The Power of Telling What Others Won’t I feel that storytelling may be a sort of truth-telling, especially when it involves topics that people are hesitant to discuss aloud.That's why I write what others won't. I focus on stories that deviate from the "norm," since the usual isn't necessarily authentic, honest, or healthy. Many perspectives and experiences are marginalized because they do not fit into the mainstream. My purpose as a storyteller is to highlight their voices. When we only see the same kind of people, situations, or opinions on TV, it sends a message about what is and is not acceptable. However, the more we see what is not deemed "normal," the more we know that "normal" does not exist. Everyone's story is important. And the more we allow for what is different, the more we all feel free to be our true selves. My stories push people beyond their comfort zones. They encourage people to reconsider how they perceive others—and themselves. I want my art to push limits, spark conversations, and stimulate emotions, even if they are uncomfortable. Because risk is what brings about change, not stillness or repetition. I write to help build a world in which no one feels the need to shrink to fit in.

How Arts Education Shaped Me Arts education has done more than teach me to write; it has changed how I see the world. Screenwriting, in particular, became my lens. Instead of blindly accepting what the media presented, I learned to question, critique, and reassemble those narratives to construct tales that made sense to me. Writing scripts inspired by genuine events helped me have a deeper understanding of the world and myself. It taught me to think critically, look beyond the headlines, and, most importantly, find my voice. When I first started writing, it didn't feel like a professional decision; it felt more like a need. A lot was going on around me, which did not always make sense. However, the act of writing required me to slow down and absorb it. Over time, this became a passion of mine. I was drawn to storytelling not only as an art form but also as a way to challenge preconceptions and seek truths. In this sense, arts education progressed from the formation of a skill to a tool for personal growth, awareness, and healing. Despite the personal relevance of writing to me, support was not always evident. Many of my family members would remark, "Do what you enjoy," but their tone or facial gestures revealed a different narrative. There were always the subtle side remarks, like, "You should do something more practical," or "How are you going to make money from that?" I'd hear the same question asked a dozen different ways. The message was clear: taking this path may not be worth it. And for a while, I took in my doubts. I questioned whether I was being unreasonable or naive. But, despite the uncertainty, I never gave up on writing - and that's because of God. Faith is what has kept me steady. When outside noises were too loud, praying brought me peace of mind. When I felt unnoticed or unsupported, knowing I was doing my purpose gave me meaning. I think God instilled this passion in me for a reason, and that belief gave me the confidence to keep going even when I had no idea where the path would go. Looking back, I know that writing helped me understand both the world and myself. It has taught me discipline, patience, and how to remain true to my values in the face of uncertainty. And, while I may not have had the most open supporters, I've learned to listen to the quiet voice that matters the most — the one that comes from inside and is driven by faith. Arts education provided me with the tools. Faith motivated me. Together, they have influenced who I am and who I am becoming.

Growing Up With My Grandmother: A Journey of Distance, Realization, and Growth. For the first seventeen years of my life, my grandma was the one who looked after me. While my mother was still there to guide and protect me, my grandma took on the job of caregiver, ensuring that I was fed, dressed, and had a place to call home. Being raised by a grandmother may appear odd to many, but that was simply the way things were for me. I never gave it much attention until a huge occurrence compelled me to think on my childhood in ways I had never done before. When my great-grandmother died, my family came together—but not in the way that most people assume when they experience tragedy. Instead of togetherness, I saw disagreements, animosity, and the revival of old grievances. I encountered family relatives I hadn't seen in years, yet the mood was neither welcoming or reassuring. It was tight, full of feelings that had been suppressed for too long. Watching how certain individuals acted—whether through pettiness, selfishness, or blatant cruelty—changed my perspective on my own family. At first, I felt like an outsider, recognizing how far off I had been from them for much of my life. But then it occurred to me that the gap was not just physical, but also emotional. Being raised by my grandma kept me primarily apart from the toxicity that ran deep in my family. I had always heard that certain relatives were verbally abusive and emotionally challenging, but I never realized how much their actions affected others around them. Seeing everything unfold after my great-grandmother's death made me understand that my isolation from them had actually been a gift in disguise. While some may believe that growing up apart from my family caused me to miss out on opportunities, I disagree. That isolation helped me to form my own identity without becoming devoured by the negativity that surrounded them. It taught me to be grounded, humble, and self-aware, traits that I found many of my family lacked. Their failure to speak politely or handle disputes without creating disorder made me appreciate my own capacity to remain calm in stressful times. This insight altered how I perceived my upbringing. For years, I questioned why I felt detached from my family, why I never felt totally integrated into their lives. But now I see that being raised slightly separate from them offered me clarity. It enabled me to see people for who they actually are and identify the type of energy I want to surround myself with. I've learnt that family is more than simply blood; it's about who actually supports you, respects you, and encourages your development. My great-grandmother's death was heartbreaking, but it was also eye-opening. It forced me to face difficult facts about my family and myself. I don't regret the distance I had growing up since it helped me in many ways. It taught me to think independently, to prioritize calm above turmoil, and to pick the type of person I want to become. While I can't alter the family I was born into, I can influence how I handle those connections. And that insight is one of the most profound truths I've ever learned.

Since freshman year, I knew I wanted to pursue music in some form. No matter how many times I questioned myself and changed my mind, I always returned to the concept of making music. Although I am just coming to terms with my dreams, this passion began when I was a small child. I was constantly surrounded by music. My mother was the first to expose me to the life of music, and as big as it seems, it was just her participation in our church's praise and worship team. It may not seem like much, but as a 7-year-old, it was a big deal to me. Seeing my mother go on stage every Sunday morning to do what she loves, worship and sing, meant everything to me. She demonstrated perseverance. Despite the hurdles and trials she faced, she rose to the occasion and delivered. I'm from Savannah, Georgia, where many musical and creative ambitions are sometimes crushed due to our location. Many of us are told that to "get out of the hood," we must seek a medical or criminal justice career, which leads to young artists losing sight of their worth and throwing away their valuable gifts. I want to have an opportunity to fix it. I want to be able to establish a secure atmosphere in which other aspiring artists can realize that no matter what someone says or where they come from, they will always succeed. I was also drawn into such disparaging views, so the opportunity to earn this scholarship and maybe put it to work fills me with excitement. I recently found out that my grandfather used to perform music and was a member of a band that began in Savannah. My uncle told me all of these stories about how much I reminded him of my grandfather because my grandfather, too, disliked the concept of somebody dismissing someone's ambitions. He believed that, aside from my mother, my grandfather was the primary source of my musical interest. And, honestly, thinking of it that way warms my heart because I never got to meet him. It's exciting to know that I share the same interests and aspirations as someone I've never met but who has accomplished something similar to what I'm working on right now. Listening to his songs, I realized he was an incredible musician whose work influenced me just as much as other artists. Growing up, I constantly listened to music, explored different genres, and learned about each new musician that emerged. Beyonce is one musician that has undoubtedly influenced my love of music. Her music has transformed me, but so have her words of wisdom and advice. In 2020, I was at a low period in my life and was considering changing majors, but two of Beyoncé's quotes lifted my spirits. She said, "Never let success get to your head, never let failure get to your heart." The other quote that inspired me was, "Do what you were born to do. You just have to trust yourself." I often return to these quotations because I know that no matter where I am in my life or where I am in my future profession, these statements will always be relevant. I remind myself every day that anything is possible. Don't merely aim for the stars when you can always go beyond.

When I hear a song or an album, I instantly want to sit down and pick out every detail. I've discovered that I pay close attention to what's buzzing in my ears. I listen to the background voices and guess as to how many times the artist layered their vocals. I listen to the various sounds and instruments that are being used. Music serves as a secure sanctuary for me. It is a method for me to get away from such an awful world and create my own. This allows me to journey deeper into the intricate details of music. Music affected me, regardless of whether I was alive to experience it or not. Genres like R&B, Gospel, and Soul allow me to unwind and allow myself to experience relief. Pop, hip-hop, and Rap keep me pumped up and ready to face whatever challenges come my way. Normally, I do not listen to anything else, but Jazz helps me relax and focus on the essential things. All of these varied genres and moods have shaped me into the person I am today. I am now someone who examines the smallest details of every aspect, including music. I would like to get a music degree because, as much as talk about it, I would love to study it more. I'd like to be able to go into greater depth. To be able to genuinely learn about music and its characteristics would be like heaven to me. I'd be able to correctly pick out each small feature. I did not know until I was older that many people, especially teenagers and, more recently, children, feel that you can only get into a successful creative profession if you reside in a specific place. I have heard many times that you won't get anywhere unless you are from Atlanta, Los Angeles, or even Nashville. Someone once told me that because I am from a tiny town in South Carolina, I will never make it in life with a music degree. I want to disprove that individual and present an alternative perspective. The best examples are rapper Quando Rondo and female rapper and basketball star Flau'jae Johnson. Both are from my hometown of Savannah, Georgia and began at an early age, even with a few bumps in the road, they still made sure to set examples for their younger audiences. This demonstrates that you can live a happy and fulfilled life no matter where you come from or how old you are. I want to be able to provide all opportunities to everyone who feels they will never be able to succeed. I want to teach people that they can always go through it and still be successful. I would wish for my future creations to provide others with the same space that I have when I listen to other amazing artists.

Many people are still attempting to figure out who their inspiration is daily. Some have been given the chance to figure it out already, while others believe they have found their inspiration when they have just recently discovered what the word inspiration means. Although I'm still trying to find out what 'inspiration' genuinely means, I think I've discovered who it is: my mother. My mom is a great hard worker in my opinion. I call it a genuine hard worker since there are many "hard workers" out there who would rather be called on for the money and prizes than for putting in the blood, sweat, and tears to achieve their goals. They will rather hop, skip, and jump over any obstacle. Not my mother. For as long as I can remember, I've seen my mother soak in her highs and embrace her lows. You're undoubtedly asking why she's celebrating her lows. You'd think she'd wallow in them, right? That is something that everyone would assume, but why? Why should you dwell on yourself and complain about a minor constraint that can easily be overcome if you simply take a step back? A step back is my way of telling you to take a break. That's what I've seen my mother do best: she takes a step back. She doesn't let any of her employees, bosses, or odd individuals out and about limit her. It took a long time for me to realize this, and I'm still working on it now. I'm gradually but steadily stopping myself from bursting by taking a step back, which means no more stress or anxiety episodes. What does the word 'inspiration' mean to you? To me, this word means to accumulate a source of wisdom and responsibility from an individual who overflows with just that. I'd like to gravitate towards strong, trustworthy, boss-like individuals. That's exactly who my mother is. My mother is my inspiration. Growing up, many kids express a desire to be a doctor, a police officer, a fireman, or a soldier. I used to be one of those kids who wanted to be a doctor or a nurse, which rapidly evolved into wanting to be a teacher, which quickly evolved into wanting to be a veterinarian. Yes, I changed my mind again, and I'd like to be a music producer someday, but I'm also interested in a vet profession. Anyway, aside from job goals, I have other ambitions. My mother has never stopped loving me and pushed me on, no matter how many times I altered my dream and went back and forth on what I wanted to achieve. I can always say that she is the first person to congratulate me on a success, sometimes too fast. She still tells me about the ups and downs of my goals and aspirations and lets me explore on my own, with a little guidance of course. That is something I would wish to leave to my future children. Yes, I have my own work goals, but in terms of life goals, I'd like to grow up like my mother. I could teach my future children the same things that my mother has taught me and motivate them to pursue their aspirations in the same way that my mother has and always will.