Making a positive impact on the world is the motivating factor for my art projects. I want to create media that battles negative stereotypes and portrayals surrounding Latinas in the United States. There are a lot of factors that go against Latinas such as: racism, xenophobia, sexualization and simultaneously portraying Latinas as 'unattractive' through use of the Eurocentric beauty standard. Growing up as a first-generation Latina in the United States presented unique challenges that my parents had not previously faced. Firstly, I was subject to bullying and isolation from my classmates through my entire public-school education. I was bullied because of my complexion, body hair, and overall image and build. Along with this I felt isolation from Latinos I met growing up as well, having a dual identity presented challenges in both spheres because I was never enough for either. Along with this, I faced repercussions of unresolved generational trauma from my parents. There was never a safe space for me to exist as myself. I believe one of the contributing factors to receiving negative experiences with my white classmates was influenced by mass media. Ten years ago, seeing Latinas in media was rare. Even in Mexican media, actresses were often European and fair toned. This was traumatizing as a child, as I never saw anyone that looked like me portrayed positively. I grew up thinking that I could never be happy because of the features that I was born with. Which is why I want to be a filmmaker. I want to create films that empower Latinas, through discussions of generational trauma, colorism, racism and xenophobia. The aim of these projects are not to focus on the trauma surrounding these topics, but instead would inspire young Latinas by seeing their stories on the screen. Latina women deserve to grow up free from restrictions in their dreams, and not be contained to a box. I am currently working on a script and storyboard for a short film I will be producing in the upcoming school year. Previously, I have created a short documentary focused on my father and his life as an immigrant.

My biggest influence in life is my mentor Adeyinka Adeboyejo whom I met at my first videography internship. At this internship, I learned technical skills that weren't taught to us at school. Additionally, he taught us about life through lectures and discussions on finance, housing, and life in general. He inspires me because I see that there is a career in the creative, and if he can do it, I can do it too. I wish to use my artistic skills to produce vivid imagery that challenges negative stereotypes of Latinos in popular media, specifically Mexicans. I wish to combat the negative through producing bodies of work that display Latinos in their expansive diversity through representation in my videography. One of my direct focuses in this is the feeling of belonging to neither the Mexican culture nor American culture. Growing up, I was exiled in my public school distract because of my perceived culture, one that was not even practiced at home due to assimilation forced upon my parents due to survive in a country filled with racism and xenophobia. Due to the bullying I faced throughout my public school experience, I graduated with unresolved trauma and emotional issues, which I have now sought treatment for. However, the trauma did not end at home either. I was subject to the curse of generational trauma that both of my parents unknowingly carried. In my childhood, there was never a space that I felt accepted or safe in. I was never able to be comfortable with being myself, and as such I developed a defensive and closed off personality. These two themes are important to me as a Latina. Specifically because of the machismo culture that also contributes to the mistreatment of Hispanic women. Which is why I want to produce works of art that empower Latinas, where they can be seen in a positive light and shown that they are worthy, loved, and deserve the good things in life too. What makes my artistic gift different are the motivators behind the work. Because there are many layers to the art I want to produce in the future, it is in a constant stage of planning, as I fear what I produce will not portray my message correctly. However, failure is a step to success. With the help of financial aid, there will be less stress on my mind, and it will be able to function better creatively.

I am currently enrolled in the University of Missouri - Columbia as a film major, with a focus in film production. Film is essential to me because of its importance and influence in popular media. Entertainment has become more mainstream in daily life, and is easily accessible through technology. Because entertainment is so ingrained in daily life, it is a career that will always be available. I love the idea of being able to work on a project that breaks the repetitiveness of other careers. I also love the allowance of creativity that film encourages in its many genres.

Art from previous filmmakers is my greatest source of inspiration. I specifically find inspiration in films directed by Wes Anderson. His use of color and symmetry are visually appealing to the viewer, and further complimented by the cinematography and misé-en-scene. I would use this scholarship to help alleviate the cost of my tuition. I love film and being able to study film has made school exciting to me.