Hello. My name is Carlos Moreira Peralta. I am an artist, proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community has been the greatest gift of life and equally has represented some of the biggest challenges and posed unforeseen threats to my life. As a member of a minority and marginalized group, I always found myself signed out by my culture and even my family. I realized soon that if I wanted to remain true to who I am, at times I needed to educate those I wanted around me. As I grew older, I became more aware of the dangers that at times being member of the LGBTQ+ community meant and I am proud to say that with wisdom and faith, I have managed to have the courage to remain authentic to who I am. My dream is to pursue my education in Art. I was recently accepted to Otis College of Art and Design and I am one step closer to getting the education I need. My art and creativity has always been inspired by the demands and needs of our society. With my art I bring awareness of social situation that we often overlook. I create are that at times challenge the conventional viewpoint that is predisposed by society. My art validates basic human rights and it voices those that can't speak. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden and it would enable me to attend Otis College of Art and Design, where I intend to academically prepare myself. It would give the opportunity for me to be the first of my family to pursue hight education and as a member of the LGBTQ+ it would allow for my community to have a well educated and academically prepared artist pursuing his dreams to bring social and cultural awareness and art together. Additionally, through the hands of Otis instructors and professionals, I know I will grow as an Artist, as a career professional, and as a person striving to achieve his dream. I have waited for this opportunity for more than nineteen years. Your scholarship would get me materialize this dream of mine. Having this possibility of attending Otis is my way of being accountable to my dream. This opportunity will allow me to bring my dream to the doorsteps of an establishment that has opened the doors to so many, and I know with certainty once those doors open for me, my world will change, it will improve, and not only will I be better because of it, I know I will an asset to Otis. I may come from a humble background, be part of a marginalized group but with your support, I know my art will soar. As an artist, individual and member of the LGBTQ+ community with confidence and assertiveness, I have no interest in minimizing, pleasing, or conforming what my art reflects to what the world expects of me. I create and dream in color. I express myself on my canvasses. I live and share who I am and what I feel through my paintings. I am an active member of society and intend my art to stir awareness, conversation, and attention to what is currently happening out in the world. My art represents more than myself and my feelings, it represents multitudes and multicultural backgrounds. My art is “something I don’t think about, I just do the work.” I am humbled by this opportunity and consequently look forward to your response. Sincerely, Carlos Moreira Peralta