What I love most about performing is being able to have an impact on other people. Getting to express how I think and feel through dance is a privilege that I'm endlessly grateful for. Not only am I making an impact on other people but also Dance is something that helps me regulate myself. The way the music moves me and the passion I feel when I dance is transformative, healing even. I get to speak my mind without saying a word. I spent my young life feeling out of control, and almost immediately through movement, I found the ultimate control. I had a passion for mastering my body. Throughout my formative years, I put all of my physical and mental energy into becoming technically proficient. Now, when I dance I feel superhuman and the part I love most is the space to be human. I’m a person above all, and dance has space for all of me. When I walk into the studio everything that has shaped me comes with me. I get to put down and pick up all of my baggage as needed, and the art I can create is infinite. I plan to go to college as a dance major, where I will work toward earning either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Dance. So far, I have been accepted into several schools with strong dance programs, including the University of California, Irvine; the University of California, Santa Barbara; Pace University; Dean College; New York University; and Mercyhurst University. As I decide where to go, my main goal is to choose a school that will give me a solid education while also helping me grow as a dancer and artist. Dance has always been a huge part of my life, and I am excited to continue developing my artistry, further explore different movement styles, and learning more about the choreographic side of dance. I especially enjoy choreography because it allows me to create unique movement patterns and truly express emotions or ideas in my own movement. I also love teaching and getting to watch the next generation of dancers and artists grow, helping them improve and gain confidence in their own abilities. In the future, I plan on using my degree to continue choreographing, as well as working and dancing in the industry. I love getting to learn and adapt to different styles, as well as meeting new artists and teachers and experiencing their work whether it be me performing or watching their art. One of my favorite roles I have performed is the Snow Queen in Central California Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. This role was especially meaningful to me because I have participated in The Nutcracker every year since I was eight years old, beginning as a baby mouse, so being cast as the Snow Queen felt like a full-circle moment. It was also my final year performing in this production, and the Snow Queen is the most advanced role a student dancer can achieve, which made the experience even more rewarding. In addition, I had the opportunity to partner with a professional guest artist and perform pas de deux work, which challenged me artistically and helped me grow both technically and in my confidence as a performer. In the future I'd love to get to be cast for commercials and movies both acting/dancing and further in the future choreographing as well. I'm also excited at the prospect of moving to New York for college and getting to connect with current broadway dancers and choreographers. My mom initially inspired me to pursue this path because of her love for the arts in general but more specifically her passion for dance education. However more recently in my life I challenged myself to think further into why I want to dance and why I love being an artist as opposed to having a heavy influence or wanting to please. In complete honesty it was hard for me at first to remember why I love dancing, being a competitive dancer who dedicates an abundance of time it's easy to take the art for granted and for dance to seem more like a chore than a passion. After personal reflection I realized that my inspiration to continue dancing and pursuing it as a career comes from two places; my childhood; and for the future of young dancers and artists who have a passion that needs to be nurtured. Remembering myself as a child who wanted so badly to be seen and appreciated, I want nothing more than to make her proud, and getting to witness and be apart of the next generation of young artists feels so special especially knowing the threat that Artificial intelligence poses for the arts community.

Dancing has long been a powerful form of expression, but for me, it is far more than movement or performance. It is an act of worship. Dance allows the body to speak what words sometimes cannot, offering praise, gratitude, and surrender directly to the Lord. Scripture affirms this truth in Psalm 149:3–4: “Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” This verse reminds me that dance is not only permitted in worship, but welcomed by God as a joyful and humble offering. Through dance, I am able to glorify God with my whole being, mind, spirit, and body. Every step, turn, and gesture can become a prayer intentionally directed toward honoring Him. Dancing before the Lord requires humility, because it shifts the focus away from self and toward God’s presence. When I dance for Him, I am reminded that worship is not about perfection or applause, but about obedience, joy, and love. God delights in His people when they praise Him freely, and dance becomes a visible expression of that delight and devotion. Beyond personal worship, I feel called to use dance as a form of outreach within the dance community. Dance spaces are often filled with creativity, discipline, and passion, but they can also be places where people search for identity, validation, and purpose. By living out my faith authentically and using dance as a testimony, I hope to share the love of Christ in a way that feels genuine and welcoming. Rather than relying on words alone, I want my actions, character, and artistry to reflect God’s grace and truth. As I pursue a college education, dance will remain a central part of both my academic and spiritual journey. Receiving this scholarship would greatly assist me in covering tuition, training, and educational expenses, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and calling without the burden of financial stress. With this support, I would be able to continue developing my skills, participating in outreach opportunities, and using my education to better serve others through dance and ministry. My goal is to create opportunities where dance becomes a bridge between faith and community through performances, mentorship, and everyday interactions. When others see joy, humility, and peace expressed through movement, it can open hearts to deeper questions about where that joy comes from. As Psalm 149 declares, the Lord crowns the humble with victory, and I trust that by offering my dance to Him and stewarding this scholarship wisely, He will use my journey for His glory and the spreading of His word.

The arts have been a cornerstone in my life, helping to shape the person I am today and the path I aspire to follow. Growing up, dance was never just a hobby or an extracurricular activity; it was a lifeline, a means of expression, and even a way of making sense of the world around me. From the very moment I stepped into that dance studio, I found a freedom and a purpose that I had not known existed anywhere else. Dance has taught me to listen to my body, interpret feelings, and communicate wordlessly. With every step, I found that I could tell stories, connect with others, and relay emotions that at times proved too complex to put into words. It was then that the reality of a lifelong commitment to my craft was ignited, inspiring me to make dance an essential part of my life. The lessons in discipline and resilience are among the most far-reaching influences of arts education in my life. Dance requires focus, patience, and a readiness to always strive beyond your limitations. Countless hours of practice, sometimes when my body was exhausted, taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I learned that progress comes gradually, mistakes are essential to growth, and every setback is an opportunity for improvement. These lessons have transferred well from the studio to all other aspects of my life, shaping me into a determined, disciplined, and self-aware individual. She has been my dance teacher and has continuously inspired and pushed me to pursue my craft throughout my journey. Believe it or not, it was her belief in me when I did not even believe in myself that gave me the courage to explore new styles, take risks, and really challenge myself in ways I could never have previously imagined. Beyond the value of the technique she taught me, she instilled in me a sense of artistry, passion, and purpose. She told me time and again that dance is not just about performing the steps correctly; rather, it's about expressing genuine emotion, actually connecting with your audience, and using movement as a means to tell a story. She helped inspire in me a desire to pursue this at the highest level and continually reaffirmed for me that this is the path I am meant to follow. I look forward with great enthusiasm to my college education and my major in dance as a vast, enriching opportunity to broaden my knowledge, fine-tune my technique, and fully dedicate myself to the study of movement as an art and a discipline. I hope to learn from a variety of instructors, master new forms of dance, and perform in productions that will challenge me creatively and emotionally. Ultimately, I want to use my education and experiences to inspire others the same way I have been inspired, sharing the transformative power of dance and the lessons it has taught me. Dance has shaped my identity, strengthened my character, and given me a lifelong passion. Arts education provided me with the tools to grow as an artist and as a person, and I am committed to continuing that journey, embracing every opportunity to learn, perform, and share the joy and impact of dance with the world.

My name is Ashlyn Gorden, and I'm a 17-year-old California native who has been deeply passionate about dance for as long as I can remember. Dance has been my constant outlet, my creative expression, and my way of understanding the world. At the age of eight, I entered the foster care system and later became a member of a loving, middle-income family of eight through adoption. My family is highly involved in academics, the arts, and athletics, which has instilled in me a great sense of balance, discipline, and support. I am committed to my dance training, but also to academic studies at my high school. I maintain very good grades while dedicating hours to rehearsals, performances, and competitions. I supplement school with community performances and dance showcases; such opportunities enable me to share this love of movement with others. I have volunteered with younger dancers in local programs to help them with technique and to build confidence. These experiences have taught me the value of mentorship and how art can bring people from all different walks of life together. For me, dance is more than an art form; it's a way life reflects. It takes passion, perseverance, and discipline. It has taught me to work hard, be resilient, and to express myself when words cannot define any situation. Most people go through their whole lives searching for that one thing that provides them with a reason or meaning, but I have always known that this was it for me: dancing. It tests my physical and emotional limits yet constantly reminds me of my strength and growth. Beyond high school, higher education in collegiate dance will be pursued to continue perfecting my technique and exploring new forms of creative expression. I look forward to the opportunity to study with established faculty, collaborate with other artists, and eventually establish a career in professional dance and choreography. My dream is to perform, teach, and inspire others through movement, using my story as proof that perseverance can turn adversity into strength. If I were able to start my own charity, my mission would be to make the arts, particularly dance, accessible to kids and teens in the foster system. I know through personal experience how art can heal, empower, and give purpose to those who otherwise may feel forgotten or uncertain about their future. My organization would provide foster youth and children in need with free dance classes, mentorship programs, and creative workshops that build confidence and community. Volunteers would teach dance, help organize showcases, and serve as mentors, offering emotional support and guidance. I believe every young person deserves the chance to express themselves, feel seen, and discover their potential. Dance gave me that chance, and through my charity, I would hope to give it to others. Every challenge I have faced has prepared me to pursue this dream-to use movement as a way to inspire, heal, and connect with the world around me.

The ordinary world around me really inspires me as an artist because movement is present in all cases if one knows how to look. As a dancer, I feel the rhythm of life within everything, including small moments: the filtering of sunlight through leaves, the tempo of footsteps on the crowded sidewalk, or the silent rise and fall of someone breathing beside you. This particular appreciation reminds me that dance is more than just choreography or performance; it is the reflection of how life flows, changes, and connects us all. People are one of my biggest inspirations. I watch how the emotions play across someone's face or how their posture shifts when they are happy, tired, or deep in thought. Every gesture tells a story, and I love exploring how those subtle movements become expressions through dance. Being able to observe the world helps me to internalize human emotion, and when I enter the studio, I try to capture that raw authenticity in my movement. Even challenges in life contribute to my creativity. The world is a combination of chaos and calm, and this striking contrast inspires me to move. When I face stress or uncertainty, dance becomes an outlet-a way to process my emotions and turn them into something beautiful. The resilience I see in others reminds me why I dance-to express strength through struggle, grace through imperfection, and meaning through motion. Ultimately, the world around me fuels my artistry because it never stops moving. Every sound, every interaction, and every feeling holds rhythm and purpose if you take the time to listen. As a dancer, I strive to mirror that rhythm — to transform the energy of everyday life into movement that speaks, connects, and inspires.

The arts have been a cornerstone in my life, helping to shape the person I am today and the path I aspire to follow. Growing up, dance was never just a hobby or an extracurricular activity; it was a lifeline, a means of expression, and even a way of making sense of the world around me. From the very moment I stepped into that dance studio, I found a freedom and a purpose that I had not known existed anywhere else. Dance has taught me to listen to my body, interpret feelings, and communicate wordlessly. With every step, I found that I could tell stories, connect with others, and relay emotions that at times proved too complex to put into words. It was then that the reality of a lifelong commitment to my craft was ignited, inspiring me to make dance an essential part of my life. The lessons in discipline and resilience are among the most far-reaching influences of arts education in my life. Dance requires focus, patience, and a readiness to always strive beyond your limitations. Countless hours of practice, sometimes when my body was exhausted, taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I learned that progress comes gradually, mistakes are essential to growth, and every setback is an opportunity for improvement. These lessons have transferred well from the studio to all other aspects of my life, shaping me into a determined, disciplined, and self-aware individual. She has been my dance teacher and has continuously inspired and pushed me to pursue my craft throughout my journey. Believe it or not, it was her belief in me when I did not even believe in myself that gave me the courage to explore new styles, take risks, and really challenge myself in ways I could never have previously imagined. Beyond the value of the technique she taught me, she instilled in me a sense of artistry, passion, and purpose. She told me time and again that dance is not just about performing the steps correctly; rather, it's about expressing genuine emotion, actually connecting with your audience, and using movement as a means to tell a story. She helped inspire in me a desire to pursue this at the highest level and continually reaffirmed for me that this is the path I am meant to follow. I look forward with great enthusiasm to my college education and my major in dance as a vast, enriching opportunity to broaden my knowledge, fine-tune my technique, and fully dedicate myself to the study of movement as an art and a discipline. I hope to learn from a variety of instructors, master new forms of dance, and perform in productions that will challenge me creatively and emotionally. Ultimately, I want to use my education and experiences to inspire others the same way I have been inspired, sharing the transformative power of dance and the lessons it has taught me. Dance has shaped my identity, strengthened my character, and given me a lifelong passion. Arts education provided me with the tools to grow as an artist and as a person, and I am committed to continuing that journey, embracing every opportunity to learn, perform, and share the joy and impact of dance with the world.

I have always been drawn to helping others, but the understanding of nursing came when I first started volunteering at a local children's hospital. How nurses comforted scared children, reassured nervous parents, and provided calmness in chaos situations really inspired me to dedicate my life for this work. My goal is to become a pediatric nurse, specializing in the care of children and families during some of their most vulnerable times. Nursing, for me, is more than just a job; it is a calling to serve and advocate, and to bring hope to those who most need it. As a pediatric nurse, I want to make a difference in the lives of my patients on both physical and emotional levels. Children view healthcare through different lenses: they often cannot articulate pain or fears and must depend on the sensitivity and patience of others for comfort. It is my goal to be a constant in comfort and positivity, using empathy and education to empower families. Outside of the hospital environment, I envision furthering my work in community outreach programs that foster preventive care and health education to both children and parents. I would provide workshops on nutrition, hygiene, and mental health with the aim of helping families instill healthy habits that will continue to support their children long after they are out of the clinic. Making a difference in my community encompasses more than the provision of medical care; it reflects trust, understanding, and accessibility. Coming from a community where most families cannot afford to see their children regularly for checkups and other forms of healthcare, I intend to support equal rights and access to healthcare, particularly for underrepresented and low-income families. Every child deserves the same standard of compassionate and quality health care regardless of his or her background. I want to become a pediatric nurse so I can serve not just as a caregiver, but also as a bridge in linking families to everything they need to thrive: resources, knowledge, and support. My commitment to service was modeled well within my family's history, in particular, that of my great-grandfather, who served in the Korean War. He served valiantly and with honor, as was attested to by the Purple Heart he received-a true testament of sacrifice and bravery. However, it would later be stolen, but his spirit was never shaken nor his honor lost. His story and remembrances shaped my understanding of what it means to serve others selflessly. That medal may have been lost, but the greater lesson it taught me is that people serve not for recognition but to make an impact. His legacy continues to live on in my commitment to help others heal, even in the face of hardship. His strength reminds me that nursing, much like military service, demands compassion, perseverance, and courage.

The event in my life that has been the most influential is being adopted into a loving family. It is more than something which has happened to me; it's something that has shaped who I am. My adoption gave me a home but most importantly, it gave me stability, opportunity, and unconditional love. Before being adopted, my world seemed so uncertain and disconnected, but after that, I came to know the actual meaning of belonging, being supported, and being loved without conditions. Before being adopted, I lived in a world where everything was changing. I was too young to understand fully why this was happening-moving from one place to another-but I felt the instability. I learned early to hold my emotions back and not to expect much of anything to last. It wasn't until I met my future parents that I realized how deeply that uncertainty had affected me. They could see past my quiet and hesitation. Rather than attempting to mold me directly into their family, they gave me patience and time. It was through their steady presence that I began to trust again. The day I got adopted was more than just a paper legality; it was the first true step to reconstructing my identity. I remember sitting between my new parents in the courtroom, my small hands wrapped in theirs. I hadn't fully grasped what all was going on, yet I knew something great was going on. As the judge finalized the adoption, my parents looked at me, both of them with tears in their eyes, and I knew for the very first time that I belonged somewhere. It wasn't just about changing my address that day; it changed my entire outlook toward life. Being adopted taught me what love is in action. My parents never stopped showing up for me: at every school event, every doctor's appointment, and every late-night talk when I struggled to find the words. They taught me the value of consistency and forgiveness: how even when I tested boundaries or pushed them away, they remained patient and understanding. Slowly, I learned that love wasn't something I had to earn-it was something freely given. But most importantly, this experience gave me a new perspective on family. To me, family isn't defined by blood; it's defined by commitment, care, and connection. I've experienced the power that comes from people deciding to love and take care of someone not because they have to, but because they want to. My parents decided to adopt me, and by doing so, they showed me how strong compassion is and how one act of love can change another human being's life. Being adopted didn't erase my past but rather gave me the tools to face it head-on. I've learned resilience, empathy, and gratitude. I now understand that life isn't just about where you come from, but where you're going and who stands beside you along the way. My adoption gave me more than a family; it gave me a foundation to grow, to dream, and to believe in myself. The event in my life that has made the most dramatic difference is, without a doubt, being adopted into a loving family. It didn't just change my circumstances; it changed my heart.