It was March 2019 when life as I knew it changed instantly. Covid-19 has caused sickness and death to so many people. I knew no one who had died from this disease, but my world came to an extreme halt. I, the social butterfly, could not go to school. I was cast in my middle school play, Into The Woods. I had dance class three days a week and morning practices with my middle school hip-hop team. I looked forward to sitting at lunch and hanging out with my friends. I had so much to look forward to, but not anymore. And in the middle of it all, my dad's kidneys stopped working, and he had to start dialysis. How could the strongest person I know get sick? All of this happening at once was highly challenging for me. My studio closed its doors during that time because the virus was unpredictable. No one knew what to expect. Isolated at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had to find a way to cope with the silence. So I danced!!! My dad, Darrell Smith is the person that gives me the courage to pursue my goals of becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. For most of my life, my dad is a Marine and for most of my life he has been a police officer. He served our country and then community until his health failed and he had to start dialysis. I have seen him on dialysis and in pain. I have never seen him angry about his situation nor did I see him give up. My family was affected because he was always strong, and now, we had to be strong for him. Even though this was a tough time, it taught me to stick together and be strong during tough times. My father has taught me to be a leader, to work hard, and have integrity in everything I do. He supports my decision to become a professional dancer and this means the world to me. With everything my dad taught me, it will serve me well as I strive to reach my career goals of being a professional dancer and choreographer. My future career will require a lot of hard work and perseverance. It will also require me to have integrity in my work. In 2021, my dad received a kidney transplant and he’s still the strongest person I know. Watching him go through his sickness with a smile, has shaped how I see life. I've learned to do my best every day and that your life can change in an instant. It is up to you how you face adversity.

I found comfort in dancing at an early age, but I am unsure how or why. There was something about the way I would lose all sense of awareness when I got on a dance floor at a family or social event. The feeling that would overtake my body when playing a single round of Just Dance on our video game station. The thrill of watching my body move so fast, yet feel so calm. This adrenaline is what fueled my passion. My hunger, and I wanted more. When I reached middle school, a new dance program was starting, and the school would soon have a new hip-hop dance team I knew I must be a part of. I made the team and continued dancing on it all three years of middle school. Every school performance and pep rally was like gasoline added to a fire, making it burn bigger and brighter. My cravings continued, and I wanted more. I began taking all dance genres at a local studio, pushing me out of my comfort zone more than ever. Having technical training was something I longed to have. Classes focused on turning, jumping, flexibility, and other skills I needed to learn to execute. However, instead of feeling discouraged, I felt ignited. I worked hard in class and worked even harder at home. With time, skills became easier, but I became consumed with ensuring perfection. For two years, it was all I strived for. I began to lose sight of my individuality as a dancer. The little girl who danced to the beat of her own drum slowly disappeared. I missed her and wanted her back. I decided to dive back into my roots, rediscovering myself for who I was then and now. When learning the choreography for an upcoming solo, I knew what to expect: the typical jumps, turns, and flexibility techniques. I questioned why that was “normal.” I would perform the solo and remember failing to execute skills rather than genuinely moving through my body. I received awards and scholarships, but the dissatisfaction outweighed the trophies, which taught me that it was crucial to stand by my form of artistry even if others had different opinions. It was okay to be myself and show that through my way of moving. The girl who loved playing Just Dance would be seen, the girl who performed on her hip-hop dance team would be seen, and the girl who stepped into her first dance class would be seen. I learned not to abandon my past but rather use it to build upon my future. It is not necessary to remove old ashes from a fire pit. It makes the fire burn more efficiently.

It was March 2019 when life as I knew it changed instantly. Covid-19 has caused sickness and death to so many people. I knew no one who had died from this disease, but my world came to an extreme halt. I, the social butterfly, could not go to school. I was cast in my middle school play, Into The Woods. I had dance class three days a week and morning practices with my middle school hip-hop team. I looked forward to sitting at lunch and hanging out with my friends. I had so much to look forward to, but not anymore. And in the middle of it all, my dad's kidneys stopped working, and he had to start dialysis. How could the strongest person I know get sick? All of this happening at once was highly challenging for me. My studio closed its doors during that time because the virus was unpredictable. No one knew what to expect. Isolated at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had to find a way to cope with the silence. So I danced!!! My dad, Darrell Smith is the person that gives me the courage to pursue my goals of becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. For most of my life, my dad has been a police officer. He served as a SC highway patrol officer for almost 20 years until his health failed and he had to start dialysis. I have seen him on dialysis and in pain. I have never seen him angry about his situation nor did I see him give up. My family was affected because he was always strong, and now, we had to be strong for him. Even though this was a tough time, it taught me to stick together and be strong during tough times. My father has taught me to be a leader, to work hard, and have integrity in everything I do. He supports my decision to become a professional dancer and this means the world to me. With everything my dad taught me, it will serve me well as I strive to reach my career goals of being a professional dancer and choreographer. I'm currently a freshman at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee College. My future career will require a lot of hard work and perseverance. It will also require me to have integrity in my work. In 2021, my dad received a kidney transplant and he’s still the strongest person I know.

It was March 2019 when life as I knew it changed instantly. Covid-19 has caused sickness and death to so many people. I knew no one who had died from this disease, but my world came to an extreme halt. I, the social butterfly, could not go to school. I was casted in my middle school play, Into The Woods. I had dance class three days a week and morning practices with my middle school hip-hop team. It was in middle school that I found my love for dance. And in the middle of it all, my dad's kidneys stopped working, and he had to start dialysis. All of this happening at once was highly challenging for me. My studio closed its doors during that time because the virus was unpredictable. No one knew what to expect. Isolated at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had to find a way to cope with the silence. So I danced!!! I danced in my bedroom, on my back porch, and in my front yard. Dance has significantly impacted my life because it was the one thing I felt was still mine. Dance helps me when I'm sad or when I'm anxious. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be me and express myself no matter where I am or who is watching. I learned that I could channel all of my hurt, fears, and anxiety into my movements. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. Through dance, I found my passion. I know that it can get me through almost anything. Being able to dance gives me so much joy. It makes me happy that I am able to share my gift and connect with my community. Others around me see my passion and growth in dance. Even though I started this dance journey later than the average dancer, it is never too late to do something you're passionate about. I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most for it is true for anyone who wants to pursue anything in life, not dance alone. My desire to dance and share the arts with the world is what I've been placed on this earth to do. Dance has gotten me through some really tough times. I plan to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities that come my way. I am currently a freshman contemporary dancer at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. My long term goal is to graduate college and share the art of dance with the world. I would love to dance for a contemporary company and create art as well by choreographing. I also would love to go back and teach master classes or performance in my community in Lexington South Carolina. It is important to me to never forget where I come from.

I have committed to diversity and inclusion in dance. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. I want to obtain a lifelong career through dance someday. I plan to achieve this by furthering my training and education at a four-year college. I plan to attend The Boston Conservatory at Berklee in the fall of 2024 and major in contemporary dance. Obtaining this degree and further dance training will prepare me to become a professional dancer, performer, and choreographer someday. I would like to share my love for the arts with the world. Dance is my passion, and I feel that it is a space in which everybody belongs. Currently, I work as a student teacher at my home studio's recreational department. It is fulfilling for me when my students get excited about class and learn a new skill. My largest class is my boy's hip-hop class. I teach my boys to love the fact that they are dancers. There is a stigma about boys who dance that if a male dances, then "he must be gay." Your race, sexuality, and body type: My boys are proud to be dancers, and I'm one of their biggest supporters. Dance is for everyone. In high school, I also took a teacher cadet course, and it was the absolute best experience. I was able to work with children in the elementary school system. This also taught me that I would like to use my training after college to teach and provide exposure to the arts to the next generation. In the future, I plan to continue this commitment during my college years and beyond. I plan to get involved with activities on campus. After school, I can imagine myself helping to create a more inclusive community where everyone is welcome. I will create a space where the idea of what dance should look like lies within the dancer. Their movement and body will be a space where they feel free to express themselves and not hold back for fear of feeling ridiculed. I can imagine myself creating a studio space in my community where anyone can come and sign up for a class. All races, ethnicities, sexual identifications, and body types are welcomed. EveryBODY is welcome. I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. Today, I am committed to promoting an environment where dancers can follow their dreams no matter how they look or what their sexual assignment is. Her quote tells you to never let your circumstances dictate your outcome. I've been accepted to some amazing institutions, but The Boston Conservatory is where my heart is. I have been preparing for this next chapter in my life for the last four years. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship will help relieve a huge financial burden for my family. Although I've done well in high school, there are very few artistic scholarships opportunities available for my major. I plan to pay it forward and not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey.

The military has positively shaped me into the person I am today. Duty, courage, commitment, and integrity are all core values of the Armed Services that resonate in my life. Performing well in school and taking my education seriously are duties that I care about a lot. My education is nothing to take for granted. My dad is a Marine Corp. veteran. He is the person who has taught me to face both obstacles and opportunities with courage. He has taught me to have the courage to pursue my goal of becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. For most of my life, my dad has served either our country or our local community. I have seen him on dialysis and in pain. I have never seen him angry about his situation, nor have I seen him give up. The courage my dad has each day shows me that I, too, can be strong and work through tough times. My family was affected because he was always strong, and now, we had to be strong for him. Even though this was a tough time, it taught me that it was important to stick together and work as a family. My decision to study the arts is not a popular choice. The life of a professional dancer and artist will take a lot of commitment. Commitment is when your focus is geared towards reaching a goal. Dance is my passion, and I am committed to turning my passion into a career. My dad and my entire family support my decision to become a professional dancer, and this means the world to me. With everything my dad taught me, it will serve me well as I strive to reach my career goals of being a professional dancer and choreographer. My future career will require a lot of hard work and perseverance. It will also require me to have integrity in my work. I feel my dad has instilled some fundamental values in me. The values of honor, respect, loyalty, and always being on time have always been a presence in my life. These are all values he's taught me throughout the years. Knowing that my dad served in the Marine Corps makes me proud. It brings a huge smile to my face when we are in a store, and someone comes up and thanks him for his service, or if he crosses paths with another veteran, they instantly connect. It's like having family all over the world. It's a great kinship. In the fall, I plan to attend The Boston Conservatory at Berklee to major in contemporary dance. Having a father who served in the military has taught me to be proud of the country for which I was raised and proud of the sacrifices my dad has made for it. I am thankful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. It means a lot to military families to receive support to help with things like pay for college.

It was March 2019 when life as I knew it changed instantly. Covid-19 has caused sickness and death to so many people. I knew no one who had died from this disease, but my world came to an extreme halt. I, the social butterfly, could not go to school. I was casted in my middle school play, Into The Woods. I had dance class three days a week and morning practices with my middle school hip-hop team. I looked forward to sitting at lunch and hanging out with my friends. I had so much to look forward to, but not anymore. And in the middle of it all, my dad's kidneys stopped working, and he had to start dialysis. All of this happening at once was highly challenging for me. My studio closed its doors during that time because the virus was unpredictable. No one knew what to expect. It was my second year taking dance classes. I was already feeling behind because I found dance later than everyone else my age. The isolation spun me into a depressive state. Isolated at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had to find a way to cope with the silence. So I danced!!! I danced in my bedroom, on my back porch, and in my front yard. Dance has significantly impacted my life because it was the one thing I felt was still mine. Dance helps me when I'm sad or when I'm anxious. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be me and express myself no matter where I am or who is watching. I learned that I could channel all of my hurt, fears, and anxiety into my movements. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It was thing that has helped me work through that difficult time in my life. There is a famous African American dancer named name Misty Copeland, who said, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. This quote helps because like Ms. Copeland, I found my love for dance later than the average dancer. In the future, I plan to take any opportunities to influence others in my school, studio, and community. I plan to encourage others to be bold and have the courage to go after the things they desire and, more importantly, help someone along the way. In May 2021, my dad got a kidney transplant from a fellow officer in blue, and he's doing great. Today, I dance, and he is right there to support me. In the future, I desire to become a professional dancer and choreographer. I want to teach the world that dance has no boundaries. It is a space where EveryBODY belong. This fall, I will be attending The Boston Conservatory at Berklee college to obtain a degree in fine arts for contemporary dance. The school has a successful history of preparing upcoming dancers for a successful career. I am excited to continue learning and exploring opportunities in dance. I plan to become a professional dancer and choreographer. I am sure I will succeed in college and beyond because I am preparing today. Academically, I am in the top 10% of my graduating class. My desire to dance and share the arts with the world is what I've been placed on this earth to do. Obtaining this scholarship would help relieve some of the financial burdens ahead.

The military has positively shaped me into the person I am today. Duty, courage, commitment, and integrity are all core values of the Armed Services that resonate in my life. Performing well in school and taking my education seriously are duties that I care about a lot. I graduated in the top 8% of my graduating class, and I plan to put forth great effort in college. I am committed to my education because it will allow me to pursue my future goals. My dad is a Marine. He is the person who has taught me to face both obstacles and opportunities with courage. He has taught me to have the courage to pursue my goal of becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. For most of my life, my dad has served either our country or our local community. I have seen him on dialysis and in pain. I have never seen him angry about his situation, nor have I seen him give up. The courage my dad has each day shows me that I, too, can be strong and work through tough times. Even though this was a tough time, it taught me that it was important to stick together and work as a family. My decision to study the arts is not a popular choice. The life of a professional dancer and artist will take a lot of commitment. Commitment is when your focus is geared towards reaching a goal. Dance is my passion, and I am committed to turning my passion into a career. My dad and my entire family support my decision to become a professional dancer, and this means the world to me. With everything my dad taught me, it will serve me well as I strive to reach my career goals. My future career will require a lot of hard work and perseverance. It will also require me to have integrity in my work. I feel my dad has instilled some fundamental values in me. The values of honor, respect, loyalty, and always being on time have always been a presence in my life. These are all values he's taught me throughout the years. Knowing that my dad served in the Marine Corps makes me proud. It brings a huge smile to my face when we are in a store, and someone comes up and thanks him for his service, or if he crosses paths with another veteran, they instantly connect. It's like having family all over the world. It's a great kinship. In the fall, I plan to attend The Boston Conservatory at Berklee to major in contemporary dance. I am excited to continue learning and exploring opportunities in dance. I plan to become a professional dancer and choreographer. I hope to make a positive impact in the world by sharing her love for the art of dance someday. Having a father who served in the military has taught me to be proud of the country for which I was raised and proud of the sacrifices my dad has made for it. It is really important to me to make him proud. I am thankful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. It means a lot to military families to receive support to help with things like pay for college. In the future, I plan to pay it forward to help someone else, just as someone has helped me. I will not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship would be a tremendous blessing.

The military has positively shaped me into the person I am today. Duty, courage, commitment, and integrity are all core values of the Armed Services that resonate in my life. Performing well in school and taking my education seriously are duties that I care about a lot. I feel that my education is nothing to take for granted. I graduated in the top 8% of my graduating class, and I plan to put forth great effort in college. I am committed to my education because it will allow me to pursue my future goals. My dad is a Marine. He is the person who has taught me to face both obstacles and opportunities with courage. He has taught me to have the courage to pursue my goal of becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. For most of my life, my dad has served either our country or our local community. I have seen him on dialysis and in pain. I have never seen him angry about his situation, nor have I seen him give up. The courage my dad has each day shows me that I, too, can be strong and work through tough times. My family was affected because he was always strong, and now, we had to be strong for him. Even though this was a tough time, it taught me that it was important to stick together and work as a family. My decision to study the arts is not a popular choice. The life of a professional dancer and artist will take a lot of commitment. Commitment is when your focus is geared towards reaching a goal. Dance is my passion, and I am committed to turning my passion into a career. My dad and my entire family support my decision to become a professional dancer, and this means the world to me. With everything my dad taught me, it will serve me well as I strive to reach my career goals of being a professional dancer and choreographer. My future career will require a lot of hard work and perseverance. It will also require me to have integrity in my work. I feel my dad has instilled some fundamental values in me. The values of honor, respect, loyalty, and always being on time have always been a presence in my life. These are all values he's taught me throughout the years. Knowing that my dad served in the Marine Corps makes me proud. It brings a huge smile to my face when we are in a store, and someone comes up and thanks him for his service, or if he crosses paths with another veteran, they instantly connect. It's like having family all over the world. It's a great kinship. In the fall, I plan to attend The Boston Conservatory at Berklee to major in contemporary dance. I am excited to continue learning and exploring opportunities in dance. I plan to become a professional dancer and choreographer. I hope to make a positive impact in the world by sharing her love for the art of dance someday. Having a father who served in the military has taught me to be proud of the country for which I was raised and proud of the sacrifices my dad has made for it. I am thankful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. It means a lot to military families to receive support to help with things like pay for college. In the future, I plan to pay it forward to help someone else, just as someone has helped me.

It was March 2019 when life as I knew it changed instantly. Covid-19 has caused sickness and death to so many people. The world came to an extreme halt. I, the social butterfly, could not go to school. I was cast in my middle school play, Into The Woods. I had dance class three days a week and morning practices with my middle dance team. In the middle of it all, my dad's kidneys stopped working, and he had to start dialysis. All of this happening at once was highly challenging for me. Isolated at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had to find a way to cope with the silence. So I danced!!! Dance is so important to me. I plan to attend The Boston Conservatory Fall 2024 and major in contemporary dance. I began taking dance classes during my 8th grade year of middle school, but then Covid really halted in- person classes. I danced in my bedroom, on my back porch, and in my front yard. I took online classes until my studio could open its doors again. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be me and express myself no matter where I am or who is watching. Dance has helped me navigate through some tough times and celebrate happy times. Although, I've only been dancing for five years, I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. In the future, I plan I would love to dance professionally and choreograph. I want to encourage other dancers to follow their dreams no matter how dark things get. I plan to attend Boston Conservatory in the fall. I will take any opportunity to influence others in my school and community. I plan to encourage others to be bold and have the courage to go after the things they desire and, more importantly, help someone along the way. After school, I can imagine myself helping to create a more inclusive community where everyone is welcome. I will create a space where the idea of what dance should look like lies within the dancer. Their movement and body will be a space where they feel free to express themselves and not hold back for fear of feeling ridiculed. All races, ethnicities, sexual identifications, and body types are welcomed. EveryBODY is welcome. In May 2021, my dad got a kidney transplant from a fellow officer in blue, and he's doing great. Today, I dance, and he is right there to support me.

I have committed to increasing awareness about diversity and inclusion in dance. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. I want to obtain a lifelong career through dance someday. I plan to attend a four-year college and get my bachelor's degree in dance because it will prepare me to become a professional dancer, performer, and choreographer someday. I would like to share my love for the arts with the world. Dance is my passion, and I feel that it is a space in which everybody belongs. Currently, I work as a student teacher at my home studio's recreational department. It is fulfilling for me when my students get excited about class and learn a new skill. My largest class is my boy's hip-hop class. I teach my boys to love the fact that they are dancers. There is a stigma about boys who dance that if a male dances, he has to defend his masculinity. Your race, sexuality, and body type should not matter. Dance is for everyone. This is the message I'd like to send to create a better world. In high school, I also took a teacher cadet course, and it was the absolute best experience. I was able to work with children in the elementary school system. This also taught me that I would like to use my training after college to teach and provide exposure to the arts to the next generation. In the future, I plan to continue this commitment during my college years and beyond. I plan to get involved with activities on campus. After school, I can imagine myself helping to create a more inclusive community where everyone is welcome. I will create a space where the idea of what dance should look like lies within the dancer. Their movement and body will be a space where they feel free to express themselves and not hold back for fear of feeling ridiculed. I can imagine myself creating a studio space in my community where anyone can come and sign up for a class. All races, ethnicities, sexual identifications, and body types are welcomed. EveryBODY is welcome. I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. Today, I am committed to promoting an environment where dancers can follow their dreams no matter how they look or what they believe in. This quote is true for anyone who wants to pursue anything in life. It tells you to never let your circumstances dictate your outcome. I've been accepted to some amazing institutions. I have been preparing for this next chapter in my life for the last four years. I plan to pay it forward and not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey.

Dance has significantly impacted my life because it was the one thing I felt was still mine. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be myself and express myself no matter where I am or what's going on in the world. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. I look forward to making a thriving career doing what I love. As I consider the next phase of my life and the future, I can truly say that I am proud of what I have accomplished so far. The thing that I hope for the most is to be patient with myself. With college comes a lot of unknowns. There are new experiences ahead that make me a little nervous, but I'm excited about the challenge. I have to remind myself not to sweat the small stuff. I will remind myself that I have done the work and I deserve to be in any space I occupy. I will tell my future self to enjoy the phase that I'm in and try to avoid comparing myself to others because my journey is a special one. When I go off to college, I plan to connect with my new community both on and off campus. Giving back is very important to me. There is an African American ballet dancer, Misty Copeland, who inspires me because she started dancing as a teenager, just as I did. I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. I plan to encourage other dancers to follow their dreams no matter how dark and unlikely things seem. My desire is to dance and share the arts with the world. I want to be the dancer whom other young African American Dancers can look up to. Dance is what I've been placed on this earth to do. This fall, I have the privilege of attending The Boston Conservatory at Berklee for contemporary dance. I have been preparing for this next chapter in my life for the last four years. I plan to pay it forward and not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship will be a tremendous help. I plan to keep my hopes alive by working hard during my four-year program. I hope to one day inspire other young dancers of color. My future self will someday become a professional dancer and choreographer. I have been preparing for this next chapter in my life for the last four years. I plan to pay it forward and not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship will be a tremendous help.

Dance has significantly impacted my life because it was the one thing I felt was still mine. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be myself and express myself no matter where I am or what's going on in the world. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. I look forward to making a thriving career doing what I love. As I consider the next phase of my life and the future, I can truly say that I am proud of what I have accomplished so far. The thing that I hope for the most is to be patient with myself. With college comes a lot of unknowns. There are new experiences ahead that make me a little nervous, but I'm excited about the challenge. I have to remind myself not to sweat the small stuff. I will remind myself that I have done the work and I deserve to be in any space I occupy. I will tell my future self to enjoy the phase that I'm in and try to avoid comparing myself to others because my journey is a special one. When I go off to college, I plan to connect with my new community both on and off campus. Giving back is very important to me. There is an African American ballet dancer, Misty Copeland, who inspires me because she started dancing as a teenager, just as I did. I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. I plan to encourage other dancers to follow their dreams no matter how dark and unlikely things seem. My desire is to dance and share the arts with the world. I want to be the dancer whom other young African American Dancers can look up to. Dance is what I've been placed on this earth to do. This fall, I have the privilege of attending The Boston Conservatory at Berklee for contemporary dance. I have been preparing for this next chapter in my life for the last four years. I plan to pay it forward and not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship will be a tremendous help. I plan to keep my hopes alive by working hard during my four-year program. I hope to one day inspire other young dancers of color. My future self will someday become a professional dancer and choreographer. I have been preparing for this next chapter in my life for the last four years. I plan to pay it forward and not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship will be a tremendous help.

Dance has significantly impacted my life because it was the one thing I felt was still mine. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be myself and express myself no matter where I am or what's going on in the world. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. I look forward to making a thriving career doing what I love. As I consider the next phase of my life and the future, I can truly say that I am proud of what I have accomplished so far. The thing that I hope for the most is to be patient with myself. With college comes a lot of unknowns. There are new experiences ahead that make me a little nervous, but I'm excited about the challenge. I have to remind myself not to sweat the small stuff. I will remind myself that I have done the work and I deserve to be in any space I occupy. I will tell my future self to enjoy the phase that I'm in and try to avoid comparing myself to others because my journey is a special one. When I go off to college, I plan to connect with my new community both on and off campus. Giving back is very important to me. There is an African American ballet dancer, Misty Copeland, who inspires me because she started dancing as a teenager, just as I did. I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. I plan to encourage other dancers to follow their dreams no matter how dark and unlikely things seem. My desire is to dance and share the arts with the world. I want to be the dancer whom other young African American Dancers can look up to. Dance is what I've been placed on this earth to do. This fall, I have the privilege of attending The Boston Conservatory at Berklee for contemporary dance. I have been preparing for this next chapter in my life for the last four years. I plan to pay it forward and not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship will be a tremendous help. I plan to keep my hopes alive by working hard during my four-year program. I hope to one day inspire other young dancers of color. My future self will someday become a professional dancer and choreographer. I have been preparing for this next chapter in my life for the last four years. I plan to pay it forward and not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship will be a tremendous help.

Dance has significantly impacted my life because it was the one thing I felt was still mine. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be myself and express myself no matter where I am or what's going on in the world. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. I look forward to making a thriving career doing what I love. As I consider the next phase of my life and the future, I can truly say that I am proud of what I have accomplished so far. The thing that I hope for the most is to be patient with myself. With college comes a lot of unknowns. There are new experiences ahead that make me a little nervous, but I'm excited about the challenge. I have to remind myself not to sweat the small stuff. I will remind myself that I have done the work and I deserve to be in any space I occupy. I will tell my future self to enjoy the phase that I'm in and try to avoid comparing myself to others because my journey is a special one. When I go off to college, I plan to connect with my new community both on and off campus. Giving back is very important to me. There is an African American ballet dancer, Misty Copeland, who inspires me because she started dancing as a teenager, just as I did. I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. I plan to encourage other dancers to follow their dreams no matter how dark and unlikely things seem. My desire is to dance and share the arts with the world. I want to be the dancer whom other young African American Dancers can look up to. Dance is what I've been placed on this earth to do. This fall, I have the privilege of attending The Boston Conservatory at Berklee for contemporary dance. I have been preparing for this next chapter in my life for the last four years. I plan to keep my hopes alive by working hard during my four-year program. I hope to one day inspire other young dancers of color because representation is important. My future self will someday become a professional dancer and choreographer. I plan to pay it forward and not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship will be a tremendous help in that direction. Thank you

Dance is my passion, and I feel that it is a space in which everybody belongs. Currently, I am a student teacher at my home studio’s recreational department. It is fulfilling for my students to get excited about class and learn a new skill. It is such a rewarding experience to teach. My dream is to become a professional dancer and choreographer. I look forward to making a thriving career doing what I love. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. I plan to share my experiences and expose others to the art. I want to be the dancer that other young African American dancers can look up to. I plan to attend Boston Conservatory at Berklee in the fall. My major will be a BFA in contemporary dance. My desire to dance and share the arts with the world. It is what I've been placed on this earth to do. In the future, I can imagine myself helping to create a more inclusive community where everyone is welcome. I will create a space where the idea of what dance should look like lies within the dancer. Their movement and body will be a space where they feel free to express themselves and not hold back for fear of feeling ridiculed. Expression will be big as share the thing I love with the world. I can imagine creating a space in my community where anyone can sign up for a class. All races, ethnicities, sexual identifications, and body types are welcomed. EveryBODY is welcome.

It was March 2019 when life as I knew it changed instantly. Covid-19 has caused sickness and death to so many people. I knew no one who had died from this disease, but my world came to an extreme halt. I, the social butterfly, could not go to school. I was casted in my middle school play, Into The Woods. I had dance class three days a week and morning practices with my middle school hip-hop team. I looked forward to sitting at lunch and hanging out with my friends. I had so much to look forward to, but not anymore. And in the middle of it all, my dad's kidneys stopped working, and he had to start dialysis. All of this happening at once was highly challenging for me. My studio closed its doors during that time because the virus was unpredictable. No one knew what to expect. The isolation spun me into a depressive state. Isolated at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had to find a way to cope with the silence. So I danced!!! I danced in my bedroom, on my back porch, and in my front yard. Dance has significantly impacted my life because it was the one thing I felt was still mine. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be me and express myself no matter where I am or what's going on in the world. Soon, my studio started having virtual dance classes online. I learned that dance helped me work through my feelings. How I was feeling about my dad's illness and how I felt about not being able to. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. Now, the world is back to normal; I'm currently a member of the Senior Elite team at my studio. South Carolina Dance Company (SCDC) is the dance studio where I train. I have trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and acrobatics for five years. I'm also a member of their Senior company team. I am thankful for my experiences at SCDC because they allowed me to become a student teacher in their recreational department. I enjoy it so much because this is where I started. I teach boys hip-hop. I create lesson plans at the beginning of the season and choreograph the routines. It is amazing to see them grow as dancers. At my high school, I served as senior captain for the Lexington Varsity dance team and president of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. I've been a member of the dance team for four years. In the future, I plan to take any opportunities I do presently to influence others in my school, studio, and community. My dream is to become a professional dancer and choreographer. I look forward to making a thriving career doing what I love. I plan to attend Boston Conservatory at Berklee in this fall. My major will be a BFA in contemporary dance. My desire to dance and share the arts with the world is what I've been placed on this earth to do. Obtaining this scholarship would help relieve some of the financial burdens ahead. In May 2021, my dad got a kidney transplant from a fellow officer in blue, and he's doing great. Today, I dance, and he is right there to support me.

It was March 2019 when life as I knew it changed instantly. Covid-19 has caused sickness and death to so many people. I knew no one who had died from this disease, but my world came to an extreme halt. I, the social butterfly, could not go to school. I was casted in my middle school play, Into The Woods. I had dance class three days a week and morning practices with my middle school hip-hop team. I looked forward to sitting at lunch and hanging out with my friends. I had so much to look forward to, but not anymore. And in the middle of it all, my dad's kidneys stopped working, and he had to start dialysis. All of this happening at once was highly challenging for me. My studio closed its doors during that time because the virus was unpredictable. No one knew what to expect. The isolation spun me into a depressive state. Isolated at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had to find a way to cope with the silence. So I danced!!! I danced in my bedroom, on my back porch, and in my front yard. Dance has significantly impacted my life because it was the one thing I felt was still mine. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be me and express myself no matter where I am or what's going on in the world. Soon, my studio started having virtual dance classes online. I learned that dance helped me work through my feelings. How I was feeling about my dad's illness and how I felt about not being able to. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. Now, the world is back to normal; I'm currently a member of the Senior Elite team at my studio. South Carolina Dance Company (SCDC) is the dance studio where I train. I have trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and acrobatics for five years. I'm also a member of their Senior company team. I am thankful for my experiences at SCDC because they allowed me to become a student teacher in their recreational department. I enjoy it so much because this is where I started. I teach boys hip-hop. I create lesson plans at the beginning of the season and choreograph the routines. It is amazing to see them grow as dancers. At my high school, I served as senior captain for the Lexington Varsity dance team and president of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. I've been a member of the dance team for four years. In the future, I plan to take any opportunities I do presently to influence others in my school, studio, and community. My dream is to become a professional dancer and choreographer. I look forward to making a thriving career doing what I love. I plan to attend Boston Conservatory at Berklee in this fall. My major will be a BFA in contemporary dance. My desire to dance and share the arts with the world is what I've been placed on this earth to do. Obtaining this scholarship would help relieve some of the financial burdens ahead. In May 2021, my dad got a kidney transplant from a fellow officer in blue, and he's doing great. Today, I dance, and he is right there to support me.

Being a leader is a part of who I am, and dance is a huge platform for which I affect change. I serve as Senior Captain for the Lexington Varsity Dance Team and President of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, where we encourage and promote the art of dance and serve our community. I was exposed to dance in middle school, and by ninth grade, I left friends I had known all my life to attend Lexington High School. Lexington High was well known in our area for having a great dance program. Leaving friends and everyone I knew was hard, but my love for dance was stronger. At first, I remember feeling overwhelmed and insecure. I overcame this challenge by working hard, joining the South Carolina Dance Company (SCDC) competitive team, and searching for any opportunity to help me grow.. Currently, I am also a student teacher at SCDC for dancers in our recreational dance department. As a student teacher, I create lesson plans, maintain open communication about class and events with the parents of my dancers and I create and prepare my students to perform two performances a year. I enjoy it so much because I see myself in new dancers. I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. Today, I encourage other dancers to follow their dreams no matter how dark things get. As a leader, you also share your knowledge so that others can grow independent of you. Having someone learn a skill that I’ve taught, makes me excited that they can now progress without me. I also share my story with others to inspire them to achieve their goals, whatever they may be. This is what makes a true leader. I am sure I will succeed in college and beyond because I am preparing today. Academically, I am in the top 10% of my graduating class. I am taking dual enrollment courses and have a very supportive family. Winning this scholarship will help relieve a huge burden for my family. I got accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to admit this fall 2024. On the other hand, I’ve worked so hard to get here. Attending this school will get me one step closer to becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. In the future, I plan to continue to be a bright light for others to see. I plan to encourage our next generation to find love and joy in the arts. While attending college, I plan to get involved in campus opportunities and get to know my new community. I would love to work with children as I do now. This scholarship would help make my dreams come true.

As I consider the next phase of my life and the future, I can truly say that I am proud of what I have accomplished so far. The thing that I hope for the most is to be patient with myself. With college comes a lot of unknowns. There are new experiences ahead that make me a little nervous, but I'm excited about the challenge. I have to remind myself not to sweat the small stuff. I will remind myself that I have done the work and I deserve to be in any space I occupy. I will tell my future self to enjoy the phase that I'm in and try to avoid comparing myself to others because my journey is a special one. When I go off to college, I plan to connect with my new community both on and off campus. Giving back is very important to me. There is an African American ballet dancer, Misty Copeland, who inspires me because she started dancing as a teenager, just as I did. I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. I plan to encourage other dancers to follow their dreams no matter how dark and unlikely things seem. This fall, I have the privilege of attending The Boston Conservatory at Berklee for contemporary dance. I have been preparing for this next chapter in my life for the last four years. I plan to pay it forward and not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship will be a tremendous help. I plan to keep my hopes alive by working hard during my four-year program. I hope to one day inspire other young dancers of color. My future self will someday become a professional dancer and choreographer. The cost of college is very expensive. This scholarship will lift a huge financial burden for my family. Currently, my dad is on a fixed income and gets social security. I have worked so hard to get here. I'm currently graduating in the top 10% of my graduating class. I've been accepted to some amazing institutions. I have been preparing for this next chapter in my life for the last four years. I plan to pay it forward and not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship will be a tremendous help.

It was March 2019 when life as I knew it changed instantly. Covid-19 has caused sickness and death to so many people. The world came to an extreme halt. I, the social butterfly, could not go to school. I was cast in my middle school play, Into the Woods. I had dance class three days a week and morning practices with my middle dance team. In the middle of it all, my dad's kidneys stopped working, and he had to start dialysis. All of this happening at once was highly challenging for me. Isolated at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had to find a way to cope with the silence. So I danced!!! I danced in my bedroom, on my back porch, and in my front yard. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be me and express myself no matter where I am or who is watching. Dance is my passion; it has helped me navigate through some tough times and celebrate happy times as well. When I'm at home or at school, there is always a song in my head. I wake up to ideas for choreographing pieces. Music helps to bring these ideas to life. It allows the artist to tell the story of whatever they are trying to portray. The impact of music and dance has saved my life during times when I would have been depressed or confused. Music and dance make me happy. I often compare myself to others and get disheartened because I don't know a dancer who looks like me, and I didn't start dancing until middle school. But I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. Today, I encourage other dancers to follow their dreams. This quote is true for anyone who wants to pursue anything in life. I plan to attend Boston Conservatory at Berklee to obtain my bachelor's degree in contemporary dance in the fall. I will take advantage of all the great opportunities at my new school and community. Sending me to this school is a huge sacrifice for my family. If I could do one thing in my community, it would be to create a more inclusive space where everyone is welcome. I will create a space where ideas are cherished and there is freedom in the thought of what dance should look like. I would love to create a space in my community where anyone can come and sign up for a class. All races, ethnicities, sexual identifications, and body types are welcomed. EveryBODY is welcome. Dance is a huge passion of mine. I would love to someday pay it forward to another artist by helping them navigate this process. Ultralight Beam: Contemporary Solo https://youtu.be/CYp3hLFk_To

My family has always encouraged me to work hard at anything I do. Those things include working hard in school, at home, and also working hard in relationships I form. In high school, I had the opportunity to take AP courses and dual enrollment courses. The advanced-level courses were challenging, and they allowed me to get a glimpse of what college will be like. It is the closest I can get to actually attending college. Taking these classes has also been a financial help to my journey. In high school, I was able to take the courses for free. The very courses that I will have to pay for in college. My parents have taught me to take advantage of this opportunity, and I'm glad I did. Be nice is a statement that can mean so much. To me, " be nice" means deciding to take a positive approach to any situation. It is about serving others and being the change you want to see in a situation. Gandhi said it best when he said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others ."Advanced placement courses have prepared me to consider all the possibilities. My AP psychology course taught me to appreciate the life I have and opened my eyes to the struggles of others. In that class, we learned about relationships between individuals and their environment. My AP statistics course took me outside of the classroom and into the community, where we were able to establish and estimate the probability of real-life situations. My teacher cadet course was the absolute best experience. I was able to go into the elementary school system and work with children. This taught me that I would like to use my training after college to teach and provide exposure to the arts to the next generation. The cost of college is very expensive. This scholarship will lift a huge financial burden for my family. Currently, my dad is on a fixed income and gets social security. I have worked so hard to get here. I'm currently graduating in the top 10% of my graduating class. I've been accepted to some amazing institutions. I have been preparing for this next chapter in my life for the last four years. I plan to pay it forward and not disappoint those who have invested in me and my journey. Becoming the recipient of this scholarship will be a tremendous help.

Being a leader is a part of who I am, and dance is a huge platform for which I affect change. I serve as Senior Captain for the Lexington Varsity Dance Team and President of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, where we encourage and promote the art of dance and serve our community. I was exposed to dance in middle school, and by ninth grade, I left friends I had known all my life to attend Lexington High School. Lexington High was well known in our area for having a great dance program. Leaving friends and everyone I knew was hard, but my love for dance was stronger. At first, I remember feeling overwhelmed and insecure. I overcame this challenge by working hard, joining the South Carolina Dance Company (SCDC) competitive team, and searching for any opportunity to help me grow.. Currently, I am also a student teacher at SCDC for dancers in our recreational dance department. As a student teacher, I create lesson plans, maintain open communication about class and events with the parents of my dancers and I create and prepare my students to perform two performances a year. I enjoy it so much because I see myself in new dancers. I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. Today, I encourage other dancers to follow their dreams no matter how dark things get. I also share my story with others to inspire them to achieve their goals, whatever they may be. I am sure I will succeed in college and beyond because I am preparing today. Academically, I am in the top 10% of my graduating class. I am taking dual enrollment courses and have a very supportive family. Winning this scholarship will help relieve a huge burden for my family. I got accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to admit this fall 2024. On the other hand, I’ve worked so hard to get here. Attending this school will get me one step closer to becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. In the future, I plan to continue to be a bright light for others to see. I plan to encourage our next generation to find love and joy in the arts. While attending college, I plan to get involved in campus opportunities and get to know my new community. I would love to work with children as I do now. This scholarship would help make my dreams come true.

It was March 2019 when life as I knew it changed instantly. Covid-19 has caused sickness and death to so many people. I knew no one who had died from this disease, but my world came to an extreme halt. I, the social butterfly, could not go to school. I was cast in my middle school play, Into The Woods. I had dance class three days a week and morning practices with my middle school hip-hop team. I looked forward to sitting at lunch and hanging out with my friends. I had so much to look forward to, but not anymore. And in the middle of it all, my dad's kidneys stopped working, and he had to start dialysis. How could the strongest person I know get sick? All of this happening at once was highly challenging for me. My studio closed its doors during that time because the virus was unpredictable. No one knew what to expect. Isolated at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had to find a way to cope with the silence. So I danced!!! My dad, Darrell Smith is the person that gives me the courage to pursue my goals of becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. For most of my life, my dad has been a police officer. He served as a SC highway patrol officer for almost 20 years until his health failed and he had to start dialysis. I have seen him on dialysis and in pain. I have never seen him angry about his situation nor did I see him give up. My family was affected because he was always strong, and now, we had to be strong for him. Even though this was a tough time, it taught me to stick together and be strong during tough times. My father has taught me to be a leader, to work hard, and have integrity in everything I do. He supports my decision to become a professional dancer and this means the world to me. With everything my dad taught me, it will serve me well as I strive to reach my career goals of being a professional dancer and choreographer. My future career will require a lot of hard work and perseverance. It will also require me to have integrity in my work. In 2021, my dad received a kidney transplant and he’s still the strongest person I know.

It was March 2019 when life as I knew it changed instantly. Covid-19 has caused sickness and death to so many people. I knew no one who had died from this disease, but my world came to an extreme halt. I, the social butterfly, could not go to school. I was cast in my middle school play, Into the Woods. I had dance class three days a week and morning practices with my middle school hip-hop team. I had so much to look forward to, but not anymore. And in the middle of it all, my dad's kidneys stopped working, and he had to start dialysis. All of this happening at once was highly challenging for me. My studio closed its doors during that time because the virus was unpredictable. It was my second year taking dance classes. I was already feeling behind because I found dance later than everyone else my age. The isolation spun me into a depressive state. Isolated at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had to find a way to cope with the silence. So, I danced!!! I danced in my bedroom, on my back porch, and in my front yard. Dance has significantly impacted my life because it was the one thing I felt was still mine. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be me and express myself no matter where I am or who is watching. Soon, my studio started having online virtual dance classes. Dance allowed me to work through my feeling about my dad's illness and how I felt about not being able to go to school and socialize. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. Now, the world is back to normal; I've realized I want to do this for the rest of my life. I would love to share my love for dance with the world. My dreams are to dance professionally and someday teach and choreograph. I want to connect with my community and with young dancers who look like me. Being an African American dancer in my hometown, where my high school is only 7% African American, I struggle to see anyone who dances looked like me. But, I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. Today, I encourage other dancers to follow their dreams no matter how dark things get. This quote is true for anyone who wants to pursue anything in life, not dance alone. In the future, I plan to continue to take any opportunities to influence others in my school, studio, and community. I plan to encourage others to be bold and have the courage to go after the things they desire and, more importantly, help someone along the way. In May 2021, my dad got a kidney transplant from a fellow officer in blue, and he's doing great. Today, I dance, and he is right there to support me.

It was March 2019 when life as I knew it changed instantly. Covid-19 has caused sickness and death to so many people. I knew no one who had died from this disease, but my world came to an extreme halt. I, the social butterfly, could not go to school. I was cast in my middle school play, Into the Woods. I had dance class three days a week and morning practices with my middle school hip-hop team. I had so much to look forward to, but not anymore. And in the middle of it all, my dad's kidneys stopped working, and he had to start dialysis. All of this happening at once was highly challenging for me. My studio closed its doors during that time because the virus was unpredictable. No one knew what to expect. It was my second year taking dance classes. I was already feeling behind because I found dance later than everyone else my age. The isolation spun me into a depressive state. Isolated at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had to find a way to cope with the silence. So, I danced!!! I danced in my bedroom, on my back porch, and in my front yard. Dance has significantly impacted my life because it was the one thing I felt was still mine. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be me and express myself no matter where I am or who is watching. Soon, my studio started having online virtual dance classes. I learned that dance helped me work through my feelings. These life events and how I was coping helped me realize how important dance is to me. How I was feeling about my dad's illness and how I felt about not being able to go to school and socialize. I learned that I could channel all of my hurt, fears, and anxiety into my movements. Dance has allowed me to create a constant emotional outlet that helps me find comfort in times I cannot express through words. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. Now, the world is back to normal; I've realized I want to do this for the rest of my life. I would love to share my love for dance with the world. There is so much I want to do. My dreams are to dance professionally and someday teach and choreograph. I want to connect with my community and with young dancers who look like me. Being an African American dancer in my hometown, where my high school is only 7% African American, I struggle to see anyone who dances looked like me. But, I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. Today, I encourage other dancers to follow their dreams no matter how dark things get. This quote is true for anyone who wants to pursue anything in life, not dance alone. In the future, I plan to continue to take any opportunities to influence others in my school, studio, and community. I plan to encourage others to be bold and have the courage to go after the things they desire and, more importantly, help someone along the way. In May 2021, my dad got a kidney transplant from a fellow officer in blue, and he's doing great. Today, I dance, and he is right there to support me.

It was March 2019 when life as I knew it changed instantly. Covid-19 has caused sickness and death to so many people. I knew no one who had died from this disease, but my world came to an extreme halt. I, the social butterfly, could not go to school. I was cast in my school play, Wicked Jr. I had dance class three days a week. I looked forward to sitting at lunch and hanging out with my friends. I had so much to look forward to, but not anymore. And in the middle of it all, my dad's kidneys stopped working, and he had to start dialysis. All of this happening at once was extremely challenging for me. My studio closed its doors during that time because the virus was unpredictable. No one knew what to expect. It was my second year taking dance classes. I was already feeling behind because I found dance later than everyone else in my class. The isolation spun me into a depressive state. Isolated at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I had to find a way to cope with the silence. So, I danced!!! I danced in my bedroom, on my back porch, and in my front yard. Dance has had a significant impact on my life because it was the one thing I felt was still mine. Dance helps me when I'm sad or when I'm anxious. The impact of dance has taught me that I am still free to be me and express myself no matter where I am or who is watching. Soon, my studio started having virtual dance classes online. I learned that dance helped me work through my feelings. How I was feeling about my dad's illness and how I felt about not being able to go to school and socialize. I learned that I could channel all of my hurt, fears, and anxiety into my movements. It is a tool that has helped me work through difficult times and life's celebrations. Now, the world is somewhat back to normal; I currently teach recreational classes as a student teacher. Dance has impacted my life in and out of the studio. Other dancers and parents often tell me they see the joy in my dance. This makes me happy that I am able to share that with them. Dance has taught me to have the courage to go after the things I want. This helps me both inside and outside of the studio. Even though I started this dance journey later than the average dancer, it is never too late to do something you're passionate about. I am reminded of a famous quote by Misty Copeland that says, "Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed." This quote inspires me the most. Today, I encourage other dancers to follow their dreams no matter how dark things get. This quote is true for anyone who wants to pursue anything in life, not dance alone. In the future, I plan to take any opportunities I do presently to influence others in my school, studio, and community. I tell my boys hip-hop dancers that they can do anything they set their minds to. I plan to encourage others to be bold and have the courage to go after the things they desire and help someone along the way. In May 2021, my dad got a kidney transplant from a fellow officer in blue, and he's doing great. Today, I dance, and he is right there to support me.