Thankfully, mental health is deeply valued in my household. With my mom being a licensed clinical social worker, emotional wellness has always been part of the conversation. But that didn’t mean I found it easy to navigate my own challenges. Growing up, I struggled with low self-esteem, especially in theatre and dance. I rarely felt confident enough to reach my full potential. At the heart of that insecurity was the absence of my biological father. His lack of presence left me with years of anger, confusion, and a quiet belief that I wasn’t worthy of love or support. I often wondered, “If my own father can’t be there for me, how could anyone else?” During my preteen years, I lived with my mom and grandparents. Though we were close, I kept my emotions bottled up, thinking I could handle everything on my own. But silence isn’t strength, it’s survival. It wasn’t until my first serious relationship that I began to realize how deeply I had buried my feelings. My boyfriend would ask how I was doing, and I couldn’t answer. I didn’t know how to be emotionally present. Then came years of change. The pandemic, my mom’s marriage, and my growing effort to connect with my stepfather- all while still longing for my father’s presence. When my biological dad missed Christmas in 2023, it broke something in me. I finally let it all out. My mom immediately stepped in to support me, encouraging me to journal, check in with myself, and reconnect with her. For the first time, I felt safe addressing the emotions I had ignored for so long. That healing process reignited something in me artistically. I had always loved theatre but only auditioned for ensemble roles, never believing I was good enough to lead. But as I worked through my pain, I realized my worth didn’t depend on who showed up for me, it came from within. I finally auditioned for Celie in The Color Purple, and I got the role. That moment shattered years of self-doubt. Playing Celie, a character full of pain and resilience, allowed me to pour my own story into the performance. It reminded me of my purpose, not just in theatre, but in life. Art has become my safe space, my voice, and my tool for healing. It helped me process emotions I once avoided and express feelings I couldn’t name. More than that, it taught me the power of vulnerability. That’s why I want to pursue a career that blends education and the arts, to help others find the confidence and healing that I found. The works I submitted reflect that journey. They show my evolution from silence to expression, from doubt to leadership. They capture the emotional honesty I once feared, and the strength I’ve discovered through storytelling. My passion for art isn’t just about performance, it’s about connection, growth, and helping others navigate their own mental health journeys.

Thankfully, mental health is highly valued in my household. It definitely isn't something we overlook, especially with my mom being a licensed clinical social worker. But that wasn’t always the case. Growing up, I struggled with low self-esteem, especially in theatre and dance. I never felt confident enough to reach my full potential. My biological father has never been present in my life, and his absence created years of anger, confusion, and self-doubt. I often thought, “If my own father can’t be there for me, how could anyone else?” During my preteen years, I lived with my grandparents and mom, who was raising two kids on her own. Although we were a close family, I never opened up. I felt isolated, like no one in the house could relate to what I was going through. I kept everything to myself, thinking I could handle it alone. It wasn’t until my first real relationship that I realized how deeply I had buried my emotions. My boyfriend would ask how I was feeling or how my day went, and I could never give a full response. I wasn’t used to expressing myself. Vulnerability felt foreign. Previous relationships didn’t work out because I didn’t have the capacity to talk things through or be emotionally present. During those four years, a lot changed. My mom got married, the pandemic hit, and I tried to build a connection with my stepfather, all while still craving a relationship with my biological father. Though he’d usually call on holidays, he missed Christmas in 2023. That was my breaking point. I exploded with years of suppressed emotion. My mom came to my side immediately, and from that moment, everything changed. She made sure I was checking in with myself, journaling again, and reconnecting with her on long drives and “mommy-daughter” dates. For the first time, I felt safe addressing what I had buried for so long. My mental health journey helped me reclaim my confidence. I had always loved theatre, but I constantly auditioned for ensemble roles, never believing I was good enough for a lead. That mindset changed when I realized that my father’s absence didn’t define me. I have everything I need inside me, placed there by God, a seed that only needed care and belief to grow. Finally, I did it. My sophomore year I auditioned for Celie in The Color Purple, and got it! That experience shattered the mental wall I had built and reminded me of my purpose. It gave me the courage to lead not just on stage, but in life. These experiences have deeply shaped my relationships, beliefs, and career aspirations. I now understand the importance of vulnerability, emotional awareness, and mental health. My leadership roles as Senior Class Vice President, a 7 year member of the International Thespian Society, and serving my community through the National Honor Society and Rotary Club, have all equipped me with invaluable tools I plan to carry into a career that combines education and the arts, which I will be studying at, the illustrious, Howard University. I want to be someone who empowers others the way I was finally empowered, to believe in their worth, their voice, and their journey.

One of the most pivotal experiences was when I took on my first lead role in a school play. Playing Celie in The Color Purple was an intense learning journey. At first, I doubted my ability to portray the character, especially since I had never been confident in my singing voice. The pressure to deliver, coupled with my self-doubt, was overwhelming. But over time, I realized that Celie’s story wasn’t just about her struggles; it was about my own journey of finding confidence and purpose. I had to stop worrying about the audience’s expectations and believe in my own potential. This realization was transformative, not just for my performance, but for my personal growth. Although it wasn’t my perfect performance, that experience broke through the self-doubt I didn’t realize I had been carrying. It taught me that leadership, whether in theater or life, is about more than just the end result- it’s about trusting the process and yourself along the way. The experience also opened my eyes to the importance of the roles others play behind the scenes. As I’ve continued to perform, choreograph, and assistant direct, I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the responsibilities of everyone involved. Being a director one day is a dream of mine, to have the opportunity to guide others, build their confidence, and help them grow in their craft. The satisfaction that comes from seeing others rise to their potential is what truly excites me about leadership in the arts. In addition to these artistic experiences, I’ve always been deeply aware of my identity as a young Black girl pursuing theater, a field often seen as predominantly white. I’ve faced many questions and doubts from others about why I would want to pursue a career that isn’t “guaranteed” or “financially stable.” These external doubts can sometimes create internal conflict, but they’ve also fueled my desire to pursue theater as a means of representation. There’s a lack of Black voices in the industry, and I want to be part of changing that narrative. I’m passionate about providing a platform for young Black girls to see themselves in spaces they may not traditionally feel welcome in, and teaching them to follow their own dreams, no matter how unconventional. Looking toward the future, I will be obtaining my BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Education at Howard University. I’m drawn to these fields because they will allow me to combine my love for the arts with my desire to mentor and teach. Ultimately, I want to create more opportunities for Black representation in theater, and by becoming an educator, I can inspire the next generation to see themselves on stage and in creative spaces. The impact I want to make isn’t just about performing. It’s about creating pathways for others to follow their passions, too.

As a young Black girl from Broward County, FL it’s an abnormal idea to have a passion for Theatre. Presumed to be a predominately white art form, it's intimidating to have goals to pursue theater after high school and most certainly after college. Those constant questions, Why Theatre?, put me in an awkward position- questioning my passion, God-given talent, and purpose in life. A lot of that doubt stems from not seeing others like me in the places I want to go. In my sophomore year, I discovered my true passion for Theatre, committing myself to study and perfect it. Playing Celie in The Color Purple pushed me to confront my self-doubt, realizing the key to growth was self-belief. Whilst I’d say it wasn’t my utmost performance as a lead, the experience transformed me. In 2023, being awarded “Best Student Choreography” at the South Florida Cappies & an All-State Top Performer at the 2024 Florida Thespians State Festival further solidified my path, reminding me that my journey in theatre is about both personal growth and creative expression. It reinforced my dedication to pursuing theatre as my lifelong passion. My post-graduation goals include attending Howard University to obtain my BFA in musical theatre and minoring in education, afterwards taking the necessary steps to opening my own business for those similar to me. I want to pursue these goals because I feel there isn't enough representation for black girls in theatre or even the black culture as a whole which may cause them to choose a path they don't actually yearn for. To be able to be in the industry and teach kids would make such an impact. Theatre and teaching has also always been a very strong passion of mine since elementary school and to pursue it as a career would be surreal. My community suffers from believing we can without people in certain areas that represent us. My passion for theatre has been questioned by many, but it will not stop me from achieving the dream I've dreamt my entire life. Furthermore, this war will go on for years to come, we must not be afraid to be the one to take the first step in change. My passion for representing black girls in theatre goes beyond performing on stage...I desire to start a movement in my company for girls like me. The constant questioning and doubting of younger girls, creates a boxed in future, which leads to hindrance in progression within our community. It is essential for inspiration/representation to grow in the near future when allowing young black girls to live out their wildest artistic dreams. The arts as a whole is already deemed to struggle, says society, but I'm willing to prove those people wrong and provide true factors and facts for the arts- more specifically Theatre.

My post-graduation goals include attending Howard University to obtain my BFA in musical theatre and minor in education. I want to pursue these goals because I feel there isn't enough representation for black girls in theatre or even the black culture as a whole which may cause them to choose a path they don't actually yearn for. To be able to be in the industry and teach kids would make such an impact. Theatre and teaching has also always been a very strong passion of mine since elementary school and to pursue it as a career would be surreal. My community suffers from believing we can without people in certain areas that represent us. My passion for theatre has been questioned by many, but it will not stop me from achieving the dream I've dreamt my entire life. Aside from theatre, I serve as Senior Class Vice President. As a community service project, I contributed to the creation of an awareness campaign within my school's Student Government Association (SGA) to promote our school's new behavioral motto, “Panthers W.A.L.K in Wisdom, Accountability, Leadership, and Kindness.” I took the initiative to create a short film based on a nostalgic YouTube video from my elementary school years, which incorporated humor and relatability. The goal was to make the message resonate with both middle and high school students in a fun and trendy way. This project had a significant impact on the student body as it was both engaging and educational, promoting a positive school culture. It also reinforced the importance of leadership in making a lasting difference in my community. Personally, it taught me the value of listening to my peers' needs and using creativity to solve problems. This experience helped me grow in my leadership skills and deepened my commitment to inspiring others to take action and make positive changes. Which allows me to hone in on my craft to teach Theatre, my preferred major. Furthermore, this war will go on for years to come, we must not be afraid to be the one to take the first step in change. My passion for representing black girls in theatre goes beyond performing on stage...I desire to start a movement for girls like me. The constant questioning and doubting of younger girls, creates a boxed in future, which leads to hindrance in progression within our community. It is essential for inspiration/representation to grow in the near future when allowing young black girls to live out their wildest artistic dreams. The arts as a whole is already deemed to struggle, says society, but I'm willing to prove those people wrong and provide true factors and facts for the arts- more specifically Theatre.

"5,6,...And Scene" 5, 6, 7, 8... If anyone asks me today, my first love is Dance. It has been since the moment my feet first hit the floor at my first musical, The Wiz. I was just a little kid, wide-eyed and overwhelmed by the magic that unfolded before me on stage. It didn’t take long for me to realize I wanted to be part of that world. The world of movement, expression, and joy. I spent seven years at a dance company, each class and rehearsal pulling me deeper into a love that felt like it could never fade. I danced with every fiber of my being, and with every leap and pirouette, the seed planted within me grew stronger. Each step made me more aware of myself, not just as an artist, but as a person. Recitals and competitions were more than just performances; they were a journey. And little did I know, that journey was preparing me for something greater. Dance isn’t just a passion; it’s my ministry. Every time I thought I couldn’t go on, dance reminded me of my strength. It brought me closer to God, giving me the grounding I needed when everything felt chaotic. Even now, when I step into a room and let my body move, there’s an undeniable joy that stirs in me. That feeling, that connection, never fades. Though my focus may not be entirely on dance anymore, that joy is something I’ll carry with me forever. Then came Theatre. 5, 6, 7,...Opening night. My first show. Newsies. The excitement inside me was more than I could contain. I stood backstage, peeking through the curtains, waiting for my moment to step out as an ensemble member. My hands shook, my heart raced. The anticipation was a fire inside of me, and when the curtain finally rose, I was overwhelmed by a feeling I could only describe as pure bliss. I was smiling so wide that the back row could see it. Performing again brought back the love that 7-year-old me initially experienced! It was as if the volcano simmering inside me finally erupted, and I was alive in a way I had never been before. It wasn’t the applause that ignited the flame within me. It wasn’t even the cheers from my friends and family. It was something deeper—passion. A deep, undeniable passion that flowed from my soul into every movement, every word. As the show went on, that passion only grew. Theatre became my playground, a space where I could stretch my artistry in ways I never could before. Every production, every rehearsal, was a new opportunity to explore and dive deeper into the essence of my creativity. 5,6,...And scene. The journey from that opening night to now has been a rollercoaster. There were moments I wanted to give up, when the weight of doubt crushed me. Times when I cried, when I questioned whether I was cut out for this. But I wouldn’t trade any of it. Not one moment. Because every tear, every bit of self-doubt, made me stronger. It taught me resilience. It showed me that the struggle is just as important as the success. Without it, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Theatre is not just what I do. It’s who I am. As I approach my post-graduation plans, I have a clear vision. I will attend a four-year university, earn my BFA in musical theatre, and minor in education. The dream I’ve carried with me since childhood is now within reach. But it’s about more than just me. It’s about creating a space where black girls like me see themselves represented. I refuse to let that lack of representation deter me. Instead, it fuels me. I want to teach, to inspire, and to show kids that their dreams are realistic. That they too can find their place in a world that may not always reflect them. Growing up, I didn’t always have people who looked like me in the roles I dreamed of filling. I want to change that. My community deserves more. Theatre is not just an art form. It’s a powerful tool for healing, for inspiring, and for changing lives. Theatre heals challenges, inspires, educates, and provides me with a sense of meaning and purpose. It is the very Essence of my identity; it is an extension of my being. As my time in high school theatre comes to an end, I am reminded of why I fell in love with this art form in the first place. Theatre has been my refuge, my voice, my passion. And I know, with every ounce of my being, that this is just the beginning. This is the first chapter of a much bigger story. And I won’t stop until I’ve told it.

Leadership to me is having integrity, doing what's right even when no one's looking. It's being a role model or even an inspiration to those around me, younger and older people. It's who I am and who I will continue to be as I grow in myself and my leadership skills. As I am part of the Student Government Association serving as Senior Class Vice President, daily I have the responsibility of being a leader in my classes, extracurricular activities, and even outside of school. I also have been an active member of the National Honor Society since 2023, which recognizes students for their academic achievements and leadership qualities. Consistently, I am representing my peers and coordinating events that promote school spirit and unity. I have been creating awareness campaigns through film in the Student Government Association (SGA), most recently the “Panther W.A.L.K” film. The idea was brought to the leadership class by administration and our wonderful principal as the new behavioral plan to encourage the students on campus to W.A.L.K in Wisdom, Accountability, Leadership, and Kindness. Immediately, we understood that our school's new motto was based off of our school song, “Panther Walk” by an alumni, but we needed to bring a fresh new trendy idea for the scholars. I took the initiative to create a video/short-film based off of a previous youtube video (Songs In Real Life Kids Style - School Edition) that I shared laughs with my friends in elementary school. Then I consulted with my peers and came to the conclusion that they knew of the video as well. Instant nostalgia, comedy, and most importantly relatable. I knew I had come up with something groundbreaking for the middle and high schoolers. I hope that students after me pay attention to what the students' needs are and try their best to make the connection within what's trendy. Aside from school, representation is key within a society. We cannot build society's as such without those groups of people or one person who takes the leap of faith to represent their people. In reference to that, It's who I aspire to be. There's a lack of belief within my community. Belief is more than what people make it seem. It's how ideas come to life, how dreams come true, and how lives change. My passion for theatre has been questioned by many, but it will not stop me from achieving the dream I've dreamt my entire life. Furthermore, this war will go on for years to come, we must not be afraid to be the one to take the first step in change. My passion for representing black girls in theatre goes beyond performing on stage...I desire to start a movement for girls like me. The constant questioning and doubting of younger girls, creates a boxed in future, which leads to hindrance in progression within our community. It is essential for inspiration/representation to grow in the near future when allowing young black girls to live out their wildest artistic dreams. The arts as a whole is already deemed to struggle, says society, but I'm willing to prove those people wrong and provide true factors and facts for the arts- more specifically Theatre. I will do so by achieving my BFA in Music Theatre, showing younger generations what is possible. Later, using said degree to become a teacher and watch my students learn and grow into the stars they are bound to be no matter the stereotype.

Leadership, to me, is about integrity, doing what's right even when no one is watching. It’s about being a role model and inspiring those around me, whether they’re younger or older. I strive to be this kind of leader as I continue to grow. As Senior Class Vice President in the Student Government Association (SGA), I take on the responsibility of leading in my classes, extracurriculars, and outside school. I’m also an active member of the National Honor Society, recognized for academic achievements and leadership qualities, and I consistently represent my peers, coordinating events that promote school spirit. I’ve been involved in creating awareness campaigns through film, including the “Panther W.A.L.K” short film. This initiative, developed in collaboration with our administration and principal, promotes the behavioral plan encouraging students to W.A.L.K—Wisdom, Accountability, Leadership, and Kindness. To make it more engaging, I took the initiative to create a video inspired by a popular YouTube series, combining nostalgia, humor, and relatability for both middle and high schoolers. This project represents my belief in meeting students where they are and making an impact through what resonates with them. Representation is vital in society, and I aspire to be a leader who represents my community. Many doubt the potential of Black girls, especially in the arts, but I refuse to let that stop me from pursuing my dream. My passion for theatre has been questioned, but it won’t deter me. Studying Theatre will allow me to grow as an artist, and Howard University will help me take the necessary steps to enter the industry. I am committed to representing Black girls in theatre, not just as a performer, but as a movement. I want to challenge the doubts placed on young girls, especially in the arts, and provide the inspiration and representation they need. By pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre, I aim to show what’s possible for the next generation. Afterward, I want to teach and guide my students to reach their fullest potential, regardless of the stereotypes they face. Through this journey, I hope to prove that the arts, particularly theatre, have limitless possibilities.

As a young Black girl from Broward County, FL it’s an abnormal idea to have a passion for Theatre. Presumed to be a predominately white art form, it's intimidating to have goals to pursue theater after high school and most certainly after college. Those constant questions, Why Theatre?, put me in an awkward position- questioning my passion, God-given talent, and purpose in life. A lot of that doubt stems from not seeing others like me in the places I want to go. In my sophomore year, I discovered my true passion for Theatre, committing myself to study and perfect it. Playing Celie in The Color Purple pushed me to confront my self-doubt, realizing the key to growth was self-belief. Whilst I’d say it wasn’t my utmost performance as a lead, the experience transformed me. In 2023, being awarded “Best Choreographer” at the South Florida Cappies further solidified my path, reminding me that my journey in theatre is about both personal growth and creative expression. It reinforced my dedication to pursuing theatre as my lifelong passion. My post-graduation goals are to attend a four year university to obtain my BFA, preferably at Florida State University or Howard University, in musical theatre and minor in education. I want to pursue these goals because I feel there isn't enough representation for black girls in theatre or even the black culture as a whole which may cause them to choose a path they don't actually yearn for. To be able to be in the industry and teach kids would make such an impact. Theatre and teaching has also always been a very strong passion of mine since elementary school and to pursue it as a career would be surreal. My community suffers from believing we can without people in certain areas that represent us. My passion for theatre has been questioned by many, but it will not stop me from achieving the dream I've dreamt my entire life. Furthermore, this war will go on for years to come, we must not be afraid to be the one to take the first step in change. My passion for representing black girls in theatre goes beyond performing on stage...I desire to start a movement for girls like me. The constant questioning and doubting of younger girls, creates a boxed in future, which leads to hindrance in progression within our community. It is essential for inspiration/representation to grow in the near future when allowing young black girls to live out their wildest artistic dreams. The arts as a whole is already deemed to struggle, says society, but I'm willing to prove those people wrong and provide true factors and facts for the arts- more specifically Theatre. A scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden on my mother and step-father, who are also raising 3 other children. As a second-generation college student, I'm learning from my mother the importance of applying for scholarships. Her lack of applying for scholarships led her to a 33k student loan debt, which sticks in the back of my brain. This scholarship would not only support my academic career but also help me to overcome financial obstacles that often limit access to arts education. With this opportunity, I will continue challenging the limits of underrepresentation in theatre while gaining the skills necessary to inspire and teach future generations of Black students who dream of a similar path.

As a young Black girl from Broward County, FL it’s an abnormal idea to have a passion for Theatre. Presumed to be a predominately white art form, it's intimidating to have goals to pursue theater after high school and most certainly after college. Those constant questions, Why Theatre?, put me in an awkward position- questioning my passion, God-given talent, and purpose in life. A lot of that doubt stems from not seeing others like me in the places I want to go. In my sophomore year, I discovered my true passion for Theatre, committing myself to study and perfect it. Playing Celie in The Color Purple pushed me to confront my self-doubt, realizing the key to growth was self-belief. Whilst I’d say it wasn’t my utmost performance as a lead, the experience transformed me. In 2023, being awarded “Best Choreographer” at the South Florida Cappies further solidified my path, reminding me that my journey in theatre is about both personal growth and creative expression. It reinforced my dedication to pursuing theatre as my lifelong passion. My post-graduation goals are to attend a four year university to obtain my BFA, preferably at Florida State University or Howard University, in musical theatre and minor in education. I want to pursue these goals because I feel there isn't enough representation for black girls in theatre or even the black culture as a whole which may cause them to choose a path they don't actually yearn for. To be able to be in the industry and teach kids would make such an impact. Theatre and teaching has also always been a very strong passion of mine since elementary school and to pursue it as a career would be surreal. My community suffers from believing we can without people in certain areas that represent us. My passion for theatre has been questioned by many, but it will not stop me from achieving the dream I've dreamt my entire life. Furthermore, this war will go on for years to come, we must not be afraid to be the one to take the first step in change. My passion for representing black girls in theatre goes beyond performing on stage...I desire to start a movement for girls like me. The constant questioning and doubting of younger girls, creates a boxed in future, which leads to hindrance in progression within our community. It is essential for inspiration/representation to grow in the near future when allowing young black girls to live out their wildest artistic dreams. The arts as a whole is already deemed to struggle, says society, but I'm willing to prove those people wrong and provide true factors and facts for the arts- more specifically Theatre. A scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden on my mother and step-father, who are also raising 3 other children. As a second-generation college student, I'm learning from my mother the importance of applying for scholarships. Her lack of applying for scholarships led her to a 33k student loan debt, which sticks in the back of my brain. This scholarship would not only support my academic career but also help me to overcome financial obstacles that often limit access to arts education. With this opportunity, I will continue challenging the limits of underrepresentation in theatre while gaining the skills necessary to inspire and teach future generations of Black students who dream of a similar path.

It's Me VS. Me.. and most times I fail to realize that. I'm an artist and it's easy to compare my work to someone else's but, art is subjective no matter what kind of art it is and knowing that has to be the most crucial thing in the art field. I was cast as "Celie" in "The Color Purple" at my school. It's the lead role in that musical. The musical itself and the character I was given to play brought some discouragement. So, going into the process there was a mental barrier up. "The Color Purple" is about a woman (Celie) going through life: abused, looked down on, poorly mistreated, poor, and black during the peak of racism. I couldn't imagine or process mentally as a 16 year old girl in these modern times what it must be like so, immediately I tried to do the most research on the previous actors who have played this role so I could at least catch a grasp of how to move onto putting myself in those shoes. So, that's what I did. I continued, daily, to watch performance after performance and interview after interview to understand how to play this person. The research did help acting method wise but something still wasn't clicking for me, I still couldn't begin to even try to put myself in those shoes and use the actors' methods to help. Nothing was working. As it was almost time to start rehearsing, I read the script for the 3rd time and I began to realize what really kept Celie wanting to still go through life In those devastating times. It was her dream. Her dream is what she held onto to keep moving through life....and there it was, something that made me say "I understand her". Once I actually understood Celie, it was easier to find little things that I personally connected to her with. That mental barrier was broken and confidence struck.I could apply some of my life experiences to hers and put myself in those shoes. When it was time to finally open the show, I was okay. I felt comfortable and confident in who I was and what I was producing. As an actor, watching the way someone else performs something could be helpful but we must be careful not to compare ourselves to them or try to copy their choice of style for the character. It's easy to get caught up in, "Watch how (known celebrity) does it" or "Try to sing it like (a peer in the classroom)”. I'm not them. I'm Essence Fowler and I am my own art. My voice, my movements, my mannerisms, even, and the way I speak isn't going to look or sound like anyone else's. I am my own person and my art is going to look like it. I’ve learned not to let things deceive me, I must challenge myself and not allow my mental state to suppress my progression.