Music that EmpowersHER Hello, I'm Bella Michael Provo, and I recently graduated from Centennial High School on May 22, 2025. I am so thrilled to be a rising freshman at Spelman College, the number one HBCU ranked for social mobility and global empowerment for Black women. I will be majoring in Piano Performance and minoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. I am also honored to serve as the principal pianist for its Glee Club. As a classically trained pianist, I've achieved rewarding performance and teaching opportunities. I am incredibly grateful for my piano training, as it has empowered me to contribute to a field that seeks to create more space for voices like mine. Growing up, Barbie was one of my She-ros. She has been everything from an astronaut to a rock star, professions historically dominated by men. That kind of representation has transcended through the generations, empowering all girls from all walks of life, especially mine. One Barbie, in particular, spoke to me. I can still see her gazing at me from her pink dollhouse. She had big, luscious curls and tiny brown hands holding a teeny guitar with a sparkle in her eye and parted red lips that seemed to whisper, "You can be anything!"., I saw a reflection of myself: a Black girl in music. Despite Barbie's complex legacy, the brand's resounding message fuels my dream of becoming Dr. Bella Michael Provo, a trailblazing pianist. Barbie's message empowers me to set the stage. Growing up as a classical pianist, "representation" wasn't just a buzzword; it was a call to action. From performing at Carnegie Hall to studying at the University of Georgia and Berklee College of Music, and through every competition in between, my brown skin was often the surprise guest in the room. However, Black women and generational talents like Florence Price, Nina Simone, Alicia Keys, and Isata Kanneh-Mason prove that anyone can thrive in piano performance if given the chance. Now, it's up to me to continue their legacies. Like the pathfinders before me, I see myself as an inspirational force to all girls, not just those who are Black or brown. I'm not only dreaming of this future; I'm actively working towards it. I currently teach at Thunder Road Studios, where I've guided quiet fingers as they transformed into melodic messengers for three years. Under my instruction, girls like Ava found inspiration simply because someone who looked like them was there to represent them. However, I have to be a better student to become the best teacher. First, I will empower my development through piano performance and entrepreneurial studies at Spelman College. After completing my undergraduate program, I will pursue my doctoral studies at the New England Conservatory to evolve into Dr. Bella Michael. Next, I will perform on the biggest stages, shining as a beacon of hope to all the girls watching me. Most importantly, I will reach back to underserved youth by opening schools where music, business, technology, and core subjects come together. Through every note I play and every student I teach, I'll champion Barbie's resounding message: "You can be anything!" One that EmpowersHER! Thank you for reading my essay and for your thoughtful consideration during the review process. If you'd like to see me play, you can find a link below. Franz Liszt: 3 etudes de concert S. 144 No. 3 "Un Sospiro" Performed by Bella Michael: https://youtu.be/vBOdJdQqwHw Have a sparkling day!

The Happy Birthday Surprise that Made me, me! My favorite day of the year is my birthday. It could be the Cash App notifications or my annual slice of Oreo cheesecake. However, nothing compares to my 8th birthday, when I received a gift that kept giving. The day began with her slipping a pillowcase over my head. Stumbling down the hallway," Mommy has a surprise for you!" she whispered. She guided me to my room, giggling behind the camera as she recorded the moment. Then, one, two, three—she pulled the cover off. "Eeeeeee! Yes, yes, yes!" I squealed. There was a white Casio keyboard, paired with an iPad Mini, ready to lead me on a journey. The tablet lit up like magic. I tapped on the Yousician learning icon, and a colorful adventure began. Notes bounced across the screen as I played rhythms, scales, and my first song, La Bamba. With every note, the piano became my favorite place in the world. On my 12th birthday, my mom upgraded my piano to a Yamaha upright grand. Meanwhile, Mr. Gouvêa, a passionate pianist, prepared me for the American Protégé piano competition. For my winning prize, I found myself underneath the golden lights of Carnegie Hall at just 14 years old. Feeling like a princess in my black sequin gown, my fingers drifted like clouds over the ivory and black keys as Chopin's Nocturne No. 2 in C-sharp minor flowed with emotion. As the final note fell, a swirling wave of applause filled the room. That's when I knew I wanted to become a concert pianist. But I had a lot of work to do. I started participating in piano intensives at the University of Georgia and Berklee College of Music. I was on a college tour, surrounded by other pianists who lived and breathed piano. I embraced the experience, feeling both inspired and shaken. I immediately realized the competition was looking fierce and preparing my portfolio wasn't going to be easy. Time wasn't on my side, and neither was money. My single mom lost her job when I was 15. Piano lessons suddenly became a luxury we couldn't afford anymore. I didn't know where to begin. Working in fast food or at the mall would have been far too tempting—food, clothes, makeup—I'd blow every paycheck. With college auditions approaching, I couldn't sacrifice school or piano practice either. I needed a job that paid well and didn't require too much time or temptation. Then it hit me—teach piano! Teaching added a deeper purpose to my life. I guided quiet fingers as they transformed into melodic messengers. Under my instruction, brown girls like Ava found inspiration simply because someone who looked like them was there to represent and light their path. I knew then that representation wasn't just a buzzword but my calling. As I look back, I am so grateful for my happy birthday surprise and a supportive mother. What started with a Casio keyboard and an iPad became a launchpad for my career in piano performance and education. Now, I'm ready to live each day filled with curiosity, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. First, I will study Piano Performance at Spelman College and prepare to become Dr. Bella Michael at the New England Conservatory. Then, one day, I'll perform on world-renowned stages and open a music academy, not for applause but to spark the gifts within others. Because with every melody I play and every note I teach, I am excited to share the gift of music—one that made my life! Happy Birthday Moment YouTube Short: https://youtube.com/shorts/PXZQV5MtbMw?feature=share  Performance Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBOdJdQqwHw

I can still see her gazing at me from her pink dollhouse, daring me to dream. With her big, luscious curls and tiny brown hands holding a teeny guitar, I saw a reflection of myself—a Black girl in music. Despite Barbie's complex legacy, the brand's resounding message —"You can be anything!"— set the stage for my dream of becoming Dr. Bella Michael Provo, a trailblazing musician. Growing up as a classical pianist, "representation" wasn't just a buzzword; it was a call to action. From performing at Carnegie Hall to studying at the University of Georgia and Berklee College of Music to every competition in between, my brown skin was often the surprise guest in the room. However, generational talents like Florence Price, Nina Simone, Alicia Keys, and Isata Kanneh-Mason prove that anyone can thrive in music performance if given the chance. Now, it’s up to me to continue those legacies. Like the pathfinders before me, I see myself as an inspirational force. I'm not only dreaming of it; I'm working towards it. First, I will attend Spelman College, where I will empower my development through piano performance and entrepreneurial studies. After undergrad, I will evolve into Dr. Bella Michael at the New England Conservatory. Next, I will perform on the biggest stages and shine as a beacon of inspiration. Most importantly, I will reach back to underserved youth by opening schools where music, business, technology, and core subjects come together. Through every note I play and every student I teach, I'll champion Barbie's message: "You can be anything!"