When I was in school, I was the type of student who learned through visual and interactive instructions rather than written or listening. Science especially was a tedious subject. I can reminisce about my 5th-grade science class. The first unit of the year was on space, and the teacher wanted us to open our textbooks, while she read through the long pages. Her words went through one ear and out the other ear. The only thing I could grasp was the textbook’s pictures. I found it intriguing to see the photos of all the planets in our universe and so much more. I remembered flipping through the pages even before the class read them just to see more pictures. I found it even more intriguing that all of the pictures in the textbooks were drawn and were not actual photos of our universe. Videos and documentaries also played a big role in my academic year as a youth. Seeing the stars and planets in motion only fueled my curiosity and imagination. Little did I know this education would still leave an impact on me almost 10 years later. Fast forward to high school, scientific fantasy movies were at their height. Marvel in particular was in their golden era. My classmates around me might have seen it as some fantasy movie for families and friends to enjoy causally, but I saw it as something more. It seemed like every movie that came out added something new to science, real or imagined. Whether it was creating their own intergalactic worlds with well-thought-out scenery and graphics, to making completely new elements in the periodic table, the Marvel Cinematic Universe created more than just a movie, but an entirely new universe that greatly exceeds our own. After seeing these movies, I always come out of the movie theatres feeling like a new person. But my passion for art has never changed after watching, it only grew. Obviously, science is around us every day. I am now realizing how prevalent a role it plays in my personal life too. Those two events in my life are just a few examples that show how science has impacted my decision to pursue animation. Plants and space are primarily my trademarks in my art. I subconsciously always add one if not both of the two aspects into my art pieces. I’m looking forward to taking these resources into my college education and career path. After receiving my animation degree, I plan to collaborate with the science community to create versatile and unique works; mainly in cinematic production like TV shows and movies. Collaborating the humanities of art and science together can not only create possibilities for me and my future colleagues but also expose our work to a broader audience. I’m proud that I can embrace these two humanities in my life. I hope that this multidisciplinary mindset I have developed over the years can open doors for me as an animator. I don’t want my art to be seen as just some lines and colors on a screen, but as a manifestation of what life could be like and looks like, through my eyes, and the eyes of others.

I was born right outside of Detroit, Michigan. I lived in Michigan my whole life, I moved 15 times and lived in 14 different cities. I attended 12 different schools due to being a product of a divorced, single parent. Naturally, I was forced to quickly adapt to these changes. Though all of these changes caused difficulty in my childhood, I come out of that experience having seen so many aspects and perspectives of life. People usually recall artists like Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder when in reference to Detroit, Michigan. Though Michigan is not as iconic as Vienna or Paris, I was exposed to much art and culture from a young age while living here. The Detroit Institute of Art in particular is an art haven for me. It was also one of the only things I could rely on to be there in my unpredictable circumstances. I especially love the classical, religious, and Victorian paintings that are featured in the museum; many of them are a big inspiration for me with my own art. Along with painting, I have a love for animation and graphic design even before my interest in traditional art. I’ve always been so perplexed and amazed by cartoons and how people can create the motion of lines, shapes, and colors to create these fascinating scenes and stories. I always hoped that one day I would be able to create the same great creations and be admired for my craft. My dream is to study animation and get a degree in that field. I want to become an animator or a storyboard artist with my degree. Pursuing a college degree will enable me to expand my skills more progressively and be a part of the growing technology in the graphic art industry. With this scholarship, I will be able to propel myself into further reaching my goals of making a name for myself in the art world. Along with not having the funds to pay for college, my family and I have struggled with low income. To get away from my troubles, artistry was my escape. I’ve resorted to this coping mechanism so much I’ve improved and become more knowledgeable about other art mediums greatly. Getting the funds to achieve my dreams would make up for all the time my family struggled. Breaking this generational cycle of financial struggle would not only lift the burden of my family, but for the future generations to come. My overall mission is to have some sort of impact on this earth, and I feel God is telling me to do that through my art. As much as it is my purpose to pursue art and develop my profession, I feel it is also my purpose to show compassion for those who are struggling and need motivation. Just as the Birwood Wall, built to segregate blacks and whites in Detroit, is now a beautiful mural that shows peaceful and joyful integration, is important for disproportioned people to have a voice, outlet, and representation. In the past few years, the ratio of women to men in the animation industry has slowly risen to ~28.1%, but of that slow-rising statistic, is only a fraction of women of color in that subculture. I want to change those statistics. I want to prove to others and myself that those small percentages shouldn’t intimidate or discourage anyone from achieving their dreams.

Coming from a low-income and single-parent family, I always knew my life would differ from others, which has been a disappointment since I craved being equal to my peers and having the same opportunities as everyone else. What helped me and gave me perseverance were the various artists that I’ve seen in the past and that I see now who motivate me to keep moving forward and be able to one day not feel as inferior as I do now. As a young girl, I’d take to television to relieve myself of my hardships. I found my love for visual art at a young age while watching various cartoons, made by fascinating and intriguing people that inspire me. Art is something I grew up with; it mostly helped me become the person I am today. I’ve developed an admiration for those who share their art around the world. Their efforts are what motivate me to strive, to express and aim for my goal to be seen and have a purpose in life: to pursue art. Creating things was and still is my form of escapism. In my eyes, art was the only thing I could control in my unpredictable life, so I gravitated toward it. So I’d love nothing more but to give that same euphoria to others. I want to help people get through their hardships in life with my art. I hope to give those people inspiration and the courage to keep going. I strive to one day be able to help or inspire others through their hardships with my art. I want to make at least a few peoples’ lives easier with my forte just as current and past artists influenced me through my own difficulty in life. Those rough times of struggling to find meals and being forced to quickly adapt to a new setting were only temporary, and so are the struggles people are going through now. I would never wish the same struggles of poverty I went through on anyone. It is important for disproportioned people to have a voice, outlet, and representation. In the past few years, the ratio of women to men in the animation industry has slowly risen to ~28.1%, but of that slow-rising statistic, is only a fraction of women of color in that subculture. I want to change those statistics. I want to prove to others and myself that those small percentages shouldn’t intimidate or discourage anyone from achieving their dreams.

Art is something I grew up with, I would say it shaped the person I am today. As a young girl, I found myself being emerged into the world of cartoons and animated movies. I always created elaborate ideas and stories and was so eager to talk about these fantasies with my friends, family, and potentially the world. One movie I remember being attached to was Studio Ghibli’s “Ponyo”. Up until that point, I had never seen a movie as fluid, imaginative, or inspiring as that film. That movie, as well as many others, helped me to acknowledge my true purpose and hidden self-interest. Throughout the years, I’ve developed an admiration for people that share their art around the world, and I would like to repeat that energy myself. My dream is to study animation and get a degree in that field. With my degree, I want to become an animator or a storyboard artist. Pursuing a college degree will enable me to expand my skills more progressively and be a part of the growing technology in the graphic art industry. I knew this is what I wanted to do for many years; Creating things was and still is my form of escapism. In my eyes, art was the only thing I could control in my unpredictable life, so I gravitated toward it. I don’t want my art to be seen as just some lines and colors on a screen, but as a manifestation of what life could be and looks like, through my eyes, and the eyes of others. As much as it is my purpose to pursue art and develop my profession, it is also my purpose to show compassion and empathy for those who may be struggling and need encouragement in life. I want to be a resource for those who need some positivity, even if I’m not with them physically. Today’s society is rather difficult to live in. I found that out the hard way, being a product of such a society. Just the prospect of one day being able to help and inspire others through their hardships with art motivates me as well as gives me a sense of hope and fulfillment. Just knowing that at least one person’s life or perspective was changed because of my art, would satisfy me. That is why I'm passionate. For nearly 19 years of my life, I have only fantasized and thought about the day I will achieve my goals, it’s time to turn those thoughts into a reality.

Art is a valuable resource to convey thoughts and visions to others. Seeing different perceptions can help prepare someone for the future when they encounter a situation that is difficult for them to comprehend. When people see my art, they see wonderful illustrations and messages without the sense of indifferences that most people notice and may dwell on. This practice is my main outlet. In addition, my artwork has enlightened others to broaden their horizons. Many brilliant artists are different although they produce extraordinary work. I soon hope to be in their category of excellence. Pursuing a college degree will enable me to expand my skills more progressively and take part in the growing technology of the graphic and fine arts industry. With this scholarship, I will expand my skills more progressively and be a part of this ever-changing profession and subculture. I will be able to propel myself into further reaching my goals of making a name for myself in the art world. I am intrigued by all art although my passion is graphic arts, so this scholarship will give me the opportunity to strive in the animation industry. To be granted this would allow me to freely pursue what I was put on this earth to do, without the worry of debt or insufficient funds in order to continue. I hope to one day be able to help or inspire others through their hardships with my art. Today’s society is rather difficult to live in. I found that out the hard way, being a product of such a society. I want to make at least a few peoples’ lives easier with my forte just as current and past artists influenced me through my difficulty in life. I want to be a resource for those who need some positivity, even if I’m not with them physically. I hope to give those people inspiration and the courage to keep going. Creating things is my form of escapism. So I’d love nothing more but to give that same euphoria to others. I don’t want my art to be seen as just some lines and colors on a screen, but as a manifestation of what life could be and looks like, through my eyes, and the eyes of others. Nearly 19 years of my life have been just fantasizing and thinking about the day I will achieve my goals, it’s time to turn those thoughts into a reality.

My sister and I were my grandmother’s youngest grandchildren. I would also say we were the closest to her. While growing up, I used to visit her to show the pictures I drew so she could hang them up on her walls. My grandmother ended up keeping those pictures for years and showing them to me as I got older, even though it wasn’t my best work. But looking back, I’m glad she kept them. Sometimes, she would tell me about when she was younger and how much she enjoyed expressing herself through art. When she was a teenager, her childhood home was near the Detroit Institue of Arts and she walked there daily to see the sculptures, paintings, and exhibits that she drew in her notebooks. When she was in high school, she enjoyed dying her hair often as a means to artistically express herself. Needless to say, when I grew up and realized that I wanted to pursue art not just as a hobby but as a career, my grandmother was elated. Despite not understanding the internet too well, when I started an online Etsy shop to sell my creations, she was the first person to help me buy my materials. She would even send me things around her house like stickers and cardboard in hopes that the items would be of use for my business. When I was in high school, I was scheduled to take many art-based classes. I remember vividly how much she liked a woven basket I made in my Fiber arts course even though I believed I could’ve done better on the project. She truly was my first fan. My grandmother passed away on August 5th, 2022 from cancer. I, as well as my entire family, were crushed to hear the news. She was the matriarch of our family; she kept everyone together. As much as I wish I could’ve made more happy memories with her, I treasure the memories I did make. But as much as we are going to miss her, I know that she would want us all to find acceptance and move on with our lives to find our purposes. With her death, I acknowledge now that she always has been and forever will be my biggest influence. She was my support since the beginning and now my motivation to continue my art. No matter what, I’m going to make her proud. With this scholarship, I will be able to propel myself into further reaching my goals of continuing her legacy. I hope to one day be able to help or inspire others through their hardships with my art. I want to be a resource for those who need some positivity, even if I’m not with them physically. Today’s society is rather difficult to live in. I found that out the hard way, being a product of such a society. As much as it is my purpose to pursue art and develop my profession, it is also my purpose to show compassion and empathy for those who may be struggling and need encouragement in life just as my grandmother gave me. I don’t want my art to be seen as just some lines and colors on a screen, but as a manifestation of what life could be and looks like, through my eyes, and the eyes of others.

With this scholarship, I will be able to propel myself into further reaching my goals of making a name for myself in the art world. I hope to one day be able to help or inspire others through their hardships with my art. I want to make peoples’ lives easier with my forte just as current and past artists influenced me through my difficulty in life. Coming from a low-income minority family, I always knew I was different. Growing up, I noticed the privileged reached outstanding achievements and I always wondered and doubted if I’d ever be as significant as them. I live with my single mother all of my life, who has had several jobs over the years, sometimes three at one time, to provide for us. My family has been denied many opportunities, based on our income level. I want to be a resource for those who need some positivity, even if I’m not with them physically. Today’s society is rather difficult to live in. I found that out the hard way, being a product of such a society. As much as it is my purpose to pursue art and develop my profession, it is also my purpose to show compassion and empathy for those who may be struggling and need encouragement in life. I found my love for visual art at a young age while watching various cartoons. It gave me some escapism in times when I was struggling. Admiring artists drew me into researching artists of the past and how they were able to accomplish their goals and become the talents they are acknowledged as today. I want to repeat that same energy the artists gave me to my peers. These various artists motivate me to keep moving forward and be able to one day not feel as inferior as I do. It made me realize that I don’t want my art to be seen as just some lines and colors on a screen, but as a manifestation of what life could be and looks like, through my eyes, and the eyes of others.

Coming from a low-income and minority family, I always knew I was different. Growing up, I noticed the privileged obtained and reached outstanding achievements while I always wondered and doubted if I’d ever be as significant as them. While children in my school would worry about what sport they would play that year or which friends to hang out with after school, my family and I would have to worry about what we would have to eat that night or if we could afford to pay rent that month. I’ve lived with my single mother all of my life, who has had several jobs over the years, sometimes several at one time, to provide for her family. I pity my mother since she tries her best and has sacrificed so much to provide for her kids. We’ve been denied many opportunities, based on our background and income that the more fortunate can easily obtain. These factors have made me very insecure and doubtful about my potential in the world, and it probably caused me to grow up faster than expected as well. I’d take to television to relieve me of my hardships. I found my love for visual art at a young age while watching various cartoons, made by fascinating and intriguing people that inspire me. It was a form of escapism for me. These creators helped me realize that if there is a will, there’s a way. Seeing current artists drew me into researching artists of the past and how they were able to accomplish their goals and become the talents they are acknowledged as today. These various artists motivate me to keep moving forward and be able to one day not feel as inferior as I do now. I want to be a resource for those who need some positivity, even if I’m not with them physically. Today’s society is rather difficult to live in. I found that out the hard way, being a product of such a society. As much as it is my purpose to pursue art and develop my profession, it is also my purpose to show compassion and empathy for those who may be struggling and need encouragement in life. With this scholarship, I will be able to propel myself into further reaching my goals of making a name for myself in the art world. Scholarships will help me to attend college in pursuant to gaining a degree in graphic art. By furthering my education in art I will expand my skills more progressively and be a part of the growing technology in animation. I hope to one day be able to help or inspire others through their hardships with my art. I want to make at least a few peoples’ lives easier with my forte just as current and past artists influenced me through my difficulty in life. I don’t want my art to be seen as just some lines and colors on a screen, but as a manifestation of what life could be and looks like, through my eyes, and the eyes of others.

I found my love for visual art at a young age while watching various cartoons, made by fascinating and intriguing people that inspire me. As a young girl, I remember watching diversified cartoons and animated movies over and over again because I was so amazed and intrigued by the unique stories and art. One movie I remember being attached to was Studio Ghibli’s “Ponyo”. That movie, as well as many others, helped me needed to acknowledge my true purpose and hidden self-interest. Looking back at artists from my childhood, and seeing artists now, drew me to research about them and find out how they were able to accomplish their goals and become the talents they are see the artistic and non-conformist side of the world and gave me the spark that I acknowledged as today. My biggest motivation to pursue my artistic goals is the prospect of one day being able to help or inspire others through their hardships with my art. As much as it is my purpose to pursue art and develop my profession, I feel it is also my purpose to show compassion and empathy for those who are struggling and need motivation in life; I want to be there for them, even if I’m not there physically. I want to make at least a few peoples’ lives easier with my forte just as current and past artists influenced me through my own difficulty in life. With this scholarship, I will be able to propel myself into further reaching my goals of making a name for myself in the world of art. These scholarships will help me to attend college in pursuant of my goal to gain a bachelor’s degree in graphic art. By furthering my education in art, I will expand my skills more progressively and be a part of the growing technology in animation. I spent almost 17 years of my life fantasizing and thinking about the day I will achieve my goals, it’s time to turn those thoughts into a reality.

Being an artist means that you may view the world differently than others. Since I could remember, I’ve always struggled when trying to convey my thoughts and feelings with others. I would have to agree to disagree, since they didn’t understand my point of view, or I didn’t understand theirs. In my experience, I’ve come to the realization that my views and perceptions on life differ from many of my peers. People that have similar visions like mine, seem to be artists as well. I remember when I traveled to the Detroit Institute of Arts with my Spanish class during my freshman year of high school for the first time. I was so intrigued by all of the art pieces and information about them, that I found myself drifting from my class to give rein to art pieces that appealed to me. In fact, the art pieces that were seen as strange and confusing to my classmates, I was enchanted by and wanted to know more about. For example,“The Suicide of Mr. H” by Asger Jorn, inspired me to try art techniques and mediums that I was scared to try before, such as oil pastels, film, photography, and even glass painting. Since that day, I have been compelled by the talented and praised works in the museum to explore even more ways of the world and go out of my comfort zone in order to create art outside of my normal focus. Thus, possibly one day, I could have an art piece of my own that is admired by other eyes. I hope to one day be able to help or inspire others through their hardships with my art. I want to make at least a few peoples’ lives easier with my forte just as current and past artists influenced me through my difficulty in life. I don’t want my art to be seen as just some lines and colors on a screen, but as a manifestation of what life could be and looks like, through my eyes, and the eyes of others.