Growing up with a single mother played a defining role in shaping who I am today—both in my character and in my sense of purpose. My mother worked tirelessly to provide for our family, often navigating financial challenges that made stability feel uncertain. Watching her persevere through those difficulties instilled in me an early understanding of sacrifice, resilience, and determination. I learned from a young age that success is not always about the resources you have, but about the effort and faith you are willing to invest in your future. There were moments in my childhood when I became acutely aware of what we lacked. Whether it was financial security or certain opportunities that seemed more accessible to others, those experiences could have easily discouraged me. Instead, they motivated me to want more—not just for myself, but for my family and my community. I developed a strong sense of responsibility early on, understanding that my goals carried meaning beyond personal achievement. Being on the path to becoming the first in my family to graduate from college reflects not only my determination, but also the foundation my mother built through her perseverance. Despite the challenges, my upbringing was also filled with love, faith, and a deep sense of community. My mother emphasized the importance of serving others, even when we had limited means ourselves. That value became central to who I am. I found an outlet for that calling through volunteering in youth ministry, where I spent years mentoring and supporting children. In many ways, those experiences were shaped by my own upbringing—I understood what it meant to need guidance, encouragement, and stability, and I wanted to be that source of support for others. Growing up in a single-parent household also strengthened my emotional awareness and empathy. I became more attuned to the struggles people carry, even when they are not immediately visible. This perspective has influenced how I interact with others, pushing me to lead with compassion and to approach every situation with understanding rather than judgment. It also shaped my academic and career goals. As a Music Therapy major on a Pre-Med track, I have been able to combine my desire to serve with practical skills that allow me to connect with individuals on a deeper level. Whether working in community spaces or pediatric healthcare settings, I strive to create environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Most importantly, being raised by a single mother taught me resilience. There were times when the path forward felt uncertain, especially as I navigated the challenges of higher education. I often questioned whether I truly belonged, particularly when I faced obstacles that seemed easier for others to overcome. But my upbringing reminded me that perseverance is essential. I learned how to push through doubt, to rely on faith, and to continue striving even when the outcome was unclear. Ultimately, my experience growing up with a single mother shaped me into someone who is driven, compassionate, and deeply committed to service. It taught me to value hard work, to remain grounded in faith, and to use my experiences as a source of strength rather than limitation. These lessons continue to guide me as I pursue my goals, and they are the foundation of the person I am becoming.

What inspired my desire to pursue a career in pediatric medicine stems from both my personal journey and the deep sense of purpose I have found in serving children. Growing up, I witnessed my family face financial challenges that often made higher education feel out of reach. Despite those obstacles, I remained determined to create a different future—not only for myself, but for the communities that shaped me. Being on track to become the first in my family to graduate from college has instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to use my education in a way that uplifts others, especially those who are often overlooked. Throughout my life, I have consistently been drawn to working with children. I have spent the majority of my years serving on youth teams through my church, where I developed meaningful relationships with young people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences allowed me to witness firsthand how impactful compassion, mentorship, and consistency can be in a child’s life. I began to understand that children need more than just guidance—they need safe spaces where they feel heard, valued, and supported. This realization planted the seed for my desire to work in a field centered on caring for and advocating for young people. My academic journey as a Music Therapy major on a Pre-Med track has further solidified my passion for pediatric medicine. Through music therapy, I have learned how to connect with individuals in ways that transcend traditional communication. My experiences working in pediatric hospital settings have been especially transformative. I have seen how music can ease anxiety, reduce fear, and create moments of joy for children who are facing difficult medical conditions. These interactions showed me that healing is not solely physical—it is emotional, psychological, and deeply human. Children, in particular, benefit from approaches that are both compassionate and creative, and I have found that music can bridge gaps where words sometimes cannot. In addition, my clinical experiences have sparked a specific interest in pediatric neurology. I am fascinated by the complexity of the brain and how neurological and developmental conditions can affect a child’s ability to communicate, learn, and interact with the world. Through my upcoming placement in psychiatry, I hope to deepen my understanding of mental health and neurological disorders, especially in pediatric populations. I am eager to explore how early intervention, combined with holistic approaches like music therapy, can improve long-term outcomes for children facing these challenges. My desire to pursue pediatric medicine is also driven by a commitment to addressing disparities in healthcare, particularly within the African American community. I have seen how mistrust, lack of access, and past experiences with discrimination can prevent families from seeking the care they need. As a future physician, I want to help break down these barriers by creating environments where children and their families feel safe, respected, and truly heard. I aspire to be not only a clinician, but also an advocate—someone who listens carefully, responds with empathy, and ensures that every child receives equitable care. Ultimately, my inspiration comes from a combination of lived experience, service, and hands-on clinical exposure. My heart for children, combined with my passion for medicine and music therapy, has led me to pursue a career as a pediatric neurologist. I am committed to providing holistic, compassionate care that addresses both the medical and emotional needs of my patients. Through this path, I hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic healthcare system.

My upbringing in a single-parent household, combined with the night my mother went to jail, shaped me in ways that forced me to grow up earlier than most. On July 6th, 2022, my life changed completely. I had to pack my entire life into one suitcase and move to Florida to live with my brother, leaving behind my home, friends, and everything familiar. In that moment, I experienced confusion, anger, sadness, and anxiety all at once. I was navigating not only a physical transition, but also the emotional weight of losing the stability I once knew. Growing up in a home that often felt unstable, I was already familiar with struggle, but this experience deepened my understanding of what it means to endure hardship. I had to learn independence, emotional strength, and how to keep moving forward even when I felt broken. For a period of time, I questioned my faith and felt distant from God, believing everything was falling apart. However, through that pain, I began to understand that healing requires vulnerability. I learned to accept that I was not okay and that growth comes from confronting those emotions rather than hiding from them. These experiences shaped my resilience, but more importantly, they gave me a deep sense of empathy. I understand what it feels like to carry emotional burdens at a young age, to live through instability, and to long for support and safety. That understanding is what drives my passion for serving others, especially those in underprivileged communities who may not have access to the care and support they need. As a Music Therapy major, I have found a meaningful way to turn my experiences into impact. Music has been a powerful outlet for expression, healing, and connection in my own life, and I have seen how it can do the same for others. I have used music in nursing homes, schools, and correctional facilities to create moments of comfort and connection. In underprivileged communities—where mental health resources are often limited or stigmatized—I plan to use music therapy as an accessible and culturally relevant form of healing. Through group sessions, songwriting, and guided musical experiences, I want to provide individuals with a safe space to process trauma, express emotions, and feel seen and heard. My upbringing allows me to connect deeply with the individuals I hope to serve. I am not just offering care from a clinical perspective, but from a place of lived experience and understanding. As I continue on my path toward becoming a physician, I plan to integrate music therapy with medicine to provide holistic care, particularly for those who have experienced trauma, homelessness, or systemic barriers to healthcare. Ultimately, I am committed to building a new legacy—one that breaks cycles of hardship and replaces them with healing, stability, and service. I want to be the person I needed during my most difficult moments: someone who listens, supports, and creates safe spaces for others to grow. Being the first in my family to graduate from college represents more than personal success; it represents transformation. I am using everything I have been through as a foundation to uplift others, ensuring that my story becomes a source of healing not only for myself, but for my community.

I want to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector because my life has shown me how powerful service and access to care can be for communities that are often overlooked. Growing up, I watched my family struggle to make ends meet, and for a long time, higher education felt out of reach. In May of 2028, I will become the first in my family to graduate from college and the first to attend a Historically Black College/University. That journey has shaped both my resilience and my commitment to creating opportunities for others from backgrounds like mine. During college, I found purpose in serving others. I began volunteering in the youth ministry at my local church, and what started as a single experience quickly became a passion. Through service, I realized that even small acts of care can make a meaningful difference. This inspired me to expand my impact beyond my immediate community and think more intentionally about how I could serve on a larger scale. As a Music Therapy major on a Pre-Med track, I have developed both musical and clinical skills that I use in my community. I have volunteered with music groups, performing in nursing homes, schools, and correctional facilities, where I witnessed how music fosters connection, comfort, and healing. These experiences deepened my understanding of the emotional and psychological needs that often go unmet in underserved populations. A career in the nonprofit sector would allow me to address these gaps directly. I hope to work with organizations that serve underprivileged communities, including individuals experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and those who have experienced trauma. Through music therapy and community-based health initiatives, I want to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and valued. My goal is to make healing practices more accessible, especially in communities where healthcare resources are limited or stigmatized. I also hope my work will help build trust between marginalized communities and healthcare systems. As a future medical doctor, I am especially committed to supporting the African American community, where historical injustices have created barriers to care. Through nonprofit work, I can help develop outreach programs, wellness initiatives, and educational efforts that empower individuals to take control of their health in safe and affirming environments. In addition, I want to create programs that expose young people to careers in healthcare and the arts. Representation matters, and I want students from backgrounds like mine to see what is possible. By partnering with schools, churches, and community organizations, I hope to provide mentorship and resources that inspire the next generation. Ultimately, my desire to work in the nonprofit sector is rooted in both my experiences and my passion for service. Being the first in my family to graduate from college is more than an achievement—it is a responsibility. I am committed to using my education and skills to expand access to care, promote holistic healing, and create lasting, positive change in the communities I care about.

There are nights when I sit with two futures in front of me. In one, I am calculating—counting credits, counting dollars, counting how much longer I can keep going before the weight of an outstanding balance forces me to pause a dream I have carried for years. I move carefully in this version of my life, choosing courses not only by calling, but by cost. I wonder if I can really afford to add the science classes that would allow me to pursue medical school, even as I feel deeply called to become a pediatric neurologist. I trust God, but I also wrestle with uncertainty. In the other future, something shifts. The burden lifts—not because the journey becomes easy, but because it becomes possible in a new way. With access to financial resources and educational opportunities, my learning is no longer shaped by limitation, but by purpose. I am free to ask deeper questions, to take the courses that challenge and stretch me, to fully engage both my Music Therapy major and my Pre-Med calling without fear of falling behind financially. In this version of my life, learning becomes expansive. It becomes late nights in the lab, not worrying about how much each credit costs, but focusing on understanding the complexity of the human brain. It becomes moments where I can fully immerse myself in both science and music—studying neurological disorders in the classroom, then witnessing how music can reach patients in ways medicine alone sometimes cannot. It becomes the freedom to explore, to connect disciplines, and to grow into the kind of physician who treats not just conditions, but people. This scholarship would allow me to engage my studies more deeply by removing the constant undercurrent of financial fear. Instead of dividing my energy between survival and scholarship, I would be able to give my full attention to learning, serving, and preparing for medical school. I could pursue additional science coursework with confidence, strengthen my academic foundation, and seek out research, clinical experiences, and service opportunities that align with my calling. More than that, it would give me the freedom to continue serving without hesitation. I would still sing in nursing homes, still show up for my community, still use music as a tool for healing—but I would do so with the stability that allows me to sustain that work long-term. I believe God has placed this calling on my life for a reason. This scholarship would not replace my faith—it would be one of the ways that provision shows up. It would allow me to move forward not only with trust, but with preparation. When resources are within reach, learning becomes more than survival. It becomes transformation. And with that transformation, I would be equipped not only to reach my goal of becoming a pediatric neurologist, but to return to my community as someone who can heal, advocate, and create space for others to dream beyond their circumstances—just as I have.

In May of 2028, I will be the first in my family to graduate from college—the first to graduate from a Historically Black College/University. For much of my life, this did not feel possible. Growing up, I witnessed my family struggle to make ends meet, and I knew I wanted a different future. When applying to college, my top choice was Howard University, an institution with a rich history rooted in truth and service. When I was accepted, I thanked Jesus for the opportunity to attend such a prestigious university. However, acceptance did not mean the journey would be easy. Each semester, I faced challenges that made me question whether I truly belonged. While others seemed to find solutions more easily, I had to fight through my circumstances and learn how to cope in healthy ways. During these moments, I found purpose in serving others. I began volunteering in the youth ministry at my local church, and what started as a single experience quickly became a passion. Serving others brought me a sense of fulfillment and joy that helped ground me through my struggles. Still, I felt called to expand my impact beyond the church. As a Music Therapy major on a Pre-Med track, I have developed both musical and clinical skills that I actively use in my community. I have volunteered with music groups, singing in nursing homes, schools, and correctional facilities, using music as a tool for connection and healing. I have also applied my clinical awareness in everyday life, checking in on strangers and supporting friends and family through difficult moments. When I earn my undergraduate degree in Music Therapy, I plan to use my training to serve underprivileged communities, including individuals experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, those who have experienced trauma, and those without access to adequate healthcare. I want to bring healing to overlooked spaces by combining music and therapeutic care in ways that are both accessible and impactful. As a future medical doctor, I am especially committed to supporting the African American community. Many African Americans avoid seeking healthcare due to past experiences of discrimination or the belief that their concerns will not be taken seriously. I want to help break down these barriers by becoming a clinician who listens, advocates, and provides compassionate, equitable care. I aim to create safe, affirming environments where patients feel seen, heard, and respected. By combining music therapy with medicine, I hope to take a holistic approach to healing. Music has the power to reach people in ways traditional medicine sometimes cannot—it can ease anxiety, unlock memories, and provide comfort during pain. I plan to incorporate music-based therapeutic practices into clinical settings, particularly for patients facing mental health challenges, neurological disorders, and trauma. In underserved communities where mental health resources are limited or stigmatized, this approach can offer a more welcoming path to care. Beyond clinical work, I hope to give back through outreach and education. I want to create programs that expose young people—especially those from backgrounds like mine—to careers in healthcare and the arts. I also plan to partner with local churches, schools, and community centers to provide free health screenings, wellness workshops, and music therapy sessions. Ultimately, my goal is not just to treat illness, but to uplift my community. Being the first in my family to graduate from college is more than a personal achievement—it is a responsibility. Through compassion, service, and dedication, I will use my education to create lasting change for those who need it most.

A young girl born into a family of dysfunction. Before that young girl came a man who lived a different type of life. A life of violence, internal pain, and a gangly livelihood. Spending seventeen years of his life incarcerated, he missed out on his firstborn’s life. When he realized he’d have the opportunity to father another child, he turned his life around, starting a family with Her. Once his secondborn arrived, he was murdered. He was my father. Her. Her life is an ongoing trauma that bled into mine. Her trauma was so deep that her sense of belonging, sense of peace, and sense of love weren’t able to be achieved. Whatever she strived towards always succeeded, even if it wasn’t for long. Throughout her life, she struggled with drugs, alcoholism, depression, suicide, lupus, borderline personality disorder, and financial stability. Choosing to be stubborn caught up with her. This resulted in her facing time in prison. All of her children were adults. The only one left was Rose. She/her is my mother. Rose is that young girl. Being raised as a preacher’s kid, you’d think she had life laid out for her, but she didn’t. After witnessing her mother struggle financially, she knew she had to escape this life. Amid all the chaos in her life, she found one thing that didn’t seem to fail her, Jesus. After finding Jesus, she had to leave her hometown. Though moving was painful for her, she learned more about herself. Rose recognized her pain and worked her way through it. Rose learned sacrifice and perseverance from her parents. One whose life isn’t dictated by her parents. One who is learning to rely on the Holy Spirit. One who is turning her pain into a passion. One that refuses to let her past define her. Rose is that young girl who grew up to become a young woman—a young woman who is ready to walk in her purpose. Rose is a daughter of the Most High. Rose is the daughter of two amazing parents who tried their best to raise a family. Rose is not her past but is instead her future. Rose wants to attain a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Howard University. Rose wants to show the world her gift through music. Music, for her, has never been about her fascination with sound or the different connections that can be built through this industry. Instead, it has been about improving life and having the heart posture of wanting to create a unique story through a lens that only few can see. Fine arts and Jesus mean everything to her. To be a vessel for Him is an honor. Being able to draw souls to Christ through my passions: cinematography, poetry, music, dance, and content creation, is what pushes me to thrive in my career field. I am Rose. I am a living testimony of a prayer. I know now that life isn’t some fairytale. I will achieve the goals I aspire to achieve. I am Rose.

For much of my life, I believed that having a voice meant being heard and approved by others. I sang, wrote music, and performed with an underlying question constantly echoing in my mind: Is this good enough for them? That question followed me into songwriting, performance, and even into how I spoke about my future. It wasn’t until I began my journey in music therapy that I realized my struggle wasn’t a lack of ability—it was a lack of confidence in who I was using my voice for. As a songwriter and vocalist, I often found myself paralyzed by comparison. I hesitated to share original music, especially music rooted in my faith, because I feared judgment. Performing songs centered on Jesus Christ felt deeply personal, yet vulnerable. I wrestled with the tension between wanting to please people and knowing, in my heart, that my voice was meant to honor God rather than human approval. In moments when I should have felt free, I instead felt restrained—afraid that my authenticity would be misunderstood or dismissed. That internal struggle came to a head as I discerned my calling to a career in music therapy. Choosing this path required me to use my voice in ways I had avoided before. I had to articulate why this career mattered, why it wasn’t simply a hobby, and why I believed God had called me to it. Explaining my choice to others—especially when met with confusion or doubt—forced me to stand firm in my convictions. There were moments when my voice shook, not because I lacked passion, but because I was learning how to speak with confidence rooted in purpose rather than validation. Music therapy has transformed my understanding of communication. Through clinical experiences, I’ve seen how a voice—spoken or sung—can reach individuals when words alone cannot. I’ve learned that voice is not about perfection; it is about presence, intention, and honesty. Watching clients find their own voices through music reminded me that mine mattered too. Slowly, I began to write and perform from a place of surrender, offering my voice as an act of service and worship rather than performance. Through this journey, I learned that confidence does not mean never feeling afraid—it means choosing to speak anyway. I learned that my voice carries power when it aligns with truth, faith, and compassion. Most importantly, I learned that using my voice for God’s purpose frees me from the need for external approval. Looking forward, I hope to use my voice to advocate for the healing power of music, to support clients who feel unseen or unheard, and to stand boldly in the calling God has placed on my life. Whether through songwriting, therapy sessions, or conversations that challenge stigma and misunderstanding, I want my voice to create space for hope, healing, and authenticity. My journey taught me that when my voice is rooted in faith and purpose, it has the power to impact lives—including my own.

During the summer of my sophomore year, I almost didn't make it back to Howard University. I had a hold on my account due to a balance from my freshman year. I made it through my first year of college with a lot of faith and prayers. Throughout my first year, I struggled with solidifying my major. On the other hand, I also made a lot of friends and found an amazing church home there. It took two semesters, but Howard began to feel like home, especially during the spring semester. During the spring semester, I switched from film to music therapy and fell in love with my COFA family. I became friends with people whom I've prayed for. I witnessed friends become family through baptism. Then August 2025 appeared, and I told friends that I'd be transferring because I don't have familial support, and I can't afford it. I forced myself to be happy with the in-state school I was transferring to. However, I had a balance to pay for at that school as well, before I could go to campus. I felt as though I had exhausted every option until I got an email that my hold was lifted. I stayed at a friend's house until I got on-campus housing, and I surprised my close friends at a Labor Day party. For me, this was a testament of God's grace and faithfulness toward me.

Hi! My name is Trinity Hart, and I'm a sophomore Music Therapy Major at Howard University from Detroit, Michigan. In the future, I'd like to become a Board-Certified Music Therapist and help people of all ages through the healing properties of music. Music Therapy is a clinical and evidence-based healthcare profession where music interventions are used therapeutically to help people. Along with doing Music Therapy, I'd also like to go into Music Marketing and songwriting. I have a passion for the music business and hope to make some sort of an impact. With a major in Music Therapy, there are a lot of songwriting components, and I'd like to use those to write music and make a difference in the lives around the world. In my career, I want to use Music Therapy, Music Marketing, and songwriting to help people know Jesus. He is the person who has guided and continues to guide me through life, so in everything I do, I aim to exalt His Name. Why did I choose Howard University? I chose Howard University because I love black people. My brother told me to look into HBCUs when I was a freshman in high school, and the first one that popped up was Howard University. I fell in love with the culture, history, alumni, campus organizations, etc. During my first year at Howard, I've learned what it means to be Black and the beauty of a proud Black community.

If given the opportunity, I would improve my community by offering music lessons to underprivileged children and families in my area. Growing up in both urban and suburban environments, I’ve experienced the richness and the challenges of both. Raised in a single-parent household, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices my mother made—not just to keep the lights on or food on the table, but to provide me with opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities. I didn’t fully grasp the weight of those financial sacrifices until I got older. Despite the cost, the performing arts became a place of refuge and self-discovery for me. From singing and playing piano and guitar to dancing, acting, screenwriting, and performing in musical theatre, the arts helped me process emotions, build confidence, and connect with others. Each discipline brought its form of healing and growth. Unfortunately, I watched many of my peers give up their artistic passions—not because they lacked talent or support, but simply because they couldn’t afford to continue. That reality planted a seed in my heart to change that narrative for others. I am a passionate advocate for the creative arts, but I am equally committed to the importance of education. Shortly, I hope to partner with local high schools to offer students free access to performing arts experiences, mentorship, and resources to help them navigate both their artistic and academic paths. I’ve learned that while a passion may not always align with a profession, it is still worth pursuing. Art has value—deep emotional, spiritual, and personal value—and I want to close the gap between financial limitations and artistic opportunities. At the core of making an impact is my walk with Christ. I encountered Jesus at the age of 13, and though my journey hasn’t always been smooth, it has been transformative. Through my relationship with Him, I’ve been delivered from depression, anxiety, people-pleasing, complacency, and more. His love has completely reshaped the way I view myself and others. As I’ve grown in faith, I’ve developed a strong desire to reflect His light and love to the world around me. Part of that reflection has involved stepping out in boldness—whether that’s sharing the Gospel on my college campus or simply loving people where they are. Not everyone receives the message with open arms, but I’ve learned that even a single conversation can plant a seed. I believe the performing arts can be a powerful vehicle for both healing and connection, spiritually and emotionally. By combining creativity with ministry, I hope to provide a safe space for people to express themselves, discover their identity, and, ultimately, encounter the love of Christ. In the end, my goal is to build a community where no child has to choose between their passion and their reality—where they are supported, encouraged, and seen. I want to create a space where the arts are not a luxury, but a lifeline. And through it all, I want to be a vessel of God’s love—helping others find freedom, healing, and purpose, just as I did.

A young girl born into a family of dysfunction. Before that young girl came a man who lived a different type of life. A life of violence, internal pain, and a gangly livelihood. Spending seventeen years of his life incarcerated, he missed out on his firstborn’s life. When he realized he’d have the opportunity to father another child, he turned his life around, starting a family with Her. Once his secondborn arrived, he was murdered. He was my father. Her. Her life is an ongoing trauma that bled into mine. Her trauma was so deep that her sense of belonging, sense of peace, and sense of love wasn’t able to be achieved. Whatever she strived towards always succeeded, even if it wasn’t for long. Throughout her life, she struggled with drugs, alcoholism, depression, suicide, lupus, borderline personality disorder, and financial stability. Choosing to be stubborn caught up with her. Which resulted in her facing time in prison. All of her children were adults. The only one left was Rose. She/her is my mother. Rose is that young girl. Being raised as a preacher’s kid, you’d think she had life laid out for her, but she didn’t. After witnessing her mother struggle financially, she knew she had to escape this life. Amid all the chaos in her life, she found one thing that didn’t seem to fail her: Jesus. After finding Jesus, she had to leave her hometown. Though moving was painful for her, she learned more about herself. Rose recognized her pain and worked her way through it. Rose learned sacrifice and perseverance from her parents. One whose life isn’t dictated by her parents. One who is learning to rely on the Holy Spirit. One who is turning her pain into a passion. One that refuses to let her past define her. Rose is that young girl who grew up to become a young woman—a young woman who is ready to walk in her purpose. Rose is a daughter of the Most High. Rose is the daughter of two amazing parents who tried their best to raise a family. Rose is not her past but is instead her future. Rose wants to attain a Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences/ humanities with the end goal of becoming a physician. Rose also wants to show the world her gift through music. Music, for her, has brought healing to her and given her an outlet for expression. She wants to be selected for this scholarship because she has experience in helping out underprivileged youth and giving back to the community through evangelism and outreach. She has a passion for helping others through both music and healthcare. Being a physician is what she's wanted for herself because she'll be the first in her family to become either a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine. After going through different seasons of adversity, all she wants to do is make a difference in the world and help others in any way possible. I am Rose. I am a living testimony of a prayer. I know now that life isn’t some fairytale. I will achieve the goals I aspire to achieve. I am Rose.

Charity is important to me because it's a way that I show the love of Christ to strangers in the world. Throughout the Bible, you see a lot of examples of the word giving or give. It appears 2,162 times in the Bible. It is something that God would like us to imitate. Giving to others in the world is something I've always enjoyed. Though I haven't been fortunate enough to give to a charity, I have been blessed to give to strangers from time to time. I may not know where my money goes, but hopefully it's used for the benefit of their lives instead of setting them at a disadvantage. Being a small light for people I may see on the street, in a gas station, or even in a church, it shows me that there isn't enough light in the world. I intend to give back in the future in a few ways, one of them being volunteering. For the past three years, I've volunteered in my church with the youth and in music. I noticed that volunteering allows me to share compassion and love on a more personal level, which I enjoy. Another way would be giving back to high school students through scholarships and providing advice/connections to high school seniors getting ready to enter the real world. Making a difference in the world is something I've always wanted to do, and it'll be through not only charity/volunteering but also evangelism, medicine, and music as well.

I grew up surrounded by art for most of my life. I was exposed to it through my upbringing and the activities I chose to be involved in as I grew up. Throughout middle and high school, I fell in love with dance—so much so that my mom enrolled me in a dance program outside of school. That was when I realized that dance isn’t just art—it’s hard work and dedication if you truly want to pursue it. Since 2019, I’ve been a camper at a performing arts camp that provides training in everything from dance, music, and musical theatre to technical theatre, directing, and more. It was at this camp that I realized I wanted to make a life in the performing arts. Being part of something bigger than myself inspired me to keep coming back year after year. Without fail, I returned, growing in confidence not only in dance but also in voice and musical theatre. I remember watching a show called The Terrell Show on YouTube when I was younger. It features a game called Song Association, where artists are invited to sing on the spot. In one episode, Cynthia Erivo was the guest. I had never heard her sing before, and after watching that episode, I fell in love with her artistry. During the summer of 2023, I studied her work with my vocal coach and learned how to break through personal fears in order to tell a story. If anyone has inspired me, it's my family. Sure, I have favorite artists and dancers I admire, but my family is the fire that keeps me going. I am the first in my family to attend an HBCU and the first sibling to graduate. I aim to be the first of many. Each person in my family has deep goals and aspirations, but many settle for less because those dreams seem unattainable. I'm different. I want to achieve everything. Let me put it this way—if I don’t actively pursue it, it won’t happen. My siblings and my mom always encourage me to push forward while also reminding me to stay realistic. I understand their concerns, but my dreams will be accomplished. You might be wondering, what do I mean by “everything”? Well, I’m a rising sophomore TV/Film major at Howard University. I had a rocky freshman year because I was struggling to find myself and my family battled through some financial hardship. I went through a mental shift of realizing what I wanted my life to be, what I wanted it to look like. That shift doesn’t change what “everything” means to me. To me, “everything” means being a multifaceted artist. I have a passion for dance, acting, music, screenwriting, directing, and musical theatre. I’m determined to pursue all of these because I’ve already explored many of them throughout high school and college. I’m committed to making it work—not just for myself, but to set an example for my family. I have faith in Jesus Christ that it will happen. I believe I will make a difference in the world through art because art changed my life. And finally, to me, Jesus is the greatest artist of all. Through Him, the art created through me will be powerful—and I’ve already seen its impact.

Growing up in a single-parent household has shaped me in profound ways. My mother, a woman of strength and faith, was the anchor and light of our home. She taught me the power of faith—not only during the good times but also in life’s challenges. Her belief that everything, both good and bad, had a purpose left a lasting impact on me. This foundation of faith, perseverance, and love has inspired me to explore the world, pursue a meaningful career, and positively impact others. I believe that my future, especially through music therapy, will be the start of building a legacy for my family. My mother’s resilience in the face of hardship motivated me to adopt the same mindset. Whether it was overcoming financial struggles, dealing with personal setbacks, or facing life’s uncertainties, she maintained an unwavering belief that good things were ahead. This perspective helped me cultivate resilience and see life’s challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities for growth. I learned that faith isn’t just about waiting for things to improve but about trusting that they will, no matter the obstacles. Witnessing my mother’s strength made me want to be someone who, like her, would face challenges with determination and faith. She encouraged me to see the world as full of opportunities, regardless of my background or the difficulties ahead. This mindset fueled my curiosity and eagerness to explore the world, learn about different cultures, and understand diverse perspectives. I realized that my purpose in life was to be a vessel for Christ—to spread His love and message wherever I go. One of the most powerful ways I hope to make a difference is through music therapy. Music has a unique ability to heal, comfort, and connect people in ways that words cannot. It transcends barriers, speaking directly to the heart. Music therapy goes beyond playing instruments or singing; it’s about using music as a medium to help others find emotional release, inner peace, and healing. By combining music therapy with my faith, I believe I can make a meaningful impact. Through music, I aim to help people connect with Jesus and experience healing not just emotionally but spiritually. Music creates an environment where people can feel God’s presence, find comfort, and know they are loved. By pursuing a degree in music therapy, I want to bring healing and hope to those in need, while inspiring them to see God’s hand in their lives, even in difficult times. My upbringing also taught me that success isn’t solely about individual achievements; it’s about building a legacy for future generations. Watching my mother navigate the complexities of raising a family alone showed me the importance of financial responsibility, long-term planning, and goal-setting for a brighter future. I aspire to build a strong foundation for myself and my future family, ensuring we live with purpose, security, and the ability to make a lasting impact on the world. Ultimately, my upbringing has shaped me into someone who values faith, resilience, and community. It has inspired me to live a life that heals and inspires others while sharing the message of hope. I am driven to use my talents and experiences not only to make a difference in society but also to create a future for my family where love, faith, and success flourish for generations to come.

Exemplifying a spirit of excellence in everyday life for me is executed by nurturing my relationship with Jesus Christ and giving back to the community. These elements are a huge part in my journey. Mainly through my passion for music and my involvement in my local church. By pursuing excellence in my craft, growing in my faith, and serving others, I aim to make a positive impact on both the spiritual and practical aspects of my community. Firstly, I believe that a spirit of excellence should be in all areas of life. Whether it's in my personal responsibilities, school, or relationships, I seek to approach each task with the mindset of doing it to the best of my ability. In the context of my music, this means consistently refining my skills, paying attention to the detail, and always seeking to improve. The pursuit of excellence in music is not just for personal fulfillment, but as a way of honoring God and reflecting His creativity through me. By approaching each note or performance with dedication, I hope to inspire others and set an example of how excellence can be a form of worship. In 1st Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”. The strive for greatness is only because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. The goal is to glorify Him. By aligning my actions with His teachings, I am able to offer my talents and efforts for a greater purpose than personal gain. As I grow in my faith, I seek to reflect His character by loving others, serving without expectation of return, and using my gifts to uplift and encourage those around me. Giving back to my community is an essential part of living out my faith. Through music initiatives, I have had the privilege of creating opportunities for others to experience and engage with the arts. Music has the power to unite, heal, and inspire, and I believe that by sharing this gift with my community, I can create spaces for people to connect, reflect, and grow. Serving at my local church is another key way I give back to the community. The church is a place of spiritual growth, fellowship, and outreach, and I am committed to using my gifts to contribute to its mission. Whether I’m leading worship, volunteering in children’s ministry, or helping the media team, I approach each role with a mindset of service. I believe that the church should be a reflection of Christ’s love, and I seek to contribute to an environment where people can encounter God in meaningful ways. In conclusion, a spirit of excellence, a deep relationship with Jesus Christ, and a commitment to serving my community are all interconnected in my daily life. By striving for excellence in my music, nurturing my faith, and giving back to others through both music initiatives and church involvement, I aim to reflect God’s love and make a positive impact. Excellence through God’s lens is when you live life for Him and not yourself. Through my actions, I hope to inspire others to live with purpose, serve with love, and grow in their relationship with Christ.