I am a first generation graduate with my BFA in Acting & I’m going to change the world! My name is Mariah, and I’m so proud of myself for my achievements so far. I’m currently applying for this scholarship from a hotel lobby in New Jersey, a new place for me among many this year so far. I am incredibly grateful in this moment for the opportunities that the world (and hard work) has done for me. I am on a national tour of a play called Cenicienta produced by Glass Half Full Theater (based in Austin, TX- this wonderful city where I did my undergrad). It’s a bilingual Cinderella story made for souls of all ages and backgrounds. I have been to 7 different states so far sharing my second language and culture with children and adults who maybe have never even heard Spanish on stage! Let alone characters that reflect their own families and communities. My favorite part of this tour has been the talk backs. I love hearing what students related to and especially being able to answer questions in Spanish. I become overwhelmed with gratitude that I have been given this opportunity. My director, Caroline Wreck, who also co-wrote the show, was my professor in my undergrad and quickly became one of my favorite professors to learn from. She hired me for the job and I am the third Belinda to tour the show! Her storytelling and compassion as an artist has inspired me to continue to continue this kind of work once I complete my tour. The entire part of where I’ve been traveling all over the U.S. and meeting different creatives has been quite the inspiration as well. I have great ideas for more family theater with puppetry, dancing, singing, acting, and SPANISH! I just need funds to produce this beautiful work. Although my degree encompasses the wonderful training I received at St. Edward’s University, it was expensive. I was happy to receive scholarships for my academic standing in high school but it wasn’t enough. I come from humble beginnings and have bared witness to the fruition in success my parents have achieved over the years without even having college degrees! I’m so proud of them and I want them to continue to be proud of me. The career path I chose isn’t one for big money or immediate success. I have to be patient and plant seeds that need all the water and sunshine available. I’m okay with waiting on that success, but the faster I can unburden myself with school loans, the faster I can put all of my resources into my art and helping young and old minds see themselves on stage, sharing the unique memory of live theatre. Thank you!

I had an acting professor once tell me that if I can see myself doing anything else to make money, do that instead. I would be doing myself a disservice if I sacrificed a "normal" life to act. At the time I was a freshman and thought I wouldn't be good enough because I could 100% go into sales and marketing like my Dad and be great at it, but today I completely disagree with her. I want to make a living out of my passion as opposed to making money. Acting is already making me the happiest person in the world and I have piling medical bills, credit cards, and a waning credit score as I transition into an adult life. Yet, finding community in a theater and experiencing the build up five minutes before a show starts is the most exhilarating feeling I never want to live without. It has been a challenge exploring the arts and growing up in a Mexican household. My college courses today are all about opening up and having the strength to be vulnerable. I can't imagine the judgement I would receive if I went home crying to my parents about the great, emotional work I did in class (it's a blessing in disguise I go to school three hours away). When I am creating art, I am in a free zone where whoever I am and however I feel is accepted, not rejected. I need to continue doing this work to influence generations after me that the tough callous on our hands does not have to represent who we are as people. I want to reach my parents and grandparents and many others with entertainment as a device to inspire them to break out of their stoic statue for just a moment. Maybe they can experience that "five minute before a show" build up and invite their fears to be a part of them. I love sharing my experiences, stories, and knowledge. Sharing makes for great relationships and fantastic show ideas! Sharing with my family is always eye-opening because their life outlooks offer up more material to discover. Having a career in the arts is important to me because it means that maybe my brother will have a career in the arts or my cousin. Maybe one day my Abuelo's love story will inspire a play or characters. A career is so much more about making money, it's about making a living and what I want to do in my life matters.