My favorite thing about both art and music is their ability to tell a story. Through sound and visuals, they can convey emotions, experiences, and ideas in ways that words alone often cannot. That is why animation stands out to me. It combines the strengths of both art and music, creating a powerful medium for storytelling. It is what inspires me, and it is how I hope to inspire others. My goal is to create stories that bring hope and shine a light on the good that still exists in the world. I am aware of the challenges people face today, as well as the struggles within the animation industry itself. An industry that once felt magical has increasingly become driven by corporate interests. I want to help bring the focus back to what made animation special in the first place: meaningful stories, memorable characters, and genuine human connection. I do not aspire to be famous. What matters most to me is knowing that something I created was able to make a difference in someone's life. If a child can smile because of one of my films, find comfort during a difficult day, or feel inspired to pursue their own dreams the way animation inspired mine, then I will consider my work successful. I understand that society can sometimes be degrading, and many people feel limited by their circumstances or the expectations placed upon them. Through my work, I want both children and adults to see themselves reflected in the stories and characters I create. I want them to realize that they can be more than their current position, grow through challenges, build their own strength, and find where they truly belong. If my work can help even one person believe in themselves or see new possibilities for their future, then I know I have made a positive impact. Music plays an important role in that vision as well. It has a unique ability to strengthen emotions and deepen a story's impact. In many ways, music and animation go hand in hand, each enhancing the other. By combining these two passions, I hope to create work that leaves a lasting positive impact on others. More than financial success, I want to know that I contributed something meaningful to the world through my actions, creativity, and dedication.

I want to pursue a STEM career for two main reasons. The first is that animation has always been my choice and passion. From my experiences with television and video games to my own creative work, I have always been fascinated by how stories come to life through movement, design, and technology. Over time, I realized that animation is not just art—it is also STEM. It requires an understanding of software, timing, physics, digital tools, and problem-solving in order to make characters and worlds feel believable. That combination of creativity and technical skill is exactly what draws me to this field and motivates me to build a future in it. The second reason is representation and opportunity. I recognize that there are African American people in my field, but they are not as prominent or visible as they should be. Growing up, when I looked at the media I consumed, I did not always see myself or people who looked like me in leading creative roles or in the stories being told. That matters, because visibility shapes what people believe is possible for themselves and what paths they feel encouraged to pursue. I want to help change that by becoming part of the group that creates, leads, and influences the animation and STEM industry. I understand that I cannot fix that imbalance alone, but I do want to make a meaningful impact. I want to make a splash in my career not just through personal success, but through the doors I help open for others. I will use my degree to help uplift the community through inclusion and storytelling. Whether it is through the characters I design, the stories I help bring to life, or the teams I work with, I want my work to reflect a broader range of voices and experiences. My goal is to create hope and inspire others by showing that people from all backgrounds belong in both creative and technical spaces like animation. I want every child—Black, white, or from any background—to be able to see themselves reflected in the stories they watch and the characters they connect with. That sense of representation can shape confidence, imagination, and ambition. When people see themselves represented, it can change what they believe is possible for their future. While I do want to focus on African American characters and stories, that focus is not meant to exclude others. Instead, it is about balance and addressing underrepresentation in an industry where certain voices have historically been overlooked. By prioritizing inclusion and thoughtful storytelling, I hope to help tip that balance in a positive direction. Ultimately, I want my career in STEM to be about more than personal success or achievement. I want it to be about contribution, representation, and leaving a lasting impact through the work I create. I hope to grow as both an artist and a technologist so that I can combine storytelling and STEM in a way that reaches people, inspires them, and encourages them to pursue their own goals, no matter where they come from.

Going to college means taking the next step toward a dream I have had since I was young. From an early age, I have been fascinated by storytelling through animation. Whether I was watching cartoons, studying character designs, or creating my own drawings, I was inspired by the way animation could entertain people and bring stories to life. Over time, that fascination grew into a career goal. Today, I plan to earn a bachelor's degree in animation and build the skills needed to work in the animation industry. As an African American student, I understand that success requires determination and perseverance. While I did not come from a family of artists, my passion for drawing and storytelling has always been supported by my friends and family. Rather than allowing challenges to discourage me, I use them as motivation to keep improving. My family's encouragement has given me the confidence to pursue a path that is both challenging and rewarding. For me, college is more than earning a degree. It is an opportunity to grow as an artist, learn from professionals, and prepare for a career doing what I love. I want to strengthen my abilities in drawing, design, and visual storytelling while gaining hands-on experience through internships and real-world projects. I am excited to learn alongside other creative students who share a passion for animation and storytelling. I also hope to take advantage of opportunities outside the classroom. One of my goals is to study abroad because I believe experiencing different cultures can make me a better artist and storyteller. Learning from people with different backgrounds and perspectives can help me create more authentic and meaningful stories. The more I understand the world around me, the more I can bring those experiences into my work. My long-term goal is to found my own animation studio where I can create original cartoons and films. Animation has inspired me throughout my life, and I hope to create stories that have a positive impact on others. I want my work to entertain audiences while encouraging creativity, perseverance, and self-belief. I also hope to create opportunities for future artists who share the same passion that I have today. College is the bridge between where I am and the future. It is a chance to develop my talents, gain valuable experiences, and move closer to achieving my goals. By pursuing higher education, I hope to turn my passion for animation into a career and use my creativity to inspire others for years to come.

Something that makes me stand out is how seriously I take fictional stories. Most people watch a show or play a game and move on, but I end up thinking about the lore, characters, and power scaling long after I finish. I know that probably sounds a little nerdy, but it is something I genuinely enjoy. If there is a story I like, chances are I will spend time looking into the details behind it and trying to understand how everything fits together. What makes my approach a little different is that I usually disagree with popular opinions. When people discuss who is stronger, they often focus on who has the most powers or the flashiest abilities. I tend to focus on what is actually shown in the story. If a character is said to be powerful but never really demonstrates it, I am probably not going to rank them as highly as everyone else. Because of that, I often end up with opinions that very few people share. What originally got me interested in power scaling was seeing people constantly criticize some of my favorite characters. A lot of discussions would either ignore a character's strengths or exaggerate their flaws. At the same time, other characters would get a pass simply because they were popular or because the story was focused on them at the moment. I never thought that was fair. One example is Knuckles the Echidna. Many people consider him dumb or weaker than he actually is because of a few scenes. When I look at those scenes, I see something different. Most of them are meant to be comedic relief. Knuckles grew up alone for most of his life, so it makes sense that he would be naïve in certain social situations. To me, that is not the same thing as being unintelligent. There is no reason to judge a character entirely on a few moments without considering the context behind them. The same idea applies when people discuss his strength. Many fans focus on flashy powers or recent appearances, while I look at a character's accomplishments throughout the story. I enjoy examining the evidence and coming to my own conclusions rather than following whatever opinion is currently popular. The awkward part is that I do not get to talk about it much. Most of my friends are not interested in power scaling or discussing fictional lore, so many of my thoughts stay to myself. When I do share them, people sometimes think my opinions are strange or completely wrong. I have learned that being in the minority does not automatically mean you are incorrect. Sometimes it just means you are looking at the situation from a different angle. This hobby has also taught me to think critically. Instead of accepting what everyone else believes, I like to look at the evidence and come to my own conclusion. That mindset has carried over into other areas of my life, especially art. As a self taught artist and future animator, I spend a lot of time studying characters and stories. Understanding why a character works, how a world is built, and how an audience interprets those things has made me appreciate storytelling even more. It may not be the most common hobby, and it is definitely not something I talk about every day, but it is one of the things that makes me different. While other people might see power scaling as a pointless debate, I see it as another way to understand the stories and characters that inspire me.

My favorite form of media is animation, and my love for art stems from my childhood. I was an indoor kid, so I watched a lot of television. While I cannot say for sure what was the pivotal moment that sparked my interest, one constant staple in my life was, and still is, Scooby-Doo. It was an inspiration that slowly grew as I became more interested in animation. First it was the jokes, then the music, and finally I started paying attention to things such as character design, animation, and backgrounds. As I researched and studied, other shows came up, including Looney Tunes, Dragon Ball, Steven Universe, and many others. However, I always found my way back to Scooby-Doo. Yes, it was one of the first cartoons I watched, but it also showed me something else that I enjoy about animation: longevity. Scooby-Doo, among other long lasting franchises, has gone through many redesigns and reboots. That is what inspires me. To know that a show can have such a lasting impact on others that people want it to come back is amazing. Especially with shows such as Sonic X and One Piece, which portray hope and perseverance, something I hope to do one day. Inspiring others is my goal with animation, and that desire stemmed from Scooby-Doo. For a favorite artist, choosing one is hard, especially because I enjoy a variety of styles and my own style is a mixture of multiple influences. My top three favorite artists would be Ub Iwerks, Akira Toriyama, and Floyd Norman. I am a huge fan of the rubber hose style, and my favorite person to distribute this style is Ub Iwerks, specifically through the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit films. The simple style is captivating and, in my opinion, one of the best styles for animation. Next is the late Akira Toriyama. Outside of his sharp art style, his composition is among the best in manga. He also was not limited to sharp angles and was highly adaptable. His expressions were among some of the best. Another aspect I like is his inking. It is a mixture of rendering and hatching. I especially like the hatching because it correlates with his line art. Last, but certainly not least, is Floyd Norman. To me, he is the best of both worlds, taking the fluid nature of rubber hose animation and combining it with strong construction. He is also one of the first African Americans to work as an animator at Disney. He is an inspiration to me in both art and life. Being able to see a person of my race succeed in a creative field outside of acting is the best part of this. I want to take my place in history just like he did. The artists I admire and the shows that inspired me all connect to the same goal. Whether it is the longevity of Scooby-Doo, the simplicity of Ub Iwerks, the composition of Akira Toriyama, or the legacy of Floyd Norman, they have all influenced the artist I am today and the animator I hope to become in the future.

What being a first-generation student means to me is having a fresh slate, but also a steeper climb. For many first-generation students, the college experience becomes more difficult from the application process to finding ways to pay for school. It can make someone appear unprepared, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Being first-generation means learning as you go and finding your own path forward. Being first-generation has also opened doors to opportunities and support systems, such as this scholarship and programs like CollegeCommunityCareer, which I am a part of. However, as the saying goes, "ignorance is bliss." To be honest, college was not something I seriously considered until my junior year of high school. From that point on, I was playing catch-up. I did not begin applying for scholarships until my senior year, but I have made it a goal, especially this summer, to apply for as many as possible through scholarship websites and CCC. Along with being a first-generation student, I am also a self-taught artist. I have often had to do my own research to learn the animation process, character design, and the skills needed to pursue my passion. While this may have put me behind some of my peers who had access to formal training, it did not destroy my resolve. Instead, it taught me how to be resourceful, disciplined, and committed to continuous learning. Because neither of my parents attended college, much of the process was unfamiliar. I had to learn about applications, financial aid, scholarships, and college planning largely on my own. Rather than letting that discourage me, I sought guidance, researched opportunities, and dedicated myself to learning everything I could. Those experiences taught me how to advocate for myself and take responsibility for my future. This scholarship would help because it does more than pay for college. It would reduce the debt I take on while pursuing my career goal of owning my own animation studio. In college, I plan to build connections, gain internship experience, and develop both my artistic skills and my understanding of the industry. The driving force behind this dream is hope. I want to create stories that give people hope and shine light in dark situations, just as animation has done for me. Through animation, I hope to inspire others, encourage them through difficult moments, and remind them that there is always something worth looking forward to.

My name is Paul Dorsey, and I am a recent high school graduate. My post-secondary plan is to attend Savannah College of Art and Design and pursue a career in animation. I am an African American and a self-taught artist with certifications in both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. I enjoy creating more than just drawings. I also enjoy writing and music, and I have always found that they work hand in hand with my goal of becoming an animator. Animation has been a passion of mine for years because I am fascinated by the creativity, effort, and storytelling that go into the process. It allows me to express my emotions, ideas, and values through my work. My values are simple: treat others the way you want to be treated, be respectful and kind, and always strive to be a good person. As a soft-spoken individual, I try to demonstrate these values through my actions. I am respectful, compassionate, and understanding toward others. My future goal is not simply to work in animation but to create stories that positively impact people. Animation has inspired me throughout my life, and I hope to do the same for others. I want to create films that bring hope, happiness, and comfort to those who watch them. I am not pursuing this career for fame or money. Instead, I want someone to watch something I created and leave with a smile on their face. To me, that is the greatest success an artist can achieve.

Creative writing and expression are vital to me because I am not a very outspoken person. I often struggle to find the right words or put my thoughts together in conversation. Writing gives me a way to express those thoughts clearly and meaningfully. It is also a form of release. Writing helps me calm down, organize my feelings, and communicate them in a respectful way that is often easier for me than speaking. I have always enjoyed comics and storytelling. They inspire dozens of ideas, whether they come from my own imagination or are influenced by media that I enjoy. Writing allows me to capture those ideas before they disappear and develop them into something larger. It gives me the opportunity to see characters, stories, and worlds take shape before I ever bring them to life through art. Writing has also played a major role in my creative growth. Many of the characters I draw today began as written concepts. As I developed their personalities, stories, and motivations, I became more invested in improving my artistic skills so I could bring them to life visually. Writing and art work together for me. The stories inspire the drawings, and the drawings help expand the stories. Outside of my personal characteristics, writing plays an important role in my career goals as well. Animation is the career path I have chosen, and writing is essential to the process. It serves as the foundation for planning, storytelling, and character development. Before an animation can be created, there must first be a story to tell. Writing can build a character just as much as, if not more than, a drawing can. A design may show what a character looks like, but writing reveals who they are. Through creative writing, I can portray personalities, emotions, motivations, and relationships. It allows me to create characters that feel believable and relatable rather than simply looking appealing. Writing helps bring life to the expressions and actions that audiences see on screen, making it one of the most important tools in animation. Outside of character creation, I also enjoy writing short stories and poems. They allow me to explore ideas, emotions, and experiences from different perspectives. Writing challenges me to think creatively while helping me better understand both myself and others. Writing for others is meaningful because it can be for anyone. Writing is a form of art and communication that reaches people in unique ways. Readers can find pieces of themselves in stories, poems, and characters. Even when they do not connect with my writing specifically, they may find that connection through another author's work. Stories have the power to comfort, inspire, entertain, and help people feel understood. In the future, I hope to use writing alongside art and animation to create stories that resonate with others. Whether through comics, animated projects, short stories, or poetry, I want to create work that encourages imagination and gives people characters and stories they can connect with. Creative writing is more than a hobby to me; it is a way to express myself, share ideas, and create meaningful connections with others.

My name is Paul Dorsey, and I am a recent high school graduate with a passion for creativity, storytelling, and service. During high school, I earned a service cord through community involvement and became Adobe Certified in both Photoshop and Illustrator. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, listening to music, writing my own stories, and creating music. These interests have helped shape my creativity and strengthened my desire to pursue a career in animation. Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by animation and the stories it can tell. What began as drawing comics and creating my own characters grew into a dream of becoming a professional animator, screenwriter, and eventually the owner of an animation studio. Since middle school, I have been developing my own characters. As my artistic skills improved, those characters evolved with me—from simple drawings into fully developed personalities and stories. Creating them pushed me to improve because I was not trying to imitate another artist's style or reach someone else's level; I was focused on becoming a better artist than I was the day before. Through this process, I learned not only how to draw but also how to tell meaningful stories. My family and community have played a major role in shaping who I am today. As one of six siblings, I have learned the value of perseverance, patience, and hard work. I am fortunate to have supportive parents who encouraged me to pursue my interests while teaching me important life lessons. My father challenges me to think critically and carefully consider the reasoning behind my choices, while my mother has shown me the importance of kindness, compassion, and helping others. Their guidance has influenced both my character and my goals for the future. My community has also helped me grow through volunteer opportunities that taught me the value of service and giving back to others. My educational journey has taught me independence and resilience. Freshman year was a major adjustment and taught me the importance of time management, self-discipline, and self-advocacy. Rather than waiting for others to identify my struggles, I learned to evaluate my own performance, seek help when needed, and take responsibility for my growth. Those lessons continue to help me improve as both a student and an artist. They have also taught me that growth comes through persistence and a willingness to learn from challenges. Looking ahead, I plan to earn a bachelor's degree in animation while gaining professional experience through internships and other opportunities. I also hope to study abroad because experiencing different cultures will broaden my perspective and strengthen my storytelling abilities. My ultimate goal is to establish my own animation studio and create films and series that inspire people to pursue their dreams, overcome challenges, and find hope during difficult times. I want my work to leave a positive impact on others and create opportunities for future artists to share their talents as well. Animation may seem like entertainment, but I believe it is one of the most powerful storytelling tools in the world, capable of encouraging people and bringing them together. Receiving this scholarship would help me take the next step toward those goals. As one of six children, I understand the financial commitment that higher education represents for my family. This scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to focus more fully on my education and artistic development. More importantly, it would be an investment in my ability to use creativity, storytelling, and service to positively impact my community and the world. Through hard work, continued learning, and dedication to my craft, I hope to honor that investment by creating meaningful stories that inspire others for years to come.

I plan to pursue a career in animation because I have always been fond of art, and animation specifically has always stood out to me. As I grew up, I became fascinated by the process and wanted to experience it for myself. It was not just one show that inspired me. The mysteries of Scooby-Doo, the antics of Tom and Jerry, and the worldbuilding of Sonic the Hedgehog all played a role in shaping my interest in animation. Each one showed me something different, yet they all shared the same ability to captivate audiences. Together, they taught me that there is no limit to what animation can achieve. Whether it is telling a compelling story, creating memorable characters, making people laugh, or building entirely new worlds, animation can bring almost any idea to life. As my interest grew, so did my desire to understand how animation was made. I found myself paying closer attention to character designs, movements, expressions, and storytelling. The more I learned, the more I wanted to improve my own abilities. What started as a simple interest in cartoons developed into a passion and eventually a career goal. My involvement in animation has impacted my mindset by keeping me open to exploring new ideas and researching different techniques and styles. It has given me the creativity to develop original concepts while drawing inspiration from the work of others. It has also led to my growth in character design. I first started by designing inanimate objects and animals, but over time I began focusing on improving my understanding of anatomy. This has further improved my art and allowed me to create more expressive and believable characters. Whenever I watch a cartoon, movie, or animated series, I find myself paying attention to how it was created and what makes it memorable. Animation has also taught me patience and persistence. Not every drawing turns out the way I envision it, and not every idea works the first time. However, the process of revising, practicing, and improving has helped me become a better artist. It has shown me that growth comes from dedication and a willingness to learn from mistakes. These lessons extend beyond art and have influenced how I approach challenges in other areas of my life. Most importantly, animation has given me a clear goal for the future. My dream is to become a professional animator and eventually open a studio of my own. I want the freedom to create original stories and characters that people can connect with. Just as animation inspired me growing up, I hope my work will inspire others in the future. Through animation, I have learned to think creatively, stay curious, and continue improving. It is more than just an art form to me—it is a passion that has shaped who I am and who I hope to become.

I plan to utilize my art by becoming a professional animator and eventually opening a studio of my own. Art and storytelling have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and animation gives me the opportunity to combine both passions into a career. Through education, professional experience, and dedication to my craft, I hope to build a future that is sustained by the stories I create. My long-term goal is to own an animation studio. Opening a studio of my own would give me creative freedom and the ability to make executive decisions about the projects I create. I would not have to rely entirely on corporate opinions or changing trends to determine what stories are worth telling. Instead, I could focus on creating meaningful films that reflect my values and connect with audiences. At the same time, owning a studio would allow me to support myself financially through the skills I have developed as an artist and storyteller. This goal matters to me because I understand how it feels to be in a seemingly hopeless situation. While my experiences cannot compare to those of others, they have taught me the importance of perseverance and support. Instead of dwelling on difficulties, I want to use the opportunities I have been given to help lift others up, just as my family and friends have done for me. I want someone to watch one of my films and carry its message with them long after it ends. I hope my stories encourage people to pursue their goals, embrace new opportunities, and find hope during difficult times. Education will play a major role in helping me achieve this vision. College will allow me to strengthen my skills in animation, storytelling, and design while learning from professionals who have experience in the industry. It will also provide opportunities for internships, networking, and collaboration with other artists. These experiences will help prepare me for a career in animation and give me the knowledge necessary to run a studio successfully. My desire to help others is reflected in my volunteer work. I have volunteered through my school, local churches, Lunches of Love, and Helping Hands. These experiences taught me that making a difference is not only about money but also about using your time, skills, and opportunities to help others. In the future, I hope to continue that mindset through both service and art. I would like to mentor aspiring artists who may not have had the same opportunities I have had and share the knowledge I gain throughout my career. Ultimately, I plan to use my art to sustain my future by building a career in animation, owning a studio, and creating stories that inspire others. Through creativity, education, and hard work, I hope to support myself while making a positive impact on the lives of others.

My name is Paul Dorsey. I am a kind and, most of the time, shy person who has always been connected to art. Ever since I was young, I have wanted to be a cartoonist. I started by drawing my own comics, and over time that passion grew into the dream of becoming an animator and one day owning a studio of my own. Opening my own studio would be my way of making a positive impact on the world. Everyone goes through difficult times, and cartoons were one of the ways I got through mine. I have always been fascinated by how animation can creatively portray messages, emotions, and stories in ways that stay with people long after they watch them. Seeing that inspired me to want to do the same through my own work. Growing up, animation was more than just entertainment to me. It was something I could always return to for comfort, inspiration, and creativity. Watching characters move with emotion and seeing stories unfold through drawings made me realize how powerful animation can be. It showed me how artists can create entire worlds from imagination while still telling stories that feel real and relatable. That inspired me not only to draw, but to create stories of my own that others can connect with. Even now, creating art feels like a way to express ideas and emotions that can sometimes be difficult to put into words. My goal is to create stories that inspire others to follow their dreams or simply uplift them during times when they need it most. I want my work to be something people can connect with, laugh with, or find comfort in. If a character, scene, or story I create can brighten someone’s day or help them feel understood, then I know I have done something meaningful. I also hope to help others who want to follow a similar path. I am willing to teach, encourage, and share what I learn with future artists and animators who are just starting out, the same way I once was. I believe creativity grows stronger when it is shared, and I want to contribute to a community where artists feel supported to keep creating. To me, animation is much more than moving pictures. It is storytelling. It is emotion. It is something that can connect generations through memories, humor, and shared experiences. Through my artistic pursuits, I hope to bring light into the world and brighten people’s days, just as animation has done for me.

Faith, to me, is a conviction. It is something you believe in that protects you and guides the risks you take in life. I believe faith is what keeps people moving forward when they are unsure of what will happen next. Without it, I don’t think people would take chances or grow as much as they do. In my life, faith is God. I believe He keeps me safe, places obstacles and stepping stones in my life, and uses both to help me grow into a better version of myself. Faith has played a big role in my academics. There have been times where I could have easily struggled or fallen behind in school because of challenges and pressure. But I believe faith kept me going through those moments. It also placed people in my life, like kind teachers, who genuinely wanted to see me do well. Their support helped me stay on track and pushed me to keep improving even when things felt difficult. Faith has also helped me believe in myself to a certain extent. I feel like if something I have never seen before can give me this drive for art, then I should not ignore it. Instead, I should follow it and build on it. That is one of the main reasons I am pursuing animation. It has been a pivotal part of my life, and I don’t plan to waste it or treat it like it does not matter. Animation gives me a way to express ideas and stories in a way that feels real to me. It has stayed with me for a long time, and it continues to push me toward wanting to get better at it. Because of that, I know I need to go to college to develop my skills and take it seriously. To me, faith is also belief. Belief is what makes people take risks, and risk is what leads to growth. College is a risk, but it is one I am willing to take because I want to better myself and improve my future. I don’t expect everything to be easy, but I do believe it will be worth it. In the end, faith is what keeps me grounded and moving forward. It affects how I see challenges, how I handle school, and how I think about my future. With faith in God, belief in myself, and the support I’ve had along the way, I am ready to continue my education and pursue animation with purpose.

High school has been a mix of highs and lows, but through all of it, my main goal has stayed the same: becoming a professional animator. From the beginning, I set high expectations for myself. I wanted strong grades, personal growth, and steady progress in my art. For a long time, I believed that meant doing everything perfectly at once. The most difficult period came during the later part of junior year and into senior year, when everything started piling up at the same time. Schoolwork became more demanding, personal responsibilities increased, and I also became more serious about improving my animation skills. Instead of one clear focus, I had multiple priorities competing for my attention every day. I tried to maintain perfect grades while also pushing my art forward, but eventually I started to fall behind in certain areas. It felt like I was constantly trying to catch up no matter how much I worked. At first, my strategy was simply to push harder. I would stay up longer, rush through assignments, and try to fix problems by putting in more hours. I thought discipline meant doing everything no matter how exhausted I was. However, that approach quickly stopped working. I became more tired, less focused, and less efficient. The harder I pushed without structure, the more overwhelmed I felt. That was when I had to change my approach. Instead of focusing only on effort, I started focusing on priorities and systems. I learned to identify what actually mattered most in the moment—important assignments, core grades, and intentional time for art practice. Not everything could receive the same level of attention, and accepting that helped me regain control of my workload. I also improved how I managed my time. I began using a more structured routine, setting aside specific blocks for schoolwork, animation practice, and rest. Even if the schedule wasn’t perfect every day, having a clear structure helped me stop wasting time deciding what to do next. It also ensured that I wasn’t ignoring my long-term goal of becoming an animator while trying to keep up with short-term responsibilities. Another important change was learning to communicate instead of struggling silently. When I was falling behind or unsure about deadlines, I started speaking up sooner rather than later. That included asking teachers for clarification or extra time when needed. Being honest about my situation didn’t make the workload disappear, but it made it more manageable and prevented small issues from becoming bigger setbacks. Through all of this, I also had to adjust my mindset. I stopped seeing success as perfection in every area and started seeing it as steady progress and consistency. I realized that growth does not come from doing everything at once, but from making intentional choices about where to focus your energy. In the end, the hardship taught me how to adapt when my original approach stopped working. I didn’t achieve my goal by simply working harder, but by learning how to work smarter—through prioritization, structure, communication, and a clearer understanding of what truly matters for my future in animation.

One of the most meaningful relationships in my life is with my father. He is more than a parent to me; he is my teacher for life. He constantly challenges how I think, how I make decisions, and how I understand myself. Through his guidance, I have developed stronger critical thinking skills, a deeper understanding of my background, and a clearer sense of my worth. Most importantly, he has shaped how I approach my goals as an artist and taught me that success requires both independence and the willingness to accept help. My father is a strong and disciplined man, both mentally and physically. He is not easily influenced by outside opinions and moves with intention in everything he does. From a young age, he made it clear that his goal was to help me avoid the mistakes he experienced and prepare me for challenges ahead. One of his most repeated lessons is simple but powerful: “listen, think, speak.” This shaped how I carry myself. It taught me to pause before reacting, analyze situations more carefully, and think before making decisions. A major part of his guidance is understanding the reason behind actions. Whenever I make a choice, he asks me why. At first, this felt like pressure, but over time I learned it was training me to think critically and take responsibility. If I cannot explain my reasoning, I am taught to reconsider. This mindset has built my self-discipline in school and life. It keeps me focused, helps me avoid peer pressure, and reinforces accountability as necessary for growth. Another key lesson is time management. He explained that how we use our time determines success or failure. To apply this, he encouraged planning each day, listing assignments, and using timers when needed. Over time, this became habit. I now use these strategies throughout high school, especially during wrestling season, where balancing school and tournaments requires structure. It has helped me stay consistent even under pressure. These lessons have shaped my character. They made me more responsible, respectful, and aware of how my actions affect my future. I understand that leadership is not just confidence, but also integrity, humility, patience, respect, and care. These values connect directly to my growth as an artist. In art, you must respect your craft, stay humble enough to learn, and have patience to improve. You also need integrity to ensure your work is original and meaningful. My father’s teachings helped me apply these traits beyond life and into creativity. His influence also helps me understand people better. It has made me more intentional in who I surround myself with. I stay around those who uplift me instead of falling for a facade. It has improved my communication skills and helped me build relationships more confidently. I’ve learned to choose friendships based on trust, consistency, and character rather than surface impressions. Because of this, I connect with others in a more genuine and thoughtful way. Because of his guidance, I have become dependable and focused among teachers, peers, and teammates. I carry myself with discipline that others recognize, which has supported my academic success and college journey. I’ve learned that progress does not come from waiting for opportunity, but from preparing for it. As I move into college to pursue animation, I know there is still more to learn. While I can develop skills independently, I also value structured learning, mentorship, and industry experience. College will give me access to professionals, internships, and opportunities to grow in a focused environment. These will prepare me for my long-term goal of opening my own animation studio. That studio will be my way of giving back. Animation has always been a source of comfort and inspiration for me during difficult times. It showed me the power of storytelling, and I want to create work that has the same impact. I hope to inspire others to pursue their goals, push through challenges, and find meaning in their experiences. I also want to support others entering animation, just as I was supported. My father’s influence continues to shape who I am. The lessons he taught are lasting principles I carry into every part of my life. As I move forward into college and beyond, I will use them to stay disciplined, grow as an artist, and use my work to inspire and uplift others.

Diverse representation in STEM careers is important because it encourages inclusion and helps create new ideas. Everyone should have the same chance to go into science, technology, engineering, and math. When people from different backgrounds are included, they feel more comfortable being themselves and sharing what they think. This can lead to better teamwork and better solutions to problems, especially when those problems affect many different types of people. Representation also matters because it can inspire younger people. When students see people who look like them in STEM careers, it makes them feel like they can do it too. Without that, some people might feel like those careers are not for them or that they won’t succeed. Having more diversity helps more students explore what they are interested in and build confidence in their abilities, which can lead to more people entering these fields. This idea of representation is something I have experienced personally. My goal is to major in animation because I think it is inspiring how animation can bring hope to people, and I want to do that too. Going to college will help me learn the skills and make connections so I can eventually open my own animation studio. I have had times where I doubted myself because I didn’t really see many animators, especially African American ones. That changed when I learned about Floyd Norman. He worked on movies like Tarzan, The Jungle Book, and 101 Dalmatians. Seeing that made me feel more confident and showed me that even if the chances are small, there is still a chance. It also made me realize how important it is for others to see people like them in these careers. I also want to show in my work that representation does not always have to be obvious. It can be more subtle but still meaningful and still have a strong impact on people watching. Diversity also helps with innovation. When people with different experiences work together, they come up with ideas that others might not think of. This can lead to better inventions and improvements that help more people. Diverse teams can also understand different communities better, which helps when solving real-world problems and making sure solutions actually work for everyone. This should go to show that diversity in STEM is important for progress. Without different perspectives, there would be fewer ideas and less creativity. By including people from all backgrounds, STEM careers can continue to grow and make a difference in the world.

My passion for animation started at a very early age. I can’t exactly remember where it began—whether it was watching Scooby-Doo and Tom & Jerry with my grandmother or my fascination with comics. One thing is certain: it stuck with me. The film that has had the greatest impact on my life is Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island. As a feature film in the Scooby-Doo franchise, the level of detail increased significantly compared to the show. This film stood out not only because of its story and appeal, but because it was the first time I truly started paying attention to detail in animation. Even now, I can still vividly imagine my favorite scenes. I first watched this movie on VHS, and I never forgot it. I kept coming back to it, eventually making it my favorite Scooby-Doo film. It stood out not just because of its attention to detail, but because of its twist on the usual formula. As the story continued, I realized even Velma, the most intelligent member of the group, didn’t immediately understand what was happening. I understood that if I wanted to follow the story, I had to really focus. That’s when I started noticing how unsettling the environment was. From crocodile-infested waters to a feral pig kept by a local fisherman, even the mansion where the gang stayed felt too close and eerie. The dark tone and atmosphere were a major shift from what I was used to. Usually, Scooby-Doo stories were light and predictable, but here the mystery felt more real and unpredictable. The story begins with the gang reuniting, with Daphne hosting a ghost-hunting style TV show. With Fred as her cameraman, the group travels to Louisiana, where their skills are truly tested. Fred’s leadership is pushed, Daphne’s intuition is challenged, Velma’s logic is strained, and Scooby and Shaggy remain consistent in their comedic roles while still facing real danger. I appreciated that the characters stayed true to themselves while being placed in a much higher-stakes situation. As the chaos unfolded, I began noticing the animation itself. Run cycles were no longer fully recycled like in the show. Instead, there were subtle changes—hands moved differently, hair flowed more naturally, and Fred’s movements looked smoother and more realistic. Even the background characters and environments felt more detailed and intentional. The zombies, with their slow movement and pale green skin, combined with the dark atmosphere, made some of the scenes genuinely creepy. These moments made me start thinking differently about animation. How were they able to make the same characters feel so different from the show? What exactly changed in the style and presentation? That curiosity pushed me to start paying closer attention to animated films in general. I began noticing character design choices, visual references, and how certain elements made characters stand out. Over time, I even started remembering and retelling stories more clearly. This experience gave me real inspiration as I began thinking about creating my own characters and developing my own storytelling style. It helped me realize that animation is not just entertainment—it is intentional, detailed, and carefully constructed. This is how Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island had the greatest impact on me. It changed the way I watch animation, strengthened my appreciation for storytelling and detail, and helped shape my goal of pursuing animation as a creative path.