I could write a million different things about art. Art is the root of all creation, we strive for perfection knowing we will never reach it. Yet, each time, we get closer and closer to perfection being a reality. Every piece of art is wrapped in a history and a story we know nothing about. Art connects us regardless of time or space. We reach out to each other with a simple brush stroke, a waver in your voice while singing, or a slight hesitation while your finger struggles to push down the key on the piano. As a performer, one of the greatest challenges I’ve faced is knowing that everything I’ve worked for, academically and artistically, can be reduced to a single moment on stage. One performance. One mistake. And suddenly, I’m written off. It often feels like my entire life has been carved in glass: beautiful, fragile, and always one wrong tap away from shattering. People love to say their greatest weakness is perfectionism in job interviews. But for me, it’s not a clever response, it’s the truth. Perfectionism isn’t just a quirk; it’s a survival instinct. I grew up poor, impoverished, really. That reality has shaped everything about me, especially my art. It was one of the driving forces behind the depression I battled in high school, and it continues to fuel the pressure I put on myself to be flawless. When you're raised in survival mode, success doesn’t feel optional, it feels like the only way out. I don’t allow hesitation. I don’t leave room for uncertainty or wavering. I rehearse until there’s no space left for doubt. Until every movement, every breath, every word feels etched into my bones. Because if I’m forced to perform before I’ve reached that standard, before it’s perfect, I break. Yes, I’ll get through it. I won’t walk off stage. I won’t quit. But inside, there’s a voice: quiet, desperate and crying out for someone to see past the polished surface and recognize the truth: That wasn’t the best of me. I can do better. I can grow. I just needed a little more time, a little more space to become what I know I’m capable of. Because when your art is always changing, it’s never truly finished. There’s always something you could have done better, something you’ll do differently tomorrow. And that truth, while inspiring, can be quietly devastating. You take the kudos’, you walk off the stage, always knowing you could have been better. You could have sang that note slightly more in tune. That crescendo could have had more room to grow, but you didn't allow it to. The waverings, the brush strokes, the hesitation. Everyone can see through that and as you stand on that stage, in front of hundreds of people, you have never felt more alone. Art is beautiful, full of community and peace that you have never known. Standing on stage however feeling completely seen through and invisible at the same time. You start to wonder if it's worth it. And yet, there’s that moment. You look out into the audience, and your eyes meet theirs,just one person, but in that instant, everything stills. They see you. Not just the performance, not just the polished exterior, but you. And suddenly, you remember why you do this. Why you endure the pressure, the doubt, the endless striving. Because in that quiet connection, art fulfills its highest purpose: it reaches another soul. And for a moment, you’re not alone.

When I first read the statement for this scholarship I felt a deep connection to it. When I was in high school I felt as if I was the dumbest person in the room at all times. I was never drawn to academics and it made me feel as if I wasn't deserving of a place in the school. I felt as if everyone saw through me and even though I made good enough grades and could hold a strong conversation, I felt as if I was a fraud. As if anytime I walked in a classroom people knew I wasn't good enough to be there. When I began middle school, however, I found choir. I was treated as if I belonged, as if no matter what I had a place there. We went through a lot of teachers until my junior year when Mrs. D came in. She had just graduated college and it was her first teaching job. When I was being taught by her, I felt like I was special. It was hard for me in high school, my mom was in and out of the hospital and so was my stepdad. I lost interest in almost everything in my life because I was so busy trying to keep my family stitched together. Mrs D however made me feel like no matter what I was going through at home I was never alone. That's who I want to be when I become a teacher. I want to be someone that people feel safe around. I want people to know that I'm here to make sure they can be who they are. I want to base my classroom on mutual respect and understanding. I believe so many people who have gone into the education field have burnt out because they don't understand what they are getting into. They go into education expecting an idyllic life and in reality, it is hard work. You can't go into education expecting children to behave like adults, especially when it's hard enough for adults to act like adults. I want to make sure that the next generation has someone in their corner. That no matter how hard it gets someone is there for them. Just like one teacher was there for me. One day I'll be there for someone as well. I just have to survive school to get there, and I will.

I firmly believe that education is the most crucial aspect of anyone's life. I have seen the negative outcomes for individuals without access to education, and I believe that everyone has the right to pursue better opportunities for themselves. My sister, who was born with autism, faced significant challenges in staying in school due to bullying and a lack of appropriate resources to address her needs. One aspect of education that I am deeply passionate about is customizing the learning experience to fit each student. I am convinced that with the right support and resources, every student can thrive academically. I strongly believe that dedicating more time and attention to an individual student could profoundly impact their life. During my sister's high school years, she was moved from one teacher to another, and it seemed that no one truly cared about her learning progress. I believe that if we set up these students, who would traditionally be labeled as "bad students" or "academically challenged", with the ability to not only learn on their own but thrive in academic settings, test scores will improve and every student's ability to learn will also increase. I believe that the "no child left behind" concept is hindering all learners. Basic education in the U.S. has been declining. If we establish the idea that all children are equal but may not necessarily need equality, but rather equity, we can create a better future for children. Some see this as setting up students for failure. I believe letting children pass a class for the benefit of the school sets everyone else up for failure. Simply splitting children into regular and honors classes helps no one. Setting classes up for equity means that children receive the education they need, not just the education they want. I'm studying education because it's one of the only things that has every truly held my attention. I believe in setting people up for a good life. I specifically am going in to music education because I believe music transcends any academic issues someone might face. Music is something everyone can love and enjoy, no matter what. I hope one day the issues with our education system are fixed and I hope to be a part of that change. Until then I want to offer a safe place for those who don't have it in the rest of the school. I want students to feel like they have a safe in their life and their education.

As I reflect on my life journey, I realize that I have always been conflicted with my faith and my science. At first, I believed that these two could not coexist and that trying to merge them would result in one being negated. However, as I grew in my understanding of God and my faith, I came to realize that they are both equally important. Faith is not just about believing in a higher power, but it's also about acting on that belief and leading with kindness. It's about having faith in God and in those around us. Through my faith, I have been called to my passion for science. I believe that through science, I can find a way to help and protect the life that God wishes to preserve. What's important to me is the belief that I am part of something bigger than myself. If I had given up on my faith in the face of life's challenges like homelessness, abuse, bullying, and more, I would have never found my path. My future goals revolve around pursuing a career in marine biology. As someone who deeply cares about the well-being of ocean creatures, it is disheartening to see them suffer in their own habitats. I am determined to find ways to mitigate the threats they face and contribute to their preservation. I believe that through research and innovation, we can develop sustainable solutions that can help protect and preserve marine life for generations to come. I lead through love and kindness, and through that, I have found peace in my community. As a member of the board of my local community theatre, I have worked with children and adults alike. I have found that bringing people together is quite easy. I have been able to bring light into situations that were dark and not what was needed at that time. Through my work, I have been able to guide people in their faith and help them find their path. Spending time in my faith has always been a way for me to breathe life into a situation. To find peace in everyday life. I know that I'm meant to serve, to find myself where I can help others find peace and help others find who they are. I may not always know where I'm going but I know that God has a plan for me and will help me find my way no matter what.