My WHY is pretty simple, honestly, music and audio are how I make sense of the world when everything else feels overwhelming. Growing up as someone who struggled to express myself through regular conversation, I found that sound could communicate things that words just couldn't capture. That's what keeps me going every day, knowing that I can create something that might help someone else feel understood or less alone. What motivates me to keep pursuing this path is seeing how technology keeps opening up new possibilities while also making me realize how important the human element really is. Like yeah, AI can generate music now, and there are all these automatic tools, but they can't replicate the feeling of sitting in a room with someone and creating something together. They can't capture the emotion behind why you chose one chord progression over another or why a specific sound makes you think of your childhood. I've been working in different areas, songwriting, producing, performing with my band Kasset, and right now working in theater sound design. Each experience has shown me how technology can enhance creativity, but never replace the human spirit behind it. When I'm mixing a song or designing sound for a play, I'm not just using software - I'm putting pieces of my own experiences and emotions into every decision. The advancement in technology actually excites me more than it scares me. AI and digital tools give us more ways to experiment and create, but they also make authentic human storytelling even more valuable. People can tell when something was made by a machine versus when it was made by someone who poured their heart into it. Thats why I always try to bring personal meaning to every project, even the small ones. My big lifelong project is something I've been dreaming about since I started working in different audio spaces. I want to create a mobile recording project that brings professional-quality music production directly into underserved communities. The idea is to set up a portable studio in a van and go into neighborhoods where talented musicians exist but don't have access to expensive recording equipment or studios. I've noticed through my work in theater that there's incredible musical talent everywhere, but most of it never gets heard because people can't afford studio time or don't have connections in the industry. My project would change that by bringing the studio to them, completely free of charge. I'd work with local musicians to record their songs, help them with mixing and production, and then compile these recordings into albums that showcase the hidden musical talent in different communities. What makes this project special is that it wouldn't just be about recording music, it would be about building relationships and creating opportunities. I'd spend time in each community, getting to know the artists and their stories. Some might be older folks who've been writing songs their whole lives but never recorded them. Others might be young kids who've been making beats on their phones but dream of hearing their music with real production quality. The albums I'd create from these sessions would be more than just collections of songs; they'd be documentations of communities and their stories told through music. I imagine each album focusing on a different neighborhood or area, with liner notes that talk about the artists and what their music means to them. The goal would be to help these musicians gain recognition and maybe even launch careers for some of them. This project combines everything I'm learning now in my audio work. My experience with film audio would help with the technical recording aspects, and my theater background would bring storytelling elements to how I present each artist and their music. But more importantly, it addresses something I really care about, making the music industry more accessible to people who have talent but not resources. I envision starting small, maybe just in my local area, but eventually expanding to travel to different cities and states. With the technology we have now, I could create a mobile setup that rivals professional studios but fits in a vehicle. Social media would help spread the word about the project and help the artists reach new audiences. This project combines everything I'm passionate about: storytelling through sound, supporting underrepresented voices, and using technology to create something meaningful. It's ambitious, but I know it's possible because I've seen how powerful authentic stories can be when they're told with genuine care and creativity. One step that I have been taking towards getting the experience I need to make this project possible has been reaching out to three friends that I know are songwriters and offering to produce their songs with the equipment that I have. This has allowed them, for the first time, to hear the visions for their music come to life by having them recorded, mixed, and mastered. This experience has been positive both for them and for me, and has led them to recommend me to other friends who would like to produce their songs. Even with all the technological advances happening, I believe the future of the arts still needs a human perspective and emotion. Machines can copy patterns, but they can't replace lived experiences or genuine passion. That's what I bring to every project and what I'll keep bringing to my work for years to come.

My journey into music technology started in an unexpected way. Growing up, I was more of a quiet child who couldn't always express my feelings through words. I would sit in my room for hours, listening to different types of music and wondering how all those sounds came together so perfectly. When I first discovered I could actually create music on my computer using simple software, it felt like I had finally found a way to express myself better. The moment I realized this was my path happened as I first showed my older brother the first song that I had ever composed and produced by myself during the quarantine. He has always been my best friend and someone I truly admire, and hearing him say that I was good at doing this and that I should consider going to school for it meant a lot to me. Later on that year, he saved money to buy me my first audio interface, which I currently still have and has been extremely important on my producing journey. What really inspired me to pursue music technology was discovering how many different ways you can tell a story through sound. I started producing songs on piano, bass, and vocals, which taught me about melody and emotion. Then, as I moved to NYC, I had the opportunity to begin working in theater doing sound design, where I learned how audio can create entire worlds and make people feel things they didn't expect. Every project showed me something new about whats possible when you combine creativity with technology. My passion has definitely shaped my journey in ways I didn't expect. Instead of following a straight path, I've been taking on different opportunities that all connect somehow. Right now I'm working in a performing arts theater, supporting not just sound design but other technical areas too. I've learned that each experience teaches me something that will help me later, even if I can't see exactly how yet. One of the challenges I have faced as a woman in the audio engineering field is that it is common and can be intimidating to be the only woman in a music technology space. However, these situations have been shaping my confidence and have been teaching me that I have earned my place, always looking for opportunities to learning from others in the field. Another challenge has been the financial side. As I moved to NYC to pursue my education in Music Technology, I began to have the need to find ways to support my tuition payment. Fortunately, I have been able to maintain a job during my studies. However, this sometimes requires me to sacrifice a big part of my time and attention. I've learned to see every small project as a step forward, even if it's not exactly what I want to do long-term. When money is tight, I look for free resources online, ask to borrow equipment from friends, or find ways to volunteer on projects where I can gain experience. What keeps me going is knowing that I want to make an impact not just with my own work, but by encouraging other minorities to pursue audio engineering. Women are such a small percentage in this field and I want to help change that. I want recording studios to be places where everyone feels welcome and confident. Music technology isn't just my career goal, it's how I express myself and connect with others. Despite the challenges, I know this is where I belong.

Music has always been my voice when words fail me. As a naturally quiet person who sometimes struggles to express my feelings verbally, I've discovered that music allows me to communicate authentically and connect with others in ways that spoken language simply cannot. This deep connection to music has shaped my career aspirations and drives my commitment to creating meaningful change in the audio industry. My ultimate goal is to work in film, specially in audio editing and composing for cinema. I know this is something hard to achieve, but I'm approaching it little by little, building my skills through different experiences. I already started that path by producing French songs, which taught me composition and production basics. Then I worked on film sets as a boom operator, where I learned about capturing good audio in challenging environments. Right now I'm working in performing arts theater, supporting not only sound design but also other technical areas. Every project I am part of teaches me something new and I know these small steps are leading me closer to my goal. What draws me to music is that it feels natural to me. I am a more quiet person and sometimes I have a hard time sharing my feelings or finding the right words. But when I am making music it feels natural, I can connect with people and make new friendships through it. I did not chose music just because I am good at it, it is because I have enough passion and motivation to keep going even when I know I need to improve. That passion is what keeps me working on it everyday. One of my biggest inspirations right now is the Wayshare Project, a sibling duo I admire a lot. Their songwriting feels very sentimental and I like how they take their classical and jazz background and turn it into something that belongs more to a popular genre like indie pop. I have seen them perform live and I love the way they connect with the audience. They are close to my age which makes it even more inspiring, it shows me that it is possible to do something meaningful and connect with people through music even early in your career. I want to make an impact in the music industry not only with my songs or compositions but also by encouraging other minorities to pursue audio engineering. Women are such a low percentage in that field and I want to help change that. I want people to feel they belong in a recording studio and that they are enough to be there. A studio should be a place where creativity is welcome, not where someone has to prove they deserve a seat at the table. I hope people remember me not just for the work I have done but for the way I supported and encouraged others to study music and to feel confident in audio spaces. This scholarship would help me so much in reaching these goals. The financial support would let me focus more on developing my skills instead of worrying about expenses. It would also help me take on more unpaid internships and creative projects that give valuable experience. I would also be able to invest in better equipment and software that I need for professional audio work. For me, music is not only my passion, it is also my voice. And with that voice I want to create art that connects people and an industry that opens its doors wider for the next generation.

I want to work in film, specially editing audio and composing for film. It is something hard to achieve but I am willing to make my way there little by little. I already started that path by producing French songs, working on film sets as a boom operator and right now working in performing arts in theater, where I support not only sound design but also other technical areas. Every project I am part of teaches me something new and I know these small steps are leading me closer to my goal. I chose music because it has always been my way of expression. I am a more quiet person and sometimes I have a hard time sharing my feelings or finding the right words. But when I am making music it feels natural, I can connect with people and make new friendships through it. I did not chose music just because I am good at it, it is because I have enough passion and motivation to keep going even when I know I need to improve. That passion is what keeps me working on it everyday. One of my biggest inspirations right now is the Waisia Project, a sibling duo I admire a lot. Their songwriting feels very sentimental and I like how they take their classical and jazz background and turn it into something that belongs more to a popular genre like indie pop. I have seen them perform live and I love the way they connect with the audience. They are close to my age which makes it even more inspiring, it shows me that it is possible to do something meaningful and connect with people through music even early in your career. I want to make an impact in the music industry not only with my songs or compositions but also by encouraging other minorities to pursue audio engineering. Women are such a low percentage in that field and I want to help change that. I want people to feel they belong in a recording studio and that they are enough to be there. A studio should be a place where creativity is welcome, not where someone has to prove they deserve a seat at the table. I hope people remember me not just for the work I have done but for the way I supported and encouraged others to study music and to feel confident in audio spaces. If someone decides to keep going in their career because of something I said or did, that is the biggest success I could have. For me, music is not only my passion, it is also my voice. And with that voice I want to create art that connects people and an industry that opens its doors wider for the next generation.

After receiving many discouraging comments about the hardships of pursuing Music Technology as a degree and career, I decided to follow my passion even if it meant taking a "risk". As an International Student at LaGuardia Community College pursuing a Music Technology Degree, I've immersed myself in both composing original music and helping peers record their work. Music has been my most profound passion for as long as I can remember. From the Beatles’ songs that my dad used to play for me in my childhood, I can associate a song with the best memories I have. As a child in Colombia, I took violin and singing lessons. When financial difficulties made private classes unaffordable due to my father's unemployment, I turned to YouTube tutorials to teach myself guitar. When entering middle school, I developed a strong interest in the electric bass. By saving money for a couple of years from my birthday gifts, I was able to purchase my first bass at age 14. I continued learning through online tutorials and was fortunate to join my school band, where I improved my skills by practicing with peers and our music teacher. A year ago, my family and I moved to the US for my studies. This transition has been challenging as we've settled down. To support my family financially while balancing my studies, I got an on-campus part-time job at LaGuardia Community College, where I have been working in the administration of arts and have had hands-on experience on stage assistance for musicians and other artists. This job opportunity has only made me more passionate about working in the music engineering field. Music has always been my comfort during difficult times, including periods of loneliness when adapting to new schools due to our family's economic circumstances. Also, during the pandemic, I immersed myself in music production software, spending countless hours learning audio production basics and composing. This experience solidified my aspiration to specialize in audio post-production, creating impactful soundtracks for film and television. My short-term goals are to transfer to the City College of New York to pursue a bachelor's degree in Sonic Arts (Music Production). I am also currently working on releasing my original compositions. At the same time, I'm planning my first music residency granted at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center on May 30th, during which I plan to gather emerging musicians to put together a show. I will also be performing my original songs with my band "Kasset". My future goals center around post-production and composition for films, where I can help bring stories to life through sound. I'm also passionate about teaching music production and performance to others who share my enthusiasm. As a woman pursuing a career in Audio Engineering, I want to showcase my work to the world and inspire more people from minority backgrounds to join audio production and pursue their dreams. My perseverance and determination are strengths that will be crucial in this journey of building my career. While inspired by my passion for music and admiration for great artists who have moved me deeply, I'm primarily motivated by a desire to serve others and grow together, rather than seeking personal success alone.

Billie Eilish has had a profound influence on my life. I can say that it's because of her music that I realized I wanted to be a music producer. I first discovered her music in 2017 when I was in middle school, and I was inmediatly fascinated. I had always struggled to find artists whose voices matched my natural vocal range, and when I listened to Billie singing, I realized that she sang in a pitch that I could sing too. Since my childhood, I've been pointed out by others for having more of a deep voice, with a lower pitch than usual for a girl. I have always liked singing but those comments started creating in my a lack of self confidence, even taking me to think that I could never get to reach high pitches, which would never allow me to have a pretty voice. Billie's beautiful vocals not only inspired me to sing but also taught me to, for the first time, appreciate my own voice. Among her music, three songs stand out as particularly impactful: "Six Feet Under," "Bored," and "my future." This songs bring me to memories that make me realize about my own growth as a musician and person. "Six Feet Under," one of Billie's earlier songs, holds a special place in my heart. Learning this song on my first ukulele alongside my middle school best friend became a beautiful memory, marking the beginning of my musical journey. I also remember singing endlessly to her song "Bored". It was my favorite song for a long time. I fount confort on it not only for it's beautiful melodies which I loved to sing, but also because of it's lyrics. "I'm not afraid anymore, what makes you sure you're all I need?" spoke to me as encouragement to get out of my confort zone and try to care less about other people's opinions. As I entered high school, I began admiring Billie's music from a different perspective. Particularly with the release of "my future." When I first heard this song, I got very impressed by the shift she made on the rythms and melodies. I fell in love once again with Billie Eillish music style. I also remember finding the lyrics of this song beautiful, specially the verse that says "I'm in love with my future, can't wait to meet her". I remember thinking about how much I would like to be able to someday compose a piece of music such as this. I wanted this to be my future. Inspired by Billie's and FINNEAS production techniques, I began experimenting with music software, trying to recreate their unique sound. I fell in love with music production, and that's when I decided that I wanted to persue my dream by becoming a Music Technology Recording student. I am currently a student of this major and I couldn't be more glad about everything that took me to this decision. Nowadays, I find myself constantly referring back to Eilish's work for inspiration. Her fearless approach to pushing musical boundaries and her ability to generate complex emotions through her art continue to motivate me. As I work towards releasing my own music, I carry with me the lessons learned from years of listening to, analyzing, and appreciating Billie Eilish's music.

Growing up in Colombia, music was always a huge part of my life. I'm Juanita Herrera, and right now I'm studying Music Recording Technology at LaGuardia Community College in the US. My dad was the one who really got me into music when I was little, and that passion has only grown stronger over the years. Back home, I started with violin and singing lessons. But when my dad lost his job, we couldn't afford private classes anymore. That didn't stop me though. I turned to YouTube and taught myself guitar. By middle school, I was really into the electric bass. It took years of saving, but I finally got my first bass at 14. I kept learning online and was lucky enough to join my school band. That experience was amazing - I got to practice with other kids and learn from our music teacher. It was then that I first started to think about teaching music someday. About a year ago, my family and I moved to the US for my studies. It's been a real challenge getting settled. We had to find a new place to live, my parents needed stable jobs, and we had to figure out how to pay for my tuition. To help out and balance my studies, I got a job on campus at LaGuardia. I'm working 20 hours a week now, which shows how committed I am to both my studies and helping my family. Music has always been there for me during tough times. When we had to move around because of money problems, and I had to adapt to new schools, music was my comfort. It helped me deal with feeling lonely and out of place. During the pandemic, I dove into music production software, spending countless hours learning audio production basics and composing. That experience made me realize how much I wanted to share my knowledge and passion with others, reinforcing my desire to become a music teacher. Getting the Foundation Scholarship would be a huge help. It would let me finish the Music Technology Recording AAS program at LaGuardia without such a heavy financial burden. That means I could focus more on my studies and less on worrying about money. After LaGuardia, I'm planning to transfer to the City College of New York for a bachelor's degree in Music Education. This path will give me both the musical skills and teaching knowledge I need to become an effective music educator. As a woman from a minority background pursuing a career in music education, I want to inspire more people from diverse backgrounds to explore music and follow their dreams. I know my determination and perseverance will be crucial in this journey. While I'm inspired by my love for music and the amazing artists and teachers who've influenced me, what really drives me is the desire to serve others and grow together. My goal is to become a music teacher who can spark a love for music in my students, just like my early teachers did for me. I want to create a classroom environment where students feel encouraged to explore different instruments, genres, and technologies. I envision myself not just teaching notes and rhythms, but also helping students understand the emotional power of music and how it can be a tool for self-expression and cultural understanding. Overcoming obstacles to pursue higher education hasn't been easy, but it's made me stronger. Moving to a new country, adapting to a different culture and education system, and balancing work and studies have all been huge challenges. But these experiences have taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of perseverance. They've also reinforced my passion for music and my determination to succeed in this field. I'm proud of how quickly I've adapted to the American education system. Despite English not being my first language, I've maintained good grades and actively participated in class discussions. I've also taken on leadership roles, like becoming the Vice-President of the Audio Recording club at LaGuardia. This position has allowed me to organize activities for other music enthusiasts and represent our club in meetings, improving my communication and organizational skills - all valuable experiences for a future teacher. My field of study, Music Recording Technology, combined with my goal of becoming a music teacher, puts me in a unique position. I'll be able to blend traditional music education with modern technology, preparing students for the evolving world of music. Once I graduate and become a certified teacher, my goal is to work in a public school, preferably in an underserved area where I can make the biggest impact. I'm not just looking to find a job in education. I want to drive change too. As a teacher from a minority background, I want to be part of making music education more inclusive and accessible. I envision creating after-school programs for students who can't afford private lessons, just like I couldn't when I was younger. I want to introduce students to music technology and production, opening up new avenues for creativity and potential career paths. For myself, I'm looking to continually grow as both a musician and an educator. I'm committed to lifelong learning, always staying current with new teaching methods and music technologies. I want to pursue a master's degree in Music Education eventually, deepening my knowledge and improving my teaching skills. To accomplish these goals, I'm willing to put in the hard work necessary to excel in my studies and my future career. I'm ready to take on challenging projects, advocate for better music programs in schools, and push for more diverse representation in music education. I'm prepared to be a mentor for students from backgrounds similar to mine, showing them that a career in music is possible regardless of where they come from. I believe that music education has the power to transform lives and bring people together. As someone who has experienced firsthand the challenges of adapting to a new culture, I want to use my skills to create a classroom where students from all backgrounds feel welcomed and inspired. I'm willing to adapt my teaching methods to reach students with different learning styles and cultural backgrounds, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to connect with music in a meaningful way. In conclusion, my journey in music has been shaped by both challenges and opportunities. From teaching myself guitar through YouTube videos to working part-time while studying in a new country, I've shown that I have the determination and resilience to overcome obstacles. These experiences have only strengthened my passion for music and my desire to make a meaningful contribution as a music educator. As I continue my studies and work towards my goals, I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Whether it's inspiring the next generation of musicians, advocating for stronger music programs in schools, or using technology to enhance music education, I'm ready to take on these challenges. With the support of scholarships like the Foundation Scholarship, I'm confident that I can achieve my dreams and make a lasting impact in the world of music education.

Before I moved to NYC to pursue my studies, my brother, who was already living in the city, surprised me with tickets to see Gus Dapperton, a local artist who had been my absolute favorite for three years running. His thoughtful gesture meant the world to me, showing how well he knew and supported my musical interests. The week leading up to the concert, however, threw a wrench in our plans. I fell ill, and the prospect of missing the opportunity of seeing Gus live, devastated me. My brother, determined to make sure I didn't miss out, took me to a pharmacy to find medicine that would help me power through. Despite feeling under the weather, I mustered up the energy to go to the concert, and I'm so glad I did. The moment Gus Dapperton took the stage, all my discomfort faded away. There he was, the artist whose music had been the soundtrack to my life for years, performing right in front of me. The surreal feeling of seeing him live, hearing his voice fill the venue, and watching him move across the stage was indescribable. What made the experience even more magical was being surrounded by fellow fans who knew every word to his songs. The energy in the room was electric, with everyone singing along and swaying to the music. It was a stark contrast to my usual experience of listening to his tracks alone in my room. Here, I was part of a community, united by our shared love for his music. As I stood there, taking in every note and every lyric, I felt a profound shift within me. Watching Gus Dapperton perform with such passion and skill ignited something in my soul. It wasn't just about enjoying the music anymore; it was about wanting to create that same magic, to evoke those same emotions in others that I was feeling in that moment. This concert experience became a turning point in my life. It made me realize just how deeply I love music and how much I wanted it to be more than just a hobby. The way Gus connected with the audience, the way his music brought people together, and the sheer joy of live performance – all of it inspired me to dream bigger. Today I find myself as a music technology student, driven by that same passion that was amplified that night. My goal now extends beyond just appreciating music, I want to create it, perform it, and someday release my own songs. I dream of standing on stage, much like Gus did, sharing my art. I think back to that concert and the feeling it gave me. It serves as a constant reminder of why I chose this path and the impact I hope to have one day. As I continue my studies in music technology, I'm not just learning about the technical aspects of creating and producing music. I'm also cultivating my own artistic voice, drawing inspiration from artists like Gus Dapperton while finding my unique sound. Looking back, I'm grateful for my brother's thoughtfulness in buying those tickets and his determination to get me to the show despite my illness. That night didn't just give me memories of an amazing concert; it gave me a vision for my future. And as I work towards my goals in music, I carry with me the inspiration, energy, and passion I felt that night, hoping that someday, I too can create music that moves and unites people the way Gus Dapperton's did for me.

Music has been an integral part of my life since childhood, inculcating in me a profound appreciation for its power to stir emotions and elevate storytelling. My name is Juanita Herrera, born in Colombia and now pursuing Music Recording Technology at LaGuardia Community College in the US. My passion for this art, nurtured by my father from an early age, has only deepened over time. As a child in Colombia, I took violin and singing lessons. When financial difficulties made private classes unaffordable due to my father's unemployment, I turned to YouTube tutorials to teach myself guitar. In middle school, I developed a strong interest in the electric bass. By saving money for years, I was able to purchase my first bass at age 14. I continued learning through online tutorials and was fortunate to join my school band, where I improved my skills by practicing with peers and learned from my music teacher. A year ago, my family and I moved to the US for my studies. This transition has been challenging as we've settled down. This process meant the need to find a new place to live, stable jobs for my parents and the payment of my tuition. to support my family financially while balancing my studies, I got an on-campus job at LaGuardia Community College, in which I’m currently working 20 hours per week, demonstrating my commitment to both my academic success and family. Music has always been my comfort during difficult times, including periods of loneliness when adapting to new schools due to our family's economic circumstances. Also, during the pandemic, I immersed myself in music production software, spending countless hours learning audio production basics and composing. This experience solidified my aspiration to specialize in audio post-production, creating impactful soundtracks for film and television. The Bright Lights Scholarship would allow me to complete the Music Technology Recording AAS program at LaGuardia Community College, relieving an economic burden and enabling me to focus better on my studies. Later, I plan to transfer to the City College of New York to pursue a bachelor's degree. This educational path will equip me with the theoretical and technical mastery to thrive in this dynamic industry. As a woman pursuing a career in this male-dominated field, I want to showcase my work to the world and inspire more people from minority backgrounds to join audio production and pursue their dreams. My perseverance and determination are strengths that will be crucial in this journey of building my career. While inspired by my passion for music and admiration for great artists who have moved me deeply, I'm primarily motivated by a desire to serve others and grow together, rather than seeking personal success alone. I envision myself composing soundtracks that create deep feelings in the audience and elevate storytelling in films and other visual media. With my creativity, technical skills, and commitment, I aim to make influential contributions to this art form. My goal is to reach people's hearts and represent emotions through music, making a lasting impact on the world of audio production.