I think it only right to start at the beginning of my story. I was fortunate enough to both be raised in the Church and have a Christian environment growing up. God blessed me with my circumstances because my parents both, all my grandparents, as well as my aunts and uncles are all genuine Christians and have guided, taught, and instructed me through my Faith. I am told I accepted Jesus into my heart at four years old; even though I don’t remember the exact conversation I had with my mother, I know for certain I am a born again Christian. While I don’t have a radical coming-to-faith story, my testimony is still a reflection of God’s goodness because mine is a testimony of a faithful community and His blessings on families. As a child I was diagnosed with both Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, because of which I was slow to read and struggled to organize my thoughts for academic writing. Because of this, I eventually turned to art. Throughout my childhood, art served as relaxation, therapy and a creative outlet. For as long as I can remember, I have been a creative spirit. I spent long hours writing; creating worlds full of varying characters filled with motivations, sorrows and triumphs. In my room, the mysteries of grammar and spelling did not matter in the end–as long as the stories were transcribed to be remembered. And, when, a break was needed from that, I drew and painted. Because of this journey, I have decided to pursue a degree in animation–the best of both worlds, right? While I believe a career in animation will be fulfilling to me on a personal level, I believe it will also provide an opportunity to impact and inspire others, allowing me to create good and uplifting things. As Don McLean says in the song American Pie, “And I knew if I had my chance, that I could make those people dance, and maybe they’d be happy for awhile.” On a more serious note, I believe high-quality art and storytelling can speak to people on a heart and soul level in many varying ways. The first, and simplest reason is they connect us through shared experiences. Everyone knows of some character or story that made them cry–whether in joy or sorrow– and felt some level of familiarity. There is some level of comfort when you see your struggles and hardships recognized on a screen, or through a character, and encouragement to be received. The next is more closely tied to my Faith. As I’ve started to mature both physically and mentally through high school, I’ve had to also think more deeply about my purpose and calling for the Lord. Whether it be an appreciation for the small things, or a sudden deep awe for something in His natural world, I’ve begun to realize I have a calling uniquely designed for me. There are many similarities I have seen between my poetic heart and King David’s. No matter where I turn in the world or career I consider, I feel called to create; a longing to reflect my Creator, His creation, and His beautiful, redemptive story. I also believe it can be used as a form of evangelism, for, “He has set eternity in their hearts,” (Ecclesiastes 3:11), and I can use my art to point back towards this. As for my career aspirations, those are also linked with my Faith. I plan to attend college because it is a powerful tool in the journey toward both employment and adulthood. I understand sometimes young people lose their Faith in college and let their surroundings shape them. This was an important factor to me in my college search. That is why the most important condition the colleges on my list had to meet was Christian-centered. Of the numerous options I felt God opened up the most doors at Grand Canyon University. I believe it will help equip me with the professional and cultural skills that are expected in society and the industry. I look forward to engaging in a wider community than the one where I grew up while learning to take more certain steps toward independent adulthood. It will teach me to hone my technical and artistic eye, while providing me with the opportunity to reach a wider audience. I want to acquire industry-level skills and techniques so I can put encouraging things out into the world. In addition, going to college will give me the opportunity to develop in navigating life as a new adult. Most importantly, I will be assisted and encouraged in my continuing walk of Faith, and raised up to be a strong God-fearing young woman. In addition to gaining new skills, I want to learn to be “a garden in Manhattan”, as the artist Josiah Queen says in his song of the same name. This is a good phrase I am trying to apply in my life and mentality. Its lyrics discuss living our whole lives as witnesses even in places that seem trivial or worldly. Acting as a road sign reflecting and pointing the way to Christ. Its about living by example and action, making sure our reputations reflect “the Jesus that I know.” Finally, Queen says: “If I’m the closest thing to a Bible that they read, let the words they read be what you wrote.” This is such a simple way to state an important truth, and yet so beautiful to. This has been a good reminder for me as I continue my walk of Faith. I want to learn to follow God in everything, and be a living, breathing example of His Grace. This will be an essential skill to my witness in my career because, while the opportunity for outright evangelism or testimony might not always be readily available, I can still remain a steadfast example, and point to Christ. If I were to receive this scholarship, I would be able to reduce my tuition costs, and lessen debt and its consequences. I would be financially free, and able to put my money towards family, community, and outreach. It would be possible for me to realize my dreams of a college education, and begin my adult life with as little debt as possible.