I suffer from severe anxiety due to the bullying I experienced in elementary and middle school. For years, I was relentlessly targeted by many people who put me down for the things I loved. They called me names, criticized my interests, and labeled me an outcast. This constant mistreatment led me to deny who I was because I believed no one would ever care for me or share my passions. I shut myself off from the world, convinced that anyone who tried to get close would eventually hurt me, just like others had. I struggled to talk to new people, always fearing they had ulterior motives. I built walls around myself, isolating from the possibility of meaningful relationships. However, a few friends helped me through these dark times. They reassured me that their love for me was real and that they would never intentionally hurt me. Their support slowly helped me trust people again, although it was difficult. It wasn’t until high school that I realized how much these past experiences had affected me. I knew I had to face my trauma and work through the insecurities holding me back. I began to acknowledge the pain I had been carrying for years and decided it was time to heal. I knew I had to trust the school environment again and put in the effort needed to succeed academically. Slowly, I began to rebuild my confidence, taking small steps to open up to others and trust the new people I met. I also focused on my studies and set academic goals, determined to achieve them despite the fear and anxiety I still felt. As I start my degree in digital animation, I’m excited about how I can use my skills to make a real difference in my community. Animation is a powerful tool for storytelling, and I believe it can inspire, educate, and connect people in meaningful ways. I want to create animated stories that tackle social topics like mental health, sexual orientation, and bullying. For example, I would make short films addressing the impact of bullying in schools, promoting empathy and acceptance. These stories can help foster understanding and support for those who are marginalized, creating a more inclusive environment. I also want to create characters that represent all different types of people so they can see themselves reflected in my work. My journey in digital animation is about using my passion to make a positive impact. By creating content that addresses important issues, I’m committed to making a difference. I’m excited about the chance to contribute and inspire others through animation, and I appreciate your consideration of my scholarship application to help make these ideas a reality.