To me, going to college is not just about earning a degree, it is about building community, expanding the ways I am able to connect with people, and learning how to use my passions to make a real impact. As a Theatre Arts major at The Theatre School at DePaul University, I am not only studying something I love, but also discovering how storytelling, communication, and collaboration can help me reach others and create meaningful change. Growing up, it was always just my mom and me. She worked incredibly hard to make sure I had everything I needed, even when we didn’t have much. Her constant encouragement to follow my dreams shaped the way I approach every challenge. She taught me the importance of determination and compassion, and those lessons have carried into every space I enter, from classrooms to rehearsal rooms to the community around me. She also taught me how to bake, which became one of my earliest passions and even helped me start a small home-based business. That experience showed me the joy of creating things that make people feel cared for and connected, a theme that has followed me into theatre. In high school, theatre took over my life in the best way. It showed me how powerful it is to tell stories and build spaces where people can see themselves, learn something new, or simply feel less alone. My dream quickly became to attend DePaul for its Theatre Arts program, especially because of the flexibility it offers to explore all aspects of theatre and the opportunity to concentrate in Theatre for Young Audiences. I love the idea of helping children learn and grow through performance, imagination, and storytelling. College has also given me opportunities to serve and connect outside of the classroom. As a representative in the Student Government Association and a member of the Honors Society, I have grown as a leader and learned how important empathy, communication, and community-building are. Each space challenges me differently, but together they have shown me what it means to be someone who listens, collaborates, and works to create welcoming environments for everyone. My experiences outside of school have influenced me just as deeply. I work as a professional babysitter, and one of the children I care for is non-verbal. His world changed when he gained a way to express himself his confidence grew, and so did our connection. That experience inspired me to begin learning American Sign Language. Even as a beginner, ASL has allowed me to connect with people in ways I never could before, and it has pushed me to think about how many people go unseen simply because others cannot communicate with them. Going to college means taking all these experiences, academic, artistic, and personal and turning them into something that helps others. My dream is to use theatre and ASL to make performance spaces more inclusive and accessible. One day, I hope to work as an interpreter at theatrical productions so Deaf and non-verbal audience members can fully experience the magic and community that theatre offers. Ultimately, what I want to accomplish is simple: I want to reach people. I want to build bridges between communities, create spaces where everyone feels seen, and use my education to lift others up. Every class I take, every rehearsal I’m in, every child I work with, and every sign I learn brings me one step closer not just to my own dreams but to creating the kind of compassionate, connected future my mom always believed I could achieve. Thank you for reading!

My name is Eliza Parhms. I am an eighteen-year-old African American girl with a proud Creole background, and so much of who I am today comes from the way I was raised. Growing up, it was always just my mom and me. We didn’t have much, but she never let me feel that. She worked incredibly hard to make sure I had everything I needed, and she taught me early on to never give up on my dreams no matter how difficult things seemed. That lesson is something I carry with me every single day. One of the earliest and most meaningful gifts my mom gave me was teaching me how to bake. When I was little, we spent so much time in the kitchen together, and baking quickly became one of my greatest passions. As I got older, that passion grew into something real. Eventually started a small business out of our home, selling cakes and desserts for parties and events. Baking wasn’t just a hobby for me; it became a way to express myself, to bring joy to people, and to build confidence in my own abilities. Later in life, I discovered my second passion: theater. Once I joined theater, it truly took over my life in the best possible way. Being on stage, working backstage, collaborating with others, and learning how storytelling can impact people all of this opened up a world I never wanted to leave. My dream quickly became attending DePaul University for their Theater Arts major. The program felt perfect for me. It offered flexibility so I could explore every corner of theater while also encouraging personal growth, creativity, and community. I also loved that the program allowed space for connection and service, which is important to me because helping others is one of my greatest joys. The Theater Arts major at DePaul includes a concentration in Theater for Young Audiences. When I learned that, everything clicked. The idea of teaching, inspiring, and supporting young children through performance felt like the exact combination of everything I loved art, communication, helping others, and storytelling. After interviews, portfolio submissions, and months of hoping, the day I received my acceptance letter is a moment I will never forget. It felt like the world was opening up for me. But even with the excitement of getting in, reality hit me hard. Even with my scholarship, I knew affording DePaul would be extremely difficult. Still, I remembered what my mom always told me: strive for your dreams. Don’t give up. So that is exactly what I am doing. I apply for scholarships constantly, I cut down expenses by choosing the lowest meal plan, I take on babysitting and other work opportunities, and I’m already searching for affordable off-campus housing. Every step I take brings me closer to my dream of earning this degree, working with young audiences, and making my mom proud. That is why this scholarship means so much to me. No matter how big or small, any amount brings me one step closer to the future I’ve worked so hard for. It brings me one step closer to becoming the artist, educator, and young woman my mom raised me to be someone who never stops believing in her dreams and who brings joy to those around her. Thank you so much for reading!

The person who has had the greatest impact on my life is my mom. From the very beginning, it felt like it was always the two of us against the world. My parents divorced when I was young, and although I didn’t fully understand what that meant at the time, I quickly learned that my mom was going to be the one guiding me through every step of my life. Looking back now, I realize just how much strength, sacrifice, and love she poured into raising me, often without me even noticing it as a child. We didn’t grow up with much, though my mom made sure I never felt the weight of that. She worked incredibly hard often through multiple jobs, long hours, or extra responsibilities just to make sure I had everything I needed and more than a few things I wanted. She had a way of making life feel full, even when she was stretching every dollar. The older I get, the more clearly I see all the small things she hid behind a smile: the late nights she stayed up balancing bills, the things she went without so I didn’t have to, and the constant determination she carried even when she was exhausted. But more than providing for me, she shaped who I am. She taught me the value of hard work, not just by telling me to never give up, but by living that lesson every single day. Whenever I struggled in school or felt overwhelmed, she reminded me that effort mattered more than perfection. She celebrated every small success and pushed me to keep going when I wanted to quit. Because of her, I learned to believe in myself even in moments when I felt like I wasn’t good enough. One of the most meaningful things she passed on to me is her love for baking. What started as something we did together on slow weekends or holidays slowly grew into one of my greatest passions. Baking became more than an activity; it became a way for us to bond, laugh, and create memories. Every recipe she taught me holds a story some messy, some funny, all filled with warmth. Now, baking is something that grounds me and brings me joy, and it always reminds me of her patience and care. Her influence is woven into every part of my life today my education, my goals, and the person I am becoming. When I face challenges, I hear her voice telling me to push forward. When I succeed, I know it’s because she taught me how to work for what I want. She has shaped my resilience, my creativity, my compassion, and my determination. My mom has impacted me in ways I’m still uncovering as I grow, but one thing has always been clear: she showed me what it means to love without limits, to work for what matters, and to believe in the future even when things are uncertain. Everything I achieve is a reflection of her strength, and I carry her lessons with me wherever I go.

My experiences both inside and outside of the classroom have played an important role in shaping the person and student I am today. As a Theatre Arts major at The Theatre School at DePaul University, I have the opportunity to study something I love while also learning how to collaborate, communicate, and build community. My involvement on campus as a representative in the Student Government Association and as a member of the Honors Society has also pushed me to grow as a leader. Each of these spaces challenges me in different ways, but together they have taught me how important connection, empathy, and communication are to my success. Theatre itself is about connection. Every class asks me to think about how stories affect people and how performance can create understanding between groups of people who may not share the same background or experiences. Because I plan to concentrate in Theatre for Young Audiences, I am especially interested in how storytelling can support children as they learn, imagine, and navigate the world. Theatre has helped me understand that success is not just about skill—it is also about building strong relationships and being open to learning from others. My work outside of school has been just as important. I am a professional babysitter, and one of the children I care for is non-verbal. Working with him has been so meaningful e. We began using simple signs so he could express his needs and wants, and I saw how even a small sign could open up a huge window for communication. It changed everything, his frustration went down, his confidence went up, and our relationship became even stronger. It was through him that I decided to start learning American Sign Language. Learning ASL has allowed me to connect with people in a completely new way. It has reminded me that language is not just words it is expression, emotion, and understanding. Even in my beginner stage, ASL has helped me communicate with people I might never have been able to talk to before. It has pushed me to think about accessibility and how many people go unseen or unheard simply because others do not know how to communicate with them. The more I learn, the more I want to use ASL in my future work. My goal is to use everything I am learning both academically and artistically to make theatre more inclusive. One day, I hope to work as an interpreter at performances so Deaf and non-verbal audience members can fully experience the magic of live theater. I believe that success is not only about achieving personal goals, but also about opening doors for others. My journey continues to teach me that learning happens everywhere: in classrooms, rehearsals, meetings, and living rooms while babysitting. Each experience strengthens my ability to connect with people, and that connection is what drives me to keep growing, keep learning, and keep creating. Thank you so much for reading.

Education has never come easily to me. I was not the student who naturally excelled on tests or understood new concepts the first time they were explained. For a long time, this made school feel like a place where I was always trying to catch up to everyone else. Even so, I was raised to believe that the effort I put into something mattered just as much as the outcome. My mom taught me that working hard, asking for help, and refusing to give up could carry me through challenges that seemed overwhelming. Those lessons became the foundation of the way I learned to approach my education. Throughout my early school years, I often struggled to keep my grades where they needed to be. I needed extra help, tutoring hours, and constant reminders that I was capable of improvement. Slowly, with support and persistence, I began to see that progress was possible. My grades rose not because I suddenly became “naturally good” at academics, but because I learned how to manage my time, advocate for myself, and keep putting in the effort even when I felt frustrated. That experience helped me understand that education is not about perfection; it is about consistency, resilience, and the willingness to keep trying. My relationship with learning changed even more dramatically when I entered a performing arts high school. The environment there challenged me in a new way. We were constantly reminded that without passing academic grades, we would not be allowed to participate in productions or performances. For most students, this rule was a simple expectation. For me, it was a powerful motivator. Theater was not just an extracurricular activity—it was the place where I felt truly myself. The idea of losing the chance to perform pushed me to take my academic work seriously in a way I never had before. Instead of seeing schoolwork as something I just needed to get through, I began to see it as something directly connected to my goals. Being part of a production required discipline, collaboration, and responsibility, and I started to understand that those same qualities applied to the classroom. My academic progress stopped feeling like a separate struggle and became part of the same effort I put into rehearsal, technique, and performance. The balance between the two areas taught me how interconnected different kinds of learning can be. By the time I graduated, I had raised my grades, built better study habits, and discovered a sense of personal responsibility that I did not have before. More importantly, I realized that college was not an impossible dream—it was something I wanted to strive for. I wanted to keep studying theater, but I also wanted to continue building the academic foundation I had fought so hard for. That mindset eventually brought me to The Theatre School at DePaul University, where I am now continuing my education in an environment that challenges and inspires me daily. Being in college has broadened my understanding of what education can offer. In high school, I used academics as a tool to support my artistic goals. In college, I am learning how the two can shape one another. My coursework pushes me to think critically, understand the world from new perspectives, and communicate more effectively. My artistic training teaches me to trust my instincts, collaborate, and express myself honestly. Together, these experiences are helping me define what I want my future to look like. I still do not have a perfectly clear “end goal,” and I think that uncertainty is part of the learning process. What I do know is that I want my education to help me build a future where creativity and discipline work hand in hand. Whether I choose a career onstage, backstage, or in a related field, I want to use what I have learned to support others the way I was supported—through encouragement, hard work, and the belief that growth is always possible. I hope to become someone who can guide younger artists, students, or collaborators who feel unsure of themselves, the same way people guided me when I felt lost. One of the most meaningful parts of my education has been learning how to overcome the doubt that comes from not feeling naturally talented in academic spaces. I have learned that needing extra time or support does not define my intelligence or limit my potential. Instead, it has made me more determined, more patient, and more aware of how powerful encouragement can be. These challenges have shaped me into someone who values effort over perfection and progress over comparison. Looking toward the future, I hope to use my education to create opportunities not just for myself but for others who feel out of place or underestimated. I want to show that resilience can be learned, confidence can be built, and success can come from unexpected directions. My academic and artistic experiences have taught me that growth is rarely straightforward. It twists, expands, and surprises you. But with persistence and the right support, it can lead you somewhere meaningful. Education has given me direction, confidence, and the sense that I am capable of building the future I want. It has taught me how to overcome challenges without giving up on myself. As I continue my journey at The Theatre School, I am carrying those lessons with me, ready to keep learning, keep working, and keep shaping a future where the skills I have gained can help both myself and the people I hope to inspire. Thank you so much for reading.

At the start of my freshman year, I found myself in two different friend groups: the theater kids and a group of black students, mostly sophomores. I was drawn to the latter because it was refreshing to have friends of color. I grew closest to DeShan, who had a crush on my theater friend, Miguel. I helped DeShan ask Miguel out, but Miguel wasn’t interested. Despite this, DeShan asked again in late October, only to be turned down, leaving him devastated. DeShan’s behavior shifted after that. He skipped school and returned in tears, but then, he became a completely different person. He spread rumors that Miguel had cheated on him, which isolated Miguel from others. When I texted DeShan to ask why, his response was chilling: “I decided he had to pay.” I gradually distanced myself from DeShan and spent more time with Miguel. While the tension continued, things escalated over winter break. During this time, an Instagram page called SaeTea gained popularity, allowing people to post gossip. At my father’s house, where I felt isolated, DeShan and his friends used the platform to attack Miguel and me. They spread false rumors about me betraying him, called me ugly and fat, and claimed Miguel was using drugs. These posts, coupled with my difficult situation at my father’s house, sent me into a depressive state, worsening my anxiety. When I returned to school, things only got worse. DeShan and his friends started verbally abusing us. I’d always struggled with school, but now it was harder to focus. DeShan’s best friend, Dez, started sending me threatening messages on Snapchat, vowing to attack Miguel. Miguel and I began eating lunch in a teacher’s classroom to feel safe. Then, in February, Dez sent the first of nine death threats, explaining how she would kill me in my sleep. I was terrified, fearing she would harm my friends if I told anyone.As a result, I began skipping school, attending only on days I had rehearsal. I told my mom and teachers I was sick to avoid Dez. My mental health worsened, and my grades dropped. In April, I decided I had to find a way through. I started going to school regularly and attended tutoring to improve my grades before the year ended. I spent the summer at my father’s house, trying to heal. Although Dez was gone, DeShan’s harassment continued. He eventually graduated, but his actions didn’t fully stop. I still struggled, especially at the start of my sophomore year, but I learned to manage. Throughout all this, theater became my sanctuary. It was a place where I found support, and my mental health and grades improved. Today, I spend all my free time in the theater, grateful for the community that feels like home.

Cooking was that special bonding time for Mom and me. She started teaching me from the day I was big enough to stand on a stool and stir a bowl. Be it just a simple dinner or trying out new recipes, it was always something we looked forward to doing together. As I grew older, I found myself more attracted to baking. What started off as an innocent hobby soon grew into a creative outlet, one through which I found ways to express myself and identify other new interests. First, there were cookies and tarts; each recipe taught me a little more. The true turning point, though, came on my 10th birthday when I told my mother that I would bake my own birthday cake. For my unicorn-themed party, I had decided to make a unicorn surprise cake, basically one that had a rainbow center that would show when it was cut. I could feel the excitement and nervousness as I measured out the ingredients and layered the cake with care. Though it wasn't perfect-the colors were uneven and the frosting not smooth enough-it felt like an accomplishment. With my mom's help, I was proud of what I had done. The real moment of delight was when I cut the cake in front of my friends, and their eyes all opened wide as rainbow sprinkles and small candies began falling out. That second of surprise and delight had made all the effort worthwhile, and it sparked my passion for cake-making. Over the years, I’ve continued to experiment with different cake designs and techniques. Each cake has been a new challenge, one that has taught me patience, precision, and perseverance. Baking is a process of trial and error—mistakes are inevitable, but each one offers an opportunity to grow. Whether it’s perfecting a fondant design or learning how to make a smooth buttercream finish, I’ve grown as both a baker and a person. For my wild card submission, I’ve curated a collection of my favorite cakes from the past few years. Each cake tells a unique story—whether celebrating a special occasion, expressing my creativity, or simply challenging myself to try something new. Through baking, I’ve learned the importance of creativity, resilience, and the joy that comes from creating something with my own hands. These are lessons that I will carry with me for life, and I look forward to continuing to bring the same zeal and hard work into college and beyond.

Attending a predominantly white school growing up, I was one of the few black students. I also struggled with spelling, as well as stuttered when reading out loud due to dyslexia. Throughout the eight years that I attended that school, I was known for my frizz-y hair, pesky stutter, and my need for extra help. These challenges, while difficult, taught me to find strength in my uniqueness and embrace my determination to succeed. With the encouragement of my mother, I decided to make a bold change and transferred to a small arts school in Pomona. At The School of Arts & Enterprise, I discovered a supportive environment where my unique talents and passions were nurtured and celebrated. The personalized attention and encouragement I received from my community allowed me to thrive academically and creatively, revealing strengths and talents I had never fully realized. Over the past four years, my journey through high school has encompassed my passion for theater and musical theater. From my initial involvement, I quickly found myself drawn to the intricacies of performance and production. I explored different roles like stage manager for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by Rachel Sheinkin and understudy in Fools by Neil Simon. I discovered my love for the collaborative nature of theater. I embraced a leadership role within the theater community at my school. I was honored to be appointed as the assistant to the Director of Theatre and the Company Manager, which allowed me to combine my passion for theater with the organizational and technical parts of performance. Because of my own challenges I’ve had to overcome, I want to help others do the same. I am commitment to diversity and inclusion that fosters a creative environment that reflects the complexities of the world we live in and compliments my own belief of using theatre to amplify underrepresented voices. I will do this through collaboration, creative exploration, and artistic experimentation to push beyond the boundaries and to use art to inspire the communities around us. This provides an exciting environment for artists like myself looking to create work that speaks to racial and political issues in our society as well. I am already passionate about theater but to also make a social impact through my performances is important to me. Reflecting on my high school years, I am proud of the growth I have achieved personally, academically, and artistically. My journey in theater has resulted in my development and has been a source of joy. In the end, I will always come back to performing because having the ability to make someone feel something and take them away from their reality is an experience I never want to lose.

At the start of my freshman year, I found myself in two different friend groups: the theater kids and a group of black students, mostly sophomores. I was drawn to the latter because it was refreshing to have friends of color. I grew closest to DeShan, who had a crush on my theater friend, Miguel. I helped DeShan ask Miguel out, but Miguel wasn’t interested. Despite this, DeShan asked again in late October, only to be turned down, leaving him devastated. DeShan’s behavior shifted after that. He skipped school and returned in tears, but then, he became a completely different person. He spread rumors that Miguel had cheated on him, which isolated Miguel from others. When I texted DeShan to ask why, his response was chilling: “I decided he had to pay.” I gradually distanced myself from DeShan and spent more time with Miguel. While the tension continued, things escalated over winter break. During this time, an Instagram page called SaeTea gained popularity, allowing people to post gossip. At my father’s house, where I felt isolated, DeShan and his friends used the platform to attack Miguel and me. They spread false rumors about me betraying him, called me ugly and fat, and claimed Miguel was using drugs. These posts, coupled with my difficult situation at my father’s house, sent me into a depressive state, worsening my anxiety. When I returned to school, things only got worse. DeShan and his friends started verbally abusing us. I’d always struggled with school, but now it was harder to focus. DeShan’s best friend, Dez, started sending me threatening messages on Snapchat, vowing to attack Miguel. Miguel and I began eating lunch in a teacher’s classroom to feel safe. Then, in February, Dez sent the first of nine death threats, explaining how she would kill me in my sleep. I was terrified, fearing she would harm my friends if I told anyone.As a result, I began skipping school, attending only on days I had rehearsal. I told my mom and teachers I was sick to avoid Dez. My mental health worsened, and my grades dropped. In April, I decided I had to find a way through. I started going to school regularly and attended tutoring to improve my grades before the year ended. I spent the summer at my father’s house, trying to heal. Although Dez was gone, DeShan’s harassment continued. He eventually graduated, but his actions didn’t fully stop. I still struggled, especially at the start of my sophomore year, but I learned to manage. Throughout all this, theater became my sanctuary. It was a place where I found support, and my mental health and grades improved. Today, I spend all my free time in the theater, grateful for the community that feels like home.

In a world where life's challenges often weigh heavily on our hearts, the enchanting universe of Disney offers a respite like no other. Through its captivating movies, timeless songs, and enchanting theme parks, Disney has a remarkable ability to bring joy, ignite hope, and provide something to look forward to. The synergy of these elements creates a profound impact on my life, reminding me of the importance of embracing childlike wonder and finding solace in the magic that Disney consistently offers. Disney movies have a unique way of transcending time and age, uniting generations under a shared umbrella of delight. From classics like "Cinderella" and "The Lion King" to modern masterpieces like "Frozen" and "Moana," these films have a remarkable ability to evoke emotions, transport me and all those around me to fantastical worlds, and fill my heart with joy. The heartwarming tales of courage, friendship, and love remind me of the fundamental human values that bind people together, offering a reprieve from the challenges of the real world. The captivating animation and relatable characters create an emotional resonance that stays with us long after the credits roll, serving as a source of joy even in our daily lives. Disney songs have an incredible power to touch people's souls and rejuvenate spirits. The melodies are not just catchy tunes; they are vehicles of hope, carrying messages of resilience, determination, and dreams. Songs like "A Whole New World" from "Aladdin" and "Let It Go" from "Frozen" inspired me to look beyond our current circumstances and dare to dream big. These melodies serve as anthems that remind us that challenges are temporary and that with determination, we can overcome anything. Disney songs became a personal soundtrack to my life, offering comfort and motivation when I need it the most, instilling a sense of hope that propels me forward. In a world that can often feel burdened with uncertainty and challenges, Disney movies, songs, and parks offer a multi-faceted refuge for hearts and minds. The magic of Disney transports to worlds where joy is abundant, hope is invincible, and anticipation is palpable. Through enchanting stories, unforgettable melodies, and immersive experiences, Disney crafts a narrative of happiness that touches every aspect of people's lives. As I continue to face the complexities of my reality, the enduring allure of Disney remains a steadfast source of joy, hope, and something to look forward to. Just as Walt Disney once said, "Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever."