I am a storyteller at my core, with a background in film, media, and digital marketing, and a growing passion for journalism as a vehicle for meaningful change. My experiences as a writer, actress, and content creator have shaped how I see the world not just as it is, but as it could be when stories are told with purpose, honesty, and care. Through my creative work, I’ve learned how powerful storytelling can be in shaping perspectives, building empathy, and amplifying the voices that are often overlooked. My interest in journalism comes from that same foundation. I am deeply motivated by the idea that journalism is not only about reporting facts, but about giving context, amplifying truth, and ensuring that people feel seen and heard. I am particularly passionate about telling stories that center marginalized communities, especially Black women and underserved populations, whose experiences are often misrepresented or underrepresented in mainstream media. I want to contribute to a media landscape that is more inclusive, accurate, and reflective of the diverse world we live in. In my career, I plan to make a positive social impact by combining my creative background with responsible, community-focused journalism. I am interested in multimedia storytelling, using digital platforms, video, and written content to engage and reach audiences in accessible ways. I want to cover issues such as inequities in education, access to mental health resources, and systemic barriers that affect everyday people, particularly in communities like those in Washington, D.C., where I have seen firsthand how policy and access can shape outcomes. Beyond reporting, I aim to create journalism that encourages dialogue and action. I believe that storytelling can be a bridge between communities and institutions, helping people better understand one another while also holding systems accountable. I see journalism not just as a career, but as a responsibility to inform with integrity and to uplift voices that deserve to be heard.My goal is not only to inform, but to inspire change. This can include sparking conversations, influencing policy awareness, or empowering individuals to advocate for themselves and their communities. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to further develop my skills and continue pursuing journalism with intention and integrity. I am committed to using my voice and platform to create work that is impactful, inclusive, and rooted in truth. Ultimately, I want my career in journalism to contribute to a more informed, equitable, and compassionate society. One story at a time.

Mental health is important to me as a student because I’ve experienced firsthand how deeply it can impact every part of my life, including my focus, motivation, confidence, and even my sense of identity. I live with severe anxiety and mild depression, and for a long time, I tried to push through it on my own. I believed that if I stayed busy or strong enough, I could manage everything without help. That mindset became especially difficult during my first year of college, when my father passed away in 2019. Adjusting to college is already a major transition, but navigating that loss at the same time was overwhelming. I was grieving while also trying to meet academic expectations, build a new life, and appear like I had everything under control. For a while, I avoided seeking help because I felt like I should be able to handle it alone. Eventually, I reached a point where I realized I could not and that choosing support didn’t make me weak. It made me simply honest. Since then, mental health has become a priority in how I approach both my education and daily life. As a student, I’ve learned that taking care of my mental well-being is directly tied to my ability to succeed. When I am grounded, supported, and aware of my needs, I am more present, more productive, and more confident in my work. In my community, I advocate for mental health in ways that are both intentional and realistic. I start by being open about my own experiences when appropriate, because I’ve learned that vulnerability can create space for others to feel less alone. Whether it’s with friends, classmates, or coworkers, I try to normalize conversations about stress, burnout, and emotional well-being, especially in environments where people feel pressure always to seem “fine.” I also advocate through my actions. I respect my own boundaries and encourage others to do the same, whether that means taking breaks, asking for help, or not overextending themselves. In school and work settings, I aim to be someone who leads with empathy and awareness, understanding that everyone is carrying something, even if it’s not visible. Additionally, as a storyteller and creative, I see advocacy as something I can extend into my work. I’m passionate about creating stories that reflect real emotional experiences, including those related to mental health, in ways that feel honest and human. Representation matters, and I want to contribute to spaces where people feel seen rather than silenced. Mental health is not something I’ve mastered, but it’s something I continue to work on every day. But that journey has made me more self-aware, more compassionate, and more committed to creating environments where others feel supported. As a student and as a person, that is something I will continue to carry with me.

I approach my student loan debt with a combination of realism, structure, and long-term intention. Like many recent graduates, my loans are a significant part of my financial reality, but I see them as something I can actively manage rather than something that controls me. Right now, I’m working full-time while balancing other financial responsibilities, including a car payment and everyday living expenses, as I transition into full independence. As a result, I’ve become extremely intentional about budgeting. I track my spending closely, prioritize essential expenses, and make consistent payments toward my loans to avoid falling behind. Even when the amounts feel small, I’ve learned that consistency matters more than perfection. In the short term, my focus is on maintaining stability. I plan to continue using structured repayment options, including income-driven repayment plans if necessary, to ensure that my monthly payments remain manageable while I grow professionally. This plan allows me to stay current on my loans without sacrificing my ability to invest in my career, which is equally important to my long-term financial health. At the same time, I’m actively working to increase my income. My background is in Film and Media, and I’m building a career that combines marketing, entertainment, and creative storytelling. I’m pursuing opportunities in marketing roles while also expanding into freelance and creative work, such as writing and performance. My goal is to create multiple streams of income so that I can not only meet my financial obligations but exceed them. As my income grows, I plan to increase my loan payments and make additional principal contributions to reduce interest over time. Long-term, my goal is to eliminate my student debt as efficiently and strategically as possible. That means avoiding unnecessary new debt, continuing to seek out scholarships and financial support, and making thoughtful financial decisions that align with both my career and personal goals. I also plan to build stronger financial literacy habits, including understanding interest rates, repayment strategies, and long-term wealth-building, so I can make smarter decisions moving forward. Beyond the numbers, managing my student loan debt has taught me discipline, patience, and accountability. It has forced me to think not just about where I am financially, but where I want to be. I don’t see my loans as a setback, but as part of the investment I’ve made in myself and my future. Ultimately, my plan is not just to repay my debt, but to grow beyond it. I am committed to building a stable, sustainable life where I can pursue my creative ambitions while maintaining financial responsibility. Every payment I make is a step toward that future, and I’m determined to keep moving forward with intention and resilience.

My name is Sydné Chesson, and I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in Media Producing at New York University. My goal is to build a career in the film and television industry and eventually own my own casting agency that helps connect talented, emerging actors with opportunities they might not otherwise have access to. I believe storytelling has the power to inspire, challenge, and bring people together, and I want to play a role in ensuring that more voices are represented on screen. Both passion and perseverance have guided my academic journey. During my undergraduate studies, I majored in Film and Media with a focus on screenwriting and producing, while also minoring in marketing and theatre administration. These areas allowed me to explore both the creative and business sides of the entertainment industry. I have written and directed short films, including Coffee Spill, and co-created a mockumentary titled Three Generations in a Pandemic. These experiences strengthened my interest in the behind-the-scenes work that brings stories to life. In addition to my creative work, I have also been committed to gaining real-world experience. I previously worked as a marketing intern at Mercury Public Affairs, where I assisted with social media content, press releases, and campaign research. I also worked as a blog intern for Adventure in Black, a travel company focused on experiences for Black travelers, where I wrote pieces highlighting travel destinations and mental health. Most recently, I worked as a casting apprentice with the Shakespeare Theatre Company, where I helped coordinate auditions, communicate with agents and actors, and track hundreds of submissions from performers. This experience confirmed my passion for casting and the important role it plays in shaping a production. While pursuing my education and career goals, I have balanced work and school, first working part-time and now full-time as a school secretary to support myself financially while continuing to invest in my dreams. Balancing work, school, and personal responsibilities has not always been easy, but it has taught me discipline, time management, and resilience. I understand firsthand the financial challenges many students face in pursuing higher education. Scholarships like this one make a meaningful difference by helping students stay focused on their goals without being overwhelmed by financial burdens. My faith has also been a significant source of strength and guidance throughout my journey. During one of the most difficult periods of my life, the passing of my father, I found myself questioning many things and struggling with grief. During that time, I deepened my faith by attending church regularly and seeking guidance through prayer and community. That experience reminded me that faith is not only present in moments of joy but also in moments of hardship. It helped me rebuild my sense of purpose and reaffirm my commitment to living a life that reflects compassion, perseverance, and service to others. Because of this experience, I have also made it a priority to support others whenever possible. I spend time volunteering and helping with my sister’s after-school programs, and I try to be open with friends and family about the lessons I have learned through grief and growth. I believe that the challenges we face can become opportunities to encourage and uplift others. My long-term vision is to create a casting agency that actively supports emerging talent, particularly those without traditional industry connections. The entertainment industry often feels inaccessible to many aspiring actors, and I want to help bridge that gap. By building a casting agency that values inclusivity and opportunity, I want to create a space where talented performers are seen, heard, and given a chance to succeed. Education is a crucial part of achieving this vision. My graduate program at NYU is allowing me to strengthen my understanding of producing, project development, and the collaborative process that brings creative work to life. Each class and professional opportunity is helping me build the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the industry while preparing me to one day lead my own company. Receiving this scholarship would relieve some of the financial pressure associated with graduate school and allow me to continue focusing on my education and career development. More importantly, it would represent an investment in a student who is deeply committed to using their education to create opportunities for others. My academic dedication, professional experiences, and commitment to service reflect the ambition and drive that this scholarship seeks to support. With continued education and faith guiding my path, I plan to build a career that not only fulfills my own dreams but also opens doors for others.

The passing of my father was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. Losing someone so central to my world left me feeling lost, overwhelmed, and questioning everything I thought I knew about life and purpose. At first, I felt disconnected from my faith and unsure how to navigate the depth of my grief. But it was through this struggle that I rediscovered the power of faith to bring comfort, guidance, and resilience. During the weeks following his passing, I leaned on my faith in ways I hadn’t before. I began attending church with my boyfriend, seeking the fellowship and encouragement of a spiritual community. Sitting in that space reminded me that I was not alone. I was in a setting where others could pray for me, listen to me, and guide me through my grief. Each service, each sermon, and each conversation with fellow congregants helped me process my emotions while reconnecting me with God’s presence in my life. In addition to attending church, I sought guidance through a faith-based therapist. This experience allowed me to explore my grief openly while keeping my spirituality at the center of the healing process. I learned that faith is not just a source of comfort in the good times but a foundation to stand on during the darkest moments. My prayers became more personal and intentional, focused on finding strength, hope, and clarity. This journey of loss and healing transformed the way I view my faith. It taught me that faith is essential and requires us to reach out for support, to listen, and to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear. With the reliance on faith, I was able to honor my father’s memory not only through mourning but through living intentionally, seeking joy and purpose even amid sorrow. The experience also inspired me to support others who are struggling by posting about my journey with grief, as well as being open with my friends and family about my path, just as my faith supported me. I began becoming more active in my sister's after-school programs and spending more time with family. I have also shared the lessons I have learned about resilience, hope, and the power of faith in overcoming adversity. My father’s passing, while deeply painful, ultimately drew me closer to God and strengthened my commitment to live a life guided by faith and service. Through this challenge, I realized that faith is not only a personal refuge, but it's also a force that empowers us to face life’s obstacles with courage and compassion. My journey through grief reaffirmed my belief that faith can guide us through any hardship and inspire us to uplift others along the way.

Freshman year of college is often portrayed as a time of exploration and excitement. For me, it was the most emotionally challenging year of my life. In the fall of 2019, my father passed away after his battle with lymphoma. Just as I was trying to process this tremendous loss, the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grief, isolation, and uncertainty became my new reality. Losing my dad was like losing my sense of peace and the one person who always believed in me. I felt unanchored and emotionally raw. Even though I was deeply struggling, I forced myself to push through the semester. I showed up to classes and tried to talk to people, even though I constantly felt like a burden. I struggled to connect with others and questioned my worth daily. Several of my professors gently suggested I take time off, but I kept saying no. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone or seem like I was giving up. I kept telling myself, “Just get through the year,” and worked until my body and spirit could no longer ignore what I was going through. It wasn’t until I had a honest talk with my mother that something shifted. She looked me in the eyes and reminded me that it was okay to take care of myself—and that what other people thought didn’t matter. That moment gave me permission to stop pretending I was okay. I finally decided to make therapy a priority. I also started medication to help manage the anxiety and deep depression that had been quietly overwhelming me for months. For a while, I started to feel like I was finding my footing again—but then, another major life event reopened many of those wounds. On June 5th of this year, my childhood dog, who had been my emotional lifeline through the loss of my dad, passed away. She had given me unconditional love, comfort, and strength through my hardest days. My other childhood dog had passed just a week after my dad, so losing her felt like reliving that painful chapter all over again. They weren’t just pets—they were the heart of my home, my source of stability, and my emotional anchors during the darkest times of my life. This time, however, I knew how to take care of myself. I leaned on everything I had learned in therapy. I used the coping tools my therapist gave me, allowed myself to rest, and reminded myself that grief doesn’t follow a timeline. I began to accept that healing isn’t about erasing pain—it’s about learning how to live and grow with it. I’ve also made a long-term commitment to myself: to honor my boundaries, to never stretch myself thin for others at the expense of my own peace, and to stay consistent with my mental and emotional wellness. I still have my ups and downs, but I no longer hide them. I’ve learned to be honest with myself, to take breaks when needed, and to honor my emotions without any shame. That has been one of my greatest accomplishments. As I move forward in the creative industry—whether in casting, storytelling, or writing—I want to use my voice to remind others they are not alone. I want to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and safe to be vulnerable. I want my work to reflect the truth that strength doesn’t always look like pushing through. Sometimes, it looks like pausing, asking for help, and choosing yourself first. Through loss, I’ve found resilience, compassion and learned that true strength is built when you give yourself grace.

Growing up in a single-parent, low-income household taught me resilience and empathy. I learned early on that life does not always provide the same opportunities for everyone—and that everything must be earned through hard work. There were times I had to ask my teachers for extra notice about field trips so I could let my mom know in advance. Sometimes those notices did not come, and O'd have to askfor money while she was already struggling to cover rent, bills and aftercare. Even during the hardest times, my mom found a way to make sure I had what I needed. She worked long hours and carried the weight of ousr household alone, yet never let me feel that burden. As a child, I did what I could to support her— drawing pictures, dancing for her, or simply listening when she needed to talk. I couldn't give her advice, but I think just being there brought her comfort. Those experiences shaped how I see the world. They taught me that empathy—understanding and caring for others—is a powerful strength. That strength drives my future goals . I plan to create a casting agency that champions diverse, underrepresented talent and provides resources for struggling actors. I want to help people from all backgrounds break into the industry, regardless of connections or income. Right now, I'm actively working that dream. I've worked on film sets, interned in marketing and casting, and used social media to highlight emerging talent. I continue to network, study the industry, and develop a clear vision for the inclusive creative I want to build. Coming from a low-income background gave me perspective, purpose, and the determination to make a difference—and that's exactly what I intend to do.

Arts education has had a profound impact on my life. Growing up, I was known as the quiet, shy child—the one who kept their thoughts to themselves. I struggled with anxiety, though at the time I didn’t have a name for it, and neither did my family. They saw it as a weakness and were determined to “fix” it. We tried everything: basketball, swimming, cross country, science club, puzzle club, debate—you name it. But nothing seemed to help me feel seen, confident, or understood. Then one day, my mother saw a flyer at our local library for a youth acting conservatory that was putting on Camp Rock: The Musical. A Disney fan through and through, I eagerly said yes, not fully realizing what I was agreeing to. When she mentioned I had to audition, I panicked. The word alone terrified me. But instead of pulling away, my mom leaned in. She borrowed Broadway CDs for the car and brought home Broadway’s Lost Treasures DVDs from the library. Two moments shifted everything for me. One was hearing the full Wicked and In the Heights soundtracks back-to-back. Listening to Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Mandy Gonzalez, and Christopher Jackson felt like something inside me had awakened. The second moment came when I watched those Broadway DVDs. Seeing Bernadette Peters in Into the Woods, Debbie Allen in West Side Story, Barbara Harris in The Apple Tree, and so many other iconic performances made me feel something I’d never felt before—connected. I auditioned with “Popular” from Wicked, scared out of my mind. But as soon as I opened my mouth to sing, something happened. The fear dissolved. The smiles from other kids and the warm energy from the director made me feel, for the first time, like I belonged. A week later, we got the call: I was cast in the ensemble. That first production of Camp Rock: The Musical remains one of the most formative and joyful experiences of my life. From there, I never looked back. I enrolled in classes, joined conservatories, and worked tirelessly to strengthen my craft. What arts education gave me went far beyond technique. It taught me emotional regulation, collaboration, confidence, and joy. It gave me a community—peers who were just as passionate and dedicated—and a space where I could be my full self without fear of judgment. My stress decreased. My confidence soared. I no longer felt like the “shy girl.” I felt seen, valued, and free. My mother is the person who inspired me most and continues to push me today. She didn’t always understand what I was going through, but she never stopped searching for a way to help me thrive. It was her belief in me—her willingness to try something new—that opened the door to the performing arts and changed the course of my life. She showed me what unconditional support looks like. I often wish I could relive those first moments of discovery—hearing Wicked for the first time, stepping into the audition room, or standing on that stage for Camp Rock. However, as I continue to grow in this field, I hope to be part of creating those same moments for someone else. Because arts education didn’t just teach me how to perform—it gave me the tools to live truly.

The day my mother said, “Your father has been diagnosed with Stage 3 lymphoma,” my life turned upside down. My father had always been healthy, rarely sick, full of energy—so this news felt impossible. But it was very real. As a child, I grew up in a single-parent household with my mother since I was three, only seeing my father on weekends and special occasions. Still, we created lasting memories—feeding ducks at the park, going to church, hitting up our favorite fast food place “Moes,” enjoying roller coasters at amusement parks. Despite these moments, I often felt the ache of not having both parents under one roof. I longed for the picture-perfect family I saw in shows or in classmates’ lives. My parents had their share of struggles—old traumas and incompatibility led them to separate—but they did their best to co-parent. Unfortunately, both sides of my family criticized each other, and because I was closer to my mother’s side, I mainly heard negative things about my dad. Over time, this affected how I saw him. By middle and high school, I began to pull away—skipping visits, ignoring calls, making excuses to be with friends. I convinced myself he only reached out because he had to, not because he genuinely wanted to be in my life. But he did want to be there. He never missed an event I participated in and took pride in being my father. I couldn’t see it then. The negativity I’d absorbed clouded everything. His diagnosis came during my senior year of high school. At first, I rejected the news, denying it could be true. It wasn’t until I saw him in the hospital—frail, thin, and so tired from chemotherapy—that reality hit me. I tried my best to hold back tears, and yet he comforted me instead of the other way around. We laughed, watched movies, and talked like I was a little girl again. My mother brought him his favorite food, a cozy sports blanket, and small comforts to warm the hospital room. For a brief moment, the three of us—mom, dad, and me—were together again. That brought me so much solace, even if it was just for a moment. When he was discharged, he lived with my grandmother in Arkansas while I attended college in Washington, DC. The last time I saw him before he passed was one of the most meaningful moments we ever shared. We laughed, talked, and truly reconnected. I didn’t know it would be our last time together. When my mother called to tell me he had passed, it felt like my world collapsed in an instant. I stood in my dorm room in shock, devastated. I immediately regretted every missed call, every postponed visit, and every time I pushed him away. The grief was unlike anything I’d felt before, and the guilt was overwhelming. But through that pain, I learned something powerful: cherish the people you love while you can. We never know how much time we have. People are often more than what others say about them. It’s important to seek truth for yourself and to see people through your own eyes—not someone else’s. My father loved me deeply, and although I saw it too late, I will never forget that love. Cancer took my father from me, but it also taught me compassion, forgiveness, and the importance of healing relationships. I carry that with me always.

I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I've seen what happens when you put your dreams on hold-and I refuse to let that be the end of my story. My mother is the strongest woman I know. She has done anything and everything to provide for her family, often sacrificing her dreams in the process. Watching her persevere instilled an immense sense of gratitude and responsibility. But her resilience also showed me the toll of living a life centered on survival. That reality lit a fire in me. I want to build a life where I'm not simply surviving but living my full purpose, and helping others do the same. I aspire to be a working actress, writer, and owner of my own casting agency and dog rescue. These are not only passions—they are vehicles of impact. As a Black creative, I understand how critical representation is, both in front and behind the camera. I want to help others, especially those from underrepresented communities, be seen, heard, and valued in the entertainment industry. Through my writing and performances, I aim to tell stories that resonate, heal, and inspire. And through casting, I want to open doors for talent that is too often overlooked. I also dream of something simpler yet just as important: giving animals, especially senior and special-needs dogs, a second chance at life through a rescue that treats them like family. If I can build a career that allows me to serve both people and animals—while staying completely true to myself— know I will have fulfilled my purpose. What makes me worth my dreams is not just my ambition, but my willingness to work for them. I've taken on many internships, studied my craft within school and outside and have constantly supported myself through production work, part-time jobs and now a full time role. I've also poured into other's projects while developing my own. I will consistently show up even when it's difficult because I know what's waiting on the other side. The journey has not been easy but I'm committed to doing the work, honoring my values and uplifting others along the way. I am not only dreaming big for myself but for everyone who has ever been told they couldn't. This is why I'm worth my dreams I aspire to achieve-because I won'y simply chase them, I'll use them to create real and lasting change.

My name is Sydné, and I'm a passionate creative determined to use storytelling as a vehicle for impact, connection, and change. I'm a writer, actress, and aspiring casting agency owner with a deep love for performance, narrative, and people. I believe the stories we tell, whether on screen, on stage, or in everyday life, have the power to shape how we see each other and ourselves. Through my work, I hope to challenge stereotypes, amplify underrepresented voices, and help others feel seen in spaces where they are often overlooked. I have always gravitated toward the arts because it's where I've found a sense of community and purpose. Whether I'm writing a script or stepping into character, I am constantly asking questions such as whose voice needs to be heard or whose story should we tell? As a Black woman, I know the feeling of being stereotyped and the struggle of finding something more than a one-dimensional character. This is what fuels my drive to reshape narratives that define our culture. One way I plan to do that is through casting. I want to open my own casting agency that prioritizes inclusive and thoughtful representation, creating opportunities for people from all walks of life to be in the room and on the screen. Casting is often the first gate to who gets to tell the story, and I want to be the kind of gatekeeper who holds the door open. I envision an agency that champions talent not based on how closely they fit outdated molds, but based on their heart, truth, and skill. In addition to my film and TV aspirations, I also have a long-term dream of opening a dog rescue. I've always had a deep compassion for animals, especially dogs, and I want to create a space for those who have been mistreated or abandoned. Helping animals find a forever home in another way, I believe I can contribute to a kinder world with even small acts at a time. My purpose goes beyond career goals. I want to build a life where I can give back, especially to my family. My mother worked tirelessly to support me, often putting her own dreams aside so I could pursue my own. I have watched her carry a constant weight of survival, and I want to create a place where I can take care of her the way she has always taken care of me. I want to break cycles, not simply for myself, but for the people who have believed in my hopes and dreams along the way. Through storytelling, advocacy, and compassion, I'm committed to leaving every space better than I found it. Whether it's helping someone get their breakout role, writing a script with fully realized characters, rescuing a dog and placing it in a forever home, I believe in leading with empathy and creating with intention. This is how I plan to make a positive impact on the world.

To live the life of my dreams means more than to achieve all of my career goals. This means to build a life full of purpose, creativity and compassion. I see myself waking up with joy and gratitude every day, knowing that I'm doing what I love and making a difference through it. My dream life is deeply rooted in storytelling. Acting and writing have always been my passions. These tools allow me to give a voice to underrepresented voices and layered, authentic characters to life. I hope be a part of reshaping the entertainment industry into one that truly reflects the world we live in. Whether I'm on screen, behind the scenes, or in the writer's room, I want to tell stories that make people feel seen, inspired and even challenged. A huge part of that dream is also owning my own casting agency. I want to help bridge the gap between talented, diverse performers and the roles they deserve. I have always pushed for representation, and I want to be someone that actively creates a space for new faces and voices within the industry. My agency will include people who don't always get a chance, but absolutely should. I want my agency to be a place where dreams can truly begin because I know how difficult it can be. While my dream life includes career growth, that is not the main goal. It also includes being in a position to be able to give back. One of my biggest dreams is to start a dog rescue. I have always had a deep connection to every single dog I've owned as well as animals that are in need. I want to create a safe haven where mistreated and abandoned dogs can find safety and love. A place where they're not simply rescued, but truly cared for. Living my dreams includes having a good work life balance. I do not want to be caught in a cycle of working to survive because I've seen it first hand through my mother. She has worked incredibly hard all of her life and has always put her family first. I would not be where I am with out her and for that I am extremely grateful. She deserves a a break and a chance to to enjoy life without carrying the constant weight of responsibility. I want to build a life where I can take care of her the way she's always taken care of me. My dream also includes being able to provide her peace and allow her the opportunity to rest. Ultimately, living my dream life means having the freedom to create, care and contribute. I do not want to live to work, I want to work so I can live. This includes quiet mornings, nights out with friends, cuddles with my dogs, time spent with family and giving back to my community. It means balance, fulfillment and joy and not just for myself, but for the people and causes I care about the most. Every step I take now is about getting closer to that vision. And this opportunity helps brings it within reach.

Losing my father to lymphoma in 2019 completely shifted the course of my life. We weren’t always as close as I wanted us to be, largely because I moved to D.C. at a young age while he stayed in Atlanta. Still, his death during my freshman year of college left me feeling broken, confused, and stuck in a deep fog of grief. I struggled to find my footing. While my peers were forming friendships and immersing themselves in campus life, I was shutting down. I stayed in my dorm most days or went back home instead of connecting with others. I frequently requested extensions because I couldn’t bring myself to focus, and eventually, I felt like I was just trying to survive each day. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit—and right after, I lost my dog. That period felt like wave after wave of loss with no time to breathe. To be honest, I didn’t take the right steps for my mental health back then. I isolated myself and distanced myself emotionally from my mom and grandmother, who didn’t know how to support me. They didn’t have experience with mental health challenges in their own upbringing and often told me to “just push through.” So I did—until I couldn’t anymore. It wasn’t until my boyfriend encouraged me to try therapy and explore medication that I finally began to take my mental health seriously. Therapy gave me the space to not only grieve, but to understand the deeper layers of my anxiety and depression. I wrote a letter to my father as a way to process our relationship and the pain of losing him. I learned to set boundaries with family, to say no when I needed to, and to give myself the same grace I so often give others. I still have difficult moments—sometimes I get overwhelmed and feel myself spiraling—but now I recognize the signs and respond with more compassion. I use daily affirmations to ground myself and regularly check in with my emotional state. I’ve also found healing in returning to the things I love: theatre, reading, film, and writing. These creative outlets have become safe spaces where I can express myself and find joy again. One of the hardest but most important lessons I’ve learned is that I can’t pour from an empty cup. I used to give so much of myself to others that I’d end up burnt out and resentful. Now, I understand that prioritizing my mental health is not selfish—it’s essential. When I take care of myself first, I can show up fully and intentionally for others. Mental health is not linear, and there are still ups and downs. But I’ve made peace with the fact that healing isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, being kind to myself, and taking one step at a time.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved telling stories. Whether it was through writing little scripts with my cousins, acting out characters with big emotions, or watching TV shows that made me feel seen, storytelling has always been my language of connection. As a young Black woman in the media industry, I’ve realized just how powerful that connection can be, especially when it reflects lived experiences that often go unseen or misunderstood. I am currently enrolled in NYU’s online Media Producing program, where I am building the skills I need to become a multifaceted creative and producer. My goal is to create and support television and film that doesn’t just entertain but sparks conversation and centers on people who have been historically left out of mainstream narratives. I’m especially passionate about blending comedy with deeper themes—because laughter can be healing, and joy is resistance. Whether it’s producing, writing, or even acting, I want to be involved in the storytelling process from start to finish. Right now, I’m working hard to balance my creative pursuits with the realities of adulting—paying off student loans, car payments, and credit card debt while saving to move closer to where I can build more in-person industry connections. I currently live at home in D.C.but I plan to move out on my own by the end of the year to be closer to theater and film communities while I grow my career. One project I’m especially proud of is a dark comedy/mocking of reality TV called Perfect Match. It follows Laila, a young Black woman who is obsessed with love, celebrity culture, and dating shows. When she finally gets cast on her favorite reality show, “You’re the One,” her dream quickly unravels into something far darker than she expected. What starts off as her chasing romance and fame turns into a twisted exploration of media manipulation, identity, and the pressure to perform for love—especially as a Black woman. I wrote, directed, and produced the first episode and am currently developing the rest of the series. It’s a satirical but emotional piece that calls attention to how much control reality TV has over people’s narratives and how that affects real lives and relationships off-screen. Through projects like Perfect Match and future scripts I plan to bring to life, I hope to show the beauty, the chaos, and the complexity of our stories—particularly for Black women who are too often boxed into stereotypes. I want to create media that makes people laugh, makes them think, and makes them feel like they’re not alone. Representation shouldn’t just be a buzzword; it should feel real, raw, and nuanced. In the long term, I hope to one day own my own casting and production company where I can both tell my stories and help others bring theirs to the screen. My work will always center on community, connection, and truth. I’m applying for this opportunity because I believe in the impact of art—and I know that with the right support, I can create work that truly makes a difference. Thank you for considering my journey and voice. Here is my portfolio link: https://sites.google.com/view/sydnemariechesson/filmmaker-portfolio?authuser=0