Growing up in Oakland in a single-parent household, I learned from my mother to be fiercely proud of my roots, grounding me in Oakland's history and our own African American and Afro-Caribbean heritage. I learned early on that family isn’t just about who you’re related to—it’s about who shows up for you. Since the rest of our family was all the way across the country, she basically built us a village from scratch. She made sure our chosen family surrounded me so I could get the support and love I needed to become resilient and thrive. She always reminded me to draw on the strength of those who came before me, to believe in myself, and to propel myself forward, never forgetting who I am and where I came from. Even when money was tight, she would figure out a way to make sure I had what I needed and then some. She refused to let society lower our hopes or define our worth by our bank account. Even when I declared at 7 years old, “I am an artist!”, financial barriers never stopped her from prioritizing my growth as an artist. She always found a way to make sure I got into extracurricular dance, art, and music classes, even when she had to make huge sacrifices. She also understood that I learned differently, and she never stopped supporting me throughout my education. She got the resources I needed and didn’t let anyone stop me from learning alongside my peers. Her approach wasn’t just about "getting by"; it was about showing me that my identity, hopes, and dreams were valid regardless of my differences and the circumstances we lived in. My mom is an educator, and watching her fight for her students’ rights in the East Bay school system gave me a front-row seat to advocacy and a model for the kind of person I wanted to become. She didn’t just teach me how to get around barriers; she taught me how to break them. In her career, she has always stood up for Black, queer, immigrant, and disabled kids. That energy was the same at home. Because of her unconditional support, I never felt like I had to hide who I am. Growing up as a queer, neurodivergent, Black artist could have been devastating, but for example, when I came out to her in middle school, her validation was everything. She taught me that I don’t have to squeeze myself into a "standard" box. I’d rather design a whole new space where people like me can actually breathe and thrive. Now, a sophomore at the California College of the Arts, I want to pay that forward. To me, fashion isn’t just about making clothes; it’s a way to put marginalized bodies and stories front and center. The industry has been exclusive for way too long, especially regarding Black and disabled representation. As I look at my future as a designer, I’m taking everything I learned from my mom and my chosen family—the resilience, the community, the advocacy, and the unwavering commitment and hard work—and using it to build a brand rooted in equity and sustainability. I want the next generation to see their own reflections in my work, proving that fashion can be a powerful vehicle for social change.

As a Black, queer, and neurodivergent artist with Afro-Caribbean roots, my creative practice is a dialogue between my heritage and the future. My work is not just about aesthetics; it is an act of love, self-expression, and cultural preservation. Now, as a sophomore at the California College of the Arts (CCA), I am deepening my commitment to amplifying the voices that history has often silenced and to transforming the fashion industry into a model of inclusion and environmental stewardship. My goal is to create silhouettes that celebrate diversity and challenge traditional boundaries. Through my designs, I will introduce new perspectives on inclusion, disability, race, and self-expression into the fashion industry. My commitment to diversity and self-expression is balanced with my dedication to sustainability. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to turn these ambitious goals into a tangible reality. Your support is an investment in a designer who is ready to move beyond learning the basics and toward true innovation. To make an impact on the world, I will continue to learn innovative approaches to addressing the critical issues of overconsumption and overproduction in the fashion industry. I will further refine my work by learning more about upcycling and repurposing used fabric to significantly reduce waste. I will also expand my knowledge and use of 3D digital design software, bioplastics, and other sustainable materials to minimize our contribution to landfill waste and pollution of our waterways during the design and manufacturing processes. By combining my creativity, design-thinking skills, and technical expertise with practical sustainability principles, I will contribute to the design, illustration, and construction of long-lasting, versatile, and sustainable garments. My impact on the world will be defined by valuing people over profit. I plan to influence the fashion industry by proving that sustainability and self-expression are not mutually exclusive. But my impact extends beyond the physical garment. A career as a fashion illustrator and designer will provide me with a creative platform to give voice to often-overlooked stories, challenge outdated industry norms, and inspire other BIPOC designers to join this dynamic field. I plan to dedicate myself to mastering the tools essential to building an eco-friendly, inclusive brand, and to creating a space that celebrates disability, neurodivergence, and racial diversity, proving that the most sustainable fashion is the kind that empowers the wearer, respects the artisan, and protects the planet.

As a child of a hardworking single mother within the LGBTQ+ community in Oakland, California, I learned early that my chosen family, the resilience I witnessed, and the sense of belonging I experienced shaped who I would become. Since our biological family lives on the East Coast, I learned early on that family is defined not by proximity or bloodline, but by the unwavering commitment to show up for one another. We built our own chosen family of friends and mentors who stepped in as aunts and uncles, providing a strong support system, especially when things were financially hard for us. This experience shaped every aspect of my identity as a queer, neurodivergent, Black artist. My comfort in my own skin is a direct result of my environment. Coming out to my mother in middle school was a defining moment in my life, not because of the struggle, but because of the immediate validation I received from her and my chosen family. Because I have always felt completely accepted for who I am, I have had the privilege of navigating my life as an openly queer and disabled person without the burden of hiding my identity. This security allowed me to pour my energy into my art rather than into the exhausting task of passing, just fitting in, or living at the margins of my environment. Living in the Bay Area has taught me that we are responsible for the communities we build. While we are considered a queer-friendly location with liberal ideas, there is no shortage of systemic barriers for young people like me. As an educator, my mother was dedicated to educational equity, and witnessing her tireless efforts to dismantle systemic barriers in public schools that gay, Black, immigrant, and disabled students experienced instilled in me a sense of responsibility. She taught me to advocate for myself and, by example, how to stand up for others, ensuring that my voice and the voices of those often silenced were heard. As a neurodivergent learner, I see the world through a non-traditional lens. I never got used to "standard" paths that weren't always designed for me, which pushed me to advocate for and design environments for people like me. This experience drives my ambition to enter the field of Fashion Design. Through my rigorous fellowships, internships, and pre-college training, I began to see fashion as more than just garment construction; I saw it as a platform to expand ideas of diversity and inclusion. My education at the California College of the Arts allows me to transform my lived experience into tangible action. I am not just looking to design clothes; I want to design an equitable future where creativity is a tool for belonging, ensuring that the next generation of kids growing up in Oakland and beyond see their stories reflected in the world around them. I plan to use my education to shine a light on the exclusivity pervasive in the fashion industry. You may see gay people in the fashion industry, but you can’t say the same for the representation of Black or disabled LGBTQ+ people. My goal is to center marginalized bodies and narratives, and to make creativity an accessible vehicle for change. Like my mother, I want to build a career that breaks down barriers. Through sustainable practices, inclusive sizing, the representation of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people, and the use of media and design to advocate for social issues, I intend to apply the lessons of my upbringing to my professional practice and make an impact on the world.

My journey into the world of art began not just as a hobby but as a profound necessity for self-expression and a haven for my neurodivergent mind. From my earliest memories, art served as a sanctuary, a place to slow down my mind. In this boundless space, my thoughts and creativity could grow freely, unbothered by judgment or society’s expectations of who I was supposed to be. This connection to making art steered me toward fashion. For me, fashion isn't merely about clothing; it's an intricate art form that interweaves all my diverse creative interests, talents, and skills, serving as a powerful tool for self-expression and a platform to amplify the diverse voices often silenced in our society. From a young age, I found joy in creating outfits for myself and my dolls. I wanted to be seen by the world, and so I designed elaborate fashion shows for my parents and grandmother. This passion evolved, leading me to create wearable art in elementary school. My journey then progressed to learning metal and leather jewelry making in middle school and sewing in high school. Over the past three years, I’ve honed my craft, learning to cut patterns and construct garments. My desire to sketch and illustrate fashion designs became more of a reality thanks to a scholarship I earned from Creative Want Change in 10th and 11th grade. This scholarship provided me with the opportunity to attend a pre-college summer fashion program at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I immersed myself in the world of fashion and significantly improved my skills. The following summer, I was fortunate to attend a similar program at the California College of the Arts, which further developed my design style and skills in sewing, designing, and illustration. Vivienne Westwood, with her innovative use of punk and street fashion, coupled with her bold deconstruction and incorporation of historic styles, has a profound influence on my personal style. She is my favorite designer, and I appreciate how she made important statements about society through her fashion designs. Similarly, I am inspired by the boldness of Japanese alternative fashion of the 2000s, including Gyaru, Lolita, Harajuku, and Decora fashion. These styles often blend historical, alternative, and maximalist fashion with a distinct, street-style twist. These diverse influences are fundamental to shaping who I am as a designer and creator, encouraging me to be courageous and bold with my designs and interpretations of contemporary fashion. My long-term goal is to become a fashion designer and create a company that embodies my passion for sustainable living and fashion versatility. I am committed to creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly. My immediate goal is to attend the California College of the Arts, where I will strive to earn a BFA and pursue a career as a professional fashion illustrator and designer. I plan to secure industry internships, receive mentorship from successful designers, establish relationships with artist communities, and make crucial industry connections to help me thrive in the dynamic fashion world.

This fall, I begin my journey at the California College of the Arts (CCA), driven by my desire to positively impact the world of fashion and the environment through my bold, experimental, sustainable designs. Fashion design and illustration are more than creative outlets; they are powerful tools for self-expression, allowing me to share my story as a Black, queer, neurodivergent young woman. This medium can amplify the voices and self-expression of those whom society has tried to silence. Using one's style to send a message to the world is freeing and healing. It worked for me when I was at my lowest point emotionally, and it can empower others to take control of their self-image and unleash their inner strength. I chose CCA because it is committed to providing students with tools to create art and design responsibly. As a fashion design student, I aspire to create silhouettes that celebrate diversity and challenge traditional boundaries, introducing new perspectives about inclusion, disability, and race into the world of fashion. My commitment to diversity, inclusion, and self-expression is balanced with my dedication to sustainability, which is at the core of my creative process. In college, I plan to learn innovative approaches to addressing overconsumption and overproduction, as well as key issues like water pollution from textile production and microplastic pollution from synthetic fabrics. By blending creativity, design thinking, and technology with practical sustainability ideas, I aim to develop innovative methods for designing and constructing sustainable, versatile garments and accessories. For example, I intend to continue experimenting with bioplastics, which offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics in the fashion industry. I design jewelry and have an interest in creating a line of shoes. I want to learn how to utilize bioplastics derived from renewable sources to produce stylish and durable accessories that minimize our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce waste. At CCA, I will also refine my work with upcycling and repurposing used fabrics to reduce waste. I will also experiment with sustainable fabric development and the use of deadstock fabric. I want to expand my knowledge of using plant dyes to color fabrics with natural pigments, a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes. Additionally, CCA’s partnerships with the Sustainable Cotton Project and Fibershed allow students to tour farms, meet scientists and farmers, and experience regenerative cotton and wool cultivation systems firsthand. These partnerships will enable me to secure industry internships that provide real-world experiences creating sustainable textiles. A career in fashion will provide me with a platform to share my unique design voice and contribute to sustainable innovations. The prospect of contributing to the ever-changing world of fashion and developing design solutions for the present and future excites me. A career in fashion offers me the opportunity to share overlooked stories, challenge outdated industry norms, and inspire other BIPOC designers to join the sustainable fashion movement. I am committed to creating a brand that exclusively uses eco-friendly materials and adheres to ethical practices that respect people and protect the planet.

In the fall, I will attend one of the six art schools that have accepted me and pursue a degree in fashion design. I will focus on fashion design because it is one of the best forms of self-expression, combining all my creative interests, talents, and skills. Ever since I was little, I have had an interest in studying design. I began designing wearable art in elementary school, which led me to learn metal and leather jewelry making in middle school, and then sewing, garment construction, and fashion illustration in high school. These experiences have shaped me as an artist and prepared me to break through any limitations that may exist in the fashion world for people like me, a neurodivergent, queer Black young woman. I deepened my interest in fashion during the pandemic as a way to rebuild my confidence and sense of self after years of dealing with anxiety and feeling silenced because of my disabilities. The fashion styles that inspire me are about expressing your interests on the outside and making unapologetic statements with your style, clothes, and accessories. These styles allow you to express yourself, unleash your creativity, and provide connections for others to engage with new perspectives. As part of my volunteer and community service work, I have shared my passion for art with K-5th-grade students at my neighborhood elementary school. I led activities and workshops on things like face painting, gingerbread house making, beading, and engaged students in paper hat and bonnet making at their spring festival in May. My love for art and creativity became my refuge during difficult times throughout my childhood and a source of motivation that helped me overcome the challenges I faced. I teach the children to express themselves using art to develop their confidence by showing the world what they can create. I aim to use my designs and voice to bring new ideas about inclusion, disability, identity, and self-expression into the field of fashion. I want to explore how we adorn and celebrate non-traditional silhouettes, bringing them to the forefront of fashion. I want to push for reconsidering how we portray gender, size, and race in fashion, breaking away from simply putting the same clothes on different people and calling it inclusion. I believe in the importance of self-expression for everyone, especially for those whom society has tried to silence. Using fashion to communicate what you feel, see, and believe about yourself and the world should have no limitations. I think about how to match this desire for self-expression with my value of sustainability. I am aware of how fast fashion creates overconsumption, contributing to landfills that pollute our waterways. But limiting your consumption should not restrict your self-expression; instead, my vision is to expand our choices without harming the planet. I am committed to using sustainable ways of designing and constructing clothes and accessories. By combining my creativity and skills in design thinking and technology with practical ideas in sustainability, I plan to illustrate, design, and construct long-lasting, versatile garments. In college, I will further develop my work with upcycling and repurposing used fabric and clothing to reduce waste. I want to expand my knowledge of 3D digital fashion design software so that we don’t contribute to landfills during the design process. My long-term goal is to become a professional fashion designer and create a brand focused on versatility and sustainability. I want to build an inclusive design company that represents my values, contributes to sustainability, and authentically promotes and celebrates the expression of differences.

This fall, I will begin my journey at the California College of the Arts, driven by my passion to positively impact the world of fashion design and the natural environment. For me, fashion design and illustration are more than creative outlets; they are powerful tools for self-expression, allowing me to share my story as a Black, queer, neurodivergent young woman. These mediums can amplify the voices and self-expression of those whom society has tried to silence, and given the state of the world right now, freedom of expression and telling your own story are of paramount importance. Using one's style to make a strong statement is freeing and healing. It worked for me when I was at my lowest point emotionally, and it can empower others to take control of their self-image and unleash their inner strength. I am committed to sharing this transformative experience with others through my bold and experimental designs, while also caring for our planet. My goal is to create silhouettes that not only celebrate diversity but also challenge traditional boundaries. Through my designs and my voice, I will introduce new perspectives on inclusion, disability, race, and self-expression into the fashion industry. This commitment to diversity and self-expression is balanced with my dedication to sustainability, which is at the core of my creative process. I plan to learn innovative approaches to addressing the critical issues of overconsumption and overproduction. By combining my creativity and skills in design thinking and technology with practical ideas in sustainability, I will experiment with new methods for designing, illustrating, and constructing long-lasting, versatile, and sustainable garments and accessories. As a design student, I am excited about experimenting with cutting-edge digital design technologies. I will work to master the use of 2D illustration software, such as Adobe Illustrator and Procreate, and expand my skills to include 3D software for sketching, pattern making, and prototyping. I plan to utilize these digital design tools to minimize our contribution to landfills and pollution of our waterways during the design process. Some of the digital design tools for fashion designers include CLO 3D, Browzwear, Marvelous Designer, and Optitex. These tools do not hinder my creativity or surplant the talent and skills that I have developed; instead, they facilitate and maximize opportunities to use my creativity to innovate with a smaller carbon footprint. I intend to learn to use these alongside AI-powered tools like Khroma and NewArc.ai for color palette development, material exploration, and trend forecasting, all of which would provide me with a wider set of tools to incorporate new avenues for future projects. I also want to explore 3D printing using sustainable materials, such as recycled plastics, bio-based polymers, and even bacterial cellulose. These materials contribute to a more environmentally friendly approach to fashion design and production. Lastly, I aim to study blockchain technology to gain a deeper understanding of the traceability of ethical labor practices in the fashion industry, the origins of sustainable materials, and their environmental impact. At CCA, I will further refine my work with upcycling and repurposing used fabrics to significantly reduce waste. I will also experiment with sustainable fabric development and commit to using only deadstock fabric in my designs. I have started experimenting with creating natural dyes, and I want to expand my knowledge to dye fabric and yarn with natural pigments extracted from plants, offering a more sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes. Additionally, because CCA has partnerships with the Sustainable Cotton Project and Fibershed, students get to tour their farms, meet with scientists and farmers, and experience regenerative cotton and wool cultivation systems. I will take advantage of these opportunities to get industry internships and gain hands-on, real-world experiences with sustainability. A career in fashion will be my platform to share my unique design voice and contribute the sustainable innovations I learn and develop in college. Contributing to the ever-changing world of fashion and developing design solutions for both the present and future excites me. This career provides me with the creative platform to give voice to stories often overlooked, challenge outdated industry norms, and inspire other BIPOC designers to join this dynamic field. I am committed to creating a brand that uses digital design, eco-friendly materials, such as plant-based plastics and compostable materials, and ethical practices that ensure my designs always respect people and protect the planet.

This fall, I will begin my journey at the California College of the Arts, driven by my passion to positively impact the world of fashion and the natural environment. For me, fashion design and illustration are more than creative outlets; they are powerful tools for self-expression, allowing me to share my story as a Black, queer, neurodivergent young woman. These mediums can amplify the voices and self-expression of those whom society has tried to silence. Using one's style to send a message to the world is freeing and healing. It worked for me when I was at my lowest point emotionally, and it can empower others to take control of their self-image and unleash their inner strength. I am committed to sharing this transformative experience with others through my bold and experimental designs, while also caring for our planet. My goal is to create silhouettes that not only celebrate diversity but also challenge traditional boundaries. Through my designs and my voice, I will introduce new perspectives on inclusion, disability, race, and self-expression into the fashion industry. This commitment to diversity and self-expression is balanced with my dedication to sustainability, which is core to my creative process. I plan to learn innovative approaches to addressing the critical issues of overconsumption and overproduction. By combining my creativity and skills in design thinking and technology with practical ideas in sustainability, I plan to experiment with new methods for designing, illustrating, and constructing long-lasting, versatile, and sustainable garments and accessories. I am most excited about experimenting with cutting-edge digital technologies. I aim to master using 2D illustration software, such as Adobe Illustrator and Procreate, and expand my skills to include 3D software for sketching, pattern making, and prototyping. I plan to utilize these digital design tools to minimize our contribution to landfills and pollution of our waterways during the design process. Some of these digital design tools for fashion designers include CLO 3D, Browzwear, Marvelous Designer, and Optitex. I intend to learn to use these alongside AI-powered tools like Khroma and NewArc.ai for color palette development, material exploration, and trend forecasting. I also want to explore 3D printing using sustainable materials, such as recycled plastics, bio-based polymers, and even bacterial cellulose. These materials contribute to a more environmentally friendly approach to fashion design and production. Lastly, I aim to study Blockchain technology to gain a deeper understanding of the traceability of ethical labor practices in the fashion industry, the origins of sustainable materials, and their environmental impact. A career in fashion will be my platform to share my unique design voice and contribute the sustainable innovations I learn and develop in college. Contributing to the ever-changing world of fashion and developing design solutions for both the present and future excites me. This career provides me with the creative platform to give voice to stories often overlooked, challenge outdated industry norms, and inspire other BIPOC designers to join this dynamic field. I am committed to creating a brand that exclusively uses digital design tools, eco-friendly materials, and ethical practices to ensure my designs always respect people and protect the planet. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship because it provides me with the chance to focus my energy on studying new skills, developing my creativity, and preparing myself for a career as a designer. Without scholarships and the merit aid I received from CCA, I would not be able to pursue my dream. Thank you for considering my application.

Growing up in Oakland, California, my childhood was quite different from the carefree stories often described in books and movies about growing up. My neighborhood, though vibrant in its own way with diverse people from many different backgrounds, music, and food, was also filled with the harsh realities of urban life. Murals on the walls of corner stores dedicated to murdered youth served as a constant reminder of lives cut short. The open secret of half-naked young girls being sexually trafficked down the street from my house in broad daylight was part of what I saw every day since I was a kid. Not to mention the smell of weed coming from dispensaries on practically every corner was part of the landscape I grew up in. The feeling of safety was present when my mom would drive me everywhere and pick me up, but soon I became a teen, and walking alone, even in my own neighborhood, filled me with anxiety. My middle and high school experiences also filled me with a feeling of neglect. The instability within the educational system itself was a big problem; with a revolving door of teachers, I recall having three different math teachers in five months. At one point, student protests aimed to oust a principal whose leadership had created an unstable and repressive environment that we couldn’t take any longer. School bathrooms often reeked of vape smoke and were a meeting place for kids who would take bets for the after-school "fight club”. It got so bad that the teachers would lock the bathrooms and only allow one student in at a time. And personally, the bullying and cyberbullying I endured, especially in 8th through 10th grade, became so unbearable that I had to transfer to a school in another city. Amidst all of the chaos, art became my sanctuary. It was a world I could control, a space where I could express myself. After-school art programs provided a vital lifeline, connecting me with peers from different neighborhoods who shared a similar desire for creative expression. Public transportation became my vehicle for escape and exploration. I would ride buses and trains, venturing into other nearby cities to seek out places where I could breathe freely and feel a sense of belonging. This exploration eventually led me to a school in one of those safer towns. In this place, I finally felt more at ease walking without looking over my shoulder, and not worrying about being abducted. It was in those days that the number of missing Black girls rose so high in Oakland that the community came together to demand Ebony Alerts, and my mom was terrified of letting me out of the house. It was in this new environment that I discovered my passion for fashion design and garment construction. I enrolled in sewing classes at a small community organization, and it was a great experience. With each project I completed, I felt more confident, which helped me feel more hopeful. This newfound passion inspired me to think about a future where I could create beautiful clothes and express myself. I had been feeling silenced and anxious for so long; finding this art form, where I could utilize all of my creative skills, felt like it transformed me into who I was meant to be all along. Now, as I prepare to begin my college journey at the California College of the Arts, even though it's just across the Bay, I feel like I'm walking into a new world. And the decision to live in the dorms is so important to me; it will be hard to be away from my mom, but the promise of freedom and safety I have yearned for will finally come true. The ability to walk around alone, to simply exist without being in constant fear, will be a relief. While it has been challenging to grow up without the same freedoms as many of my peers, I am looking forward to a future where I can finally embrace that autonomy and step into a world where I feel truly safe, allowing me to focus my energy on creating beauty.

This fall, I will begin my journey at the California College of the Arts, driven by my desire to positively impact the world of fashion and the environment. For me, fashion design and illustration are more than creative outlets; they are powerful tools for self-expression, allowing me to share my story as a Black, queer, neurodivergent young woman. These media can also amplify the voices and self-expression of those whom society has tried to silence. Using one's style to send a message to the world is a freeing and healing experience. It worked for me when I was at my lowest point emotionally, and it can empower others to take control of their self-image and unleash their inner strength. I am committed to bringing this transformative experience to others through my bold and experimental designs and making a positive impact on the world. My goal is to create silhouettes that not only celebrate diversity but also challenge traditional boundaries. Through my designs and my voice, I will introduce new perspectives on inclusion, disability, race, and self-expression into the fashion industry. This commitment to diversity and self-expression is balanced with my dedication to sustainability, which is at the core of my creative process. I plan to learn innovative approaches to addressing the critical issues of overconsumption and overproduction. By combining my creativity and skills in design thinking and technology with practical ideas in sustainability, I plan to develop new methods for designing, illustrating, and constructing long-lasting, versatile, and sustainable garments. In college, I will refine my work with upcycling and repurposing used fabric to reduce waste. I will also expand my knowledge and use of 3D digital design software to minimize our contribution to landfills and the pollution of our waterways during the design process. A career in fashion will be my platform to share my unique design voice and contribute the sustainable innovations I learned and developed in college. Contributing to the changing world of fashion by developing design solutions for both the present and future excites me. This career provides me with the creative platform to give voice to stories often overlooked, challenge outdated industry norms, and inspire other BIPOC designers to join this dynamic field. I am committed to creating a brand that exclusively uses eco-friendly materials, such as plant-based textiles and compostable materials, and ethical practices that ensure my designs always respect people and protect the planet.

I realized I was different from other kids when I was around four or five. I was quieter than the other kids, more heavily attached to my routines, emotionally sensitive, and zeroed in on details often overlooked by others. By the time I was in first grade, I was diagnosed with a learning disability and ADHD, and my mom advocated for me to get an IEP. It took me a while to figure out what that diagnosis would mean when it came to making friends and learning in a regular classroom. Mostly, it was just hard to be the different kid. I did a lot of crying, but I was lucky to learn from my family not to think of myself as less than other kids. By the time I was in the 5th grade, even though things got pretty bad with all of the regular pre-adolescent stuff plus my disabilities, I went to a new school, and I finally got a special education resource room teacher who got me in ways other teachers hadn’t before. I felt seen by her, which made a difference in how I started to see myself as a learner. Her presence in my life has lived on; I always remember her pep talks, and combined with my mother’s voice, it is what I hear when things get too hard. After that experience came the pandemic, and things got harder again because I was isolated at home and made to try and focus on a screen for days and days, which was challenging for a person with my disabilities. This time with the support of a kind and compassionate counselor, I felt heard and made it through. It wasn’t easy, but through the experiences of being bullied for thinking and doing things differently, dealing with teachers who didn’t understand how I learned, and being unfairly labeled, I learned about inclusion, fairness, and equity—being aware of how I learn and how I see the world has made me more emotionally aware. I strive to understand the context in which people act, and I can tell when people are having difficulty coming across the way they want to be seen. I know firsthand what that feels like and what it does to a person’s self-esteem. I think about people’s experiences based on their identity and want to figure out how to change things for those who don’t always fit neatly into society. Because of my lived experience, I have become a more empathetic person who sees things from different perspectives and uses my voice to stand up for what is right. Learning how to be in the world as a neurodivergent person has sparked massive growth in me. I have learned how to tap into my passions, look for allies, and as a result have become resilient. I have faced many challenges throughout my K-12 education. Because of my disabilities, I have difficulty following verbal instructions, keeping up with the pace of the work, and communicating my ideas in the ways that teachers expect. I had to transfer to different schools to get better services, and early in the 9th grade, I started to lose confidence in myself and doubt my academic capacity, but I kept going because I learned to focus on my strengths. During the rough patches growing up, my love for art and creativity became my refuge, a source of motivation that helped me overcome the challenges I faced. For example, during the later part of the pandemic, I discovered fashion as a way to build back my confidence and sense of self after years of dealing with anxiety, exclusion, and feeling silenced because of my disabilities. Communicating without speaking and instead using your clothes and style to send a message to the world is freeing and healing. It worked for me when I was at my lowest point, and it works for others who have had to take control of their self-image and unleash their inner strength. The journey of discovering my style was empowering and illuminating - I hope to bring this experience to others through my designs. When I was developing as an artist and deciding what I wanted to focus on in college, with the help of my amazing special education case manager, I chose fashion design because fashion is one of the best forms of self-expression and combines all my creative interests, talents, and skills. In the fall, I will attend the California College of the Arts and work toward earning a BFA. My goal is to use my designs and voice to bring new ideas about inclusion, disability, identity, and self-expression into the field of fashion. I want to explore how we adorn and celebrate non-traditional silhouettes, bringing them to the forefront of fashion. I want to push for reconsidering how we portray gender, size, and race in fashion, breaking away from simply putting the same clothes on different people and calling it inclusion. I believe in the importance of self-expression for everyone, especially for those whom society has tried to silence. Using fashion to communicate what you feel, see, and believe about yourself and the world should have no limitations. I think about how to match this desire for self-expression with my value of sustainability. Limiting your consumption should not restrict your self-expression; my vision is to expand our choices without harming the planet. My long-term goal is to become a fashion designer and create a brand and inclusive design company that represents my values, contributes to sustainability, and authentically promotes, unleashes, and celebrates the expression of differences. I have come a long way. I am an honors student, and I built an art portfolio that got me accepted into six of the top art schools in the country, but financial obstacles remain in my way. I am hopeful that with this scholarship and others, I will be able to break through that barrier and continue on my journey toward fulfilling my creative and academic ambitions.

My greatest personal achievement is all the art and the creative process it took to build a strong art portfolio that got me accepted into six top art schools in the country. I am very proud of this achievement, and in the fall of 2025, I will attend the California College of the Arts (CCA) and study fashion design to earn a BFA. I have chosen to focus on fashion design because fashion is one of the best forms of self-expression and combines all my creative interests, talents, and skills. I have always had a passion for fashion; even as a small child, I would pick out my clothes and design outfits for myself and my dolls. I was so passionate about making art that I created wearable art in elementary school, with the help of scholarships, I took classes to learn metal and leather jewelry making in middle school, sewing, garment construction, and fashion illustration in my teens. I deepened my interest in fashion during the pandemic to rebuild my confidence and sense of self after years of dealing with anxiety and feeling silenced because of my disabilities. My journey to becoming an artist, the art I have created, and all my creative experiences have given me a strong foundation for excelling in a college fashion design program. They shaped me as an artist and activist to break through any limitations that may exist in the fashion world for people like me, a neurodivergent, queer Black Latinx young woman. I bring a unique vision and the passion to push the boundaries of traditional fashion with my bold and experimental designs. The fashion styles that inspire me are about expressing your interests on the outside and making unapologetic statements with your style, clothes, and accessories. These styles allow you to express yourself without speaking and provide connections for others to engage with new perspectives. Over the years, I have shared my passion for art with K-5th-grade students at my neighborhood elementary school. I lead activities and workshops on face painting, gingerbread house making, beading, and paper hat and bonnet making. I love being a role model for them and making the children happy and proud. My love for art and creativity became my refuge during difficult times throughout my childhood and helped me to express myself. I teach the children to express themselves using art to develop self-confidence and build a positive self-image. I believe in the importance of self-expression for everyone, especially those who society has tried to silence. I aim to inspire new ideas about inclusion: disability, identity, and self-expression in the fashion industry. I want to re-examine how we portray gender, size, and race, and with my designs, explore new ways to adorn and celebrate non-traditional silhouettes, bringing them to the forefront of fashion. I think about how to match this desire with my value of sustainability. I want to engage in dialogue within a community of BIPOC creatives about climate change and overconsumption, and design new technologies that support sustainability in fashion. I envision creating an inclusive brand whose designs unleash self-expression while protecting the planet. I have overcome many barriers to becoming an honors student and building a strong art portfolio that earned me a place at CCA, but financial obstacles remain in my way. I am hopeful that with this scholarship and others, I will be able to break through those barriers and continue on my journey toward fulfilling my creative aspirations and contributing great things to the world. Thank you for considering me as a candidate for this scholarship.

My passion for art and design has helped me to build a strong foundation to excel in college. Even though I didn’t attend art-focused schools, my love of creativity and making art motivated me to find other avenues to practice different media and learn from other artists. I started designing wearable art in elementary school, leading me to learning metal and leather jewelry making in middle school and sewing, garment construction, and fashion illustration in high school. I have chosen to focus on fashion design because fashion is one of the best forms of self-expression and combines all my creative interests, talents, and skills. As neurodivergent, queer Black young woman I know firsthand what it feels like for society to try and shrink you and make you invisible. I bring this unique perspective to fashion, which propels me to push the boundaries of traditional fashion with my bold and experimental designs. The fashion styles that inspired me are about wearing your interests and making unapologetic statements with your clothes. I want to use my degree to bring new ideas about inclusion and perspectives about identity and self-expression into the field of fashion. I want to explore how we adorn and celebrate non-traditional silhouettes, bringing them to the forefront of fashion. I want to expand how we portray gender, size, and race in fashion, breaking away from just putting the same clothes on different people and calling it inclusion. I believe in the importance of self-expression for everyone, especially those that society has tried to silence. I think about how to match this desire with my value of sustainability. I am aware of the issues of overconsumption created by the fashion industry. Limiting your consumption should not restrict your self-expression; instead, I want to be part of a dialogue within a community of creatives that explores how to become more mindful of what we create and how we create it. And to support my concerns about overconsumption, I have started experimenting with upcycling and repurposing clothes, and in college, I want to develop this approach further. I have learned to use digital illustration software to create fashion sketches and designs. I want to grow in this area and reach the next level by learning to use 3D design software. I want to learn more about digital fashion design because of the textile waste the fashion industry creates. I believe digital fashion design can be as creative as physical design, but without the risk of creating more waste, adding to landfills, and polluting our waterways. My long-term goal is to become a professional fashion designer and create and lead an inclusive design company that represents my values, authentically celebrates differences, and contributes to sustainability in the fashion and textile industries. I want to contribute innovative solutions to address greenhouse gas emissions and unfair labor practices in fashion. I want to be known as a designer who creates big, bold, experimental opportunities for self-expression with unique and vibrant styles of clothing and accessories without harming people and the planet.

Fashion design is my chosen medium for self-expression, where I share my story as a Black, queer, neurodivergent young woman. It is a powerful tool to amplify the voices of those whom society has tried to silence. With my bold and experiential designs, I aim to create non-traditional silhouettes that celebrate diversity and push beyond traditional boundaries. I bring together this goal of self-expression with the value of sustainability, which is at the core of my creative process. I am committed to using eco-friendly materials and ethical practices, ensuring my designs respect and protect the planet. A career in fashion design would be transformative for my personal and creative journey. This career path would enable me to develop my unique design voice. It would allow me to demonstrate my ability to master new techniques and contribute to the sustainable innovations I learn in college. Contributing to the ever-evolving world of fashion, facing new challenges, and developing design solutions for the present and future excite me about this career. My goal is to create a space that fosters dialogue and engagement with a community of Black creatives. This career would provide me with the platform to give voice to stories that are often overlooked, challenge industry norms, and inspire other BIPOC designers.

I will attend the California College of the Arts (CCA) and study fashion design this fall. I have chosen to focus on fashion design because fashion is one of the best forms of self-expression and combines all my creative interests, talents, and skills. I have always had a passion for fashion; even as a small child, I would pick out my clothes and design outfits for myself and my dolls. I was so passionate about making art that I created wearable art in elementary school, leading me to learn metal and leather jewelry making in middle school and sewing, garment construction, and fashion illustration in high school. I deepened my interest in fashion during the pandemic to rebuild my confidence and sense of self after years of dealing with anxiety and feeling silenced because of my disabilities. My passion for art and my creative experiences have given me a strong foundation for excelling in a college fashion design program. They shaped me as an artist to break through any limitations that may exist in the fashion world for people like me, a neurodivergent, Black Latinx, young woman. I bring a unique perspective and the passion to push the boundaries of traditional fashion with my bold and experimental designs. The fashion styles that inspire me are about expressing your interests on the outside and making unapologetic statements with your style, clothes, and accessories. These styles allow you to express yourself without speaking and provide connections for others to engage with new perspectives. I share my passion for art with K-5th-grade students at my neighborhood elementary school. I have led activities and workshops on face painting, gingerbread house making, beading, and fashion paper hat making. My love for art and creativity became my refuge during difficult times throughout my childhood and helped me to express myself. I want to instill in the children a love for art and teach them to express themselves, build self-confidence, and develop a positive self-image. I believe in the importance of self-expression for everyone, especially those who society has tried to silence. I aim to inspire new ideas about inclusion and self-expression in the fashion industry. I want to re-examine how we portray gender, size, and race, and with my designs, explore new ways to adorn and celebrate non-traditional silhouettes, bringing them to the forefront of fashion. I think about how to match this desire with my value of sustainability. I plan to engage in dialogue within a community of creatives about climate change and overconsumption, and design new technologies that support sustainability in fashion. I envision creating an inclusive brand whose designs unleash self-expression, raise awareness about overconsumption, and protect the planet. I overcame many barriers to become an honor student and built a strong art portfolio that earned me a place at CCA, but financial obstacles remain in my way. I am hopeful that with this scholarship and others, I will break through those barriers and continue on my journey toward fulfilling my creative aspirations.

In the fall, I will attend one of the six art schools that have accepted me and study fashion design. I focus on fashion design because it is one of the best forms of self-expression and combines all my creative interests, talents, and skills. I started my journey as an artist by designing wearable art in elementary school, which led me to learn metal and leather jewelry making in middle school and sewing, garment construction, and fashion illustration in high school. These experiences have shaped who I am and prepared me to break through any limitations that may exist in the fashion world for people like me—a neurodivergent, queer Black young woman. I deepened my interest in fashion during the pandemic as a way to rebuild my confidence and sense of self after years of dealing with anxiety and feeling silenced because of my disabilities. The fashion styles that inspire me revolve around expressing one's interests on the outside and making unapologetic statements with style, clothes, and accessories. These styles allow individuals to express themselves without speaking and provide connections for others to engage with new perspectives. I share my passion for art with K-5th-grade students at my neighborhood elementary school. I have led activities and workshops on face painting, T-shirt design, gingerbread house making, and beading, and I plan to engage students in papercraft hat and bonnet making at their spring festival in May. My love for art and creativity became my refuge during difficult times throughout my childhood and a source of motivation that helped me overcome the challenges I faced. I teach the children how to express themselves using art, so they can develop confidence by showcasing what they can create to the world. I want art to influence them at a young age, like it influenced me to believe in myself and push through difficult times. I want them to see me as a role model and inspire them to create the world they want to live in. My goal is to use my designs and voice to bring new ideas about inclusion, disability, identity, and self-expression into the field of fashion. I want to explore how we adorn and celebrate non-traditional silhouettes, bringing them to the forefront of fashion. I aim to advocate for a more diverse portrayal of gender, size, and race in fashion, breaking away from traditional approaches. I believe in the importance of self-expression for everyone, especially for those whom society has tried to silence. Using fashion to communicate what you feel, see, and believe about yourself and the world should have no limitations. I plan to align my desire for self-expression with my value of sustainability. I am aware of the issues of overconsumption that impact the fashion industry. Limiting consumption should not restrict self-expression; my vision is to expand our choices without harming the planet. I plan to address the issues of overconsumption and overproduction by combining my creativity and skills in design thinking and technology with practical ideas in sustainability, like upcycling and repurposing textiles. I want to contribute new ways of illustrating, designing, and constructing long-lasting, versatile garments. I want to expand my knowledge and use of 3D digital fashion design software so that we don’t contribute to landfills or pollute our waterways during the design process. My long-term goal is to become a professional fashion designer and create a brand focused on versatility and sustainability. I want to create an inclusive design company that represents my values, contributes to sustainability, and authentically promotes and celebrates the expression of differences.

In the fall, I will attend one of the six art schools that have accepted me and study fashion design. I will focus on fashion design because it is one of the best forms of self-expression and combines all my creative interests, talents, and skills. I have always had an interest in fashion. I started designing wearable art in elementary school, leading me to learn metal and leather jewelry making in middle school and sewing, garment construction, and fashion illustration in high school. These experiences have shaped me as an artist, and prepared me to break through any limitations that may exist in the fashion world for people like me, a neurodivergent, queer Black young woman. I deepened my interest in fashion during the pandemic as a way to rebuild my confidence and sense of self after years of dealing with anxiety and feeling silenced because of my disabilities. The fashion styles that inspire me are about expressing your interests on the outside and making unapologetic statements with your style, clothes, and accessories. These styles allow you to express yourself without speaking and provide connections for others to engage with new perspectives. As part of my volunteer and community service work, I have chosen to share my passion for art with K- 5th grade students at my neighborhood elementary school. I have led activities and workshops on things like face painting, gingerbread house making, and beading, and I plan to engage students in paper hat and bonnet making at their spring festival in May. My love for art and creativity became my refuge during difficult times throughout my childhood and a source of motivation that helped me overcome the challenges I faced. I teach the children how to express themselves using art so they develop their confidence by showing the world what they can create. My goal is to use my designs and voice to bring new ideas about inclusion, disability, identity, and self-expression into the field of fashion. I want to explore how we adorn and celebrate non-traditional silhouettes, bringing them to the forefront of fashion. I want to push for reconsidering how we portray gender, size, and color in fashion, breaking away from simply putting the same clothes on different people and calling it inclusion. I believe in the importance of self-expression for everyone, especially for those whom society has tried to silence. Using fashion to communicate what you feel, see, and believe about yourself and the world should have no limitations. I think about how to match this desire for self-expression with my value of sustainability. I am aware of the issues of overconsumption that impact the fashion industry. Limiting your consumption should not restrict your self-expression; instead, my vision is to expand our choices without harming the planet. My goal is to address the issue of overconsumption and overproduction by combining my creativity and skills in design thinking and technology with practical ideas in sustainability. I want to contribute new ways of illustrating, designing, and constructing long-lasting, versatile garments. In college I will further develop my work with upcycling and repurposing used fabric and clothing to reduce waste. I want to expand my knowledge and use of 3D digital fashion design software so that we aren’t contributing to landfills and polluting our water ways during the design process. My long-term goal is to become a professional fashion designer and create a brand focused on versatility and sustainability. I want to create and lead an inclusive design company that represents my values, contributes to sustainability, and authentically promotes and celebrates the expression of differences.

I have always had a fashion sense; even as a small child, I spent hours creating outfits for myself and my dolls. During that time, I realized I was different from other kids. I was much quieter than other kids, was heavily attached to my routines, was emotionally sensitive, and noticed details often overlooked by others. In elementary school, I was diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disability, and through the experiences of discovering what that would mean in my life, there has always been art. In middle school, I was diagnosed with scoliosis, which meant I was again dealing with another setback. But I realized I could turn my differences into strengths and use my disabilities as the fuel to get things done in my life. Through art, I have faced the challenges of my learning disabilities, my anxiety, and the chronic pain that I feel daily. Being neurodivergent has taught me to tap into my passions and become a resilient student and artist. I have faced many challenges throughout my K-12 education. Because of my disabilities, I often had difficulty following verbal instructions, keeping up with the pace of the work, and communicating my ideas. I transferred to several different schools because they did not meet my educational needs or match my learning style as a visual and hands-on learner. At some point, I started to lose confidence in myself and doubted my academic capacity, but I persevered. During the pandemic, I rediscovered fashion as a way to build back my confidence and sense of self after years of dealing with anxiety, exclusion, and feeling silenced because of my disabilities. My love for art and creativity has always been my refuge, a source of self-expression, and the motivation that helped me overcome the challenges I faced. Even though I didn’t attend an art-focused high school, I have taken art and design classes in and outside of school. My passion for art has motivated me to find other avenues to practice different mediums and learn from other artists. I started designing wearable art in elementary school, leading me to learn metal and leather jewelry making in middle school and sewing, garment construction, and fashion illustration in high school. I have chosen to focus on fashion design because fashion is one of the best forms of self-expression and combines all my creative interests, talents, and skills. I want to push the boundaries of traditional fashion with my bold and experimental designs. The fashion styles that I am inspired by are about wearing your interests and making unapologetic statements with your clothes. I believe in the importance of self-expression for everyone, especially those society has tried to silence. My experiences as an artist with disabilities have given me a strong foundation and a unique perspective for excelling in a college fashion design program. These experiences have shaped me as an artist, and prepared me to break through any limitations that may exist in the fashion world for people like me, a neurodivergent, queer Black young woman. I want to use my voice to bring new ideas about inclusion, disability, identity, and self-expression into the field of fashion. I want to explore how we adorn and celebrate non-traditional silhouettes, bringing them to the forefront of fashion. I want to push for reconsidering how we portray gender, size, and color in fashion, breaking away from simply putting the same clothes on different people and calling it inclusion. My long-term goal is to become a professional fashion designer and create and lead an inclusive design company that authentically celebrates differences.

I realized I was different from other kids when I was around four or five. I was quieter than the other kids, more heavily attached to my routines, emotionally sensitive, and noticed details often overlooked by others. By the time I was in first grade, I was diagnosed with a learning disability and ADHD. It wasn’t easy at first, but through the experiences of being bullied for thinking differently, dealing with teachers who didn’t understand how I learned, and being unfairly labeled, I learned to value fairness and equity. Because of these experiences, I have become a more resilient and empathetic person who sees things from different perspectives and uses my voice to stand up for what is right. Being a Black neurodivergent young woman has sparked massive growth in me as a person. How I learn and see the world has made me more aware, emotionally and situationally. I strive to understand the context in which people act, and I can tell when people are having difficulty expressing themselves and being seen for who they are. I know firsthand what that feels like and what it does to a person’s self-esteem. I tend not to judge people by their exterior or how society may label and negatively perceive them based on superficial standards. I think about their experiences based on their identity and want to figure out how to change things for those who don’t always fit neatly into society. One of my goals is to study fashion design and illustration and earn a BFA. The fashion styles that inspire me are about wearing your interests on the outside and making unapologetic statements with your clothes. I believe in the importance of self-expression for everyone, especially for people who society has tried to silence. I think about how to match this desire with my value of sustainability. I am aware of the issues of overconsumption that impact the fashion industry. Limiting your consumption should not restrict your self-expression; instead, I want to be part of a dialogue within a community of creatives that explores how to become more mindful of the fashion we consume and what motivates us to consume it. I want to use my degree to bring new ideas about inclusion and perspectives about identity and self-expression into the field of fashion. Using the strength of my different abilities, I can view things from various angles and notice details others do not often consider. To support my concerns about inclusion, climate change, and overconsumption, I will use my strong problem-solving skills, fueled by my unique perspective, to contribute creative solutions. I have overcome many barriers to being an honor student and building a strong art portfolio that has opened doors to top art schools in the country, but financial barriers remain in my way. I am hopeful that with this scholarship and others, I will be able to break through that barrier and continue on my journey toward fulfilling my ambitions.

Being neurodivergent has taught me how to tap into my passions and become a resilient student and artist. I have faced many challenges throughout my K-12 education. Because of my disabilities, I often had difficulty following verbal instructions, keeping up with the pace of the work, and communicating my ideas in the ways that teachers expected. I transferred to several different schools because they did not meet my educational needs or match my learning style as a visual and hands-on learner. At some point, I started to lose confidence in myself and doubted my academic capacity, but I persevered because I learned to focus on my strengths rather than my weaknesses. My love for art and creativity became my refuge, a source of motivation that helped me overcome the challenges I faced. Today, I identify as a multidisciplinary artist; I have chosen to focus on fashion design because fashion is one of the best forms of self-expression and combines all my creative interests, talents, and skills. Reflecting on my experiences, I realize I have always had an interest in fashion; even as a small child, I would pick out my clothes and design and make outfits for myself and my dolls. I started designing wearable art in elementary school, leading me to learn metal and leather jewelry making in middle school and sewing, garment construction, and fashion illustration in high school. Even though I didn’t attend an art-focused high school, I have taken art and design classes in and outside of school. My passion has motivated me to find other avenues to practice different mediums and learn from other artists. Over the last three years, I have taken photography, animation, and illustration classes and participated in an after-school fashion design program (The Sewing Room) to sharpen my focus. For two years, I was selected as a fellow by Creatives Want Change, an organization providing learning scholarships for emerging black fashion designers. They have provided me with internships and mentoring in the fashion industry that have been invaluable to my artistic growth. During that time, I created a strong portfolio that got me accepted into five fashion design programs: CCA, Parsons, Otis, Drexel, and SCAD. I will choose the one that provides the most aid and start in the fall of 2025. I aim to earn a BFA from one of these programs and create an alternative fashion line focused on versatility and sustainability. My experiences have given me a strong foundation for excelling in a college fashion design program. These experiences have shaped me as an artist, and I want to continue to prepare myself to break through any limitations that may exist in the fashion world for people like me, a neurodivergent, queer Black young woman. I bring this perspective to alternative fashion, and I want to push the boundaries of traditional fashion with my bold and experimental designs. The fashion styles that I am inspired by are about wearing your interests and making unapologetic statements with your clothes. I believe in the importance of self-expression for everyone, especially those that society has tried to silence. I think about how to match this desire with my value of sustainability. I am aware of the issues of overconsumption thatfashion industry creates. Limiting your consumption should not restrict your self-expression; instead, I want to be part of a dialogue within a community of creatives that explores how to become more mindful of the fashion we consume, the fashion we create, and what motivates us to contribute to fashion. I want to use my degree to bring new ideas about inclusion and perspectives about identity and self-expression into the field of fashion. Using the strength of my different abilities, I can view things from various angles and notice details others do not often consider. I want to explore how we adorn and celebrate non-traditional silhouettes, bringing them to the forefront of fashion. I want to reconsider how we portray gender, size and color in fashion breaking away from simply putting the same clothes on different people and calling it inclusion. And to support my concerns about overconsumption, I will use my strong problem-solving skills, fueled by my to contribute creative solutions. I have started experimenting with upcycling and repurposing clothes, and in college, I want to develop this approach further. I have learned to use digital illustration software to create fashion sketches and designs. I want to grow in this area and reach the next level by learning to use 3D design software. I want to learn more about digital fashion design because of the textile waste the fashion industry creates. I believe digital fashion design can be as creative as physical design but without the risk of creating more waste, adding to landfills, and polluting our waterways. My long-term goal is to become a professional fashion designer and create and lead an inclusive design company representing my values, celebrating differences authentically, and contributing to sustainability in the fashion and textile industries. I want to contribute innovative solutions to address greenhouse emissions and unfair labor practices in fashion. It makes sense to put my creative energy into a vision where we can all express ourselves through our unique styles using clothing, and accessories without harming people and the planet. https://diviedwardsfashionportfolio.my.canva.site/

I realized I was different from other kids when I was around four or five. I was quieter than the other kids, more heavily attached to my routines, emotionally sensitive, and noticed details often overlooked by others. By the time I was in first grade, I was diagnosed with a learning disability and ADHD. It wasn’t easy at first, but through the experiences of being bullied for thinking differently, dealing with teachers who didn’t understand how I learned, and being unfairly labeled, I learned to value fairness and equity. Because of these experiences, I have become a more resilient and empathetic person who sees things from different perspectives and uses my voice to stand up for what is right. Being a Black neurodivergent young woman has sparked massive growth in me as a person. How I learn and see the world has made me more aware, emotionally and situationally. I strive to understand the context in which people act, and I can tell when people are having difficulty expressing themselves and being seen for who they are. I know firsthand what that feels like and what it does to a person’s self-esteem. I tend not to judge people by their exterior or how society may label and negatively perceive them based on superficial standards. I think about their experiences based on their identity and want to figure out how to change things for those who don’t always fit neatly into society. One of my goals is to study fashion design and illustration and earn a BFA. The fashion styles that inspire me are about wearing your interests on the outside and making unapologetic statements with your clothes. I believe in the importance of self-expression for everyone, especially for people who society has tried to silence. I think about how to match this desire with my value of sustainability. I am aware of the issues of overconsumption that impact the fashion industry. Limiting your consumption should not restrict your self-expression; instead, I want to be part of a dialogue within a community of creatives that explores how to become more mindful of the fashion we consume and what motivates us to consume it. I want to use my degree to bring new ideas about inclusion and perspectives about identity and self-expression into the field of fashion. Using the strength of my different abilities, I can view things from various angles and notice details others do not often consider. To support my concerns about inclusion, climate change, and overconsumption, I will use my strong problem-solving skills, fueled by my unique perspective, to contribute creative solutions. I have overcome many barriers to being an honor student and building a strong art portfolio that has opened doors to top art schools in the country, but financial barriers remain in my way. I am hopeful that with this scholarship and others, I will be able to break through that barrier and continue on my journey toward fulfilling my ambitions.

I realized I was different from other kids when I was around four or five. I was quieter than the other kids, more heavily attached to my routines, emotionally sensitive, and noticed details often overlooked by others. By the time I was in first grade, I was diagnosed with a learning disability and ADHD. Still, it took me a while to figure out what that would mean when it came to making friends and learning in a regular classroom. It wasn’t easy at first, but through the experiences of being bullied for thinking differently, dealing with teachers who didn’t understand how I learned, and being unfairly labeled, I learned to value fairness and equity. Because of these experiences, I have become a more resilient and empathetic person who sees things from different perspectives and uses my voice to stand up for what is right. How I learn and see the world has made me more aware, emotionally and situationally. I strive to understand the context in which people act, and I can tell when people are having difficulty expressing themselves and being seen for who they are. I know firsthand what that feels like and what it does to a person’s self-esteem. One of my goals is to study fashion design and illustration and earn a BFA. The fashion styles that inspire me are about wearing your interests on the outside and making unapologetic statements with your clothes. I believe in the importance of self-expression for everyone and especially for those who have a hard time expressing themselves in other ways because of their disabilities. I think about how to match this desire with my value of sustainability. I am aware of the issues of overconsumption that impact the fashion industry. I am passionate about limiting our consumption while not restricting our self-expression; instead, I want to be part of a dialogue within a community of creatives that explores how to become more mindful of the fashion we consume and what motivates us to consume it. Using the strength of my different abilities, I have become an astute problem solver and designer. I can view things from various angles and notice details others do not often consider. To support my concerns about climate change and overconsumption, I will use my strong problem-solving skills, fueled by my unique perspective, to contribute creative solutions. Being neurodivergent has taught me how to tap into my passions and become a resilient student. I have faced many challenges throughout my K-12 education. Because of my disabilities, I often had difficulty following verbal instructions, keeping up with the pace of the work, and communicating my ideas in the ways that teachers expected. I transferred to several different schools because they did not meet my educational needs or match my learning style as a visual and hands-on learner. At some point, I started to lose confidence in myself and doubted my academic capacity, but I persevered because I learned to focus on my strengths rather than my weaknesses. My love for art and creativity became my refuge, a source of motivation that helped me overcome the challenges I faced. At this point in my life I want to use these talents and skills to build a career and going to college is the pathway toward that goal. I am a good candidate for college. My art portfolio got me accepted into several of the top art schools in the country. What I need now is some financial support to secure my enrollment and not let anything get in the way of achieving my goals.