Alexis Mackenzie Memorial Scholarship for the Arts

As a photographer, I see the world through my lens. I carry around my camera everywhere as I go. I document everything that catches my eye- even the simple things. Most recently, I've been taking my camera to various places I've never been before. Last February, I visited Japan with my family. I made sure to capture the adversity of the culture, people, and history. I began to see how big the world truly was. At that moment, I knew that my photography wasn't just an outlet of creative expression for me, but it could be used to educate and inspire others. I shared the photographs I took with classmates, teachers, and family. I used it to showcase the culture and beauty of an unfamiliar place. This experience left me believing I could use my art for the greater good. As I continue to study and learn more about my art over the next couple of years, I plan to tell a story through my photographs. I aspire to capture different cultures and spread awareness of diverse subjects most people are unfamiliar with. I want to tie my cultural roots to my art and display the various obstacles and adversity my people face back home in Nicaragua. My art is simply a mere reflection of the lives of others. While this can evoke emotions in many, it can also alert those who can help or educate. While I continue to document, my photographs will tell a story without words. I believe my art can bring people together and surely create a better understanding of numerous cultures and challenges being faced in their everyday lives. To continue, my photography can be used to raise awareness on several different humanitarian issues. I strive to travel to different places and document the lives of hundreds of people in hopes of others gaining apprehension as well as shifting my perspective on the world. A big factor in my work is helping others. In everything I do, I want to give back. From an economic factor, I aim to give back to the people I will document. I aspire to create a charity or allow other charities to be a great factor in what I do. In the future, I hope to start an arts foundation, in which I can help the lives of countless people and families across the globe. Through this, their stories can be told and heard but they also gain a little help from the world. To conclude, I am a long way from my goals and aspirations. However, I am on the path to achieving them. As I continue creating, learning, and communicating, my intentions remain on the ability to positively impact others. I make every effort to not just impact my community but a bigger one too. My passion has been an immense factor in my life, and I want to share it with others. With every initiative I take toward my dream, I'll make sure I impact, inspire, and educate others.

Dance is vital to my life. It has allowed me to express, create, connect, and showcase to many people. I am passionate about expanding my artistry, technique, and becoming more knowledgeable in a wide variety of dance genres within the next four years. I plan to attend and participate in many dance classes, performances, workshops, and collaboration projects with peers. I am also looking forward to performing repertoire by professional artists, as well as creating my own dance choreography. By continually refining my artistry, I intend to evolve as a dancer as well as a choreographer with the ability to convey stories and emotions through movement. The study of psychology has been an interest of mine since I was 11 after attending sessions with a psychologist for several months. Though I was not too fond of the sessions at the time, I grew to love the scientific study which has influenced my decision to double major in dance and psychology. I aim to work with clinical psychologists, conduct research, and engage in the required coursework as a psychology major. I am eager to deepen my understanding of the human mind and intertwine my dance pursuits with the knowledge I will gain from studying psychology. My ultimate goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in psychology, which will enable me to offer counseling and mental health resources. Choreography is a creative opportunity which allows me to intersect my admiration for dance with my interest in psychology. Within the next four years, I plan to investigate the psychological aspects of creating choreography to convey emotions and narratives. I have already had two opportunities to choreograph on my peers at my dance school which has given me insight on the choreographic process. But, I am confident that as I explore dance and psychology at a collegiate level I will grasp a higher understanding of how I can create and convey my chosen ideas to audiences. I intend to continue creating original works on my peers and dancers outside of my community and present my work in theaters in front of a wide range of audiences. Community service is also very important to me. Growing up, I was taught the significance of helping less fortunate people, and began servicing my community and families across the United States at the ripe age of 8. I grew to love giving back and helping people and I am confident that I will continue to encounter people who require assistance throughout my college experience. My goal is to help those in need access necessities they may lack. After completing my four year education as an undergraduate scholar and obtaining a BFA in dance and Bachelor’s degree in psychology, I aspire to join a professional dance company, choreograph for dance companies, advocate for mental health and give back to those in need by starting my own non-profit organization specifically designed to cater to people of color who are experiencing homelessness, who have incarcerated or absent parents or simply in need of assistance. Later in my career I would like to do postgraduate studies to obtain my Masters and Ph.D. in psychology. I believe I will have many incredible accomplishments which fuel me to stand by my goals and strong belief of my bright future ahead.

As an aspiring artist, I have always been drawn to creative expression and its power to bring joy and healing to people's lives. For me, art is not just a hobby, but a passion that I hope to turn into a career. Drawing is a therapeutic activity for me, which helps me alleviate stress and anxiety. Whenever I find myself in challenging situations, I turn to drawing as a way to escape and find peace of mind. Through the process of creating art, I can channel my emotions and express myself in a way that words cannot. When I'm feeling overwhelmed or unable to articulate myself verbally, I turn to my art as a way of processing my feelings and conveying them to the world. Whether I'm working with paint, pencil, or digital tools, I always strive to create works that are rich in detail and deeply evocative, so that others may see a part of themselves reflected in my art as well. I believe that my work can serve as a source of entertainment and therapy for others, allowing them to find peace and inspiration in my creations. As I look around the world, I can't help but notice the alarming rate of poor mental health. With a career in art therapy, I strive to create a safe and comfortable environment for my clients. I believe that the arts can be a powerful tool for healing, and I work closely with my clients to identify the artistic approach that will work best for them. Whether it's through painting, music, or other forms of artistic expression, I am dedicated to helping my clients find the pathway that will lead them to greater mental health and well-being. I believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care, and I am committed to doing my part to make that a reality. By working with my clients to explore the creative potential within themselves, I hope to help them discover new ways to cope with the challenges they face and find greater joy and fulfillment in their lives. Expanding my understanding of human behavior and perceptions will allow me to contribute more effectively to the field of art therapy. I am eager to learn and apply this knowledge toward providing accessible and impactful treatment options for everyone. Receiving this education would be a crucial step towards achieving my long-cherished dream of spreading awareness about the healing capabilities of art and psychology. I strive to help others in the way art has helped me, the way art can help people express themselves, communicate their feelings, and connect with others on a deeper level is what I feel is needed in the world. However, I also understand that art therapy is still an under-utilized field, and many people are not aware of the therapeutic benefits of art. With this scholarship, I would be able to pursue my education in art therapy and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to help people in need. I believe that by sharing my art and the psychology behind it, I can contribute to healing our nation, one person at a time. Through my work, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being and inspire others to pursue their passions and dreams.

At the tender age of 7, I was captivated by my grandmother's meticulous crafting of a garment. As her nimble fingers danced across the fabric, transforming it into a breathtaking masterpiece, I was filled with indescribable awe and wonder. This unforgettable memory has instilled in me a profound admiration for the world of fashion, fabric, and design that will forever be etched into the depths of my soul. Watching my grandmother design and create a gorgeous prom dress for my cousin served as a catalyst for a lifelong passion that has led me on a remarkable journey toward a career in fashion and costume design. As a fashion and costume designer, I have a unique opportunity to celebrate and promote cultural identity by incorporating elements that reflect a particular culture's traditions, heritage, and values. Growing up in a multicultural home as a Biracial and Afro-Caribbean individual has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of cultural representation in the fashion industry. Through my work, I aim to inspire others by telling stories and conveying emotions. I can use colors, textures, and patterns to create visually striking costumes that capture the audience's attention. As a senior in high school, I was voted best dress. I received this honor just due to self-expression. I wear clothes that are second-hand and handmade. My designs aim to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and highlight the beauty in differences. As a designer, I am committed to promoting self-expression, uniqueness, and self-empowerment, particularly among young women. This is a cause that I am deeply passionate about and intend to pursue as a career. I love watching movies and binge-watching shows. We often hear the statement Art imitating life, the field of fashioned costume design sparks wonder, increases awareness, and creates dialogue.  I believe that pursuing a career in fashion and costume design provides an incredible opportunity to raise awareness about important social issues. I can incorporate symbolism and storytelling to spark meaningful conversations through my designs. Fashion and costume design is a powerful tool for communicating cultural identity through symbolic elements. As an artist, I can create garments that reflect cultural and racial appropriations by incorporating colors, patterns, and symbols that hold deep meaning in particular cultures. These designs would convey a deeper meaning and represent cultural values and beliefs, celebrating diversity and facilitating a deeper understanding and appreciation of different traditions. As a biracial designer with Afro-Caribbean heritage, I am eager to use my platform to promote diversity and representation in the fashion industry. By creating costumes that celebrate different cultures and body types, I hope to break stereotypes and showcase the beauty of diversity. Ultimately, fashion and costume design is a means to evoke emotions and inspire positive change, fostering a sense of unity and acceptance within our communities.