I've watched the Broadway musical with my aunt since I was about six or so, and when we found out it was going to be made into a movie I couldn't have been more excited. I fell in love with the storyline, the songs (original and new), and the pure emotions you could feel from the actors. The new Wicked movie has moved me to appreciate the past and where it came from, but not to hate on remakes just because it's not the original. In my opinion, the new version is much better, with songs that hit more emotional points and scenes that can convey the setting much more efficiently than the Broadway musical. More than just watching Wicked, anticipating it's release was the most enjoyable part for me. Seeing all of the merchandise come out to support the premiere, the red carpet events, the press tour activities and game shows all made it more entertaining while we were all waiting on the release of the movie. Getting to see sneak peeks and spoilers that may or may not have been planned to slip through an interview made me all the more excited to see how it would play out in theaters. When Wicked came out, I saw it seven times, all in one week might I add. I couldn't get enough of it after the first time. On release day, I sat smack dab in the middle of the theater and cried. I was so happy with how amazingly it came out. It had surpassed all my expectations and then some. I cried for the little girl in me had been anticipating for over a decade. I cried for my aunt who had been waiting since 2003 to see her favorite Broadway musical make it to the big screen. I cried for all the girls younger than me who would love this movie just as much as I loved the original.

As a Link Leader for Salinas High School, it was my job to ensure that every freshman that came through the gym doors on orientation day felt welcome and accepted without having to leave any part of them at the door. Being a Link Leader means guiding incoming freshmen into their new high school selves, from orientation day all the way up until we graduate, even if we’re no longer in the program. We form meaningful connections with these freshmen, and even if we don’t relate to one another, we help them find a community that does. I’ve watched so many freshmen get into their own skin, make new friends, and find where they belong. But there’s two sides to every coin. I’ve witnessed kids that I mentored sit alone at lunch, walk with their head down, and lose the spark that they had when I met them. Some people have a much harder time fitting in, and that breaks my heart. And it shatters in two when I ask what I can do to help and I get hit with “help me make them like me.” Those moments when these sweet, kind individuals think that there’s something wrong with them because they don’t feel like they belong. That's why as a Link Leader, I work with my peers to plan events to make everyone feel included with things that everyone likes, like bounce houses and facepaint, things where people have to talk to each other and get to know one another without the factions of different cliques and social barriers. I’ve seen people talk to those that they would never think of talking to before these events, and that makes me happy knowing that I’m doing my job right. With this scholarship, these skills would allow me to connect with others at a school that I never thought of attending due to financial need, because I saw how much it can benefit a person. I’m very good at meeting new people, and making them feel welcome in my presence is one of my top priorities. I don't care about someone's religion, ethnic background, home life, or anything else about their past and identity when I want to be their friend. If they’re nice to me and I enjoy their ability to make my time with them enjoyable, even if we’re just lounging on the couch and doing our own separate things, then I want them as a friend. To me, all those characteristics are just a word until someone puts a meaning behind it. With this scholarship, I would be able to attend college at a more affordable rate, where I can pursue my studies as an aspiring fashion designer, where I hope to create affordable and beautiful dresses for young girls celebrating their 15th birthday, because nobody deserves to have a significant cultural moment stripped away from them because of money. And one doesn’t have to be part of a specific culture or race or social class to enjoy this moment. So, by awarding me this scholarship and thereby giving me the opportunity to be a student going to college, the future of inclusive fashion will be pushed forward tenfold.