
Jason Allen
605
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Jason Allen
605
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Hi, I’m Jason Allen, and I’m proud to call Sanford, Florida, my home. I’m a Black and Puerto Rican male who found my passion for music back in the 6th grade. During my time at Seminole High School, I had the honor of being part of the Pride of the Tribe Marching Band, where I served as the Section Leader for cymbals.
Family means everything to me. I cherish our movie nights at home and love traveling to experience new things together. My grandmother, who recently passed away from pancreatic cancer, has been a huge source of inspiration for me. I hope to make her proud in everything I do, carrying her spirit with me as I chase my dreams.
Music is a big part of who I am. I enjoy isolating different aspects of music tracks, focusing on the individual instruments that create a song. It fascinates me to dive deep into the layers of sound and understand how each element contributes to the whole.
Looking to the future, I aspire to make the world a more accepting place that celebrates our differences. Through my music, I hope to convey messages of unity and understanding, bridging gaps between cultures and perspectives. I believe that music has the power to connect people and spark meaningful conversations, and I’m committed to using my platform to inspire positive change. Whether I’m on the field or sharing my love for music, I strive to leave a lasting impact and help create a more inclusive world for everyone.
Education
Full Sail University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Music
Seminole High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Music
Career
Dream career field:
Music
Dream career goals:
Research
Music
Percussion2018 – Present
Arts
Seminole High School Pride of the Tribe Marching Band
Music2019 – 2024
Public services
Volunteering
Salvation Army — Summer Camp Counselor2019 – 2020
Cybersecurity for Your Community Scholarship
I wanna use my cybersecurity skills to help my community stop getting scammed online — like when my cousin’s account got hacked ‘cause she wasn’t sure what to click. Instead of confusing tech talk, I’ll break it down with real talk, like “treat your password like your phone’s lock screen.” I’m planning to run chill workshops where people can ask questions without feeling judged and get simple tips that actually stick. Plus, I want to get kids hyped about cybersecurity so they see it as a legit way to build their future. At the end of the day, it’s about helping my neighborhood feel safe online, just like locking the door before you head out.
Love Island Fan Scholarship
Challenge Name: The Chemistry Lab
Concept:
A sizzling mix of physical games, flirty tests, and emotional curveballs designed to see which couples have real chemistry and which ones are just coasting. It’s half obstacle course, half truth-or-dare chaos — with a few surprises only Love Island could pull off.
Setup:
The villa lawn gets transformed into a giant “love experiment” zone, with colorful obstacle stations, bubbling fake “potions,” and heart-shaped scoreboards.
Islanders wear lab coats over their swimwear (because obviously).
Couples compete together — but halfway through, the game throws in partner swaps to see how they perform with someone else.
Stages of the Challenge:
Heart Rate Raiser
One partner sits in a chair wearing a heart rate monitor while the other does whatever they think will get it pumping — dancing, whispering, stripping down, whatever.
Their heart rate spike is recorded and shown to everyone (cue jealousy).
The Love Obstacle
Couples race through a foam-filled obstacle course while handcuffed together. Along the way, they must stop and complete “mini chemistry tests” like feeding each other chocolate without using their hands or carrying a cup of water in their mouths without spilling.
Hot Seat Confessions
Mid-challenge, Islanders are told to switch partners at random. With the new partner, they answer revealing rapid-fire questions (“Who here is the biggest flirt?” / “Who would you couple up with if your current partner wasn’t in the villa?”).
All answers are read aloud to the entire group afterward.
The Final Spark Test
Original couples reunite for a blindfolded kiss test where they have to guess if they’re kissing their partner… or someone else.
Scoring:
Points for completing physical challenges fastest.
Bonus points for accuracy in the kiss test and for honesty (or hilarity) in confessions.
Winning couple gets a romantic overnight date outside the villa, plus the power to save one other couple from the next dumping.
Why It Works for Love Island:
This challenge gives us flirting, jealousy, temptation, awkward confessions, and physical comedy all in one. It’s got the perfect mix of laugh-out-loud moments (foam obstacles, chocolate mouth-feeding) and real tension (partner swaps, kiss tests) to make the villa feel unsettled in the best way.
By the end, the audience will be questioning every couple’s “chemistry,” Islanders will be side-eyeing each other, and producers will have an entire week’s worth of drama to work with.
Diane Amendt Memorial Scholarship for the Arts
If you’d asked middle-school me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I probably would’ve shrugged and mumbled something like, “I dunno… maybe something cool?” Back then, I didn’t realize music was going to be the thing. I just knew that whenever I picked up my instrument, the world got a little quieter and a little less stressful.
Arts education wasn’t just a class for me — it was my escape, my therapy, and honestly, my favorite kind of challenge. I joined band in sixth grade, and that’s where everything started clicking. At first, I was just trying to keep up, counting beats in my head and hoping I didn’t mess up in front of everybody. But somewhere between the squeaky notes and the hours of practice, I fell in love with it. There was something about creating a sound with a group of people — each of us playing our own part — that felt bigger than anything I could’ve done on my own.
And then there was Ms. Johnson — my band director. She didn’t just teach music; she taught us about showing up, putting in the work, and believing in ourselves even when we sounded… well, not great. She had this way of looking at you when you doubted yourself, like she could see the version of you that already knew the song perfectly. She pushed me to take solos I didn’t think I was ready for and convinced me that mistakes weren’t failures — they were just stepping stones.
Outside of school, I’d mess around with friends, trying to record music in the most DIY ways possible. We’d stack pillows against the wall, balance a mic on a chair, and pretend we were in some big-time studio. Looking back, it was hilarious — and maybe a little chaotic — but it taught me how to be creative with whatever I had.
The older I got, the more I realized how much the arts were shaping me. It taught me how to stay committed without it feeling like homework, how to work with people without turning it into some kind of rivalry, and how to express myself without worrying about who was watching. Music turned into my way of sorting through life — whether I was riding a high, stressing out, or just trying to make sense of everything.
Now, pursuing recording arts feels like the natural next step. I want to take all those lessons — the ones from the classroom, the stage, and the living room “studio” — and turn them into a career. Ms. Johnson lit the spark, my friends kept the fire going, and the arts gave me the fuel to keep chasing it.
And yeah, maybe I still get nervous before playing, but that’s part of the magic. It means I still care.
Pamela Branchini Memorial Scholarship
When I think about collaboration, I don’t picture some fancy glass-walled studio or a bunch of people in suits tossing around “big ideas.” Nah. I think about my friend’s slightly messy living room, where we’d shove couch pillows against the walls like they were high-tech soundproofing, plug a beat-up mic into an old laptop, and record until somebody’s mom yelled for us to keep it down. We weren’t “producers.” We were just kids with way too much caffeine and way too many ideas. But that’s where I learned the real magic of working with people, not just for them.
Music has always felt like a team sport to me. I’ve been in band since sixth grade, and even back then, you couldn’t just show up and blast your part like you were the main character. You had to listen — really listen — to everyone else. Some days it felt like trying to sync up with a group of squirrels, but when it clicked? Man, it was like we unlocked a cheat code. And when it didn’t click, we didn’t just give up. We slowed down, figured it out, and kept going until the groove came back.
Fast forward to now, where I’m neck-deep in recording arts. The vibe’s the same, just with more buttons and fancier gear. Whether I’m tracking vocals, layering beats, or building a project from scratch, it’s never a one-person job. Everybody hears music differently — and that’s the point. Someone else might catch a subtle rhythm or suggest a chord change I totally missed, and suddenly the track jumps from “pretty good” to “wait, this is fire.”
Like, one time I worked with a classmate whose taste was way different from mine. I wanted smooth, soulful sounds; he was all about sharp, shiny, electronic textures. At first, we butted heads. But once we actually started swapping ideas, it clicked — his style sharpened mine, and mine grounded his. The final track was something neither of us could’ve pulled off alone, and it taught me collaboration isn’t about watering yourself down. It’s about leveling yourself up.
Some of my closest friendships have grown out of jam sessions, late-night mixes, and random “what if we tried this?” moments. We push each other, hype each other up, and keep each other honest — not just in the music, but in life.
For me, collaboration means showing up, listening hard, trusting the process, and believing that what we build together is bigger than what we could make alone. That’s the energy I’m bringing into every studio, every session, every stage. Always.
Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship
To be honest, when I was younger, I didn’t think much about “service.” I just knew I was expected to go to church every Sunday with my family. It was just part of our life. We’d get dressed, sit in the same row, sing the same songs. But what stuck with me the most wasn’t the sermons — it was the way people looked out for each other.
My church wasn’t huge, but it was full of love. When someone was sick, people showed up with food. If someone lost a job, others would quietly slip them some money or gift cards. I saw that growing up, and even if I didn’t realize it then, it planted a seed in me.
I started helping out more once I got older — stacking chairs, helping with the kids’ programs, and volunteering at food drives. It felt natural, like something I was supposed to do. I wasn’t doing it for attention or praise. It just felt good knowing I was part of something that actually made life a little easier for someone else.
One of the most meaningful moments I remember was helping organize meals for families during the holidays. A lot of people in our community were struggling, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. My church put together care packages with food and small gifts. I helped deliver some of them, and I’ll never forget the look on people’s faces. They were surprised someone cared enough to show up. That moment hit me hard — because I knew how it felt to not have a lot.
Growing up in a low-income household, I understood what it meant when the fridge was empty or the bills were late. My parents did the best they could, but times were tough. Seeing how much small acts of kindness could mean to someone reminded me that service isn’t about money — it’s about heart.
My church gave me the space to grow into someone who cares deeply about community. It showed me how important it is to be there — not just when it’s convenient, but when it matters most. Whether that’s mentoring younger kids in the congregation, helping clean up after events, or just listening when someone needs to talk, I try to show up in the way I saw others show up for me.
Faith and service aren’t separate for me. They go hand in hand. What I believe shows up in what I do, and that’s something I plan to carry with me wherever I go.
Pereira Art & Technology Scholarship
Growing up in a low-income household taught me lessons that you can’t learn in a classroom. When you don’t have much, you see the world differently. You learn to appreciate what you do have, and you learn that hard work isn’t just a saying—it’s a way of life.
There were times when things were tight. I remember seeing my parents stretch paychecks, choosing bills over birthdays, never asking for help, just pushing through. And even though we didn’t always have the newest clothes or the latest tech, there was still pride in our home. My family never let our situation define us. We leaned on each other. That made us strong.
Watching my mom and dad work hard without complaining shaped how I view success. To me, success isn’t about having fancy cars or a big house. It’s about building something real. It’s about using what you’ve been given—no matter how little—and turning it into something that matters. That’s what I want to do.
I’ve always been drawn to music. It started with band in middle school, and it turned into something bigger—something I couldn’t imagine my life without. But music wasn’t just a passion. It became a way out. A way forward. I realized I could take what I felt—everything from frustration to hope—and put it into sound. And that maybe, just maybe, I could help others feel less alone through it.
Now I’m studying recording arts. I want to work in music production, help artists tell their stories, and bring fresh voices into an industry that often overlooks people like me. Being a biracial Black and Hispanic young man from a low-income background, I’ve had to push past more than just financial struggle. I’ve had to fight to be taken seriously, to be heard, to be seen. But that’s what keeps me going.
My goals aren’t just for me. I want to make my family proud. I want to create something lasting. I want to reach a point where I can help others the way I’ve been helped—through music, through mentoring, through showing them it’s possible.
I don’t see where I come from as a weakness. I see it as fuel. It taught me to work harder, to dream bigger, and to stay grounded no matter what. I carry those lessons with me every day. And no matter how far I go, I’ll never forget where I started.
D. Cox Music Technology Scholarship
I didn’t grow up thinking I’d work in music technology. To be honest, I didn’t even know what that meant until I was already knee-deep in it. But looking back, the signs were always there. I was the kid who would play the same song over and over again just to hear how the beat dropped. I was the one pulling apart sounds in my head, wondering how someone made it feel the way it did. I guess it’s always been part of me.
I joined the school band in sixth grade mostly because I wanted to be part of something. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the first time I played with a full group—hearing all our parts come together—I felt something I hadn’t felt before. I didn’t have the words for it back then, but now I’d call it connection. And once I felt that, I wanted more.
Still, the idea of making music in my future didn’t really sink in until high school. That’s when I started digging into how songs are made—not just written or performed, but produced. I started watching videos about sound design, EQ, compression, and all the behind-the-scenes work. It felt like I had unlocked a new world. I realized I didn’t just love music—I loved how it was built.
But right when things were falling into place, everything changed. COVID hit during my freshman year. School shut down. Classes went virtual. Band stopped. The rhythm of life just... halted. At the same time, my grandmother—who was like a second mother to me—was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
That year was hard in ways I still can’t fully explain. I had both my parents in my life, but the bond I had with my granny was something different. She believed in me in a way that made me believe in myself. During the lockdown, I got to spend a lot more time with her, and looking back, I wouldn’t trade that time for anything. When she passed two years later, right before my graduation, it shattered me. She didn’t get to see me walk across the stage, but I carried her with me in my heart that day. I know she was proud.
It would’ve been easy to give up. There were days I didn’t even want to get out of bed. But I kept coming back to music. It became the way I processed what I couldn’t put into words. And somewhere in that quiet, I realized something important: I didn’t just want to be someone who made music. I wanted to be someone who helped others feel something through it.
Now I’m studying recording arts at Full Sail University. It’s not always easy. There are late nights, missed cues, moments where I question everything. But I know I’m on the right path. Every time I step into a studio or open up a session, I feel like I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to do.
Being a biracial Black and Hispanic young man in this world, I’ve had to navigate spaces where I didn’t always feel seen. Music gave me a place to exist fully, without code-switching or holding back. That’s why I want to stay in this field. To make room for voices that don’t always get heard. To help others find their sound like I found mine.
Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
My experiences with mental illness have had a profound impact on my goals, relationships and understanding of the world. They've taught me resilience and the value of self-expression through music - my passion and therapeutic outlet at once. Music allows me to channel emotions and experiences into something transformative while creating art that resonates with others - strengthening empathy by connecting more deeply with those around me while building meaningful relationships through vulnerability while also creating strong communities that uphold each other during trying times.
These experiences have provided me with a wider view of society issues, particularly stigma surrounding mental health in Black and Hispanic communities. After witnessing firsthand how cultural barriers and systemic inequities prevent open discussions on mental health, leaving many individuals to struggle in silence. My experiences have inspired me to advocate for greater understanding and acceptance within my community as well as globally; using my voice and platform to break down stigmas so more people seek help without shame or fear of judgement.
Through my studies in recording arts, I am determined to craft music and media that reflect these values. My aim is to produce work that fosters connection, healing, social change and unification while also addressing mental health challenges in ways that offer hope and unity. My ultimate aim is to leave behind not just art but a lasting legacy in the lives of others - where people feel seen, understood and empowered to overcome their struggles together with music as my legacy.
Devin Chase Vancil Art and Music Scholarship
Hello, my name is Jason Allen. Music has always been an integral part of my life--an outlet for expression, inspiration and purpose. Ever since joining a band in sixth grade, it has provided an outlet to channel my energy. Now, as a first-year student at Full Sail University studying Recording Arts, I am fulfilling my ambitions of entering the music industry. Not only am I learning technical aspects of recording but I'm exploring the craft, emotion and artistry that make music such an impactful force in society. My aim is to use my education to contribute positively to society through sound. My aim is to create experiences that resonate with and inspire people as individuals in their everyday lives. Art and music play an integral role in society for numerous reasons. First and foremost, music connects us on an emotional level. No matter our language barriers or differing beliefs; music has the power to unite people across cultures and beliefs and foster shared experiences. One song can bring together people across the world in experiencing similar emotions, helping to foster empathy and build understanding between cultures. Music gives us a powerful tool for self-expression when words fail us, providing comfort in times of struggle when words can't do the job alone. Art and music provide people a means of expressing difficult emotions, telling their stories, and connecting with other people on a universal level. Art and music also reflect and shape culture - documenting its emotions, struggles and triumphs over time. Through various genres and styles of music, we can track social changes ranging from civil rights movements to moments of celebration and unity. Jazz, hip-hop and gospel all developed out of different cultural environments to represent communities who had given them birth. Music or art from another culture provides us with the chance to gain some insight into other lives and histories; such cultural education promotes respect, curiosity, and openness within an increasingly diverse society. Art and music offer a voice to those who feel marginalized or unseen in society, including myself. Music has always been my outlet and has had an enormously positive effect on my life as an artist. Art and music provide people from all backgrounds a way to freely express themselves, which is essential for both mental and emotional well-being. Furthermore, these forms of expression often serve as therapy; helping individuals process emotions, face hardships head-on and find healing. Arts and music provide individuals a means to cope with difficult challenges, while inspiring entire communities to persevere and strive towards change. Beyond their emotional and cultural benefits, these forms of expression promote creativity and innovation. Art can encourage us to see beauty where it may not otherwise exist and dream beyond what is currently imaginable. Art's creative energy has ripple effects throughout other fields like science, technology and education and can provide solutions for problems we collectively face as society. My own journey in music has shown me the invaluable lessons it can offer in terms of discipline, problem-solving and teamwork - skills which are vital in any field. As I pursue a career in music, my aim is to use my talents to contribute positively to society by producing art that uplifts, informs and unites people. Music and art can be powerful forces for change: they foster empathy across divides while welcoming in diversity while pushing us forward toward moving forward together. Music for me represents not just personal passion but a calling - I hope my future lies with it.
Nabi Nicole Grant Memorial Scholarship
Losing my grandmother was one of the hardest experiences of my life; she had been an enormous source of love and support, especially with regards to my passion for music. She encouraged my dreams, instilled resilience and kindness within me and was an important source of guidance and support in my life. Losing her was heartbreaking - as though all of the support had suddenly vanished beneath my ambitions. As much as the pain was unbearable, I found strength in God during this difficult period, who guided and strengthened me during the grieving process and enabled me to honor her memory in ways that continue to shape who I am today. After her passing was difficult. I struggled greatly. Grief was crushing, and some days it was difficult to find motivation - particularly when it came to music - which had always been my sanctuary, yet now felt hollow without her encouragement. After my mother passed, I felt lost and worried I might no longer have her drive to carry on in life's journey. That is when my faith provided the peace and understanding I needed to continue down my chosen path - my faith became my anchor. Prayer became my go-to way of finding comfort and meaning after my grandmother passed. Reflections on her values-faith, resilience, and kindness-brought clarity to my grief process and inspired me to use my talents for good in this world. As I meditated on her teachings, I could feel her presence with me spiritually. My journey soon became one of honoring her memory while sharing with future generations the love and encouragement she had provided - making sure her legacy lived on through my actions and accomplishments. Sometimes I could sense her presence subtly: an old song would bring back fond memories, or simply providing comfort when feeling uncertain or vulnerable. My faith taught me that her impact wouldn't just end when she physically left, but would continue to shape who I am today. I found this realization profound; it gave me renewed motivation to pursue my goals knowing that in some way I was carrying forward her spirit. This experience transformed how I approached both goals and challenges. My faith taught me to channel my sorrow into purposeful action and gave me strength to put forth extra effort to make my grandmother proud of me. As I honored her values and kept her legacy alive through my studies and music career, her memory spurred me onwards in both areas. Enrolling in Full Sail University's Recording Arts program inspired by her memory inspired me further to do good with my studies and music career - enrolling myself into its Recording Arts program made a real difference! Retracing my journey, I now recognize how my faith provided a much-needed source of hope when life seemed hopeless or hard. It reminded me that even in times of loss we can find strength and purpose; our memories will live on through love shared. My grandmother's spirit continues to motivate me as my faith inspires me to work harder, trust myself more fully, and follow my passion regardless of obstacles I may come across along my journey.
Jennifer and Rob Tower Memorial Scholarship
One act of kindness I am most proud to share in my life involves volunteering at local youth music programs. Growing up, I had access to a supportive band community which encouraged and nurtured my musical interests. As part of my high school community service experience, I volunteered at a nearby community center with young music students that needed mentors. Over time, this activity evolved into more than simply an idle hobby--it has since evolved into an essential form of support and encouragement for young musicians, and has had profound impacts on both them and me. Initial my work at the community center was straightforward. I would assist with after-school sessions, teach basic musical principles such as reading sheet music and provide assistance on some instruments I knew well. But I soon noticed that many of these students were just starting their musical journeys without access to all the same resources and support I did when starting out. Some were from low-income families that could not afford lessons; others were struggling with personal issues that affected their confidence. Realizing this, my goal was to go beyond simply teaching musical techniques. My goal was to ensure these students felt seen, supported, and capable of accomplishing great things through music. One way I tried to demonstrate kindness was by supporting and encouraging each student whenever they encountered difficulty. Eric was an eager drummer but very shy and uncertain of himself when picking up the sticks. Any mistake would cause immediate dissonance with Eric immediately looking down with apparent displeasure; so every week, I spent time reassuring him that mistakes are part of learning. Eric and I practiced patiently, going over the fundamentals and sharing stories about my mistakes when starting out myself. Over time, Eric became more comfortable and began looking forward to our sessions. By the end of the year, he could play several rhythms confidently and his entire demeanor had transformed - he even offered his services as a performer at a small recital we held for our kids! Watching him emerge onto the stage beaming with newfound confidence was a powerful reminder of just how far kindness and encouragement could reach. Over time, my relationships with the children deepened as our music sessions became a haven of acceptance for them to express themselves fully. I found this work extremely fulfilling as I understood how important having somewhere you feel accepted was during formative years. Through patience, understanding, and creating a welcoming atmosphere I witnessed my students open up more. Their progress in music became intrinsic to their sense of self; they started working harder in school and participating more actively within our group, even making lasting friendships among themselves. The ripples from this pattern of kindness extended far beyond just our kids. Watching them flourish under my guidance deepened my own sense of purpose, teaching me that sometimes kindness means simply being there for someone and offering your time, attention, and belief in them. Additionally, this experience shaped my career goals. As I realized my career aspirations was to make an impactful difference through music, whether that meant helping young people discover their voice or connecting different communities through musical experiences. Through my experience, I realized that kindness is more than an act - it's an attitude. Approaching others with genuine care often sets off a chain reaction of kindness among us all and others can pass it forward as well. At times I found mentoring children particularly rewarding; knowing my time and encouragement have contributed to creating an environment of support and growth has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life so far. Through this journey I have witnessed first-hand how kindness when practiced consistently can bring about lasting change not only within ourselves but also others - creating positive change with lasting effects!
John J Costonis Scholarship
My future goals are driven by my love of music and desire to make an impactful contribution. Since joining a band in sixth grade, music has been my source of guidance and motivation; more than an interest, it is truly my calling. Now, I am studying recording arts at Full Sail University with the hopes of creating a career which balances creative expression with technical proficiency. At its core, I aim to shape the music industry and provide experiences that inspire young people from underrepresented backgrounds, like mine. My goal is to honor the memory of my late grandmother, who gave unflinching support until her passing from pancreatic cancer. Her belief in me has inspired my resolve to make her proud of my success; therefore I have immersed myself into Full Sail University to achieve my goals. I have taken full advantage of this intensive program's challenges, fully immersing myself in its rigorous curriculum that immerses students into real world scenarios - invaluable preparation for a career in recording arts. My first year has provided me with valuable experience with industry-standard tools and techniques, which has laid a strong foundation for my future career goals. Furthermore, I am exploring internship opportunities - hoping to secure one by the end of 2018. Internships in this field are invaluable opportunities to gain direct experience while learning from established professionals. Furthermore, I network actively with classmates, professors, and industry contacts in order to establish relationships that will facilitate my professional growth in the industry. Alongside these proactive steps, I remain mindful of any obstacles or difficulties I might encounter on my path toward my goals. One major challenge facing Full Sail students from minority backgrounds is financial pressure. College is expensive, and financial resources may be limited. Full Sail's fast-paced learning environment means less time spent working outside classes to earn additional income and pay back debts. Finding ways to balance my financial constraints with academic and career goals requires careful budgeting, scholarship searches and sometimes making sacrifices in my personal life. One challenge lies in navigating an industry predominantly white industry as an African American and Hispanic man. As diversity improves gradually in the music industry, I sometimes feel pressure to represent my culture within an environment which may not fully comprehend my background and experiences. But I am driven to succeed and be part of the change. I hope that through my actions I can ensure future generations of minority artists and technicians feel welcome in this field. Balance between college requirements and my desire to make a meaningful contribution can be exhausting, yet these trials serve only to strengthen my resolve. Although the journey may not always be straightforward, my dedication, support from loved ones and sense of purpose keep me on the right path. My inspiration stems from the thought of creating a better future for young people who share my passion for music but may lack resources in the industry. My goal is not only to succeed in music for myself, but to also contribute positively to the industry as a whole and open doors for those that come after me. Through this work, I hope to leave behind a legacy that embodies my values while paying homage to my grandmother - someone who always believed in my dreams and supported my endeavors.
Barbara Cain Literary Scholarship
I have found books to be a great source of inspiration in my life. Especially those that explore imagination, adventure and self-discovery. Each story has opened up new possibilities, challenged my perspective, and shaped me in remarkable ways.
The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, is one of the most influential novels I've ever read. Tolkien. This story of courage and adventure ignited my desire to explore the unknown. Bilbo's journey shows readers how stepping out of their comfort zones can lead us to amazing growth and self discovery. Bilbo's journey is a reflection of mine. I can see myself in Bilbo as he faces challenges and meets a variety of characters. This realization motivates me to pursue my music ambitions with no fear, knowing that each challenge offers an opportunity for artistic and personal development. Bilbo’s courage and resilience inspire me as I embark on my musical journey.
The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, is another book that has profoundly impacted my life. In its humorous narrative and insightful observations I learned how important it is to see the world as a child would, embracing imagination and curiosity. The adventures of the Little Prince remind me that to truly understand, one must look beyond the surface. This view has inspired me to write music that inspires others to wonder and joy, and to explore their own creativity. I want to create pieces that encourage people to explore and dream, as this book has inspired me.
Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower resonated with me deeply during my formative years. The themes of self-discovery and friendship, as well as the struggles of adolescence, were reminiscent of my own experience. The protagonist's quest to understand himself and his world reinforced the idea of self-exploration as a crucial part of growing up. This realization motivated me to channel all of my experiences into music, creating an environment where others could feel valued and understood. I believe music can help people connect and find comfort in their struggles.
These books not only have enriched my imagination, but they have also helped me to solidify my goals for the near future. My musical talent will be used to create a platform which celebrates creativity, adventure and personal growth. I want to create programs that encourage young people to engage in music and arts. They will have a safe place where they can explore their identity and express themselves.
The books I have read on imagination, self-discovery, and adventure have played a major role in shaping my identity. They taught me how to be open to challenges, encourage creativity and explore myself. As I continue my journey, I will carry these lessons along with me. I am ready to have a positive impact on the world by using music, and to inspire others to take their own journeys.