Growing up, the church was always more than just a place I went on Sundays—it was the heart of my community, my family, and my identity. From the moment I could sing, I was drawn to the worship team, not just because I loved music, but because I saw how music could bring people together, heal hearts, and create a space where everyone felt safe and valued. Attending the same small church in Las Vegas, Meadows Fellowship became my second home. I wasn’t just a member; I was part of a family of mentors and leaders who invested in me. Over time, I began serving on the youth worship team, helping younger kids, and eventually leading songs during Sunday services. Through these experiences, I realized God had given me more than a passion for music—I was called to use my gifts to serve and uplift others. One moment I will never forget was leading worship at a youth event. As I sang, I looked out at the crowd and felt a deep connection, not about being perfect, but about creating a space where people could feel seen, heard, and loved. That night, I understood my purpose wasn’t only to perform but to build community and inspire others through the arts. This calling inspired my dream of opening a studio where I can teach children the arts—singing, acting, and dancing—especially those from communities like mine, who often lack access to arts education. I want my studio to be a safe and welcoming place where children can build confidence, discover their talents, and feel a sense of belonging. Just as my church has been a home for me, I want my studio to be a home for others—a place where creativity and faith intersect. Being Latina deeply influences this dream. I want to celebrate our culture and heritage through the arts and show young people that their backgrounds are strengths, not barriers. I believe that through teaching and mentorship, I can help empower the next generation to reach their full potential. Growing up in the church shaped how I see myself—as a leader, a supporter, and a servant—and shaped my view of the world as a place that needs more love, connection, and opportunity. It also showed me the power of community and faith to transform lives. This scholarship would help me pursue my education and take steps toward opening my studio, where I can give back to my community by teaching the arts and nurturing young hearts and minds. It would bring me closer to fulfilling a purpose rooted in faith, culture, and service.

I have been a fan of Sabrina Carpenter for several years, and what draws me most to her is how she has rebranded herself as the true theater kid she is—someone who seamlessly blends storytelling, music, and performance. Sabrina’s career has inspired me not only as a fan of her music but also as someone passionate about musical theater and creative expression. Her evolution as an artist encourages me to embrace my own identity as a performer and storyteller. Sabrina began her career as a Disney Channel star, gaining popularity for both acting and singing. Over time, she has transformed her image, moving beyond the typical pop star mold. What sets Sabrina apart is her commitment to storytelling through her music videos. Instead of just dance routines or flashy visuals, she tells short, meaningful stories filled with depth and clever pop culture references that make her work relatable and thought-provoking. A perfect example is her song and music video “Manchild.” The song humorously critiques an ex-boyfriend’s immaturity, focusing on the frustrating experience of dealing with immature men. In the video, Sabrina hitchhikes across the American West, encountering a series of quirky and incompetent male characters, visually bringing the song’s theme to life. This narrative style, mixing humor with a clear message, feels like watching a mini theatrical production where every costume, setting, and character adds layers to the story. This inspires me to think beyond just singing or acting and to explore how multiple elements combine to create a powerful audience experience. This storytelling aspect resonates deeply with me. As a theater kid, I understand the power of narrative and character development in engaging an audience. Sabrina’s ability to craft stories that complement her music encourages me to think more creatively about expressing myself through performance. Moreover, Sabrina’s career shows the importance of growth and reinvention. She takes risks by experimenting with musical styles and artistic concepts, refusing to be boxed into one identity. This reminds me that as an artist, it’s necessary to evolve and explore new facets of creativity. It encourages me to pursue my passions confidently, even if it means stepping outside my comfort zone. I also admire Sabrina’s authenticity. Despite her success, she remains grounded and uses her platform to promote self-acceptance, confidence, and resilience. These themes matter deeply to me, as I have faced my struggles with self-esteem and identity. Seeing Sabrina embrace her true self motivates me to believe in my worth and support others in their journeys. Her use of pop culture references adds another layer of connection for fans like me. It shows how an artist can be current and thoughtful, engaging viewers beyond the music itself. This blend of entertainment and meaning is something I hope to bring into my future work, whether on stage or in other creative projects. In summary, Sabrina Carpenter’s career has impacted me by demonstrating how a performer can merge theater, music, and storytelling into a cohesive artistic identity. Her approach to music videos as short stories with deeper meaning inspires me to push my boundaries as a theater kid. Her journey of reinvention and authenticity encourages me to embrace growth and stay true to myself. Through her work, Sabrina reminds me that art is not just performance—it’s connection, meaning, and the courage to tell your story.

My faith has profoundly shaped the way I lead, teaching me that true leadership is rooted in service, patience, and love. For me, leading isn’t about being the loudest voice or commanding authority—it’s about walking alongside others, encouraging them, and uplifting their spirits. This way of leading comes directly from my belief in Christ’s example of humility and care for others, especially children and those who may feel unseen or unheard. One of the most meaningful ways I’ve experienced this is through my involvement in kids' ministry. I love serving in this role because it gives me the chance to influence youth to develop a heart for the Lord. There is something truly beautiful about the innocence and openness of children. Unlike adults, children are almost always willing to listen and learn. This willingness makes ministering to them through song, dance, and fun activities incredibly fulfilling. Watching their faces light up as they engage in worship or a Bible lesson reminds me why faith and joy go hand in hand. Leading kids in a Christ-centered environment has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership. I’ve learned how to keep children engaged by creating activities that are both enjoyable and meaningful. It requires creativity, energy, and patience—qualities I strive to grow every time I step into that space. More importantly, it’s shown me that leadership is about fostering safety and belonging, so everyone feels valued and encouraged to express themselves. One memory that stands out is when I helped lead worship during a youth event. Some kids were shy and hesitant to participate, but as the music started and we began to dance and sing together, their walls came down. I remember one little girl who was quiet the entire night, but by the end, she was smiling and singing along, her eyes shining with joy. Moments like these remind me of the powerful connection faith can create, and how important it is to lead with compassion and authenticity. This passion for serving youth through faith not only influences my leadership style but also shapes my dreams for the future. I want to open a musical theatre studio that is more than just a place to learn acting or singing—it will be a community where children from all backgrounds can feel safe, confident, and loved. A place where creativity is celebrated, and where faith and strong values are woven into everything we do. I envision a studio that empowers kids to find their voice, build self-esteem, and develop communication skills that will serve them throughout their lives. I believe that combining my love for the arts with my commitment to faith-based leadership will allow me to make a lasting impact. I want to inspire young people to see their worth beyond just talent or achievement—to know they are deeply valued just as they are. Serving in the kids' ministry has given me a glimpse of how transformative this kind of leadership can be. It’s about planting seeds of confidence and love that will grow over time, helping children become strong, kind, and creative adults. Ultimately, my faith grounds my vision and drives my commitment to lead with a servant’s heart. It reminds me daily that leadership is a gift meant to uplift others, foster community, and nurture potential. Through every song I sing, every dance I teach, and every moment I spend mentoring youth, I am inspired to be a leader who reflects the love and grace I have received—and to help others do the same.

I used to think theatre was just about talent—until I realized it’s about trust. The kind that forms in shared dressing rooms, late-night rehearsals, and whispered encouragements before curtain call. Musical theatre taught me early on that the magic happens not just under the spotlight, but in the process: the shared wins, the creative disagreements, the quiet teamwork behind the scenes. Collaboration, to me, means listening, showing up fully, and being open to the energy of the people around you. Some of my most meaningful memories come from productions like The Little Mermaid, where I played Scuttle. It wasn’t a lead role, but I never felt small. Every person—from ensemble dancers to tech crew—was vital to the story. That experience taught me to see every role as essential. When we trusted one another, we lifted each other, and the audience could feel it. Transferring to Las Vegas Academy in high school was another major shift. I went from being a “big fish in a small pond” to a new face in a school full of talent. At first, I was intimidated. But then I started noticing how collaboration wasn't just encouraged—it was expected. Whether I was in a voice lab, building scenes in theatre class, or working on musical numbers with classmates, I learned that great art is built through community. You can’t do it alone, and when you stop trying to, beautiful things happen. One of the most powerful collaborative experiences I’ve had outside of school was through my church. I've worked with my youth group to prepare music for services, where I often sing while others play instruments or run sound. We don’t rehearse for praise—we rehearse to prepare a space for people to feel seen, heard, and connected. That’s what collaboration looks like in its purest form: unity with a purpose. These experiences inspire the vision I have for my future. I want to open a musical theatre studio where kids of all backgrounds can experience that same sense of connection and confidence that I found in the arts. I want them to know that their ideas matter, that teamwork builds trust, and that creative spaces should feel like home. At its heart, collaboration is about people. It’s the conversations between scenes, the creative problem-solving, and the way a group of individuals becomes a team. In theatre, we rely on each other—onstage and off—and that sense of community is what has kept me grounded, inspired, and always striving to grow.

From a young age, I often felt like I didn’t quite fit in — different from those around me. Growing up as a little Latina girl in a mostly white suburban neighborhood, I was frequently made fun of for small things like my eyebrows or arm hair. It felt like there was always something about me that set me apart, making it difficult to find where I truly belonged. Arts education, especially musical theatre, became my sanctuary. My earliest memories are filled with music—from the classical music my mom played for me to the inspiring performances of Michael Jackson that I watched with my grandma. That experience changed me. I was entranced, wondering how someone no longer alive could still connect so deeply with people. I wanted to be like him, not necessarily a pop star, but someone who could heal the world in their unique way. These experiences sparked a deep love for performing and storytelling. I started speaking very early, and my Mom used to say, "You speak so well—you should be a lawyer." She didn’t know I’d end up using my voice to tell stories instead. In eighth grade, I began seriously pursuing the arts, performing as Scuttle in The Little Mermaid. Through high school, I pushed myself further by transferring to the Las Vegas Academy as a vocal major, later switching to the theater department. It was challenging to leave the familiar, but I knew growth required stepping out of my comfort zone. Over time, I confronted my self-esteem issues and learned to believe in my talent and worth. My journey wasn’t easy. Diagnosed with ADHD in third grade, I struggled to focus and connect socially. I was shy, often bullied, and had to navigate toxic friendships. During the isolating COVID-19 years, these challenges deepened. Yet, musical theatre remained a constant source of hope and strength. It helped me channel my fears and self-doubt into confidence and resilience. My mother has been my biggest inspiration throughout this journey. As a second-generation Latina, she worked tirelessly to break cycles that many immigrant families face, allowing me to enjoy my childhood and pursue my dreams. Her example of hard work, perseverance, and faith has shaped my character and fueled my passion. One story that has profoundly impacted me is Wicked. Elphaba’s struggle to find acceptance despite being different—symbolized by her green skin—mirrors my own experiences of feeling othered because of my Latina identity. Seeing Cynthia Erivo, a talented woman of color, play Elphaba opened doors for representation for WOC on Broadway and made the story even more powerful for me. The friendship between Elphaba and Glinda taught me the value of genuine love, forgiveness, and support—qualities I strive to embody. Today, as a rising senior and musical theatre major, I am more confident than ever. I continue to grow both as an artist and as a person, guided by my faith. I am driven by a desire to use my gifts to serve others, especially youth. My dream is to create a musical theatre studio where children can build confidence, communication skills, and creativity during their formative years. Arts education has given me more than skills—it has given me a sense of purpose. It showed me that creativity has no age limit and that believing in yourself is the most powerful tool you can have. My story is still unfolding, but I know that through perseverance, faith, and the arts, I can heal, inspire, and uplift others just as I have been.

From a young age, I often felt like I didn’t quite fit in — different from those around me. Growing up as a little Latina girl in a mostly white suburban neighborhood, I was often made fun of for things as simple as my eyebrows or my arm hair. It felt like no matter what, there was always something about me that set me apart, making it hard to find where I truly belonged. That’s why Wicked means so much to me. The story of Elphaba, who is also different and often misunderstood because of her green skin, resonated deeply. Like Elphaba, I struggled with feeling “othered” and not accepted. Her journey to find her place at Shiz University reminded me that being different is not a curse — it’s a strength. I love Wicked not only for its heartfelt story of friendship between Elphaba and Glinda but also for its incredible music and powerful themes. Stephen Schwartz, the brilliant composer and lyricist, helped bring the stage show and movie to life with songs that deeply move audiences and perfectly capture the characters’ emotions. While I enjoy the recent film with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, there will always be a special place in my heart for the original Broadway cast, Idina Menzel, and Kristen Chenoweth. However, Cynthia Erivo’s powerful presence in the role has opened doors for more women of color to play Elphaba on Broadway, which is especially meaningful to me. At its core, Wicked is about Elphaba’s journey to find her place and sense of belonging at Shiz University. She struggles because she is different — her green skin symbolizes the experiences of many people of color and women of color who have faced discrimination and misunderstanding. I have personally faced racial inequality, so seeing Cynthia Erivo, a talented woman of color, playing Elphaba feels like a breakthrough. It makes the story more impactful and relatable for people like me who have felt bothered. Beyond the story, the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda is beautiful. Despite their differences and challenges, they learn to support and protect each other. This message of genuine love, forgiveness, and selfless friendship inspires me to value loyalty and kindness in my own life. Their bond shows that true friendship isn’t about holding on tightly but about trusting, forgiving, and lifting each other. The music of Wicked adds so much depth to these themes. From powerful anthems like “Defying Gravity” to tender songs like “For Good,” Stephen Schwartz’s genius as a composer and lyricist shines through. The songs communicate emotions that words alone cannot express and have helped me understand and feel the characters’ journeys on a deeper level. Wicked inspires me not only as a fan but also as someone who wants to create spaces where people feel safe and valued. The story’s themes of identity, resilience, and friendship motivate me to pursue a career in musical theatre where I can help others find their voice and confidence. I want to use my passion for storytelling to uplift others, especially young people of color who need to see themselves reflected on stage. In conclusion, Wicked is more than a musical to me—it’s a story of hope, acceptance, and the power of friendship that transcends differences. It’s a reminder that being different is not a curse but a strength, and that true friendship involves love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. The contributions of Stephen Schwartz and the diverse casting in recent productions only deepen the impact of this timeless story, making it resonate with new generations and communities..