I will know I am successful when my art becomes an outlet for those who need solace. As a performer and storyteller, I offer nothing to the world besides creativity, entertainment, and my obsession with humans, and their strange little connections. With such an unconventional form of anthropology, I observe the world, and rearrange its puzzle pieces, so others can see it the way I do. But to change the world, you must show what is possible, how others live and breathe, and the endless similarities that seemingly different people have. We are all human, and performance and storytelling are the perfect mediums to prove that; prove that we all love, and feel–Deeply. While I want my art to be a home for others who need it, it will also provide a home for me. A place to ponder in my past pain, and the times of my life that defined me. As a queer trans person that has grappled with the world's obsession to hate, and fear, I dream of capturing my experience through the art of film to help others feel less alone, whether they be trans, or not. A moment of my experience, whether devastating, perfectly dull, or purely blissful, may help someone feel a little less alone, and if I have the chance to change someone else's moment, I will do my very best to make sure that it is for the better. Furthermore, beneath a world of people shrouded in ignorance, sharing unique and personal stories through film, creates the possibility for a deeper understanding of each other, and our shared humanity across the world. As I display great passion and determination in such an unconventional, and uncertain, career path there will never be a concrete landmark that will signify my success. Not just because the fact that the reception of art is and always will be subjective, but because there is no greater sign of success than a continued effort to create. As artists, we are never satisfied, and therefore, my success will never be defined by the completion of something, but rather by the aspiration to change minds, and do more. To exist among people who hold a deep care for meaningful storytelling would be the greatest privilege, especially when it comes to those who desire to bring people together, and to use art to provoke, as well as comfort. Nonetheless, I am only a young person with big ideas. I have the intent, the willpower, and the tenacity, but in order to bring my ideas to life, I must learn how to do so. There is no greater gift in the world than the ability to learn, and this opportunity may help me untie the ribbon. With the dream of attending college in New York City, the cost of tuition, as well as necessities, will be outrageously high. An opportunity such as this would help me live this dream of illumination through a bustling city full of creatives, like me, from whom I may learn, grow, and build something beautiful.

A story bursting with energy, and feeling can not help but be brought to life through film. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is one of deep, everlasting connection, self-identity, truth, and fighting with and for whom you love. A practically perfect opening sets the tone and aesthetic of the story, and brings the characters to life when Aristotle learns to swim. Aristotle heads to the local pool on a hot day, and jumps into the deep end. Paralleling the book wonderfully, there is an uncomfortable, choking, feeling as he struggles to come back to the surface. However, as Aristotle floats back up, sunlight glimmers through the water, revealing a blurry figure staring at him: Dante. This element captures how Dante will keep Aristotle afloat, not just in water, but through every hardship. Dante will help him discover, and love himself for who he is, as he will always offer his hand when Aristotle might be drowning. This moment beautifully encapsulates Aristotle's loneliness, and how he finds himself as he grows closer to Dante; making any lover of the novel confident that the rest of the film will do the book justice. Furthermore, young and old queer people alike can find comfort in this story of love. Being set in the late 80’s, the AIDs epidemic gleams bright through Aristotle’s parent’s box TV as an important but rather subtle piece of the story. Unlike the novel, where Aristotle describes his feelings on the crisis himself, he never speaks of it in the film adaptation. However, in the movie, this global turmoil for and against the gay community takes an effect on Aristotle as he denies his feelings for Dante. Aristotle’s inner battle with his own identity reflecting the fight against those who were suffering during the AIDs crisis is a stunning detail that helps define Aristotle’s struggle in a society that shrouds queerness in shame. Where older generations of LGBTQ+ can look back on their past, younger generations may feel less alone when someone similar to them is portrayed on screen. The director's skillful depiction of this piece of history helps to round out the setting, and of course, develop the protagonist in the most precise, and elusive way. The film, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe does not change my view of the novel, but rather elevates my perception of the story itself. Every aspect of this movie accomplishes exactly what an adaptation should do when dealing with a well-beloved story; taking every element, and minute detail of the text, and simply bringing the words to life. Aristotle and Dante’s story remains impactful in both mediums, where they relish in the two characters' growth, identity, and love for each other.