When I was eight years old, my hair was a spectacle. Unlike most of my peers, I wore my natural hair in large, proud afro puffs, adorned with colorful beads and barrettes that clacked together like tiny percussion instruments. At home, my hair was a source of joy—my mother’s hands carefully parting, twisting, and decorating it with love. But at school, it became a target. The whispers were constant, but some students didn’t stop at words. They shot spitballs into my hair, laughing as damp paper stuck to my coils. My hair felt like a battlefield, and I stood defenseless in the crossfire—uncertain whether to fight back or shrink. On this particular day, I chose silence. Seated at my desk, I kept my head low as two girls behind me giggled, their laughter growing louder. The lunch bell rang, and I stood to leave—then stopped. Something felt wrong. A small mound of curls lay on the floor beneath my desk—springy, stolen. My breath caught. My hand shot up to my head, trembling over the jagged strands left behind. When I looked up, the girls smirked, scissors resting on their desks. In the years that followed, I waged a quiet war against myself. My hair was burned straight with chemicals, braided tight into protective styles, or buried beneath synthetic extensions. The beads and barrettes I once loved were abandoned, their joyful clinking replaced by silence. I became obsessed with blending in, with disappearing into a version of myself I thought would make me untouchable. It took years to realize that the shame I carried wasn’t mine to bear. My hair, my Blackness, had never been the problem—the real issue was a world conditioned to see beauty, dignity, and worth through a narrow, exclusionary lens. I had internalized a message embedded in society: to be loved, to be safe, I had to conform. Lovelessness isn’t just in the hands of bullies—it’s in the institutions that shape our lives. Schools that police Black hair. Policies that uphold economic and racial disparities. A media landscape that flattens Black stories or erases them entirely. The same forces that made me want to hide my hair dictate whose humanity is valued and whose is diminished. But storytelling offers an antidote. It has the power to disrupt these narratives, to reclaim what systems of oppression attempt to erase. As a writer and creative director, I see storytelling as an act of love—a way to challenge injustice, to amplify silenced voices, and to reimagine a world where difference isn’t met with violence, but with celebration. Reclaiming my joy meant embracing my natural hair. Reclaiming my purpose means using my art to affirm others who have been made to feel small—and to create the stories I needed when I was younger. Whether through poetry, film, or creative direction, I want my work to remind people of their worth and push us toward a world where love shapes how we live and connect. Through storytelling, I want to continue building spaces where difference is celebrated, where young people can see themselves reflected with dignity, and where love becomes the measure of our communities. This scholarship represents more than financial support—it reflects the very principles that shaped my journey. With it, I will be able to further my education and strengthen my ability to tell stories that challenge injustice and uplift those who have been silenced. Just as Sloane Stephens honors her grandparents’ legacy through her foundation, I want my work to honor those who came before me by ensuring that others know their voices, their stories, and their lives matter.

Growing up, I often found myself battling the waves of social anxiety, a struggle that shaped my worldview and deeply influenced my interactions with others. Art became my sanctuary—a place where I could safely explore and express emotions that felt overwhelming in other contexts. Writing poetry and drawing were not just hobbies but lifelines that allowed me to connect with my inner self and, eventually, with those around me. My own journey with mental health has profoundly influenced my beliefs about the importance of self-expression and community in healing. It has also shaped my relationships, allowing me to approach others with empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges they may be facing beneath the surface. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career that combines my passion for creative expression with a commitment to supporting others in their mental health journeys. This passion led me to develop and facilitate the "Hip-Hop Healing" poetry afterschool program, designed to empower young people to navigate their emotions through the powerful mediums of poetry and hip-hop. The program was born out of my belief that creative expression can be a transformative tool for mental health, especially for those who, like me, have struggled to find their voice. In "Hip-Hop Healing," I worked with students who often felt isolated or misunderstood, guiding them in writing and performing their own poetry. We explored themes of identity, resilience, and self-worth, discussing how hip-hop artists use their art to process and articulate their experiences. As the students began to open up and share their stories, I saw remarkable growth in their confidence, self-expression, and emotional well-being. My experience with mental health gave me a unique perspective in leading this program. I knew firsthand how difficult it can be to articulate feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or fear. By creating a space where these young people felt heard and valued, I aimed to provide them with the same sense of solace and empowerment that art has given me throughout my life. The impact of "Hip-Hop Healing" extended beyond the emotional and creative spheres; it also led to measurable improvements in the students' academic performance. Many participants reported feeling more focused, motivated, and engaged in their schoolwork as they learned to channel their emotions into constructive outlets. Their teachers have even noted that students who had previously struggled with participation and concentration were now more confident and active in class. The program not only helped these young people find their voices but also equipped them with the tools to succeed in their educational settings. The relationships I built with the students were incredibly rewarding. Many came from environments where mental health was stigmatized or ignored, and they often struggled to find healthy outlets for their emotions. Through our work together, I watched as they transformed their pain into powerful pieces of poetry, finding not only their voices but also a supportive community that validated their experiences. The success of "Hip-Hop Healing" has solidified my commitment to integrating arts based mental health programs into both educational and community settings. My own journey has taught me that mental health is not just an individual struggle but a collective experience that can be profoundly impacted by community and creative expression. As I move forward in my career, I aspire to continue using my skills in writing and the arts to advocate for and support the mental health of others, particularly youth who may be facing challenges similar to those I have overcome.

Chappell Roan's music has had a profound impact on me, both emotionally and creatively. Her work resonates with me on a deep level because it embodies a blend of vulnerability, empowerment, and authenticity that is rare in today's music landscape. Roan's songs often explore themes of self-discovery, heartbreak, and resilience, which align closely with my own experiences and struggles. One of the most compelling aspects of Roan's music is her ability to capture raw emotions with such clarity and honesty. Her voice carries an emotional weight that makes her lyrics feel deeply personal and relatable. Whether she's singing about the pain of a breakup or the thrill of new love, there's an authenticity in her delivery that draws me in and makes me feel connected to her story. Songs like "Pink Pony Club" and "Naked in Manhattan" are perfect examples of this—tracks that manage to be both deeply personal and universally relatable. "Pink Pony Club," in particular, stands out to me. The song is an anthem of self-acceptance and freedom, capturing the joy of embracing who you are, even when it defies societal expectations. The upbeat melody and infectious chorus create a sense of euphoria that mirrors the liberation Roan sings about. Listening to this track, I can't help but feel inspired to be more unapologetically myself, to embrace my quirks and desires without fear of judgment. It's a song that celebrates individuality and the courage it takes to live authentically, something that has always resonated with me on a personal level. Roan's music also resonates with me because of her journey as an artist. She started her career in a small town, grappling with the challenges of being an outsider and struggling to find her place in the world. Her rise to prominence is a testament to her resilience and dedication to her craft. Watching her grow and evolve as an artist has been incredibly inspiring. Her story reminds me that it's possible to overcome adversity and achieve success on your own terms, which is a message that I hold close as I navigate my own creative journey. I support Chappell Roan's career not just because of her music, but also because of the positive influence she has on her fans. She uses her platform to promote self-love, acceptance, and empowerment, values that are crucial in today's world. Her willingness to be vulnerable and authentic in her music creates a space where listeners can feel seen and understood, which is a powerful thing. By supporting her, I feel like I'm part of a community that celebrates individuality and encourages personal growth.

My favorite song from Charli XCX's album Brat is "So I." This track is incredibly touching and raw, as it serves as an emotional tribute to her late friend and collaborator, the music producer SOPHIE. The song's vulnerability and depth really stand out to me, especially since it contrasts with the more upbeat and rebellious nature of the rest of the album. "So I" encapsulates the grief and loss Charli feels, making it a poignant and memorable part of the album. This level of emotional honesty, combined with the beautiful production, makes it a standout for me. "So I" resonates with me deeply because it captures the complex emotions of grief and loss in a way that feels both raw and authentic. Charli XCX’s tribute to SOPHIE, a close friend and collaborator, is not just a song—it's a heartfelt expression of the pain that comes with losing someone who had a profound impact on your life. The song’s somber tone and introspective lyrics strike a chord with me because they remind me of the moments when I’ve experienced loss. The way Charli channels her sorrow into the music creates a space where listeners can feel understood in their own grief. It's a powerful reminder that while loss is deeply personal, it’s also a universal experience that connects us all. Moreover, "So I" stands out because it contrasts sharply with the more energetic and rebellious tracks on Brat. This shift in tone underscores the depth of Charli’s emotions, making the song feel like a candid glimpse into her heart. The vulnerability she displays in this track is something I can relate to, as it takes immense courage to open up about such intimate feelings. Overall, "So I" resonates with me because it beautifully captures the nuances of grief and the process of healing, which is something that has always been meaningful in my own life experiences.