I am a passionate dancer and lover of African dance. When I was younger, my Mom suggested I take up dance recreationally. I found a sense of liberation that felt like I had been loosed from the chains of all my anxiety and depression. I was happy, and it was real. This past summer I did a brief internship teaching Black dancers from ages to 3-13. Throughout the summer, we spent some time studying African diaspora's diverse history, including the transatlantic slave trade, the migration of African peoples and their cultural and social legacies as it relates to dance. I helped foster more understanding and empathy towards the diaspora's struggles and successes and uncover the evolution of dance and movement. The young dancers had so much fun. Definitely it was fun for me too, and I also learned some valuable lessons about the value of African dance, expression and artistic form. I'm currently a freshman at Spelman College pursing dance as a major and two (2) minors: education and psychology. I want to spread joy through the art of dance, including African dance. My legacy will be one of the joy through dance. One thing I firmly believe is that joy is revolutionary and literally life-changing. Dance provides opportunities for people to explore their identities and tell their stories through movement. This past fall, I performed onstage alongside my fellow Spelman dance sisters. Our big performance was entitled "aunTEA". Our show highlighted the experience of the Black woman through her connection with other Black women and African dance and music throughout African diaspora cultures. I was honored to share and amplify knowledge about the rich cultural, historical, and social contributions of the African diaspora and dance. After college, I plan to pursue a career as a Dance Movement Therapist (DMT). DMTs engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mental health care and promote access to therapy services. I want to help Black people the way dance helped me. I plan to incorporate elements of African dance. I will promote African diaspora cultures by teaching and sharing African dance movements and traditions. It is so important to me that young black dancers maintain a strong connection to their heritage. I plan to pursue that mission with the aid of this scholarship. I was moved to apply for this scholarship because I am in great of financial aid for college. Thank you sincerely for your consideration for your scholarship.

I am a passionate dancer and lover of African dance. When I was younger, my Mom suggested I take up dance recreationally. I found a sense of liberation that felt like I had been loosed from the chains of all my anxiety and depression. I was happy, and it was real. This past summer I did a brief internship teaching Black dancers from ages to 3-13. Throughout the summer, we spent some time studying African diaspora's diverse history, including the transatlantic slave trade, the migration of African peoples and their cultural and social legacies as it relates to dance. I helped foster more understanding and empathy towards the diaspora's struggles and successes and uncover the evolution of dance and movement. The young dancers had so much fun. Definitely it was fun for me too, and I also learned some valuable lessons about the value of African dance, expression and artistic form. I'm currently at Spelman College pursing dance as a major and two (2) minors: education and psychology. I want to spread joy through the art of dance, including African dance. My legacy will be one of the joy through dance. One thing I firmly believe is that joy is revolutionary and literally life-changing. Dance provides opportunities for people to explore their identities and tell their stories through movement. This past fall, I performed onstage alongside my fellow Spelman dance sisters. Our big performance was entitled "aunTEA". Our show highlighted the experience of the Black woman through her connection with other Black women and African dance and music throughout African diaspora cultures. I was honored to share and amplify knowledge about the rich cultural, historical, and social contributions of the African diaspora and dance. After college, I plan to pursue a career as a Dance Movement Therapist (DMT). DMTs engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mental health care and promote access to therapy services. I want to help Black people the way dance helped me. I plan to incorporate elements of African dance. I will promote African diaspora cultures by teaching and sharing African dance movements and traditions. It is so important to me that young black dancers maintain a strong connection to their heritage. I plan to pursue that mission with the aid of this scholarship. I was moved to apply for this scholarship because I am in great of financial aid for college. Thank you sincerely for your consideration for your scholarship.

The start of 7th grade year was different. Class was exhausting- mentally and emotionally. That transformed into physical pain and extreme uncomfortableness during instruction. It was hard to focus, stay centered and engaged in class. Progress reports came out the first quarter, and I wasn't happy with my performance. Neither was my Mom. I was so scared to tell my Mom what I was feeling- mostly because I didn't think I had the words to tell her in a way that would make sense. We managed through a tough conversation. I remember the quiet. My Mom looked at me. She was never really an affectionate Mom. That day, though, she hugged me. I remember she smelled so good- even though she was not one to wear perfume. I vividly remember thinking how much I loved her as she squeezed me. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I felt "off". That's the only way I knew how to describe it then, and it is still how I describe it when I'm feeling not like myself. I'd have terrible headaches and a racing heartbeat. What really sent me reeling were the negative thoughts of self-doubt. And that was just the light side of my symptoms. I'm not comfortable just yet putting words on a page to describe how I felt at my worst. The real of it is my anxiety may not ever go away; so, I have learned to live above it and not be so overwhelmed or so consumed by my episodes of anxiety and depression. Yes, I've tried medicine; it gave me nightmares. I'm so thankful my Mom supported my decision to stop the pills. I tried traditional therapy sessions with a psychiatrist- both virtual and in person. I tried, but I just could not connect with any one of the three I visited. Then my Mom suggested I take up dance recreationally. And I found a sense of liberation that felt like I had been loosed from the chains of my anxiety and depression. I was happy, and it was real. This past summer I did a brief internship teaching dance to a small group of girls. They had so much fun. Definitely it was fun for me too, and I also learned some valuable lessons about organization, structure and communication as it relates to aspects of serving people, owning, running and managing a business. One piece of advice I'd give to someone is to seek help. And know that help and healing may look different for you than it did for someone else. I'd say eat well, sleep well and focus on your talents and things that bring you joy. Perfect your skills that help you sharpen your talent and elevate your passion for your work. I'm currently at Spelman College pursing dance as a major and two (2) minors: education and psychology. I want to spread joy through the art of dance. My legacy will be one of the joy through dance. One thing I firmly believe is that joy is revolutionary and literally life-changing. It is too easy to get consumed with bills, negativity and self-doubt. Dance provides opportunities for people to explore their identities and tell their stories through movement. What I went through (and still managing) definitely shaped my career choice. After college, I plan to pursue a career as a Dance Movement Therapist (DMT). DMTs engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mental health care and promote access to therapy services. I want to help people the way dance helped me.

Ever since I can remember, my Mom has been very passionate about voting particularly in local elections at home in Baltimore. And ever since I can remember, I've always accompanied her. It was a family affair- my Mom, my twin brother, little brother and me. My twin brother and I turned 19 last month, and it has become very obvious to me why voting is so important. A little while ago, the New York times released the '52 Best Places to Travel in the World' and Baltimore was ranked number #14! I'm so proud of that. I love my city. Lots of things we could do better, for sure, but I still love my city very much. One important thing that the entire city of Baltimore could collectively do better is to participate in local elections. Just before I left for college, I had my first experience voting locally. There was hardly anybody at the polls. We were probably at the polling site for a whole 15 minutes- in/out the door. That's the back story. Soon after, my high school announced an interest meeting about establishing a NAACP chapter. I'm proud to say I was a founding member of the first NAACP at Parkville High School. The faculty advisor asked me to lead the first initiative- a voting symposium with local elected officials in Baltimore County. I was terrified when she outlined her expectations and vision of me acting as lead facilitator on stage by myself in front of my peers. We were able to register a few dozen students at the school and help them locate their poll location. With the help and support of our faculty sponsor, Ms. Johnson, I was able to reach out to voter registration administrators and organize a lunch and learn. Another event we hosted was a voting symposium with local elected officials in Baltimore County. I served as the lead moderator. We had about three representatives come to the school. I was initially scared that my peers would laugh at me and students might not really have an interest in talking to and meeting with elected officials, but my peers were very engaged. I stumbled over a few words, but I overall I did well according to the feedback from our faculty advisor. The students in the audience were really amped to share their concerns about recreation activities, jobs for teens and youth crime. One of my friends was really shy about asking a question, but she still stood up anyway to ask. As she was speaking, she got a little tongue tied and didn't really articulate her thoughts clearly. I found myself wanting to step in and share what I thought she was trying to ask. I fought the urge and instead covered up the mic for a quick second and encouraged her to take a deep breath and rephrase her question. She took my advice and was able to ask about the lack of entertainment activities for teens around the county outside of school. I knew it was more important that the elected officials hear the question from her voice. It was something she was so passionate about. My Mom says that was definitely a moment of growth for me. I understand now what she meant. I realized that I could not take away her voice, but instead I could act as a facilitator to support her in sharing her question and concerns. I'm glad the students continued to push for the NAACP chapter even though there were not too many involved and supporting the initiative. My community service has played an important role in shaping who I am now. My advocacy has taught me valuable lessons about the significance of having a positive impact on the world. Baltimore has made me into a young woman who appreciates serving and educating and empowering young people. I fully recognize the positive impact of voting. With the knowledge that real change frequently starts within a connected community that supports and empowers each other to elevate their concerns about vote, the lessons I have learned and the relationships I have made have continued to shape my character and have developed in me a desire to make a positive impact on the world outside of Baltimore. I'm now in college at Spelman in Atlanta. I will always love Baltimore. I'll take the life lessons I have learned with me everywhere I go. I submitted my absentee ballots for the presidential election. I am seeking opportunities to contribute to the culture and climate at Spelman and really look forward to emerging as a servant leader at Spelman.

I am a passionate dancer and lover of African dance. When I was younger, my Mom suggested I take up dance recreationally. I found a sense of liberation that felt like I had been loosed from the chains of all my anxiety and depression. I was happy, and it was real. This past summer I did a brief internship teaching Black dancers from ages to 3-13. Throughout the summer, we spent some time studying African diaspora's diverse history, including the transatlantic slave trade, the migration of African peoples and their cultural and social legacies as it relates to dance. I helped foster more understanding and empathy towards the diaspora's struggles and successes and uncover the evolution of dance and movement. The young dancers had so much fun. Definitely it was fun for me too, and I also learned some valuable lessons about the value of African dance, expression and artistic form. I'm currently at Spelman College pursing dance as a major and two (2) minors: education and psychology. I want to spread joy through the art of dance, including African dance. My legacy will be one of the joy through dance. One thing I firmly believe is that joy is revolutionary and literally life-changing. Dance provides opportunities for people to explore their identities and tell their stories through movement. This past fall, I performed onstage alongside my fellow Spelman dance sisters. Our big performance was entitled "aunTEA". Our show highlighted the experience of the Black woman through her connection with other Black women and African dance and music throughout African diaspora cultures. I was honored to share and amplify knowledge about the rich cultural, historical, and social contributions of the African diaspora and dance. After college, I plan to pursue a career as a Dance Movement Therapist (DMT). DMTs engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mental health care and promote access to therapy services. I want to help Black people the way dance helped me. I plan to incorporate elements of African dance. I will promote African diaspora cultures by teaching and sharing African dance movements and traditions. It is so important to me that young black dancers maintain a strong connection to their heritage. I plan to pursue that mission with the aid of this scholarship. I was moved to apply for this scholarship because I am in great of financial aid for college. Thank you sincerely for your consideration for your scholarship.

Often it's said that being well-known and making grand gestures are prerequisites for leaving a legacy. Well if that is the case, then I plan to work so my impact can be seen through the positive transformation and healing experienced by the people I serve. Sounds, cheesy! I know, but it's my truth. After I graduate from college, I have plans to open my own business and to work as a Dance Movement Therapist (DMT). I envision having partnerships with school districts and even large corporations to help promote emotional, mental and physical health and wellness. I also plan to add another layer to my business services by offering dance movement therapy to engaged and married couples. Through movement and dance therapy, DMTs support individuals in order to enhance and strengthen emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being as well connection with the body. I'm drawn to the work of a DMT because I believe it is a great way for me to be of service and to give back to my community. Dance therapy can be a great benefit for individuals experiencing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma or even substance abuse. I'm not clinically or professionally trained just yet, but I've seen first hand the impact music and dance movement has had on someone very close to me who suffers from anxiety and depression. I suffer from anxiety and bouts of depression. I was diagnosed when I was entering 7th grade. I would have terrible headaches. My heart would be racing. I would have oppressing thoughts of self-doubt. And that's just the light side of my symptoms. I'm not comfortable just putting words on a page to describe how I felt at my worst. The real of it is my anxiety may not ever go away; so, I've learned to live above it and not be so overwhelmed or so consumed by my episodes of anxiety and depression. Yes, I've tried medicine; it gave me nightmares. I'm so thankful my Mom supported my decision to stop the pills. I tried traditional therapy sessions with a psychiatrist- both virtual and in person. I tried, but I just could not connect with any one of the three I visited. Then my Mom suggested I take up dance recreationally. And I found a sense of liberation that feel like I had been loosed from the chains of my anxiety and depression. I was happy, and it was real. This past summer I did a brief internship teaching dance to a small group of girls. They had so much fun. Definitely it was fun for me to, but I also learned some valuable lessons about organization, structure and communication as it relates to aspects of owning, running and managing a business. My legacy will be one of the joy I want to spread into my community. One thing that I know and firmly believe that a lot of adults (sadly) don't truly appreciate is that joy revolutionary. Joy is literally life-changing. It is too easy to get consumed with bills, negativity and self-doubt. DMTs provide opportunities for people to explore their identities and tell their stories through movement, which encourages diversity and inclusivity in the community. DMTs engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mental health care and promote access to therapy services within the community. I plan to pursue that mission with the aid of this scholarship. I'm someone who embodies the B.A.B.Y. L.O.V.E. spirit. I've a genuine yearning to help others. I'm virtuous in all things and hold an exemplary passion for education. Thank you.

I earned a place on the dance company team my senior year. Many of the other girls that started dancing alongside me in 9th grade earned a place on the dance company team around 11th grade, but I didn't. I was devastated. I don't count it as a failure- only a lesson learned. I started to use a calendar to help me manage my time better and prioritize dance practice. I realized that I could carve out time to prioritize creating my own original dance routine for senior auditions. I even started tracking my eating and sleeping habits to manage my physical wellness and mental health. It literally did wonders for my confidence, self-esteem and stamina. That was one of the first real times that I truly impressed myself. It sounds so cliche, but I didn't give up. I continued to pursue my passion, and I wanted all of my habits to reflect that; so, that's why I started using a calendar and tracking my sleeping and eating habits. I began to take dancing more seriously, and giving so much more myself to my art. I grew stronger as a dancer and more creative, as well. I started to challenge myself to think about dancing as healing. I have so many ideas about what dance can do for the mind body and spirit I am majoring in dance at Spelman this fall. Classes start August 21st, and I'm so excited to continue my studies prioritizing my own real passion. My accomplishment in high school really serves as a foundation to continue challenging myself to be the best dancer I can be for myself and my future career as a Dance movement therapist. Often it is said that being well-known and making grand gestures are prerequisites for leaving a legacy. Well if that is the case, then I plan to work so my impact can be seen through the positive transformation and healing experienced by the people I serve. Sounds, cheesy! I know, but it's my truth. After Spelman, I want to work as a Dance Movement Therapist (DMT). Through movement and dance therapy, DMTs support individuals to enhance and strengthen emotional, cognitive, physical and social well-being as well as connection with the body. I'm drawn to the work of a DMT because I believe it is a great way for me to be of service and to give back to my community. Dance therapy can be a great benefit for individuals experiencing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma or even substance abuse. I am not clinically or professionally trained just yet, but I have seen first hand the impact music and dance movement has had on someone very close to me who suffers from anxiety and depression. My Mom suffers from anxiety and bouts of depression. Her anxiety may not ever go away; so, she's learned to live above it through dance and movement. DMTs provide opportunities for people to explore their identities and tell their stories through movement, which encourages diversity and inclusivity in the community. DMTs engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mental health care and promote access to therapy services within the community. That is the legacy and joy I want to spread into my community.

I am very excited to attend Spelman College in the fall after I graduate high school. I plan to major in dance. I have been passionate about dance since I was 7 years old. I would be honored to be the recipient of the Cultured Pearls of Service Scholarship. With this scholarship I plan to further develop my perspective of the world through dance. I am serious about studying cultures of people and diverse forms of dance and movement all around the world. After I graduate from college, I want to work as a Dance Movement Therapist (DMT). Through movement and dance therapy, DMTs support individuals in order to enhance and strengthen emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being as well as connection with the body. I am drawn to the work of a DMT because I believe it is a great way for me to do service and to give back to my community. Dance therapy can be a great benefit for individuals experiencing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma or even substance abuse. I am not clinically or professionally trained just yet, but I have seen first hand the impact music and dance movement has had on someone very close to me. My Mom suffers from extreme anxiety. She was diagnosed when I was really young. We listen to music and dance almost everyday. Dance is calming for her and provides real comfort when she is feeling overwhelmed. Music and dance sometimes gives her the words to express herself. That is the joy I want to spread into my community. DMTs provide opportunity for people to explore their identities and tell their stories through movement, which encourages diversity and inclusivity in the community. DMTs engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mental health care and promote access to therapy services within the community. I plan to pursue that mission with the aid of this scholarship. In addition, I plan to advocate for policies and programs that support mental health initiatives and address social justice issues related to mental health disparities. As a DMT, I plan to host short-term workshops that offer participants opportunities to engage in movement and dance for personal growth and self-expression. I plan to focus my workshops and classes on a variety of themes including body image, stress management, mindfulness, creative expression and cultural identity. One of my long-term goals is to open a business so that minorities interested in the arts can feel protected and supported, in order to to feel confident in their abilities to be represented, and to freely follow their passions. I did not see dancers from minority groups who rose to become lead dancers or ballerinas in the media and it affected the way I looked at myself and my talent, as a young Black girl. I think it is crucial that there be diversity in the dance industry. When I was a young, talented Black girl who was interested in the arts, I felt less secure in my abilities because no one looked like me. I took a lot of breaks from dancing as a result, which eventually hampered my progress and technique. However, after I learned who Misty Copeland was, I began to feel hopeful. The realization that a Black female was the first African American principal dancer made me want to give dancing another shot. would consider my work successful when I have cultivated strong, self-assured people of color who are willing to pursue their artistic dreams.

As a high school student, I see finding a job as one of the first steps toward being independent. Teens can benefit as they become older from learning how to be financially stable, especially with parental assistance. That is the primary reason I wanted a job when I was a teenager. However, while I prepare for college, I view education as my career and will keep seizing the opportunities that present themselves. This past semester, I enrolled myself in a financial literacy/ personal finance class. Taking this financial literacy class has equipped me with fundamental financial skills such as budgeting, saving, and managing expenses that has prepared me for college and life after. I have learned about different types of debt, including student loans, credit cards, and mortgages, gaining insight into the implications of debt and strategies for managing and minimizing it. Financial literacy classes encourage students to set short-term and long-term financial goals. Helping to learn how to create actionable plans to achieve their goals, whether it's saving for college, buying a car, or purchasing a home. My financial literacy class has educated me and my peers about the costs associated with attending college, like tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks, and other expenses. My class taught me how to create and manage a budget specifically tailored to college expenses. For the future, I’ve learned how to prioritize spending, track expenses, and make adjustments as needed to stay within their budget. Establishing a monthly budget that outlines my income (such as financial aid, part-time job earnings, or allowances) and expenses (including tuition, housing, food, transportation, books, and entertainment) can help in avoiding overspending, seeing where my money goes, and seeing where I can spend less. Keeping track of all my expenses, no matter how small, using a budgeting app or spreadsheet and reviewing my spending regularly will help me stay within your budget. Being enrolled in financial literacy class, it has familiarized me with financial terms and concepts commonly encountered in college, such as credit scores, interest rates, and loan repayment plans. This knowledge has helped me create a plan to pay for college and navigate financial decisions confidently. I want to work part-time when I'm in college, so using what I've learned about financial literacy will help me keep organized and manage my money. Finally, my financial literacy class has helped me understand the long-term financial implications of my college choices and how my financial decisions in college will impact my future. I’ve learned how to set financial goals and make strategic decisions to achieve them beyond college graduation.

My main objective is to become a dance movement therapist (DMT) with the knowledge I gain in college. A DMT uses movement and dance as a therapeutic method to assist people improve their emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being as well as connect with their bodies. Overall, dance movement therapy can be a valuable and holistic approach to promoting mental and emotional well-being, helping individuals connect with themselves and others through the language of movement. In the future, I hope to start my own dance school for young, talented students of color who lacked a media role model to look up to. One of my long-term goals is to open a business so that minorities interested in the arts can feel protected and supported, in order to to feel confident in their abilities to be represented, and to freely follow their passions. I did not see dancers from minority groups who rose to become lead dancers or ballerinas in the media and it affected the way I looked at myself and my talent, as a young Black girl. I think it is crucial that there be diversity in the dance industry. When I was a young, talented Black girl who was interested in the arts, I felt less secure in my abilities because no one looked like me. I took a lot of breaks from dancing as a result, which eventually hampered my progress and technique. However, after I learned who Misty Copeland was, I began to feel hopeful. The realization that a Black female was the first African American principal dancer made me want to give dancing another shot. I never made a better choice than that one. I am now secure in my abilities and intend to pursue a dance degree. That's why I think diversity and representation are so important. I want to demonstrate to young girls like myself that you can achieve everything you set your mind to, regardless of your skin tone. A universal form of expression with a strong global cultural foundation is dance. Different cultural traditions and dance styles are reflected in and appreciated by a diversified dance business. This enables the portrayal of the vast fabric of human dance history and expression in a more thorough and authentic way. Diversity challenges common misconceptions and assumptions about who can dance and what it should look like. It enables people to freely pursue their passion for dancing, regardless of their background. I would consider my work successful when I have cultivated strong, self-assured people of color who are willing to pursue their artistic dreams. This enables the portrayal of the vast fabric of human dance history and expression in a more thorough and authentic way. Diversity challenges common misconceptions and assumptions about who can dance and what it should look like. It enables people to freely pursue their passion for dancing, regardless of their background.

My main objective is to become a dance movement therapist (DMT) with the knowledge I gain in college. A DMT uses movement and dance as a therapeutic method to assist people improve their emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being as well as connect with their bodies. Overall, dance movement therapy can be a valuable and holistic approach to promoting mental and emotional well-being, helping individuals connect with themselves and others through the language of movement. In the future, I hope to start my own dance school for young, talented students of color who lacked a media role model to look up to. One of my long-term goals is to open a business so that minorities interested in the arts can feel protected and supported, in order to to feel confident in their abilities to be represented, and to freely follow their passions. I did not see dancers from minority groups who rose to become lead dancers or ballerinas in the media and it affected the way I looked at myself and my talent, as a young Black girl. I think it is crucial that there be diversity in the dance industry. When I was a young, talented Black girl who was interested in the arts, I felt less secure in my abilities because no one looked like me. I took a lot of breaks from dancing as a result, which eventually hampered my progress and technique. However, after I learned who Misty Copeland was, I began to feel hopeful. The realization that a Black female was the first African American principal dancer made me want to give dancing another shot. I never made a better choice than that one. I am now secure in my abilities and intend to pursue a dance degree. That's why I think diversity and representation are so important. I want to demonstrate to young girls like myself that you can achieve everything you set your mind to, regardless of your skin tone. A universal form of expression with a strong global cultural foundation is dance. Different cultural traditions and dance styles are reflected in and appreciated by a diversified dance business. This enables the portrayal of the vast fabric of human dance history and expression in a more thorough and authentic way. Diversity challenges common misconceptions and assumptions about who can dance and what it should look like. It enables people to freely pursue their passion for dancing, regardless of their background. I would consider my work successful when I have cultivated strong, self-assured people of color who are willing to pursue their artistic dreams.

My passion for extracurricular activities stems from the opportunity they provide me to explore and cultivate my own interests outside of the classroom. I've had the chance to further develop a variety of abilities through extracurricular activities, including teamwork, leadership, time management, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. These skills are valuable in college and beyond. The involvement in extracurricular activities frequently promotes a feeling of community and connectedness to a group of people who have similar interests. This can aid in overcoming emotions of loneliness and isolation. I made a lot of friends that I treasured throughout my time on the varsity track team at my school. On my squad, we place a high importance on perseverance, sportsmanship, discipline, and respect. By putting these ideas into practice, I've been able to develop a stronger character and closer relationships with my friends. Running for my school's Track and Field team has had a significant positive impact on my mental health and dopamine levels in addition to academic extracurricular activities like National English Honor Society (NEHS), National Honor Society (NHS), and NAACP Youth Council. The brain's reward system becomes active during exercise. This dopamine release can result in rewarding and pleasurable experiences, sometimes known as the "runner's high." I adore this sensation. Because of this sensation, I run. It's really satisfying, especially after putting in so much effort with your teammates to advance in your field. Achieving success in extracurricular activities can boost a young person's self-esteem and self-confidence. It’s provided me with a sense of accomplishment and a positive self-image. Winning requires mental toughness, focus, and resilience. When you win, it signifies that you were able to overcome challenges, stay focused under pressure, and persevere. My confidence in my capacity to deal with difficulty in other areas of my life has increased as a result of this. Participation in clubs, teams, or student groups can demonstrate initiative and leadership qualities. My leadership abilities are shown through my roles as team captain, helping with track meets, teaching technique to my peers, and leading cool- downs or warm- ups at practice. You can showcase your interests, passions, and hobbies outside of the classroom by participating in extracurricular activities. This provides admissions officers with a more thorough understanding of your personality and your driving forces. A wide variety of extracurricular activities can show flexibility, adaptability, and a desire to explore different interests. This may appeal particularly to institutions looking for well-rounded students. Colleges are looking for applicants who will enrich the school community. My extracurricular activities can shed light on how I might improve campus life by joining clubs, organizations, or volunteering. Ultimately, the lessons and experiences gained from sports, including winning, can have a lasting positive impact on an individual's self-confidence, which can extend into various aspects of their life beyond the field or court. Dopamine levels in the brain can be raised by running, which helps with mood, motivation, stress relief, and general wellbeing. Running is a great form of exercise and has kept my dopamine levels balanced, boosted by your mental, and emotional well-being. Running is a very important aspect in my life and a part of who I am, I hope to continue my student athlete career in college.

In my opinion, Miles Morales is my favorite Spider-Man. Miles Morales, created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli, is of Afro-Latino descent. His debut expanded the Spider-Man character's diversity and provided representation to a larger group of people. Miles questions the conventional wisdom about superheroes. His upbringing and experiences demonstrate that superheroes can originate from a wide range of racial and cultural origins, defying the frequently clichéd ways that these figures are portrayed in popular culture.Stories by Miles Morales delve into the cultural facets of his Afro-Latino background, facilitating a more complex and inclusive portrayal. By featuring a character like Miles Morales as Spider-Man, Marvel empowers underrepresented communities. It sends a message that anyone, regardless of their background, can be a hero. This representation is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among readers who may not have seen characters who look like them in such prominent roles before. In addition, he possesses special abilities not shared by Peter Parker, the first Spider-Man, such as the capacity to disguise himself and the capacity to unleash a potent electrical venom blast. This sets Miles apart from the original Spider-Man and gives the character a new dynamic. While both Miles Morales and Peter Parker share the Spider-Man mantle, they have unique backgrounds, powers, personalities, and cultural contexts that set them apart and contribute to the richness of the Spider-Man universe.

My main objective is to become a dance movement therapist (DMT) with the knowledge I gain in college. A DMT uses movement and dance as a therapeutic method to assist people improve their emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being as well as connect with their bodies. Overall, dance movement therapy can be a valuable and holistic approach to promoting mental and emotional well-being, helping individuals connect with themselves and others through the language of movement. In the future, I hope to start my own dance school for young, talented students of color who lacked a media role model to look up to. One of my long-term goals is to open a business so that minorities interested in the arts can feel protected and supported, in order to to feel confident in their abilities to be represented, and to freely follow their passions. I did not see dancers from minority groups who rose to become lead dancers or ballerinas in the media and it affected the way I looked at myself and my talent, as a young Black girl. I think it is crucial that there be diversity in the dance industry. When I was a young, talented Black girl who was interested in the arts, I felt less secure in my abilities because no one looked like me. I took a lot of breaks from dancing as a result, which eventually hampered my progress and technique. However, after I learned who Misty Copeland was, I began to feel hopeful. The realization that a Black female was the first African American principal dancer made me want to give dancing another shot. I never made a better choice than that one. I am now secure in my abilities and intend to pursue a dance degree. That's why I think diversity and representation are so important. I want to demonstrate to young girls like myself that you can achieve everything you set your mind to, regardless of your skin tone. A universal form of expression with a strong global cultural foundation is dance. Different cultural traditions and dance styles are reflected in and appreciated by a diversified dance business. This enables the portrayal of the vast fabric of human dance history and expression in a more thorough and authentic way. Diversity challenges common misconceptions and assumptions about who can dance and what it should look like. It enables people to freely pursue their passion for dancing, regardless of their background.

My main objective is to become a dance movement therapist (DMT) with the knowledge I gain in college. A DMT uses movement and dance as a therapeutic method to assist people improve their emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being as well as connect with their bodies. In the future, I hope to start my own dance school for young, talented students of color who lacked a media role model to look up to. I did not see dancers from minority groups who rose to become lead dancers or ballerinas in the media and it affected the way I looked at myself and my talent, as a young Black girl. I think it is crucial that there be diversity in the dance industry. When I was a young, talented Black girl who was interested in the arts, I felt less secure in my abilities because no one looked like me. I took a lot of breaks from dancing as a result, which eventually hampered my progress and technique. However, after I learned who Misty Copeland was, I began to feel hopeful. The realization that a Black female was the first African American principal dancer made me want to give dancing another shot. I never made a better choice than that one. I am now secure in my abilities and intend to pursue a dance degree. That's why I think diversity and representation are so important. I want to demonstrate to young girls like myself that you can achieve everything you set your mind to, regardless of your skin tone. A universal form of expression with a strong global cultural foundation is dance. Different cultural traditions and dance styles are reflected in and appreciated by a diversified dance business. This enables the portrayal of the vast fabric of human dance history and expression in a more thorough and authentic way. Diversity challenges common misconceptions and assumptions about who can dance and what it should look like. It makes it possible for people from all walks of life to freely follow their passion for dancing. My family would have less financial strain thanks to this scholarship, and I would be able to pursue my goals of getting a dance degree. Dancing students have a lot of opportunities and environments at college to network with peers, mentors, friends, and guest performers. A dancer's training and creativity can be improved by the professional-grade equipment and facilities that are usually available on college campuses, including dance studios and rehearsal rooms. I would have access to classes in dance science, dance history, kinesiology, and arts management, giving me a diverse range of abilities. Dancers who complete these courses should expect to gain more than simply dance knowledge and skills. I'm continuously pushing myself in dance class and honing my skill in order to get ready for college. In addition to my fundamental training, I'm constantly learning about dance history and various genres of dance.

My main objective is to become a dance movement therapist (DMT) with the knowledge I gain in college. A DMT uses movement and dance as a therapeutic method to assist people improve their emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being as well as connect with their bodies. In the future, I hope to start my own dance school for young, talented students of color who lacked a media role model to look up to. I did not see dancers from minority groups who rose to become lead dancers or ballerinas in the media and it affected the way I looked at myself and my talent, as a young Black girl. I think it is crucial that there be diversity in the dance industry. When I was a young, talented Black girl who was interested in the arts, I felt less secure in my abilities because no one looked like me. I took a lot of breaks from dancing as a result, which eventually hampered my progress and technique. However, after I learned who Misty Copeland was, I began to feel hopeful. The realization that a Black female was the first African American principal dancer made me want to give dancing another shot. I never made a better choice than that one. I am now secure in my abilities and intend to pursue a dance degree. That's why I think diversity and representation are so important. I want to demonstrate to young girls like myself that you can achieve everything you set your mind to, regardless of your skin tone. A universal form of expression with a strong global cultural foundation is dance. Different cultural traditions and dance styles are reflected in and appreciated by a diversified dance business. This enables the portrayal of the vast fabric of human dance history and expression in a more thorough and authentic way. Diversity challenges common misconceptions and assumptions about who can dance and what it should look like. It makes it possible for people from all walks of life to freely follow their passion for dancing. My family would have less financial strain thanks to this scholarship, and I would be able to pursue my goals of getting a dance degree. Dancing students have a lot of opportunities and environments at college to network with peers, mentors, friends, and guest performers. A dancer's training and creativity can be improved by the professional-grade equipment and facilities that are usually available on college campuses, including dance studios and rehearsal rooms. I would have access to classes in dance science, dance history, kinesiology, and arts management, giving me a diverse range of abilities. Dancers who complete these courses should expect to gain more than simply dance knowledge and skills.

To me, success is being happy with where you are and giving back to the community. For some people, success may be measured in financial wealth, professional accomplishments, or societal recognition. For me, success is more about personal fulfillment, happiness, or making a positive impact on the lives of others. My main objective is to become a dance movement therapist (DMT) with the knowledge I gain in college. A DMT uses movement and dance as a therapeutic method to assist people improve their emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being as well as connect with their bodies. In the future, I hope to start my own dance school for young, talented students of color who lacked a media role model to look up to. I did not see dancers from minority groups who rose to become lead dancers or ballerinas in the media, diversity in the dance profession is very important to me. I want to demonstrate to young girls like myself that you can achieve everything you set your mind to, regardless of your skin tone. A universal form of expression with a strong global cultural foundation is dance. Different cultural traditions and dance styles are reflected in and appreciated by a diversified dance business. This scholarship would lessen the financial burden on my family and help me achieve my dreams of a degree in dance. Diversity in the dance industry is very important to me because I did not have representation in the media of dancers who are a minority and became principal dancers or ballerinas. Dance is a universal form of expression deeply rooted in various cultures worldwide. A diverse dance industry ensures that different cultural traditions and dance styles are represented and respected. This allows for a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the rich tapestry of human dance history and expression. Diversity challenges stereotypes and preconceived notions about who can be a dancer or what dance should look like. It opens the door for people of all backgrounds to pursue their passion for dance without limitations. College is also a great environment for dancers to connect and build a network of mentors, friends, guest artists, and peers. College campuses typically offer dance studios, rehearsal spaces, and access to professional-grade equipment and facilities, which can enhance a dancer's training and creativity. Some dance programs offer courses in dance history, kinesiology, dance science, and arts management. These courses can equip dancers with a well-rounded education and skills beyond just dancing. I'm primarily interested in psychology, dance, and the visual arts as academic fields. The courses that are part of these degrees at college will not only stretch my abilities but also deepen my understanding of the fields I'm passionate about. I've always been fascinated by the arts, and higher education gives me the ability to explore a range of subjects in a number of academic sectors while also fostering my creativity, critical thinking, and intellectual foundation. Undergraduate students have access to a variety of research opportunities, which has given me the chance to engage in practical learning experiences and contribute to cutting-edge research in a variety of subjects. I am dedicated to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and research, therefore I feel tertiary education is an excellent path for me.

My main objective is to graduate college with a degree in dance and become a dance movement therapist (DMT) with the knowledge I gain in college. A DMT uses movement and dance as a therapeutic method to assist people in improving their emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being as well as connecting with their bodies. In the future, I hope to start my dance school for young, talented children of color who lack a media role model to look up to. As a young dancer, I did not see dancers from minority groups who rose to become lead dancers or ballerinas in the media. Diversity in the dance profession is very important to me. I want to demonstrate to young, gifted, children of color that you can achieve everything you set your mind to, regardless of your skin tone. This makes it possible to portray the vast fabric of human dance history and expression more thoroughly and authentically. Diversity challenges common misconceptions and assumptions about who can do dance and what it should look like. Allowing people from all walks of life to freely follow their passion for dancing. Not only will this scholarship help enhance my college education, but it will also give me numerous opportunities to bring my skills to the workplace and help the dance world evolve and remain relevant by embracing a wide range of voices, experiences, and artistic expressions. I've always been interested in the arts, and college allows me to explore a variety of dance genres and techniques while simultaneously developing my critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual background. Students frequently get the chance to study choreography and dance composition through college programs. I can create more of my work and improve as a choreographer with the support of this expertise. A time when I contributed to my community was when I decided to be a founding member of the first NAACP Youth Council in my community. As much as diversity is important, so is having representation of said diverse groups. This has impacted me by not only opening my eyes to my peers and how we all have similar goals and beliefs but also how important young people’s voices are. Through this chapter, I was able to find confidence in my voice and realize how powerful my generation is as we are the new adults. Realizing we are stronger in groups, I can enhance my skills as a leader and public speaker. With these skills, I’m confident that they will be helpful to me in my college journey and post- tertiary education.

My favorite show to watch on Netflix is called ‘Arcane.’ This show offers a compelling and well-crafted storyline that really delves into the origins of the beloved League of Legends characters. Personally, I’ve never played the game or have a lot of background information about the world. But, that is why this show is an amazing watch. You don’t have to know a lot to fully immerse yourself in the experience. This show captivates you from the moment you press play thanks to its distinctive animation style, the combination of complete 3D and stop motion, and computer graphics' crispness and brilliant lighting upgrades. When I first saw this show pop up on my Netflix recommendations list, I had low expectations. I wouldn’t expect to like something that I knew nothing about. But with a painterly quality, this show had scenes that made the movement of the characters stimulating, thrilling, and wild. The vibrant and nuanced colors really amplify the impressive amount of detail that you usually don’t get to witness in full-length features. With full-length features like this, you can sometimes expect a “squeezed out” or rushed ending to the show. But without question, the pace of this show felt both natural and well-considered, and it kept me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next episode. Every episode, while part of the main storyline, managed to feel different from the last. Everyone in this series had a respectable amount of screen time, and the backgrounds alternated without ever becoming perplexing or complicated. Another reason I recommend this show is the world, itself, of Arcane. Piltover is a beautiful playground for the rich and a center of innovation and the arts. While Zaun is a dark and gloomy underworld that resides below the surface. Between these two parallels the fabric of Arcane’s world is embedded in the framework of each character and each conflict they encounter in the show. It is true political story about what’s going on in the world of Piltover. What I love about this show, is that it feels so complete and fleshed- out. It doesnt feel like your watching some half- baked idea, everything in the world of Arcane has been carefully woven by creators who truly love the franchise. Moreover, the voice acting in this show is breathtaking. Though rating how well a voice actor is doing is subjective, in my opinion, it was truly amazing. What makes it so amazing is that every character in the show sounds like they are that person. The pure and raw acting brings an edge to the cast. Lastly, the potential of the show is endless. Season one set up so much from the characters interal and external conflicts, to a possible war approaching, the world, and the mental health awareness. I cannot wait to see how it will handle the rest of it’s story, and all we can do it wait. If you’ve been considering watching or never heard of it, I highly recommend. I don’t want to hype up the show to unreachable heights and expectations. But, this show was a genuine surprise and utterly enjoyable. Besides, its the perfect length to watch in a weekend or even sooner.

My passion for extracurricular activities stems from the opportunity they provide me to explore and cultivate my own interests outside of the classroom. I've had the chance to further develop a variety of abilities through extracurricular activities, including teamwork, leadership, time management, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. These skills are valuable in college and beyond. Involvement in extracurricular activities frequently promotes a feeling of community and connectedness to a group of people who have similar interests. This can aid in overcoming emotions of loneliness and isolation. I made a lot of friends that I treasured throughout my time on the varsity track team at my school. On my squad, we place high importance on perseverance, sportsmanship, discipline, and respect. By putting these ideas into practice, I've been able to develop a stronger character and closer relationships with my friends. Track and Field has had a significant positive impact on my mental health and dopamine levels in addition to academic extracurricular activities like the National English Honor Society (NEHS), National Honor Society (NHS), and NAACP Youth Council. The brain's reward system becomes active during exercise. This dopamine release can result in rewarding and pleasurable experiences, sometimes known as the "runner's high." I adore this sensation. Because of this sensation, I run. It's really satisfying, especially after putting in so much effort with your teammates to advance in your field. Achieving success in extracurricular activities can boost a young person's self-esteem and self-confidence. It’s provided me with a sense of accomplishment and a positive self-image. Winning requires mental toughness, focus, and resilience. When you win, it signifies that you are able to overcome challenges, stay focused under pressure, and persevere. My confidence in my capacity to deal with difficulty in other areas of my life has increased as a result of this. Participation in clubs, teams, or student groups can demonstrate initiative and leadership qualities. My leadership abilities are shown through my roles as team captain, helping with track meets, teaching technique and form to my peers, and leading cool-downs or warm-ups at practice. You can showcase your interests, passions, and hobbies outside of the classroom by participating in extracurricular activities. This provides admissions officers with a more thorough understanding of your personality and your driving forces. A wide variety of extracurricular activities can show flexibility, adaptability, and a desire to explore different interests. This may appeal particularly to institutions looking for well-rounded students. Colleges are looking for applicants who will enrich the school community. My extracurricular activities can shed light on how I might improve campus life by joining clubs, organizations, or volunteering. Ultimately, the lessons and experiences gained from sports, including winning, can have a lasting positive impact on an individual's self-confidence, which can extend into various aspects of their life beyond the field or court. Dopamine levels in the brain can be raised by running, which helps with mood, motivation, stress relief, and general well-being. Running is a great form of exercise and has kept my dopamine levels balanced, and boosted my mental, and emotional well-being. Running is a very important aspect of my life and a part of who I am, I hope to continue my student-athlete career in college.

Though the name may be deceiving, Stray Kids are not stray at all and is my favorite K-pop group. This group consists of 8 members, ages ranging from 22-25. There are many reasons to love this group and have accomplished many things from becoming only the second Korean artist (after BTS) in history to being triple million-sellers with one album, to producing and writing all of their songs, to their amazing and caring personalities. This group has taught me to care less about what others think and to do what makes you happy. Despite the hate they got throughout the years of their careers, they’ve consistently shown up, performed, and cared for their fans. Bang Chan, the leader, has shown me how to continue to be determined throughout hard times. From him, I’ve learned that all feelings are temporary and a part of being human. If you’re sad, instead of bottling up your feelings, embracing them is the best thing to do. He provides a safe space with his daily V-Lives called ‘Chan’s Room’’ and gives advice to his fans all day. Jisung has taught me that it’s okay to overthink. In the long run, it’ll be a good life lesson, and the faster you accept it, the faster you are able to accept yourself, your imperfections, and your behaviors. I think too deeply about everything, I don’t know if that allows me to see more of the world or less of it. But, keeping Jisung’s saying in mind reminds me not to be so hard on myself when it does happen. Lee Know has taught me that love comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Not all love has to be loud and vibrant. Caring for others doesn’t always be a spectacular event. He shows love for his members and fans through small actions but still has lots of meaning and love. Love can still be soft and lively. He’s demonstrated to me that life is not a race and to take your time. Even if you feel like you are behind, just take your time because not everyone is going to the same destination. I am my own biggest competition. Stray Kids has actively engaged in cultural exchange through music, dance, and fashion, incorporating elements from different cultures into their work. This diversity in talent allows them to experiment with different music styles, showcase their versatility, help bridge cultural gaps, and foster appreciation for diversity. Their music often carried messages of self-empowerment and self-acceptance, resonating with young people around the world facing similar challenges. Their music served as a source of inspiration and motivation. In the end, Stray Kids has shown me love and care when I sometimes felt like that wasn’t available to me. I deserve love with all my perfect imperfections because I am special and worth it, always.