Incredible As we worked on recital costumes, five-year-old Marla declared that there would be no cape on her Disney Incredibles costume. Marla was fearless, and she would be going on-stage by herself. She would have a solo performance since she was the only student in my introductory, pre-school jazz class. Her two older sisters danced in the “big girl” classes, and Marla was no baby. She was the youngest, and she was also the fiercest. On recital day, Marla performed flawlessly. Her smile was brighter than the spotlight. No cape was needed. Marla’s superpowers came from within. I absolutely love teaching dance. Students like Marla inspire me to pour myself into the dance classes that I teach, so that I can encourage my students to be the best dancers and people that they can possibly be. I grew up dancing and performing from the age of three until now. Dance taught me resilience and discipline, and it increased my empathy for others. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Dance and Education from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in April of this year, 2025. I am continuing with my studies at Point Park to obtain my Master’s Degree in Dance Education so that I can continue to teach dance to Pre-K through twelfth grade students in a wide variety of instructional settings. Student debt is a concern of mine, so being awarded the scholarship will help to alleviate some of the financial burden that I carry. I am currently working as a pointe shoe fitter at a dance shop and teaching dance lessons at two dance studios. The jobs help some, but there always seem to be a gap in funding. Sharing my love of dance with students like Marla gives me incredible joy. Dance classes do not seem like work or a chore. Dance classes are filled with laughter and creativity. Seeing a student master a jump or turn or help another student tuck in a ballet shoe bow, lets me know that I am making a difference. I am teaching both technique and inter-personal skills that will carry my dancers far in life once they have left the studio. I am so thankful for the lifelong friends that I made in dance when I was just a creative movement dancer at three years old. Although we attend colleges across the United States, we remain in close contact with each other and visit each other as often as we can. I am like Marla. I do not need a cape. My superpowers come from within myself and without with the updrafts of support from my family, friends, and professors. In the end, with support from many resources, I will be incredible too.

I remember sitting in the front seat of the car as my father rushed my sister to the emergency room. My mother was holding her in the backseat while she screamed out in pain. I was so scared. I felt so helpless. I wanted her screams to stop more than anything in the world. Once we arrived at the emergency room, my sister was wheeled back behind swinging doors while I stood in the lobby watching. My parents told me that one of them would be out as soon as they could. I remember the lobby being a frightening place. Sick and hurting people were everywhere. I remember finding a quiet corner to sit in, and I waited. Eventually my sister was admitted, and my father came out to get me. Once again, I would be staying with my Aunt Corine while my parents were at the hospital and doctors worked on her to fight endometriosis. The one bright hope during this time was dance. Dance for me was my escape zone. Going to classes and only concentrating on perfecting my turn-out, arabesque, and pirouettes gave me a source of joy during troubling times at home with my sister’s many surgeries and hospital stays. When I would pack my dance bag and ride to the studio, I would relax. Feelings of excitement would push out worry about my sister. Once classes began and the music started, I would concentrate on my movements and put all of the emotions that I was feeling into the dance. Tap let me step out troubles in a fun way. Pointe allowed my to tip-toe over troubles. Jazz gave me a sassy way to express myself. While modern let me fling away all trouble. Hip hop let me spin my way from negative thoughts, and ballet let me connect with emotions that I refused to let confine me. Wendell Werner is the person who noticed my emotional expressions during performances. He is the person who inspired me and pushed me to continue dancing. Wendell is an accomplished jazz pianist, and he accompanied the studio’s dance company of which I was a senior member. Wendell spoke to me several times about the special dance gift that I was given. He invited me to perform on several occasions as a soloist. Wendell gave me creative freedom to select my won music, set my own choreography, and select my own costumes. His faith in me ignited my creativity, and my joy for dance exploded. It was an honor to perform with him accompanying me on piano. I learned so much from him. When I left town and went away to college, he continued to keep in touch with me and send encouraging words. During summer, I was also asked to perform with him again. What an amazing honor that was for me. Wendell saw something special in me, and encouraged me to pursue my passion for dance. This past April 2025, I graduated from Point Park University with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Dance and Education. I am continuing my studies at Point Park where I am working to obtain a Masters Degree in Dance Education. After teaching and encouraging young children to dance, I hope to maybe go to law school. I know how important dance is and was for me, and I hope to work to make sure aart remains a part of public education. Children need creative outlets, and I hope to lead the way in promoting all forms of the arts in education.

It was cold and drizzling rain as I walked to the arena. With each step, I was reminded of everything that it took to get to the moment. I remembered the cut and glue books that came in the mail for me. I do not remember learning to read, but I remember that books were always in our house. I remember when my mother said we were going to homeschool. It was nothing new for me because we were always reading, writing, counting, and playing games. I remembered putting on “shows” for my family. My father held the flashlight. My sister was responsible for snacks, while my mother assisted with my “quick changes.” I remember putting up “flyers” on the walls in the house inviting them, no, requiring them to come to my shows. I remember the laughter and my performances. I remember dance classes. I grew up in dance studios. I remember teaching younger students how to dance. I remember leaving Tennessee for Pittsburgh. I remember my roommates and late nights studying. As the cold rain fell, warm tears began to fill my eyes. I made it to graduation day. I completed requirements for my Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Dance and Education from Point Park University. I grew up from a bubbly, creative movement dancer into a strong woman who is capable if survival. My journey was filled with joy and trials, but with the help of many loving teachers, instructors, family and friends, I made it. I plan to make a positive impact on my community and the world by giving back. Dance is an artform that brings me so much joy, and I would like to share that joy with others by opening my own dance studio and dance production company. Michelle Obama said, “Our greatness has always come from people who expect nothing and take nothing for granted-folks who work hard for what they have, then reach back and help others after them.” That is what I want to do. I want to help others who want to learn to dance. I hope to teach pointe, ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, and ethnic dance. Dance is a creative outlet that allows the dancer to escape into a beautiful world of movement when the outside world may be troubling. When I was a young dancer, my family faced financial hardships due to my sister’s medical bills. Several studios and instructors gave me tuition scholarships and offered work-study programs so that I could pursue my passion. I plan to give back to those in my community who are unable to pay tuition by providing free lessons, scholarships and work-study opportunities. I plan to make dance a possibility for those eager to learn the craft. When I finally reached the arena on graduation day. My tears were joyful. When they called my name, and I walked across the stage, it felt like a dream. The day outside may have been cold and drizzly, but inside I was warm and bubbling with unspeakable joy. I made it, and my students will too.

Removal By Kaia Noel Johnson I was in my bedroom asleep when my sister screamed. I ran to her room to see what was wrong, and she was doubled over in excruciating pain. My parents quickly came into her room and decided to take her to the emergency room, again. I knew may assignment, get her some sweatpants, grab some towels, watch the dogs, and watch my family leave for the hospital. I sat on the couch shaking while waiting for a phone call to let me know how she was doing. The hours went by slowly. This was one of many trips to the hospital, not to mention doctors’ offices, to see what was wrong. When my family came back, one of the ER doctors suggested that my parents take her to a specialist. An appointment was made, but the specialist was out of state. While travel arrangements were made, I knew that I had to go to dance. Dance classes allowed me to temporarily escape from the worries about my sister’s health. Dance was a removal from the pain and anguish. My sister had to have a hysterectomy due to endometriosis. I stayed with my aunts during that terrible time. I danced, I prayed, and I danced some more. Dance was the outlet that allowed me to deal with the pain of seeing my sister suffer and with the pain of knowing that I would never be an aunt to her biological children. I cried with her. There was a permanent removal of children. My sister is much better, and my focus on dance carried me through a painful, emotional time in my family’s lives. When I went to class, I was able to focus on staying on my box in pointe, engaging my core in ballet, and improving floor work in modern. When I taught my younger students, I was able to focus on tucking in ballet shoelaces, hearing funny stories about their pets, and offering praise for their eager efforts. The hours in the study helped me to realize that there is beauty in the world no matter what you may be facing. As horrible as my sister’s experience was, I was able to cope with dance. Temporary removal from my problems gave me the strength and courage to develop my gift while also sharing it with others. I am passionate about dance because I know how it can help an audience mentally escape troubles while viewing a performance. I know how it can give young dancers confidence to keep trying until a move is mastered. I know how working together with other dancers to put on a show builds unity and respect. I know how practicing for hours with competition team members results in joy when the results are good and even when they need improvement. I am passionate about dance because it helped me to cope. I hope to teach dance when I graduate. I will graduate from Point Park University in April of this year, 2025. Then, I will continue on into the Master’s Program for Dance Education. I hope to continue to share my love for dance with children, and thru dance remove as many fears and obstacles that are possible so that the art form of dance thrives.

What Could Go Wrong? As she turned off the main highway, Angel struggled to remember which one of the gravel roads would lead to the correct spot. Leaves from the tall, old trees were beginning to change color and fall to the ground. How beautiful they were against the cloudless blue sky! She did not remember the trees when she was here before. It was such a long time ago, and all that she remembered was the fake green tarp, the brass bars, and the caskets waiting to be lowered into the ground. Everything else was a blur. Angel finally found the gravel road that led to the spot. It was that spot where her grandparents were laid. Angel stopped the car and unbuckled the three children from their car seats. Sarah, the oldest and most outspoken wanted to know where they were. Elijah, the middle child, reached down to pick up gravel. While Hope, the baby, squealed with as leaves fell around her. Angel gathered the children and led them to the spot where two headstones lay side by side. The pain in the back of her throat was as fresh as that day. Her heart raced faster as all the memories started coming back. She wasn’t sure if she could keep standing. Sarah’s tug at Angel’s sweater brought Angel back to the present. She gathered her composure and began to tell her children about their great-grandparents who were buried in the ground on which they stood. She told them about Sheldon and Eliza. Sheldon was number ten in a family with thirteen children. His father was a sharecropper in Mississippi, and his grandfather was a preacher. Sheldon grew up in a strict, hardworking household, and he went to school up to the eighth grade. Sheldon was very smart and good with numbers. He wanted to make a good living and get away from the conditions in Mississippi. When Sheldon reached eighteen years old, he decided to move to Atlanta to find work. He saved as much money as he could, and hitched rides to Atlanta. Once he reached Atlanta, he moved into a boarding house while he looked for work. Eliza was from Florence, Georgia. With beautiful gray eyes that sparkled when she laughed, she was third in a family with seven children. She looked after her younger brothers and sisters and helped her mother clean houses. She also was a fast runner and would often run to the doctor’s house to summon him and his horse for emergencies. Eliza did not have time for school beyond some grade schooling because of all the work that she had to do. Eliza’s older brother moved to Atlanta and had a successful boarding house there with his wife, Alice. After reaching sixteen, Eliza convinced her parents to let her move to Atlanta and stay with Patrick and Alice. She could work as a washerwoman and send money back home to help her parents. Her parents agreed, and Eliza was off to Atlanta. When Eliza reached Atlanta, it was starting to get dark. It was January and cold. She noticed a tall, handsome young man entering the side of her brother’s boarding house. Her brother helped her bring her suitcase inside, and she cleaned up for dinner. At the dinner table sat that handsome man. He nodded hello and introduced himself as Sheldon. The attraction between him and her was immediate. They “courted” for a year and were married on New Year’s Day. Sheldon wanted more for Eliza and himself, so he decided to move the couple up North to Tennessee. A church was looking for a janitor and treasurer, and a friend told him about several other good paying jobs. So, the young couple moved. They tried to have children of their own but were unable to. After working hard, they were able to rent a small home. Eliza’s cousin, Eugenia, who was very pregnant with twins, also lived in Tennessee. During the birth, Eugenia died. Her husband became distraught and panicked. He was going to give the girls to a Catholic orphanage. Sheldon and Eliza offered to adopt the girls. They took the girls and raised them with love. They told the girls how hard it was for the two of them to make a living. They wanted the girls to get an education so that conditions would be better for them. The girls did not follow their parents’ advice. Both girls married and had families of their own. Sheldon and Eliza stressed the important of education to their grandchildren, but they did not go to college either. Eliza took her oldest grandchild, Angel on a trip with the church. On that trip, Eliza told Angel that she wanted her to go to college and have a better life. Angel promised her grandmother that she would do that. On the way home from the trip, Eliza became very ill. She was hospitalized and diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Angel was devastated. Her world seemed to spin out of control. Sheldon became a fragment of himself. He had a stroke and died one day after Eliza died. All that could go wrong, did. Both of Angel’s grandparents were gone at the same time. The loneliness that she felt made her chest seem as if it was being squeezed. Who could she turn to for advice? Whose house could she go to when home was too much? Who would listen to her and help her find solutions? Who would she go to wrestling matches with? Whose toenails would she trim? Who would teach her how to garden and take care of flowers? She was numb. This trip back to the cemetery was Angel’s way to instill in her children the importance of school, learning, and doing well. Sheldon and Eliza expected the best from them, and Angel does too. She accomplished her goal of a college degree, and she wanted the graveyard visit to make a positive impression on her young children.

Dance is an artform that allows audience members to temporarily escape into a world of wonder. Whether it is by watching an annual, traditional ballet performance of The Nutcracker or an upbeat, toe-tapping performance of a touring African dance troupe, dance transports its audiences. The cares of life are discarded while viewing the shows. The magic of dance also transcends onto the dancers. Hours of practice and training are put into performances. Pain and sweat are forgotten when music and movement take over the dancers’ bodies. Thoughts of school, family problems, or finances are not important for the dancer. Concentration and appreciation of what is taking place on stage transports the dancer. The sheer joy of spinning and jumping to the music results in inner and outer smiles. I have chosen dance as one of my career choices because I want to share art with the world. I think people need entertainment to balance their lives. Working all of the time without enjoying the arts limits enjoyment in life. I want to share my gift of dance whether it is by tap, ballet, jazz, or modern with audiences all over the world. Dance and music are unifying, and I want to bring smiles and temporary escape to the lives of others. I am also majoring in education. I love the look on children’s faces when they grasp a concept that you are teaching. When they understand the material, both me and them are over-joyed. I want to be an educator of elementary school children and inspire them to go far in their educational endeavors. Teachers have an incredible opportunity to encourage the children that cross their paths. A teacher’s faith in a child can propel them to do amazing things. I love that the daily interaction with my students will give me an opportunity to reinforce their value, worth, and capabilities. I will create impacts in both education and dance by helping others. In dance, I hope to perform and offer escape for audiences, while in the classroom, I hope to inspire greatness. I want my impact to be one of serving others. I want to also teach outside of the traditional classroom by opening my own non-profit dance studio. The arts are often the first curriculum that is cut from schools due to budget deficits. Providing an opportunity for a dance education for interested children will offset a lack of dance in schools. I want to serve the dancers by sharing my love of dance with them and by offering them an opportunity to immerse themselves in an artform that they enjoy. My personal goals are to complete training at Disney’s College Program in Orlando, Florida this summer and to graduate from Point Park University with my bachelor’s degree in April of 2025. My goals of having a complete performance education will be supplemented by the training that I am receiving this summer. I also hope to increase teaching skills, by student teaching in the fall.

Peg is a fellow dancer at my home dance studio. She went to visit Rachel one of other dance friends. After visiting Rachel, she left for home. After several hours, Peg’s parents called Rachel and her family about Peg’s delay. About the same time, one of Rachel’s neighbors saw Peg’s car head-first down an embankment smashed into a tree. The neighbor called 911, but when the EMTs on the ambulance got to the scene of the accident, it was determined that Peg would need to be airlifted to the trauma center. My dance teacher called many of us, but we weren’t allowed to see Peg. All that we could do was huddle together and pray for her life. Peg is five years older than me, and I looked up to her as a dancer. She was absolutely amazing, especially in tap. Her feet were swift and sure. Peg is tall and towered over a lot of dancers when she was on pointe. She was helpful and encouraging to younger students who struggled to mimic her graceful moves. I adored Peg. I could not believe what happened. Peg’s neck was broken in the accident. Her recovery was a miracle. After healing and getting somewhat better, Peg was transferred to the neurological unit at a different hospital. She was put into a halo, a device with screws that went into her skull to keep her head and neck stable. I was finally able to see Peg several days after she was admitted to the rehabilitation hospital. I choked back tears when I first saw her. Peg, however, was still the same person inside. Her outer body was damaged, but she still gave me a smile and joked about her “hat.” Her eyes still had that a glint of mischievousness, and her smile was as brilliant as ever. Peg’s joyful spirit, in spite of her circumstances, put me at ease. As we talked, she never complained. I looked at her with new respect. Peg was amazing. Peg eventually recovered from all of her injuries, and she was able to dance again. When she returned to the stage, she told the audience her story. All of her friends cried. She was a living miracle. Peg has since stopped dancing, and she works at her church. Her faith was strengthened by the wreck, and she has gone on overseas missions’ trips to spread the Gospel. Peg impacted my life by facing the hardest storm in her life with grace and without complaining. She kept a positive outlook, and she inspires me to do the same. When I had to have knee surgery, I remembered Peg. While I was healing from surgery, I refused to complain or feel sorry for myself. Instead, I found other productive ways to spend my time. I became a Big to two in-coming dance students and hosted dinner parties for them and fellow dancers who were exhausted from performing and schoolwork. I continued work at CCO and organize events to help our homeless community and students during mid-terms. Peg was my example. Her resilience is a guide to follow when facing challenges. Instead of giving up, I have learned to find different routes to achieve my goals. Helping others helps me too. I am so thankful that Peg survived the accident. It has made me appreciate all my friends and the life that I have been given. Both Peg and I are Christians, and our faith was strengthened because of the accident. I hope to inspire others to press forward when challenges come and to make the best of every situation.

My great-grandparents were Shellie and Virginia Powell. They both believed that a college education is an equalizer, and a way to improve circumstances. Buddy, as my great-grandfather was affectionately called, managed to make it through the eighth grade while Virginia only made it through third grade. Both were smart and managed money well, but they knew that society rewards college degrees. Buddy worked as a janitor and as a billboard installer, while Granny, Virginia, worked as a domestic cleaning other people’s houses. They were adamant about their decedents going to college. My grandmother and her twin sister made it through high school and secretarial school, but neither went to college. My mother and her siblings have some technical school training but lack bachelor’s degrees. I will be one of the first Powell offsprings to obtain a college degree. Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree means that my great-grandparents’ hopes and dreams have been fulfilled. I am about to enter my senior year at Point Park University, and the joy that I feel is incredible. I have the satisfaction of achieving what they did not live long enough to witness. My degree means that I have set an example for my cousins, nieces, and nephews. I have paved the way for them to follow. I have lit a fire of hope and possibility for my relatives. Together we will celebrate my graduation in April of 2025. While in college, I am majoring in both dance and education. I love all forms of dance, and I enjoy performance. I hope to share my gift with audiences all over the world. After dancing professionally, I plan to teach both in a traditional classroom and to dancers in studios. Elementary education is my area of focus, and I hope to encourage my students to go far in their academic pursuits. I plan to continue serving my community by helping our homeless population and by positively impacting young students in children’s church. I want to assist the venerable of our society. I also plan to continue to brighten lives with my floral business and with Random Acts of Flowers. My long-term goals are to be an educator and a non-profit business owner. I love the look on a children’s faces when they master a task or understand material that is being taught. It is exciting for both me and them. When they can explain in their own words and idea that is presented to them, it gives me satisfaction and joy. They also encourage me with their enthusiasm to learn. Outside of the traditional classroom, I hope to open my own dance studio and offer free lessons. There are many children who love the art-form of dance, but their families are unable to afford tuition. I hope to make dance training a reality for those children. I know that my family is proud of my efforts, and I am glad that my great-grandparent’s dreams are finally being fulfilled.

I am Kaia Noel Johnson, a rising senior at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am majoring in dance and education. I am president of the Coalition for Christian Outreach and a member of the honor’s program. I am also a dancer in the Conservatory of Performing Arts. My journey to get to senior year has been full of adventures, and I am thankful for every single opportunity that has come my way. I am the youngest child in my family. My parents are hard workers who each work two jobs to help put me and my sister through college. I was homeschooled from two years old to the twelfth grade. I was zoned for a public school that scored low on national tests, and private schools were too expensive. Homeschooling allowed my parents the flexibility to teach all year long including on weekends. I was able to learn at an accelerated pace. My parents believed in serving others, and at a young age, I began helping at my church by volunteering during Sunday school and helping with the food bank. My parents noticed my love for dance and enrolled me in a creative dance program when I was three. I absolutely loved it. My mother struggled to get me out of my pink leotard, and I would often wear it for days with blue Winnie the Pooh rainboots. I loved dance!! At the end of the year, there was a recital where I loved being on stage. My family struggled to pay my dance tuition, so when I was eleven, I started helping out at the studio in order to pay for my own classes. I continued taking tap, jazz, modern, ballet, point, contemporary, and lyrical dance lessons. When I got older, I began teaching several classes and was captain of the competitive dance team. Homeschool gave me a very flexible schedule, and I took dual enrollment classes with a local college to start my college education. Serving the needs of others is a big part of my life. I started my own floral business for additional income by making floral arrangements for retirement and birthday parties, baby showers, and weddings. I also volunteer at Random Acts of Flowers which delivers floral arrangements to people in hospitals and nursing homes. In Pittsburgh, I serve fellow students and the homeless community by providing warm clothing, meals, and supplies. I also volunteer as a teacher at children’s church. I love teaching and encouraging children. As a dancer, I want to make a difference in the stereotypical views that many have about dancers. Dancers who are African American may experience bias because of our muscular bodies and our hips and thighs. Being on stage gives me a chance to celebrate my uniqueness and my heritage. I hope to enlighten the eyes of audiences to the fact that dance is an art form that may be performed by dancers of various ethnicities. Encouraging young dancers of color to master their craft is one of my major goals. The scholarship will encourage me to keep going even when times get hard. It was challenging to move far away from home from college, but I am excelling in Pittsburgh. I was encouraged by teachers to apply for the Disney College Program, and I got accepted into it. I am currently working at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida for the summer learning about costuming. The scholarship, work-study, and summer employment will help me to reach graduation in April of 2025. I will then be able to afford graduate school and become an educator.

Hope. Hope in God is the one thing that I have learned from the books that I have read and from the movies that I have watched. The world as it is now, is not the end. Hope in God and the saving grace of Jesus gives me as a believer confidence that I will see the better end. I was homeschooled and part of my Bible curriculum was to read the Left Behind series of books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. I read the teen series of the books during middle school and the adult series in high school. The books changed my life. As a Christian, I knew that the Tribulation period would be terrible, but the fictional accounts that are depicted in the books are horrifying. If there is a way to avoid the Tribulation and be a part of the Rapture, I wanted to make sure that I was raptured. When I left the security of home, I was accepted into the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University. Point Park is a secular school, and I was far away from my secure, southern Baptist church. I saw a lot of different lifestyles and a lack of Christianity. A lot of students were hopeless about the future. I decided to try to make a difference. I joined the Coalition of Christian Outreach so that I could find unity with other Christian students. My goals are to live so that I can exemplify Christ’s love. Hope in Christ allows me to face challenges. I can show love to other students by providing meals and snacks during midterms and finals and by providing coats and supplies to Pittsburgh’s homeless community. I can provide a listening ear, plant a seed, and lead others to Christ. I had to find hope when my goal of becoming a professional dancer was altered due to an injury. Instead of giving up, I knew that God’s plans were best for me. I encouraged my classmates and attended their performances. I supported them by working backstage. I have hope in God, and I want to pass that on to others. The children that I teach at children’s church are full of hope and potential. I direct their little eyes and minds toward Christ and all that He is capable of. The news is full of negativity, but hope in God gives me strength. The movie that shaped my goals is “Secretariat.” Penny Chenery was Secretariat’s owner. Women were a minority in the horse racing business, but she had hope in her horse and his ability as a winner. Despite overwhelming odds, she held on to hope. My hope in God deepens with each obstacle that I face. I am encouraged that I am never alone. I want to be a positive impact on the world by sharing my faith. I plan to use my majors in education and dance to improve the lives of others through the arts. I hope to teach Christian, praise dance to bring joy to others. I hope to use my education major to teach children so that I can increase their educational abilities and strengthen their individual gifts. I am encouraged that things will be better for Christians. It may not happen in my lifetime, but heaven and Christ await me. I just want to pass along hope to all that I meet whether as a CCO outreach project, or my little students at children’s church. This is not all there is in life. Hope in God will help us maneuver through our lives. Have hope.

Spotlight on the Good By Kaia Noel Johnson When a dance performance is about to begin, the house lights are dimmed. Music begins, and a spotlight is turned on. As a solo dancer takes center stage, the spotlight follows every move. Jumps, turns, and spins are illuminated by the spotlight. Activity backstage and on the wings is not noticeable. The only activity that is brilliantly illuminated is that which is occurring on stage. As a both a dance performer and an educator, I have developed my skills to help others by experience, empathy, and education. My experiences of performing in the spotlight have given me a foundation for encouraging the young dancers that I instruct. I encourage them to focus on what they are mastering rather than on what they find challenging. I share with them similar struggles that I faced and encourage them to just try their best. During competition and recital season, I help them to celebrate everything that went amazing while they were performing. We focus on the good which encourages them to continue to do their best. My skills as a dancer were developed by over eighteen years of dance training, competing, and performing. My skills as a dance instructor are strengthened by knowledge of what it feels like to dance in the spotlight. Empathy is another skill that I have developed, and which has led me to help others be their best. As president of the CCO at Point Park, I show empathy to my team members, fellow students, and to the downtown Pittsburgh homeless community. Empathy was developed in me as a child at home. As I watched my older sister face numerous health challenges, I tried to do what I could to ease her suffering. This same desire to ease the suffering of others is what led me to join and lead the CCO. Christianity for me is action. Providing coats and supplies for the homeless and snacks and meals for fellow students allows me to encourage others to keep going. At my home church, I help in the food pantry to provide food for those in my community who are hungry. I also assist at Random Acts of Flowers to bring beautiful floral arrangements to people who are sick and in nursing homes. I encourage my team members at school to do their best on days when they are exhausted from studying and exams. I also encourage my co-workers at Random Acts of Flowers to continue working when our warehouse gets unbearably hot in the summer. I remind them to focus on why we are making the arrangements. The last skill that I am developing is education. At Point Park, my education as a dance and education major is preparing me to professionally teach others and perform as a professional. My education is equipping me with the tools that are necessary to teach children. I have a passion to teach and encourage young students to use all of their gifts to contribute positively to the world. At children’s church, I help the children focus on what is good. I help them to develop hearts of gratitude. My passion is sharing my love of helping others with them so that they will learn to be self-less and help others as well. With experience, empathy, and education, I hope to turn the spotlight on the good. I hope to be like Alex Haley and “find the good and praise it.” Spotlights can be bright and blinding, but if I lead others to find good in both themselves and in others, then good will result.

I Felt a Pop By Kaia Noel Johnson I am a dancer, and I love to perform. I was invited to perform with a local jazz musician and a local singer during the summer when I was on break from college. It was my first professional opportunity, and I was excited! I would be getting paid for doing something that I loved. I was able to set my own choreography and select my dance costumes. I practiced many times with both the musician and the vocalist. It was a huge privilege to work with both artists. When the day for the performance arrived, I was both nervous and excited. When the music began, and the vocalist began singing, I entered the performance area. The floor that I was dancing on was not a dance floor. It was composed of carpet laid over wood. I began my performance, and everything was beautiful. Towards the end of the performance, I had to execute a jump. I went up into the jump, but when I landed, I felt a pop in my knee. It did not buckle and held my weight, but it felt odd. I was able to complete the performance. A few minutes after performing, my knee began to swell, and pain set in. When I got home, I iced my knee. On the following day, my knee was really swollen, so I went to the doctor. The doctor ordered scans which did not show a break. I was given anti-inflammatory medicine, and an MRI was scheduled. I was terrified. The accident happened in June, and I was due back at school in the Conservatory for Performing Arts-Dance in August! The surgeon looked at my MRI and concluded that I needed surgery to repair a meniscus tear. He scheduled the surgery for two weeks later. I did not have time to process all of it. I was worried about school, loosing financial aid, and loosing my position as a jazz dance major. I was home in Knoxville, Tennessee, and I did not know how I would be able to cope with college all the way in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. How would I get to physical therapy? Could I make it on crutches? Would my professors be accommodating? How much of a set-back would the surgery cause? What about my ability to perform in the future? I overcame the adversity of going thru surgery and recovery by first talking with my college advisor. I told her about the injury and surgery and asked how my education would be impacted. She helped me re-schedule my fall semester so that I took only academic classes while my knee was healing. We delayed dance classes until the spring semester. I overcame to adversity of not being able to perform by supporting my classmates who were able to dance. I attended their performances and cheered them on as well as making dinners for them when they were exhausted from rehearsals and school assignments. Rather than focusing on myself, I helped others. I made friends who were not dancers, and I signed up to be a big sister for an incoming freshmen student. Shifting focus to meet the needs of others helped me to cope, and before long, I was dancing again. The entire experience helped me to really appreciate the gift of performing. I do not take for granted the opportunities to share my love and gift of dance with others. The following summer, I was asked to perform again. I had jumps in that performance, but when landing the jumps, I did not feel anything pop.

I am a dance major at Point Park University where I am a member of the Conservatory of Performing Arts and the Honors Program. I have a 4.0 GPA and have been on the Dean’s List every semester that I have been a student a Point Park. I will be a senior in the fall and graduate in April of 2025. As a dance major with a jazz concentration, I dance and train over forty hours a week. I love to perform, and I study jazz, modern, ballet, pointe, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, and tap. At Point Park, I am also leaning about professional dance production. I am learning about stage-managing, lighting, costuming, sound, costuming, and dance floor striking and maintenance. Prior to enrolling at Point Park, I performed for Ballet Gloria Dance Company and competed in dance for Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts. I also began my own solo company and performed dance solos with local musicians and soloists for local churches. I maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high-school, and I tutored French and English lessons in both high-school and college. I have a love for beautiful things, and I started my own floral company after volunteering with Random Acts of Flowers. At RAF, we make beautiful floral arrangements from donated flowers. We then take those arrangements to local hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. It is an incredible feeling to see the faces of those who receive the flowers. In my own business, I make floral arrangements for retirement parties, birthday parties, showers, weddings, and other events. My faith has sustained me throughout all my life, and I serve God by leading the Coalition for Christian Outreach as president. Point Park is a secular school, so the CCO helps students connect with a faith-based organization while they are students in Pittsburgh. We have donated to Pittsburgh’s homeless population, shared the Gospel, and supported students through a variety of on-campus events. I volunteer at City Reformed Presbyterian Church in the Children’s Ministry’s Children’s Church. The most important part of my life is my faith. Without God, not a single one of my accomplishments nor my goals would be met. I owe everything to Him. The scholarship would definitely help to ese the financial burden on my family. Both my sister and I are in college, and my parents both work two jobs each to help with our tuition. Any financial aid that is given would greatly lessen the load that we carry.

Center-stage is the location where I thrive. I started taking creative dance lessons at the age of three and found my passion and gift. I loved the pink tutus and pink ballet slippers. At Christmas, we performed at Fantasy of Trees in front of a huge audience, and the only thing brighter than my smile were the twinkling lights on the trees. I loved being on stage. My love of dance continued, and I have been dancing for a total of eighteen years. I attend Point Park University where I am a member of the Conservatory of Performing Arts. I take ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, pointe, and tap. I am a jazz concentration major. Dance has been an important part of my life. It has carried me during troubling times when my family faced challenges associated with my sister’s medical conditions. Dance allows me to temporarily escape life’s challenges. Dance also contributes to unity. As captain of my home studio’s competition team, I was able to encourage my teammates as we competed against other dance studios. I also taught dance lessons and set choreography for younger students in order to pay my own tuition. At Point Park, I am learning about dance production, costuming, lighting, sound, and setting advanced, professional choreography. Jazz is my favorite form of dance because it allows me to be very creative. Jazz movements are easily relatable to audiences, and music choices cover a wide range of styles. My long-term goals are to perform professionally. I would love to join a dance company and travel internationally. Currently, I am participating in the Disney College Program in Orlando, Florida. My role is a costumer. I am responsible for costuming for shows at the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot Center, and Animal Kingdom. I am meeting college students from around the world. The experience is incredible, and I plan to use the skills that I am learning to help me when I start my professional career as a performer. I hope to start my own dance company in my hometown once I complete my professional career. I enjoy teaching, so I am double majoring in dance and education at Point Park. I plan to offer free lessons to students whose families are unable to afford the costs of a dance education. I plan to share my gift with my students and with audiences around the world. The end result will be many more smiling dancers who love to be on center stage.

Pirouette to Diversity By Kaia Noel Johnson Dance has been a lifeline for me. Dance means a gift to share with others. It is a means for escape and artistic expression. It is a constant source of joy that runs deeply in my body. I began dancing when I was three years old, and I am now a dance and education major in the Conservatory for Performing Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I love all forms of dance, and I enjoy supporting productions behind the scenes as well. As a young dancer, my family struggled to pay for my lessons due to my sister’s medical bills. I was determined to continue my training, so I applied for scholarships at my home studio which allowed me to continue training. When I got older, I became creative in continuing to help fund my dance education by teaching dance to younger students. Teaching allowed me to substitute a salary for my own training. Dance was the one thing that helped me to both cope with and escape from the health challenges that my sister faced. I felt so bad for all of the pain that she had to endure, and I often did not know how to help. I felt inadequate a lot of time and alone when my parents had to take her out of town for medical treatments. My aunts took care of me during that time, and they made sure that I continued to go to dance classes. When I put on my shoes and leotard and the music began, I could temporarily focus on movements. My troubles went away while I danced. My head would clear, and dance encouraged me to find good in all areas of my life. Eventually, my sister got better, and she is my biggest fan. Dance carried me during a sad time of my life. As an African American woman with hips, thighs, and breasts, I have struggled with lack of diversity in the industry. Pointe shoes, tights, and straps to costumes have to be “pancaked” (darkened) to match my skin tone. I am fortunate to attend college with diverse dances, but I have experienced racism in role selection, especially in ballet, where a less skilled, but Caucasian dancer was given a premier role. African American bodies are beautiful and muscular, but there are still some ballet companies that prefer a slim, Caucasian body-style. My struggle to change that lies in me becoming the best dancer that I possibly can in all dance forms. Ballet is not the only dance form. Hip hop, jazz, modern, and tap are other forms that I can use to express myself and share my gift with others. As I teach younger dancers, I help them to appreciate their body’s design. Diversity is beautiful, and each one has a special gift to share. A pirouette is a turn in dance, and I hope to turn audience’s faces to the beauty of all dancers.

Torn and Determined By Kaia Noel Johnson I was excited while I was waiting for my turn to perform in my first professional dancing role. I was to be accompanied by a famous singer and musician. It was so exciting. We had practiced for weeks for the performance, and now it was show time! I felt familiar butterflies in my stomach, and my heart rate increased, but the joy of dancing overtook those feelings. Once the music started, I was off. Dance allows me to escape and focus on movements, emotions, lyrics, and music. My mind flowed with the singer’s voice and with the music. I had to prepare to execute a jump in the next sequence. As I landed the jump, my knee popped and felt awkward. I was able to finish the performance, but pain began radiating in my knee. Swelling soon followed. I limped to the ovations, and I knew something was terribly wrong. I went to the doctor who suspected a meniscus injury. An MRI confirmed his suspicions. It was June of 2022, two months before I was to return to college at Point Park University in Pittsburgh where I was a dance major. The timing could not have been any worse! The surgeon repaired the meniscus in July, and I had weeks of intense physical therapy in order to return to college. I had to take elective classes instead of dance performance classes. I was determined to not lose hope. I returned to school on crutches, and I continued with physical therapy. The time away from the dance studios gave me the opportunity to reflect on other blessings in my life that are just as important as dancing. I became involved with the Bigs Program and mentored two incoming dance majors, led a Christian school organization, and I became active in the children’s ministry at a local church. I focused on meeting the needs of others while healing myself. Now, adversity has come again. The same knee that had the meniscus repair has an ACL tear in it. This is very troubling. As a college junior, I have had to have the courage to re-examine my lifelong goal of becoming a professional dancer and dance educator. Rather than giving up, I am reaching deep down within myself. With determination, I am meeting with my advisors to make an alternative plan. Instead of graduating in 2025 as a dance major, I will graduate as part of a new Inter-Disciplinary Studies program with a focus on education and a minor in dance. Facing another surgery was not in my plans, but I know that I am determined to succeed. Obstacles will come, but how I handle them will determine my positive outcomes. I have faced adversity in the past, and I am determined to successfully overcome it in the future.

I had just gotten home from dance when my cellphone rang. It was my dance teacher. She said that Peg, one of my closest friends and fellow dancer, had been in a car accident and was being airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. I could not breathe. Peg went to visit one of our other friends and had an accident. Her car went down a ravine and hit a tree head-on. Peg, the most amazing dancer at our studio, was hanging onto her life. Prayer was my immediate response. It was followed by tearfully going to the hospital. Due to an outpouring of concern from her friends, visitation was delayed until Peg was stabilized and out of danger. The weeks of waiting were terrible. Her smile and kind spirit were missed at the studio, and classes seemed empty. We had to do something, so we gathered donations to give to Peg’s family to help with medical expenses. Peg was moved to the Patricia Neal Neuroscience Unit at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center. Peg would receive excellent care there since their expertise is in spinal and neurological care. Peg was put into a halo, a type of head and neck stabilizing device that rests on the shoulders and it has screws that are bolted into the skull. When I was finally able to visit Peg, I cried. Peg, however, was all smiles. She was in the halo and a wheelchair. She was so happy to see me, and I was thankful that she was alive. I tried to make conversation by looking around her hospital room. I noticed that someone had put up one of her Marvels posters. She is a huge fan, and then I noticed something else that caused tears to fall uncontrollably. Sitting on a shelf near the window was a small floral bouquet with the words RAF on the tag! It was one the floral arrangements from Random Acts of Flowers where I volunteer. Someone had given Peg’s name to RAF, and we in turn delivered flowers to her to brighten up her day. I have volunteered with Random Acts of Flowers for several years, and I love that we recycle donated flowers. We take the donated flowers and make them into beautiful arrangements to go to hospitals and nursing homes. It is such a joy to see the recipients’ faces. Peg’s mother noticed me looking at the flowers, and she commented on how beautiful they were. I realized then that my volunteer efforts do make a difference. If the flowers just make someone smile, my efforts matter. If the flowers let someone know that others are thinking of them, my efforts matter. If the flowers give a little bit of color to drab tan and green hospital rooms, my efforts matter. When the flowers are given to someone you care about, you see first-hand that your efforts really matter. Peg recovered from the accident and is able to dance again. I know that I will continue to use flowers to brighten other people’s lives, and I hope to use dance as a way to also brighten lives. I hope to perform professionally as well as educate children in various dance artforms. Dance education and training is very expensive, so the scholarship would allow me to continue my education. Assistance with tuition, books, and housing would allow me to concentrate on employment for tools, equipment, pointe shoes and costumes. I hope to perform, teach, and continue my education with a master’s degree in fine arts. The scholarship would alleviate some of the financial strain.

Wendell Werner is the person who has profoundly impacted my life. Wendell is a professional musician and vocalist. He is an accomplished pianist and jazz musician, and he has many recordings. Wendell is humble, and he is also a visionary. I first met him when I was twelve years old, and he set the music and accompanied the senior dancers at my home dance studio. He is incredibly gifted. He composed the music for the dancers to perform to, and he was astonishing to watch. As I grew in dance ability, Wendell began to take me under his wings. He would ask me questions, and he would encourage me to continue dancing with passion. At first, I was incredibly shy just talking to him, but eventually I came to consider him as the one person in my life who really understood what a performance career is composed of. Wendell instilled in me knowledge of what is required to succeed as a performer. He encouraged my hard work, and he saw incredible potential blossoming under the surface. He wanted me to dance front and center and not be hidden in a back corner. With his support and encouragement, I took on the challenges that he set out for me. Challenges of keeping a spirit of humility in a world where narcissism is rampant is necessary in order to remain focused and disciplined. Being true to myself and my artform while being kind to others is most important. Wendell exhibits that type of behavior. He retains a sense of humor while graciously accepting praise. Currently, Wendell is the minister of music at a church in my hometown. Wendell wants me to share my gift with others. He believes in me enough to have me perform at his church with him accompanying me on the piano. He also gave me the opportunity to dance while a famous vocalist sang, and he played piano and sang as well during a Stevie Wonder tribute. Wendell has told me that he sees incredible gifting and potential in me, and he wants to help me succeed. He keeps in touch with me while I am away at college, and he increases my faith that I will become a professional dancer. He steadfastly offers me advice on working in the performing arts. When I dance for him, he also gives me creative freedom. He gives me freedom to select the music that I would like to dance to, and he allows me to set the choreography. I have freedom with selecting costuming as well. The creative freedom that he trusts me with enables me to perform with freedom and confidence. Wendell is such a special person, and I would not be the person nor performer that I am today without his relentless support.

I am a junior at Point Park University where I am majoring in dance with a concentration in jazz. I am also minoring in education. My dance journey began when I was three years old. I loved going to my creative movement classes, and I especially loved performing on stage during Christmas and year-end performances. The stage is where I shine. I moved on from creative movement classes to beginners’ ballet, tap, and modern classes. I could not wait for my weekly classes. Dance gave me the freedom to try new moves, explore a variety of musical styles, and express joy with my body. As I grew older, my skill set increased to include jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop lessons. When my feet grew strong enough and I got my first pair of pointe shoes, I was ecstatic. Challenges came when my sister had to undergo medical procedures and surgeries. My family was faced with financial hardship due to the accumulation of enormous medical bills. Dance lessons were an expense that was just too much. The studio was my escape room. There, I could momentarily escape the worry that I felt for my sister. Dance enveloped me, and the music soothed my troubled soul. My dance teacher allowed me to teach younger students instead of my having to pay tuition. Her generosity enabled me to pursue my passion. I was able to teach, take lessons, and compete with the competition team. When I began to audition for summer dance intensive programs, I had the dance skills that are necessary to secure a position in various programs. I studied with the Orlando Ballet School and The Commercial Dance Intensive in North Carolina and in Tennessee. I was chosen to be a member of the Conservatory for Performing Arts at Point Park University for my collegiate education. At Point Park, I have been privileged to perform. I have also worked crew assignments. My education has allowed me to choreograph for students at my home studio, and stage manage for an additional dance company. In the future, I hope to share my craft with audiences across the globe. This summer, I will be a participant in Disney’s Summer College Program in Orlando, Florida where I will learn valuable entertainment skills. I hope to perform on cruise lines, on Broadway, and in Europe. After performing as a professional, I plan to return to my hometown and open my own dance studio. I plan to offer free lessons to families who are unable to pay for lessons for their children. I plan to share the love that I have for dance with others so that they can escape, if only for a short while, and participate in an activity that brings them joy.

Angels Given Charge Over Me By Kaia Noel Johnson I am Kaia Noel Johnson and I have been raised in the church and attending church all of my life. At my local church, I was a member of the food pantry team. I helped members of my community by preparing and distributing food and household items. The desire to help others followed me when I began attending Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My relationship with Christ was challenged and strengthened when I left for college. My university is a secular school, so I joined the Coalition for Christian Outreach during my freshman year in order to continue strengthening my faith. I also joined a local church under watch-care. My faith increased during this time, and I became president of the CCO and a volunteer for the children’s church. As president of the CCO, I successfully organized and held a toy drive for Operation Christmas Child’s shoebox program. I also worked at increasing CCO membership and sharing my faith. Students in college are often lonely and away from their home churches, by building a warm organization that includes prayer and Bible study, our faith can be strengthened and we can reach out to help others. This winter, I hope to have a successful coat drive for Pittsburgh’s downtown homeless population. As God’s angels encamp around me (Psalms 34:7), I pray that I will use my gifts, strengths, and talents to help those who are homeless. Pittsburgh’s winters are brutal. Downtown is especially cold due to the wind tunnels caused by the tall buildings. Many homeless residents also have pets, so along with the coats, I hope to donate blankets and pet food. As I am in college, and midway through my junior year, I hope to continue to put into effect all of the lessons that I was taught at home. If I can just help one person, that is a start. Volunteering with my Pittsburgh church also gave me the opportunity the help with the Blessing Board. The Blessing Board is a non-profit organization that accepts donations of gently used furniture and household items which are given away to those in need in the community. I have experienced recipients’ tears of joy when they are given furniture to fill an empty apartment or house. Putting my faith into action brings joy to me and others. I plan to continue to be God’s hands and feet here on earth and make sure that other’s needs are met.

Encore By Kaia Noel Johnson Dance is the form of art that takes me away from my worries. I am passionate about the arts because they allow escape from troubles. I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and I am a junior at the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I began taking dance lessons at the age of three. I loved performing for audiences in my little tutus and crowns. Being on center stage was magical for me, and when the audience wanted an encore, I bowed proudly. As I grew older, my sister developed a health condition that drained my family’s finances. She had to have surgeries and treatments out of state which put a terrible strain on our finances. With creativity and assistance, I was able to continue taking dance classes and training by teaching younger students in creative movement dance classes. Tying bunny-ears and tucking in ballet shoelaces was a joy for me. Dance helped me to forget about my troubles at home and focus on developing my craft while encouraging my rising stars. I am passionate about dance and the arts because of the creative outlet they inspire. Joy spreads across my face when I successfully complete a difficult combination or finish an exhausting ballet class. The greatest reward for me comes from sharing my gift of dance with audiences. As a dancer, I have the priceless opportunity of sharing joy with others and hopefully taking their minds off of issues outside of the theater. My financial situation has made it difficult for me to train outside of my college dance classes. Instead of an occasional private lesson to master a maneuver, I have to stay after class or wait for open studios to practice without the aid and critique of an instructor. Auditions are also sacrificed because of the expense of travel, lodging, and fees. I work during the summers at a dance retail shop in my hometown, and I teach dance classes and choreograph pieces for my home dance studio. These jobs help, but a scholarship would enable me to focus more on training and less on housing and meals. The scholarship would also be a tremendous relief for my parents since both I and my sister are in college. Both of my parents work full-time jobs. My father works two full-time jobs to support us. In college, both sides of my brain go full speed. I am in the Honors Program, so my left brain handles literature and educational psychology since I am minoring in education. With my left brain, I also analyze the settings for light and sound equipment during school productions. My right brain is active with dance and creativity. It is also active when it comes to visualizing choreography and costuming for my students. I use both sides of my brain when working with the four- to seven-year-old children at children’s church when I volunteer. They are very active, and my brain must do somersaults to keep up with them. I also feel that the right side of my brain makes me an empathetic person in a sometimes narcissistic world. Dance as an art form is a lifeline for me, and with financial assistance, I will be able to continue to share this gift with others and experience many more encores.

Simon is Watching By Kaia Noel Johnson Simon has blonde curls, and he loves to sit with the college students during church service because he is a “big boy.” Simon is only seven years old, but his sparkling blue eyes take in every word and every action. He does not miss a thing. Simon’s intensity and curiosity causes me to try to be an excellent role model. I want to make sure that I set a positive example for Simon and for the three and four-year-olds that I teach during children’s church. The “littles” are watching. I am Kaia Noel Johnson. I am a junior at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am majoring in dance with a minor in education. I am president of the Coalition for Christian Outreach at my university. I also teach children’s church at City Reformed Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. I do not take my responsibilities lightly, and leading the unsaved to faith in Christ is my goal. I have read many books for school and pleasure. The last secular book that I read was Spare by Prince Harry. From that book, I learned that even wealthy people have problems, and we can make the world better if we treat each other with kindness. The Holy Bible is the book that has the most impact on my life. I have read it cover to cover more than once, and each time that I read it I learn more. I have learned that we are all flawed, but by God’s grace and Jesus’ shed blood we have hope. When times are trying, we can lean on Him to sustain us. I have also learned that when we are unified and share each other’s burdens, we can make a difference. I have watched many movies with the Barbie movie being the most recent. From it, I learned that stereotypical thinking about women limits their potential. I learned that women are capable of achieving amazing outcomes if given the opportunity. I plan to make a positive impact on the world by spreading messages of hope and salvation through my campus ministry. Many classmates need a listening ear, or coffee and snacks during exams. I try to put my faith into action. Coat drives for Pittsburgh’s homeless population, and Christmas shoebox events are just some examples of my efforts. The most important impact that I want to have is on Simon and the children at church. They are always watching and always listening. I hope that they find that I am a great example, and one day they will have littles watching them.

Overtime By Kaia Noel Johnson I am a rising junior at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Attending a performing arts college was a life-long dream for me. I am a dancer, and I began dancing at the age of three. I was home-schooled from pre-school to high school so that I could receive the training that is necessary for a dancer to perform professionally. Dance training, shoes, and equipment are very expensive. Both of my parents do not have college degrees, and they work overtime and multiple jobs in order to keep me in college. I work over the summers at two dance studios and a dance retail store in order to help pay for college expenses. My parents have instilled a hard-work ethic in me, and I have made the Dean’s List every semester that I have been in college. My parents explained to me that their incomes are a lot lower than they would be if they had college degrees. They work hard and have a lot of experience, but the lack of a formal education with a college degree puts them at a disadvantage. They accept lower-paying jobs. I hope to change that cycle. Being the first person in my family to achieve a degree is a dream that I intend to accomplish. As a college student, I represent the hopes and dreams of loving family members who are cheering me on in my endeavors. When I graduate, it will be a hopeful goal for my cousins to achieve their dreams as well. They are all watching. I refuse to let them down. I teach younger dancers who also hope to attend college. Over the summer and on breaks, I take class time to answer their questions about what college is like and what it is like to live away from home. An advantage that they will have is hearing from someone who attends college. As a first-generation student, I did not have that advantage. If I can succeed, my cousins and my students will know that they can succeed too. I have learned to be very focused as a student. I keep looking forward to all of the opportunities that await me when I graduate. This hope encourages me to keep pressing forward. I have learned to make friendships, ask for help, and find resources that are readily available to help me as I navigate my way thru college. Occasionally, I try to slow down just a bit and enjoy this time in my life. Some days seem to go by so quickly. I plan to continue in the Conservatory of Fine Arts for Dance and graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance. After graduating and dancing professionally, I plan to return to my hometown, open my own dance studio, and teach dance lessons. I plan to offer free lessons for families who are unable to afford tuition. There were times in my own life when I taught dance lessons without pay so that I could continue training. Dance allows the dancer and the audience to momentarily escape cares and worries. It is a profession that I hope to enjoy again and again, over time.

The Tennessee Three and Me By Kaia Noel Johnson Freedom of speech is a right that we have as Americans. As college students, our freedom of speech is also necessary. If we do not use our voices to speak for ourselves, someone else will make decisions for us that are not beneficial. I am from the state of Tennessee where three legislators were penalized for speaking freely. In March, there was a school shooting at a school in Nashville which is not far from the state capitol building. Six people, including three schoolchildren, were shot and killed in the shooting. A large group of college and high school students marched to the capital using their voices to cry out against gun violence. The students demonstrated because they, who are in classrooms rather than in the capital building, are the ones who face the possibility of a school shooter. Three Tennessee legislators led the student protestors in chanting against gun violence. Two of the legislators were expelled and later reinstated. Vice President Kamala Harris came to Nashville and used her voice to participate in a rally for the reinstatement and used her voice to cry out against the injustice. If students are silent, corrective measures will not be taken. Later in April, President Joe Biden invited the three to the White House. He met with the three in the Oval Office and applauded their efforts to use their voices to take a stand against gun violence. The intellectual and personal development of college students is enhanced by using free speech. Students are free to express their views on issues that affect them. Tuition reduction, adequate student housing, and healthy meal options are just a few of the areas where students can use their voices for change. It is essential to protect and preserve freedom of speech, so that areas that are of concern to students may be addressed. When students witness what happened to the Tennessee Three, they are encouraged to continue to use their voices. Support for students and the ousted legislators led to a reversal of the expulsion ruling. The use of free speech even got the attention of the U.S. Vice President and the President. Speech is a powerful tool. My extracurricular activities support and encourage diverse thinking and freedom of speech. I am president of a club on my college campus that serves to support all students. We recognize areas that need change and actively advocate for those changes. If we do not speak up, we will be ignored by senior lawmakers. The only way to bring about change is to be vocal and bring our concerns front and center. Me and the Tennessee Three are making a difference.

Food, Flowers and Artistic Freedom By Kaia Noel Johnson Food, flowers and artistic freedom are the methods that I plan to use to make a positive impact on the world. Food is the most basic necessity that is needed for survival, but many in my community at home and at school face food insecurity. At home, I try to alleviate the lack of food by gathering and distributing food to those in my community who lack food. I volunteer with my church to give out food and household cleaning supplies to those who need them. Families who have financial difficulties or thru the loss of jobs need the food that we provide. It is especially rewarding to see the look on the faces of children when they see that there are treats for them inside of the boxes that we disperse. Satisfying hunger is important to me on the collegiate level as well. Some of my classmates lack funding for meal plans, so I organize food events at my college. I am actively trying to implement a food bank as well. Tuition and housing are expensive, so some of the students deny themselves nutritious meals in order to stay in school. I hope to remedy that. Distributing flowers is another way that I make a positive impact in the world. It gives me great joy to see the faces of those who receive flowers when they are ill and in hospitals or senior care facilities. I volunteer with Random Acts of Flowers. I design and deliver floral arrangements which brighten the lives of others. The beauty that flowers bring can lighten dark spaces. I plan to continue volunteering to cheer up others. The final way that I plan to make a positive impact in the world is by ensuring that there is artistic freedom in the form of dance. Dance offers the artist an opportunity to share an incredible gift with audience members. Watching dance gives viewers a moment to escape life’s trials. The arts are often the first programs to go in public schools due to a lack of funding. Creativity should be encouraged, so I plan to open my own dance studio once I complete my college education. I plan to have a safe space where children can embrace the art form and be free to express themselves in dance. Food, flowers and artistic freedom in dance are the three means that I hope to positively impact the world. If I can continue doing my small part, hopefully, there will be a ripple effect and positivity will spread.

When I think back to being a young child, I can remember being taught to share but never wanting to. Why should someone else get to play with my gift? Looking back, it is ironic that little three-year-old me chose to pursue a career that is all about sharing your gifts. My name is Kaia Johnson. Seventeen years ago, I made the statement, “I want to be a dancer!” This statement changed my life forever. I am a rising junior pursuing a BFA in dance at Point Park University. At the age of three, I just knew that I wanted to dance. As I got older, I realized that dance was what brought me the most joy. I knew that I wanted to pursue it at the collegiate and professional levels. I was blessed to attend prestigious training programs along the East Coast and throughout the Southeast. I was also privileged to train with instructors from across the globe. For a while, everything was about me. I wanted to get better and become the best that I could be. It took me a few years to discover that dance is never just about the dancer. Through the process of growing as a Christian, a dancer, and a human, I learned that the ability to dance and the ability to communicate through the artform were God given gifts. I can remember encounters after performances in which audience members told me that they were moved to tears watching me perform. I can remember encounters when people told me that watching the performance brought them joy that helped them temporarily forget the troubles in their lives. I remember encounters with younger dancers telling me that I inspired them to never give up. These are the moments that revealed to me that dance is not just about the self. Dance is a giving artform. When I realized this, I discovered my passion. I am passionate about dance because it makes you feel. From the baby sitting on its mother’s lap to the ninety-year-old watching his great-granddaughter, dance moves people. Dance can bring you to tears. It can uplift you to joy. My passion for dance is driven by sharing its unique gift with others. If through dance I can make one person in the audience feel something, it is enough for me. The earthly accolades no longer matter. This gift of dance making you feel and providing an escape, is one that I have experienced on an extremely, personal level. My elder sister has had many health issues. Of the most intense was a years-long battle with endometriosis that resulted in her having a complete hysterectomy. Naturally, my parents had to devote a lot of time to her and to her care. When I felt alone, scared, or angry, I turned to dance. No matter how crazy life got, dance was always there for me. It remained a constant in my life. I am passionate about dance because I know it is invaluable. The experiences that I have had dancing are ones that cannot have a price tag labeled on them. I know that I have chosen a career path that many view as “unstable” or “frivolous.” To these people, I want to say that when you find something that you are passionate about and love with your whole heart, the money does not matter. For me, there is no other option, no other career path. God gave me the gift of dance. He gave the gift of dance to the world. I will share this gift as long as I am able.

God is Always Watching By Kaia Noel Johnson Active Christianity is what makes me different at my college and in my hometown. I attend a small secular college where Christians and Christianity are in the minority. I am different because of my faith. I know that I would not be where I am today if it had not been for the Lord Jesus Christ. My faith in Him has increased tremendously since I have been away from home. I am the president of my college’s small Coalition for Christian Outreach. In a college with enrollment in the thousands, our group has a membership of 15 students. We are small, but we actively try to make a difference. I have led ice cream giveaways, toy drives, coffee breaks, and other events to stir interest in our organization. I am unique also because I know that the children that I teach at children’s church watch everything that I do. It is especially rewarding when they outgrow children’s church, and they want to sit with me during regular services. My language, dress, attitude, and demeanor are reflected in those precious children. When fellow students are having a difficult day, and I offer them a homecooked meal, they are amazed at my kindness. I am very respectful to my professors and to the college staff members because I am a representative of the Hope that lives in me. I leverage my uniqueness by being genuinely kind. I know that others are watching, and I hope that they are drawn to my smile, joy and positive spirit. When I am asked what makes me so happy, I share my faith. I am at a performing arts college and a dance major. Last summer, I sustained an injury to my knee during my first professional performance and had to have surgery on that knee. When the fall semester started, I was on crutches. I attended classes anyway with a joyful spirit. One knee had surgery, but I could still use the other knee and modify exercises. My spirit and resolve to be thankful in all situations was contagious to other dancers. I give praise to God. I am unique because I refuse to bend and bow to anything that is not of Him. I owe all that I am to Him. That makes me different. In the world of dance and performance, dancers are praised by their audiences, instructors, and peers. Those accolades are nice, but He is always watching. He alone gets all of my praise.

A philanthropist who annually funds the collegiate dance education of 50 United States dance students so that they can dance and study and not worry about being unable to continue their college educations due to lack of funds.

Long Arms By Kaia Noel Johnson My friend Peg, who is also a dancer, left from visiting one of our other friends, Rachel. She was driving out of Rachel’s neighborhood when her car ran off the road and she hit a tree, head-on. Her parents began to worry about her because she had not made it home. In the meantime, one of Rachel’s neighbors saw Peg’s car down an embankment. An ambulance was called, but her injuries were so severe that she had to be airlifted by helicopter to the trauma center. After being in the intensive care unit and eventually moving to a regular hospital room, Peg was transferred to a rehabilitation center. She had broken her neck and was in a halo. On one of my visits to see Peg, her mother showed me a beautiful floral arrangement. Peg’s mother was so happy. The flowers were unexpected, and they were a source of joy for both her and Peg. I, however, choked back tears as I recognized the tag. The flowers were from Random Acts of Flowers where I volunteer. I knew that the flowers we deliver and arrange bring joy, but this was the first time that I personally saw the positive difference that just an arrangement of flowers can bring. I will continue to use my long arms to lift vases of flowers and lift spirits as well. I have also given back to my college community by hosting free ice cream socials and by making home-cooked meals for students who are struggling. As my college’s president of the Coalition for Christian Outreach, I have organized toy drives for children who are in need. I use my arms to fill food bags and distribute food to the needy in my community. My arms also lift up my young dance students when they fall. Volunteering and helping others inspires me to continue making a difference no matter how small that it may seem. Seeing the smiles on the faces of those in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities when they receive floral arrangements that I made, encourages me to continue making and distributing them. When I hear a needy family express gratitude for the food that is given to them, I want to help many more families. Community service propels me to continue helping others, and it increases my empathy and gratitude. My academic goals are to complete my undergraduate dual major degrees at Point Park University. I hope to obtain my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance with a jazz concentration. I also hope to complete the requirements for my journalism degree. Next summer, I plan to apply for a study abroad internship in Paris, France. The following summer, I hope to go on a mission trip with the Coalition for Christian Outreach to Peru. Once I graduate from Point Park, I plan to return to my hometown and teach dance. I will offer free lessons to families that are unable to afford classes. The arts are such a creative outlet for children, and I plan to encourage their creativity. I will use my journalism skills to shed light on both local and international humanitarian issues. I am ambitious, and my long arms will allow me to support others while making the world a better place.

Hearing Aids By Kaia Noel Johnson After performing at the assisted living facility, I spoke to several of the senior residents who lived there. I had to get down on my knees and lean in close so that they could hear the words that I was speaking to them. Many wore hearing aids. Some of their hearing aids were clearly visible. Others were barely noticeable, but by coming in close and holding some of their hands while speaking loudly, slowly, and clearly, they were able to understand my answers to their questions. One lady told me how she danced when she was younger. Her eyes drifted off to a time long ago. Another lady just smiled and patted my hand. Even the men were delighted that we came to perform for them, and most importantly we listened to them. The joy and gratitude that they expressed were palpable. Some told stories, and others told us about their own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Performing for them always leaves me with an incredible sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Community service for me is like my assisted living visits and dance performances there. I take the time to bend down, listen, and touch the hands and hearts of those in my community. I help in many ways. Dance and music offer an escape from life’s struggles. Senior residents temporarily forget about the confines of their living arrangements when they see dance performances and hear uplifting music. Another way that I help my community is by distributing food to those in my community who are in need. Food distribution helps to satisfy a family’s physical needs. I volunteer for my church’s food pantry, and I help to distribute food to those who are hungry in my community. I also make floral arrangements with Random Acts of Flowers to distribute to my community’s hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The flowers brighten the lives of those who receive them. Beauty is brought into spaces that are drab otherwise. Helping my community in these small ways makes a tremendous difference in the lives that I touch. My actions speak volumes to those who are hearing impaired, hungry, hospitalized, and often lonely. A gentle touch, a smile, or an understanding nod offers comfort and encouragement. Bags of food fill the stomachs of the hungry in my community while flowers bring joy and smiles. The elderly in my community are seen and heard. They may only catch a word or two, but my actions reassure them that they are valuable. Hearing aids can be expensive, but if I take the time to listen, I can hear and speak for them. No matter what the cost is, my community will be served. I hear them speaking loud and clear.

V. J. By Kaia Noel Johnson The most important impact that my mother had on my life was leading me to salvation in Jesus Christ. My mother homeschooled both my sister and me while working a full-time job. Her incredible faith is contagious. She is hopeful and encouraging, and she passed those traits on to me. I am completing my sophomore year at Point Park University which is a very secular school. I joined the C.C.O. (Coalition for Christian Outreach) during my freshman year, and this year I was the C.C.O. president. It is a position of service and not one of glory nor of praise. I hope that by serving others, they will be drawn to saving faith in Jesus. Whether it is cooking a meal for a struggling classmate, preparing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, or holding coat drives for Pittsburgh’s homeless population, I put my faith into action. I would not have developed my faith or my heart to serve if it was not for my mother. She volunteered with me at my home church’s food pantry, and she helped make floral arrangements for hospital and nursing home patients at Random Acts of Flowers. She is active in her service to others. My mother works as a medical laboratory technician at the student health center for a major university in my hometown. She shows genuine care and concern for the students who come into the lab for testing. Many of the students are miles away from home. Some are even international students from various countries. They are often ill and scared. My mother offers them a smile and an encouraging word. She is calm and comforting to the students, and she often has them laughing as they leave. My older sister had health challenges when she was out of state for college, so my mother empathizes with her students and with the anxiety that their parents may face. She taught me by example, that everyone has worth and value. Everyone is deserving of a smile and a kind word. I hope to make the same positive contributions wherever I go. She was instrumental in helping me become the person that I am today by encouraging me to meet challenges head-on. She tells me that she will not always be here with me on this Earth, so I grow by making good decisions that she is proud of. This gentle hands-off approach has strengthened my faith in God and in myself. We use the code word “trust fall” to remind me to do the best that I can and trust that God will lead me in all things. Her faith in my capabilities propels me forward. I use her example to encourage my young dance students and the junior dancers at my home studio especially when they attempt new maneuvers or compete in competitions. I love my mother, and I thank God for her. I hope to do all that I can to make both Him and her proud.

Patience By Kaia Noel Johnson Three and four-year-old little girls enter my dance classroom giggling. Their hair is often in buns that are falling down, and their tutus are usually sliding down or on crooked. They tell me stories of their pets and stories of accidents on their swing sets. It takes me several minutes to line them up and tie their ballet shoes one by one. I show each little girl how to make bunny ears and tuck them into their shoes. Next week, I will have to show them again. By recital time, at the end of the year, some will know how to tie their own shoes, but others will have to be shown again next year. I love teaching these bubbles of joy, and I have to have patience while they learn to dance and how to tie their shoes. Patience is a gift that I was born with. It is especially necessary when dealing with small children who have fragile hearts and spirits. I smile and encourage them while acknowledging that I was little once and equally excited to come to dance class. I also teach four to seven-year-old children during children’s church at my church. The children are eager to share their exciting weekly events. They deserve to be heard and encouraged. I am the youngest child in my family. My family never rushed me or crushed my spirit. They encouraged me with love and gentle patience, and I do the same. Having patience has helped me already. I was injured during a dance performance last summer, and I had to have surgery on my knee. I was unable to dance following the surgery for five months. During that time, I used patience through physical therapy to regain mobility and strength in my knee. Results were not instantaneous. Patiently performing daily exercises, and patiently going to twice-a-week physical therapy sessions allowed me to dance again. Patience builds character. Patience also allows me to focus on the big picture. Patience helps me to live life with a heart of gratitude. Patience makes me slow down and live in the present. Patience lets me realize that with time all of my goals will be met, and patience builds strength in me to help others. I will continue to make bunny ears and tuck in ballet shoe laces. Tutus and buns will be straightened, and I will give the littles in the children’s church plenty of time to give their weekly report.

Pop and Crackle, but Don’t Break By Kaia Noel Johnson I was asked to perform a solo lyrical dance with vocal and piano accompaniment to “If It’s Magic” by Stevie Wonder. I was thrilled to perform. I had just completed my freshmen year as a dance major at Point Park University, and this was my first opportunity for payment as a solo dancer. I rehearsed with the vocalist and pianist many times, and we were ready when the day of the performance arrived. I took center stage, and the performance began. Every movement was magical until I landed a jump and heard a loud pop. My left knee felt a little strange, but it held my weight and did not buckle. I was able to successfully finish the performance. Afterwards, at dinner, pain began in that knee. Swelling soon followed. I iced it, but my parents said that we would have to have it looked at by a doctor. Mentally, I was very afraid. I am a dancer, and injuries are scary. At the doctor’s office the next day, an X-ray was performed and luckily there was not an obvious break. Due to school starting again, an MRI was performed. I was diagnosed with a tear in the meniscus of my knee. Surgery was my only option. Terrifying thoughts began to swirl in my head, but my doctor was positive and optimistic that I would dance again. I underwent the repair surgery, and many months of physical therapy. I had to sit out of all of my dance classes last semester due to the injury, but I made up in my mind to overcome the obstacle. The positive steps that I have taken to overcome the injury and achieve my dream of becoming a professional dancer include physical therapy, focusing on taking additional academic classes while waiting to cleared for physically demanding physical dance classes, volunteering to assist dance instructors, and holding a toy drive. I refused to feel sorry for myself. I used the time off to get stronger physically and mentally. Focusing on the needs of others helped increase the gratitude that I have for so many blessings in my life. Thankfully, I have been cleared to resume dancing this semester. I shared my story with my young dance students and classmates with the hope that they too will be inspired to face challenges with an incredibly positive spirit. We may pop and crackle, but we refuse to break.

Past, Present and Future By Kaia Noel Johnson My parents gave me the middle name, Noel, because I have a December birthday. December is my favorite month because of my birthday and also because of Christmas. I love Christmas, and my favorite book is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I read the book every year at Christmas. I have grown to love the old English language, and I never get tired of the messages that Dickens sends to his readers. I think that everyone should read the book because it reminds us of just how important life can be. Events in our past can affect our present situations, but we have to power to change whatever needs to be changed in our lives. We can be kind and considerate to others no matter what obstacles or difficulties we may face. We may often find that others have similar obstacles, and we can overcome them together. Unity and friendship are much more pleasant than being alone or aloof. The book also encourages readers to be active and make positive changes rather than being passive bystanders. Dicken’s main character, Scrooge decides to treat the ill child, Tiny Tim, as his own son. He turns from being a mean employer to a generous and caring person. No matter how small our attempts and efforts may seem, we all have the capacity to help someone else. Kindness and empathy are better than selfishness and greed. Reading the book will cause people to reflect inward and hopefully decide to make positive changes in their lives. We can learn from our past, make positive changes in the present, and we can all have brighter futures.

Aunt Essie By Kaia Noel Johnson Aunt Essie is a family friend. She is eighty years old, and she laughs all of the time. She was diagnosed with cancer, and it is hard for her to bend down. Her strength is not what it was in the past, so when her kitchen cabinets needed to be cleaned out, I helped her. I spent three days helping her by discarding expired foods and washing her cabinets. We spent most of the time laughing at her stories when she was a young child. Aunt Essie is special. She refuses to let the illness take her joy away. She has a positive outlook on life which is contagious to all. I started with the top cabinets. I took out all of the canned foods, washed the inside and outside of the cabinets, and discarded what could not be used. We laughed at how long some of the items had been in the cabinets. We worked from one corner of her kitchen to the other. I heard interesting stories about dishes that could be made from some of the ingredients. Some food ideas were questionable to my junior mind. The best part of helping Aunt Essie was just being with her. We would take breaks, and I would make a food run for pizza which is her favorite, but sometimes forbidden, food. She would tell me stories of her cooking adventures while she was growing up. She would tell me that I was lucky to never have to use a wood-burning stove to cook on. She has some funny ways of expressing things, and her laugh is quick whenever I give her a puzzling look. As we cleaned out the cabinets, my love for her grew. I hope that when I get old like her I will be as joyful and positive as she is. I made several trips to her outside garbage cans to discard the expired food, but I was always anxious to hurry back inside and hear more of her stories. I love Aunt Essie. She may not be my aunt biologically, but I love her still the same. Cleaning out cabinets allowed us to bond, and it has now become a twice-a-year project for us. Just the two of us laughing and telling stories while getting rid of expired stuff. We make room for new and good things, but we do not forget the past.

Pas de Chat By Kaia Noel Johnson In ballet, a pas de chat is a controlled jump that is landed with strength and grace like a cat. My cat, Tiana, executes the jump with skill when she jumps from object to object and lands softly like a feather. In my own life, I have had to face obstacles with courage and land safely with controlled strength. I am Kaia Noel Johnson. I am a sophomore at Point Park University which is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was homeschooled from the age of two when my mother taught me how to read. I was homeschooled because the school district that I was zoned for in my hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee did not offer the curriculum nor the educational freedom that my parents desired for me. I took dual enrollment classes at local community colleges so that I could start college early. Homeschooling allowed me time to start my own floral business Petals with Purpose, and it allowed me to volunteer with Random Acts of Flowers. I also volunteered at my church’s food pantry and taught Sunday school classes. Homeschooling also gave me the opportunity to dance and perform as a senior company member with Ballet Gloria and with the Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts. I plan to dance professionally after graduation. I also plan to open my own dance studio and offer free dance lessons for families that may be unable to afford tuition. Dance training is expensive, but when in the studio, the worries of life are often replaced by concentration on mastering a jump or a leap. Momentarily removing problems will help my students to enjoy their lives and dance as an art form. I taught dance lessons at my home studio in exchange for tuition for my own training. I also worked as a work-study employee for The Commercial Dance Intensive in Raleigh, North Carolina and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. A scholarship for summer dance intensive training allowed me to attend the Orlando Ballet School. I also hope to work as a global human-interest journalist to shed light on the needs of others. I am fluent in French and plan to put that skill to use. I plan to also go on a mission trip with City Reformed Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, my collegiate church. Community involvement includes sponsoring a toy drive, starting a coat drive for Pittsburgh’s downtown homeless population, and teaching children’s church at City Reformed Presbyterian Church. I also volunteer with Pittsburgh’s The Blessing Board an organization that donates furniture and household items to those in need free of charge. Major accomplishments for me are admission into the Conservatory of Performing Arts for Dance at Point Park, making the dean’s list every semester, admission into the Honor’s Program, leadership role as president of the Coalition for Christian Outreach at Point Park, and the ability to dance following knee surgery. The money that I will save by paying down my student debt will be used to start an emergency fund. I had to have unexpected knee surgery, and the expenses that resulted from it were quite large. Having emergency savings will ensure that unexpected needs will be met. I can then land safely and with strength. I will be able to flawlessly execute the pas de chat.

Stage Manager By Kaia Noel Johnson The audience was seated, and the piano player’s music started. The soloist began her song, and I entered on stage right. I danced on to center stage, and my movements and the music took over everything else. I love dance, and all of its movements and expressions. I was the only dancer. It was a solo performance, and I was enjoying every minute of it. My dance had a jump choreographed into it, and when I landed the jump, I heard a pop. I felt a little bit of pain in my left knee, but I was able to finish the performance flawlessly. After the performance, my knee stiffened and pain became unbearable. I could not put any weight on my left leg. Fear set in. The following day, I went to the doctor’s office. X-rays showed no break, but an MRI showed that I had a tear in my meniscus. Surgery was the only option to repair the tear. I was devastated. I am a dance major at Point Park University, but I had to take classes that did not involve dance last semester. The surgery caused me to grow and bend. I learned how to make my recovery and health a priority. I also learned how to be supportive of those who are dancing. I learned how to be a stage manager for productions and assist in many areas of performance. My injury inspired me to find productive ways to be involved with dance while helping others. I grew from being afraid of an injury to acknowledging that injuries may occur, but they do not have to cause abandonment of dreams. I have grown into being an advocate for my own health and recovery as well as making sure that dance surfaces are safe for my students. I have changed from being passive about dancers’ safety to being active about performance spaces. Education is key to preventing injuries. The surface that I was performing on was not ideal for a dancer. This contributed to my injury. I am now more knowledgeable about dance surfaces and injury potential. I have remained humble and kind, but I will speak up about spaces that could potentially be unsafe for dancers. Through this journey, I have learned that I have incredible inner strength and resolve. I have learned how to be a stage manager and manage my own life. Not dancing, has given me the opportunity to explore supportive roles for those who do dance. I have learned how to help with costuming, lighting, sound and many other aspects that go into putting on a performance. The injury strengthened me, and my doctors, nurses, and physical therapists encouraged me to get back on center stage.

Dance and journalism are the career paths that I have chosen. I have been dancing since I was three years old, and I hope to dance professionally and open my own studio. For me, dance offers an opportunity to temporarily escape difficulties in life. Dance gives the dancer a positive outlet to express emotions and feelings. I especially want to offer dance as a creative outlet for handicapped and special-needs children who are often excluded from the artform. I want to use my training to be inclusive of all children. Music and movement offer freedom and escape for children who face health challenges. While at Point Park, I plan to continue my training and education so that I will have the skills that are necessary to teach and to perform. Journalism is another career path that I plan to pursue. I plan to use journalism as a voice for dance and children. I also plan to use journalism as a means to help the large homeless population in Pittsburgh. Knoxville, Tennessee is my hometown. Winters in Knoxville are mild compared to those in Pittsburgh. Last year was my first year to experience the brutal cold and snow in Pittsburgh. It was also my first year to see Pittsburgh’s homeless population. Many of the people that I saw were wrapped in blankets and comforters for protection from the snow and cold. Their shivering and lack of protection caused me to want to help them. This year, I am holding a coat drive to help keep our homeless citizens warm. Coats, jackets, hats, and gloves will be given out in order to offer protection from the cold weather and from the snow and ice. Writing about the experiences of others will hopefully generate empathy and solutions that will help. I will make a positive impact on the world one step at a time. With the children, I will let them see that they can dance in wheelchairs. They can move their heads if their arms or legs will not move. They can smile and enjoy the music. I will help them to focus on what they can do rather than what they cannot do. I will make a positive impact by bringing attention to humanitarian issues through journalism. I will do all that I can to make a positive difference in the lives of all that I come in contact with. Together we will hold hands and dance.

I help my community thru four ways: food, flowers, fun, and preventing freezing. I volunteer for my church’s food pantry. Our food pantry distributes food to our local community. Many families in our neighborhood have been adversely affected by the coronavirus epidemic. It is a joy to see the smiles on their faces when they receive food and cleaning supplies that are furnished for them on monthly basis. The next way that I serve my community is through the gift of flowers. I also volunteer at Random Acts of Flowers. This organization donates floral arrangements to patients in our local hospitals and to those nursing homes. I take donated flowers and turn them into beautiful floral arrangements. Once the arrangements are completed, they are delivered. The smiles on the recipients faces encourages me to continue making as many arrangements as possible. Bringing joy to others is just one small way that I can make a difference in another person’s life. Dance is a third way that I help my community. I volunteer and teach dance at two local studios in my hometown. Teaching little dancers to tie their ballet shoes and how to assume first position is pure joy for me and them. In a world that highlights the negative, dance counters that with positivity. Laughter from the children is contagious, and their fearlessness to try new moves inspires me. Dance is their outlet and mine as well. When I am away at school, I talk to my students via the computer, and I continue to encourage them. The last way that I am helping my community is by a current coat drive in my college city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Downtown Pittsburgh has a large homeless population. I am from Knoxville, Tennessee where the winters are a lot milder than those in Pittsburgh. Last year, was my first year in the city, and I noticed the lack of coats for the homeless. It broke my heart to see several people wrapped in old blankets and comforters. So, this year, I decided to sponsor a coat drive. We hope to distribute coats, hats, gloves and blankets to as many people as possible. I also noticed that many have dogs for pets and companionship. We will to find sweaters for the pets as well. I refuse to look the other way. I will continue to help others, and I hope that my example will inspire others to reach out and be up-lifters.

Tiana is my favorite Disney character. I love her because she overcame adversity and reached her dream. I love how Disney used the story, and I love how Tiana is African American. It is good for girls like me to see ourselves represented in a positive way. It is good to know that little African American girls can be princesses as well. The music in the movie is really good too. My sister has been to New Orleans, and I hope to visit there as well. She went to the Gumbo Festival, and I would like to visit during that time or Mardi Gras. I have dreams like Tiana, and I will reach them. This year is my second year in college, and I absolutely love my school. I have made many friends at Point Park University, and I have taken a leadership role as president of one of the school’s organizations. I am currently working on providing warm coats, hats, and gloves for the downtown homeless population in Pittsburgh. I like Tiana, will help others, and I will reach my dreams. I plan to dance professionally once I graduate from college. I also plan to work as an international journalist. New Orleans has a French History, and I am fluent in French. I hope to study abroad during the spring semester of my junior year next year. After I retire from dancing, I plan to teach. A good education and encouragement will help those students that I teach reach their full potential. I hope to pour positivity and inspiration into my students’ lives. Tiana also is my favorite because she can cook. Before I came to college, I was not the best cook, but through trial and error, I have become a pretty amazing cook. Tiana is my favorite character, and I am glad that Disney made a girl who inspires me.

My mother, my sister, and I had just finished washing our family’s clothes at the laundromat. We had to do our laundry there because our washer and dryer at home were broken. We placed the clean laundry into a broken-down Jeep that our neighbor was letting us use until our own car could be repaired. It was storming that day when we left the laundromat. We were stopped at a red light on a busy street, when the Jeep broke down, right in the middle of traffic. I watched as my mother put her head on the steering wheel and cried. The utter helplessness that I felt is indescribable. My mother is our family’s rock. If she cries, it is bad. Lack of generational wealth cripples many African American families like my own. I intend to turn things around for myself and my family. I am resourceful and I know that having wealth makes a difference. I worked hard in high school in order to get scholarships for college, and I am continuing to work hard in college so that I can earn my degree. I am currently taking business electives so that I will have the knowledge of how to generate and retain wealth. I hope to put into practice all of the skills that I am learning. With wealth, my family would have had a home maintenance fund for household repairs like the washer and dryer. My family would have had an emergency fund to repair our vehicle, and we would have had the funds to pay yearly membership fees to road-side service companies like AAA. I have experienced first-hand what a lack of wealth causes. If my family had wealth that was inherited, such as that with land and property ownership, life would have been a little better. Real estate holdings, stock ownership, small business ownership, and influential positions with companies that remove minorities from the margins and place them in the center of companies benefit families like mine. Education is my means to generate wealth. By obtaining a college degree, as debt free as possible, I will be able to begin generating wealth. Knowledge of saving and investing will help me as I endeavor to move forward. With determination and creativity, I will accomplish all of my goals. My mother will have that new washing machine and dryer. She will have a reliable vehicle with road-side assistance, and we will laugh with joy instead of crying in despair.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson is the song that has the most important message for me. It is an inspirational song that my family has sung for many years. I first learned the lyrics to this song in Sunday school at church for our annual Black History Month celebration. At first, I just concentrated on memorizing the words and the tune. As I grew older, the meaning of the words became clear to me. When members of my entire church stand and sing the song, it brings chills to my arms. It is reflection of the trials that African Americans have overcome in the struggle for freedom and equality in the United States. It reminds me that I still have contributions to make in order to help others of my race. The song is unifying and encouraging. It is mostly only sung during the month of February, but it is in my heart all year long.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is my college town and I love it here. I am a sophomore at Point Park University where I am double-majoring in dance and journalism. The scholarship will help me pay for my tuition. I am in the Honors Program and president of my school’s Coalition for Christian College Students Organization. I am a competitive dancer and an active volunteer in my community. Pittsburgh’s homeless community is the focus for my volunteer efforts. Winters are cold and brutal in Pittsburgh, so this winter we are distributing coats, hats, gloves, and blankets to those living on the streets in downtown. We have to work as a team to help others. As a senior member of my dance competition team, I know that working together to encourage and help others benefits us all. College tuition is very expensive, and a scholarship would help me tremendously. I plan to teach dance when I graduate, and I also plan to enter the field of journalism as an international journalist. I hope to study abroad in France during my junior year of college. I also plan to visit Peru or Tanzania with my church as a youth missionary. I want to see the world and appreciate similarities and differences with others in different countries. I have big dreams which are not inexpensive. I plan to use all resources that are available for me in order to make my dreams a reality. As a female, minority, first-generation student, my path is a little challenging. There are those who would like to keep me on the sidelines or marginalize my potential. I plan to forge straight ahead into a promising destiny with the assistance of caring supporters such as your organization

Homelessness In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I attend school, there is a large homeless population. The winters in Pittsburgh are brutal. Snow usually starts falling in October and lasts until March. Last year was my first year in college in Pittsburgh, and I could not believe just how cold it was! My hometown is Knoxville, Tennessee, and it gets cold there, but not nearly as cold as Pittsburgh does. When I would walk through downtown to get to my classes, I noticed a huge homeless population. The people would be wrapped in blankets and comforters, and they were shivering from the cold. It was heartbreaking to see them on the cold, snowy streets. I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and I am a sophomore at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am in the Honor’s Program at Point Park, and a double major in dance and journalism. So, this year, as head of my college’s Coalition for Christian Outreach, I will lead our volunteers in having a coat drive and pet food drive for our city’s homeless. We are going to give coats, blankets, hats and gloves to them. Many have pets who are their only “family”. The pets need food and warmth as well. We hope to gather and distribute enough items to make a difference, no matter how small. I do not take for granted all of the blessings that I have been given. Volunteering to meet the needs of others gives my life purpose. Once, I graduate, I plan to continue helping others by teaching the art of dance to children. As a dancer who volunteers to perform for senior citizens and those who are limited in their ability to travel for performances, I have experienced firs-hand the joy that dance and music brings to others. It is so much fun to engage with them, if only for a few hours. Dance allows both the dancer and the audience to escape from whatever it is that confines them. I hope to share this freedom with my students, and instill in them a desire to share their gift with others. Life is made bearable when we share out time and talents with others. Our CCO group is also about to complete shoeboxes for Christmas to be distributed to children all over the world. We began with a small goal, but that has blossomed into a larger goal. Our expectations were exceeded. Together, we can help to brighten other people’s lives. If it is by giving a warm coat or blanket, or by donating hats and gloves, it helps others to know that we do see them. Our homeless are not alone. We will help, and we will make a positive difference.

Hiding Doughnuts By Kaia Noel Johnson I was at a summer camp for dancers, and I noticed that one of the girls hid a lot of food in her room. At night and after meals, I heard someone in the bathroom vomiting. It did not take long for me to realize that she was suffering from an eating disorder. There is a stigma in dance for dancers to be thin and to have long lean muscles. If a dancer perceives that their body is too big or their weight too heavy, that dancer may succumb to an eating disorder which is a form of mental illness. I talked with the dancer, and she has gotten help from a therapist. She is no longer binging and purging. Good mental health is especially necessary for dancers. I maintain sound mental health by first accepting my body type. I recognize that dancers come in all shapes and sizes, and there is no one size or shape that is better than another. Strong leg and thigh muscles are necessary to leap across the floor. Strong arms are necessary for partnering, and strong feet are necessary for pointe shoes. Celebrating our strengths as dancers is better than comparing ourselves and focusing on perceived weaknesses. My strong thought patterns are based on a positive self-image. I also nurture my mental health by talking to mental health professionals whenever necessary. The stigma of seeking counseling or help has to be diminished. If a tooth hurts, a dentist visit is necessary. If there is a stomach ache, a doctor visit is necessary. If there is a mental or emotion problem, a visit to a therapist is also necessary. I believe that mental health is a part of a person’s total well-being. Hiding doughnuts is not an option. Seeking help for the underlying issues is most important. I think that a lot of people’s lives, especially in the dance world, can be enriched and improved by seeking help. Suffering alone does not always have a positive outcome. Reaching out and utilizing resources that are readily available will free those who have challenges. Eating disorders can be resolved by seeking help without judgement from others. The more we bring these things into the spotlight, the more likely people will be to seek help. I intend to keep a positive focus, and let my friends know that doughnuts are not meant to be eaten alone. Doughnuts are meant to be shared with friends, along with laughter and support.

Dismantle By Kaia Noel Johnson I was born on December 3, 2002, and they named me Kaia which means to rejoice. I was born into a loving family. I am the youngest of two children, and my parents taught us from a young age that we could do and be anything. I am African-American and a sophomore at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Both of my parents worked full-time jobs, and my father always worked at least one other part-time job so that our needs were met. Our school system did not offer the curriculum and freedom to explore our academic interests, so my mother homeschooled both my sister and I. She taught me to read when I was two years old. My mother homeschooled us when she came home from work. The freedom to dive deep into our subjects gave me and my sister incredible opportunities. I was able to complete high school and introductory college classes by dual-enrollment, and I was able to excel in dance performance. Being home-schooled also allowed me to develop my talents in floral design and volunteer with my church and Random Acts of Flowers. Critical thinking skills were especially nurtured, and I was taught to think for myself. If a problem arose, I was taught to focus on the desired outcome, first, and then to find creative steps to reach my goals. I plan to use those same steps to make a positive impact in the world. I plan to complete my education at Point Park and then help those in my community. Currently, I plan to help Pittsburgh’s homeless community. As president of one of my school’s outreach organizations, I am actively planning a coat and food drive. I am also planning to get the volunteer service of local veterinarians to assist with the healthcare of the pets who are often the only “family” that these people have. As an African American female, I know what it feels like to be excluded and ignored, but I have power to bring about positive change for others. I use my experiences to not crawl away and hide, but to be bold and dismantle doors and walls that are used to cage in or marginalize others. I refuse to let anything or anyone prevent me from helping others. I see the desired outcome, and I will bring comfort and help to others. Doors will be dismantled by removing one bolt at a time.

Invisible By Kaia Noel Johnson As a first-generation student, my life experiences have enabled me to be aware of others who are often “invisible” to mainstream college life. As an African American student, I have had to change people’s perspectives on the potential of students who look like me. Hard academic work has earned me membership into my school’s honor program, and I want to help others who often go unseen. My college is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where there is an enormous homeless population. I grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee with relatively mild winters. When I came to Pittsburgh, I experienced winter at its worst. While walking to and from classes, I noticed many homeless people living on the streets. Oftentimes, people would be wrapped in blankets and comforters to shield themselves from the weather. Dogs were usually their only “family” members. The homeless are often invisible to city-dwellers who have gotten so accustomed to them that they just pass them by with no compassion and no concern. I know what it is like to be overlooked and discriminated against because of my skin color, but I use the mistreatment to push myself to succeed. Once I obtain my degree, I will help others. This year, as president of a Christian outreach organization at my school, I plan to help bring comfort to Pittsburgh’s homeless population. I am planning a coat drive and food drive. I am also actively planning to provide dog food for the pets, and veterinarian care by volunteer veterinarians. I want Pittsburgh’s homeless population to know that they are seen and cared for. My sensitivity to the cold weather serves as a catalyst to bring comfort to them. I am not invisible and neither are they. Negative treatment based on my gender and race has not affected my life negatively. The past treatments that I received made me feel sorry for those who would judge and exclude me based on the color of my skin and my sex. I will push forward and ignore the slights. I will use my own experiences to foster continued empathy towards those who society fails to see. Pittsburgh’s homeless will have hope because of me, and I hope my actions will inspire others to truly look around. Not seeing is often a choice. I hope that I will inspire others to look, see, and try to make a difference in someone else’s life. We are not invisible.

My health journey is at a point of stability now. As a child, I had food allergies that were not discovered until after contact with various allergens. I had a few emergency room visits and overnight hospital stays due to allergies. I am extremely allergic to seafood and nuts, so I have learned to read labels on food and beauty products to avoid the allergens. Now that I am in college, I am responsible for my own health, and I have learned how to eat properly and exercise. I am an advocate for my health, and when I am at an event that involves a meal, if at all possible, I notify those hosting the event of my food allergies. I maintain my nutritional health while in college by first, preparing my own food. I purchase fresh food from the grocery stores or from local farmers. I food-prep on the weekends, so that I do not have to use a lot of valuable study time to prepare meals. I have a lot of food allergies, so preparing my own meals allows me to make certain that I avoid allergens and cross-contamination. Preparing complete meals helps me to avoid empty calories and fast food snacks. I also bring my Hydro Flask with me to classes so that I am able to keep hydrated. I avoid drinking sodas and sports drinks. I drink a lot of water instead. I have a Brita water pitcher that I use to fill my Hydro Flask, so that I make sure that I am drinking filtered water. I also bring healthy snacks and fruit with me to eat in-between classes, so that I avoid vending machine temptation. I maintain my physical health while I am away at college by dancing and going to the gym. I also live in Pittsburgh, so I walk everywhere. I walk to classes, and around the city when I visit with my friends. Walking helps me to feel good, and it is a great way to stay in shape and burn calories. Cardio equipment at the gym helps me to burn extra calories, and keep my body in shape. Sweating rids my body of impurities. I take the stairs to also keep fit. I maintain my mental health by taking time to be my myself and meditate on scriptures from the Holy Bible. This gives me time to focus and clear my head from all of the noise and concerns of college life. I also journal and write down my thoughts. My mental health is enriched by volunteering and by giving back to others. Organizing events to help meet the needs of those in my community helps my mental health by focusing on someone or something other than myself. This outward focus leaves me with a positive and hopeful mindset, and it gives me incredible joy to be able to help someone else and lift their spirit. Meeting with friends and laughing over a meal is a great stress reliever. I also try to keep a positive outlook on things, and I have a great support system of mentors who are willing to just listen.

I maintain my nutritional health while in college by first, preparing my own food. I purchase fresh food from the grocery stores or from local farmers. I food-prep on the weekends, so that I do not have to use a lot of valuable study time to prepare meals. I have a lot of food allergies, so preparing my own meals allows me to make certain that I avoid allergens and cross-contamination. Preparing complete meals helps me to avoid empty calories and fast food snacks. I also bring my Hydro Flask with me to classes so that I am able to keep hydrated. I avoid drinking sodas and sports drinks. I drink a lot of water instead. I have a Brita water pitcher that I use to fill my Hydro Flask, so that I make sure that I am drinking filtered water. I also bring healthy snacks and fruit with me to eat in-between classes, so that I avoid vending machine temptation. I maintain my physical health while I am away at college by dancing and going to the gym. I also live in Pittsburgh, so I walk everywhere. I walk to classes, and around the city when I visit with my friends. Walking helps me to feel good, and it is a great way to stay in shape and burn calories. Cardio equipment at the gym helps me to burn extra calories, and keep my body in shape. Sweating rids my body of impurities. I take the stairs to also keep fit. I maintain my mental health by taking time to be my myself and meditate on scriptures from the Holy Bible. This gives me time to focus and clear my head from all of the noise and concerns of college life. I also journal and write down my thoughts. My mental health is enriched by volunteering and by giving back to others. Organizing events to help meet the needs of those in my community helps my mental health by focusing on someone or something other than myself. This outward focus leaves me with a positive and hopeful mindset, and it gives me incredible joy to be able to help someone else and lift their spirit. Meeting with friends and laughing over a meal is a great stress reliever. I also try to keep a positive outlook on things, and I have a great support system of mentors who are willing to just listen.

I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and I am currently a sophomore at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am a member of the Honors Program, and I am also president of the Coalition for Christian Outreach program at Point Park. Sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others, dance, and writing are my passions. I plan to work globally through my church and missionary work to bring hope to others. Pittsburgh has a large homeless population, and I hope to bring encouragement and hope to those whose lives often seem hopeless. Mission work right here in the United States is just as important to me as mission work abroad. I also love children, and I plan to use my gift of dance to teach the artform to children, and to provide a safe place for them to dance and develop their gifts. An obstacle that I overcame involved financing my dance training. As a dancer, summer training is a necessity, and summer intensives are expensive. Travel, lodging, and meals are often expensive as well as dance tuition itself. The Commercial Dance Intensive is one of the best in the industry, and they were holding summer training in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, near my hometown of Knoxville. There was no way possible for my family to afford tuition and housing, so I contacted the director of the intensive and asked if I could possibly work at the intensive in exchange for the cost of tuition. The director was thankful to have someone to help during the two weeks of training, and I was hired as a work-study student. I learned so much that summer both as a dance student and as an employee. I refused to let a lack of finances prevent me from obtaining the training that I needed. I was determined and resourceful in order to reach my goal. Persistence is one of my strengths and empathy towards others is another. I plan to use my education at Point Park to equip me to meet the demands of the world that I will face as a dance teacher, journalist, and as a missionary. I am thankful to those who see hope and promise in me, and I plan to pass on the inspiration and encouragement to others that I myself have received. I do not take anything for granted, and I live a life full of thankfulness. I will pass it on.

We Don’t Fit Into Anybody’s Molds By Kaia Noel Johnson We don’t fit into anybody’s molds. We design the molds and put into them the things that matter the most to us. I was homeschooled from the age of two until I graduated from high school. My parents recognized the gifts that I was given, and they customized “school” for me and my sister. I was given the opportunity to dig deep into the subjects that matted most to me, and I was able to nurture incredible critical thinking skills. I also, like Lieba, fiercely defended by older sister from various critics. My career choice and goals will definitely benefit misunderstood and gifted children. I plan to help them with the arts and bring awareness of the challenges gifted children face through my journalism career as well. Dance is my passion, and I enjoy teaching children. Dance allows children to freely express whatever emotions that they feel. Creative dance for younger children ages two to five is especially freeing. Children are able to leave their concerns and fears behind and dance freely with movements that are special to them. There are no strict rules, no coloring inside the lines. They are free, if just until next week’s class. I plan to obtain dual degrees at Point Park. One in dance and the other in journalism. I plan to use the education that I receive in dance to be a better dance teacher for children. Journalism is my second passion. Words are powerful, and I intend to use my journalistic skills to bring awareness to those who are in need, especially gifted children who have social and emotional needs that are more complex than other children. A voice to bring social awareness to the needs of gifted children is needed, and I hope to fill that void. Gifted children are human beings first. They are not science or medical experiments. They are humans. Kindness and support for the children and parents or caregivers should be most important. If I can bring the challenges that gifted families face to the attention of my audiences, then my purpose will be fulfilled. I am glad that this scholarship is available, and I am glad that the homeschool population is exploding. We are going to do outstanding things in this world, and watch out, once we make the molds, we will be in a position to shatter them and create something amazing.

Kodiak By Kaia Noel Johnson We got him when he was just a ball of white fur. It was for her birthday, and boy, did he love her. He had crooked teeth and crooked feet, And he begged waving his front legs, Whenever he wanted a treat. Kodiak was smart. I think he knew French. When he sat on the couch in my spot, He wouldn’t budge, not one inch. When we did homeschool, Kodiak would sit and cock his head, I think he was reading, whatever it was that I read. Kodiak liked crayons, and even ate a few. But running thru the house trailing toilet paper, Was his favorite thing to do. He like going on car rides, and sticking his head outside, He didn’t like the backset. He preferred to help drive. Kodiak had a seizure, that forever changed his back. He couldn’t run around anymore. I got used to that fact. Kodiak kept his joy, in spite of what fate led to. He was still a great dog. None other would do. After five long years of not running around, The day came when, Kodiak had to be put down. He let us know it was time. He made sure we understood. He’s buried under his favorite tree. A tree made out of wood.

Taffy Taffy is my massive furry pet dog with a huge loving personality. She weighs 105 pounds, give or take four or five treats. Taffy was born on a goat farm at Tuskegee University. She was one of six puppies born to the goat farm’s watchdog, Marley who is a pure bred Great Pyrenees. My sister was a student at Tuskegee and performed research at the goat farm. She and her friends discovered Marley’s puppies and sadly two of them were frozen. The students decided to try to save the four remaining puppies by bringing dry hay into the stall in the barn where Marley delivered. They also made sure that Marley had plenty of food, and they kept the stall clean and dry. When the puppies were old enough, my sister and three other students decided to keep the puppies to prevent them from being sent to a shelter by the goat farm’s head researcher. The puppies were saved. My sister kept Taffy in her dorm room and transported her to classes with her in her backpack. Taffy kept quiet every day as they passed by the dorm mother’s desk on the way out of the dorm to go to class. Eventually, my family drove to Tuskegee to bring Taffy home to Tennessee. My sister also wanted to send home a blind goat, but we live in the city limits, so the goat had to stay on the farm. Taffy thrives at home. She is the sweetest, laid back dog that you will ever meet. Her gentle temperament is one of the qualities that enabled her to become a service dog, and Taffy in turn, ended up saving my sister. After training, Taffy is now a certified service dog. She no longer has to sneak past dorm mothers. She can boldly enter the front door and help my sister. Taffy has flown on airplanes, gone to amusement parks, stayed in the hospital with my sister, and has eaten the bacon at Cracker Barrell which she loves. She has even gone to college classes and to schools for special needs children. I am so glad that Taffy was saved because she brings so much joy and happiness to my life and to so many other lives. Taffy is one of a kind, and I am blessed to have her in my life. Baths and nail trims are her least favorite things, but going in to Starbucks for a pup cup afterwards makes up for the baths. Taffy is the best dog in the whole world!

Dancing professionally after college is one of my goals, and the other one is opening a dance studio that offers free lessons for children whose families are unable to afford dance lessons.

My Dream Future Kaia Johnson Books and pointe shoes, note taking and leaping, these are the things that have shaped me into who I am today. My name is Kaia Johnson. I am nineteen years old, and I am a sophomore in college. My dream future has at its core: dance and journalism. I began taking dance lessons at the age of three and I have since danced competitively and trained with renowned organizations across the country. In addition to my love for dancing, I am passionate about journalism. Attending college has been a goal of mine since I was in elementary school. I am currently attending Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. The education that I am receiving in college, will lay the foundation for my future. My dream future looks like one that is filled with the happiness that dance and journalism bring. Upon graduation, I hope to dance professionally for as long as my body will allow. After that period, I hope to begin my journalism career and teach dance lessons. My parents have taught me that if one is willing to put in the work towards achieving their dreams, there is no reason that they cannot achieve them. In high school, I was a student-teacher at my dance studio in order to offset the cost of my tuition. Now in college, I am working a part-time job to help my parents keep me in school. Besides financial strains, the biggest thing that is standing in my way is myself. I have often doubted my self-worth. Being an African American woman in a predominantly white conservatory has not been easy. There are times that I feel outcast. I feel like I am not good enough and that I do not deserve to be there. This mindset has caused me to lack confidence and to have low self-esteem. Overcoming a lifetime of negative thoughts is not easy. I have been working on removing this block, but I still have a long road ahead. When I begin to doubt myself, I am reminded that God has placed me there for a reason and He has helped me to put in the hard work to reach the place that I am at now. While I may not be the best in the room, I have worked hard to earn my place in that room. Another thing that helps me to overcome this roadblock is to remember that I am paving the way for so many young girls like me. Whether it be as a role model or just having someone there to understand what they are going through, I must fight for my place to help the generations that are to follow me. My dreams are big and expensive. Despite that, I am willing to put in the hard work to make them come true. Sometimes the greatest challenge that one may face is themselves. This challenge can be overcome. With the Lord’s help, nothing is impossible. My dream future is within reach. I can and will reach it.

My body is my instrument for dance, so I am interested in keeping it fueled with healthy foods. Eating healthy is a necessity for a dancer. A well-balanced diet keeps me energized when I perform. I want to eat healthy so that I can continue dancing for many years. I avoid empty carbs and try not to eat too many sweets and processed foods. My body is like a car that requires premium gasoline. If there are too many additives, the engine can stall, smoke, back fire, run sluggishly, or fail altogether. Fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole grain breads are my choices for foods. As a college student, there are many healthy options in our dining hall and coffee shops. There are also plenty of places to eat in downtown Pittsburgh that offer healthy food at reasonable prices. Eating healthy is a necessity for me, and my body reaps the rewards.

Please Do Not Forget Us Kaia Johnson The room is cold and dark. You are alone. You are stuck listening to the beeping of the many machines helping you stay alive. Suddenly, you see the door open, and it is a person that you do not recognize holding a beautiful floral arrangement. Over 150,000 people in Knoxville, Tennessee have lived through this exact moment. I have been able to contribute to a small part of that number through a national organization entitled, Random Acts of Flowers. Random Acts of Flowers (RAF) was created in my hometown Knoxville, Tennessee. The mission of RAF is to deliver happiness through flowers. Hospitals, medical centers, hospice care facilities, and nursing homes, reach out to RAF when they notice that their residents are not receiving any visitors. Random Acts of Flowers responds by delivering arrangements to their residents. I have been a volunteer at Random Acts of Flowers since 2017. Through Random Acts of Flowers, I have become an ally to the elderly population of Knoxville, Tennessee. Being an ally to this population has impacted me by changing me for the better. It has put into perspective the things that I take for granted on a daily basis. I have learned to not take the good health of my family members for granted. I have learned to appreciate my elderly family members. I have also learned to appreciate the friends and family who are there to comfort me when I am sick. This group of individuals is responsible for ensuring that the younger generation is even alive today. If taking three hours out of my day once a week can bring smiles to faces who have not smiled in a long time, it is certainly worth it. Being an ally to this population brings me both joy and sadness. It hurts to see these people who have laid the groundwork for my generation left alone and forgotten. Despite that, I am brought so much joy by being able to bring smiles to their faces. I have learned so much about this population through RAF and I am continuing to learn about them. I am thankful for this opportunity. It is my goal to grow and to continue to evolve to be a better ally to this community.

Dream & Give Back Kaia Johnson What would our world look like without artists? No music to celebrate a happy wedding or to comfort us when we are sad. No beautiful paintings to look at in a museum when it is cold and rainy outside. No dancers to bring joy to our lives when we need an escape from our troubles. Artists create, artists were born to tell stories. These stories help make our world a better place. Now it is time for me to tell my story and make our world a better place. My name is Kaia Johnson and I have been training in the artform of dance since I was three years old. I am entering my second year as a dance major at Point Park University. Sticking to something for over sixteen years takes a lot of sacrifice and dedication. If you truly love it, it is worth it. I have often gotten asked why do you do it? Why the sacrifice? My answer is…the joy. Many of my happiest memories have occurred sitting in an audience or stepping onto a stage. The music starts, the curtains rise, and you instantly forget your troubles and you are transported into a different world. Life is hard. Everyone deserves to have a chance to find happiness even if it may just be a short period of time. This is why I do what I do. My family has not had it easy. My sister was chronically ill for some time and my family is still in debt from her medical expenses. Because of that, paying for my dance training and schooling has been difficult. Dancing is my escape and happy place, but I had to work hard to continue dancing. In high school, I worked at my dance studio to receive free lessons. In college, I have a part-time job to offset the burden placed upon my parents. Receiving this scholarship would help to ensure that I can continue to study dance. With my education, I will make a positive impact on my community by giving back. I want to create a dance school that can give free lessons to children who cannot afford dance. I want to help as many people as I can experience the joy that dance brings.

My favorite piece of artwork is the cover illustrated by Kadir Nelson for Debbie Allen’s book, Dancing in the Wings. All of his artwork in the book is stunning, but the cover work is my favorite. He illustrated a picture of a young, African American dancer during a ballet performance, and it reminds me of my own dance career. I danced in the wings, or far away from center-stage, while other dancers gained the spotlight. My time in the wings was invaluable because it allowed me to develop my technique and skills and learn about all aspects of putting on a performance. I had time to learn about lighting, sound, costuming and choreography. I had time to learn about striking (setting up the dance floor), and maintaining the floor throughout performances. When my turn came to dance in the spotlight, I was ready and appreciative of all of the work that goes into making a show brilliant. Kadir captures that moment when it is a dancer’s own turn to dance in the spotlight.

Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport that Changed Their Lives Forever by Kareem Rosser is my favorite book. I read it last summer before I started college, and it inspired me and encouraged me to face my own upcoming challenges with grace and fortitude. Like the Rosser brothers in the story, I too had to work in order to dance. The boys had to muck out stables and care for the horses in order to learn to ride and play polo. I had to work and teach at my dance studio in order to be able to take dance lessons there. The brothers had to work hard to win competitions with sub-par equipment, and I had to use glue to keep my pointe shoes together while I danced and competed. They did not have the very best, and won. So, did I. I can relate to their courage, and to Kareem’s successful adjustment to an unfamiliar environment. He met his challenges head-on, and I hope to do the same. Pressing forward into his destiny allowed him a better life than where he came from. He inspires me to do the same. Challenges will come, but I know that I have deep inside of me the tools that I need to succeed. The book offers me hope and promise that hard work will enable me to reach my goal of becoming a professional dancer, and then going back to my hometown, like he did with the Work to Ride program, and teaching other dancers and lifting them up to reach their goals.

Kaia By: Kaia Noel Johnson Kaia is a Native American-Hopi Indian and Hawaiian name. It means wise little one and it means the sea, a restful place, and the one with the beautiful body. My middle name means born at Christmas-time because a have a December birthday. Putting all of the names together for me means wise little one who is peaceful like the sea and has a beautiful body that is blessed for dancing. My father gave me my name, so it is special to me. I try to be wise, but I know that I am so small when it comes to wisdom in the world, so I try to work hard at school and give back to my little dancers who are routing for me while I am away at college. I have to gain all of the wisdom and knowledge that is offered to me at college, so that I will have the tools necessary to teach once I graduate. My name also means the sea or a restful place. Dance is the sea that I offer to my audiences. As they watch one of my performances, I strive to help them take their minds off of troubling aspects of their lives and for them to just listen to the music and watch the movements of dance and be transported to a calm and peaceful place. My name also means beautiful body. Dance can be performed by all body types, and beautiful body for me is the use of my body’s movements to bring joy whether it is through pointe and ballet, or sharp and quick movements of jazz and tap. My body is an instrument through which I communicate with my audience. It may be draped in flowing lyrical costumes or fitted with bold bright sequins. It may be spinning and leaping, or delicately walking on pointe. Christmas time is my favorite time of the year, so my middle name is fitting. I love coming home for Christmas, untangling strands of lights, and holding the ladder for my father as he puts lights up outside of our house. Baking desserts, visiting with family, and watching our cat sleep under the tree are traditions that I love. My birthday is on the third of December, and it is a joy to celebrate it along with Christmas. Yes, I am Kaia Noel, I try to be wise, and I am peaceful and project peace when I dance. I think my parents did an awesome job in naming me, and one day, my name will hopefully be remembered by my students as also very kind.

The Littles By: Kaia Noel Johnson I invited the “littles” to my graduation party last summer. They are my friends, and our bond is very strong. The littles are Eryn, Elliot, Mandolyn, and Neo. These precious people are junior dancers at my home dance studio. I have watched them grow from small, five-year old dancers, to outstanding young teen dancers. I no longer have to fix their hair or tie their ballet shoes, they are managing just fine on their own. The littles give me hope because they carry on strong values for our dance studio. The same kindness and inclusivity that I showed them when they looked up to me as a role model, they are showing to younger dancers who are now looking up to them. They are patient with the three-year old creative movement children, and they volunteer to help backstage before and after performances. They know that dance involves a lot more than just being on stage, and dedication to the studio requires that our hands and feet must get dirty at times. I am so happy that they are self-less, and they are passing on to others the gentleness and kindness that they were shown. The dance world can be a lot outside of our studio, but the littles are actively sheltering those dancers following in their footsteps. I could not be more pleased or hopeful. At local and regional competitions, they form a pack, and they are very polite and complementary to other dancers. They now know that winning a trophy or medal does not define them. Their treatment of others and towards themselves is what winning is all about. I have missed the littles while I was away at college, but I know they are going to be fine, and the next group of littles shoulders are getting broad enough to carry the banner too.

Relevé By: Kaia Noel Johnson Dance is my gift, talent and passion. I am humbled to have been accepted into the Dance Conservatory at Point Park University where I have just completed my freshman year. Dance involves a tremendous amount of practice and training for performances. I train in ballet, pointe, contemporary, modern, lyrical, tap, jazz and hip hop. Training involves at least 30 hours per week in the studio. I also take private one-on-one lessons for pointe, hip hop, solo performances, and competition events. Private lessons are usually and additional 3 hours of training per week. I cross train at the gym doing light weights and cardio for 3 days a week for approximately one hour, and I swim laps once a week. Working out at the gym helps to increase my stamina and endurance. As a performer, I practice my skills before performances and competitions. I visit performance venues and practice my routines while they are filmed so that I can give the best performance possible. Dress rehearsals can last up to six or eight hours in order to make sure the dances are the best that they can be. I also select music, lighting, and costuming for my performances. I have learned how to “crew” for shows, and I have learned how to strike the dance floor, how clean the stage, how to work sound and curtains, how to select costuming, and to how to choreograph for other dancers. All of these things increase my skill as a dancer because they keep me humble and appreciative of all the work that goes on behind the scenes in order to make my own performance look beautiful.

Itching, Inside and Out By: Kaia Noel Johnson I felt like there were a million ants crawling all over my body, inside and out. My tongue and throat were itching and tingling, and hives began to pop up all over my body. My eyes itched too and began to swell. I was taken to the emergency room and given epinephrine and Benadryl. My heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest. Steroids were given to me, and I began to feel better. I was admitted for an overnight observation and given breathing treatments. Eating seafood caused the reaction. I had to have allergy testing done, and nuts, tomatoes, seafood, strawberries, raspberries and kiwi are off limits for me. Pizza has to be white sauce only, and I cannot eat food that has been cooked on a grill if seafood is cooked on the same grill. Learning to live with food allergies was challenging at first, but I have learned to adjust to the allergies and avoid them. I am a careful to read labels and to check ingredients. I just completed my freshman year at college, and I learned to be careful of food choices in the dining hall, and this summer I am learning how to cook and prepare meals that are safe for me to eat. I take daily allergy medicines, and I carry an Epi-Pen just in case. I plan to dance professionally and write as an international journalist. My allergies have impacted my future career choices positively because the allergies cause me to critically think about the foods that I consume. I am able to pack my lunch for dance classes and extended training, and allergen-free choices are usually readily available at restaurants. Several of my friends and roommates also have allergies, so we adjust by listing our allergies, and keeping that list in our kitchen. We have a nut free cabinet, and dishes that contain allergens are hand washed separately from other dishes. We work together to make sure that everyone is safe. The scholarship would help me tremendously. My tuition is very expensive, and the scholarship would help to free up money that could be used for my meal plan. Even though housing provides a small kitchen, I still find it necessary and convenient to get hot meals at school. I go to school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where the winter is long and cold. Hot soups, beverages, and warm dinners are soothing. Allergies do not limit me. I just avoid them, and go on to dance, create, laugh and enjoy my time at college with my friends. I just focus on making the most of the opportunities that my school has given me, and I still carry the Epi-Pen, just in case.

E.M.D.R., E.E.G., and P.N.E.S. By: Kaia Noel Johnson My sister started jerking uncontrollably in the hospital bed, and her eyes rolled back in her head. Her nurse hit a button on the wall, and all of a sudden, the hospital room was filled with nurses, doctors, equipment, and a red cart that was filled with all kinds of wires, tubes, and needles. They forced me out of the room along with my mother who was begging them to not intubate my sister, and to please check her oxygen saturation, but they forced her out into the hallway with me. We were both crying hysterically. My mom kept trying to go in to explain to them that it was not an epileptic seizure, but a P.N.E.S. (psychogenic non-epileptic seizure). They would not listen to her. My sister was sedated, intubated and transferred to the neurology intensive care unit. After they got her settled into a room in that unit, we were allowed to see her. I felt like I had been hit in the stomach. I wanted to run, but my feet would not move. My sister, who I loved, joked with and sometimes argued with, could not possibly be that person in the bed hooked up to all of the tubing and the breathing machine. I cried. After two days, she woke up, and started pointing to her mouth. She wanted the tube out. She is a fighter. After finally listening to my mother, and subjecting my sister to another E.E.G. test, the neurologist agreed that the seizure was not epileptic, and they began procedures to remove the breathing tube, and to discharge her. I held her hand. My sister has suffered with P.N.E.S. seizures, depression, and PTSD. Our family has walked beside her on her mental health journey. We say that mental health treatment is no different than going to the dentist for a toothache or a doctor for an upset stomach. If there are things that hurt, mental health treatment can and does help. We have supported her thru CBT and DBT therapy. Group and individual therapy, and EMDR sessions. We love her, and we are a team. She is not alone. My sister’s struggles have caused me to learn as much as a can to help her. I have learned what to do if she has a seizure, how to give her space to just “be”, and how to actively listen to her. It helps her to know that she is surrounded by love and support. My goal is to be what she needs me to be at any given moment. We share a close sisterly bond, and I try to make her laugh and find the good things in life. Her mental health challenges have drawn us closer, and they have made me sensitive and aware of others who suffer from mental health issues as well. I now have a clear understanding of the challenges that mental health patients often face, and I am an advocate for my sister now. When she is unable to communicate, I am her voice. I have learned which medications to give her, when to call her doctor, and/or therapist, and when to just hold and rock her. I am in college to become a professional dancer, teacher and journalist. I know first-hand, the power of dance, movement and music. One of my goals, when I complete my education, is to offer classes for mental health and physically disabled individuals. Physical exercise, especially dance, is freeing, and it shifts focus from problems to possibilities. My sister’s seizures are due to stress, and dance alleviates stress. I will help them dance, laugh, and forget their problems if only for a moment. I will let them know, most importantly, that I do care, and that they are not alone.

Bouquets, Blankets, and Ballet By Kaia Noel Johnson Senior citizens in my community are helped by me with bouquets of flowers, warm heated throw blankets, and with ballet performances. I know the love that an unexpected bouquet of flowers can bring to senior citizens, so I prepare and deliver bouquets to them with Random Acts of Flowers and through by own small business, Petals with Purpose. It is so good to see the smiles on their faces in nursing homes, hospital rooms, and in their private homes when they get flowers. Many are no longer able to garden themselves, so they appreciate having fresh flowers brought to them. I also give warm blankets. One lady in my community is undergoing chemotherapy and she is often very cold during treatments. I purchased a simple, portable electric throw blanket for her, and now she is able to stay warm during her infusions at the hospital and while she watches television at home. I have given several other blankets to elderly women in my community as well. The last way that I give for senior citizens is by ballet performances at local nursing homes and assisted living residences. It is a joy to dance for them, and to answer their questions afterwards. They love to talk and ask questions, and since many are unable to physically leave the facilities to attend performances, bringing ballet to them is exciting for them. I love their wisdom, humor, and the sparkle in their eyes when they reminisce about their lives. The senior citizens that I help are some of the most wonderful people in the world.

The Dance Box By: Kaia Noel Johnson It was a large carboard box. It was placed beside the refrigerator in the basement of the church. I took my first dance class in the basement of that church. The basement floor was cold. Dance shoes were needed. Parents had to sit in the kitchen so that we three- year-olds would not be distracted. My mother was the first person to notice the box. She looked inside and it had old ballet and tap shoes, leotards and tights. She asked my first dance teacher about it, and she told my mother that those items were free to anyone who needed them. My mother was thrilled! After class, she called me into the kitchen, and we excitedly tried on shoes and leotards. My shoes were too little and hurting my feet, but I did not tell my mother because I wanted to dance more than anything! We found ballet and tap shoes that fit me, and I was in heaven. I could dance without my feet hurting. Generosity for me, is giving back. At the end of each season or whenever I outgrew my shoes, we would place them back in the box. On a rare occasion, if someone gave me a new leotard, or tights, or shoes, I would place those in the Dance Box as well. It was a lifeline for me. My family struggled to pay for those first lessons, and the generous giving of used shoes and leotards enabled me to keep on dancing. For me, I do the same. I share food, donate my time and talents, and give no matter if it seems small because everyone can use a Dance Box.

Jump and Spin By: Kaia Noel Johnson If I had $1000.00 right now, I would jump up and down and spin around!! You see, I am a dancer, training at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Tuition at my school, which has the Conservatory for Performing Arts, is very expensive. The scholarship of $1000.00 would go straight to the Office of Student Accounts to be applied for my tuition. Every single penny helps. I am so fortunate to be able to attend Point Park. The faculty here specialize in performing arts, and the education that I am receiving is really good. I have wonderful friends who are majoring in several of the Arts, and the environment here supports our creativity. I am searching for funding of all types, and the scholarship would help me tremendously. I am a member of the Honors Program at Point Park, Tap and Jazz Clubs, and the Coalition for Christian Outreach. I love my new city of Pittsburgh, and I love giving back to the community here. The thought of having to leave due to lack of funds is unbearable. That is why $1000.00 would make me jump and spin, and I may even sing a song! I am so thankful for the Bold scholarship program, and I would be honored and humbled to receive the Youssef University’s Scholarship.

V. J. By: Kaia Noel Johnson My mother impacted my life in the greatest way by leading me to salvation in Jesus Christ. My mother, Vickie, who is called V. J., by all of her friends, homeschooled both me and my sister while holding down a full-time job. Bible studies and volunteering were central to our education. When I expressed an interest in becoming a true Christian and inviting Jesus into my life, my mother was the person who led me in the sinner’s prayer for forgiveness and for acceptance of Jesus as Lord over my life. We are not Christians in just word and going to church. We are active Christians who try to exemplify Christ in us to all who we come in contact with. My mother instilled in me a desire to live with humility and integrity. She instilled in me to do nothing that I would not be able to do if Jesus was right in front of me. I have been gifted to dance, so it is especially important for me to hold on to my morals while loving others in my field. My mother has the biggest heart, and she satisfies so many people’s needs before than can ask. She inspired me to use my gifts and talents at dance to teach students there and to help the studio with fund raising when financial troubles came up. Both she and I love flowers, and she inspired me to use my floral arranging and decorating skills to help sick patients by volunteering with Random Acts of Flowers to bring the beauty of flowers into hospital rooms and nursing homes. She does everything with patience, grace and with a contagious laugh. She is never too busy to lend a listening ear or to offer encouraging words. I am where I am today because of her. She worked two jobs to help me get thru my freshman year of college, and she instills in me to work as hard as possible. She wants me to have as many options as possible to reach my dreams. She tells me that if I do not get a role in a show, or an audition, to keep trying because my time will come. My mother is my greatest fan. One of the most important ways that she has helped me become the person that I am today, is by showing me how to enjoy the moment that I am in right now. She tells me to enjoy this time in my college life. She wants me to savor friendships and professors who pour themselves into my life and education, and she wants me to volunteer and help at my adopted church, City Reformed, in my college town of Pittsburgh. I love my mother, and I am so thankful for all that she has sacrificed and poured into me. I only hope that one day, I will be just a fraction of the person that she is. Her favorite Bible verse for me is Isaiah 55:12 “For ye shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” I hope to hear the ovation.

Where are We Going This Weekend? By: Kaia Noel Johnson I would try to encourage a friend to go to college by sharing my college experiences with them. Our favorite thing to do is to explore our new city, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the weekends. We gather during the week to decide on a new place to visit, a new place to eat, or just try a new bus route to see where we end up. It is so much fun. I have gotten to really know a lot of students at my school, and I would share with a friend, all of the fun adventures that we have had. I would encourage my friend to go forward. There is so much to learn at college, and it is fun to be surrounded by teachers who really care about you, and by other students who may feel the same way. At first, it may be a little scary and overwhelming, but if you reach out, there are other students on your dorm floor, classroom, or even in the cafeteria who may have the same concerns. I would let my friend know that the feelings are normal, and eventually everything will work out. I would encourage my friend to find what their interests and talents are, and I would tell my friend to follow their heart and explore options that are interesting them. I would let my friend know that it is fine to not know what to do or be in life. College is a place where exploration is celebrated. I would tell my friend to push thru all fears, move forward, and be surprised at what may be discovered after deciding on where to go for the weekend.

Warm Towels, Pajamas, and Blankets By: Kaia Noel Johnson I use warm towels, pajamas and blankets to show my sister, Nicole how much I love her. My sister stays cold a lot of the time due to medical conditions. She often does not have strength left after taking a shower to do much other than crawl into bed. So, I discovered that if I put her a bath towel in the dryer while she is showering, she will have a warm towel to dry off with when she gets out. I also place her pajamas in there and a blanket so that she will be wrapped in warm things. I love my sister. She is eight years older than me, and when I was little, she was the most loving big sister. She taught me how to jump rope and tie my shoes. It is just the two of us, and I love her dearly. When she is not feeling her best, warm things cheer her up. Just giving her a warm towel, pajamas and a warm blanket let her know how much I love and care for her. Just a small gesture of love brings her so much joy.

Gratitude By: Kaia Noel Johnson When it is cold and snowing outside, and the wind is blowing against my dorm window, I would love to stay snuggled up in bed and pull the covers over my head. I cannot do that do because I am so thankful and full of gratitude to be able to attend my dream school, Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ballet classes begin at eight o’clock, and I am just so appreciative to be at Point Park. I am full of gratitude to my parents who both work two jobs to help pay for my tuition. I am full of gratitude to my dance instructors who pushed me to be the best dancer that I could possibly be. And I am full of gratitude to my teachers and professors who encourage and inspire me to use my mind to really make a difference in the lives of others. I would not be where I am today without the love, sacrifice and support of so many people. So, gratitude is what motivates me. I will get out of bed. I will continue to make the dean’s list and stay in the honor’s program. I will be the best dancer that I can possibly be, and I will continue, with gratitude, to acknowledge those who have made it possible for me to be at Point Park University. I am thankful.

Dance By: Kaia Noel Johnson Dance is my best skill. I have been dancing and performing since I was three years old. I love to share my artform with audiences and I am nourishing this skill by attending a performing arts college. I am currently a freshman at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was accepted into the Conservatory of Performing Arts there, and I am receiving an excellent education in dance. We are required to take classes in various forms of dance which will result in well-rounded training for me. I am learning about all aspects of performance from crewing, to costuming and choreography. I absolutely love Point Park and my instructors are outstanding. I hope that I am chosen for this scholarship so that it will help to lessen a huge financial strain from me and my family. I know that it is a privilege to attend such an outstanding institution, and I made the dean’s list last semester. I plan to use my skill to help others as well. I hope to open my own dance studio in my hometown and provide free lessons to gifted students who are unable to afford tuition, and I hope that together we will share our skills and gifts with many others.

I plan to make my mark in the world by teaching students the beauty of dance. Dance for me is an escape and an opportunity to bring joy to an audience. I plan to make a mark by opening a dance studio in my hometown and offering lessons to students who want an opportunity to become dancers. I plan to offer free dance lessons to students whose families are unable to pay. I believe that lack of money for tuition should not deter those students who want to experience the joy of dance. I want to make a mark by using my training and education from Point Park University and the Conservatory of Performing Arts to enrich and educate my dance students. I want to share with them knowledge of not only performance, but also behind the scene training. I hope to teach them how to strike the dance floor, set choreography, select music and costumes, use lighting and sound equipment, and familiarize them with all aspects of dance. I hope that my students will be well-rounded performers. I want to leave a mark of being a kind instructor. I want to be remembered for being passionate about the art of dance, and passing along knowledge of not only dance skills, but also of life skills for my students. I hope to instill in them a sense of their self-worth, and a sense of their gifts and contributions to other people’s lives, in and outside of the studio. I want to prepare them to face obstacles that they encounter in life, head-on, knowing that they have the tools inside them to be resilient as well as kind. I want to leave a mark of being a person who listens to others, and of helping others to see joy and good in all things. I want my students to plan to have more than one route to reach their destinations. I want them to know that disabilities, race, and gender do not matter. I want them to know that their dreams are attainable with hard work and dedication. I want to be remembered as that person who really made a difference for the better in another person’s life. I want to be remembered as an encourager and a woman of strong faith who loved sharing her passion and gift of dance and performance with others. I want to be remembered as a loving person who did the impossible.

Pat By: Kaia Noel Johnson Sum It Up by Pat Head Summitt is the most inspirational book that I have read. Knoxville, Tennessee is my hometown and I grew up going to Lady Vols basketball games. I watched Candice Parker, Glory Johnson, and many other now famous basketball players play on the court at Thompson-Boling Arena. The players were amazing, but the person who stood out to me was Pat. She was fearless and determined. Her players were commanded to do what she asked of them during a game. I really admired her, but I never knew about her childhood nor about what new challenge she was facing off the basketball court. Her book inspired me because it showed me her fighting spirit. As a child, she worked hard on her family’s farm, and when her talent as a basketball player became obvious, her father moved the family to a school district where she could increase her skills. Her family refused to let any obstacle get in their way. This fighting spirit inspires me, because I, like Pat, faced an obstacle regarding my dance training. My family could no longer afford to pay for my dance lessons due to medical expenses for my sister. I had to dance. So, I offered to teach at my home dance studio in exchange for my own training. I refused to give up on my dreams. Pat was an incredible person and coach. She pushed herself, and expected the very best out of her players. I only hope to be as focused and determined as she was. It was an honor to see her coach and to read her book.

1. I deserve this scholarship because I have worked hard to get into college, and the ability to continue at the university that I love depends on me finding additional funding. I not only had to apply for academic admittance, but I also had to apply for acceptance into the dance conservatory at my school. My grades have continued to be outstanding and I made the dean’s list last semester. 2. My academic goals are to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance with a concentration in jazz, and a second degree in Journalism with a focus on international news. I hope to open my own dance studio and offer free lessons to families who are unable to afford tuition, and I hope to become an international journalist. 3. One of the times that I overcame adversity was when my family could no longer afford for me to take dance lessons due to mounting medical bills for my sister who was ill. I was creative in overcoming the obstacle by offering to teach dance lessons at my home studio in order to pay for my own training. I refused to let lack of money set back my dream of getting into college and into the dance conservatory.

The lesson that taught me so much began with a little wildflower that was given to me by a sweet four-year old little girl last July. I was helping set up food, drinks and decorations for my high school graduation party which was being held at one of our area’s community parks. It was very hot, and a lot had to be accomplished before guests would begin arriving. On top of everything that was going on, there was a chance of rain! The stress was starting to get to me. I noticed an adorable little girl who was playing with her older brother and sister. They were with their grandmother who had forgotten to pack drinks for their outing. I noticed the little girl was sweating and her blonde curls were sticking to her face. I asked the grandmother if it would be okay for her and her siblings to have something cold to drink. The grandmother agreed, and the sweet littlest child was over-joyed. She began to follow me around while she struggled to keep her drink contents in the can. She asked me millions of questions and offered her assistance. Before it was time for her to leave, she reached down and picked a flower and gave it to me. All of my worry about the party and weather left. She taught me to appreciate the simple things. I had forgotten to notice the flowers all around me. This life lesson, to stop and enjoy the beauty that is right in front of me, is something that I try to do every day. It is so easy to worry about exams, dance rehearsals, auditions, or summer jobs, but it is necessary to push those concerns aside, and take in the beauty that surrounds me. Whether it is the contagious giggles of my little dance students, my dog’s face with whipped cream on it, or the beauty of calf-high snow in my college town of Pittsburgh. I can find “flowers” everywhere. Focusing on other things, even for just a moment, makes me appreciative of all the good things and blessings in my life. The little flower made me stronger by encouraging me to pass on goodness and hope to others. A smile to an unfamiliar student in an elevator, holding the door for an elderly lady at the drug store, or listening to a friend whose father passed away from covid, are just small ways to give flowers. It takes strength to shift my eyes from my worries and offer a shoulder to someone else. I will use the gift of the little wildflower to plant greenhouses in other people’s lives and together we will bloom into a magnificent bouquet.

I apply creativity in my life thru dance. Whether it is through performance, choreography, costume design or teaching, dance is the creative outlet of my life. Setting choreography is most exciting for me because I get to showcase my students’ personalities and strengths into the pieces that I am fortunate to choreograph. The tilt of a head, the stretch of an arm, or an incredible leap are limitless in the emotion that may be transferred to the audience. Costume design is another creative outlet for me that is related to dance. I love to experiment with different colors and unusual styles for my students. Tutus and traditional ballet skirts are cast aside for more edgy and contemporary styles. Picking out fabric and sewing costumes is exciting when the pieces start coming together. The final step in creativity for me after choreography, teaching and costume design is performing. A dancer’s creativity springs to life once the curtain rises, and the music begins. Every toe placement, turn, jump and spin involves the dancer’s creative interpretation. Each dancer is unique in their performances. Dance is beautiful whether it is a traditional ballet, a modern tap selection, a contemporary jazz piece or a soulful folk-dance presentation. Dance is always unique and creative.

A Tutu Crazy Dream Kaia Johnson Imagine this, you are a three-year-old little girl. You just watched your first Nutcracker and saw ballerinas in tutus for the first time. The best part about it is that you begin training to be on that stage soon! What happens to that three-year-old girl over the next sixteen years? My name is Kaia Johnson. I am that little girl who fell in love with dance. When I tell someone that I have danced for over sixteen years their first question is usually: “Why?” The answer is because it brings joy to me and others around me. The way that I felt at my first dance class is a feeling that I will never forget. The first time I danced onstage? My, I thought I would burst from excitement! My vision is to be able to bring people joy through dance. A lot of things have changed over the years, but dance has always been there for me. My sister has struggled with her health. This put a major strain on my family both financially and emotionally. Dance became my way to cope, but it almost got taken away due to financial reasons. My studio owner knew what was happening with my sister, yet she kept me in dance lessons. I taught classes at the studio for discounted tuition. Sometimes she covered my tuition. Without her help, I would not have been able to continue dancing. My vision is to bring other people joy. Dance is an excellent way to do that, but it is expensive. Looking towards the future, I want to create a program that would allow individuals to be able to take classes, perform, and watch performances free of charge. I want to extend the gift of dance to all people.

Jeté By: Kaia Noel Johnson Jeté is a French ballet term that means “to jump”. I am Kaia Noel Johnson, a dancer, who has learned to jump over obstacles and hurdles in order to become a better dancer and a better person. I am from Knoxville, Tennessee which is home to The University of Tennessee’s legendary Lady Vols and former head coach Pat Summit. I grew up going to Lady Vols basketball games, and I love the color orange. Pat Summit’s books Reach for the Summit and Sum It Up really shaped my life. Reading her books gave me a glimpse of the woman behind the person that I saw pacing on the sidelines like a lioness stalking prey. I learned about her childhood, her career as a player, and her legacy as one of the best women’s basketball coaches in history. I applied into my own life many things that I learned from her work ethic. As a homeschooled student, my work day was opposite from that of students who attended conventional schools. I was responsible for completing my assignments during the day while my parents worked, and then learning new material in the evenings when they came home from work to teach me. I also learned how to balance going to the dance studio six days a week to train and to teach young students at the studio. I learned to be creative and barter with my instructors to exchange my teaching of younger students for my own dance tuition and fees. I was responsible for my growth and development as a dancer. Hard work lead to my acceptance into Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts which is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Currently, I am a freshman there, and I am double majoring in dance and journalism. I plan to make an impact by opening my own dance studio, Jeté, in my hometown. Dance offers the dancer a chance for escape and a chance to share the artform with others. I am interested in this field because I love to share with my audiences the beauty of dance. At my studio, I will teach dancers how to express themselves thru dance, and I will share with them my journey towards becoming a dance professional. I hope to instill a good work ethic into my students. Dance skills increase when practice is dedicated and intentional. I also plan to write as an international journalist. I see the world globally and dance is a universal form of expression. Publishing my poetry and articles will allow me to connect with many others who also cherish the performing arts. I have learned to push myself, to believe in myself, and to enjoy myself as I move forward toward my goals. My path has not been easy, but I, like Pat Summit’s players, will continue to jump and look for the open shot. I will tell my student that their goals are obtainable.

Laugh By: Kaia Noel Johnson Laughter is the best way to live a long healthy life. Humor, joy, smiles, and laughing until tears stream down your face is definitely the best way to live. Finding and being appreciative for all of the good things in your life will lead you to a positive mindset and happiness. Happiness in turn, leads to hopefulness. Hopefulness leads to looking for ways to share your joy with others. Focus shifts from yourself and a desire to spread hope and joy to others will consume your mind. It is so much easier to laugh than it is to be negative. Laughter makes doctors’ visits bearable and hospital stays endurable. Sharing jokes with hospital staff is much more pleasant than doom, gloom, and dread. I share laughter with my creative movement dance students. I hear stories about them leaving their skin on the playground, what their imaginary friends have been up to, and interesting stories about their siblings. These young children do not know sorrow. Everything is new, interesting and funny to them. That is the way that we “grown-ups” should be. Carefree and worry free. Sure, obstacles will come our way, but we can make it up the mountain if we have a positive mindset sprinkled with three cups of laughter.

Kaia By: Kaia Noel Johnson The audience members settle into their seats, and the house lights dim. The orchestra finishes tuning instruments, and the spot light is turned on. The curtain rises, and there I am, center stage. The orchestra starts to play, and I began dancing. I dance slowly at first and I gently rise up on pointe. I lose my self in the music and the dance. I am Kaia Noel Johnson, a freshman in Point Park University double majoring in dance and journalism. I hope to perform professionally as a dancer and write as an international journalist.

Flowers By: Kaia Noel Johnson My favorite hobby is floral arranging. I absolutely love flowers. I love to gather flowers and make beautiful arrangements for others. I love the look on the faces of those who receive the flowers. Flowers bring so much joy and beauty into people’s lives. One of my favorite activities is volunteering for Random Acts of Flowers. At Random Acts of Flowers, we deconstruct donated flowers and make beautiful arrangements that we then distribute to local nursing homes and hospitals. The residents and patients are so happy to receive the arrangements, and we are so happy to be able to brighten someone else’s day. My hobby of floral arranging has also led to my own small business, Petals with Purpose. I use my hobby to make floral arrangements for birthday parties, graduations, retirement parties, wedding and baby showers, and other events. It is an honor for me to be asked to decorate various venues for my clients’ celebrations. Flowers have a way of brightening our lives, and I am glad that flowers are my hobby and passion.

Dance By: Kaia Noel Johnson I hope to positively change the world by using dance. Dancing gives the dancer a platform to positively express emotion, hope and joy. I plan to open my own dance studio in order to train students in all forms of dance. Pointe, jazz, ballet, modern, tap, folk and ethnic dance styles will be taught at my studio, and the world will be better and positive because dance will give audiences a chance to reflect on beautiful and joyful things rather than on the negative ones. Dance is positive because it allows dancers to leave their cares outside of the studio and off of performance stages. Dancers focus on the beauty of music that plays while they perform. Dancers focus on movement and choreography. Dancers focus on costumes and lighting, and most importantly, dancers focus on their audience. Dancers hope that their selections will move their audience. They hope that even momentarily, their dance will cause the audience to forget their troubles and focus on the performance that is on stage. Dance is an artform to bring joy and positivity to the world. My artform is very small compared to other means to bring positivity into the world. I hope that passing on my love for dance to others will bring both my dance students and those who watch them joy and hope. If I can bring joy to one person, then I will have accomplished something. If I can bring joy, then hope will soon follow, and if an audience member has hope rising up inside them, their mindset can easily be positive. If my students and I focus on remaining positive in all situations, our positive mindset will be like a forest fire. It will be sparked in the studio, and it will rapidly spread beyond our studio. Dance allows escape. Dance fosters hope. Dance can positively change the world. My studio will also positively impact my community and the world by giving dancers an opportunity to take lessons to train regardless of their ability to pay or their family’s ability to afford the lessons. A dancer’s gift and talent will be encouraged. I intend to offer discounted lessons, and offer scholarships to dancers who are unable to afford lessons. I was fortunate enough to teach classes in exchange for my own training, and the benefits gained from the experience were outstanding. Dance will change the world for both the dancer and the audience.

Coffee with Two Creamers By: Kaia Noel Johnson Coffee with two creamers is the shade of my skin tone. My skin is soft, beautiful and warm just like coffee. In the dance world, however, my skin tone stands out in a sea of white skin and pink pointe shoes. My pointe shoes have to be pancaked, dyed with brown makeup, so that the line between by legs and feet are not interrupted. I am Kaia and I am a dancer and a performer. I am currently a freshman at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where I am majoring in dance and minoring in journalism. I am a member of the Conservatory of Performing Arts, and I am a member of the Honors Program at Point Park. I love being on stage more than anything else, but the classical world of ballet is often void of ballerinas who look like me. My body’s shape, my hair texture, and my expressions when I dance are different than the other students. My life experiences, the joys, pains, and hopes are passionately expressed thru my craft. I often cannot express how I feel with words, but with dance, my expressions are limitless. I have to give back. I plan to open my own dance studio once I graduate from college. I want to share my love of dance with little girls and boys who look like me and want to dance in a sea that is often white in color. I want to inspire them to be their best both in and out of the studio. I want them to see that I made it thru. I want them to see that I performed on stages all over the world and they can too. I want to give them hope and encourage them to dream. It is important for our community to give back so that those who are following our path may have the information and tools that they will need to succeed. Once we have obtained our goals, we can share with others in our community the steps and processes that we took to make it. We can mentor others, write letters of recommendation, teach others, and give shoulders of support so that everyone can reach their dreams. Owning my own dance studio will enable me to pour positivity into my students. I can teach them how to dance without compromising their ethnicity in order to “fit in”. I can teach them how to compete against other dance studios while remaining humble, kind and full of good sportsmanship behavior. I can guide them through summer dance intensive auditions, and college applications. I can instill in them that coffee with two creamers is good enough.

Relevé By: Kaia Johnson The gift of dance helped me to overcome adversity. I was homeschooled for all of my education from kindergarten to high school. Homeschooling was a necessity because my older sister had health issues that often required my family and I to travel to other states for her medical care. I had to complete school work in doctors’ offices, surgery waiting rooms, hotel rooms, and on the road. I had a portable classroom. I faced loneliness and worry while my parents struggled to take care of my sister. I worried about them and her. Dance however, was my safe and secure place. Dance gave me hope. When I danced, I forgot about everything. The music and movements along with supportive classmates helped me to be positive and joyful during hard times, financially and emotionally. I had to dance. It saved my life. Our family finances took several hits, but I was able to barter with my studio’s director. In exchange for me teaching very young students, I was able to continue my own training. I was able to pass on my passion to others. I overcame adversity by actively choosing to think positive thoughts and by enthusiastically sharing my joy for dance with others. I overcame adversity by using my mind to find solutions for a lack of money, and I used my gifts to help my studio and others. Dancers require private lessons and summer intensive training programs where their skills are fine-tuned and developed. I refused to let financial obstacles side-line me. I actively sought out scholarships and work study opportunities so that my skills could be sharpened. Adversity in my life was overcome by hard work, a positive mindset, and by focusing on the needs of others. I plan to give back by first graduating from Point Park University so that I will be equipped with the education and skills needed to properly help others. While on breaks from Point Park, I return to my home studio and continue teaching students there. I pass on to them the valuable lessons that I am receiving at Point Park. Once I graduate, I plan to return to my hometown and open my own dance studio. I plan to find solutions for dancers who face financial obstacles so that precious gifts are developed. I hope to encourage the dancers to strive for their dreams no matter what that are faced with in their lives. I plan to make regular donations for my first dance studio and to the organizations who supported me very generously. I plan to give back, and hope that those whose lives I touch will give back also.

Flowers By: Kaia Noel Johnson Sunflowers, daises, roses, tulips, pansies, and daffodils are just some of the flowers that I use to help others. I help those who are patients in hospitals and residents in nursing homes by making beautiful floral arrangements to brighten up their day. As a floral arranger and distributor, I bring the outside indoors to those who are unable to garden or go outside. The smiles on their faces helps them to momentarily forget about their situations and instead, focus on the beauty of the flowers. The flower deliveries are always unexpected and a surprise which adds joy to the patients and residents. A knock on their doors and an entry with a vase of flowers is met with a surprised look on their faces and exclamations of joy! Helping others by bringing them flowers also gives me joy. The flowers let the patients and residents know that they are not forgotten, and someone is thinking about them. They can enjoy the flowers, and when they look at them, long after I am gone, they continue to smile.

Taffy By: Kaia Noel Johnson Her eyes are the color of a melting piece if chocolate and her coat is the color of reddish-brown fall leaves. She has really big feet, and a tail that can clear a coffee table with drinks and snacks in under 30 seconds. She actually smiles, and loves treats of any kind. Her name is Taffy, and she makes me happier than anything else. Taffy is my one-hundred- pound, mixed breed dog, who was rescued from freezing when she was born on a goat farm. I am currently a freshman and away at college in Pennsylvania. I really miss Taffy. My family recently came up from Tennessee to visit me and Taffy came along. It was so good to see her. She brings me happiness by going on walks with me, cuddling with me to watch television, and keeping me warm at night by sleeping on my feet in my bed. Taffy makes me laugh when she tries to eat thru her food bowl to get the last drop of food, and when she runs towards me when she returns a ball. Taffy smiles and I smile too. She never wants anything from me, she just wants to be with me. Taffy is my source of happiness. She is an awesome pet.

The Burgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is my new home for college. The Burgh, as the locals affectionately call their city, is a tourist’s haven. I practice self-care by exploring my new college city on weekends. After a long week of classes and dance, my friends and I visit our city. We explore new areas of town by public transportation, eat at great restaurants, visit historical sites, cheer for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Steelers, sightsee on a vintage trolley and incline, and watch visiting Broadway shows. The time spent with my friends exploring the city allows me to relax and enjoy the company of others. Laughing together, eating together and getting lost together cements our friendships. We forget about classes and upcoming exams, and we focus on the present instead of worrying about classwork. I benefit from our adventures because I return to my dorm feeling refreshed, both mentally and physically. We are making wonderful memories while having an amazing time together. Our explorations impact my life positively.

Bullies By: Kaia Noel Johnson A group of girls who are bullies at my church, of all places, caused me to turn my life around from that of a victim mindset, to the mindset of a victor. The hurt and humiliation that these girls inflicted was unbearable, but after talking to my parents and other loving adults, I was able to really accept myself as a loving and caring person. The bullies’ treatment caused me to reach out to others who also felt their sting and to form true, non-judgmental, friendships. The bullies did not win. I turned my negative feelings into positive actions. I became an instructor at my dance studio, taught Sunday school class at my church, and prepared floral arrangements to bring joy to others. I refused to feel sorry for myself, or to let others destroy my sense of self-worth. I helped my young students appreciate their gifts, talents, and potential, and I try to be inclusive and positive to those that I now come in contact with as a freshman in college. The world is so much better when we lift each other up and refuse to tear others down. We all have something positive to offer, if only we just take the time to truly look and find the good. I plan to keep moving forward in a positive direction. I have forgiven the bullies and I thank them because they helped me appreciate who I am.

I keep a growth mindset by trying new things. I am a freshman at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I try new things weekly. I grow by trying things that I have never tried before. So far, I have attended two Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games. I am a dance major, and I had never been to a professional baseball game before. I especially liked the fireworks. I also keep a growth mindset by trying new foods. This character trait involves courage at times, but I grow and learn to love foods that I had never tried before. I also grow by taking classes in subjects that interest me, and by joining clubs at college that seem to be a lot of fun. Doing the same things over and over, and eating the same foods again and again leaves little room for growth. Trying new things is adventurous, and allows me to grow and expand my mind. Reaching out to others and including others to try new things with me allows me and them to grow. I have been able to meet many new friends here in Pittsburgh, both at Point Park and the University of Pittsburgh because of my inclusive mindset. I plan to keep growing and taking benefit of as many positive opportunities as possible, and I hope to one day share my experiences with others thru dance and thru journalism as an international journalist. Growth is good, and potato dumplings at a Pirates game are pretty good too.

Patience is important to me because it allows me to encourage my young dance students and it builds both their character and mine. I teach dance at the Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts, and the goal of my young students is to earn their first pair of pointe shoes. Pointe shoes to three to five-year-old little girls are like the ruby slippers were to Dorothy. After a few dance classes, they ask when will they get their first pair of pointe shoes. When I tell them that the average age for the first pair is around eleven years old, that often seems like forever to their young minds. So, we focus on how to strengthen the legs, feet and bodies so that they will grow to be strong dancers and earn their pointe shoes. My patience with their endless questions and times when they begin to doubt themselves, assures them that with weekly work, they will achieve their goal. I listen actively to their questions, and patiently answer their concerns. This shows the girls that they do matter, and I truly value their concerns and them as human beings. Their little ballet shoes rarely stay tied all the way thru class, so I have to show patience, gentleness and kindness while we make the “bunny ears” and learn to tie our shoes and tuck in the laces. My family showed patience to me. I am the youngest sibling, and they took time to show me how to tie my shoes when I outgrew Velcro shoe enclosures. Patience and kindness are contagious, and they are especially important to exhibit to young children, the elderly and those who need more time to accomplish tasks. I hope my patience with my young dancers will result in them being patient to others as well.

Eating healthy foods, exercising, and keeping a positive mindset are the ways that I think one can have a long life. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and avoiding foods that are filled with empty calories, fat, and too much sugar will result in one feeling better and having strength to enjoy life. There are so many delicious fruits and vegetables and a diet that is full of them will result in a longer life. Exercising every day will also lead to a long life. Just walking a dog, playing with children, or going to a gym will increase a person’s lifespan. Physical hobbies such as biking, hiking, gardening and swimming are great ways to extend one’s lifespan while enjoying activities that are fun. Exercise in the form team or recreational sports is also a good way to improve physical health while benefitting from companionship with teammates. And finally, I think that the most important way to live a long life is to maintain a positive mindset. Focusing on the positive goes a long way to improve one’s mood and mental health. When obstacles arise, it is much better to focus on positive solutions and outcomes rather than to become negative and have a defeated mindset. Laughter and joy are incredible mood boosters. Continual mental practice of focusing on good outcomes leads to a habit of positive thinking. The longer that a person focuses on positive things, the easier that it becomes to maintain a positive outlook. Once a person masters this skill, they can affect others with their positivity and this will result in many others developing a positive mind set as well.

My faith in God makes me resilient. I know that no thing is too hard for Him. Faith in God and His power and His plans makes it easier for me to face challenges and to look hard ships straight in the face and know that I will come out stronger on the other side. My faith in Him has made me resilient in facing tuition and financial challenges, physical challenges and family crises. I also plan to use my experiences to uplift others in my community who are underrepresented. My resiliency grew during the college application process. My family does not have money available to finance a college education, but I did not let a lack of funds stop me from applying to Point Park University. I refused to let fear ruin my future. I resolved to try anyhow. My faith in God resulted in my being accepted into the Honors Program at Point Park and into the Conservatory for Fine Arts at Point Park with scholarships, grants and loans. I am determined to obtain my degree in dance and to minor in journalism. I plan to give back to those in my hometown who are underrepresented by teaching dance lessons for free at my own studio, which I hope to purchase with grant funding. Dance for me has been an outlet and means of expression. I plan to share this amazing artform with students who wish to dance, but lack funding for training. My faith also strengthened my resiliency during physical challenges. I suffered a concussion and shoulder injury that side-lined me from my passion of dance. I had to remain hopeful and positive during rehabilitation. Patience with physical therapy and physical limitations helped me to focus on a good outcome. I was able to concentrate on service and helping others grow during this time. Although, I could not dance, I still went to class, encouraged my teammates, helped office staff, and remained thankful to God for the things that He allowed me to do. I will help others who are underrepresented face any physical challenges that may come their way. I will show them from experience that there are many ways that you can serve others and remain positive during challenges. Resiliency expanded the most during family crises. My older sister has had many surgeries and procedures out of state. My parents often left me with my aunts so that they could travel with her and so that I would not miss school and dance. God comforted me during those times of loneliness and worry. I knew that He was always with me and looking after me and my sister. I resolved to be the best student and dancer possible during those times. I knew that I could always talk to God, and during times when words would not come because of the tears, I knew that He understood. My faith in God helped me to survive. I will share with those that I teach my own faith journey. I will help them to realize that they are not alone, and that they have inside of them the resiliency to change the world.

The Arts By: Kaia Noel Johnson As a highly influential individual, I would stand for implementing arts programs in all schools from pre-school to college. As a dancer and performer, the arts have allowed me the freedom to express my creativity and to present an opportunity for others to relax, listen to music, and see dance productions. Children would be given the opportunity, from a young age, to explore the arts. Lessons in dance, voice, musical instruments, painting and theater would expand the students’ creative side. Creative writing, story-telling and immersion in international arts would benefit the students. Instead of eliminating the arts, I would make the arts a part of every student’s curriculum and generate funding for all schools, not just wealthy private schools or colleges. A wide variety of arts programs would be available so that the students would be able to take lessons in what interests them. I would also make sure that the students would be given an opportunity to try different forms of the arts. Students need a positive outlet to express themselves, and who knows the next Misty Copeland, Picasso, Charles Dickens, Maya Angelou, or Wynton Marsalis may come forward from their midst. Using my influence to provide lessons in the arts would ensure that America’s creativity would thrive and not die.

My ability to make, keep and nurture friendships is one thing that I love about myself. I have many friends and I make it a priority to stay in frequent touch with my friends. For me, friends are a gift and a privilege. I love that I am an active listener and encourager for my friends, and we add so much to each of our lives. I have new friends at college this year, life-long childhood friends back at home, and international friends that I met while at a summer program. Making friends is easy for me, and I love that I make sure to call them often and sty in touch. I have an outgoing personality and love meeting and talking to other people. Just being friendly adds so much goodness and kindness to the world. Listening to my friends, and being there for them both physically and emotionally when they need to talk is something that I cherish. Being a true friend is what I love about me.

Following Alex Haley’s quote, “Find the good and praise it”, has helped me to stay optimistic during trying times. My family also uses a phrase to “find 10 things to be thankful for in all situations”. When we are faced with challenges from hospital stays, to school assignments, to trying relationships, my mother reminds us to “find 10 things”. This shift in focus, causes me to look for, to find just 10 things to be thankful for. Once I reach 10, I find that I can find more things to be thankful for. There is much more good to see and so many things and people to offer praise for. I put this into action by praising my young dance students and encouraging them even when our classes met on Zoom. I would always find a good movement, position, facial expression or effort to compliment the students on. We used Zoom to continue their training during the pandemic. As an added benefit, I met many of their pets who seemed curious about the face and voice on the computer screen. We laughed at their pets’ antics. I remained optimistic by focusing on creating fun and enjoyable Zoom dance lessons for my students, and in turn they filled my life with joy and laughter. I remain optimistic by also volunteering and focusing on helping others. I volunteer with Random Acts of Flowers. Random Acts of Flowers receives gently used floral arrangements from weddings, grocery stores, and other venues. We then make arrangements to deliver to patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Flowers are recycled and joy is delivered with each arrangement. Optimism for me is active and contagious. I choose to find positive, good things in all situations, and looking for “ten things” is a positive habit for me now.

Dance for God Mama asked me if I could dance anywhere in the world, where would that be? She thought I would say Paris or London, but I told her that I would dance for God in heaven. Mama cried. Mama knew how much I loved to dance, but she had no idea that I knew Who gave me the gift of dance. Mama is now working two jobs to support me in my first year of college. She paid for all of my dance classes, pointe, tap, jazz and ballet shoes, and most importantly, she always encourages me to excel. The journey to Point Park University’s Dance Conservatory and Honor Program was not easy. As I saw her never stop working and pushing herself, it encouraged me to dream big dreams for myself and reach goals for myself. My mother loves me and any amount of funding that I receive will ease the financial burden that is on our shoulders. I was graciously awarded a partial scholarship by Point Park, but it is not enough to cover all expenses. I would be humbled to receive your award. I plan to graduate with dual degrees. I plan to obtain my BFA in dance with a Jazz concentration, and I plan to earn a degree in Journalism. I plan to perform and share my God-given gift with others and lift their spirits if only for a short time, and I plan to continue teaching young children how to express themselves thru dance. After dancing, I plan to write and travel as a global journalist. There are so many human-interest stories to be told by people around the world, and I would like to share their stories with others. My relationship with my mother influenced my decision to go to college by instilling in me the need to equip myself with the training and education that only college can provide so that I can be trained to be the best dancer and the best journalist possible. I need an education in order to give the very best possible to my deserving students and to my audiences. I will use my gifts to dance for God and for my Mama.

Paris, France is the country that I would like to visit for my study abroad experience. I was homeschooled from kindergarten thru high school with dual enrollment classes to supplement high school courses. Family finances were limited and I was unable to take a senior high school trip like some public and private school students are able to do. My family used finances to further my educational opportunities instead. I began taking private French lessons when I was 7 years old, and I continued until I graduated from high school. My French instructors were amazing, and I would love to visit their home cities and especially the elementary schools. My instructors would bring in French food dishes for me to try, bring in adult French nationals to speak their native language with, and bring in other students to share French information with. I would be humbled for the opportunity to visit French historical sites as well. We studied French history and customs, and I would love to see the Eiffel Tower, Normandy Beach, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Elysees. A study abroad trip to Paris would also give me the opportunity to use French language skills. I would get the chance to put into practice years of classroom instruction of French language. I would get the chance to experience French housing, meals, transportation, and educational systems, and I would also get the opportunity as a student as well as a dancer, to visit the Paris Opera Ballet. I have been studying ballet since I was three years old and visiting the Paris Opera Ballet would be a great opportunity. The world is not as big as it seems, and we citizens have a lot of things in common. Distance should not keep us from experiencing our similarities nor should it keep us from truly appreciating each other. Studying abroad will ensure that distance will not deter chances to form friendships and appreciate other human beings.

Firebird My favorite piece of art was Misty Copeland in Igor Stavinsky’s “Firebird”. Her dancing and portrayal were incredible. This is my favorite because I am an African American ballerina like Misty, and I like her, I am pursing my dream of becoming a professional dancer. I am from a small town in Tennessee, but I have big city dreams. I have had to actively seek out training for various dance art forms. I have had to go out of state and explore many wonderful opportunities to expand the gift of dance that I have been humbly given. I am currently a freshman dance major at Point Park University, and I feel so at home here where all of the arts are celebrated. I am humbled to have class with other dancers, artists, and musicians. I have had to create opportunities in order to grow as a dancer, and I will perform and share my passion for dance with audiences world-wide.

Listening to others is the one way that I strive to have a positive impact in the world. Listening to my friends, my family, my professors, and my young students is the active way that I offer positive impacts. I listen to my friends without interrupting them. When they are sharing their concerns, their joys, and even their frustrations, I let them talk and lend a listening ear. Often times people just need someone to listen to them. My friends just want me to hear what they have to say, and by me just listening, I offer them support without judgement. I listen to my professors and dance instructors as well. When then are teaching, I show them respect and gratitude by actively listening to what they are saying. I am not on my phone or day dreaming. I purposefully listen to what they are saying and we both reap benefits. My teachers are encouraged to keep sharing information, and I gain knowledge by listening to what they have to say. I also listen to my young dance students. They are so funny and eager to share stories with me. I listen to everything that three to five-year-olds want to share. I have heard stories about their pets, the tooth fairy, and even stories of wanting to have wild animals live with them. I listen as they hope to become dancers in sparkly costumes as well, especially for recital. I listen with my eyes, with a smile, and with nods of my head. I positively let the young “jewels” share their stories, hopes and dreams with me while I wish in my heart that they do come true.

The Finish Line? Kaia Johnson How do I achieve my dream? My dream has always been to become a professional dancer. It is certainly not an easy path to take…so how can I get there? My name is Kaia Johnson. My life has always looked slightly different than the lives of my friends. I am a competitive dancer and I have been homeschooled since preschool. My parents both work full-time jobs. Because of that, my aunts, Billie Johnson and Corine Crawford, stepped in. They would care for me throughout the day as well as take me to dance classes and rehearsals. Both of my aunts are social butterflies who love to be involved in many community events. Caring for me throughout the day did not interfere with their active lives. I learned so many wonderful things as a result of my aunts caring for me. I learned how to set a formal table before I learned how to do cross-multiplication. I learned how board meetings are conducted before I was old enough to start learning how to drive. That being said, running around Knoxville with my aunts meant that I had to do my schoolwork in many different settings. Whether it be in a car, at a luncheon, or in the lobby waiting for a play to begin, my schoolwork had to be completed. It was impossible for me to always be the center of attention, neither with my parents nor with my aunts. There was not always someone there to ensure that I had completed all of my schoolwork. It was up to me to be diligent in my studies. It was necessary that I develop the motivation to complete my work. I knew what had to be done and it was my responsibility to do it. A dancer must possess an enormous amount motivation. The time that a dancer commits to the art form is immeasurable. A vast amount of that time is spent working outside of the studio doing things to further one’s craft on their own time. Stretching at home, doing strengthening exercises, and reviewing choreography before the next rehearsal, are just a few things that a responsible dancer must do. As a dancer becomes more advanced the time commitment for the artform increases and there is a greater need for intense dedication. It may seem weird to see a young girl with her hair in a bun and her nose always in a book, traveling all across the city with two women in their sixties. That has always been my “normal.” All that I have learned throughout the early years of my life, has been a form of preparation. I learned about focus and motivation which will be needed throughout my journey towards becoming a professional dancer. If someone asked me what word I would use to describe myself I would say: determined. How do I get to the finish line? The answer to that question is by staying focused, motivated, and pressing forward with intense determination. I know that I have chosen a path that is incredibly hard and may even viewed by some as impossible. If I keep my eyes on the finish line and do everything in my power to reach it, I know that I will succeed. Looking back over my life has made me realize how my experiences have impacted me. The lessons that I have learned are stepping-stones on the path to my dream. My dream is not an easy one to reach, but I, Kaia Noel Johnson, will get to the finish line. I WILL achieve my dream.

My Superhero By: Kaia Johnson When asked to describe the superhero teacher in my life who has motivated me to succeed, the woman who I immediately think of is Katelyn Holly. My name is Kaia Johnson. I have known Katelyn (who goes by Kate) for over a decade. She is one of my main dance instructors at my dance studio. Ms. Kate is one of the most self-less people that I have met in my life. She is the first person to arrive and the last person to leave. Ms. Kate is one of the people that I trust the most in my life. I know that no matter what may be happening in my life, I can go to her and she will help me to the best of her ability. One of the dreams that I have had since I was three has been to become a professional dancer. This dream is not an easy one to reach. Ms. Kate has never lied to me about how hard it is to become a professional dancer and to dance professionally. She tells me the truth about the dance industry to motivate me to work harder in order to succeed. Ms. Kate has impacted my educational pursuits by challenging me to excel in both of my passions: dance and journalism. She has helped me become the dancer I am today who will be attending one of the top universities in the nation for dance. Ms. Kate exhibits a heart of service and always seeks to uplift those around her. Every so often one discovers a rare “gem” in his or her life. One of my rare “gems” is getting to know what an exceptional woman Katelyn Holly truly is. Ms. Kate has taught me that one cannot get through life alone. I strive to exhibit a caring nature as I enter college as well as for the rest of my life. As a dancer, I will exhibit this characteristic by helping my fellow dancers get ready for shows, rehearse choreography, and by helping them do their hair and their makeup. As a journalist, I will exhibit this characteristic by always keeping my audience first. I will do my part to ensure the information is correct so that I may deliver this information to members of my community and beyond. I am blessed to have Superhero Kate in my life. She has made many impacts on my life, and she has helped me become the young lady who is writing this essay today. I am grateful to have her in my life as both a teacher and a friend. Up, Up, and Away! I am excited to fly into the next chapter of my life and I am blessed to always have my superhero by my side.

The Finish Line By: Kaia Johnson How do I achieve my dream? My dream has always been to become a professional dancer. It is certainly not an easy path to take…so how can I get there? My name is Kaia Johnson. My life has always looked slightly different than the lives of my friends. I am a competitive dancer and I have been homeschooled since preschool. There is a popular saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Those words were extremely true in my life. My parents both work full-time jobs. Because of that, my aunts, Billie Johnson and Corine Crawford, stepped in. They would care for me throughout the day as well as take me to dance classes and rehearsals. They along with many people from my church home and several other family members have helped me become the young lady that I am today. That being said, spending much time with my aunts meant that I had to do my schoolwork in many different settings. Whether it be in a car, at a luncheon, or in the lobby waiting for a play to begin, my schoolwork had to be completed. It was impossible for me to always be the center of attention, neither with my parents nor with my aunts. There was not always someone there to ensure that I had completed all of my schoolwork. It was up to me to be diligent in my studies. It was necessary that I develop the motivation to complete my work. I knew what had to be done and it was my responsibility to do it. A dancer must possess an enormous amount motivation. The time that a dancer commits to the art form is immeasurable. A vast amount of that time is spent working outside of the studio doing things to further one’s craft on their own time. Stretching at home, doing strengthening exercises, and reviewing choreography before the next rehearsal, are just a few things that a responsible dancer must do. As a dancer becomes more advanced the time commitment for the artform increases and there is a greater need for intense dedication. It may seem weird to see a young girl with her hair in a bun and her nose always in a book, traveling all across the city with two women in their sixties. That has always been my “normal.” All that I have learned throughout the early years of my life, has been a form of preparation. I learned about focus and motivation which will be needed in the next phase of my journey towards becoming a professional dancer, attending Point Park University to earn a BFA in dance. How do I get to the finish line? There are two answers to that question. First, I must keep the Lord first in my life and remember that it is okay to need help along the way. Second, I must stay focused, motivated, and keep pressing forward with intense determination. I know that I have chosen a path that is incredibly hard and may even viewed by some as impossible. If I keep my eyes on the finish line, I know that I can succeed with God’s help and the help of those who love me. Looking back over my life has made me realize how my experiences have impacted me. The lessons that I have learned are stepping-stones on the path to my dream. What excites me most about the world is the chance to give back. I have not gotten where I stand today by myself. My dream is not an easy one to reach. Reaching that dream will allow me to have a unique way to give back to others by storytelling and inspiring. The finish line. It is not just about becoming a professional dancer. The finish line will come on the glorious day when I get to meet my Lord and Savior. When that time comes, I hope to have led souls to Him and to hear those beautiful words, “Well done My good and faithful servant.”

Ice Cream By: Kaia Johnson Why try to be the chocolate ice cream when you were born to be the triple chocolate, double fudge extreme? This is how I view life. My name is Kaia Johnson. I have grown up as a dancer which has led me to a life that is far away from being simply, chocolate ice cream. I definitely have a big personality that may even be bigger than a funfetti ice cream sundae. I love all things that are big, bold, and bright. Hot pink, glitter, rhinestones (oh, and of course ice cream!) …pretty much if it is going shine and shimmer, I will love it! While I do LOVE dance because of the costumes, dance is the avenue that allows me to fully explore my creativity. It has been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember. This fall, I will be continuing my studies of the artform at Point Park University. When I think about my biggest artistic ambitions, I automatically think about performing. Performing is one of my favorite parts of dancing. It is a culmination of months and months of hard work. It allows the dancers to connect with audience members. It brings joy. I want to spread the joy that dance brings to audiences across the world. A dancer can never have too much training. As mentioned, before I will be attending Point Park University in the fall to pursue my BFA in dance. The training that I will get there will help me further my craft and become a stronger dancer, but it will be very costly. I have an older sister who is enrolled at the University of Tennessee’s School of Veterinary Medicine. She has also had several surgeries, due to health complications since the age of twelve. My family has unfortunately received a triple scoop of bills lately, my tuition, her tuition, and her medical bills. We have had to take out several loans, both of my parents have withdrawn from their 401Ks, and my mother is currently seeking another job. Receiving this scholarship would help me by lifting a burden off my shoulders. It would allow me to focus more of my time and energy on becoming a better dancer and sharing the gift of dance, rather than constantly worrying about how the next semester’s tuition will be paid. Life is really like ice cream. Sometimes it melts or you get thrown a triple scoop of the yuckiest flavor. Despite that, there are many other flavors available that you can get with hard work, dedication, and the help of others. Dancing? Why, that is the best flavor of all! JOY!! Please help me continue to scoop out joy to deliver to audiences across the globe.

Peanuts is the comic strip that has impacted my life the most. I love all of the characters, and I even have friends who remind me of the characters. A bossy friend like Lucy. A smart dog who acts like Snoopy, and a lovable friend like Charlie Brown. Schroeder is my favorite character because he is a genius on the piano. I never made it past beginner lessons. It is so good for me to read Peanuts and relax. The local and national news papers are often filled with troubling information; however, I can find the comics in them and laugh and find joy.

Discovering Kaia Johnson Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of conducting an interview with Miss Kaia Johnson. I was able to talk about many things with Miss Johnson including what she calls to be a “defining moment in her life.” “How would you feel if you felt your dreams come crashing down?” Miss Johnson asks, “Because that is exactly what happened to me in the spring of 2021.” “My top two choices for college were the University of Georgia and Florida State University respectively. I am planning to double major in dance and journalism. Because of my wish to pursue a major in dance, I had to submit two applications to every college that I applied to: one for dance and one for general admissions. “I typically would receive my acceptance letter to the dance program before my general acceptance letter. In the fall of 2020, I was accepted to my dream dance programs at the University of Georgia and at Florida State University. “I waited tirelessly for months checking my email and waiting for letters from UGA and FSU. When those letters did arrive…let’s just say I was the furthest thing from happy. I was denied admission to both of my dream schools. “I was now left with a difficult choice to make six weeks before the national decision date. While I had applied to other schools, I had blinders on for both UGA and FSU. They were the only schools that I wanted to attend. “One of the other schools that I applied to was Point Park University which is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I have a really close friend who graduated from there with her BFA in dance. She absolutely loved it and recommended it to me. In addition to her recommendation, Point Park is ranked in the top ten for the best dance programs in the country. This was a fact that I knew going into the application process. Their journalism program is also outstanding. Despite that, I still only wanted to go to the University of Georgia or Florida State University. “When I thought of the perfect university, I was thinking about the experience and about the location. I grew up going to football games and I had dreams about getting to dance on my college’s dance team. With that in mind, UGA and FSU seemed like the best choices for me. Looking back, I can see that while they were very important to me at the time, I would have been choosing these colleges for superficial reasons without considering what would truly benefit my career. “The Bible tells us that, ‘all things work together for good’ (Romans 8:28). Had I been accepted into one of my ‘dream’ schools, I probably would have made one of the worst mistakes of my life. Even if I had a great time, I would not have the opportunities that Point Park provides.” What was not mentioned is that Kaia Johnson has a 4.0 GPA, is in an honor society, volunteers at Random Acts of Flowers, all while training 25+ hours a week as a competitive dancer. The significance of this moment proved to Kaia that when things do not work out the way you want, there is a reason for it. Something better, that you could not see before, is lying behind that door that may appear less glittery and less attractive.

"The thing about performance, even if it's only an illusion, is that it is a celebration of the fact that we do contain within ourselves infinite possibilities." — Sydney Smith, English writer My name is Kaia Johnson. Performing is something that I am extremely familiar with. It is something that I love to do. But it is not always a true representation of what goes on behind the scenes. I agree with this quote because sometimes performance can be an illusion. Even if it is not a performance related to the arts, there are many times in life when one will have to perform, even if it is an illusion. Sometimes you must dig deeper than you ever thought possible. On the days when it seems as if your life is falling apart and it takes every ounce of strength to get out of bed, those are the days when you are growing the most. You get out of bed, complete your responsibilities and to others it may seem as if you are okay. The act of getting up and completing your responsibilities is the illusion. Other people may not know what is happening in your life. You may not know what is happening in the lives of other people. On those days when you feel at your lowest, you are learning from that experience and discovering your true inner strength. This quote has proved to be true in my life. Whether it be dancing or simply having to face an extremely hard day, I am learning how much I can accomplish. I am discovering that nothing is impossible with dedication. In dance, the audience does not always get to see the extensive preparation that goes into every performance. The work of the dancer, the choreographers, the technical crew, the directors, and others all come together to create a beautiful show for all to enjoy. It is the preparation and the teamwork that builds stronger people. I adore performing regardless of how big or small the audience may be. Sometimes getting to the point of performing takes every bit of strength that you possess, in addition to the strength that you did not know you had. The old saying, “it takes a village” is true. We need each other to get through life. Those days when you are at your lowest, someone else may be also. This is why performing, even if it is an illusion is so important. Not only is one able to find their own strength, but they will also help others by giving them hope.

Being an Artist Kaia Johnson Right now, I am staring at a blank screen. As I type words appear. The words allow a story to be made, they provide interest and color. I believe that everything has a time and place. There are many things that provide the color and interest to our world. Among them, are the arts. My name is Kaia Johnson. To me, an artist means someone who is determined to share their vision with the world. Artists face several challenges in their lives, and they must be resilient in the pursuit of their craft. I was once asked if I knew the probability of actually “making it” as a dancer. While my answer to this question was yes, I have begun to interpret a different meaning of the phrase “making it.” Being an artist is not about the glory, the praise, nor even the financial stability that come with supposedly “making it.” Being an artist is about creating and sharing. It is a beautiful, selfless career. It means following your dreams despite the circumstances. Following your dreams is not always free, not even in a monetary sense. As a dancer, I am continuously working on my craft and pushing to become a better dancer than I was the day before. Being an artist drives me because I always want to deliver my best work. When the day comes that I will leave earth, I hope that the next generation of dancers will remember me as someone who never stopped trying to become a better version of herself. Have you ever felt deeply connected to something? Maybe to a spouse, a sibling, or a family pet? That is how I feel connected to dance. Just like a connection that is tactile, you may sometimes feel aggravated at the connection. My relationship with dance has not always been amazing. I have certainly had days where I have wanted to quit. There are days of physical pain when my feet are swollen and bleeding. There are other days of emotional pain when I see my friends who are hanging out while I am in a rehearsal. Despite having days where I have wanted leave dancing behind, there is something that will not let me give it up: my connection to it. I am connected to my artform because dancing forces me to discover who I truly am. Dance inspires me to become better. I am connected to dance because it is my freedom. When I am dancing, I feel as if I am an eagle. I am soaring in the sky and there is nothing that could ever bring me down. There are many people in the world today who may not have discovered their passion. There are also people who may be needing an outlet to escape, even if only for a moment. I plan to use dance to connect with future generations by showing them the power that dance can have. Dance can be used to communicate when words cannot be said. Dance can be used to allow one to express themselves when they feel that they cannot. I hope to spread the joy of dance to the future generations to ensure the continuation of this beautiful artform.

Petals with Purpose is my small business. I started this business after volunteering with Random Acts of Flowers and seeing how much joy that just a simple bunch of flowers can bring to someone who is ill or in a nursing home. Random Acts of Flowers is limited however, in terms of who receives an arrangement, so I decided to start my own floral business in order to bring joy to many others. I have provided floral arrangements for birthday parties, graduation and retirement parties, and weddings. My business also decorates event venues and occasionally caters events. My experience as a small business owner has been educational. Budgets, advertising, storage space, and finding reliable employees are areas that required the most attention. I had to learn to bill according to the services provided so that I would adequately pay expenses and earn a profit. My early events normally broke even or in some cases, I was left with a deficit. I am working out of my parent’s home and storage space is still sometimes an issue depending on the size of an event. I quickly learned what my capacity limits are by trial and error. In order to purchase a large refrigerator that is designated strictly for the business, I have to continue to set aside a small percentage of my profits. Sometimes business is really good, and at others it lags, so I have to take as many jobs as possible during peak seasons so that I can balance a lack of business. The pandemic really hurt my business, but thankfully things have been picking up. I just completed furnishing table centerpieces and provided decorated cheesecakes for a dessert table for a wedding. I have not mastered advertising, and I would like to learn more about that aspect of my business. So far, I have business cards, and word-of -mouth has gotten me many jobs. Employees are my family and friends. I pay them either before or after an event. Event deposits are used to purchase flowers and supplies. I have learned that I have a great support system. My family and friends are reliable, and I know that as my business expands, I will definitely need more employees. My motivation is to provide a service and fulfill a need using my gift and love of flowers. While I am working to provide beautiful arrangements or decorating an event space, I simply loose myself in what I am doing. I absolutely love sharing flowers with those who have a need. I love the smiles on brides’ faces when they see the flowers, and I love to see relief and appreciation on the faces of other clients when their needs are taken care of. I have so much more to learn, but my floral petals will continue to serve many purposes.

Women can most effectively be empowered by society by fair and equal compensation for the jobs that they do. Appropriate and equal salaries for women would empower them to provide for their families without working two or three jobs just to make ends meet. It is time for all women to earn what males do in similar professions. My own mother has applied for a higher position at her job, but management there is grooming a less senior new hire, who also happens to be Caucasian, for the job. The new hire has not even completed his probationary period. My mother has over thirty years of experience, but due to Southern sexist and racist attitudes, she may have to work at a different part-time job, in addition to her full-time job to help pay college tuition for both me and my sister. Being African American seems to have put her at a disadvantage as well. If society could look past her gender and race and see that she is well qualified and experienced for the position, it would not only benefit her, but also benefit both me and my sister. Too many women work just as hard as their male co-workers and they should be paid accordingly. Women have been successfully at multi-tasking for years and excelling at it. Women have managed to have successful careers while maintaining their families’ lives. Time management, conflict resolutions, and group projects and presentations are areas in which women thrive. They must be paid equally. Good compensation would even encourage more women to enter the work force and provide for themselves. Women do not need men or anyone else to take care of them. Women can make it on their own. Adequate pay would definitely ensure that. Along with good pay, women in the work force would also have an opportunity for benefits that come with good jobs. They would have access to medical, dental and health insurance. Vision insurance and life insurance plans are also added benefits for good jobs. Some employers even offer tuition assistance. These and other benefits would empower women to further their educations and apply for advancement. Just a good job with equal pay would better the lives of so many women. Southern ideals and stereotypes must be discarded. Women must be compensated according to their skills and experience. Race and gender should never factor into pay. In order to stop the bias, laws must be put into place and enforced when abuse occurs. Empower women by paying them what they are worth. It is time for men in authority to stop abusing women because one day, we will hold the reigns and we will hold those who abuse us accountable.

You’re lost. You’re trapped. Your world is spinning out of control until suddenly, it all makes sense. You are probably sitting on the other side of the screen right now thinking what does this girl mean? To answer the question: “How has dance or how have performing arts touched my life,” I had to be lost, I had to be trapped, and my world had to spiral out of control. I am the youngest child in a family with two children. My sister is eight years older than me. When most people begin to think about the “baby” of the family, they immediately think of someone who has been spoiled and has had all the attention focused on them. With me however, I do not believe that to be true. My childhood looked different than the childhoods of my friends. While most of my friends went to birthday parties, sleepovers, or had a spa night with their mother, I was in a hospital waiting room or staying at my aunt’s house until late at night. My sister has had a myriad of health problems from a young age which has in turn uprooted the lives of my family and me. I felt lost because I never knew what type of day it would be. Would we have a great day where my sister is doing better and we are able to have family events? Or would it be a bad day spent in an emergency room again? I felt trapped because I wanted things to get better, but there was nothing that I could do. My world was continually spinning out of control. When everything seemed to be going wrong, there was one thing that was going right: dance. Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can possibly remember. I could write about dance and how much it means to me for ages, but I will sum it up by saying it means to me what paint means to a painter, it means to me what words mean to a writer, it is my voice, it is vital. Dancing is what allowed me to feel like I finally had a voice. Dance is what let me be found. Dance was the freedom that I needed after I was trapped in hospital room after hospital room. Dance was the constant I needed in my life. It took time for me to realize that the artform that had been in my life for so long could be my voice and my platform. Dance is a selfless artform. Overtime, I have discovered that I cannot always dance for myself. Dance is an artform that should be shared. Through dance, I hope to change the lives of others by providing them an escape. By seeing me dance, I hope that I can reach out to others and show them the beauty of dance. There are others in this world who have felt lost, trapped, and who have had their world spin out of control. There are a lot of people who have certainly had worse experiences than my family and I have. I want to provide those people with an outlet to release their emotions and to finally be free.

In!! By: Kaia Noel Johnson My greatest accomplishment so far, has been acceptance into the Conservatory of Performing Arts for Dance at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and acceptance into their Honors Program. I will be attending Point Park this upcoming fall. There were many challenges for me during my senior year of high school. The pandemic and a lack of finances and resources eliminated opportunities to visit colleges. I had to apply for admission not only academically, but also artistically into dance departments. I was accepted into seven dance programs, and I chose Point Park. The stress from applications, videos, submitting documents and transcripts, along with reference requests enabled me to develop exceptional organizational skills and a determination that if I wanted to be admitted, I must succeed at setting goals and obtaining them, one task at a time. I had a wonderful support system composed of my parents, teachers and mentors. The experience taught me that I am determined and focused. I learned to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. It also taught me to be creative when expenses outweighed income. Lack of funds caused me to seek employment in order to pay for my training while sharing my love of dance with younger students. It also taught me to expand helping others by volunteering at my church’s food pantry and meeting the needs of others in my community. It taught me that others are appreciative of even the smallest gestures of help. In the future, I plan to graduate from Point Park with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance with a concentration in jazz. I also plan to graduate with a degree in Communications-Journalism. I plan to perform and teach dance, and when my career as a performer is over, I plan to work as an international journalist. I plan to work as a photo-journalist as well. Over the summers, while I am an undergraduate, I plan to continue studying and search for Study Abroad opportunities as well as internships. I am fluent in French, and I hope to visit France for one Study Abroad experience. Teaching dance is another goal of mine. I hope to continue to teach dance lessons to young students and share a common love for the artform. I plan to extend my knowledge of dance productions by volunteering for stage-hand, lighting, sound, costuming, and choreography opportunities. As a member of Point Park’s Honors Program, I plan to explore volunteer opportunities to assist the community at the school and in Pittsburgh. Getting in for me was just the beginning. Now that I am in, I plan to relish each opportunity and to be a success.

Pirouette By: Kaia Noel Johnson A pirouette is a ballet dance term for a controlled spin or turn on one leg. That supporting leg has the heel elevated off the floor in a rise position with only the balls of the foot in contact with the floor. Core strength, body control, and speed are necessary to execute the spin. I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and I am a dancer who has mastered the pirouette. With my coaches’ help, and with hours of practice, I like Darnellia Russell in the movie, have overcome challenges to be a champion. When I began dancing, the artform came naturally to me; however, I needed coaches and instructors to help me develop me into the dancer that I am today. I have taken many classes, and practiced for countless hours in order to be the best dancer that I possibly can. When I am exhausted, I am like the team in the movie, I press forward. I even use the quote, “throw me to the wolves and I’ll return leading the pack.” (Katness in The Hunger Games) My coaches pushed me, and my heart and love for dance grew. I was able to join the competitive dance team for Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts and compete against other dancers and win many awards and scholarships. I was able to perform for audiences and share my gift and love for dance with others. My commitment and perseverance led to my acceptance into seven dance programs for college. I have been accepted into the Conservatory of Performing Arts for Dance at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for this upcoming fall. I have also been accepted into the Honor’s Program there as well. Working as hard as possible academically as well as artistically resulted in scholarships to attend Point Park. I am blessed to have had caring and committed coaches and instructors in my life. Like Coach Resler in the movie, they never gave up on me. They saw the potential in my life, and now I see it too. Together, we have reached a positive goal. I will be the first student in my family to graduate from college. My father works 3 jobs to support my dreams, and my mother works 2 jobs so that dance lessons and college for me will be a reality. The Heart of the Game Scholarship will help me reach my goals of becoming a professional dancer, and double majoring in journalism for a career as an international journalist after my performance career. I, like Darnellia, have heart. I will pirouette when obstacles come, and I will keep a strong foot supporting every move. I will turn and face challenges head-on. I will succeed. I will win!

Dancers are Flexible By: Kaia Noel Johnson Dancers are flexible. We bend, stretch and reach. Flexibility is a requirement for the artform and for life. The pandemic positively affected me by developing flexibility and creativity in my life. I teach dance classes and in order to continue training my students, I had to come up with creative ways to teach with Zoom. I was unable to physically teach in the studio, but I could teach on Zoom. I was able to help my students as they searched for spaces to dance in their homes, and they were able to retain dance terms and dance movements. An added bonus was that I also got to meet many of my students’ family members including pets. The pandemic caused me to stretch and bend, but I did not break. I only became more flexible.

Incredible! By: Kaia Noel Johnson As she walked up the steps to the stage, she was fearless. She had a job to do. She had steps to remember. She had to perform. She had to do it alone. Her costume fit perfectly and her red cape caught the lights when she moved. She is only three years old, but she was incredible. I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and the little girl that I described above is Marla, one of my creative dance students. She was my only student who was brave enough to perform at recital on stage by herself, and she wanted to be one of the characters from Disney’s movie, The Incredibles. I too am fearless. I am about to graduate from high school, and I need the scholarship to help pay for college tuition, textbooks, my meal plan, and housing. I also need the scholarship to pay for pointe shoes, turners, tap shoes, ballet shoes, leotards, and recovery leg support socks. I love dance, and I enjoy teaching the artform to younger students. In order to teach on an elementary, high school or undergrad level, I will need a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. I have been accepted into Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts for this upcoming fall, and I have also been accepted into Point Park University’s Honor Program. The university has generously offered me a scholarship and grant, but the remaining cost to attend is very large. I am determined to follow my dreams and to help others. Auditioning and being admitted are just the first steps for me. I hope to study aboard and immerse myself in French culture, and I hope to take full advantage of the excellent journalism program at Point Park. I have applied for many scholarships, and I refuse to let a perceived lack of funds deter me from reaching my goals. I will double major in both journalism and dance, and I will reach global audiences thru both avenues. I am grounded in my faith, and my work ethic and creativity will allow me to make progress. I used my creativity to gain a work study apprenticeship this upcoming summer in order to train and teach for The Commercial Dance Intensive in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I have also made positive solutions to pay for my own dance training by teaching classes to off-set fees. I have been awarded dance scholarships as well from Ballet Gloria, Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts, 24Seven Dance, Orlando Ballet, and Encore Dance. I am humbled by the recognition and faith of those who support my talent. Their support has encouraged me to press forward and achieve my dreams. I really need the scholarship. I am so thankful that it is being offered, and I appreciate the desire to help others. I too will one day give back. I will reach my goals of graduating from the conservatory and college, performing and teaching dance, and writing globally. I will be incredible!

Meal Plans By: Kaia Noel Johnson They line up on Saturday mornings for bags of food and household cleaning products. They are from all age groups. Some walk in. Others come in cars. The little children always get my attention. There are usually more of them than there are bags for them. I want to change the lack of food in my community. There are many in my community who are suffering from a lack of food. Without it, they do not have the physical strength to look for jobs and to ask for help. Some in my community have lost jobs and homes. The food pantry at my church, Foster Chapel Baptist Church, is small, but we manage to give out 100-200 bags on just one Saturday a month. The need is greater than our resources. I volunteer to help assemble and distribute the bags, and I see the relief that just a simple bag of food brings. I want to do more. I plan to attend college in the fall and major double major in dance and journalism. I hope to use the skills that I gain from journalism to write globally to really bring the difficulties of food shortages to the public’s attention. Children cannot concentrate in school when their last meal was lunch at school from the day before. There is a tremendous food wastage in America, and if that food that is wasted and discarded could be given to those in need, we would all benefit. Even college students sometimes have to choose between tuition and having a nutritious meal. Our local college has a food pantry for its students. The students pay thousands of dollars to attend, and yet, many who attend there are hungry. Since the pandemic seems to be getting better, I plan to seek many other donors to contribute to my church’s food pantry. We receive many canned food items, but I would like to see more fresh produce, fruits, and even meats. I plan to seek assistance from a local poultry distributor and from several of our farmers’ markets. If I can gather even a small amount, the difference for the families that we help would be tremendous. Globally, I would like to see countries working together to provide food to those in need. I would like to see programs put into place that continually help and monitor countries as they try to address food shortages for their citizens. I would even like fines imposed for food wastage. I would like the programs to continue until there is enough food for all. A one-time food drop is not enough. Efforts need to be put in place to continually provide food until the country makes a transition to being food sustainable. Household cleaning products are very expensive, so our church also includes cleaning products in the bags that we distribute. Meeting a basic need such as washing clothes or cleaning dishes is accomplished just by supplying a week’s worth of cleaning products. I hope to see many more bags distributed. I hope to double our current supply, and to one day make sure that everyone in line gets a bag. I hope that we never run out of resources to help. I hope that we will always have a meal plan for our families who are in need.

Net Worth By: Kaia Noel Johnson My father said, “We don’t have the money. I am sorry.” I wanted to cry. Dance was my escape from the sickness, from the hospitals, and from the doctors. Dance was the time when I was able to focus on the music and movement and not on tears and pain. I had to dance. I faced the reality of giving up dance lessons in order for my parents to pay for my sister’s mounting medical bills due to her serious health problems. I watched her deal with physical pain that left her exhausted and nauseated. I felt so helpless. Money was tight, and nothing was left for dance class, of all things. I was heartbroken. I realized that if I wanted to dance, I would have to find a way to finance my own training. So, I kept thinking of ways to pay the tuition, and then I decided to ask my instructor if I could help at the studio. I asked for a job to pay for my tuition, and my request was granted. Along with the job, I also pushed myself to be the best student possible, and the hard work paid off with a scholarship from the studio. This experience with insufficient funds shaped me into a person who knows her net worth. I know that I will dance professionally one day, and I will own my own studio. When I open my dance studio, I will provide free lessons to all of my students because I know about the struggles that it took for me to reach my goals. One of my goals, to get into an outstanding dance program for college, has been obtained by my acceptance into the Conservatory of Performing Arts for Dance at Point Park University for this upcoming fall. My expectations for myself are to never stop trying. Because of the lack of funds, I had to be inventive and strive for solutions that are limitless. It taught me that when obstacles present themselves, look for positive outcomes. It taught me to hope, and that if I push forward instead of shrinking back, I will reach my goals. My personal goals to become a dancer were not discarded. Instead, they were developed and refined. I used the lack of funds to push me to find my own solutions. I know my net worth.

Heading North By: Kaia Noel Johnson I will be heading north for college. I am from a warm southern state, but I will attend college in a state with a much cooler climate. I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and I have to go to college in order to receive the education and training that I will need as both a dancer and as a journalist. I plan to double-major in college, and I need assistance that only my college professors and instructors in the dance conservatory can provide. High school has prepared me for the next level, and that is college. Higher education also comes with many opportunities. I plan to study abroad and use foreign language skills to immerse myself in French culture. I plan to take advantage of leadership and service projects in the Honors Program, and I plan to make lifelong friends with students who will be new to college as well. I am excited to learn journalism skills from experienced journalists, and I hope to gain an internship so that I will be the best global journalist that I can be. The dance conservatory will give me training from outstanding dance professionals. I will also gain exceptional performance opportunities. My extra-curricular activities are varied. I am a senior company member for Ballet Gloria Dance Company, and I perform and compete with Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts Dance Team. I also teach dance for Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts and for A Dancer’s Place. Floral arranging is another activity that I enjoy. I volunteer for Random Acts of Flowers. We use donated flowers to make floral arrangements to give to those who are in hospitals and nursing homes. RAF was especially necessary during the coronavirus pandemic. I also volunteer for the Foster Chapel Baptist Church Food Pantry Ministry. We assemble and distribute bags of food and toiletries for those in need in our community. I also tutor English and French for high school and dual-enrollment students. Dance is what I am most passionate about. Dance is an escape for me and an opportunity for me to share a love of the artform with others. When there are challenges in my life, I am able to shift focus from those when I dance. Music and movement take center stage. I am then able to refocus on the challenges with a renewed sense of hope and direction after dancing. I am passionate about all aspects of dance from backstage, to lighting, to striking the dance floor, to setting choreography, to selecting music, and to designing costuming. I am moving forward to the next stage in my life. College is necessary for me to achieve my goals. My passion for dance will be strengthen and developed. I will soon be headed north.

Forward By: Kaia Noel Johnson “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote is my favorite. It gives me hope, perseverance, and the desire to encourage others. I am an African American female dancer and student. I was raised in an inner-city community and homeschooled by working parents. My grandparents and aunts took care of me while my parents worked. Education and dance were my passions, and my family instilled in me that I could do and be anything. Hope in a better future for me was my goal. The positive affirmations poured on me, lighted a strong fire of hope and promise. Martin Luther King Jr. was positive and hopeful, and his push to secure equal rights for others, not matter how difficult, inspires me to be full of hope for a good future. His quote drives me to persevere. As a black dancer, I know the challenges that await me as a Point Park University Conservator of Performing Arts in-coming freshmen. I have had to push myself in dance and in school. I am self-driven to perform to the best of my abilities. Whether in practice or on stage, I give my best. Martin faced terrible obstacles and forces that tried to hinder his work, yet he persevered. He never gave up. His quote inspires me to find the means necessary to reach my goals. I may have to use Plan B, Plan C or Plan D, but I will push forward and graduate. The quote is also a call for me to encourage others. I teach younger students at my dance studio, and it is important for me to always encourage them to do their best. I let them know that there are no failures. I let them know that there may be challenges and opportunities for growth and developing their skills. His quote encourages me, and I encourage them. Standing still and doing nothing are not options for me. Growing stagnant and not giving back to others are not options either. I have to press forward. I have to grow, gain skills, and share. Martin was selfless, and I hope to take his quote to heart, and run with it. I will move forward.

Persevere By: Kaia Noel Johnson I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and I am a dancer. I am a senior dance company member for Ballet Gloria Dance Company, and I am a performer and competitor for Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts. I also teach dance classes for younger dance students. I stay fit by dancing thirty hours a week. I train extensively in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, and lyrical dance styles. At my studio, I warm up before I train and before I teach. I warm up at the barre and then move to jumps and leaps across the dance floor. I cool down and stretch after classes. I supplement my class training by going to the gym twice a week. I increase my stamina by using the treadmill, elliptical, and bikes. I have to watch putting on too much muscular strength since dancers need lean lines, so I limit weight training to two-pound weights and focus on arm strength. Twice a week, I have private dance lessons and I work on Pilates, stretching, conditioning and competition and performance choreography. There are many benefits that I have gained by staying fit. The first benefit that I gained was a reduction in severe menstrual cramps. I no longer have terrible menstrual cramps, and I have changed my diet to mostly vegetarian foods and this has also helped me. A second benefit that I have gained is more energy. I do not get tired easily, and I have stamina to dance and compete for many hours. I am also more alert mentally. This is a good benefit because I take dual enrollment classes, and I have to be alert for the online lectures and presentations. My mood is also very positive as a result of being fit. I am relaxed, joyful, and I can find the good in most situations. I also have a better immune system from being fit. I rarely get colds or sick. The most important benefit of being fit is the impact that it has had on my family and pets. My family has noticed my weight loss, toned body and positive mood. This has caused them to want to get fit as well. We walk our dog together, and she is losing weight. My mother and sister enjoy walking with me and the dog, and they are both losing weight and getting fit. As we walk, our family bond is strengthened thru our conversations and laughter. Fitness for us is a lifelong goal.

Stickers By: Kaia Noel Johnson I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and I am a dancer and dance instructor. Currently, I am finishing making costumes for my creative movement class made up of three and four-year-olds. The children want to be villains for recital, and I am making their costumes. Black, purple and green are their tutu colors. Soft ballerina pink was not their choice. So, I am sewing the tutus and making horns and tails. Recital will be fun! I am also working on music, costumes and choreography for summer dance classes. I teach a daily, week long class which will have a program for the parents on the last day. I am designing and making animal costumes, selecting music for the program, and setting choreography. Dance productions use a lot of creative elements. I also work lighting, strike the dance floor, and edit music. I love every element of dance. I love not only performing, but also working behind the scenes, in the sound box, and backstage. In addition to creating pieces and choreography for my studio, I will also be training and teaching and creating pieces with The Commercial Dance Intensive as a work-study student during their intensive this summer in July. I am creating a dance reel for myself in several dance genres. I am creating pieces in modern, pointe, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and tap. I am working on choreography for another dancer who is on our dance competition team. I have selected music and a costume for the dancer. My creative focus is truly on dance and all elements of the art form. I enjoy teaching, design and costuming. In the future, I will be a professional performer. I will be attending Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts in the fall. I hope to double major in dance with a jazz concentration and also major in broadcast journalism. I plan to perform and teach once I earn my bachelor of fine arts degree, and I plan to enter the field of journalism after performing. I hope to specialize in international and global news reporting. For now, I am finishing the villain costumes, and will reward each little villain with stickers after they dance their hearts out at recital. They love stickers!

Misty Copeland is my favorite artist. She has persevered through so many obstacles in order to become the first African American prima ballerina to dance with the American Ballet Theater. She is my role model because I too am the only African American ballerina at my dance studio, and I too have had to fight for inclusion and educate others on diverse ways of thinking.

10 Things By: Kaia Noel Johnson She reminds me to think of ten things to be thankful for on our bad days. Sometimes it is easy, and other times I have to struggle to shift my focus to think of ten things. Vickie Johnson, my mother, is the woman that I most admire. My mother is the most positive person that I know. Her laugh is quick and contagious and she will never give up on anything. She works full-time, homeschooled both me and my sister, and she somehow remains joyful. My mother works as a medical laboratory technician at the student health center for the university. I have had the opportunity to shadow her at work, and she is amazing. She really loves her job, and she enjoys helping the students. On the days when she has to draw blood, she is at her best. She distracts worried students by talking about pets, animals, favorite foods, and vacation spots. She offers them apple juice or Powerade, and they leave smiling and laughing. She is amazing at what she does, and the students leave with a positive experience. My mother shows so much kindness because she has been the parent on the other side of sickness. When my older sister got sick in college and had to have surgery, my mother had to leave both me and her job in order to go take care of my sister. She used up all of her paid time off to take care of my sister during and after her surgery, but my mother managed to stay positive. My sister and I would have never made it thru this time without my mother’s positive spirit. When we would want to cry or feel sorry for ourselves, she would always say, “Ten things” and start counting. Number one, “I am thankful for both of you girls”. She would usually laugh and say that is two not one. Before we knew it, we would be at ten things and still going. After reflecting on ten things, we begin to feel better, and we begin to focus on solutions and not on problems. When finances are tight, my mother helps us to think of alternative ways to pay for things. I was able to continue with dance training because she suggested that I teach younger students at my studio as a means to pay for my own lessons, and I was given a job at my studio. She pushes us to never feel sorry for ourselves nor limit ourselves. She is an expert on critical thinking and letting us resolve our problems. She also, no matter how exhausted she is, laughs as much as possible. I have seen her laughing thru tears, but she refuses to give up. Because of my mother, I have developed a determined, persevering spirit. I try to always teach my young dance students with energy, compassion and a positive attitude. I tell them that they can do anything, and I am quick with praise. Because of my mother, I push thru and on my worst days, I remember to find ten things. She has set a standard that I hope to follow. I too will try to be kind, put myself in others’ shoes, and tell my little students to find their own ten things.

Gwendolyn By: Kaia Noel Johnson Gwendolyn is tall. She is approximately five feet and nine inches tall. She has strawberry blonde hair and a contagious laugh. Occasionally, she wears glasses low on the bridge of her nose. Her eyes are piercing. Gwendolyn is my dance instructor, my mentor and my friend. She is one of the kindest people that I know. The most endearing act of kindness that she showed me was to provide a way for me to train when my family’s finances took a hit due to my sister’s illness. There was not enough money to pay for my dance training, but Gwendolyn through an act of kindness, allowed me to continue my dance training by letting me teach younger dancers in exchange for tuition. Because of this simple act of kindness, I was able to continue my own training while teaching younger students. I was able to develop into a stronger dancer and compassionate teacher at the same time. I am so thankful for her encouragement and belief in my abilities. Because of her making a way for me, I have been accepted into a dance conservatory for college. Her support, training and kind heart have allowed me to reach my goals. When we are training at the studio, Gwendolyn manages to keep a positive outlook and this is reflected in the students. She is a kind person by nature and she is supportive of all of her students. Even when she corrects us, she does so with kindness and joy. She never raises her voice nor makes the students feel inferior. She models the behavior that she wants us to have. At competitions and performances, she is not only kind to her students, but she is also kind to other teachers, students and even backstage personnel. Even when she is tired, she manages to smile and keep a positive outlook. Gwendolyn’s kindness to me causes me to also be kind to my young students. Whether it is tucking in the laces of their ballet shoes or rewarding them with princess stickers after class, I strive to pass on kindness as well. Gwendolyn’s small act of kindness has blossomed into hundreds of other acts of kindness. She was kind to me. I am kind to my students, and hopefully they will pass on kindness to others. One simple act has had many positive results. Kindness is effective and appreciated, and it is so easy to be kind.

Stickers By: Kaia Noel Johnson Here they come. They are so excited for another class and another chance to get a sticker after class. I have princess stickers for them today. I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and my greatest inspiration I life is to teach dance and to become a professional dancer. Currently, I teach dance at my home studio, Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts. The three and four-year-old creative movement class is my favorite. I love to share my passion for dance with these children. Dance has been a creative outlet for me. When my family struggled to help my sister face many health issues, dance was the one positive force in my life. I strive to share the beauty of dance with my young students and let them express their own creativity. I plan to enroll in the Conservatory of Dance at Point Park University in the fall so that I can obtain an outstanding education and gain a degree in dance with a jazz concentration. I will be able to offer my students exceptional training, and I will grow as a dancer as well. Performing, choreography, and costume design are also passions for me. Performing dance in different styles from tap, pointe, modern, jazz, lyrical and contemporary is a great enjoyment for me and I inspire to give my audience just a few moments to shift their focus to something enjoyable. I hope to allow the audience to escape if only briefly, and for them to laugh and have fun. My inspiration is to bring joy to others’ lives. The princess stickers were a success. I gave each student two stickers after class, and next week, I will bring them puppy stickers. They love dance class.

5 Body Bags By: Kaia Noel Johnson On last Monday, April 12, 2021, another student’s body was placed in a black body bag. It was zipped and placed in an awaiting ambulance, and driven to the medical center. Students, parents, teachers, police officers, the mayor, and many others stood in stunned silence. Many shed tears. Others screamed at police officers. One reporter blinked back tears as she gave updates. My family’s church parking lot was turned into a media staging area, and sirens could be heard at my grandparent’s home 3 blocks away. Helicopters swarmed overhead. I just wanted to cry. The shooting was the fifth one for an Austin East High School student. A fifth body bag was being used. I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and I love to write. I also am African American, and I believe that writing, reporting and telling the stories and news of my African American community will help others to glance behind the scenes and see more than one angle of our lives as African American students. The fear, uncertainty, and even hope in the midst of tragedies is not often portrayed in the media. That is why I want to go to college and major in journalism. I want to gain the education and experience that is necessary for me to accurately and effectively report not only the negative elements of the African American community, but the positive aspects as well. Hope and courage will help me and my fellow students move forward. Hope expressed by someone who has experienced the fear and the trauma. I am also a dancer. Dance allows me to express myself as an artist and it is an escape for me. I am a senior member of Ballet Gloria Dance Company, and I perform with and compete for Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts. I also teach dance classes at Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts for younger students in order to pay for my own training. I am preparing myself for a career in journalism by writing as much as possible and by attempting to get my work published. I am also planning to double major in college, join the newspaper staff, and gain internship opportunities. I also hope to take advantage of work-study opportunities and tutor in English or the writing center in college. I am fluent in French, and I plan to continue studying the language in college, and when study abroad opportunities arise, I plan to study abroad as much as possible. I plan to enter college with an open mind and with excitement. I have also been accepted into two honor programs for college. These honors will open up additional opportunities for me to serve my school and the surrounding community near the school as well as develop lasting skills with the staff and professors at the university. I have been accepted into four universities, and I am about to decide where to attend before the May 1, 2021 national decision date. I am thankful for the opportunity to share a little bit about myself for the scholarship, and the funds are definitely needed. I will be a journalist, and the world will know more about my community, more than just another shooting, more than a fifth body bag.

5 Body Bags By: Kaia Noel Johnson On last Monday, April 12, 2021, another student’s body was placed in a black body bag. It was zipped and placed in an awaiting ambulance, and driven to the medical center. Students, parents, teachers, police officers, the mayor, and many others stood in stunned silence. Many shed tears. Others screamed at police officers. One reporter blinked back tears as she gave updates. My family’s church parking lot was turned into a media staging area, and sirens could be heard at my grandparent’s home 3 blocks away. Helicopters swarmed overhead. I just wanted to cry. The shooting was the fifth one for an Austin East High School student. A fifth body bag was being used. I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and I love to write. I also am African American, and I believe that writing, reporting and telling the stories and news of my African American community will help others to glance behind the scenes and see more than one angle of our lives as African American students. The fear, uncertainty, and even hope in the midst of tragedies is not often portrayed in the media. That is why I want to go to college and major in journalism. I want to gain the education and experience that is necessary for me to accurately and effectively report not only the negative elements of the African American community, but the positive aspects as well. Hope and courage will help me and my fellow students move forward. Hope expressed by someone who has experienced the fear and the trauma. I am also a dancer. Dance allows me to express myself as an artist and it is an escape for me. I am a senior member of Ballet Gloria Dance Company, and I perform with and compete for Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts. I also teach dance classes at Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts for younger students in order to pay for my own training. I am preparing myself for a career in journalism by writing as much as possible and by attempting to get my work published. I am also planning to double major in college, join the newspaper staff, and gain internship opportunities. I also hope to take advantage of work-study opportunities and tutor in English or the writing center in college. I am fluent in French, and I plan to continue studying the language in college, and when study abroad opportunities arise, I plan to study abroad as much as possible. I plan to enter college with an open mind and with excitement. I have also been accepted into two honor programs for college. These honors will open up additional opportunities for me to serve my school and the surrounding community near the school as well as develop lasting skills with the staff and professors at the university. I have been accepted into four universities, and I am about to decide where to attend before the May 1, 2021 national decision date. I am thankful for the opportunity to share a little bit about myself for the scholarship, and the funds are definitely needed. I will be a journalist, and the world will know more about my community, more than just another shooting, more than a fifth body bag.

5 Body Bags By: Kaia Noel Johnson On last Monday, April 12, 2021, another student’s body was placed in a black body bag. It was zipped and placed in an awaiting ambulance, and driven to the medical center. Students, parents, teachers, police officers, the mayor, and many others stood in stunned silence. Many shed tears. Others screamed at police officers. One reporter blinked back tears as she gave updates. My family’s church parking lot was turned into a media staging area, and sirens could be heard at my grandparent’s home 3 blocks away. Helicopters swarmed overhead. I just wanted to cry. The shooting was the fifth one for an Austin East High School student. A fifth body bag was being used. I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and I love to write. I also am African American, and I believe that writing, reporting and telling the stories and news of my African American community will help others to glance behind the scenes and see more than one angle of our lives as African American students. The fear, uncertainty, and even hope in the midst of tragedies is not often portrayed in the media. That is why I want to go to college and major in journalism. I want to gain the education and experience that is necessary for me to accurately and effectively report not only the negative elements of the African American community, but the positive aspects as well. Hope and courage will help me and my fellow students move forward. Hope expressed by someone who has experienced the fear and the trauma. I am also a dancer. Dance allows me to express myself as an artist and it is an escape for me. I am a senior member of Ballet Gloria Dance Company, and I perform with and compete for Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts. I also teach dance classes at Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts for younger students in order to pay for my own training. I am preparing myself for a career in journalism by writing as much as possible and by attempting to get my work published. I am also planning to double major in college, join the newspaper staff, and gain internship opportunities. I also hope to take advantage of work-study opportunities and tutor in English or the writing center in college. I am fluent in French, and I plan to continue studying the language in college, and when study abroad opportunities arise, I plan to study abroad as much as possible. I plan to enter college with an open mind and with excitement. I have also been accepted into two honor programs for college. These honors will open up additional opportunities for me to serve my school and the surrounding community near the school as well as develop lasting skills with the staff and professors at the university. I have been accepted into four universities, and I am about to decide where to attend before the May 1, 2021 national decision date. I am thankful for the opportunity to share a little bit about myself for the scholarship, and the funds are definitely needed. I will be a journalist, and the world will know more about my community, more than just another shooting, more than a fifth body bag.

5 Body Bags By: Kaia Noel Johnson On last Monday, April 12, 2021, another student’s body was placed in a black body bag. It was zipped and placed in an awaiting ambulance, and driven to the medical center. Students, parents, teachers, police officers, the mayor, and many others stood in stunned silence. Many shed tears. Others screamed at police officers. One reporter blinked back tears as she gave updates. My family’s church parking lot was turned into a media staging area, and sirens could be heard at my grandparent’s home 3 blocks away. Helicopters swarmed overhead. I just wanted to cry. The shooting was the fifth one for an Austin East High School student. A fifth body bag was being used. I am Kaia Noel Johnson, and I love to write. I also am African American, and I believe that writing, reporting and telling the stories and news of my African American community will help others to glance behind the scenes and see more than one angle of our lives as African American students. The fear, uncertainty, and even hope in the midst of tragedies is not often portrayed in the media. That is why I want to go to college and major in journalism. I want to gain the education and experience that is necessary for me to accurately and effectively report not only the negative elements of the African American community, but the positive aspects as well. Hope and courage will help me and my fellow students move forward. Hope expressed by someone who has experienced the fear and the trauma. I am also a dancer. Dance allows me to express myself as an artist and it is an escape for me. I am a senior member of Ballet Gloria Dance Company, and I perform with and compete for Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts. I also teach dance classes at Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts for younger students in order to pay for my own training. I am preparing myself for a career in journalism by writing as much as possible and by attempting to get my work published. I am also planning to double major in college, join the newspaper staff, and gain internship opportunities. I also hope to take advantage of work-study opportunities and tutor in English or the writing center in college. I am fluent in French, and I plan to continue studying the language in college, and when study abroad opportunities arise, I plan to study abroad as much as possible. I plan to enter college with an open mind and with excitement. I have also been accepted into two honor programs for college. These honors will open up additional opportunities for me to serve my school and the surrounding community near the school as well as develop lasting skills with the staff and professors at the university. I have been accepted into four universities, and I am about to decide where to attend before the May 1, 2021 national decision date. I am thankful for the opportunity to share a little bit about myself for the scholarship, and the funds are definitely needed. I will be a journalist, and the world will know more about my community, more than just another shooting, more than a fifth body bag.