Music has been a part of my life ever since I can remember. I’ve been playing the violin since I was seven years old. It hasn’t always been easy, but violin performance will always be a part of me. I still remember the first sounds I produced–scratchy, loud, and far from the beautiful melodies I wished to play. I had no idea what I was doing. It didn’t help that my first violin was not a very good one. My dad, as supportive as he was, was a respiratory therapist, barbecue chef, and baseball enthusiast that didn’t know the first thing about buying an instrument. The thick varnish on it made it look more like a toy than a playable instrument. Despite this, I was proud to have my own violin. It was the violin I learned all of my foundational technique on, my first songs, and had for my very first concert. Before I was in my first concert I had one lesson. My teacher went over the basics and all the things I should and shouldn’t do to keep my instrument safe. I didn’t play a single note at that concert. All that was planned for me to do was hold my violin on my shoulder. I was terrified to drop it, but I didn’t. I made it through, and everyone cheered. I returned to my seat relieved. Another memory from the first few years of lessons was when my teacher signed all of her students up for a music competition. I picked two pieces to play for the judges, one I was very familiar with, and another that I would have to learn in the weeks ahead. I never practiced the latter piece. This made my teacher rightfully frustrated. The day before the competition, she made me come to her house and learn the whole thing. I was only awarded with a participation trophy for this particular event, but I was definitely taught a lesson. Every note of that music will be in my memory for the rest of my life. I have come a long way since I began taking private lessons. I have given countless performances, made musical arrangements, attended various music camps across the country, and even taught students of my own. I have learned so much through music. I am taking a chance on majoring in violin performance. Like going to college for anything, pursuing a music degree is far from easy. Music courses are rigorous and require a student’s full dedication. Not to mention being a part of ensembles and practicing solo repertoire. I am not one that is going to let the thought of hard work stop me. I am determined to learn as much as I can about music and one day hold a position in a professional orchestra. That is my biggest dream. I know I am passionate and driven enough to make it happen. I would also love to one day have my own music studio to potentially give other young musicians the same wonderful opportunities I have been so blessed to experience. I would use this scholarship to lessen the burden of the cost of college, and to help me obtain a music degree to continue the journey of achieving my big goals. Playing music throughout my childhood has taught me so many lessons that will be valuable as I continue college and begin my career. Performing, teaching and just being in the music space brings me such joy. I truly believe that I am meant to be a musician. I cannot see myself doing anything else.

Music has been a big part of my life ever since I can remember. When I was little, my parents had countless CDs they would play for me. All of my favorites I knew by heart. When I was seven, I asked my dad if I could have a violin, and he did not disappoint. When I woke up the following Christmas morning, under the tree sat a quarter-sized violin, just the right size for my small arms and hands. My family promptly signed me up for violin lessons with a woman who had a small music studio in her basement, and the rest is history. One of my most profound memories from when I first became a violin student was when my instructor signed up all of her students for a children’s music competition. I picked two pieces to play for the judges, one I was very familiar with and already loved playing, and another that I would have to learn in the weeks ahead of the competition. I never practiced the latter piece. This made my teacher rightfully extremely frustrated. The day before the competition, she made me come to her house and learn the whole thing. I was only awarded with a participation trophy for this particular event, but I was definitely taught a lesson. Every note of that music will be in my memory for the rest of my life. Since then I have come such a long way with my musical journey, and have absolutely fallen in love with the world of music-making. I have played in various ensembles, given countless performances, taught students of my own, and even had the privilege of playing in a youth orchestra at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Walking on stage was nothing short of breathtaking. I also got to experience first-hand how music can bring people together. Some of the musicians were from other countries and didn’t even speak English, but we all understood the music and were able to put on an incredible performance in one of the greatest concert halls in the world. That was an amazing experience that completely solidified that music is something I am meant to pursue. I will never forget that for as long as I live. Playing the violin has taught me so much about myself and the world. I’ve learned so many valuable skills from playing music that I definitely wouldn’t have if it weren’t for the countless hours spent in the practice room. For example, learning music has taught me how important it is to never give up. Things are difficult at times, but I know if I just keep showing up, eventually I can overcome them and be so much better than before. I’ve also learned that great things take time. If it’s worth anything, it’s worth the work, and just like any new skill or production, learning music is not always easy and takes a lot of time and effort, but the feeling of going on stage to perform makes it all worth it. I plan to never stop making music. I always want it to be a central part of my life. That’s why in the fall I will be majoring in music at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. It’s the next big step to becoming a professional violinist and being able to hold a position in a professional orchestra. I truly believe that is something I am meant to do. Being in the music space brings me such joy, that I cannot see myself pursuing anything else.

Music has been a part of my life ever since I can remember. I’ve been playing the violin since I was seven years old. It has been a rocky road at times, but over the years I have become deeply passionate about music and have truly fallen in love with classical music and violin performance. As would be expected, I have done so much with music since I began taking private lessons. I have played in various ensembles, given countless performances, made musical arrangements, attended various music camps around the country, and even taught students of my own. I’ve also started teaching myself the cello and recently begun taking piano lessons. I have learned so much through music. Some of my most notable experiences though have only happened in the last year. In February 2023 I was chosen to be in a youth string orchestra to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Walking on stage was nothing short of breathtaking. I got to experience first-hand how music can bring people together. Some of the musicians were from other countries and didn’t even speak English, but we all understood music and were able to put on an incredible final performance in one of the greatest concert halls in the world. That was an amazing experience that completely solidified that music is something I am meant to pursue. I will never forget that for as long as I live. In September 2023 I auditioned through the same program to play at the Royal Festival Hall in London, England, and in October I received a letter congratulating me on my acceptance. I never thought I would get to be a part of either of these programs, but I took the chance and, to my surprise, made it. I am also taking a chance on majoring in violin performance. I honestly haven’t been able to play as much repertoire as other musicians looking to pursue the same degree, but I am not going to let that stop me. I am determined to learn as much as I can about music and one day hold a position in a professional orchestra. That is my biggest dream. I know I am passionate and driven enough to make it happen. I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to obtain a music degree as it is a wonderful place to get me started on my journey. Playing music throughout my childhood has taught me so many lessons that will be valuable as I enter college and begin my career. Performing, teaching and just being in the music space brings me such joy. I cannot see myself doing anything else.

I have loved creative arts ever since I can remember. I remember having so many sets of children’s art supplies when I was little. When I learned to write, I never stopped making up stories. My main passion though, has always been music. Particularly violins. My family often tells me stories from when I was a baby about how the only thing that would calm me down was hearing classical music. So, it just seemed natural that I would want a violin of my very own, and that’s exactly what happened. When I was seven years old my dad bought me my first violin and I began taking lessons. My whole family supported me by attending all my performances and helping me practice. Nobody loved me through all of it though, as much as my dad. When I first started learning to play he worked a night shift, and when I came home from school to practice, he would be resting. No matter how bad my noise was, he wouldn’t complain. I can still see his smiling face sitting in the audience of my concerts. I was his world until he passed away from a massive heart attack. Then, my life drastically changed. There was so much stress on my family. We eventually got through it, but that remains one of the most difficult parts of my life. Through the years there have been many questions in my mind regarding his loss like, “Why was he taken from my family?” “What would life be like if he was still alive?” “Would my father be proud of me?” While these are things that will always be in the back of my mind, I haven't let these thoughts consume me, and have been able to accomplish so much in my life already. As a violinist, I have done performances across the United States, solo, and with different groups. I’ve even had the opportunity to give private lessons and share my passion for music with people of all ages in that way. I have also completed multiple projects in art, science, writing, and video production. None of this would have continued to be possible without my incredible grandmother. She has taken me to every violin lesson and supported me in every creative endeavor I take on. I plan to do many different things throughout my career. My main dream is to become a professional violinist, perform in an orchestra, and show others the impact that playing and understanding music can have. I would love to create fun videos and pieces of art that make someone’s day better. I also feel that something I’m supposed to do in my life is ministry. Going on mission trips to help people and show them love–doing God’s work–would be one of the most rewarding experiences. At some point, I plan to write a book. I want to use all of the experiences I’ve been through to help and inspire others that have felt similar things. I truly want to use all of my creative gifts and passions to be a light in this dark world and make life, at least, a little better for others

My dad was a good, family man, always cracking jokes, barbecuing on the weekends, and visiting his family. He worked to provide for me and my mom, took us to church, and spent time with us every chance he got. We were his world. Everything seemed more or less perfect. Until one day when I was out shopping with my grandmother and cousin, and we got a call that something was wrong. My dad had passed out mowing our grass and wasn’t breathing. We raced to the hospital where he was being taken, and after some of the most agonizing hours, we got the news that would change my life forever. My father passed away when I was nine years old. A massive heart attack took his life. He was gone. Confused, stressed, and grief-stricken, my mom made the decision for us to move in with my grandmother for a while for some extra support and guidance. My mom took my dad’s death the hardest out of anyone. She was so depressed for so long. Seeing her reaction was almost just as bad as losing him. I just wanted her to get better. After a hard journey of counseling and recovering from addiction, she eventually met my now stepdad. Having someone to talk to and care about her eased her pain a little bit. They got married and moved in together. I, however, wanted to stay with my grandmother; everyone agreed and that’s where I still live to this day. Throughout everything that has happened in my life, my grandma has been the one who has supported me the most. Since the day I was born, we have had a strong bond. She has always been there for me. She’s a teacher, so she always stresses the importance of having a good education. She pushes me to do my very best academically. There have been quite a few nights that she’s stayed up late to help me study. She has also never failed to support me in my various creative passions: music, art, writing, video production etc. She takes me to my music lessons and attends all of my concerts. She always gives me everything I need to succeed and cheers me on in everything I do. One of the best things is our conversations in the car. When we’re on a long drive, oftentimes she tells me stories about her life and gives me advice on problems I might face. She always listens to my thoughts as well, in a way that I always feel loved and cared for. Some of the most important pieces of advice she has told me is to enjoy this life I was given and always try to be happy; always follow God’s plan, because he has big things in store for me; and, a direct quote, “Anything that’s worth anything isn’t easy.” These things guide me to work to achieve my dreams, and let me know that while some things I face will be difficult, in the end, all my hard work will be worth it. My grandma has taught me many life lessons and given me many memories that I will cherish forever. Through watching her I’ve learned the importance of family, and of being a kind, dependable, driven person. She has equipped me with everything I need to succeed in life. My grandma will always be the person I’m closest to, and my biggest supporter.

My dream version of my future self is a committed, accomplished, lively, resilient woman who has earned a college degree, shares her talents and creativity with the world to help others through their hardships, remains financially stable pursuing her passions, and has created an environment for herself in which she can thrive.