From a young age, I have been captivated by the beauty and abundance of the natural world. While others may have found fascination in technology or urban life, I found mine in the soil, in seeds, and especially in fruit—those miraculous gifts of sweetness and sustenance that emerge from trees and vines with both mystery and majesty. Over time, this love matured into something greater: a calling. Today, agriculture is not merely a career path for me—it is a deeply rooted passion that I view as a way to glorify God and serve others. Though my environment didn’t always offer access to tropical or rare fruits, I developed a particular fascination with them through books, research, and cultural exploration. One fruit stood out above all others: durian, known across Southeast Asia as the “King of Fruits.” To me, durian is more than just a delicacy—it is a living testament to God’s creativity. Its bold aroma, unique taste, and cultural reverence across nations sparked in me a dream: to one day work hands-on with durian and other rare or endangered fruits, not just as a consumer, but as a steward, researcher, and advocate. My passion for agriculture is grounded in a desire to cultivate, learn, and preserve. I aim to study the growth patterns, environmental needs, and propagation techniques of rare fruits and crops—especially those that are disappearing or under-documented. Plants like Brighamia insignis, a nearly extinct Hawaiian species, represent the urgency of conservation, while fruits like mangosteen, another tropical fruit unknown to much of the western world, reveal how much wonder still exists in the world of plants. If money were no obstacle, I would travel to countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where durian is not only a staple crop but a symbol of heritage. I would immerse myself in the practices of local farmers, learn traditional harvesting methods, and work in community durian stands and fruit markets. From there, I would develop educational content and materials to raise awareness globally, especially in places where these fruits are misunderstood or inaccessible. Ultimately, I want to make agriculture—especially tropical and rare fruit agriculture—more appreciated and sustainable. I believe that agriculture is not just about feeding people, but also about healing the earth, preserving culture, and honoring the Lord. I see farming and fruit cultivation as acts of worship: when done with love, care, and knowledge, they reflect the beauty and provision of God’s creation. Receiving this scholarship would directly support my journey as I pursue agricultural education with a focus on tropical fruits, sustainable farming, and global fruit exploration. I hope to become a bridge between cultures, between science and tradition, and between people and the earth that feeds them. I don’t just want to grow fruit—I want to grow wonder, gratitude, and global appreciation for the fruits that God so intricately designed.

The first time I truly connected with nature wasn’t in a forest or garden—it was in the produce aisle of a local supermarket when I was around eight years old. Nestled between ordinary apples and bananas sat a fruit I had only ever seen through a screen: a dragon fruit—Selenicereus undatus—its vibrant pink skin and otherworldly scales radiating mystery. I had spent countless hours watching rare fruit channels like Weird Fruit Explorer, dreaming of one day discovering such fruits firsthand. But that day, the dream entered reality. As I picked it up, I felt an awe and wonder I couldn’t explain. This wasn’t just food—it was beauty, curiosity, and creation all in one. That simple supermarket discovery planted in me a deep-rooted passion for God’s botanical world, especially His more hidden treasures. Since then, I have devoted myself to the study and celebration of rare and exotic fruits—durian, mangosteen, marang, pulasan, and beyond—not merely out of scientific interest, but from a sense of sacred duty. I see each fruit as a testimony to the Lord’s creativity and generosity. Even things like Brighamia insignis, an endangered Hawaiian plant, remind me of the fragility of the earth’s biodiversity and our responsibility to steward it well. My relationship with the planet is not one of dominance, but of reverence and gratitude. As such, my educational journey is centered on horticulture, plant conservation, and international agricultural systems—not to serve my own ambitions, but to glorify God and help others encounter His goodness through His creation. I dream of working hands-on with fruits like durian in their native settings—learning traditional harvesting methods, supporting small-scale farmers, and sharing rare fruits with those who have never tasted or even seen them. I also feel called to protect endangered species like Brighamia insignis, not only as an environmental effort, but as an act of worship—restoring what humanity’s negligence has threatened. If money were no obstacle, I would create a global traveling art and tasting installation titled “Fruit of Heaven: The Forgotten Feast.” This immersive event would combine education, spiritual reflection, and sensory wonder. Attendees would taste rare and endangered fruits from across the world, each paired with stories of its cultural significance, ecological role, and theological meaning. There would be visual art made from natural pigments, interactive maps showing each fruit’s origin and endangered status, and spoken-word performances that reflect on themes of creation, decay, and renewal. At the center of it all would be a garden sanctuary—a living exhibit of endangered and miraculous plants, including a preserved Brighamia insignis. The goal would be to awaken reverence, inspire action, and reintroduce people to the God who made every seed-bearing plant with care and intention. My connection to the earth is spiritual and personal. Every rare fruit I encounter reminds me of the wonder I felt as a child, holding that dragon fruit for the first time. It reminds me that the world is full of beauty waiting to be found—and that with the right tools, education, and faith, I can help others see it too.

My “why” is simple but unshakable: I want to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ through every gift I’ve been given—especially my love for music and the electric guitar. I’m passionate about the power of sound, visuals, and storytelling to move people, and I truly believe that, when used in a faithful manner, these forms of art can point others toward hope, redemption, and the truth contained in the Gospel. My lifelong dream is to push the limits of what the electric guitar can do—not just musically, but spiritually and culturally. I hope to become so excellent and skilled in my playing that I can use this “cool” and undoubtedly powerful instrument to reach young people who might otherwise never step foot inside a church. I envision creating music, videos, and visual content that blend the bold energy of rock and metal with a Christ-centered message—something that communicates reverence for God while speaking the language of this generation. As technology evolves—bringing with it AI-generated music, automated visual design tools, and otherwise rapid changes in how we create and express ourselves—I don’t want to lose the heart behind creation. I want to be someone who learns to use these tools not to replace authenticity, but to amplify it. I imagine developing immersive worship experiences, live shows, or digital projects that combine the aspects of sound design, visual storytelling, and Scripture in ways that resonate deeply and glorify God in a bold way. Art, I believe, is much more than expression—it’s a ministry. Whether I am learning a new riff or designing a concept for a future church performance, my motivation is the same: to point people to Christ and His Word, highlighting the deep love He has for each and every one of us. This is what keeps me pressing forward, and why I remain so passionate about the future of the arts.

For most of my early life, I didn’t know what to call the rituals that consumed my mind and dictated my behavior. I just knew that something about the way I functioned—repeating movements, feeling anxious if I didn’t complete certain actions—felt different from what others experienced. It wasn’t until I moved from New York to Florida, a massive shift in my world, that the anxiety within me finally boiled over. My mental state unraveled; I became impulsive, reactive, and constantly on edge. The way I acted no longer made sense to those around me. My family, shocked by the sudden intensity of my behavior, hadn’t realized that the signs had been there for years. I had been struggling with something deeper: a relentless, internal torment that would eventually be diagnosed as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Receiving that diagnosis at age thirteen was life-altering. Finally, there was a name for what I was experiencing. But naming it was only the beginning. I was sent to Wisconsin for treatment, where I spent five months in a mental health unit—more than double the time originally anticipated. Those five months were some of the most difficult of my life. But they were also the most formative. I learned to sit with discomfort, to confront my compulsions head-on, and to slowly reclaim control over my mind. In many ways, my OCD had robbed me of simple joys. I couldn’t fully participate in activities others took for granted—especially music. Music, something so universal and expressive, was restricted by my own mind. I avoided it due to irrational fears and compulsions that controlled me like a puppet on strings. But over time, as I committed myself to healing, I experienced something even more profound than recovery: I encountered Jesus. During my time in treatment, I began to see how the Lord was working in my life. At first, I felt abandoned—why would a good God allow me to suffer like this? But I now understand that God does not abandon His people; rather, He walks with us through fire. My struggle became a lens through which I could see His mercy more clearly. Jesus was with me in my pain. He used my lowest moments to show me that He is not only present, but that He is the answer. Emerging from that chapter of my life, I was changed—not just mentally, but spiritually. I came to view my healing as a miracle. I was no longer a slave to OCD. And I was no longer afraid of music. In fact, music became the language through which I could worship, express, and live. I picked up the electric guitar and never looked back. What was once inaccessible to me became my greatest passion. The guitar, with its versatility and emotional range, allows me to speak in ways words cannot. And I choose to use that voice to glorify the God who saved me. Today, my belief in Jesus Christ shapes everything I do. I believe He uses suffering to refine us, to draw us near to Him, and to equip us to help others. Mental illness, while painful, opened my eyes to compassion and resilience. It deepened my faith. It taught me never to judge others by their outward behavior, because we never truly know what someone is battling internally. My relationships have been transformed as a result. I now approach others with a greater degree of empathy. I want to be a source of light and support to those who are walking through darkness. My journey with OCD has given me the perspective to sit with people in their pain—not to fix them, but to be present, as others were present for me. As for my career aspirations, I know with conviction that I want to dedicate my life to music—not simply as entertainment, but as a form of testimony. I want to create music that reflects God’s beauty, complexity, and love. I hope to one day perform and share my story, not to boast in myself, but to point to the One who brought me through. I want others who struggle with mental illness to see that there is hope—that healing is possible, and that they are not alone. In a world that often misunderstands or stigmatizes mental health, I stand as someone who has lived it, endured it, and by God’s grace, overcome it. My experiences have shaped my beliefs, redefined my relationships, and ignited a fire within me to pursue music as a calling—not just a career. I am eternally grateful for the freedom I now experience—freedom from mental bondage, freedom to create, and freedom to worship the Lord who makes all things new. I pray that my story, my music, and my life can elevate awareness, uplift others, and glorify the God who carried me out of the pit and into purpose.

Grid: Slide    Bridge    String    Pick Fall    Drop    Span    Delta Strum    Pluck    Bend    Tremolo Limit    Nail    Pull    Slope Group 1: Guitar Techniques • Strum • Pluck • Slide • Bend Explanation: These are common guitar techniques used to create tone and phrasing. They require physical mastery and are foundational to expressive playing, from classical to rock. Group 2: Scientific/Mathematical Concepts • Delta • Limit • Slope • Span Explanation: • Delta (Δ) represents change in a variable. • Limit is a fundamental concept in calculus. • Slope describes rate of change in linear equations. • Span refers to the set of all linear combinations in vector spaces. Each word is rooted in math or science—especially calculus and linear algebra. Group 3: Guitar Hardware • Bridge • String • Pick • Tremolo Explanation: These are all physical parts of the guitar or related equipment. While “pick” overlaps with the verb “to pick,” here it refers to the plectrum. Group 4: Words Suggesting Descent or Force • Fall • Drop • Pull • Nail Explanation: Each term implies motion, action, or the result of a force. “Nail” can be used metaphorically (“nail the landing”) or literally (a nail falling), and “pull” suggests force in opposition or cooperation with gravity. These shared connotations bring a physicality to the set.

From a young age, I’ve found myself captivated by rhythm—by the way a beat can move people, how a song can tell a story without saying a word. As I’ve grown, that fascination has deepened into a calling: to produce music that is both creatively vibrant and deeply purposeful. My dream is to build a career as an independent music producer specializing in funk and Phonk, blending technology with artistry to create sounds that not only captivate but uplift. Yet above all else, I strive to honor Jesus Christ with every step I take in this journey. My passion for music production emerged naturally out of a broader love for learning. I’ve always been drawn to new challenges, whether it’s mastering the layers of a digital audio workstation or experimenting with unconventional sounds—from tapping out complex rhythms on a desk to integrating traditional percussion like the djembe into electronic compositions. Music, for me, is more than a hobby or even a career path. It’s a medium through which I can express truth, beauty, and joy—the same virtues I strive to live by through my faith. Entrepreneurship, in this sense, is not just about launching a business—it’s about creating something meaningful that reflects who I am and what I believe. I see immense potential in combining my love for Brazilian funk, Phonk, and internet remix culture with my technical curiosity and drive to innovate. With the right resources and mentorship, I aim to develop my own brand and digital presence—producing original tracks, collaborating with artists, and sharing music that stands out not only for its sound but for its spirit. My ultimate goal is to build a platform where my music speaks to people, brings joy, and even introduces listeners to the values I hold dear. At the heart of everything I do is my relationship with Christ. I believe that my talents are gifts meant to be cultivated and shared for a greater purpose. While the music industry can often be focused on fame and profit, my ambition is guided by a different compass. I want to produce music that is excellent, but also grounded—music that reflects authenticity, humility, and light. Whether I’m crafting beats in my bedroom studio or performing live, I want each note to be a form of worship and a testimony to the One who gave me this passion in the first place. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it’s a gateway to opportunity, growth, and impact. With your support, I will be able to invest in better tools, training, and experiences that help me sharpen my craft and grow as both a producer and a person. I am committed to working hard, staying faithful, and using every opportunity to grow into the kind of creator—and disciple—I’m meant to be. Thank you for considering my application, and for supporting students who strive not only to succeed, but to make a difference.

Hello there! My name is Ethan, and I certainly was drawn to Michael's story, may he rest in peace. As a matter of fact, his story reminds quite a bit of me of myself. Anyway, to answer the prompt, I have been interested in music for a couple of years now. I am just so drawn to this art and feel connections to many of the songs I choose to listen to. As I like to say, while painters beautify their canvases, musicians paint the air. To move on to my own musical talent, I practice guitar (acoustic and electric). I feel that the guitar is a very personal instrument that is applicable to just about any kind of music. That is probably why I chose it. I enjoy listening to and practicing classical music, rock, and metal in my free time, but sometimes I like to explore and venture off into other genres. The versatility of the guitar makes doing this very easy. Music is definitely my chosen way to express myself, and I want to study it in college so that I may share my talent with others. To be more specific, I, a devout Christian, believe that God has given each and every one of us a unique skill set with which we can honor Him as well as others. For me, that skill set revolves around music, which I think is kind of significant. You see, everything in the world began with a sound spoken by God. With that being said, we are all joined together by sound. It is simply how we all started. Of course, humans have used sound to our advantage, even going as far as to invent devices (which we call musical instruments) designed specifically to make sound (music) that is pleasing to others. Hopefully it is now clear that my fascination with music has deepened my understanding of God. Furthermore, it has actually helped to give me a deeper understanding of others as well. I have made a great number of friends through music, and I am so grateful for that. Music just brings people together. Combining all of these ideas together, my goal is to bring people together with my music and relate to them using the aptitudes God has given me. Music, as I stated previously, is my way of expressing myself. It is my way of communicating to others. I figured, "Why not communicate something positive?" I think that sharing my musical talent will please God. My pursuit of Him will shine through my music, and I intend for others to see that. Jesus looks to each and every one of us with open arms. It pains me to know that many people fail to realize that. By practicing my guitar and using the gift of my talent that the Lord has given me to honor Him and serve those around me, I may stand as an encouragement to others to do the same. Anyway, I would just like to say that I am so grateful for this opportunity to pursue music through this scholarship. I appreciate all who have come to read this, and even if I don't win, I am glad that I took the chance to perhaps change someone's perspective. God bless Michael: his life and legacy is certainly cherished. Just from reading his story, I can tell that he was someone who wanted to express himself with his unique talents and interests. I definitely hope that I can do the same while honoring the Lord and those around me. Music, an integral part of numerous cultures, is such an incredible thing, and I believe that it is the key to achieving my goals. Thank you.