My name is Caliya Williams, and I believe that art is one of the most powerful ways to serve others. I have come to use art to its full advantage, using it as a form of self-expression, connecting with people, encouraging them, and helping people feel seen. My college education at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) will allow me to use my creativity not only to build a career but also to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family to pursue this path, I understand the importance of creating opportunities where none have existed before. Growing up, I struggled with anxiety and self-doubt, especially when it came to my artistic abilities. There were many moments when I questioned whether my art was good enough or whether my work mattered. Through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and rebuilding my connection to art, I learned that my challenges did not make me weak but were growing pains in the steps of creating the future I wanted. Art became more than a hobby for me. It became a way to communicate feelings that were difficult to put into words. During my senior year of high school, I challenged myself to step outside my comfort zone by sharing my work publicly and giving my first presentation. I began creating fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes such as mental health, self-identity, and personal struggles. What surprised me most was the response from others. That experience showed me that creativity has the power to comfort people, start conversations, and create connections between individuals who may feel isolated. Because of this, I became involved in volunteer opportunities that combined creativity, mentorship, and community service. Through these experiences, I saw how creative expression could help people build confidence and how to discover their own voices. I also learned that many young people, especially those from underserved communities, do not always have access to artistic resources or mentors who believe in their potential. So, in the near future, I plan to create those safe spaces through my own mentorships to help everyone get their voices heard. My education at SCAD is helping me develop the skills necessary to expand this impact. As an Illustration major, I am learning how to tell stories through my illustrations, create meaningful characters, and communicate complex emotions in ways that resonate with diverse audiences. These skills will allow me to create graphic novels and visual stories that entertain while also addressing important topics such as mental health, self-acceptance, and belonging. I want my work to help people feel represented, especially those who rarely see themselves reflected in the stories around them. Beyond creating art, I hope to use my education to give back directly to others. My goal is to create inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, where young artists can access mentorship, workshops, and resources regardless of their financial circumstances. I want to encourage aspiring artists to pursue their goals without fear and help them recognize the value of their own stories. My college education is giving me more than technical skills. It is teaching me how to use my creativity as a tool for service. Through storytelling, mentorship, and community engagement, I hope to help others feel heard, valued, and empowered. Whether through a single illustration, a graphic novel, or a simple conversation with a young artist, I want to use what I learn to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

God has always been with me throughout all of my hardships from adolescence to adulthood. My faith reminds me that God created me intentionally, and that my emotions don't define me or should be shunned. As my relationship with God deepened throughout the years, so did my relationship with art. Drawing has always been part of me, but it became something different when I started inviting God into it. Art became my safe space. It was where I processed emotions I couldn’t fully explain. Instead of bottling up anxiety or fear, I turned it into characters, fantasy worlds, and stories. When I began sharing my work publicly, especially pieces that explored mental health and identity, I was nervous. But people started reaching out. They told me my art made them feel understood and less alone. Those moments made me realize God wasn’t just healing me through my creativity but to connect me to others. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I see my education as part of my calling. I don’t just want to draw pretty images. I want to tell stories that feel real. Stories that sit with people. I want to create graphic novels that blend fantasy with emotional honesty, characters who struggle, grow, question themselves, and still find hope. Especially for young people who feel unseen or misunderstood, the way I once did. Being a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family adds another layer to everything I do. My family has poured so much into me. Their support, my faith, and my own perseverance are the reasons I’m here. I don’t take that lightly. At the same time, pursuing a creative degree is financially demanding. Supplies, technology, studio courses. Receiving this scholarship would not just be financial assistance; it would be reassurance. It would allow me to focus more deeply on refining my craft, building my portfolio, and pursuing internships and opportunities that align with my long-term goals. Instead of worrying about how I’m going to afford the next expense, I could pour that energy into becoming the best illustrator I can be. My long-term plan is to become a professional illustrator and storyteller who creates work rooted in empathy, faith, and emotional depth. I want to expand into publishing graphic novels and eventually create inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person where young artists can feel safe exploring their gifts. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue walking in that purpose with confidence. It would support not just my education, but the impact I hope to make through it. I truly believe God placed these dreams in my heart for a reason. My responsibility is to nurture them, develop them, and use them to serve others and this scholarship would help me do exactly that.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am a junior Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). My ultimate goal is to become a professional illustrator and graphic novelist who creates stories that help people feel seen, understood, and represented. I want to build a career centered around storytelling, creating graphic novels, illustrated books, and visual narratives that explore themes such as identity, mental health, belonging, and personal growth. To reach this goal, I have developed both short-term and long-term plans. My priority is completing my Illustration degree at SCAD while continuing to strengthen my artistic and storytelling skills. Through my coursework, I am learning character design, visual development, composition, and worldbuilding, all of which are essential for creating engaging stories. Maintaining my strong academic record and building a professional portfolio are important steps I am taking to prepare for opportunities after graduation. Over the next two years, I plan to focus on developing a portfolio that showcases my illustration and storytelling abilities. I also plan to create personal projects that reflect the type of work I hope to pursue professionally, including original characters and stories that could eventually become graphic novels. In addition, I want to continue growing my online presence by sharing my artwork and connecting with other artists, readers, and potential clients. Building an audience will help me gain exposure, receive feedback, and create opportunities for future freelance work and book projects. The resources necessary to achieve these goals include my education, art supplies, technology, and professional development opportunities. My annual educational expenses include tuition, housing, meal plans, software subscriptions, textbooks, and art materials. Art supplies alone can cost several hundred dollars each year. At the same time, programs such as Adobe Creative Cloud and other digital tools like Adobe are essential for completing coursework and creating professional-quality work. Furthermore, attending conventions, portfolio reviews, and networking events will also require funding for registration fees, transportation, and promotional materials. My estimated budget includes tuition and educational costs, art supplies, and software. Essentially, SCAD costs approximately costs $60,000 per year. Any financial assistance I receive allows me to invest more time and energy into my studies and creative projects rather than worrying about how to cover these expenses. To pay for school yearly, I have been applying to scholarships daily with family assistance, Fasfa, as well as working. I have also considered multiple paths to success. While my long-term dream is to publish graphic novels, I understand that creative careers often develop in different ways. My illustration degree provides opportunities in publishing, freelance illustration, visual development, licensing, and other creative industries. By building a strong portfolio, developing professional connections, and remaining open to different opportunities, I can create multiple avenues toward achieving my goals. Most importantly, I want my work to make a positive impact on others. No matter what medium I use I want people to see themselves in my artwork, no matter what. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and self-doubt, I understand the importance of feeling represented and encouraged. Through my art and storytelling, I hope to create work that inspires people to embrace who they are and reminds them that their stories matter. This scholarship would help provide the resources needed to continue pursuing that vision and turning my goals into reality.

Bringing people together no matter the task has always been important to me. Everyone has their own story, but there is still a sense of community that brings people together. I saw this for myself when I went to a local car and art show as an assistant to an artist in the DMV named Kennedy Ringgold. Artists and car lovers all came together as one. What stood out to me was that the event was also a fundraiser for kids who wanted to pursue art. That made the event mean more to me because people were not just coming together to look at cool cars or artwork. They were supporting young people and allowing them to pursue something they cared about. This experience has also taught me the importance of networking for the right causes. As someone who has always loved art, being a part of the fundraiser meant a lot to me. Growing up, I understood that creative careers were not always seen as realistic careers. Art was something I loved, but there were times when I questioned whether I could actually make a future out of it. I knew that choosing an artistic career meant taking a risk, especially because I would be the first person in my family to navigate college and eventually build a career for myself. As I became more confident in my art, I also started to realize that it could mean something to other people. During my senior year, I created fantasy-based artwork that explored mental health, self-identity, and internal struggles. Sharing that work made me nervous because it was personal. However, when people told me that they connected with my artwork or felt understood by it, I started looking at art differently. It was not only something I made for myself anymore. It could also make someone else feel less alone. I have seen this same idea through volunteering and working with younger students who were interested in art. Some of them did not have many opportunities to develop their skills or simply needed someone to encourage them. Helping them work through their ideas and seeing them become more confident reminded me of how important it is to have people in your corner. Now that I am an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I think about community differently than I did when I was younger. I understand that where you come from can influence how you see yourself and what you believe is possible for you. My hometown gave me an example of what happens when people with different interests and backgrounds still find reasons to come together. I want to carry that with me into my future. My goal is to become an illustrator and storyteller and eventually create fantasy graphic novels that allow people to see themselves in my stories. I also want to create opportunities for young artists who may not have the resources or confidence to pursue their creativity. I know what it feels like to question whether your dreams are realistic, so I want to be someone who encourages others to keep going. In conclusion, I am proud of how far I've come in life and how far my leadership has made an impact on so many lives.. I want someone to look at something I created and feel understood, inspired, or simply happy that they found it. To me, that is what makes a hometown special. It is not only the place itself. It is the people who make you want to stay, come back, and eventually give something back.

Olivia Rodrigo is an incredible artist who captures what it feels like to be an anxious teenage girl trying to navigate a world that doesn't make sense. Her song “Vampire” from the GUTS album resonates with me because it expresses the regret that comes from trusting the wrong people and ignoring your instincts, even when the red flags are right in front of you. The lyrics that stand out to me are “I made some real big mistakes, but you made the worst one look fine. I should’ve known it was strange, you only come out at night. I used to think I was smart, but you made me look so naive, the way you sold me for parts as you sunk your teeth into me.” These lines capture the vulnerability of being an adolescent, the feeling of being taken advantage of, thinking you know better, and then beating yourself up when you realize you didn’t. Although Olivia is speaking about a relationship, I relate these lyrics to my friendships growing up. Instead of having one vampire, I had a hoard of vampires, all in one friendgroup. Friends who would belittle me under the disguises of jokes. I was often called weird or inexperienced because I was not as experienced as they were in dating or life, making me feel behind. I ignored their comments because I wanted to keep the peace, but deep down I was miserable without even realizing it. I thought if I stayed quiet, that they would accept me. But deep down I knew that something was off. Eventually, after nearly a decade, I cut them off. I realized that I was tired of shrinking myself to fit their world. It was painful to walk away because they were all I knew and I thought we would be best friends forever. But it taught me to stop letting others define my worth. In the aftermath of it all, I felt relieved, and knew I made the right choice. Since then, I have found my real friends, people who see me for who I truly am, and love me because of it, not in spite of it. “Vampire” is poetic because Olivia owns up to her mistakes while also reclaiming her power into who she is. That is the beauty of her album GUTS, it’s a voice for girls who were made to feel small, and for those who weren’t able to speak up at the time. Through her lyrics, Olivia reminds us that growth comes after heartbreak and that finding your voice is the bravest thing you can do.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am a junior, majoring in Illustration at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Growing up, art became my safe haven, but it was books like Percy Jackson and graphic novels that taught me the power of storytelling and living in your own truth. These stories weren't just entertaining, but eye-opening. Percy's journey through self-doubt, identity, and unexpected strength mirrored my own internal battles, especially with anxiety. When anxiety took over, I would draw or read. These factors helped me change my life and gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. The humor, bravery, and emotional honesty in those pages have helped me see that imperfections don't make us weak, but human. Reading Percy Jackson gave me the courage to use my own voice. As an artist and storyteller, I now focus on creating diverse characters and emotionally grounded narratives within fantasy worlds, spaces were younger readers, especially those in underrepresented communities, can see themselves in my work. Like the Percy Jackson series, I want my stories to remind readers that they matter, that their challenges are valid, and that they are capable of greatness. Through digital illustrations and short stories shared online, I have connected with aspiring artists who tell me they feel seen and inspired to keep on creating. My mentor even shares my work with other students as an example of where perseverance and passion can lead you in life. These moments affirm that my artwork is not just a personal expression for myself, but a good way to build connections and healing with a wider audience. As I continue to build my career in the art world, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. I believe that vulnerability is powerful, and art allows me to embrace it fully. With the support of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’ve gained the confidence to continue sharing my work publicly, expand my portfolio, and grow my social media presence that reflects both my skills and story. This scholarship would allow me to expand this impact. I dream of building a free, inclusive online space, offering workshops, challenges, and a possible mentorship for young creatives, especially those who do not have access to art resources. This scholarship would be more than financial support, but it would help bring to life a world where every child, like I once was, can see themselves in the stories they love and believe their voices are worth hearing.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am a junior Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). My ultimate goal is to become a professional illustrator and graphic novelist who creates stories that help people feel seen, understood, and represented. I want to build a career centered around storytelling, creating graphic novels, illustrated books, and visual narratives that explore themes such as identity, mental health, belonging, and personal growth. To reach this goal, I have developed both short-term and long-term plans. My priority is completing my Illustration degree at SCAD while continuing to strengthen my artistic and storytelling skills. Through my coursework, I am learning character design, visual development, composition, and worldbuilding, all of which are essential for creating engaging stories. Maintaining my strong academic record and building a professional portfolio are important steps I am taking to prepare for opportunities after graduation. Over the next two years, I plan to focus on developing a portfolio that showcases my illustration and storytelling abilities. I also plan to create personal projects that reflect the type of work I hope to pursue professionally, including original characters and stories that could eventually become graphic novels. In addition, I want to continue growing my online presence by sharing my artwork and connecting with other artists, readers, and potential clients. Building an audience will help me gain exposure, receive feedback, and create opportunities for future freelance work and book projects. The resources necessary to achieve these goals include my education, art supplies, technology, and professional development opportunities. My annual educational expenses include tuition, housing, meal plans, software subscriptions, textbooks, and art materials. Art supplies alone can cost several hundred dollars each year. At the same time, programs such as Adobe Creative Cloud and other digital tools like Adobe are essential for completing coursework and creating professional-quality work. Furthermore, attending conventions, portfolio reviews, and networking events will also require funding for registration fees, transportation, and promotional materials. My estimated budget includes tuition and educational costs, art supplies, and software. Essentially, SCAD costs approximately costs $60,000 per year. Any financial assistance I receive allows me to invest more time and energy into my studies and creative projects rather than worrying about how to cover these expenses. To pay for school yearly, I have been applying to scholarships daily with family assistance, Fasfa, as well as working. I have also considered multiple paths to success. While my long-term dream is to publish graphic novels, I understand that creative careers often develop in different ways. My illustration degree provides opportunities in publishing, freelance illustration, visual development, licensing, and other creative industries. By building a strong portfolio, developing professional connections, and remaining open to different opportunities, I can create multiple avenues toward achieving my goals. Most importantly, I want my work to make a positive impact on others. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and self-doubt, I understand the importance of feeling represented and encouraged. Through my art and storytelling, I hope to create work that inspires people to embrace who they are and reminds them that their stories matter. This scholarship would help provide the resources needed to continue pursuing that vision and turning my goals into reality.

Growing up, art was always something I loved, but it wasn’t always seen as something you could make a living from. Stability mattered in my family. Being a first-generation college student already felt like stepping into the unknown, so choosing to pursue art, especially with dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and creating my own stories felt both scary and rewarding. The more I created, the more I realized that creating art wasn’t just a hobby for me. My senior year of high school was when everything clicked. I created a fantasy-based body of work centered on internal conflict and self-identity. I was dealing with anxiety and a lot of self-doubt at the time, and those emotions showed up in my characters. Sharing that work felt exposing. But when people connected to it, they saw themselves in my art it changed me and my perspective on art altogether. I realized that my stories weren’t just mine. They could create space for other people too. That’s why I want to study art seriously. I’m currently majoring in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and being in a creative environment has grown me in the best ways. I’ve defended my creative choices, pushed my technical skills, and thought critically about narrative. Art to me is not just about making something that looks good, t’s about making something that feels special and unique. As someone who wants to create fantasy graphic novels, I’m constantly thinking about world-building, atmosphere, and how design choices reflect a character’s internal state. Furthermore, what makes Savannah College of Art and Design so important to me is my drive to build a community. SCAD is a place where you find people just like you who share the same passion and desire to build something great through their careers. I fight to stay in school because my school makes me believe that the possibilities are endless. Most importantly, I want my work to make a positive impact on others. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and self-doubt, I understand the importance of feeling represented and encouraged. Through my art and storytelling, I hope to create work that inspires people to embrace who they are and reminds them that their stories matter. This scholarship would help provide the resources needed to continue pursuing that vision and turning my goals into reality. Not only that, but to show younger family members and future artists to always follow their passion and keep moving forward no matter the odds. I’m passionate about being an artist because I know what it feels like to question whether your dreams are realistic. I want to create stories that make people feel seen, especially those who don’t always see themselves represented. Art has given me confidence, healing, and direction to make my dreams a reality.

Collaboration in my field of illustration means sharing ideas, learning from others, and creating in spaces where growth feels possible. Illustration isn’t meant to exist in isolation; It thrives when artists exchange perspectives, give feedback, and support one another in bringing stories to life. For me, collaboration has become one of the most important parts of how I grow creatively and how I imagine my future in this field. As a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I’ve learned how much illustration depends on communication and shared understanding. One of the most meaningful collaborative experiences I’ve had was during a group critique in my Drawing One class. We were assigned to create a piece that represented who we were as individuals so our classmates could get to know us on a deeper level. When the assignment was first introduced, I felt nervous. I didn’t know how to fully represent myself, and I worried about whether my work would communicate what I wanted it to. As we worked through the assignment, the classroom slowly became a space where everyone felt comfortable sharing ideas and concerns. Through conversations with my peers, I realized that many of us were struggling with the same questions about identity and self-expression. Listening to their ideas and hearing their interpretations of my work helped me see my art from new perspectives. The critiques I received challenged me to think more deeply about my storytelling and the visual choices I was making. That experience taught me that collaboration isn’t just about working together, it’s about being open, not taking critique personally, and allowing yourself to grow through others’ insight. Outside of the classroom, collaboration plays a major role in my creative process through social media. I use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share my original characters and the worlds they exist in. These platforms allow me to connect with other artists and people who enjoy storytelling. Feedback from my audience often inspires new ideas or pushes me to refine my designs in ways I wouldn’t have considered on my own. Building an online community has helped me stay motivated while learning how to create work that connects with others without losing my voice. Collaboration also influences my goals as an artist and entrepreneur. I hope to eventually launch a business centered around merchandise inspired by my characters, such as prints, stickers, and other creative products. Bringing that vision to life will require working with other artists, vendors, and small business owners. I’ve already begun researching production options, budgeting, and testing designs to gather feedback. These early steps have shown me that collaboration is just as important in the business side of art as it is in the creative process. Overall, collaboration has shown me that meaningful art is built through connection. Whether in a classroom critique, an online art space, or a future professional setting, working with others strengthens my creativity and confidence. My experiences at SCAD have helped me embrace collaboration as a core part of my artistic journey and my commitment to creating work that inspires and resonates with others.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am a junior Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). My ultimate goal is to become a professional illustrator and graphic novelist who creates stories that help people feel seen, understood, and represented. I want to build a career centered around storytelling, creating graphic novels, illustrated books, and visual narratives that explore themes such as identity, mental health, belonging, and personal growth. To reach this goal, I have developed both short-term and long-term plans. My priority is completing my Illustration degree at SCAD while continuing to strengthen my artistic and storytelling skills. Through my coursework, I am learning character design, visual development, composition, and worldbuilding, all of which are essential for creating engaging stories. Maintaining my strong academic record and building a professional portfolio are important steps I am taking to prepare for opportunities after graduation. Over the next two years, I plan to focus on developing a portfolio that showcases my illustration and storytelling abilities. I also plan to create personal projects that reflect the type of work I hope to pursue professionally, including original characters and stories that could eventually become graphic novels. In addition, I want to continue growing my online presence by sharing my artwork and connecting with other artists, readers, and potential clients. Building an audience will help me gain exposure, receive feedback, and create opportunities for future freelance work and book projects. The resources necessary to achieve these goals include my education, art supplies, technology, and professional development opportunities. My annual educational expenses include tuition, housing, meal plans, software subscriptions, textbooks, and art materials. Art supplies alone can cost several hundred dollars each year. At the same time, programs such as Adobe Creative Cloud and other digital tools like Adobe are essential for completing coursework and creating professional-quality work. Furthermore, attending conventions, portfolio reviews, and networking events will also require funding for registration fees, transportation, and promotional materials. My estimated budget includes tuition and educational costs, art supplies, and software. Essentially, SCAD costs approximately costs $60,000 per year. Any financial assistance I receive allows me to invest more time and energy into my studies and creative projects rather than worrying about how to cover these expenses. To pay for school yearly, I have been applying to scholarships daily with family assistance, Fasfa, as well as working. I have also considered multiple paths to success. While my long-term dream is to publish graphic novels, I understand that creative careers often develop in different ways. My illustration degree provides opportunities in publishing, freelance illustration, visual development, licensing, and other creative industries. By building a strong portfolio, developing professional connections, and remaining open to different opportunities, I can create multiple avenues toward achieving my goals. Most importantly, I want my work to make a positive impact on others. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and self-doubt, I understand the importance of feeling represented and encouraged. Through my art and storytelling, I hope to create work that inspires people to embrace who they are and reminds them that their stories matter. This scholarship would help provide the resources needed to continue pursuing that vision and turning my goals into reality.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am a junior Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). My ultimate goal is to become a professional illustrator and graphic novelist who creates stories that help people feel seen, understood, and represented. I want to build a career centered around storytelling, creating graphic novels, illustrated books, and visual narratives that explore themes such as identity, mental health, belonging, and personal growth. To reach this goal, I have developed both short-term and long-term plans. My priority is completing my Illustration degree at SCAD while continuing to strengthen my artistic and storytelling skills. Through my coursework, I am learning character design, visual development, composition, and worldbuilding, all of which are essential for creating engaging stories. Maintaining my strong academic record and building a professional portfolio are important steps I am taking to prepare for opportunities after graduation. Over the next two years, I plan to focus on developing a portfolio that showcases my illustration and storytelling abilities. I also plan to create personal projects that reflect the type of work I hope to pursue professionally, including original characters and stories that could eventually become graphic novels. In addition, I want to continue growing my online presence by sharing my artwork and connecting with other artists, readers, and potential clients. Building an audience will help me gain exposure, receive feedback, and create opportunities for future freelance work and book projects. The resources necessary to achieve these goals include my education, art supplies, technology, and professional development opportunities. My annual educational expenses include tuition, housing, meal plans, software subscriptions, textbooks, and art materials. Art supplies alone can cost several hundred dollars each year. At the same time, programs such as Adobe Creative Cloud and other digital tools like Adobe are essential for completing coursework and creating professional-quality work. Furthermore, attending conventions, portfolio reviews, and networking events will also require funding for registration fees, transportation, and promotional materials. My estimated budget includes tuition and educational costs, art supplies, and software. Essentially, SCAD costs approximately costs $60,000 per year. Any financial assistance I receive allows me to invest more time and energy into my studies and creative projects rather than worrying about how to cover these expenses. To pay for school yearly, I have been applying to scholarships daily with family assistance, Fasfa, as well as working. I have also considered multiple paths to success. While my long-term dream is to publish graphic novels, I understand that creative careers often develop in different ways. My illustration degree provides opportunities in publishing, freelance illustration, visual development, licensing, and other creative industries. By building a strong portfolio, developing professional connections, and remaining open to different opportunities, I can create multiple avenues toward achieving my goals. Most importantly, I want my work to make a positive impact on others. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and self-doubt, I understand the importance of feeling represented and encouraged. Through my art and storytelling, I hope to create work that inspires people to embrace who they are and reminds them that their stories matter. This scholarship would help provide the resources needed to continue pursuing that vision and turning my goals into reality.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am a junior Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Ever since I was young, art has been more than just a creative outlet for me. It has been a way to express myself, connect with others, and tell stories that make people feel seen. As I continue pursuing my degree, I want to use my education to create meaningful work that inspires, encourages, and represents people whose stories are often overlooked. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family to attend college, pursuing higher education has been both exciting and challenging. Growing up, I struggled with anxiety and self-doubt, especially when it came to my artistic abilities. There were many times when I questioned whether I was talented enough or whether my work mattered. Through the support of my family, therapy, and my own determination, I learned that growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Today, I use my artwork to explore themes such as mental health, identity, belonging, and personal growth. During my senior year of high school, I challenged myself to share my artwork publicly and present my creative ideas to others. What surprised me most was how people connected with my work. Some shared their own art journey, while others simply appreciated seeing work they could relate to all together. Moments like these shows me that art has the power to bring people together and remind them that they are not alone. At SCAD, my Illustration major is helping me develop the technical and storytelling skills needed to turn those ideas into a career. I am learning how to create compelling characters, world building , and how to visual story tell in so many different ways. My long-term goal is to create graphic novels and illustrated stories that entertain readers while also encouraging young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to see themselves reflected in the stories I create. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue pursuing those goals by easing the financial burden of attending college. As a student at a private art institution, educational expenses can be challenging, from tuition and housing to art supplies, software, and other course materials. This scholarship would allow me to focus more of my energy on my studies, creative projects, and professional development opportunities rather than financial stress. It would also help me continue building the skills and portfolio necessary to succeed in the illustration industry. Through storytelling, mentorship, and creative expression, I hope to encourage others to embrace their own voices and share their stories with confidence. This scholarship would be an investment not only in my education but also in the future work I hope to create for the communities I serve.

As a Black, first-generation college student and the eldest grandchild in my family, I carry a deep sense of responsibility. I want my journey to mean something beyond myself. I want to create opportunities for others, inspire younger artists to pursue their dreams, and help open doors for the next generation. Growing up, I rarely saw characters who looked like me at the center of magical worlds and narratives. That absence motivated me to create the representation I wished I had in my own work. I want to be known as someone who helped people feel seen through storytelling. I want my work to remind people that their stories matter and that they belong. As an artist, my personal brand is rooted in creativity, representation, and self-expression. I don’t wanna just create just to make art look good—I create to make people feel something. My dream is to become a character designer, illustrator, and storyteller who creates worlds where people, especially those who rarely see themselves represented, can feel seen, understood, and valued. Growing up, I was drawn to fantasy stories and role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, where characters were flawed, complex, and capable of growth. Those stories gave me a place to dream bigger than what I initially intended. My journey though has not been without challenges. Anxiety and self-doubt often made me question whether I was good enough to pursue art. For a long time, I worried about what others would think before I even shared my work. Through therapy, the support of family and friends, and my connection to art, I learned to trust myself and keep creating anyway. Art became my safe space when anxiety felt overwhelming. It gave me a voice when words couldn’t. When I started sharing my artwork online, people began reaching out to tell me that my illustrations made them feel understood. Those messages changed how I viewed success. I realized that the impact of art goes beyond likes or recognition, It’s about building a connection. Now, I am pursuing an Illustration degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design. This scholarship would help cover tuition, art supplies, and other educational expenses that are essential to my growth as an artist. It would allow me to focus more of my energy on developing my skills, building my portfolio, and working toward a career in illustration and character design. To me, success is not just about building a career—it is about building a legacy. I want to leave behind stories that encourage self-acceptance, spark imagination, and help others feel seen. If my work can inspire even one person to believe in themselves or see their own story reflected in the world I create, then I will have made the impact I hope to leave behind.

What makes me stand out is that I have learned how to find strength and creativity through challenges that many people cannot see. Being part of the disabled community and living with severe scoliosis while managing anxiety has shaped how I view the world, my relationships, and my future. Growing up with scoliosis was one of the first times I realized my body worked differently from those around me. I was diagnosed at ten years old, and from that moment, I became more aware of my physical appearance and limitations. I worried a lot about how others perceived me due to how my body looked, even though my scoliosis didn’t look bad to the public eye, my mind always made me believe how disfigured my back looked. This struggle reached its peak during my junior year of high school when my back pain became so severe that I was placed on bed rest for an entire month and attended chiropractic appointments twice a week. While scoliosis affected me physically, anxiety challenged me mentally and emotionally. It often impacted my confidence in friendships, academics, and future goals. I wanted to express myself freely, but my thoughts frequently held me back. Learning to manage my anxiety has been one of my greatest accomplishments. Through therapy, journaling, and the support of family and friends, I learned that my challenges do not define me. Instead, they have helped me become more self-aware and compassionate toward others who are struggling. One thing that makes me different is the way I turn difficult experiences into creative expression. Art slowly became my safe space, a place where I could transform my doubts and insecurities into something meaningful. When I draw, I feel grounded, confident, and connected to myself and my craft. Rather than allowing my challenges to silence and discourage me, I use art to tell stories that reflect hope and personal growth. My dream is to become a storyteller whose art does more than look beautiful—it carries meaning. Through illustration and graphic novels, I want to create worlds where people, especially those who rarely see themselves represented, can feel seen and understood. As a Black, first-generation college student, representation has always mattered deeply to me. Growing up without seeing many characters who looked like me or shared my experiences inspired me to create stories that fill that gap. Now, as an Illustration major, I plan to use my lived experiences to create work that encourages self-acceptance, emotional growth, and empathy. Being part of the disabled community has taught me patience, perseverance, and compassion. What makes me stand out is not simply the challenges I have faced, but the way I have chosen to respond to them. Through my art and leadership, I hope to remind others that their struggles do not diminish their worth and that even difficult experiences can inspire something meaningful.

Being part of the disabled community has shaped how I see the world,my relationships, and my future. . Living with severe scoliosis while managing anxiety , has taught me to keep moving forward even when life feels overwhelming. These experiences have not only influenced how I navigate daily life, but also how I hope to positively impact others through my future career and leadership. Growing up with scoliosis was one of the first times I realized my body worked differently from others. I was diagnosed at ten years old, and from that moment on, I became more aware of my physical appearance and limitations. The pain would be exhausting, and I often worried about how others perceived me. This struggle reached its peak during my junior year of high school, when my back pain became so severe that I was placed on bed rest for an entire month and attended chiropractic appointments twice a week. Although, that period of my life was difficult, it taught me an important lesson, that strength is not about avoiding hardship, but about continuing to move forward despite it. While scoliosis affected me physically, anxiety challenged me mentally and emotionally. It impacted my confidence in friendships, academics, and my future goals. I wanted to express myself freely, but my thoughts held me back. Learning to manage my anxiety has been one of my greatest accomplishments, I am so proud of how far I have come. Through therapy, journaling, and leaning on the support of family and friends, I learned that these setbacks do not define me. Art played the biggest role in helping me cope with both my physical and mental struggles. It became my safe space- a place where I could turn pain, fear, and insecurity into something meaningful. When I draw, I feel grounded and so much joy. My dream is to become a storyteller whose art doesn’t just look beautiful- but it’ll carry meaning. I want to create worlds through illustration and graphic novels where people, especially those who rarely see themselves represented, can feel seen and understood. As a Black, first-generation college student, representation has always mattered deeply to me. Growing up without seeing characters who looked like me or shared my struggles inspired me to create stories that fill that gap. Now, as an Illustration major, I plan to use my lived experiences to create work that encourages self-acceptance, emotional growth, and empathy. Being part of the disabled community has taught me patience and perseverance,and compassion for myself and others.Through my art and leadership, I hope to remind people that their mental and physical health matters, that their challenges do not diminish their worth, and that even difficult experiences can lead to something greater.

I am a first-generation college student, an underrepresented artist, and someone who has learned to turn uncertainty into purpose. My academics has not simply guided me toward a career path, but it has helped me understand who I am, what I value, and how I want to show up in the world. Through my academic and creative journey, I have discovered that art is not only my passion, but a way to represent myself, my family, and underrepresented communities. I grew up in an environment where creative careers were rarely encouraged or understood. Stability was prioritized, and art was often seen as a hobby rather than a future. While my family always supported my interests, I was always aware of the risks associated with pursuing an artistic path and becoming an entrepreneur. As someone who would be the first to navigate college and to be my own boss, this awareness shaped my goals early on. Being the first grandchild on both sides of my family added another layer of pressure, especially in high school. While I was motivated, I struggled deeply with anxiety, self-doubt, and the fear of not being “enough.” I questioned a lot during my senior year whether my dreams were realistic. These internal challenges made it difficult to trust myself, even when others believed in me. It was through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my growing relationship with art that I began to heal. Art became my safe space where I could fully express myself. My senior year of high school became a turning point. I pushed past my fears and presented a collective body of work that reflected me. I created fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflicts, topics that are often overlooked. Sharing this work was terrifying, but it was also freeing. When others resonated with my art and saw themselves reflected in it, I realized that my creativity had the power to do more than comfort me. It could help others feel seen. As an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I viewed my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. My coursework has challenged me to think critically, push my technical abilities, and develop narratives with intention. My drive is to create fantasy graphic novels and visual narratives that explore emotional complexity while offering hope and representation to anyone who needs it. I want my work to reach people who may feel invisible and remind them that their stories are valuable. My long-term goal is to build inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, that provide mentorship, resources, and community for young artists, regardless of financial background. I want to be the person I once needed, someone who validates creative dreams and shows that success does not have to come at the cost of authenticity. Education has given me direction by teaching me that my voice matters and that my purpose extends beyond myself. This scholarship would support not only my academic journey, but my commitment to using art as a force for empowerment, speaking my truth, joy and representation. I am dedicated to creating a better future, one story at a time.

I am a first-generation college student, an underrepresented artist, and someone who has learned to turn uncertainty into purpose. My academics has not simply guided me toward a career path, but it has helped me understand who I am, what I value, and how I want to show up in the world. Through my academic and creative journey, I have discovered that art is not only my passion, but a way to represent myself, my family, and underrepresented communities. I grew up in an environment where creative careers were rarely encouraged or understood. Stability was prioritized, and art was often seen as a hobby rather than a future. While my family always supported my interests, I was always aware of the risks associated with pursuing an artistic path and becoming an entrepreneur. As someone who would be the first to navigate college and to be my own boss, this awareness shaped my goals early on. Being the first grandchild on both sides of my family added another layer of pressure, especially in high school. While I was motivated, I struggled deeply with anxiety, self-doubt, and the fear of not being “enough.” I questioned a lot during my senior year whether my dreams were realistic. These internal challenges made it difficult to trust myself, even when others believed in me. It was through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my growing relationship with art that I began to heal. Art became my safe space where I could fully express myself. My senior year of high school became a turning point. I pushed past my fears and presented a collective body of work that reflected me. I created fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflicts, topics that are often overlooked. Sharing this work was terrifying, but it was also freeing. When others resonated with my art and saw themselves reflected in it, I realized that my creativity had the power to do more than comfort me. It could help others feel seen. As an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I viewed my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. My coursework has challenged me to think critically, push my technical abilities, and develop narratives with intention. My drive is to create fantasy graphic novels and visual narratives that explore emotional complexity while offering hope and representation to anyone who needs it. I want my work to reach people who may feel invisible and remind them that their stories are valuable. My long-term goal is to build inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, that provide mentorship, resources, and community for young artists, regardless of financial background. I want to be the person I once needed, someone who validates creative dreams and shows that success does not have to come at the cost of authenticity. Education has given me direction by teaching me that my voice matters and that my purpose extends beyond myself. This scholarship would support not only my academic journey, but my commitment to using art as a force for empowerment, speaking my truth, joy and representation. I am dedicated to creating a better future, one story at a time.

Growing up, art was always something I loved, but it wasn’t always seen as something you could make a living from. Stability mattered in my family. Being a first-generation college student already felt like stepping into the unknown, so choosing to pursue art, especially with dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and creating my own stories—felt both scary and rewarding. The more I created, the more I realized that creating art wasn’t just a hobby for me. My senior year of high school was when everything clicked. I created a fantasy-based body of work centered on internal conflict and self-identity. I was dealing with anxiety and a lot of self-doubt at the time, and those emotions showed up in my characters. Sharing that work felt exposing. But when people started to connect to my work and saw themselves in my art—it changed me and my perspective on art altogether. I realized that my stories weren’t just mine. They could create space for other people too. That’s why I want to study art seriously. I’m currently majoring in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and being in a studio environment has grown me in the best ways. I’ve defended my creative choices, pushed my technical skills, and thought critically about narrative. Art is not just about making something that looks good—it’s about making something that feels special and unique. As someone who wants to create fantasy graphic novels, I’m constantly thinking about world-building, atmosphere, and how design choices reflect a character’s internal state. I’m passionate about being an artist because I know what it feels like to question whether your dreams are realistic. I want to create stories that make people feel seen, especially those who don’t always see themselves represented. Fine art and studio art have given me confidence, healing, and direction. In the future, I hope to create inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, where young artists from underrepresented backgrounds feel supported and encouraged. By sharing my journey and showing that I am human, including my struggles with anxiety, I want others to know that their voices matter. I am committed to making an impact one illustration at a time, using my voice to create connection and change.

As a Black, first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I grew up feeling an unspoken pressure to succeed. I wanted to make my family proud, but that responsibility often turned into anxiety. I learned early on how to stay quiet, not ruin the peace, and keep my opinions private. In high school, my anxiety showed up most clearly in my relationship with art. I loved creating, but I constantly doubted my own skills. Before even starting a piece, I would convince myself it wouldn’t be good enough. I compared my work to others, worried about criticism, and often stopped myself from trying at all. Speaking confidently about my abilities felt impossible because I wasn’t confident at all. I knew art was my passion but felt too self-conscious to put myself out there. Digital art eventually became my safe space. Through therapy, the support of my mom, friends, and my growing commitment to creating, I began to understand that my anxiety didn’t define me. As my mental health improved, so did my willingness to show up creatively. Each piece I finished boosted my courage, even if no one else saw it. The real turning point came during my senior year of high school, when I decided to create and post on my first art account online. Sharing my work publicly terrified me. Hitting “post” felt like exposing a part of myself. My illustrations explored fantasy, identity, and environmental conflict—subjects that reflected how I felt inside. When I started to post, I only did it for the fun of things, I didn't realize that people would actually care about my work. People began messaging me to say my art made them feel seen or less alone, in because of that my mindset shifted. I realized that my voice didn’t have to be loud to be impactful. My art was speaking for me, and it was reaching people who needed it. That realization changed how I viewed communication and confidence. I began volunteering and mentoring through creative programs at community centers, encouraging students to trust their ideas and take pride in their work. Helping them express themselves reminded me how powerful creative confidence can be. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I continue learning how to use my voice with intention. As a Black woman in a field where representation is limited, I understand how meaningful it is to see yourself reflected in art. My goal is to create graphic novels and visual stories that explore identity, self-acceptance, and belonging. In the future, I hope to create inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, where young artists from underrepresented backgrounds feel supported and encouraged. By sharing my journey and showing that I am human, including my struggles with anxiety, I want others to know that their voices matter. I am committed to making an impact one illustration at a time, using my voice to create connection and change.

I am a first-generation college student, an underrepresented artist, and someone who has learned to turn uncertainty into purpose. My academics has not simply guided me toward a career path, but it has helped me understand who I am, what I value, and how I want to show up in the world. I grew up in an environment where creative careers were rarely encouraged or understood. Stability was prioritized, and art was often seen as a hobby rather than a future. While my family always supported my interests, I was always aware of the risks associated with pursuing an artistic path and becoming an entrepreneur. As someone who would be the first to navigate college and to be my own boss, this awareness shaped my goals early on. Being the first grandchild on both sides of my family added another layer of pressure, especially in high school. While I was motivated, I struggled deeply with anxiety, self-doubt, and the fear of not being “enough.” I questioned a lot during my senior year whether my dreams were realistic. These internal challenges made it difficult to trust myself, even when others believed in me. It was through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my growing relationship with art that I began to heal. Art became my safe space where I could fully express myself. My senior year of high school was when everything clicked. I created a fantasy-based body of work centered on self-identity. Sharing that work felt exposing. But when people connected to it they saw themselves in my art—it changed me and my perspective on art altogether. I realized that my stories weren’t just mine. They could create space for other people too. That’s why I want to study art seriously. I’m currently majoring in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and being in a studio environment has grown me in the best ways. I’ve defended my creative choices, pushed my technical skills, and thought critically about narrative. Art is not just about making something that looks good—it’s about making something that feels special and unique. As someone who wants to create fantasy graphic novels, I’m constantly thinking about world-building, atmosphere, and how design choices reflect a character’s internal state. I’m passionate about being an artist because I know what it feels like to question whether your dreams are realistic. I want to create stories that make people feel seen, especially those who don’t always see themselves represented. Fine art and studio art have given me confidence, healing, and direction.

When I was younger, I lost a family member we all called Titi. She was my cousins’ aunt and the mother of the twins, and her death was sudden and devastating for our family. The twins were only six years old when it happened. At that age, losing a parent can shake a child’s entire world, and I watched that happen in real time. Titi was the kind of person who lit up every room she walked into. She had a bright personality, she was outgoing, and people loved being around her. Even though I was young, the day she died was the first time I truly understood how unfair and cruel the world can be, especially to people who don’t deserve it. As the years passed, I began to understand more about who Titi was as a parent. She loved her daughters deeply, but she was more of the “fun” mom than the structured one. She focused more on play and enjoying the moment than on teaching discipline or life lessons. As the twins got older, that lack of structure started to show in how they acted and how they processed things in life. During this hard time in my family's life, I expressed these concerns with my uncle. I explained how therapy is needed because the girls lost someone they loved at such a young age. He didn't see no issue with the twins whatsoever. Instead, he enabled their behavior and they got worst. No one was willing to have the hard conversation that needed to happen. I realized that they needed someone else in their corner—someone who could guide them, support them, and show them that structure and discipline can come from love. I made a promise to myself that I would be the older cousin they could look up to. I wanted them to understand that when someone corrects you or teaches you something the hard way, it doesn’t mean they are against you. Sometimes it means they care enough to help you grow. Over time, the twins gained a stepmom who truly loves them. But like many blended families, the transition hasn’t always been easy. From the girls’ perspective, it sometimes feels like someone is trying to replace their mom. From their stepmom’s perspective, her life changed overnight—from raising one child to suddenly raising three. Watching both sides has helped me develop empathy and understanding for everyone involved. During this process of blending families, my uncle decided that the girls did need therapy and took all the credit. At first, I felt wronged because I told him earlier in the years that this needed to happen for all parties to adjust to the change. As I reflected, I realized that we can't force people to change, they have to want to for themselves. Being there for the twins as they grew up has been challenging, especially as a young adult trying to figure out life myself. But it has also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Losing Titi taught me something, children need love, guidance, and patience. The way you are raised truly shapes how you move through the world. Would I react the same way again if faced with similar circumstances? Yes, because this experience is a pattern in my family of not taking accountability for our actions, and I want to make a change. Now the twins are in fifth grade and getting ready to enter middle school, and I could not be prouder of them. They have grown so much and seeing that growth reminds me why being present in their lives matters. Through them, I have also learned lessons about what it means to be a parental figure—when to show compassion, when to listen, and when a little tough love is necessary. During this time, my faith also became a source of strength. Prayer became the one place where I could be honest about my feelings regarding Titi's lost and the girls adjust to their new life. Talking to God reminded me that I was never meant to carry everything alone and I need to put myself first. That truth slowly rebuilt my confidence and helped me move forward with life. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I carry the hopes of many people who believe in me. Their support, along with my faith and perseverance, motivates me every day to keep going and to become someone who can positively impact others, just as I try to do for the twins.

I am a first-generation college student, an underrepresented artist, and someone who has learned to turn uncertainty into purpose. My academics has not simply guided me toward a career path, but it has helped me understand who I am, what I value, and how I want to show up in the world. Through my academic and creative journey, I have discovered that art is not only my passion, but a way to represent myself, my family, and underrepresented communities. I grew up in an environment where creative careers were rarely encouraged or understood. Stability was prioritized, and art was often seen as a hobby rather than a future. While my family always supported my interests, I was always aware of the risks associated with pursuing an artistic path and becoming an entrepreneur. As someone who would be the first to navigate college and to be my own boss, this awareness shaped my goals early on. Being the first grandchild on both sides of my family added another layer of pressure, especially in high school. While I was motivated, I struggled deeply with anxiety, self-doubt, and the fear of not being “enough.” I questioned a lot during my senior year whether my dreams were realistic. It was through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my growing relationship with art that I began to heal. Art became my safe space where I could fully express myself. My senior year of high school became a turning point. I pushed past my fears and presented a collective body of work that reflected me. I created fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflicts, topics that are often overlooked. When others resonated with my art and saw themselves reflected in it, I realized that my creativity had the power to do more than comfort me. It could help others feel seen. As an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I viewed my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. My coursework has challenged me to think critically, push my technical abilities, and develop narratives with intention. My goals is to create fantasy graphic novels and visual narratives that explore emotional complexity while offering hope and representation to anyone who needs it. I want my work to reach people who may feel invisible and remind them that their stories are valuable. My long-term goal is to build inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, that provide mentorship, resources, and community for young artists, regardless of financial background. I want to be the person I once needed, someone who validates creative dreams and shows that success does not have to come at the cost of authenticity. Much of this vision is due to the influence of my mother, who instilled in me faith, perseverance, and belief in my potential even when I struggled to see it myself. She has taught me all that I need to know about today's world as well as how to carry myself with pride, and to not be afraid to speak my truth no matter what. Her example reminds me that impact is measured not only by personal success, but by how many people I uplift along the way. My education has given me direction by teaching me that my voice matters and that my purpose extends beyond myself. This scholarship would support not only my academic journey, but my commitment to using art as a force for empowerment, speaking my truth, joy and representation. I am dedicated to creating a better future, one story at a time.

My name is Caliya Williams, and adversity has shaped a lot of who I am today. Being a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family already came with a lot of pressure. I’ve always felt like I had to prove something—not just for myself, but for my family and the generations that come after me. My goal has always been to create art that empowers people, especially those who feel unseen. One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning to believe in my own abilities. In high school, I struggled with a lot of anxiety and self-doubt, especially when it came to my art. I loved creating, but I was constantly afraid of being judged. There were moments where the fear of not being good enough almost stopped me from sharing my work at all. I would imagine the worst outcomes in my head, convincing myself that people would criticize it or that it wouldn’t matter. What helped me overcome that adversity was support and learning how to face my fears instead of running from them. Through therapy, encouragement from my family and friends, and art, I slowly started to shift my mindset. Creating Art became my safe place. It allowed me to express emotions and thoughts that I couldn’t always put into words. Over time, I realized that growth doesn’t come from trying to be perfect—it comes from having the courage to try, even when you’re scared. During my senior year of high school, I finally decided to push past my fear and share my work publicly. I created a series of fantasy illustrations exploring themes of mental health, identity, and inner conflict. Those pieces were very personal to me, and at first, I was nervous about how people would react, but I pushed through it. People started reaching out to tell me that my art made them feel understood and less alone. Hearing that completely changed how I saw my work. Through these experiences, I saw how creativity can bring people together, build confidence, and create spaces where people feel seen. Now, as a student majoring in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I see my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. I want to create stories and graphic novels that reflect real human experiences while also encouraging empathy and self-acceptance. My goal is to tell stories that remind people their voices matter. The advice I would give to someone facing the same kind of fear or self-doubt is this: don’t wait until you feel completely confident to start. Confidence grows through action, not before it. Share your voice even when it feels uncomfortable, because you never know who might need to hear it. Adversity taught me that fear doesn’t have to control your path. Sometimes the very things that scare you the most are the things that will shape your purpose. For me, that purpose is using my art to help others feel seen, understood, and inspired to believe in themselves.

When I was younger, I lost a family member we all called Titi. She was my cousins’ aunt and the mother of the twins, and her death was sudden and devastating for our family. The twins were only six years old when it happened. At that age, losing a parent can shake a child’s entire world, and I watched that happen in real time. Titi was the kind of person who lit up every room she walked into. She had a bright personality, she was outgoing, and people loved being around her. Even though I was young, the day she died was the first time I truly understood how unfair and cruel the world can be, especially to people who don’t deserve it. As the years passed, I began to understand more about who Titi was as a parent. She loved her daughters deeply, but she was more of the “fun” mom than the structured one. She focused more on play and enjoying the moment than on teaching discipline or life lessons. As the twins got older, that lack of structure started to show in how they acted and how they processed things in life. Watching that made something click in me. I realized that they needed someone else in their corner—someone who could guide them, support them, and show them that structure and discipline can come from love. I made a promise to myself that I would be the older cousin they could look up to. I wanted them to understand that when someone corrects you or teaches you something the hard way, it doesn’t mean they are against you. Sometimes it means they care enough to help you grow. Over time, the twins gained a stepmom who truly loves them. But like many blended families, the transition hasn’t always been easy. From the girls’ perspective, it sometimes feels like someone is trying to replace their mom. From their stepmom’s perspective, her life changed overnight—from raising one child to suddenly raising three. Watching both sides has helped me develop empathy and understanding for everyone involved. Being there for the twins as they grew up has been challenging, especially as a young adult trying to figure out life myself. But it has also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Losing Titi taught me something, children need love, guidance, and patience. The way you are raised truly shapes how you move through the world. Now the twins are in fifth grade and getting ready to enter middle school, and I could not be prouder of them. They have grown so much and seeing that growth reminds me why being present in their lives matters. Through them, I have also learned lessons about what it means to be a parental figure—when to show compassion, when to listen, and when a little tough love is necessary. During this time, my faith also became a source of strength. Prayer became the one place where I could be honest about my feelings. Talking to God reminded me that I was never meant to carry everything alone. That truth slowly rebuilt my confidence and helped me move forward with purpose. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I carry the hopes of many people who believe in me. Their support, along with my faith and perseverance, motivates me every day to keep going and to become someone who can positively impact others—just as I try to do for the twins.

Growing up in a single-parent household shaped the way I face challenges. Watching my mom handle everything on her own taught me that perseverance is being consistent. It is waking up every day and doing what needs to be done, even when you are tired or unsure. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild in my family to attend college, there was no clear roadmap. Navigating financial aid, applications, and the reality of attending art school felt overwhelming at times. Choosing illustration and wanting to be an entrepreneur added fuel to the pressure. I struggled with anxiety in high school and often doubted whether I was talented enough to turn my passion into a career. But growing up the way I did taught me not to quit when things feel uncertain. I learned how to sit with discomfort and keep moving forward anyway. I am actively working toward my goals by studying illustration, building a strong portfolio, and developing stories for the graphic novels I plan to create. I pushed myself to grow and understood that talent alone is not enough; consistency is what builds a future. Coming from a single-parent household also gave me perspective. I understand sacrifice, and I understand the pressure many young people feel to choose practicality over passion. In the future, I want to mentor young artists—especially those from backgrounds like mine—and create spaces where creativity and stability are not seen as opposites. Through my work as a graphic novelist and future entrepreneur, I want to tell stories that reflect my goals and make others feel seen. My perseverance is rooted in my mother's sacrifices. Every step I take toward my dreams carries the lessons I learned at home and to never let circumstances define my limits.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I would not be where I am without my mom. Growing up in a single-parent household shaped me in ways I’m still unpacking. It taught me responsibility early. It taught me to be observant, independent, and to love myself. But more than anything, it showed me what it truly means when people say, 'Keep moving forward.' My mom has always been the biggest supporter in my educational journey. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family to attend college, I didn’t grow up with a roadmap. There wasn’t anyone who could explain FAFSA step-by-step from personal experience or tell me exactly what attending art school would be like for us financially. But my mom never let that stop her from helping me figure it out. She has shown up time and time again as what a real parent and provider looks like. Pursuing art was not the “safe” choice. Stability has always mattered in my family, and I understood that. There were moments when I questioned whether chasing illustration was practical. But my mom never made me feel unrealistic for dreaming big. She saw how serious I was about my craft. She saw how art wasn’t just something I liked—it was something that I was passionate about. Instead of shunning me, she told me to commit fully and work hard at what I want in life. In high school, I struggled with confidence in my work and had terrible anxiety. I overanalyzed my skills and compared myself constantly. But my mom has always reminded me that growth takes time. Growing up in a single-parent household also made me more aware of the sacrifices that our parents make to give us, their children better lives. I watched her balance responsibilities without complaining and saw her put my well-being first time and time again. These instances have shaped how I approach my education now and my own personal growth. Her helping me attend my dream college at Savannah College of Art and Design feels bigger than just a certificate. It feels like honoring the investment she made in me. As I work toward becoming a graphic novelist and building creative spaces of my own, I want to build on her support by becoming that source of encouragement for others. I want to mentor young artists, especially those from single-parent households, who may feel pressure to choose practicality over passion. I want to show them that discipline and creativity can coexist. My mom’s support has been instrumental because it gave me stability and belief at the same time. She didn’t just tell me I could succeed—she showed me what perseverance looks like and to always work for what you want. Everything I strive toward carries her influence. And as I build my dreams, I build them in a way that reflects the strength, faith, and determination she modeled for me every single day.

My name is Caliya Williams. Creating a name for myself has never been about recognition alone; it has always been about impact. I would like to empower, heal, and represent people, including those who do not feel represented or listened to. I have a mission and a mandate as a first-generation college student and the first grandchild in both directions of the family. In high school, I was very nervous and unsure, especially about my artistic skills. I also encountered a few times when I almost quit all together as a result of the fear of judgment. With the therapy, the consistent support of my family and friends, and my strong relationship to art, I have learned to think of my struggles as not a weakness, but rather as a strength. Gradually, I came to understand that perfection does not mean growth; rather, courage does. In my senior year, I pushed my limits to deliver my first collective presentation. I started making fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflict. These compositions were very intimate, but very popular. My peers and other community members would contact me to say that my art made them feel understood and less isolated. It was an experience that changed my goals, I no longer desired art to serve myself, but to help others. This realization inspired me to want to actively engage in creative, mentoring, and mental well-being volunteer work. I plan to volunteer in local community centers and school programs and volunteered with younger students in art projects and creative expression workshops. I also want to mentor my peers who lacked confidence and would push them to pursue their talents without fear. Furthermore, I plan to donate art to mental health awareness programs, student-organized campaigns, and neighborhood events to foster open dialogue about emotional well-being. Now a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), majoring in Illustration, I view my education as a responsibility as much as an opportunity. Illustration helps me blend words and images to create characters and worlds that are informed by the reality of human experience. This is a long-term goal, and I want to produce graphic novels that could be entertaining, challenge stigma, foster empathy, and promote self-acceptance. I want my job to be discovered by the people who need hope and assurance that their stories are not a waste of time. My motivation stems from what my mother instilled in me at a young age. My religion was my potential, and I am determined to share it with others. I also know why it can feel like you are lonely when doubting your worth, or that you are not performing well enough on your own. I hope that my art and service will help people remember that they are not alone and that their voices are not pointless; their dreams are correct. I will use my future influence to expand my impact in communities by creating inclusive, creative spaces online and in real life where young artists have access to resources, workshops, and mentorship, without worrying about their financial background. I aspire to mentor young artists, as I was once mentored myself, and to help my younger relatives achieve their educational goals. The scholarship would not only assist me financially in my academic career but also make me even stronger in serving others through art. My personal commitment is to change the world one story at a time.

My journey with faith has impacted my life in more ways than one. I grew up knowing about God, but I didn’t truly lean on him until my emotions got the better of me, and I felt overwhelmed by self-doubt. I cared too much about how people saw me. I was scared of failing and was scared of being judged. And honestly, I was scared that maybe I just wasn’t good enough. Prayer became the one place where I didn’t have to pretend. I started talking to God about everything. Over time, I realized something that shifted everything for me: I was never meant to carry these feelings alone. My faith reminded me that God created me intentionally, and that my emotions don't define me or should be shunned. That truth slowly rebuilt my confidence. As my relationship with God deepened, so did my relationship with art. Drawing has always been part of me, but it became something different when I started inviting God into my life goals. Art became my safe space. It was where I processed emotions I couldn’t fully explain. Instead of bottling up anxiety or fear, I turned it into characters, fantasy worlds, and stories. When I began sharing my work publicly, especially pieces that explored mental health and identity, I was nervous. But people started reaching out. They told me my art made them feel understood and less alone. Those moments made me realize God wasn’t just healing me through my creativity—He was using it to connect me to others. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I see my education as part of my calling. I don’t just want to draw pretty images. I want to tell stories that feel real. Stories that sit with people. I want to create graphic novels that blend fantasy with emotional honesty—characters who struggle, grow, question themselves, and still find hope. Especially for young people who feel unseen or misunderstood, the way I once did. Being a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family adds another layer to everything I do. My family has poured so much into me. Their support, my faith, and my own perseverance are the reasons I’m here. I don’t take that lightly. At the same time, pursuing a creative degree is financially demanding. Supplies, technology, studio courses—those costs add up quickly. Receiving this scholarship would not just be financial assistance; it would be reassurance. It would allow me to focus more deeply on refining my craft, building my portfolio, and pursuing internships and opportunities that align with my long-term goals. Instead of worrying about how I’m going to afford the next expense, I could pour that energy into becoming the best illustrator I can be. My long-term plan is to become a professional illustrator and storyteller who creates work rooted in empathy, faith, and emotional depth. I want to expand into publishing graphic novels and eventually create inclusive creative spaces—both online and in person—where young artists can feel safe exploring their gifts. I also hope to collaborate with mental health initiatives and community programs, donating artwork and using storytelling to spark conversations around emotional well-being. Christianity didn’t remove my anxiety overnight and it didn’t make me fearless. But it gave me something stronger than fear, a purpose and an identity. It reminded me that my voice matters because God gave it to me. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue walking in that purpose with confidence. It would support not just my education, but the impact I hope to make through it. I truly believe God placed these dreams in my heart for a reason.

My name is Caliya Williams. Creating a name for myself has never been about recognition alone; it has always been about impact. I would like to empower, heal, and represent people, including those who do not feel represented or listened to. I have a goal to peruse as the first-generation college student and the first grandchild in both directions of the family. I would leave behind a legacy of being creative, a legacy that would leave the future generation with a mark that it is passion, perseverance, and belief in oneself, which can help in changing lives. In high school, I was very nervous and unsure, especially about my artistic skills. I also encountered a few times when I almost died in my imagination as a result of the fear of judgment. With the therapy, the consistent support of my family and friends, and my strong relationship to art, I have learned to think of my struggles as not a weakness, but rather as a strength. It was my refuge and my voice--that I could speak of feelings which were not to be put in words. Gradually, I came to understand that perfection does not mean growth; rather, courage does. In my senior year, I pushed my limits to deliver my first collective presentation. I started making fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflict. These compositions were very intimate, but very popular. My peers and other community members would contact me to say that my art made them feel understood and less isolated. Now a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), majoring in Illustration, I view my education as a responsibility as much as an opportunity. Illustration helps me understand that art is what people need nowadays to feel connected. This is foundation of building connection is a long-term goal, and I want to produce graphic novels that could be entertaining, challenge stigma, foster empathy, and promote self-acceptance. I want my job to be discovered by the people who need hope and assurance that their stories are not a waste of time. I will use my future influence to expand my impact in communities by creating inclusive, creative spaces online and in real life where young artists have access to resources, workshops, and mentorship, without worrying about their financial background. I aspire to mentor young artists, as I was once mentored myself, and to help my younger relatives achieve their educational goals. It has a clear objective: to open the doors, eliminate barriers, and make creativity and opportunity accessible to everyone. The scholarship would not only assist me financially in my academic career but also make me even stronger in serving others through art. My personal commitment is to change the world one story, one illustration, and one empowered individual at a time, using my education, talent, and determination.

Growing up, art was always something I loved, but it wasn’t always seen as something you could make a living from. Stability mattered in my family. Being a first-generation college student already felt like stepping into the unknown, so choosing to pursue art—especially with dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and creating my own stories—felt both scary and rewarding. The more I created, the more I realized that creating art wasn’t just a hobby for me. The everyday world around me inspires me in so many different ways. I attend a school in Savannah Georgia. The atmosphere is old money and yet very whimsical and atmospheric. Everything about Savannah is very beautiful and as a fantasy-based artist, Georgia as a whole has brought my imaginations to life. I’m currently majoring in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and being in a studio environment has grown me in the best ways. Art is not just about making something that looks good—it’s about making something that feels special and unique. As someone who wants to create fantasy graphic novels and staying in Savannah for school, I’m constantly thinking about world-building, atmosphere, and how design choices reflect a character’s internal state. I’m passionate about being an artist because I know what it feels like to question whether your dreams are realistic. I want to create stories that make people feel seen, especially those who don’t always see themselves represented. Fine art and studio art have given me confidence, healing, and direction.

Growing up, art was always something I loved, but it wasn’t always seen as something you could make a living from. Stability mattered in my family. Being a first-generation college student already felt like stepping into the unknown, so choosing to pursue art—especially with dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and creating my own stories—felt both scary and rewarding. The more I created, the more I realized that creating art wasn’t just a hobby for me. Fine arts, to me, means expressing yourself in all mediums and never giving up. It means exploring different techniques, colors, and really emphasizing the story and emotions you want to tell. Studio art is where that expression gets refined. It’s the critique days that make you feel nervous, but push you to grow, as well as understanding how colors can completely shift the emotional tone of a piece. As someone who cares deeply about color and value in my illustrations, studying art has helped me be more intentional instead of just intuitive. My senior year of high school was when everything clicked. I created a fantasy-based body of work centered on internal conflict and self-identity. I was dealing with anxiety and a lot of self-doubt at the time, and those emotions showed up in my characters. Sharing that work felt exposing. But when people connected to it, they saw themselves in my art—it changed me and my perspective on art altogether. I realized that my stories weren’t just mine. They could create space for other people too. That’s why I want to study art seriously. I’m currently majoring in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and being in a studio environment has grown me in the best ways. I’ve defended my creative choices, pushed my technical skills, and thought critically about narrative. Art is not just about making something that looks good—it’s about making something that feels special and unique. As someone who wants to create fantasy graphic novels, I’m constantly thinking about world-building, atmosphere, and how design choices reflect a character’s internal state. My artistic process is everywhere but structured. I usually start with writing or small concepts. Then I sketch loosely, focusing on shape, language and movement. Once I move into color, everything becomes more refined and I really think about how each color balances the others. Rendering is the part where I feel most excited. Seeing the simplest ideas from my head come to life on paper or digitally has always made the process worth it. It reminds me that even when I doubt my skills, this is what I’m meant to be doing, and as long as I enjoy what I'm doing and growing, then it’s worth it. I’m passionate about being an artist because I know what it feels like to question whether your dreams are realistic. I want to create stories that make people feel seen, especially those who don’t always see themselves represented. Fine art and studio art have given me confidence, healing, and direction.

I am a first-generation college student, an underrepresented artist, and someone who has learned to turn uncertainty into purpose. My academics has not simply guided me toward a career path, but it has helped me understand who I am, what I value, and how I want to show up in the world. Through my academic and creative journey, I have discovered that art is not only my passion, but a way to represent myself, my family, and underrepresented communities. I grew up in an environment where creative careers were rarely encouraged or understood. Stability was prioritized, and art was often seen as a hobby rather than a future. While my family always supported my interests, I was always aware of the risks associated with pursuing an artistic path and becoming an entrepreneur. As someone who would be the first to navigate college and to be my own boss, this awareness shaped my goals early on. Being the first grandchild on both sides of my family added another layer of pressure, especially in high school. While I was motivated, I struggled deeply with anxiety, self-doubt, and the fear of not being “enough.” I questioned a lot during my senior year whether my dreams were realistic. These internal challenges made it difficult to trust myself, even when others believed in me. It was through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my growing relationship with art that I began to heal. Art became my safe space where I could fully express myself. My senior year of high school became a turning point. I pushed past my fears and presented a collective body of work that reflected me. I created fantasy illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflicts, topics in media that are overlooked. Sharing this work was terrifying but also freeing. When others resonated with my art and saw themselves reflected in it, I realized that my creativity had the power to do more than comfort me. It could help others feel seen. This realization reshaped my sense of direction. I began volunteering in community centers and school programs, where I helped mentor students who was interested in art. These workshops focused mainly on finding your creative voice and self-confidence. Moments like these has taught me how important building a community is, someone to have in your corner while improving yourself and growing. As an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I viewed my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. My coursework has challenged me to think critically, push my technical abilities, and develop narratives with intention. My drive is to create fantasy graphic novels and visual narratives that explore emotional complexity while offering hope and representation to anyone who needs it. I want my work to reach people who may feel invisible and remind them that their stories are valuable. My long-term goal is to build inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, that provide mentorship, resources, and community for young artists, regardless of financial background. I want to be the person I once needed, someone who validates creative dreams and shows that success does not have to come at the cost of authenticity. Education has given me direction by teaching me that my voice matters and that my purpose extends beyond myself. This scholarship would support not only my academic journey, but my commitment to using art as a force for empowerment, speaking my truth, joy and representation. I am dedicated to creating a better future, one story at a time.

My journey into Christianity wasn’t loud or dramatic. It happened in the middle of me having an anxiety attack, which led to overthinking, and constant fear of not being enough. I grew up knowing about God, but I didn’t truly lean on him until my emotions got the better of me, and I felt overwhelmed by self-doubt. I cared too much about how people saw me. I was scared of failing and was scared of being judged. And honestly, I was scared that maybe I just wasn’t good enough. Prayer became the one place where I didn’t have to pretend. I started talking to God about everything. Over time, I realized something that shifted everything for me: I was never meant to carry these feelings alone. My faith reminded me that God created me intentionally, and that my emotions don't define me or should be shunned. That truth slowly rebuilt my confidence. As my relationship with God deepened, so did my relationship with art. Drawing has always been part of me, but it became something different when I started inviting God into it. Art became my safe space. It was where I processed emotions I couldn’t fully explain. Instead of bottling up anxiety or fear, I turned it into characters, fantasy worlds, and stories. I didn’t always know I was doing that at first—but looking back, I can see it clearly. When I began sharing my work publicly, especially pieces that explored mental health and identity, I was nervous. But people started reaching out. They told me my art made them feel understood and less alone. Those moments made me realize God wasn’t just healing me through my creativity—He was using it to connect me to others. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I see my education as part of my calling. I don’t just want to draw pretty images. I want to tell stories that feel real. Stories that sit with people. I want to create graphic novels that blend fantasy with emotional honesty—characters who struggle, grow, question themselves, and still find hope. Especially for young people who feel unseen or misunderstood, the way I once did. Being a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family adds another layer to everything I do. My family has poured so much into me. Their support, my faith, and my own perseverance are the reasons I’m here. I don’t take that lightly. At the same time, pursuing a creative degree is financially demanding. Supplies, technology, studio courses—those costs add up quickly. Receiving this scholarship would not just be financial assistance; it would be reassurance. It would allow me to focus more deeply on refining my craft, building my portfolio, and pursuing internships and opportunities that align with my long-term goals. Instead of worrying about how I’m going to afford the next expense, I could pour that energy into becoming the best illustrator I can be. My long-term plan is to become a professional illustrator and storyteller who creates work rooted in empathy, faith, and emotional depth. I want to expand into publishing graphic novels and eventually create inclusive creative spaces—both online and in person—where young artists can feel safe exploring their gifts. I also hope to collaborate with mental health initiatives and community programs, donating artwork and using storytelling to spark conversations around emotional well-being. Faith is what grounds all of it. Christianity didn’t remove my anxiety overnight. It didn’t make me fearless. But it gave me something stronger than fear. It gave me identity. It reminded me that my voice matters because God gave it to me. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue walking in that purpose with confidence. It would support not just my education, but the impact I hope to make through it. I truly believe God placed these dreams in my heart for a reason. My responsibility is to nurture them, develop them, and use them to serve others—and this scholarship would help me do exactly that.

I am a first-generation college student, an underrepresented artist, and someone who has learned to turn uncertainty into purpose. My academics has not simply guided me toward a career path, but it has helped me understand who I am, what I value, and how I want to show up in the world. Through my academic and creative journey, I have discovered that art is not only my passion, but a way to represent myself, my family, and underrepresented communities. I grew up in an environment where creative careers were rarely encouraged or understood. Stability was prioritized, and art was often seen as a hobby rather than a future. While my family always supported my interests, I was always aware of the risks associated with pursuing an artistic path and becoming an entrepreneur. As someone who would be the first to navigate college and to be my own boss, this awareness shaped my goals early on. Art became my safe space where I could fully express myself. My senior year of high school became a turning point. I pushed past my fears and presented a collective body of work that reflected me. I created fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflicts, topics that are often overlooked. When others resonated with my art and saw themselves reflected in it, I realized that my creativity had the power to do more than comfort me. It could help others feel seen. This realization reshaped my sense of direction. I began volunteering in community centers and school programs, where I helped mentor students who was interested in art. These workshops focused mainly on finding your creative voice and self-confidence. Many of these students lacked access to resources where they could expand on their skills. But, through guidance and watching them gain confidence through their art and practice, it helped me understand that art is a powerful tool to build connections and healing. Moments like these has taught me how important building a community is, someone to have in your corner while you improve. As an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I viewed my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. My coursework has challenged me to think critically, push my technical abilities, and develop narratives with intention. My drive is to create fantasy graphic novels and visual narratives that explore emotional complexity while offering hope and representation to anyone who needs it. I want my work to reach people who may feel invisible and remind them that their stories are valuable. My long-term goal is to build inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, that provide mentorship, resources, and community for young artists, regardless of financial background. I want to be the person I once needed, someone who validates creative dreams and shows that success does not have to come at the cost of authenticity. Much of this vision is due to the influence of my mother, who instilled in me faith, perseverance, and belief in my potential even when I struggled to see it myself. Her example reminds me that impact is measured not only by personal success, but by how many people I uplift along the way. Education has given me direction by teaching me that my voice matters and that my purpose extends beyond myself. This scholarship would support not only my academic journey, but my commitment to using art as a force for empowerment, speaking my truth, joy and representation. I am dedicated to creating a better future, one story at a time.

I am a first-generation college student, an underrepresented artist, and someone who has learned to turn uncertainty into purpose. My academics has not simply guided me toward a career path, but it has helped me understand who I am, what I value, and how I want to show up in the world. Through my academic and creative journey, I have discovered that art is not only my passion, but a way to represent myself, my family, and underrepresented communities. I grew up in an environment where creative careers were rarely encouraged or understood. Stability was prioritized, and art was often seen as a hobby rather than a future. While my family always supported my interests, I was always aware of the risks associated with pursuing an artistic path and becoming an entrepreneur. As someone who would be the first to navigate college and to be my own boss, this awareness shaped my goals early on. Being the first grandchild on both sides of my family added another layer of pressure, especially in high school. While I was motivated, I struggled deeply with anxiety, self-doubt, and the fear of not being “enough.” I questioned a lot during my senior year whether my dreams were realistic. These internal challenges made it difficult to trust myself, even when others believed in me. It was through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my growing relationship with art that I began to heal. Art became my safe space where I could fully express myself. My senior year of high school became a turning point. I pushed past my fears and presented a collective body of work that reflected me. I created fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflicts, topics that are often overlooked. Sharing this work was terrifying, but it was also freeing. When others resonated with my art and saw themselves reflected in it, I realized that my creativity had the power to do more than comfort me. It could help others feel seen. This realization reshaped my sense of direction. I began volunteering in community centers and school programs, where I helped mentor students who was interested in art. These workshops focused mainly on finding your creative voice and self-confidence. Many of these students lacked access to resources where they could expand on their skills. But, through guidance and watching them gain confidence through their art and practice, it helped me understand that art is a powerful tool to build connections, healing, and change. Moments like these has taught me how important building a community is, someone to have in your corner while you improve your academics and accomplishments can really help someone grow. As an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I viewed my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. My coursework has challenged me to think critically, push my technical abilities, and develop narratives with intention. More importantly, it has given me the tools to tell stories that challenge norms and show off my creative voice. My drive is to create fantasy graphic novels and visual narratives that explore emotional complexity while offering hope and representation to anyone who needs it. I want my work to reach people who may feel invisible and remind them that their stories are valuable. My long-term goal is to build inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, that provide mentorship, resources, and community for young artists, regardless of financial background. I want to be the person I once needed, someone who validates creative dreams and shows that success does not have to come at the cost of authenticity. Much of this vision is due to the influence of my mother, who instilled in me faith, perseverance, and belief in my potential even when I struggled to see it myself. She has taught me all that I need to know about today's world as well as how to carry myself with pride, and to not be afraid to speak my truth no matter what. Her example reminds me that impact is measured not only by personal success, but by how many people I uplift along the way. Education has given me direction by teaching me that my voice matters and that my purpose extends beyond myself. This scholarship would support not only my academic journey, but my commitment to using art as a force for empowerment, speaking my truth, joy and representation. I am dedicated to creating a better future, one story at a time.

I am a first-generation college student, an underrepresented artist, and someone who has learned to turn uncertainty into purpose. Education has not simply guided me toward a career path, but it has helped me understand who I am, what I value, and how I want to show up in the world. Through my academic and creative journey, I have discovered that art is not only my passion, but a way to represent myself, my family, and underrepresented communities. I grew up in an environment where creative careers were rarely encouraged or understood. Stability was prioritized, and art was often seen as a hobby rather than a future. While my family always supported my interests, I was aware of the risks associated with pursuing an artistic path and becoming an entrepreneur. As someone who would be the first to navigate college and to be my own boss, this awareness shaped my goals early on. Being the first grandchild on both sides of my family added another layer of pressure, especially in high school. While I was motivated, I struggled deeply with anxiety, self-doubt, and the fear of not being “enough.” I questioned a lot during my senior year whether my dreams were realistic. These internal challenges made it difficult to trust myself, even when others believed in me. It was through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my growing relationship with art that I began to heal. Art became my safe space where I could fully express myself. My senior year of high school became a turning point. For the first time, I pushed past fear and presented a collective body of work that reflected me. I created fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflicts, topics that are often overlooked. Sharing this work was terrifying, but it was also freeing. When others resonated with my art and saw themselves reflected in it, I realized that my creativity had the power to do more than comfort me. It could help others feel seen. As an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I view my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. My coursework has challenged me to think critically, push my technical abilities, and develop visual narratives with intention. My drive is to create fantasy graphic novels and visual narratives that explore emotional complexity while offering hope and representation. I want my work to reach people who may feel invisible and remind them that their stories are valuable. My long-term goal is to build inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, that provide mentorship, resources, and community for young artists, regardless of financial background. I want to be the person I once needed, someone who validates creative dreams and shows that success does not have to come at the cost of authenticity. Much of this vision is due to the influence of my mother, who instilled in me faith, perseverance, and belief in my potential even when I struggled to see it myself. Her example reminds me that impact is measured not only by personal success, but by how many people I uplift along the way. Education has given me direction by teaching me that my voice matters and that my purpose extends beyond myself. This scholarship would support not only my academic journey, but my commitment to using art as a force for empowerment and representation. I am dedicated to creating a better future, one story at a time.

I am a first-generation college student, an underrepresented artist, and someone who has learned to turn uncertainty into purpose. Education has not simply guided me toward a career path, but it has helped me understand who I am, what I value, and how I want to show up in the world. Through my academic and creative journey, I have discovered that art is not only my passion, but a way to represent myself, my family, and underrepresented communities. I grew up in an environment where creative careers were rarely encouraged or understood. Stability was prioritized, and art was often seen as a hobby rather than a future. While my family always supported my interests, I was aware of the risks associated with pursuing an artistic path and becoming an entrepreneur. As someone who would be the first to navigate college and to be my own boss, this awareness shaped my goals early on. Being the first grandchild on both sides of my family added another layer of pressure, especially in high school. While I was motivated, I struggled deeply with anxiety, self-doubt, and the fear of not being “enough.” I questioned a lot during my senior year whether my dreams were realistic. These internal challenges made it difficult to trust myself, even when others believed in me. It was through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my growing relationship with art that I began to heal. Art became my safe space where I could fully express myself. My senior year of high school became a turning point. For the first time, I pushed past fear and presented a collective body of work that reflected me. I created fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflicts, topics that are often overlooked. Sharing this work was terrifying, but it was also freeing. When others resonated with my art and saw themselves reflected in it, I realized that my creativity had the power to do more than comfort me. It could help others feel seen. As an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I view my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. My coursework has challenged me to think critically, push my technical abilities, and develop visual narratives with intention. My drive is to create fantasy graphic novels and visual narratives that explore emotional complexity while offering hope and representation. I want my work to reach people who may feel invisible and remind them that their stories are valuable. My long-term goal is to build inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, that provide mentorship, resources, and community for young artists, regardless of financial background. I want to be the person I once needed, someone who validates creative dreams and shows that success does not have to come at the cost of authenticity. Much of this vision is due to the influence of my mother, who instilled in me faith, perseverance, and belief in my potential even when I struggled to see it myself. Her example reminds me that impact is measured not only by personal success, but by how many people I uplift along the way. Education has given me direction by teaching me that my voice matters and that my purpose extends beyond myself. This scholarship would support not only my academic journey, but my commitment to using art as a force for empowerment and representation. I am dedicated to creating a better future, one story at a time.

My name is Caliya Williams and creating a name for myself has never been about recognition alone, it has always been about impact. In a world that is increasingly digital, businesses and creators who thrive are the ones who understand that success is not just about selling a product. But, about building trust, community, and meaning. As an artist and aspiring digital creator, I see social media not simply as a platform, but as a tool for connection, healing, and representation. Businesses today have adapted to digital spaces by shifting from traditional, one-way marketing to interactive and community-driven experiences. Social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram allow brands and creators to show process, their personality, and originality rather than just polished outcomes. This shift has made marketing more adorable. Instead of asking, “How do we sell this?” businesses now ask, “How do we connect?” As an artist, this approach has helped me out a bunch. Art has always been my voice, and creating digital art has given me a voice to reach people who might feel unseen or unheard. For me, this understanding comes from personal experience. In high school, I was often nervous and unsure of myself, especially when it came to my artistic abilities. My fear of being judged held me back, and there were moments where I nearly gave up on sharing my work altogether. Through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my relationship with art, I learned that vulnerability is not a weakness. This lesson showed me how successful digital brands operate today, which is authenticity building loyalty rather than perfection. During my senior year, I pushed myself to publicly share my fantasy-based illustrations exploring mental health, self-identity, and internal conflict. What surprised me most was not the attention my work received, but the response. People reached out to tell me my art made them feel understood and less alone. Comments like that had changed my perspective and view on social media forever. I realized that my creativity could help others, and not just myself. This is exactly how social media trends are shaping the future of marketing, by prioritizing emotional connection and shared experience over surface-level engagement. Social media has also transformed customer engagement into conversation. Audiences no longer want distant brands, they want creators who listen, respond, and grow alongside them. Platforms like Instagram reward consistency, storytelling, and visual identity, while YouTube allows creators to deepen relationships through long-form content and transparency. I personally want to use these platforms to document my artistic process, share stories behind my illustrations, and create content that encourages creativity, self-acceptance, and emotional honesty. In doing so, I hope to build a community rather than just an audience. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I view my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. I want to create graphic novels and visual stories that challenges, promote empathy, and reflect real human experiences. Social media will play a crucial role in how this work is discovered and shared. Digital marketing today is no longer about chasing the next trend. it is about building sustainable communities that build trust and shared values. My motivation comes from what my mother taught me early on, that my purpose is my potential. That as long as I put in the work, everything in life will work out. I know what it feels like to doubt your worth, to feel invisible, and to wonder if your dreams matter. That is why I want to use my future influence to create inclusive digital spaces where young artists feel supported, encouraged, represented, and empowered. Through YouTube, Instagram, and online workshops, I hope to mentor others just as I was once mentored. Businesses that thrive in digital spaces understand that community is currency. The future of marketing belongs to those who lead with authenticity, creativity, and care. I am committed to being one of those creators, changing lives one connection at a time.

As a Black, first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I grew up feeling an unspoken pressure to succeed. I wanted to make my family proud, but that responsibility often turned into anxiety. I learned early on how to stay quiet, not ruin the peace, and keep my opinions private. In high school, my anxiety showed up most clearly in my relationship with art. I loved creating, but I constantly doubted my own skills. Before even starting a piece, I would convince myself it wouldn’t be good enough. I compared my work to others, worried about criticism, and often stopped myself from trying at all. Speaking confidently about my abilities felt impossible because I wasn’t confident at all. I knew art was my passion but felt too self-conscious to put myself out there. Digital art eventually became my safe space. Through therapy, the support of my mom, friends, and my growing commitment to creating, I began to understand that my anxiety didn’t define me. As my mental health improved, so did my willingness to show up creatively. Each piece I finished boosted my courage, even if no one else saw it. The real turning point came during my senior year of high school, when I decided to create and post on my first art account online. Sharing my work publicly terrified me. Hitting “post” felt like exposing a part of myself. My illustrations explored fantasy, identity, and environmental conflict—subjects that reflected how I felt inside. When people began messaging me to say my art made them feel seen or less alone, something shifted. I realized that my voice didn’t have to be loud to be impactful. My art was speaking for me, and it was reaching people who needed it. That realization changed how I viewed communication and confidence. I know realized my worth and am planning to continue my emotional and physical growth. To help people who were in the same space as me, I plan to volunteer and mentoring through creative programs at community centers, encouraging students to trust their ideas and take pride in their work. Helping them express themselves reminded me how powerful creative confidence can be. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I continue learning how to use my voice with intention and confidence. As a Black woman in a field where representation is limited, I understand how meaningful it is to see yourself reflected in art. My goal is to create graphic novels and visual stories that explore identity, self-acceptance, and belonging. In the future, I hope to create inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, where young artists from underrepresented backgrounds feel supported and encouraged. By sharing my journey and showing that I am human, including my struggles with anxiety, I want others to know that their voices matter. I am committed to making an impact one illustration at a time, using my voice to create connection and change.

Being part of the disabled community has shaped how I see the world, my relationships, and my future. Living with severe scoliosis while managing anxiety, has taught me to keep moving forward even when life feels overwhelming. These experiences have not only influenced how I navigate daily life, but also how I hope to positively impact others through my future career and leadership. Growing up with scoliosis was one of the first times I realized my body worked differently from others. I was diagnosed at ten years old, and from that moment on, I became more aware of my physical appearance and limitations. The pain would be exhausting, and I often worried about how others perceived me. This struggle reached its peak during my junior year of high school, when my back pain became so severe that I was placed on bed rest for an entire month and attended chiropractic appointments twice a week. Although, that period of my life was difficult, it taught me an important lesson, that strength is not about avoiding hardship, but about continuing to move forward despite it. While scoliosis affected me physically, anxiety challenged me mentally and emotionally. It impacted my confidence in friendships, academics, and my future goals. I wanted to express myself freely, but my thoughts held me back. Learning to manage my anxiety has been one of my greatest accomplishments, I am so proud of how far I have come. Through therapy, journaling, and leaning on the support of family and friends, I learned that these setbacks do not define me. Art played the biggest role in helping me cope with both my physical and mental struggles. It became my safe space- a place where I could turn pain, fear, and insecurity into something meaningful. When I draw, I feel grounded and so much joy. My dream is to become a storyteller whose art doesn’t just look beautiful- but it’ll carry meaning. I want to create worlds through illustration and graphic novels where people, especially those who rarely see themselves represented, can feel seen and understood. As a Black, first-generation college student, representation has always mattered deeply to me. Growing up without seeing characters who looked like me or shared my struggles inspired me to create stories that fill that gap. Now, as an Illustration major, I plan to use my lived experiences to create work that encourages self-acceptance, emotional growth, and empathy. Being part of the disabled community has taught me patience and perseverance, and compassion for myself and others. Through my art and leadership, I hope to remind people that their mental and physical health matters, that their challenges do not diminish their worth, and that even difficult experiences can lead to something greater.

Creating a name for myself has never been about recognition alone—it has always been about making an impact. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I carry both responsibility and purpose. I am committed to using my creativity to empower, heal, and represent people who often feel unseen or unheard. Through my art, I work to address the lack of mental health awareness, emotional expression, and representation in underserved and underrepresented communities. For much of my life, anxiety and fear of judgment shaped how I viewed myself, especially as an artist. In high school, I constantly doubted my abilities and let the thought of failure take over. Through therapy, growing self-love, the consistent support of my family and friends, and my deepening relationship with art, I learned to see those struggles not as weaknesses, but as sources of strength. Art became my safe space and my voice—it allowed me to express emotions I did not yet have words for. During my senior year of high school, I challenged myself to step beyond that fear by presenting my work publicly for the first time. I created fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflict. While deeply personal, these pieces resonated with others in ways I did not expect. My peers reached out to tell me that my art made them feel understood and less alone. That response changed my perspective entirely. Art was no longer something I created solely for myself—it became a tool for connection and healing with others. Motivated by this realization, I became actively involved in finding ways to get my voice heard and help my community. In early 2025, I was contacted by a fellow artist to volunteer at local car/ art show to help raise money for young artist in need. This opportunity opened my eyes to what's possible. In the near future, I plan to donate artwork to mental health awareness initiatives, student-led campaigns, and neighborhood events to help foster open conversations around emotional well-being. These experiences reinforced my belief that creativity is not only expressive, but actionable—capable of building confidence, community, and a sense of healing. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I view my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. Illustration allows me to blend storytelling and imagery to create characters and worlds rooted in real human experiences. My long-term goal is to create graphic novels that entertain while also challenging ideas, fostering empathy, and promoting self-acceptance—especially for those who rarely see themselves reflected in the media. My motivation is deeply tied to my faith and the values my mother instilled in me from a young age: purpose, perseverance, and belief. I understand how isolating it can feel to doubt your worth or feel like your voice does not matter. Through my art and leadership, I want others to know they are not alone, their stories are valid, and their dreams are worthy. Looking forward, I plan to expand my impact by creating inclusive creative spaces—both online and in person—where young artists can access mentorship, resources, and encouragement regardless of financial background. I am committed to using my education and creativity to help open doors, break barriers, and create lasting change.

Being part of the disabled community has shaped how I see the world, my relationships, and my future. Living with severe scoliosis while managing anxiety, has taught me to keep moving forward even when life feels overwhelming. These experiences have not only influenced how I navigate daily life, but also how I hope to positively impact others through my future career and leadership. Growing up with scoliosis was one of the first times I realized my body worked differently from others. I was diagnosed at ten years old, and from that moment on, I became more aware of my physical appearance and limitations. The pain would be exhausting, and I often worried about how others perceived me. This struggle reached its peak during my junior year of high school, when my back pain became so severe that I was placed on bed rest for an entire month and attended chiropractic appointments twice a week. Although, that period of my life was difficult, it taught me an important lesson, that strength is not about avoiding hardship, but about continuing to move forward despite it. While scoliosis affected me physically, anxiety challenged me mentally and emotionally. It impacted my confidence in friendships, academics, and my future goals. I wanted to express myself freely, but my thoughts held me back. Learning to manage my anxiety has been one of my greatest accomplishments, I am so proud of how far I have come. Through therapy, journaling, and leaning on the support of family and friends, I learned that these setbacks do not define me. Art played the biggest role in helping me cope with both my physical and mental struggles. It became my safe space- a place where I could turn pain, fear, and insecurity into something meaningful. When I draw, I feel grounded and so much joy. My dream is to become a storyteller whose art doesn’t just look beautiful- but it’ll carry meaning. I want to create worlds through illustration and graphic novels where people, especially those who rarely see themselves represented, can feel seen and understood. As a Black, first-generation college student, representation has always mattered deeply to me. Growing up without seeing characters who looked like me or shared my struggles inspired me to create stories that fill that gap. Now, as an Illustration major, I plan to use my lived experiences to create work that encourages self-acceptance, emotional growth, and empathy. Being part of the disabled community has taught me patience and perseverance, and compassion for myself and others. Through my art and leadership, I hope to remind people that their mental and physical health matters, that their challenges do not diminish their worth, and that even difficult experiences can lead to something greater.

As a Black, first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I grew up feeling an unspoken pressure to succeed. I wanted to make my family proud, but that responsibility often turned into anxiety. I learned early on how to stay quiet, not ruin the peace, and keep my opinions private. In high school, my anxiety showed up most clearly in my relationship with art. I loved creating, but I constantly doubted my own skills. Before even starting a piece, I would convince myself it wouldn’t be good enough. I compared my work to others, worried about criticism, and often stopped myself from trying at all. Speaking confidently about my abilities felt impossible because I wasn’t confident at all. I knew art was my passion but felt too self-conscious to put myself out there. Digital art eventually became my safe space. Through therapy, the support of my mom, friends, and my growing commitment to creating, I began to understand that my anxiety didn’t define me. As my mental health improved, so did my willingness to show up creatively. Each piece I finished boosted my courage, even if no one else saw it. The real turning point came during my senior year of high school, when I decided to create and post on my first art account online. Sharing my work publicly terrified me. Hitting “post” felt like exposing a part of myself. My illustrations explored fantasy, identity, and environmental conflict—subjects that reflected how I felt inside. When people began messaging me to say my art made them feel seen or less alone, something shifted. I realized that my voice didn’t have to be loud to be impactful. My art was speaking for me, and it was reaching people who needed it. That realization changed how I viewed communication and confidence. I began volunteering and mentoring through creative programs at community centers, encouraging students to trust their ideas and take pride in their work. Helping them express themselves reminded me how powerful creative confidence can be. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I continue learning how to use my voice with intention. As a Black woman in a field where representation is limited, I understand how meaningful it is to see yourself reflected in art. My goal is to create graphic novels and visual stories that explore identity, self-acceptance, and belonging. In the future, I hope to create inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, where young artists from underrepresented backgrounds feel supported and encouraged. By sharing my journey and showing that I am human, including my struggles with anxiety, I want others to know that their voices matter. I am committed to making an impact one illustration at a time, using my voice to create connection and change.

Creating a name for myself has never been about recognition alone; it has always been about impact. I would like to create a community, that heals, and represent people, including those who do not feel represented or listened to. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild in both directions of the family. I would leave behind a legacy of being creative, a legacy that would leave the future generation with a mark that it is passion, perseverance, and belief in oneself, which can help in changing lives. I shine by my perseverance, creativity, and drive for change. In high school, I was very nervous about my artistic skills. I encountered a few times where my anxiety as a result would hold me back in following my dreams. With the therapy, the consistent support of my family and friends, and my strong relationship to art, I have learned to think of my struggles as not a weakness, but rather as a strength. It was my safe space and my voice-that I could speak of feelings that was hard to put in words. Gradually, I came to understand that perfection does not mean growth; rather, courage does. In my senior year, I pushed my limits to deliver my first collective presentation. I started making fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflict. These compositions were very intimate, but very popular. My peers and other community members would contact me to say that my art made them feel understood and less isolated. It was an experience that changed my mission: I no longer desired art to serve myself, but to help others. This realization inspired me to actively engage in creative, mentoring, and mental well-being volunteer work. Now a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), majoring in Illustration, I view my education as a responsibility as much as an opportunity. My long-term goal is that I want to produce graphic novels, stickers, and other merchandise, that could entertain, challenge stigma, foster empathy, and promote self-acceptance. I want to be a creator who assurances her audience that their stories are not a waste of time and to keep moving forward. My motivation to follow my dreams stems from what my mother instilled in me at a young age. My faith and her impact have helped me get out of my comfort shell, and I wouldn't have the courage to build this business without her. I hope that my art and service will help people remember that they are not alone and that their voices are not pointless; their dreams are correct. I will use my future influence to expand my impact in communities by creating inclusive, creative spaces online and in real life where young artists have access to resources, workshops, and mentorship, without worrying about their financial background. I aspire to mentor young artists, as I was once mentored myself, and to help my younger relatives achieve their educational goals. It has a clear objective: to open the doors, eliminate barriers, and make creativity and opportunity accessible to everyone. The scholarship would not only assist me financially in my academic career but also make me even stronger in serving others through art. My personal commitment is to change the world one story at a time using my education, talent, and determination.

Creating a name for myself has never been about recognition alone; it has always been about impact. I would like to create a legacy, that heals, and represent people, including those who do not feel represented or listened to. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild in both directions of the family. I would leave behind a legacy of being creative, a legacy that would leave the future generation with a mark that it is passion, perseverance, and belief in oneself, which can help in changing lives. I shine by my perseverance, creativity, and drive for change. In high school, I was very nervous about my artistic skills. I encountered a few times where my anxiety as a result would hold me back in following my dreams. With the therapy, the consistent support of my family and friends, and my strong relationship to art, I have learned to think of my struggles as not a weakness, but rather as a strength. It was my safe space and my voice-that I could speak of feelings that was hard to put in words. Gradually, I came to understand that perfection does not mean growth; rather, courage does. In my senior year, I pushed my limits to deliver my first collective presentation. I started making fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflict. These compositions were very intimate, but very popular. My peers and other community members would contact me to say that my art made them feel understood and less isolated. It was an experience that changed my mission: I no longer desired art to serve myself, but to help others. This realization inspired me to actively engage in creative, mentoring, and mental well-being volunteer work. Now a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), majoring in Illustration, I view my education as a responsibility as much as an opportunity. My long-term goal is that I want to produce graphic novels, stickers, and other merchandise, that could entertain, challenge stigma, foster empathy, and promote self-acceptance. I want to be a creator who assurances her audience that their stories are not a waste of time and to keep moving forward. My motivation to follow my dreams stems from what my mother instilled in me at a young age. My faith and her impact have helped me get out of my comfort shell, and I wouldn't have the courage to build this business without her. I hope that my art and service will help people remember that they are not alone and that their voices are not pointless; their dreams are correct. I will use my future influence to expand my impact in communities by creating inclusive, creative spaces online and in real life where young artists have access to resources, workshops, and mentorship, without worrying about their financial background. I aspire to mentor young artists, as I was once mentored myself, and to help my younger relatives achieve their educational goals. It has a clear objective: to open the doors, eliminate barriers, and make creativity and opportunity accessible to everyone. The scholarship would not only assist me financially in my academic career but also make me even stronger in serving others through art. My personal commitment is to change the world one story at a time using my education, talent, and determination.

Being part of the disabled community has shaped how I see the world, my relationships, and my future. Living with severe scoliosis while managing anxiety, has taught me to keep moving forward even when life feels overwhelming. These experiences have not only influenced how I navigate daily life, but also how I hope to positively impact others through my future career and leadership. Growing up with scoliosis was one of the first times I realized my body worked differently from others. I was diagnosed at ten years old, and from that moment on, I became more aware of my physical appearance and limitations. The pain would be exhausting, and I often worried about how others perceived me. This struggle reached its peak during my junior year of high school, when my back pain became so severe that I was placed on bed rest for an entire month and attended chiropractic appointments twice a week. Although, that period of my life was difficult, it taught me an important lesson, that strength is not about avoiding hardship, but about continuing to move forward despite it. While scoliosis affected me physically, anxiety challenged me mentally and emotionally. It impacted my confidence in friendships, academics, and my future goals. I wanted to express myself freely, but my thoughts held me back. Learning to manage my anxiety has been one of my greatest accomplishments, I am so proud of how far I have come. Through therapy, journaling, and leaning on the support of family and friends, I learned that these setbacks do not define me. Art played the biggest role in helping me cope with both my physical and mental struggles. It became my safe space- a place where I could turn pain, fear, and insecurity into something meaningful. When I draw, I feel grounded and so much joy. My dream is to become a storyteller whose art doesn’t just look beautiful- but it’ll carry meaning. I want to create worlds through illustration and graphic novels where people, especially those who rarely see themselves represented, can feel seen and understood. As a Black, first-generation college student, representation has always mattered deeply to me. Growing up without seeing characters who looked like me or shared my struggles inspired me to create stories that fill that gap. Now, as an Illustration major, I plan to use my lived experiences to create work that encourages self-acceptance, emotional growth, and empathy. Being part of the disabled community has taught me patience and perseverance, and compassion for myself and others. Through my art and leadership, I hope to remind people that their mental and physical health matters, that their challenges do not diminish their worth, and that even difficult experiences can lead to something greater.

Creating a name for myself has never been about recognition alone—it has always been about making an impact. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I carry both responsibility and purpose. I am committed to using my creativity to empower, heal, and represent people who often feel unseen or unheard. Through my art, I work to address the lack of mental health awareness, emotional expression, and representation in underserved and underrepresented communities. For much of my life, anxiety and fear of judgment shaped how I viewed myself, especially as an artist. In high school, I constantly doubted my abilities and let the thought of failure take over. Through therapy, growing self-love, the consistent support of my family and friends, and my deepening relationship with art, I learned to see those struggles not as weaknesses, but as sources of strength. Art became my safe space and my voice—it allowed me to express emotions I did not yet have words for. During my senior year of high school, I challenged myself to step beyond that fear by presenting my work publicly for the first time. I created fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflict. While deeply personal, these pieces resonated with others in ways I did not expect. My peers reached out to tell me that my art made them feel understood and less alone. That response changed my perspective entirely. Art was no longer something I created solely for myself—it became a tool for connection and healing with others. Motivated by this realization, I became actively involved in creative and mental wellness outreach. I volunteered at local community centers and school programs, leading art projects and creative expression workshops for younger students. In the near future, I plan to donate artwork to mental health awareness initiatives, student-led campaigns, and neighborhood events to help foster open conversations around emotional well-being. These experiences reinforced my belief that creativity is not only expressive, but actionable—capable of building confidence, community, and a sense of healing. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I view my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. Illustration allows me to blend storytelling and imagery to create characters and worlds rooted in real human experiences. My long-term goal is to create graphic novels that entertain while also challenging ideas, fostering empathy, and promoting self-acceptance—especially for those who rarely see themselves reflected in the media. My motivation is deeply tied to my faith and the values my mother instilled in me from a young age: purpose, perseverance, and belief. I understand how isolating it can feel to doubt your worth or feel like your voice does not matter. Through my art and prayer, I want others to know they are not alone, their stories are valid, and their dreams are worthy. Looking forward, I plan to expand my impact by creating inclusive creative spaces—both online and in person—where young artists can access mentorship, resources, and encouragement regardless of financial background. I am committed to using my education and creativity to help open doors, break barriers, and create lasting change.

Leadership, to me, begins with faith. Faith has always been my anchor, especially during seasons when anxiety and self-doubt consumed my thoughts. For a long time, I feared being judged and worried about not being enough. Through prayer and moments of reflection, I learned that I was never meant to move through life alone. My faith reminded me that God created me with purpose, and that my voice matters. That realization became the foundation of my leadership. Through faith, I discovered art not just as a passion, but as a tool for healing and connection. Drawing became a space where I could process emotions I struggled to put into words. Over time, I noticed that my work began to resonate with others who also battled anxiety, self-worth, and identity. When I started sharing my art and my story through social media, school, and creative communities, people listened. Leadership, I learned, does not always begin with speaking, but with action. One experience that deeply shaped my leadership was attending my first year at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I prayed and asked God to prepare me for new beginnings. At SCAD, I joined the Black Student Association and openly expressed my Christian faith through both conversation and artwork. By doing so, I encouraged others to embrace vulnerability and remain grounded in their values rather than hiding them. Connecting with students who were also navigating a new environment reminded me that leadership is about creating spaces where people feel supported, understood, and empowered. During high school and beyond, I volunteered in community centers and school programs, mentoring younger students through creative expression workshops. I also supported peers who lacked confidence by encouraging them to pursue their talents without fear. In the future, I hope to donate artwork to mental health awareness initiatives and student-led campaigns to help foster conversations around emotional well-being. Starting college has shown me that creativity is not just expression, it is action. Art can build confidence, spark dialogue, and bring healing to underrepresented communities. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I carry a deep sense of responsibility-not to be perfect, but to be purposeful. I now understand that leadership is not about control or recognition, but compassion. My goal is to become a professional illustrator who uses storytelling to promote healing, empathy, and hope. I aspire to create characters and stories that reflect real struggles while reminding audiences that growth is possible. What makes me a leader is my willingness to turn my struggles into something meaningful. Guided by faith, art, and perseverance, I aim to lead by example, changing lives one story at a time.

As a Black, first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I grew up feeling an unspoken pressure to succeed. I wanted to make my family proud, but that responsibility often turned into anxiety. I learned early on how to stay quiet, not ruin the peace, and keep my opinions private. In high school, my anxiety showed up most clearly in my relationship with art. I loved creating, but I constantly doubted my own skills. Before even starting a piece, I would convince myself it wouldn’t be good enough. I compared my work to others, worried about criticism, and often stopped myself from trying at all. Speaking confidently about my abilities felt impossible because I wasn’t confident at all. I knew art was my passion but felt too self-conscious to put myself out there. Digital art eventually became my safe space. Through therapy, the support of my mom, friends, and my growing commitment to creating, I began to understand that my anxiety didn’t define me. As my mental health improved, so did my willingness to show up creatively. Each piece I finished boosted my courage, even if no one else saw it. The real turning point came during my senior year of high school, when I decided to create and post on my first art account online. Sharing my work publicly terrified me. Hitting “post” felt like exposing a part of myself. My illustrations explored fantasy, identity, and environmental conflict—subjects that reflected how I felt inside. When people began messaging me to say my art made them feel seen or less alone, something shifted. I realized that my voice didn’t have to be loud to be impactful. My art was speaking for me, and it was reaching people who needed it. That realization changed how I viewed communication and confidence. I began volunteering and mentoring through creative programs at community centers, encouraging students to trust their ideas and take pride in their work. Helping them express themselves reminded me how powerful creative confidence can be. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I continue learning how to use my voice with intention. As a Black woman in a field where representation is limited, I understand how meaningful it is to see yourself reflected in art. My goal is to create graphic novels and visual stories that explore identity, self-acceptance, and belonging. In the future, I hope to create inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, where young artists from underrepresented backgrounds feel supported and encouraged. By sharing my journey and showing that I am human, including my struggles with anxiety, I want others to know that their voices matter. I am committed to making an impact one illustration at a time, using my voice to create connection and change.

Collaboration in my field of illustration means sharing ideas, learning from others, and creating in spaces where growth feels possible. Illustration isn’t meant to exist in isolation; It thrives when artists exchange perspectives, give feedback, and support one another in bringing stories to life. For me, collaboration has become one of the most important parts of how I grow creatively and how I imagine my future in this field. As a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I’ve learned how much illustration depends on communication and shared understanding. One of the most meaningful collaborative experiences I’ve had was during a group critique in my Drawing One class. We were assigned to create a piece that represented who we were as individuals so our classmates could get to know us on a deeper level. When the assignment was first introduced, I felt nervous. I didn’t know how to fully represent myself, and I worried about whether my work would communicate what I wanted it to. As we worked through the assignment, the classroom slowly became a space where everyone felt comfortable sharing ideas and concerns. Through conversations with my peers, I realized that many of us were struggling with the same questions about identity and self-expression. Listening to their ideas and hearing their interpretations of my work helped me see my art from new perspectives. The critiques I received challenged me to think more deeply about my storytelling and the visual choices I was making. That experience taught me that collaboration isn’t just about working together, it’s about being open, not taking critique personally, and allowing yourself to grow through others’ insight. Outside of the classroom, collaboration plays a major role in my creative process through social media. I use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share my original characters and the worlds they exist in. These platforms allow me to connect with other artists and people who enjoy storytelling. Feedback from my audience often inspires new ideas or pushes me to refine my designs in ways I wouldn’t have considered on my own. Building an online community has helped me stay motivated while learning how to create work that connects with others without losing my voice. Collaboration also influences my goals as an artist and entrepreneur. I hope to eventually launch a business centered around merchandise inspired by my characters, such as prints, stickers, and other creative products. Bringing that vision to life will require working with other artists, vendors, and small business owners. I’ve already begun researching production options, budgeting, and testing designs to gather feedback. These early steps have shown me that collaboration is just as important in the business side of art as it is in the creative process. Overall, collaboration has shown me that meaningful art is built through connection. Whether in a classroom critique, an online art space, or a future professional setting, working with others strengthens my creativity and confidence. My experiences at SCAD have helped me embrace collaboration as a core part of my artistic journey and my commitment to creating work that inspires and resonates with others.

Failure has never appeared in my life as one dramatic moment. Instead, it showed up through hesitation, self-doubt, and that convinced me not to start at all. For a long time, my greatest challenge was not failing publicly but holding myself back because I was afraid of what failure might mean. Learning to face that fear became a turning point in my personal growth and shaped how I approach creativity, entrepreneurship, and my future. As an artist and storyteller, my dreams have always felt deeply personal. I want to create illustrations and graphic novels that go beyond aesthetics-stories where people, especially those who are often underrepresented, can feel seen, understood, and valued. Because my art is tied so closely to my identity, the possibility of failing felt like proof that I was not good enough or ready. That fear kept me stuck, overthinking instead of creating. My love for storytelling began with fantasy worlds and role-playing games, where failure was never the end of the story; It was part of the journey. Characters failed, adapted, and grew stronger, and eventually, I realized I needed to give myself the same grace. Instead of waiting until I felt “ready,” I chose to create anyway, even if it meant making mistakes along the way. As a Black, first-generation college student and the eldest grandchild on both sides of my family, I carry a strong sense of responsibility. Growing up, I rarely saw characters who looked like me at the center of magical or imaginative stories. I realized those experiences were not signs that I didn't belong. Over time, I learned that those issues were not signs that I didn’t belong, they were signs that my voice was needed. Failure taught me not to shrink, but to create what I wished I had seen. That lesson became especially important during high school, when anxiety and self-doubt nearly stopped me from pursuing art altogether. I feared judgment before I even began, convincing myself that avoiding failure was safer than trying. Through therapy, support from my family and friends, and art, I learned that avoiding failure can be just as limiting as failing itself. Art became my safe space, allowing me to process emotions I couldn’t always put into words. During my senior year, I shared my work publicly for the first time. I didn’t know how people would respond but hearing that my art made others feel less alone changed everything. I began to understand that entrepreneurship and creativity are not just about success or visibility, they’re about building connection and community. That realization led me to volunteer and mentor younger students through creative programs, encouraging them to trust their creativity and take risks. Watching them grow in confidence reminded me of why I started. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I view every challenge as preparation rather than proof of limitation. Facing failure taught me that resilience is learned through taking action. One illustration at a time, I am choosing growth over fear and allowing my story to continue, even when the outcome is uncertain.

I am a first-generation college student, an underrepresented artist, and someone who has learned to turn uncertainty into purpose. Education has not simply guided me toward a career path, but it has helped me understand who I am, what I value, and how I want to show up in the world. Through my academic and creative journey, I have discovered that art is not only my passion, but a way to represent myself, my family, and underrepresented communities. I grew up in an environment where creative careers were rarely encouraged or understood. Stability was prioritized, and art was often seen as a hobby rather than a future. While my family always supported my interests, I was aware of the risks associated with pursuing an artistic path and becoming an entrepreneur. As someone who would be the first to navigate college and to be my own boss, this awareness shaped my goals early on. Since I was young, I always felt a strong desire to succeed, not only for myself, but for those who would come after me and look to my journey as proof that more is possible. Being the first grandchild on both sides of my family added another layer of pressure, especially in high school. While I was motivated, I struggled deeply with anxiety, self-doubt, and the fear of not being “enough.” I questioned a lot during my senior year whether my dreams were realistic. These internal challenges made it difficult to trust myself, even when others believed in me. It was through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my growing relationship with art that I began to heal. Art became my safe space where I could fully express myself. Through illustration, I was able to express my feelings and find my artistic voice. I learned that showing vulnerability was not a flaw to hide, but a strength that allowed me to connect more deeply with myself and others. My senior year of high school became a turning point. For the first time, I pushed past fear and presented a collective body of work that reflected me. I created fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflicts, topics that are often overlooked. Sharing this work was terrifying, but it was also freeing. When others resonated with my art and saw themselves reflected in it, I realized that my creativity had the power to do more than comfort me. It could help others feel seen. This realization reshaped my sense of direction. I began volunteering in community centers and school programs, where I mentored younger students through art workshops focused on creative expression and self-confidence. Many of these students came from underserved backgrounds and lacked access to artistic resources or encouragement. Watching them gain confidence through creativity reinforced what I had already begun to believe: that art is a powerful tool for connection, healing, and change. Education taught me how to refine my skills, while helping others taught me why those skills matter. As an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I view my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. My coursework has challenged me to think critically, push my technical abilities, and develop visual narratives with intention. More importantly, it has given me the tools to tell stories that challenge norms and affirm my creative voice. My drive is to create fantasy graphic novels and visual narratives that explore emotional complexity while offering hope and representation. I want my work to reach people who may feel invisible and remind them that their stories are valuable. My long-term goal is to build inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, that provide mentorship, resources, and community for young artists, regardless of financial background. I want to be the person I once needed, someone who validates creative dreams and shows that success does not have to come at the cost of authenticity. Much of this vision is due to the influence of my mother, who instilled in me faith, perseverance, and belief in my potential even when I struggled to see it myself. Her example reminds me that impact is measured not only by personal success, but by how many people I uplift along the way. Education has given me direction by teaching me that my voice matters and that my purpose extends beyond myself. It has helped me transform my fears into motivation and my hobby into a career path. This scholarship would support not only my academic journey, but my commitment to using art as a force for empowerment and representation. I am dedicated to creating a better future, one story at a time.

As a Black, first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I grew up feeling an unspoken pressure to succeed. I wanted to make my family proud, but that responsibility often turned into anxiety. I learned early on how to stay quiet, not ruin the peace, and keep my opinions private. In high school, my anxiety showed up most clearly in my relationship with art. I loved creating, but I constantly doubted my own skill. Before even starting a piece, I would convince myself it wouldn’t be good enough. I compared my work to others, worried about criticism, and often stopped myself from trying at all. Speaking confidently about my abilities felt impossible because I wasn’t confident at all. I knew art was my passion but felt too self-conscious to put myself out there. Digital art eventually became my safe space. Through therapy, the support of my mom, friends, and my growing commitment to creating, I began to understand that my anxiety didn’t define me. As my mental health improved, so did my willingness to show up creatively. Each piece I finished boosted mycourage, even if no one else saw it. The real turning point came during my senior year of high school, when I decided to create and post on my first art account online. Sharing my work publicly terrified me. Hitting post felt like exposing a part of myself. My illustrations explored fantasy, identity, and environmental conflict—subjects that reflected how I felt inside. When people began messaging me to say my art made them feel seen or less alone, something shifted. I realized that my voice didn’t have to be loud to be impactful. My art was speaking for me, and it was reaching people who needed it. That realization changed how I viewed communication and confidence. I began volunteering and mentoring through creative programs at community centers, encouraging students to trust their ideas and take pride in their work. Helping them express themselves reminded me how powerful creative confidence can be. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I continue learning how to use my voice with intention. As a Black woman in a field where representation is limited, I understand how meaningful it is to see yourself reflected in art. My goal is to create graphic novels and visual stories that explore identity, self-acceptance, and belonging. In the future, I hope to create inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, where young artists from underrepresented backgrounds feel supported and encouraged. By sharing my journey and showing that I am human and my struggles with anxiety, I want others to know that their voices matter. I am committed to making an impact one illustration at a time, using my voice to create connection and change.

Being part of the disabled community has shaped how I see the world, myself, and my future. Living with severe scoliosis and managing anxiety , has taught me to keep moving forward even when life feels overwhelming. These challenges have influenced not only how I navigate daily life, but also how I plan to positively impact others through my future work. Growing up with scoliosis was one of the first times I realized my body worked differently. I was diagnosed at ten years old, and from that moment on, I became more aware of my physical appearance and limitations. The pain would be exhausting, and I often worried about how others perceived me and my looks. That struggle reached its peak during my junior year of high school when my back pain became so severe that I was placed on bed rest for an entire month and attended chiropractic appointments twice a week. That period of my life was difficult, but it taught me an important lesson, that my strength is not about avoiding hardship, but about continuing to push through it. While scoliosis affected me physically, anxiety challenged me mentally and emotionally. It affected my confidence in friendships, academics, and future goals. I wanted to feel confident expressing myself, but my thoughts held me back. Learning to manage anxiety has been a big accomplishment, I am so proud of how far I came. Through therapy, writing down my feelings, and leaning on the support of family and friends, I learned that these setbacks do not define me. What helped me the most through these challenges was my art. Art became my safe space, a place where I could turn pain, fear, and insecurity into something meaningful. When I draw or create, I feel free and so much joy. My dream is to become a storyteller whose art doesn’t just look beautiful, but means something. I want to create worlds through illustration and graphic novels where people, especially those who rarely see themselves represented, can feel seen and understood. As a Black, first-generation college student, representation has always mattered deeply to me. Growing up without seeing characters who looked like me or shared similar struggles inspired me to create stories that fill that gap. Now, as an Illustration major, I plan to use my lived experiences to create work that encourages self-acceptance, emotional growth, and understanding. Being part of the disabled community has taught me patience and perseverance, for yourself and the people around me. I hope to use my art to remind others that their challenges do not erase their worth, and that even difficult experiences can lead to something greater. You and your mental and physical health matter.

To me, being an entrepreneur today means creating something meaningful from who you are, what you believe in, and what the world is missing. My faith in God has taught me to never give up in my dreams. Building a business, is about building a vision and using your skills to impact others. As an artist and storyteller, entrepreneurship looks like turning my imagination into an opportunity, building connections, and creativity into a lasting legacy. My dream is to become a storyteller whose art doesn’t just look beautiful, but means something. I want to create worlds through illustration and graphic novels where people,especially those who rarely see themselves represented, can feel seen, understood, and valued. Putting your work into the world means believing your voice and having faith, and entrepreneurship requires that kind of courage every single day. As a Black, first-generation college student and the eldest grandchild on both sides of my family, I carry a deep sense of responsibility. I want to build something that lasts, something that opens doors for the next generation. Growing up, I rarely saw characters who looked like me at the center of magical worlds or meaningful narratives. That absence pushed me to create the representation I wished I had. Entrepreneurship, for me, means filling those gaps with intention and having joy in your craft. My understanding of entrepreneurship was shaped early on by my mother. Watching her build her own path taught me that creativity can become a career if you’re willing to put in the work. I grew up learning about branding, financial independence, and the power of social media as a tool for growth, not just visibility. Those lessons showed me that success doesn’t happen overnight, but through consistency, strategy, and belief in yourself. I now apply those same principles to my own artistic journey. Creating allowed me to process emotions, explore mental health, and connect with others who felt the same way. During my senior year of high school, I took a leap and created my first art account on social media. I began sharing illustrations centered on identity, self-discovery, and emotional growth. To my surprise, people reached out to tell me my work made them feel seen and less alone. That moment reshaped my understanding of entrepreneurship , it’s about community as much as creation. That realization pushed me toward service. I began volunteering and mentoring through creative programs, encouraging younger students to explore freely and trust their creativity. Watching them gain confidence reminded me why I started. Entrepreneurship, in today’s world, means lifting others as you grow and using your platform to empower, not just promote. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I’m actively building toward my future. Attending SCAD isn’t just a personal achievement, but it’s a breakthrough for my entire family. My goal is to create graphic novels that entertain while encouraging self-acceptance, curiosity, and emotional growth, especially within Black and underrepresented communities. In conclusion, god has helped me find my voice and to always persevere through the hardships. Entrepreneurship is about vision, resilience, and purpose. Since I was young I always knew that entrepreneur would be my calling and I'm ready for it to begin. One illustration at a time, I want to prove that our stories matter, and that with courage, creativity, and commitment, even the most distant dreams can become real.

To me, being an entrepreneur today means creating something meaningful from who you are, what you believe in, and what the world is missing. My faith in God has taught me to never give up in my dreams. Building a business, is about building a vision and using your skills to impact others. As an artist and storyteller, entrepreneurship looks like turning my imagination into an opportunity, building connections, and creativity into a lasting legacy. My dream is to become a storyteller whose art doesn’t just look beautiful, but means something. I want to create worlds through illustration and graphic novels where people,especially those who rarely see themselves represented, can feel seen, understood, and valued. Putting your work into the world means believing your voice and having faith, and entrepreneurship requires that kind of courage every single day. As a Black, first-generation college student and the eldest grandchild on both sides of my family, I carry a deep sense of responsibility. I want to build something that lasts, something that opens doors for the next generation. Growing up, I rarely saw characters who looked like me at the center of magical worlds or meaningful narratives. That absence pushed me to create the representation I wished I had. Entrepreneurship, for me, means filling those gaps with intention and having joy in your craft. My understanding of entrepreneurship was shaped early on by my mother. Watching her build her own path taught me that creativity can become a career if you’re willing to put in the work. I grew up learning about branding, financial independence, and the power of social media as a tool for growth, not just visibility. Those lessons showed me that success doesn’t happen overnight, but through consistency, strategy, and belief in yourself. I now apply those same principles to my own artistic journey. Creating allowed me to process emotions, explore mental health, and connect with others who felt the same way. During my senior year of high school, I took a leap and created my first art account on social media. I began sharing illustrations centered on identity, self-discovery, and emotional growth. To my surprise, people reached out to tell me my work made them feel seen and less alone. That moment reshaped my understanding of entrepreneurship , it’s about community as much as creation. That realization pushed me toward service. I began volunteering and mentoring through creative programs, encouraging younger students to explore freely and trust their creativity. Watching them gain confidence reminded me why I started. Entrepreneurship, in today’s world, means lifting others as you grow and using your platform to empower, not just promote. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I’m actively building toward my future. Attending SCAD isn’t just a personal achievement, but it’s a breakthrough for my entire family. My goal is to create graphic novels that entertain while encouraging self-acceptance, curiosity, and emotional growth, especially within Black and underrepresented communities. In conclusion, god has helped me find my voice and to always persevere through the hardships. Entrepreneurship is about vision, resilience, and purpose. Since I was young I always knew that entrepreneur would be my calling and I'm ready for it to begin. One illustration at a time, I want to prove that our stories matter, and that with courage, creativity, and commitment, even the most distant dreams can become real.

My “pie in the sky” dream is to become a storyteller whose art doesn’t just look beautiful, but means something. I want to create worlds through illustration and graphic novels where people, especially those who rarely see themselves represented, can feel seen and understood. It’s a dream that excites me and scares me at the same time, because it challenges me to believe that my imagination and skills are worth it for the public to see. What first sparked this dream was my love for storytelling and role-playing games. I was drawn to worlds where characters weren’t perfect, where choices mattered, and where identity and morality were explored through fantasy. Those stories let me take my imagination to a whole other level. I realized early on that I didn’t just want to consume stories, I wanted to create them. Art became my language for doing that. As a Black, first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I carry a strong sense of responsibility to do something meaningful with the opportunities I’ve been given. For me, art is not just personal expression, it’s a way to represent people who don’t always feel seen or heard. Growing up, I rarely saw characters who looked like me existing at the center of a magical world or just in stories in general. That absence made me want to create characters like that myself. In high school, however, self-doubt almost stopped me from pursuing this dream. I was deeply afraid of judgment, of not being good enough. I held myself back before I even began. Digital art eventually became my safe space. Through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my connection to art, I began healing mentally and emotionally. As I grew, my art grew with me. Creating became less about fear and more about living in the present and showing off my art no matter what. During my senior year, I took a leap and created my first art account on social media. I shared digital illustrations exploring identity, self-discovery, and environmental conflict. To my surprise, people reached out to tell me my work made them feel understood and less alone. Those conversations reshaped my purpose. That realization pushed me toward service. I began volunteering and mentoring through creative programs, working with younger students in community spaces. I encouraged them to explore freely and reminded them that their creativity belongs to them. Watching them gain confidence reminded me of why I started. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I’m actively working toward my dream. SCAD allows me to merge storytelling and visual expression in ways that reflect who I am as a Black woman in a field where representation still matters deeply. My long-term goal is to create graphic novels that entertain while encouraging self-acceptance, curiosity, and emotional growth. One illustration at a time, I want to prove that our stories matter, and that courage can turn even the most distant dreams into something real.

As a Black, first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I carry a deep responsibility to create something meaningful with the opportunities I’ve been given. Art is the way I represent people who don’t always feel seen or heard. In high school, I struggled a lot with self-doubt and fear of judgment, especially when it came to my artistic abilities and my own self confidence. I often held myself back before I even began because I was so afraid. But, digital art became my safe space. With therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my connection to art, I grew in both my mental and physical health, and the quality of my art also improved. During my senior year, I pushed myself to share my work publicly by creating my first art account on social media. I began posting fantasy digital illustrations that explored identity, self identity, and environmental conflict. People started to reach out to tell me about my art and how it made them feel understood and less alone. Having conversations like these reshaped my purpose in what I wanted to do with my craft. I realized that art didn’t just help me heal personally, but it helped others heal too. This realization led me to use art as a tool for service. I became involved in volunteering and mentoring through creative programs, working with younger students in community centers. I encouraged them to explore their ideas freely and reminded them that their craft is theirs alone and to be proud of what they were creating. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I chose this degree because it allows me to merge storytelling and visual expression to create work that I can see myself in as a person of color. As a black woman in a creative field where people who look like me are still underrepresented, I understand the importance of visibility and representation. My long-term goal is to create graphic novels that entertain while showing self-acceptance and exploration in different mediums in art. I plan to make an impact on my community by creating inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person. Where young artists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, can access mentorship, resources, and encouragement regardless of financial limitations. By sharing my journey openly, mentoring others, and showing up authentically, I hope to inspire the next generation to believe that they belong in this field. I want them to see that their creativity has value, their stories matter, and that increasing representation begins with courage and community. I am committed to making a difference one illustration at a time.

My passion for digital art has never been about recognition, it has always been about impact. Creating art, especially digitally, gives me a way to empower, heal, and represent people who don’t always feel seen or listened to. In high school, I was extremely nervous and unsure of myself, especially when it came to my artistic abilities. Fear of judgment often stopped me before I even started. Digital art became my safe space. With therapy, the consistent support of my family and friends, and my connection to art, I learned that my sensitivity was not something to hide. During my senior year, I finally pushed myself to share my work publicly through my first art account on social media. I began creating fantasy-based digital illustrations that explored mental health, self-identity, and internal conflict. People I barely knew reached out to tell me my art made them feel understood. That moment changed everything for me. I realized that art didn’t just help me heal, but it could help others too. This realization led me to become more involved in volunteering and mentoring through art. I worked with younger students in community centers and school programs, guiding them through creative expression and encouraging them to explore their ideas without fear. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I see my education as both a privilege and a responsibility. Digital illustration allows me to combine storytelling and visual expression to create characters and worlds rooted in lived experiences. My long-term goal is to create graphic novels that entertain while and promoting self-acceptance. Much of my motivation comes from what my mother taught me growing up that belief is powerful. I understand what it feels like to doubt your worth or feel like you’re not enough. Through my art, I want to remind people that their voices are valid, their dreams are not pointless, and their emotions deserve space. Looking forward, I hope to create inclusive creative spaces both online and in person where young artists can access resources, mentorship, and encouragement regardless of financial background. I want to mentor others the way I was once mentored and help open doors for future generations. I am committed to making a difference one illustration, one story, and one empowered person at a time.

My name is Caliya Williams, and my identity as a first-generation college student and an underrepresented artist has shaped every step of my life. I come from a background where creative careers are often viewed as unrealistic. Because of this, I have made it my purpose to heal, and represent those who feel overlooked, using art as both my voice and building my confidence. Growing up as the first grandchild on both sides of my family carried both pride and pressure. I was driven by the desire to build a future not only for myself, but for family members who would come after me. In high school, however, I struggled deeply with self-doubt and anxiety. Through therapy, the support of my family and friends, and my connection to my art, I learned that my vulnerability was not a weakness, it was a huge strength. Art became my voice, it allowed me to express my emotions that I could not put into words. During my senior year, I pushed beyond fear and presented my first collective body of work. I created fantasy-based illustrations that explored mental health, self-identity, and internal conflict subjects, that are often ignored in underrepresented communities. In that moment, I understood that my art was no longer just for self-expression, it as was meant to help others as well. This realization led me to volunteer in community centers and school programs, mentoring younger students through art workshops and creative expression. These experiences taught me that creating art is a powerful tool for connection, confidence, and change, especially within underserved communities. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I view my education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. I aspire to create fantasy graphic novels and visual narratives that challenge social norms, and affirm self-worth. My goal is for my work to reach those who need reassurance that their stories matter and that their dreams are valid. Furthermore, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my mother. She instilled in me faith, perseverance, and belief in one’s potential, I am committed to expanding my impact for myself and for others who view my work . I plan to create inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, that provide young artists with access to mentorship and resources regardless of financial background. This scholarship would support not only my academic journey, but my lifelong mission to uplift others. I am committed to changing lives one story, one illustration, and one empowered voice at a time.

My name is Caliya Williams, and the biggest impact on my life has come from discovering my voice through digital art and the belief instilled in me by those who supported me along the way. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I have always felt a strong responsibility to create something meaningful with the opportunities I’ve been given. Throughout high school, I struggled with self doubt and anxiety, especially with my artistic abilities. I was sensitive and afraid of being judged. As I continued finding my artistic voice, I found that digital art became my safe space. With therapy, family support, and art, I learned that my sensitivity was not a weakness but a strength that I shouldn't be ashamed of. A defining moment in my life came during my senior year of high school when I decided to share my art publicly for the first time by creating a digital art account on social media. My work explored fantasy, mental health, and self-identity. Instead of silence or criticism, people reached out to tell me my art made them feel seen and less alone. That experience changed my understanding of art. I realized it wasn’t just a personal outlet for me, but a way to connect, heal, and uplift others. My mother has also had a huge impact on my life in so many ways. She taught me that belief is powerful and that doubting yourself can be more limiting than failure. Her constant encouragement pushed me to keep creating even when I felt unsure of my abilities, helping me shape my mental health, physical health, and overall confidence. Her guidance has motivated by this realization, I became involved in mentoring and volunteering through art. I worked with younger students and peers, and encouraged them to explore their creative side without being fearful and reminding them that their talents were worth pursuing. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I see my education as both a privilege and a responsibility. My goal is to create graphic novels and visual stories that combine fantasy with exploring ideas like self-acceptance, self-acceptance, simplistic ideas, and popular book tropes. Through my art, I hope to reach those who need reassurance that their voices matter and that they are not alone.

My name is Caliya Williams, and the biggest impact on my life has come from discovering my voice through digital art and the belief instilled in me by those who supported me along the way, specifically my mom. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I have always felt a strong responsibility to create something meaningful with the opportunities I’ve been given. Throughout high school, I struggled with a lot of self doubt and anxiety, especially with my artistic abilities. I was sensitive and afraid of being judged. As I continued finding my artistic voice, I found that digital art became my safe space. With therapy, family support, and art, I learned that my sensitivity was not a weakness but a strength that I shouldn't be ashamed of. A defining moment in my life came during my senior year of high school when I decided to share my art publicly for the first time by creating a digital art account on social media. My work explored fantasy, mental health, and self-identity. Instead of silence or criticism, people reached out to tell me my art made them feel seen and less alone. That experience changed my understanding of art. I realized it wasn’t just a personal outlet for me, but a way to connect, heal, and uplift others. My mother has also had a huge impact on my life in so many ways. She taught me that belief is powerful and that doubting yourself can be more limiting than failure. Her constant encouragement pushed me to keep creating even when I felt unsure of my abilities, helping me shape my mental health, physical health, and overall confidence. Her guidance and faith in me, has motivated me into this realization. I became involved in mentoring and volunteering through art. I worked with younger students and peers, and encouraged them to explore their creative side without being fearful and reminding them that their talents were worth pursuing. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I see my education as both a privilege and a responsibility. My goal is to create graphic novels and visual stories that combine fantasy with exploring ideas like self-acceptance, self-acceptance, simplistic ideas, and popular book tropes. Through my art, I hope to reach those who need reassurance that their voices matter and that they are not alone.

My name is Caliya Williams, and my passion for digital art has never been about recognition, it has always been about impact. Creating art, especially digitally, gives me a way to empower, heal, and represent people who don’t always feel seen or listened to. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I feel a deep responsibility to create something meaningful with the opportunities I’ve been given. I want to leave behind a legacy rooted in creativity, perseverance, and believing in yourself, because I know firsthand how powerful those things can be. In high school, I was extremely nervous and unsure of myself, especially when it came to my artistic abilities. Fear of judgment often stopped me before I even started. Digital art became my safe space. The freedom to experiment, revise, and build layers without fear of “messing up” allowed me to express myself in ways I couldn’t through words. With therapy, the consistent support of my family and friends, and my connection to art, I learned that my sensitivity was not something to hide. During my senior year, I finally pushed myself to share my work publicly through my first art account on social media. I began creating fantasy-based digital illustrations that explored mental health, self-identity, and internal conflict. These pieces were deeply personal, but they resonated more than I ever expected. People I barely knew reached out to tell me my art made them feel understood and less alone. That moment changed everything for me. I realized that art didn’t just help me heal, but it could help others too. This realization led me to become more involved in volunteering and mentoring through art. I worked with younger students in community centers and school programs, guiding them through creative expression and encouraging them to explore their ideas without fear. Through these experiences, I learned that creativity is not just personal, it is communal. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I see my education as both a privilege and a responsibility. Digital illustration allows me to combine storytelling and visual expression to create characters and worlds rooted in real emotions and lived experiences. My long-term goal is to create graphic novels that entertain while also fostering empathy, and promoting self-acceptance. I want my work to find the people who need it most, the ones who need reassurance that their stories matter and that they are not alone. Much of my motivation comes from what my mother taught me growing up that belief is powerful. I understand what it feels like to doubt your worth or feel like you’re not enough. Through my art, I want to remind people that their voices are valid, their dreams are not pointless, and their emotions deserve space. Looking forward, I hope to create inclusive creative spaces both online and in person where young artists can access resources, mentorship, and encouragement regardless of financial background. I want to mentor others the way I was once mentored and help open doors for future generations. I am committed to making a difference one illustration, one story, and one empowered person at a time.

My name is Caliya Williams, and the biggest impact of my life has come from discovering my voice through digital art and the belief instilled in me by those who supported me along the way. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I have always felt a strong responsibility to create a meaningful life with the opportunities I’ve been given and to find joy in the things I am passionate about. Throughout high school, I struggled with self doubt and anxiety, especially with my artistic abilities. I was sensitive and afraid of being judged. As I continued finding my artistic voice, I found that digital art became my safe space. With therapy, family support, and art, I learned that my sensitivity was not a weakness but a strength that I shouldn't be ashamed of. A defining moment in my life came during my senior year of high school when I decided to share my art publicly for the first time by creating a digital art account on social media. My work explored fantasy, mental health, and self-identity. Instead of silence or criticism, people reached out to tell me my art made them feel seen and less alone. That experience changed my understanding of art. I realized it wasn’t just a personal outlet for me, but a way to connect, heal, and uplift others. My mother has also had a huge impact on my life in so many ways. She taught me that belief is powerful and that doubting yourself can be more limiting than failure. Her constant encouragement pushed me to keep creating even when I felt unsure of my abilities, helping me shape my mental health, physical health, and overall confidence. Her guidance has motivated by this realization, I became involved in mentoring and volunteering through art. I worked with younger students and peers, and encouraged them to explore their creative side without being fearful and reminding them that their talents were worth pursuing. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I see my education as both a privilege and a responsibility. My goal is to create graphic novels and visual stories that combine fantasy with exploring ideas like self-acceptance, self-acceptance, simplistic ideas, and popular book tropes. Through my art, I hope to reach those who need reassurance that their voices matter and that they are not alone.

My name is Caliya Williams. Creating a name for myself has never been about recognition alone; it has always been about impact. I would like to empower, heal, and represent people, including those who do not feel represented or listened to. I have a mission and a mandate as a first-generation college student and the first grandchild in both directions of the family. I would leave behind a legacy of being creative, a legacy that would leave the future generation with a mark that it is passion, perseverance, and belief in oneself, which can help in changing lives. In high school, I was very nervous and unsure, especially about my artistic skills. With the therapy, the consistent support of my family and friends, and my strong relationship to art, I have learned to think of my struggles as not a weakness, but rather as a strength. Gradually, I came to understand that perfection does not mean growth; rather, courage does. In my senior year, I pushed my limits to deliver my first collective presentation. I started making fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflict. These compositions were very intimate, but very popular. My peers and other community members would contact me to say that my art made them feel understood and less isolated. It was an experience that changed my mission: I no longer desired art to serve myself, but to serve. This realization inspired me to actively engage in creative, mentoring, and mental well-being volunteer work. I volunteered in local community centers and school programs, and volunteered with younger students in art projects and creative expression workshops. I also took time to mentor my peers who lacked confidence and would push them to pursue their talents without fear. These experiences allowed me to realize that creativity is not only a form of action that can establish connection, confidence, and healing, but also one that can be practiced in underserved and underrepresented communities. Now a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), majoring in Illustration, I view my education as a responsibility as much as an opportunity. Illustration helps me blend words and images to create characters and worlds that are informed by the reality of human experience. This is a long-term goal, and I want to produce graphic novels that could be entertaining, challenge stigma, foster empathy, and promote self-acceptance. I want my job to be discovered by the people who need hope and assurance that their stories are not a waste of time. My motivation stems from what my mother instilled in me at a young age. My religion was my potential, and I am determined to share it with others. I also know why it can feel like you are lonely when doubting your worth, or that you are not performing well enough on your own. I hope that my art and service will help people remember that they are not alone and that their voices are not pointless; their dreams are correct. I will use my future influence to expand my impact in communities by creating inclusive, creative spaces online and in real life where young artists have access to resources, workshops, and mentorship, without worrying about their financial background. The scholarship would not only assist me financially in my academic career but also make me even stronger in serving others through art. My personal commitment is to change the world one story, one illustration, and one empowered individual at a time, using my education, talent, and determination.

My name is Caliya Williams, and my passion for digital art has never been about recognition it is always been about impact. Creating art, especially digitally, gives me a way to empower, heal, and represent people who don’t always feel seen or heard. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I feel a deep responsibility to create something meaningful with the opportunities I’ve been given. I want to leave behind a legacy rooted in creativity, perseverance, and believing in yourself, because I know firsthand how powerful those things can be. That said, the artwork I’ve displayed is original character art. Recently, I’ve taken time to improve my artistic skills, with help from college courses and YouTube videos. During my art studies, I came across a video about how Chinese artists color their artwork. As the video progressed, the artist discussed tactics called Qin Yun, Sui Lei Fu Ca, and Hui Se Xi. These phrases describe how artists can capture the mood and emotion of their subject using saturation and brightness. Chinese artists ask, “What feeling do I want my viewers to feel when looking at my art?” In other words, they don’t choose their colors based on hue, but on saturation to evoke the mood they want. As stated before, this artwork is of my original characters, Charli and Natalia. Charli has been with me since middle school and has grown with me over time. After watching the color theory video, I wanted to try this approach myself. So I planned accordingly and asked myself, what mood did I want to convey, what references did I need to collect, and who is Charli Willows? The last question was important for me to answer because I wanted her to be her own individual person, with her own likes and hobbies. So I set the scene with Charli lounging around, enjoying a quiet evening with her bestie, Natalia. Because everyone has that one friend they can relax with and not say a word. I wanted to represent Charli’s living room as neat, whimsical, and overall positive. I also took into consideration what items I wanted in my own room, for example, the flower lamp and the positive posters in the background. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I see my education as both a privilege and a responsibility. Digital illustration allows me to combine storytelling and visual expression to create characters and worlds rooted in real emotions and lived experiences. My long-term goal is to create graphic novels that entertain while also fostering empathy and promoting self-acceptance. I want my work to reach the people who need it most—the ones who need reassurance that their stories matter and that they are not alone. Much of my motivation comes from what my mother taught me growing up, that belief is powerful. I understand what it feels like to doubt your craft or feel like it’s not enough. Through my art, I want to remind people that Their dreams are not pointless, and their emotions deserve space. Looking forward, I hope to create inclusive creative spaces, both online and in person, where young artists can access resources, mentorship, and encouragement, regardless of financial background. I want to mentor others the way I was once mentored and help open doors for future generations. I am committed to making a difference, one illustration, one story, and one empowered person at a time.

My name is Caliya Williams, and my passion for digital art has never been about recognition, it’s always been about impact. Creating art, especially digitally, gives me a way to empower, heal, and represent people who don’t always feel seen or listened to. As a first-generation college student and the first grandchild on both sides of my family, I feel a deep responsibility to create something meaningful with the opportunities I’ve been given. I want to leave behind a legacy rooted in creativity, perseverance, and believing in yourself, because I know firsthand how powerful those things can be. In high school, I was extremely nervous and unsure of myself, especially when it came to my artistic abilities. Fear of judgment often stopped me before I even started. Digital art became my safe space. The freedom to experiment, revise, and build layers without fear of “messing up” allowed me to express myself in ways I couldn’t through words. With therapy, the consistent support of my family and friends, and my connection to art, I learned that my sensitivity was not something to hide. During my senior year, I finally pushed myself to share my work publicly through my first art account on social media. I began creating fantasy-based digital illustrations that explored representation, self-identity, and experimentation. These pieces were deeply personal, but they resonated more than I ever expected. People I barely knew reached out to tell me my art made them feel understood and less alone. That moment changed everything for me. I realized that art didn’t just help me heal, it could help others too. This realization led me to become more involved in volunteering and mentoring through art. I worked with younger students in community centers and school programs, guiding them through creative expression and encouraging them to explore their ideas without fear. I mentored peers who lacked confidence, reminding them that their talents were worth pursuing. Through these experiences, I learned that creativity is not just personal, it is communal. Now, as an Illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I see my education as both a privilege and a responsibility. Digital illustration allows me to combine storytelling and visual expression to create characters and worlds rooted in real emotions and lived experiences. My long-term goal is to create graphic novels that entertain while also fostering empathy, and promoting self-acceptance. I want my work to find the people who need it most, the ones who need reassurance that their stories matter and that they are not alone. Much of my motivation comes from what my mother taught me growing up that belief is powerful. I understand what it feels like to doubt your worth or feel like you’re not enough. Through my art, I want to remind people that their voices are valid, their dreams are not pointless, and their emotions deserve space. Looking forward, I hope to create inclusive creative spaces both online and in person where young artists can access resources, mentorship, and encouragement regardless of financial background. I want to mentor others the way I was once mentored and help open doors for future generations. I am committed to making a difference one illustration, one story, and one empowered person at a time.

My name is Caliya Williams. Creating a name for myself has never been about recognition alone; it has always been about impact. I would like to empower, heal, and represent people, including those who do not feel represented or listened to. I have a mission and a mandate as a first-generation college student and the first grandchild in both directions of the family. I would leave behind a legacy of being creative, a legacy that would leave the future generation with a mark that it is passion, perseverance, and belief in oneself, which can help in changing lives. In high school, I was very nervous and unsure, especially about my artistic skills. With the therapy, the consistent support of my family and friends, and my strong relationship to art, I have learned to think of my struggles as not a weakness, but rather as a strength. It was my refuge and my voice--that I could speak of feelings which were not to be put in words. Gradually, I came to understand that perfection does not mean growth; rather, courage does. In my senior year, I pushed my limits to deliver my first collective presentation. I started making fantasy-based illustrations that explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and internal conflict. My peers and other community members would contact me to say that my art made them feel understood and less isolated. This realization inspired me to actively engage in creative, mentoring, and mental well-being volunteer work. I volunteered in local community centers and school programs, and volunteered with younger students in art projects and creative expression workshops. I also took time to mentor my peers who lacked confidence and would push them to pursue their talents without fear. These experiences allowed me to realize that creativity is not only a form of action that can establish connection, confidence, and healing, but also one that can be practiced in underserved and underrepresented communities. Now a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), majoring in Illustration, I view my education as a responsibility as much as an opportunity. Illustration helps me blend words and images to create characters and worlds that are informed by the reality of human experience. This is a long-term goal, and I want to produce graphic novels that could be entertaining, foster empathy, and promote self-acceptance. I want my job to be discovered by the people who need hope and assurance that their stories are not a waste of time. I will use my future influence to expand my impact in communities by creating inclusive, creative spaces online and in real life where young artists have access to resources, workshops, and mentorship, without worrying about their financial background. I aspire to mentor young artists, as I was once mentored myself, and to help my younger relatives achieve their educational goals. It has a clear objective: to open the doors, eliminate barriers, and make creativity and opportunity accessible to everyone. The scholarship would not only assist me financially in my academic career but also make me even stronger in serving others through art. My personal commitment is to change the world one story, one illustration, and one empowered individual at a time, using my education, talent, and determination.

My name is Caliya Williams and being a first-generation college student and being raised by a single mother means more than being the first in my family to attend college, but it means carrying the hopes of my future success that they strive for me to have and influencing my community and a positive way. To me, being a first-generation college student is my responsibility and a privilege. I want to show my younger relatives and others in the black community that education and creativity can open opportunities, and that being vulnerable are strengths, and not weaknesses. Growing up with a single mother shaped every part of who I am, my values, my drive, and my dreams. My mother, Sherita German, was the foundation of our home. As a black women raising a daughter on her own, she faced countless challenges, yet never let them define her. Instead she met her obstacle with grace, faith, and determination to give us the lives we deserved. Her examples taught me the importance of resilience, authenticity, and self worth, especially in a world that often fails to recognize the strengths and potential of a black women. Being raised by a single mom meant that I had to watch her carry the weight of being both provider and nurturer, without ever complaining. I saw firsthand the sacrifices she made to ensure I never felt limited by our circumstances. She taught me how to show up for myself even when the world doesn't, and that being different isn't something to hide. My mother didn't just raise me; she empowered me to be better than her. When I was younger, I grew up with severe scoliosis and battling anxiety, it has taught me to adapt, persevere, and to shape my hardships into growth. As expected, there were moments when I doubted myself, but I have learned that my struggles can be used as fuel to keep me going. These experiences have given me a new perspective that I want to share with others who face mental and physical help themselves and show that our challenges don't define us as individuals. Now, in my second year of college at Savannah College of Art and Design I have learned that art and storytelling is a part of who I am. Showing my creativity has always been an outlet, it was a way to process my thoughts while inspiring others to embrace their own feelings. My dream is to use my art to build a community centered around fantasy storytelling, mental health awareness, and inclusivity. I want my work to shine on topics like anxiety, growth, and identity, it'll show others that being open about our struggles can empower and bring us together as a community. Through my art, I hope to create a space where people feel seen, valued, and connected. As the eldest grandchild in my family, I carry the responsibility of setting an example. I want to prove that even when life feels overwhelming, we can rise above it and pursue our passions. My education is not only for me, but for my family, community, and the younger generations who need to see that dreams are possible, even when life is difficult. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue this journey by lessening the financial burdens. It would allow me to focus more on my studies, my art, and the community I want to build instead of being held back by financial stress. This support would bring me closer to achieving my goals of becoming an artist and lift up people like my mom did.

Hi, my name is Caliya Williams. To me, resilience means the ability to keep moving forward even when life places obstacles in your path. Living with severe scoliosis and anxiety has challenged me in ways I never expected, but it has also shaped my strengths. I've learned instead of letting these struggles define me, I have learned to see them as fuel that pushes me to grow stronger, determined, and more compassionate. As a college student with a chronic condition, resilience shows up in small ways. I've managed my pain while still pursuing my assignments, and pushed my anxiety and overthinking to communicate with others on a much deeper level. In these little moments, I remind myself that every second, no matter how small or big, is progress toward living the life I want. My creativity has always been a part of my journey. Art and storytelling have given me a way to transform my struggles into something meaningful. Not just for me, but for everyone who feels limited or unseen by their own challenges. Through my work, I want to show that being vulnerable isn't a weakness, but a form of strength. As a first generation college student, resilience also means carrying the responsibilities of being a role model for my family and the younger generations. I want them to see that even when life feels overwhelming, education, self expression, and perseverance can open doors. I want my peers to believe that their challenges don't have to hold them back, but instead help them grow mentally. In the future, I see myself as more than just an artist. I want to be a leader who uses my skills to bring communities together, inspire self expression, and remind others that resilience is not about avoiding hardships, but choosing to rise above them. My goals and the lessons I’ve learned through my journey, are what keeps me motivated to keep, learning, show growth, and leading others to what makes them happy.

Growing up with a single mother shaped every part of who I am, my values, my drive, and my dreams. My mother, Sherita German, was the foundation of our home. As a black women raising a daughter on her own, she faced countless challenges, yet never let them define her. Instead she met her obstacle with grace, faith, and determination to give us the lives we deserved. Her examples taught me the importance of resilience, authenticity, and self worth, especially in a world that often fails to recognize the strengths and potential of a black women. Being raised by a single mom meant that I had to watch her carry the weight of being both provider and nurturer, without ever complaining. I saw firsthand the sacrifices she made to ensure I never felt limited by our circumstances. She taught me how to show up for myself even when the world doesn't, and that being different isn't something to hide. My mother didn't just raise me, she empowered me. When I was younger I struggled with anxiety, through those tough times, I have found my love for art. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. In finding my voice, my mom saw the spark of my passion for creativity and independence grow. As an entrepreneur, she introduced me to the world of branding, business, and the power of building something of your own. Watching her turn her ideas into income inspired me to pursue my own path as an artist. Now, as a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design majoring in Illustration, I use my creativity to tell stories rooted in identity, black culture, and lived experiences. Being the first in my family to attend college and the eldest grandchild on both sides, I know I carry a responsibility to create a new legacy. One that doesn't just survives, but a legacy that my younger family members can look up too and see thrive. My mother's strength gave me the confidence to dream big, and now I want to use my work to uplift others the same way she uplifted me. This Scholarship would not only support my education, but it would be an investment in the legacy my mother began. With it, I will continue to break generational barriers, build generational wealth, and create art that tells our stories with pride and power.

My name is Caliya Williams, and being a first generation college student means more than being the first in my family to attend college, but it means carrying the hopes of my future success that they strive for me to have, and influencing my community and a positive way. To me, being a first generation college student is my responsibility and a privilege. I want to show my younger relatives and others in the black community that education and creativity can open opportunities, and that being vulnerable are strengths, and not weaknesses. Growing up, with severe scoliosis and battling anxiety has taught me to adapt, persevere, and to shape my hardships into growth. As expected, there were moments when I doubted myself, but I have learned that my struggles can be used as fuel to keep me going. These experiences has given me a new perspective that I want to share with others who face mental and physical help themselves, and show that our challenges don't define us as individuals. Now, in my second year of college at Savannah College of Art and Design I have learned that art and storytelling is a part of who I am. Showing my creativity has always been an outlet, it was a way to process my thoughts while inspiring others to embrace their own feelings. My dream is to use my art to build a community centered around fantasy storytelling, mental health awareness, and inclusivity. I want my work to shine on topics like anxiety, growth, and identity, it'll show others that being open about our struggles can empower and bring us together as a community. Through my art, I hope to create a space where people feel seen, valued, and connected. As the eldest grandchild in my family, I carry the responsibility of setting an example. I want to prove that even when life feels overwhelming, we can rise above it and pursue our passions. My education is not only for me, but for my family, community, and the younger generations who need to see that dreams are possible, even when life is difficult. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue this journey by lessening the financial burdens. It would allow me to focus more on my studies, my art, and the community I want to build instead of being held back by financial stress. This support would bring me closer to achieving my goals of becoming an artist, a leader who uses creativity to heal, connect, and uplift others.

Recovery, to me, means building yourself back up again, and become stronger than who you were before. My journey with adversity began when I was eight years old and was diagnosed with severe scoliosis. At first, the issues with my spine was uncomfortable and painful, but with the help of my chiropractor, I was able to live with it and continued to do the things I loved. However, during my junior year of high school, I experienced a setback that test not only my physical health but also my mental. One morning, I woke up with a sharp pain in my back. It was unlike anything I ever felt before, it gotten to the point that even the smallest movements became unbearable. From then on, each day it worsened, leaving me unable to attend school in person, making me fear that my condition will last for the rest of my life. For the rest of the week I felt unmotivated and in a lot of pain. But instead of giving into my fears and physical pain, me and my family decided that my health had to come first over everything. I began seeing my chiropractor twice a week and attended physical therapy sessions regularly. These appointments became not only part of my treatment but also part of my routine to adjust my lifestyle. During this rough time in my life I also leaned on prayer, finding patience in my faith as I worked toward healing my body. Though I was out of school for the first full month and on bed rest, I refused to let my condition define me academically. For the whole month my mother when to and from collecting assignments and notes from my teachers and updated the school regularly about my condition. Overall, I managed to maintain my high GPA and continued earning A's, proving to myself that I could balance both my recovery and responsibility. Looking back, I see this experience as a life lesson and turning point. Now my scoliosis has improved by five percent and I know how to take care of myself properly. That experience taught me how to prioritize my well being without giving up on my goals. It showed me the power of resilience, and how adversity, no matter how painful or unexpected, can become an opportunity to rise stronger. If I were to give advice to someone who has faced these similar circumstances, I would tell them to put their health first without feeling guilty. Your academics and personal success means little without improving on your physical and mental well being. I would remind them that adversity doesn't have to be the end of their story, but it's a chance to gain greater strength and determination. Today, I am grateful not only for my recovery but to my support system and the lessons it has taught me about perseverance, faith, and hope, and that these lessons I will carry with me into every challenge I face in my future endeavors.

My name is Caliya Williams and to me, building a legacy, means building something lasting, that empowers the next generation to dram bigger and achieve more. It's not just about what you leave behind, but what inspires others while you're here. As a first generation college student and the eldest grandchild on both sides of my family, I want to build a legacy with my art and show the next generation that they can do whatever they put their mind too. My perspective of life was shaped by my mother. Her strength, faith, and beliefs has taught me to be confidence and have courage in anything I do. As an entrepreneur, she showed me that my creativity and skills can build a long lasting career as long as I put in the work to achieve that goal. I grew up learning about branding, financial independence, and the power of social media to grow a business, lessons I know use to grow my own artistic journey. Sadly, my journey hasn't been without challenges. I struggled deeply with anxiety, that whispered doubts that made me second guess every decision I made. During my high school years, I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others needs over my own and losing touch with my identity. When I expressed my true feelings, I was left with spirals of overthinking and self doubt. Over time, with therapy and my support system by my side, I learned to set boundaries and released the need to please everyone and give myself grace. I came to learn that not everyone deserves my energy and that showing vulnerability isn't weak. Art became my safe space and my voice when anxiety overwhelmed me. It allows me to connect with others and create meaningful artworks, especially around the theme of mental health. Through my artwork, I want to capture emotions and struggles to remind people that they're not alone. I use social media to build communities where people can reflect, connect, and feel seen. My work often centers around storytelling, and I explore themes of identity, black culture, fantasy, and lived experiences. As a first generation college student, I want to break the cycle. Attending Savannah College of Art and Design is more than just a personal milestone for myself, but a breakthrough for my entire family. I want to show my mother and everyone who has supported me that their purpose for me to live my life how I want to haven't gone in vain. My goal is to use my art to uplift communities and create graphic novels that sparks conversation amongst my peers. This scholarship is more than funding, it's an investment into my future. it will help me create artwork that future generations can look up too and inspire others to find their voices, embrace their struggles, and believe in the power of their dreams. Just as my mom inspired me, I hope to inspire generations to come.

To me, recovery means more than just returning to where you once were, but it's about rising again, stronger than before. When I was eight years old, I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis. Hearing that made me feel uncomfortable and subconscious, to the point that it made me feel different from my peers, in my posture and having to wear a back brace. Over the years, I had regular visits with my chiropractor, and he helped me adapt and understand my insecurities. But during the beginning of my junior year of high school, I woke up one morning with excruciating pain in my back, sharper and more intense than anything I had ever felt. Every small movement felt unbearable. As the days went by, the pain worsened and me and my mother was determined to put my health above everything else. I began visiting my chiropractor twice a week, attend physical therapy sessions, and praying to guide me through my healing. For a entire month, I was unable to attend school in person. But I didn't let this effect my academics, I stayed on top of my schoolwork, maintained my high GPA, and kept my grades at an A level as best I could. Looking back, I realized that this chapter in my life was more than my physical recovery, it was about mental perseverance. Today, my scoliosis has improved by five percent, but more importantly, I've grown in determination, faith, and gratitude.

Faith has always been the anchor in my life, especially during seasons when anxiety clouded my thoughts and self-doubt weighted heavily on my heart. There was a time when fear and the need to please everyone left me feeling paralyzed. Yet, in those moments of struggle, I leaned into my faith. My church became a safe heaven, were prayer and moments of quiet reflection reminded me that I was never alone, and that God and my family created me with a purpose and that my voice matters. Through my involvement in church, I began to see art not just as a hobby, but as a spiritual gift. It became a way to pray without words, to process emotions, and to communicate truths that I couldn't always speak out loud. Over time, I noticed that my drawings resonated with others who were also battling anxiety or self worth issues. Encouraged by my church and my family, I started sharing my art and my testimony through social media, community events, and my college clubs. A moment that changed my life before and realize that miracles do come true, was being accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). I have prayed eagerly for the opportunity to show off my craft to the world, and I promised God that I would use my time there to serve others. At SCAD, I joined the Black Student Association (BAC) and openly shared my Christian values and encouraged others to show vulnerability and authenticity into their creative work. These deep conversations often mirrored the ones I had in my church, spaces where people could feel safe, seen, and supported by people who can be authentically themselves without issues. My church has taught me that leadership is rooted in service. It is not about control or recognition, but about showing compassion, lifting others up, even when they cannot yet see their own worth. This perspective has shaped how I serve both in and outside my church, from mentoring peers to using my artwork as a source of encouragement. Looking ahead, I envision a career where illustration becomes an idea for hope, healing, and connection. I want to create stories and characters that reflects faith based values, especially for young audiences seeking guidance or belonging. My service, whether in the church or in the community, I will always be about inspiring others to embrace their own stories and reminding them that light exists even in the darkest moments. The legacy I hope to leave is one where art, faith, and service are inspirable, a testament to how God can transform personal struggle into a calling that uplifts others.

From a young age, I learned firsthand how overwhelming anxiety can be. It was like a constant whisper in my mind leading me to second guess every choice I made, and in the process, I buried my own feelings to appease the expectations of others. I felt trapped, isolated, and unsure on how to express what I was going through. It was in this difficult time in my life that I discovered art. Drawing became my safe space, my voice when words failed me. Through each sketch, I could express emotions that I could not bring myself to say outload. Over time, what began as a coping mechanism grew into a passion for storytelling and illustration. My characters became reflections of my thoughts, fears, and dreams. My characters were imperfect, emotional, and overall human, much like the people I hoped to connect with through my artwork. My friend Lilu had a rough childhood, mom passed at an early age, and they were just having a tough time in school with bullies. So, during high school, I noticed that my friend sitting alone at lunch by themselves. They seemed withdrawn, sadly I knew this look all too well. I remembered how isolating it felt to carry unspoken pain, so I sat with him. Instead of pressing him to talk, I pulled out my sketchbook and began drawing. We sat there quietly for a while, no words spoken just drawing. Over the next few weeks, we met often, drawing side by side when life felt tough for the both of us. He later told me that those little moments made them feel seen and less alone. Lilu was the type of friend that rarely spoke about what was going on in their life or how they were feeling but those simple moments helped him process feelings that he hadn't known how to share. That experience showed me the power of art, not just to heal myself, but to help others navigate their own struggles. It became the spark that led me to pursue an art career in Illustration. In the near future, I would like to combine my love for illustration with my commitment in supporting mental health. At Savannah College of Art and Design, I've been building my skills so I can create spaces where creativity becomes a bridge to healing. Selflessness, to me, means showing up for others in the ways they most need, even when they can't voice it themselves. It means listening without judgement, offering comfort without expectation, and using what you love to lift someone else. Through my art career, I hope to continue turning my personal journey into a profession centered on connection, understanding, and healing, helping others find the voice that art once gave me.

My name is Caliya Williams, I’m a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design and an Illustration major. What defines me is not just my creativity, but my resilience that has shaped my journey and the determination to turn adversity into my purpose. Growing up, I lived in a single parent household, even though finances were limited my mom taught me that success wouldn’t be handed to me, but that I had to create it. With her help and encouragement I started my new life in college. Balancing academics, self promotion, and budgeting while maintaining a strong GPA and earning the Dean’s List twice has taught me discipline and independence. While others I knew waited for opportunities, I built my own. I began developing my own original characters, while exploring fantasy stories through my art on social media, and laying the foundation for future graphic novels and merchandise. My short term goals are to launch a small business starting with sticker designs, and my long term goals are to establish a storytelling brand that uplifts and connects with my audience on a deeper level. My resilience, however, hasn’t just come from my discipline, but my faith. I used to be overwhelmed by anxiety and self doubt, and I constantly second guessed myself and tried to please others. In those moments, I turned to prayer and reflection. My faith grounded me, reminding me that my voice has value and that I was created with a purpose. Through this, art became not just an outlet but a safe heaven. As I healed, I began sharing my experience with others who struggled with anxiety or self worth. At SCAD, I joined the Black Student Association and began encouraging others to be vulnerable in their artwork and stay true to their values. I shared openly with the BAC about my christian faith, which inspired others to be more open about their own identities and beliefs. I discovered that leadership isn’t about authority, it’s about empathy, encouragement, and helping others feel seen and supported. Through storytelling and illustration, I hope to continue creating characters and narratives that reflect real struggles, faith, and healing. I want my future brand to be a beacon for the younger audience, especially those who feel lost, unseen, or anxious, so that they can see themselves in my stories and feel inspired to keep going. This scholarship would not only relieve financial stress, but also empower me to expand my platform, grow my craft, and continue building a legacy that's rooted in resilience, faith, and art to uplift others.

When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, "Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer." Over time, that phrase became true. My anxiety was constant, a little voice in my head that made me second guess my every move. I lost sight of who I was and became consumed with pleasing others, while ignoring my own needs and feelings. It was an isolating experience, one that made me feel trapped in my own mind. In the midst of those dark moments, I discovered my love for art. Drawing became my voice when I didn't have the words to communicate. It gave me a way to express my emotions that I couldn't explain aloud. Finding my love for art didn't just quiet the noise in my head, but it helped me reclaim parts of myself that I buried under the falsehood of fear and self doubt. As I gotten older, my anxiety began to ease with time, and my relationship with art grew. What started as a coping mechanism slowly transformed into a passion for storytelling and illustration. Character creation, in particular, became a therapeutic process for me. Each character I designed carries a piece of me, my thoughts, fears, hopes, and dreams. My characters are imperfect, emotional, and most of all human, much like the people that I hope to reach through my artwork. If someone can see themselves in my work and feel less alone, then I know I'm on the right path. This journey led me to explore the field of art therapy. I realized that the healing I found through creating could also help others, especially those who struggle to express their emotions verbally. Art therapy combines my love for illustration with my desire to support mental health and emotional well being. I want to create spaces where people can heal through creativity, just like I did. Through my education at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I have gained the confidence to share my work and use my social media platforms to inspire others. I hope to continue learning how to bridge art and the importance of mental health in meaningful ways. My goal is to use art therapy not only as a tool for healing, but also as a form of connection, one that empowers others to embrace their own stories. This scholarship would support more than just my education, it would help me build a foundation to make lasting change in people's lives, turning my personal healing into a profession dedicated to helping others to do the same.

One thing I've learned over the years is that change, though scary, is often the spark for growth. When I started college at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I was eager for a fresh start, a new chapter that would allow me to grow, not only as an artist but a person. One of the first stops in this new beginning of my life was Huey's, a New Orleans inspired restaurant. I walked in expecting a simple meal and the environment being generic just like every other restaurant I've been in. But I walked out of Huey's with a lasting memory that changed my view on the restaurant industry and the comfort, community, and creativity that holds it. The moment I stepped into Huey's I felt as though that I was actually in New Orleans. The laid back vibes, live music, warm customer service, and their famous beignets reminded me of home, even though I was in a new city. That home cooked styled food has always made me feel good, but it wasn't just the food that made an impact, but it was the atmosphere. I saw everyone around me feeling welcomed. From left to right I have seen big families unwind and enjoy themselves, and little things like that have always warmed my heart. As an illustration major, I often find myself inspired by real life experiences. Restaurants like Huey's have influenced how I approach storytelling. When I create characters and visual narratives, I draw moments of connection, and that night at Huey's I felt a connection like nothing else. I aim to build stories that make people feel seen, comforted, and included, just like how Huey's made me feel. The restaurant industry has the power to create more than just good meals, but meaningful memories. If I could change anything about the industry, I would encourage more spaces that prioritize community, incivility, and mental health. From diverse staff representation to incorporating local art and music, restaurants can become creative places that support not only good food but good people. Through my art and social media presence, I hope to help bridge that gap and promote spaces that celebrate culture, creativity, and kindness. I want to inspire restaurants to see their impact beyond food. This scholarship would help me continue that mission. It represents more financial aid, but it's a stepping stone toward a future where I can use my talent to inspire change. With hard work, support, and education, I'm building my career that blends storytelling, art, and community just like Huey's blended food, culture, and a feeling of belonging.

Technology has the power to spark transformation, and for me that moment happened when I received my first art tablet on my tenth birthday. That simple device, opened a world of creative freedom and changed my life forever. Before the tablet, I mostly drew in my sketchbook, but having access to digital art gave me the ability to experiment without fear of making mistakes. The possibilities were endless. That tablet became my companion, my therapist when times got rough, and ultimately the bridge between a childhood hobby and my dream career. Today, I’m pursuing that dream majoring in Illustration at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). The tablet was just the beginning. SCAD has helped me push beyond my comfort zone and tap into a better understanding about storytelling through character designs and visual narratives. When I create characters, I give them personalities, struggles, and aspirations that reflect the real world. I want people to see themselves in my work and feel less alone. Technology, like the art tablet, inspires me because it makes creating expressions more accessible. It allows people, especially those of the younger generation who are aspiring artists, to tell stories, explore their identity, and find their voices. In a world where mental health, connection, and representation matter more than ever, being powered by technology can truly make a difference. The support that I’ve received, from my mother’s belief in my talent to the resources at SCAD, has shaped my growth not just as an artist, but as a communicator and change maker. My first art tablet lit a spark in me that will never go out, my mission is to create generational wealth and to use my voice to inspire others, especially those who feel unseen or unheard. This scholarship is more than financial help, it’s an investment in my journey as a self sufficient artist. Through technology and storytelling, I want to help make the world a more empathetic, connected, and inspired place.

When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer.” Over time, that phrase became true. Anxiety felt like a constant whisper in my mind, pushing me to doubt myself and seek approval from everyone around me. Through middle school and high school, I became a people pleaser, and silenced my own needs in favor of others' expectations. At times, due to this issue, I felt trapped in my own mind, like I was losing control over my own thoughts and identity. Through the midst of that struggle, I found my love of art. Drawing became my escape and my way of speaking when I could not find the words to speak my mind. When I draw, it’s like my safe heaven. I could quiet the storm in my head and express myself freely. Over time, art evolved from just an outlet into something much deeper, my purpose. My sketchbook slowly filled with characters and liveliness, that each drawing I drew became a reflection of me that I was learning to understand and accept. As my anxiety began to ease, my passion for illustration grew stronger. I no longer created art just to cope with challenges of having severe anxiety, but created to connect. I realized that storytelling through character design gave me the ability to give others what I once needed, comfort, validation, and representation. I began to see how uplifting and powerful art can be when it reflects real human emotions. This shift changed my mindset in the best way possible. I stopped hiding behind my anxiety and letting it consume me, and started embracing vulnerability. Now, as an illustration major at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’m using my experiences to shape a successful art career. SCAD has given me the tools, confidence, and platforms to share my voice through my art, and people are listening. I’ve grown my social media presence, refined my portfolio, and stepped into the role as a storyteller for black culture. The lessons I’ve learnt are simple but powerful, obstacles like mental health don’t have to define you, they can shape you. My anxiety challenged me, but also revealed my voice, and built my confidence to pursue my passion. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of pursuing my dreams, but it would also help me continue building a legacy that encourages others to turn their struggles into something beautiful.

Olivia Rodrigo is an incredible artist who captures what it feels like to be an anxious teenage girl trying to navigate a world that doesn't make sense. Her song “vampire” from the GUTS album resonates with me because, it expresses the regret that comes from trusting the wrong people and ignoring your instincts, even when the red flags are right in front of you. The lyrics that stands out to me is “I made some real big mistakes, but you made the worst one look fine. I should’ve known it was strange, you only come out at night. I used to think I was smart, but you made me look so naive, the way you sold me for parts as you sunk your teeth into me.” These lines captures the vulnerability of being an adolescence, the feeling of being taken advantage of, thinking you know better, and then you beating yourself up when you realize you didn’t. Although Olivia is speaking about a relationship, I relate to these lyrics to my friendships growing up. Instead of having one vampire, I had hoard of vampires, all in one friend group. Friends who would belittle me under the disguises of jokes. I was often called weird of inexperienced because I was not as experienced as they were in dating or life, making me feel behind. I ignored their comments because I wanted to keep the peace, but deep down I was miserable without even realizing it. I thought if I stayed quiet, that they would accept me. But deep down I knew that something was off. Eventually, after nearly a decade, I cut them off. I realized that I was tired of shrinking myself to fit their world. It was painful to walk away because, they were all I knew and I thought we would be best friends forever. But it taught me to stop letting others define my worth. In the aftermath of it all, I felt relieved, and knew I made the right choice. Since then, I have found my real friends, people who see me for who I truly am, and love me because of it, not in spite of it. “Vampire” is poetic because Olivia owns up to her mistakes while also reclaiming her power into who she is. That is the beauty of her album GUTS, it’s a voice for girls who were made to feel small, and for those who weren’t able to speak up at the time. Through her lyrics, Olivia reminds us that growth comes after heartbreak and that finding your voice is the bravest thing you can do.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am a sophomore, majoring in Illustration at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Growing up, art became my safe heaven, but it was books like Percy Jackson and graphic novels that has taught me the power of storytelling. Those stories weren't just entertaining, but eye opening. Percy's journey through self doubt, identity, and unexpected strength mirrored my own internal battles, especially with anxiety. When anxiety took over I would draw or read. These factors gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. The humor, bravery, and emotional honesty in those pages has helped me see that imperfections don't make us weaker, they make us human. Reading Percy Jackson gave me the courage to use my own voice. As an artist and storyteller, I now focus on creating diverse characters and emotionally grounded narratives within fantasy worlds, spaces where younger readers, especially those in underrepresented communities, can see themselves in my work. Like the Percy Jackson series, I want my stories to remind readers that they matter, that their challenges are valid, and that they are capable of greatness. Through digital illustrations and short stories shared online, I have connected with aspiring artist who tell me they feel seen and inspired to keep on creating. My mentor even shares my work with other students as an example of where perseverance and passion can lead you in life. These moments affirm that my artwork is not just a personal expression for myself, but a good use to build connections and healing with a wider audience. As I continue to build my career in the art world, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. I believe that vulnerability is powerful, and art allows me to embrace it fully. With the support of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’ve gained the confidence to continue on sharing my work publicly, expand my portfolio, and grow my social media presence that reflects both my skills and story. The Barbara Cain Literacy Scholarship would allow me to expand this impact. I dream of building a free, inclusive online space, offering workshops, challenges, and a possible mentorship for young creatives, especially those who do not have access to art resources. This scholarship would be more than financial support, but it would help bring to life a world where every child, like I once was, can see themselves in the stories they love and believe their voices is with hearing.

When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. I wanted people to feel seen, understood, and validated through my work. That feeling drove me to have a deep love for storytelling. Storytelling, especially character creation has expanded my creative mind in ways I never imagined. When I design a character, they have their own likes, aspirations, flaws, and personality. I want my characters to feel fleshed out, complex, and most of all human, like the world today. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. As I continue to build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. I believe that vulnerability is powerful, and art allows me to embrace it fully. With the support of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’ve gained the confidence to share my work publicly, expand my portfolio, and grow a social media presence that reflects both my skills and story. In conclusion, instead of running away from my anxiety, I embrace it. Having anxiety pushed me to create, and through that I have found a gift that I'm happy to pursue. While in school, I plan to build stronger, deepen my understanding of the art industry, and make my voice heard. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and majoring in Illustration. Since childhood, art has been my safe space, a tool for healing and self expression. Overtime, that passion evolved into a purpose, using storytelling and illustration to empower the younger generation, especially in the under resourced communities, through honest, and reliable narratives. My work centers on creating characters and stories that reflects the emotional depth and complexity of real life in a fantasy world setting. I want young people to feel seen. Through digital illustrations and short stories shared on social media, I have received messages from classmates, family, friends, and most importantly aspiring artists who say my work has made them feel validated and inspired. It's even gotten to the point that my mentor has shared my illustrative characters to her other students to show that perseverance and determination can make your dreams come true. Moments like these reminded me that my art is more than just pictures on a page, it's building a connection that many people need in today's times. Still, the path to get here wasn't easy. For years, I struggled with severe anxiety. I often second guessed myself, prioritized pleasing others, and questioned whether my voice mattered. Art became my safe heaven. It gave me a voice when I couldn't find words. Overtime, I learned to manage my anxiety into my illustrations and use that vulnerability to create more honest, impactful stories where everyone can feel seen in worlds I create and to know that they're not alone. This journey has taught me that out greatest challenges often become our most powerful tools for connection. Receiving the #AllKidsNeedBooks Scholarship would allow me to expand the reach and impact of my work to everyone. I plan to create a free, inclusive online space that anyone can join, that would provide workshops, art challenges, and tutorials for the younger generation or anyone who may not have access to enhancing their artistic journey. I also dream to offer mentorship, supplies, and hopefully scholarships in the near future to students in under appreciated communities just like the one I grew up in. This Scholarship is not just financial support, it is an investment in a future where every child can see themselves in the stories they read and the art they love. I'm committed to help the next generation know that their voices matter, their feelings are valid, and their creativity can take them anywhere.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, and majoring in Illustration. What sets me apart is not just my artistic ability, but my determination to turn my passion into purpose and creativity into a community impact. Unlike many of my peers, I come from a single parent household where financial resources were limited. I've learned how to balance school, budgeting, and self promotion while maintaining a strong GPA and earning the Dean's List twice. My work ethic and discipline are shaped by the reality that I must create the opportunities I seek, and i'm doing just that. I don't just want to make art, but tell stories that inspires others. I am currently building a social media presence that introduces original characters, exploring their dynamics, and dive deep into understanding the world I've created. This is more than content, but a foundation for graphic novels and merchandise that I will release in the future. While others may be waiting for a break, I'm actively creating my own. My short term goal is to launch a business, starting small scale merchandise like stickers to gain experience and grow financially. Long term, I aim to establish a brand rooted in storytelling, creativity, and building connections. This Scholarship would not only relieve financial pressure but also allow me to invest more fully in developing my craft, expanding my platform, and building a legacy through art. I'm not just chasing a dream, i'm building it. That's my advantage.

Growing up, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Overtime, that phrase became my reality. Anxiety felt like a constant voice in my head, urging me to second guess every choice I made. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others needs while silencing my own. But through the struggle, I found a powerful outlet, art. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. I wanted people to feel seen, understood, and validated through my work. I found purpose in storytelling, especially through character design. Each character I create has a story, dreams, flaws, and unique personalities. They mirror the complexities of real people and that is what people need to see, themselves in characters that they admire. My goal is to create characters that resonates deeply with others, so someone struggling can look at my work and see that they are not alone. As I continue to build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. I believe that vulnerability is powerful, and art allows me to embrace it fully. With the support of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’ve gained the confidence to share my work publicly, expand my portfolio, and grow a social media presence that reflects both my skills and story. In conclusion, instead of running away from my anxiety, I embrace it because, anxiety is the number one way to stop yourself from living the life you deserve. Having anxiety pushed me to create, and through that I have found a gift that I'm happy to pursue. While in school, I plan to build stronger, deepen my understanding of the art industry, and make my voice heard. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

My journey to continue my education has been fuel by both personal struggle and artistic passion. Growing up with anxiety, I often felt silenced and disconnected from myself. But through those quiet battles, I found art, my safe space, my voice, and my purpose. Drawing helped me understand who I was beyond my fears and anxiousness. Over time, Illustration became more than just an outlet, but it became a way to connect with others on a deeper level, to tell stories, and to make people feel seen. At Savannah College of Art and Design, I have begun turning my passion into a profession. I focused on storytelling through character design and world building, using themes rooted in identity, black culture, and personal experiences. Each character I created carries a piece of me, and through them, I aim to help others feel understood. My in progress graphic novel, What Lies Underneath, is a direct reflection of this purpose, built with inspiration from both my family and my mentor Kennedy, who taught me how to bring stories to life with authenticity and care. This Scholarship will not only ease financial stress of continuing my education, but will also help me build a foundation for generational success. It represents a crucial investment in my dream, to become a self sufficient artist who creates meaningful, emotional, and culturally impactful work. I'm committed to using my story, my struggles, and my growth to inspire others, showing that even in silence, something beautiful can be created.

Growing up in a single parent household, taught me resilience, purpose, and the value of hard work. My mother's strength inspired me to face challenges with faith and perseverance. Her sacrifices and entrepreneurial spirit field my passion for art and storytelling. Now, as a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design and majoring in illustration, I use my creativity to uplift black voices and share authentic experiences. I'm working towards building a legacy through community centered art, branding, and mentorship. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing my goals, breaking generational barriers, and using my story to empower others just as my mother empowered me.

Growing up with a single mother shaped every part of who I am, my values, my drive, and my dreams. My mother, Sherita German, was the foundation of our home. As a black women raising a daughter on her own, she faced countless challenges, yet never let them define her. Instead she met her obstacle with grace, faith, and determination to give us the lives we deserved. Her examples taught me the importance of resilience, authenticity, and self worth, especially in a world that often fails to recognize the strengths and potential of a black women. Being raised by a single mom meant that I had to watch her carry the weight of being both provider and nurturer, without ever complaining. I saw firsthand the sacrifices she made to ensure I never felt limited by our circumstances. She taught me how to show up for myself even when the world doesn't, and that being different isn't something to hide. My mother didn't just raise me, she empowered me. When I was younger I struggled with anxiety, through those tough times, I have found my love for art. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. In finding my voice, my mom saw the spark of my passion for creativity and independence grow. As an entrepreneur, she introduced me to the world of branding, business, and the power of building something of your own. Watching her turn her ideas into income inspired me to pursue my own path as an artist. Now, as a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design majoring in Illustration, I use my creativity to tell stories rooted in identity, black culture, and lived experiences. Being the first in my family to attend college and the eldest grandchild on both sides, I know I carry a responsibility to create a new legacy. One that doesn't just survives, but a legacy that my younger family members can look up too and see thrive. My mother's strength gave me the confidence to dream big, and now I want to use my work to uplift others the same way she uplifted me. This Scholarship would not only support my education, but it would be an investment in the legacy my mother began. With it, I will continue to break generational barriers, build generational wealth, and create art that tells our stories with pride and power.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am currently a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. Art has always been more than just a hobby, but a safe space. No matter what the medium was, I always found comfort in creating art. As I've grown, my relationship with being creative has deepened. It has driven me with a purpose to empower and uplift others, especially those in the younger generation in under resourced communities. Growing up, I often struggled with anxiety and self worth. I constantly felt like I had to prove my worth by pleasing others, while silencing my own voice in the process. It was during these moments of isolation that I turned to art. Drawing became my outlet, my way of expressing things when words wouldn't come out. Over time, art has helped me gain control of my emotions and self worth, and as a result, it become more than a coping tool, but a purpose. To me, being a purposeful community member means using your talents in service of something greater than yourself. My purpose is to help others feel seen, valued, and inspired through illustration and storytelling. As a responsible leader, I am committed to sharing my journey honestly and openly to show young creatives that it's okay to be imperfect, anxious, or unsure, because those feelings help build character and create authentic art. Not only that but to teach the younger artist that it is okay with being vulnerable with your audience, because it shows that you're human. And to be a productive member of the community, I plan to build a sustainable platform that offers access to creative tools and education. In the future, I plan to use social media and my education to create an inclusive digital art space. I'll host free tutorials and workshops that are accessible to all, especially those who have limited resources. I also aspire to offer art supplies and mentorship to schools and neighborhoods that are often overlooked. This scholarship would not only support my academic journey, but it'll help me build a meaningful legacy. I want to be remembered not just for what I created, but for how I used my art to serve others. My goal is to empower the next generation of artists to believe in their voice, embrace their flaws, and know that creativity can open doors they never imagined possible.

I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I have learned how to rise through struggle, lead with compassion, and create with a purpose. My journey has not been easy, but through faith, I've discovered a sense of identity, strength, and vision that keeps me moving forward. There was a time when anxiety controlled my every move. I often felt paralyzed by fear, overwhelmed with the pressure to please others and consumed by self doubt. But even in those quiet, painful moments, I leaned into my faith. Prayer and reflection helped me realize that I was never truly alone. I came to understand that God created me with intention, that my voice and experiences matter. That truth gave me the courage to step into my purpose. Art became my safe heaven. Drawing stated as a way to escape, but it quickly became a tool for my healing and self expression. My illustrations began to reflect the emotions that I couldn't say out loud. And soon, because of my art, others began to relate. I found that my work gave a voice to people who, like me, struggled with anxiety and self worth. Sharing my art through social media and student organizations allowed me to connect, lead, and uplift others through vulnerability and honesty. Attending Savannah College of Art and Design was my turning point in my journey. I leaned fully into my faith to brace myself for this new adventure, and prayed for guidance while I embraced every opportunity that came to me. Through the Black Student Association, I spoke openly about my Christianity and how it influenced my creativity and I encouraged others to honor their personal truths in their work. Being in the BSA has taught me that leadership isn't about being the loudest in the room, it's about creating a space for others to feel seen, heard, and valued. I am not chasing dreams for recognition or praise. I am pursuing them to serve a purpose. I want to build a brand rooted in faith and perseverance. One that uses storytelling to inspire healing, representation, and connection, especially for the younger generation who need to see themselves in stories of strength and light. I am worth my dreams because I carry them with humility, faith, and determination. I know who I am, who I serve, and why I create. That is what makes me ready, not just for success, but for impact.

To me, legacy means building something lasting, something that empowers the next generation to dream bigger and achieve more. It's not just about what you leave behind, but what you inspire in others while you're here. As a first generation college student and the eldest grandchild on both sides of my family, I've come to realize that I am the start of a new legacy, one built on resilience, creativity, and hope. Growing up, my path was shaped by my mother, Sherita German. Her strength, faith, and unwavering belief in me became the foundation of everything I am today. As a black women raising a daughter in a world that often tries to dim our light, she taught me the power of confidence, faith, and authenticity. Her experiences helped me understand what it means to be a black girl in a world that doesn't always see us clearly and how to make space anyway. She's not only my biggest supporter but also an entrepreneur who showed me that creativity can be a career. Through her, I've learned valuable lessons about branding, financial independence, and using social media to grow a business, skills I now apply to my own artistic journey. As a young woman, I often wondered what direction my future would take. Over the years I have found a deep passion for creating art. Whether it was painting, digital, or sketching, I was always thrilled to experiment and grow. Illustration, has helped me express myself, tell stories, and connect with others. My work is deeply rooted in storytelling, with themes of identity, black culture, and lived experiences. Through character design and world building, I create spaces where others, especially black people, can feel seen and heard. Breaking the cycle for me means not settling for survival, but building a future where passion meets purpose. Attending Savannah College of Art and Design is a major step, not just for me, but for my entire family. I want to use my art to uplift my community, to spark conversations, and to leave behind a legacy that says, we are here and we matter. This scholarship is more than funding, it is an investment in a future where I can help build generational wealth, lead with intention, and inspire others just as my mother inspired me and to create artwork that will show the world that hard work and dedication pays off.

My name is Caliya Williams, and i'm a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. One day, I want to build a creative platform that makes visual art more accessible to the younger generation in under resourced communities, especially to those struggling with mental health or feeling overlooked. Growing up with anxiety, I often felt silenced by self doubt and the pressure to please others. Art became my safe space, my way of speaking when I couldn't find words to say how I felt. Over time, that outlet became a passion and then a purpose. As my artistic skills and storytelling grew, I realized that I didn't just want to create art for myself, but that I wanted to build a space for others to feel seen, heard, and valued. In the future, I plan to create an online community where young artists can access free workshops, tutorials, Emotional expression prompts, and storytelling challenges. I want to provide mentorship and donate art supplies to schools that lack funding. Through this, I hope to build up confidence, creativity, and healing in kids who may not have access to creative tools or a safe space to express themselves. Just like many artist out there, I want my artwork to become a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. This goal is bigger than a platform, it's a commitment to my community and to myself. Building this future helps me grow as a leader, advocate, and create art. It turns my personal challenges into purpose. And most importantly, it plants seeds of hops and possibility into others. Everyone deserves the chance to make their dreams a reality. If just one child sees themselves in my work and feels less alone, then I have already succeeded in building something meaningful.

To make mental health care more affordable and accessible, I plan to use my art as a bridge for healing and connection. As an illustrator, I'll create free digital comics and visual journals that explore's mental health topics that are relatable and culturally inclusive. I aim to build a free, online creative space offering workshops, emotional expression prompts, and mentorship for the younger generation who needs support. By combining storytelling, vulnerability, empathy, and accessibility, I hope to give people, especially young artists, tools to express themselves, feel understood, and find peace through creativity, even when professional care feels out of reach.

As a first generation college student, my identity has shaped the way I see the world, not just as a place full of challenges, but as a space where creativity can open doors that once felt closed. Attending Savannah College of Art and Design is more than just earning a degree, but it's about rewriting the narrative for myself and my family. Growing up, I didn't have a clear understanding of what I wanted to do with my future. No one in my immediate family had gone to nor had the thought of pursuing a career in arts. That lack of drive to enhance their education became my motivation. It pushed me to take every opportunity seriously, to dream boldly, and to turn my childhood hobby into a real and sustainable career. Through illustration and storytelling, I've found my voice and I want my work to encourage others to find there's. My journey has been filled with determination and disciplines to build a life for myself that I'll be happy with. At SCAD, I've made the Dean's List twice through hard work and focus. Outside of class, i'm building the foundation of a future art business, selling stickers and prints while growing my online presence. I share original characters and their stories, hoping to connect with others who see parts of themselves in my artwork. This Scholarship would not only support my education but to serve as a role model for others and to help me build a lasting legacy.

My name is Caliya Williams and I am a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. Since I was young, I’ve had a passion for drawing and creating art became a safe place. As I continue my journey at SCAD, I’m growing to use my artistic skills to help empower the younger generation in under resourced communities. When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. Especially the younger generation of kids who feel overlooked or unheard. As my passion grew, so did my love for storytelling. I create characters who are complex and imperfect like real people. I want my audience, especially the younger children who want to pursue art, to see themselves in my work and realize that their feelings, flaws, and dreams matter. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. In the near future, I plan to use my social media platforms and education to give back. I want to build an inclusive online space where my audience from all backgrounds can learn, create, and share without judgement. I would offer free digital workshops, tutorials, and community art challenges to uplift the younger generation who may not have access to formal art programs. One day, I would also like to offer mentorship, supplies, and scholarships in underfunded schools and neighborhoods. In conclusion, through education, budgeting, and personal goals, is helping lay down the foundation for a sustainable art career. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping build a community to help others dreams come true. My goal is not only to build a successful legacy for artists everywhere, but to help the next generation of artists know they belong, their voices matter, and that their gift of creativity can take them anywhere.

My name is Caliya and I am a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. Since I was young, I’ve had a passion for drawing and creating art became a safe place. As I continue my journey at SCAD, I’m growing to use my artistic skills to help empower the younger generation in under resourced communities. When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. Especially the younger generation of kids who feel overlooked or unheard. As my passion grew, so did my love for storytelling. I create characters who are complex and imperfect like real people. I want my audience, especially the younger children who want to pursue art, to see themselves in my work and realize that their feelings, flaws, and dreams matter. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. Now, I plan to use my social media platforms and education to give back. I want to build an inclusive online space where my audience from all backgrounds can learn, create, and share without judgement. I would offer free digital workshops, tutorials, and community art challenges to uplift the younger generation who may not have access to formal art programs. One day, I would also like to offer mentorship, supplies, and scholarships in underfunded schools and neighborhoods. In conclusion, through education, budgeting, and personal goals, are helping lay down the foundation for a sustainable art career. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping build a community to help others dreams come true. My goal is not only to build a successful legacy for artists everywhere, but to help the next generation of artists know they belong, their voices matter, and that their gift of creativity can take them anywhere.

My name is Caliya Williams and I am a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. Since I was young, I’ve had a passion for drawing and creating art became a safe place. As I continue my journey at SCAD, I’m growing to use my artistic skills to help empower the younger generation in under resourced communities. When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. Especially the younger generation of kids who feel overlooked or unheard. As my passion grew, so did my love for storytelling. I create characters who are complex and imperfect like real people. I want my audience, especially the younger children who want to pursue art, to see themselves in my work and realize that their feelings, flaws, and dreams matter. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. In the near future, I plan to use my social media platforms and education to give back. I want to build an inclusive online space where my audience from all backgrounds can learn, create, and share without judgement. I would offer free digital workshops, tutorials, and community art challenges to uplift the younger generation who may not have access to formal art programs. One day, I would also like to offer mentorship, supplies, and scholarships in underfunded schools and neighborhoods. In conclusion, through education, budgeting, and personal goals, are helping lay down the foundation for a sustainable art career. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping build a community to help others dreams come true. My goal is not only to build a successful legacy for artists everywhere, but to help the next generation of artists know they belong, their voices matter, and that their gift of creativity can take them anywhere.

My name is Caliya Williams and I am a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. Since I was young, I’ve had a passion for drawing and creating art became a safe place. As I continue my journey at SCAD, I’m growing to use my artistic skills to help empower the younger generation in under resourced communities. When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. Especially the younger generation of kids who feel overlooked or unheard. As my passion grew, so did my love for storytelling. I create characters who are complex and imperfect like real people. I want my audience, especially the younger children who want to pursue art, to see themselves in my work and realize that their feelings, flaws, and dreams matter. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. In the near future, I plan to use my social media platforms and education to give back. I want to build an inclusive online space where my audience from all backgrounds can learn, create, and share without judgement. I would offer free digital workshops, tutorials, and community art challenges to uplift the younger generation who may not have access to formal art programs. One day, I would also like to offer mentorship, supplies, and scholarships in underfunded schools and neighborhoods. In conclusion, through education, budgeting, and personal goals, they're helping lay down the foundation for my sustainable art career. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping build a community to help others dreams come true. My goal is not only to build a successful legacy for artists everywhere, but to help the next generation of artists know they belong, their voices matter, and that their gift of creativity can take them anywhere.

When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. I wanted people to feel seen, understood, and validated through my work. That feeling drove me to have a deep love for storytelling. Storytelling, especially character creation has expanded my creative mind in ways I never imagined. When I design a character, they have their own likes, aspirations, flaws, and personality. I want my characters to feel fleshed out, complex, and most of all human, like the world today. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. As I continue to build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. I believe that vulnerability is powerful, and art allows me to embrace it fully. With the support of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’ve gained the confidence to share my work publicly, expand my portfolio, and grow a social media presence that reflects both my skills and story.. In conclusion, instead of running away from my anxiety, I embrace it. Having anxiety pushed me to create, and through that I have found a gift that I'm happy to pursue. While in school, I plan to build stronger, deepen my understanding of the art industry, and make my voice heard. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. I wanted people to feel seen, understood, and validated through my work. That feeling drove me to have a deep love for storytelling. Storytelling, especially character creation has expanded my creative mind in ways I never imagined. When I design a character, they have their own likes, aspirations, flaws, and personality. I want my characters to feel fleshed out, complex, and most of all human, like the world today. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. As I continue to build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. I believe that vulnerability is powerful, and art allows me to embrace it fully. With the support of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’ve gained the confidence to share my work publicly, expand my portfolio, and grow a social media presence that reflects both my skills and story.. In conclusion, instead of running away from my anxiety, I embrace it. Having anxiety pushed me to create, and through that I have found a gift that I'm happy to pursue. While in school, I plan to build stronger, deepen my understanding of the art industry, and make my voice heard. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

Faith has always been the anchor in my life, especially during the moments when anxiety consumed my thoughts. I used to feel paralyzed by self doubt, anxiety, and fear, constantly second guessing myself and trying to please everyone around me. But through those struggles I leaned into my faith, and it became a source of strength and clarity. Prayers and moments of quiet reflections has helped me realize that I am not alone in my journey, and that God created me with a purpose and that my voice matters. Through my faith I have discovered art as a way to cope, to heal, and to lead. Drawing became more than just a hobby, but a spiritual outlet, a space where I could process my emotions and express things I couldn’t. Overtime, I noticed that my art began to resonate with others who have also struggled with anxiety and or self worth. I started to share my experiences openly through social media, college clubs, and in doing so people began to listen. One powerful experience that shaped my leadership style was getting accepted and attending my first year at Savannah College of Art and Design. I prayed everyday and used my faith based values to show God that I am ready for new beginnings. Through college I joined the Black Student Association and spoke highly about my christianity, inspiring others to be vulnerable in their artwork and not shun away from their faith and values. Talking with individuals who are like me, who are finding their footing in a new place with new people, reminded me that leadership is about lifting others up, and creating spaces where they feel seen, heard, and supported. My faith teaches me that leadership isn’t about being in control, it’s about serving others with compassion. I now see my future not only as a professional illustrator but as someone who uses storytelling in my artwork to promote healing, connection, and hope. I want to build a brand that reflects my values and faith, creating characters and stories that people, especially young audiences that can relate and to learn from. In pursuing a career in illustration, my goal is to continue leading through faith, inspiring others to embrace their own stories, and using art as a light in dark places. This vision, rooted in my personal testimony, is the foundation of the legacy I hope to leave behind.

Collaboration in my field of illustration means sharing ideas, learning from others, and building a community to bring a shared vision to life. Whether it’s receiving feedback or building an online community, collaborating with your peers builds growth, strengthens your storytelling skills, and pushes your skills to grow. As a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’ve discovered illustration thrives on exchanging ideas. One of the most inspiring collaborative experiences came during a group critique in my Drawing one class. We were tasked to create an art piece inspired by the creator for our peers to get to know us on a deeper level, using any materials we wanted. From the beginning of the assignment being assigned to us, I was nervous because I didn’t know how to represent myself fully to my peers. As I was in my own head, quickly the class evolved into a collaborative space, and I learned that everyone was in the same dilemma as me. One by one, we shared ideas, and got to know each other more than just classmates. These interactions reshaped how I thought about my narrative. These ideas and critiques challenged me to expand the depth of my work, and I learned that artistic collaboration is not just teamwork, but it’s listening, adapting, and growing. Outside of class, I collaborate through social media. I use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share my original characters and the world they live in. I use my platforms to invite feedback, build connections, and to keep me motivated. The comments I see from my fellow artists or fans often spark new ideas or visual changes that I might not have considered alone. Building a community using these platforms has helped me create work that resonates with others while refining my voice. Collaboration also plays a major role in my entrepreneurial vision. I hope to launch a business of my own featuring merchandise based on my characters. Creating merchandise like stickers, prints, pendants, etc. I also plan to work with other artists, small business owners, and online communities to bring everything to life. I’ve already begun budgeting, researching vendors, and planning small launches of my work to test designs and gather feedback. In conclusion, collaboration teaches me that great work doesn’t happen in isolation. Whether I'm in a classroom critique, an online art community, or eventually a professional team, the ability to work with others enhances your creativity and experience. SCAD has helped me embrace this mindset, giving me the confidence to pursue bigger goals and share my vision with the world. This scholarship would allow me to keep investing in my craft, my education, and the collaborative journey I'm building as a young illustrator committed to inspiring others through storytelling.

My name is Caliya Williams and I am a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. Since I was young, I’ve had a passion for drawing and creating art became a safe place. As I continue my journey at SCAD, I’m growing to use my artistic skills to help empower the younger generation in under resourced communities. When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. Especially the younger generation of kids who feel overlooked or unheard. As my passion grew, so did my love for storytelling. I create characters who are complex and imperfect like real people. I want my audience, especially the younger children who want to pursue art, to see themselves in my work and realize that their feelings, flaws, and dreams matter. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. In the near future, I plan to use my social media platforms and education to give back. I want to build an inclusive online space where my audience from all backgrounds can learn, create, and share without judgement. I would offer free digital workshops, tutorials, and community art challenges to uplift the younger generation who may not have access to formal art programs. One day, I would also like to offer mentorship, supplies, and scholarships in underfunded schools and neighborhoods. In conclusion, through education, budgeting, and personal goals, is helping lay down the foundation for a sustainable art career. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping build a community to help others dreams come true. My goal is not only to build a successful legacy for artists everywhere, but to help the next generation of artists know they belong, their voices matter, and that their gift of creativity can take them anywhere.

As a young woman, I often wondered what direction my future would take. Over the years I have found a deep passion for creating art. Whether it was painting, digital, or sketching, I was always thrilled to experiment and grow. Illustration, has helped me express myself, tell stories, and connect with others. One of the most influential people in my life that I met through connections, has been Kennedy Ringgold, a talented young black artist who is making her mark in the art and music industries. Through her mentorship, I’ve gained valuable techniques in both traditional and digital media. More importantly, she’s expanded my understanding of storytelling, teaching me how to conveying complex ideas, diverse perspectives, world-building and character dynamics through illustration. Kennedy also helped me understand the entrepreneurial side of being an artist, managing finances, building a brand, and marketing through social media. Her guidance has helped me envision a future where my creative passion can turn into a sustainable career. My artistic skills stand out because of how much I love storytelling. Every piece I create is layered with meaning, specifically touching on identity, black culture, and my personal experiences. I use character design and world building to reflect themes that aren’t talked about enough, and I want others to feel seen and understood in my craft. I believe that through my artwork that I can connect with people emotionally and build a community. Being a black artist myself, where in media and storytelling I rarely see someone like myself, is a drive to represent what black culture truly is in today's society. One project that closest to my heart is my in work graphic novel, What Lies Underneath. This story wouldn’t have existed without Kennedy and my family’s influence to help me build the future I want. She has taught me what it truly takes to bring an idea to life, and how to make my work stand out. Not just her, but without my family and them making sacrifices to help me fulfill my dreams will always mean the world to me. In the near future, I hope to use my art not only to support myself but also to uplift my family and community. This scholarship represents more than just financial support but also a step toward generational wealth, self sufficiency, and building a legacy. Through my journey, I want to inspire others just as Kennedy inspired me, and show that art can be both a powerful voice and a career path.

My name is Caliya Williams and I am a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. Since I was young, I’ve had a passion for drawing and creating art became a safe place. As I continue my journey at SCAD, I’m growing to use my artistic skills to help empower the younger generation in under resourced communities. When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. Especially the younger generation of kids who feel overlooked or unheard. As my passion grew, so did my love for storytelling. I create characters who are complex and imperfect like real people. I want my audience, especially the younger children who want to pursue art, to see themselves in my work and realize that their feelings, flaws, and dreams matter. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. In the near future, I plan to use my social media platforms and education to give back. I want to build an inclusive online space where my audience from all backgrounds can learn, create, and share without judgement. I would offer free digital workshops, tutorials, and community art challenges to uplift the younger generation who may not have access to formal art programs. One day, I would also like to offer mentorship, supplies, and scholarships in underfunded schools and neighborhoods. In conclusion, through education, budgeting, and personal goals, is helping lay down the foundation for a sustainable art career. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping build a community to help others dreams come true. My goal is not only to build a successful legacy for artists everywhere, but to help the next generation of artists know they belong, their voices matter, and that their gift of creativity can take them anywhere.

As a young woman, I often wondered what direction my future would take. Over the years I have found a deep passion for creating art. Whether it was painting, digital, or sketching, I was always thrilled to experiment and grow. Illustration, has helped me express myself, tell stories, and connect with others. One of the most influential people in my life that I met through connections, has been Kennedy Ringgold, a talented young black artist who is making her mark in the art and music industries. Through her mentorship, I’ve gained valuable techniques in both traditional and digital media. More importantly, she’s expanded my understanding of storytelling, teaching me how to conveying complex ideas, diverse perspectives, world-building and character dynamics through illustration. Kennedy also helped me understand the entrepreneurial side of being an artist, managing finances, building a brand, and marketing through social media. Her guidance has helped me envision a future where my creative passion can turn into a sustainable career. My artistic skills stand out because of how much I love storytelling. Every piece I create is layered with meaning, specifically touching on identity, black culture, and my personal experiences. I use character design and world building to reflect themes that aren’t talked about enough, and I want others to feel seen and understood in my craft. I believe that through my artwork that I can connect with people emotionally and build a community. Being a black artist myself, where in media and storytelling I rarely see someone like myself, is a drive to represent what black culture truly is in today's society. One project that closest to my heart is my in work graphic novel, What Lies Underneath. This story wouldn’t have existed without Kennedy and my family’s influence to help me build the future I want. She has taught me what it truly takes to bring an idea to life, and how to make my work stand out. Not just her, but without my family and them making sacrifices to help me fulfill my dreams will always mean the world to me. In the near future, I hope to use my art not only to support myself but also to uplift my family and community. This scholarship represents more than just financial support but also a step toward generational wealth, self sufficiency, and building a legacy. Through my journey, I want to inspire others just as Kennedy inspired me, and show that art can be both a powerful voice and a career path.

My name is Caliya Williams and I am a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. Since I was young, I’ve had a passion for drawing and creating art became a safe place. As I continue my journey at SCAD, I’m growing to use my artistic skills to help empower the younger generation in under resourced communities. When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. Especially the younger generation of kids who feel overlooked or unheard. As my passion grew, so did my love for storytelling. I create characters who are complex and imperfect like real people. I want my audience, especially the younger children who want to pursue art, to see themselves in my work and realize that their feelings, flaws, and dreams matter. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. In the near future, I plan to use my social media platforms and education to give back. I want to build an inclusive online space where my audience from all backgrounds can learn, create, and share without judgement. I would offer free digital workshops, tutorials, and community art challenges to uplift the younger generation who may not have access to formal art programs. One day, I would also like to offer mentorship, supplies, and scholarships in underfunded schools and neighborhoods. In conclusion, through education, budgeting, and personal goals, is helping lay down the foundation for a sustainable art career. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping build a community to help others dreams come true. My goal is not only to build a successful legacy for artists everywhere, but to help the next generation of artists know they belong, their voices matter, and that their gift of creativity can take them anywhere.

My name is Caliya Williams and I am a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. Since I was young, I’ve had a passion for drawing and creating art became a safe place. As I continue my journey at SCAD, I’m growing to use my artistic skills to help empower the younger generation in under resourced communities. When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. Especially the younger generation of kids who feel overlooked or unheard. As my passion grew, so did my love for storytelling. I create characters who are complex and imperfect like real people. I want my audience, especially the younger children who want to pursue art, to see themselves in my work and realize that their feelings, flaws, and dreams matter. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. In the near future, I plan to use my social media platforms and education to give back. I want to build an inclusive online space where my audience from all backgrounds can learn, create, and share without judgement. I would offer free digital workshops, tutorials, and community art challenges to uplift the younger generation who may not have access to formal art programs. One day, I would also like to offer mentorship, supplies, and scholarships in underfunded schools and neighborhoods. In conclusion, through education, budgeting, and personal goals, is helping lay down the foundation for a sustainable art career. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping build a community to help others dreams come true. My goal is not only to build a successful legacy for artists everywhere, but to help the next generation of artists know they belong, their voices matter, and that their gift of creativity can take them anywhere.

My name is Caliya Williams , I am a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design and majoring in Illustration. My journey at Savannah College of Art and Design isn't just about earning my degree but paving the way for my future. What began as a hobby, slowly turned into a dream career fueled with ambition and desire to inspire others through illustration and storytelling. Being the first in my family to attend college has pushed me to take full advantage of every opportunity. It motivates me to follow my dreams of publishing a graphic novel but also build a sustainable career as an illustrator and entrepreneur. I'm currently focused on developing my artistic style, strengthening my portfolio, and growing my online presence by sharing my original characters and the world they live in. This would help build my social media presence by building my audience and connecting with others through my art. At SCAD, with hard work I've earned the Dean’s List twice, proving that hard work and commitment pays off. Outside of class, I'm learning to budget and plan ahead for my future business by starting small with selling stickers and prints tied to my work. As I build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect the growth in who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. With the help of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I have gained more confidence in myself and my personal goals. In conclusion, this scholarship would empower me to continue building a legacy, create generational wealth, and become a role model for others like me who want to turn their creativity into a lifelong career.

As a first generation college student, my journey at Savannah College of Art and Design isn't just about earning my degree but paving the way for my future. What began as a hobby, slowly turned into a dream career fueled with ambition and desire to inspire others through illustration and storytelling. Being the first in my family to attend college has pushed me to take full advantage of every opportunity. It motivates me to follow my dreams of publishing a graphic novel but also build a sustainable career as an illustrator and entrepreneur. I'm currently focused on developing my artistic style, strengthening my portfolio, and growing my online presence by sharing my original characters and the world they live in. This would help build my social media presence by building my audience and connecting with others through my art. At SCAD, with hard work I've earned the Dean’s List twice, proving that hard work and commitment pays off. Outside of class, I'm learning to budget and plan ahead for my future business by starting small with selling stickers and prints tied to my work. As I build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect the growth in who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. With the help of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I have gained more confidence in myself and my personal goals. In conclusion, this scholarship would empower me to continue building a legacy, create generational wealth, and become a role model for others like me who want to turn their creativity into a lifelong career.

One of my favorite art pieces I've created is a “Meet The Artist” themed illustration inspired by my childhood. As a young girl, I loved American Girl dolls, so much that my grandmother would get the magazines to scan through during the holidays. I always wondered to myself, “What if I were the girl of the year?”. Now, as an illustration major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I revisited that childhood dream, reflecting on who I am today. I decided on this project with elements of my life. My favorite anime, music that I listen to, and my go to comfort food, chicken teriyaki. Last but not least, I had to give SCAD their flowers on my journey with them so far, and paid tribute to their George Clinton exhibit. This illustration became more than just a project, it became a celebration of my identity, growth, and creativity. I adore this artwork because it shows my growth as an artist. It reminds me that individuality is power in the creative world, and self expression comes in so many different ways. Through my art and ongoing social media presence, I aim to build a platform where people can build connections. In conclusion, I love telling stories and with my art, I can inspire others to get out of their comfort zones and tell their's.

If there's one word that I can describe Billie Eilish’s music it’s vulnerability. Her songs capture raw emotions that’s hard to express. Whether it’s about relationships, friendships, or self reflection. Her emotional honesty is what draws me into her music. One of the songs that resonates with me is Wildflower. The song explores Billie’s guilt over being in a relationship with a guy that her friend was seeing prior. She wonders if boundaries were crossed with how she treated her friend. Although the song explores dating, I resonate with this song, as a friendship breakup. As someone who went through friendship breakups myself, it hurts seeing friends drift apart through hard times. The lyrics captures the uncertainty of not knowing what went wrong and or how someone close to you feels. My second favorite song is Happier Than Ever. A song that represents a shift from sadness to anger in a toxic relationship. Her feelings are raw and I love the buildup of the melody and the vulnerability in her voice that she's willing to tell her story. I've felt this myself in my own life where you're no longer sad about being mistreated, but angry because of other people's actions. Lastly, Lost Cause shows Billie's confidence and honesty. Billie calls out the guy she's seeing and realizes that he ain't worth her time due to his behavior. She recognizes her worth and no longer excuses someone who never stepped up. This self-respect is admirable and she showed me that it's okay to walk away from people who don't value you. In conclusion, Billie Eilish’s music resonates with me because she's not afraid to be real. Her storytelling makes me feel seen and she's helped me find the strength to move on through tough times.

From a young age, I found joy in drawing and bringing new ideas to life, which led me into pursuing Illustration as my career path. As I begin my sophomore year at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), it has shown me that I feel most creative when I'm in a space where everyone is in a creative mindset like me. People who are passionate about their craft and eager to grow. Being in an environment like Savannah College of Art and Design, full of creative energy has pushed me to think beyond limits and explore new artistic possibilities. A major influence in my creativity is rooted from my experience with anxiety. Growing up with a single mother, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, art became my safe space. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level as well as a storytelling tool. I began to view illustrating not just as personal therapy, but a way to connect with others, share my voice, and inspire others who have also felt unseen. Storytelling, especially character creation has expanded my creative mind in ways I never imagined. When I design a character, they have their own likes, dreams, aspirations, flaws, and personality. I want my characters to feel fleshed out, complex, and most of all human, like the world today. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. My art is deeply tuned into who I am. As I continue to build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual. I believe that vulnerability is powerful, and art allows me to embrace it fully. With the support of SCAD, I’ve gained the confidence to share my work publicly, expand my portfolio, and grow a social media presence that reflects both my skills and story. In conclusion, instead of running away from my anxiety, I embrace it. Having anxiety pushed me to create, and through that I have found a gift that I'm happy to pursue. While in school, I plan to build stronger, deepen my understanding of the art industry, and make my voice heard. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. I wanted people to feel seen, understood, and validated through my work. That feeling drove me to have a deep love for storytelling. Storytelling, especially character creation has expanded my creative mind in ways I never imagined. My personal project is called What Lies Underneath and has all of these topics that I want to pursue. When I design a character for my story, they have their own likes, aspirations, flaws, and personality. I want my characters to feel fleshed out, complex, and most of all human, like the world today. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. As I continue to build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. I believe that vulnerability is powerful, and art allows me to embrace it fully. I know that artificial intelligence is gonna evolve, and that is why creating original art will become more valuable than having a computer create art for you. With the support of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’ve gained the confidence to share my work publicly, expand my portfolio, and grow a social media presence that reflects both my skills and story.. In conclusion, instead of running away from my anxiety, I embrace it. Having anxiety pushed me to create, and through that I have found a gift that I'm happy to pursue. While in school, I plan to build stronger, deepen my understanding of the art industry, and make my voice heard. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. I wanted people to feel seen, understood, and validated through my work. That feeling drove me to have a deep love for storytelling. Storytelling, especially character creation has expanded my creative mind in ways I never imagined. When I design a character, they have their own likes, aspirations, flaws, and personality. I want my characters to feel fleshed out, complex, and most of all human, like the world today. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. As I continue to build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. I believe that vulnerability is powerful, and art allows me to embrace it fully. With the support of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’ve gained the confidence to share my work publicly, expand my portfolio, and grow a social media presence that reflects both my skills and story.. In conclusion, instead of running away from my anxiety, I embrace it. Having anxiety pushed me to create, and through that I have found a gift that I'm happy to pursue. While in school, I plan to build stronger, deepen my understanding of the art industry, and make my voice heard. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

When I was younger, I often heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”. Over time that phrase became a personal truth. Anxiety was like a persistent voice in my mind, urging me to second guess every decision I made. I felt as though I was losing control of my own thoughts. I became a people-pleaser, prioritizing others opinions and emotions, instead of my own. This facts has effected my beliefs, relationships, and career goals. Through these tough times, I have found my love for art. When anxiety overwhelmed me, I would draw. It gave me a voice when words failed and helped me see who I was beyond my anxiety. As I grew older, my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustration grew. The art I created no longer served as an emotional outlet, but it became a way for me to connect with others on a deeper level. I wanted people to feel seen, understood, and validated through my work. That feeling drove me to have a deep love for storytelling. Storytelling, especially character creation has expanded my creative mind in ways I never imagined. When I design a character, they have their own likes, aspirations, flaws, and personality. I want my characters to feel fleshed out, complex, and most of all human, like the world today. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. As I continue to build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. I believe that vulnerability is powerful, and art allows me to embrace it fully. With the support of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I’ve gained the confidence to share my work publicly, expand my portfolio, and grow a social media presence that reflects both my skills and story.. In conclusion, instead of running away from my anxiety, I embrace it. Having anxiety pushed me to create, and through that I have found a gift that I'm happy to pursue. My mental health is stronger than ever, and I know little me would be proud. While in school, I plan to build stronger, deepen my understanding of the art industry, and make my voice heard. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

Creating art has always been a passion of mine. What began as a hobby to escape from anxiety, slowly turned into a dream career. Since perfecting my craft, I've learned that illustrating is the way to go in pursuing my aspirations. My ultimate goal is to create art and publish a graphic novel that showcases my storytelling abilities, but also that inspires others. To achieve this goal, I am focusing on enhancing my skills, building up my portfolio, and establishing meaningful connections. Through my classes, I have discovered what works for me and what does not, as I build up my artistic style. Not only has classes been helpful, but through keeping up with my education and maintaining a high GPA, I have obtained the Dean’s List twice. While I build up my craft in school, I am also working on building a presence on social media to showcase my art and to connect with a broader audience. On these platforms, I introduce my original characters, their dynamics, and worldbuilding. Building an audience will spark curiosity about my stories and leave my audience wondering what will happen next. By sharing my art and personal journey, I aim to create a meaningful connection with my audience. In the next five years, I want to start my own business, selling merchandise related to my characters and other creative products I develop. While still in school, I am budgeting and saving up money to lay the foundation for this business. For now, I plan to start small by creating and selling stickers as an initial step into entrepreneurship. As I build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual, so my audience can feel connected to me. With the help of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I have gained more confidence in myself and my personal goals. In conclusion, my education, budgeting, and pursuing my personal goals, is shaping the foundation for my future success. I am thrilled and happy for what the future has in store for me. As time moves on, I will know that I achieved my goals through my own perseverance and wanting to have a better future for myself. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

Musicals have always brought me a deep sense of joy. From beginning to end, I admire how a production can be a loved story beloved by many and brought to life in a musical format. Wicked, is one of those stories that brings me joy, not just because of the music, but also because of the message they tell. Wicked explores the themes of social class and the struggle to find your way in a world that deems being different as strange. When I watch the musical, I see myself in Elphaba’s shoes, not only as someone who feels as though they're the black sheep in scenarios but also in how her views, how she carries herself, and how she dresses are considered “weird”. As a black girl in today's time, there’s a saying in the black community and that is “You have to work twice as hard because you are black.” Sadly, that still holds true in today's times. Just like Elphaba, I often feel the need to prove my worth in spaces where I'm underestimated. But just like she does in the movie, I and she have to persevere through to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In conclusion, that is the reason why I love Wicked, because no matter what, Elphaba proves that she doesn't have to change who she is to be worthy. She stays true to herself and inspires me to do the same.

“Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”, and for me, it became a constant voice in my mind that would lead to second-guessing every decision I made. That echoing self-doubt that can make you feel as though you’re losing control of your own thoughts. My anxiety increased, leading to people-pleasing, pushing other's needs and opinions instead of my own. In those times when anxiety consumed me, I constantly worried about how others would perceive my actions or words, leaving no room for my own wants or needs. And whenever I tried to express my true feelings, the spiral of overthinking and self-doubt would begin, convincing me that my thoughts were invalid and unworthy. However, during the years, I have come to an understanding of how to address my insecurities, and that is setting boundaries and being unapologetically myself. I've learned that not everyone will agree with you, and not everyone deserves your energy. Sometimes, you have let people go and accept that you cannot please everyone without showing yourself some grace. Through trial and error, I have come to the understanding of who I am as an individual, and not everyone deserves your time and energy. Yes, I still have those moments where anxiety creeps in, but now knowing who I am, I have come to terms that instead of making anxiety a negative thing, I embrace it. I taught myself that it is okay to be vulnerable and sensitive and take everything one day at a time. Creating art has always been a passion of mine that can serve as a way to connect and create a meaningful way to give back to my community. Through my work, I strive to highlight the importance of mental health and why it is an important topic to talk about. By illustrating emotions, struggles, and the journey of healing, my art will become a tool to inspire and encourage others that they’re not alone. Through social media, I aim to create a safe space where people can build connections, reflect, and heal. In conclusion, in both my art career and life, I have learned to embrace vulnerability and embrace individuality by using creativity to connect and heal. By addressing my own struggles with anxiety, I have found a purpose to inspire others while building a community. Whether it’s through illustration the struggles of mental health or self-expression. I want others to find their voices, embrace their struggles, and connect with one another.

My name is Caliya Williams and I am a freshman at Savannah College of Art and Design. Since I was young, I loved to draw and create new things, which led me into pursuing Illustration as my career path. When I was young, I always heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”, and for me, it became true. A little voice in my mind that would lead me to second-guessing every decision I made. That echoing self-doubt that can make you feel as though you’re losing control of your own thoughts. My anxiety increased, leading to people-pleasing and listening to others negative feelings instead of my own mind. In those times when anxiety consumed me, I constantly worried about how others would perceive my actions or words, leaving no room for my own wants or needs. And whenever I tried to express my true feelings, the spiral of overthinking and self-doubt would begin, convincing me that my thoughts were invalid. As stated before, creating art has always been something that I enjoyed no matter what medium I used. In those moments where anxiety consumed me, I would draw, because drawing my feelings out would make my voice feel heard and come to a better understanding of who I am outside of my anxiety. As I got older my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustrating grew. Not only did illustrating help me get my feelings out there, I wanted other people to feel validated and see themselves in my art. Which leads to my love for storytelling and worldbuilding. Creating stories as well as characters expands my creative mind in ways I never imagined. When I design a character, I think about their likes, aspirations, and in general what their main goals are in life and who they would be in the real world. I want my characters that I write to be complex and have flaws just like any other person in today's world. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. As for Worldbuilding Is another crucial part in why I'm passionate about storytelling. Developing a world from scratch, filled with your own ideas, where the possibilities to what happens are endless is what pushes my creativity. As I build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. With the help of SCAD, I have gained more confidence in myself to build my platform on social media and enhance my portfolio. In conclusion, education, budgeting, and my pursuing my personal goals, is shaping the foundation for my future success. As I am in school, I will build connections with my peers and gain myself a further understanding of the art industry, as well as making myself known. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am an undergrad student at Savannah College of Art and Design. Since I was young, I loved to draw and create new things, which led me into pursuing Illustration as my career path. When I was young, I always loved to create art. Finding my love for art started in a strange way that I could never predict for my ongoing endeavors. Since I was young, I always struggled with anxiety. The room would spin, and I could feel my heart pounding rapidly, and in those moments where anxiety overtook me, I found solitude in creating drawings of how I felt. Those drawings slowly helped my negative emotions subside and awakened, bliss. That's when I knew that I I found my voice outside of my anxiety. As stated before, creating art has always been something that I enjoyed no matter what I did. To add onto that, as I got older my anxiety slowly decreased and my love for illustrating grew. Not only did illustrating help me get my feelings out there, but I slowly started to create characters where they can go through life and grow just like me. I also wanted other people to feel validated and see themselves in my artwork. Which leads to my love for storytelling and worldbuilding. Creating stories as well as characters expands my creative mind in ways I never imagined. When I design a character, I think about their likes, aspirations, and in general what their main goals are in life and who they would be in the real world. I want my characters that I write to be complex and have flaws just like any other person in today's society. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. Building human connection is important and can give people to feel a sense of belonging, and, if someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. As for Worldbuilding Is another crucial part in why I'm passionate about storytelling. Developing a world from scratch, filled with your own ideas, where the possibilities to what happens are endless is what pushes my creativity. As I put these two concepts together, I have found that my confidence has increased. As I build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual and growth so my audience can feel as though my platform is a safe space to be themselves. Furthermore, with the help of SCAD, I have gained more confidence in artistic skills, my portfolio, and myself to build a platform and business on social media for everyone to see. In conclusion, education, budgeting, and my pursuing my personal goals, is shaping the foundation for my future success. As I am in school, I will build connections with my peers and gain myself a further understanding of the art industry, as well as making myself known. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am an undergrad student at Savannah College of Art and Design. Since I was young, I loved to draw and create new things, which led me into pursuing Illustration as my career path. When I was young, I always loved to create art. Finding my love for art started in a strange way that I could never predict for my ongoing endeavors. Since I was young, I always struggled with anxiety. The room would spin, and I could feel my heart pounding rapidly, and in those moments where anxiety overtook me, I found solitude in creating drawings of how I felt. Those drawings slowly helped my negative emotions subside and awakened, bliss. That's when I knew that I I found my voice outside of my anxiety. As stated before, creating art has always been something that I enjoyed no matter what I did. To add onto that, as I got older my anxiety slowly decreased and my love for illustrating grew. Not only did illustrating help me get my feelings out there, but I slowly started to create characters where they can go through life and grow just like me. I also wanted other people to feel validated and see themselves in my artwork. Which leads to my love for storytelling and worldbuilding. Creating stories as well as characters expands my creative mind in ways I never imagined. When I design a character, I think about their likes, aspirations, and in general what their main goals are in life and who they would be in the real world. I want my characters that I write to be complex and have flaws just like any other person in today's society. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. Building human connection is important and can give people to feel a sense of belonging, and, if someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. As for Worldbuilding Is another crucial part in why I'm passionate about storytelling. Developing a world from scratch, filled with your own ideas, where the possibilities to what happens are endless is what pushes my creativity. As I put these two concepts together, I have found that my confidence has increased. As I build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual and growth so my audience can feel as though my platform is a safe space to be themselves. Furthermore, with the help of SCAD, I have gained more confidence in artistic skills, my portfolio, and myself to build a platform and business on social media for everyone to see. In conclusion, education, budgeting, and my pursuing my personal goals, is shaping the foundation for my future success. As I am in school, I will build connections with my peers and gain myself a further understanding of the art industry, as well as making myself known. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

My name is Caliya Williams, and I am a freshman at Savannah College of Art and Design. Since I was young, I loved to draw and create new things, which led me into pursuing Illustration as my career path. When I was young, I always heard the phrase, “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”, and for me, it became true. A little voice in my mind that would lead me to second-guessing every decision I made. That echoing self-doubt that can make you feel as though you’re losing control of your own thoughts. My anxiety increased, leading to people-pleasing and listening to others negative feelings instead of my own mind. In those times when anxiety consumed me, I constantly worried about how others would perceive my actions or words, leaving no room for my own wants or needs. And whenever I tried to express my true feelings, the spiral of overthinking and self-doubt would begin, convincing me that my thoughts were invalid. As stated before, creating art has always been something that I enjoyed no matter what medium I used. In those moments where anxiety consumed me, I would draw, because drawing my feelings out would make my voice feel heard and come to a better understanding of who I am outside of my anxiety. As I got older my anxiety slowly subsided and my love for illustrating grew. Not only did illustrating help me get my feelings out there, I wanted other people to feel validated and see themselves in my art. Which leads to my love for storytelling and worldbuilding. Creating stories as well as characters expands my creative mind in ways I never imagined. When I design a character, I think about their likes, aspirations, and in general what their main goals are in life and who they would be in the real world. I want my characters that I write to be complex and have flaws just like any other person in today's world. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. As for Worldbuilding Is another crucial part in why I'm passionate about storytelling. Developing a world from scratch, filled with your own ideas, where the possibilities to what happens are endless is what pushes my creativity. As I build my career in the art industry, I want my artwork to reflect who I am as an individual so my audience can feel connected to me. With the help of SCAD, I have gained more confidence in myself to build my platform on social media and enhance my portfolio. In conclusion, education, budgeting, and my pursuing my personal goals, is shaping the foundation for my future success. As I am in school, I will build connections with my peers and gain myself a further understanding of the art industry, as well as making myself known. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

Art has always been an important factor in my everyday life. No matter what materials I use, creating art has always brought me joy. What began as a hobby, slowly evolved into a dream career. Since perfecting my craft, I've discovered that illustrating is the way to go in pursuing my aspirations. My ultimate goal is to create art and publish graphic novels that showcase my storytelling abilities, and original characters. To achieve this goal, I am focusing on enhancing my skills, building up my portfolio, and establishing meaningful connections. Recently, I began my journey at Savannah College of Art and Design, a school that is helping me take deliberate steps toward my dream goal. Through my classes, I have found my creative voice in illustrating. Illustrating has brought me immense joy, and as an artist, I can finally put my passion for creating stories onto a pen and paper. Creating stories as well as characters expands my creative mind in ways I never imagined. When I design a character, I think about their likes, aspirations, and in general what their main goals are in life and who they would be in the real world. I want my characters that I write to be complex and have flaws just like any other person in today's world. The reason I create is to give others a sense of connection. If someone can see themselves in my characters and know they’re not alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. Worldbuilding Is another crucial part in why I'm passionate about storytelling. Developing a world from scratch, filled with your own ideas, where the possibilities to what happens are endless is what pushes my creativity. As I slowly build my world for my graphic novel, I’ve strengthened my storytelling skills and learned how to narrate in which will entertain my audience. My goal is for them to become invested in my worlds, eager to explore the stories that I have to offer. In conclusion, art will always be a part of my day-to-day life. As I pursue my goals, it will lay the foundation for my future success. Throughout my time in school, I will gain connections with my peers and gain myself a further understanding of my craft, as well as making myself known. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a lasting legacy. Additionally, it will help me take a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

“Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”, and for me, it became a constant voice in my mind that would lead to second-guessing every decision I made. That echoing self-doubt that can make you feel as though you’re losing control of your own thoughts. My anxiety increased, leading to people-pleasing, pushing other's needs and opinions instead of my own. In those times when anxiety consumed me, I constantly worried about how others would perceive my actions or words, leaving no room for my own wants or needs. And whenever I tried to express my true feelings, the spiral of overthinking and self-doubt would begin, convincing me that my thoughts were invalid and unworthy. However, during the years, I have come to an understanding of how to address my insecurities, and that is setting boundaries and being unapologetically myself. I've learned that not everyone will agree with you, and not everyone deserves your energy. Sometimes, you have let people go and accept that you cannot please everyone without showing yourself some grace. Through trial and error, I have come to the understanding of who I am as an individual, and not everyone deserves your time and energy. Yes, I still have those moments where anxiety creeps in, but now knowing who I am, I have come to terms that instead of making anxiety a negative thing, I embrace it. I taught myself that it is okay to be vulnerable and sensitive and take everything one day at a time. Creating art has always been a passion of mine that can serve as a way to connect and create a meaningful way to give back to my community. Through my work, I strive to highlight the importance of mental health and why it is an important topic to talk about. By illustrating emotions, struggles, and the journey of healing, my art will become a tool to inspire and encourage others that they’re not alone. Through social media, I aim to create a safe space where people can build connections, reflect, and heal. In conclusion, in both my art career and life, I have learned to embrace vulnerability and embrace individuality by using creativity to connect and heal. By addressing my own struggles with anxiety, I have found a purpose to inspire others while building a community. Whether it’s through illustration the struggles of mental health or self-expression. I want others to find their voices, embrace their struggles, and connect with one another.

Creating art has always been a passion of mine. What began as a hobby, slowly evolved into a dream career. Since perfecting my craft, I've learned that illustrating is the way to go in pursuing my aspirations. My ultimate goal is to create art and publish a graphic novel that showcases my storytelling abilities, while also that inspires others. To achieve this goal, I am focusing on enhancing my skills, building up my portfolio, and establishing meaningful connections. Recently, I started my journey at Savannah College of Art and Design, a school that is helping me take deliberate steps toward my dream goal. Through my classes, I have discovered what works for me and what doesn’t, as I build up my artistic style. Another element that helps me boost my skills is developing a consistent practice schedule to work on areas that need improvement, while also actively seeking feedback and professional critiques. With taking all this into consideration, I know my future in the art industry will be secured. While refining my craft in school, I am also working on building a presence on social media to showcase my art and to connect with a broader audience. On these platforms, I introduce my original characters, their dynamics, worldbuilding, and their personalities. Building an audience will spark curiosity about my stories and leave my audience wondering what will happen next. By sharing my art and personal journey, I aim to create a meaningful connection with my audience. In the next five years, I aim to start my own business, selling merchandise related to my characters and other creative products I develop. The following products that I'll be hoping to sell are prints, stickers, tote bags, and more. While still in school, I am budgeting and saving up money to lay the foundation for this business. For now, I plan to start small by creating and selling stickers as an initial step into entrepreneurship. In conclusion, my education, budgeting, and my pursuing my goals, is shaping the foundation for my future success. As I am in school, I will build connections with my peers and gain myself a further understanding of the art industry, as well as making myself known. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy, that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

Creating art has always been a passion of mine. What began as a hobby, slowly evolved into a dream career. Since perfecting my craft, I've learned that illustrating is the way to go in pursuing my aspirations. My ultimate goal is to create art and publish a graphic novel that showcases my storytelling abilities, while also that inspires others. To achieve this goal, I am focusing on enhancing my skills, building up my portfolio, and establishing meaningful connections. Recently, I started my journey at Savannah College of Art and Design, a school that is helping me take deliberate steps toward my dream goal. Through my classes, I have discovered what works for me and what doesn’t, as I build up my artistic style. Another element that helps me boost my skills is developing a consistent practice schedule to work on areas that need improvement, while also actively seeking feedback and professional critiques. With taking all this into consideration, I know my future in the art industry will be secured. While refining my craft in school, I am also working on building a presence on social media to showcase my art and to connect with a broader audience. On these platforms, I introduce my original characters, their dynamics, worldbuilding, and their personalities. Building an audience will spark curiosity about my stories and leave my audience wondering what will happen next. By sharing my art and personal journey, I aim to create a meaningful connection with my audience. In the next five years, I aim to start my own business, selling merchandise related to my characters and other creative products I develop. The following products that I'll be hoping to sell are prints, stickers, tote bags, and more. While still in school, I am budgeting and saving up money to lay the foundation for this business. For now, I plan to start small by creating and selling stickers as an initial step into entrepreneurship. In conclusion, my education, budgeting, and my pursuing my goals, is shaping the foundation for my future success. As I am in school, I will build connections with my peers and gain myself a further understanding of the art industry, as well as making myself known. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me create generational wealth and establish a legacy, that will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

“Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”, and for me, it became a constant voice in my mind that would lead to second-guessing every decision I made. That echoing self-doubt that can make you feel as though you’re losing control of your own thoughts. My anxiety increased, leading to people-pleasing, pushing other needs and opinions instead of my own. In those times when anxiety consumed me, I constantly worried about how others would perceive my actions or words, leaving no room for my own wants or needs. And whenever I tried to express my true feelings, the spiral of overthinking and self-doubt would begin, convincing me that my thoughts were invalid and unworthy. However, during the years, I have come to an understanding of how to address my insecurities, and that is setting boundaries and being unapologetically myself. I've learned that not everyone will agree with you, and not everyone deserves your energy. Sometimes, you have let people go and accept that you cannot please everyone without showing yourself some grace. Through trial and error, I have come to the understanding of who I am as an individual, and not everyone deserves your time and energy. Yes, I still have those moments where anxiety creeps in, but now knowing who I am, I have come to terms that instead of making anxiety a negative thing, I embrace it. I taught myself that it is okay to be vulnerable and sensitive, and take everything one day at a time. Creating art has always been a passion of mine that can serve as a way to connect and create a meaningful way to give back to my community. Through my work, I strive to highlight the importance of mental health and why it is an important topic to talk about. By illustrating emotions, struggles, and the journey of healing, my art will become a tool to inspire and encourage others that they’re not alone. Through social media, I aim to create a safe space where people can build connections, reflect, and heal. There are many ways to pursue philately as a hobby, especially combined with illustration. As an artist I can use postage stamps to tell stories, sharing important stories of history and cultural significance of philately that is relatable to the younger generation. Another way to connect philately and art is using social media. A lot of young kids nowadays are on social media and using these platforms hand and hand can attract people to create vibrant, shareable artworks to connect and build an audience. By merging creativity and modern technology, philately can be engaging and relevant for future generations. In conclusion, in both art and life, I have learned to embrace vulnerability and embrace individuality by using creativity to connect and heal. By addressing my own struggles with anxiety, I have found a purpose to inspire others while building a community. Whether it’s through illustration the struggles of mental health or self-expression. My goal is to leave a purposeful impact by storytelling and creativity. I want others to find their voices, embrace their struggles, and connect with one another.

“Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”, and for me, it became a constant voice in my mind that would lead to second-guessing every decision I made. That echoing self-doubt that can make you feel as though you’re losing control of your own thoughts. My anxiety increased, leading to people-pleasing, pushing other needs and opinions instead of my own. In those times when anxiety consumed me, I constantly worried about how others would perceive my actions or words, leaving no room for my own wants or needs. And whenever I tried to express my true feelings, the spiral of overthinking and self-doubt would begin, convincing me that my thoughts were invalid and unworthy. However, during the years, I have come to an understanding of how to address my insecurities, and that is setting boundaries and being unapologetically myself. I've learned that not everyone will agree with you, and not everyone deserves your energy. Sometimes, you have let people go and accept that you cannot please everyone without showing yourself some grace. Through trial and error, I have come to the understanding of who I am as an individual, and not everyone deserves your time and energy. Yes, I still have those moments where anxiety creeps in, but now knowing who I am, I have come to terms that instead of making anxiety a negative thing, I embrace it. I taught myself that it is okay to be vulnerable and sensitive and take everything one day at a time. Creating art has always been a passion of mine that can serve as a way to connect and create a meaningful way to give back to my community. Through my work, I strive to highlight the importance of mental health and why it is an important topic to talk about. By illustrating emotions, struggles, and the journey of healing, my art will become a tool to inspire and encourage others that they’re not alone. Through social media, I aim to create a safe space where people can build connections, reflect, and heal. There are many ways to pursue different ideas that's a hobby and combine with illustration. As an artist I can use artistic skills to tell stories, sharing important stories of history and cultural significance of today's issues that is relatable to the younger generation. Another way to connect your own aspirations and art is using social media. A lot of young kids nowadays are on social media and using these platforms hand and hand can attract people to create vibrant, shareable artworks to connect and build an audience. By merging creativity and modern technology, your passion can be engaging and relevant for future generations. In conclusion, in both art and life, I have learned to embrace vulnerability and embrace individuality by using creativity to connect and heal. By addressing my own struggles with anxiety, I have found a purpose to inspire others while building a community. Whether it’s through illustration the struggles of mental health or self-expression. My goal is to leave a purposeful impact by storytelling and creativity. I want others to find their voices, embrace their struggles, and connect with one another.

The everyday world around me is a magnificent place where creativity can run wild. Through the world around me, I'm inspired by the aesthetically pleasing atmosphere of Savannah, GA. Everywhere you look, there's always a place or two that will catch your attention. In those moments, you want to preserve those memories forever. As an artist, I do this by drawing, keeping those special memories close to my heart. Art brings life to the world around us, it not only inspires individuals, but also helps us as a community connect and understand one another. Art can build bridges that was never there before or reconnect. In today's chaotic times, people's voices need to be heard. As an Illustrator, I want to ensure those voices are expressed and recognized.

Creating art has always been a passion of mine. What began as a hobby, gradually evolved into a dream career. Through refining my craft, I've discovered that illustrating is the way to go in pursuing my aspirations. My ultimate goal is to create art and publish a graphic novel that showcases my storytelling abilities, but also that inspires others. This art piece is inspired by my childhood, an important time in my life where aspirations and imaginations thrived. Through this artwork, I wanted to bridge my childhood experiences with where I am now in life. I drew inspiration from fond memories, including my fascination with American Girl dolls. My grandmother used to give me American girl magazines during the holidays, which had hints about the upcoming Girl of the Year. These memories inspired me to think creatively and imagine, “What if I were the American Girl of the year? What are my interests, and how can I represent them in a unique way?” This led me to create a “meet the artist” themed artwork that captures who I am. Currently, I attend Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. My time at SCAD has been innovative and it has sparked my creativity and pushed me out of my comfort zone. In my artwork, I've included items that have reflected SCAD's journey, such as inspirational artwork from George Clinton, my favorite anime, and my favorite dish Chicken Teriyaki. Through this artwork, I want everyone to know that individuality is key to embracing your creativity in art, and that self-expression takes many forms. As I continue to attend college, I’ve learned to enjoy the small moments, because life's too short to be overwhelmed by stress. Through my art and social media, I aim to build a community where everyone feels free to show off their artwork without judgment and embrace their authentic selves. This artwork is truly one of my favorites because it highlights my individuality and shows everyone who I am as a person. While I build up my craft in school, I am also working on building a presence on social media to showcase my art and to connect with a broader audience. On these platforms, I introduce my original characters, their dynamics, worldbuilding, and let my audience get to know me as the creator. By sharing my journey and art, I hope to spark curiosity about my stories, and leave my audience eager for what will happen next. In the next five years, I want to start my own business, selling merchandise related to my characters and other creative products I develop. While still in school, I am budgeting and saving up money to lay the foundation for this business. For now, I plan to start small by creating and selling stickers as an initial step into entrepreneurship. In conclusion, with school, financial planning, and commitment to my goals, is shaping the foundation for my future success. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me and my family create generational wealth and establish a legacy. That I will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

Creating art has always been a passion of mine. What began as a hobby, slowly turned into a dream career. Since perfecting my craft, I've learned that illustrating is the way to go in pursuing my aspirations. My ultimate goal is to create art and publish a graphic novel that showcases my storytelling abilities, but also that inspires others. To achieve this goal, I am focusing on enhancing my skills, building up my portfolio, and establishing meaningful connections. Recently, I started my journey at Savannah College of Art and Design, a school that is helping me take deliberate steps toward my dream goal. Through my classes, I have discovered what works for me and what does not, as I build up my artistic style. Another element that helps me boost my skills is developing a consistent practice schedule to work on areas that need improvement, while also actively seeking feedback and professional critiques. Even though I have found a hobby that has grounded me through hard times. There was a point in my life where I was unhappy. “Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”, and for me, it became a constant voice in my mind that would lead to second-guessing every decision I made. That echoing self-doubt that can make you feel as though you’re losing control of your own thoughts. My anxiety increased, leading to people-pleasing, pushing other's needs and opinions instead of my own. In those times when anxiety consumed me, I constantly worried about how others would perceive my actions or words, leaving no room for my own wants or needs. And whenever I tried to express my true feelings, the spiral of overthinking and self-doubt would begin, convincing me that my thoughts were invalid and unworthy. However, during the years, I have come to an understanding of how to address my insecurities, and that is setting boundaries and being unapologetically myself. I've learned that not everyone will agree with you, and not everyone deserves your energy. Sometimes, you have let people go and accept that you cannot please everyone without showing yourself some grace. Through trial and error, I have come to the understanding of who I am as an individual, and not everyone deserves your time and energy. Yes, I still have those moments where anxiety creeps in, but now knowing who I am, I have come to terms that instead of making anxiety a negative thing, I embrace it. I taught myself that it is okay to be vulnerable and sensitive and take everything one day at a time. As stated before, art has always been a passion of mine that can serve as a way to connect and create a meaningful way to give back to my community. Through my work, I strive to highlight the importance of mental health and why it is an important topic to talk about. By illustrating emotions, struggles, and the journey of healing, my art will become a tool to inspire and encourage others that they’re not alone. Through social media, I aim to create a safe space where people can build connections, reflect, and heal. In conclusion, in both art and life, I have learned to embrace vulnerability and embrace individuality by using creativity to connect and heal. By addressing my own struggles with anxiety, I have found a purpose to inspire others while building a community. Whether it’s through illustration the struggles of mental health or self-expression. My goal is to leave a purposeful impact by storytelling and creativity. I want others to find their voices, embrace their struggles, and connect with one another.

Creating art has always been a passion of mine. What began as a hobby, slowly turned into a dream career. Since perfecting my craft, I've learned that illustrating is the way to go in pursuing my aspirations. My ultimate goal is to create art and publish a graphic novel that showcases my storytelling abilities, but also that inspires others. To achieve this goal, I am focusing on enhancing my skills, building up my portfolio, and establishing meaningful connections. Recently, I started my journey at Savannah College of Art and Design, a school that is helping me take deliberate steps toward my dream goal. Through my classes, I have discovered what works for me and what does not, as I build up my artistic style. Another element that helps me boost my skills is developing a consistent practice schedule to work on areas that need improvement, while also actively seeking feedback and professional critiques. While I build up my craft in school, I am also working on building a presence on social media to showcase my art and to connect with a broader audience. On these platforms, I introduce my original characters, their dynamics, worldbuilding, and their personalities. Building an audience will spark curiosity about my stories and leave my audience wondering what will happen next. By sharing my art and personal journey, I aim to create a meaningful connection with my audience. In the next five years, I want to start my own business, selling merchandise related to my characters and other creative products I develop. The following products that I'll be hoping to sell are prints, stickers, tote bags, and more. While still in school, I am budgeting and saving up money to lay the foundation for this business. For now, I plan to start small by creating and selling stickers as an initial step into entrepreneurship. In conclusion, with school, budgeting, and my pursuing my goals, is shaping the foundation for my future success. I am thrilled to see what the future has in store for me, as well as establishing a name for myself for everyone to admire. This scholarship represents more than just financial support, but it is also helping me, and my family create generational wealth and establish a legacy, for future generations to look back on. That I will establish a critical step in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist and inspiring others through my work.

“Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer”, and for me, it became a constant voice in my mind that would lead to second-guessing every decision I made. That echoing self-doubt that can make you feel as though you’re losing control of your own thoughts. My anxiety increased, leading to people-pleasing, pushing others needs and opinions instead of my own. In those times when anxiety consumed me, I constantly worried about how others would perceive my actions or words, leaving no room for my own wants or needs. And whenever I tried to express my true feelings, the spiral of overthinking and self-doubt would begin, convincing me that my thoughts were invalid and unworthy. However, through my time in college, I have come to an understanding of how to address my insecurities, and that is setting boundaries and being unapologetically myself. I've learned that not everyone will agree with you, and not everyone deserves your energy. Sometimes, you have let people go and accept that you cannot please everyone without showing yourself some grace. Through trial and error, I have come to the understanding of who I am as an individual, and not everyone deserves your time and energy. Yes, I still have those moments where anxiety creeps in, but now knowing who I am, I have come to terms that instead of making anxiety a negative thing, I embrace it. I taught myself that it is okay to be vulnerable and sensitive and take everything one day at a time. Creating art has always been a passion of mine that can serve as a way to connect and create a meaningful way to give back to my community. Through my work, I strive to highlight the importance of mental health and why it is an important topic to talk about. By illustrating emotions, struggles, and the journey of healing, my art will become a tool to inspire and encourage others that they’re not alone. Through social media, I aim to create a safe space where people can build connections, reflect, and heal. In conclusion, in both art and life, I have learned to embrace vulnerability and embrace individuality by using creativity to connect and heal. By addressing my own struggles with anxiety, I have found a purpose to inspire others while building a community. Whether it’s through illustration the struggles of mental health or self-expression. My goal is to leave a purposeful impact by storytelling and creativity. I want others to find their voices, embrace their struggles, and connect with one another.

Keith Haring once said, "Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination, and encourages people to go further". That is what creating art has done for me. It's a craft that people can enjoy worldwide and inspire others. Since I was in middle school, telling and creating stories has always brought me joy, especially when I saw the people I love react to my craft. In those moments, my love for art grew even more in art college. This year, I've been enrolled in Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration. As stated before, I love storytelling, the anticipation and thrill of imagining what comes next in my stories have brought me to the conclusion that one day, my stories will be heard about worldwide. Illustrating has taught me the benefit of self-expression and that the possibilities are endless when you create something you love. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters, plot points, and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about storytelling and decided that I wanted to create my own book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. This story will show the art industry that creating art is still alive, no matter the medium. Creating art is proof that the possibilities are endless and that your unique style, is yours and yours alone and can also show growth in something new and beneficial to become a business in something you enjoy. Furthermore, my story will establish that people are not alone and show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and becoming your own identity. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the ones who go through the hardships of adulating, and they will know that they’re not alone. In the following 2 years after my degree, I will run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will become a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. In conclusion, attending college will enhance my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Depression is a silent but deadly killer that can take you out in an instant, for years my friend Lilu has dealt with the struggle of invalidating their feelings and isolation. Through those tough times, friends and family didn't know how to react or help Lilu, to the point that they would give up too quickly in helping him because they didn't know how to deal with their mental issues so how could they help someone else in their struggle? In reality, Lilu just needed a shoulder to lean on, someone who would be there through the nitty gritty of growing pains. As someone who's also struggled with mental health specifically anxiety, it did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Just like Lilu, high school was a tough time for me in finding my own identity, especially when I was wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly after this chapter of my life ended. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. To some degree, I didn't acknowledge that my talent was good enough to become a full-time career. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. As I have learned throughout the years, life is too short not to live your dreams, it took some time, but I am passionate about creating art and decided to turn my hobby into my dream career. Through my work I want to help people gain a clearer perspective in understanding difficult situations of mental health. In my artwork, I want to create murals and create art to show the rise and downfall of how serious mental health awareness is for everyone and encourage people to get help. As for Lilu, middle school became easier, and slowly days got easier for him. Today, Lilu is engaged to the love of his life and is happier than ever. So many people deal with mental health and as an advocate for bettering yourself mentally and physically, as a society, we need to realize that providing a listening ear goes a long way. In conclusion, just like Lilu, I want people to thrive and be unapologetically themselves without the daily struggle of mental health getting in the way.

Depression is a silent but deadly killer that can take you out in an instant, for years my friend Lilu has dealt with the struggle of invalidating their feelings and isolation. Through those tough times, friends and family didn't know how to react or help Lilu, to the point that they would give up too quickly in helping him because they didn't know how to deal with their mental issues so how could they help someone else in their struggle? In reality, Lilu just needed a shoulder to lean on, someone who would be there through the nitty gritty of growing pains. From then on, middle school became easier, and slowly days got easier for him. Today, Lilu is engaged to the love of his life and is happier than ever. So many people deal with mental health and as an advocate for bettering yourself mentally and physically, as a society, we need to realize that providing a listening ear goes a long way. It'll help people gain a clearer perspective in understanding difficult situations. Creating art has always been a passion of mine, specifically Illustration and through my work, I want to create murals and or create art to show the rise and downfall of how serious mental health awareness is for everyone and encourage people to get help. In conclusion, just like Lilu, I want people to thrive and be unapologetically themselves without the daily struggle of mental health getting in the way.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began, life is too short not to live your dreams. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated, before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. I have been working on this story for over two years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. My graphic novel will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and becoming your own identity. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the ones who go through the hardships of adulating, and they will know that they’re not alone. As stated, before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and innovative concepts in appealing ways. Creating illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas and promoting diversity. Writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over, and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began, life is too short not to live your dreams. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated, before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. I have been working on this story for over two years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. My graphic novel will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and becoming your own identity. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the ones who go through the hardships of adulating, and they will know that they’re not alone. As stated, before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and innovative concepts in appealing ways. Creating illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas and promoting diversity. Writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over, and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began, life is too short not to live your dreams. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated, before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. I have been working on this story for over two years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. My graphic novel will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and becoming your own identity. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the ones who go through the hardships of adulating, and they will know that they’re not alone. As stated, before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and innovative concepts in appealing ways. Creating illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas and promoting diversity. Writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over, and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. I have learned throughout the years, life is too short not to live your dreams, it took some time, but I am passionate about creating art and decided to turn my hobby into my dream career. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. My following field of study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story and fall in love with my character's as much as I have. So, I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. After graduating, I want this book to be complete and show the world that a new artist is coming into the industry. As stated, before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and creative concepts in appealing ways. Writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will become a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and building connections. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over, and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when I was wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly after this chapter of my life ended. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. To some degree, I didn't acknowledge that my talent was good enough to become a full-time career. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. As I have learned throughout the years, life is too short not to live your dreams, it took some time, but I am passionate about creating art and decided to turn my hobby into my dream career. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. My following field of study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story and fall in love with my character's as much as I have. So, I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. After graduating, I want this book to be complete and show the world that a new artist is coming into the industry. As stated, before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and creative concepts in appealing ways. Writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will become a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and building connections. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over, and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when I was wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly after this chapter of my life ended. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. To some degree, I didn't acknowledge that my talent was good enough to become a full-time career. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. As I have learned throughout the years, life is too short not to live your dreams, it took some time, but I am passionate about creating art and decided to turn my hobby into my dream career. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. My following field of study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story and fall in love with my character's as much as I have. So, I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. After graduating, I want this book to be complete and show the world that a new artist is coming into the industry. As stated, before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and creative concepts in appealing ways. Writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will become a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and building connections. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over, and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Art creates connections and build an audience that everyone can enjoy, it is human nature for people to build connections and the love for art and or music does just for everyone. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. My following field of study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story and fall in love with my character's as much as I have. So, I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. After graduating, I want this book to be complete and show the world that a new artist is coming into the industry for everyone to see how important building an audience is. As stated, before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and creative concepts in appealing ways. Writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will become a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and building connections. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over, and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence The world needs art and music it shows self-expression and for journey personally, I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. My following field of study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story and fall in love with my character's as much as I have. So, I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. After graduating, I want this book to be complete and show the world that a new artist is coming into the industry. As stated, before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and creative concepts in appealing ways. Writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my business and sell my art on my website to generate income. Through college I will build consistency, discipline, and connections in the art industry and make people see that hard work pays off. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over, and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

A brand new Love Island Challenge that I would do is Kiss, Marry, Kill. This challenge would follow the islanders in groups with them being split up into boys vs girls. For the game each person has to go around stating between one another who they would kiss, marry, or kill before the game starts. As the contestants will choose their victims by spinning a wheel, under each contestant's name will have a random envelope stating one word to kiss, marry, or kill. For each card the contestants get they have to state out loud their opponent's name and what they got. For kiss the guys and girls have to go over to whoever they spun on the wheel and kiss them for 2 minutes, if the islanders chosen don't complete their task then the team loses a point. For Marry the contestants have four minutes to write vows to whoever they got on the wheel and say their vows out loud for everyone to hear, if they're conflicted and don't state their vows out loud the team loses 2 points. Last but not least, kill, the contestant who spins and grabs the envelope can decide to kick this person off the island forever or let them stay. The choice will be decided on a phone, If someone chooses to kill this person off in the challenge on a big screen the killer's name and face will state who they killed off the island and they will have to confess why. In conclusion, this challenge tests the loyalty of each islander to see if couples and friendships will last. They can either win to show that they're in it for the game or lose for the pure fact of sticking loyal, the only downside is unknowingly the losing team will be chosen for being booted off.

As a young girl, I always wondered what I wanted to do with my future, then I found my love of art. To some degree, I didn't acknowledge that my talent was good enough to become a full-time career. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. To be one of the first in my family to obtain a college degree is a thrilling thought and as I have learned throughout the years, life is too short not to live your dreams. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. My field of study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over two years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. I thought creating a book would be simple but, as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it's just not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and time. There is no need to rush making a book, take time to perfect your craft and keep moving forward. My graphic novel will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and becoming your own identity. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will become a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and building relationships. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young adult who's about to go into college I have realized that anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, it creeps on you when you least expected it. High school was a tough time for me in finding my own identity, especially when I was wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly after this chapter of my life ended. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. To some degree, I didn't acknowledge that my talent was good enough to become a full-time career. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. When I create art and earn income, I wanna help those people who can't help themselves by using my skills as an artist, for peoples voices to be heard, and build a community that no one can be judged, help with mental health issues, and just support individuals for their differences.

Mr.Vissaggi was a man of passion, who was eager to persue his dreams, just like him I thrive to live my dreams as an artist. I know it takes dedication, effort, and time, and as a young adult ready to attend college, I will strive to get what I want. As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned that I am passionate about creating art. It did not matter what medium it was like, painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new, I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is fun and self-expressive. To achieve my dreams, I would like to attend college, it'll will be a journey that can enhance my identity and perspective through skills and future opportunities, School will also improve my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance and access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and exposing students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. In the fall I will be enrolled in an art college called SCAD and dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in traditional, painting, and digital art. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenery, and characters. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, and promoting diversity. Not only do I enjoy creating are but writing as well. Writing overall has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. All of these aspects with I took into consideration and have stated to create my own novel, What Lies Underneath. Writing and Illustrating have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with taking classes that will build connections and boost my love for creating and understanding art. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on a website to generate income. I will become a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and building my platform to succeed in life. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, Mr.Visaggii was a man who adored many activites in life and for me living my dream career, and attending school would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer, like connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me in finding my own identity, especially when I was wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly after this chapter of my life ended. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. To some degree, I didn't acknowledge that my talent was good enough to become a full-time career. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. As I have learned throughout the years, life is too short not to live your dreams, it took some time but I am passionate about creating art and decided to turn my hobby into my dream career. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over two years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but, as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it's just not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and time. There is no need to rush making a book, take time to perfect your craft and keep moving forward. My graphic novel will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, and promoting diversity. Writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. I have been working on this story for over two years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but, as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it's just not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and time. There is no need to rush in making a book, take time to perfect your craft and keep moving forward. My graphic novel will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when I was wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly after this chapter of my life ended. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. Illustration has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over two years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but, as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it's just not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and time. There is no need to rush in making a book, take time to perfect your craft and keep moving forward. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on a website to generate income. Being a business owner would make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when I was wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly after this chapter of my life ended. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. Illustration has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over two years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but, as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it's just not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and time. There is no need to rush in making a book, take time to perfect your craft and keep moving forward. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on a website to generate income. Being a business owner would make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when I was wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly after this chapter of my life ended. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. Illustration has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over two years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but, as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it's just not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and time. There is no need to rush in making a book, take time to perfect your craft and keep moving forward. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on a website to generate income. Being a business owner would make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when I was wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly after this chapter of my life ended. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. Illustration has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over two years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but, as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it's just not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and time. There is no need to rush in making a book, take time to perfect your craft and keep moving forward. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. These two components overall have made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and have helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on a website to generate income. Being a business owner would make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing at the moment anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when I was wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly after this chapter of my life ended. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. To some degree, I didn't think my talent was good enough to become a full time career. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that is fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. As I have learned throughout the years, life is too short to not live your dreams, it took some time but I am passionate about creating art and decided to turn my hobby into my dream career. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over two years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but, as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it's just not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. From trial and error and help from professionals that makes books, I have learned that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and time. There is no need too rush in making a book, take time to perfect your craft and keep moving forward. My graphic novel will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, and promoting diversity. Writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. These two components overall has made my love for writing and art even more enjoyable and has helped me portray my characters correctly for readers who need a little thrill in their lives to sit down and read. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of what it takes to become your best self and balancing your personal life vs your work life. In the following two years of my attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my ongoing self-growth journey isn't over and I will achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Life has never been easy with anxiety it always leads to second-guessing my feelings and, makes me wonder, Are my feelings valid? In those dark moments of self-doubt, my teacher always said to me “Keep Moving Forward”. Throughout my high school years in some way, I always ended up in Mr. Fischetti’s classes time and time again. Mr. Fisch was the type of person everyone knew and loved, including myself. From his classes, I learned so much about the world, the environment we lived in, and finances. Due to him, I would not have gotten out of my comfort shell and learned how to express myself in art. As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future, during those times I found my love of illustrating. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was new, something that I had never done before I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation on improving my skills. Furthermore, throughout my art journey illustrating is not only fun but self-expressive. Mr.Fischetti was one of the few teachers I trusted with showing my artistic skills, through his perseverance to see me succeed in my dreams, I taught myself new traditional and digital techniques. In pursuit of building my craft, I decided to work on my graphic novel, What Lies Underneath, a book that I am proud of working on. I have been working on this story for over two years, and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, and reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild with inspiration to keep on creating. His mentorship improved my storytelling skills by helping me understand how to convey complex ideas, diversity, and world-building. Mr. Fisch also helped me understand the business side of becoming an entrepreneur by furthering my education in financial literacy class on how to handle finances, market yourself on social media, and motivate yourself to do what you love as a career. In conclusion, Mr.Fischetti has contributed to my ongoing self-growth journey of knowing my worth, as a teacher, I am entirely grateful for everything he's done for me. I will achieve my goals through my academic studies, connections, independence, and business offers. Even though things might not go my way as planned, things will get better.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing in the moment, anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. In conclusion, I am ready for what the world has to offer me, One day, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing in the moment, anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. In conclusion, I am ready for what the world has to offer me, One day, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing in the moment, anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. In conclusion, I am ready for what the world has to offer me, One day, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing in the moment, anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. In conclusion, I am ready for what the world has to offer me, One day, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing in the moment, anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. In conclusion, I am ready for what the world has to offer me, One day, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing in the moment, anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. Maggie's boldness in persuading her passions is the reason why I admire her and her story. Just like her, I had my own ups and downs that has effected me greatly, but just like her I overcame them. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. The struggle with creating a book by yourself is hard, but I persevered and didn't give up just like Maggie when persuring her goals. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. In conclusion, I am ready for what the world has to offer me, One day, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing in the moment, anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. In conclusion, I am ready for what the world has to offer me, One day, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing in the moment, anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. In conclusion, I am ready for what the world has to offer me, One day, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing in the moment, anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. As well as how anxiety would effect my relation ships in how people preserved me. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. As well as that people will doubt what they don't understand, and the people who care will be with you no matter what you struggle with or who you are as an individual. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. In conclusion, I am ready for what the world has to offer me, One day, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing in the moment, anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. In conclusion, I am ready for what the world has to offer me, One day, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing in the moment, anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art that's fundamental to my identity is self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. In conclusion, I am ready for what the world has to offer me, One day, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Anxiety is a silent but deadly killer, and throughout my life, I have struggled with it. It did not matter what I was doing in the moment, anxiety would creep in and cause chaos in my brain that made me believe my emotions were invalid. Through the years of struggling with anxiety, I found a way to cope with art and thus my love for illustration began. High school was a tough time for me to find my own identity, especially when wondering about what I wanted to accomplish shortly after school. During those times, I didn't even think of giving art a chance to make a career out of myself. However, I learned through trial and error that no matter the medium I use, creating art was apart of my identity that's self-expressive and brings me joy. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called Savannah College of Art and Design. As stated before the following field of study is Illustration. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding characters and how the audience of the fandom can relate to the story. I took everything I knew about stories and decided that I wanted to create my book. My novel, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from an enchanted college she attends. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey as an evil uprising emerges from the shadows. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. In conclusion, I am ready for what the world has to offer me, One day, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I know it will take some time, but I am ready to see my dreams become a reality. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned through my hobbies that I am passionate about creating art. It did not matter what medium it was like, painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new, I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation on how to better my craft. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun but self-expressive. To achieve my dreams, I would like to attend college, it will be a journey that can enhance my identity and perspective through skills and future opportunities. College will also improve my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance to access to education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of my comfort zone and exposing students like myself, to enhance our experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. In the fall I will be enrolled in an art college called SCAD and dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital art. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenery, and characters. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, and promoting diversity. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Writing overall has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge.

Life has never been easy with anxiety it always leads to second-guessing my feelings and, makes me wonder, Are my feelings valid? In those dark moments of self-doubt, my teacher always said to me “Keep Moving Forward”. Throughout my high school years in some way, I always ended up in Mr. Fischetti’s classes time and time again. Mr. Fisch was the type of person everyone knew and loved, including myself. From his classes, I learned so much about the world, the environment we lived in, and finances. Due to him, I would not have gotten out of my comfort shell and learned how to express myself in art. As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future, during those times I found my love of illustrating. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation on improving my skills. Furthermore, throughout my art journey illustrating is not only fun but self-expressive. Mr.Fischetti was one of the few teachers I trusted with showing my artistic skills, through his perseverance to see me succeed in my dreams, I taught myself new traditional and digital techniques. In pursuit of building my craft, I decided to work on my graphic novel, What Lies Underneath, a book that I am proud of working on. I have been working on this story for over two years, and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, and reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild with inspiration to keep on creating. His mentorship improved my storytelling skills by helping me understand how to convey complex ideas, diversity, and world-building. Mr. Fisch also helped me understand the business side of becoming an entrepreneur by furthering my education in financial literacy class on how to handle finances, market yourself on social media, and motivate yourself to do what you love as a career. In conclusion, Mr.Fischetti has contributed to my ongoing self-growth journey of knowing my worth as well as building my love for art. In the following two years of attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I'll take into count what my teacher taught me of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge.

Seeing each Spider-Man adaption has made me love Spider-Man as a character even more no matter who plays him. But the actor who truly makes me love Spider-Man is Tom Holland's version of Spider-Man. Tom brings Peter Parker's geekiness to an all-time high and I love it, also from each movie you see him growing into his own person and becoming the superhero that everyone loves today. Through each movie that Tom Holland is in as Spider-Man, Marvel does a good job of making Peter Park still act like a kid while also dealing with the hardships of being a superhero and having his own life. Not only that but with each villain that Spider-Man faces we see how it affects him and teaches him what it takes to become a superhero. In conclusion, knowing that Tom was playing Spider-Man a lot of fans were either thrilled or anxious because, of the change from Tobey to Andrew and then to Tom all because, of how different each actor makes Peter. In my opinion, even though I love Tom's depiction of Spider-Man, Stan Lee said it best that anyone can wear the mask no matter their race or who they are as an individual.

Playing Nintendo games was such a thrilling and fun experience to play with friends and family. No matter what game it was, the energy in the room would be filled with happiness and laughter. The most fun game of all time to play in co-op mode was Snipperclips. Snipperclips was not only competitive but also a wholesome game that many people can enjoy. For me and my family, a memorable moment was an unforgettable Saturday which we planned to be family game night. As teams, we did rock paper scissors to choose what games to play and one of them was snipperclips. It was me and my brother versus my stepdad and mother as we got into the competitive spirit to finish the level, my father swearing like a sailor suddenly his phone went off for work. He sucked at multi-tasking, of course, and had to take the call leaving me and my brother to win. It was a memorable moment because my brother all night was messing with my father about him losing leading to them playing multiple other games to prove that they can beat one another one on one. In conclusion, I love playing video games with my family even though it gets competitive, I wouldn't have it any other way with our traditional family game night.

GUTS be Olivia Rodrigo is a passion project that every teen girl can relate to differently, but it all goes full circle as an experience that everyone goes through. From the album GUTS, I learned that it goes through the emotional turmoils of envying people you love, heartbreak, and the growing pains that follow. A song that hit close to home was Vampire, with the lyrics, "I used to think I was smart but you made me look so naive." The way you sold me for parts, as you suck your teeth into me". As a teenager, you want to find your crowd, and once you do, you want those people to be your friends forever. But then as you get older in your teenage years you realize that some of those friends weren't truthful, and passionate about being your friend as you were. Not only that but you know that those friends use you instead of being there for you like you're there for them. In my teenage years, I went through the same thing with two friends that I thought would be in my corner forever. But as time moved on and we got older, I realized things that my expectations for us weren't reality and instead of being the friends who loved and supported me, it ended me stepping away and ending the friendship altogether. These lyrics hit home because I was the girl that everyone came to but no one stuck around to be there for me when I needed them the most. In the "little" mistakes my ex-friends made in our relationship, I just brushed off and acted like everything was okay, and the sad part is that other friends and family were telling me that they weren't the safe place that I thought they were. Now that I'm older, I realize that not everyone deserves your kindness and time, but you gotta listen to your gut more because 99% of the time it's right. The people who are worth it will come into your life in the most unexpected ways. Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo is for the people who wear their hearts on their sleeves and get hurt in the end by people who are hurting inside themselves. In conclusion, the people who deserve better in life will get that happy ending no matter what and, even if it doesn't look like it things will get better.

Binge-watching shows have always been my favorite thing to do in my free time. Whether it is animation, romance, fantasy, or drama I would watch it. Watching Disney as a whole has boosted my creativity, love for storytelling, and drive to create my own stories. Furthermore, my two favorite shows that deserve a crossover are Gravity Falls and The Owl House. Gravity Falls is one of the best shows of all time with mystery, drama, and hilarious humor throughout the series that makes the show lovable. The show follows these twins Dipper and Mabel, as they explore the wacky town of Gravity Falls and uncover the mysteries the small town has to offer. The Owl House follows a young girl named Luz, she is tired of her normal boring human life and out of nowhere finds a magical door to a place called The Boiling Isles where supernatural creatures live. The show follows adventure, mystery, and comedy as Lus uncovers mystery after mystery while also trying to find herself as an individual. This crossover episode is called The Good, The Bad, and The Mystery Trio, the plot first follows Dipper and Mabel as they as usual explore the woods for new mysteries. Mabel suddenly trips over a magical glowing orb buried down below. Dipper, knowing him starts to ramble about how this could connected to his book, following a mysterious unknown author. As Mabel slowly starts to doze off she notices a glimmer of a face appearing in the orb...it's Luz, curious yet excited Mabel touches the orb and it expands into a door. Dipper in shock at the door starts passing and rambling about what this door could mean...and slowly getting bored again, gets behind Dipper and pushes him inside. Mabel, eager for what awaits them jumps through as well into the mysterious world of the Boiling Isles. As the twins plumed into the unknown hugging each other, they land in front of a young girl named Luz...then the chaos begins. In conclusion, this crossover would not only boost ratings for Disney, but it'll make fans of the Owl House and gravity falls go nuts. If this crossover ever happened, it'll expand the world of both The Boiling Isles and Gravity Falls that in some way they're connected. In both shows separately there are easter eggs of both shows being connected in some way so it'll be amazing if it was confirmed that they are.

Watching Anime has always been a joy of mine, no matter the genre. It helps make my creative juices flow with brainstorming new stories and is just overall a joy to watch. The anime that I can watch time and time again is none other than Fairy Tail by Hiro Mashima. Fairy Tail has a special place in my heart given the fact that it was one of the first anime I watched ever. The found family trope is immaculate and the characters make the show what it is. Having characters like Natsu and Lucy makes the story lovable because of their dynamic, and no matter what they'll always be there for one another. The found family trope at the beginning of the story makes everything pop. Lucy, the main character of the story wants something new in her life and decides she wants to be a member of the magical Fairy Tail guild. Which of course is a hassle to get into but as time goes on as a member she finds the family she never had before. In conclusion, As someone who is a sucker for this anime, Fairy Tail made me truly happy to watch every adventure the crew goes on and I don't mind to watch time and time again.

Stranger Things is such an interesting show with mysteries, horror, and love, and one thing I adore a lot is how the show foreshadows new players coming into the mix in different ways to help the gang fight monsters. If I could form a squad to face a new supernatural threat, I would choose Nancy Wheeler, Eleven, and Lucas Sinclair. Eleven ever since the beginning broadcast-ed that she from the start is such a powerful person with her abilities. Not only can she throw people around with her powers but manipulates minds, and the minds of the creatures. If she was on my team, Eleven could manipulate the monster's mind to distract them from causing more harm. Lucas is a protector throughout the show he always wants his friends to be safe and not only that, but being realistic and logical about the situations there in. Lucas is the best person to protect the group and give logical reasonings on how to fight the monster at hand. Lastly, Nancy is a firecracker and is a definite need in my group. Nancy can throw hands as well as use a gun properly. If as a group, the team was fighting a new monster, she could blast that monster's head clean off. In conclusion, this squad, in my opinion, could do damage as well as show the new threat who's boss and to never mess with the town of Hawkins Indiana.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild and gave me somewhat of an escape from reality. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years I have enhanced my art skills and creative writing to get to the point where I am thrilled to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. In conclusion, this book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy graphic novels and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulting and know that they’re not alone.

From a young age I always dealt with anxiety and viewing that my feelings weren't valid, and these issues, in some way whether it was physical or mental always had a hold on me. Now that I am older, I have found different scenarios to decrease my issue which are therapy and creating art. Therapy has helped me manage by understanding that my anxiety can be overcome and that the feelings that I feel are valid. Learning how to not downplay my emotions is hard, but from my support system, I have learned that it is okay to feel what you feel and to never be ashamed about it. Art has always made me happy, whether it is creating it myself, or going to a museum, and looking at others' creations. Through art, I learned that if I can't say what is on my mind, I draw it, and that alone has put a ton of weight off my shoulders. Creating art is a blessing in itself that I love to do and now my hobby has become a dream job that I would like to accomplish. As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. It did not matter what medium it was like, painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new, I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Art has always been an important factor in my life, and it has always brought me peace in intense moments. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. To achieve my dreams, I would like to attend college, school has always been a journey that can enhance my identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also improve my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance and access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience, getting out of your comfort zone and exposing students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called SCAD. I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital art. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or innovative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, and promoting diversity. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Writing overall has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. As well as increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial expressions to become more realistic. In the following two years of my attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner might become overwhelming sometimes, but I know it'll work itself out. Being a freelance artist will make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, without therapy and my support group, I wouldn't have the strong, independent- mindset I have today. Growing older is hard, but I know living my dream career, and school would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer, like connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. As for my anxiety, through my support system, my anxiety will decrease and I will thrive in life. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Zendaya is a role model for everyone to look up to including myself. Zendaya is like the real-life Barbie, she shows her audience that you can be relatable and can make you feel like you're not alone in this world. Zendaya, out of all the careers she's done, one thing I can admire profoundly is her fashion game. When it comes to movies she's in or events like the MetGala, she always stays in theme and or in character. When it came to Spider-man: No Way Home, in interviews she wore outfits that matched each of the supervillains that Spider-man was up against, and it really showed how passionate she is about her projects. As an ex-Disney star, she started in acting then started her own career and broke the cycle of Disney children being traumatized from their childhood. Today, She become an icon that everyone loves to listen to. In conclusion, the reason why I admire Zendaya so much is that she is humble in what she has and has put in the effort to do what she can in her career whether it was standing up for black lives or giving a stunning performance as an actor, Zendaya can do it all.

Listening to music has always made my day better in so many different ways. Artists like Sabrina Carpenter can make you feel like you're not alone in this world. Sabrina is a woman who creates art and inspires so many people like myself to follow their dreams. Not only is Sabrina's music a banger to listen to but her personal story into how she got to where she is today is inspiring. As an ex-Disney star, she started in acting then started her music career and broke the cycle of Disney children being traumatized from their childhood. Today, She become a pop icon that everyone loves to listen to. The reason why I love her music so much is because she tells a story in each of her songs from her own experience and her music videos always coordinate with each other and tell a story from start to finish which is always enjoyable to see. It's like hunting for lore that can help the audience really understand the story better. In conclusion, Sabrina Carpenter is a leader who has impacted my life and taught me to never give up on my dreams cause you never know when your big break will come.

Listening to music has always made my day better in so many different ways. Artists like Chappell Roan can make you feel like you're not alone in this world. Chappell Roan is a woman who creates art and inspires so many people like myself to follow their dreams. Not only is Chappell Roan's music a banger to listen to but her personal story into how she got to where she is today is inspiring. She put in the hard work to build her career from scratch, starting off with doing YouTube covers, then having to put her first album on hold and finally releasing it years later for everyone to enjoy, all of that takes perseverance. The fact that she started making covers and then upgraded to being a backup singer for Olivia Rodrigo is amazing, and now she has her name out there. The reason why I love her music so much is because she tells a story in each of her songs from her own experience and hardships in life to becoming a legendary LGBTQ+ icon that everyone can relate to no matter their sexuality. In conclusion, Chappell Roan is a leader who has impacted my life and taught me to never give up on my dreams cause you never know when your big break will come.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. It did not matter what medium it was like, painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new, I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. To achieve my dreams, I would like to attend college, school has always been a journey that can enhance my identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also improve my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance and access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and will expose students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called SCAD. I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital art. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, and promoting diversity. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Writing overall has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. As well as increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial expressions to become more realistic. In the following two years of my attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, school would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer, like connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. It did not matter what medium it was like, painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new, I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. To achieve my dreams, I would like to attend college, school has always been a journey that can enhance my identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also improve my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance and access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and will expose students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called SCAD. I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. As well as increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial expressions to become more realistic. In the following two years of my attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, school would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer, like connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. It did not matter what medium it was like, painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new, I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. To achieve my dreams, I would like to attend college, school has always been a journey that can enhance my identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also improve my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance and access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and will expose students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called SCAD. I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital art. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, and promoting diversity. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Writing overall has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. As well as increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial expressions to become more realistic. In the following two years of my attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, success is living my dream career, and due to school it would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer, like connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. From my hobbies I have learned that i'm passionate about art. Throughout my high school year I have seen teen motherhood and from what I notice, I realized that not everyone has the same experience in life and that I am very privileged in what Iv'e accomplished in life. To achieve my dreams, I would like to attend college, school has always been a journey that can enhance my identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also improve my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance and access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and will expose students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called SCAD. I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. As well as increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial expressions to become more realistic. In the following two years of my attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, motherhood is a experience that can help you grow as an individual and through college when I meet different people with different backgrounds, through my craft I want mothers to know that they're not alone in there journey. Thanks to school, it would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer, like connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. It did not matter what medium it was like, painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new, I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. To achieve my dreams, I would like to attend college, school has always been a journey that can enhance my identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also improve my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance and access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and will expose students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called SCAD. I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital art. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, and promoting diversity. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Writing overall has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. As well as increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial expressions to become more realistic. In the following two years of my attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my plans for the future is living my dream career, and due to school it would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer, like connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. My mother who is a single mother has always been my rock. She has impacted my education and sacrificed so much for me to live my life with becoming an artist and attending my dream school. To achieve my dreams, I would like to attend college, school has always been a journey that can enhance my identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. Due to my mother my life goals has enhanced by amplified how college will improve my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance and access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and will expose students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called SCAD. I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital art. Not only have my mother helped my artistic skills but learn how to be my own boss. My mom is an entrepreneur herself and she has taught me many things about running your own business. In the following two years of my attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, my mom contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and has help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer, like connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. It did not matter what medium it was like, painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new, I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. To achieve my dreams, I would like to attend college, school has always been a journey that can enhance my identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also improve my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance and access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies..This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called SCAD. I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital art. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, and promoting diversity. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Writing overall has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. As well as increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial expressions to become more realistic. In the following two years of my attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, success is living my dream career, and due to school it would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer, like connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

Success to me is living my dream career as an illustrator, as, a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. It did not matter what medium it was like, painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new, I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. To achieve my dreams, I would like to attend college, school has always been a journey that can enhance my identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also improve my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance and access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and will expose students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. This fall I will be enrolled in an art college called SCAD. I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital art. As stated before the following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, and promoting diversity. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Writing overall has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am striving for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. As well as increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial expressions to become more realistic. In the following two years of my attending college, I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, success is living my dream career, and due to school it would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer, like connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me and my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. The following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating to me has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Art has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, different beliefs, and showing diversity. Creative writing just like Illustrating has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am hoping for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. As well as increasing my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial expressions to become more realistic. In the following 2 years after I get my degree I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will adapt to becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, attending college would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer such as connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

College has always been a journey that can enhance your identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also enhance my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance as well as access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and will expose students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. In the following years, I would like to enroll in an art college called SCAD. Where I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital illustrations. The following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating to me has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, diversity, and character interactions between one another. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Creative writing has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am hoping for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. I will increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial impressions more realistically. The college will be an introduction to my adulthood and independence. I will be managing tasks like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting all on my own which is something I am excited about. In the following 2 years after I get my degree I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, attending college would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer such as connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, iv'e always loved reading, specifically graphic novels and due to the reading world I have become passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. From reading books I study about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild and gave me somewhat of an escape from reality. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years I have enhanced my artistic skills and creative writing to get to the point where I am thrilled to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. In conclusion, this book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy graphic novels and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics. Practicing and experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild and gave me somewhat of an escape from reality. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years I have enhanced my art skills and creative writing to get to the point where I am thrilled to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. In conclusion, this book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy graphic novels and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics. Practicing and experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild and gave me somewhat of an escape from reality. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years I have enhanced my art skills and creative writing to get to the point where I am thrilled to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. In conclusion, this scholarship would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, it will enhance my understanding to explore everything the art world has to offer such as connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild and gave me somewhat of an escape from reality. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years I have enhanced my art skills and creative writing to get to the point where I am thrilled to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. In conclusion, this book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy graphic novels and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone.

“Keep Moving Forward”, that is what my teacher Mr.Fischetti always said to me. Throughout my high school years in some way I always ended back in Mr.F’s classes time and time again. Mr.Fisch was the type of person everyone knew and loved, including myself. From his classes I learned so much about the world, and the environment we lived in. Due to him, I also learned how to be my own person and get out of my comfort zone. Mr.Fisch was the class of 2024 representative, who started as a young boy in the Howard County system at Laurel Woods Elementary School and graduated from Reservoir High School. Through connections and hard work, he got his teacher licenses and went straight back to Reservoir to teach the next generation for the past 10 years. Mr.Fischetti was the teacher who encouraged me to take my artistic skills to the next level, not only that but he gave such good advice. In my junior year, I was going through a rough time with friends and he has taught me that the right people will come into your life when you least expect it, and things will get better. Not only was he a great guy to talk to about personal issues but he was relatable in many ways like his love for marvel especially spider-man. Mr.Fisch is such a goofy, reliable, and generous man, to the point a lot of students were inspired and happy to have him as a teacher. Overall, my high school years weren't easy to say the least but because of Mr.Fischetti my school life became a little easier. Even though he was my teacher, he became a friend that I could rely on. We have gotten close to the point that I became his student aid during my senior year, and I can say proudly that it was so much fun! Mr.Fischetti has impacted my life to the point he encouraged me to really make my love for art a job, and apply to my dream college SCAD, which i did and got accepted. As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation.Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. In conclusion, Mr.Fischetti made a place like Reservoir special, and I will dearly miss him. But I know and he knows that I will do great things in the world, even though my senior year was short, I can say with pride and respect that Mr.Fisch will change and improve my high school for the better. In his own words, we must keep moving forward, because we never know what life has planned for us.

College has always been a journey that can enhance your identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also enhance my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance as well as access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of my comfort zone and will expose me to enhanced experiences that will give myself the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. In the following years, I would like to enroll in an art college called SCAD. Where I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital illustrations. The following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating to me has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, diversity, and characters through world-building and character interactions between one another. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Creative writing has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am hoping for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. I will increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial impressions more realistically. The college will be an introduction to my adulthood and independence. I will be managing tasks like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting all on my own which is something I am excited about. In the following 2 years after I get my degree I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, attending college would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer such as connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

College has always been a journey that can enhance your identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. Attending college will also enhance my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance as well as access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies.Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and will expose me to an enhanced experiences that will give me the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. In the following years, I would like to enroll in an art college called SCAD. Where I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital illustrations. The following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating to me has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, diversity, and characters through world-building and character interactions between one another. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Creative writing has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and Experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that I want to promote in the near future is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild and gave me somewhat of an escape from reality. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years I have enhanced my art skills and creative writing to get to the point where I am thrilled to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am hoping for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. I will increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial impressions more realistically. The college will be an introduction to my adulthood and independence. I will be managing tasks like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting all on my own which is something I am excited about. In the following 2 years after I get my degree I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, attending college would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer such as connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

College has always been a journey that can enhance your identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also enhance my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance as well as access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and will expose students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. In the following years, I would like to enroll in an art college called SCAD. Where I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital illustrations. The following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating to me has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, diversity, and characters through worldbuilding and character interactions between one another. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Creative writing has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am hoping for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. I will increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial impressions more realistically. The college will be an introduction to my adulthood and independence. I will be managing tasks like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting all on my own which is something I am excited about. In the following 2 years after I get my degree I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, attending college would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer such as connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

My original goal behind this art piece was about relationships. This project was guided by the inquiry question, how can I coney relationships throughout the years with characters. I wanted to answer that question by making the characters become more lively and foreshadow how slowly a person's relationship can become more toxic overtime.To make this artwork more interesting I decided to make it the relationship feel more toxic and added different mediums to add foreshadowing of betrayal and pain through the flowers which are pink dahlia, a toxic flower that stops the heart and also put thorns around my subject to establish the plain in how beautiful a relationship can become sour.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art.The world around me and people has inspired me in so many ways, A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, characteristics and settings, all of these come into play. Practicing and Experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, as we follow her journey. Through the people I meet and where I live, this story wouldn't be a thought without them. In conclusion, this book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy graphic novels and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. This book will also show how much the world has inspired me on how much the environment and the people you meet along the way can truly build character.As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone.

My name is Caliya Williams,college has always been a journey that can enhance your identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also enhance my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance as well as access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and will expose students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. In the following years, I would like to enroll in an art college called SCAD. Where I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital illustrations. The following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating to me has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, diversity, and characters through world-building and character interactions between one another. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Creative writing has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am hoping for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. I will increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial impressions more realistically. The college will be an introduction to my adulthood and independence. I will be managing tasks like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting all on my own which is something I am excited about. In the following 2 years after I get my degree I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, attending college would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer such as connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation on how to better my skills. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. Through connections, I encountered Kennedy Ringgold, a young artist who was making her mark in the art and music industry. Kennedy has taught me brand new traditional and digital techniques that have developed my artistic skills in many different ways and expanded my further understanding of Illustration. Her mentorship improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, diversity, world-building and character interactions between one another. Kennedy also contributed to helping me understand the business side of becoming an entrepreneur by furthering my education in how to handle finances, marketing yourself on social media, and motivating yourself to do what you love as a career. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, and how I can communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and Experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through personal expression in my work. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration in what Kennedy taught me and decided that a passion project that I want to promote in the near future is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. In conclusion, Kennedy has contributed to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies, connections, independence, and business offers. My graphic novel would not be a thought without Kennedy's teaching and mentorship. Now through her, I now know what goes into a book start to finish, and what key aspects to make your story pop. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children from my art journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist in more ways then one.

My name is Caliya Williams, I attended Reservoir High School and this fall, I will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design. The following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating to me has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, diversity, characters and world-building. Through my artistic skills, to raise mental health awareness, I wanna gain awareness of the pros and cons of mental health has in store through storytelling and creating relatable characters who struggle with the same aspects as people in real life do. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that of mine that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. Writing this book has been a thrill, reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild and gave me somewhat of an escape from reality. From this graphic novel I would explore different concepts of mental health through my main characters like Charli. For example, just like me and many others in life, she struggles with social anxiety and, through her I want my audience to feel like they can relate to her and who she is as an individual. This book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy graphic novels and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the ones who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone no matter what they go through. In conclusion, attending college would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer such as connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Understanding the importance of mental health will, improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. The following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating to me has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, diversity, and characters through worldbuilding and character interactions between one another. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Creative writing has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me be not only fun, but also joyful, and self-expressive. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am hoping for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. I will increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial impressions more realistically. The college will be an introduction to my adulthood and independence. I will be managing tasks like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting all on my own which is something I am excited about. In the following 2 years after I get my degree I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, attending college would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer such as connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always loved story telling video games. As I have learned throughout the years, video games are just like a sense of art, a way to tell a story from beginning to end and, that's what the game Life is Strange did for me. I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art and video games has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling because of the games I play, I think to myself how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings? Practicing and Experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. All of this work wouldn't been a thought in my mind without video games being in my life. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years I have enhanced my art skills and creative writing to get to the point where I am thrilled to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. In conclusion, this book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy stories and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulting and know that they’re not alone just like playing video games did for me.

Throughout my senior year in high school, I was involved in the leadership program, most importantly the aesthetics committee. As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout my time on the aesthetics committee, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and Experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration with my time in leadership and decided that a passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. However, I have learned from trial and error and the help from my friends on my committee that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience just like how working as a team takes time, dedication, and patience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years I have enhanced my art skills and creative writing to get to the point where I am thrilled to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. In conclusion, this book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy graphic novels and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that as a community they’re not the only ones who go through the hardships of adulting and know that they’re not alone.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation on how to better my skills. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. Through connections, I encountered Kennedy Ringgold, a young artist who was making her mark in the art and music industry. Kennedy has taught me brand new traditional and digital techniques that have developed my artistic skills in many different ways and expanded my further understanding of Illustration. Her mentorship improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, diversity, world-building and character interactions between one another. Kennedy also contributed to helping me understand the business side of becoming an entrepreneur by furthering my education in how to handle finances, marketing yourself on social media, and motivating yourself to do what you love as a career. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, and how I can communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and Experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through personal expression in my work. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration in what Kennedy taught me and decided that a passion project that I want to promote in the near future is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. In conclusion, Kennedy has contributed to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies, connections, independence, and business offers. My graphic novel would not be a thought without Kennedy's teaching and mentorship. Now through her, I now know what goes into a book start to finish, and what key aspects to make your story pop. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children from my art journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist in more ways then one.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation on how to better my skills. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. Through connections, I encountered Kennedy Ringgold, a young artist who was making her mark in the art industry. Kennedy has taught me brand new traditional and digital techniques that have developed my artistic skills in many different ways and expanded my further understanding of Illustration. Her mentorship improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, diversity, world-building and character interactions between one another. Kennedy also contributed to helping me understand the business side of becoming an entrepreneur by furthering my education in how to handle finances and motivating yourself to do what you love as a career. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, and how I can communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and Experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through personal expression in my work. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration in what Kennedy taught me and decided that a passion project that I want to promote in the near future is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. In conclusion, Kennedy has contributed to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies, connections, independence, and business offers. Being under Kennedy was a thrill and because of her, I now know that creating art is something I wanna do with my life. My graphic novel would never be a thought without Kennedy's help and teaching me on what goes into a book start to finish. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and Experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild and gave me somewhat of an escape from reality. Charli’s personality is like mine, generous and sweet. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years I have enhanced my art skills and creative writing to get to the point where I am thrilled to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. In conclusion, this book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy graphic novels and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art and love novels. For me, it did not matter what I read or what art I made but what I could create when I put two and two together. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive to achieve my endeavors. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and Experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild and gave me somewhat of an escape from reality. Charli’s personality is like mine, generous and sweet. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. Through picture books they've have helped, learn that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years I have enhanced my art skills and creative writing to get to the point where I am thrilled to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. In conclusion, this book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy graphic novels and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and Experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild and gave me somewhat of an escape from reality. Charli’s personality is like mine, generous and sweet. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years I have enhanced my art skills and creative writing to get to the point where I am thrilled to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. In conclusion, this book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy graphic novels and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone.

As a young woman, who's never been in the foster system, I've have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments and has shown me how I can give back to my community. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and Experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild and gave me somewhat of an escape from reality. Charli’s personality is like mine, generous and sweet. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years this book has shown me how I can give back to my community through storytelling and to show how thrilled I am to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. In conclusion, this book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy graphic novels and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. Through connections, I encountered Kennedy, a young artist who was making her mark in the art industry. Kennedy has taught me brand new traditional and digital techniques that has developed my artistic skills in many different ways and, expanded my further understanding of Illustration . Her mentorship, improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, diversity, world building and character interactions between one another. Kennedy also contributed to helping me understand the business side of becoming an entrepreneur with helping me further my education in how to handle finances and motivating yourself to do what you love as a career. In conclusion, Kennedy has contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies, connections, and independence, learning new techniques, and business offers. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

College has always been a journey that can enhance your identity and perspective through skills, and future opportunities. The college will also enhance my portfolio development through dedicated time and guidance as well as access to structured education, knowledge, and skills relevant to my studies. Going to school will also become a cultural experience with getting out of your comfort zone and will expose students to enhanced experiences that will give people the advantage of perspective and understanding of the world. In the following years, I would like to enroll in an art college called SCAD. Where I can dive deeper into my artistic skills through self-expression and creativity in different mediums such as traditional, painting, and digital illustrations. The following field of study that I would like to study is Illustration and minor in creative writing. Illustrating to me has enhanced my imagination through understanding scenes, characters, and or creative concepts in appealing ways. Creating art-like illustrations has also improved my storytelling skills by conveying complex ideas, diversity, and characters through worldbuilding and character interactions between one another. Creative writing just like illustrating has given me a new sense of imagination through creating fictional worlds, characters, and scenarios. Creative writing has also made me think about plot structures and planning the plot carefully including key events, conflicts, and resolutions. Writing and art have both helped me understand the depth, meaning, and enjoyment of art. When I attend SCAD the experience that I am hoping for is learning how to improve my art skills with understanding the complexities of the human body with anatomy classes. I will increase my understanding of how fabric interacts with the human body and create my character's facial impressions more realistically. The college will be an introduction to my adulthood and independence. I will be managing tasks like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting all on my own which is something I am excited about. In the following 2 years after I get my degree I would like to run my own business and sell my art on my website to generate income. I will study the art of becoming a self-sufficient business owner through consistency, discipline, and great relationships, putting myself in the correct environments to succeed. Being a business owner would also make me feel satisfied and fulfilled in my journey knowing that what I have built has come from me and my knowledge. In conclusion, attending college would contribute to my ongoing self-growth journey and will help me achieve my future goals through my academic studies and independence. Furthermore, SCAD will enhance my growth and help me continue to explore everything the art world has to offer such as connections, learning new techniques, and business offers. Ultimately, using these techniques will improve my art pieces through storytelling and different fundamental key components that will enhance my artwork as a collective. This scholarship represents not just financial support but also helps me help my family continue to create generational wealth and create a blueprint that I will leave behind for my children in my journey to becoming a self-sufficient artist.

As a young woman, I have always wondered what I wanted with my future. As I have learned throughout the years, I am passionate about creating art. For me, it did not matter what medium it was like painting, digital, or sketching, but if it was something new I was willing to learn through practice and experimentation. Creating art has always been something an important factor in my life that has always brought me peace in intense moments when anxiety overwhelms me. Furthermore, throughout my art journey creating illustrations is not only fun, but joyful, and self-expressive. When I create something new, I think about what specific topics that I want others to see in my art. A factor that I always take into consideration is storytelling, how can I communicate different beliefs, diversity, personal experiences, and characteristics through different characters and settings. Practicing and Experimenting has also helped me create a balance to refine my skills while also exploring new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries through creativity, refined techniques, and personal expression. Furthermore, I took all of these aspects into consideration and decided that a passion project that I want to promote is my graphic novel story, What Lies Underneath. My story, What Lies Underneath follows a young adult named Charli Willows, Charli finds an envelope from a hidden enchanted school named Willows Creek University. As she goes through life, she discovers hidden secrets and mysteries from the school. Making new friends and foes, we follow her journey. I have been working on this story for over 2 years now and seeing it come to light is a big dream of mine. Writing this book has been a thrill, reading fantasy books has always helped my imagination run wild and gave me somewhat of an escape from reality. Charli’s personality is like mine, generous and sweet. Throughout the book series, I want Charli’s confidence and self-worth to grow just like mine has over the years. I thought creating a book would be simple but as I started working on it, I realized that there is a lot that goes into it, it is not just a simple beginning, middle, and end. But I have learned from trial and error that making a full book takes dedication, patience, and life experience that many individuals go through nonstop. Throughout the years I have enhanced my art skills and creative writing to get to the point where I am thrilled to have some grasp of how I want my story to be perceived by my audience. In conclusion, this book series will show the growing pains of adapting to a new environment and coming into your own identity. Promoting this book will gain a wider audience who enjoys modern fantasy graphic novels and give people a sense of self through environments and characteristics. As a result, people will see themselves in these characters and understand that they are not the one who goes through the hardships of adulating and know that they’re not alone.