If everyone in the world had to read one book, I would have everyone read The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, which, although its currently my favorite book, has elements to it that I feel are necessary for everyone to understand and accept into their lives. I am someone who loves to analyze literature, which is not most peoples' pastime but I digress. Analyzing literature has helped me gain a heightened sense of empathy and has helped me understand people, and their habits, a lot more. The Goldfinch is one of those books that changed my life, toying with the concept of morality and the idea that good things can come from bad actions, touching on the Hobbes vs Rousseau argument of humans being innately good or evil. This book forces you to take a look at your own life, and think about weather your life has been just a spur of random decisions that led you to where you are now, or if you meticulously planned where you wanted to end up, and failed. The Goldfinch talks about trauma, and the heavy weight it bears on the human soul, how trauma makes you crave stability and constants, and how those constants could be slowly killing you, but you can never let go because then you'll be left with nothing again, empty, lost. However, the one true reason I chose The Goldfinch for this question, is because it presents humanity correctly. How people can be your protagonists but have human flaws that hurt others. It highlights how people can fail, and how people can hurt, and how people can scream up to God and how God doesn't listen. It encapsulates feeling truly alone. Most books in our generation are written with the avoidance of humanity, scared to be too real, wanting to be seen as an escape, but that's exactly what makes The Goldfinch so special, reading it forces you to stop running from what you fear most. Yourself.

Growing up with the name Gabija, it’s obvious that my ethnic heritage is unique. Born to Lithuanian-American parents, my first language was Lithuanian, the first movie I watched was in Lithuanian and my first friends were Lithuanian. In many ways, my upbringing was different from that of my peers. While they enjoyed Friday night sleepovers, my Saturdays were spent attending the Lithuanian Language School in Los Angeles. Initially resistant, I often voiced my displeasure. However, my mother assured me that these experiences would prove valuable. Reflecting, she was undeniably correct, and I now appreciate the opportunities that shaped my upbringing. Being an active part of the Lithuanian community has enhanced my life in so many ways. Not only am I bilingual, but Lithuanian school enabled me to learn dances, history, grammar, and songs. The community opened opportunities to join other organizations, such as Lithuanian Scouts and Ateitininkai, the Lithuanian Catholic Youth Association. Attending Lithuanian schools and camps, I formed friendships with others like me. This community molded me into a person proud of my culture, providing identity, connections, friends, artistic inspiration, and broader perspectives. My strong ties to the Lithuanian community in the US originate from two generations who played key roles in preserving Lithuanian-American culture in Chicagoland. Maternal grandparents, Linas and Dana Gylys, helped establish the Lithuanian World Center in Lemont. My grandfather served as the Center's President for 15 years. In Los Angeles, my mother volunteered at school and the Lithuanian Catholic Youth Association. In addition, she helps plan the Lithuanian Youth Camp, “Dainava”. I have also been a counselor there for the past 3 summers, and I love giving the next generation of Lithuanian-Americans a place to feel safe, and feel accepted. But also teach them about what it truly means to be Lithuanian, and how important it is to keep our culture alive through stories and songs, even through speaking the language. The influence of the Lithuanian community in shaping my passion for music and the arts cannot be overstated. I have actively participated in Lithuanian song and dance festivals and talent competitions. These experiences have not only deepened my music appreciation but instilled a sense of cultural pride and community spirit. I was accepted to the Musical Theatre program at Roosevelt University in Chicago, and am on the precipice of achieving a lifelong dream. Attending school in Chicago presents an opportunity to further engage with the vibrant Lithuanian community in the area. I hope to contribute to the numerous Lithuanian-sponsored choirs and theatrical performances. I am submitting my application for the scholarship due to significant financial need. Following my parents' recent divorce, there has been a substantial change in our financial situation. I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship based on my family's extensive volunteer work in the Lithuanian community. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus on my academic and artistic pursuits. Your support would not only help me achieve my educational goals but also allow me to continue representing and contributing to the Lithuanian community. Thank you for considering my application. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship.