Since I was 18 my goal has been to become a world-renowned professional musician and band leader. While most of my peers began taking music lessons as young children at their parents’ will, I was 13 when I began teaching myself piano simply because I felt like it. One day I was on YouTube watching some jazz piano performances, and out of the blue, at that moment, I decided I was going to teach myself how to play the piano and become a world-renowned concert pianist. After several months of begging my mother, I finally began piano lessons in January 2016 at the Settlement Music School, in Philadelphia. Here, under the guidance of my teacher, Michael Stambaugh, I improved my playing at a very fast rate to catch up to my peers who had been playing for 10-plus years already, and I continued to improve a lot over the next 3 years. In 2018 I joined the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble. In 2019 I was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, a young artist grant and I also got accepted into Indiana University's Summer Piano Academy. There I made new friends, met one of my piano idols, and overall, became a more well-rounded pianist. Over the years I continued to improve my craft and continue to do so today. In early 2022, I was accepted into their College of Fine Arts to study Classical Piano. However, after two semesters of studying classical piano at school, I decided to break away from playing only classical music. I decided I wanted to get more involved in the world of jazz at Howard both because I had always been into jazz, and I grew up listening to it at home all the time with my parents when they put it on. I originally wanted to become a jazz pianist when I started teaching myself. However, somewhere down the line, I got the idea that it would be better for me to have a foundation in classical music before I switched to jazz. As of now, my goal outside of school is to become as proficient as possible in jazz over this summer, so by the time I get back to school I can go out to look for gig work as a musician. One of the main reasons I am applying for this scholarship because of the immense financial burden that attending Howard has been on my mother and me. I am one of 5 siblings in a low-income single-parent household with two children in college, and she is the only significant financial contributor to my pursuit of higher education. Anyone can imagine how hard it is to keep it all going. As artists, our labor has to be spent on perfecting our craft, but ever since I started college, I haven't been able to dedicate as much time to mine as I would like. I am constantly stricken with thoughts of whether or not I can afford to stay at Howard until I graduate instead of just focusing on my grades and my art. My goal is to become one of the greatest composers of my time, and it is up to me to continue motivating myself to achieve that goal. Lastly, my final goal in life is to give back to all who helped me along my journey and to help inspire the next generation of artists so that one day they can create their legacy to continue and inspire others.

Since I was 18, my goal has been to become a world-renowned professional musician and band leader. While most of my peers began taking music lessons as young children at their parents' will, I began teaching myself piano in March 2015 when I was 13, simply because I felt like it. One day, I was on YouTube watching some jazz piano performances, and out of the blue, I decided I was going to teach myself how to play the piano and become a world-renowned concert pianist. After several months of begging my mother, I finally began piano lessons in January 2016 at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. Under the guidance of my teacher, Michael Stambaugh, I improved my playing at a very fast rate to catch up to my peers who had been playing for 10-plus years. I continued to improve significantly over the next three years. In 2018, I joined the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble. In 2019, I was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, a young artist grant, and I also got accepted into Indiana University's Summer Piano Academy. There, I made new friends, met one of my piano idols, and became a more well-rounded pianist overall. Over the years, I have continued to improve my craft and strive to do so today. In early 2022, I was accepted into Howard University's College of Fine Arts to study Classical Piano. However, after two semesters of studying classical piano at school, I decided to break away from playing only classical music. I wanted to get more involved in the world of jazz at Howard because I had always been into jazz, growing up listening to it at home with my parents. I originally wanted to become a jazz pianist when I first started teaching myself. However, somewhere down the line, I got the idea that it would be better for me to have a foundation in classical music before switching to jazz. As of now, my goal outside of school is to become as proficient as possible in jazz over this summer, so by the time I get back to school, I can look for gig work as a musician. One of the main reasons I am applying for this scholarship is the immense financial burden that attending Howard has placed on my mother and me. I am one of five siblings in a low-income single-parent household with two children in college, and she is the only significant financial contributor to my pursuit of higher education. Anyone can imagine how hard it is to keep it all going. As artists, our labor must be spent on perfecting our craft, but ever since I started college, I haven't been able to dedicate as much time to mine as I would like. I am constantly worried about whether I will be able to afford to stay at Howard until I graduate instead of just focusing on my grades and my art. My goal is to become one of the greatest composers of my time, and I am the one who continues to motivate myself to achieve that goal. Lastly, my final goal in life is to give back to all who helped me along my journey and to inspire the next generation of artists so that one day they can create their own legacy to continue and inspire others. https://youtu.be/2EvvGXRKxwY

Since I was 18, my goal has been to become a world-renowned professional musician and band leader. While most of my peers began taking music lessons as young children at their parents' will, I began teaching myself piano in March 2015 when I was 13, simply because I felt like it. One day, I was on YouTube watching some jazz piano performances, and out of the blue, I decided I was going to teach myself how to play the piano and become a world-renowned concert pianist. After several months of begging my mother, I finally began piano lessons in January 2016 at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. Under the guidance of my teacher, Michael Stambaugh, I improved my playing at a very fast rate to catch up to my peers who had been playing for 10-plus years. I continued to improve significantly over the next three years. In 2018, I joined the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble. In 2019, I was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, a young artist grant, and I also got accepted into Indiana University's Summer Piano Academy. There, I made new friends, met one of my piano idols, and became a more well-rounded pianist overall. Over the years, I have continued to improve my craft and strive to do so today. In early 2022, I was accepted into Howard University's College of Fine Arts to study Classical Piano. However, after two semesters of studying classical piano at school, I decided to break away from playing only classical music. I wanted to get more involved in the world of jazz at Howard because I had always been into jazz, growing up listening to it at home with my parents. I originally wanted to become a jazz pianist when I first started teaching myself. However, somewhere down the line, I got the idea that it would be better for me to have a foundation in classical music before switching to jazz. As of now, my goal outside of school is to become as proficient as possible in jazz over this summer, so by the time I get back to school, I can look for gig work as a musician. One of the main reasons I am applying for this scholarship is the immense financial burden that attending Howard has placed on my mother and me. I am one of five siblings in a low-income single-parent household with two children in college, and she is the only significant financial contributor to my pursuit of higher education. Anyone can imagine how hard it is to keep it all going. As artists, our labor must be spent on perfecting our craft, but ever since I started college, I haven't been able to dedicate as much time to mine as I would like. I am constantly worried about whether I will be able to afford to stay at Howard until I graduate instead of just focusing on my grades and my art. My goal is to become one of the greatest composers of my time, and I am the one who continues to motivate myself to achieve that goal. Lastly, my final goal in life is to give back to all who helped me along my journey and to inspire the next generation of artists so that one day they can create their own legacy to continue and inspire others.

For as long as I can remember, music has always been around me and played a significant role in my life, and the older I get, the more apparent this becomes. From hearing it in my house, during car rides, and at music festivals, music has been a part of some of my most formative memories. As a child, the first thing I ever wanted to be was a singer and dancer like my favorite artist, Michael Jackson. The first piano solo I ever learned was McCoy Tyner's from the John Coltrane Quartet recording of "My Favorite Things," which was also one of the first tunes that made me realize I had a love and passion for jazz. Growing up in an environment filled with a plethora of varying types of music allowed me to develop more than just instrumental and compositional aspirations. It also gave me a keen interest in producing music for myself and others. Although I have yet to fully immerse myself in music production, I see it as the final piece of the puzzle to become the fully-fledged musician I envision. Aside from being a trailblazing artist ushering in a new era of contemporary music, another significant part of my life goal is to make music education more accessible. As someone who never even picked up an instrument until I was 13 and began teaching myself how to play piano on a whim, I understand that creative passion is spontaneous and can strike anyone at any time. I was fortunate to have a piano at my house, passed down through generations of my family, but many children and people, in general, don't have easy access to an outlet for the self-expression of music as I did. My goal is to bring music back into public community spaces such as schools, summer camps, city-wide youth arts programs, annual concerts, and much more. I aim to showcase to people, young and old, beginner or advanced, that music is about bonding and community building. It’s a way of life and, for some, a means of making their livelihood. Ultimately, I want to give people the exposure and the opportunity to discover the creative side of themselves, potentially through music. Whether they choose to become professional musicians, music teachers, or music business owners, I believe that music is a useful life skill for anyone to have. It can take you as far as you want, as long as you're willing to give it your time, attention, and most of all, your self-expression. This is how I plan on giving back and making an impact through my art.

For as long as I can remember, music has always been around me and played a significant role in my life, and the older I get, the more apparent this becomes. From hearing it in my house, during car rides, and at music festivals, music has been a part of some of my most formative memories. As a child, the first thing I ever wanted to be was a singer and dancer like my favorite artist, Michael Jackson. The first piano solo I ever learned was McCoy Tyner's from the John Coltrane Quartet recording of "My Favorite Things," which was also one of the first tunes that made me realize I had a love and passion for jazz. Growing up in an environment filled with a plethora of varying types of music allowed me to develop more than just instrumental and compositional aspirations. It also gave me a keen interest in producing music for myself and others. Although I have yet to immerse myself fully in music production, I believe it will be the final piece of the puzzle in becoming the fully-fledged musician I envision. Aside from being a trailblazing artist ushering in a new era of contemporary music, another significant part of my life goal is to make music education more accessible. As someone who never even picked up an instrument until I was 13 and began teaching myself how to play piano on a whim, I understand that creative passion is spontaneous and can strike anyone at any time. I was fortunate to have a piano at my house, passed down through generations of my family, but many children and people, in general, don't have easy access to an outlet for the self-expression of music as I did. My goal is to bring music back into public community spaces such as schools, summer camps, city-wide youth arts programs, annual concerts, and much more. I aim to showcase to people, young and old, beginner or advanced, that music is about bonding and community building. It’s a way of life and, for some, a means of making their livelihood. Ultimately, I want to give people the exposure and the opportunity to discover the creative side of themselves, potentially through music. Whether they choose to become professional musicians, music teachers, or music business owners, I believe that music is a useful life skill for anyone to have. It can take you as far as you want, as long as you're willing to give it your time, attention, and most of all, your self-expression. This is how I plan on giving back and making an impact through my art.

Since turning 18, my goal has been to establish myself as a world-renowned professional musician and band leader. Unlike many peers who began music lessons in childhood under parental guidance, my journey started at 13, sparked by a spontaneous decision to teach myself piano after watching jazz performances on YouTube. After months of learning online and begging my mom for in-person lessons, in January 2016 I began formal piano lessons at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, guided by teacher Michael Stambaugh. Despite starting later than my peers with a decade of experience, I rapidly advanced, moving up four levels in the school's curriculum within a year. My dedication earned me a scholarship and an Astral Young Artist award. Over the next three years, I joined the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble in 2018, received the Marian Anderson Award in 2019, and attended Indiana University's Summer Piano Academy. In August 2020, I began studying with Michael Caruso, focusing on refining my playing for college and conservatory auditions. Despite a setback due to COVID-19 affecting auditions, in early 2022, I shifted from Howard University's College of Arts and Sciences to the College of Fine Arts to study Classical Piano. Adjusting to a formal academic environment after a lifetime of unschooling proved challenging, but I excelled in my second semester after overcoming initial struggles. After two semesters of classical piano study, I decided to explore jazz at Howard, driven by a desire for a more fulfilling musical experience. I initially aspired to be a jazz pianist, so I felt drawn to this change. I switched my major for sophomore year, aiming to immerse myself in the world of jazz. Outside school, my current goal is to enhance my proficiency in jazz and learn the electric bass during the summer. I'm contemplating transferring to a conservatory and have my sights on the Berklee School of Music for the potential completion of my master's degree. The financial strain of attending Howard University, especially for my low-income single-parent household, motivates my application for this scholarship. As one of five siblings with two in college, my mother bears the primary financial burden. Winning this scholarship would alleviate the strain, allowing me to focus on academics and artistic pursuits. My goal is not just to finish school but to become a renowned composer, band leader, and multi-instrumentalist. I envision this scholarship as a pivotal step toward achieving these goals and giving back to the community by reintegrating music and art into educational curricula. My ultimate life's work involves creating a legacy that supports the next generation, fostering a love for music and the arts in schools and after-school programs. This scholarship represents a crucial support system in my journey to become one of the greatest musicians the world has ever seen.

Germantown, Philadelphia, holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of its residents and visitors alike. Its rich history, vibrant community, and cultural diversity make it a unique neighborhood. If allowed to improve Germantown, I would focus on three key aspects: community engagement and cohesion, sustainable urban development, and educational enrichment. These improvements are essential to me because as a Germantown native, it represents a microcosm of the larger societal challenges we face, and by addressing them here, we can set an example for positive change in other communities. Strengthening community engagement and cohesion is paramount for fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among Germantown residents. Initiatives such as more organizing neighborhood meetings, community events, and cultural festivals in a more updated and accessible way to long-time residents allowing them to share their stories and experiences. These new platforms would hopefully enable residents to voice their concerns, ideas, and aspirations, fostering a collective sense of ownership and pride in their neighborhood. Moreover, by actively involving residents in the decision-making processes, we can ensure that the community's unique identity and history are preserved while embracing positive change. Sustainable urban development is crucial for the long-term well-being of any neighborhood. Germantown, with its diverse architectural heritage and historical significance, deserves careful urban planning that balances preservation and growth. By revitalizing abandoned properties and converting vacant lots into green spaces, we can create an environment that promotes health, well-being, and community interaction. Education is the foundation of progress and empowerment. Improving educational opportunities in Germantown is essential to ensure that the community's younger generation has access to quality learning and the tools to pursue their dreams. I would advocate for increased funding for local schools, support for after-school programs, and partnerships with organizations to provide tutoring and mentorship. Furthermore, creating vocational training programs and apprenticeships in collaboration with local businesses can prepare students for future careers and foster entrepreneurship within the community. Empowering the youth through education can break the cycle of poverty, reduce crime rates, and create a stronger, more self-sufficient community. Germantown represents the heart of Philadelphia's cultural heritage, and its success is indicative of the city's overall progress. As someone who grew up here made life-long friends, built strong relationships with neighbors, seen this community shift and change in different ways for better or worse throughout the years, and considers myself an advocate for community development and social progress, I believe that investing in Germantown's growth can create a ripple effect throughout the city and beyond. Growing up in a neighborhood with its own set of challenges and opportunities, I understand the transformative power of positive change. Witnessing how community engagement, sustainable development, and educational enrichment can uplift lives, I am committed to bringing those experiences to Germantown. I firmly believe that fostering a thriving, harmonious community in Germantown will serve as a shining example of what is possible when people come together with a shared vision for improvement. Improving Germantown, Philadelphia, is a labor of love and dedication. By focusing on community engagement and cohesion, sustainable urban development, and educational enrichment, we can lay the foundation for a prosperous future. As we work hand in hand with residents and stakeholders, we can build a better Germantown that sets a positive example for other communities facing similar challenges. This transformation will not only benefit the neighborhood itself but also contribute to the broader goal of creating a more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient city for generations to come.

Since I was 18, my goal has been to become a world-renowned professional musician and band leader. While most of my peers began taking music lessons as young children at their parents’ will, in March 2015, when I was 13, I began teaching myself piano simply because I felt like it. One day I was on YouTube watching some jazz piano performances, and out of the blue, at that moment, I decided I was going to teach myself how to play the piano and become a world-renowned concert pianist. After several months of begging my mother, I finally began piano lessons in January 2016 at the Settlement Music School, in Philadelphia. Here, under the guidance of my teacher, Michael Stambaugh, I improved my playing at a very fast rate to catch up to my peers who had been playing for 10-plus years already, and I continued to improve a lot over the next 3 years. In 2018 I joined the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble. In 2019 I was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, a young artist grant and I also got accepted into Indiana University's Summer Piano Academy. There I made new friends, met one of my piano idols, and overall, became a more well-rounded pianist. Over the years I continued to improve my craft and continue to do so today. In early 2022, I was accepted into their College of Fine Arts to study Classical Piano. However, after two semesters of studying classical piano at school, I decided to break away from playing only classical music. I decided I wanted to get more involved in the world of jazz at Howard both because I had always been into jazz, and I grew up listening to it at home all the time with my parents when they put it on. I originally wanted to become a jazz pianist when I first started teaching myself. However, somewhere down the line, I got the idea that it would be better for me to have a foundation in classical music before I switched to jazz. As of now, my goal outside of school is to become as proficient as possible in jazz over this summer, so by the time I get back to school I can go out to look for gig work as a musician. One of the main reasons I am applying for this scholarship is the immense financial burden that attending Howard has been on my mother and me. I am one of 5 siblings in a low-income single-parent household with two children in college, and she is the only significant financial contributor to my pursuit of higher education. Anyone can imagine how hard it is to keep it all going. As artists, our labor has to be spent on perfecting our craft, but ever since I started college, I haven't been able to dedicate as much time to mine as I would like. I am constantly stricken with thoughts of whether or not I will be able to afford to stay at Howard until I graduate instead of just focusing on my grades and my art. My goal is to become one of the greatest composers, band leaders, and multi-instrumentalist musicians the world has ever seen. Once I have achieved that goal, and perhaps even while working towards it, I plan on getting music and other forms of art back into schools and afterschool curricula as a standard. My life’s work will include giving back to all who helped me, by helping the next generation and by creating a legacy to be continued.

Since I was 18, my goal has been to become a world-renowned professional musician and band leader. While most of my peers began taking music lessons as young children at their parents’ will, in March 2015, when I was 13, I began teaching myself piano simply because I felt like it. One day I was on YouTube watching some jazz piano performances, and out of the blue, at that moment, I decided I was going to teach myself how to play the piano and become a world-renowned concert pianist. After several months of begging my mother, I finally began piano lessons in January 2016 at the Settlement Music School, in Philadelphia. Here, under the guidance of my teacher, Michael Stambaugh, I improved my playing at a very fast rate to catch up to my peers who had been playing for 10-plus years already, and I continued to improve a lot over the next 3 years. In 2018 I joined the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble. In 2019 I was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, a young artist grant and I also got accepted into Indiana University's Summer Piano Academy. There I made new friends, met one of my piano idols, and overall, became a more well-rounded pianist. Over the years I continued to improve my craft and continue to do so today. In early 2022, I was accepted into their College of Fine Arts to study Classical Piano. However, after two semesters of studying classical piano at school, I decided to break away from playing only classical music. I decided I wanted to get more involved in the world of jazz at Howard both because I had always been into jazz, and I grew up listening to it at home all the time with my parents when they put it on. I originally wanted to become a jazz pianist when I first started teaching myself. However, somewhere down the line, I got the idea that it would be better for me to have a foundation in classical music before I switched to jazz. As of now, my goal outside of school is to become as proficient as possible in jazz over this summer, so by the time I get back to school I can go out to look for gig work as a musician. One of the main reasons I am applying for this scholarship is the immense financial burden that attending Howard has been on my mother and me. I am one of 5 siblings in a low-income single-parent household with two children in college, and she is the only significant financial contributor to my pursuit of higher education. Anyone can imagine how hard it is to keep it all going. As artists, our labor has to be spent on perfecting our craft, but ever since I started college, I haven't been able to dedicate as much time to mine as I would like. I am constantly stricken with thoughts of whether or not I will be able to afford to stay at Howard until I graduate instead of just focusing on my grades and my art. My goal is to become one of the greatest composers of my time and I believe this scholarship can help realize that goal even sooner. Once I have achieved that goal, and perhaps even while working towards it, I plan on getting music and other forms of art back into schools and afterschool curricula as a standard. My life’s work will include giving back to all who helped me, by helping the next generation and by creating a legacy to be continued.

Aside from being a trailblazing artist ushering in a new era of contemporary music of any genre I so choose to use as a medium for my compositions, another big part of my life goal is to make music education more accessible. As someone who never even picked up an instrument till I was 13 and began teaching myself how to play piano on a whim, I understand that creative passion is spontaneous, and can strike anyone at any time. Now, I was lucky enough to have a piano at my house because it had been passed down through generations of my family, but a lot of children and people, in general, don't have easy access to an outlet for the self-expression of music as I did. My goal is to get music back in public community spaces such as schools, summer camps, city-wide youth arts programs, annual concerts, and much more. My goal is to showcase to people young and old, beginner or advanced, that music is about bonding and community building, it's a way of life, and for some a means of making their lively hood. In the end, all I want to do is give people the exposure and the opportunity to discover the creative side in themselves, potentially through music, whether choose to become a professional musician, music teacher, or music business owner, I think that it is a useful life skill for anyone to have, that can take as far as you want as long you're willing to give it your time, attention, and most of all your self-expression. And that is how I plan on giving back and making an impact through my art.

Since I was 18, my goal has been to become a world-renowned professional musician and band leader. While most of my peers began taking music lessons as young children at their parents’ will, in March 2015, when I was 13, I began teaching myself piano simply because I felt like it. One day I was on YouTube watching some jazz piano performances, and out of the blue, at that moment, I decided I was going to teach myself how to play the piano and become a world-renowned concert pianist. After several months of begging my mother, I finally began piano lessons in January 2016 at the Settlement Music School, in Philadelphia. Here, under the guidance of my teacher, Michael Stambaugh, I improved my playing at a very fast rate to catch up to my peers who had been playing for 10-plus years already, and I continued to improve a lot over the next 3 years. In 2018 I joined the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble. In 2019 I was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, a young artist grant and I also got accepted into Indiana University's Summer Piano Academy. There I made new friends, met one of my piano idols, and overall, became a more well-rounded pianist. Over the years I continued to improve my craft and continue to do so today. In early 2022, I was accepted into their College of Fine Arts to study Classical Piano. However, after two semesters of studying classical piano at school, I decided to break away from playing only classical music. I decided I wanted to get more involved in the world of jazz at Howard both because I had always been into jazz, and I grew up listening to it at home all the time with my parents when they put it on. I originally wanted to become a jazz pianist when I first started teaching myself. However, somewhere down the line, I got the idea that it would be better for me to have a foundation in classical music before I switched to jazz. As of now, my goal outside of school is to become as proficient as possible in jazz over this summer, so by the time I get back to school I can go out to look for gig work as a musician. One of the main reasons I am applying for this scholarship is the immense financial burden that attending Howard has been on my mother and me. I am one of 5 siblings in a low-income single-parent household with two children in college, and she is the only significant financial contributor to my pursuit of higher education. Anyone can imagine how hard it is to keep it all going. As artists, our labor has to be spent on perfecting our craft, but ever since I started college, I haven't been able to dedicate as much time to mine as I would like. I am constantly stricken with thoughts of whether or not I will be able to afford to stay at Howard until I graduate instead of just focusing on my grades and my art. My goal is to become one of the greatest composers of my time, and I would say that I am the only one that continues to motivate myself to achieve that goal. Lastly, my final goal in life is to give back to all who helped me along my journey and to help to inspire the next generation of artists so that one day they can create their legacy to continue and inspire others.

I have always been a very self-motivated person when it came to learning, whether it be teaching myself calculus when I was 12, how to code, or teaching myself how to play the piano when I was 13 which is now my life passion, I've always loved to learn. I was homeschooled my entire life, up until college, with my mother as my teacher. Each morning she would write out a list of daily learning activities for me to complete for the day, reading, writing, arithmetic, and some form of outside activity that my dad would do with me. One of the things I liked about this form of learning was that there wasn't a time limit for how long I had to do a certain assignment, once I was done with one activity I could immediately move on to the next task of the day, that way I could get all of my work done early and have the rest of the day to play, this way of teaching helped me developed a great love of learning and for that, I thank my mom. My passion for learning led me to develop an interest in math and science, specifically, astronomy, chemistry, and robotics. Along with my athletic aspirations of becoming a professional tennis player, I dreamed of becoming a robotics engineer. However, this was all changed when I turned 13. In February 2015, I began teaching myself piano simply off of intuition. One day I was on YouTube watching some jazz piano performances, and out of the blue, at that moment, I decided I was going to teach myself how to play the piano and become a world-renowned concert pianist. A few days later, I searched YouTube tutorials on how to play the piano and then watched several videos on how to place the hands, play scales, and play arpeggios. After that, I looked up how to play songs on TV and in movies. I became keen on learning music from Peanuts because I have always enjoyed watching and reading that comic. After several months of begging my mother, I finally began piano lessons in January 2016 at the Settlement Music School, in Philadelphia. Here, under the guidance of my teacher, Michael Stambaugh, I improved my playing at a very fast rate to catch up to my peers who had been playing for 10-plus years already. During my first year of formal study, I managed to move up 4 levels in the school's curriculum, as well, I was awarded a scholarship and an Astral Young Artist award for my musicianship. I continued to improve a lot over those first 3 years. In 2018 I joined the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble. In 2019 I was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, a young artist grant. And it was because of the loving and focused teaching I received, that I have the goal of becoming a professional musician today. As of now, I am currently a student enrolled at Howard University as a music performance major, and my goal is to become one of the greatest composers, band leaders, and multi-instrumentalist musicians the world has ever seen, and I believe that this scholarship will help me get one step closer to those goals. Once I have achieved that goal, and perhaps even while working towards it, I plan on getting music and other forms of art back into schools and afterschool curricula as a standard. My life’s work will include giving back to all who helped me, by helping the next generation and by creating a legacy to be continued.

Since I was 18, my goal has been to become a world-renowned professional musician and band leader. While most of my peers began taking music lessons as young children at their parents’ will, in March 2015, when I was 13, I began teaching myself piano simply because I felt like it. One day I was on YouTube watching some jazz piano performances, and out of the blue, at that moment, I decided I was going to teach myself how to play the piano and become a world-renowned concert pianist. After several months of begging my mother, I finally began piano lessons in January 2016 at the Settlement Music School, in Philadelphia. Here, under the guidance of my teacher, Michael Stambaugh, I improved my playing at a very fast rate to catch up to my peers who had been playing for 10-plus years already, and I continued to improve a lot over the next 3 years. In 2018 I joined the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble. In 2019 I was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, a young artist grant and I also got accepted into Indiana University's Summer Piano Academy. There I made new friends, met one of my piano idols, and overall, became a more well-rounded pianist. Over the years I continued to improve my craft and continue to do so today. In early 2022, I was accepted into their College of Fine Arts to study Classical Piano. However, after two semesters of studying classical piano at school, I decided to break away from playing only classical music. I decided I wanted to get more involved in the world of jazz at Howard both because I had always been into jazz, and I grew up listening to it at home all the time with my parents when they put it on. I originally wanted to become a jazz pianist when I first started teaching myself. However, somewhere down the line, I got the idea that it would be better for me to have a foundation in classical music before I switched to jazz. As of now, my goal outside of school is to become as proficient as possible in jazz over this summer, so by the time I get back to school I can go out to look for gig work as a musician. One of the main reasons I am applying for this scholarship is the immense financial burden that attending Howard has been on my mother and me. I am one of 5 siblings in a low-income single-parent household with two children in college, and she is the only significant financial contributor to my pursuit of higher education. Anyone can imagine how hard it is to keep it all going. As artists, our labor has to be spent on perfecting our craft, but ever since I started college, I haven't been able to dedicate as much time to mine as I would like. I am constantly stricken with thoughts of whether or not I will be able to afford to stay at Howard until I graduate instead of just focusing on my grades and my art. My goal is to become one of the greatest composers, band leaders, and multi-instrumentalist musicians the world has ever seen. Once I have achieved that goal, and perhaps even while working towards it, I plan on getting music and other forms of art back into schools and afterschool curricula as a standard. My life’s work will include giving back to all who helped me, by helping the next generation and by creating a legacy to be continued.

Since I was 18, my goal has been to become a world-renowned professional musician and band leader. While most of my peers began taking music lessons as young children at their parents’ will, in March 2015, when I was 13, I began teaching myself piano simply because I felt like it. One day I was on YouTube watching some jazz piano performances, and out of the blue, at that moment, I decided I was going to teach myself how to play the piano and become a world-renowned concert pianist. After several months of begging my mother, I finally began piano lessons in January 2016 at the Settlement Music School, in Philadelphia. Here, under the guidance of my teacher, Michael Stambaugh, I improved my playing at a very fast rate to catch up to my peers who had been playing for 10-plus years already, and I continued to improve a lot over the next 3 years. In 2018 I joined the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble. In 2019 I was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, a young artist grant and I also got accepted into Indiana University's Summer Piano Academy. There I made new friends, met one of my piano idols, and overall, became a more well-rounded pianist. Over the years I continued to improve my craft, and continue to do so today. In early 2022, I was accepted into their College of Fine Arts to study Classical Piano. However, after two semesters of studying classical piano at school, I decided to break away from playing only classical music. I decided I wanted to get more involved in the world of jazz at Howard both because I had always been into jazz, and I grew up listening to it at home all the time with my parents when they put it on. I originally wanted to become a jazz pianist when I first started teaching myself. However, somewhere down the line, I got the idea that it would be better for me to have a foundation in classical music before I switched to jazz. As of now, my goal outside of school is to become as proficient as possible in jazz over this summer, so by the time I get back to school I can go out to look for gig work as a musician. One of the main reasons I am applying for this scholarship is the immense financial burden that attending Howard has been on my mother and me. I am one of 5 siblings in a low-income single-parent household with two children in college, and she is the only significant financial contributor to my pursuit of higher education. Anyone can imagine how hard it is to keep it all going. As artists, our labor has to be spent on perfecting our craft, but ever since I started college, I haven't been able to dedicate as much time to mine as I would like. I am constantly stricken with thoughts of whether or not I will be able to afford to stay at Howard until I graduate instead of just focusing on my grades and my art. My goal is to become one of the greatest composers, band leaders, and multi-instrumentalist musicians the world has ever seen. Once I have achieved that goal, and perhaps even while working towards it, I plan on getting music and other forms of art back into schools and afterschool curricula as a standard. My life’s work will include giving back to all who helped me, by helping the next generation and by creating a legacy to be continued.

Since I was 18, my goal has been to become a world-renowned professional musician and band leader. While most of my peers began taking music lessons as young children at their parents’ will, in March 2015, when I was 13, I began teaching myself piano simply because I felt like it. One day I was on YouTube watching some jazz piano performances, and out of the blue, at that moment, I decided I was going to teach myself how to play the piano and become a world-renowned concert pianist. Luckily after several months of begging my mother, I finally began piano lessons in January 2016 at the Settlement Music School, in Philadelphia. Here, under the guidance of my teacher, Michael Stambaugh, I improved my playing at a very fast rate to catch up to my peers who had been playing for 10-plus years already, and I continued to improve a lot over the next 3 years. In 2018 I joined the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble. In 2019 I was awarded the Marian Anderson Award, a young artist grant and I also got accepted into Indiana University's Summer Piano Academy. There I made new friends, met one of my piano idols, and overall, became a more well-rounded pianist. In early 2022, after feeling unfulfilled by the first major I chose at Howard University's College of Arts and Sciences, I was accepted into their College of Fine Arts to study Classical Piano. However, after two semesters of studying classical piano at school, I decided to break away from playing only classical music. I decided I wanted to get more involved in the world of jazz at Howard both because I had always been into jazz. I grew up listening to it at home all the time with my parents when they put it on, and I originally wanted to become a jazz pianist when I first started teaching myself, but somewhere down the line, I got the idea that it would be better for me to have a foundation in classical music before I switched to jazz. As of now, my goal outside of school is to become as proficient as possible in jazz over this summer, so by the time I get back to school I can go out to look for gig work as a musician. One of the main reasons I am applying for this scholarship is because of the immense financial burden that attending Howard has been on my mother and me. I am one of 5 siblings in a low-income single-parent household with two children in college, and she is the only significant financial contributor to my pursuit of higher education. Anyone can imagine how hard it is to keep it all going. As artists, our labor has to be spent on perfecting our craft, but ever since I started college, I haven't been able to dedicate as much time to mine as I would like. I am constantly stricken with thoughts of whether or not I will be able to afford to stay at Howard until I graduate instead of just focusing on my grades and my art. My goal is to become one of the greatest composers, band leaders, and multi-instrumentalist musicians the world has ever seen. Once I have achieved that goal, and perhaps even while working towards it, I plan on getting music and other forms of art back into schools and afterschool curricula as a standard. My life’s work will include giving back to all who helped me, by helping the next generation and by creating a legacy to be continued.

In college life, maintaining personal wellness is crucial for me in navigating challenges and maximizing academic success. For me, music serves as an unwavering companion that nurtures my well-being and empowers me to thrive in my academic pursuits. This essay delves into how listening to and playing music are integral to maintaining my personal wellness while in college and elucidates how this balance ultimately propels me toward success. As I plug in my earphones and let the melodies wash over me, I find solace in the magical realm of music. Listening to my favorite songs becomes a respite from the academic demands that often weigh me down. The captivating rhythms and lyrics evoke emotions, allowing me to unwind and recharge. Amidst the hustle and bustle of college, music acts as my sanctuary, providing the necessary escape to find inner peace and restore my mental and emotional balance. Immersing myself in the art of active music listening brings about a mindful state that alleviates stress and enhances my well-being. As I delve into the intricacies of melodies and immerse myself in the harmony, I experience a sense of present-moment awareness. Worries and anxieties take a backseat, and I am able to regain a sense of clarity and perspective. This mindful engagement with music not only calms my mind but also rejuvenates my spirit, enabling me to face academic challenges with renewed focus. However, music does not merely serve as an auditory refuge for me; it extends into an active form of self-expression through playing instruments. As my fingers glide across the piano keys or I strum the strings of my guitar, a wave of catharsis washes over me. Playing music becomes an avenue for channeling my emotions, providing an outlet for creativity and personal growth. These moments of musical creation allow me to connect with my innermost self, boosting my self-confidence and fostering a profound sense of fulfillment. Beyond the individual benefits, music facilitates social connections that nurture a sense of belonging. Joining music groups and collaborating with fellow musicians on campus has granted me a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Together, we harmonize our melodies and share our passion for music. The camaraderie and shared experiences fostered within these musical communities uplift my spirit and combat feelings of isolation. This sense of belonging strengthens my personal wellness and bolsters my ability to thrive academically. Maintaining my personal wellness through music has a transformative impact on my academic success. By dedicating time to listen to and playing music, I nurture my mental and emotional well-being, thereby enhancing my ability to focus, retain information, and manage stress effectively. When my personal wellness is prioritized, I find myself approaching my studies with a clear mind, unwavering motivation, and increased resilience. The harmonious integration of personal wellness and academic pursuits propels me toward achieving my goals and unlocking my true potential as a student. As I reflect upon my college journey, it becomes evident that the harmonious interplay between music and personal wellness is an indispensable source of strength and vitality. Through the therapeutic power of listening to and playing music, I sustain my personal well-being, finding solace, self-expression, and community. This delicate balance not only fortifies my overall sense of wellness but also fuels my academic success. By nourishing my personal wellness, I equip myself with the tools to navigate the challenges of college life, approach my studies with clarity, and flourish both personally and academically. The melodic journey I embark on in college serves as a testament to the transformative impact of music on my well-being and the pursuit

As a lifelong fan of Disney, my love for the magical world of Disney began at a young age and has continued to grow throughout the years. From the enchanting characters to the captivating stories, Disney has always held a special place in my heart. One of the main reasons why I am such a dedicated fan of Disney is the timeless quality of their films. Whether it's the classic animations like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" or the modern-day blockbusters like "Frozen," each Disney film possesses a unique ability to transport me to a world filled with wonder and imagination. The attention to detail in the animation, the heartfelt storytelling, and the unforgettable music have the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from laughter to tears, making each viewing experience a truly magical one. Furthermore, Disney films have taught me valuable life lessons. Through the adventures of characters like Simba in "The Lion King" or Belle in "Beauty and the Beast," I have learned about the importance of bravery, kindness, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Disney films often tackle complex themes such as love, friendship, and self-discovery in a way that is accessible to audiences of all ages. These movies have not only entertained me but have also shaped my values and influenced my outlook on life. In addition to their films, Disney theme parks hold a special place in my heart. I vividly remember the first time I set foot in Disneyland, feeling a sense of childlike wonder as I walked down Main Street, U.S.A. The attention to detail, the immersive environments, and the joyous atmosphere make Disney parks a truly magical experience. From meeting beloved characters to riding thrilling attractions, each visit to a Disney park is like stepping into a world where dreams come true. Beyond the movies and theme parks, Disney has created a sense of community among its fans. Whether it's attending conventions, joining online forums, or participating in fan events, being a part of the Disney fandom has allowed me to connect with people who share the same passion and enthusiasm for all things Disney. It's incredible how Disney has managed to create a global community of fans who celebrate the magic together and create lasting memories. As a long-time fan, Disney has had a significant impact on my life. It has ignited my imagination, sparked my creativity, and instilled in me a sense of optimism and wonder. Through the ups and downs of life, Disney has been a constant source of joy and inspiration, reminding me that dreams can come true and that there is always magic to be found if you believe. In conclusion, my lifelong love for Disney is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, imagination, and the ability of Disney to create immersive experiences that capture the hearts of millions. From the films that touch our souls to the theme parks that bring dreams to life, Disney has left an indelible mark on my life, shaping my values and providing me with countless moments of joy and enchantment. As a dedicated fan, I am grateful for the magic that Disney has brought into my life and eagerly look forward to the new adventures and experiences that await in the wonderful world of Disney.