I was six years old the first time I sat in a velvet theatre seat and watched Wicked. I had never seen a musical before, but in those few hours, I was forever changed. The soaring voices, the dazzling spectacle, and the raw emotion of the story mesmerized me. I left the theatre determined not just to be an audience member—I wanted to be part of the magic. From that night forward, I immersed myself in the world of musicals. Every day after school, I watched Wicked and countless musicals on YouTube, studying how music, storytelling, and performance could transfix an audience. When the Wicked movie reignited my obsession, I dressed as Elphaba for Halloween, listed to the soundtrack nonstop and even performed “Popular” during our Spring musical: https://www.facebook.com/754669428/videos/pcb.10163013791229429/3835377689939745 Wicked offered me more than a love of theatre—it provided life lessons. Elphaba’s story of being misunderstood for her differences resonated deeply with me. Growing up without my biological father, I leaned on my mother, who became my rock and nurtured my passion. After being diagnosed with ADHD inattentive in elementary school, I dealt with feelings of inadequacy, and I questioned my intelligence and potential. I feared that the four-letter devil would hinder my artistry. But like Elphaba, I refused to let adversity “bring me down.” With my mom’s unwavering support and the resources at school, I transformed challenges into opportunities. Now I am a living testament to the power of resilience and how challenges can fuel triumphs. When I perform, I feel the same empowerment that Elphaba discovered. The stage became my canvas, where I learned to process pain, conquer self-doubt, and embrace my full potential. Through years of rehearsals, sacrifices, and setbacks, I grew not only as an artist but as a person. Being a part of the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) for five years profoundly impacted my life. I’ve been blessed to perform on prestigious stages like America’s Got Talent and Carnegie Hall. I’ll never forget the sting of not making the top three on AGT All-Stars, but that moment taught me gratitude—for every moment on stage and every chance to share my artistry. Out of 1,700 applicants, I was honored to be one of only 23 students accepted into the University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre Class of 2029—the top program in the country. That six-year-old girl who once stared in awe at the Wicked cast could never have imagined she would one day train among the best faculty and peers in the nation. My dream now is to perform on Broadway and return to Wicked, not as a wide-eyed child in the audience, but as Elphaba herself. To step into her green shoes, to belt “Defying Gravity” with every ounce of my soul, and to inspire another young person in the audience the way I was inspired—that would be the ultimate full circle. Wicked didn’t just introduce me to musicals; it gave me a calling, a voice, and a belief in the impossible. That belief drives me forward, and with the support of this scholarship, I can continue refining my craft, pushing my creative boundaries, and sharing the stories that have the power to change lives—just as Wicked once changed mine.

As I watch Michael Jackson's iconic performances, I wonder: Did the King of Pop's innovative spirit stem from his inner struggles, perhaps even ADHD? My own experiences with ADHD have taught me that what may seem like limitations can become catalysts for creativity and determination. “Will my friends think I’m dumb?” I asked my mom this after the psychologist diagnosed me. Growing up with ADHD inattentive type, I faced significant challenges. My thoughts were jumbled. I knew what I wanted to say but it didn’t come out they way I thought. Slow processing speed, difficulty articulating thoughts, and struggles with math concepts led to frustration, self-doubt, and depression. My mom put me through so many tests and procedures. I prayed, met with a counselor, did sessions at Brain Balance, Neurocore, was prescribed Adderall and tried natural supplements. It wasAfter a hard day at school, I blurted to my friends that I wanted to end it. Repeating first grade and struggling in middle school took a toll on my self-esteem. It was hard to look at the “(wo)man in the mirror” with confidence and pride. My biggest fear was that ADHD would compromise the one thing that brought me joy — performing. The stage became my sanctuary, where I’d express myself in ways I couldn't otherwise. Research suggests that individuals with ADHD often think creatively, tap into conceptual expansion, and aren't bound by conventional knowledge constraints. Could this be the secret to Michael Jackson's artistic genius? I see parallels between his passion for performance and my own journey – both of us transforming inward challenges into outward triumphs. A turning point came when I enrolled in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Teachers like Mrs. Buen and Mrs. Marshick worked with me during academic skills classes, identified the right recipe of accommodations, and provided the positive reinforcement I needed to rise above scholastic challenges. My IEP program allowed my academic path to be tailored to meet my unique needs, focusing on developing essential skills and confidence. They helped me manage stress and develop study techniques, motivating me to work harder than my peers. I transformed C grades into A grades and maintained a 4.0 GPA during my last two high school semesters. Now, as I pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan, I'm driven to use my ADHD journey as fuel for my endeavors. I aim to inspire others who face similar challenges, demonstrating that neurodivergence can be a strength, not a weakness. By sharing my story, I hope to "Keep the Faith" and show that with determination and resilience, anyone can turn obstacles into opportunities. As Molière said, "The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it." My ADHD diagnosis is no longer a limitation; it's a testament to my ability to thrive despite adversity. Like Michael Jackson, I'll use my struggles to fuel my greatest triumphs, inspiring others to do the same. When I take the stage, I'll carry my story with me, a living testament to the power of resilience and determination.

Their faces lit up. Twenty beautiful kids at Nairobi’s Garden of Hope orphanage danced as the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) sang: “Life has brand new meaning…it’s gonna be a brighter day.” Their spirits weren't dampened by the rain during our outdoor performance and they danced along with us. That day in Kenya, I was shown how to be grateful, despite your circumstance. I first encountered the power of dance at age four. I was in international school in Germany, while my mom was on work assignment there. Though they spoke both English and German, my natural ability in music and dance served as an international language that helped me connect with others. I’ve trusted God my whole life. Having been diagnosed as ADHD inattentive, I initially feared that the four-letter devil would hinder my performance. Performing became my canvas, how I expressed myself when words failed me. With the right resources and self-discipline, I turned my adversity into opportunity and have maintained a 4.0 GPA for the last 3 semesters in high school. I am a living testament to how God can take your challenges and use them to fuel your greatest triumphs. Growing up without a relationship with my biological father, my family has been my rock. My mom introduced me to theatre, nurtured my passion, provided unwavering support, and remains my biggest influence and motivation. When I lost my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother within a few short years, I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the DYC musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw from performing. I prayed and was comforted…knowing God and my loved ones would be watching over me. I learned to use the power of performance to process my pain and navigate life's challenges. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, my goal is to harness the transformative power of performance to engage and educate diverse audiences, using the stage as a platform for dialogue and change. I want to create artistic experiences that bring solace, hope, and inspiration to those who need it most. I aim to bridge gaps between people, cultures, and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. I seek to use the stage to combine scholarship with artistry and activism, give voice to social issues, amplify marginalized stories and challenge societal norms. For me, "all the world's a stage" is more than just a Shakespearean metaphor – it's a reality where every moment is an opportunity to shine. As I hone my craft and take Broadway by storm, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my guiding star. With every step of my journey, I'll channel my passion into a powerful force for change and try to make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for considering me for this generous scholarship. I will put it to good use, honing my artistic skills to continue my commitment to inclusion and giving back to the community.

Their faces lit up. Twenty beautiful kids at Nairobi’s Garden of Hope orphanage danced as the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) sang: “Life has brand new meaning…it’s gonna be a brighter day.” Their spirits weren't dampened by the rain during our outdoor performance. That day in Kenya, I was shown how to be grateful, despite your circumstance. I first encountered the power of performance at age five. My nervous shaky hands grasped the mic to sing my first solo at church. My heart raced and I was petrified. To the best of my ability, I belted: “This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine!” I knew I’d found my calling. I’ve trusted God my whole life. Having been diagnosed as ADHD inattentive, I initially feared that the four-letter devil would hinder my performance. However, with the right resources and self-discipline, I turned my adversity into opportunity and have maintained a 4.0 GPA for the last 3 semesters in high school. I am a living testament to how God can take your challenges and use them to fuel your greatest triumphs. Growing up without a relationship with my biological father, my family has been my rock. My mom introduced me to theatre, nurtured my passion, provided unwavering support, and remains my biggest influence and motivation. When I lost my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother within a few short years, I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the DYC musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw from performing. I prayed and was comforted…knowing God and my loved ones would be watching over me. I learned to use the power of performance to process my pain and navigate life's challenges. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, my goal is to harness the transformative power of performance to engage and educate diverse audiences, using the stage as a platform for dialogue and change. I want to create artistic experiences that bring solace, hope, and inspiration to those who need it most. I aim to bridge gaps between people, cultures, and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. I seek to use the stage to combine scholarship with artistry and activism, give voice to social issues, amplify marginalized stories and challenge societal norms. For me, "all the world's a stage" is more than just a Shakespearean metaphor – it's a reality where every moment is an opportunity to shine. As I hone my craft and take Broadway by storm, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my guiding star. With every step of my journey, I'll channel my passion into a powerful force for change and try to make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for considering me for this generous scholarship. I will put it to good use, honing my artistic skills to continue my commitment to inclusion and giving back to the community. Check out my reel: https://vimeo.com/1024984784

Their faces lit up. Twenty beautiful kids at Nairobi’s Garden of Hope orphanage danced as the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) sang: “Life has brand new meaning…it’s gonna be a brighter day.” Their spirits weren't dampened by the rain during our outdoor performance. That day in Kenya, I was shown how to be grateful, despite your circumstance. I first encountered the power of performance at age five. My nervous shaky hands grasped the mic to sing my first solo at church. My heart raced and I was petrified. To the best of my ability, I belted: “This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine!” I knew I’d found my calling. I’ve trusted God my whole life. Having been diagnosed as ADHD inattentive, I initially feared that the four-letter devil would hinder my performance. However, with the right resources and self-discipline, I turned my adversity into opportunity and have maintained a 4.0 GPA for the last 3 semesters in high school. I am a living testament to how God can take your challenges and use them to fuel your greatest triumphs. Growing up without a relationship with my biological father, my family has been my rock. My mom introduced me to theatre, nurtured my passion, provided unwavering support, and remains my biggest influence and motivation. When I lost my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother within a few short years, I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the DYC musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw from performing. I prayed and was comforted…knowing God and my loved ones would be watching over me. I learned to use the power of performance to process my pain and navigate life's challenges. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, my goal is to harness the transformative power of performance to engage and educate diverse audiences, using the stage as a platform for dialogue and change. I want to create artistic experiences that bring solace, hope, and inspiration to those who need it most. I aim to bridge gaps between people, cultures, and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. I seek to use the stage to combine scholarship with artistry and activism, give voice to social issues, amplify marginalized stories and challenge societal norms. For me, "all the world's a stage" is more than just a Shakespearean metaphor – it's a reality where every moment is an opportunity to shine. As I hone my craft and take Broadway by storm, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my guiding star. With every step of my journey, I'll channel my passion into a powerful force for change and try to make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for considering me for this generous scholarship. I will put it to good use, honing my artistic skills to continue my commitment to inclusion and giving back to the community. Check out my reel: https://vimeo.com/1024984784

135. That’s how many times “Rent” has appeared in my YouTube watch history. I fell in love with musical theatre when I was eight years old. That love blossomed into a hobby, evolved into a passion, and now that passion has transformed into a purpose. Theatre has echoed the episodes of my life, and it will serve as my pathway to making a positive impact in the world. Having been diagnosed as ADHD inattentive, I initially feared that the four-letter devil would hinder my performance. However, with the right resources and self-discipline, I turned my adversity into opportunity. Performing became my canvas, igniting a determination to make my voice heard. I am a living testament to the power of resilience and how challenges can fuel one’s greatest triumphs. Watching musicals daily, I found solace, inspiration, and reflections of myself. “Tomorrow” from Annie was the first song from a musical I sang in elementary school. I identify with Elphaba from Wicked, who finds her power by “Defying Gravity.” I saw myself reflected in the characters of Dear Evan Hansen. I relate to Celie from The Color Purple as she sings about finding self-love in “I’m Here.” Growing up without a relationship with my biological father, my family has been my rock. My mom introduced me to theatre, nurtured my passion, provided unwavering support, and remains my biggest influence and motivation. When I lost my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother within a few short years, I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the Michael Jackson tribute musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw from performing. Then I recalled how Simba in The Lion King realized that his father, Mufasa, “(He) Lives in You.” Like Simba, I knew my loved ones would be watching over me. So I used the power of performance to process my pain and navigate life's challenges. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, my goal is to harness the transformative power of performance to engage and educate diverse audiences, using the stage as a platform for dialogue and change. I want to create artistic experiences that bring solace, hope, and inspiration to those who need it most. I aim to bridge gaps between people, cultures, and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. I seek to use the stage to combine scholarship with artistry and activism, give voice to social issues, amplify marginalized stories and challenge societal norms. For me, "all the world's a stage" is more than just a Shakespearean metaphor – it's a reality where every moment is an opportunity to shine. As I hone my craft and take Broadway by storm, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my guiding star. Musical theatre has been the symphony of my soul, has given me a sense of community and belonging, and I've met lifelong friends through it. With every step of my journey, I'll channel my passion into a powerful force for change, using the “five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes” that I’m blessed with each year to make a difference in the lives of others.

135. That’s how many times “Rent” has appeared in my YouTube watch history. I fell in love with musical theatre when I was eight years old. That love blossomed into a hobby, evolved into a passion, and now that passion has transformed into a purpose. Having been diagnosed as ADHD inattentive, I initially feared that the four-letter devil would hinder my performance. However, with the right resources and self-discipline, I turned my adversity into opportunity. Performing became my canvas, igniting a determination to make my voice heard. I am a living testament to the power of resilience and how challenges can fuel one’s greatest triumphs. Watching musicals daily, I found solace, inspiration, and reflections of myself. “Tomorrow” from Annie was the first song from a musical I sang in elementary school. I identify with Elphaba from Wicked, who finds her power by “Defying Gravity.” I saw myself reflected in the characters of Dear Evan Hansen. I relate to Celie from The Color Purple as she sings about finding self-love in “I’m Here.” Growing up without a relationship with my biological father, my family has been my rock. My mom introduced me to theatre, nurtured my passion, provided unwavering support, and remains my biggest influence and motivation. When I lost my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother within a few short years, the power of performance that helped me process my pain and navigate life's challenges. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, my goal is to harness the transformative power of performance to positively impact the world. I want to create artistic experiences that bring solace, hope, and inspiration to those who need it most. I aim to bridge gaps between people, cultures, and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. I seek to use the stage as a platform to combine scholarship with artistry and activism, give voice to social issues, amplify marginalized stories and challenge societal norms. For me, "all the world's a stage" is more than just a Shakespearean metaphor – it's a reality where every moment is an opportunity to shine. As I hone my craft and take Broadway by storm, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my guiding star. I'll channel my passion into a powerful force for change, using the “five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes” that I’m blessed with each year to make a difference in the world.

If my life were a movie, it would be titled "Harmony in Motion." The opening scene would feature a vibrant montage of my journey as a performer. The camera pans over a bustling cityscape before zooming in on a young girl—me—dancing and singing with reckless abandon in my bedroom. As the scene unfolds, we glimpse my early performances, from an insecure girl who comes alive when singing in the church choir to confidently taking the stage with the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) on America’s Got Talent (AGT). The montage transitions to a shot of me sitting in a quiet room, struggling to focus on my schoolwork. The diagnosis of ADHD is revealed, and the scene fades to black. The movie dives into my fear that this four-letter devil would compromise my future and hinder my academic and professional pursuits. The next scene shows me determined and focused, using my resources and self-discipline to achieve straight A’s for the first time and later earn a 4.0 GPA over my last three semesters of high school. This segment illustrates how to transform adversity into opportunity, how people can thrive through neurodivergence, and how we can use the challenges that hinder us to fuel our greatest triumphs. The scene fades to black, with the message, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” The camera then cuts to a more introspective moment, illustrating what it was like growing up as an only child with no relationship with my biological father. I am shown staring out of my bedroom window, disheartened that I couldn’t attend another Daddy-Daughter dance. Next, we see a montage of my school theatrical performances and those with DYC. The movie reveals how these experiences honed my craft and instilled in me a sense of confidence and purpose. Flashes of DYC’s electrifying performances at Carnegie Hall fill the screen, with the crowd's applause and cheers ringing out in the air, and our journey documented in “Choir” on Disney+. A shot of me dancing my heart out on stage is interspersed, replaying the performance that led to the choir's "golden buzzer" moment on AGT. The exhilaration is palpable as we compete in the finals, but the next scene portrays the pure devastation of not making the top three. Once again, the scene fades to black, accompanied by the words, “I learned to be grateful for every moment on stage, regardless of the outcome.” The camera cuts to another emotional moment—the consecutive losses of my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother within a few short years. We see how these losses left me reeling, engulfed in a perpetual state of sadness, unable to imagine navigating life without them. The movie depicts my grandmother losing her battle with cancer just days before the start of the Michael Jackson tribute musical that I’d worked on for months. It illustrates my struggle with “the show must go on,” how my DYC family urged me to persevere, and how performance became my solace. As the scene fades to black, the words "Performing is more than entertainment – it's a powerful tool for healing myself, one performance at a time" appear on the screen. The movie serves as both a celebration of my passion for performing and a testament to the transformative power of adversity. Through the ups and downs, the triumphs and setbacks, "Harmony in Motion" tells a story of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of a young artist on the rise. Thank you so much for considering me for this wonderful scholarship. I am honored.

The spotlight's warm glow, the thrill of the stage, and the roar of applause have captivated my heart since I was a child. Since elementary school, I've been enchanted by musicals and the magic of Broadway. The bright lights, the dazzling costumes, and the unforgettable performances all combined to create a world that I wanted to be a part of more than anything else. “Tomorrow” from Annie was the first song from a musical I sang in kindergarten. I’ve watched musicals almost daily since age 10. I would spend hours watching "Newsies," "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Hamilton." I’ve seen "Rent" 130 times. I adore Jeremy Jordan, Eva Noblezada and Joy Woods and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I’ve practiced portraying Mimi from "Rent," feverishly belting out “Without You.” As I grew older, my passion for musical theatre intensified. I took dance classes, joined the school choir, and landed roles in middle and high school productions. Having been a member of the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) for 4+ years, I've been blessed to perform on major stages, including "America’s Got Talent" (AGT) and Carnegie Hall. Through involvement with DYC, I’ve expanded my singing, dancing, and vocal abilities and learned more about the entertainment industry. My confidence grew, and I knew I was destined for a career on Broadway. “Will my friends think I’m dumb?” I asked my mom this after the psychologist diagnosed me with ADHD inattentive in elementary school. I struggled with quantitative reasoning and analysis, repeated first grade, received poor grades, and had low self-esteem. Enrolling in an Individualized Education Program allowed my academic path to be tailored to my unique needs and motivated me to work harder than my peers. ADHD is no longer a scarlet letter. I am a living testament to God's power to transform adversity into opportunity, that you can thrive through neurodivergence, and that the very challenges that hinder us also fuel our greatest triumphs.   There have been those who tried to cast doubt on my dream. “Thousands of people want to be on Broadway.” It's a tough industry," they would say. "You’re gonna face rejection and disappointment.” And while the warnings are not unfounded, I’ve faced rejection — not getting school or DYC roles I auditioned for, not winning on AGT (in front of millions watching), and being rejected from college theatre programs. I've found a way to persevere. I've learned to use every “no” as an opportunity to learn and propel myself to be better. Standing on the threshold of this new chapter in my life, I am so excited about what lies ahead. I know the road will have its ups and downs, but with God on my side, I am ready to shine my light and share my gift with the world. For me, "all the world's a stage" isn't just a Shakespearean metaphor. I will use every minute and opportunity during my college experience to prepare myself and my place among the bright lights of Broadway, my ultimate destination – where I am meant to be. The curtain is rising, and I am ready to take center stage. I am grateful for your consideration and would be honored to be associated with this extraordinary scholarship. I promise to use this scholarship as a catalyst in pursuing academic and artistic excellence. I will do my best to positively impact my community — in honor of Valerie.

The spotlight's warm glow, the thrill of the stage, and the roar of applause have captivated my heart since I was a child. Since elementary school, I've been enchanted by musicals and the magic of Broadway. The bright lights, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable performances combined to create a world I longed to be part of more than anything else. “Tomorrow” from Annie was the first song from a musical I sang in kindergarten. I’ve watched musicals almost daily since I was 10. I would spend hours watching "Newsies," "The Phantom of the Opera," and "Hamilton." I’ve seen "Rent" 130 times. I adore Jeremy Jordan, Eva Noblezada, and Joy Woods, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I practiced portraying Mimi from "Rent," feverishly belting out “Without You.” As I grew older, my passion for musical theatre intensified. I took dance classes, joined the school choir, and landed roles in middle and high school productions. As a member of the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) for over four years, I've been blessed to perform on major stages, including "America’s Got Talent" (AGT) and Carnegie Hall. Through my involvement with DYC, I’ve expanded my singing, dancing, and vocal abilities while learning more about the entertainment industry. My confidence grew, and I knew I was destined for a career on Broadway. Some have tried to cast doubt on my dream. “There are thousands of people who want to be on Broadway. ”Thousands of people want to be on Broadway." It's a tough industry," they would say. "You’re gonna face rejection and disappointment.” And while these warnings are not unfounded, I’ve already faced rejection — not getting school or DYC roles I auditioned for, not winning on AGT (in front of millions of viewers), and being rejected from college theatre programs. I've found a way to persevere. I've learned to use every “no” as an opportunity to grow and propel myself to be better. As I stand on the threshold of this next chapter in my life, I am so excited about what lies ahead. I know the road will have ups and downs, but with God on my side, I am ready to shine my light and share my gift with the world. For me, "all the world's a stage" isn't just a Shakespearean metaphor. I will use every minute and opportunity during my college experience to prepare myself and my place among the bright lights of Broadway, my ultimate destination – where I am meant to be. The curtain is rising, and I am ready to take center stage. I am grateful for your consideration and honored to be associated with this wonderful scholarship. I promise to use this scholarship as a catalyst in pursuing academic and artistic excellence. I will do my very best to positively impact my community — in honor of Charles.

“Will my friends think I’m dumb?” I remember asking my mom this after the psychologist diagnosed me as ADHD inattentive in elementary school. I faced significant challenges with verbal comprehension, visual-spatial processing, quantitative reasoning, and quickly processing information. These learning difficulties led to me repeating first grade, poor grades in elementary school, and personal struggles with my mom. My biggest fear was that ADHD would compromise the one thing that brought me joy — performing. My time in middle school was marked by frustration and tears. I enrolled in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a tailored education plan for students with disabilities, including ADHD, offered by my state's special education services. Thanks to supportive teachers like Mrs. Buen and Mrs. Marshick, I thrived in Academic Skills classes each school semester. They helped me manage stress, develop study techniques, and identify necessary accommodations like extended time and non-distracting settings. My academic path was tailored to meet my unique needs, which meant forgoing AP classes to concentrate on developing essential skills and confidence. With a lot of self-discipline, I transformed C grades into A grades and maintained a 4.0 GPA during my last two high school semesters. I'm confident that these lessons and the newfound academic confidence --- together with my self-assurance in performing-- will serve me well in college. Is it possible that the very challenges that hinder us also fuel our greatest triumphs? While standardized tests didn’t always showcase the best version of me on paper, my ADHD was no longer a scarlet letter(s) but became my power. It pushed me to do more because I had to just keep up with my peers. I will use my ADHD journey as fuel for my scholastic and artistic endeavors. I hope to join an organization on campus so I can give back to a community of souls who are learning to thrive despite their deficiencies. As I take my place among scholars and artists, I'll carry my struggles and victories alike – a reminder that God can take difficult circumstances and use them for our good, helping us grow stronger and more resilient in the process. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and refine my craft to take Broadway by storm, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my north star. I want to create artistic experiences that, even for a moment, make life a little better, that inspire and comfort others, as they have been for me. No matter how big the crowd or how bright the lights, I know that performing is more than entertaining. It's about healing – healing myself and others, one performance at a time.

135. That’s the number of times Rent appears in my watch history on YouTube. I fell in love with musicals when I was eight years old. That love blossomed into hobby, then moved from hobby to passion, and now passion has manifested into purpose. Theatre has echoed episodes of my life, and theatre will be my pathway to positively impacting the world. Tomorrow” from Annie (with red hair and dress) was the first song from a musical that I sang in elementary school. Given the academic adversity I faced during my ADHD journey, I identify with Wicked’s Elphaba, who “Def(ies) Gravity” to find her power, letting no one “bring (her) down.” I identify with The Color Purple’s Celie as she sings about attaining self-love in “I’m Here.” I’ve trusted God my whole life. Growing up as an only child with no relationship with my biological father, my family was my rock. When I lost my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother within a few short years, I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. I was in a perpetual state of sadness. For the first time, I lacked the energy and passion for performing. In July 2022, when my grandma lost her battle with cancer, it was the final blow I couldn't bear. I wanted to withdraw, but I recalled how The Lion King’s Simba returned to his homeland, realizing that his father, Mufasa, “(He) Lives in You.” I knew my grandma would be watching over me. I needed to honor her. So, I prayed and realized I could use performance to process my pain. Three months after my grandma passed, I competed on America’s Got Talent: All-Stars with the Detroit Youth Choir. After experiencing the ecstasy of our “golden buzzer” moment with Uncle Terry (Crews), we were confident we would bring home the trophy. We worked tirelessly to learn new songs and choreography in 1-2 days. We gave it our all but didn’t make the top 3. I fought back the tears until I got off stage. I was humiliated and felt like a failure in front of millions watching on national TV and YouTube. Our preparation and sacrifice seemed to be wasted, and our dreams were crushed. Later, I realized that the process of striving for the win taught me an invaluable lesson – to be grateful for every moment on stage, no matter the outcome. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and hone my craft to take Broadway by storm, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my north star. I want to create artistic experiences that, even for a moment, make life a little better, that inspire and comfort others, as they have been for me. No matter how big the crowd or how bright the lights, I know that performing is more than entertaining. It's about healing – healing myself and others, one performance at a time.

135. That’s the number of times Rent appears in my watch history on YouTube. I fell in love with musicals when I was eight years old. That love blossomed into hobby, then moved from hobby to passion, and now passion has manifested into purpose. Theatre has echoed episodes of my life, and theatre will be my pathway to positively impacting the world. Tomorrow” from Annie (with red hair and dress) was the first song from a musical that I sang in elementary school. Given the academic adversity I faced during my ADHD journey, I identify with Wicked’s Elphaba, who “Def(ies) Gravity” to find her power, letting no one “bring (her) down.” I identify with The Color Purple’s Celie as she sings about attaining self-love in “I’m Here.” I’ve trusted God my whole life. Growing up as an only child with no relationship with my biological father, my family was my rock. When I lost my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother within a few short years, I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. I was in a perpetual state of sadness. For the first time, I lacked the energy and passion for performing. In July 2022, when my grandma lost her battle with cancer, it was the final blow I couldn't bear. I wanted to withdraw, but I recalled how The Lion King’s Simba returned to his homeland, realizing that his father, Mufasa, “(He) Lives in You.” I knew my grandma would be watching over me. I needed to honor her. So, I prayed and realized I could use performance to process my pain. Three months after my grandma passed, I competed on America’s Got Talent: All-Stars with the Detroit Youth Choir. After experiencing the ecstasy of our “golden buzzer” moment with Uncle Terry (Crews), we were confident we would bring home the trophy. We worked tirelessly to learn new songs and choreography in 1-2 days. We gave it our all but didn’t make the top 3. I fought back the tears until I got off stage. I was humiliated and felt like a failure in front of millions watching on national TV and YouTube. Our preparation and sacrifice seemed to be wasted, and our dreams were crushed. Later, I realized that the process of striving for the win taught me an invaluable lesson – to be grateful for every moment on stage, no matter the outcome. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and hone my craft to take Broadway by storm, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my north star. I want to create artistic experiences that, even for a moment, make life a little better, that inspire and comfort others, as they have been for me. No matter how big the crowd or how bright the lights, I know that performing is more than entertaining. It's about healing – healing myself and others, one performance at a time.

This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine!” As my nervous shaky hands grasped the mic. I belted my first solo to the best of my five-year-old ability. As the congregation applauded, I knew I’d found my calling. I’ve trusted God my whole life. After I was diagnosed with ADHD, I asked my mom “will God allow this condition to compromise my performance?” When I struggled academically in middle school, I thought the answer was yes. But over time, I replaced self-doubt with determination. After finding the right resources, connecting with teachers who helped me with the journey, and a lot of self-discipline, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA the last two semesters of high school. Performing became my canvas — enabling me to express myself in ways I couldn't otherwise. Their faces lit up. Twenty beautiful kids at Nairobi’s Garden of Hope orphanage, despite their circumstances, danced as the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) sang: “Life has brand new meaning…it’s gonna be a brighter day.” The kids' joyful spirits weren't dampened by the rain during our outdoor performance, and they showed their appreciation by giving us bracelets, handwritten notes, and hugs. That day in Kenya, I witnessed the transformative power of performing. I was dealt harsh blows in May 2016, June 2019 and July 2022 with the unexpected losses of my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother. Growing up as an only child with no relationship with my biological father, my family was my rock. I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. I was in a perpetual state of sadness. For the first time, I lacked the energy and passion for performing. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the Michael Jackson tribute musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw, but my DYC family pushed me to persevere. I knew she’d be watching over me, and I wanted to honor her. So, I prayed and realized I could use performance to process my pain. Three months later, DYC competed on America’s Got Talent: All Stars. After experiencing the ecstasy of the Detroit Youth Choir’s “golden buzzer” moment on America’s Got Talent, we were confident we would win. We worked tirelessly to learn new songs and choreography in 1-2 days. We gave it our all, but we didn’t make the top 3. I fought back the tears until I got off stage. I was humiliated and felt like a failure in front of millions watching on national TV and YouTube. It seemed all our preparation and sacrifice -- missing homecoming dances -- was wasted and our dreams were crushed. But later, I realized that the process of striving for the win taught me an invaluable lesson – to be grateful for every moment on stage, no matter the outcome. For me, "all the world's a stage" isn't just a Shakespeare metaphor. Each on-stage moment is an opportunity to let my little light shine. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and create artistic experiences that inspire and comfort others, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my north star. Performing is more than entertaining – it’s about healing myself and others, one performance at a time. I will use this scholarship to fuel my theatrical journey and will be eternally grateful for your support!

This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine!” As my nervous shaky hands grasped the mic. I belted my first solo to the best of my five-year-old ability. As the congregation applauded, I knew I’d found my calling. I’ve trusted God my whole life. After I was diagnosed with ADHD, I asked my mom “will God allow this condition to compromise my performance?” When I struggled academically in middle school, I thought the answer was yes. But over time, I replaced self-doubt with determination. After finding the right resources, connecting with teachers who helped me with the journey, and a lot of self-discipline, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA the last two semesters of high school. Performing became my canvas — enabling me to express myself in ways I couldn't otherwise. Their faces lit up. Twenty beautiful kids at Nairobi’s Garden of Hope orphanage, despite their circumstances, danced as the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) sang: “Life has brand new meaning…it’s gonna be a brighter day.” The kids' joyful spirits weren't dampened by the rain during our outdoor performance, and they showed their appreciation by giving us bracelets, handwritten notes, and hugs. That day in Kenya, I witnessed the transformative power of performing. I was dealt harsh blows in May 2016, June 2019 and July 2022 with the unexpected losses of my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother. Growing up as an only child with no relationship with my biological father, my family was my rock. I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. I was in a perpetual state of sadness. For the first time, I lacked the energy and passion for performing. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the Michael Jackson tribute musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw, but my DYC family pushed me to persevere. I knew she’d be watching over me, and I wanted to honor her. So, I prayed and realized I could use performance to process my pain. Three months later, DYC competed on America’s Got Talent: All Stars. After experiencing the ecstasy of the Detroit Youth Choir’s “golden buzzer” moment on America’s Got Talent, we were confident we would win. We worked tirelessly to learn new songs and choreography in 1-2 days. We gave it our all, but we didn’t make the top 3. I fought back the tears until I got off stage. I was humiliated and felt like a failure in front of millions watching on national TV and YouTube. It seemed all our preparation and sacrifice -- missing homecoming dances -- was wasted and our dreams were crushed. But later, I realized that the process of striving for the win taught me an invaluable lesson – to be grateful for every moment on stage, no matter the outcome. For me, "all the world's a stage" isn't just a Shakespeare metaphor. Each on-stage moment is an opportunity to let my little light shine. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and create artistic experiences that inspire and comfort others, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my north star. Performing is more than entertaining – it’s about healing myself and others, one performance at a time.

This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine!” As my nervous shaky hands grasped the mic. I belted my first solo to the best of my five-year-old ability. As the congregation applauded, I knew I’d found my calling. I’ve trusted God my whole life. After I was diagnosed with ADHD, I asked my mom “will God allow this condition to compromise my performance?” When I struggled academically in middle school, I thought the answer was yes. But over time, I replaced self-doubt with determination. After finding the right resources, connecting with teachers who helped me with the journey, and a lot of self-discipline, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA the last two semesters of high school. Performing became my canvas — enabling me to express myself in ways I couldn't otherwise. Their faces lit up. Twenty beautiful kids at Nairobi’s Garden of Hope orphanage, despite their circumstances, danced as the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) sang: “Life has brand new meaning…it’s gonna be a brighter day.” The kids' joyful spirits weren't dampened by the rain during our outdoor performance, and they showed their appreciation by giving us bracelets, handwritten notes, and hugs. That day in Kenya, I witnessed the transformative power of performing. I was dealt harsh blows in May 2016, June 2019 and July 2022 with the unexpected losses of my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother. Growing up as an only child with no relationship with my biological father, my family was my rock. I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. I was in a perpetual state of sadness. For the first time, I lacked the energy and passion for performing. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the Michael Jackson tribute musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw, but my DYC family pushed me to persevere. I knew she’d be watching over me, and I wanted to honor her. So, I prayed and realized I could use performance to process my pain. Three months later, DYC competed on America’s Got Talent: All Stars. After experiencing the ecstasy of the Detroit Youth Choir’s “golden buzzer” moment on America’s Got Talent, we were confident we would win. We worked tirelessly to learn new songs and choreography in 1-2 days. We gave it our all, but we didn’t make the top 3. I fought back the tears until I got off stage. I was humiliated and felt like a failure in front of millions watching on national TV and YouTube. It seemed all our preparation and sacrifice -- missing homecoming dances -- was wasted and our dreams were crushed. But later, I realized that the process of striving for the win taught me an invaluable lesson – to be grateful for every moment on stage, no matter the outcome. For me, "all the world's a stage" isn't just a Shakespeare metaphor. Each on-stage moment is an opportunity to let my little light shine. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and create artistic experiences that inspire and comfort others, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my north star. Performing is more than entertaining – it’s about healing myself and others, one performance at a time.

This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine!” As my nervous shaky hands grasped the mic. I belted my first solo to the best of my five-year-old ability. As the congregation applauded, I knew I’d found my calling. I’ve trusted God my whole life. After I was diagnosed with ADHD, I asked my mom “will God allow this condition to compromise my performance?” When I struggled academically in middle school, I thought the answer was yes. But over time, I replaced self-doubt with determination. After finding the right resources, connecting with teachers who helped me with the journey, and a lot of self-discipline, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA the last two semesters of high school. Performing became my canvas — enabling me to express myself in ways I couldn't otherwise. Their faces lit up. Twenty beautiful kids at Nairobi’s Garden of Hope orphanage, despite their circumstances, danced as the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) sang: “Life has brand new meaning…it’s gonna be a brighter day.” The kids' joyful spirits weren't dampened by the rain during our outdoor performance, and they showed their appreciation by giving us bracelets, handwritten notes, and hugs. That day in Kenya, I witnessed the transformative power of performing. I was dealt harsh blows in May 2016, June 2019 and July 2022 with the unexpected losses of my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother. Growing up as an only child with no relationship with my biological father, my family was my rock. I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. I was in a perpetual state of sadness. For the first time, I lacked the energy and passion for performing. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the Michael Jackson tribute musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw, but my DYC family pushed me to persevere. I knew she’d be watching over me, and I wanted to honor her. So, I prayed and realized I could use performance to process my pain. Three months later, DYC competed on America’s Got Talent: All Stars. After experiencing the ecstasy of the Detroit Youth Choir’s “golden buzzer” moment on America’s Got Talent, we were confident we would win. We worked tirelessly to learn new songs and choreography in 1-2 days. We gave it our all, but we didn’t make the top 3. I fought back the tears until I got off stage. I was humiliated and felt like a failure in front of millions watching on national TV and YouTube. It seemed all our preparation and sacrifice -- missing homecoming dances -- was wasted and our dreams were crushed. But later, I realized that the process of striving for the win taught me an invaluable lesson – to be grateful for every moment on stage, no matter the outcome. For me, "all the world's a stage" isn't just a Shakespeare metaphor. Each on-stage moment is an opportunity to let my little light shine. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and create artistic experiences that inspire and comfort others, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my north star. Performing is more than entertaining – it’s about healing myself and others, one performance at a time.

This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine!” As my nervous shaky hands grasped the mic. I belted my first solo to the best of my five-year-old ability. As the congregation applauded, I knew I’d found my calling. I’ve trusted God my whole life. After I was diagnosed with ADHD, I asked my mom “will God allow this condition to compromise my performance?” When I struggled academically in middle school, I thought the answer was yes. But over time, I replaced self-doubt with determination. After finding the right resources, connecting with teachers who helped me with the journey, and a lot of self-discipline, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA the last two semesters of high school. Performing became my canvas — enabling me to express myself in ways I couldn't otherwise. Their faces lit up. Twenty beautiful kids at Nairobi’s Garden of Hope orphanage, despite their circumstances, danced as the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) sang: “Life has brand new meaning…it’s gonna be a brighter day.” The kids' joyful spirits weren't dampened by the rain during our outdoor performance, and they showed their appreciation by giving us bracelets, handwritten notes, and hugs. That day in Kenya, I witnessed the transformative power of performing. I was dealt harsh blows in May 2016, June 2019 and July 2022 with the unexpected losses of my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother. Growing up as an only child with no relationship with my biological father, my family was my rock. I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. I was in a perpetual state of sadness. For the first time, I lacked the energy and passion for performing. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the Michael Jackson tribute musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw, but my DYC family pushed me to persevere. I knew she’d be watching over me, and I wanted to honor her. So, I prayed and realized I could use performance to process my pain. Three months later, DYC competed on America’s Got Talent: All Stars. After experiencing the ecstasy of the Detroit Youth Choir’s “golden buzzer” moment on America’s Got Talent, we were confident we would win. We worked tirelessly to learn new songs and choreography in 1-2 days. We gave it our all, but we didn’t make the top 3. I fought back the tears until I got off stage. I was humiliated and felt like a failure in front of millions watching on national TV and YouTube. It seemed all our preparation and sacrifice -- missing homecoming dances -- was wasted and our dreams were crushed. But later, I realized that the process of striving for the win taught me an invaluable lesson – to be grateful for every moment on stage, no matter the outcome. For me, "all the world's a stage" isn't just a Shakespeare metaphor. Each on-stage moment is an opportunity to let my little light shine. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and create artistic experiences that inspire and comfort others, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my north star. Performing is more than entertaining – it’s about healing myself and others, one performance at a time.

This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine!” As my nervous shaky hands grasped the mic. I belted my first solo to the best of my five-year-old ability. As the congregation applauded, I knew I’d found my calling. I’ve trusted God my whole life. After I was diagnosed with ADHD, I asked my mom “will God allow this condition to compromise my performance?” When I struggled academically in middle school, I thought the answer was yes. But over time, I replaced self-doubt with determination. After finding the right resources, connecting with teachers who helped me with the journey, and a lot of self-discipline, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA the last two semesters of high school. Performing became my canvas — enabling me to express myself in ways I couldn't otherwise. Their faces lit up. Twenty beautiful kids at Nairobi’s Garden of Hope orphanage, despite their circumstances, danced as the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) sang: “Life has brand new meaning…it’s gonna be a brighter day.” The kids' joyful spirits weren't dampened by the rain during our outdoor performance, and they showed their appreciation by giving us bracelets, handwritten notes, and hugs. That day in Kenya, I witnessed the transformative power of performing. I was dealt harsh blows in May 2016, June 2019 and July 2022 with the unexpected losses of my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother. Growing up as an only child with no relationship with my biological father, my family was my rock. I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. I was in a perpetual state of sadness. For the first time, I lacked the energy and passion for performing. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the Michael Jackson tribute musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw, but my DYC family pushed me to persevere. I knew she’d be watching over me, and I wanted to honor her. So, I prayed and realized I could use performance to process my pain. Three months later, DYC competed on America’s Got Talent: All Stars. After experiencing the ecstasy of the Detroit Youth Choir’s “golden buzzer” moment on America’s Got Talent, we were confident we would win. We worked tirelessly to learn new songs and choreography in 1-2 days. We gave it our all, but we didn’t make the top 3. I fought back the tears until I got off stage. I was humiliated and felt like a failure in front of millions watching on national TV and YouTube. It seemed all our preparation and sacrifice -- missing homecoming dances -- was wasted and our dreams were crushed. But later, I realized that the process of striving for the win taught me an invaluable lesson – to be grateful for every moment on stage, no matter the outcome. For me, "all the world's a stage" isn't just a Shakespeare metaphor. Each on-stage moment is an opportunity to let my little light shine. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and create artistic experiences that inspire and comfort others, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my north star. Performing is more than entertaining – it’s about healing myself and others, one performance at a time.

This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine!” As my nervous shaky hands grasped the mic. I belted my first solo to the best of my five-year-old ability. As the congregation applauded, I knew I’d found my calling. I’ve trusted God my whole life. After I was diagnosed with ADHD, I asked my mom “will God allow this condition to compromise my performance?” When I struggled academically in middle school, I thought the answer was yes. But over time, I replaced self-doubt with determination. After finding the right resources, connecting with teachers who helped me with the journey, and a lot of self-discipline, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA the last two semesters of high school. Performing became my canvas — enabling me to express myself in ways I couldn't otherwise. Their faces lit up. Twenty beautiful kids at Nairobi’s Garden of Hope orphanage, despite their circumstances, danced as the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) sang: “Life has brand new meaning…it’s gonna be a brighter day.” The kids' joyful spirits weren't dampened by the rain during our outdoor performance, and they showed their appreciation by giving us bracelets, handwritten notes, and hugs. That day in Kenya, I witnessed the transformative power of performing. I was dealt harsh blows in May 2016, June 2019 and July 2022 with the unexpected losses of my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother. Growing up as an only child with no relationship with my biological father, my family was my rock. I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. I was in a perpetual state of sadness. For the first time, I lacked the energy and passion for performing. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the Michael Jackson tribute musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw, but my DYC family pushed me to persevere. I knew she’d be watching over me, and I wanted to honor her. So, I prayed and realized I could use performance to process my pain. Three months later, DYC competed on America’s Got Talent: All Stars. After experiencing the ecstasy of the Detroit Youth Choir’s “golden buzzer” moment on America’s Got Talent, we were confident we would win. We worked tirelessly to learn new songs and choreography in 1-2 days. We gave it our all, but we didn’t make the top 3. I fought back the tears until I got off stage. I was humiliated and felt like a failure in front of millions watching on national TV and YouTube. It seemed all our preparation and sacrifice -- missing homecoming dances -- was wasted and our dreams were crushed. But later, I realized that the process of striving for the win taught me an invaluable lesson – to be grateful for every moment on stage, no matter the outcome. For me, "all the world's a stage" isn't just a Shakespeare metaphor. Each on-stage moment is an opportunity to let my little light shine. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and create artistic experiences that inspire and comfort others, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my north star. Performing is more than entertaining – it’s about healing myself and others, one performance at a time.

This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine!” As my nervous shaky hands grasped the mic. I belted my first solo to the best of my five-year-old ability. As the congregation applauded, I knew I’d found my calling. I’ve trusted God my whole life. After I was diagnosed with ADHD, I asked my mom “will God allow this condition to compromise my performance?” When I struggled academically in middle school, I thought the answer was yes. But over time, I replaced self-doubt with determination. After finding the right resources, connecting with teachers who helped me with the journey, and a lot of self-discipline, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA the last two semesters of high school. Performing became my canvas — enabling me to express myself in ways I couldn't otherwise. Their faces lit up. Twenty beautiful kids at Nairobi’s Garden of Hope orphanage, despite their circumstances, danced as the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) sang: “Life has brand new meaning…it’s gonna be a brighter day.” The kids' joyful spirits weren't dampened by the rain during our outdoor performance, and they showed their appreciation by giving us bracelets, handwritten notes, and hugs. That day in Kenya, I witnessed the transformative power of performing. I was dealt harsh blows in May 2016, June 2019 and July 2022 with the unexpected losses of my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother. Growing up as an only child with no relationship with my biological father, my family was my rock. I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. I was in a perpetual state of sadness. For the first time, I lacked the energy and passion for performing. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the Michael Jackson tribute musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw, but my DYC family pushed me to persevere. I knew she’d be watching over me, and I wanted to honor her. So, I prayed and realized I could use performance to process my pain. Three months later, DYC competed on America’s Got Talent: All Stars. After experiencing the ecstasy of the Detroit Youth Choir’s “golden buzzer” moment on America’s Got Talent, we were confident we would win. We worked tirelessly to learn new songs and choreography in 1-2 days. We gave it our all, but we didn’t make the top 3. I fought back the tears until I got off stage. I was humiliated and felt like a failure in front of millions watching on national TV and YouTube. It seemed all our preparation and sacrifice -- missing homecoming dances -- was wasted and our dreams were crushed. But later, I realized that the process of striving for the win taught me an invaluable lesson – to be grateful for every moment on stage, no matter the outcome. For me, "all the world's a stage" isn't just a Shakespeare metaphor. Each on-stage moment is an opportunity to let my little light shine. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and create artistic experiences that inspire and comfort others, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my north star. Performing is more than entertaining – it’s about healing myself and others, one performance at a time.

This little light of mine … I’m gonna let it shine!” As my nervous shaky hands grasped the mic. I belted my first solo to the best of my five-year-old ability. As the congregation applauded, I knew I’d found my calling. I’ve trusted God my whole life. After I was diagnosed with ADHD, I asked my mom “will God allow this condition to compromise my performance?” When I struggled academically in middle school, I thought the answer was yes. But over time, I replaced self-doubt with determination. After finding the right resources, connecting with teachers who helped me with the journey, and a lot of self-discipline, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA the last two semesters of high school. Performing became my canvas — enabling me to express myself in ways I couldn't otherwise. Their faces lit up. Twenty beautiful kids at Nairobi’s Garden of Hope orphanage, despite their circumstances, danced as the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) sang: “Life has brand new meaning…it’s gonna be a brighter day.” The kids' joyful spirits weren't dampened by the rain during our outdoor performance, and they showed their appreciation by giving us bracelets, handwritten notes, and hugs. That day in Kenya, I witnessed the transformative power of performing. I was dealt harsh blows in May 2016, June 2019 and July 2022 with the unexpected losses of my grandfather, my beloved aunt, and my grandmother. Growing up as an only child with no relationship with my biological father, my family was my rock. I couldn't imagine navigating life without them. I was in a perpetual state of sadness. For the first time, I lacked the energy and passion for performing. My grandma lost her battle with cancer just days before the start of the Michael Jackson tribute musical that I’d worked on for months. I wanted to withdraw, but my DYC family pushed me to persevere. I knew she’d be watching over me, and I wanted to honor her. So, I prayed and realized I could use performance to process my pain. Three months later, DYC competed on America’s Got Talent: All Stars. After experiencing the ecstasy of the Detroit Youth Choir’s “golden buzzer” moment on America’s Got Talent, we were confident we would win. We worked tirelessly to learn new songs and choreography in 1-2 days. We gave it our all, but we didn’t make the top 3. I fought back the tears until I got off stage. I was humiliated and felt like a failure in front of millions watching on national TV and YouTube. It seemed all our preparation and sacrifice -- missing homecoming dances -- was wasted and our dreams were crushed. But later, I realized that the process of striving for the win taught me an invaluable lesson – to be grateful for every moment on stage, no matter the outcome. For me, "all the world's a stage" isn't just a Shakespeare metaphor. Each on-stage moment is an opportunity to let my little light shine. As I pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and create artistic experiences that inspire and comfort others, the transformative power of performance will continue to be my north star. Performing is more than entertaining – it’s about healing myself and others, one performance at a time.

A challenge that I think would be fun for "Love Island" is called “Couple’s Chaos”. The objective of this challenge is to test the contestants’ communication, trust, and strength in each relationship. How the game would work is to divide the Islanders into pairs of two. Each pair will participate in a series of tasks, but with a twist: they will be wearing headphones and can’t hear one another. One partner would receive instructions for a task through an earpiece, while the other partner must rely on nonverbal communication cues to understand what to do. Some of the tasks include maybe assembling a puzzle, cooking a meal for their significant other, and completing an obstacle course. The twist throughout the game would be that periodically a “chaos” alert will sound, and the headphones will switch to a distracting audio clip. The couples must adapt, communicate effectively through body language, and overcome distractions to complete each task. The winning couple would earn a romantic dinner date and the runner-up couple would earn a relaxing and soothing spa day. The losing couple would be at risk being dumped from the Island. In conclusion, the challenge would push the contestants to rely on non-verbal communication, trust, and teamwork, making it an exciting and revealing test for each relationship. I really enjoy the show. I often imagine what it would be like to be a contestant. As a performer, I aim not only to entertain but to inspire others to find their own voice and passion. I would be very appreciative of this scholarship.

Music and theatre are more than a hobby or interest; they are my passion. While music has the power to transport us to new worlds, for me, it provides an outlet to tap into my creativity and my inner self, to convey emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a way that hopefully resonates with audiences, if only for a moment. Music has always been an integral part of my life – even from the womb. My first musical influence is my Mom. While I was in the baby seat next to her at choir rehearsal, I watched, listened and learned. Growing up as an only child with a working single mother, music and theatre were my companion. I’ve watched musicals almost daily since age 10. While struggling with a learning disability and diagnosed as ADHD inattentive, music helped me with self-expression, boosted my confidence and self-belief. Since then, I've been fortunate enough to share the joy of music and performance with others through various avenues. Having been a member of the Detroit Youth Choir – my extended family -- for 4+ years, I've been blessed to represent Detroit and perform on major stages – America’s Got Talent (twice), Carnegie Hall, Tribeca Film Festival, D23 Expo and internationally in Nairobi, Kenya. I’m fortunate to have been featured in the 6-part documentary series entitled “Choir” on Disney+. I expanded my acting chops through the choir's summer productions -- "The Michael Jackson Experience", "Once Upon This Island", "Black on Broadway" and "Four Little Girls." Whether on a big stage or small venue, nothing brings me greater joy then helping uplift someone through my performance. At church, music plays a pivotal role in the worship experience. There, I've been blessed to share my gifts through singing and theatrical expression. I've witnessed firsthand how music can comfort, heal, transcend boundaries, bring people together, and inspire positive change. No matter how small or large the role is, I try to bring 100 percent effort. In school, I've had the opportunity to inspire, entertain and educate audiences through my performances in stage plays. At North Farmington High School in Farmington Hills, Michigan where I am now a senior, I played the role of “Scarecrow” in the presentation of The Wizard of Oz. I’ve also played different roles including ensemble in various productions. With each performance opportunity, I discover new aspects of myself. These experiences have honed my skills and fostered a sense of camaraderie among my peers. Through the Detroit Youth Choir, church, school and beyond, I'm able to regularly live out my passion, to connect with and uplift others. I am so excited to continue exploring the world of music and theatre in my university studies and pushing myself to new heights. My goal is to continue inspiring people on Broadway through the magical power of music and theatre.

Music is more than a hobby or interest; it is my passion. While music has the power to transport us to new worlds, for me, it provides an outlet to tap into my creativity and my inner self, to convey emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a way that hopefully resonates with audiences, if only for a moment. Music has always been an integral part of my life – even from the womb. My first musical influence is my Mom. While I was in the baby seat next to her at choir rehearsal, I watched, listened and learned. Growing up as an only child with a working single mother, music and music were my companion. I’ve watched musicals almost daily since age 10. While struggling with a learning disability and diagnosed as ADHD inattentive, music helped with self-expression, boosted my confidence and self-belief. Since then, I've been fortunate enough to share the joy of music and performance with others through various avenues. Having been a member of the Detroit Youth Choir – my extended family -- for 4+ years, I've been blessed to represent Detroit and perform on major stages – America’s Got Talent: All Stars, Carnegie Hall, Tribeca Film Festival, D23 Expo and internationally in Nairobi, Kenya. I’m fortunate to have been featured in the 6-part documentary series entitled “Choir” on Disney+. Whether on a big stage or small venue, nothing brings me greater joy then helping uplift someone through my performance. At church, music plays a pivotal role in the worship experience. There, I've been blessed to share my gifts through singing and theatrical expression. I've witnessed firsthand how music can comfort, heal, transcend boundaries, bring people together, and inspire positive change. No matter how small or large the role is, I try to bring 100 percent effort. In school, I've had the opportunity to inspire, entertain and educate audiences through my performances in stage plays. At North Farmington High School in Farmington Hills, Michigan where I am now a senior, I played the role of “Scarecrow” in the presentation of The Wizard of Oz. I’ve also played different roles including ensemble in various productions. With each performance opportunity, I discover new aspects of myself. These experiences have honed my skills and fostered a sense of camaraderie among my peers. Through the Detroit Youth Choir, church, school and beyond, I'm able to regularly live out my passion, to connect with and uplift others. I am so excited to continue exploring the world of music in my university studies and pushing myself to new heights. My goal is to continue inspiring people on Broadway through the magical power of music.

Music is more than a hobby or interest; it is my passion. While music has the power to transport us to new worlds, for me, it provides an outlet to tap into my creativity and my inner self, to convey emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a way that hopefully resonates with audiences, if only for a moment. Music has always been an integral part of my life – even from the womb. My first musical influence is my Mom. While I was in the baby seat next to her at choir rehearsal, I watched, listened and learned. Growing up as an only child with a working single mother, music and music were my companion. I’ve watched musicals almost daily since age 10. While struggling with a learning disability and diagnosed as ADHD inattentive, music helped with self-expression, boosted my confidence and self-belief. Since then, I've been fortunate enough to share the joy of music and performance with others through various avenues. Having been a member of the Detroit Youth Choir – my extended family -- for 4+ years, I've been blessed to represent Detroit and perform on major stages – America’s Got Talent: All Stars, Carnegie Hall, Tribeca Film Festival, D23 Expo and internationally in Nairobi, Kenya. I’m fortunate to have been featured in the 6-part documentary series entitled “Choir” on Disney+. Whether on a big stage or small venue, nothing brings me greater joy then helping uplift someone through my performance. At church, music plays a pivotal role in the worship experience. There, I've been blessed to share my gifts through singing and theatrical expression. I've witnessed firsthand how music can comfort, heal, transcend boundaries, bring people together, and inspire positive change. No matter how small or large the role is, I try to bring 100 percent effort. In school, I've had the opportunity to inspire, entertain and educate audiences through my performances in stage plays. At North Farmington High School in Farmington Hills, Michigan where I am now a senior, I played the role of “Scarecrow” in the presentation of The Wizard of Oz. I’ve also played different roles including ensemble in various productions. With each performance opportunity, I discover new aspects of myself. These experiences have honed my skills and fostered a sense of camaraderie among my peers. Through the Detroit Youth Choir, church, school and beyond, I'm able to regularly live out my passion, to connect with and uplift others. I am so excited to continue exploring the world of music in my university studies and pushing myself to new heights. My goal is to continue inspiring people on Broadway through the magical power of music.

Theater is more than a hobby or interest; it is my passion. While theater has the power to transport us to new worlds, for me, it provides an outlet to tap into my creativity and my inner self, to convey emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a way that hopefully resonates with audiences, if only for a moment Music has always been an integral part of my life – even from the womb. My first musical influence is my Mom. While I was in the baby seat next to her at choir rehearsal, I watched, listened and learned. Growing up as an only child with a working single mother, music and theater were my companion. I’ve watched musicals almost daily since age 10. While struggling with a learning disability and diagnosed as ADHD inattentive, music and theater helped with self-expression, boosted my confidence and self-belief. Since then, I've been fortunate enough to share the joy of theater and performance with others through various avenues. Having been a member of the Detroit Youth Choir – my extended family -- for 4+ years, I've been blessed to represent Detroit and perform on major stages – America’s Got Talent: All Stars, Carnegie Hall, Tribeca Film Festival, D23 Expo and internationally in Nairobi, Kenya. I’m fortunate to have been featured in the 6-part documentary series entitled “Choir” on Disney+. Whether on a big stage or small venue, nothing brings me greater joy then helping uplift someone through my performance. At church, music plays a pivotal role in the worship experience. There, I've been blessed to share my gifts through theatrical expression and singing. I've witnessed firsthand how music and performance can comfort, heal, transcend boundaries, bring people together, and inspire positive change. No matter how small or large the role is, I try to bring 100 percent effort. In school, I've had the opportunity to inspire, entertain and educate audiences through my performances in stage plays. At North Farmington High School in Farmington Hills, Michigan where I am now a senior, I played the role of “Scarecrow” in the presentation of The Wizard of Oz. I’ve also played different roles including ensemble in various productions. With each performance opportunity, I discover new aspects of myself. These experiences have honed my skills and fostered a sense of camaraderie among my peers. Through the Detroit Youth Choir, church, school and beyond, I'm able to regularly live out my passion, to connect with and uplift others. I am so excited to continue exploring the world of theater in my university studies and pushing myself to new heights. My goal is to continue inspiring people on Broadway through the magical power of theater.

If I had to form a squad with three characters from Stranger Things to defeat a creature, I would pick Eleven, Dustin, and Lucas. First, I would pick Eleven because her superhuman strength and cool psychokinetic abilities would be helpful in any situation, she is fierce, loyal, and protective of her friends. She also has a unique perspective, allowing her to approach problems uniquely. With her, we would defeat the scary monster in no time in the squad. Then, I would pick Dustin because he is very smart when it comes to science, which could help us find new ways to defeat a terrifying creature. He is also very funny, which would help us keep our spirits up, even in our most tense moments. He is very kind and empathetic, which would allow him to connect with the squad. He is also great at thinking and finding innovative solutions to problems. While Dustin may not have superhuman abilities like Eleven, he would still be a valuable addition to the squad. Lastly, I would pick Lucas because of his logical thinking and bravery, which would make him a great leader in the squad. He also is an expert in using a slingshot, which one would need to defeat a terrifying monster. Lucas is also very open-minded to new ideas and suggestions, which we will need. Also, he would help to keep the group focused on what would be right or wrong in a situation. Lastly, he would balance out the group because of his logical approach. Overall, Lucas’s thinking, bravery, leadership skills, and loyalty would make a great addition to the squad. In conclusion, together as a squad, we would have a perfect balance of smarts, bravery, and heart, making us a team that can’t be beaten!

The lyric " And I can't say I'm a perfect ten But I am the girl I've always been " from Olivia Rodrigo's song "Girl I’ve Always Been" on her album "GUTS" resonates deeply with my teenage experience. Growing up as an only child with a working single mom, I often find myself grappling with the need to seek company, conversation and validation from others and cultivating self-acceptance. Especially during and post pandemic, it's easy to get caught up in the need for external validation. I've often found/find comfort in Instagram and TikTok communities, measuring my self-worth by the number of likes and comments I receive. Black Girls especially have been challenged over time to find external images of beauty that reflect who we see in the mirror. This situation can and has led to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty about myself at times. The lyric "I'm learning to be okay with being alone" really speaks to me. It recognizes how hard it can be to break from the need for external validation, but it also encourages me to use my alone time as a way to further discover myself. For me, this lyric is a powerful reminder that my worth and identity extend far beyond my relationships and social status. My participation in Pretty Brown Girls -- a group that empowers Black and Brown girls while encouraging self-acceptance by cultivating social, emotional and intellectual well-being – has helped me tremendously. Many of my most memorable moments have occurred when I’m with others – performing as a member of the Detroit Youth Choir at America’s Got Talent: All Stars, Carnegie Hall, Tribeca Film Festival, D23 Expo, in Nairobi, Kenya, appearing in the 6-part documentary series entitled “Choir” on Disney+, playing the role of “Scarecrow” in our school’s presentation of The Wizard of Oz, sharing my gifts of singing and theatrical expression at church and spending time with friends. I also realize that some of the most transformative moments have occurred when I've been alone – when I journal, when I pray and talk to God. In these moments, I've been able to tune into my thoughts, emotions, and desires, gaining a deeper understanding of myself and my purpose. Olivia Rodrigo's lyric encourages me to embrace the beauty of solitude and prioritize self-acceptance. It reminds me that being alone doesn't equate to being lonely or unworthy, but rather, it's an opportunity to develop a more compassionate, bold and resilient relationship with myself.

Music has always been an integral part of my life – even from the womb. My first musical influence is my Mom. She sang in the church choir and in her gospel group “Testimony.” While I was in the baby seat next to her at rehearsals, I watched, listened and learned. Growing up as an only child in a working single parent household, I spent a lot of time with my favorite companion – music. Instead of playing video games, I watched musicals every day after school. Music provided the backdrop for happy times – parties, hanging out with friends. It also provided a backdrop for sad times – when I broke up with my boyfriend, and when my grandma and auntie passed away. I am a firm believer and witness of how “Music soothes the soul.” I've been fortunate enough to share the joy of music with others through various avenues. From the Detroit Youth Choir to my church, school and beyond, I've had the opportunity to spread harmony and inspiration to a wider community. Having been a member of the Detroit Youth Choir for 4+ years, I've been part of a unique group of performers – my extended family -- using our gifts to uplift and empower others. We've been blessed to represent Detroit and perform on major stages – America’s Got Talent: All Stars, Carnegie Hall, Tribeca Film Festival, D23 Expo and internationally in Nairobi, Kenya. I’m fortunate to have been featured in the 6-part documentary series entitled “Choir” on Disney+. Whether on a big stage or small venue, nothing brings me greater joy then helping someone feel better through my performance. At church, music plays a pivotal role in the worship experience, providing inspiration and hope and has been a driving force behind civil rights and social movements. I've been blessed to share my gifts through singing and theatrical expression. I've witnessed firsthand how music can comfort, heal, and unite. I've seen how music can transcend boundaries, bring people together, and inspire positive change. In school, I've had the opportunity to inspire, entertain and educate audiences through my performances with my school choir and stage plays. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among my peers. Through our performances, we've not only entertained but also inspired others to find their own voice and passion. My opportunities to share music with others have been incredibly rewarding. Through the Detroit Youth Choir, church, school and beyond, I've witnessed the power of music to uplift, inspire, and connect people. I'm grateful for these opportunities and look forward to continuing to spread harmony, uplift and inspire people on Broadway through the universal language of music. Here's my performance of "Shadowland" from The Lion King: https://youtu.be/fBtp39Y8594

My Mom, Chandra Lewis, has been the biggest advocate and support for my educational, womanhood and spiritual development. Growing up with a single mother has been a defining aspect of my life, shaping me into the person I am today. It has taught me so many valuable lessons, instilled in me a strong work ethic, and fostered a deep appreciation for the incredible sacrifice of a single parent. I never knew my dad. He abandoned my Mom soon after I was born. My Mom worked hard to keep a roof over our heads, food on our table, put me in a good school and support my hobbies, and afford me a great childhood. She had to lean on her friends, church members and others to keep me when she had to work. Despite these hurdles, my mother's unwavering commitment to providing a stable and loving environment never wavered. I will be eternally grateful for all she’s done. My mother's ability to make ends meet and figure out a way forward has inspired me to be creative and find solutions to problems. She was adamant about teaching me to fend for myself. When I was having trouble learning in school, she booked appointments, screenings and did everything possible to get me diagnosed (ADHD inattentive) and get me the help I needed. With my Mom's help, I've been able to overcome my learning disabilities and I've found my voice. I've been fortunate enough to share the joy of music with others through various avenues. From the Detroit Youth Choir to my church, school and beyond, I've had the opportunity to spread harmony and inspiration to a wider community. Having been a member of the Detroit Youth Choir for 4+ years, I've been part of a unique group of performers – my extended family -- using our gifts to uplift and empower others. We've been blessed to represent Detroit and perform on major stages – America’s Got Talent: All Stars, Carnegie Hall, Tribeca Film Festival, D23 Expo and internationally in Nairobi, Kenya. I’m fortunate to have been featured in the 6-part documentary series entitled “Choir” on Disney+. Whether on a big stage or small venue, nothing brings me greater joy then helping someone feel better through my performance. In school, I've had the opportunity to inspire, entertain and educate audiences through my performances with my school choir and stage plays. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among my peers. Through our performances, we've entertained but also inspired others to find their own voice and passion. My opportunities to share music with others have been incredibly rewarding. Through the Detroit Youth Choir, church, school and beyond, I've witnessed the power of music to uplift, inspire, and connect people. I'm grateful for these opportunities and look forward to continuing to spread harmony, uplift and inspire people on Broadway through the universal language of music.

Music has always been an integral part of my life – even from the womb. My first musical influence is my Mom. She sang in the church choir and in her gospel group “Testimony.” While I was in the baby seat next to her at rehearsals, I watched, listened and learned. Growing up as an only child in a working single parent household, I spent a lot of time with my favorite companion – music. Instead of playing video games, I watched musicals every day after school. Music provided the backdrop for happy times – parties, hanging out with friends. It also provided a backdrop for sad times – when I broke up with my boyfriend, and when my grandma and auntie passed away. I am a firm believer and witness of how “Music soothes the soul.” I've been fortunate enough to share the joy of music with others through various avenues. From the Detroit Youth Choir to my church, school and beyond, I've had the opportunity to spread harmony and inspiration to a wider community. Having been a member of the Detroit Youth Choir for 4+ years, I've been part of a unique group of performers – my extended family -- using our gifts to uplift and empower others. We've been blessed to represent Detroit and perform on major stages – America’s Got Talent: All Stars, Carnegie Hall, Tribeca Film Festival, D23 Expo and internationally in Nairobi, Kenya. I’m fortunate to have been featured in the 6-part documentary series entitled “Choir” on Disney+. Whether on a big stage or small venue, nothing brings me greater joy then helping someone feel better through my performance. At church, music plays a pivotal role in the worship experience, providing inspiration and hope and has been a driving force behind civil rights and social movements. I've been blessed to share my gifts through singing and theatrical expression. I've witnessed firsthand how music can comfort, heal, and unite. I've seen how music can transcend boundaries, bring people together, and inspire positive change. In school, I've had the opportunity to inspire, entertain and educate audiences through my performances with my school choir and stage plays. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among my peers. Through our performances, we've not only entertained but also inspired others to find their own voice and passion. My opportunities to share music with others have been incredibly rewarding. Through the Detroit Youth Choir, church, school and beyond, I've witnessed the power of music to uplift, inspire, and connect people. I'm grateful for these opportunities and look forward to continuing to spread harmony, uplift and inspire people on Broadway through the universal language of music.

Spreading Harmony: How Sharing Music with Others Uplifts Community Music has always been an integral part of my life – even from the womb. My first musical influence is my Mom. She sang in the church choir and in her gospel group “Testimony.” While I was in the baby seat next to her at rehearsals, I watched, listened and learned. Growing up as an only child in a working single parent household, I spent a lot of time with my favorite companion – music. Instead of playing video games, I watched musicals every day after school. Music provided the backdrop for happy times and for difficult times – not knowing my father, when I was diagnosed as ADHD inattentive due to learning difficulties, when I broke up with my boyfriend, and when my granddad, auntie and grandma passed away. I am a firm believer and witness of how “Music soothes the soul.” I've been fortunate enough to share the joy of music with others through various avenues. From the Detroit Youth Choir to my church, school and beyond, I've had the opportunity to spread harmony and inspiration to a wider community. Having been a member of the Detroit Youth Choir for 4+ years, I've been part of a unique group of performers – my extended family -- using our gifts to uplift and empower others. We've been blessed to represent Detroit and perform on major stages – America’s Got Talent: All Stars, Carnegie Hall, Tribeca Film Festival, D23 Expo and internationally in Nairobi, Kenya. I’m fortunate to have been featured in the 6-part documentary series entitled “Choir” on Disney+. Whether on a big stage or small venue, nothing brings me greater joy then helping someone feel better through my performance. At church, music plays a pivotal role in the worship experience, providing inspiration and hope and has been a driving force behind civil rights and social movements. I've been blessed to share my gifts through singing and theatrical expression. I've witnessed firsthand how music can comfort, heal, and unite. I've seen how music can transcend boundaries, bring people together, and inspire positive change. In school, I've had the opportunity to inspire, entertain and educate audiences through my performances with my school choir and stage plays. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among my peers. Through our performances, we've not only entertained but also inspired others to find their own voice and passion. My opportunities to share music with others have been incredibly rewarding. Through the Detroit Youth Choir, church, school and beyond, I've witnessed the power of music to uplift, inspire, and connect people. I'm grateful for these opportunities and look forward to continuing to spread harmony to more audiences through the universal language of music.

Billie Eilish is a superb singer and an inspiration to me and so many others. Her unique sound and lyrics are a mirror of my feelings. 3 songs that stand out to me as particularly impactful: "What Was I Made For," "Everything I Wanted," and "Happier Than Ever." These songs resonate with me deeply, and here's why: 1. "What Was I Made For" This ballad showcases Billie's emotional delivery, and conveys my search for purpose, identity and meaning. Her soaring vocals convey the intensity of these emotions, making the song feel deeply personal and relatable. 2. "Everything I Wanted" This song's dark and unsettling, Billie's whispery vocals explore my own thoughts around mental health, feeling disconnected and the struggle to find my identity. Billie's honest portrayal of her own struggles helps validate my own experiences with self-doubt. 3. "Happier Than Ever" This song is upbeat and catchy but then transition to a dark atmosphere. Billie's vocal delivery is captivating and explores toxic relationships and the freedom that comes with escape. The song's themes of empowerment and moving on really resonate with me, serving as a reminder that happiness can be found in independence and self-love. Billie’s songs have a way of making me feel seen, heard, and understood. Her music helped me navigate life's difficulties -- growing up as an only child with a working single mom, growing up without knowing my father, navigating my ADHD inattentive disorder, bad breakups and more. I am a loyal fan, and these songs plus others will forever hold a special place in my heart.