Who says neckties are just an accessory! My MASHUP creation comes from my passion and creative expression of sewing and fashion. When I design clothing pieces, I always strive for sustainability and to give new life to old clothing. I want to create a sustainable cycle of clothing production, utilizing existing materials to create something new. This mashup inspiration came from my dad giving me all of his old neckties, as he no longer wears them for work. Rather than throwing them out, I took on the creative challenge by Mad Genius to create a MASHUP of my own. From the MASHUP challenge, I made a one-of-a-kind piece that always turns heads. This creation started with material, and from it came design, a part of my sewing process I often enjoy when using second-hand materials and clothing. Once I acquired the neckties, I thought about what I look for in clothing. I enjoy movement or a story, so I decided to create a skirt that replicates the classic pleated skirt, but updated. The overlapping ties create movement when worn and mimic the look of a timeless plaid pleated skirt. Each tie was placed based on color, pattern, and size, then hand sewn together one stitch at a time. Every item used to make my MASHUP was recycled from something else; the skirt itself and waistband are neckties, the buttons and zipper closure on the skirt came from an old pair of pants. This fashion creation quite literally TIES into the theme MASHUP given by Mad Genius by showing clothing pieces don’t have to serve one purpose. Clothing and fashion should fit the individual rather than the individual fitting it. To me, MASHUP is about thinking outside the box and not following rules, but expressing creative individuality and freedom. My tie skirt shows fashion doesn’t have to be one thing; make it what you want. I believe clothing and fashion are tools to express oneself. I challenge myself to see different uses for clothing than what we are told. Who says I can’t wear ties as a skirt!

I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue a career that combines my love for the arts with my passion for helping others and making a broader impact. This career path is architecture. As I enter my graduate year at the University of Kansas, I reflect on my time as a student and the experiences I’ve gained. I have had the privilege of assisting two local non-profit organizations in Lawrence, Kansas, through architectural construction projects. This is an experience I hope to continue in my professional career as an architect working in the field of construction. During my studies, I gained hands-on experience in construction, which was challenging but incredibly rewarding. I witnessed firsthand the positive impact my work had on the community. In my third and fourth years, I collaborated with fellow students to design and build a small home for a non-profit organization called Tenants to Homeowners. This project was specifically designed for individuals struggling with mental health issues and housing security. The mission of Tenants to Homeowners is to help people transition out of homelessness, providing recovery support and services to maintain stable housing and break the cycle of addiction. As I look forward to my career in architecture, I am committed to working closely with others in both design and construction. My goal is to shape a future that uplifts and supports those in need, particularly individuals who are often overlooked by society. Construction can be much more than simply building what is provided by others; it can create opportunities within the community. I aim to explore manufacturing and construction techniques that are more affordable and accessible for those on tight budgets, without focusing on profit. I want my future career in construction and architecture to focus on affordable housing. The scholarship provided by Eldorado Tools would greatly assist me in pursuing my degree in architecture and construction. It would enable me to complete my studies and enter the workforce, allowing me to create positive change in the housing industry and promote a more sustainable future for affordable housing. This is especially important as I enter the job market during a time of inflation, rising debt, and economic struggle for many Americans. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to enter the professional field of construction. I believe this industry offers a dynamic environment where I can grow and develop my skills. I'm eager to embark on this journey and contribute to meaningful projects while building a successful future career.

Dance has always been my outlet, my passion, and a significant part of my life as I grew up. I always dreamed of seeing a Broadway show and watching my hopes and dreams come to life on stage. I was fortunate enough to experience this when I saw the production of Wicked. The set, the stage, and the cast were absolutely amazing. I found myself in tears during the opening number and many times throughout the show, overwhelmed with joy at the opportunity to witness it live. Seeing Wicked perform was a memory I will cherish forever. The production surpassed my wildest expectations and reminded me of the magic of the arts. As I mentioned, I grew up dancing; it was my passion from the age of three until I was twenty. I evolved from dancing for fun to competing, then becoming a professional and eventually a teacher. My connection to Wicked goes beyond just the musical and the movie. The soundtrack was a significant part of my childhood and served as a way for me to release stress. During my competitive dance years, I performed a duet to the song "What Is This Feeling" from Wicked. Though it has been ten years since that dance, the choreography and the joy I felt during the dance remain vivid in my memory. It was a challenging routine that taught me a lot about myself, and I continue to apply the perseverance I developed through dance, specifically my dance from Wicked, to my college studies today. Seeing the musical live, along with the opportunity to watch the movie version, feels like a full-circle moment in my arts and performance journey. As I’ve grown and discovered more about myself, my connection to Wicked has continued to evolve and flourish. As a queer individual in an area where representation was often lacking, this musical has impacted me in ways I didn't fully understand as a child. The themes of hidden queerness within the musical and the message of embracing one's true self resonate deeply with me and are incredibly meaningful, and I love how Wicked is an ever-involving piece with connections to every part of my life, from my passions of dance to seeing amazing performances, and the messages of queerness and being yourself. Having the chance to see the new movie of Wicked in theaters was amazing. I got to see it with my girlfriend and felt as those I was reliving the feeling of seeing the live Broadway show. The movie brought me to tears many times. I cannot wait for part two to be released soon this year, as this show is more than just a show for me, but a safe place where I was able to grow into myself and see myself in many characters in the cast on levels beyond performing arts. If anything, this essay is a personal love letter to the musical for what it has gotten me through, taught me, and helped me to feel courageous in being myself. I will forever hold Wicked in a special place in my heart. To this day, if I'm struggling with my depression or anxiety or stressors of life, I can listen to the soundtrack and feel at home and feel like myself, a feeling that can sometimes get. lost being a young adult stepping into the world full of expectations and harsh realities. Thank you to Wicked, as it is more than just a movie musical to me; it brings joy and magic beyond words.