My primary goal is to earn my degree in graphic design and build a career that combines creativity, fitness, wellness, education, and entrepreneurship. I want to use design as a tool to communicate ideas, inspire growth, and help businesses and organizations connect with people in meaningful ways. Long term, I hope to create and grow my own business that allows me to merge my passion for visual communication with my interest in health, personal development, and helping others improve their lives. Achieving these goals requires much more than simply earning a degree. It requires a commitment to discipline, continuous learning, and daily action. One of the most important habits I have developed is maintaining a daily task list. Every day, I organize my responsibilities and goals, including attending classes, completing assignments, studying design concepts, working, exercising, and setting aside time for personal development. This system helps me stay focused and accountable while balancing multiple priorities. It has taught me that success is not built overnight but through consistent effort and small improvements made every day. My educational plan begins with successfully completing my graphic design degree while building a portfolio that demonstrates both creativity and technical skill. In addition to classroom projects, I plan to create personal work, participate in freelance opportunities, and pursue internships that provide real-world experience. Building a strong portfolio is one of the most valuable resources for a designer because it showcases problem-solving abilities, creativity, and professional growth. I also plan to continue learning outside of the classroom through online courses, industry resources, and mentorship opportunities. Financial planning is another essential component of reaching my goals. The costs associated with higher education include tuition, textbooks, software subscriptions, technology, transportation, and everyday living expenses. I estimate that my annual educational and related expenses range between $10,000 and $15,000. To manage these costs, I work while attending school, maintain a budget, seek financial aid, and actively apply for scholarships. Scholarship support plays a significant role in helping students like me continue their education without taking on excessive financial burdens. In many ways, my daily task list is what inspired me to apply for this scholarship. One of the items that regularly appears on my list is searching for opportunities that can help me continue my education and invest in my future. When I came across this scholarship, I saw it as more than just financial assistance. I saw it as an opportunity to move one step closer to my goals and continue building the life I have been working toward. Applying for scholarships is part of my commitment to taking responsibility for my future rather than waiting for opportunities to come to me. I also recognize that there are multiple paths to success. My ideal path includes graduating, gaining industry experience, and eventually launching my own business. However, I remain flexible and open to opportunities that may arise along the way. Whether my career begins through traditional employment, freelance work, or entrepreneurship, I am prepared to adapt and continue learning. Ultimately, my goal is to build a career that allows me to combine creativity, education, wellness, and service to others. Through hard work, careful planning, and a commitment to personal growth, I am confident that I can achieve these goals. This scholarship would not only help reduce financial obstacles but would also serve as an investment in my education, my future career, and my ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Growing up in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, had a profound impact on my outlook on life and my relationship with God. Surrounded by mountain ranges, forests, and the power of nature, I often found myself reflecting on the beauty and complexity of creation. Those experiences gave me a sense of wonder and helped me develop a belief that there is a greater purpose behind the world around us. Even at a young age, I felt that faith offered answers to questions that extended beyond what I could see or understand. Throughout my life, faith has been a source of stability during times of uncertainty. Whenever I have faced difficult decisions, unexpected challenges, or moments when I questioned my direction, prayer and trust in God have provided comfort and clarity. My faith has taught me that adversity is not something to fear but an opportunity to develop patience, wisdom, and strength. It has encouraged me to keep moving forward even when the outcome is unclear. My relationship with God has also shaped the values that guide my daily life. I strive to treat people with kindness, show respect to those around me, and approach situations with humility. These principles influence how I interact with classmates, coworkers, friends, and family members. I believe that success means more than personal achievement—it also includes how we impact the lives of others and the character we demonstrate along the way. Today, I am pursuing a degree in graphic design while continuing to explore my interests in art, fitness, and lifelong learning. Creativity allows me to communicate ideas and connect with people, while fitness has taught me commitment and self-discipline. My faith ties these passions together by reminding me to use my abilities responsibly and with purpose. Rather than focusing only on what I can gain, I want to use my talents to encourage, educate, and uplift others. As I build my career, I believe my faith will remain one of my greatest strengths. It will help me make ethical decisions, remain grounded when faced with pressure, and maintain perspective during both accomplishments and setbacks. The professional world is constantly changing, but the principles I have gained through my faith—integrity, perseverance, gratitude, and compassion—will remain constant. Looking ahead, I hope to build a life that reflects those values. Whether through my work, my relationships, or my involvement in my community, I want to be someone who contributes positively to the lives of others. My faith has given me confidence in who I am, hope for the future, and a foundation that will continue to guide me wherever life leads.

Hi there, I'm Cooper McQuay. I grew up in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, a small mountain community surrounded by evergreen forests, towering peaks, and incredible natural beauty. Growing up in that environment gave me a deep appreciation for creativity, exploration, and personal growth, values that continue to shape who I am today. I am currently a college student pursuing a degree in graphic design. Art has always been one of my greatest passions because it allows me to communicate ideas, tell stories, and connect with others in meaningful ways. Whether I'm working on a design project, studying visual communication, or exploring new creative techniques, I enjoy finding ways to turn ideas into something impactful. Outside of art, I am passionate about fitness, wellness, and education. Fitness has taught me discipline, consistency, and resilience, while education has shown me the importance of lifelong learning. I believe that growth comes from challenging yourself, staying curious, and constantly striving to improve. My personal values center around hard work, integrity, and continuous self-development. I strive to make the most of every opportunity and approach challenges with a positive mindset. These values guide me both academically and personally. Looking ahead, my goal is to build a career that combines graphic design, creativity, and entrepreneurship. I hope to use my skills to inspire others, create meaningful work, and make a positive impact on the people and communities around me. No matter where my career takes me, I plan to continue learning, growing, and using my creativity to make a difference.

I realized the power of art the first time I created a design that made someone stop, pay attention, and feel something. That moment showed me that art is more than visual expression—it is a way to communicate ideas, inspire action, and create meaningful connections between people. As a college student pursuing graphic design, I plan to make a positive impact on the world by using art as a tool for communication and influence. Design has the ability to shape how people think, learn, and engage with important ideas. Whether through branding, advertising, digital media, or community-focused campaigns, I want to create work that informs, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression. I am especially passionate about creating designs that help businesses, organizations, and causes connect with people in authentic ways. Strong visual communication can raise awareness, build trust, and encourage action. I hope to use my skills to support projects that promote education, opportunity, and positive change within communities. Beyond professional success, I want my art to remind people that creativity has the power to bring people together. Through thoughtful and intentional design, I hope to create work that not only looks impactful but also serves a purpose—encouraging connection, inspiring growth, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Watercolor painting has become one of my favorite creative outlets because it teaches patience, precision, and experimentation. I enjoy how watercolor allows for both control and unpredictability, which pushes me to think creatively and adapt throughout the artistic process. It has helped me develop a stronger understanding of color, composition, and visual storytelling, all of which directly influence my broader artistic growth. My intended career path is in graphic design, where I hope to build a career creating impactful visual designs for brands, marketing campaigns, and digital media. I want to combine creativity with strategic communication to create designs that connect with people and leave a lasting impression. My experience with watercolor strengthens my design skills by helping me better understand texture, balance, and emotional expression through visuals. The two watercolor samples I uploaded were inspired by my interest in capturing mood and atmosphere through color. One was inspired by the way colors can blend naturally to create movement and depth, while the other was inspired by the idea of contrast—showing how light and shadow can work together to create emotion and focus within a piece. Both paintings reflect my desire to explore how color can communicate feeling and tell a story without words.