Where I Belong, We Belong The room felt frozen as my hands hovered over the black and ivory keys, trembling but steady. All eyes were on me. I almost couldn’t believe it—me, performing on one of the most famous stages in the world, Carnegie Hall? Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to become a concert pianist, a goal I could never have achieved on my own. My mom was my coach. Daily training began at 3:50 a.m. with four hours of exercises and repertoire. Some mornings I wanted to stay in bed, but she was always there, cheering me into the day. “It doesn’t matter how you feel,” she’d say. “It matters how you look back and say, ‘I did that.’” My mom balanced long shifts as a single mother, maintaining our home, and still found time to support my goals. For her, I am grateful. I didn’t see it at first, but I learned through experience that I am holding a torch passed down from Alicia Keys, Nina Simone, and Florence Price — not just the torch of passion and talent, but generational talent that shows up for those who do not see themselves in this space. From performing at Carnegie Hall to studying at the Berklee College of Music to every competition in between, my skin was usually the surprise guest in the room. My truth aligns with the fact that Black musicians make up only 2.1 percent of classical performers, and even fewer are Black women pianists. There is no other place that understands the importance of Black talent and truly nurtures it like an HBCU. It was hard choosing between two exciting acceptance letters, Howard University and Spelman College. However, “A Choice to Change the World,” the infamous Spelman motto, aligns with my values—and that’s exactly what I plan to do. At Spelman, I am preparing for graduate studies at the New England Conservatory, where I aim to become a skilled music teacher who can go back to my community and uplift the next generation of Black Excellence in music. Dr. Kevin Johnson’s gospel-jazz training adds depth to my artistic expression. In just one month, I already feel my music evolving as African-American studies and collaborations with Spelman’s Glee and Chamber groups strengthen both my identity and my artistry. Currently, I’m already making a difference. For three years, I’ve taught piano professionally and volunteered as a tutor, dedicating over 1500 hours to teaching. I walk in as a student myself, but sit down as a guiding light. My student Ava once told me, “Miss Bella, I like the piano because you play it.” Her words reminded me that representation isn’t just an idea—it’s trailblazing. With a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, I plan to establish my artistic brand and create the framework for scholarship-based music academies in Atlanta, making quality training more accessible to deserving kids. Although I could have studied piano anywhere, Spelman is shaping me into a leader who shows up boldly and challenges the world to do better. Looking back, Carnegie Hall showed me what was possible, my mom kept me on track, Dr. Chung prepared me for milestones, and Spelman is empowering me to make a difference in music. With the support of the Crown to Lead HBCU Scholarship, I can remain on campus and access the practice rooms I need to build a legacy that inspires. Together, we can create space in classical music that celebrates every voice and every culture, giving each child who dreams the chance to belong and succeed! Recent Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBOdJdQqwHw

Where I Belong, We Belong The room felt frozen as my hands hovered over the black and ivory keys, trembling but steady. All eyes were on me. I almost couldn’t believe it—me, performing on one of the most famous stages in the world, Carnegie Hall? Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to become a concert pianist, a goal I could never have achieved on my own. My mom was my coach. Daily training began at 3:50 a.m. with four hours of exercises and repertoire. Some mornings I wanted to stay in bed, but she was always there, cheering me into the day. “It doesn’t matter how you feel,” she’d say. “It matters how you look back and say, ‘I did that.’” My mom balanced long shifts as a single mother, maintaining our home, and still found time to support my goals. For her, I am grateful. I didn’t see it at first, but I learned through experience that I am holding a torch passed down from Alicia Keys, Nina Simone, and Florence Price — not just the torch of passion and talent, but generational talent that shows up for those who do not see themselves in this space. From performing at Carnegie Hall to studying at the Berklee College of Music to every competition in between, my skin was usually the surprise guest in the room. My truth aligns with the fact that Black musicians make up only 2.1 percent of classical performers, and even fewer are Black women pianists. There is no other place that understands the importance of Black talent and truly nurtures it like an HBCU. It was hard choosing between two exciting acceptance letters, Howard University and Spelman College. However, “A Choice to Change the World,” the infamous Spelman motto, aligns with my values—and that’s exactly what I plan to do. At Spelman, I am preparing for graduate studies at the New England Conservatory, where I aim to become a skilled music teacher who can go back to my community and uplift the next generation of Black Excellence in music. Dr. Kevin Johnson’s gospel-jazz training adds depth to my artistic expression. In just one month, I already feel my music evolving as African-American studies and collaborations with Spelman’s Glee and Chamber groups strengthen both my identity and my artistry. Currently, I’m already making a difference. For three years, I’ve taught piano professionally and volunteered as a tutor, dedicating over 1500 hours to teaching. I walk in as a student myself, but sit down as a guiding light. My student Ava once told me, “Miss Bella, I like the piano because you play it.” Her words reminded me that representation isn’t just an idea—it’s trailblazing. With a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, I plan to establish my artistic brand and create the framework for scholarship-based music academies in Atlanta, making quality training more accessible to deserving kids. Although I could have studied piano anywhere, Spelman is shaping me into a leader who shows up boldly and challenges the world to do better. Looking back, Carnegie Hall showed me what was possible, my mom kept me on track, Dr. Chung prepared me for milestones, and Spelman is empowering me to make a difference in music. With the support of the Vision of Music Scholarship, I can remain on campus and access the practice rooms I need to build a legacy that inspires. Together, we can create space in classical music that celebrates every voice and every culture, giving each child who dreams the chance to belong and succeed in music. Recent Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBOdJdQqwHw

Harmony’s Missing Notes My hands hovered above the piano keys under the warmth of golden lights, trembling but steady. I could hardly believe it. Me, performing at Carnegie Hall? Silent anticipation wrapped around me, and for a moment, debt crept in. 'Breathe, Bella. You belong here.' I told myself. As I started to play Chopin’s Nocturne No. 2 in C# minor, the music sang through my fingertips. When the final note fell, the crowd froze. Then a rushing wave of applause resounded throughout the room. Years of practice and sacrifice had led me here, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of not belonging. Then I remembered my mom’s words: 'I’m the Aaron to your Moses.' Reminding me that when I feel alone, I know I have my calling, my faith, and my support system backing me. At Carnegie Hall, I could feel both the honor and the weight of carrying a torch passed down from Alicia Keys, Nina Simone, and Florence Price. It was not just the torch of passion and talent, but also the courage to show up for others. Their existence matters because Black musicians make up only 2.1 percent of classical performers, and even fewer are Black women in piano performance. My experiences confirm this reality. From performing at Carnegie Hall to studying at the Berklee College of Music and competing across the country, my presence was often the surprise in the room. While I am proud to stand in that small group, I want to pass the torch. My dream is to make classical piano a place where diversity is more than a checkmark, but the norm. To reach that dream, I use my voice as both a performing artist and an educator. Taking the stage is where I can inspire others to join me on this journey. But my purpose goes beyond performing. For the past three years, I’ve taught piano at Thunder Road Music Studios and also volunteered as a music tutor, investing over 300 hours in children who truly deserve a chance to learn. Too often, quality training is out of reach for many children in underserved communities, with financial constraints and limited access to teachers as the biggest barriers. And, I am determined to change that. Every lesson, I walk in as a student, but sit down as a leader, guiding shy little hands until they become bold and confident maestros of music. My student Ava recently shared, “I like piano because you play it.” She showed me that representation is not just a buzzword, it’s my calling. Yesterday, today, and always, I will show up courageously, teach with understanding, and empower the next generation to thrive in music performance. With the support of the Private (PVT) Henry Walker Minority Scholarship, I can remain on campus and have unlimited access to the practice rooms I need to grow as a Piano Performance major. Together, we can ensure that spaces of harmony are no longer missing their colorful notes, but instead sing with every voice, every culture, and every child who dares to dream through music.

Harmony’s Missing Notes Standing up for what is right takes courage, compassion, and a passion for uplifting others. This is the spirit of Mohamed Magdi Taha and a command from Allah. The Quran calls believers to stand firm in justice (Quran 4:135), not just in law or politics, but in daily life. To me, fairness means that anyone who wants to be a musician should have the opportunity to learn. Acting on this belief began on June 25, 2022, when I found myself performing on one of the world’s biggest stages. My hands hovered above the piano keys under the warmth of golden lights, trembling but steady. I could hardly believe it. Me, performing at Carnegie Hall? Silent anticipation wrapped around me, and for a moment, debt crept in. 'Breathe, Bella. You belong here.' I told myself. As I started to play Chopin’s Nocturne No. 2 in C# minor, the music sang through my fingertips. When the final note fell, the crowd froze. Then a rushing wave of applause resounded throughout the room. Years of practice and sacrifice had led me here, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of not belonging. Then I remembered my mom’s words: 'I’m the Aaron to your Moses.' Reminding me that when I feel alone, I know I have my calling, my faith, and my support system backing me. At Carnegie Hall, I could feel both the honor and the weight of carrying a torch passed down from Alicia Keys, Nina Simone, and Florence Price. It was not just the torch of passion and talent, but also the courage to show up for others. Their existence matters because Black musicians make up only 2.1 percent of classical performers, and even fewer are Black women in piano performance. My experiences confirm this reality. From performing at Carnegie Hall to studying at the Berklee College of Music and competing across the country, my presence was often the surprise in the room. While I am proud to stand in that small group, I want to pass the torch. My dream is to make classical piano a place where diversity is more than a checkmark, but the norm. To reach that dream, I use my voice as both a performing artist and an educator. Taking the stage is where I can inspire others to join me on this journey. But my purpose goes beyond performing. For the past three years, I’ve taught piano at Thunder Road Music Studios and also volunteered as a music tutor, investing over 300 hours in children who truly deserve a chance to learn. Too often, quality training is out of reach for many children in underserved communities, with financial constraints and limited access to resources as the biggest barriers. And, I am determined to change that. Every lesson, I walk in as a student, but sit down as a leader, guiding shy little hands until they become bold and confident maestros of music. My student Ava recently shared, “I like piano because you play it.” She showed me that representation is not just a buzzword, it’s my calling. Yesterday, today, and always, I will show up courageously, teach with understanding, and empower the next generation to thrive in music performance. With the support of the Mohamed Magdi Scholarship, I can remain on campus and have unlimited access to the practice rooms I need to grow as a Piano Performance major. Together, we can ensure that spaces of harmony are no longer missing their colorful notes, but instead sing with every voice, every culture, and every child who dares to dream through music.

Music, A Birthday Gift I Will Always Share 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. That morning, my mom slipped a pillowcase over my head and guided me down the hallway. “Mommy has a surprise for you!” she whispered, giggling behind the camera. One, two, three—she pulled the cover off. “Eeeeeee! Yes, yes, yes!” I squealed. In front of me sat a white Casio keyboard and an iPad Mini, ready to lead me on a new adventure. With the Yousician app, I tapped along to rhythms, scales, and my first song, La Bamba. From that moment, the piano became my favorite place in the world. The truth is, the piano gave me hope. When my baby brother, Beau, passed away at two years old, I was only five, holding the pieces of our broken bond. Grief had taken my voice, and therapy felt like nothing more than silent coloring sessions. Music didn’t make me explain—it let my imagination communicate with Beau. It became a sacred space for us to connect on a profound, metaphysical level, transcending empirical observation. As I healed, my piano skills continued to flourish. On my 12th birthday, my mom upgraded my piano, encouraging me to go further. I began studying under Mr. Johnson Gouvêa, who prepared me for the American Protégé International Competition, taking me under the warm golden lights of Carnegie Hall. As Chopin’s Nocturne No. 2 in C-sharp minor flowed through my fingers, I could feel the weight of history. The applause opened my eyes. I wasn’t there for just myself—I was carrying the torch passed down from Alicia Keys, Nina Simone, and Florence Price. Not just a torch of passion and talent, but of courage to thrive in spaces where so few Black women pianists are seen. But my story doesn’t end on stage. For the past three years, I’ve taught piano at Thunder Road Music Studios and volunteered with STEM Plus Art, which has given me a deeper purpose. I walked in as a student, but sat down as a leader, guiding shy little hands until they became bold and confident maestros. My student Ava, a young Black girl, once told me, “I like piano because you play it.” She showed me that representation is not just a buzzword—it is a spark that lights the way for others who never saw themselves in a particular space. Now, as a Piano Performance major at Spelman College, minoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, I am evolving as an artist while preparing to serve as an educator. After Spelman, I will earn my doctorate at the New England Conservatory and write epic music that blends classic sounds with an African flair. I will continue to perform on the world’s most renowned stages. I will also continue to pave the way for the next generation by establishing music schools named in honor of my brother. Our schools will provide underserved youth with access to instruments, lessons, mentorship, and scholarships, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music. What started with a Casio keyboard and an iPad has become my life’s mission. Music gave me a voice when I had none. Now, I am determined to share that gift with the next generation, holding the torch passed from Ms. Sunni E. Fagan—one note, one lesson, one child at a time. Thank you, Bella Michael Birthday Moment: https://youtube.com/shorts/PXZQV5MtbMw?feature=share Performance Link: Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBOdJdQqwHw

Why I Am a Fan of Sabrina Carpenter Being a fan of Sabrina Carpenter goes beyond liking her heartfelt songs or captivating performances. She is someone I look up to, who has given me courage, comfort, and inspiration through different seasons of my life. From the first time I saw her on TV to how her music helped me through heartbreak, Sabrina has shaped how I dream as an artist and how I carry myself as a person. When my younger brother Beau passed away in a tragic accident, I was drowning in tears when Sabrina’s music found me. It became healing. Her song “Seamless” felt like it was written for us. Lyrics like “My best friend till the end, my better half no pretend” reminded me of the bond Beau and I shared. The chorus, “You and me together, take on the world forever,” became a promise I still carry with me even now. It reminded me that Beau’s love will always be with me, woven into every part of my life, and gave me hope that one day we will be reunited in heaven. “Seamless” is not just a song I love; it is a testament to the power of music. It is a memorial in melody, a piece of comfort that helped me survive the darkest chapter of my life. During that time, I was also a Disney kid, watching Girl Meets World, and her character, Maya Hart, immediately resonated with me. She was fearless, witty, and unapologetically herself, which made me want to be the same way. From then on, I wanted to meet Sabrina. My mom called iHeart Radio countless times until she finally won tickets for me to see her in Atlanta. I was eight, and Sabrina was about sixteen. When I walked up to her and said I was a huge fan and that I wanted to be an actress and musician someday like her, she hugged me like a big sister and told me, “And, you will!” That hug and those words sparked something in me. They showed me that the older generation has a responsibility to make sure the next generation stays uplifted. She inspired me to take professional acting lessons, and now I am signed with J Pervis Talent. Meeting Sabrina gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my performing arts dreams and shaped the way I serve my community as a music teacher today. Now, I get to uplift others the way she has uplifted me. Watching Sabrina now, after she has reinvented herself, inspires me all over again. With songs like “Emails I Can't Send” and sassy hits like “Espresso,” she brings a confident, resilient, and bold energy to every performance. When she performed at the 2025 Grammys, I admired the way she paid attention to every detail, from her hair flips to each step and note. As a pianist, I understand the importance of being dedicated and intentional in delivering an impactful story. Sabrina shows me that growing and reinventing yourself never stops, and that you should always keep trying to do better. Sabrina Carpenter is beautiful inside and out. She has been a role model, a source of comfort, and a constant inspiration in my life. She gave me courage as a kid, strength when I was grieving, and motivation now as I build my own career in the arts. She is like a guide who keeps reminding me that with passion and persistence, I can shine too.

Hello! My name is Bella Michael Provo, a freshman at Spelman College, majoring in Piano Performance with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. My mission is to make classical music performance more diverse and inclusive by using my artistry, stage presence, and passion for music education to inspire the next generation to thrive in music. With over ten years of piano study and three years of teaching, I am turning vision into action. My dreams come with a heavy price, but I am piecing them together through scholarships, part-time work, and loans. Each award and every paycheck paves the way for creating pathways for young musicians who might not otherwise see themselves as belonging in this space. What has carried me through those sacrifices is the empowerment I found in the MOA movement. Being part of a community that celebrates authenticity reminded me that I am not alone in carving out my place in the world. MOA gave me the courage to fully embrace my identity and to see my differences not as weaknesses but as strengths. I did not just become a MOA, or fan of TOMORROW X TOGETHER, by accident. I became one when I needed a spark of hope the most. As a Black classical pianist, I often felt isolated at Carnegie competitions and on college campuses. My skin was often the surprise guest in the room. Sometimes I felt outstanding, other times I felt like I was out of place. The moment I questioned my worth and capabilities was when TXT’s music and message found me. Their music has been my companion in defining moments. “Anti-Romantic” resonated with me as I struggled with self-doubt, reminding me that vulnerability has its own kind of strength. “Good Boy Gone Bad” fired me up with determination to reclaim my place in spaces that sometimes made me question if I belonged. These songs were not just melodies. They were lifelines that helped me rise above isolation and push forward with courage. Among the members, I see myself in Beomgyu. His playful personality, layered with hidden depth, reminds me that joy and determination can coexist. I have always carried that duality, being fun and lighthearted with my students while pouring serious dedication into every performance. At the same time, I aspire to be more like Soobin. His quiet leadership, humility, and steady presence inspire me to grow into the kind of leader who uplifts others while still shining in my own right. Although TXT’s influence has comforted me, it’s also shaped my vision of the future. As a musician, they taught me that artistry is more than an act. It is about emotion, story, and connection. As a composer, their genre-blending inspires me to explore fusions of classical piano with modern sounds that could reach young audiences in new ways. As an educator, their ability to connect with fans reminds me of how I want to connect with my students, meeting them where they are and making learning exciting and personal. As an advocate, their global platform inspires me to use my own stage, whether small or large, to fight for diversity, equity, and representation in classical music. That same spirit of creativity, resilience, and advocacy is why TOMORROW X TOGETHER inspires me to stay the course. This scholarship will help cover my dorm fees, allowing me to live on campus and access the piano practice rooms I need to grow into the artist and educator I aspire to be. With this support, I can focus on excelling in my undergraduate studies, preparing for graduate work at the New England Conservatory. Soon, I will perform around the world and build a scholarship-based music academy. Not for applause, but to spark gifts within others who never knew they could. With every melody I play and every note I teach, I am determined to be a beacon of inspiration, to light a path for others, and to help humanity thrive through music. And with TXT’s example shining through my AirPods, I know this mission is not only possible, it is unstoppable. Thank you, Bella Michael Please join me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBOdJdQqwHw

Hi, I’m Bella Michael, pianist, piano teacher, and big believer in making music lessons possible for every kid! They say, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” But I totally disagree. When my mom lost her job, we had to choose between food and my piano lessons; the ones I needed to chase my college dreams. That’s when North Fulton Community Charities stepped in with fresh bread, rotisserie chicken, salads, and yes...chocolate cake! They helped us through a tough time and gave us hope. Even with that help, lessons were still too expensive. So, I got my first job teaching piano to pay for my own. That’s when I began to notice some kids were consistent in their training, while others had to stop because of money. I’ve been both students. So, I started a free online tutoring program called STEM Plus Art. Some of my friends and I teach music, coding, and video editing to help kids discover and explore their curiosities. We’ve already given over 350 hours of lessons! Our mission? To help kids learn, grow, and realize their creative ambitions. Charity showed me hot to spot opportunity and take action. Now, I’m studying Piano Performance and Entrepreneurship at the number one HBCU in social mobility, Spelman College. There I will learn how to build a school where kids don’t have to choose between learning and eating. My dream is to help every kid have their cake—and enjoy it too!

Remembering to Breathe I was in the middle of a full-blown panic attack. "Did you finish your resume? Turn in your assignment? We have to leave for practice in an hour!" The questions kept firing as I reached for my inhaler, heart racing. My thoughts screamed, "Please, Mom, just stop!" For a moment, I didn't care anymore. I was burned out, overwhelmed, and on the verge of a breakdown. Junior year had swallowed me whole. I wasn't sleeping, and maintaining my GPA was like hiking up a wet slope. I wanted to know if I could compete with the thousands and thousands of students chasing the same dream schools. I knew I couldn't quit, but I also couldn't keep going like this. Something had to change. I had confused productivity with purpose. I filled every waking moment with the responsibility to "succeed": AP Music Theory, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Language, AP Computer Science, Dual Enrollment classes in Entrepreneurship and Social Media Marketing, piano lessons, working part-time as a music teacher, participating in varsity track, and stacking my volunteer hours. My schedule was full of pride, but my spirit was empty. My world began to shrink, and even though I was surrounded by ambition, I felt alone, carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. Escaping to TikTok, bingeing Vampire Diaries, eating pizza, and hanging out at the mall felt like my only breathing room, but they weren't enough. I was only wasting time and gaining weight. I was doing everything except taking care of myself. Then one day, while lying in bed, I saw it—the glittery canvas in my room that I had overlooked a hundred times. "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." It hit me. I could change how I felt, and that started with taking care of my mental and physical health. Therapy changed my life. I found a therapist through a nonprofit called Chris 180. I began learning CBT and DBT skills like deep breathing, using cold sensations such as holding ice or sipping lemon water to ground myself, and learning to reframe and fact-check negative thoughts. I began prioritizing what was important versus what was just urgent. I stopped saying yes to everything and started using a digital calendar to plan time for myself, not just work. I also began learning about brain-healthy foods and made changes to my diet. I added leafy greens, berries, eggs, seeds, and healthy fats—foods that boosted my mood and focus. I paired that with regular workouts, lifting weights, and getting consistent sleep. Within weeks, I felt like myself again. I lost 50 pounds and felt great in my prom dress, but more importantly, I gained clarity. I could finally play complex pieces like Franz Liszt's Un Sospiro with a clear mind and stronger arms. My shot put and discus throws improved, and by the end of the season, I was running the 1600m. I closed out junior year with a near 4.0 GPA. Self-care saved me. It gave me the strength to be a better student, artist, athlete, and human. But more than that, it taught me how to listen to myself, to pause, breathe, and choose peace over pressure. As I prepare for college and the road ahead, I've realized that the best gift I can give anything or anyone is a healthy me. It's about showing up whole, centered, and grounded. And that's exactly who I intend to be. Franz Liszt's Un Sospiro Performed by Bella Michael: https://youtu.be/vBOdJdQqwHw

Success Breeds Success: My Greatest Accomplishment Everyone has something they're proud of. As for me, I can share a few achievements, including making my Carnegie Hall debut, earning the President's Volunteer Service Gold Award for 250 volunteer hours, graduating from high school with honors while leading the track team, or being accepted into both Howard University and Spelman College. Indeed, these are pretty epic for me. But there's one that stands out above all the rest—being a piano teacher at Thunder Road Music Studios in Roswell, GA. I've been a piano teacher since 2022. At first, I questioned myself because I was just 15 when I started." "What if the parents don't take me seriously because of my age?" or "What if my boss thinks I'm too inexperienced and fires me?" I wondered to myself. But I was wrong; they respected me. On the other hand, as a teacher, I am often tested. My tests are the recitals, and my grade is the student's performance readiness. I had students of all ages. Elementary kids, teenagers, and even a 50-year-old beginner. Working with students of all ages and learning styles wasn't easy. I had to meet each student where they were. First, I had to understand how to engage them. The younger kids would get bored fast, the teens wanted to do their own thing, and the adults needed a lot of clarity and detail. Next, I Googled learning styles for all ages. Then, I used a combination of visual, auditory, and hands-on techniques to engage each student. With the younger kids, I used bright music cards and rhythm games. We'd clap and stomp to the beat, which made it all the more fun. For the teens, I showed them how to create music, playing harmony with their left hand and melody with their right. Composing gave them hands-on experience and a sense of respect before we dove into classical compositions. And for my adult student, who had never performed before, I sat with them and broke down each section of the piece. When giving feedback, I also used a "compliment sandwich"—a technique I picked up in a business class at Gwinnett Technical College. I would tell them what they were doing well, offer some helpful tips, and then remind them how well they would do at the recital if they kept up the great work. Then it was showtime. At this year's summer showcase, I was blown away by what they all accomplished. The younger kids performed their pieces with ease and confidence. The teens, moving to the rhythm of Imagine Dragons, were feeling their music. And my adult student, who had never performed before, was smiling as the crowd gifted her a wave of applause after her sonata. That moment, seeing them all so proud, made me proud. Preparing all 18 students for a performance-ready recital is truly my biggest accomplishment! Their accomplishments as students are my accomplishments as a leader. To be the best teacher, I need to keep growing. This fall, I will begin my undergraduate studies in piano performance and entrepreneurship at Spelman College. There, I will prepare for my master's and then doctorate with a concentration in pedagogy at the New England Conservatory. After sharing my music worldwide, I want to open a nonprofit music academy in underserved Atlanta communities. The success I've achieved in piano performance, education, and leadership will help me create an environment where the next generation can succeed in music! My Performance Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBOdJdQqwHw Franz Liszt: 3 etudes de concert S. 144 No. 3 “Un Sospiro” performed by Bella Michael

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!"