How I Relate to Malgorzata’s Challenges When I read about Malgorzata “Maggie” Kwiecien’s life, I felt an immediate resonance. Like her, I left my home country behind in pursuit of a new life in the United States. I arrived from Brazil in 2019 as an asylee, with no support system waiting for me here. It was a leap into the unknown: new language, new culture, new expectations, and no guarantee that I would find stability. I recognize in Maggie’s story the same courage required to step forward into uncertainty and to build a life from the ground up. Maggie was described as physically fearless — a climber, skier, runner, diver. For me, the courage has often been emotional, but no less demanding. I have had to climb mountains of my own: navigating immigration processes, rebuilding my sense of home and safety, and facing the vulnerability of beginning again where I had no family to lean on. I know the feeling of waking up in a foreign country and realizing that if I do not persist, I might lose the very future I am trying to create. Like Maggie, I am intellectually bold. I study music, dance, and the arts with the same determination she gave to engineering. My dream is to become a professional performer, blending opera, Brazilian music, and contemporary performance. I see education not as a passive process but as a field where I am constantly proving to myself what I am capable of. I, too, debate, question, and push boundaries. I want to master my craft, but also to challenge old frameworks and bring my perspective as a trans, international woman into spaces where voices like mine have often been excluded. I also connect to Maggie’s devotion to knowledge and her hunger to become an expert. My chosen field is not STEM, but it requires the same rigor and discipline. To sing professionally is to dedicate hours daily to technical study, body work, and emotional practice. To dance or act is to submit to training that tests endurance and demands persistence. I often think of myself as an engineer of sound and movement, constructing something that is both precise and alive. Maggie’s bravery was not just physical but deeply human: to move alone to a foreign land and still pursue greatness. That is the path I am on. I often feel the weight of being an international student who has to balance financial strain, cultural difference, and self-doubt. Sometimes I long for the safety net that others around me seem to have. But like Maggie, I persist. Ambition is what keeps me going when circumstances feel overwhelming. Where I see myself most like her is in resilience. Maggie faced a devastating illness and continued to fight for life. I face different challenges — systemic barriers, personal loss, and the complexity of living openly as a trans woman — but what we share is a refusal to let those challenges define or diminish us. I want to carry Maggie’s spirit forward by living with the same boldness, the same intellectual fire, and the same determination to carve out a space for myself and for those who will come after me. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my education, but would also honor Maggie’s legacy by ensuring that her courage continues to inspire other women who, like us, left everything behind to build something extraordinary in a new land.

The current music landscape feels like a paradox: both more open than ever, and yet still full of noise. With streaming platforms, anyone can share their voice with the world, which has created an explosion of diversity. We now hear sounds from every corner of the globe, from Afrobeat to K-pop to Brazilian jazz, reaching audiences that might never have encountered them before. At the same time, the overwhelming flood of content means that it is easy for meaningful art to be drowned out by algorithms, trends, and commercial formulas that reward quick attention over depth. In this moment, I believe music needs two things: presence and truth. Presence, because music has to cut through distraction and ground people in an experience that feels alive, not disposable. Truth, because audiences are hungry for voices that carry authenticity — voices that reveal something raw, vulnerable, or transformative. When I listen to artists who embody that, I feel the difference immediately: it is not just sound, but soul. I see myself working within this landscape as both a performer and a connector. I want to bring forward music that holds space for complexity — music that is technically strong, but also emotionally generous. I am drawn to classical training and opera because of its discipline and power, but equally to Brazilian genres like bossa nova and samba, which carry history, intimacy, and cultural memory. I want to weave these traditions together, creating bridges between classical refinement and the improvisational spirit of my heritage. By doing so, I hope to create performances that not only showcase vocal ability, but also tell stories that resonate across borders. I also believe change in music today is not just about the sounds themselves, but about who gets to make them and who gets to be heard. As a trans woman, I know what it feels like to live at the margins of visibility, and I know how rare it is to see someone like me centered on stage in classical or operatic music. Representation matters. When people see someone who reflects them — whether through identity, culture, or lived experience — it opens the door for them to imagine themselves in that space too. My presence in the music world is not only about my voice; it is about creating more room for difference, for fluidity, for those who have not always been invited in. Being impactful, to me, means carrying both excellence and empathy. Excellence, because I want my craft to be undeniable — built on training, discipline, and devotion to the art. Empathy, because I want my performances to move people, to help them feel more deeply, and to leave them more open-hearted than when they arrived. Music has always been more than entertainment; it is a way of shaping culture, of reminding us what it means to be human together. I want my contribution to be one that brings people closer to themselves and to each other. Whether I am on a stage, in a classroom, or collaborating across genres, my goal is the same: to remind us that music is both mirror and bridge — it reflects who we are, and it carries us toward who we can become.

When I imagine my future in the music industry, I see myself as a performer and creator—a singer who uses voice and presence to bridge cultures, emotions, and generations. I aspire not only to interpret music, but to embody it: to make each note an offering of truth, healing, and connection. My goal is to become an artist who inspires others not simply through sound, but through the courage of being fully myself. My path into music did not begin in a family of musicians or in childhood lessons. Growing up, my mother and I would sit together listening to her favorite old songs and the soundtracks of the shows she loved. She wasn’t a singer, and we didn’t play instruments, but in those moments I learned how music holds memory, emotion, and tenderness. The taste she passed down to me became the seed of my own passion. Later, when I began to sing for myself, I discovered a world inside my own voice. That voice became my companion, my safe place, and my way of expressing what words alone could never hold. My role models in music are artists who embody both vulnerability and strength. Maria Callas showed me that opera is not just about precision, but about raw emotion that cuts straight to the soul. Elis Regina, with her fiery Brazilian spirit, taught me that music can be protest and intimacy at once. And Marisa Monte inspires me with her ability to honor tradition while creating something new and timeless. What they all share—and what I strive to emulate—is authenticity: the bravery to let their art reveal who they are. The impact I want to make on the music industry is one of expansion. I want to remind audiences that music is not mere entertainment, but a transformative force. My dream is to create performances that awaken hearts, blend genres, and open spaces for artists who are often left outside of the mainstream. As a trans woman, I understand how powerful visibility is. By standing on stage and owning my truth, I want to widen the horizon of possibility for others—especially those who feel unseen or unheard. When people remember me, I hope it is not only for the notes I sang, but for the way I made them feel. I want them to recall a voice that carried resilience, tenderness, and light. I want to be remembered as someone who dared to live authentically, who brought joy and comfort through music, and who proved that art belongs to everyone, no matter where they come from. For me, this journey is not about perfection but about presence. Music found me in simple moments with my mother, and it grew into a calling that now defines my life. My hope is that by following the sound of my own truth, I can help others find the courage to listen to theirs.

Mental health is one of the most important aspects of my life, influencing everything from my academic performance to my relationships and overall well-being. As a college student, I understand that maintaining mental health is critical not just for academic success but also for personal fulfillment and happiness. Mental wellness allows me to navigate the pressures of life, manage stress, and remain grounded in a constantly changing environment. College is a time of significant transition, full of exciting opportunities but also immense pressure. For many students, including myself, the challenges of balancing academics, finances, social relationships, and personal development can easily become overwhelming. This is why I believe my mental health is not just important—it is foundational to everything I do. When my mental wellness is prioritized, I can think clearly, make better decisions, and sustain the motivation I need to reach my goals. Throughout my life, I’ve faced periods of anxiety and self-doubt, especially as a transgender individual navigating societal expectations and personal identity. I’ve realized that recognizing these challenges early and addressing them head-on has been essential in my pursuit of personal and academic success. Ignoring mental health issues, no matter how small they may seem at first, often leads to greater struggles later on. The more I focus on maintaining my mental well-being, the better equipped I am to manage stress and uncertainty. To maintain my mental wellness, I have adopted several practices that have become integral to my daily routine. First, I prioritize self-care through mindfulness and physical activities like yoga and dancing. Engaging in these activities helps me stay connected to my body, reduces anxiety, and improves my mood. I also journal regularly, allowing me to process my thoughts and feelings, which is especially important when I’m feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to move forward. Journaling not only serves as a form of emotional release but also provides me with a record of personal growth that I can look back on during difficult times. Another key factor in maintaining my mental health is staying connected to a supportive community. Whether through my involvement in music, my classes, or LGBTQ+ groups, I surround myself with people who uplift me and share similar values. Social connection is essential for my mental well-being, and I’ve found that talking openly about my struggles with trusted friends or mentors reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness. Additionally, I have learned to seek professional help when necessary. I attend therapy sessions through the Pacific Center for Human Growth, where I can discuss more complex emotions and mental health concerns. Therapy has been instrumental in helping me understand my triggers, set healthy boundaries, and develop coping mechanisms for stress. I’ve also utilized meditation and breathing exercises as tools to manage immediate feelings of anxiety, helping me regain calm and focus during overwhelming moments. Ultimately, my mental health is important because it affects every aspect of my life. Without mental wellness, even the most exciting opportunities can feel daunting. By maintaining mental wellness, I am better able to face challenges with confidence, remain resilient during setbacks, and continue pursuing my dreams. As I move through college and into my future career, I will continue to prioritize my mental health, ensuring that I am in the best possible position to succeed both personally and professionally.

As a gender-expansive transgender individual, my journey through education has been filled with both resilience and resistance. Coming from a conservative background and being born in Brazil, I grew up in a society where traditional gender norms were rigid and unquestioned. After moving to the U.S. in 2019, I sought asylum to escape this environment and begin a new chapter where I could fully embrace my authentic self. This transition came with its own set of challenges, particularly within the education system, where I have often felt alienated and unsupported. One of the most significant barriers I’ve encountered is the lack of institutional support for gender-expansive individuals like myself. In many of the spaces I’ve navigated, whether it's classrooms or administrative offices, the understanding of trans experiences is limited, and resources are sparse. Simple things like updating my name in school records or being addressed correctly in class often require exhausting amounts of advocacy on my part. Additionally, financial aid systems sometimes do not account for the unique challenges faced by trans students, leaving me to navigate a maze of paperwork and criteria that don’t consider my full circumstances. These experiences, while exhausting, have taught me persistence and have motivated me to seek out every opportunity to advance my education. Currently, I am a student at City College studying music. Music has always been a powerful force in my life, offering both healing and expression. My major allows me to explore my passion for vocal performance, specifically opera, while building a solid foundation in music theory and history. My educational goal is to transfer to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where I aim to further hone my vocal skills, especially in opera, a field where I can blend technical mastery with deep emotional expression. Through rigorous training and continuous learning, I hope to reach the level of mastery that will allow me to perform internationally. My career goal is to become not only a professional singer but also a performer who advocates for greater visibility and inclusion of transgender artists in classical music. Historically, the field of opera and classical music has been dominated by cisgender voices, and there is a glaring absence of transgender representation. I want to break that barrier, showing that gender-expansive individuals belong in all arenas of the arts. By forging my path as a singer, I hope to inspire other trans and non-binary people to pursue careers in the arts without feeling the need to conform to rigid gender norms. After completing my degree, I plan to use my platform to uplift the LGBTQ+ community. I want to create spaces where trans musicians, particularly those of color and from underrepresented communities, can thrive. One way I envision doing this is by founding a non-profit organization that offers music education and performance opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth. These programs would aim to provide both technical training and emotional support, ensuring that young artists feel validated in their identities while pursuing their passion. I also hope to mentor young trans singers and advocate for more inclusive policies in music education programs. In conclusion, the path I am on has been shaped by my experiences as a gender-expansive individual, and while the barriers are many, they have fueled my passion for music and my desire to create lasting change. By achieving my educational and career goals, I hope to not only succeed personally but to contribute meaningfully to the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that future generations of trans artists have the support and representation they deserve.