The impact of music is profound and far-reaching, touching every aspect of human life. From the soothing melodies that calm our minds to the rhythmic beats that make us dance, music has a unique ability to evoke emotions, spark memories, and inspire action. And this is what music has done for me. I'm Elias Solomon, currently a sophomore at Berklee College of Music. Attending Berklee is a dream come true for me, a feat I never imagined possible. Growing up in the church with my father, a pastor, instilled in me the belief that music possesses the power to save and transform lives. Music possesses a remarkable ability to save lives by offering solace, hope, and a sense of purpose to those in need. It serves as a lifeline for individuals struggling with mental health issues, providing comfort and companionship during their darkest moments. At its core, music is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries, connecting people from diverse backgrounds through shared experiences and emotions. It has the power to uplift spirits, heal wounds, and unite communities in times of joy or sorrow. Music also has the power to inspire individuals to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams against all odds. Countless stories exist of people who have found strength and resilience through music, using it as a source of motivation to persevere through difficult times and emerge stronger on the other side. Despite the financial challenges my family faces, I am here pursuing my passion for music, specializing in Electronic and Sound Design. My journey to Berklee has been marked by obstacles, but I persevere, driven by the desire to make a difference through music. Furthermore, music has the ability to foster a sense of community and belonging, bringing people together across cultural, social, and geographical divides. Through shared musical experiences, individuals can forge meaningful connections and find support networks that help them navigate life's challenges. This is exactly what my mission is: to foster a stronger, better community thorough music. Inspired by my experience teaching music to my youngest brother, who has autism, I aspire to create opportunities for students with disabilities to explore and develop their musical talents. My vision is to provide them with the same level of access and support that I have been fortunate to receive. In essence, my journey is not just about pursuing my passion for music but also about using it as a tool for empowerment and inclusivity within my community. With the assistance of scholarships, I aim to graduate with a Bachelor's degree and give back to the community that has supported me. One way I hope to do this is by establishing a faith-based studio where individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances, can access music equipment and recording facilities at minimal cost or even for free.

This question strikes a chord deep within me, as it resonates with my unwavering belief that my ultimate purpose is to serve God and utilize my musical talents to draw people closer to Him. Growing up immersed in ministry, with my father serving as a passionate minister who ardently believed in the power of music as a vessel for praising God, I was steeped in the intertwining realms of music and faith from an early age. My journey with music began with a desire to contribute to church worship through instrumental prowess. Learning instruments like the guitar and piano became a natural progression, fueled by a longing to express my devotion to God through melodies. As I delved deeper into the realm of music, I ventured into the realm of digital audio software and sound design, expanding my musical horizons and honing my production skills. However, the path to pursuing my musical dreams was not without its challenges. Amidst familial struggles, compounded by the weight of medical disabilities and financial hardships, I found myself at a crossroads where my aspirations seemed eclipsed by responsibilities to care for my loved ones, particularly my younger brothers. Yet, amidst adversity, I held firm to the belief that trials are tests of character, opportunities for growth ordained by a higher power. In moments of uncertainty, I turned to prayer, seeking divine guidance to illuminate my path forward. Surrendering my desires to the will of God, I embarked on a journey marked by faith and resilience. Revisiting my passion for music, I took a pivotal step towards my aspirations by applying to Berklee College of Music—a beacon of excellence in musical education, albeit with daunting odds of acceptance. In the face of doubt, I persisted, placing my trust in God's providence. Miraculously, the affirmation came in the form of an acceptance email from Berklee Admissions, affirming that divine timing transcends human limitations. Now, as I stand on the precipice of realizing my dreams, I am confronted with the challenge of securing financial aid to actualize this transformative opportunity. With a Bachelor's degree in Music from Berklee within grasp, I envision establishing a faith-driven recording studio—a sanctuary where the divine essence of music intertwines with the human spirit. Beyond personal enrichment, this endeavor is imbued with a profound sense of communal service. By extending affordable rates or even free studio time, I aim to democratize access to music production, empowering individuals from all walks of life to realize their creative potential. Moreover, I aspire to leverage this platform to uplift communities, particularly those marginalized or underserved. Through initiatives such as instrument donations and community-based programs, I seek to amplify the healing power of music, fostering unity and resilience in the face of adversity. In essence, I am convinced that the truest form of change stems from acts of compassion and service. Music, stripped of barriers and bestowed with purpose, becomes a catalyst for transformation, bridging divides and fostering harmony within communities. With unwavering faith as my compass, I am poised to embark on a journey where music becomes a conduit for divine revelation, enriching lives and illuminating souls with the boundless love of God.

As I reflect on my journey and the role of community in shaping our lives, I've come to a profound realization: true change begins within ourselves. By making small, positive changes in our daily lives, we can ripple that impact outward, ultimately fostering significant transformations within our communities. This belief is deeply rooted in my conviction that our purpose extends beyond personal fulfillment; it's about using our talents and abilities to uplift others and serve a greater good. Faith and music have always been foundational aspects of my life. Despite facing formidable challenges, including family health struggles, I remained steadfast in my commitment to pursuing my passions. Taking a pivotal step towards my musical aspirations, I applied to Berklee College of Music—an institution synonymous with excellence but also renowned for its selective admissions process. The moment I received the acceptance email from Berklee, I realized it wasn't just an affirmation of my own dreams but an opportunity to impact the lives of others. With a Bachelor's degree in Music within reach, my vision expands to establishing a faith-infused recording studio post-graduation. Through this endeavor, I aim to amplify the message of the gospel and provide a platform for aspiring artists who share my mission and dreams. My commitment to community extends beyond mere rhetoric. Recognizing the barriers posed by financial constraints, I pledge to offer affordable rates or even free studio time, ensuring that talent is not stifled by circumstance. Moreover, I envision community-driven initiatives, such as instrument donations to schools and children with special needs, fostering a culture where music transcends boundaries and serves as a unifying force. I firmly believe that genuine change stems from acts of compassion and service. Music, in its essence, should be inclusive and accessible to all who aspire to pursue it as a career or passion. While acknowledging that dreams require perseverance and resilience, I remain steadfast in my belief that our collective efforts—no matter how small—can catalyze meaningful progress, one person at a time. Ultimately, I envision a future where music becomes a conduit for unity and understanding, illuminating our path towards a brighter, more harmonious existence. By intertwining faith and music in service to our communities, I am confident that we can cultivate a space where all individuals thrive, embodying the inherent dignity and interconnectedness of humanity. As I embark on this journey towards realizing my dreams, I recognize the vital role that financial support plays in achieving my aspirations. Scholarships are not merely a means to further my education; but they are a lifeline that will empower me to pursue my chosen career path and, in turn, contribute positively to my community. Any assistance I receive, no matter how small, will serve as a catalyst for both personal growth and communal enrichment.

My future self would be someone that I would continuously strive to be, which is to be humble, generous to others, slow to anger, quick to forgive; always remind myself that I know nothing and always willing to learn something new.

"Where are you from?" That is normally one of the first questions I get asked when meeting a new person. I'm used to this question by now because I have heard it so many times before. The first time I was asked this question, I responded, "I'm from here" meaning the United States. But then, the person would retaliate with, "No, I mean, where are you really from?" insinuating that the color of my skin means that I'm not from the United States. I never knew that the color of my skin is an identifier of who I am; until I realized that the way I look at the world is not how everyone else looks at it. I also realized that people view me differently depending on how long or how little I stay in the sun. It is interesting how people view me, but what's most important above all else, is how I view myself. To understand who you are, you must first look back at your roots. I know that both of my parents are from different parts of the world. My mom is from the Philippines -- her mother was Filipino and her father was from Sweden. As for my father -- his mother is Native American and his father is from Ethiopia. I thought that my upbringing was normal and I never viewed my household as any different from any other family. Food was always my favorite past-time, because of all the different types of dishes that were made. Turons will always be my favorite dessert. It wasn't until I started school is when the comment was made that I don't "look like everyone else." That statement still invalidates my identity to this day. My identity is not less than because it is different than someone else's identity. Not everyone "exists in a vacuum" no matter what kind of group of people it is. That is when I understood that prejudice exists just as much as equality does. However, one of the most important takeaways I can value from my experiences growing up is don't let people define who you are, because you are diverse, unique, and individual. Now, when someone asks me, "Where you are from?" I reply, "I'm from all over. I'm from Asia. I'm from Africa. I'm from Sweden." Of course, the most curious, if not perplexed, expression comes across the stranger's face, because that is not the type of answer they were expecting to hear. Now, I can smile with confidence knowing who I am, where I came from, and where I will be going.

This question is brought close to my heart, as I firmly believe that my true purpose in life is to serve God and to use my skills and abilities in music to help bring people closer to God through music. I grew up in a ministry and my father was a minister. He was also very passionate about music, and he believed that music was designed to be used to praise God. From an early age, music and the church are rooted in my background. I began learning musical instruments, such as the guitar and the piano, because I wanted to try to learn to play music in the church. After years of learning musical instruments, I began to learn digital audio software and explored audio and sound design. As I began crafting my musical skills in production, I started to look at pursuing a career and audio and music production. At a time when I found out that my family members were diagnosed with medical disabilities, and we were facing financial hardships, it became difficult for me to pursue my dream of music while having to take care of my family; especially my two younger brothers. I believe that God puts you through certain trials and tribulations as tests to see how your character will come through in the end. Through perseverance, I endured the tribulations that my family went through, and then I was able to look at my future and ask God, what is it that He would want me to achieve in life while I am here on this Earth? Through prayer, I sought God to guide me through His timing and His will; not my desires but through the Heavenly Father. After years of this journey, I started where I left off: with music and with God. Now, I decided to make the first step toward my career in music by applying to the Berklee College of Music. Although Berklee is my dream college, I knew that the acceptance rate is very low and it is very difficult to be admitted at one of the most prestigious universities in music. Despite my doubt, I prayed for guidance and I received an email from Berklee Admissions that I have been accepted. Now I need financial aid to attend as I do not have many options to pursue higher education. If I can attend Berklee College of Music and earn my Bachelor’s degree in Music, I would start a faith-based recording studio. I would help spread the word of God through music and have clients who wish to achieve the same life mission, purpose, and dream. I would give back to the community by using my faith-based recording studio as a resource for people to create music. Because of financial hardships, I would either charge low rates or free studio time to let people have the chance and opportunity that they may not otherwise have. I would also set up community-based programs to help schools or children with special needs by donating musical instruments to help spread the word of God and music. I firmly believe that helping others is one of the only ways to bring change within a community. Music shouldn't have barriers, it should be accessible to all who wish to pursue music as their career dream.