As someone studying Game Development and someone who hopes to continue that education, it’s not a surprise that I think highly of the technology we use to play games. Specifically, it is the realm of gaming consoles that sparks my inspiration for change. What captivates me most about games is their ability to serve as a powerful medium for conveying complex messages. They can transcend mere entertainment, offering a means to represent marginalized communities, educate individuals on historical events, and provide an outlet for processing personal challenges through immersive experiences. Gaming consoles, in themselves, are facilitators for engaging with this interactive media. Notably, as time progresses, these consoles become increasingly accessible, catering to a broader audience beyond casual gamers. This evolution in technology changes the gaming experience, allowing more individuals to explore the diverse narratives and creative expressions within the gaming realm. Yet, for many, the connection between gaming consoles and contributing to a better world might seem elusive. Differing views on what constitutes meaningful societal change add to this challenge. Games aren’t directly feeding the hungry or building homes for the unhoused, so they may not appear to address urgent global issues. Furthermore, persistent news reports linking video games to violence or questionable influences on children contribute to skepticism. However, it is crucial to recognize gaming consoles as tools—similar to the transformative impact of radio, television, and smartphones on past generations. These technologies, while offering avenues to access vital information and connect with others, also harbor downsides. They’re double-edged swords, capable of both providing life-changing content and potentially causing harm. What would we do without access to the news or the TV asking our parents if they knew where they’re child was once it got dark outside? When scrutinizing gaming consoles, the focus should shift toward the positive outcomes they generate. Through games, we have the potential to shape a generation that embraces kindness and acceptance, fosters representation for marginalized communities, and inspires individuals to pursue much-needed career paths like surgery or teaching. Gaming consoles, akin to their technological predecessors, have the power to be the next influential force shaping the mindset and values of the upcoming generation. In essence, by examining the positive impacts, we can appreciate how gaming consoles contribute to a world that is continually evolving and being shaped by the transformative influence of technology.

High school marked the start of my journey to self-discovery, and like many students, I entered with a vague idea of what I wanted to pursue. I’d only been interested in writing when I went in so I thought I’d become a writer. Eventually, however, my path shifted towards a passion for creating games. The blend of writing, art, and programming in Simulation & Game Development classes has not only helped me find what I’m passionate about but it’s fueled my creativity and determination to use my skills to help others feel represented. What drew me into game development was not just the technical aspect but the fusion of art and storytelling. In general, when I played games it was because of the story behind them. I’m most interested when a specific part of the story connects with me in some way. Like Astarion trying to break himself from Cazador’s influence in Baldur’s Gate 3 or Arthur Morgan and John Marston coming to grips with the fact they need to forge their own paths in Red Dead Redemption 2. The artistry in game development is about more than aesthetics; it's a dynamic canvas that sets the tone and evokes emotions, creating immersive experiences. As I delved into character design, environmental art, and animation, I discovered the power of visual aesthetics in making games memorable. My goal is to use art to represent a wide range of people, ensuring diverse characters and environments that resonate with players. The narrative element of game development has equally captivated me. Game storytelling is a unique blend of traditional techniques and interactive storytelling, challenging me to think critically about plot development, character arcs, and world-building. Writing scripts, dialogue, and overarching narratives, I found a profound appreciation for the synergy between storytelling and player engagement. My aspiration is to leverage this storytelling ability to tell complex stories that explore meaningful themes in engaging ways. Programming, the backbone of game development, emerged as the third pillar of my passion. Learning languages like C# and Python, I appreciated the logic and structure underpinning interactive worlds. Coding intricate game mechanics became an exciting puzzle to solve. Going into Visual Basic and coding in sound effects or random events that occur through gameplay can give the game life. My aim is to utilize programming not just for technical proficiency but as a means to weave inclusive narratives into the very fabric of the gaming experience. The fusion of art, storytelling, and programming has not only shaped my academic journey but has also influenced my personal growth. Overcoming programming challenges and refining artistic details has instilled perseverance, while the collaborative nature of game development has honed my teamwork and communication skills. Looking ahead, my passion for game development has solidified my career aspirations. I see myself contributing to the gaming industry by crafting experiences that captivate players and push the boundaries of creativity. My ultimate goal is to make games that represent a wide range of people and tell complex stories, using the dynamic nature of the field to continuously learn and innovate. With the help of this scholarship, I hope I can continue my education in a game development major that combines the different aspects of game development I love, or major in computer science while honing my other skills to embark on my next chapter and merge my computer science goals with my dreams of creating inclusive games that resonate with diverse audiences.

Marginalized communities, including women, people of color, disabled individuals, queer individuals, and those belonging to specific religions or ethnic groups, often find themselves relegated to the outskirts of societal considerations. Conversations about laws and rights that directly affect these communities seldom include their voices. When these discussions occur, outcomes tend to disproportionately impact them, often casting those fighting for their rights as adversaries. Addressing the myriad issues faced by these communities requires a collaborative effort involving individuals in diverse roles. Achieving a comprehensive solution would necessitate a substantial overhaul of societal structures. While completely eradicating these issues may be beyond our current scope, as John Lewis noted “Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.”, maintaining hope and optimism and persisting in the fight for what is just, whether for present or future generations, is imperative. As a marginalized person, I am personally motivated to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of marginalized individuals. Growing up experiencing bigotry and the legal erosion of my rights before turning 18 has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy for the struggles of others. Civil rights leaders emphasized that the pursuit of black liberation and black rights should not come at the expense of other communities. True equality necessitates actively uplifting all communities, just as we seek support for our own. But what does this have to do with a Game Development degree? Media has the power to influence society in many ways. We've seen it before with books: "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee shaped a whole generation’s perceptions of racism and moral integrity through a fictional character’s empathy towards another, "1984" by George Orwell influenced discussions about the dangers of unchecked power and how government outreach can inhibit others' freedoms, dissuading blind support for wars overseas. "The Handmaid’s Tale" by Margaret Atwood prompted conversations about women’s rights and reproductive rights. Black music like jazz and blues has been used for decades as a way to portray their struggle as they hit the mainstream. There are also examples in animation, comic books, movies, and shows. Everyone has examples of how some kind of media has influenced their perception of an issue or a group. My first experience of learning about themes like imperialism, nationalism, war, and genocide was through "Avatar: The Last Airbender." It was a kids' show that, through fictional nations, mirrored our own world in a way that children could understand. Video games are unique compared to other forms of media in that they allow you to experience and affect things through your actions. Video games provide the opportunity to reach even more people by allowing them to experience deep themes and representations of others interactively and engagingly. The code in games specifically opens up a new avenue to explore themes as well. Randomly scripted events to show a character’s habit or the situation around them– that’s done with code! Providing representation of marginalized groups and their issues in video games, like other forms of media, could help amplify their voices and increase widespread knowledge of the challenges they face. With more people knowledgeable about their struggles, it could influence laws and improve the ways we treat them. It may sound like a big task but with my creation of games not just the design but the programming as well, I’d be an essential cog in developing accurate representation. This scholarship could advance my computer science and game development education and empower me to make a positive impact on the world.

Marginalized communities, including women, people of color, disabled individuals, queer individuals, and those belonging to specific religions or ethnic groups, often find themselves relegated to the outskirts of societal considerations. Conversations about laws and rights that directly affect these communities seldom include their voices. When these discussions occur, outcomes tend to disproportionately impact them, often casting those fighting for their rights as adversaries. Addressing the myriad issues faced by these communities requires a collaborative effort involving individuals in diverse roles. Achieving a comprehensive solution would necessitate a substantial overhaul of societal structures. While completely eradicating these issues may be beyond our current scope, as John Lewis noted “Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.”, maintaining hope and optimism and persisting in the fight for what is just, whether for present or future generations, is imperative. As a marginalized person, I am personally motivated to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of marginalized individuals. Growing up experiencing bigotry and the legal erosion of my rights before turning 18 has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy for the struggles of others. Civil rights leaders emphasized that the pursuit of black liberation and black rights should not come at the expense of other communities. True equality necessitates actively uplifting all communities, just as we seek support for our own. But what does this have to do with a Game Arts and Sciences degree or even art in general? Media has the power to influence society in many ways. We've seen it before with books: "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee shaped a whole generation’s perceptions of racism and moral integrity through a fictional character’s empathy towards another, "1984" by George Orwell influenced discussions about the dangers of unchecked power and how government outreach can inhibit others' freedoms, dissuading blind support for wars overseas. "The Handmaid’s Tale" by Margaret Atwood prompted conversations about women’s rights and reproductive rights. Black music like jazz and blues has been used for decades as a way to portray their struggle as they hit the mainstream. There are also examples in animation, comic books, movies, and shows. Everyone has examples of how some kind of media has influenced their perception of an issue or a group. My first experience of learning about themes like imperialism, nationalism, war, and genocide was through "Avatar: The Last Airbender." It was a kids' show that, through fictional nations, mirrored our own world in a way that children could understand. Video games are unique compared to other forms of media in that they allow you to experience and affect things through your actions. Video games provide the opportunity to reach even more people by allowing them to experience deep themes and representations of others interactively and engagingly. Providing representation of marginalized groups and their issues in video games, like other forms of media, could help amplify their voices and increase widespread knowledge of the challenges they face. With more people knowledgeable about their struggles, it could influence laws and improve the ways we treat them. It may sound like a big task but with my art in games, I’d be an essential cog in developing accurate representation. So many of the characters we recognize are that way because a concept artist or character designer intentionally designed them to portray a message or tell a visual story. In some small way, this scholarship could advance my art education and empower me to make a positive impact on the world.

Marginalized communities, including women, people of color, disabled individuals, queer individuals, and those belonging to specific religions or ethnic groups, often find themselves relegated to the outskirts of societal considerations. Conversations about laws and rights that directly affect these communities seldom include their voices. When these discussions occur, outcomes tend to disproportionately impact them, often casting those fighting for their rights as adversaries. Addressing the myriad issues faced by these communities requires a collaborative effort involving individuals in diverse roles. Achieving a comprehensive solution would necessitate a substantial overhaul of societal structures. While completely eradicating these issues may be beyond our current scope, as John Lewis noted “Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.”, maintaining hope and optimism and persisting in the fight for what is just, whether for present or future generations, is imperative. As a marginalized person, I am personally motivated to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of marginalized individuals. Growing up experiencing bigotry and the legal erosion of my rights before turning 18 has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy for the struggles of others. Civil rights leaders emphasized that the pursuit of black liberation and black rights should not come at the expense of other communities. True equality necessitates actively uplifting all communities, just as we seek support for our own. But what does this have to do with a Game Arts and Sciences degree or even art in general? Media has the power to influence society in many ways. We've seen it before with books: "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee shaped a whole generation’s perceptions of racism and moral integrity through a fictional character’s empathy towards another, "1984" by George Orwell influenced discussions about the dangers of unchecked power and how government outreach can inhibit others' freedoms, dissuading blind support for wars overseas. "The Handmaid’s Tale" by Margaret Atwood prompted conversations about women’s rights and reproductive rights. Black music like jazz and blues has been used for decades as a way to portray their struggle as they hit the mainstream. There are also examples in animation, comic books, movies, and shows. Everyone has examples of how some kind of media has influenced their perception of an issue or a group. My first experience of learning about themes like imperialism, nationalism, war, and genocide was through "Avatar: The Last Airbender." It was a kids' show that, through fictional nations, mirrored our own world in a way that children could understand. Video games are unique compared to other forms of media in that they allow you to experience and affect things through your actions. Video games provide the opportunity to reach even more people by allowing them to experience deep themes and representations of others interactively and engagingly. Providing representation of marginalized groups and their issues in video games, like other forms of media, could help amplify their voices and increase widespread knowledge of the challenges they face. With more people knowledgeable about their struggles, it could influence laws and improve the ways we treat them. It may sound like a big task but with my art in games, I’d be an essential cog in developing accurate representation. So many of the characters we recognize are that way because a concept artist or character designer intentionally designed them to portray a message or tell a visual story. In some small way, this scholarship could advance my art education and empower me to make a positive impact on the world.

Art permeates every aspect of our lives, from the intricacies of the chair you're seated on, a frame in a movie, or the character design of a video game protagonist. What captivates me most about art is its ability to tell a novel’s worth of story within a single character design. From my elementary days, when I would sit alone during recess to sketch character portraits and invent imaginary worlds, I've been enamored with character design. Character design holds the transformative power to shape societal perceptions, provide representation for marginalized groups, and articulate complex themes. So much media would change if we removed their great character design. Imagine, for instance, if Scar from "The Lion King" were replaced by a big round penguin – undoubtedly, numerous questions would arise. Scar's dark colors contrast the bright, fiery orange hues of the protagonists, he has sharp angles warning against any contact with him in contrast to Mufasa's imposing figure, symbolizing a protective force ready to defend his child. Scar's lanky, somewhat starved appearance could perhaps portray him as frail and helpless, intensifying the impact of Mufasa's demise, or indicating his insatiable hunger for power. These choices portray his villainy without deviating from the established rules of the movie’s logic. Instead of explicitly stating Scar's outsider status within the pride, his design speaks volumes, highlighting his stark contrast with the others. In 2020, I got my first drawing tablet with a singular goal – to pursue a career as a video game concept artist. I enrolled in Vernon Malone College and Career Academy, where I am currently dual-enrolled in the Simulation & Game Development program. This experience has deepened my passion for art, particularly in the digital realm. Through classes, I learned Photoshop and Subtance Painter, delved into design principles and color theory, and explored how framing in movies and shows constructs compelling narratives. We applied our skills to the context of games by making characters, assets, and scenes. Art in games and character design art are mediums I hope to strengthen with further education so I can pursue a promising career in concept art. From the moment I first picked up a pencil, art has been more than a hobby for me—it's been a transformative journey that has shaped not only my creative expression but also my aspirations. From sketching imaginary worlds during elementary school recess to mastering digital tools like Photoshop and Adobe Substance Painter, my artistic journey has been an evolving narrative marked by a fervent love for storytelling through visual art. I am not merely choosing a path in the arts but dedicating myself to it with unwavering passion and purpose. This scholarship would enable me to afford the education I need, providing the necessary training to become a concept artist. It will equip me with the skills to craft compelling and well-thought-out designs in the digital realm.

Art permeates every aspect of our lives, from the intricacies of the chair you're seated on, a frame in a movie, or the character design of a video game protagonist. What captivates me most about art is its ability to tell a novel’s worth of story within a single character design. From my elementary days, when I would sit alone during recess to sketch character portraits and invent imaginary worlds, I've been enamored with character design. Character design holds the transformative power to shape societal perceptions, provide representation for marginalized groups, and articulate complex themes. So much media would change if we removed their great character design. Imagine, for instance, if Scar from "The Lion King" were replaced by a big round penguin – undoubtedly, numerous questions would arise. Scar's dark colors contrast the bright, fiery orange hues of the protagonists, he has sharp angles warning against any contact with him in contrast to Mufasa's imposing figure, symbolizing a protective force ready to defend his child. Scar's lanky, somewhat starved appearance could perhaps portray him as frail and helpless, intensifying the impact of Mufasa's demise, or indicating his insatiable hunger for power. These choices portray his villainy without deviating from the established rules of the movie’s logic. Instead of explicitly stating Scar's outsider status within the pride, his design speaks volumes, highlighting his stark contrast with the others. This process is exactly why I started drawing and pursuing knowledge in character design, so I could make stories and portray concepts on my own. In 2020, I got my first drawing tablet with a singular goal – to pursue a career as a video game concept artist. I enrolled in Vernon Malone College and Career Academy, where I am currently dual-enrolled in the Simulation & Game Development program. This experience has deepened my passion for art, particularly in the digital realm. Through classes, I learned Photoshop and Subtance Painter, delved into design principles and color theory, and explored how framing in movies and shows constructs compelling narratives. We applied our skills to the context of games by making characters, assets, and scenes. Art in games and character design art are mediums I hope to strengthen with further education so I can pursue a promising career in concept art. From the moment I first picked up a pencil, art has been more than a hobby for me—it's been a transformative journey that has shaped not only my creative expression but also my aspirations. From sketching imaginary worlds during elementary school recess to mastering digital tools like Photoshop and Adobe Substance Painter, my artistic journey has been an evolving narrative marked by a fervent love for storytelling through visual art. I am not merely choosing a path in the arts but dedicating myself to it with unwavering passion and purpose. This scholarship would enable me to afford the education I need, providing the necessary training to become a concept artist. It will equip me with the skills to craft compelling and well-thought-out designs in the digital realm.

Art permeates every aspect of our lives, from the intricacies of the chair you're seated on, a frame in a movie, or the character design of a video game protagonist. What captivates me most about art is its ability to tell a novel’s worth of story within a single character design. From my elementary days, when I would sit alone during recess to sketch character portraits and invent imaginary worlds, I've been enamored with character design. Character design holds the transformative power to shape societal perceptions, provide representation for marginalized groups, and articulate complex themes. So much media would change if we removed their great character design. Imagine, for instance, if Scar from "The Lion King" were replaced by a fluffy penguin – undoubtedly, numerous questions would arise. Scar's dark colors contrast the bright, fiery orange hues of the protagonists, he has sharp angles warning against any contact with him in contrast to Mufasa's imposing figure, symbolizing a protective force ready to defend his child. Scar's lanky, somewhat starved appearance could perhaps portray him as frail and helpless, intensifying the impact of Mufasa's demise, or indicating his insatiable hunger for power. These choices portray his villainy without deviating from the established rules of the movie’s logic. Instead of explicitly stating Scar's outsider status within the pride, his design speaks volumes, highlighting his stark contrast with the others. In 2020, I got my first drawing tablet with a singular goal – to pursue a career as a video game concept artist. I enrolled in Vernon Malone College and Career Academy, where I am currently dual-enrolled in the Simulation & Game Development program. This experience has deepened my passion for art, particularly in the digital realm. Through classes, I learned Photoshop and Subtance Painter, delved into design principles and color theory, and explored how framing in movies and shows constructs compelling narratives. We applied our skills to the context of games by making characters, assets, and scenes. Digital art, for me, offers boundless possibilities. I can apply design principles with an almost unlimited scope, accessing any color imaginable without the need for expensive paints or markers. The array of tools streamlines almost every process that artists have needlessly labored over for years. Want to make a logo? Use the shape and pen tools! Want to accentuate the blues and purples in your drawing? You could use a gradient map or a color map and adjust the colors! Additionally, creating the things needed for games like assets would be impossible without computers. Those are things I learned from my classes and YouTube but with an art education who knows what else I could learn, whether that be mastery in the program or design skills like painting and clay modeling that I could use to understand the forms and application of colors in the designs I hope to create. From the moment I first picked up a pencil, art has been more than a hobby for me—it's been a transformative journey that has shaped not only my creative expression but also my aspirations. From sketching imaginary worlds during elementary school recess to mastering digital tools like Photoshop and Adobe Substance Painter, my artistic journey has been an evolving narrative marked by a fervent love for storytelling through visual art. I am not merely choosing a path in the arts but dedicating myself to it with unwavering passion and purpose. This scholarship would enable me to afford the education I need, providing the necessary training to become a concept artist. It will equip me with the skills to craft compelling designs in the digital realm.

Art permeates every aspect of our lives, from the intricacies of the chair you're seated on, a frame in a movie, or the character design of a video game protagonist. What captivates me most about visual art is its ability to tell a novel’s worth of story within a single character design. From my elementary days, when I would sit alone during recess to sketch character portraits and invent imaginary worlds, I've been enamored with character design. Character design holds the transformative power to shape societal perceptions, provide representation for marginalized groups, and articulate complex themes. So much media would change if we removed their great character design. Imagine, for instance, if Scar from "The Lion King" were replaced by a big penguin – undoubtedly, numerous questions would arise. Scar's dark colors contrast the bright, fiery orange hues of the protagonists, he has sharp angles warning against any contact with him in contrast to Mufasa's imposing figure, symbolizing a protective force ready to defend his child. Scar's lanky, somewhat starved appearance could perhaps portray him as frail and helpless, intensifying the impact of Mufasa's demise, or indicating his insatiable hunger for power. These choices portray his villainy without deviating from the established rules of the movie’s logic. Instead of explicitly stating Scar's outsider status within the pride, his design speaks volumes, highlighting his stark contrast with the others. Character stories and their visual portrayal fuel my passion to improve my artistic skills, and pursue becoming a game concept artist. Unfortunately, obtaining a degree specializing in game art is not widely accessible, especially for someone like me from a low-income household. Scholarships like this for aspiring artists in my position would significantly aid in realizing my dream and alleviate a considerable burden on my mother, who has tirelessly supported my aspirations.

Video games have always provided me with profound comfort and inspiration. The stories woven into narrative-driven games have evoked a whirlwind of emotions, from tearful moments like Misfortune's understanding of her death in “Little Misfortune” to the shocking revelation of Sunny's isolation in “Omori,” burdened by the trauma of his sister's death. These games serve as mirrors reflecting my own life. During a period when I lacked motivation and relied on external validation, “Red Dead Redemption 2” showed me that it was never too late to pursue passions and break free from harmful cycles. “The Last of Us 2” taught me that dwelling on the past and futilely correcting mistakes only leads to more pain, prompting me to live more in the present and allow myself to make mistakes. Each game I've played has left an everlasting mark, altering my perspective and enriching my empathy. Video games, as an art form, blend the deep narratives of books and movies with interactive experiences, enabling me to immerse myself in the characters' shoes. This unique quality fuels my desire to share this connection with others. Despite the rich storytelling in games, representation from my community is scarce. As a black girl, societal pressures often confine individuals to stereotypes, such as the image of the poor pregnant teen, expecting us to be a Claudette Colvin rather than Rosa Parks. When others dropped out of school, I persevered, not just for my future but to defy society’s expectations and succeed. I know many others share this experience, yet it's rarely reflected in the media. Society’s standards shape us and our experiences, a reality that must be understood for true representation. Majoring in Game Development in college is my avenue to share these experiences. I’ve worked hard to be resilient in my determination to achieve my dream of sharing our stories. My dual-enrollment experience in Simulation and Game Design has equipped me with a solid foundation in the technical, artistic, business, and storytelling aspects of gaming. I am committed to refining my skills to share my community's stories in compelling and lucrative ways. My dream is not only to become a game designer but also to contribute to crafting impactful narratives, assisting in the game design process, and shaping the next generation of compelling story-driven games that represent my community authentically. With any amount of scholarship money it pushes me toward my goal of completing my 4 year education and in doing that, start on my plan of uplifting my community through my work. Uplifting underrepresented communities transcends storytelling; it demands breaking barriers to education. Many teenagers believe their dream majors are unattainable, leading them into unfulfilling careers due to financial constraints. Conversations about student loans and soaring education costs create a daunting hurdle, especially for those in underprivileged communities. Even I faced discouragement when searching for colleges offering game development majors near me, with high prices and little financial support. Inspired by my aunt, who established a local scholarship for theater majors in the name of my late uncle, I plan to mentor, provide scholarships, and break down barriers to education, one step at a time. I want to make quality education accessible to all, ensuring that nobody feels left behind, and that our stories aren’t just made for our people but by our people. My journey will be one of resilience, echoing my community's strength. By illuminating the path to education, I aspire to kindle the same tenacity in others, forging a future where dreams are boundless. Regardless of background, every individual should have the opportunity to script their own story of success.

Video games have always provided me with profound comfort and inspiration. The stories woven into narrative-driven games have evoked a whirlwind of emotions, from tearful moments like Misfortune's understanding of her death in “Little Misfortune” to the shocking revelation of Sunny's isolation in “Omori,” burdened by the trauma of his sister's death. These games serve as mirrors reflecting my own life. During a period when I lacked motivation and relied on external validation, “Red Dead Redemption 2” showed me that it was never too late to pursue passions and break free from harmful cycles. “The Last of Us 2” taught me that dwelling on the past and futilely correcting mistakes only leads to more pain, prompting me to live more in the present and allow myself to make mistakes. Each game I've played has left an everlasting mark, altering my perspective and enriching my empathy. Video games, as an art form, blend the deep narratives of books and movies with interactive experiences, enabling me to immerse myself in the characters' shoes. This unique quality fuels my desire to share this connection with others. Despite the rich storytelling in games, representation from my community is scarce. As a black girl, societal pressures often confine individuals to stereotypes, such as the image of the poor pregnant teen, expecting us to be a Claudette Colvin rather than a Rosa Parks. When others dropped out of school, I persevered, not just for my future but to defy society’s expectations and succeed. I know many others share this experience, yet it's rarely reflected in the media. Society’s standards shape us and our experiences, a reality that must be understood for true representation. Majoring in Game Development in college is my avenue to share these experiences. I’ve worked hard to be resilient in my determination to achieve my dream of sharing our stories. My dual-enrollment experience in Simulation and Game Design has equipped me with a solid foundation in the technical, artistic, business, and storytelling aspects of gaming. I am committed to refining my skills to share my community's stories in compelling and lucrative ways. My dream is not only to become a game designer but also to contribute to crafting impactful narratives, assisting in the game design process, and shaping the next generation of compelling story-driven games that represent my community authentically. Uplifting underrepresented communities transcends storytelling; it demands breaking barriers to education. Many teenagers believe their dream majors are unattainable, leading them into unfulfilling careers due to financial constraints. Conversations about student loans and soaring education costs create a daunting hurdle, especially for those in underprivileged communities. Even I faced discouragement when searching for colleges offering game development majors near me, with high prices and little financial support. Inspired by my aunt, who established a local scholarship for theater majors in the name of my late uncle, I plan to mentor, provide scholarships, and break down barriers to education, one step at a time. I aim to make quality education accessible to all, ensuring that nobody feels left behind, and that our stories aren’t just made for our people but by our people. My journey is a symphony of resilience, echoing my community's strength. By illuminating the path to education, I aspire to kindle the same tenacity in others, forging a future where dreams are boundless. Regardless of background, every individual should have the opportunity to script their own story of success.

My passion for art may have had an unconventional origin—jealousy. It all started with a childhood friend in elementary school who had a knack for doodling. I was fascinated by her traced pictures of Pokemon, finding them far more captivating than the works displayed at my local art museum. Determined to prove myself, I embarked on a journey to learn how to draw. Admittedly, the "How to Draw" Manga books I initially picked up were not the best starting point. Nonetheless, those awkwardly colored pencil drawings I created at the tender age of eight laid the foundation for my development as an artist. Enduring the "ugly" phases of my artistic growth became a personal connection I shared with Claude Monet, my favorite artist. While Monet's art never seemed to experience such awkward stages, his unwavering perseverance and ability to endure hard times resonated deeply with me. Despite gradually losing his sight, he continued to paint his garden, producing over 250 pieces for his Water Lilies collection. Similarly, during my early encounters with art, I faced the diagnosis of epilepsy. Although I hesitate to label it as "perseverance," in a way, that's precisely what it was. Art became my refuge, providing stability and grounding amidst the disruptions caused by seizures. Years before I encountered my first Monet masterpiece in a museum, I, too, repetitively drew the same subject numerous times, uncertain if I would be able to do so for years to come. My artistic endeavors might have involved uncolored Goku sketches on printer paper, but discovering Monet's story later on prompted me to reflect on my own artistic journey with a mixture of embarrassment and kinship. Something about having that type of connection with an artist drove me further down the rabbit hole of self-taught art. From that moment on I begged for sketchbooks, alcohol markers, and a drawing tablet. I watched hundreds of thousands of art tutorials. I worked hard until I was positive I’d gotten to the point where I could translate what was in my head onto paper. My aspiration does not lie in seeing my works showcased in museums like Monet's, or even in being a painter or traditional artist. Instead, by pursuing a degree in Game Arts, I hope to evoke in others the same sense of connection I felt with Monet. Through the stories I tell through my art and the games I create, I aspire to form an emotional bond with my audience, allowing people to experience a kinship that transcends time and place. If my personal experience can encourage someone else to pursue their interests or get them through hard times, my goal will have been reached.

I believe I should be strongly considered for the Samuel D. Hartley scholarship due to my exceptional initiative and financial need. Similarly to Mr. Hartley's dedication to his community, I have actively engaged in various leadership roles and community service activities. As the president of Future Business Leaders of America and a member of my Student Council, I have taken the initiative to organize impactful events such as food drives and thank you notes for local emergency responders. These experiences have not only allowed me to contribute positively to my community but have also helped me develop strong organizational and leadership skills. Furthermore, I have displayed my determination and commitment through my participation in the Southeast Raleigh High School women's varsity golf team. Despite my school not offering a golf program, I eagerly pursued my passion for the sport. Recognizing the obstacles, including distance and financial constraints, I overcame these challenges by independently purchasing a used set of clubs for $300, utilizing funds I earned from part-time work. Additionally, I diligently arranged a transportation schedule, relying on different family members to pick me up from practice at a golf course located nearly 45 minutes away from my home. This demonstrates my unwavering dedication and willingness to go the extra mile to pursue my goals. Considering my demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness, I strongly believe that the Samuel D. Hartley scholarship would be invaluable in supporting my academic journey. As a first-generation college student, the financial assistance would greatly alleviate the burden of student loans. My family's annual income of less than $40,000 underscores the significant financial need I face in pursuing higher education. This in tandem with my dream degree in game design only having one in-state option will mean college costs will be especially high for a 4 year. Receiving this scholarship would not only acknowledge my achievements and perseverance but also provide me with the necessary financial support to continue my education. It would enable me to focus on my studies, explore new opportunities, and contribute positively to society. With a deep appreciation for the value of education and a strong desire to make a difference, I am committed to utilizing this scholarship to its fullest potential and ultimately giving back to my community. In conclusion, I humbly request your consideration for the Samuel D. Hartley scholarship. My demonstrated initiative, commitment to community service, and financial need make me a deserving candidate for this esteemed award. With your support, I will be able to pursue my educational aspirations, break barriers as a first-generation college student, and make a lasting impact in the world.