My inspiration behind this art piece was rooted in my sustained investigation in my art class: how can I visually represent the impact of poverty in the United States and how it shapes the choices of those affected? Throughout the summer, I spent countless hours reflecting on the wars and poverty that burden many of our neighbors and communities. I wanted to find a creative way to spark conversation about these important issues, and ultimately, I hope to inform my audience about the difficult choices people confront daily—how finances limit opportunities and dictate paths forward. I also eliminated the presentation of a “choice” in my art pieces, there is no correct choice, there are only choices we can make to break our cycles of poverty and we can continue to remind ourselves of where we were and where we are now. Personally, my educational journey has been shaped by financial hardship. Being homeless at a young age made me think about my future ways of escape. At one point, I considered joining the military as a means to support my family and relieve their financial stress. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I decided to continue pursuing my education instead, and I wanted to express this pivotal decision through my artwork. My old art portfolio used a lot of collages, bright colors, and contrasting to develop its theme and I wanted to try that in this piece as well. I created a collage of contrasting elements and tried to make my central element stand out by eliminating the color. The central motif in my piece is a woman gazing toward her "white picket fence,” American dream, striving to escape a past where she was merely a pawn of circumstance. I chose this artwork over others in my portfolio because it powerfully illustrates a parallel: in America, working-class citizens often feel exploited and trapped in cycles that restrict their choices. While we may believe that working minimum wage jobs will help us break free, the reality is much more complicated. On the other hand, those who live comfortably are frequently afforded opportunities—such as access to financial literacy and resources—that are denied to underserved communities. My art symbolizes the lack of support and guidance that prevents many from escaping these cycles. By highlighting this disparity, I hope to encourage greater empathy and awareness, prompting viewers to consider how society can better uplift and empower those facing financial challenges.

Last year, I was accepted into the Alachua County TeensWork program, an internship that focuses on problems in our community and working hands-on to alleviate a designated topic. I applied a year earlier with confidence and was not accepted at first because of the session being full. I had finally been accepted, and the wait was ultimately worth it. Though there are far more volunteer experiences I’ve encountered, this one faithfully sticks with me every day. ​ Going into the program, I thought I’d be conducting research on a universal topic and presenting it to people who could do something about it. This was not the case. We, interns, sat down together and discussed the prevalent drawbacks that we noticed in Alachua County. We had one shared goal after choosing a topic to explore: to assist our unhoused neighbors by conducting research, planning outreach events, and lobbying town halls/board meetings. We found that a great number of people didn’t understand how large homelessness was in our County, but we also found that there are a lot of people who are doing things to help solve homelessness. By being in the outreach committee of the TeensWork Program, I was able to gain firsthand contact with people who are doing their best to improve the lives of the unhoused population of Alachua and get them back on their feet. Although there isn’t very much funding that goes into these efforts from the state, there are resilient groups of people out there who continue to show up when the ones with greater power don't. ​ In the end, the TeensWork program was an amazing community that taught me how to be outspoken about these issues. Teenswork fostered a family that could come together to not only support each other but also support those who need it the most. I will forever be indebted to Teenswork because I was able to gain leadership skills that I continue to utilize throughout my future endeavors. I aim to work in humanitarian aid and pediatrics, hoping to inspire kids to help each other and not be afraid to stand up to those who tell them not to. I want to do this because I know that children are the future of our planet.​ I hope that my work will allow any kid from any background or status to receive healthcare and education on their specific needs. I aim to give back to my community by possibly opening a clinic that gives proceeds to different humanitarian aid organisations and charities.

During my sophomore and freshman years, I gained firsthand experience working with kids. I enjoyed watching them learn and interact with each other. During this time, I also got to paint a piece for Shands Children's Hospital, and this made me think about how many hospitalized children aren’t able to enjoy these normal activities because of their health. I ultimately became interested in pediatrics and helping kids have a normal childhood. Specifically, pediatric cardiology is about supporting the lives of children with heart defects through diagnosis and treatment to ensure that they receive a better quality of life. Without proper medical treatment and support for kids who need it, they would be unable to perform important tasks or even carry out day-to-day activities. I know how it feels to not be able to enjoy childhood because of unfortunate circumstances. Due to poor funding and other factors, a lot of kids in and outside of America don’t receive adequate care from their doctors. My volunteer experience has helped me to understand how crucial it is for kids to have good health and affordable healthcare. Not only has my volunteer experience made me realise this, but my own health has made me realise this too. If I receive this scholarship, I’d like to use it towards my well-being. I’d usually be working a job to get food for my family, but unfortunately, I’m not able to work as of right now, and I know I won’t be able to work during my first semester of college either. This scholarship will greatly alleviate these financial burdens. During college, I intend on prioritising my health; eating better and working out. The problem with this is that the sciences and the medical field are very tedious subjects. I can’t be distracted during school. Having the opportunity to work and better afford these things for myself could knock me off track, and I want to avoid that as much as possible. I want to continue to schedule my work, school, and normal life properly. I want to do this because I know that children are the future of our planet ​ I hope that my work will allow any kid from any background or status to receive healthcare and education on their specific needs. I aim to give back to my community by possibly opening a clinic that gives proceeds to different humanitarian aid organisations and charities.

​Every day, I push myself to work twice as hard—not just for my own success, but to honor my mother and father, who didn't have access to the opportunities I am now striving for. I am determined not to live paycheck to paycheck, as so many in my community do. There is a unique kind of loneliness in being surrounded by students who have had doors opened for them, who cannot comprehend what it means to lack parental support or financial stability. As a first-generation student, I am the first in my family to navigate not only the academic pressures and the deep need for validation, but also to face the challenges of in-school racism and the moments when giving up on higher education seems easier than pressing on. However, I refuse to let these obstacles define me or dictate my future. I believe that no child should have to work twice as hard just to earn a place that is handed to others by virtue of circumstance. Through my work and volunteer experiences, I have seen firsthand how many children are excluded from opportunities—not because they lack talent or ambition, but because they lack significant resources and support. Even when they are welcomed into schools, the path to higher education is often blocked by financial barriers. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me achieve my own dreams but also empower me to continue supporting and advocating for kids who face similar struggles. My purpose is clear: to break down these barriers and help others realize that their dreams are valid and attainable. The world is so much bigger than my own ambitions—it is full of children whose futures depend on the opportunities we fight to create for them. I am committed to making a difference in their lives.