When my life fell apart, I was sixteen, waiting at the bus stop that would take me to the minefield I called home. I had just received a text from my mom: "When you get home, pack a suitcase. We're gonna stay with grandma for a while." And so, a bomb had gone off. In the following days, my mom explained that we'd been kicked out by her husband for the second time. We moved into my grandparents' house where my aunt and her two daughters were already staying, sharing a small room downstairs. A few months later, my sister was kicked out of her dorm and had to come home, and my mother took the couch so my sister could sleep in a bed. Soon afterwards, quarantine was announced and put into effect, and my mom lost her job. I was surrounded by people, yet I had never felt so alone. I resented my mom and sister, who insisted they didn't understand why I was so "angry". The rest of my family didn't want to interfere, so they offered little in the way of support. I was taking college classes for my last two years of high school, so I was disconnected from friends. My life had gone upside down in the span of months, and I had to deal with it on my own. With no one to help process my turbulent emotions, I developed chronic depression. For the rest of my time in high school, I couldn't manage much more than doing homework, watching TV, and sleeping through the days, and by the time I left for college, I couldn't recognize myself at all. I didn't experience joy. I didn't experience peace. I had chosen a college and major for myself because I remembered wanting it for myself as a young teen, but I had no clue if I was capable of the passion I once had. Despite these hardships, I began to find strength in my adversity. I started to volunteer at a local community center, assisting with summer theater programs for children. It was there that I realized the power of giving back and the profound impact it had on my well-being. Working with these children, many of whom came from similar backgrounds, gave me a sense of purpose and connection. I saw my struggles reflected in their eyes, and I knew I wanted to be a beacon of hope for them. Through volunteering, I learned to channel my pain into something positive, transforming my experiences into a source of strength. I became determined to pursue a career in social work, aiming to support and uplift others facing adversity. My goal is to create safe spaces for young people, particularly those from marginalized communities, to find solace and empowerment. Looking forward, I envision myself working as an entrepreneur, developing programs that provide comprehensive support to underserved communities. I aspire to establish a nonprofit organization focused on mental health services for low-income families, ensuring that no one has to face their struggles alone as I once did. This scholarship will enable me to continue my education and expand my impact. It will allow me to gain the necessary knowledge and credentials to make a tangible difference in my community. I am determined to use my experiences and skills to advocate for social change and to empower others to overcome their own adversities. With the Henry Bynum Jr. scholarship, I will be able to achieve my dreams of higher education and continue my mission of helping my community thrive.

Priscilla Shireen Luke's legacy of spreading hope and serving others resonates deeply with my own aspirations and experiences. Inspired by my mother's resilience in the face of adversity, I am committed to giving back to my community and making a positive impact on the world through the transformative power of musical theater. Growing up in a household marked by poverty and verbal abuse, I witnessed firsthand the importance of resilience and compassion in overcoming adversity. My mother, like Priscilla, embodied selfless values and dedicated herself to bettering the lives of others despite facing numerous challenges. In honoring Priscilla's legacy, I have actively engaged in community service throughout my academic career, volunteering with local theater programs, mentoring underprivileged youth, and participating in fundraising events for charitable organizations. Through these experiences, I have witnessed the profound impact that the arts can have on individuals from diverse backgrounds, inspiring hope and fostering resilience in the face of adversity. As a senior BFA Musical Theater student, I am passionate about opening a Performing Arts Academy that offers scholarships to underprivileged students, providing them with access to quality arts education and opportunities for personal growth and development. My vision for the academy extends beyond the stage; I aspire to create a nurturing environment where young minds can flourish and dreams can take flight, regardless of socioeconomic status or personal struggles. I believe this to be the best way for me to give to my community, the way it has always given to me. Furthermore, I am committed to using my platform as a performing artist to advocate for social change and promote inclusivity and diversity within the arts community. Through storytelling and creative expression, I hope to shed light on important social issues and inspire others to join me in making a difference in the world. In the future, I plan to continue my dedication to service by collaborating with local organizations and community leaders to develop innovative programs and initiatives that empower individuals and foster positive social change. Whether through mentorship programs, outreach initiatives, or artistic collaborations, I am committed to using my talents and resources to leave behind a better world for future generations. In conclusion, I am deeply honored to apply for the Priscilla Shireen Luke Scholarship, which celebrates the values of service, compassion, and hope that have guided my own journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to honor Priscilla's legacy by continuing to serve others and make a meaningful impact on the world through my passion for musical theater.

Linda Hicks' legacy of resilience and compassion serves as a profound inspiration as I embark on my journey toward opening a Performing Arts Academy for underprivileged youth. Her story resonates deeply with me, as I, too, have witnessed the devastating effects of domestic violence and substance abuse within my own family. Growing up in a household plagued by poverty and verbal abuse, I witnessed my mother, like Linda, navigate the treacherous waters of domestic violence and addiction. Despite the hardships she faced, she remained steadfast in her commitment to provide a better life for her children, making countless sacrifices along the way. However, the scars left by years of abuse and trauma continue to haunt me, serving as a constant reminder of the darkness that once engulfed our lives. Through the transformative power of musical theater, I have found solace and healing, using the stage as a canvas to process my emotions and reclaim my sense of agency. My passion for the arts is not merely a pursuit of self-expression; it is a beacon of hope for those who have endured similar hardships. Through my work at the Performing Arts Academy, I aim to create a safe and nurturing environment where young minds can flourish, regardless of their socioeconomic background or personal struggles. In honoring Linda Hicks' memory, I am committed to empowering future generations to break free from the cycle of abuse and addiction. Through mentorship programs, workshops, and community outreach initiatives, I strive to provide individuals with the tools and resources they need to navigate their own paths toward healing and recovery. As I continue to pursue my studies in musical theater, I am deeply cognizant of the responsibility that comes with this scholarship opportunity. I am determined to leverage my education and talents to advocate for those who have been silenced by violence and addiction, amplifying their voices through the transformative power of storytelling. My vision for the future extends beyond the walls of the academy; I aspire to collaborate with local organizations and community leaders to develop comprehensive support systems for survivors of domestic violence and substance abuse. By fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, I believe we can effect meaningful change and create a more inclusive and compassionate society for all. In closing, I am grateful for the opportunity to honor Linda Hicks' legacy through my commitment to social change and community empowerment. With steadfast determination and unwavering compassion, I pledge to stand in solidarity with those who have been affected by domestic violence and substance abuse, using my platform as a force for positive change in the world.

As a Senior BFA Musical Theater student, my passion for the performing arts extends beyond personal artistic expression; it encompasses a deep commitment to addressing the issue of unequal access to arts education. The arts hold transformative power, fostering creativity, confidence, and emotional well-being, yet access to quality arts education remains uneven, particularly for underprivileged children. This inequity limits opportunities for many young people to explore and develop their creative potential. The social issue I am passionate about is the lack of accessible performing arts education for children from low-income families. Many schools in underserved communities face budget constraints that result in the elimination or reduction of arts programs. This deprives students of valuable experiences that can enhance their academic and personal growth. I believe that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, should have the opportunity to engage in the arts, discover their talents, and nurture their creativity. To address this issue, I aspire to open a Performing Arts Academy for creative minds ages K-12. The academy will offer comprehensive programs in music, theater, dance, and visual arts, providing a nurturing environment where students can explore various art forms. Recognizing the financial barriers that often prevent underprivileged students from accessing such opportunities, the academy will offer a multitude of scholarships to ensure inclusivity and diversity. These scholarships will be funded through grants, donations, and community partnerships, making it possible for children from all backgrounds to attend. The academy will not only focus on artistic training but also on personal development. It will incorporate programs that build self-esteem, teamwork, and leadership skills, helping students to grow both as artists and as individuals. By fostering a supportive community, the academy will empower students to pursue their passions confidently and prepare them for future success, whether in the arts or any other field they choose. My commitment to this cause is deeply rooted in my own experiences and volunteer work. Throughout my time at Howard University, I have actively participated in community theater projects and arts education programs, witnessing firsthand the profound impact that arts exposure can have on young people. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the necessity of making arts education accessible to all. Furthermore, I plan to leverage my network and resources to build partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and fellow artists to expand the reach and impact of the academy. By creating opportunities for collaboration and community engagement, the academy will become a vibrant cultural hub that enriches the lives of students and the broader community. In conclusion, the legacy of Juanita Robinson English, with her dedication to community service and love for working with children, inspires my vision for the Performing Arts Academy. I am committed to using my education and passion for the arts to create a lasting positive impact, ensuring that every child has the chance to experience the joy and transformative power of the arts. This scholarship will not only assist with my educational expenses but also support my journey towards making this vision a reality, honoring Juanita Robinson English’s memory by giving back to the community in a meaningful way.

As a college student, I have received a lot of financial advice from family, friends, and mentors. However, the best piece of advice that I have received is to start budgeting and saving early. This advice has been invaluable to me as I navigate the transition to living on my own, as well as pursue my long-term financial goals. Budgeting and saving early on can be a challenge, especially as a college student. With meals, entertainment, and other expenses that seem important in the moment, it's easy to overspend and lose track of where your money is going. However, by tracking your expenses and identifying areas where you can cut back, you can free up more money to put towards your goals. Creating a budget has not only helped me avoid debt, but also build a solid financial foundation. I have learned valuable money management skills that will benefit me for the rest of my life. For example, I have started using a savings account to set aside money for emergencies and future expenses like buying a car, traveling, or getting an apartment of my own. One of the biggest challenges that I faced when I first started budgeting was figuring out where to begin. I had never been responsible for managing my own money before, and I wasn't sure where to start. However, I found that there are many resources available to help college students get started with budgeting. My university's financial aid office, for example, offers free financial counseling to students, and there are many budgeting apps and tools available online. Once I started budgeting, I quickly realized how much money I was wasting on unnecessary expenses. For example, I was spending a lot of money on coffee and other drinks at cafes and restaurants. By cutting back on these expenses and making my own coffee at home, I was able to save a significant amount of money each week. Another important aspect of budgeting is setting financial goals. As a college student, my goals are relatively modest - I want to save up for a new laptop, for example, or a Summer vacation. However, by setting these goals and tracking my progress, I am able to stay motivated and focused on my long-term financial goals. One of the key benefits of starting to budget and save early is the power of compounding. Compounding refers to the ability of your money to earn interest over time, which in turn earns more interest. By starting to save early, you have more time to take advantage of compounding, which can lead to significant gains over the long term. For example, let's say that you start saving $100 per month at age 20, and you continue to save that amount until age 65. Assuming an average annual return of 7%, you would have more than $250,000 by the time you retire. However, if you wait until age 30 to start saving, you would need to save more than $200 per month to reach the same goal. Of course, not everyone is able to save $100 per month, especially as a college student. However, the key takeaway here is that even small amounts of money can add up over time. By consistently saving, even if it's just a few dollars per week, you can take advantage of compounding and build a strong financial future for yourself. In conclusion, the best financial advice that I have received as a college student is to start budgeting and saving early. By tracking your expenses, identifying areas where you can cut back, and setting financial goals, you can establish good financial habits that will benefit you for the rest of your life. Additionally, starting early gives you the advantage of time, allowing your money to take advantage of compounding and grow significantly over the long term. While it can be challenging to balance expenses and savings as a college student, the benefits of starting early far outweigh the difficulties. Furthermore, by starting to budget and save early, I have gained a greater sense of control over my financial future. I no longer feel like my finances are a mystery or something that I have no control over. Instead, I am actively taking steps to ensure that I am financially secure in the years to come. In addition to the practical benefits of budgeting and saving, there is also a sense of empowerment that comes with taking control of your finances. By establishing good financial habits early on, you can set yourself up for success in other areas of your life as well. For example, if you are able to save money consistently, you may feel more confident taking risks in your career or pursuing other goals that require financial stability. Ultimately, the best financial advice that I can offer to other college students is to start budgeting and saving early. It may not always be easy, but the benefits are well worth the effort. By taking control of your finances and establishing good habits early on, you can set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling life, both financially and personally.

As the only theater program in Washington state to be created specifically for youth of color, the Teen Summer Musical (TSM) can change a kid's life in one summer. I know because it changed mine. Kids of color usually spend our youths realizing the world is against us. We get pushed through the education system, pick random jobs, and try to survive. Some don't even get that far. But at TSM, I could forget my worries and spend my summer developing skills I could be proud of. Becoming a person I was proud of. I was free. And because of it, I discovered that what I felt while performing on stage was more than mere enjoyment—it was my passion. That passion carried me three more years in that program, then to Howard University, where I was accepted as a BFA Musical Theater major studying under some of the greatest performers of color in America. I had to give back to the program. So, in the summer of 2021, I joined once again. Not as a participant, but as an intern. I got to see kids just like my younger self through the eyes of my mentors. I could watch them go from skeptical to outgoing and excitable, all because they finally had the space to be carefree. Thus, I discovered another passion—youth development through the fine arts. From this passion came a dream—Sunday School: Institution of the Fine Arts, a boarding school for underprivileged kids of color who need the freedom explore their creative interests. I want to use all that I learn at Howard to open that school and do all I can to stop young creatives from losing themselves in their struggle. I want to change kids the way the Teen Summer Musical changed me. When they leave my care, they won’t be jaded, or weighed down by the world around them. They’ll be driven and confident. But most importantly, hopeful. The greatest gift I got from TSM was hope. I want to pass this gift on—making sure the youth in my community are not just happy with what they've learned, but hopeful for their futures.