My long-term goal is to become a filmmaker, animator, and entrepreneur who uses storytelling to create a positive impact. I hope to build a career creating films, animated projects, and digital media that inspire empathy, represent diverse experiences, and help people feel understood. Ultimately, I want to create my own animation studio that combines the creativity of traditional storytelling with new technology while creating opportunities for artists from different backgrounds. My first goal is to continue developing my education and technical skills at the University of Southern California. USC provides me with access to experienced professors, industry connections, creative collaborators, and resources that allow me to strengthen my skills in filmmaking, animation, storytelling, and production. My immediate plan is to continue building my portfolio through class projects, independent films, animation work, internships, and personal creative projects. Since the entertainment industry is highly competitive, I understand that success requires more than a degree. It requires consistent practice, networking, adaptability, and a strong body of work. A major part of my plan is continuing to grow my YouTube platform. I have already started creating content centered around the realities of growing up, navigating college, and becoming an adult. My goal is to continue developing this platform into a community built on honesty and connection. Over the next several years, I plan to improve my storytelling, editing, marketing, and audience engagement skills while using the platform as a foundation for larger creative projects. The resources needed for this include access to filming equipment, editing software, creative spaces, and time to consistently produce content. Estimated yearly costs for maintaining a creative platform include software subscriptions such as Adobe Creative Cloud, equipment upgrades, and production expenses, which can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on project needs. My next goal is gaining professional experience in the animation and film industries. I plan to pursue internships, assistant positions, and freelance opportunities that allow me to learn from professionals and understand the business side of entertainment. I want to study how successful studios operate, from creative development and production to marketing and distribution. These experiences will help me build the knowledge necessary to eventually create my own company. Within the next ten to fifteen years, I hope to establish my own animation studio. Building a studio requires significant planning and investment, including a talented creative team, production software, equipment, legal support, marketing, and funding. While the exact budget will depend on the size of the company, starting a small independent studio would likely require hundreds of thousands of dollars in initial investment. To reach that goal, I plan to build industry relationships, save through professional work, seek investors, apply for grants, and create successful smaller projects that demonstrate the value of my ideas. I also understand that there are multiple paths to success. If starting a studio immediately is not realistic, I plan to gain experience at an established animation company while continuing to develop my own projects. If traditional entertainment opportunities are limited, I will continue building through digital media and independent production. My goal is not dependent on one specific path. What matters is continuing to create, learn, and adapt. The resources that will make this plan possible are education, mentorship, financial support, professional connections, and perseverance. As a first-generation college student, I have learned that opportunities are not always guaranteed, but preparation and determination create new possibilities.

My plans for the future are centered around creating stories that inspire, connect, and remind people that they are not alone. I am currently pursuing a degree in film at the University of Southern California with the goal of becoming a filmmaker, animator, and entrepreneur. I hope to build a career where I can combine creativity, storytelling, and my passion for helping others through meaningful media. Ultimately, my dream is to create an animation studio that tells powerful stories, celebrates different experiences, and inspires future generations. My journey to USC has shaped the way I approach every challenge. When I first applied, I was rejected from my dream school. As a first-generation college student without family connections or a clear roadmap for navigating higher education, that rejection felt like the end of a dream I had worked toward for years. However, instead of accepting that outcome, I decided to advocate for myself. I submitted an appeal explaining my passion, determination, and the goals I hoped to pursue. That appeal was successful, and I became a student at the university I once thought I would never attend. Since arriving at USC, I have faced another series of challenges. I have applied to my desired program twice and have been rejected both times. While those moments were disappointing, they have taught me one of the most important lessons I carry with me: failure is not the opposite of success. Failure is part of the process of becoming the person you are meant to be. I know I have a story to tell, and I know I have a purpose. Because of that, I am willing to keep trying, keep improving, and keep finding new ways to reach my goals. My future plans involve continuing to develop my skills in film, animation, and storytelling while creating projects that have a positive impact. I want to make films and animated stories that help people feel represented and understood, especially children and young adults who may be struggling to find their place in the world. Through my YouTube platform, I have already begun building a community where I share the honest realities of growing up, navigating college, and learning from setbacks. I hope to continue expanding that platform while using my education to create larger projects that reach even more people. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing these goals by reducing the financial burden of earning my degree. As a first-generation, low-income student, financial support would allow me to focus more fully on my education, creative development, and opportunities that will prepare me for my future career. It would give me more freedom to invest time into my craft and continue building the skills necessary to succeed in a competitive industry. More than anything, this scholarship would support a student who refuses to give up on her dreams. My path has not been perfectly straightforward, but every challenge has strengthened my determination. I believe the stories that impact the world often come from people who have experienced uncertainty, rejection, and growth. I plan to use my education to turn those experiences into stories that inspire others to keep going, take chances, and believe in their own potential.

Mental health is important to me as a student because I have experienced firsthand how deeply it can affect every aspect of a person's life, including their education, relationships, and sense of self. I believe that academic success is not possible without emotional well-being. Students are often expected to perform at their highest level while silently carrying personal struggles, and I think creating spaces where people feel supported and understood is essential. My own experiences have shaped my passion for mental health advocacy. As a former cheerleader and gymnast, I developed anorexia after years of being surrounded by environments where perfection and appearance often felt connected to achievement. Recovery taught me that mental health struggles are not simply about individual choices. They are influenced by pressure, expectations, and the way people learn to view themselves. More recently, I have also been navigating an unnamed chronic illness that has affected my relationship with food, my confidence, and my daily life. These experiences have shown me how important it is for people to feel heard rather than judged. In my community, I advocate for mental health by creating honest conversations through my YouTube platform. I share the realities of growing up, navigating college, facing setbacks, and learning how to become an adult. Rather than presenting a perfect version of my life, I choose to be vulnerable about challenges because I know how powerful it can be to see someone else admit that they are struggling. My goal is to create a community where people feel less alone and understand that asking for help is a sign of strength. I also advocate for mental health through the stories I hope to create in my future career. As a film student, I believe storytelling can be a powerful tool for changing the way people understand mental health. The characters and stories we consume influence how we see ourselves and others. I want to create films and animations that portray mental health with honesty, compassion, and hope, especially for younger audiences who may be experiencing difficult emotions for the first time. Ultimately, I believe mental health advocacy begins with empathy. Whether through personal conversations, online communities, or creative storytelling, I want to help build a world where people are valued as whole individuals rather than defined by their struggles. My experiences have shaped my purpose, and I hope to use my education and my voice to remind others that they are not alone.

Reading has always been one of the ways I understand the world and learn from experiences beyond my own. Last year, I read 75 books, and each story gave me a new perspective on people, relationships, challenges, and the choices that shape our lives. The books I have connected with most are not necessarily the ones that provide simple answers, but the ones that ask difficult questions and encourage me to see the world through another person's perspective. One book that has had a lasting impact on me is *Water for Elephants* by Sara Gruen. The story taught me the importance of taking chances and stepping into the unknown, even when the future feels uncertain. The main character's journey reminded me that sometimes the greatest opportunities come from moments when we choose courage over comfort. This lesson has influenced the way I approach my own life, especially as I pursue a creative career. Choosing a path in film and animation requires taking risks, believing in my ideas, and being willing to create something new even without a guaranteed outcome. Another book that deeply impacted me is *The Bell Jar* by Sylvia Plath. While the novel explores difficult topics surrounding mental health and identity, what stayed with me most was its honest portrayal of feeling lost while trying to understand who you are. It reminded me of the importance of empathy and of recognizing that people often carry struggles that are invisible to others. This perspective has influenced the kind of storyteller I hope to become. I want to create films and characters that make people feel understood and remind them that they are not alone. I also love *To All the Boys I've Loved Before* by Jenny Han because of the joy and representation it brings to the coming-of-age genre. What I appreciate most about the series is its diversity and its ability to show different experiences while still focusing on universal themes like family, identity, and growing up. It taught me that representation does not always have to focus on hardship. Sometimes seeing diverse characters experience ordinary moments of happiness is just as powerful. The books I have read have shaped my goals by showing me the power of storytelling. They have taught me that stories can challenge perspectives, provide comfort, and create connections between people who may never meet. As I pursue a career in film and animation, I hope to create stories that carry the same impact these books have had on me. I want to build characters and worlds that encourage empathy, inspire courage, and help people see pieces of themselves reflected on the page or screen. Ultimately, reading has taught me that every person has a story worth telling. The more stories I experience, the more determined I become to contribute my own.

As a film student, I use a variety of online platforms and resources to expand my understanding of storytelling, animation, and the ways media can influence audiences. The internet has become one of my most valuable learning tools because it allows me to study techniques from professionals, explore different creative perspectives, and continue developing skills beyond the classroom. One of the platforms I use most is YouTube, which has been essential in my growth as a filmmaker and animator. Through tutorials, behind-the-scenes videos, interviews, and industry discussions, I have been able to learn about animation techniques, editing workflows, cinematography, and storytelling structure. Seeing professionals explain their creative processes has helped me understand that strong storytelling is not only about having a good idea, but also about understanding how visuals, pacing, sound, and emotion work together to impact an audience. YouTube has also influenced the way I approach my own channel, where I create content about personal growth, college experiences, and navigating adulthood. By studying audience engagement and storytelling methods, I have learned how to create content that feels authentic and connects with viewers. I also use creative software platforms such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Blender to apply what I learn. These tools allow me to transform ideas into visual stories through editing, animation, and design. Practicing with these programs has helped me develop technical skills while also teaching me how creative decisions affect the final message of a project. Learning the technical side of filmmaking has made me a more intentional storyteller because I understand how each visual choice contributes to the audience's experience. Beyond filmmaking, I use online resources to study psychology and human behavior because I believe understanding people is essential to creating meaningful stories. Research articles, educational videos, and online lectures have helped me explore topics such as child development, emotional connection, and representation in media. This knowledge influences the types of characters and stories I hope to create in the future, especially as I want to combine animation with child psychology. These online platforms have helped me become a more independent learner. They have taught me how to seek out information, practice new skills, and continuously improve without waiting for a classroom assignment. Most importantly, they have shown me that learning does not stop when a class ends. As I continue pursuing my education and future career, I will continue using these resources to develop my craft and create stories that have a positive impact on the people who experience them.

My name is Miaquinn Waddle, and I am a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in film with the goal of becoming a storyteller who creates meaningful change. Throughout my life, creativity has been my way of understanding myself and connecting with others. However, my journey has also been shaped by my experiences with mental and physical health, which have taught me the importance of compassion, resilience, and being seen as more than the challenges I face. During my time as a cheerleader and gymnast, I developed anorexia. In those environments, I became surrounded by expectations that often connected performance and appearance with worth. My eating disorder changed the way I viewed myself and made me feel as though my value depended on control and perfection. Recovery was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it also taught me how important it is to show myself kindness and recognize that I am more than my struggles. After recovering from anorexia, I faced another difficult challenge when I began experiencing symptoms from an unnamed chronic illness that I have been trying to understand for the past year. Living with ongoing pain and uncertainty has brought back some of the fears I worked so hard to overcome, especially around food. There have been moments where I have felt afraid to eat because I associate it with pain, which has been emotionally challenging after fighting so hard to rebuild a healthy relationship with my body. One of the hardest parts of this experience has been how it has affected my relationships with my family. At times, I have found myself becoming distant because I do not want every conversation to become about my health. I do not want my family to see me only through the lens of my illness or feel like my disorder is the most important thing about me. I want to be seen as a daughter, a student, an artist, and a person with dreams, not just someone who is struggling. These experiences have deeply shaped who I am and the future I hope to create. They have taught me that mental health struggles are often invisible and that people need compassion beyond their diagnoses. Through my education in film and my work as a storyteller, I hope to create content that reminds people they are more than the challenges they face. I want to tell stories that encourage empathy, reduce stigma, and help people feel less alone. Although mental illness and health challenges have been a significant part of my journey, they do not define me. They have strengthened my ability to understand others, advocate for myself, and create meaningful connections. I hope to use those lessons to build a future where people feel supported, understood, and valued for their entire story.

The impact I hope to make is one that lasts far beyond my own lifetime. Stories have the unique ability to shape the way people see themselves, understand others, and imagine what is possible. That is why I am pursuing a degree in film. I want to use storytelling to create meaningful change by producing films, animation, and digital media that inspire empathy, encourage resilience, and help people feel seen. The people who inspire me most are those who have dedicated their lives to creating stories that generations continue to cherish. The filmmakers and animators behind the movies I grew up watching showed me that a single story can become a source of comfort, inspire someone's career, or even change the way they see the world. I want to continue that tradition while bringing new voices and experiences into animation. As a first-generation, low-income college student, I know what it feels like to pursue a dream without a clear path. Those experiences have shaped the stories I want to tell and the communities I hope to serve. My education is giving me the technical and creative skills to bring those stories to life. Beyond filmmaking, I hope to combine animation with child psychology to create content that supports children's emotional and intellectual development. I want to create stories that encourage curiosity, kindness, and confidence while helping children navigate the challenges of growing up. I believe animation is one of the most powerful educational tools because it can make complex emotions and ideas accessible to young audiences in a way that feels engaging and memorable. I also hope to continue using my YouTube platform to build a community where young adults feel understood. Through honest conversations about college, failure, personal growth, and becoming an adult, I want to remind people that they are not alone in their struggles. I have learned that sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply helping someone feel seen. In the future, I hope to build a studio that not only creates meaningful stories but also creates opportunities for others. I want to mentor aspiring artists from backgrounds like mine and foster an environment where creativity, kindness, and diverse perspectives are valued. Success, to me, is not measured only by awards or box office numbers. It is measured by the lives my work touches. Ultimately, I want my education to become a tool for service. Whether through films that inspire empathy, animation that helps children grow, or content that builds supportive communities, I hope to create work that leaves the world a little more compassionate, creative, and hopeful than I found it.

When I think about what I want to build, I do not think about a building or a product. I think about creating a legacy. My dream is to build the first great animation empire founded by a woman, a studio known not only for artistic excellence but also for creating stories that shape generations. Animation has always had the power to preserve culture, spark imagination, and inspire hope. I want to build a company that honors the storytelling traditions that came before us while pushing the medium forward in ways that reflect the diverse world we live in today. Growing up, the films that stayed with me were the ones that made me feel understood. They taught me empathy, introduced me to different perspectives, and gave me comfort during difficult moments. As I pursue a degree in film, I have realized that storytelling is more than entertainment. It is one of the most powerful ways to connect people across cultures, generations, and experiences. That is the kind of work I want my studio to create. I hope to develop stories that celebrate timeless themes such as courage, family, love, and perseverance while also creating characters who reflect communities that have often been overlooked. I believe audiences should be able to see themselves in the stories they love, not because representation is a trend, but because everyone deserves to feel seen. I also want to combine animation with child psychology to create films that support children's emotional and intellectual development, helping young audiences grow through stories that are both meaningful and imaginative. Building this future would also allow me to create opportunities for others. As a first-generation college student, I understand what it feels like to pursue a dream without connections or a clear path forward. I want my company to become a place where talented artists from all backgrounds can thrive because of their creativity and dedication, not because of who they know. By mentoring young artists and fostering an environment where diverse voices are valued, I hope to help shape the next generation of storytellers. Success, to me, is not simply creating popular films. It is creating stories that children carry with them into adulthood, stories that encourage kindness, curiosity, and resilience. If someone watches one of my films and feels inspired to dream bigger, treat others with more compassion, or believe in themselves, then I will have accomplished my goal. The future I hope to build is one where storytelling continues to preserve the traditions that have shaped us while giving new voices the opportunity to shape what comes next. I want to prove that creativity and compassion can change the world, one story at a time.

Community is built through the small actions that remind people they are supported, valued, and never alone. I have always believed that making a difference does not require changing thousands of lives at once. Sometimes, it begins with showing up consistently for one person who needs encouragement. Throughout high school and college, I have looked for opportunities to serve my community by investing my time in helping others learn, grow, and feel included. One of the most meaningful ways I contributed to my community was by volunteering as a tutor. At first, I thought my role was simply to help students complete assignments or prepare for tests. I quickly realized that many of them struggled more with confidence than with the material itself. I made it my goal to create an environment where they felt comfortable asking questions without fear of judgment. Watching students gain confidence in their abilities was just as rewarding as seeing their grades improve. Those experiences taught me that patience, encouragement, and belief in someone else's potential can have a lasting impact. I also served as a volunteer camp counselor, where I had the opportunity to mentor younger children in a fun and supportive environment. As a counselor, I worked to make sure every camper felt welcomed and included. Whether I was leading activities, helping children resolve conflicts, or simply listening when someone felt homesick, I learned that creating a strong community often comes down to making people feel like they belong. Even small moments of kindness can leave lasting impressions on a child. Beyond my volunteer work, I hope to contribute to my community through storytelling. I am pursuing a degree in film because I believe stories have the power to bring people together and help others feel understood. Through filmmaking, animation, and my YouTube platform, I create honest content about the challenges of growing up, navigating college, and becoming an adult. My audience is primarily made up of young women, and my goal is to build a community where people feel comfortable discussing failure, self-doubt, and personal growth without fear of judgment. If someone finishes one of my videos feeling less alone than they did before, then I know I have made a positive impact. As a first-generation, low-income college student, I understand how important supportive communities can be. I would not be where I am today without people who believed in me and encouraged me to pursue opportunities that once felt impossible. Because of that, I feel a responsibility to give back whenever I can. In the future, I hope to continue serving others both in person and through my creative work. Whether I am mentoring students, creating films that inspire empathy, or simply offering encouragement to someone who needs it, I want my career and my life to strengthen the communities around me. I believe that lasting change begins with compassion, and I hope to continue building communities where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

To me, selflessness is not measured by grand gestures but by consistently showing up for others, even in small ways. I believe one of the greatest things we can give someone is our time. Whether it is helping a child understand a difficult concept, encouraging someone who is struggling, or simply being present when they need support, those moments can have a lasting impact. Throughout my life, I have tried to embody that belief by using my time and skills to help others grow. One of the most meaningful ways I have served my community was as a volunteer tutor. Every student learns differently, and I quickly realized that tutoring was about much more than explaining homework. Many students lacked confidence in their abilities and were afraid of making mistakes. I made it my goal to create an environment where they felt comfortable asking questions and believed they were capable of succeeding. Watching a student go from feeling discouraged to solving a problem independently was incredibly rewarding because I knew I had helped build not only their academic skills but also their confidence. I also volunteered as a camp counselor, where I had the opportunity to mentor children in a different setting. As a counselor, I was responsible for creating a safe, welcoming environment where every camper felt included. Whether I was organizing activities, resolving conflicts, or simply listening to a child who was having a difficult day, I learned that being a positive role model often meant putting the needs of others before my own. Those experiences taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of making every person feel valued. My passion for helping others has also shaped my future goals. I am pursuing a degree in film because I want to use storytelling to make a positive impact. Through animation, filmmaking, and digital media, I hope to create stories that help children and young adults feel understood, represented, and inspired. I believe stories have the power to build empathy, encourage resilience, and remind people that they are not alone. While my volunteer work has allowed me to make a difference one person at a time, I hope my career will allow me to reach millions through meaningful storytelling. Perseverance has been equally important in my journey. As a first-generation, low-income college student, I have faced challenges that often felt overwhelming. Instead of allowing those obstacles to define me, I remained committed to my education and maintained a 4.0 GPA while continuing to pursue creative opportunities and serve others. My experiences have taught me that success is most meaningful when it creates opportunities to lift others up as well. Michael Rudometkin believed that life was about relationships, fulfillment, and helping others. Those values deeply resonate with me. I strive to lead with kindness, give my time generously, and use my education to create work that makes people feel seen and supported. No matter where my career takes me, I hope to continue building a life centered on compassion, service, and creating a positive impact in my community.

Although I have never struggled with substance addiction, recovery has played a significant role in my life through my experience with anorexia. As a former cheerleader and gymnast, I spent years in environments where appearance was often tied to success. Over time, that pressure developed into an unhealthy relationship with food, exercise, and my own self-worth. My recovery was not simply about gaining weight or changing my eating habits. It was about learning to value myself beyond achievement and appearance. Recovery taught me that healing begins with honesty. I had to acknowledge that the standards I had set for myself were unsustainable and that asking for help was not a sign of weakness. It also showed me that recovery is rarely a straight path. There were days when progress felt impossible, but choosing to continue each day helped me rebuild both my physical health and my confidence. That experience changed the way I view other people. It reminded me that many struggles are invisible and that you never truly know what someone is carrying. Because of my own recovery, I have become more compassionate and intentional in the way I interact with others. I understand the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe enough to be honest about what they are going through instead of feeling pressured to hide it. My recovery has also shaped the future I hope to build. I am pursuing a degree in film because I believe storytelling can help people feel seen and understood. Through filmmaking, animation, and my YouTube platform, I hope to create stories that honestly portray the challenges of growing up, mental health, body image, and self-acceptance. Too often, young people compare themselves to unrealistic standards, especially online. I want to create media that encourages self-worth, resilience, and empathy instead. Bishop Mozell Haymon's belief that "life begins with sobriety" resonates with me because I understand sobriety as living with clarity and honesty. Recovery gave me that clarity. It allowed me to rediscover who I was outside of perfectionism and external expectations. Today, I carry those lessons into every part of my life, from my education to my creative work. I hope to use my experiences to create stories that remind others they are enough as they are and that healing, although difficult, can lead to a stronger and more compassionate future. With this scholarship i hope to continue my education in understanding psychology and how we can communicate addiction through film in a way that encourages others to continue their recovery journey.

I have never believed that anyone simply deserves success or opportunity. I believe those things are earned through perseverance, hard work, and the willingness to keep going when the odds are against you. That mindset is what gave me the confidence to appeal my rejection from my dream school, the University of Southern California. As a first-generation college student with no family experience navigating higher education and no industry connections, I knew my chances were slim. Still, I believed that if I could show my dedication and prove I was willing to fight for my future, I owed it to myself to try. That appeal was successful, and today I am proud to attend the school I once thought was out of reach. That experience shaped the way I approach every challenge. I do not expect opportunities to be handed to me. Instead, I work to earn them. Since arriving at USC, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing demanding coursework and pursuing my long-term goal of building a career in film and animation. Every assignment, project, and opportunity is another chance to prove to myself that determination and consistency matter more than circumstance. What sets me apart is not just my academic performance but the purpose behind it. My goal is to create films, animation, and digital media that help children and young adults feel understood, represented, and inspired. Through my YouTube platform, I already share the realities of growing up, navigating college, and overcoming setbacks with an audience of young women. I believe storytelling has the power to build empathy, encourage resilience, and help people realize they are not alone. My education is giving me the skills to turn that passion into a lifelong career. As a first-generation, low-income student, I understand that earning a college degree is about more than personal success. It is about creating opportunities that did not exist before and opening doors for those who come after me. I hope my journey encourages others from similar backgrounds to believe that they belong in spaces where they may not initially see themselves represented. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of pursuing my education and allow me to focus more fully on developing my skills as a filmmaker, animator, and storyteller. More importantly, it would be an investment in someone who has already shown that they are willing to work for every opportunity they receive. I cannot promise that success will come easily, but I can promise that I will continue earning it every step of the way.

1. Being the first in my family to earn a college degree means breaking a cycle and creating opportunities that my family never had. As a first-generation student, I entered college without a roadmap, learning everything from financial aid to internships through trial and error. While that has been challenging, it has also taught me resilience and independence. Earning my degree is not only a personal achievement but also a way to honor the sacrifices my family has made to help me reach this point. I hope my journey shows my younger family members that higher education is possible and encourages them to pursue their own goals with confidence. 2. At the University of Southern California, I am pursuing a degree in film because I want to become a storyteller whose work makes a meaningful impact. My interests extend beyond filmmaking alone. I hope to combine animation with child psychology to create stories that support children's emotional and intellectual development. I am passionate about creating media that helps young people feel seen, understood, and inspired. Outside of school, I also create YouTube videos that honestly document the challenges of growing up and becoming an adult. Through both film and digital media, I want to tell stories that build empathy, encourage resilience, and remind people they are not alone. 3. My long-term goal is to build my own media company that creates films, animated projects, and online content centered on authentic storytelling. I want to continue growing my YouTube platform into a full-time career while producing stories that positively impact children and young adults. As an animator and filmmaker, I hope to create characters and experiences that help people feel represented, whether through educational animation, coming-of-age stories, or content that promotes emotional well-being. I want my work to inspire creativity, encourage kindness, and help others navigate life's challenges with confidence. Ultimately, I hope to build a career that allows me to combine creativity with purpose and use storytelling to make a lasting difference in people's lives. In everything I pursue, my goal is to use storytelling to make a meaningful difference. Whether through film, animation, or digital media, I hope to create work that helps people feel understood, represented, and inspired. As a first-generation college student, I understand the value of perseverance and the importance of creating opportunities where they did not previously exist. I am committed to using my education not only to build a successful career but also to create stories that encourage empathy, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting positive impact on future generations.

For the past year, I have lived with an unnamed chronic illness. Although the physical symptoms have been difficult, one of the hardest parts has been navigating a healthcare system where I often felt unheard. I quickly realized that one of the biggest problems in patient care is not always a lack of medical knowledge. It is a lack of listening. Too often, patients are expected to fit neatly into a diagnosis, and when they do not, their experiences can be minimized or overlooked. I refuse to accept that as an inevitable part of healthcare. Throughout my search for answers, I experienced appointments where my concerns were dismissed or my symptoms were attributed to stress before they were fully investigated. My family has a significant medical history that I believed was relevant, yet I often felt that it was not given the attention it deserved. Instead of feeling like an active participant in my own care, I sometimes felt like I had to convince people that my symptoms were real. That experience was frustrating, isolating, and emotionally exhausting. It also made me realize how vulnerable patients can feel when they are not treated as partners in the diagnostic process. Rather than accepting those experiences, I became determined to better understand why they happen. I began researching patient advocacy, reading about diagnostic bias, and learning how communication between patients and providers affects health outcomes. I also became more intentional about documenting my symptoms, tracking patterns, and asking informed questions during appointments. While I still do not have all the answers about my condition, I learned that advocating for myself is an essential part of receiving quality care. These experiences have also influenced the future I hope to create. As someone pursuing a career in storytelling, I want to use film and animation to highlight the human side of healthcare. Stories have the power to help future healthcare professionals understand what it feels like to live with uncertainty, to be dismissed, and to keep searching for answers. I believe empathy can be taught, and storytelling is one of the most effective ways to build it. I also hope to create educational content that empowers patients, especially young adults, to advocate for themselves. Many people do not know what questions to ask, how to organize their medical history, or how to speak up when they feel unheard. If I can create resources that make even one patient feel more confident during their healthcare journey, I will have made a meaningful difference. Although I cannot control how quickly my own diagnosis comes, I can choose how my experience shapes my future. I want to help build a healthcare culture where listening is viewed as an essential part of treatment, where patients are respected as experts on their own experiences, and where no one feels they have to fight just to be believed.

Growing up, I did not have many examples of LGBTQIA+ characters who felt real, hopeful, or safe. When I was between eleven and fourteen years old, I was teased because I did not have a crush on a boy like many of my classmates did. Instead, I found myself developing a crush on a girl, and without positive representation around me, I did not have the words or confidence to understand what I was feeling. I remember feeling confused, isolated, and like I was somehow different from everyone else. Looking back, I realize that what I needed most was reassurance that there was nothing wrong with me. Unfortunately, I rarely saw stories that reflected that message. As I got older, I began discovering stories created by members of the LGBTQIA+ community that approached identity with compassion instead of fear. One of the most meaningful examples for me was *Heartstopper*. While some people dismiss the show as unrealistic or "too sweet," I believe that is exactly why it matters. Not every LGBTQIA+ story has to center on trauma in order to be meaningful. There is something incredibly powerful about watching characters who are allowed to experience joy, kindness, friendship, and first love without those moments being overshadowed by shame. Stories like "Heartstopper" create a sense of comfort that many young people desperately need. Watching that series made me think about what my younger self would have felt if I had discovered a story like that when I was eleven or twelve years old. Instead of wondering if I was different in a bad way, I might have understood that my feelings were normal. Instead of feeling embarrassed when classmates teased me for not liking boys, I might have felt more confident in who I was. That realization showed me that representation is far more than simply including diverse characters. It can shape the way young people see themselves during some of the most confusing years of their lives. That experience has completely influenced the kind of animator and storyteller I hope to become. I want to create stories where LGBTQIA+ characters are treated as complete, authentic people whose identities are only one part of who they are. I want children and teenagers to see characters who go on adventures, build friendships, chase dreams, and experience happiness while also reflecting the diversity of the real world. Representation should not be limited to stories about struggle. Sometimes the most impactful form of activism is showing that LGBTQIA+ people deserve ordinary, joyful lives. As an animator, I believe storytelling can be a form of activism because stories influence how people understand themselves and others. My goal is to create films and animated series that help young audiences feel accepted, whether they identify as LGBTQIA+ or simply learn empathy by seeing experiences different from their own. I want to create the kind of comfort show I wish I had growing up, a story that a child can return to whenever they feel alone or uncertain and find reassurance that they are worthy of love and belonging. Although I cannot change my own childhood, I can help create a different experience for future generations. If one young person watches something I create and feels understood, accepted, or a little less afraid to be themselves, then I will know I have made a meaningful impact. That is the kind of activism I hope to pursue throughout my career: using animation not only to entertain but also to create a world where every child can see themselves reflected with kindness, hope, and dignity.

My name is Miaquinn Waddle, and I am a sophomore at the University of Southern California pursuing a degree in film with the goal of becoming a storyteller whose work makes a positive impact on young people. As a first-generation, low-income college student, attending USC has been both an incredible opportunity and one of the greatest challenges I have ever faced. While I have always been passionate about creativity, my experiences have taught me that storytelling has the power to do much more than entertain. It can help people feel understood, inspire confidence, and encourage meaningful conversations about growing up and mental well-being. Outside of school, I create YouTube videos that document the realities of becoming an adult. Rather than only sharing highlights, I focus on the moments that are often left out, including uncertainty, failure, self-doubt, and personal growth. My audience is primarily made up of young women, and I hope my videos remind them that they are not alone in the challenges they face. Building a community based on honesty and encouragement has shown me how powerful authentic storytelling can be, and it has inspired the direction I want my career to take. In the future, I hope to combine filmmaking, animation, and psychology to create media that supports children's learning and emotional development while continuing to grow my online platform into a business that creates meaningful content for young adults. My goal is to build a career that encourages empathy, resilience, and confidence through storytelling. Whether I am creating educational animation or producing films and videos about the transition into adulthood, I want my work to help people feel seen and understood. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus more of my time and energy on pursuing these goals. As a low-income student, balancing the financial responsibilities of college while trying to build a creative career can be overwhelming. Financial support would ease some of that burden, allowing me to dedicate more time to developing my filmmaking skills, expanding my YouTube platform, and pursuing opportunities that will prepare me for a career in media. More importantly, this scholarship would represent an investment in my vision for the future. I want to use my education and creativity to build stories that make a lasting difference in people's lives. I believe everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the media they consume and to know that their struggles and aspirations matter. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to creating work that inspires, educates, and empowers others for years to come.

As an aspiring animator, my career goal is to combine computer animation with child psychology to create meaningful educational entertainment that supports the way children naturally learn and grow. I believe animation is one of the most powerful storytelling tools because it can capture a child's imagination while teaching valuable lessons that stay with them for years. By studying both animation and child psychology, I hope to create content that is not only visually engaging but also intentionally designed to meet children's intellectual and emotional needs. I am especially interested in understanding how children process information, develop problem-solving skills, and build emotional intelligence at different stages of development. Rather than creating entertainment for entertainment's sake, I want every story, character, and visual choice to have a purpose. I hope to use research in child development to create experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, resilience, empathy, and confidence. My goal is to make learning feel exciting instead of intimidating by presenting educational concepts through engaging stories and memorable characters. Gifted children often learn differently than their peers. They tend to ask deeper questions, seek greater intellectual challenges, and think creatively about the world around them. At the same time, many gifted children experience perfectionism, heightened sensitivity, or difficulty connecting with peers who do not share their interests. I want to create animation that recognizes these unique experiences. By developing stories with layered themes, complex characters, and opportunities for critical thinking, I hope to provide gifted children with content that stimulates their minds while also validating their emotions. I want them to see characters who face challenges, make mistakes, persevere, and learn that intelligence is only one part of personal growth. Animation also has the ability to build empathy by allowing children to experience perspectives different from their own. Through thoughtful storytelling, I hope to encourage kindness, emotional awareness, and appreciation for diversity. These social-emotional skills are just as important as academic achievement because they help children build healthy relationships, communicate effectively, and become compassionate leaders in their communities. Ultimately, I want my career to have a lasting impact on the next generation. By combining the creative possibilities of computer animation with evidence-based principles from child psychology, I hope to create media that inspires gifted children to think critically, embrace creativity, and develop the confidence to pursue their own ideas. I want every project I create to support both intellectual growth and emotional well-being, helping children discover that learning can be joyful, meaningful, and empowering. My goal is to contribute to a future where educational animation nurtures not only bright minds but also kind, resilient, and emotionally healthy individuals.

Women's empowerment, to me, is about helping women recognize their worth, trust their abilities, and pursue their goals without feeling limited by fear or the expectations of others. Through my YouTube channel, I have the opportunity to connect with a predominantly female audience that shares many of the same ambitions, insecurities, and dreams that I do. Rather than simply creating content for entertainment, I strive to build a community where women encourage one another, celebrate each other's accomplishments, and feel comfortable being themselves. I want every person who watches my videos to leave feeling more confident than when they clicked on them. One of the most important values I hope to promote is authenticity. Social media often presents an unrealistic picture of success, making it seem as though everyone else has their life figured out. I intentionally share both my accomplishments and my setbacks because I believe growth comes from perseverance, not perfection. Whether I am discussing my experiences in college, pursuing a career in animation, balancing creative projects, or working toward personal goals, I want my audience to see that challenges are a natural part of success. By being honest about my own journey, I hope to remind other young women that failure does not define them and that they are capable of achieving incredible things through determination and resilience. Beyond sharing my own experiences, my long-term vision is to create a platform that inspires collaboration instead of comparison. I want my community to become a place where women uplift one another, exchange ideas, and motivate each other to pursue careers, creative passions, and personal growth. There is tremendous power in surrounding yourself with like-minded people who genuinely want to see you succeed. If my videos encourage someone to apply for their dream school, start a business, pursue a creative hobby, or simply believe in themselves a little more, then I know I am making a meaningful difference. Empowerment grows when one person inspires another to take action. As my platform continues to grow, I hope to expand that impact beyond YouTube by using my voice to encourage confidence, creativity, and ambition in women of all backgrounds. I believe that representation matters, and seeing another young woman openly chase her dreams can give someone else the courage to chase theirs. My goal is not to present myself as someone who has all the answers, but as someone who is learning, growing, and inviting others to grow alongside me. By fostering a supportive community built on encouragement, honesty, and shared aspirations, I hope to empower women to recognize their potential and create lives they are proud of.

If I could go back and experience one Taylor Swift era for the first time, I would choose the folklore era. While I'm not the biggest fan of her current music, I think the beauty of Taylor Swift's career is that there truly is an era for everyone. Few artists have been able to reinvent themselves as many times as she has while still connecting with millions of people. What made folklore so special to me was its storytelling. Instead of focusing on radio hits, Taylor created songs that felt like short stories. Every track painted vivid characters and emotions that listeners could interpret in their own way. It proved that music can be quiet, reflective, and imaginative while still making an enormous cultural impact. More than anything, I admire Taylor's willingness to evolve. She began as a country artist, transitioned into pop, experimented with indie folk, and continues to reinvent herself with each new project. Even if every era is not my personal favorite, I respect that she has never been afraid to take creative risks. That kind of confidence is inspiring because it shows that success does not come from staying the same. It comes from continuing to grow. As someone pursuing a creative career, that lesson has stayed with me. It reminds me that I do not have to fit into one category or have my future perfectly planned. I can explore different interests, change direction, and trust that every experience is helping me become the artist I want to be. I think that is why Taylor Swift has remained relevant for so long. Her music reaches different people at different points in their lives. Someone might connect most with Fearless, another with 1989, and someone else with The Tortured Poets Department. For me, it will always be folklore. It was the era that made me appreciate not only Taylor as a musician, but also the power of storytelling itself. That is what I believe makes Taylor Swift's career so remarkable. There is not just one version of her to admire. There is an era for everyone, and that is why her music continues to resonate with people across generations.

I have watched *Love Island* for years, and my favorite Islander has been Rob because he brought so much personality to the villa. While many people see *Love Island* as just a fun reality show, I think it does something that is often overlooked. Every summer, it gives people a shared experience. My friends and I text during every episode, debate recouplings, and laugh about the challenges. As college students who spend summers in different places, it is one of the few things that keeps us connected week after week. One thing I would love to see more of, though, is emotional depth. We learn a lot about the Islanders through arguments and romantic conversations, but we rarely get to see the experiences that shaped who they are. That is why my challenge would be called **"Back to Where It Began."** Before entering the villa, every Islander would answer several questions about their childhood. They would share stories about their favorite memory growing up, someone who had a major impact on their life, a tradition they loved with their family, and a moment that made them who they are today. The producers would also collect childhood photos from each contestant. During the challenge, the Islanders would sit in a circle while a childhood photo and one anonymous memory appear on a screen. Everyone would take turns asking the group questions before guessing whose memory it belongs to. After the guesses, the Islander would reveal themselves and tell the full story behind the memory. Couples would earn points for every correct guess, and the winning couple would receive a special date outside the villa. I think this challenge would be completely different from anything the show has done before because there are no losers emotionally. Instead of creating drama through embarrassing moments or shocking revelations, it creates genuine connection. Contestants would understand each other on a deeper level, and relationships would be built on more than just attraction. It would also change the way viewers experience the show. When audiences hear someone's favorite childhood memory or learn about the people and moments that shaped them, it becomes much easier to empathize with them. Even contestants who are unpopular or misunderstood would feel more human because viewers would see where they came from instead of only judging how they behave under the pressure of the villa. I think that balance of romance, entertainment, and vulnerability would make *Love Island* even more compelling. Sometimes the strongest connections begin by simply sharing a story, and I would love to see the show create more opportunities for those moments.

I became a Sabrina Carpenter fan when I first watched her as Maya Hart on *Girl Meets World*. At the time, I loved her because she was funny, confident, and unapologetically herself. As I've grown up, it feels like I've grown alongside her career. I've listened to every album she's released, watched her evolve as an artist, and admired how she has never been afraid to reinvent herself. What inspires me most is not just her success. It is the path she took to get there. Sabrina did not stay in one lane because it was comfortable. She transitioned from Disney Channel into music, acting, and eventually became one of the biggest pop stars in the world. That journey was not instant. There were years of building her craft, releasing music, taking acting roles, and continuing to improve before the world fully recognized her talent. Seeing that has completely changed how I think about my own future. As a college student pursuing a creative career, it is easy to feel like I am falling behind when things do not happen according to the timeline I imagined. There have been opportunities I worked incredibly hard for that did not work out, and there are moments when I questioned whether I was on the right path. Watching Sabrina's career has reminded me that success is not always linear. Sometimes the things you are doing today are not your final destination. They are preparing you for it. Her willingness to pivot has given me confidence to embrace my own changing interests. I do not feel like I have to have everything figured out right now. I can explore different creative outlets, learn new skills, and trust that every experience is helping me become the person I am meant to be. Instead of seeing detours as failures, I have started seeing them as part of the process. Sabrina's career has taught me that persistence, authenticity, and growth matter more than having a perfect plan. She continued believing in herself long before the rest of the world caught up, and that is something I carry with me whenever I feel uncertain about my own journey. Being a fan of Sabrina Carpenter has been about much more than enjoying her music or watching her performances. She has shown me that careers can evolve, dreams can change, and sometimes the path that looks imperfect is actually the one leading exactly where you are supposed to be. That is a lesson I will carry with me long after the songs end.

Olivia Rodrigo is an artist who captures both the excitement and uncertainty of being a teenage girl. Her album GUTS explores emotions that feel deeply familiar to me, especially as someone learning to navigate the pressure of growing up. One lyric from "Teenage Dream" has stayed with me ever since I first heard it: "Got your whole life ahead of you, you're only nineteen, but I fear that they already got all the best parts of me." That lyric perfectly captures what it has felt like to chase perfection. Throughout high school, I looked like the student who had everything together. I earned straight A's, worked two jobs, played two sports, and attended two schools at the same time. I was always thinking about my future, trying to build the perfect college application and never letting myself slow down. Even with everything I accomplished, I constantly worried that one mistake could undo it all. Now, as a first-year student at the University of Southern California, that feeling has only grown. The classes are harder, but more than that, the world feels so much bigger. In high school, I stood out. At USC, I'm surrounded by students who were all exceptional enough to earn a spot at a university with a single-digit acceptance rate. It's inspiring, but it can also make it difficult to remember that I belong here too. Losing cheer made that transition even harder. After years of identifying as an athlete, I didn't make my college team. Suddenly, something that had always been part of who I was disappeared. Without that outlet, I found myself wondering if high school had been the best version of me. Had I already reached my peak? Had I already given the world my "best parts?" That's why Rodrigo's lyric resonates so deeply. It puts words to a fear that many high-achieving teenagers quietly carry: that if we've already pushed ourselves so hard, there won't be anything left to become. But listening to GUTS has also reminded me that growing up isn't about staying perfect. It's about learning who you are after things don't go according to plan. Olivia Rodrigo's music gives me comfort during moments of burnout because it reminds me that uncertainty is part of growing. Instead of believing my best years are behind me, I'm learning to see college as the beginning of a new chapter—one where I don't have to be perfect to keep growing. Her music encourages me to keep pursuing my goals, trusting that the best parts of me are still ahead.

As an animation student at the University of Southern California, I have been on a long journey to find my way onto the path of storytelling through the visual arts. As someone who loves to read (I should be reading right now because there are 9 days left in the year and I am 8 books behind my 75-book reading goal for 2025), I understand the power of storytelling. The enjoyment I find in reading is powerful; it is incomparable to the strength it gives children. Throughout high school, I worked at summer camps and book fairs, and I found that no matter the differences between children, they were always brought closer by the favorite books, TV shows, and movies that they had in common. After realizing this, it became my go-to method for getting those shy kids at summer camp to open up. It's funny how questions like "what's your favorite color?" or "what do you like to do?" don't quite cut it, but as soon as I asked, "Who is your favorite fictional character?" I could get a shy kid to talk like never before. My decision to study animation was a combination of a hope to connect children through stories, to give them comfort during hard times, and my love of storytelling that can change lives. Before this epiphany, I always knew that I wanted to draw for a living; however, I could not figure out the why. Generally, in my junior year of high school, I felt numb. I was taking care of a family member who could no longer care for themselves, working two jobs to save up to apply to college, and trying to maintain my 4.0 GPA, all while feeling more alone than ever. I abandoned anything that didn't serve a greater purpose in my life. I neglected my social life, hobbies, and any enjoyment, like reading or watching movies. I had to make every second count. One day in my AP LANG class, we were assigned to read a book within the next week. I hated assigned reading because it reminded me of what I was missing out on during my journey to the utmost productivity. I read "The Great Gatsby" while sitting. The book helped me realize that my constant striving for a greater goal was consuming me entirely, leaving no space for who I actually am. Reading only one book was just what I needed to get out of my depressive slump and resume reading, writing, and animating with a newfound understanding of why literature and storytelling are important. Now that I have overcome my obstacle of understanding my why, studying at my dream university has pushed me to my how. With a bachelor's degree in animation with a minor in child psychology, I will be able to create media that connects with children, with a specific understanding of how media can best help a child. In pursuit of this degree, I have encountered financial obstacles. My ultimate dream is to start my own animation studio that creates stories that encourage children to learn more, want more, and feel more. To create this career for myself, I appreciate all the help I can get. With this scholarship, my dream to help children through stories becomes possible.

Olivia Rodrigo is an artist who captures the glam and struggles of being a teenage girl. Her album GUTS covers a wide range of emotions and experiences that resonate deeply with anyone who has been a teenager. For me, Olivia Rodrigo is an artist I turn to when I feel burnt out and need someone I can relate to. One lyric from GUTS that resonates particularly with my teenage experience is from the song "Teenage Dream": "Got your whole life ahead of you, you're only nineteen, but I fear that they already got all the best parts of me." This line encapsulates my teenage experience as someone who has grown up with the pressure of being perfect. Throughout high school, I have been seemingly "perfect." I’ve maintained straight A's, balanced two jobs, participated in two sports, and attended two schools simultaneously. On the surface, it appears that I have it all together. However, I fear that despite all I’ve accomplished, I might make a mistake that could cost me my future. This fear is irrational, yet it is always in the back of my mind. The pressure to be perfect has always weighed heavily on me, and the lyric from "Teenage Dream" perfectly sums up the anxiety that comes with it. The line "Got your whole life ahead of you, you're only nineteen" speaks to the expectation that, as young people, we have limitless potential and opportunities ahead of us. Yet, the following line—"But I fear that they already got all the best parts of me"—highlights a common fear among high achievers: the fear that we’ve peaked too soon, that our best days are already behind us. As a perfectionist, having achieved so much during my teenage years, I sometimes worry that I’ve set the bar too high for myself and that I won’t be able to continue improving. Have I already given the world the best parts of myself? Is there anything left to strive for? My teenage experience has been marked by a relentless focus on the future. While others may have spent their teenage years on fun nights out, mine have been spent preparing for what lies ahead. Every decision I’ve made has been with the future in mind, from the classes I’ve taken to the extracurricular activities I’ve participated in. This forward-thinking mentality has shaped my adolescence, but it has also come at a cost. The pressure to succeed has often left me feeling burnt out, and Olivia Rodrigo’s music has been a source of comfort during those moments. In "Teenage Dream," Rodrigo captures the duality of adolescence: the excitement of having your whole life ahead of you, and the fear that you’ve already given all you have to offer. This lyric resonates with me because it mirrors my own fears and anxieties as I navigate the transition from high school to adulthood. It serves as a reminder that, while the pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming, it’s important to recognize that life is a journey with many chapters yet to be written. Olivia Rodrigos youthful success encourages me to keep going and moving towards my goals, even when I feel burnt out.