Growing up in a single-parent household, my mom has been my greatest champion and the foundation of my artistic journey. From my earliest memories, music has been the constant melody playing in the background of my life. When I was four, my mom enrolled me in a bilingual charter school in the Bronx that offered music and dance classes—a decision that would ultimately shape my identity and future path. It was in these years that I discovered my initial love for music through learning violin, later switching to cello at age eight, while always participating in the school choir. Music became my sanctuary and mode of expression. As middle school graduation approached, I set my sights on prestigious performing arts high schools—Talent Unlimited and LaGuardia High School. Despite the daunting 10% acceptance rate and fierce competition, I took the risk and auditioned. When the acceptance notices came, I was stunned to learn I'd been accepted to both schools for vocal performance. I ended up choosing LaGuardia High School, and it was there that a profound transformation happened—I discovered that my true passion wasn't just for music itself, but for the art of performance. At LaGuardia, my world expanded beyond notes and scales as I immersed myself in chorus, opera, and musical theater while creating original music for my YouTube channel. The stage became the place where I felt most alive and authentic. It was during an opera performance of “Pirates of Penzance”. It was my first time being in a huge ensemble and doing opera. As I stood before the audience, my anxiety transformed into pure connection with the music and those listening. At that moment, I understood that performing wasn't just about technical skill; it was about vulnerability, storytelling, and human connection. It continues to be my favorite thing to this day. When you’re crafting a performance, you’re constantly working late nights and long days, rehearsing. You’re making connections with people you never thought you would before. Then you step up on that stage, and the hard work you put in just effortlessly flows through and out of you. This revelation helped me understand why I had always been drawn to music. It’s one of the most amazing ways to connect to people while expressing yourself. It’s a chance to let go of everything happening in life and just live in the moment, enjoying the music. Now studying Music Performance with a minor in Musical Theater at Hofstra University, I continue to challenge myself—releasing an EP, learning audio mixing, creating acapella arrangements, preparing for recitals, starting a band, and constantly expanding my artistic horizons. I've discovered the magic in the interaction between performer and audience that has become my greatest motivation. I dream of creating opportunities for others through a music-themed café with open mic nights, "Silent Disco Therapy" sessions combining music and mindfulness, and a "Music for Confidence" program offering free lessons to help others build self-esteem. I also plan to establish a record label specifically supporting artists of color in an industry where opportunity can be scarce.Through every stage of this journey, my mother has been my unwavering support, believing in my talents even when I couldn't see them myself. Her sacrifice and encouragement as a single parent have made my artistic pursuits possible. Performance has taught me that true artistry isn't just about technical perfection but about authentic human connection. In discovering my voice as a performer, I've found not just a career path, but my purpose: to use music as a bridge between hearts and a catalyst for transformation—both for myself and for others.

For as long as I can remember I have loved music. When I was four years old my mom put me in a charter school in the Bronx. The charter school was bilingual and offered music and dance classes. In this school, I learned my love of music. I learned to play the violin until 8 when I switched to the cello and was always involved in the school choir. After elementary and middle school, it was time to graduate and start looking for high schools. For me, my top high school choices were either Talent Unlimited or Laguardia High School. There were so many kids auditioning and only a 10% acceptance rate. But I went for it anyway. Then a few months later, I opened up the portal and it said I had gotten accepted to both Laguardia for vocal and Talent Unlimited for vocal. I was shocked, to say the least, but I immediately put in my decision and went to Laguardia High School. This is where I discovered my love for performing. I was involved in chorus, opera, and musical theater. All the while making my own music to post on YouTube. It was the most amazing experience and now I'm at Hofstra University studying Music Performance with a minor in Musical Theater. I owe my love for music to my mom. She has been there for me through everything and has always supported my decisions. Without her and without music, I don't know who I would be today. Music has taught me how to be more confident in myself. I'm an overthinker and honestly my worst critic. Music and performing have allowed me to express myself and just grow more confident in my abilities. When it comes to music I'm always pushing myself and surprising myself with the things I can do. Like writing an EP, learning how to mix my songs, creating an acapella mashup for a club I'm trying to start up at college, and much more. In music, I'm always learning and trying new things to expand my abilities. Music has given me a passion and that alone has changed my life completely. My entire life has revolved around it and I can't imagine me doing anything else. As a performer, I love music’s ability to transport audiences to another world, away from the struggles of everyday life. Living in NY all my life I've always loved going to Broadway shows and it would be amazing to do what those performers do, spreading joy through music. As a songwriter, I aspire to create music that resonates with others. I hope to release my album and EP very soon. As a singer, well I just want the opportunity to do what I love. However, my ambitions extend beyond personal success. I plan to open a music-themed cafe that will host open mic nights, creating safe spaces for people to share their talents. I want to organize "Silent Disco Therapy" sessions, combining music, movement, and mindfulness to promote mental health. I also hope to launch a "Music for Confidence" program which will offer free music lessons and workshops to help people build self-esteem through music. I plan to extend this program to schools, encouraging students to express themselves musically and discover their potential. I plan to establish my own record label, creating opportunities for artists of color to pursue their dreams. Making a living in the arts is hard enough and I want to give artists a chance to express themselves and be heard by others.

For as long as I can remember I have loved music. From learning to play the violin at 4 to learning my love for singing, performing, and writing music in high school to pursuing it further at Hofstra University, music has been the one thing I know I want to pursue in life. As a performer, I love music’s ability to transport audiences to another world, away from the struggles of everyday life. That's why I would love the opportunity to do the same. Living in NY all my life I've always loved going to Broadway shows and it would be amazing to do what those performers do, spreading joy through music. I want to be able to take people on a magical journey, sharing stories and tales of love, tragedy, happiness, and everything in between through music. As a songwriter, I aspire to create music that resonates with others. I hope to release my album and EP very soon. When writing I tend to take from my own experiences, especially when I don't even realize it. I love how music can connect generations and people. One single song can be the favorite of two very different people, yet music is their commonality. Music helps people through their lives, whether they are sad or happy. I want to create music that people can turn on when they're feeling down or just need to dance it out. As a singer, I just want to do what I love. However, my ambitions extend beyond personal success. I plan to establish my own record label. I want to create opportunities for artists of color to pursue their dreams. Making a living in the arts is hard enough, especially for people of color and I want to give artists a chance to express themselves and be heard by others. I want to help facilitate the opportunities that I hope to provide for myself. My record label would help them create music that they love and allow them to express themselves the way they want to. One day at a time, I get closer to my dreams and I just the opportunity to share that with others and help them reach their dreams too.

For as long as I can remember I have loved music. When I was four years old my mom put me in a charter school in the Bronx. The charter school was bilingual and offered music and dance classes. In this school, I learned my love of music. I learned to play the violin until 8 when I switched to the cello and was always involved in the school choir. After elementary and middle school, it was time to graduate and start looking for high schools. For me, my top high school choices were either Talent Unlimited or Laguardia High School. There were so many kids auditioning and only a 10% acceptance rate. But I went for it anyway. Then a few months later, I opened up the portal and it said I had gotten accepted to both Laguardia for vocal and Talent Unlimited for vocal. I was shocked, to say the least, but I immediately put in my decision and went to Laguardia High School. This is where I discovered my love for performing. I was involved in chorus, opera, and musical theater. All the while making my own music to post on YouTube. It was the most amazing experience and now I'm at Hofstra University studying Music Performance with a minor in Musical Theater. I owe my love for music to my mom. She has been there for me through everything and has always supported my decisions. Without her and without music, I don't know who I would be today. Music has taught me how to be more confident in myself. I'm an overthinker and honestly my worst critic. Music and performing have allowed me to express myself and just grow more confident in my abilities. When it comes to music I'm always pushing myself and surprising myself with the things I can do. Like writing an EP, learning how to mix my songs, creating an acapella mashup for a club I'm trying to start up at college, writing actual sheet music, and so much more. In music, I'm always learning and trying new things to expand my abilities. Music has given me a passion and that alone has changed my life completely. My entire life has revolved around it and I can't imagine me wanting to do anything else. As a performer, I love music’s ability to transport audiences to another world, away from the struggles of everyday life. That's why I would love the opportunity to do the same. Living in NY all my life I've always loved going to Broadway shows and it would be amazing to do what those performers do, spreading joy through music. As a songwriter, I aspire to create music that resonates with others. I hope to release my album and EP very soon. As a singer, well I just want the opportunity to do what I love. However, my ambitions extend beyond personal success. I plan to establish my own record label, creating opportunities for artists of color to pursue their dreams. Making a living in the arts is hard enough and I want to give artists a chance to express themselves and be heard by others.

The blend of harmonious voices in a choir, and the mathematical precision of rhythm stands as a testament to the intricate connection between art and science. This union, often overlooked, is present in the foundation of music’s power to move, inspire, and heal. My passion for music began when I was 4 years old as I began playing the violin and cello. However, I soon realized my love for singing and performing. This transition opened my eyes to a new dimension of the art-science coalition in music. When learning the violin and the cello, you understand the mechanics of the instrument. I learned that the wood amplifies the vibrations created by bowing or plucking the strings and that the bow's horsehair, when treated with tree sap, grips the strings just right. You learn the anatomy of the instruments and the wonderful science behind their creation that makes it possible for the music to come to life. However, singing in a choir became a profound experience that further illuminated this blend of science and art in a completely different way than my instrumental experience. The concept of blending voices is a perfect example of this. It requires a delicate balance between each voice part, individual expression, and collective harmony. Each singer must maintain the integrity of their unique voice while simultaneously adjusting their tone and volume to create a cohesive sound. A great way to do this is by shaping your vowels and mouth in a particular way. In singing, you learn more about your anatomy. You learn how important posture is, the importance of understanding the physics of sound waves and acoustics, how to take care of your vocal cords, and so much more. Music is a constant cycle of learning new sciences and techniques to improve your singing. But the partnership between music and science extends beyond the technical aspects of performance. It also delves into the realm of psychology, affecting the performers and audience alike. It helps you relieve stress, enhances creativity, connects people across all cultures, and so much more. This emotional response to music has led to the development of music therapy further solidifying the unification of art and science. As a performer, I love music’s ability to transport audiences to another world, away from the struggles of everyday life. As a songwriter, I aspire to spread joy and create music that resonates with and helps others. As a singer, well I just want the opportunity to do what I love. After graduating from Hofstra University, with my music performance degree and minor in musical theater, I hope to be on Broadway to fulfill my performer’s dream. I also hope to release my album and EP to fulfill my songwriter's dream. However, my ambitions extend beyond personal success. I plan to establish my own record label, creating opportunities for artists of color to pursue their dreams. Making a living in the arts is hard enough as it is and I want to give artists a chance to express themselves and be heard by others. By foresting diversity in the music industry, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive environment. My journey through music has revealed to me the relationship between art and science. This understanding fuels my passion and drives my aspirations. By dedicating myself to this field, I'm not just pursuing a passion – I'm committing to a lifetime of exploration and positive change. With the support of this scholarship, I can take the next step in my journey to harmonize art and science.