
Hobbies and interests
Writing
Art
Drawing And Illustration
Animation
Acting And Theater
Music
Poetry
Legos
Anatomy
Anime
Baking
Video Editing and Production
Game Design and Development
Reading
Classics
Academic
Adult Fiction
Folklore
Literary Fiction
Young Adult
Romance
Drama
Historical
I read books multiple times per month
Briannah Maldonado
1x
Finalist
Briannah Maldonado
1x
FinalistBio
Im an early college student looking to achieve my dreams in creating influential work that can be recognized and inspire people!
Education
St. Phillips College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- History and Language/Literature
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
Career
Dream career field:
- Motion Pictures and Film
Dream career goals:
Phillip Morales Memorial Art Scholarship
Ever since I was a child, I've always been taught discipline and self control, constantly giving me valuable lessons in temperance and modesty. Anyone living in a Mexican household could tell you that these virtues are commonly practiced, but there is one exception to mine. Ambition was gracefully cultivated in my household; my parents taught me that expanding my views and aiming for higher expectations will always set me apart from others. While this may have been helpful with my goals, it was incredibly draining in the long run, and when entering the school environment, I quickly became burnt out. From experiencing this, I had to adapt the way I learn. By the 3rd grade, I discovered that I had both ADHD and dyslexia. Both of these divergences in my educational path started as hindrances, one great aspect being my motivation, but thanks to the helpful education I was provided, I overcame those obstacles. I was taught that while ambition is good, there is also self control that is needed to rein in that fire. For as long as I can remember, I've always adored the world of art and creation. While being in catholic school didn't exactly foster that heart, one person kept me going and pursuing my love for the arts, and that was my dad. My dad is the greatest inspiration to my human being and to my goals in life. From introducing me to the music I like, to challenging me in using criticism to further my artistic talents.
Harry & Mary Sheaffer Scholarship
Ever since I was a child, I've always been taught discipline and self control, constantly giving me valuable lessons in temperance and modesty. Anyone living in a Mexican household could tell you that these virtues are commonly practiced, but there is one exception to mine. Ambition was gracefully cultivated in my household; my parents taught me that expanding my views and aiming for higher expectations will always set me apart from others. While this may have been helpful with my goals, it was incredibly draining in the long run, and when entering the school environment, I quickly became burnt out. From experiencing this, I had to adapt the way I learn. By the 3rd grade, I discovered that I had both ADHD and dyslexia. Both of these divergences in my educational path started as hindrances, one great aspect being my motivation, but thanks to the helpful education I was provided, I overcame those obstacles. That was until I was enrolled in a private middle school. While being in an entirely different space after years of public schooling was much of a culture shock as is, I was even more isolated thanks to the fact that most of these students had known each other for years. Additionally, while I was catholic, I had many different views than those peers I had been newly surrounded by. However difficult this may have been, at the time I learned how to embrace the differences around me and how to accept new ideals into my life. I was taught that while ambition is good, there is also self control that is needed to rein in that fire. For as long as I can remember, I've always adored the world of art and creation. While being in catholic school didn't exactly foster that heart, one person kept me going and pursuing my love for the arts, and that was my dad. My dad is the greatest inspiration to my human being and to my goals in life. From introducing me to the music I like, to challenging me in using criticism to further my artistic talents. While I do find art fun to do, I find writing to be much more enjoyable to my character since I can never stop thinking about something, whereas art I have to have free time in order to nurture that talent, which is especially hard to do with a tight schedule. Recently, I have come across the challenge of the use of AI in modern writing, and how it's commonly accepted as of now. As a creative writer and artist, I find this to be incredibly heartbreaking, as the art of human creation and hard work is lost to the laziness of technology use. I hope that someday in my future, my work can inspire others not to use AI and additionally show that the art of writing has not been lost to technology.
Dan Leahy Scholarship Fund
My dad is the greatest inspiration to my human being and to my goals in life. From introducing me to the music I like, to challenging me in using criticism to further my artistic talents. While I do find art fun to do, I find writing to be much more enjoyable to my character since I can never stop thinking about something, whereas art I have to have free time in order to nurture that talent, which is especially hard to do with a tight schedule. Recently, I have come across the challenge of the use of AI in modern writing, and how it's commonly accepted as of now. As a creative writer and artist, I find this to be incredibly heartbreaking, as the art of human creation and hard work is lost to the laziness of technology use. I hope that someday in my future, my work can inspire others not to use AI and additionally show that the art of writing has not been lost to technology.
Ever since I was a child, I've always been taught discipline and self control, constantly giving me valuable lessons in temperance and modesty. Anyone living in a Mexican household could tell you that these virtues are commonly practiced, but there is one exception to mine. Ambition was gracefully cultivated in my household; my parents taught me that expanding my views and aiming for higher expectations will always set me apart from others. While this may have been helpful with my goals, it was incredibly draining in the long run, and when entering the school environment, I quickly became burnt out. From experiencing this, I had to adapt the way I learn. By the 3rd grade, I discovered that I had both ADHD and dyslexia.
Both of these divergences in my educational path started as hindrances, one great aspect being my motivation, but thanks to the helpful education I was provided, I overcame those obstacles. That was until I was enrolled in a private middle school. While being in an entirely different space after years of public schooling was much of a culture shock as is, I was even more isolated thanks to the fact that most of these students had known each other for years. Additionally, while I was catholic, I had many different views than those peers I had been newly surrounded by. However difficult this may have been, at the time I learned how to embrace the differences around me and how to accept new ideals into my life. I was taught that while ambition is good, there is also self control that is needed to rein in that fire. For as long as I can remember, I've always adored the world of art and creation. While being in catholic school didn't exactly foster that heart, one person kept me going and pursuing my love for the arts, and that was my dad.
Champions for Intellectual Disability Scholarship
Ever since I was a child, I've always been taught discipline and self control, constantly giving me valuable lessons in temperance and modesty. Anyone living in a Mexican household could tell you that these virtues are commonly practiced, but there is one exception to mine. Ambition was gracefully cultivated in my household; my parents taught me that expanding my views and aiming for higher expectations will always set me apart from others. While this may have been helpful with my goals, it was incredibly draining in the long run, and when entering the school environment, I quickly became burnt out. From experiencing this, I had to adapt the way I learn. By the 3rd grade, I discovered that I had both ADHD and dyslexia.
Both of these divergences in my educational path started as hindrances, one great aspect being my motivation, but thanks to the helpful education I was provided, I overcame those obstacles. That was until I was enrolled in a private middle school. While being in an entirely different space after years of public schooling was much of a culture shock as is, I was even more isolated thanks to the fact that most of these students had known each other for years. Additionally, while I was catholic, I had many different views than those peers I had been newly surrounded by. However difficult this may have been, at the time I learned how to embrace the differences around me and how to accept new ideals into my life. I was taught that while ambition is good, there is also self control that is needed to rein in that fire.
For as long as I can remember, I've always adored the world of art and creation. While being in catholic school didn't exactly foster that heart, one person kept me going and pursuing my love for the arts, and that was my dad. My dad is the greatest inspiration to my human being and to my goals in life. From introducing me to the music I like, to challenging me in using criticism to further my artistic talents. While I do find art fun to do, I find writing to be much more enjoyable to my character since I can never stop thinking about something, whereas art I have to have free time in order to nurture that talent, which is especially hard to do with a tight schedule. Recently, I have come across the challenge of the use of AI in modern writing, and how it's commonly accepted as of now. As a creative writer and artist, I find this to be incredibly heartbreaking, as the art of human creation and hard work is lost to the laziness of technology use. I hope that someday in my future, my work can inspire others not to use AI and additionally show that the art of writing has not been lost to technology.
Jimmy Cardenas Community Leader Scholarship
Technology is one of the best creations man kind has ever come to craft, it is life saving- and revolutionary. However, with the creation of generative AI- individuals invested in the future of art happen to suffer from it. This is one of the greatest obsticals I have ever faced. As a competitive creative student, I witnessed this generation unfortunately fall under the use of AI in general day to day life. While I myself have also fallen victim to this normalization- I had set certain boundaries for myself. Technical AI, is helpful to many people. However generative AI only goes as far as to destroy the creative heart and benefit the rich. The biggest challenege i faced with AI that made me demonstrate leadership was in a competition between my creative arts team, and another. While my team demonstrated only human made art- the other team had used generative AI in their work. Instead of rolling over and admitting defeat- in the art class me and my team had sworn to do whatever it takes to expose the use of AI in our opponents' work, and to create even better art. With my management skills and my team's perseverance- we overcame this difficult trial- but not without struggle.
When starting our project we were met with our first road block- creating an idea that was unique, had meaning to everyone in the team, and lastly- designing what our minds together would create. This did seem easy at first, just thinking of an idea wasn't too hard for any of us. That was untill we were met with the biggest struggle. Design. The project was manufacturered to be an original short story conveying the message of self love and perseverance, the short story needed character design, story elements, and background design. All of these features as my team knew would take immense work and focus. This however was threated by our opponents' idea. The subject was a similar matter- and the format had been the exact same. At this point- it was a race to see who could persevere faster. Thanks to their use in Generative AI- their designs had taken much less time and even begun their organizing sooner. We however have barely finished designing half our subjects, and time was cutting close. As the team's leader and representative I organized certain days we should all meet and talk about our project, and work together. This tactics almost doubled my team's productivity- and shortly we got back on the train to victory.
The refusal to give up Definitely altered my brain chemistry. I was ambitious- I refused to lose at any cost. Eventually- I became so obsessed with the matter that the project almost finished around the same time our opponents had. While we advocated for our work to be graded fairly as opposed to theirs- we had shown evidence of the other team using AI to create their topic, their designs, and their speech. Had I not developed my voice from the sheer will power that i had- I fear the outcome would have been much more different. By refusing to give up, advocating for myself and my team, and developing leadership skills- I would have never been the person I am today. Art should be created by humans, for humans. Not for profit, and for selfish production.
Timothy Reyes Stuckman Memorial Scholarship
As a student from a smaller town, and a daughter from a migrant family, I have faced many issues regarding personal and academic goals that I had. For many years, I stayed in this cultural isolation until I assimilated fully. At the start of my life,- I had not been as blessed as I am now. My parents had told me that they would often struggle due to the financial pressure of keeping us in charter school, and it impacted their sleep and stress levels. Although they moved after having me, they were in a bit of financial trouble, and had to make choices for the future of our family. They knew the best thing would be to do whatever they could in order to invest in my future, as well as the future of my siblings. Even the best laid plans come with setbacks- such as my sister's premature birth and my brother's closed intestinal tract. I have seen both ends of misfortune and blessings. Shortly after leaving charter school and moving to a small town, my parents secured great jobs that elevated us from poverty. Thanks to these mixed experiences,- I have had an open mind to many people.
My 7th-grade year was difficult in many ways. I came from a few years attending public school, and had little knowledge of prim and proper behaviors that those schools reinforced. Although I was raised Catholic, I had trouble connecting with my religion and was not fully engrossed. This school taught me patience above all else. I met rather interesting people with intertwined backgrounds, all of them knew each other well and embraced me with open arms despite our differing views. I even met my best friend there, but I believe what changed me most was developing an understanding of how closed-minded people can be, as well as raising their children with the same thought processes, and this can be dangerous. In this environment, I grew to be accepting, and well-informed in things other than religion.
When switching back to public school in my freshman year of high school I was (to say the least) in a culture shock. Many people from different backgrounds attended my school, and I became close to many of them., I even became friends with one person with who I could not even speak the same language as. I became so absorbed in the aspect of learning that I attended high-level history classes to feel more connected. But in that exposure to different cultures and people, I figured out some things about myself.
I met a wonderful person who opened my eyes to the possibility that not everything is black and white in the manner of romance and sexuality. I became more open-minded about myself and eventually was able to open up to close friends. Although some friendships were lost, and that year was difficult, the people I surrounded myself with showed me that: I shouldn't hide myself for others' comfort, I should be open to others., and that my life is my own- and no one should control it. That's why I believe Wellesley can offer me more than just those lessons. College is a boiling pot of cultures, ideals, and religions, and I wish to continue to add to my multifaceted understanding of not just geographic factors that contribute to people and who they are, but the option to choose our path forward in many walks of life. And ultimately by overcoming these road blocks and gaining experience- this scholarship could potential help prove my work had been for the better.
Strong Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
As a goal oriented student- I have always put myself in a higher standard and reach for whatever goals I possibly could. Many of these goals were art and creation oriented- since I am naturally creative. In times where a group would be stuck with finding a solution, I've always rooted my way around the problem. I could always find a unique solution to a damning problem. However- there were aways struggles with that mindset. As Goal orientated as I am, I find myself in predicaments that revolve around stubborness and perfectionism. But- I have found my way around those issues as I have adapted to my enviroments by: Allowing something not to be perfect, giving myself breaks, and letting others take the wheel if I'm not the best canidate for said task. Because the truest way to be a leader- Is knowing what your team needs best, even if that excludes you.
Growing up with dyslexia and ADHD wasn't easy for me. I usually would ignore subjects that didn't apeal to my style of learning, which set me back a bit when faced with subjects I eventually had to learn. These trials proved to me that I shouldn't let something like a learning disability hold me back- because even though I had certain intrests I prefered over others- I was very competitive. While applying a healthy amount of competition to my mindset I soon bounced back from my academic slump, and turm, developed communication skills rather than locking others out to handle my own situations. And something that I learned from those experiences alone? Perfection is quick to bore.
While applying myself to a competitive nature did push my academics farther- it certainly did introduce a new struggle. Competitive opponents. Competitive opponents also carried the same nature that I did, and in certain situations, I woud drive myself mad with the lack of talent or smarts I had compared to them. That being said- this drive and ambition almost failed me in team projects. While leadership does require an iron fist- I noticed that my team members would often get the worst of it- and couldn't meet my ridiculous expectations. It was a brutal awakening when I lead a team, and failed them by my own ambitions. This was a crumbling experience, but a sobering one. Sometimes not everything is a competition, and from that day on I always offered the opportunity to others if they had an idea- or even a better plan than my own to take the spotlight- and its one of my own best improvements to my leadership abilities.
Letting others take the wheel is always the next best thing as a leader. Since no one is perfect, its often mistaken that a leader must be good at everything in order to lead, when that is infact not the case. The case is that a leader must be a good manager and organizer of how a team flows, and how efficiently they can lead a team. thats why if someone happens to be more effectively efficient at doing so- then they should take the spot. Leadership has taught me that if there is an area of expertise I do not have- and someone else may- then they should take charge.
In all my leadership has been tested, and tried in many ways. I have failed, succeeded, but most of all have grown. These taught experiences will always remain to who I am as a person. And someday I hope to apply these traits to a leadership position.
Candi L. Oree Leadership Scholarship
Growing up with dyslexia and ADHD greatly influenced my personal character to a considerable degree. For years, I had assumed that something was wrong with me. That something beyond my control was preventing me from succeeding- something within me. In my early years, grades 1-3, I could recall days and moments where I would only ever compare myself to my peers. I couldn't cross multiply fast in timed incraments, I couldn't read aloud without an ugly stutter hitting my train thought- then staying on the same line... I could barely spell either. All of these failures had made me feel less than my classmates. And- I had no idea why. I even felt like my teachers, my mentors, were disappointed. Seeing how they would react to my poor atttempts to improve myself had slowly deteriorated my self worth. And by the time I was in grade four- my personal asperations and social skills had been completely lost thanks to the lack of confidence. However, that persona was soon healed thanks to somebody who saw my potential. With the recieved help, I had found my passion, discovered my beliefs, my dream career, and how to navigate my relationships.
When I got diagnosed with dyslexia, I was roughly ten years old. I was in fourth grade, and had been put in a remidial class that can observe my growth as a student after prior years of struggle. At the time, I didn't understand completely what that had meant. Additionally, I had been embarrassed that I was put in those classes. The class itself was during our main studies, me and a few other students will be pulled aside to go to a different classroom that specifically met our "needs". I was embarrassed by this because I felt like an outsider- like I didn't belong in a class with normal students. But- as I took the class more and more, I felt more inclined to stay there. I met students that struggled with the same issues, and understood me. And the teacher had been accommodated to help me because of her specialization. I eventually came to realization that i shouldn't feel embarrassed or disappointed in my disability. Slowly my confidence grew- but this class wasn't the only thing that contributed rise in self confidence.
Growing up I hated learning how to read. I despised how hard it was to flow sentances without them getting scrambled, I hated reading outloud, and most of all- I hated how english wasnt just one answer to a question- it was interpretation. When struggling with dyslexia, I had objective views and a stubborn mindset. That was untill I had been given an English teacher that recognized my struggle. She actually was the one that recognized my dyslexia and advocated for my sources. When returning back to her class after my seperate dyslexia class, she would help me specially in order to improve my confidence in literacy and social skills.
Slowly- but surely, English became my favorite subject. I loved the open mindedness of interpretation- how creativity was the sole objective along side understanding. And after that? Theater became an obssession. Thanks to that teacher, I developed self confidence- leadership through self assurance, my passions, and my love for the arts. Currently, I want to be a screen writer and director thanks to the help I recived. And now- Well, now I have led multiple projects, and made my first written story. Overcoming this challenge taught me to be proud, sure, and happy in who I am, and I am eternally greatful for that.
Rev. and Mrs. E B Dunbar Scholarship
For many years I have faced many obstacles in my educational path. One primary source of these hinderances stemmed from my dyslexia and ADHD. While in school, I was faced with many challanges that conflicted these traits, some being conflicting due dates- over complictaed assignments with useless instructions, and esspecially my motivational skills. At some point- my grades began to take a hit when I lost all my motivation to persue my academic career after the passing of a close friend. At the time I lost any and all motivation for anything, and along side my grades, my mental health suffered significantly. To add on to this, my household and family members had worsened the blow when trying to force me into uncomfortable positions, like serving back in my curch after leaving due to personal issues. Overtime however- and with the help of good friends I came across the shoreline of hope.
When meeting one person in particular, my life was practically shifted into a much more positive light. With them I was taught that my education was above all of my current worries- because that is the future. This person was my AVID teacher, she had guided me past my worries and supported me in the worse days I've ever had. Days in which I help helpless. With her help- my motivation shot so high up that my GPA rose with it. Even on days where my problems would be too difficult for her to fix- she gave me self confidence in being able to fix it my self. Thanks to her, I wouldn't be where I am today.
While school figures such as my teach helped stabalize my career, my home life was greatly supported by my favorite cousin. He is older than me and had gone to college too, he was able to help guide me academically and even pushed me to go past my possibilities. Thanks to him I was able to recognize what places I can reach. However when discovering that I realized I can't soley rely on my parents. I want my future in education to pay back for all the hard work they gave me. In particular, their sacrifices. I want all and eveything they gave me for my future to return back to them in ten fold. Additionally, I want to give back to my community- They have also provided me resources to reach m goals. Since I am from a small town, I want to some day return and give people that are my age now the hope and dreams they deserve to reach.