My belief in the importance of mental health has been forged through a deeply personal journey. For years, I battled Major Depression and Anxiety in silence, grappling with suicidal thoughts and attempts on my own. As an African American, I was acutely aware of the stigma surrounding mental health within my community. Seeking therapy was often frowned upon, and seen as a sign of weakness. However, when I entered college, I realized that my mental well-being was paramount to my overall health and happiness. One of the key reasons why I believe my mental health is crucial is the profound impact it has on my daily life. Mental health affects every facet of our existence, from our relationships to our ability to pursue our passions. When I was struggling silently, my mental health hindered my personal growth and prevented me from fully engaging with life. Another reason I value my mental health is the newfound understanding that I am not alone in my struggles. Through weekly therapy sessions, I found relief and companionship. Therapy equipped me with valuable tools to manage mental distress and empowered me to open up about my experiences. I learned that it is perfectly okay to share my thoughts and emotions with those in my inner circle, breaking down the barriers that silence had constructed around me. Two primary ways I maintain my mental wellness are through staying active and fostering open communication. Engaging in physical activity has proven to be an effective way to release endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, it helps me stay grounded and centered. Furthermore, I have made it a point to communicate openly with my friends, partners, and loved ones. I've let them know when I'm not doing well and have shared how they can best support me during those times. This has not only made me feel less isolated but has also allowed me to feel seen, heard, and respected, regardless of my mental health diagnosis. Another critical aspect of maintaining my mental wellness is the self-care strategies I've developed over time. Journaling, for instance, has become a therapeutic outlet for my thoughts and emotions. It provides me with clarity and insight into my own mind, helping me process and understand my feelings better. Additionally, I prioritize self-care routines that include meditation, mindfulness exercises, and quality alone time to recharge. In conclusion, my journey from silent suffering to embracing the importance of mental health has been transformative. My experiences have shaped my belief in the paramount significance of mental wellness. I've learned that it's okay to seek help and to share my struggles with loved ones. By staying active, nurturing open communication, and practicing self-care, I've not only learned to manage my mental distress but have also cultivated a deeper appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the human mind. Through these lessons, I continue to navigate life with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to self-compassion and well-being.

Growing up in my local church, I was immersed in the teachings of Jesus Christ, learning about His healing and boundless love. Through Sunday school and youth education, I gained a profound understanding that as followers of Christ, it is our sacred duty to spread love and kindness to everyone we encounter, just as Christ showers His love upon us. One of the fundamental principles I imbibed from my church's teachings is found in Acts 20:35: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This scripture has been a guiding light in my journey of community service. Over the last year alone, I have dedicated over 450 hours to serving the community. This service has involved two key aspects: addressing food insecurity and clothing needs of low-income and impoverished communities and educating K-12 students in the Boys and Girls Club. The inspiration to engage in community service and share the "good news" of Christ came from my deep-rooted faith and church involvement. I realized that true service involves not only words but also action. Therefore, I became an evangelist in my own right, spreading the message of Christ's love and compassion to members of our community. This commitment to sharing the love of Christ beyond the church walls laid the foundation for my extensive community service work. One of the most impactful ways I've been able to serve is by dedicating my time to feeding low-income and impoverished communities. Inspired by Jesus' example of feeding the hungry, I have volunteered at local food banks and homeless shelters during my time as a member of Girl Scouts of America. It's been a humbling experience to see the difference a warm meal and smile can make in someone's life, and it reaffirms my belief that love and service go hand in hand. In addition to serving those in need, I have also channeled my energy into educating K-12 students in the Boys and Girls Club. This endeavor allows me to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals, helping them discover their potential and instilling in them the values of kindness, compassion, and selflessness that I've learned through my faith. Despite my busy schedule of community service, I remain actively involved in my local church, serving on the praise team and being an adamant believer in tithes and offerings. Just as the scripture teaches, I believe in giving my first fruits to Christ as an expression of gratitude for all that He has done for me. This financial contribution not only supports the church's mission but also enables me to continue my service to the community. In conclusion, my involvement in my local church has been instrumental in shaping my commitment to community service. The teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly the notion that it is more blessed to give than to receive, have guided my actions and inspired me to dedicate my time and efforts to serving those in need. Through my church, I have learned that love is not merely a concept but a force that drives us to be agents of positive change in our community. I will continue to serve, follow Christ's example, and spread love and kindness wherever I go, expecting nothing in return but the fulfillment that comes from knowing I've made a difference in someone's life.

My journey in the arts began in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, California. From a young age, I was drawn to the stage, and I eagerly dived into acting, singing, and dancing. Los Angeles was a city pulsating with artistic energy, and it was here that I embarked on comprehensive training in all aspects of performance. These formative years shaped my identity as an artist, teaching me the power of storytelling and the ability of the arts to inspire and connect. However, as I delved deeper into my artistic pursuits, my family faced financial challenges. The cost of training and maintaining my artistic endeavors became a heavy burden. In those challenging times, public school art programs became a lifeline, a safe haven where I could continue honing my skills and pursuing my dreams in entertainment. Through these experiences, I recognized a glaring gap in the industry. While I was passionate about performing, I saw a dire need for artistic representation in the business side of the entertainment world. This realization led me to pursue a degree in Music Business, where I could equip myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of the arts industry. My major not only serves as a means to pursue my artistic dreams with a strong foundation but also as a platform to assist other aspiring artists. I firmly believe in uplifting and supporting those who come before, alongside, and after me. I remain deeply involved in the arts, continuing to perform in musicals and plays while also venturing into songwriting and music creation. In the future, I aspire to change the way people interact with themselves and others through the arts. I believe that art has the power to make individuals feel more present and centered in their lives. My vision is to use artistic expression to encourage self-discovery, foster inclusivity, and promote representation. I also aim to acquire and establish businesses and non-profit organizations that prioritize collaboration, innovation, and support for artists. These endeavors will serve as pillars to safeguard and nurture the artistic community, ensuring that artists are not only recognized for their talents but also adequately compensated and protected. Furthermore, I plan to continue my educational journey throughout my life. I aspire to pursue an MBA and an MFA, eventually culminating in a PhD in ethnomusicology. With these degrees, I aim to teach the next generation about the importance of art as a statement of well-being, inclusivity, and representation. In conclusion, my journey in the arts has been a continuous exploration of self-expression, resilience, and the transformative power of creativity. I am committed to merging my artistic passions with the knowledge gained from my Music Business degree to drive change within the industry. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, I hope to shape a future where the arts are not only celebrated but also valued as essential components of human connection and wellness. Your support through this scholarship would be instrumental in helping me pursue these goals and make a lasting impact on the world of arts and entertainment.

Art has been my refuge and my passion for as long as I can remember. From my earliest days as a young performer, I have dedicated my heart and soul to the arts, striving to harness both my right brain's creativity and my left brain's analytical prowess to create meaningful and transformative experiences. My journey through college has led me to major in Music Business with a concentration in Business Administration. This field choice has been driven by a desire to ensure that aspiring and professional artists are given the fair advantages they deserve and can reap the rewards of their hard work. For over 16 years, I have immersed myself in the arts, training rigorously in performing arts schools. I have explored music, dance, theater, and visual arts, and each discipline has been a canvas for me to express myself. Whether mentally, emotionally, and/or spiritually, when I'm standing on a stage, painting on a canvas, or composing music, the arts have been the channel through which I communicate my experiences and perspectives. Yet, my pursuit of the arts has not been without its challenges. The financial burden that comes with nurturing my artistic talents has been a significant obstacle. As an artist, I've invested in lessons, equipment, materials, and performance opportunities, taking on 2 to 3 jobs at a time to afford college and external fees to nurture my God-given passions. My family's modest financial situation has made it increasingly difficult to fund my artistic endeavors, limiting my access to resources and opportunities that could further my growth as an artist and entrepreneur. To overcome these challenges, I've learned to leverage both my right brain's creative abilities and my left brain's logic-based skills. In my studies, I've combined my artistic passion with a strong foundation in business principles. This fusion allows me to navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment and arts industries while advocating for equitable treatment of artists. My left-brain analytical skills have enabled me to understand the intricacies of contracts, royalties, and intellectual property rights, ensuring that artists receive fair compensation for their work. I've delved into marketing strategies, financial planning, and project management, all of which are vital components of successful artistic ventures. My goal is to empower artists with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their creations and thrive in the industry. On the other hand, my right brain remains the driving force behind my creative endeavors. I continually explore new ways to innovate within the arts, pushing the boundaries of music, film, and theater. I aspire to not only be a performer but also a creator and a serial entrepreneur, establishing artist-centered institutions that prioritize fairness, diversity, and creativity. In conclusion, my passion for the arts runs deep, and my journey has been marked by both creative expression and a commitment to equitably serving the artistic community. Despite the financial challenges I've faced, I've channeled my right brain's ingenuity and my left brain's rationale to navigate this path. With your support, I hope to continue my pursuit of the arts, ensuring that artists, including myself, are given the opportunities they deserve to flourish in a world where art has the power to inspire, heal, and change lives. Your scholarship would not only alleviate some of my financial burdens but also empower me to make a lasting impact on the arts industry and the lives of fellow artists.

In high school and early college, major depression with suicidal tendencies and anxiety ruled my life. It determined my moods, my thoughts, my interactions and my inability to interact with others. I feared that I would be lost in the dread of self-deprecation forever. Throughout that immensely difficult time in my life, I clung to rhythmic-based art as a form of therapy and self-recognition. I knew I was dealing with mental illness and with no one to confide in I was forced to validate and encourage myself through the tearful and self-harm-filled nights. I did my best to write one song about how I felt a day, if not a song, then a poem, if not a poem, then a dance. I breathed all the life I had in my body at the time into the art I made. It made me feel purposeful, that one day I would share it. Through the years I've been fortunate to add new skills to my therapeutic repertoire. These include talk therapy, consistent self-care practices like contemplative prayer and fitness classes, and seeking out a community that I feel safe talking to and consider my chosen family. I also spend time reading novels and works by other Black Women who have struggled and fought to overcome mental health barriers. All of these tools have aided me in becoming a depression-fighting machine and paired with mind-reprogramming strategies like affirmations I've been effective and consistent with my mood stabilization without the use of pharmaceuticals. Through these mental health practices, I found my greatest passion, advocacy. I've learned over the years as I've read, studied, and shared experiences with others that I am not alone in this fight against mental health, although many times I felt like it. Through my life, I want to show others that self-determination and using those few moments you do feel good make a longer-lasting impact than the bad days. I advocate through my research as I am currently working on a dissertation titled "Holistic Wellness as a Profitability Metric For Black Women Artists." I advocate through my service in giving back to communities in need of mental health resources and sourcing funding to support those resources. I advocate through peer support groups in helping my schoolmates find solace and clarity in the intense confusion of emerging adulthood. I still go to therapy weekly and unpack childhood trauma. I still go to yoga and pilates weekly as means of staying active and increasing my feel-good hormones. I still practice contemplative prayer daily to center and ground myself in between tasks so I don't get overwhelmed and burn out. Tools are not a quick fix to optimal wellness, but when used on a daily, weekly, or bi-weekly basis can be encouraging to individuals who struggle with finding a reason to live. For the rest of my life, I want to center my artistic, entrepreneurial, and educational efforts around helping people feel in healthy ways. I want to support others on their journey to wellness by providing comforting and relatable music, jobs with mental health and wellness benefits and furthering the research on holistic wellness as a societal norm for healthy and wealthy people. This work doesn't begin with me but I would be amiss if I didn't contribute.

In my early academic years, I was praised for being a young achiever. Beginning school at the age of 2 years old and graduating at a youthful 16, I was placed in advanced and gifted courses that caused me to excel beyond what many imagined possible. It felt great to meet to academic expectations of my parents and community yet one fundamental aspect of my livelihood lacked incredibly, my social-emotional well-being. In my tween and teenage years, I found it irrefutably difficult to make, keep, and understand friendship dynamics. I bounced from friend group to friend group, joining social organizations and clubs, trying to find a sense of community around students who bullied, teased, and ridiculed me. The comments on my age, excellence, skin color, and mindset made the developmental gap unbearable, and I slipped into major depressive episodes. For years I suppressed my feelings, wearing a mask to the public and especially to my parents who raised me to save face, be a strong Afro-Latin Indigenous woman, and wear the world on my shoulders with dignity and grace. Little did they know the weight and pressure were crushing me and without emotional and mental support I was caving and attempted suicide twice. Over the years, I lost my love for life and felt that joy, happiness, and peace were far from my reality and my life experiences proved me correct, or so I thought. In my late teens, I decided I could no longer live debilitated by the handicaps of mental illness and if no one else could help me, I would. I found solace in my hobbies like songwriting and poetry, performing arts, and cheerleading which allowed me to express my innermost thoughts and feelings. I sought out professional assistance, and although I was formally diagnosed with major depression and anxiety, I attend weekly sessions dedicated to establishing healthy coping mechanisms, which I teach to the youth in my family struggling to feel seen and heard. Fortunately, during this gut-wrenching process, I maintained strong academic standing and have focused my studies on music and performance as forms of expression of mental health. I am currently beginning my research on the music creation process as a therapeutic tool and how the final product is transmuted into a therapeutic experience for listeners. This research will be my capstone senior thesis with hopes of being published after my graduation. I plan to submit these findings as part of my graduate school applications and continue my educational pursuit of a Doctorate in Ethnomusicology. I am a 21-year-old, young black woman, looking to make a global impact in the way people feel and connect with others. Bad moments do not equal a bad life, and with the proper tools and resources anyone can overcome obstacles that may feel overwhelming and daunting. I hope my story resonates and echoes the stories of many others who lay silently, praying for an escape from depression's grasp, or from this life. I pray God uses me and my story to spark change in addressing unspoken mental illness and that my research and philanthropic efforts do not go amiss. Thank you for your consideration and energy. God Bless.

Music has been my hiding place and solace for many years. As a singer and songwriter I have found my sacred release of emotional turmoil and bliss in the melodic and harmonic tones of the voice and its heartfelt adaptations of the human condition. Last year amidst the global pandemic I started my own artist-centered business, Kaelyn Alexandria LLC. Its focus is on giving artist with authentic approaches to music a platform to create their visions with business assistance to make themselves lucrative in this changing music industry. The business model is currently designed to build a platform for myself as a performing artist and then use my influence to uplift and promote other rising talent from around the world. I plan to embark on creative ventures including but not limited to tours, films, collaborative centers for artists to gain training to further their career, and so much more. I know I will be a powerhouse in the music industry in the coming years and finishing my degree in Music Industry Studies is only the first step to making my dream and passion my reality. Music gave me a voice when no one would listen or seemed to care about my perils. Writing became the focal point of expression through depression, fear, grief, and pain. I've seen more dark days than I can count, but being able to create and do something I love even for a short while, I know would change the way teens and young women view themselves, their traumas, and their lives. Music builds community by letting people know that no matter what they go through, they're never alone. I can't wait to be apart of the long line of artists and musicians who change lives.