changing and empowering. I also ran the center’s social networks and promoted the center through my design skills so as to get more students. I have always looked out into the horizon and imagined myself as a bright mind in the world of architecture & design. Art and worldbuilding have always gone hand-in-hand for me, and I wish to create structures that stand out, whilst being beneficial for the environment. The kind of work that I wish to be involved in is that which inspires people and gives them hope and a sense of belonging. Creativity has been a driving force of change for me throughout my lifelong journey in the art world. I aim to realize my ambitions in various fields whether it be architecture, community projects, or teaching art to kids. Receiving the Palette & Purpose Scholarship would enable me to pursue my career further and pursue my sound artistic concepts to make the world more colorful and beautiful.

My name is Ayla Daryabegi, and I am a Middle Eastern woman raised in a Muslim household. Growing up in a multicultural environment has been an enriching experience, shaping my perspectives and influencing my educational journey in profound ways. My background has instilled in me a strong sense of community and responsibility, which has been a guiding force throughout my life. Education has always been a priority in my family, and I have been encouraged to pursue my passions with dedication and integrity. As a rising high school senior with a GPA of 3.85, I have worked hard to balance my academics with my extracurricular activities. Being involved in various clubs and projects, such as leading the St. Jude's Club and the Sahara Rose Project, has allowed me to develop leadership skills and a strong sense of empathy. These experiences have taught me the importance of giving back and advocating for those who may not have a voice. My Muslim upbringing has emphasized the value of education and the importance of using knowledge to contribute positively to society. This has fueled my ambition to study Arts, Design, Architecture, and Business at prestigious institutions like the University of California (UCLA), Stanford University, Yale University, or Princeton University. I believe that these fields will allow me to blend creativity with practicality, enabling me to design solutions that can improve people's lives. Looking to the future, I am determined to pay it forward by inspiring and supporting future generations of students like myself. One of my goals is to establish a mentorship program that connects high school students from diverse backgrounds with professionals in their fields of interest. This program would provide guidance and resources to help students navigate their educational and career paths, much like the support I received from my mentors and community. Additionally, I plan to continue my involvement in community service projects that empower women and promote education. By organizing workshops and events that raise awareness about important issues, I hope to inspire young women to pursue their dreams and break down barriers that may stand in their way. Through these efforts, I aim to create a ripple effect that encourages more students to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in their communities. In conclusion, my background as a Muslim woman has profoundly influenced my educational journey and future aspirations. It has taught me the value of perseverance, empathy, and community involvement. By pursuing my goals and giving back to others, I hope to honor my heritage and contribute to a brighter future for all students. With the support of scholarships like the Ismat Tariq Muslim Women Empowerment Scholarship, I am confident that I can achieve my dreams and help pave the way for others to do the same.

Growing up in a bustling city filled with diverse cultures and vibrant communities, I have always been surrounded by a tapestry of stories and experiences. While my background is not rooted in the inner city, my Middle Eastern heritage has given me a unique perspective on the world. The stories of my family and their journey have shaped my understanding of resilience and the importance of pursuing one's passions. From a young age, I was captivated by the colors and patterns in my surroundings, from the intricate designs in traditional Middle Eastern art to the lively street murals in my city. This fascination with visual storytelling led me to dream of becoming an artist. My passion for understanding and conveying the human experience through art has always driven me to explore new creative avenues. I believe that art is a powerful tool for communication and connection, capable of transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. While I am not pursuing a career as a traditional artist in the sense of painting or sculpting, I see the application of art as a way to shape and influence the modern world. Art can be a catalyst for change, sparking conversations and inspiring action. To me, being an artist is about creating and designing experiences that resonate with people, much like a storyteller with a pen. Art has the unique ability to reach people on an emotional level, evoking feelings and thoughts that might otherwise remain unspoken. It serves as a mirror reflecting society's values, struggles, and triumphs. Through art, we can challenge societal norms, question injustices, and promote empathy and understanding among diverse groups. It can bring attention to issues that need addressing, such as climate change, inequality, and human rights, in ways that are impactful and memorable. One of my greatest inspirations is Marillyn Hewson, whose leadership at Lockheed Martin exemplifies the power of innovation and dedication. Her journey as a woman in a male-dominated field is particularly inspiring to me as a young woman aspiring to make a mark in the art world. Her ability to break barriers and lead with integrity motivates me to pursue my dreams, regardless of the challenges I may face. In addition to leaders like Marillyn Hewson, I am inspired by the natural world and the stories it holds. The vast landscapes, the complexity of human interactions, and the delicate balance of our environment all fuel my desire to use art as a means of exploring and addressing contemporary issues. I am driven by the potential to make a positive impact on our society, using creativity and innovation to foster a new culture of awareness and appreciation. Art also plays a crucial role in personal development and self-expression. It provides individuals with a medium to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in ways that words often cannot capture. For many, creating art is a therapeutic process that allows them to process their feelings and experiences. It can be a safe space to explore identity, confront fears, and celebrate individuality. In educational settings, art encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It promotes creativity and innovation, which are essential in today's rapidly changing world. By engaging with art, students learn to think outside the box, approach problems from different angles, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. These skills are invaluable, not only in artistic fields but in any career path they choose to pursue. My artist statement is rooted in the belief that art is a form of expression that has the power to change the world. It is about creating pieces that are not only visually appealing but also meaningful in their message and impact. I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to address global challenges, from cultural understanding to environmental advocacy, and to inspire others to see the beauty and potential in art. As I look to the future, I am excited about the opportunities to study at institutions like UCLA, Stanford, Yale, or Princeton, where I can further develop my skills and contribute to innovative projects. These universities offer a diverse and dynamic environment where I can collaborate with like-minded individuals and learn from leading experts in art and its applications. In these academic settings, I hope to explore the intersection of art and technology, using new media to create immersive experiences that engage and educate audiences. The fusion of art with fields like engineering and environmental science opens up new possibilities for addressing complex issues in creative ways. Whether through interactive installations, digital storytelling, or community-based projects, I aim to use art to inspire positive change and foster a deeper connection between people and the world they inhabit. In conclusion, my journey is driven by a passion for creativity and a commitment to making a difference. I am inspired by the leaders and artists who have paved the way before me, and I am determined to follow in their footsteps, using my background and experiences to fuel my pursuit of knowledge and artistic expression. Through art, I aim to be a catalyst for cultural evolution, crafting experiences that enhance our understanding and appreciation of the world around us. Art is not just about creating beautiful images; it is about telling stories, challenging perceptions, and inspiring action. It is about using creativity to explore the complexities of the human experience and to build bridges between diverse communities. By embracing the power of art, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive, understanding, and compassionate world, where everyone has the opportunity to express themselves and be heard.