My name is Olayinka Bart-Williams, and I am a rising sophomore at DePaul University, majoring in Theatre and Performing Arts. I am a gender-fluid individual of Black and/or African American and White heritage. Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon. I believed it was the perfect career for me, but life had different plans. When I turned 11, I began experiencing severe hand tremors, anxiety, and depression. These symptoms led to a long journey of misdiagnoses and treatments. Initially, I was diagnosed with High Risk for Psychosis, which required a specific type of therapy. After years of ineffective treatment, my diagnosis was changed to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The treatments for these conditions are quite different, and this misdiagnosis meant I went through four years of ineffective therapy, seven hospitalizations, and a short-term residential treatment program. Finally, I underwent outpatient OCD treatment, which helped me significantly. This experience has given me a unique perspective on mental health and the challenges that come with it. My journey with mental illness has profoundly shaped my career goals. I have realized that I want to use my experiences to help others and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. As a theatre artist, I believe it is our job to reflect the current state of the world through our work. I want to use playwriting to correct the misrepresentation of OCD and other mental illnesses. By doing so, I hope to provide hope and understanding to those struggling with these conditions. This scholarship will help me continue my studies at DePaul University, where I am learning the skills needed to achieve my goals. Financial support will allow me to focus on my education and creative projects without the added stress of financial burdens. I am committed to using my platform as a theatre artist to make a difference in the world. My high school GPA of 3.44 reflects my dedication to my studies, even while dealing with significant personal challenges. I am determined to succeed in my chosen field and make a positive impact on society. The Dwight "The Professor" Baldwin Scholarship will enable me to continue my education and work towards my goal of reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. In conclusion, my disability has shaped my career goals and inspired me to pursue a path in theatre and playwriting. I want to use my personal experiences to create meaningful art that reflects the struggles and triumphs of those with mental illnesses. This scholarship will provide the financial support I need to continue my education and work towards making a difference in the world. Thank you for considering my application.

My name is Olayinka Bart-Williams, and I am a rising freshman at DePaul University, majoring in Theatre and Performing Arts. I am writing to apply for the John Traxler Theatre Scholarship because I am deeply passionate about fine arts and committed to pursuing a career in this field. I want to reflect the current reality we live in while also showing options on how to solve it. I have a growing interest in immersive theatre and how we can use that to reflect the Black experience and LGBTQIA+ discrimination. The performing arts have a much bigger impact than people credit, and I want to be a part of that impact for the better. My passion for theatre started in high school, where I created a play based on the after-effects of suicide. This project allowed me to explore the power of storytelling and its ability to address difficult topics and promote understanding. It was a transformative experience that solidified my desire to use theatre as a tool for social change. I am particularly interested in immersive theatre because it allows the audience to engage with the performance on a deeper level. I believe that this form of theatre can be especially effective in highlighting the experiences of marginalized communities, such as the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities. By creating immersive experiences, I hope to foster empathy and encourage audiences to think critically about the issues these communities face. Studying Playwriting at DePaul University will provide me with the skills and knowledge I need to create impactful and meaningful theatre. I am excited to learn from experienced faculty and collaborate with my peers to develop new works that challenge and inspire. Additionally, my experience studying Musical Theatre at Carnegie Mellon University's Pre-College program has given me a strong foundation in performance and a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of theatre. As a gender-fluid individual who is both Black and White, I have a unique perspective that I bring to my work. I am passionate about using my voice to amplify the experiences of those who are often underrepresented in the arts. I believe that theatre has the power to create change, and I am committed to using my talents to make a positive impact. Receiving the John Traxler Theatre Scholarship would be an incredible honor and would help me continue my education and pursue my passion for theatre. I am dedicated to using my skills to create work that reflects the realities of our world and offers solutions for a better future. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Olayinka Bart-Williams

I can’t hug my mom She scares me too much And yet my love language is physical touch Once I was 9 she and I sat in the car She laughed as a child got comforted by his mom Saying who needs hugs they’re for no one but the weak So now I feel hesitant to show the unstable side of me Yet every day I do it as a form of ERP The hug I’ve yet to overcome with fears stuck deep inside of me From when I was 11 and got told I was manipulative Now perceived not others but myself as a two-faced bitch Overcompensating For something that's maybe not there And rejecting myself, from all forms of self-care As punishment for myself For not being able to forgive My mom, my friends, my dad, and me when I was a young kid Happy full of energy I resent it to this day I reek of malice and jealousy And turn around to say How dare you enjoy those things The ones you just can’t now Cause all the hugs you gave You won’t remember how.