From as far back as I can remember, I have been surrounded by music. My parents are both music lovers, so there was always a melody playing on the radio or a song being sung in our home. My academic journey began at Harry Stone Montessori School, where I was a student from first grade through eighth grade. As we began setting our class schedules, we were given the opportunity to choose one elective course. The options included theater, choir, piano, and violin. Unsure of what to pick, I initially chose violin, as it was the class my closest friends opted into. Not wanting to separate from them, violin seemed like the perfect choice. I stuck with it for two years but soon realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. While I enjoyed learning the music, playing the violin didn’t ignite the passion I was hoping for. That’s when I decided to switch to choir. I thought I was simply choosing a new elective, but in reality, choir chose me. I developed a deep love for singing, learning to read music, and appreciating the artistry of musicality. In my middle school years, my connection to music began to grow much deeper. I continued my musical journey by joining my high school choir, where my passion and relationship with music only grew stronger. I’ve been fortunate to have inspiring choir directors who have continuously supported and encouraged me, and this encouragement has fueled my desire to pursue a career in music education. My family has supported me through my journey, but my brother has been one of my biggest supporters. I looked up to him for guidance, advice and leadership. Paul was a music education major, and so I am. Paul lost his life in a car accident in October of 2024 while traveling home from a choir concert. This loss has had a profound impact on me, but I am comforted knowing that he passed having just experienced what he loved. Our shared connection to music was something that would have continued to grow and bring us even closer if we had more time. Music has helped me to move through the grief process. It helps to put my emotions into words. It connects me to Paul when I hear songs that he has helped me learn the words or melodies to. Music helps me to feel and experience my emotions. Whether I am happy or sad, there is a song that helps me to feel. Grief is chaotic, but music is structured and rhythmic. Music has not only shaped the person I am today, but it has also helped me get through some of the most challenging times of my life. It has always been a constant in my life, providing comfort in grief, joy in the good times and giving me a sense of belonging when I have needed it most. Through music, I have found my voice, my purpose and a deeper connection to those I love.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?" I have always been taught that I must not only strive for excellence in all I do but also service my community. I have had the opportunity to serve my community through my involvement in several youth organizations. As a member of Future Iota Leaders (FIL), a service initiative for Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., I have volunteered at the North Texas Food Bank, Toys for Tots, Buckner Shoes for Orphan Soles, and the City Square Homeless Shelter. I have also participated in back-to-school giveaways and coat drives. As a member of Walking Souls Homeless Ministry, through Glendale Presbyterian Church, I have serviced the homeless population of Dallas by collecting and providing toiletries, water, blankets, and food. Community service is important to me because it helps develop a sense of social responsibility to the community I live in, and it encourages social connection. In addition to the personal enrichment serving others offers, it also provides a great deal to those who are on the receiving end of it. A large amount of the population relies on the volunteerism of others for many of their basic needs. The impact it has on their life is invaluable and reason enough to do it. Community service is engrained into my way of life. Much to my surprise through volunteering with my church in downtown Dallas, I have realized that individuals without homes are not necessarily different from me. At any given time, a bad decision or unfortunate circumstance can lead to your life changing drastically. I intend to continue to participate in activities that directly benefit the homeless population in my community throughout my college tenure and beyond. My most memorable volunteer experience was in downtown Dallas. My church youth group had collected water and toiletries to distribute to the homeless. There was one particular man, Mr. David, who came over and talked to us. Mr. David begin to share his story and how he ended up without a home. His story started out similarly to many of our own. He explained that a series of bad decisions and drugs landed him where he was now. He encouraged us to stay in school and make good decisions. I watched as Mr. David interacted with others in his community, making sure everyone who was in need received what we were offering. As we prepared to leave, Mr. David asked if he could pray for us. I thought I was going to help someone that day, but little did I know that I was the one who would be encouraged. Mr. David, even though he was facing significant challenges, continued to be of service and lead others in his community. His story not only inspired me to continue my service to the community, but he also helped me realize that individuals without homes aren’t necessarily different from me. At any given time, a bad decision or unfortunate circumstance can lead to your life changing drastically. I believe through community service I am leading, developing, and advocating for underserved, at-risk communities. I am allowing God’s light to shine through me and uplifting my community through my service to those who are less fortunate than myself. I understand the experiences that I have had and the opportunities awaiting me are a privilege. I remind myself daily that a life lived in service to others is a life well lived.

This year has proven to be one of the most challenging of my life. As I was moving through my senior year and preparing for graduation, my family received the devastating news that my dad would be laid off from the company he had been employed with for over twenty years. Just as I began to think things for stabilizing for our family, we faced another devasting blow. In October, my twenty-three-year-old brother was killed in a car accident. He was also a Music Education major and someone who I could always depend on for support and guidance. He was bold, unapologetically himself and always inspired everyone around him. Words cannot describe how losing him felt. Success this year has meant continuing my journey in school without giving up. “Success is focusing the full power of all you are on what you have a burning desire to achieve.” Wilfred Peterson’s words are how I model my life. People’s definition of success often differ. For some success is tied to financial gains, to others it is defined by their level of social status. Success looks different in the different phases of my life. In my immediate future, success if completing college and becoming a music educator. George Washington Carver once said, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” This is a philosophy my family lives by. My great-great-grandfather was a teacher in a time where being educated and educating others that looked like him was often dangerous. His relentless pursuit of education was without a doubt a product of his parents’ motivation and determination that their children would have better. Grandpa Andrew and his students understood the importance of education and its value to a bright future. The thirst for knowledge did not die with my Grandpa Andrew. Education is just as important to me today as it was for them. I am attending Kansas State University where I am pursuing a degree in Music Education. Through music education, I want to inspire young minds and help them discover the profound importance of music in their lives. My goal is to expose students to the many benefits of music—benefits that help shape and mold them into more disciplined, creative, and well-rounded individuals. Music is a powerful tool; it eases pain, improves memory, and reduces stress and anxiety. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of music to not only shape individual lives but to strengthen our communities and culture as a whole. Reaching my students my will be another measure of success. Ultimately, my success will be measured by my meaningful contributions not only to my students in my career, but also to society as a whole. I realize that teaching will not bring me the financial gain that other occupations may, but it will fulfill my desire to help others and be a productive member of our society. This is the true meaning of success for me. Completion of college is imperative to achieving my dream. Receiving this scholarship will put me that much closer to that dream being realized. The cost of college is staggering, and this scholarship will significantly impact my ability to pay for college. The financial burden of having a child in college is great for my parents. I would like to repay them by lessening the financial burden of college. College is a worthwhile investment and receiving this scholarship would be an investment in my future.

George Washington Carver once said, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” This is a philosophy my family lives by. My great-great-grandfather was a teacher in a time where being educated and educating others that looked like him was often dangerous. His relentless pursuit of education was without a doubt a product of his parents’ motivation and determination that their children would have better. Grandpa Andrew and his students understood the importance of education and its value to a bright future. The thirst for knowledge did not die with my Grandpa Andrew. Education is just as important to me today as it was for them. I am attending Kansas State University where I am pursuing a degree in Music Education. Through music education, I want to inspire young minds and help them discover the profound importance of music in their lives. My goal is to expose students to the many benefits of music—benefits that help shape and mold them into more disciplined, creative, and well-rounded individuals. Music is a powerful tool; it eases pain, improves memory, and reduces stress and anxiety. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of music to not only shape individual lives but to strengthen our communities and culture as a whole. In high school, I played football and tennis. Playing sports taught me the importance of teamwork, persistence, leadership and so much more that will help me achieve my goals. Teamwork helped me strengthen my communication and collaboration skills. These are skills that will be invaluable in my classroom. Being part of a team means I am not only responsible for myself, but also for the members of my team. I learned to never give up and persist even when we were losing. Work hard and fight, not only for yourself, but your team. I also learned leadership skills being the captain of my tennis team. Being a leader is not always easy, it is necessary for the success of the team. Completion of college is imperative to achieving my dream. Receiving this scholarship will put me that much closer to that dream being realized. The cost of college is staggering, and this scholarship will significantly impact my ability to pay for college. The financial burden of having a child in college is great for my parents. I would like to repay them by lessening the financial burden of college. College is a worthwhile investment and receiving this scholarship would be an investment in my future.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?" I have always been taught that I must not only strive for excellence in all I do but also service my community. I have had the opportunity to serve my community through my involvement in several youth organizations. As a member of Future Iota Leaders (FIL), a service initiative for Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., I have volunteered at the North Texas Food Bank, Toys for Tots, Buckner Shoes for Orphan Soles, and the City Square Homeless Shelter. I have also participated in back-to-school giveaways and coat drives. As a member of Walking Souls Homeless Ministry, through Glendale Presbyterian Church, I have serviced the homeless population of Dallas by collecting and providing toiletries, water, blankets, and food. Community service is important to me because it helps develop a sense of social responsibility to the community I live in and it encourages social connection. In addition to the personal enrichment serving others offers, it also provides a great deal to those who are on the receiving end of it. A large amount of the population relies on the volunteerism of others for many of their basic needs. The impact it has on their life is invaluable and reason enough to do it. Community service is engrained into my way of life. Much to my surprise through volunteering with my church in downtown Dallas, I have realized that individuals without homes are not necessarily different from me. At any given time, a bad decision or unfortunate circumstance can lead to your life changing drastically. I intend to continue to participate in activities that directly benefit the homeless population in my community throughout my college tenure and beyond. My most memorable volunteer experience was in downtown Dallas. My church youth group had collected water and toiletries to distribute to the homeless. There was one particular man, Mr. David, who came over and talked to us. Mr. David begin to share his story and how he ended up without a home. His story started out similarly to many of our own. He explained that a series of bad decisions and drugs landed him where he was now. He encouraged us to stay in school and make good decisions. I watched as Mr. David interacted with others in his community, making sure everyone who was in need received what we were offering. As we prepared to leave, Mr. David asked if he could pray for us. I thought I was going to help someone that day, but little did I know that I was the one who would be encouraged. Mr. David, even though he was facing significant challenges, continued to be of service and lead others in his community. His story not only inspired me to continue my service to the community, but he also helped me realize that individuals without homes aren’t necessarily different from me. At any given time, a bad decision or unfortunate circumstance can lead to your life changing drastically. I believe through community service I am leading, developing, and advocating for underserved, at-risk communities. I am allowing God’s light to shine through me and uplifting my community through my service to those who are less fortunate than myself. I understand the experiences that I have had and the opportunities awaiting me are a privilege. I remind myself daily that a life lived in service to others is a life well lived.

George Washington Carver once said, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” This is a philosophy my family lives by. My great-great-grandfather was a teacher in a time where being educated and educating others that looked like him was often dangerous. His relentless pursuit of education was without a doubt a product of his parents’ motivation and determination that their children would have better. Grandpa Andrew and his students understood the importance of education and its value to a bright future. The thirst for knowledge did not die with my Grandpa Andrew. Education is just as important to me today as it was for them. I am attending Kansas State University where I am pursuing a degree in Music Education. In addition to college being vital to me achieving my goals, continuing my education is also a gift to those who came before me. I have the opportunity to do what many of them could not even fathom and the responsibility of it is not lost on me. The main reason many of us go to college is to receive an education in a field that interests us and can one day allow us to support ourselves and our dreams. In a nutshell, we go to college to learn. This may be the most crucial way that college will help me pursue a career in computer science. In college I will attain technical knowledge in music and education that will allow me to meet common requirements for full time industry positions. I will also learn to critically think and approach problems from many different ways, a staple duty of any educator. With these tools I will be competitive in the job market and in the quest for post-graduate opportunities. In addition to offering technical knowledge and skills, college also opens the door to a multitude of networking opportunities. From career fairs to company informational sessions to national conferences, college can help me create a solid network of industry professionals, alumni and renowned professors. While having the ability to do the job or research that I desire is important, making the right connections can prove just as beneficial. Involvement in student organizations allow students to attend conferences and events that put you in the same space as individuals who have achieved what you are now striving for. Every handshake and exchange of a business card could be the boost needed to receive an internship or research fellowship. Ultimately, college will help provide my passport to the future by equipping me with the knowledge, both technical and nontechnical, needed to be successful. College will foster my growth as a well-rounded individual who possesses the cultural, emotional and mental intelligence needed to successfully navigate the world around me. Education is most definitely the key to unlocking freedom. I am committed to completing and excelling in my education and walking through that golden door, just like Grandpa Andrew. As a music educator, I want to inspire young minds and help them discover the importance of music. My goal is to expose them to the many benefits of music; benefits that will help shape and mold them into more disciplined and well-rounded adults. Music is a powerful tool. It eases pain, improves memory and decreases stress and anxiety. My most immediate career aspiration is to become a music instructor. I intend to continue to study and perfect my craft, obtain my doctorate in music education and become a professor of music in a collegiate setting.

If I could start a business with my deceased brother, Paul, it would definitely be a music studio. Music was not only the bond that tied us together but also the avenue through which we expressed our passions and dreams. Paul, my older brother, was a music education major, and so am I. We both shared a deep love for classical music. I always received advice and guidance from him when we shared music. Paul's lost is life in a car accident in October of 2024 while traveling home from a choir concert. This loss has had a profound impact on me, but I am comforted knowing that he passed having just experienced what he loved. We had both been preparing for major chorale competitions that weekend—his in Texas and mine in Kansas. That shared connection to music was something that would have continued to grow and bring us even closer if we had more time. If I could have one more moment with him, I would want to work alongside him to bring music to others in a meaningful way. The business I would envision with Paul would be a music studio designed to foster both talent and passion for music in young people. Our studio wouldn’t just be a place to teach music; it would be a place to celebrate its power. Music has been proven to ease pain, improve memory, decrease stress and anxiety, and enhance cognitive skills—benefits that extend far beyond the music itself. Our studio would create a safe, nurturing environment where students can explore their musical abilities without fear of judgment or failure. Students would have the chance to build confidence and develop a deep sense of pride in their achievements. Starting this music studio would honor Paul’s legacy and continue his mission to inspire others through music. It would allow me to keep a piece of him alive while sharing the joy and healing power of music with those around us. Through this studio, I would carry forward the lessons he taught me, not just in music but in life—lessons of resilience, passion, and the importance of following one’s dreams.

My academic career began at Harry Stone Montessori School, where I was a student from first grade through eighth grade. My first choir director was Ms. Scott. She was more than a choir director; she was a teacher and a mentor. I loved singing, learning to read music and learning to understand and appreciate the art of musicality. I thought my growing companionship with music had ended when Ms. Scott accepted a position at another school my eighth grade year. It did not take me long to realize that I was not just intrigued by the way Ms. Scott presented the music, I was intrigued by the music itself. From that moment forward I have always known that I wanted to teach music. I joined my high school choir and my thirst for music has continued to grow. I have been very fortunate to have choir directors who have encouraged me on my musical journey. My directors have shown me the impact a great director can have on his/her students. In the Fall of 2024, I began my collegiate studies in Music Education. I am currently in the Kansas State University Concert choir and Collegiate Chorale. I am also a member of the College Avenue First Methodist Choir. I participated in my first opera, Slow Dusk Opera in March 2025. I recognize the impact that music has had on me personally, so I want to empower others through the power of music. My most immediate career aspiration is to become a music educator. I want to inspire young minds and help them discover the importance of music. My goal is to expose them to the many benefits of music; benefits that will help shape and mold them into more disciplined and well rounded adults. Music is a powerful tool. It eases pain, improves memory and decreases stress and anxiety. Even more than that, music has been proven to increase language development, increase IQ and enhance cognitive skills. Former President Gerald Ford said, “Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them- a world of work, culture, intellectual ability and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.” I intend to continue to study and perfect my craft, obtain my doctorate in music education and become a professor of music in a collegiate setting.

My academic career began at Harry Stone Montessori School, where I was a student from first grade through eighth grade. As we began to set our class schedules we were allowed to pick one elective course. The choices included theater, choir, piano and violin. Unsure of what to pick, I initially started in violin. It was the class my closest friends opted into, and not wanting to separate from them, violin seemed like a great choice. I stuck with violin for 2 years, but quickly realized it was not for me. I loved learning the music, but playing the violin was not what I wanted to do. I decided to join the choir. I thought I was choosing choir, but choir choose me. My first choir director was Ms. Scott. She was more than a choir director; she was a teacher and a mentor. I loved singing, learning to read music and learning to understand and appreciate the art of musicality. I thought my growing companionship with music had ended when Ms. Scott accepted a position at another school my eighth grade year. It did not take me long to realize that I was not just intrigued by the way Ms. Scott presented the music, I was intrigued by the music itself. I joined my high school choir and my thirst for music has continued to grow. I have been very fortunate to have choir directors who have encouraged me on my musical journey. In the Fall of 2024, I began my collegiate studies in Music Education. I want to inspire young minds and help them discover the importance of music. My goal is to expose them to the many benefits of music; benefits that will help shape and mold them into more disciplined and well rounded adults. Music is a powerful tool. It eases pain, improves memory and decreases stress and anxiety. Even more than that, music has been proven to increase language development, increase IQ and enhance cognitive skills. My most immediate career aspiration is to become a music instructor. I intend to continue to study and perfect my craft, obtain my doctorate in music education and become a professor of music in a collegiate setting.

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s my brother Paul! When one thinks of what or who a hero is, there are common names that immediately come to mind; Batman, Superman, and the Black Panther are a few examples that jump out. We’ve grown up watching these characters perform heroic acts, like saving a train from careening over a cliff, or rescuing Lois Lane from a burning building. The way we view heroism is a bit distorted in that we think it means to have superhuman strength and fancy gadgets that defeat villains set out to destroy the universe. Merriam-Webster defines a hero as a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. By that definition, anyone can be a hero. My hero is my brother Paul. He was brave, kind, selfless and smart. All of my life, I looked up to brother. He played football, and I played football. He loved choir, and I loved choir. He was majoring in music education, and I am majoring in music education. So many of the decisions that I have made he has blazed the path for. Paul has been a constant in my life encouraging me to work hard and reach for the stars. To know Paul was to know that his advice and encouragement were not just empty words. He gave me very specific advice and tips along the way that helped me improve my craft. In October of 2024, my life changed forever. I was in my first semester of college, all the way in Kansas, which is a long way from Texas, my home. My parents called me close to midnight and told me to come downstairs to the dorm’s lobby. I knew something was not right, but I would have never imagined the news I was going to receive. My 23-year-old brother, Paul was killed in car accident. Paul lived his life boldly, authentically, and connected to others. His example offers a powerful framework for personal growth and purpose. These values can shape every area of life, whether it's personal relationships, academic pursuits, or professional endeavors. Living boldly means taking risks, stepping outside comfort zones, and embracing opportunities even when they feel uncertain. Living authentically involves staying true to one’s values and embracing who you truly are. Living connected to others emphasizes the importance of relationships and community. In all these areas, my goal is to stay true to these values and keep finding ways to be bold, authentic, and connected. It's about balancing personal growth with being present for others and creating spaces where people can thrive together. The loss of my big brother has been devasting. Although he may not have flown or leapt buildings in a single bound, he is and will always most definitely be my hero. I am an assiduous worker, and I use adversity as fuel to approach obstacles creatively. My goal is to inspire others to find their individuality and use it to express themselves in positive ways, just as Paul did for me.

The past year of my life have been the most challenging year I have ever had to face. Things before then seemed to be going smoothly. I always believed in God, and my family has always made sure that I was around people who shared that same belief. I have always heard the verse Hebrews11:1, now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Simply put, this means trusting in something even if you cannot see it. Little did I know, my faith would be tested in ways I had never imagined. As I was moving through my senior year and preparing for graduation, my family received the devasting news that my dad would be laid off from the company he had been employed with for over twenty years. At the time, my oldest sibling was completing a master’s program, and the middle sibling was in his junior year of college. This sudden loss of income was a huge financial blow to our family. With the staggering cost of college, how would my parents pay for me to attend to school? This was the moment when I had to practice the faith that I had always be taught. My parents seemed to exercise their faith without much worry. They assured me that God would provide, and things would work out. I wondered how they could be so calm about the situation. My mother reminded me of the Bible verse, “faith the size of a mustard seed would move mountains.” Little did I know this same faith would also move financial obstacles. She also reminded me that faith without works is dead, so I got busy applying for scholarships, trusting that God would open doors for me. With unwavering faith and some hard work, I was able to start my college journey at Kansas State University in the Fall of 2024, majoring in Music Education. Just I began to think things for stabilizing for our family, we faced another devasting blow. In October, my twenty-three-year-old brother was killed in a car accident. He was also a Music Education major and someone who I could always depend on for support and guidance. He was bold, unapologetically himself and always inspired everyone around him. Words can not describe how losing him felt. In the midst of my grief, I have had to lean heavily on my faith and my belief in God. I have relied on God’s promises to get me though the toughest days. I know that although I may not understand God’s plan, I know His plan is perfect and He will guide me through every challenge. The past year of my life has been marked with loss and uncertainty. But I have learned the power of faith. Faith has helped me overcome financial obstacles and has kept me going through the grief of losing my brother. I know the same faith with strengthen me as I move through life. My journey this year has not been easy but it taught me that faith is not just a belief, it helps us overcome the toughest challenges.