Dance has always been more than a passion for me, it has been a way of understanding myself, expressing emotions, and connecting with others. My name is Virginia, and I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a Theatre major with a minor in Dance. While theatre allows me to tell stories through words and performance, dance gives me the freedom to express what cannot always be spoken. The combination of the two has shaped not only my education but also the person I am becoming. My journey with dance began as a child in the Dominican Republic, where I was surrounded by rhythms, movement, and culture, even though opportunities to formally study the performing arts were limited. When I moved to the United States, I finally had the chance to pursue dance as part of my academic journey, and it has been life-changing. Dance classes have challenged me physically, mentally, and creatively, pushing me to grow in discipline and confidence. More importantly, they have given me the tools to channel my emotions in healthy and creative ways. During times when I struggled with my mental health, dance became a form of therapy, a safe space where movement could communicate what words often failed to express. Pursuing dance as part of my education is not just about performing on stage, it’s about building a career where I can use movement to inspire, heal, and teach. One of my long-term goals is to open a performing arts school in the Dominican Republic, where dance and theatre are not offered as university majors. I want to create a space where young people can explore their talents, develop their creativity, and pursue their dreams without feeling they have to leave home, as I did. By studying both theatre and dance now, I am preparing myself to guide others with the knowledge, discipline, and passion I’ve been fortunate to gain. Outside of school, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of dance on community. I have volunteered with low-income children in the Dominican Republic, using theatre and movement to spark joy and self-expression. I also work as an Activities Assistant in senior care, where I often use music and movement to connect with residents, especially those living with dementia. Watching a resident light up at the sound of a familiar song or simple dance rhythm reminds me of the universal power of the arts to reach across barriers and bring people together. Dance has given me strength, resilience, and a sense of purpose. It’s a lifelong pursuit that connects me to my roots, fuels my dreams, and allows me to serve others. With this scholarship, I will be able to continue my studies and honor Sue Murray’s legacy by carrying forward the same passion, creativity, and joy she shared with those around her.

My journey as a first-generation, low-income student has been full of challenges, but each one has shaped me into the determined and resilient person I am today. Pursuing higher education has never been a straightforward path for me. During college, I faced depression that became so overwhelming that I had to take a semester off. At the time, it felt like admitting defeat. I doubted myself constantly and wondered if I would ever find the strength to return to school. On top of that, financial struggles created even more barriers, and I had to take additional semesters off. It often felt like I was falling behind while the world kept moving forward. For a long time, I carried shame about those pauses in my education, but eventually I realized that they didn’t represent weakness; they represented resilience. I overcame my depression by seeking help, something that at first felt impossible to do. Therapy gave me the tools to manage my emotions, but the biggest shift came when I allowed myself to be open and lean on others. I had to learn that I wasn’t alone, and that asking for help didn’t make me less capable, it made me stronger. The arts also became a lifeline during this period. Theatre and dance have always been passions of mine, but during my hardest moments, they became essential outlets for self-expression. Depression often made it difficult for me to put my feelings into words, but when I stepped onto a stage or moved to music, I found freedom. In theatre, I could embody characters who reflected my emotions, fears, and hopes, and in dance, I could express what I couldn’t articulate otherwise. The arts gave me a healthy way to process what I was going through, and they reminded me of the joy and purpose that still existed in my life even during dark times. As I worked through my depression and financial struggles, I grew more determined to not only finish my degree but to use my own experiences to inspire and uplift others. Today, I am pursuing a degree in Theatre with a minor in Dance, and I see my education as the foundation for my long-term goal: opening the first performing arts school in the Dominican Republic. In my home country, theatre and dance are not available as majors at the university level, and I want to change that. Too many young people with talent and passion for the arts give up on their dreams because they don’t see a path forward. My dream is to build that path for them, creating opportunities that I had to leave home to find. My passion for the arts is deeply tied to my commitment to community. In the Dominican Republic, I’ve volunteered with children from low-income families, creating spaces where they could use theatre and dance to express themselves and build confidence. Here in the U.S., I work as an Activities Assistant in senior care, where I use music and movement to connect with residents, especially those living with dementia. These experiences have reinforced my belief that the arts are more than performance, they are a form of healing, communication, and human connection. Overcoming adversity has taught me resilience, integrity, and the importance of leading with empathy. It has also given me a deep appreciation for the power of self-expression and creativity in navigating life’s hardest challenges. The lessons I learned through depression, about persistence, vulnerability, and finding healthy outlets are ones I will carry with me into my career. They will shape how I teach, how I create, and how I lead others in the future. This scholarship would not only support me in completing my education, but it would also affirm the values that have guided me through my journey: resilience, leadership, and hope. Like Anthony Belliamy, I strive to live with strength and integrity, turning adversity into purpose. His legacy of courage and optimism is one I hope to honor in my own life by uplifting others, pursuing my goals with determination, and never losing sight of the impact kindness and perseverance can make in the world.

Adversity has shaped my journey in ways I never could have predicted, but it has also given me the resilience and determination to continue pursuing my goals. In college, I faced mental health challenges that became so overwhelming that I had to take my first semester off due to depression. At the time, stepping away felt like admitting defeat. I worried that I might never return, that my dream of completing my degree and building a career in the arts would slip away. Just as I began to find my footing again, financial issues made it impossible for me to continue, and I had to take two more semesters off. Those breaks were painful, because I felt like I was watching my peers move forward while I was standing still. But instead of letting those setbacks define me, I chose to see them as opportunities to grow. During that time, I worked on myself. I sought out therapy, learned strategies to manage my depression, and built healthier habits. I also worked to help support myself financially, gaining a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices it takes to stay in school as a first-generation, low-income student. Most importantly, I learned to lean on others for support. I realized that I wasn’t alone, and that asking for help is not a weakness but a sign of strength. When I returned to school, I came back with a renewed sense of purpose. I am now pursuing a degree in Theatre with minors in Dance and Marketing, and I see my education as the foundation for my long-term dream: opening the first performing arts school in the Dominican Republic. In my country, students don’t have access to theatre and dance at the university level. I want to change that, so future generations can pursue their passion for the arts without leaving home. Throughout these challenges, I have found strength by staying connected to others. In the Dominican Republic, I’ve volunteered with children from low-income families, creating spaces where they could explore creativity and feel seen. Here in the U.S., my work as an Activities Assistant in senior care has shown me the importance of patience and presence. With residents, especially those living with dementia, I’ve learned that sometimes a song, a rhythm, or a simple movement can reach where words cannot. Both experiences have taught me that service is not just about giving, it’s about listening, connecting, and finding ways to bring light into people’s lives. What I have learned through adversity is that resilience isn’t about never stumbling; it’s about standing back up, stronger and more determined than before. My setbacks have not defined me; they have motivated me to keep moving forward with more courage than I had before. This scholarship would support me in continuing my education and pursuing my career goals, but even more importantly, it would honor the bravery and determination that have guided me through my journey.

Being a first-generation college student means I am carrying both the pride and the responsibility of being the first in my family to take this step. It means walking into classrooms, offices, and opportunities without a roadmap, knowing that my family cannot guide me through a system they never experienced. At times, it has felt overwhelming, but it has also pushed me to grow stronger, more independent, and more determined. When I moved from the Dominican Republic to the United States to pursue higher education, I stepped into a completely unfamiliar world. I had to learn to navigate a new culture and language while figuring out how to pay for school and support myself financially. On top of these challenges, I also faced struggles with my mental health, which led me to take three semesters off. At first, I felt like I had failed, but that time taught me an important lesson: it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to take care of yourself. I returned to school with more resilience, focus, and clarity than before. My dreams are rooted in the arts. As a Theatre major with minors in Dance and Marketing, I hope to use my education to create opportunities for others. My long-term dream is to open the first performing arts school in the Dominican Republic. Currently, theatre and dance are not offered as majors in any Dominican university, which forces many young artists to give up their passion or leave home to pursue it. I want to change that reality and build a space where creativity is celebrated and supported. I have already seen how powerful the arts can be in building community. I have volunteered with children from low-income families in the Dominican Republic, using dance and theatre to bring them joy and confidence. In my job as an Activities Assistant in senior care, I use music and movement to connect with residents, including those with dementia. These experiences remind me that the arts are more than performance, they are a way to communicate, to heal, and to inspire. This scholarship would ease the financial stress I face as a first-generation student who balances school, work, and leadership responsibilities. It would give me the chance to dedicate more time to my studies and community projects, while also keeping me on track to graduate. Most importantly, it would bring me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of opening doors for future generations of artists in the Dominican Republic. Being first-generation means I am building a path not only for myself but for those who will come after me. It means proving that where you start does not limit how far you can go. And it means turning the challenges I have faced into opportunities to create a brighter, more inclusive future.

My dream is to open the first performing arts school in the Dominican Republic. Growing up there, I didn’t have access to formal training in theatre or dance at the university level, and I want to create a space where young artists can pursue their passions without having to leave their country. That dream drives everything I do, from studying Theatre with a minor in Dance and Marketing to leading performance groups and giving back to my community. It hasn’t been an easy road, but as a first-generation student from a low-income background, I’ve found strength in pushing through, working harder, and dreaming bigger with the help of resources like the Pell Grant. When I moved to the U.S. for college, I had to learn to navigate a new culture, manage financial strain, and support myself while being far from home. At one point, I had to take three semesters off because of economic and mental health challenges. Instead of letting that setback define me, I used the time to heal, ask for help, and come back stronger. I’ve learned resilience is not about never falling; it’s about getting back up and carrying others with you. I stay involved in my community by volunteering with children from low-income families in the Dominican Republic, using dance and theatre as a way to inspire joy and confidence. I also work in senior care as an Activities Assistant, where I use music and movement to connect with residents, including those living with dementia. This scholarship would help me worry less about finances and focus more on what matters: finishing my degree, creating opportunities for others, and proving that where you start does not determine how far you can go.

1. I’m a “You Got It Girl” because I don’t just keep going when things get hard, I find a way to grow, adapt, and lift others up along the way. Balancing a full course load, a demanding job, leadership roles on campus, and my athletic training has taught me how to manage my time, stay disciplined, and push through challenges without losing sight of my goals. I grew up in a low-income household in the Dominican Republic, where I learned early on to work hard for every opportunity. Moving to the United States for college meant stepping into a completely new culture, learning to navigate language barriers, and figuring out how to support myself financially. Even with all these responsibilities, I make time to train in CrossFit early every morning, because taking care of my body is as important to me as achieving my academic and career goals. For me, being a “You Got It Girl” means showing up fully for yourself and for others, even when your schedule feels impossible, and still finding the energy to chase your dreams. 2. Soccer was my first love in sports. I played throughout high school and earned a Student Athlete Award for balancing academic achievement with my athletic commitment. The discipline, teamwork, and strategic thinking I developed on the field became skills I’ve carried into every area of my life. Today, I channel my competitive spirit and dedication into CrossFit, training every morning at 5 a.m. It challenges me to push my physical and mental limits, and I’ve seen huge growth in my endurance, strength, and self-confidence. 3. One of my biggest challenges came during college when mental health struggles forced me to take three semesters off. At first, I felt like I had failed. But stepping away gave me the space to work on myself, seek help, and build healthier habits. I learned how to ask for support and discovered that I wasn’t alone in what I was going through. When I returned to school, I came back stronger, with a renewed sense of purpose. That experience taught me that taking care of yourself is not a weakness, it’s a form of strength. 4. My godfather, Cueli, is one of my biggest inspirations. He was my choir teacher before becoming my godfather, and he has known my parents since they were teenagers. When I told him I was moving to the U.S. to pursue my dreams, he told me I had the soul of an artist and that I would accomplish great things. Those words have stayed with me, especially during times when I doubted myself. He reminds me to believe in my potential, even when the path is uncertain. 5. This scholarship would help relieve the financial pressure of paying for my education while working full-time. It would allow me to focus more on my studies in Theatre and my minors in Dance and Marketing, while also keeping up my athletic training. The support would give me more room to grow as a leader, student, and athlete without the constant stress of making ends meet. 6. I am passionate about combining my love for the arts with the discipline I’ve developed through sports. My dream is to open the first performing arts school in the Dominican Republic, giving young people the same opportunities to pursue their passions that I had to fight for. 7. I currently train in CrossFit and have a background in competitive soccer. While I’m not on an athletic scholarship, athletics remain a core part of my identity. The discipline, resilience, and teamwork I learned from sports have carried over into every challenge I’ve faced as a student and as a person. Right now, I’m unable to practice a sport full-time because I balance a full course load with a demanding work schedule. Even so, I make it a priority to train early in the mornings before my day begins, because staying active is part of who I am. To me, being a student-athlete isn’t just about competing, it’s about showing up consistently, holding yourself accountable, and striving for excellence in everything you do, even when your schedule feels impossible.

My favorite creation so far is a dance piece I choreographed for my university’s salsa team. I wanted it to be the most authentic representation of the Latin community, honoring the traditions, rhythms, and energy that make Latin dance so vibrant. Every step, turn, and movement was rooted in cultural authenticity, celebrating where we come from and the joy of our shared heritage. What made this piece even more meaningful was the process behind it. Our team comes from many different backgrounds, and I wanted every dancer to feel connected to the performance. I encouraged them to share personal stories, favorite songs, and movements that felt true to them. This made the choreography a collaborative creation, one that reflected all of us. The performance itself was unforgettable because we were invited to perform at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. One of the most historic and prestigious venues in the city. Standing on that stage, looking out at the audience, I felt an immense sense of pride. My team danced with joy, and passion, and the audience responded with warmth and excitement. Afterward, people told us they felt the spirit of the performance, even if they didn’t know the cultural details behind it. That, to me, is the power of art, it transcends barriers and speaks to the heart. This piece reminded me why I create: to connect people, to honor my roots, and to inspire others to express themselves proudly and authentically, just as Natalie did in her own creative life.

Giving back to my community has always been at the heart of who I am. In the Dominican Republic, I spent several summers volunteering with low-income children, leading activities on self-hygiene, civic engagement, and healthy habits. In the afternoons, I worked with teenagers, teaching leadership skills and encouraging them to see their own potential. These experiences showed me that service isn’t just about offering help, it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and reminding people of their value. That same spirit is what drives my work today. At Clark University, where I’m pursuing a degree in Theatre with minors in Dance and Marketing, I serve as captain of the university’s salsa team. In this role, I choreograph performances, organize cultural events, and create inclusive spaces where students of all backgrounds can come together. My goal is always to bring out the best in others and to make sure everyone feels valued, no matter their skill level. Outside of campus, I work as an Activities Assistant at a senior care center, leading music and dance sessions for residents, many of whom have dementia. This work is deeply personal to me because my grandmother also has dementia. I’ve seen how a familiar song or a shared movement can bring joy and connection, even in moments when words are hard to find. These experiences have strengthened my belief that art can be a powerful bridge between people. Like Kalia D. Davis, I believe in showing up fully in everything I do, academically, professionally, and personally. I’ve worked full-time while taking a full course load to finance my education, learning how to manage my time, stay focused, and keep pushing forward despite challenges. My friends and colleagues know me as someone who encourages others, works with integrity, and believes in aiming for excellence without losing kindness, discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. These experiences continue to guide me today. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or in my community work, I bring that same determination to everything I do. This scholarship would be more than financial support; it would be a reminder that my commitment to hard work, leadership, and community impact is seen and valued. It would allow me to dedicate more time to my studies, expand my leadership on campus, and continue my volunteer efforts both locally and abroad. In the future, I hope to open the first performing arts school in the Dominican Republic, giving young people access to professional training in theatre, dance, and music without having to leave the country. I want to give them the same encouragement and opportunities that mentors and community members have given me. Like Kalia, I want my legacy to be one of ambition, kindness, and impact, living each day with purpose and helping others believe in what’s possible for themselves.

Hi, my name is Virginia, and I’m a first-generation college student from the Dominican Republic. The arts have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Music, dance, and theatre weren’t just things I enjoyed; they were my safe space, my outlet, and my way of connecting with others. When I decided to move to the United States to study the arts, it was one of the biggest and scariest decisions I’ve ever made. A lot of people wondered if it was a “smart” choice, but I knew in my heart it was the right one. I’d rather take the risk and live my dream than wonder “what if” for the rest of my life. I’m now studying Theatre with a Dance minor and a Marketing minor at Clark University. My days are busy. I work full-time while also taking classes full-time, but I’ve learned how to balance both. On campus, I serve as captain of my university’s salsa team, where I choreograph routines, run rehearsals, and help organize events that celebrate culture and community. My Marketing minor has given me the tools to promote our performances, grow our audience, and make sure our message reaches beyond the stage. Outside of school, I work as an Activities Assistant at a senior care center. Many of our residents have dementia, and I use music and movement to help them connect and engage. This work is very close to my heart because my grandmother also has dementia. With her, music and dance are our main ways of communicating. I’ve seen firsthand how a song can light up her face or bring back a memory she thought she’d lost. Those moments remind me why I love what I do. Art has the power to heal, to bridge gaps, and to bring joy, even in difficult circumstances. My dream is to open the first performing arts school in the Dominican Republic. Currently, there are no university-level programs for theatre or dance in the country, forcing many talented young people to leave to pursue their passion. I want to change that. I want to build a school where students can study acting, dance, and music at a professional level, where their culture is celebrated, and where they can see the arts as a respected and viable career. My Marketing minor will be a big help in making that dream real, helping me promote programs, reach students, and connect with supporters who believe in the mission. This journey hasn’t been easy. Being a first-generation student means I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own, from navigating college to managing finances. I’ve had moments where I’ve doubted myself or felt overwhelmed, but I’ve never lost sight of my goals. Every challenge I’ve faced has made me stronger and more determined to keep going. I carry with me values that come from my family, my mentors, and my experiences: resilience, kindness, and self-belief. I want to use my creativity not just for my own success, but to create opportunities for others, to build community, and to inspire people to believe in themselves the way others have believed in me. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve some of the financial pressure I carry, allowing me to focus more on my education and my work in the arts. It would also be a reminder that I’m on the right path, and that my dream of giving back through the arts is worth every step it takes to get there.

Arts education has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, music, dance, and performance were always present, at school, in my community, and at home. Being involved in the arts taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to express myself in ways that words alone couldn’t. It also gave me confidence and a strong sense of identity. One of the people who influenced my artistic journey the most is my godfather, Cueli. Before he was my godfather, he was my choir teacher. He has known my parents since they were teenagers, and from the time I was a student in his class, he supported my talent and encouraged me to keep developing it. He never treated the arts as something extra or unimportant. He always emphasized their value and the opportunities they could create. When I decided to move from the Dominican Republic to the United States to study the arts, it was a major life change. Many people around me thought it was too risky and questioned if it was the right choice. They worried about financial stability and whether I could build a career in such a competitive field. But my godfather told me, “You have the soul of an artist, and you will accomplish great things.” That sentence has stayed with me ever since. Whenever I doubt myself or think about giving up, I remember those words. I think about the people who believe in me and remind myself why I started. I know that this career path is not the safest, but I also know it is the one that will make me happiest. For me, the value of a career in the arts is not measured in money; it is measured in the impact I can make and the personal fulfillment it brings. Now, I am a Theatre major and Dance minor at Clark University. I have taken on leadership roles, such as serving as captain of my university’s salsa team, where I choreograph routines, organize events, and help team members grow in their abilities. I have learned how to work with people from different backgrounds and skill levels, and I have seen how collaboration can make performances stronger and more meaningful. Outside of school, I work as an Activities Assistant at a senior care center. Many of the residents have dementia, and I use music and movement to help them engage and connect. This work has taught me that the arts are not only for entertainment, but they can also improve the quality of life and create moments of joy and recognition, even for people facing memory loss. I have a personal connection to this, as my grandmother also has dementia, and music and dance are our main ways of communicating. My long-term goal is to open the first performing arts school in the Dominican Republic, so that young people there can study theatre, dance, and music at a professional level without having to leave the country. I want to create opportunities for students to follow their artistic dreams and receive the kind of encouragement I was lucky to have. My godfather’s belief in me has been a constant motivator, and his words remind me to keep going, no matter the challenges. Arts education has shaped my skills, my career path, and my outlook on life, and I am committed to using it to inspire and support others in their own journeys.

For me, collaboration is the heartbeat of the performing arts. It’s the understanding that every performance, every moment on stage, is the product of many hands, voices, and visions working together toward a shared goal. In theatre and dance, no one shines alone; every actor, dancer, choreographer, designer, technician, and director contributes their own artistry to create something bigger than any one of us could achieve on our own. That’s the magic of the fine arts: the moment when individual creativity blends into a unified, living work. As a Theatre major and Dance minor at Clark University, collaboration is at the center of everything I do. Whether I’m rehearsing for a play, performing a choreographed piece, or leading my university’s salsa team, the process always begins with listening to the music, to the story, and to the people I’m creating with. Collaboration means showing up with your own ideas, but also making space for others’ perspectives, respecting their expertise, and trusting that the final product will be richer because of those shared contributions. One of my most inspiring collaborative experiences has been as captain of Salsa Encendida, our campus salsa team. In this role, I work with dancers from a variety of cultural and artistic backgrounds. Some have years of experience in Latin dance; others are trying it for the first time. My job is to choreograph routines, organize rehearsals, and bring out the best in every performer, while also honoring the group’s diversity and creative input. We’ve built pieces together that have been performed for audiences of 200+ people, and the pride we share after a performance is something I’ll never forget. It’s proof that when people trust and respect each other’s artistry, something truly beautiful emerges. I’ve also experienced collaboration in my work as an Activities Assistant at a senior care center. While it might not seem like a traditional artistic setting, it’s deeply creative. I work closely with residents, many of whom have dementia, to design and lead music, dance, and movement activities that engage them emotionally and physically. Here, collaboration means adapting to the moment, reading someone’s body language, and letting their response shape the activity. One of my biggest inspirations comes from my grandmother, who also has dementia. Music and dance are our primary means of connection, and those personal moments of shared rhythm have taught me that collaboration is not just about art, it’s about human connection. In my future career, I want to continue building spaces where collaboration is celebrated, whether that’s on stage, in a rehearsal room, or in a community arts program. I believe that the relationships formed through the creative process are as important as the final performance. They’re where trust, empathy, and inspiration grow. Collaboration in the arts isn’t just working together; it’s growing together. It’s the belief that everyone has something valuable to offer, and that by combining our strengths, we can create something far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s what keeps me inspired, and it’s what I will carry into every project I take on.

I grew up watching my mother work endlessly to keep our family afloat. As a single parent in the Dominican Republic, she worked long hours, sacrificed sleep, and always put our needs before her own. We didn’t have much, but what we did have was heart. I remember moments when she would come home exhausted from work but still find time to help me with school, braid my hair, or remind me that I was capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. We may have lacked money, but we were never short on love or drive. Growing up in a low-income household taught me the value of hard work, gratitude, and ambition. It also taught me how to navigate struggle with dignity. I learned to stretch every dollar, to celebrate small victories, and to keep going even when things felt uncertain. Watching my mother face challenges with such strength made me want to work just as hard, not just for myself, but for her, and for others like us. When I moved to the U.S. and began pursuing my college education, those values stayed with me. As a first-generation student at Clark University, I’ve had to fund my education entirely on my own. I’ve balanced full-time school with full-time work, all while staying active in extracurriculars and community service. It’s been exhausting at times, but it’s also given me a sense of purpose. I know what I’m working for, and I know who I’m working for. I’m currently studying Theatre with a minor in Marketing, and I’ve found a deep passion for storytelling, performance, and cultural representation. I serve as the captain of my university’s salsa team, where I choreograph performances, organize events, and create safe, inclusive spaces for students to express themselves and embrace their cultural roots. Outside of school, I work as an activities assistant at a senior care center, where I run group activities for residents, including those with dementia. It’s rewarding, emotionally challenging work that constantly reminds me how important connection and empathy are, especially across generations. Coming from a low-income background has also shaped my future goals. I want to work in the arts, media, and nonprofit spaces to help uplift underrepresented voices, especially those from Latinx and immigrant communities. I want to use my creativity to tell stories that matter, stories that challenge stereotypes and create space for healing, joy, and visibility. Whether I’m on stage, behind a campaign, or running community programs, I want to be someone who builds access and opportunity for others, because I know what it’s like to go without it. Volunteering has been another constant in my life. Back in the Dominican Republic, I spent multiple summers working with children in underserved neighborhoods, leading activities about hygiene, civic responsibility, and leadership. That experience planted the seed for my love of mentorship and service, and I carry that with me still today. Receiving this scholarship would be a step toward a future where I can continue giving back without being held back by student debt. It would honor the resilience of my mother, the sacrifices we made, and the values we’ve lived by: perseverance, community, and the belief that your circumstances do not define your potential. I am proud of where I come from, and I’m even more proud of where I’m going.

I fell in love with storytelling before I even had the language to describe it. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, stories were everywhere; In the music that echoed through the streets, in my grandmother’s photo albums and voice as she shared family memories, and in the dance steps we passed down like tradition. When I moved to the U.S., I brought that love with me, but I also realized how underrepresented our voices are in the arts. That’s when I knew I didn’t just want to perform, I wanted to build something bigger. I’m currently a Theatre major and Dance minor at Clark University. My academic and artistic journey has been rooted in culture, movement, and the power of performance to connect people. As captain of my university’s salsa team, I choreograph and lead performances that highlight the richness of Latinx identity. But what drives me goes deeper than the stage. I want to create spaces where Dominican and Latinx stories are not just told, but nurtured and respected from the ground up. One lifelong dream I’ve carried with me is to open a performing arts school in the Dominican Republic. Theatre and dance are not available as university majors there, and students with artistic passions often feel they have to choose between their dreams and “real” careers. I want to change that. My goal is to create a space where Dominican youth can explore acting, dance, music, and storytelling without shame or limits, a space that gives them professional tools, cultural pride, and a sense of belonging in the world of the arts. In a world increasingly influenced by AI and digital tools, I believe the most important thing we can do as artists is to protect and uplift the human spirit behind the art. Technology can be a useful tool, but it will never replace the lived experience, emotional truth, and cultural history that artists bring to their work. I plan to use those tools where they help, but always keep the focus on the story, the community, and the connection. As a student of the arts, I see every performance, every rehearsal, and every story shared as part of something larger: a movement to create space, opportunity, and healing through expression. I’ve learned firsthand how transformative the arts can be, for self-confidence, for representation, for building bridges between cultures. I’ve felt it in myself, and I’ve seen it in others. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my education, but it would support a mission that extends far beyond me. It would help me continue building the foundation I need to eventually open that school and offer future generations the opportunity to dream bigger than their surroundings. Art changed my life. I want to make sure it has the chance to change others, too. The arts are not a luxury. They are a necessity. They are how we see ourselves, how we imagine better futures, and how we keep our cultures alive. And I plan to keep fighting for them.

Mental health is something I didn’t always understand, let alone talk about. Coming from a Dominican and single-parent household, emotional struggles weren’t something we openly acknowledged. Strength meant silence, pushing through, and carrying on without complaint. It wasn’t until I was in college, drowning under pressure and expectations, that I realized how deeply mental health touches every part of your life. During my time at Clark University, I’ve worked incredibly hard to fund my education, manage a full-time course load, maintain a strong GPA, work full-time hours, and lead extracurricular activities. From the outside, it looked like I was doing everything right. But inside, I was overwhelmed. The pressure of being a first-generation student, trying to make my family proud, and constantly fighting to “prove” I belonged in academic spaces began taking a toll on me. My anxiety became unmanageable, and I found myself shutting down emotionally and mentally. After pushing through for as long as I could, I finally made one of the hardest but healthiest decisions of my life: I took time off. I ended up taking three semesters away from college to focus on my mental health. At first, I felt ashamed. I worried it meant I was weak or that I had failed. But during that time, I worked on myself in ways I hadn’t before. I learned how to ask for help, how to be vulnerable, and how to lean on others without guilt. I began therapy, practiced self-care, and slowly unlearned the idea that I had to do everything alone. That time changed me. It taught me that mental health is just as important as academic success, and that pausing doesn’t mean giving up; It means prioritizing healing. When I returned to school, I came back stronger, more grounded, and more committed than ever. I continued leading my university salsa team, mentoring new members, choreographing performances, and creating cultural events on campus. I also continued working at a senior care center, where I ran therapeutic activities for residents with dementia, a role that has taught me deep patience, empathy, and emotional resilience. These roles have reminded me of the power of human connection and the importance of showing up fully for others, even when you’re still learning to show up for yourself. My experience with mental health, both my own and my mother’s, has deeply shaped my beliefs and aspirations. I believe in the importance of emotional honesty, community care, and breaking the stigma around mental illness, especially in BIPOC communities like mine. My dream is to work in theatre and media spaces that center underrepresented voices and use storytelling as a tool for healing and empowerment. I want to create roles and programs that give others permission to be themselves, to be seen, and to be vulnerable. I also hope to develop workshops or creative spaces that combine art and mental health awareness for youth in Latinx communities. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve some of the financial weight that continues to follow me, especially after taking time off. More importantly, it would honor the strength it took to step away, focus on healing, and come back with clarity and purpose. I’m proud of how far I’ve come—not just academically, but personally. I know now that I’m not alone, and I want to help others know that too. Healing is never linear, but I believe I’m exactly where I need to be.

My name is Virginia Crispin Garcia, and I’m a proud first-generation college student from the Dominican Republic, currently studying Theatre with a minor in Marketing at Clark University. I’ve worked incredibly hard to fund my education independently, balancing full-time classes with full-time work, leadership roles, and creative projects. My journey hasn’t been easy, but I’m deeply committed to building a life and career that centers community, culture, and representation. Theatre and storytelling have always been where I feel most at home. Whether I’m acting on stage or choreographing a dance, I see every creative opportunity as a chance to connect with others and shine a light on voices that don’t always get heard, especially within the Latinx and Dominican communities. At Clark, I’ve had the honor of leading our university salsa team, Salsa Encendida, as both team captain and events chair. Through this role, I’ve choreographed performances, hosted workshops, and helped create inclusive spaces where culture and creativity come together. Beyond campus, I also work at a senior care center as an activities assistant. I lead group programs for residents, including those with dementia, and I also train new staff members. This work has taught me how to lead with patience, communicate across generations, and stay grounded in compassion. These experiences, on stage and off, have shaped me into someone who finds meaning in service, collaboration, and creative expression. As a first-gen immigrant, I’ve faced many uphill battles. From learning to navigate college systems on my own to managing full financial responsibility for my education, I’ve often had to choose between working overtime or missing out on artistic and academic opportunities. While these sacrifices have been difficult, they’ve also made me incredibly resilient. I’ve learned how to manage my time, advocate for myself, and stay focused even when things feel overwhelming. I carry that strength with me in every performance, every leadership role, and every challenge I take on. My long-term goal is to become a professional actress and creative storyteller who brings Dominican and other underrepresented voices to the forefront of the arts and media industries. I also hope to work in arts-based marketing and community outreach, using my background in both performance and communication to help cultural institutions, grassroots campaigns, or even theatre companies connect with diverse audiences in authentic ways. Receiving this scholarship would be life-changing. The student loan burden I carry is a constant weight, and financial strain often limits the opportunities I can pursue. With the support of this scholarship, I would finally have room to breathe, to invest in my development without constantly worrying about survival. I could afford to take unpaid internships, attend professional development workshops, or participate in acting intensives that would help me grow artistically and professionally. I’d also have more time to give back to my community and mentor younger artists like me who are trying to figure it all out without a roadmap. This scholarship isn’t just about paying off debt; It’s about unlocking potential. It would give me the chance to focus on the future I’ve worked so hard for, and to step into the next chapter of my life with less fear and more freedom. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my story and for programs like this that recognize both the weight of student debt and the value of a student’s dreams.