Dance has been part of my life since I was three years old, shaping who I am today. For me, it’s more than movement. It’s joy, discipline, self-expression, and a way to connect with others. My name is Kathryn, and I am attending Shenandoah University pursuing a BA in Dance. I grew up in a small town where the arts were limited, but my mom always looked for opportunities elsewhere. From the start, she said I was meant to dance. Growing up, the dance studio was like my second home. I trained in ballet, jazz, and tap, and over the years I’ve fallen in love with how each style tells a different story. Whether I’m on stage or in the audience, dance always has a way of bringing people together. At Shenandoah, I’ve been lucky to study with talented teachers and peers who push me to grow as both an artist and a person. Their conservatory dance program allows me to dive into technique and performance while also learning about choreography, theory, and the impact dance has on the world. Being surrounded by others who are just as passionate about the arts inspires me to work hard and dream big. Recently, I was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called cyclic neutropenia, which affects my immune system. While this has been a challenge, I refuse to let it hold me back from pursuing a performance career and continuing to follow my passion for dance. After graduation, I hope to perform professionally and share my love of dance on stage. I would also like to continue my studies with a Master’s in Performing Arts Leadership and Management to extend my work in the arts beyond performing. I’ve been fortunate to be involved with local theater groups like the Shawnee Playhouse. This past summer, I performed in Grease, an experience that reminded me how much I love being on stage and connecting with an audience. I have been part of Shawnee Playhouse since I was little, participating in summer performance camps and shows. I also work at the YMCA as a camp counselor, which has taught me patience, responsibility, and how rewarding it is to mentor younger kids. I enjoy sharing my love of the arts with my campers! I am passionate about continuing my education and building a career in the arts, but the financial side hasn’t been easy. Scholarships and financial assistance for dance majors are very limited. I’ve already taken out student loans that are deferred for now, but thinking about how I’ll pay them back once I graduate is honestly scary. That is why opportunities like this scholarship mean so much to me. What I admire most about this scholarship is that it honors Sue Murray’s love for the arts and the joy she found in supporting others’ creativity. Like her, I believe dance and the arts bring people together in powerful ways. Knowing that this scholarship is connected to someone who shared a similar passion makes this opportunity even more meaningful to me. Dance has been part of my life for as long as I can remember and it continues to guide my future. I’m grateful for everything I have learned, and I know I still have much more to discover. With hard work, dedication, and the support of opportunities like this, I hope to continue training, performing, and building toward a career that lets me give back to the arts community that has given me so much. Thank you for letting me share a part of my life story and love of dance with you.