Literature shapes us, expands our views, allows us to feel emotions for characters we will never meet, and transports us across the world and to distant planets without ever stepping out our doors. If reading can hold this much power and sway over our minds, I think it's crucial to seek out books that show us different perspectives and teach us empathy for others and their situations, but also warn us of the hazards humankind can bring. A book that I believe does this and more is Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. Shelly's gothic novel illustrates the dangers of fear, neglect, hubris, and the uncontrolled pursuit of knowledge. This book is an essential read due in part to its historic and transformational impact on literature that has credited Mary Shelly as the "mother of science fiction." In addition, it teaches audiences, especially young people, that willful ignorance and neglect will have grave consequences. We learn this by following Dr. Victor Frankensteins' storyline, but what we get from his monster is quite different. Through the text, we follow Frankenstien's monster as he experiences life for the first time. Readers can discern his most fundamental human instincts, namely curiosity and love. Although these are chipped away at throughout as from the start he is a constant target of cruelty and rejection by his creator and society, which in turn transforms him into the "monster" his creator feared. Yet when you finish the novel you have to sit there and contemplate who the real monster in the story was. Everyone should read this book because of its critical analysis of humanity and how the actions that define our humanity like fear and curiosity can be something so innocent that can turn detrimental. It's also an analysis of how we treat other people, how it affects them, and how it comes back around to us.

Being an artist has meant the world to me ever since I was a little kid. Art always brought me a sense of comfort and inspiration whether it was doodling or consuming content. It's always been a form of escapism for me, helping me and guiding me through tough times in my life. For me, illustrations, designs, and animation that move and inspire others are where I aim for in regards to my art. It is my hope and goal to one day earn the privilege of helping create the kinds of animated works that compel a young person to view a stranger in a kinder light or be more compassionate and accepting of themselves. The ability to share a story and have the possibility that it might change the course of someone’s life or provide them with a source of comfort, happiness, and inspiration is something I revere and do not take lightly. This is something that was also done for me as a kid with these animated stories, even now, and because of this, I know how important they can be. I still have much to learn in regards to animation and storytelling, but I hope that I will be able to achieve my goal and work on movies, shows, and maybe even my own stories that can reach my audience. Whether that be emotional, inspirational, or entertainment aspect.

I'm currently working towards my Bachelor’s Degree in both Animation and Graphic Design. My goal is to work in the animation industry as a storyboarder, and animator. I've known I’ve wanted to do this from a very young age. It is my hope and goal to one day earn the privilege of helping create the kinds of animated works that compel a young person to view a stranger in a kinder light or be more compassionate and accepting of themselves. The ability to share a story and have the possibility that it might change the course of someone’s life or provide them with a source of comfort, happiness, and inspiration is something I revere and do not take lightly. This is something that was also done for me as a kid with these animated stories, even now, and because of this, I know how important they can be. My major in Animation and Graphic Design will help me achieve my goals by helping me refine my skills and understanding of the methods and programs required in my field of study and career. I have 3.9-4.0 which I have worked hard to earn and maintain during a difficult (corrective spinal-fusion) post-surgery recovery period the past year and a pandemic. In light of this, this scholarship alleviates an incredible financial burden for myself and my family as a first-generation college student.