For me, being part of the LGBTQ+ community has been a journey of both self-discovery and resilience. When I first told my grandmother, someone whose love had once been my safe haven, that I’m a lesbian, her response hurt the most. We argued for a while, but she resigned to hoping I would "change my mind." That moment hurt, but it also clarified my purpose: to live openly, to take up space, and to help create a world where no one feels they have to apologize for who they are. Growing up, I often felt isolated in my predominantly white school environment, where I was already one of the few Black students, let alone a queer Black student. It was through theater that I found my place—a space where self-expression, individuality, and queerness were not only accepted but celebrated. The arts became my refuge, and as I grew into my identity, I realized how essential it was to create such supportive spaces so that the next generation of queer youth of color knows they are not alone. Due to this realization, I have put hundreds of hours into my school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Club, where I have been an active member every year of high school. Over time, I worked my way up to a leadership role, and this year, I proudly serve as the president of the club. Through GSA, I’ve had the opportunity to organize meaningful events to raise awareness about issues affecting our community. For Trans Awareness Week, I spearheaded a school-wide initiative that included posters, morning announcements, and discussions to educate students and faculty about trans identity and issues. Additionally, I helped lead fundraisers for organizations like The Trevor Project, which provides crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth. Seeing the tangible impact of these initiatives—watching students engage in discussions, ask questions, and show support—has been incredibly fulfilling. It reaffirmed my belief that advocacy, no matter how small, can create real change. I see my future in the arts as an opportunity to continue this work. I plan to major in performance, with a focus on music and theater, because storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to create change. Representation matters, and I want to bring more LGBTQ+ and Black narratives to the stage—stories that explore joy, struggle, resilience, and love. Through my performances, I want to help others feel seen in ways I often didn’t when I was younger. Beyond the arts, I want to be an advocate. Whether that means continuing to work with LGBTQ+ organizations, using my platform to highlight issues affecting queer youth, or simply being visible in spaces where queer Black women are often underrepresented, I am committed to making a difference. Financially, this scholarship is critical to my ability to pursue higher education. Coming from an immigrant family, I have always been keenly aware of the sacrifices my parents made to give me opportunities they never had. College is an immense financial burden, and while my family works hard, the cost of tuition, housing, and educational resources is daunting. This scholarship would help relieve some of that strain and allow me to focus on my studies and artistic growth rather than financial obstacles. I am determined to succeed—not just for myself, but for those who come after me. I intend to use my education as a springboard to my goal of giving back, uplifting others through my art, and ensuring that no one feels like they have to change who they are to be worthy of love and success.

To be Haitian is to be the embodiment of resilience, creativity, and unyielding perseverance. My heritage is woven into every part of me—from the way I carry myself to the dreams I dare to chase. Haiti, the first free Black republic, was born from revolution, and that same revolutionary spirit fuels my determination to carve out a space for myself in the world of performing arts. I feel that my love for telling stories and performing is also rooted in my culture. From a young age, I was infatuated with the tradition of Krik? Krak! call-and-response storytelling and the way it brought my family together, giving voice to history, struggles, and triumphs. I remember sitting at my grandmother’s feet, hanging onto every word as she wove tales of heroes and survival. Tales that made me feel strong and proud. Those stories taught me that words hold power—that to speak, to perform, is to make sure our history is never erased. It is this tradition that fuels my passion for the arts. I want to be a performer who carries forward the voices of my ancestors, amplifying the stories of immigrants, Black artists, and LGBTQ+ individuals who have been historically overlooked. Growing up in an immigrant household, I learned that mediocrity was never an option. My parents, like so many Haitian immigrants, came to this country carrying the weight of sacrifice so that I could have opportunities they never did. Their expectations were clear: I had to work twice as hard, be twice as prepared, and strive to be not just as good as my white peers, but far better. That pressure shaped me. It instilled in me a relentless work ethic that has driven my academic and artistic successes. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or in any endeavor I pursue, I have never allowed myself to settle for less than my best. Nevertheless, navigating predominantly white spaces as a Haitian-American also meant learning how to advocate for myself. I didn’t always see reflections of my culture in the arts or my school community, but that only made me more determined to create those spaces. I am currently basing my AP Art portfolio on the subject of representation and how it (or an absence of it) can affect the psyche. All the art I make centers on Black women and has personally served as a way to express guttural emotions that in other mediums often fall on deaf ears. My commitment to my community is rooted in the values of solidarity and service that define Haitian culture. As a performer, I have volunteered to work with younger students in my community doing the school musical, helping them find confidence on and off the stage. Additionally, as president of my school's Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club, I’ve used my voice to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, organizing events and fundraisers to raise awareness for queer issues. Looking forward, I plan to give back by creating inclusive artistic spaces that celebrate underrepresented voices. Whether through community theater programs, mentorship, or producing plays that highlight the richness of the Haitian and Black experience, I want to use my art to uplift others. My dream is to build a career that not only fulfills me but also honors the resilience of those who came before me. Haiti has taught me that adversity is never the end of the story. It is the fire that forges something greater. With this scholarship, I will continue to push forward, carrying my heritage with pride, and using my talents to make a lasting impact on my community and beyond.

Growing up as a Black queer teenager in a predominantly white, affluent community, I have come to appreciate the strength that comes from embracing one’s individuality. While these spaces often left me questioning my identity, they also fueled my passion for advocacy and storytelling. Through my education and future career, I hope to use the lessons I’ve learned and the platform I build to empower others, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. My journey as a performer began when I was seven years old. Over the years, I’ve transformed from a shy child to a confident artist, taking on lead roles in high school productions and finding my voice both on stage and in life. One pivotal moment was during my junior year, when I performed as Katherine Pulitzer in Newsies. The week of the show, my grandfather passed away, and I grappled with immense grief. However, I chose to channel my emotions into my performance, dedicating it to his memory. That experience taught me the power of resilience and the ability of art to connect, heal, and inspire. Beyond the stage, I’ve worked tirelessly to make a difference in my community. As the president of my schools Gender and Sexaulites Alliance Club (GSA), I've helped organize initiatives such as fundraisers for LGBTQ+ charities like the Trevor project and school wide events throughout the year to create safe, celebratory spaces for queer students. These experiences underscore my dedication to creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued. I plan to use my education to amplify these efforts. By pursuing a degree in performance art, I aim to bring stories of underrepresented communities to light. Theater and film are powerful tools for fostering empathy and sparking conversations that lead to meaningful change. Through my craft, I hope to challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and inspire audiences to see the world through a broader lens. My impact will extend beyond the stage. I envision establishing programs that offer free or low-cost arts education to underserved youth, particularly in communities like mine where access to creative outlets can be limited. These programs will not only nurture artistic talent but also build confidence and a sense of belonging among participants. I also plan to continue my advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, partnering with organizations that support queer youth and address the systemic challenges they face. Education is not just a pathway to personal growth; it’s a foundation for empowering others. The lessons I’ve learned in resilience, empathy, and community-building will guide me as I strive to create a more inclusive world. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to turning my dreams into reality, using my voice and education to uplift those around me and leave a lasting, positive impact.