I am passionate about receiving my education because I must educate the world on mental illness. Minoring in psychology has taught me many things everyone should know. If I could provide more education on these things, people could understand each other better. The media must be held accountable for the lack of education on various topics. The media fails to decriminalize those with mental illnesses and often paints them as dangerous and weird. I have a solid creative vision for this with the help of my minor in psychology. Educating yourself on the basics of mental health could provide a world where those with mental illnesses have the chance to feel understood. When someone comes to you to talk about their mental health, your responses could be highly inappropriate without you knowing. In addition to that, you could miss possible signs when someone needs help badly. You can do so many things without knowing how to check up on someone properly. Mental health is beginning to be normalized, but the distinction between each mental illness is not there. I plan to produce a docu-series on mental health, covering each mental illness in great depth. At the same time, allowing those with mental illnesses to have the chance to tell their own story. As a journalist, I feel it is my responsibility to get more education in the media. As a person who has lost a brother to poor mental health, I am passionate about looking out for others. That is just one of my visions for bringing more awareness to mental health. To take someone's thoughts and tell them as a story is an art form. To go into an editing booth and throw in graphics and transitions is an art form. Journalists have to master the craft of persuasion and relevant story finding. Once approved, the journalist has to use the power of storytelling to bring it alive. Asking questions such as, "Why would people care about this?" Convincing folks to be willing to interview with you. Coming up with additional questions on the spot, then putting a script together. Finally, throwing it in the editing bay, and voilà. That is the journalistic process I use for all my stories. The art of storytelling motivates me to pursue this career. I have enjoyed storytelling for as long as I can remember. It started with daily journaling in my diary to writing short stories. Eventually, I began scriptwriting for short films at my high school, winning the best screenwriting award. Throughout high school, I explored different areas of media. I enjoyed the storytelling aspect, whether it was photography, tv production, or cinema. "We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something", said Mother Teresa. A special thanks to the team behind the Surya Education Assistance Scholarship. I plan to have my own Scholarship one day to give back.

Minoring in psychology has taught me many things that everyone should be aware of. If I could provide more education on these things, people could understand each other better. I think the media needs to be held accountable for the lack of education on various topics. The media fails to decriminalize those with mental illnesses and often paints them as dangerous and weird. I have a solid creative vision for this with the help of my minor in psychology. Educating yourself on the basics of mental health could provide a world where those with mental illnesses have the chance to feel understood. When someone comes to you to talk about their mental health, your responses could be highly inappropriate without you knowing. In addition to that, you could miss possible signs when someone needs help badly. Even knowing how to check up on someone properly, you can do so many things. Mental health is beginning to be normalized, but the distinction between each mental illness is just not there. I plan to produce a docu-series on mental health, covering each mental illness in great depth. As a journalist, I feel it is my responsibility to get more education in the media. As a person who has lost a brother to bad mental health, it is my strong passion to look out for others. That is just one of my visions for bringing more awareness to mental health. One practical solution would be taking it upon yourself to educate yourself on the topic.

I have enjoyed storytelling for as long as I can remember. It started with daily journaling in my diary to writing short stories. Eventually, I began scriptwriting for short films at my high school, winning the best screenwriting award. Throughout high school, I explored different areas of media. I enjoyed the storytelling aspect, whether it was photography, TV production, or cinema. To take someone's thoughts and tell it as a story is an art form. To go into an editing booth and throw in graphics and transitions is an art form. Journalists have to master the craft of persuasion and relevant story finding. Once approved, the journalist has to use the power of storytelling to bring it alive. Asking questions such as, "Why would people care about this?" Convincing folks to be willing to interview with you. Coming up with additional questions on the spot, then putting a script together. Finally, throwing it in the editing bay and voilà the story is completed. That is the journalistic process I use for all my stories. The art of storytelling motivates me to pursue this career. I've always had an interest in tv production. I remember my first camera around the age of 7 for Christmas. The camera was a cheap camcorder, but I could not have been happier. Around sixth grade, I received an iPod touch which led me to find that I had a natural talent for editing. I found that using Picsart or Flipagram would allow me to add graphics and music to videos and photos and post them to my social media. When high school came around, I took my first Mass Communications class and loved every part of it. I began creating short films, morning announcements, and Youtube videos. At that point, I acknowledged that I had a passion, and I wanted it to be more than just a hobby.

As a student and intern, I constantly learn and gain new skills. Being in my third year of college, I am now familiar with the newsroom basics at a higher level. We use Adobe Premiere, Adobe Audition, and Adobe Photoshop for editing in the classroom. Last semester, I directed and produced a news show. My professors have seen an improvement in my news packages. I've also learned more about social media and marketing. Currently, I am in my capstone course, where I am gaining reporting experience. Next year I will be enrolling in the documentary capstone to gain producer/director experience.

In the year of 2020 it was rough for us all. I was struggling to find any motivation to do anything. Once I began volunteering, I started to find more and more simple pleasures in life. I volunteer with my local children's museum, helping kids express themselves with arts and crafts. Volunteering at the children's museum improved my conversational skills with kids. Taking the time to tell them they did an excellent job on their art really seems to make their day. A kids giggle and smile is the most precious thing ever. During the holidays, I volunteer with the salvation army. By prepping Christmas presents for the kids in need. Growing up with a sick mother, she was not able to work. Therefore, I received Christmas presents from the Salvation Army every Christmas. To know that I am contributing to that same happiness that was given to me means the world to me. Once I begin my career, I plan to become a personal shopper to buy gifts off the children's wish-list. I look up to those who put in efforts to give back, no matter how small. Adding ways to multiply the simple pleasures in life is definitely a game changer.

In more ways than one, journalism is art. To take someone's thoughts and tell it as a story is an art form. To go into an editing booth and throw in graphics and transitions is an art form. An art form that requires creativity, passion, and skill. Before journalists write any story, they must pitch it to their producer. Journalists have to master the craft of persuasion and relevant story finding. Once approved, the journalist has to use the power of storytelling to bring it alive. Asking questions such as, "Why would people care about this?" Convincing folks to be willing to interview with you. Coming up with additional questions on the spot, then putting a script together and recording their voiceovers. Finally, throwing it in the editing bay and voilà the story is completed. That is the journalistic process I use for all my stories. My life goal within the journalism field is to bring entertainment media to Richmond, VA. Richmond is the home for art, history, and talent. While writing a story on RVA Fashion Week, I noticed that Richmond had become a famous entertainment city. Some of the designers and models I talked to mentioned being involved in New York Fashion Week. I am looking to take the next step in my career by being able to travel and experience working in entertainment media. Winning the Bold Creativity Scholarship will allow me to pay off my tuition and afford housing for out-of-state internships and other opportunities. A special thanks to the team behind the Bold Creativity Scholarship. Winning this scholarship will impact my life tremendously. I plan to have my scholarship one day to give back. The students are the future; if I can help them in any way, I will.

In more ways than one, journalism is art. To take someone's thoughts and tell it as a story is an art form. To go into an editing booth and throw in graphics and transitions is an art form. An art form that I am most passionate about is journalism and tv production. Before journalists write any story, they must pitch it to their producer. Journalists have to master the craft of persuasion and relevant story finding. Once approved, the journalist has to use the power of storytelling to bring it alive. Asking questions such as, "Why would people care about this?" Convincing folks to be willing to interview with you. Coming up with additional questions on the spot, then putting a script together and recording their voiceovers. Finally, throwing it in the editing bay and voilà the story is completed. That is the journalistic process I use for all my stories. My life goal within the journalism field is to bring entertainment media to Richmond, VA. Richmond is the home for art, history, and talent. While writing a story on RVA Fashion Week, I noticed that Richmond had become a famous entertainment city. Some of the designers and models I talked to mentioned being involved in New York Fashion Week. I am looking to take the next step in my career by being able to travel and experience working in entertainment media. Winning the scholarship will allow me to pay off my tuition and afford housing for out-of-state internships and other opportunities. A special thanks to Terry Crews and the team behind the Creative Courage Scholarship. Winning this scholarship will impact my life tremendously. I plan to have my scholarship one day to give back. The students are the future. I appreciate your time and consideration. Sincerely, Jessica Johnson

Outside of the classroom, I am a member of Virginia Commonwealth University's LEAD program. VCU LEAD is a living-learning community dedicated to leadership participation and community engagement. So far, I have rounded up 70 hours within the program. For my leadership participation portion, I facilitate story circles weekly. We read leadership articles during the session, and then I will lead a respectful group discussion. I volunteer with my local children's museum for the community engagement portion. I help kids express themselves with arts and crafts. Volunteering at the children's museum improved my conversational skills with kids. Taking the time to tell them they did an excellent job on their art really seems to make their day. During the holidays, I volunteer with the salvation army. By prepping Christmas presents for the kids in need. Growing up with a sick mother, she was not able to work. When I was a young kid, I received Christmas presents from the Salvation Army. To know that I am contributing to that same happiness that was given to me means the world to me. Once I begin my career, I plan to become a personal shopper to buy gifts off the children's wishlist. I look up to those who put in efforts to give back, no matter how small. I am also a part of the VCU Peppas. The Peppas is the name of our pep band. We play for various sports, best known for playing at basketball games. As the clarinet section leader, I help the section go over any new music and create choreography for the songs. "We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something", said Mother Teresa.

With the utmost eagerness, I want to express my interest & passion for the Giving Back to the Future Scholarship. As someone passionate about giving back, I feel my story will make me an exceptional candidate. I am currently a third-year student studying broadcast journalism at Virginia Commonwealth University. Outside of the classroom, I am a member of Virginia Commonwealth University's LEAD program. VCU LEAD is a living-learning community dedicated to leadership participation and community engagement. So far, I have rounded up 70 hours within the program. For my leadership participation portion, I facilitate story circles weekly. We read leadership articles during the session, and then I will lead a respectful group discussion. I volunteer with my local children's museum for the community engagement portion. I help kids express themselves with arts and crafts. Volunteering at the children's museum improved my conversational skills with kids. Taking the time to tell them they did an excellent job on their art really seems to make their day. During the holidays, I volunteer with the salvation army. By prepping Christmas presents for the kids in need. Growing up with a sick mother, she was not able to work. When I was a young kid, I received Christmas presents from the Salvation Army. To know that I am contributing to that same happiness that was given to me means the world to me. Once I begin my career, I plan to become a personal shopper to buy gifts off the children's wishlist. I look up to those who put in efforts to give back, no matter how small. I am also a part of the VCU Peppas. The Peppas is the name of our pep band. We play for various sports, best known for playing at basketball games. As the clarinet section leader, I help the section go over any new music and create choreography for the songs. "We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something", said Mother Teresa. A special thanks to Demetrious Baylis and the team behind the Giving Back to the Future Scholarship. As a current college student, I have received so much advice and guidance from making connections with Professionals. A scholarship goes a long way for college students struggling paying off debt. I plan to have my scholarship one day to give back. The students are the future; one day, the students will be in the general manager seats. If I can help them in any way, I will. It would be an honor to have the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills with the Giving Back to the Future Scholarship. I appreciate your time and consideration. Sincerely, Jessica Johnson

My life goal within the journalism field is to bring entertainment media to Richmond, VA. Richmond is the home for art, history, and talent. While writing a story on RVA Fashion Week, I noticed that Richmond had become a famous entertainment city. Some of the designers and models I interviewed mentioned being involved in New York Fashion Week. I am looking to take the next step in my career by being able to travel and experience working in entertainment media. Winning the Focus Forward scholarship will allow me to begin to pay off my tuition as well as to afford housing for out-of-state internships and other opportunities. I have had various experiences with many different roles in Mass communications from my time at TV99 and other roles. As an Intern at Hanover TV99, I used my prior experience from my high school's daily announcements and cinema classes in a news station. In this internship opportunity, I found my passion for entertainment news. I hosted an internet series titled "Top Vids," where we reviewed the top viewed videos on our social media pages. To top off the year, we took an amazing trip to New York City to view live productions at shows such as Good Morning America and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In my third year of college, I am now familiar with the newsroom basics at a higher level. We use Adobe Premiere, Adobe Audition, and Adobe Photoshop for editing in the classroom. Last semester, I was able to direct and produce a news show. My professors have seen an improvement in my news packages. I've also learned more about social media and marketing. I believe that I have a good grasp of the basic mass communication skills needed to be a qualified candidate. Outside of the classroom, I am a member of Virginia Commonwealth University's LEAD program. VCU LEAD is a living-learning community dedicated to leadership participation and community engagement. So far, I have rounded up 70 hours within the program. For my leadership participation portion, I facilitate story circles weekly. We read leadership articles during the session, and then I will lead a respectful group discussion. I volunteer with my local children's museum for the community engagement portion. I help kids express themselves with arts and crafts. Volunteering at the children's museum improved my conversational skills with kids. Taking the time to tell them they did an excellent job on their art really seems to make their day. During the holidays, I volunteer with the salvation army. By prepping Christmas presents for the kids in need. Growing up with a sick mother, she was not able to work. When I was a young kid, I received Christmas presents from the Salvation Army. To know that I am contributing to that same happiness that was given to me means the world to me. Once I begin my career, I plan to become a personal shopper to buy gifts off the children's wishlist. I look up to those who put in efforts to give back, no matter how small. I am also a part of the VCU Peppas. The Peppas is the name of our pep band. We play for various sports, best known for playing at basketball games. As the clarinet section leader, I help the section go over any new music and create choreography for the songs. A special thanks to the team behind the Focus Forward Scholarship. It would be an honor to have the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills with the Focus Forward Scholarship.