When I was a young child growing up in the Windy City of Chicago I felt lost. While other kids had a thought or an inkling of who they wanted to be, I remained a blank slate. I was Alice wandering through the evolving world around me, trying to make sense of the overwhelming scenery. One day, surprisingly, I found my calling, which was Theatre. Ever since, my first musical, and discovery of the world of acting, my purpose was revealed: Storytelling. The reason I am pursuing a career in Acting is not that I'm interested in stardom or seeking fame; that was never my intention. Acting, Storytelling works for me, it's what think about when wake up, and my last thoughts before slumber. The acting was and is the spark that lit up the world around me, the spark that lit a fire under me to care, dream, focus and feel. It is bigger than me, but it is me, and because I have and know that, I'm free. Since starting theatre in the early to mid-2000 I have been in lots of plays and musicals stemming from Summer Camps, to Local Community, and High School. Since graduating, I've been accepted into The New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts where I'll start September. I'm taking a risk by going, but with some support from family, I can say I have no doubt it'll be worth it.

When I was a young child growing up in the Windy City of Chicago, I was a blank slate with unmedicated ADD. Having ADD made it hard to retain much focus when it came to things like school, which was typically an area that most people, chronically diagnosed or not with a "quirky" chemical imbalance would tend to have a hard time in as well. The odd thing was that at the time I didn't realize that it would affect me outside of that arena, and that it would also stunt me when it came to things like mapping out my future, and more importantly, deciding my career and purpose. Now don't get me wrong, I was a child for crying out loud, but what made me different from the other kids my age is that at least they had an idea. Whether "realistic" or "practical" there was always the capacity for wonder, curiosity, and overall free-thinking. These were materials I possessed but never had the functioning executively to do anything with. Any ideas for a successful career sounded like a chore, or just another entertaining thought that was quickly forgotten. It was as if I was throwing darts at a board, but the darts themselves never had enough power or drive to hit the bullseye, and even the board entirely. I got comfortable with waiting and/or taking the backseat, letting those around me pass me by as I simply waved through a window. Yes, slowly but surely I was progressing through the events before me. That was my life: just a revolving door of acts and set pieces, and I was a prop. As I wandered through the limbo of childhood, one summer, I finally was called to action. Unbeknownst to me, someone had been watching me, they saw me, right through me, and pulled me into my purpose, and that purpose was to act. One Summer, my mother and a close relative signed me up for a summer theatre camp on the other side of the city. I was taken one morning and dropped off at a studio where there were other kids of many different backgrounds and demographics there with the same purpose and infectious earnest behavior. At first, I was confused and a bit anxious, but once I fell in line and discovered the magic of the performing arts, I felt emotions that I never felt before, and one of those feelings was assurance. That summer, that production, that feeling held the question of "Why am I so sure that what I'm doing now is something that I'd rather do for all my life?" At that moment, I knew who I was. I wasn't just an actor per se, but a "storyteller." So, here's the part where I answer the question. I felt it necessary to give context, and backstory on how I fell into this world, and why I want to pursue it so passionately. The truth is, since that fated summer I haven't stopped loving this profession. Whether it's camp, community, high school, or a contest, this is the life I choose, the life I love, the life I want. I don't want fame or fortune, that was never my intention. Acting, Storytelling works for me, it's what think about when wake up, and my last thoughts before slumber. Acting was and is the spark that lit up the world around me, the spark that lit a fire under me to care, dream, focus and feel. It is bigger than me, but it is me, and because I have and know that, I'm free.

Having a career in the arts is essential to me because of the simple fact that it is NOT just important to me but my liberation. As a developing adolescent with a slightly flamboyant flair, my family and I didn't have the luxury to do as we pleased or take up certain hobbies and other trades. We were movers, workers, and hustlers who were always on the go, just trying to gain all the knowledge we could to put food on the table to create small magical moments that were just half as good as any other typical family. From Backyard Birthdays, the Occasional but rare vacation out of state, to a simple evening stroll on the gentrified side of town and stopping at a quaint little bookstore, not to purchase the books, but to escape the world we know and into the pages while getting lost in that new book cover smell. We were simpler people then, limited in the spaces we were confined to, yet we made diamonds out of the stones we were given. Fun memories were made, but that's what it only became and remained; a memory. Life went on, and we returned to our demanding day and office jobs and the public school systems that reflected the struggling but hopeful community and lifestyle around us. School in Chicago, for me, was just a continuation of surviving the city itself. By surviving, I mean just getting through and making it to the next grade; after all, I didn't have the time to get caught up in the small things like maintaining friendships that last or going to after-school programs; the atmosphere and location were just too uncertain for all that. With that straightforward mentality, it was easy to stay focused and excel even if you weren't trying to, like a lack of rigor. With school not much of a threat, my parents were proud of me for being able to be on top of it. At the time, all they could ever want from me was to be myself, go to the top, and thrive. The problem was I didn't know how. I didn't know what I wanted and felt I did not have a lot of options at the time. Looking at my parents, I didn't get much of a clue either. My Dad dropped out of High School, married my Mom, and had a job as a server in a restaurant, while my Mom, who had me while in college, went on to work a regular office job. I was like a blank card in a UNO deck, feeling very out of place. I was meant to do something but felt lost; until one day it found me. Theatre. My Mom, unbeknownst to me, signed me up for a community production of Aladdin. During that entire experience, something clicked within me. Suddenly the world made sense, and it slowed down for me to be able to feel free. Things had nuance; there were characters with stories, and there was expression through songs and dance sequences. No part felt small or more prominent than what was showcased; I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself, even if just for a moment. Though it took some time to build up, a career in the arts is vital to me because there is nothing quite like it. Since my first play, nothing has come close to my love for Theatre. I'm all in with no signs of withdrawing, no backup plan, nothing. The art form is my life's true purpose.

Growing up a young black male in the urban setting of the west side of Chicago, Illinois, it felt impossible to want to dream bigger than what my view of the city offered. Don't get me wrong; it was "The Windy City." On paper, or as a tourist, this sounds amazing or at least like something to brag about, but that was only half the story. In reality, Chicago WAS an incredible city, but not to grow up. At its time, and still today, Chicago held the highest crime rate in America, especially regarding "Black on Black" crime. As a child, I would peer into my mother's newspaper, and the headlines would lament the day's tragedies. From reading about gang violence, arson attacks, mass shootings, and just plain murder, I grew to be self-aware of the war zone I was in and put things like dreaming and aspirations to the side; I just wanted to survive. My life was very straightforward before and after that realization. With no real goals or plans set in mind, I was a blank slate. Going to a Chicago Public School, the system only seemed to push for academics, with little time, or lack thereof, for things like the arts. Back then, kids were to be practical and resourceful due to their "unpredictable" environment. Such occupations as doctors, lawyers, and even marine biologists were typical replies from my classmates, but still, I remained a blank slate without a clue. And then, one day, without warning nor preparation, it found me and pulled me in. One day, my mom woke me, got me dressed, and drove me in our car to a side of the city I'd never seen, with nice houses and small little cafes and shops. She then dropped me off at a studio putting on a production of Aladdin, and the rest was history. Also, it didn't just happen there on the spot; it was something gradual. In that studio, all the hopes and dreams I kept hidden, with the energy I pent up inside, came rushing out. It was as If I had found my true calling. It was as if suddenly I landed in Oz and stepped into technicolor for the first time. From that day forth, I realized two things: That I would be an actor, but more importantly, a storyteller for the new generation of people looking for escapism.

Growing up a young black male in the urban setting of the west side of Chicago, Illinois, it felt impossible to want to dream bigger than what my view of the city offered. Don't get me wrong; it was "The Windy City." On paper, or as a tourist, this sounds amazing or at least like something to brag about, but that was only half the story. In reality, Chicago WAS an incredible city, but not to grow up. At its time, and still today, Chicago held the highest crime rate in America, especially regarding "Black on Black" crime. As a child, I would peer into my mother's newspaper, and the headlines would lament the day's tragedies. From reading about gang violence, arson attacks, mass shootings, and just plain murder, I grew to be self-aware of the war zone I was in and put things like dreaming and aspirations to the side; I just wanted to survive. My life was very straightforward before and after that realization. With no real goals or plans set in mind, I was a blank slate. Going to a Chicago Public School, the system only seemed to push for academics, with little time, or lack thereof, for things like the arts. Back then, kids were to be practical and resourceful due to their "unpredictable" environment. Such occupations as doctors, lawyers, and even marine biologists were typical replies from my classmates, but still, I remained a blank slate without a clue. And then, one day, without warning nor preparation, it found me and pulled me in. One day, my mom woke me, got me dressed, and drove me in our car to a side of the city I'd never seen, with nice houses and small little cafes and shops. She then dropped me off at a studio putting on a production of Aladdin, and the rest was history. Also, it didn't just happen there on the spot; it was something gradual. In that studio, all the hopes and dreams I kept hidden, with the energy I pent up inside, came rushing out. It was as If I had found my true calling. It was as if suddenly I landed in Oz and stepped into technicolor for the first time. From that day forth, I realized two things: That I would be an actor, but more importantly, a storyteller for the new generation of people looking for escapism.

To have a successful career in acting is to know that acting can be a person’s game to lose. To be a successful actor is to be ready to jump into the unknown abyss, nullifying any doubt of risk. To maintain a successful life in acting is always to have a plan or definite goal. As an actor who dreams of attaining my level of success, three essential qualities required to be successful in acting are Awareness, Sacrifice, and Clear Intention. When navigating a career in acting, an actor must be mindful of their actions and how they move, whether on their own or inside the industry. As an actor, a person’s career is what they make of it; they have to go out there and carve their path on the road to stardom because it isn’t promised. This could mean a person could go about it with many strategic ideas. For example, when I first entered high school with acting as the definitive career goal, I knew I had to learn and consume all possible content regarding Theatre, acting, and technique. As an actor, a person must be prepared to do their homework. Though the arts can be seen as favorable and glamorous, not much emphasis is placed on them. Not all schools will have programs that prepare people for how challenging the world of acting can be or precise the industry is; young creatives have to be willing to find the knowledge in their local theatre studios, playhouses, or community centers. Once I saw Theatre at nine years old, I knew, even back then, that if I wanted to make a career out of it, I had to keep myself immersed in this world and maintain a level of consistency, whether it was doing plays at school or in local community theatre, or just finding videos on youtube to build drive. To be an actor requires a particular awareness of self and “the next big move.” With a simple understanding of the recognition it takes to be an actor, the performer has only a piece of what it means to be one. Simply being aware isn’t the only quality; it is rendered useless without the act of sacrifice. To be an actor is to be prepared to sacrifice, to be prepared for an act of devotion. As mentioned earlier, Acting as a career isn’t put on a pedestal or held as a realistic occupation as a nurse, doctor, or lawyer. When someone chooses to be an actor, especially full-time, they must know there is no turning back. Acting takes lots of work, whether honing the craft, rehearsing a full-length show that’ll take months, or just going to auditions to find more jobs. The career is set up that the only way to succeed is to put in loads of time and effort to receive any payoff. If a person is meant to act, they must be willing to cast any thoughts of a “backup” plan. As an aspiring actor, I couldn’t see myself doing anything but dedicating my life to the performing arts and living in that realm of reality. As an actor who dreams of attaining my level of success, three essential qualities required to be successful in acting are Awareness, Sacrifice, and Clear Intention. With this wisdom and knowledge, I believe I have what it takes to make an impact. To extend, I want to pursue a career and degree in the arts. I think with proper education, and I can excel and transcend my worldview.

1. Why do you deserve this scholarship? - I'm not sure that's any of your business, babes. I'm just sayin, I ain't too proud to beg, but I need this money; the lil dollar bills at the juke joint aren't cuttin it. My friend chardonnay, like the drink, got her PhD and now she got a brotha feelin insecure because she ain't got to work a city job no 'mo. I'm just tryna to make something of ma self to be fa real, fa real. 2. What are your academic and/or career goals? -I got mah GED, so I'm trying to take dance classes at the local college to advance in my job as an exotic dancer because we can't say the other word, can we? I don't think so. 3. Tell me about a time you’ve overcome an obstacle. This is quite emotional and lowkey traumatizing, but when I was a small child, there was a time I didn't know how to walk, I couldn't talk, and I was unable to use the bathroom properly. I was speaking gibberish and couldn't formulate sentences. It was a phase in my life I don't like thinking about. I hope you're satisfied.

Having a career in the arts is essential to me because of the simple fact that it is NOT just important to me but my liberation. As a developing adolescent with a slightly flamboyant flair, my family and I didn't have the luxury to do as we pleased or take up certain hobbies and other trades. We were movers, workers, and hustlers who were always on the go, just trying to gain all the knowledge we could to put food on the table to create small magical moments that were just half as good as any other typical family. From Backyard Birthdays, the Occasional but rare vacation out of state, to a simple evening stroll on the gentrified side of town and stopping at a quaint little bookstore, not to purchase the books, but to escape the world we know and into the pages while getting lost in that new book cover smell. We were simpler people then, limited in the spaces we were confined to, yet we made diamonds out of the stones we were given. Fun memories were made, but that's what it only became and remained; a memory. Life went on, and we returned to our demanding day and office jobs and the public school systems that reflected the struggling but hopeful community and lifestyle around us. School in Chicago, for me, was just a continuation of surviving the city itself. By surviving, I mean just getting through and making it to the next grade; after all, I didn't have the time to get caught up in the small things like maintaining friendships that last or going to after-school programs; the atmosphere and location were just too uncertain for all that. With that straightforward mentality, it was easy to stay focused and excel even if you weren't trying to, like a lack of rigor. With school not much of a threat, my parents were proud of me for being able to be on top of it. At the time, all they could ever want from me was to be myself, go to the top, and thrive. The problem was I didn't know how. I didn't know what I wanted and felt I did not have a lot of options at the time. Looking at my parents, I didn't get much of a clue either. My Dad dropped out of High School, married my Mom, and had a job as a server in a restaurant, while my Mom, who had me while in college, went on to work a regular office job. I was like a blank card in a UNO deck, feeling very out of place. I was meant to do something but felt lost; until one day it found me. Theatre. My Mom, unbeknownst to me, signed me up for a community production of Aladdin. During that entire experience, something clicked within me. Suddenly the world made sense, and it slowed down for me to be able to feel free. Things had nuance; there were characters with stories, and there was expression through songs and dance sequences. No part felt small or more prominent than what was showcased; I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself, even if just for a moment. Though it took some time to build up, a career in the arts is vital to me because there is nothing quite like it. Since my first play, nothing has come close to my love for Theatre. I'm all in with no signs of withdrawing, no backup plan, nothing. The art form is my life's true purpose.