My experience with mental health has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in ways I never expected. Before I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in 2023, I did not fully recognize the impact that mental health could have on every part of a person’s life. I had always been passionate about theatre, but I had not yet realized how deeply storytelling and emotional well-being were connected. Through my struggles, I have gained a stronger sense of purpose, a deeper appreciation for the people in my life, and a new perspective on how important it is to break the stigma surrounding mental health. When I first began experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, I did not know how to talk about what I was feeling. I suffered in silence, convincing myself that if I just worked harder, the feelings would go away. But they did not. Instead, my symptoms worsened, making it difficult to enjoy the things I once loved. Even performing, which had always been my greatest source of joy, started to feel overwhelming. Eventually, I had to take a leave of absence from school to focus on my well-being. Stepping away from my studies was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but it was also the turning point that allowed me to truly understand my own mental health. This experience reshaped my goals. I have always wanted to be a performer, but now I have a deeper reason for pursuing this career. I want to use my work to tell meaningful stories that bring awareness to mental health and help others feel seen. Too often, mental illness is misrepresented or stigmatized in the media. I want to create authentic stories that reflect the real struggles people face, while also showing the moments of humor, resilience, and hope that exist alongside the challenges. One of my biggest dreams is to develop and act in a television series or live performance that centers around mental health, using storytelling as a way to start important conversations and encourage people to seek help when they need it. My relationships have also changed in profound ways because of my mental health journey. Before my diagnosis, I kept my emotions to myself, afraid of being a burden to others. I now realize that true connection comes from honesty and vulnerability. The more open I became about my struggles, the more meaningful my relationships grew. My friendships deepened because I was no longer pretending to be okay when I was not. I also became more understanding of others, recognizing that many people are dealing with their own challenges, even if they do not talk about them. My family relationships have also been shaped by my experiences. My grandfather suffered from severe mental illness, which prevented him from working and made social interactions difficult for him. He avoided hospitals because he was uncomfortable around people, and as a result, he did not seek medical help when he became seriously ill. Two years ago, his condition worsened and became fatal. Losing him this way was heartbreaking, but it reinforced my passion for mental health awareness. No one should have to suffer alone, yet so many do. I also have several family members and friends who struggle with mental health challenges, and I have seen how fear and stigma prevent people from getting the help they need. This is why I am determined to use my career to make a difference. My experience with mental health has also changed the way I see the world. I now understand that people are often carrying burdens we cannot see. A smile does not always mean someone is okay. A joke can sometimes be a way to hide pain. This understanding has made me more compassionate, not just toward others, but toward myself. I have learned that healing is not just about overcoming struggles; it is also about finding joy in small moments. Comedy has played a huge role in my journey. Laughter has helped me cope, and I have come to appreciate the way humor can break through even the darkest emotions. That is why I love comedy so much, and why I want to continue using it in my performances. As I prepare to return to school in the fall of 2025, I feel more focused and driven than ever. My experiences have given me a clearer purpose, and I am excited to continue growing as both a performer and an advocate for mental health. My goal is to create work that makes people feel seen, understood, and less alone. If I can help even one person feel a little lighter, a little more hopeful, then I know I will have done something meaningful. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Mental health has played a significant role in shaping my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. My journey with anxiety and depression has given me a deeper understanding of myself and the people around me. It has influenced how I view the world, how I connect with others, and how I approach my work as a performer, teacher, and advocate. While my struggles have been challenging, they have also given me purpose. As a result, I plan to use my passion for theatre to create meaningful stories that promote mental health awareness and remind people that they are not alone. Before my diagnosis in 2023, I did not fully understand the impact that mental health could have on every aspect of life. I had always been passionate about theatre, but I had not yet recognized the deeper emotional connection between storytelling and healing. As my symptoms worsened, I felt lost. Performing, which had always been my greatest joy, started to feel overwhelming. The pressure to be "on" all the time, to deliver the perfect performance, and to keep up with the demands of my studies became too much. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to take a leave of absence from school and focus on my well-being. Taking that step allowed me to reflect on what truly mattered to me. Through therapy, I learned that healing is not just about overcoming challenges; it is also about finding joy in everyday moments. One of the most surprising ways I found that joy was through comedy. Humor became a tool to lighten the weight of my struggles. Whether it was cracking jokes with friends, watching stand-up specials, or even laughing at my own awkward moments, I realized that comedy had a unique ability to break through darkness. This shift in perspective deepened my love for theatre, particularly comedic performances, because I saw firsthand how laughter could bring relief, even in the most difficult times. My passion for mental health awareness is not just rooted in my own experiences. It is something deeply personal to me because I have seen firsthand how devastating untreated mental illness can be. My grandfather suffered from multiple severe diagnoses that prevented him from working and made everyday life incredibly difficult for him. He struggled with social interactions and was uncomfortable around people, which caused him to avoid hospitals even when he was seriously ill. Two years ago, his condition worsened, and because he refused to seek medical attention, it became fatal. Losing him in this way was heartbreaking, and it reinforced just how important mental health awareness truly is. No one should have to suffer alone, yet so many do. I also have several family members and friends who struggle with mental health challenges, and I have seen how stigma and fear prevent people from getting the help they need. Struggling with mental health has also changed the way I connect with people. Before my diagnosis, I often kept my emotions to myself, afraid of being a burden to others. But as I learned more about anxiety and depression, I realized that true connection comes from honesty and vulnerability. The more open I became about my experiences, the stronger my relationships grew. My friendships became more meaningful because I was no longer pretending to be okay when I was struggling. I also found myself drawn to people who understood the importance of mental health, who valued deep conversations, and who supported one another unconditionally. My relationship with my family evolved as well. Instead of feeling like I had to handle everything on my own, I allowed myself to lean on them for support. In return, I became more understanding of their struggles, recognizing that mental health challenges affect everyone in different ways. As an acting teacher at Walnut Street Theatre, my experience with mental health has also influenced the way I mentor young performers. I am more aware of how theatre can be a safe space for kids to express themselves, and I encourage my students to use acting as an outlet for their emotions. I want them to see theatre not just as a performance, but as a tool for self-discovery and healing. My mental health journey has completely shaped my career aspirations. I always knew I wanted to be a performer, but now I have a deeper reason for pursuing this path. I want to use my art to tell stories that matter, stories that make people feel seen, understood, and less alone. One of my biggest dreams is to develop and act in a television series or live performance centered around mental health. I want to create characters who go through real-life struggles, showing both the dark and the hopeful moments. Too often, mental illness is portrayed in a way that is overly dramatic or unrealistic, which can add to the stigma. I want to create something authentic; something that reflects the real ups and downs of living with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. After taking the time to focus on my well-being, I am ready to return to school in the fall of 2025. I know that my journey with mental health is ongoing, but I also know that I am stronger because of it. My experiences have given me a clearer sense of purpose, and I am more determined than ever to use my career to make a difference. Mental health has influenced every part of my life, my beliefs, my relationships, and my aspirations. It has taught me the importance of self-care, the power of vulnerability, and the impact that storytelling can have on people's lives. If I can use my art to bring laughter, hope, and understanding to even one person, then I know I have done something meaningful. My goal is to continue creating, performing, and advocating for mental health, reminding others that no matter what they are going through, they are never alone. Thank you for your time and consideration.

My journey with acting began when I was nine years old at Walnut Street Theatre’s acting camp. From the moment I stepped onto the stage, I knew theatre was something special. It became more than just an activity; it was a passion. Every summer, I returned to camp, eager to learn and grow as a performer. When I eventually aged out, my connection to the theatre remained strong. I took on roles as a camp counselor and assistant director of plays, excited to give back to the program that had shaped me. I also performed in four productions as part of the Walnut Street Theatre Junior Series, where I played both lead and ensemble roles. In 2021, I began teaching acting classes for children ages five to thirteen, sharing my love for theatre with young performers and helping them build confidence on stage. In high school, I performed as the lead in two productions, and in 2020, I took the next step in my journey by pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at Temple University. I performed in three productions, taking on both lead and ensemble roles, and continued developing my craft. Theatre had always been my safe space; the place where I felt the most like myself. But in 2023, everything changed. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and for the first time, I struggled to find joy in the thing I loved most. The weight of my emotions became overwhelming, and I made the difficult decision to take a leave of absence from school to focus on my well-being. Mental health awareness is deeply personal to me. Not only have I been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but I also have family members and friends who struggle with mental illness. As I learned more about my own experiences, I realized just how many people suffer in silence. Whether because of stigma, fear, or simply not knowing where to turn, too many people go without the support they need. I want to change that. As an artist, I believe storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to connect with people and create change. My goal is to use television and live performances to bring awareness to mental health in a way that feels real and relatable. I want audiences to see themselves in the characters and feel empowered to take care of their own well-being. Mental health is not just about struggle; it is about resilience, humor, and hope. That is why I want to develop and act in a television series or live performance that centers around mental health, showing the difficult moments as well as the joy, laughter, and triumphs along the way. Now, after taking the time to prioritize my mental health, I am ready to continue my education. I will return in the fall of 2025, eager to continue growing as both a performer and an advocate. Theatre has always given me a voice, and I want to use that voice to help others feel seen, heard, and understood. Thank you for your time and consideration.

My journey with acting began at nine years old when I attended Walnut Street Theatre’s acting camp. I fell in love with theatre and returned every summer until I aged out. From there, I took on roles as a counselor and assistant director while also performing in four productions as part of the Walnut Street Theatre Junior Series. In 2021, I started teaching acting and improv classes for kids ages five to thirteen, passing my love of theatre on to the next generation. In high school, I performed as the lead in two productions, and in 2020, I began pursuing a degree in Musical Theatre at Temple University. I have since performed in three productions, taking on roles from lead to ensemble. Theatre has always been my safe space, the place where I could fully express myself. But in 2023, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and for the first time, I struggled to find that same sense of joy. Before my diagnosis, I suffered in silence. I kept everything to myself, and my emotions became overwhelming. I had to leave school and sought therapy. This is where I learned that healing was not just about self-reflection; it was also about finding joy. That is when I realized the power of comedy. One experience, in particular, showed me how humor can shift everything. I was overwhelmed before a performance, drowning in self-doubt. My mind raced with negative thoughts: what if I forget my lines? What if I am not good enough? Right before the show, a castmate noticed my stress and made a ridiculous joke. It was so absurd that I could not stop laughing. Instantly, the tension in my body disappeared, and for the first time that day, I could breathe. That moment changed how I see comedy. It is more than just entertainment; it is a tool for survival. Laughter has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve oxygen flow, and release endorphins. I experienced, firsthand, how humor can break through even the heaviest emotions and provide relief, even if just for a moment. Comedy has always been one of my favorite genres of theatre, but after my diagnosis, it became something much more personal. I started using humor not just to entertain, but to heal. Whether watching stand-up specials, joking with friends, or even finding humor in my own struggles, comedy helped me heal. It reminded me that even on the hardest days, joy still exists. I am now ready to continue my BFA, and will return to school in the Fall of 2025. Through my journey with anxiety and depression, I have learned that comedy is not just about making people laugh; it is about reminding them they are not alone. If I can help someone forget their worries, even for a moment, I know I have done something meaningful. One of my biggest dreams is to develop and act in a television series or live performance focused on mental health. I want to create stories that show struggle, humor, hope, and encourage people to seek help immediately. No matter where my career takes me, I know humor will always be at the heart of what I do. Comedy is not just about laughter; it is about resilience, healing, and reminding people that even in the darkest times, there is always light. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Ever since I stepped onto a stage for the first time, I knew performing was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. There is something incredible about being part of a story that can make people laugh, cry, or feel understood. I believe that storytelling, whether through theatre, television, or any form of creative expression, is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others. That connection is why I continue to pursue a career in the arts. I want to use my work to help people with their mental health, to remind them that they are not alone, and to encourage them to seek help immediately. Mental health awareness is personal to me, because I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and have family members and friends that suffer from mental illness. While researching, I found many people struggle with mental health challenges but do not feel comfortable reaching out for support. Whether it is because of stigma, fear, or simply not knowing where to start, they often suffer in silence. I want to change that by using my career to tell stories that break down those barriers. My goal is to create performances that explore mental health in a way that feels real and relatable. I want audiences to see themselves in the characters and feel empowered to take care of their own well-being. With the rise of artificial intelligence, digital art, and automated writing tools, storytelling is evolving in ways that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. These advancements are exciting and valuable, but they can never replace the human heart behind a story. The most powerful narratives come from real emotions, struggles, and triumphs. As a student of the arts, I plan to use technology as a tool rather than a replacement. I want to blend traditional performance with digital elements to create immersive experiences while keeping the heart of storytelling intact. One of my biggest dreams is to develop a television series or live performance that centers around mental health. I want to create characters who go through real-life struggles, showing both the dark and the hopeful moments. By bringing these stories to life, I hope to start conversations and encourage people to seek support when they need it. I also want to explore innovative ways to tell these stories, using different forms of media to reach as many people as possible. In addition to performing and creating, I also love teaching. At Walnut Street Theatre, I work with children ages five to thirteen, helping them develop confidence and creativity through acting. Teaching gives me the opportunity to mentor young performers while sharing my passion for storytelling. It is amazing to see how theatre helps kids find their voices, and I want to continue making that impact in my future career. This scholarship would help me continue my training and develop my skills as both a performer and a storyteller. I want to use every opportunity I have to create meaningful art that resonates with people, especially those who feel unheard. My ultimate goal is to use my voice, my creativity, and my passion to advocate for mental health awareness and help people feel seen through the power of storytelling. Thank you for your time and consideration.