Breaking Free to Build My Future My name is Aishwarya Yangaldas, and I am a first-generation college student determined to overcome a lifetime of adversity to achieve my dreams. My family immigrated to the U.S. from India, seeking better opportunities and a better life. While my father works to support us, my mother, a housewife, has always prioritized our family above all else. We are a lower-middle-class family, and growing up, we faced significant financial and emotional struggles. These hardships have shaped my character, and despite the challenges, I have worked relentlessly to build a better future for myself. Growing up in an environment filled with emotional abuse and neglect from my father, I learned to rely on my inner strength and determination. His constant criticism eroded my confidence and made me doubt my worth. Despite these circumstances, I pushed myself to pursue an education. I taught myself through online resources, completing my high school studies after years of neglect and hardship. When I finally enrolled in college, it was a victory, but it also came with its own challenges. I spent my first semester at Austin Community College, where I discovered a passion for learning and a sense of self-worth I hadn’t known before. Even more exciting, I applied to Belmont University and was accepted while attending my first semester. This is a testament to my growth, and I am now focused on pursuing my dream of studying songwriting at Belmont. Music has been a constant source of solace for me, especially during my most difficult moments. It is through music that I found my voice and began to understand the power of self-expression and wielding vulnerability in the most positive and most introspective way. I hope to use my experiences to craft songs that inspire others facing similar struggles. This scholarship is essential for helping me overcome financial barriers, particularly because my father has refused to cooperate with my FAFSA application, leaving me unable to access federal aid. My goals after receiving my college degree are clear: I want to build a career in songwriting, using my passion and experiences to create art that speaks to others. I am also committed to using my platform to share my story and help others who have been through adversity. On a personal level, my goal is to build a life of independence, stability, and purpose—a life far removed from the struggles I’ve faced in my past. What makes me unique is my resilience. I’ve never given up, even when the odds were stacked against me. My experiences, both painful and triumphant, have shaped me into someone who is unwavering in their pursuit of a better future. I am determined to continue overcoming obstacles, and I believe that with the support of this scholarship, I can build a life that will not only benefit me but also allow me to help others who are struggling. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can continue my journey to a brighter future. Sincerely, Aishwarya Yangaldas

Empowering Others Through Music and Leadership When my career is over, I want to be known for my ability to use music as a powerful tool for empowerment, self-expression, and connection. As a songwriter, producer, and future leader, I aim to create a legacy that reflects my commitment to authenticity and my passion for uplifting others through music. My personal brand will center on the idea that music is not just entertainment but a vehicle for healing, growth, and social change. Through my songs, I hope to inspire listeners to embrace their emotions, overcome challenges, and find strength in vulnerability. Music has always been my outlet for expressing complex feelings and experiences, and I want my career to be a testament to the power of creative expression in fostering connection. As I grow as an artist, I plan to continue writing and producing songs that explore themes of love, heartbreak, personal growth, and social justice. I want my music to speak to the universal human experience and resonate with people who may feel misunderstood or alone. By creating songs that reflect real-life struggles and triumphs, I hope to offer listeners a sense of belonging and comfort, encouraging them to find solace in their own journeys. In addition to music, my personal brand will be shaped by my dedication to leadership. I want to use my platform to inspire others to become leaders in their own right, whether in music, business, or any other field. I believe that leadership is not about power or recognition, but about empowering others and making a positive impact in the community. As a future leader, I plan to use my influence to mentor young artists, advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry, and create opportunities for others to share their voices. Through collaboration and support, I hope to help others discover their potential and reach their goals. This grant will play a significant role in helping me achieve these goals by providing the resources I need to further develop my music career and leadership skills. With this funding, I plan to invest in high-quality music production equipment and software that will allow me to refine my sound and produce professional-quality tracks. Additionally, I will use the funds to attend workshops and networking events that will help me build connections within the music industry and gain valuable insights from established artists and industry professionals. This investment will allow me to continue growing as an artist while expanding my reach and impact. Ultimately, my personal brand will be a reflection of my values: authenticity, empowerment, and service to others. Through music and leadership, I hope to inspire people to embrace their true selves, create positive change, and build a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion. This grant will help me take the next step in my journey, providing the tools and opportunities I need to make a lasting impact on society and leave a legacy that is defined by kindness, creativity, and leadership.

Empowering Others Through Music and Leadership When my career is over, I want to be known for my ability to use music as a powerful tool for empowerment, self-expression, and connection. As a songwriter, producer, and future leader, I aim to create a legacy that reflects my commitment to authenticity and my passion for uplifting others through music. My personal brand will center on the idea that music is not just entertainment but a vehicle for healing, growth, and social change. Through my songs, I hope to inspire listeners to embrace their emotions, overcome challenges, and find strength in vulnerability. Music has always been my outlet for expressing complex feelings and experiences, and I want my career to be a testament to the power of creative expression in fostering connection. As I grow as an artist, I plan to continue writing and producing songs that explore themes of love, heartbreak, personal growth, and social justice. I want my music to speak to the universal human experience and resonate with people who may feel misunderstood or alone. By creating songs that reflect real-life struggles and triumphs, I hope to offer listeners a sense of belonging and comfort, encouraging them to find solace in their own journeys. In addition to music, my personal brand will be shaped by my dedication to leadership. I want to use my platform to inspire others to become leaders in their own right, whether in music, business, or any other field. I believe that leadership is not about power or recognition, but about empowering others and making a positive impact in the community. As a future leader, I plan to use my influence to mentor young artists, advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry, and create opportunities for others to share their voices. Through collaboration and support, I hope to help others discover their potential and reach their goals. This grant will play a significant role in helping me achieve these goals by providing the resources I need to further develop my music career and leadership skills. With this funding, I plan to invest in high-quality music production equipment and software that will allow me to refine my sound and produce professional-quality tracks. Additionally, I will use the funds to attend workshops and networking events that will help me build connections within the music industry and gain valuable insights from established artists and industry professionals. This investment will allow me to continue growing as an artist while expanding my reach and impact. Ultimately, my personal brand will be a reflection of my values: authenticity, empowerment, and service to others. Through music and leadership, I hope to inspire people to embrace their true selves, create positive change, and build a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion. This grant will help me take the next step in my journey, providing the tools and opportunities I need to make a lasting impact on society and leave a legacy that is defined by kindness, creativity, and leadership.

Empowering Others Through Music and Leadership When my career is over, I want to be known for my ability to use music as a powerful tool for empowerment, self-expression, and connection. As a songwriter, producer, and future leader, I aim to create a legacy that reflects my commitment to authenticity and my passion for uplifting others through music. My personal brand will center on the idea that music is not just entertainment but a vehicle for healing, growth, and social change. Through my songs, I hope to inspire listeners to embrace their emotions, overcome challenges, and find strength in vulnerability. Music has always been my outlet for expressing complex feelings and experiences, and I want my career to be a testament to the power of creative expression in fostering connection. As I grow as an artist, I plan to continue writing and producing songs that explore themes of love, heartbreak, personal growth, and social justice. I want my music to speak to the universal human experience and resonate with people who may feel misunderstood or alone. By creating songs that reflect real-life struggles and triumphs, I hope to offer listeners a sense of belonging and comfort, encouraging them to find solace in their own journeys. In addition to music, my personal brand will be shaped by my dedication to leadership. I want to use my platform to inspire others to become leaders in their own right, whether in music, business, or any other field. I believe that leadership is not about power or recognition, but about empowering others and making a positive impact in the community. As a future leader, I plan to use my influence to mentor young artists, advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry, and create opportunities for others to share their voices. Through collaboration and support, I hope to help others discover their potential and reach their goals. This grant will play a significant role in helping me achieve these goals by providing the resources I need to further develop my music career and leadership skills. With this funding, I plan to invest in high-quality music production equipment and software that will allow me to refine my sound and produce professional-quality tracks. Additionally, I will use the funds to attend workshops and networking events that will help me build connections within the music industry and gain valuable insights from established artists and industry professionals. This investment will allow me to continue growing as an artist while expanding my reach and impact. Ultimately, my personal brand will be a reflection of my values: authenticity, empowerment, and service to others. Through music and leadership, I hope to inspire people to embrace their true selves, create positive change, and build a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion. This grant will help me take the next step in my journey, providing the tools and opportunities I need to make a lasting impact on society and leave a legacy that is defined by kindness, creativity, and leadership.

Breaking Free to Build My Future My name is Aishwarya Yangaldas, and I am a first-generation college student determined to overcome a lifetime of adversity to achieve my dreams. My family immigrated to the U.S. from India, seeking better opportunities and a better life. While my father works to support us, my mother, a housewife, has always prioritized our family above all else. We are a lower-middle-class family, and growing up, we faced significant financial and emotional struggles. These hardships have shaped my character, and despite the challenges, I have worked relentlessly to build a better future for myself. Growing up in an environment filled with emotional abuse and neglect from my father, I learned to rely on my inner strength and determination. His constant criticism eroded my confidence and made me doubt my worth. Despite these circumstances, I pushed myself to pursue an education. I taught myself through online resources, completing my high school studies after years of neglect and hardship. When I finally enrolled in college, it was a victory, but it also came with its own challenges. I spent my first semester at Austin Community College, where I discovered a passion for learning and a sense of self-worth I hadn’t known before. Even more exciting, I applied to Belmont University and was accepted while attending my first semester. This is a testament to my growth, and I am now focused on pursuing my dream of studying songwriting at Belmont. Music has been a constant source of solace for me, especially during my most difficult moments. It is through music that I found my voice and began to understand the power of self-expression and wielding vulnerability in the most positive and most introspective way. I hope to use my experiences to craft songs that inspire others facing similar struggles. This scholarship is essential for helping me overcome financial barriers, particularly because my father has refused to cooperate with my FAFSA application, leaving me unable to access federal aid. My goals after receiving my college degree are clear: I want to build a career in songwriting, using my passion and experiences to create art that speaks to others. I am also committed to using my platform to share my story and help others who have been through adversity. On a personal level, my goal is to build a life of independence, stability, and purpose—a life far removed from the struggles I’ve faced in my past. What makes me unique is my resilience. I’ve never given up, even when the odds were stacked against me. My experiences, both painful and triumphant, have shaped me into someone who is unwavering in their pursuit of a better future. I am determined to continue overcoming obstacles, and I believe that with the support of this scholarship, I can build a life that will not only benefit me but also allow me to help others who are struggling. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can continue my journey to a brighter future. Sincerely, Aishwarya Yangaldas

Breaking Free to Build My Future My name is Aishwarya Yangaldas, and I am a first-generation college student determined to overcome a lifetime of adversity to achieve my dreams. My family immigrated to the U.S. from India, seeking better opportunities and a better life. While my father works to support us, my mother, a housewife, has always prioritized our family above all else. We are a lower-middle-class family, and growing up, we faced significant financial and emotional struggles. These hardships have shaped my character, and despite the challenges, I have worked relentlessly to build a better future for myself. Growing up in an environment filled with emotional abuse and neglect from my father, I learned to rely on my inner strength and determination. His constant criticism eroded my confidence and made me doubt my worth. Despite these circumstances, I pushed myself to pursue an education. I taught myself through online resources, completing my high school studies after years of neglect and hardship. When I finally enrolled in college, it was a victory, but it also came with its own challenges. I spent my first semester at Austin Community College, where I discovered a passion for learning and a sense of self-worth I hadn’t known before. Even more exciting, I applied to Belmont University and was accepted while attending my first semester. This is a testament to my growth, and I am now focused on pursuing my dream of studying songwriting at Belmont. Music has been a constant source of solace for me, especially during my most difficult moments. It is through music that I found my voice and began to understand the power of self-expression and wielding vulnerability in the most positive and most introspective way. I hope to use my experiences to craft songs that inspire others facing similar struggles. This scholarship is essential for helping me overcome financial barriers, particularly because my father has refused to cooperate with my FAFSA application, leaving me unable to access federal aid. My goals after receiving my college degree are clear: I want to build a career in songwriting, using my passion and experiences to create art that speaks to others. I am also committed to using my platform to share my story and help others who have been through adversity. On a personal level, my goal is to build a life of independence, stability, and purpose—a life far removed from the struggles I’ve faced in my past. What makes me unique is my resilience. I’ve never given up, even when the odds were stacked against me. My experiences, both painful and triumphant, have shaped me into someone who is unwavering in their pursuit of a better future. I am determined to continue overcoming obstacles, and I believe that with the support of this scholarship, I can build a life that will not only benefit me but also allow me to help others who are struggling. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can continue my journey to a brighter future. Sincerely, Aishwarya Yangaldas

Breaking Free to Build My Future My name is Aishwarya Yangaldas, and I am a first-generation college student determined to overcome a lifetime of adversity to achieve my dreams. My family immigrated to the U.S. from India, seeking better opportunities and a better life. While my father works to support us, my mother, a housewife, has always prioritized our family above all else. We are a lower-middle-class family, and growing up, we faced significant financial and emotional struggles. These hardships have shaped my character, and despite the challenges, I have worked relentlessly to build a better future for myself. Growing up in an environment filled with emotional abuse and neglect from my father, I learned to rely on my inner strength and determination. His constant criticism eroded my confidence and made me doubt my worth. Despite these circumstances, I pushed myself to pursue an education. I taught myself through online resources, completing my high school studies after years of neglect and hardship. When I finally enrolled in college, it was a victory, but it also came with its own challenges. I spent my first semester at Austin Community College, where I discovered a passion for learning and a sense of self-worth I hadn’t known before. Even more exciting, I applied to Belmont University and was accepted while attending my first semester. This is a testament to my growth, and I am now focused on pursuing my dream of studying songwriting at Belmont. Music has been a constant source of solace for me, especially during my most difficult moments. It is through music that I found my voice and began to understand the power of self-expression and wielding vulnerability in the most positive and most introspective way. I hope to use my experiences to craft songs that inspire others facing similar struggles. This scholarship is essential for helping me overcome financial barriers, particularly because my father has refused to cooperate with my FAFSA application, leaving me unable to access federal aid. My goals after receiving my college degree are clear: I want to build a career in songwriting, using my passion and experiences to create art that speaks to others. I am also committed to using my platform to share my story and help others who have been through adversity. On a personal level, my goal is to build a life of independence, stability, and purpose—a life far removed from the struggles I’ve faced in my past. What makes me unique is my resilience. I’ve never given up, even when the odds were stacked against me. My experiences, both painful and triumphant, have shaped me into someone who is unwavering in their pursuit of a better future. I am determined to continue overcoming obstacles, and I believe that with the support of this scholarship, I can build a life that will not only benefit me but also allow me to help others who are struggling. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can continue my journey to a brighter future. Sincerely, Aishwarya Yangaldas

Breaking Free to Build My Future My name is Aishwarya Yangaldas, and I am a first-generation college student determined to overcome a lifetime of adversity to achieve my dreams. My family immigrated to the U.S. from India, seeking better opportunities and a better life. While my father works to support us, my mother, a housewife, has always prioritized our family above all else. We are a lower-middle-class family, and growing up, we faced significant financial and emotional struggles. These hardships have shaped my character, and despite the challenges, I have worked relentlessly to build a better future for myself. Growing up in an environment filled with emotional abuse and neglect from my father, I learned to rely on my inner strength and determination. His constant criticism eroded my confidence and made me doubt my worth. Despite these circumstances, I pushed myself to pursue an education. I taught myself through online resources, completing my high school studies after years of neglect and hardship. When I finally enrolled in college, it was a victory, but it also came with its own challenges. I spent my first semester at Austin Community College, where I discovered a passion for learning and a sense of self-worth I hadn’t known before. Even more exciting, I applied to Belmont University and was accepted while attending my first semester. This is a testament to my growth, and I am now focused on pursuing my dream of studying songwriting at Belmont. Music has been a constant source of solace for me, especially during my most difficult moments. It is through music that I found my voice and began to understand the power of self-expression and wielding vulnerability in the most positive and most introspective way. I hope to use my experiences to craft songs that inspire others facing similar struggles. This scholarship is essential for helping me overcome financial barriers, particularly because my father has refused to cooperate with my FAFSA application, leaving me unable to access federal aid. My goals after receiving my college degree are clear: I want to build a career in songwriting, using my passion and experiences to create art that speaks to others. I am also committed to using my platform to share my story and help others who have been through adversity. On a personal level, my goal is to build a life of independence, stability, and purpose—a life far removed from the struggles I’ve faced in my past. What makes me unique is my resilience. I’ve never given up, even when the odds were stacked against me. My experiences, both painful and triumphant, have shaped me into someone who is unwavering in their pursuit of a better future. I am determined to continue overcoming obstacles, and I believe that with the support of this scholarship, I can build a life that will not only benefit me but also allow me to help others who are struggling. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can continue my journey to a brighter future. Sincerely, Aishwarya Yangaldas

Empowering Others Through Music and Leadership When my career is over, I want to be known for my ability to use music as a powerful tool for empowerment, self-expression, and connection. As a songwriter, producer, and future leader, I aim to create a legacy that reflects my commitment to authenticity and my passion for uplifting others through music. My personal brand will center on the idea that music is not just entertainment but a vehicle for healing, growth, and social change. Through my songs, I hope to inspire listeners to embrace their emotions, overcome challenges, and find strength in vulnerability. Music has always been my outlet for expressing complex feelings and experiences, and I want my career to be a testament to the power of creative expression in fostering connection. As I grow as an artist, I plan to continue writing and producing songs that explore themes of love, heartbreak, personal growth, and social justice. I want my music to speak to the universal human experience and resonate with people who may feel misunderstood or alone. By creating songs that reflect real-life struggles and triumphs, I hope to offer listeners a sense of belonging and comfort, encouraging them to find solace in their own journeys. In addition to music, my personal brand will be shaped by my dedication to leadership. I want to use my platform to inspire others to become leaders in their own right, whether in music, business, or any other field. I believe that leadership is not about power or recognition, but about empowering others and making a positive impact in the community. As a future leader, I plan to use my influence to mentor young artists, advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry, and create opportunities for others to share their voices. Through collaboration and support, I hope to help others discover their potential and reach their goals. This grant will play a significant role in helping me achieve these goals by providing the resources I need to further develop my music career and leadership skills. With this funding, I plan to invest in high-quality music production equipment and software that will allow me to refine my sound and produce professional-quality tracks. Additionally, I will use the funds to attend workshops and networking events that will help me build connections within the music industry and gain valuable insights from established artists and industry professionals. This investment will allow me to continue growing as an artist while expanding my reach and impact. Ultimately, my personal brand will be a reflection of my values: authenticity, empowerment, and service to others. Through music and leadership, I hope to inspire people to embrace their true selves, create positive change, and build a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion. This grant will help me take the next step in my journey, providing the tools and opportunities I need to make a lasting impact on society and leave a legacy that is defined by kindness, creativity, and leadership.

Breaking Free to Build My Future My name is Aishwarya Yangaldas, and I am a first-generation college student determined to overcome a lifetime of adversity to achieve my dreams. My family immigrated to the U.S. from India, seeking better opportunities and a better life. While my father works to support us, my mother, a housewife, has always prioritized our family above all else. We are a lower-middle-class family, and growing up, we faced significant financial and emotional struggles. These hardships have shaped my character, and despite the challenges, I have worked relentlessly to build a better future for myself. Growing up in an environment filled with emotional abuse and neglect from my father, I learned to rely on my inner strength and determination. His constant criticism eroded my confidence and made me doubt my worth. Despite these circumstances, I pushed myself to pursue an education. I taught myself through online resources, completing my high school studies after years of neglect and hardship. When I finally enrolled in college, it was a victory, but it also came with its own challenges. I spent my first semester at Austin Community College, where I discovered a passion for learning and a sense of self-worth I hadn’t known before. Even more exciting, I applied to Belmont University and was accepted while attending my first semester. This is a testament to my growth, and I am now focused on pursuing my dream of studying songwriting at Belmont. Music has been a constant source of solace for me, especially during my most difficult moments. It is through music that I found my voice and began to understand the power of self-expression and wielding vulnerability in the most positive and most introspective way. I hope to use my experiences to craft songs that inspire others facing similar struggles. This scholarship is essential for helping me overcome financial barriers, particularly because my father has refused to cooperate with my FAFSA application, leaving me unable to access federal aid. My goals after receiving my college degree are clear: I want to build a career in songwriting, using my passion and experiences to create art that speaks to others. I am also committed to using my platform to share my story and help others who have been through adversity. On a personal level, my goal is to build a life of independence, stability, and purpose—a life far removed from the struggles I’ve faced in my past. What makes me unique is my resilience. I’ve never given up, even when the odds were stacked against me. My experiences, both painful and triumphant, have shaped me into someone who is unwavering in their pursuit of a better future. I am determined to continue overcoming obstacles, and I believe that with the support of this scholarship, I can build a life that will not only benefit me but also allow me to help others who are struggling. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can continue my journey to a brighter future. Sincerely, Aishwarya Yangaldas

Empowering Others Through Music and Leadership When my career is over, I want to be known for my ability to use music as a powerful tool for empowerment, self-expression, and connection. As a songwriter, producer, and future leader, I aim to create a legacy that reflects my commitment to authenticity and my passion for uplifting others through music. My personal brand will center on the idea that music is not just entertainment but a vehicle for healing, growth, and social change. Through my songs, I hope to inspire listeners to embrace their emotions, overcome challenges, and find strength in vulnerability. Music has always been my outlet for expressing complex feelings and experiences, and I want my career to be a testament to the power of creative expression in fostering connection. As I grow as an artist, I plan to continue writing and producing songs that explore themes of love, heartbreak, personal growth, and social justice. I want my music to speak to the universal human experience and resonate with people who may feel misunderstood or alone. By creating songs that reflect real-life struggles and triumphs, I hope to offer listeners a sense of belonging and comfort, encouraging them to find solace in their own journeys. In addition to music, my personal brand will be shaped by my dedication to leadership. I want to use my platform to inspire others to become leaders in their own right, whether in music, business, or any other field. I believe that leadership is not about power or recognition, but about empowering others and making a positive impact in the community. As a future leader, I plan to use my influence to mentor young artists, advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry, and create opportunities for others to share their voices. Through collaboration and support, I hope to help others discover their potential and reach their goals. This grant will play a significant role in helping me achieve these goals by providing the resources I need to further develop my music career and leadership skills. With this funding, I plan to invest in high-quality music production equipment and software that will allow me to refine my sound and produce professional-quality tracks. Additionally, I will use the funds to attend workshops and networking events that will help me build connections within the music industry and gain valuable insights from established artists and industry professionals. This investment will allow me to continue growing as an artist while expanding my reach and impact. Ultimately, my personal brand will be a reflection of my values: authenticity, empowerment, and service to others. Through music and leadership, I hope to inspire people to embrace their true selves, create positive change, and build a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion. This grant will help me take the next step in my journey, providing the tools and opportunities I need to make a lasting impact on society and leave a legacy that is defined by kindness, creativity, and leadership.

Breaking Free to Build My Future My name is Aishwarya Yangaldas, and I am a first-generation college student determined to overcome a lifetime of adversity to achieve my dreams. My family immigrated to the U.S. from India, seeking better opportunities and a better life. While my father works to support us, my mother, a housewife, has always prioritized our family above all else. We are a lower-middle-class family, and growing up, we faced significant financial and emotional struggles. These hardships have shaped my character, and despite the challenges, I have worked relentlessly to build a better future for myself. Growing up in an environment filled with emotional abuse and neglect from my father, I learned to rely on my inner strength and determination. His constant criticism eroded my confidence and made me doubt my worth. Despite these circumstances, I pushed myself to pursue an education. I taught myself through online resources, completing my high school studies after years of neglect and hardship. When I finally enrolled in college, it was a victory, but it also came with its own challenges. I spent my first semester at Austin Community College, where I discovered a passion for learning and a sense of self-worth I hadn’t known before. Even more exciting, I applied to Belmont University and was accepted while attending my first semester. This is a testament to my growth, and I am now focused on pursuing my dream of studying songwriting at Belmont. Music has been a constant source of solace for me, especially during my most difficult moments. It is through music that I found my voice and began to understand the power of self-expression and wielding vulnerability in the most positive and most introspective way. I hope to use my experiences to craft songs that inspire others facing similar struggles. This scholarship is essential for helping me overcome financial barriers, particularly because my father has refused to cooperate with my FAFSA application, leaving me unable to access federal aid. My goals after receiving my college degree are clear: I want to build a career in songwriting, using my passion and experiences to create art that speaks to others. I am also committed to using my platform to share my story and help others who have been through adversity. On a personal level, my goal is to build a life of independence, stability, and purpose—a life far removed from the struggles I’ve faced in my past. What makes me unique is my resilience. I’ve never given up, even when the odds were stacked against me. My experiences, both painful and triumphant, have shaped me into someone who is unwavering in their pursuit of a better future. I am determined to continue overcoming obstacles, and I believe that with the support of this scholarship, I can build a life that will not only benefit me but also allow me to help others who are struggling. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I can continue my journey to a brighter future. Sincerely, Aishwarya Yangaldas

The Meaning of Family Family, for many, represents love, comfort, and safety. For me, it has meant something different. Growing up in an environment where abuse was prevalent, I learned early that family doesn’t always provide the care it’s supposed to. My experiences with my biological family shaped me in ways I never expected. I came to understand that love is not always unconditional, and that trust, once broken, leaves lasting scars. The abuse I faced wasn’t just physical; it was emotional and mental. Manipulation, neglect, and harsh words were part of my daily life. I often felt small and unworthy, defined by my mistakes or the expectations I couldn’t meet. Instead of finding the support I needed, I was faced with rejection, making it hard to believe in the concept of family. However, these painful experiences taught me lessons I couldn’t have learned otherwise. I quickly realized that the love I craved wasn’t something I could expect from my biological family. I had to learn to build my own sense of belonging, with people who would love and care for me in the way I deserved. This is how I came to understand the importance of a chosen family. Through the years, I surrounded myself with friends who became my family. They taught me what love truly looks like: consistent, kind, and unconditional. They were there when I needed them the most, offering support in moments of doubt and celebrating my successes as their own. My friends didn’t define me by my struggles but by who I am and who I aim to be. They showed me that family isn’t bound by blood but by genuine care and respect. In creating my own chosen family, I’ve come to understand that love isn’t something automatic or expected—it’s earned through loyalty, compassion, and acceptance. My friends offer the emotional safety and support that I never received growing up. They’ve taught me that family is about being seen for who you are and loved in spite of your flaws. Though the abuse I experienced has left scars, it’s also shaped me into a stronger person. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, stand up for myself, and advocate for the love and respect I deserve. The person I am today is a result of the strength I gained from surviving my past. Family, for me, isn’t about bloodlines but about the people who choose to love and support you. It’s about finding people who see you and love you, and doing the same for them in return. In the end, the family I’ve built with my friends is one of the greatest blessings I could have asked for.

Empowering Others Through Music and Leadership When my career is over, I want to be known for my ability to use music as a powerful tool for empowerment, self-expression, and connection. As a songwriter, producer, and future leader, I aim to create a legacy that reflects my commitment to authenticity and my passion for uplifting others through music. My personal brand will center on the idea that music is not just entertainment but a vehicle for healing, growth, and social change. Through my songs, I hope to inspire listeners to embrace their emotions, overcome challenges, and find strength in vulnerability. Music has always been my outlet for expressing complex feelings and experiences, and I want my career to be a testament to the power of creative expression in fostering connection. As I grow as an artist, I plan to continue writing and producing songs that explore themes of love, heartbreak, personal growth, and social justice. I want my music to speak to the universal human experience and resonate with people who may feel misunderstood or alone. By creating songs that reflect real-life struggles and triumphs, I hope to offer listeners a sense of belonging and comfort, encouraging them to find solace in their own journeys. In addition to music, my personal brand will be shaped by my dedication to leadership. I want to use my platform to inspire others to become leaders in their own right, whether in music, business, or any other field. I believe that leadership is not about power or recognition, but about empowering others and making a positive impact in the community. As a future leader, I plan to use my influence to mentor young artists, advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry, and create opportunities for others to share their voices. Through collaboration and support, I hope to help others discover their potential and reach their goals. The $2500 grant will play a significant role in helping me achieve these goals by providing the resources I need to further develop my music career and leadership skills. With this funding, I plan to invest in high-quality music production equipment and software that will allow me to refine my sound and produce professional-quality tracks. Additionally, I will use the funds to attend workshops and networking events that will help me build connections within the music industry and gain valuable insights from established artists and industry professionals. This investment will allow me to continue growing as an artist while expanding my reach and impact. Ultimately, my personal brand will be a reflection of my values: authenticity, empowerment, and service to others. Through music and leadership, I hope to inspire people to embrace their true selves, create positive change, and build a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion. The $2500 grant will help me take the next step in my journey, providing the tools and opportunities I need to make a lasting impact on society and leave a legacy that is defined by kindness, creativity, and leadership.