
Hobbies and interests
Photography and Photo Editing
American Sign Language (ASL)
Cosplay
Graphic Design
Minecraft
Art
Walking
Roller Skating
Reading
Adventure
Thriller
Mystery
Melanie Diaz
1,825
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Melanie Diaz
1,825
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Ever since I was young, I have been passionate about art as a part of my life choices. I tried many different activities, but wasn't particularly interested in them. One day, I started taking pictures of flowers and shared them with my friends and family; they all loved them. The more photos I took, the more praise I received.
While I am still unsure of my future career, I decided to major in photography while I was a junior in high school. I wanted to learn more and see where this major would lead me. After completing my associate degree in photography, I plan to transfer to another school to pursue a bachelor's degree in graphic design, hoping to explore the intersection of these two fields.
During my two semesters in school, I have enjoyed exploring various activities and have found a club where I feel comfortable. I recently completed my associate degree in science and am now transitioning to a visual arts and communication major. I am excited to see where these two degrees will take me.
Education
Rockland Community College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Graphic Communications
Career
Dream career field:
Arts
Dream career goals:
sales associate
Pet Supplies Plus2024 – Present1 yearReceptionist
Head Start2023 – 20241 yearpage
Kings Daughter Library2021 – Present4 years
Sports
Karate
Club2015 – 20161 year
Swimming
2015 – 20161 year
Dancing
Club2010 – 20144 years
Track & Field
Club2013 – 20174 years
Cross-Country Running
Club2018 – 20191 year
Arts
Extracurricular
Painting2024 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
Trunk n Treat — Student2023 – 2023Volunteering
4-H — student2022 – 2022Volunteering
Sending Sunshine — artist2021 – 2021
Pamela Branchini Memorial Scholarship
Collaboration has always been at the heart of my artistic journey, especially in the performing arts, where the collective effort of many individuals is required to bring a creative vision to life. In my intended field of theatre, collaboration is not just about working with others—it's about building meaningful relationships, sharing ideas, and contributing to a unified goal. It's about the synergy that emerges when diverse talents unite, each bringing their strengths and perspectives to the process. Whether in rehearsal, on stage, or behind the scenes, the most rewarding experiences in my artistic life have come from moments of true collaboration.
Collaboration in the performing arts means that each person's voice matters. In a theatre production, for instance, every department—from actors to directors, set designers to lighting technicians—plays an essential role in crafting the final performance. The beauty of theatre lies in its complexity; no single person can create the magic alone. It is in the give-and-take of ideas, the openness to different approaches, and the collective commitment to a shared vision that great art is made. When we come together as a team, we can challenge one another, grow creatively, and create something far greater than we could individually.
I have had the privilege of experiencing this type of collaboration throughout my involvement in community theatre and school productions. One memorable experience was in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, where I played the role of Hermia. The rehearsal process was intense and demanding, but the camaraderie between the cast and crew made the experience unforgettable. We spent hours working together, experimenting with different ways to portray our characters, testing out scenes, and offering feedback. As an ensemble, we learned to trust one another and to recognize that the success of the performance depended on our ability to support each other both onstage and off. The directors, designers, and technicians all played a crucial part, helping us bring the fantastical world of the play to life through their vision and expertise.
This experience inspired me to value collaboration further in my artistic work. I realized that the magic of theatre is created in the space between people—how actors interact, how a director guides the cast, and how designers use their craft to enhance the story. The relationships formed in these collaborative efforts improve the art and foster a sense of community and mutual respect among artists.
Moving forward, I am eager to continue engaging in collaborative experiences that will allow me to grow as a performer and creative professional. Whether in an educational setting or within a professional theatre company, collaboration will remain a central part of my artistic practice. This scholarship would help me further pursue these experiences, allowing me to build lasting relationships with fellow artists and contribute to productions that are both creative and impactful.