As an aspiring Hispanic actor heading to Pace University in New York City, I believe that collaboration is the heart of storytelling—and storytelling is the heart of acting. In theatre, no performance stands alone. Every show I’ve been part of, whether as a lead or supporting actor, has shown me how powerful it is when artists come together to build something greater than themselves. To me, collaboration means listening, trusting, and giving. It’s about showing up not just for your own role, but for your castmates, your crew, your director, and ultimately your audience. It means being flexible and open to change, knowing that someone else’s idea might push the whole production into something more truthful or compelling. I’ve learned that some of the most memorable moments on stage come not from individual brilliance, but from shared connection and collective risk-taking. In one of my most rewarding experiences, I had the honor of performing the title role in Paganini. As the lead, I had a responsibility not just to carry the narrative, but to connect with every performer on stage to create something cohesive and emotionally powerful. That role pushed me artistically and emotionally, but it also deepened my appreciation for the ensemble dynamic—because even the lead cannot shine without the light of those around them. Every moment of that production was a shared effort, from the stage designers to the tech crew as well as the costume designers to the quiet words of encouragement backstage. In contrast, playing Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors reminded me of the joy in supporting someone else’s story. That production was filled with true collaboration—rehearsals full of shared creativity, mutual encouragement, and laughter. I discovered that a supporting role is never small when it is part of something meaningful. I was proud to help shape the rhythm and humor of the show, contributing to the harmony of the performance in a different, but equally important way. As a Hispanic performer, collaboration also means embracing my heritage and sharing it with others. I hope to bring diverse stories to the stage and work alongside peers from many backgrounds. At Pace, I’m excited to collaborate with new voices, learn from different perspectives, and continue growing as both an artist and a teammate. Because in the world of fine arts, success is never a solo act—and the stories that stay with us are the ones built together.

My “why” comes from a deep need to tell stories that move people—stories that connect us, challenge us, and help us understand ourselves and others more deeply. I’ve always believed that performance is more than entertainment; it’s a way to bring truth to the surface, using voice, movement, emotion, and imagination. One of the most defining moments in my artistic journey was playing Paganini in the stage production of Paganini. It was an intense, demanding role that pushed me beyond my limits—but in doing so, it taught me the beauty of total immersion in a character. Portraying such a passionate and conflicted artist allowed me to express something beyond words, and it reminded me why I pursue this path: to embody stories that matter. As technology continues to reshape the world of storytelling—through AI, digital tools, and virtual experiences—I see it not as a threat but as an opportunity. These tools expand what’s possible, but the soul of a performance still comes from the artist. No machine can replicate human vulnerability, instinct, or presence. In the future, I hope to create and star in an original TV series that blends live action, animation, and performance—something bold, expressive, and inclusive. I also dream of building a multimedia stage show based on a graphic novel I’m developing, combining theater, projection art, and movement to create a fully immersive experience. I dream to make a difference, to show what a Hispanic boy from Frisco Texas can bring to the Big Apple and to show to follow your dreams however far they may be. As a student of the arts, I’m committed to pushing boundaries, collaborating across disciplines, and continuing to grow my craft. My purpose is to create stories that spark emotion, inspire change, and remind audiences of the power of human connection. That’s my “why”—and it’s what keeps me moving forward.

I would be the first in my family to attend college, and I’m pursuing a career in fine arts and acting—fields that are often seen as financially risky. I understand the instability of this path, but it’s what I’m most passionate about. Scholarships like this one would give me the opportunity to attend a strong program like the Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University without the burden of overwhelming debt. My parents are divorced, and while my mother works in marketing, my father dropped out of high school and pursued his own passion as a DJ. Though he found success, he isn’t able to contribute financially to high-tuition colleges. Both of my parents support my dreams, but ultimately, it’s up to me to find the resources to make them happen. That’s why financial aid is so important. Theatre has been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s more than just a hobby—it's been a constant source of comfort and growth. Theatre allows us to tell stories in the rawest and most emotionally impactful way. I’ve always admired performances that leave an impression and teach a lesson, and I hope to deliver that kind of impact on stage or screen. Every role teaches me something new, and every performance brings me closer to understanding the human experience. I’m fully aware of the uncertainty of acting as a full-time career. It's a competitive world that requires dedication and constant learning. But I’ve never shied away from hard work. I was taught in both sports and life that if something is difficult, it’s likely worth doing. Football and powerlifting instilled in me a sense of discipline and perseverance—qualities that are just as essential in the arts. My academic foundation in English and Literature has deepened my appreciation for the stories I bring to life. Words are the backbone of theatre, and my ability to analyze text helps me connect to characters and themes on a deeper level. In a time when stories are often rushed or shallow, I want to champion performances that are thoughtful, honest, and intentional. Moving from Texas to New York to study performing arts is a huge step, and it’s one I’m fully committed to. With support from this foundation, I can pursue my dream without being weighed down by financial stress. I’m ready to work hard, take every opportunity, and tell stories that matter—stories that might inspire others the same way they’ve inspired me.

Theatre has been a significant part of my life since I was young. Too young to ever think of stepping back from it. It's always been a passion of mine, and for many times it has been an escape from life's rougher moments. I think theatre is the rawest way to display and portray a spectrum of emotions within a story. The easiest way to understand a situation is seeing it, and bringing those complexities to an open audience is the easiest way for lessons to be taught. I've always been fascinated by great performances, and for as long as I've done acting and musical theater, I've never been disappointed by the craft. There's always something to learn, always another story to be told, and always a lesson that you can bring into your own day-to-day life. Whether it's comedic, dramatic, classic, or contemporary, there are real emotions written between the lines, and diligent work within the names across the pamphlets. I hope I bring a performance, whether stage or screen, that truly makes an impact on someone's life for the better. I’m determined to dig my way throughout no matter how that may be. Whichever seems to be the brightest future in acting as I continue to practice and learn is more than likely the route I'll continue to pursue in the long-term. I'm very aware of the shaky nature of acting as a full-time career, and I know that it banks heavily upon gig-to-gig survival and very hard work. Attending Pace University and being accepted into The Sands College of Performing Arts makes my climb up this mountain a load easier on me. With acceptance of the journey, all I can hope for is help. This degree will stand as a testament to my dedication, and emphasize my passions and devotion to the craft. Within every sector of performing arts is the brilliant study of English and Literature. Words are the very foundation of stories, and my consistent study of such words alongside my endurance training in sports has only further guided me towards my passion of theater. As for my goals, now more than ever, stories feel rushed to completion. With all that I’ve learned in my countless years of study on the arts and literature, I want to set a precedent of taking time with performance. If the world can watch a first-generation, aspiring, and passionate boy rise from the streets towards the big stage, all because of an undying love for his craft, an example will be set for the passionate dreamers. An example that campaigns for the return of true passion-projects. This goal is grand, and yet every step I've taken along the way towards it has been built upon the foundation of my core studies. English and Language has helped immensely in my ability to literarily understand the plays I'm performing. In order to campaign for stories to be honest and true, I must be able to comprehend and analyze the themes and motifs of that story to make an honest judgement. Without my studies in literature, many of the stories that've influenced my goals could've gone over my head completely. It’s no secret that to follow passions is a gamble, especially in a competitive audition-based career such as acting. If there's a competition, I've learned there are people willing to work hard.. If it was easy, everyone would do it. The best things in life are difficult, the best goals are grand, and that's what makes it satisfying when they're achieved.

Becoming the first in my family to pursue a college degree, has impacted my educational journey and academic goals tremendously. I’ll start with academically, I knew that if I wanted to go to college, I was going to have to do well in order to get scholarships. That is the only way that I will be able to go to college. I worked hard and studied while in all of my extracurricular activities to be able to maintain a 3.7 GPA. I had to prioritize my time between theater, football, powerlifting, and my education to make sure that I could academically achieve all goals. I had to study a little harder than some of my friends and put the fun times aside to ensure that my grades were good, that I did well on my AP exams, and that I scored high on my SATs. I prioritized my grades. As far as my educational journey I’ve had to broaden my horizons. I’ve had to look for additional ways to help me learn how to take the next step in becoming a college student. My mother and father are so proud of me. I have learned that I can overcome obstacles and make a new path for our next family of generations to succeed. This has given me a strength to continue my journey and passion to go to college, not any college, but a college in another state 100’s of miles away. I know from seeing how hard my mother has worked that I can do this. This might not be the path that she is familiar with, but you wouldn’t notice with how hard she has helped me get here. My family is so proud of me and I can’t wait to prove them right. I can’t wait to show them how having a college degree can take you to the next level in your future. Going to college is going to teach me how to work, how to prioritize studying and be becoming an adult without having any distractions. It’s going to give me an opportunity to have my dreams become a reality. I won’t take this next chapter in my life for granted, I’m not going to goof off in college. I’m going to treat this as a privilege. I’m privileged that I can be the first generation college student in my family. I’m privileged that my parents support and highly encourage this next chapter in my life. I know I’m going to make them even more proud of me.

If there's competition, there are people willing to work hard. I've learned to work harder. If it was easy, everyone would do it. The best things in life are difficult, that's what makes it satisfying when they're achieved. With all I've learned, I'm willing to try my absolute hardest to make my dreams a reality, and to tell a story honest and raw enough to resonate in each and every audience member. Within every sector of performing arts is the brilliant study of English and Literature. Words are the very foundation of stories, and my consistent study of such words alongside my endurance training in sports has only further guided me towards my passion of theater. As for my goals, now more than ever, stories feel rushed to completion. With all that I’ve learned in my countless years of study on the arts and literature, I want to set a precedent of taking time with performance. If the world can watch a first-generation, aspiring, and passionate boy rise from the streets towards the big stage, all because of an undying love for his craft, an example will be set for the passionate dreamers. An example that campaigns for the return of true passion-projects. This goal is grand, and yet every step I've taken along the way towards it has been built upon the foundation of my core studies. English and Language has helped immensely in my ability to literarily understand the plays I'm performing. In order to campaign for stories to be honest and true, I must be able to comprehend and analyze the themes and motifs of that story to make an honest judgement. Without my studies in literature, many of the stories that've influenced my goals could've gone over my head completely. Even outside of traditional academic studies, I've learned determination through my interest in sports. It’s no secret that to follow passions is a gamble, especially in a competitive audition-based career such as acting. If there's a competition, I've learned there are people willing to work hard. I was taught in Football and Powerlifting to work harder. If it was easy, everyone would do it. The best things in life are difficult, the best goals are grand, and that's what makes it satisfying when they're achieved. Between Football, Power Lifting and Theatre I have learned my core values in what shapes me and those values will take me to follow my dreams to New York.

As a young Hispanic man aspiring to become a beacon of light within my community, there are few who have treaded this path before me. However, Danny Trejo is a pillar of kindness beneath his tough exterior. I've found myself enamored with Danny's persona, whether it be from his willingness to do work for amateur movie-makers, his consistently reported kindness on set, or his proud flag-bearing of his Hispanic heritage. I want my journey as an artist to carry those same principles. I want to give back to the Downtown Dallas streets I've grown from, I want to show kindness to all I work with, and most importantly, I want to be unapologetically myself and proud of the roots I've come from. It's my firm belief that Hispanic culture is woefully underrepresented within the common media today. Not that there aren't Hispanic actors, but that many times it feels as though they're casted as caricatures of the Hispanic experience rather than actual representation. Watching performers like Danny has never felt this way, and for that I am grateful. I wish to be the next.

When I was younger, I was horrified at the idea of death. Riddled with Thanatophobia, I was appointed a court therapist during a divided divorce between my parents. Moving from apartment to apartment, my residency in Downtown Dallas did little to calm my fears. As I grew older, I couldn't help but feel like the actions of a young boy in a bustling city would surely be forgotten. Even as I moved from the city, countless hours were spent paranoid in a therapist's office. I saw my life as an hourglass. Each grain of sand dripping was another moment I'd never recover; another moment spent worrying that I'd wasted a previous moment. It felt so cyclical. In time, I grew to resent time itself. That was, until I found a passion in theater. I've never once struggled with stage fright; in fact, I've learned to enjoy being in the limelight. I'd reasoned with myself that the more people who'd watched me, the more likely it would be that I'd make a positive difference in someone's life. In time, that became an underlying passion in my work. If I couldn't guarantee that my performance could be remembered, I could only hope that the lesson of the story could stick. Then, at the very least, the results of my actions were remembered. It felt like a loophole for cheating lifetimes. Even when I expired, I could continue to live in spirit by my work. I'd heard of it before: people working tirelessly to create something that outlives them—the idea that legacy could cancel time and counter death itself. The promise of a legacy sparked a life of dedication and determination to give everything my very best. That’s where I found my answer. Time wasn’t helplessly ticking away as I once thought it was. Rather than being a constantly depleting resource, I've learned time is a never-ending gift of opportunity. Time is another hour for another story. Time is another day for another performance. Time is another life for another viewer. Time is an unwavering promise that all failures will pass, while grand victories are evergreen. While I’ve learned this lesson, and kept it close to my heart ever since, it feels as though many haven’t. Now more than ever, stories feel rushed to completion. It sometimes feels as though I survey the media to watch countless copies of my younger self: scared, rushing, and looking for instant gratification. Those stories won’t live on. With all that I’ve learned, ironically, I want to set a precedent of taking time with performance. If the world can watch a first-generation, aspiring, and passionate boy rise from the streets towards the big stage, all because of an undying love for his craft, an example will be set for the passionate dreamers. An example that spreads the word of what he’s learned, campaigning for the return of true passion-projects. The road has presented itself to me already. My acceptance into the Sands College of Performing Arts in NYC is a grand promise for my long-standing dreams coming true, and all that stands in my way is money. It’s no secret that to follow passions is a gamble, and any scholarships towards my education would give me the chance to attend this school of great merit without the issue of out-of-state tuition costs and looming student debts. I know my goals. All I need is the means to achieve them