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Gabriella Garzes

855

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

"All our dreams can come true — if we have the courage to pursue them." Those few words from Walt Disney captured my mindset. For many years, I have taken the initiative, almost driven, to explore various forms of creativity and innovation, particularly in animation and 3D design. The origin of my passion may have grown from my early fascination with storytelling and visual media or when I first experimented with 3D modeling to create accessible educational tools. As I pursued these interests, I realized the power of visual communication in shaping how people understand and interact with the world around them. Studying animation and 3D design at the collegiate level will allow me to deepen my expertise and push my creative boundaries. A top university program will provide access to advanced tools, collaboration with like-minded peers, and guidance from experienced professionals. I aim to use these skills to craft compelling narratives, build interactive environments, and pioneer innovative digital storytelling that resonates globally.

Education

Earl Warren High School

High School
2021 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
    • Visual and Performing Arts, General
    • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Animation

    • Dream career goals:

      Film Animation and 3D Design Production

    • ● Developed 3 min. computer/digital animation with Originality, cinematic storytelling, and technical execution

      UIL Filmmakers at Warren H.S.
      2023 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Cross-Country Running

    Varsity
    2024 – Present1 year

    Awards

    • All District Academic

    Research

    • Design and Applied Arts

      Audie Murphy Veterans Center — Prosthetics assistant
      2023 – 2024

    Arts

    • UIL Filmmakers Festival Contest

      Animation
      2023 – Present
    • Business Professionals of America

      Animation
      2023 – Present
    • Warren H.S

      Animation
      2022 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Casa Linda Living Center — Mobility and Arts advocate
      2021 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Audie Murphy Veterans Center — Prosthetics assistant
      2022 – 2023
    • Volunteering

      Audie Murphy Veterans Center — Prosthetics assistant
      2022 – 2023

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    CEW IV Foundation Scholarship Program
    All our dreams can come true—if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney’s words are more than just an optimistic mantra; they are a challenge. The kind that dares someone to step beyond the familiar, to risk failure, and to trust that passion, when pursued relentlessly, will lead to something extraordinary. That challenge is what has driven me for years, an almost insatiable curiosity that has led me to explore creativity through animation and 3D design. Where does passion begin? Is it an exact moment …a flash of inspiration…or something that accumulates, piece by piece, over time? I’ve often asked myself this. Maybe it was when I first became mesmerized by the way stories could unfold visually, breathing life into characters and worlds that had once existed only in someone’s imagination. Or perhaps it was when I built my first 3D model, an embryo development simulation designed to make complex medical concepts more accessible. What I do know is that the moment I saw an idea take form in digital space, something clicked. It was no longer just about creativity; it was about impact. I discovered a way to bridge the gap between storytelling, technology, and education. The University experience is where that discovery can evolve into mastery. The university is not just a school, it’s an immersive creative ecosystem, designed for visionaries who dare to innovate. The collaborative culture at the university fosters interdisciplinary learning, where animators, designers, and technologists converge push creative boundaries. The opportunity to learn from industry professionals, access cutting-edge resources like the Digital Animation Center, and take part in Animation Festivals are just a few of the reasons I see myself thriving here. The University experience doesn’t just prepare students for the industry, it shapes pioneers who redefine it. The course work I took in forensics, anatomy, and physiology might seem unrelated to animation at first glance. But in reality, it was intentional, these disciplines shaped my approach to design. They taught me precision, the importance of problem-solving, and how to analyze details that others might overlook. The same meticulous observation required to study the human body applies when designing a character with lifelike movement or crafting an environment that feels authentic. The university's I am looking at, emphasis on research-driven design, through programs like the Immersive Media Lab, aligns perfectly with my belief that the smallest details make the biggest difference in animation. But beyond the technical and artistic aspects, what excites me most is the potential for social impact. Just as I once used 3D modeling to simplify education, I want to use my skills to create interactive experiences that inspire and inform. Whether it’s designing animation that amplifies underrepresented voices, building immersive worlds that challenge perspectives, or developing tools that make learning more engaging, I believe digital art has the power to change the way people think, feel, and understand the world around them. The University's I am considering all have a commitment to pushing creative frontiers, evident in their partnerships with major studios and focus on innovative storytelling, makes it the perfect place for me to develop these ambitions into reality. Dreams don’t just happen; they are built…rendered, frame by frame, layer by layer. And at the University in my chosen major, I am ready to bring mine to life.
    West Family Scholarship
    “All our dreams can come true—if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney’s words are more than just an optimistic mantra; they are a challenge. The kind that dares someone to step beyond the familiar, to risk failure, and to trust that passion, when pursued relentlessly, will lead to something extraordinary. That challenge is what has driven me for years, an almost insatiable curiosity that has led me to explore creativity through animation and 3D design. Where does passion begin? Is it an exact moment …a flash of inspiration…or something that accumulates, piece by piece, over time? I’ve often asked myself this. Maybe it was when I first became mesmerized by the way stories could unfold visually, breathing life into characters and worlds that had once existed only in someone’s imagination. Or perhaps it was when I built my first 3D model, an embryo development simulation designed to make complex medical concepts more accessible. What I do know is that the moment I saw an idea take form in digital space, something clicked. It was no longer just about creativity; it was about impact. I discovered a way to bridge the gap between storytelling, technology, and education. The University experience is where that discovery can evolve into mastery. The university is not just a school, it’s an immersive creative ecosystem, designed for visionaries who dare to innovate. The collaborative culture at the university fosters interdisciplinary learning, where animators, designers, and technologists converge push creative boundaries. The opportunity to learn from industry professionals, access cutting-edge resources like the Digital Animation Center, and take part in Animation Festivals are just a few of the reasons I see myself thriving here. The University experience doesn’t just prepare students for the industry, it shapes pioneers who redefine it. The course work I took in forensics, anatomy, and physiology might seem unrelated to animation at first glance. But in reality, it was intentional, these disciplines shaped my approach to design. They taught me precision, the importance of problem-solving, and how to analyze details that others might overlook. The same meticulous observation required to study the human body applies when designing a character with lifelike movement or crafting an environment that feels authentic. The university's I am looking at, emphasis on research-driven design, through programs like the Immersive Media Lab, aligns perfectly with my belief that the smallest details make the biggest difference in animation. But beyond the technical and artistic aspects, what excites me most is the potential for social impact. Just as I once used 3D modeling to simplify education, I want to use my skills to create interactive experiences that inspire and inform. Whether it’s designing animation that amplifies underrepresented voices, building immersive worlds that challenge perspectives, or developing tools that make learning more engaging, I believe digital art has the power to change the way people think, feel, and understand the world around them. The University's I am considering all have a commitment to pushing creative frontiers, evident in their partnerships with major studios and focus on innovative storytelling, makes it the perfect place for me to develop these ambitions into reality. Dreams don’t just happen; they are built…rendered, frame by frame, layer by layer. And at the University in my chosen major, I am ready to bring mine to life.
    Williams Foundation Trailblazer Scholarship
    Failure has taught me that true growth often comes from challenges, not successes. In my junior year, I encountered such a challenge while working on a 3D animation project that pushed my skills to their limits. With years of practice in storyboarding and animation software, I felt confident I could accomplish most tasks with my keen attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and learned technical skills. However, this project presented a scope that stretched my capabilities, requiring extensive detail and multiple areas of focus. My initial hesitation in seeking help stemmed from concerns that others might not match my approach or that I’d have to train them on complex applications to achieve the quality I envisioned. Despite pouring hours into lab time and enduring late nights to meet assignment milestones, it quickly became clear that tackling this project alone compromised its quality. After a few challenging weeks, I reached out and enlisted collaborators. I negotiated to help them with their projects while they could partner on my very enticing project, as it would be presented at the UIL yearly film festival. By enlisting collaborators, I discovered that teamwork brings unique strengths and perspectives I hadn’t anticipated. Together, we found more efficient workflows, and even when I taught others how to use certain applications, I stumbled upon new, effective methods myself. This experience fundamentally transformed my problem-solving approach, teaching me the value of collaboration, diverse perspectives, and collective problem-solving. Now, I see setbacks as opportunities to innovate and adapt with resilience. These lessons fueled my drive to pursue animation and 3D design with a new appreciation for teamwork. Walt Disney’s words, “All our dreams can come true — if we have the courage to pursue them,” embody my mindset. For years, I’ve pursued various forms of creativity and innovation, particularly in animation and 3D design, motivated by a fascination with storytelling and visual media. My first experience with 3D modeling was an educational tool: creating models of embryonic development to aid in learning. This project ignited a passion for bringing ideas to life through design and technology, showing me the power of visual communication in shaping how people understand the world. My journey into 3D design accelerated through hands-on learning, much like my courses in Forensics, Anatomy, and Physiology. These experiences taught me the importance of precision, problem-solving, and real-world applications—principles I now apply to animation. My goal is to create meaningful, immersive content that educates, inspires, and entertains. College will provide me access to advanced tools, collaboration with like-minded peers, and guidance from experienced professionals to craft compelling narratives, build interactive environments, and pioneer innovative digital storytelling. Beyond technical skills, I aim to use animation to drive social impact. As I once created 3D models for educational purposes, I aspire to address societal issues, developing interactive experiences that raise awareness and educational tools that make learning accessible. I believe digital art can inspire change, and I’m excited to contribute to this movement.
    Text-Em-All Founders Scholarship
    Today I charge confidently to the future, however, it was not always this way. I asked my father what was wrong with my brain, where he lifted my spirits, telling me how many people learned differently, even one day comparing me to a blind superhero called Daredevil, who sharpened all his other abilities to accomplish the insurmountable. My journey began when I was diagnosed with ADHD. This "journey" was one of self-discovery, understanding, and growth. I learned to appreciate my unique wiring. Determined to sharpen my “Daredevil” skills, I built a strategy that balanced academic and personal growth. Courses like Anatomy and AP English honed my focus, while my commitment to cross-country training grounded my brain and body in balance. The most vital part of this journey, however, was the development of self-advocacy and confidence. ADHD is not a limitation—it’s my unique fuel. It drives me to push other aspects of myself further, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of embracing every part of who I am. Today, I stand empowered, inspired, and ready to take on any challenge, knowing that every challenge only refines my "superpowers." “All our dreams can come true—if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney’s words are more than just an optimistic mantra; they are a challenge. The kind that dares someone to step beyond the familiar, to risk failure, and to trust that passion, when pursued relentlessly, will lead to something extraordinary. That challenge is what has driven me for years, an almost insatiable curiosity that has led me to explore creativity through animation and 3D design. Where does passion begin? Is it an exact moment …a flash of inspiration…or something that accumulates, piece by piece, over time? I’ve often asked myself this. Maybe it was when I first became mesmerized by the way stories could unfold visually, breathing life into characters and worlds that had once existed only in someone’s imagination. Or perhaps it was when I built my first 3D model, an embryo development simulation designed to make complex medical concepts more accessible. What I do know is that the moment I saw an idea take form in digital space, something clicked. It was no longer just about creativity; it was about impact. I discovered a way to bridge the gap between storytelling, technology, and education. But beyond the technical and artistic aspects, what excites me most is the potential for social impact. Just as I once used 3D modeling to simplify education, I want to use my skills to create interactive experiences that inspire and inform. Whether it’s designing animation that amplifies underrepresented voices, building immersive worlds that challenge perspectives, or developing tools that make learning more engaging, I believe digital art has the power to change the way people think, feel, and understand the world around them. Dreams don’t just happen; they are built…rendered, frame by frame, layer by layer. And at the University in my chosen major, I am ready to bring mine to life.
    Lewis Hollins Memorial Art Scholarship
    Making character animations is a way to be a friend to someone who might need it, even if they only need one for a second. For example, everyone has a comfort movie, or maybe even a few, and that's because they found a movie that created a nice feeling and safe space for them even by themself. As an animator, I can act as that person who will be there for people when they're at a low point, giving them joy in a world I built especially for them. Animation affects people on an emotional level by influencing the viewers’ hearts and minds. I like that animation would allow me to change someone’s perspective on an idea. Because of this, I want to do character animation. When elaborating more on the importance of character animations, I can see how they affect people: inspiring new morals, ideals, and aspirations. Animations are so grand that they have the opportunity to reach the hearts of many and take part in someone's development as a person. Because it is so effective in creating emotional impacts on people, animations are amazing at inspiring others by embedding profound messages within them. Almost as if the animation was a little envelope delivered by hand to their heart just for them. Seeing the impact art has on someone’s morals and character makes me feel I can move someone to the point of creating action, even when the lighthearted and not overly serious. I find that the ability to create something beautiful that others appreciate just for what it is creates my indisputable love for art, which fuels me in a way as coal does to a train. One of the movies that initiated my free thinking and changed what I valued most in life was the movie The Princess and the Frog. In the movie, Tiana was always so hardworking with her family as the main motivator for her to achieve her goals. When I was younger, I might have not understood what exactly in that movie inspired a spiral of new ideals, but when rewatching it as an older me, I found how the delicate flow of the animation matched Tiana's calming nature. I noticed the intricate facial expressions that followed her moods and thoughts so well and added to the impact of many scenes filled with tension, and whimsy. Just as Tiana realized how, above all, love from family and friends was her true happiness, I realized the importance of it for me too. As an artist I aspire to create the same feelings and experiences within others, as The Princess and the Frog story did for me.
    John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship
    For many years, I have taken the initiative to explore various forms of creativity and innovation, particularly in the fields of animation and 3D design. Perhaps my passion originated from my early fascination with storytelling and visual media, or when I first experimented with 3D modeling to create accessible educational tools. That initial project, creating 3D models of embryos to aid in learning, ignited a spark in me—a spark for bringing ideas to life through design and technology. As I pursued these interests, I realized the power of visual communication in shaping how people understand and interact with the world around them. My journey into 3D design was accelerated through hands-on learning, much like when I qualified for the Future Docs Abroad summer program. Although that experience was medically focused, it helped me understand the importance of precision, problem-solving, and the impact of real-world experience on learning. The same principles that I admired in medicine—attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and the ability to affect others—are present in animation and 3D design. My goal is to use these skills to create meaningful, immersive content that can educate, inspire, and entertain. Studying animation and 3D design at the collegiate level will allow me to deepen my expertise and push my creative boundaries. I believe a top university program will give me the opportunity to work with advanced tools, collaborate with like-minded peers, and receive guidance from experienced professionals in the field. My ultimate aim is to use these skills to craft compelling narratives, build interactive environments, and pioneer new forms of digital storytelling that resonate with a global audience. I am particularly drawn to the exploratory nature of animation and design, where there is always room to experiment, innovate, and improve. As someone with ADHD, I thrive in environments that offer dynamic, hands-on learning opportunities, allowing me to channel my energy and creativity into projects that challenge me intellectually and artistically. I know that the rigorous coursework and collaborative opportunities at the university level will help me refine my craft and hone my ability to communicate complex ideas visually. In addition to honing my technical skills, I am eager to explore how animation and 3D design can be used for social impact. Just as I once created 3D models for educational purposes, I want to use my future work to address larger societal issues, whether that means developing interactive experiences to raise awareness about global challenges or creating educational tools that make learning more accessible. I believe that digital art has the potential to inspire change, and I want to be a part of that movement.
    Kayla Nicole Monk Memorial Scholarship
    "All our dreams can come true — if we have the courage to pursue them." Those few words from Walt Disney captured my mindset. For many years, I have taken the initiative, almost driven, to explore various forms of creativity and innovation, particularly in animation and 3D design. The origin of my passion may have grown from my early fascination with storytelling and visual media or when I first experimented with 3D modeling to create accessible educational tools. That initial project, creating 3D models of embryo development to aid in learning, ignited a spark in me—a spark for bringing ideas to life through design and technology. As I pursued these interests, I realized the power of visual communication in shaping how people understand and interact with the world around them. My journey into 3D design was accelerated through hands-on learning, much like when I undertook Forensics, Anatomy, and Physiology courses. Although that experience was medically focused, it helped me understand the importance of precision, problem-solving, and the impact of real-world experience on learning. The same principles that I admired in medicine—attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and the ability to affect others—are present in animation and 3D design. My goal is to use these skills to create meaningful, immersive content that can educate, inspire, and entertain. Studying animation and 3D design at the collegiate level will allow me to deepen my expertise and push my creative boundaries. A top university program will provide access to advanced tools, collaboration with like-minded peers, and guidance from experienced professionals. I aim to use these skills to craft compelling narratives, build interactive environments, and pioneer innovative digital storytelling that resonates globally. I’m drawn to the exploratory nature of animation, where experimentation and innovation are key. As someone with ADHD, I thrive in environments that offer dynamic, hands-on learning opportunities, allowing me to channel my energy and creativity into projects that challenge me intellectually and artistically. The rigorous coursework and collaborative opportunities will help me refine my craft and communicate complex ideas visually. Beyond technical skills, I am eager to explore how animation and 3D design can drive social impact. Just as I once created 3D models for educational purposes, I hope to use my future work to address societal issues by developing interactive experiences that raise awareness or creating educational tools that make learning more accessible. I believe digital art can inspire change, and I’m excited to be a part of that movement.
    Gabriella Garzes Student Profile | Bold.org