For as long as I can remember, music has been more than entertainment to me. It’s proven to be away to connect with people, tell stories, and encourage others to express themselves authentically. My goal is to become a professional synth player, music producer, and songwriter within the metalcore and alternative music scene. Inspired by bands such as Motionless in White, I want to help create music that is unapologetically original and empowers people to embrace who they are rather than conforming to what is popular or commercially expected. My plan begins with attending Full Sail University to study music production. Through formal education, I will gain technical skills in recording, mixing, sound design, and songwriting while also building connections with other musicians, producers, and industry professionals. Networking is one of the most valuable resources available in the music industry, and Full Sail’s connections to working professionals make it an ideal place for me to begin building a career. While pursuing my education, I plan to actively record demos and develop my skills as a keyboardist and synth player. Modern metalcore relies heavily on atmospheric synths, orchestral elements, and electronic production, and I want to become proficient in creating those sounds. My goal is to build a portfolio of original material that demonstrates both my musicianship and production abilities. This portfolio will help me collaborate with other artists and eventually find a band whose vision aligns with my own. I also hope to gain experience working with a record label that specializes in heavy music. Whether through internships, entry-level positions, or mentorship opportunities, I want to learn the business side of the music industry. Understanding artist development, marketing, touring, and production management will allow me to make informed decisions throughout my career and help other musicians navigate the industry as well. Financially, my plan includes tuition and educational expenses at Full Sail University, music production software, a professional keyboard and synthesizer setup, recording equipment, and transportation for networking opportunities and performances. I estimate needing several thousand dollars annually for equipment upgrades, software subscriptions, and recording costs in addition to educational expenses. To help offset these costs, I plan to work while attending school and seek scholarships (such as this one). My long-term vision extends beyond personal success. I want to encourage aspiring musicians to create meaningful art without compromising their identity for mainstream acceptance. Too often, talented artists abandon their unique voices because they feel pressured to follow trends. Through my music, collaborations, and mentorship of other creatives, I hope to demonstrate that authenticity has value and that genuine artistic expression can make a lasting impact. Like Joe Gilroy’s philosophy of “Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan,” I have developed a clear roadmap for achieving my goals. Through education, networking, industry experience, and relentless dedication to my craft, I intend to build a career that not only fulfills my own dreams but also helps others find the confidence to pursue theirs.

For most of my life, music was something I barely noticed. I didn’t actively seek it out, and it certainly wasn’t a major part of my identity. That all changed when I discovered heavy music, starting with the metalcore band “Motionless in White”, and from there, my world opened to an entire underground scene. I gravitated toward niche and extreme genres such as slamming brutal death metal, grindcore, noisecore, and classic metalcore. These styles exist largely outside the mainstream, but that is exactly what draws me to them. You see, the lack of major recognition of this music means that it is honest, uncompromising, and created out of passion rather than popularity. Heavy music gave me something I didn’t know I needed: an outlet. I live with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (or OCD for short) and the sheer intensity of these genres allows me to channel anxiety and in something that is frankly tangible and grounding. The weight, speed, and aggression of the music resonate (pun intended) deeply with me, not as negativity, but rather as release, catharsis if you will. As a Catholic, I’ve also found that heaviness can reflect passion, zeal and devotion, all of which are qualities that parallel my faith and desire to live fully for God. In that sense, music has become both an emotional refuge and a means of spiritual expression. Academically, I am currently taking a Music Technology & Sound Engineering class, where I am developing a deeper understanding of the process in which music is recorded, produced, and shared. I also play electric guitar on occasion, which has helped me appreciate the technical and creative effort behind the music I am so drawn to. While I do not plan on pursuing performance as a career, my goal is to work in A&R for a record label, specifically to support underground and non-mainstream artists. I really want to help bands who create music knowing it may never appeal to the masses, yet pour everything they have into their art anyway simply because they love what they do. I always cherish discovering new music, sharing it with others, and directly supporting smaller artists who might otherwise go unheard. Beyond music, I strive to give back to my community through volunteering at my school and serving others whenever possible. I strive to be a light of God through my actions, which honestly something often surprises people given the intensity of the music I love. Ultimately, I hope to impact the world by uplifting voices from the margins of the music industry while living out my faith through compassion, service, and of course, authenticity. Thank you, and rock on!

Why do I love math? Well, math, at least to me, is a universal language that helps people like you and me to grasp concepts that we may have been oblivious to without it. For instance, math tells us things as simple as how much pizza one should by for an upcoming birthday party to things as complex as the rate of the universe’s expansion. Math is really just our way of making sense of the things around us. Math occupies my mind and really scratches that itch which is curiosity. I love researching new mathematical concepts just to enhance my understanding of the world in which I live and all its underlying complexities which otherwise might have gone unnoticed. Like, did you know that you could never comb the fibers on a coconut (or any fuzzy spherical surface for that matter) without getting a cowlick? There literally exists a mathematical theorem—something that real professional, college-educated thinkers developed. And, of course, math has its own unique vocabulary, just like any other discipline that is delving into the specifics of a subject (the Hedgehog Theorem, which I was referencing before, states “there is non-vanishing, continuous tangent vector field on even-dimensional n-spheres”; yes, I actually memorized that!). Anyway, I math reveals things that you would have never even considered needed revealing. That’s what makes it so beautiful: it helps me to connect all these complex aspects of the world to an intelligent Creator, and I think that’s pretty wonderful. All in all, math goes well beyond the triangles you learn about in school. Do some digging, and you may just find something that makes you reconsider everything you thought you knew about our world (it also gives you something to recite to your friends just to sound smart, kind of like what I did earlier with that theorem). I greatly appreciate this opportunity to use my passion of math to potentially support my dream of furthering my education. It’s not everyday you get to nerd-out with the chance of it actually doing more than just making you feel smart. Thank you so much, and keep on calculating!

Hello. My name is Ethan, and I just wanted to say that I really appreciate this opportunity to get a second chance. You see, I suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: a debilitating illness that traps people in unforgiving thought patterns and forces them to perform rituals with the false hope that this will benefit them and free them from their intrusive thinking, when really it only makes it worse. My OCD has impacted my school performance very much. I have become obsessed with doing well in school to the point where I have been using AI to write essays for me because I feared that my own writing wasn’t good enough. I admit that this has been going on for quite some time now, even when writing essays for scholarships. I have come to realize that this is incredibly wrong, and I am glad that I have not won any scholarships yet because that would mean I would have prevented someone else from receiving money to support their education, someone who actually tried rather than putting their ideas into AI and being disingenuous. I am writing this essay on my own. I know that my writing isn’t pristine, but I think that the rawness of it reveals that I am only human, too. We make mistakes, and that’s what makes us unique. Otherwise, everything would be very boring and unfulfilling. Anyway, I have decided that I want to make a change in my life because I want to be able to think for myself and be confident in what I am able to do. I have goals and aspirations like everyone else, and I don’t want my OCD to interfere with my pursuit of that. Furthermore, the mere thought of even achieving something in an unauthentic and cheating way is just wrong. As I hinted at previously, there are people who actually try, people who are less privileged than I am yet use the knowledge and skills at their disposal to try to get support for their education so they can do great things. I couldn’t fathom the idea of living comfortably knowing that I have lied and cheated to get to where I am. So, I have decided to be myself. I updated my profile on this platform to show the real me, and all the school assignments I complete are done exclusively by me. Even if I get a mark I am not particularly happy with, I know that I am at least learning something and trying my best rather than abusing technology to get to where I want to be. Overall, I feel that this scholarship will help me to be able to pursue my dream of working for a record label. I really love music, and the songs I listen to are often in niche genres that don’t appeal to the masses. The producers of this music do it even though they know that it likely won’t become a mainstream hit or make them a lot of money. This connects to my newfound realization that I have discussed earlier. These artists are trying to express who they truly are and stand unfazed by judgement from others, as being who you are and walking the less-traveled path is more important than suppressing your true ideas and prospects just to “fit in”. This scholarship money will not only support me in pursuing my dreams, but it will also stand as a testament to how it’s never too late to improve and be honest, not hindered by past mistakes. Perhaps that’s what Mr. Vecchione was trying to get at.

Living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder has shaped my life in ways that have been both deeply challenging and unexpectedly transformative. For years, I wrestled with perfectionism-driven OCD, where every thought, action, or decision felt as though it had to meet an impossible standard. I constantly feared mistakes, feared disappointing others, and even feared disappointing God. Yet in the midst of that struggle, I came to realize something essential: I am not asked to be perfect, only faithful. The limits of my own mind and the anxieties I carried forced me to confront the truth that I cannot rely on myself alone. My weakness became the doorway through which I understood how much I truly need God and how much He desires to walk with me through every trial. The longer I lived with OCD, the more the spiritual significance of hardship became clear. What once felt like a burden slowly revealed itself to be a tool by which God was drawing me closer to Himself. My disorder humbled me and taught me that perfection does not come from human effort but from God's grace. When I felt overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts or paralyzed by the need to do everything "just right," I learned that surrender was not failure but freedom. OCD strengthened my Catholic faith because it reminded me that God does not love the polished version of who I think I should be. He loves the real, imperfect person who turns to Him in trust. Through prayer, the sacraments, and a growing awareness of God's patience with me, I began to understand that sanctity has nothing to do with achieving flawlessness and everything to do with leaning on the Lord despite my limitations. This same desire-to steer my life, passion, and talents toward God-is what shapes my goals for the future. One of the greatest outlets of my passion is metal music, especially in its heavier forms such as death metal and technical metal, along with other more intense subgenres. Many look upon metal and view it as dark, chaotic, or even incompatible with faith. For me, however, metal has always been a means by which I can express intensity and emotion honestly, in a manner that ultimately culminates in returning to God. When I listen to or create heavy music, I am reminded of the reality of the world, the seriousness of the human condition, and the urgent need for divine love. The darker themes explored within metal do not pull me from God; they strengthen my conviction that His light is necessary, powerful, and real. It is within the passion, energy, and raw expression that metal embodies that my creativity finds a place in which it can serve the Lord and where I can offer my gifts back to Him. I look forward to the days to come, where I will continue to grow not only in my craft as a musician but also in my ability to share my faith through the things I love. Be it through guitar, composition, education, or simply witnessing to others, I hope to show that God works through every part of a person's life, including the struggles and passions, even through loud music. My OCD has shaped me, tested me, and ultimately drawn me closer to the Lord. And I would pray that my future will be one defined by using every talent and every trial to glorify Him.

It is easy for me to say that both music and sound have been the steady current running through my life: a way to think, feel, and worship. Ever since the fateful day I first plugged in a distorted guitar, I found that music could express the intensity of my convictions in ways not possible by words alone. I absolutely love heavy metal; its power, complexity, and emotional honesty are just so inspiring. Because of that love, music hasn’t been a hobby for me — it’s been a classroom, a laboratory, and even a chapel all at once. In my high school, my Music Technology and Sound Engineering course has been transformational. The class bridges creativity with computation, and I’ve learned how technical craft and artistic intuition feed one another, doing so in such a beautiful way. Working in GarageBand and other digital music workstations has taught me how small choices can really make a difference in conveying the entire message of a riff or lyric. Those technical skills give me the vocabulary to translate the raw energy I feel into something others can hear and feel, too. Heavy metal is a genre that is often misunderstood and even dismissed because of its harsh themes. For me, the unique style of expression it embodies does the opposite of what critics assume, refining and reinforcing my convictions as a follower of Jesus. Metal channels passion and wrestles honestly with darkness, which makes joy and hope more profound when they arrive. Bands like Ice Nine Kills have been huge teachers in this way. Their elaborate songs pay homage to horror cinema while using sophisticated literary and poetic devices. By studying how they construct tension, release, narrative arc, and imagery, I have learned to recognize not only “what sounds right” musically, but also incorporate a sharpened sense of storytelling and literary craft. That very crossover of music teaching me about literature, and literature deepening my musical choices, is one of the things I enjoy and cherish most in this context. Going past technique and taste, music has shaped my character. Rehearsals taught discipline and collaboration, while mixing taught patience and composing taught discernment. Each of these processes press me to listen better and to serve the song (and ultimately to serve others with wonderful music that can be just as inspiring and powerful as it is for me). Looking to the future, my goal is to produce my own music and to be part of a band that brings the best of “heavy” music to people who might otherwise write it off. I simply want to create art that is sonically powerful and spiritually honest, that is, music that can move people, challenge assumptions, and direct others to God, the ultimate power behind all of this. I envision myself continuing to grow technically while writing riffs and lyrics that use the intensity of metal to communicate truth, beauty, and hope. All in all, music is how I learn, how I pray, and how I plan to serve. Heavy metal gives me the language and force to loudly and lovingly testify the fact that passion, craft, and faith can coexist and even strengthen one another.

From a young age, I’ve always found it easier to express myself through music than through words. While writing my thoughts down can be difficult at times, picking up my guitar and playing something that matches how I feel comes naturally. Music has always been a safe space for me: a place where I can be myself. And when I discovered how music and technology could come together, I realized I had found a path that was not only exciting, but deeply meaningful. That’s why I want to pursue a career in music technology: it brings together my love for sound, my curiosity about technology, and my passion to glorify God through creativity. One moment that truly sparked this dream was when I first heard the song Giftig by Rammstein. My older brother, who I share a room with, loves metal. I was eventually drawn in by the genre, and when I discovered Rammstein, something just clicked. Their use of synth and electronic sounds (especially in the intros of songs) combined with heavy, drop-tuned guitar riffs, really stood out to me. That contrast between digital and analog, soft and powerful, inspired a deep desire in me. I thought, “What if I could make something like this, but in my own style, something I could actually call mine?” That’s what led me to start learning about digital audio workstations. While I haven’t created any full compositions yet, the more I explore the tools and sounds available, the more excited I become about the possibilities. Signing up for my high school’s Music Technology and Sound Engineering course was a big step for me. It’s designed to help students create music using programs like GarageBand and other DAWs, and I’m thrilled to finally have the opportunity to learn how to build songs from the ground up. I want to create music that reflects who I am, and more importantly, honors the One who gave me the passion and talent to do so. My ultimate dream is to join a band that shares my musical taste, perhaps in the industrial or progressive metal space, so that I can use my God-given gifts to perform, inspire, and glorify God in front of others. I believe music can be both powerful and purposeful, and I want to make songs that move people in more ways than one. The road to pursuing my dream certainly hasn’t always been a well-paved one. There have been times where I’ve doubted myself or wondered if this dream was even realistic. It’s hard when others don’t always understand or encourage the path you feel called to, which is increasingly obvious outside of STEM. But those challenges have only helped to further develop my resolve. I know I’ve been given these interests and passions for a reason, and I trust that I can grow into the musician and creator I’ve always envisioned if I just have a little patience and dedication. This scholarship would give me the opportunity to take those first real steps, to learn, to explore, and to begin creating music that reflects both my heart and my faith. I’m ready to put in the work and pursue this calling with everything I have. As the late Dr. Seuss wrote, “Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don’t and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it’d be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.”

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.