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Zayna Rahi

2,715

Bold Points

2x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

Bio

My name is Zayna Rahi. I am 16 years old, a current senior in high school! I enjoy tennis, reading, acting, volunteering, video production, traveling, and, of course, writing. In the future, I aspire to work in the film industry as a screenwriter and share more of my written works through books along the way. I have dedicated countless hours to writing, one of my favorite types of writing to do as a hobby being short stories! My passion, however, goes beyond simply creating stories, as I am committed to using my stories to make a difference. I will be extremely grateful for any possible scholarship support! Thank you for visiting my profile!

Education

Big Walnut High School

High School
2021 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
    • Visual and Performing Arts, General
    • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
    • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Motion Pictures and Film

    • Dream career goals:

      Accomplished screenwriter

    • Babysitter of two children ages 8 and 10

      The Debais Family
      2024 – Present12 months
    • Tutor (Math, English, and Spanish)

      The Splete Family
      2020 – Present4 years
    • Babysitting

      The Splete Family
      2019 – Present5 years

    Sports

    Bowling

    Varsity
    2023 – Present1 year

    Track & Field

    Junior Varsity
    2019 – 20223 years

    Tennis

    Junior Varsity
    2020 – 20222 years

    Discus Throw

    Junior Varsity
    2019 – 20212 years

    Cross-Country Running

    Junior Varsity
    2018 – 20191 year

    Research

    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts

      Big Walnut High School (Broadcasting & Video) — Video editor, video creator/content creator, all roles in a news room (teleprompter, camera, director, talent, computer, audio)
      2023 – 2024

    Arts

    • Film Club

      Cinematography
      2023 – Present
    • Big Walnut High School Drama Club

      Performance Art
      Productions: Puffs (run crew), 9 to 5 (spot op), Radium Girls (lead actress: Grace Fryer), Matilda (Spot op), Suite Surrender (Student Director + Stage Left Manager), Footloose (Run Crew Manager)
      2021 – Present
    • BWHS Drama Department

      Acting
      Radium Girls (Lead Actress: Grace Fryer)
      2021 – Present
    • Tri-M Music Honors Society

      Music
      2021 – Present
    • Big Walnut Film Club

      Cinematography
      2022 – Present
    • Big Walnut Vocal Jazz Choir

      Music
      Spring and winter concerts
      2021 – Present
    • Big Walnut Select Choir

      Music
      OMEA's, winter concerts, spring concerts
      2021 – Present
    • BWHS Video & Broadcasting 1 Class

      Cinematography
      School news broadcasting
      2023 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Big Walnut High School: Eagle's First Flight (Freshman Orientation) — Mentor/Leader
      2023 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Big Walnut High School Leo Club — Leo Club President (75+ service hours)
      2021 – Present
    • Advocacy

      Spanish Honors Society — Member
      2022 – Present
    • Volunteering

      National Honors Society — Secretary
      2024 – Present
    • Advocacy

      Global Voices — Member
      2023 – Present
    • Advocacy

      Spanish Club — Member
      2021 – Present
    • Public Service (Politics)

      Big Walnut High School Choir — Class of 2025 Choir Rep (2021-2023), Choir Secretary (2023-Present)
      2021 – Present
    • Public Service (Politics)

      Student Council — Member
      2019 – 2022
    • Public Service (Politics)

      BWHS Class Representative — Class of 2025 Vice President
      2021 – 2022
    • Public Service (Politics)

      Mock Trail — Member
      2021 – 2022
    • Advocacy

      Feminist Club — Member
      2021 – 2022
    • Volunteering

      Key Club — Key Club Secretary
      2022 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Harry Potter and the Sorting Hat Scholarship
    Fast. Focused. Determined. When the lion is fixed upon catching its prey for its pride, it never loses sight of the goal. The lion knows exactly the purpose of its actions what it is doing it for, as well as how to execute that goal; almost always is a lion never doing it for itself, but the group it must lead to survival. Not only this, but the lion does this with the utmost confidence, serving as a leader of his community. This is why the lion is no other than the symbol of the Gryffindor house. If I were to be sorted into any Hogwarts house, I would absolutely be a perfect fit for Gryffindor. Gryffindors are famously known for their outgoing bravery and honorable chivalry. As for myself, I believe the attributes of a Gryffindor I stand proudest of would be the Gryffindor's determination and leadership. I embody the characteristic of determination. As a determined person, when I set a goal, I am like the lion with its eyes fastened upon its prey. Much like the lion, I rarely ever lose sight of the goal and what is important. Due to my determination to complete my goals, I have always been a hard worker. Some examples of when I am most determined are when I am doing schoolwork or helping my mom by babysitting my sibling when she needs to run errands. Not only this, but I will try to go above and beyond by doing extra studying or playing an abundance of games with my younger siblings. In these cases, my determination does not only affect the completion of my goals but strengthens the trust I have with those around me when I complete work and tasks. With this determination also comes leadership. As I mentioned, when I complete my goals, I gain trust in the relationships within my community, which is why I am inserted in many leadership roles. Like a lion, it will complete responsibilities and act responsibly to demonstrate its leadership and gain trust as a leader. An example of this is how I have stuck with a lot of clubs and groups since I was an underclassman, and have worked my way up into leadership roles. For instance, I have been in choir since I was a freshman and worked my way up to being in the select choir group, 2025 Class Representative, and currently section leader as well as choir secretary. Of course, there are other positions I have worked my way up in such as being accepted into several honors societies or political positions I have held in my class. The most noteworthy one that means the most to me is my school's Leo Club. I have been in this public service club since my freshman year and worked so many events that I have been given responsibility for. Due to this determination and leadership to help others, I have been selected as next year's president of the Leo Club. This I would say is my most important achievement because it shows to me that all my efforts and hope to help others will be furthered. It is a position I am honored deeply to be selected for, as I will work hard to better the group with my leadership. Overall, I would likely not need the sorting hat because I am clearly a top candidate for Gryffindor based on my brawny determination and leadership. I know as a Gryffindor, I would make my house proud and be set to do what is best for it, much like the selfless lion.
    Bold.org x Forever 21 Scholarship + Giveaway
    @zayna_rahi
    Barbara J. DeVaney Memorial Scholarship Fund
    My name is Zayna Rahi, I am a woman of color, a first-generation college student, and a survivor of abuse. I have had many challenges in my life because of attributes things, whether it be discrimination or mental health. As a first-generation college student, I have an overwhelming worry about going to college. Since I cannot rely on my parents for their college experience, I constantly research colleges instead. I have done this since the moment I started high school, from finding colleges to accommodating to classes colleges want to see the most. I continue to have this anxiety-filled struggle as college creeps closer and closer. Another struggle I faced growing up, and still do, is being Middle Eastern. This was very hard growing up in my predominantly white community since it was harder to fit in. My peers growing up would ask me why I looked a certain way or had certain features when I did not even know the answers to that myself. This got worse growing up, as racial discrimination became a hotter topic on the news. Something I will never forget was on 9/11 in middle school. I have the utmost respect for that day and acknowledge the mournful day with my classmates the same as them. Yet, I was walking through the halls of my middle school that day when a white male flipped me off with both of his hands and made a disgusted face at me. I just kept walking and did not tell any teachers about it because I did not think the white teachers would believe me and that I almost deserved it solely because it was the race I was born with. This was completely wrong, but it was what seemed acceptable to me at the time. The personal struggle that has affected me the most was how from the fifth to almost seventh grade, I was consistently assaulted by an older person. As a young child, I believed this was "normal" because it happened so often were I was forced to be touched by them, which led me to never bring it up to my parents. Eventually, the last time this older person wanted anything from me was with something far more than kissing or making out. When I started to get way more uncomfortable than I usually did, I voiced that concern and they never asked me to do anything again. To this day, my parents do not know because it is such a hard topic for me to open up about, and I truly do not think they would believe me. Even though I have experienced an abundance of tribulations from my young school career till now, I do not let these struggles define me. These hardships have shaped me into the person I am today. They have pushed me to try and be the best I can be and to help others as well. An example of this is how I am an avid volunteer of two service clubs at my school and choose to constantly be as helpful to my community as I can. It also has taught me to be patient with others around me, as I never know what they might be going through. With this money, I would use every single penny of it to put toward college. I am planning to go out of state, so anything would help! I know that this money would be a financial blessing. Thank you for your consideration and for being an open ear to my story!
    Disney Super Fan Scholarship
    There are an abundance of aspects that come to mind when one thinks of Disney. Some common interests people enjoy are Disney Land, Disney World, Pixar, the Disney Princesses, or simply a mouse. My favorite thing about Disney, however, is not any of its physical creations, but the emotional one that is associated with it. Growing up, Disney was an outlet for me. Whenever I would get bored, I would put on The Little Mermaid VHS tape and watch my favorite movie as a toddler. Or if I felt like dancing, I would put on the Sleeping Beauty VHS tape and have my mom record all my dance moves to the song, Once Upon A Dream. On days were I needed inspiration for pretend games to play with my sister, I would put on the Alice In Wonderland VHS tape to get my ideas flowing. These are memories I can only think of with the utmost fondness, as I remember the excitement of waiting for the introduction music to start, sitting on the hard floor with only a blanket beneath me for support, and the pure laughter from the inadequacy of Pat, the dodo bird. These are important because they all struck a feeling in me, whether it be uncontrollable laughter or overwhelming emotion. They are even more notable because I, much older now, cannot fully remember each detail of watching these films, but rather can remember how they made me feel. With all these emotions from the films, there was always a resoluted feeling I would get at the end. For example, if I watched Alice In Wonderland in the morning, I would try seeing things from a different perspective that day. Or, if I watched Sleeping Beauty at night, I would feel ironically tired and much more calm than I was when I started the movie. This also worked vice versa. If I watched the film during morning hours, I would present myself with a calm aura throughout the rest of the day, only doing simplistic and relaxing activities that day such as coloring. Overall, there are many magical aspects about Disney, but I believe the most magical of all are the feelings it is able to convey through its brand. If I were to describe the feeling associated with Disney in one word, it would be love. This is because I could feel many multifaceted emotions presented from Disney, however, they all were lovely ones. No doubt has Disney shaped part of who I am today, as I am sure it has done for many others throughout the ages.
    WCEJ Thornton Foundation Music & Art Scholarship
    The arts are something I have been interested in since I was a toddler. These aspirations started out with two of my aunts. My aunt Maysoon is a painter who has her own art gallery and sells her canvases online. My aunt, Irada Al-Jubori, is a film writer and writes books and scripts overseas. Her most popular work is called "Our River...Our Sky" which came out in 2021. Ever since I was young, they have taught me how to draw, paint, and the different aspects of writing universally. Though they were extremely inspiring to the start of my interest in the arts, my brother, Mohammed, participated in choir and theatre during high school. I still remember going to see one of his musicals, and it was the moment I realized I would follow in his footsteps. Like my family, the arts came easily to me. By my Sophomore year, I already was in the select choir, easily could sight read, was an intermediate pianist, was the Sophomore Class Officer for the choir classes, was an expert at drawing and photography, finished my first video and broadcast class with an A, and got the leading role in the play "Radium Girls" at my school, which was my first time auditioning also. Despite these skills, they are useless if not applied. My skills were recognized in a school setting, but they also were at home. For example, I have five other siblings so my mom and I decided to start a Facebook marketplace site to sell them. With this business, my job is to photograph the inventory from all angles while my mom lists them, and we collab on their descriptions. This started in 2022, and we have sold from people locally in Ohio, to people all the way in Arizona and California. Even though the sales were going phenomenally, I can still do more. That is why in the future, I want to choose a major in the arts. In the future, I plan to be an active member of a non-profit art association. I believe this will make a positive impact because I will be able to advocate for future artists and help them further their abilities in the arts. Everyone deserves a chance to be involved in the arts like I did. Art has helped me as an outlet throughout my life and can do the same for others.
    Taylor Swift ‘1989’ Fan Scholarship
    Through the streets of Cincinnati, the traffic signs were punning, the merch stands were barely able to stay running, and the size of the crowd was, no doubt, absolutely stunning. As I approached Paycore Stadium, I could hear music coming from inside. Suddenly, the words "It's been a long time" drunkenly came out of the speakers, followed by more words that were slowly said as the stadium lights started to change. Hearing those first words, I was wonderstruck and stood crying there on the outsides of the stadium. Not only this, but I knew everything that the speaker was saying as well as what was happening inside of the stadium aligned with it. I was ready for it, to hear those that I knew would bring... "It's been a long time coming, BUT..." TAYLOR SWIFT! That was night one of Cincinnati, and night two was no different. My sister got Taylor Swift tickets behind my back, but I set that all aside when Taylor started singing from Paycore Stadium, even if it was just from the outside. Overall, Taylor's visit to Cincinnati was crazy! The surprise songs were amazing, night two got three surprise songs, and I knew both people that got Taylor's hat when she played '22' because they both are from my high school. I mention all this because everyone I know was able to get Taylor Swift tickets and even got the hats, however, any jealousy I felt washed away. My favorite Taylor song from 1989 embodies this moment. Instead of being angry and jealous, I took Taylor's advice; I just had to shake it off! Shake It Off by Taylor Swift is my favorite song from the '1989' album because it demonstrates that no matter what life throws at me, we have the capability of mentally getting past it. In anyone's past, and most certainly their future, there are people who put others down for their own sake, even if there is no distinct reason behind it. Shake It Off lists several examples of it, bringing up how the world is infested with toxic people such as "players", "dirty cheats", "haters", and more. In the song, Taylor puts some of these people in the chorus to put into people's minds that it is just how they are. Even though there are many people like this in the world, Taylor's lyrics in the chorus say "players gonna play" and "haters gonna hate". This is important because she can accept that it is just the way they are, so Taylor says she will "shake it off" because it is nothing personal, it is simply their way. This is a key point Taylor makes, as she reiterates it in the chorus. On top of this, the song talks about how there are many things out of control in life, and people do not always have a say in the turnout. An example of this is when an ex she had in the song "brought his new girlfriend" to show off. Instead of getting upset, she is the opposite, Taylors "makes the moves up" and just rolls with it. This is really important because everyday, people get upset about things that are out of their hands, but they do have the option to control how they react. In conclusion, Shake It Off is my favorite song off 1989 because it chooses to focus on the positive aspects of life rather than to dwell. Just remember: If there is a situation where life does not seem fair, there is always the option to control how your actions and shake it off!
    @normandiealise #GenWealth Scholarship
    Generational wealth refers to the wealth that is passed down from one generation to the next within a family. This type of multifaceted wealth is commonly accumulated over periods of time through real estate, investments, family businesses, and other various assets that increase in value over time. This concept of generational wealth is important in view of the fact that it provides financial security and stability for many future generations to come. It has also proven useful to help provide abundant opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and other profuse endeavors that openly help to build wealth and create a better quality of life. In addition to this, generational wealth can also be used as a tool to address wealth inequality and provide a level playing field for individuals and families who may have historically faced many economic drawbacks. Thus, it is crucially important to consider how generational wealth can be used to promote economic, and even social, justice. I have seen generational wealth first-hand through my own family's history. In this happenstance, my great uncle had become prosperous through his work when he still lived. With that great amount of money, he had distributed it evenly through my mom's entire side of the family till it trickled down to nothing. Though his money has not hit my mom's generation of it, his money is still being used by my older relatives to invest in a well-deserved retirement. This is just one example of how generation wealth has been used to help others within a family, as it provides opportunities for families such as it does for my elder relatives. Through improving my education during the rest of my time in high school, and advancing my knowledge to be honed in college, I would take my skills to be invested, solely for the goal of creating generational wealth for my future family and current one too. Like many other young people, I aspire to buy my parent's a nice house when they are old, as well as give my future children their best chance of becoming successful. In order to fabricate future generational wealth, I plan to do a couple of things: The first thing I would do is work hard to get the best out of my education just like other students, however, I plan to do more beyond that. In the future, I want a career, not a job, since prosperity cannot come otherwise. Through this hard work and dedication to my goals, I will devote my time to researching my craft on my own time as well as go to many seminars and workshops on it. Then, I will also commit a portion of my time to research internships that would be best for me in college. Another thing to take into consideration is generational wealth through love and compassion. On my father's side of the family, he was born in Egypt, a place and time where generational wealth was quite commonly hard to come by. As a child, my father was paralyzed from the waist down so my grandfather, Zaydan, had carried him around anywhere he needed till his prolonged condition had gone. Though I never had the privilege to meet my grandfather, his love and compassion for his family still lived through mine, as my father only prospers for his family and even named my little brother after Zaydan. Overall, generational wealth is wealth passed on from one generation to the next and is important as it creates opportunities for those future generations. Make note, generational wealth is not just through money, but simply compassion for others.
    RAD Scholarship
    Cycling is absolutely a fantastic activity that offers numerous benefits to one's mental and physical health, and it is no wonder that so many people fall in love with it at a young age as I have. It is a 100% great way to stay active, explore the outdoors, and enjoy the freedom of movement that comes with riding a bicycle. For me, it is clear that I have a special connection to cycling, and that I have had a passion for it since I was a little kid. When I was younger, it took me longer to learn how to ride a bike, especially since I lived in the countryside at the time. Every day during one summer of elementary school, I constantly attempted to ride a bike in our old garage, which was the only paved place around. Though dishearted by the amount of time and effort I had to put in while watching my siblings get it first try, I stuck to it. Eventually, I was able to ride a bike properly, and of course, it felt so good to taste the fruits of my labor. If I never had that comfortable space to get to ride a bike in, I would never have been as good of a cyclist as I am now, or even one at all if that. By being able to ride a bike, I have created fond memories of riding around the neighborhood with my siblings or having the thrill of riding bikes with them to the nearby creek. These sentimental, simple memories are ones I am very affectionate for, which drives me to the love of cycling I have today. As I have grown much older, I still have continued to pursue my love for cycling by participating in group rides or races with my siblings, which takes me back to a parallel of when we used to cycle when we were younger. Not only that but cycling is a sport that offers endless opportunities for growth and challenge, and still, to this day it is no surprise why many other people adore it when they become an adult. Cycling is such a beloved sport and activity that everyone should have an equal opportunity to enjoy, that is why I firmly believe our roadways need to be improved, specifically the surfaces of roadways. Rough roads and potholes can become a major safety hazard for cyclists of all ages, so maintaining smooth road surfaces is something that is a necessity. It is my goal to raise awareness of this nationwide issue by stating these problems and providing solutions as well. Some of these solutions would include filling potholes, repaving roads, and adding speed bumps or other traffic calming measures to slow down cars to reduce the risk of collision with nearby cyclists. Though these are all great efforts, why stop there? Cycling is so extremely beneficial to not just the cyclists but the environment too. That is why I will also advocate for bike lanes to be added around more as well as more bike racks to encourage people to get on a bike. Overall, when I think of issues today like potholes and unpaved roads, I think of how I needed a smooth surface when I was younger to be able to ride a bike on, so I had to ride in my garage. If I did not have that tool, I would never have learned how to ride a bike, that is why it is so exceedingly important to me that upcoming generations have that safety net as I did.
    Female Musician Scholarship
    When contemplating the embodiment of success, my thoughts are drawn inexorably to my father, Sam Rahi. It is apparent that my father's superlative achievements are not merely confined to the realm of material wealth and professional accomplishments; rather, his success is a testament to his character and his unwavering commitment to excellence. My father's prodigious accomplishments are imbued with an indefatigable spirit of determination and a steadfast dedication to his goals. His preternatural ability to harness his talents and apply them to his pursuits has resulted in a legacy of achievements that have left an indelible mark on the world. Furthermore, my father's success is not a mere happenstance, but the culmination of a lifetime of rigorous discipline, unyielding perseverance, and unflagging diligence. His unwavering commitment to his values and his unrelenting pursuit of excellence have forged a path toward success that has inspired and invigorated all those who have had the privilege to know him. Born from nothing, my father was born in Egypt and was unfortunately paralyzed from the waist down as a child. Though poor and extremely overworked, his father, Zaydan, had carried him around the house till his prolonged condition had drifted away. Zaydan had regrettably passed away only when my father was 18, in which challenged his idea of fatherhood, leaving him with many unanswered questions about his future. One thing, however, was certain; Zaydan's sacrifices of the utmost pure heartedness would not go in vain. By the time Sam was done with his first round of college, he had taken on the daring opportunity to spend his 20s traveling all around the world. This proved incredibly difficult as he worked hard to adapt to all the cultures and languages, from Cuba to Russia. Though proven to be difficult, my father was determined to make a life for himself and his future family. Eventually, Sam settled in America with a diverse understanding of the world and twenty dollars in his pocket. Years after his settlement, Sam had not found a job but a career because it was something he truly loved doing. He rapidly worked his way up in the company, 5/3 Bank, and became the regional manager of cash vault operations in Ohio with his immense charisma and a pure heart. His only intentions were to prosper not for himself, but for his children as his father had done for him all those years ago. In sum, my father's great embodiment of success is a testament to his unparalleled character, unwavering commitment to excellence, and indomitable spirit. My father serves as a true beacon of vast and colossal inspiration to all those who aspire to greatness and stands as a product of the power of perseverance and dedication. It is stories like his that create hope for young minds, such as myself, that no matter what stands in the way of getting to greatness, people are not born great but are made great. Not only that but true greatness comes from within the soul of love and compassion. Those who embody this higher greatness are those who have found genuine success in the world, and they carry that powerful understanding with the most sincere modesty.
    Maverick Grill and Saloon Scholarship
    Each individual is imbued with a constellation of traits and characteristics that sets them apart from their peers. These idiosyncrasies may be physical, emotional, or intellectual in nature, and are often a confluence of both nature and nurture. In order to discern one's own unique attributes, it is essential to engage in introspection and self-reflection. This process may involve a deep dive into one's personal history, examining formative experiences and the ways in which they have shaped one's personal history, and examining formative experiences and the ways in which they have shaped one's values and worldview. It may also entail an analysis of one's strengths and weaknesses, as well as an exploration of one's passions and talents. Moreover, it is important to recognize that uniqueness is not a static quality, but rather a dynamic one that evolves over time. As we grow and develop, our attributes may shift and transform, and it is incumbent upon us to embrace and celebrate these changes. Thus, the question of what attributes make me unique is a multifaceted one that requires a nuanced and thoughtful approach. By engaging in introspection and recognizing the dynamic nature of uniqueness, my appreciation and possession of these qualities set me apart from the crowd. Another way to view this is that when we speak of uniqueness, we refer to those qualities that are distinct to an individual and set them apart from others. Unique attributes create a tapestry of traits that make each of us a singular entity. In my case, I can confidently assert that my intellectual curiosiityy is one of the defining factors that make me unique as well. From a young age, I have harbored a deep-seated desire to learn about the world around me, and this drive has only intensified over the years. My voracious appetite for knowledge has led me to pursue diverse fields of personal study, ranging from literature and philosophy to mathematics and science. This multidisciplinary approach has allowed me to form a holistic understanding of the world, and has equipped me with the tools to navigate complex problems with ease. Furthermore, I possess an innate capacity to understand the perspectives and emotions of those around me, and this enables me to forge strong connections with people from all walks of life. This quality has been instrumental in my personal and professional relationships, and has facilitated my growth as a compassionate and empathetic individual. On the topic of relations, it is with utmost earnestness that I endeavor to explicate my intentions to return the benefits that my community has bestowed upon me through the medium of volunteering, As an upstanding member of society, it is my duty to engage in philanthropic activites that aim to ameliorate the conditions of those who are less fortunate than I or simply seek assistance for events. In light of this, I have meticulously crafted a plan that takes into account the various needs of my community. First and foremost, I intend to proactivly seek out opprotunies to assist in local initiatives that provide basic necessities such as food , shelter, and clothing to those in need. This will most likely involve the two volunteer groups I am apart of as I am an active member of my school's Leo Club which is associated with Lions Club International. With this, I am also the secretary of my school's Key Club which is associated with Kawanis International. Overall, my profound aspirations to give back to my community through volunteering are grounded in a deep sense of empathy and responsibilty towards the welfare of my fellow community members.
    Mad Grad Scholarship
    Film is not just a medium to capture images and sound, but a portal that transports us to alternate realities, exposes us to new perspectives, and ignites our imagination. It is a canvas on which we paint our hopes, fears, and dreams, and a mirror that reflects the world back to us in all its beauty and complexity. Film is not just a form of entertainment, but a powerful tool for empathy, education, and social change. It is a testament to the human spirit, a celebration of our shared experiences, and a reminder that we are all part of one great story. In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, artists have more tools and resources at their disposal than ever before. From digital art and animation to automatic script writing tools and AI-generated music, the possibilities for creating and crafting are virtually limitless. However, even as technology continues to expand the horizons of what is possible, the spirit of creation and storytelling remains at the heart of every successful artistic endeavor. As a student who wants to go into the film industry, there are many things that motivate me to continue pursuing my passion in the film industry. First and foremost, I am driven by the desire to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences and offer a unique perspective on the world. I believe that film has the power to inspire, educate, and bring people together, and I am constantly searching for new and innovative ways to use this medium to create meaningful connections with others who enjoy meaningful content. Another key motivation for me is the opportunity to collaborate with other creative people with similar goals and bring their visions to life on the screen or on a script. Whether working with those who aspire to be actors, cinematographers, or editors, I am always inspired by the diverse perspectives and talents that my fellow peers bring to the table, and I am committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages everyone to bring their absolute best work to the project. Looking to the future, I am very excited about the many ways that I can continue to add the spirit of creation and storytelling to my future projects and ventures. For example, I am interested in exploring new and emerging technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, that offer exciting new possibilities for immersive storytelling and interactive experiences. I am also committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional narrative structures and experimenting with new forms of storytelling that challenge and engage audiences in advanced, creative ways and outlooks. As a student of the arts, I am always actively seeking out new opportunities to learn and grow as a aspiring filmmaker. Whether through attending any sort of film festivals, taking several classes and workshops, or working on independent projects, I am constantly seeking out new challenges that will help me refine my craft and expand the view of my creative horizons. One big lifelong project that I am eager to pursue is a feature-length documentary that explores the lives and stories of people who are often overlooked or marginalized in mainstream media. Whether focusing on issues of social justice, environmental activism, or cultural diversity, I believe that documentary filmmaking has the power to shine a light on important issues and bring about positive change in the world. Ultimately, my goal with this lifelong film project would be to create a work of art that resonates deeply with audiences and speaks to the universal human experience. Overall, as a student pursuing the film industry, I am driven by a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to using film as a means of connecting with many others and making a positive impact in the world. It could be working on a small-scale indie project, or it could be a major Hollywood production, I am always regardless looking for ways to push myself creatively and tell stories that are both meaningful and engaging to audiences worldwide. Film is extremely important to the world we live in because it has the power to transcend borders, break down barriers, and bring people together. It is a universal language that speaks to every aspect of our emotions, our intellect, and our sense of wonder. Through film, we can have a chance to explore new worlds, meet new people, and experience new ideas in ways that are both entertaining and enlightening. Without a doubt, film has the ability to inspire, to educate, and to change lives. It is a reflection of our collective humanity, and a reminder that we are all connected by the stories we tell. That, is something we must never, ever forget.
    Joey Anderson Dance & Theater Scholarship
    My passion for theater is an absolutely incredible feeling that comes from a deep appreciation for the art form. The theater is a unique blend of storytelling, artistry, and performance that allows people to escape from their daily lives and immerse themselves in a completely different world. I am passionate about theater because it is a powerful medium that can evoke emotions, inspire creativity, and promote empathy. Theater has the ability to transport audiences to different places and times. Through the use of costumes, sets, lighting, and sound, the world of the play or musical has been created, and the audience is transported to a different reality. The actors on stage bring the characters to life, and the story beautifully unfolds before your eyes. This immersive experience is what makes theater so special and is part of the reason for my deep love for it. In addition to the immersive experience, the theater also has the power to evoke strong emotions and feelings. Whether it is laughter, tears, or anger, theater can elicit powerful responses from the audience. The ability of theater to tap into our emotions and make us feel deeply is part of what makes it such a transformative experience. On top of that, another reason why I am so passionate about theater is its ability to inspire creativity. Theater is a collaborative art form that requires a diverse group of artists to come together and create something special. From the playwright to the director, actors, designers, and crew, everyone plays a vital role in bringing the play to life. Each person brings their own unique skill set and creativity to the table, and the end result is a cohesive and captivating performance. The creative process of theater is what makes it so genuinely exciting, and it keeps me drawn to it every single day. When it really comes down to it, theater is not just a form of entertainment in my eyes but an everlasting part of me. From my first school play to my most recent performance, the magic is a never-ending adventure. On a more personal level, the thrill of performing on stage and bringing a character to life is an experience like no other. It is a chance to step out of my comfort zone and become someone else entirely. The process of rehearsing and perfecting a role has always come naturally to me and is an exceedingly rewarding journey that requires much dedication, hard work, and a deep understanding of the character's motivations and feelings, making them as if they are my own. Beyond this artistic aspect, theater also has the power to bring people together to create a sense of community. Whether it is through a local theater group or a professional production, audiences can connect with performers and each other, sharing the emotional journey of the story being told. Overall, my passion for theater stems from the endless possibilities it offers for storytelling, self-expression, and connection with others. It is a world that I am extremely honored to be a part of. I will never forget these magical moments from when I got cast as the Ghost of Christmas Past in the play, A Christmas Carol to getting the lead role, Grace Fryer, in the play Radium girls in high school my first time auditioning. These special, unforgettable moments are deeply important and continue to lead me back to the theater. My deep love and passion for theater will be something that I inevitably pursue to explore and cherish for many, many years to come like a handprint on my heart.