Education and art have excelled me throughout life, and I plan to continue using my talents as an artist to help others as I pursue my degree in neuroscience at the University of Texas at San Antonio, on my journey towards medical school and becoming a psychiatrist. At my core, I am an artist, I strive to stand out from the crowd and communicate the emotions and experiences I have felt through a visually pleasing composition. However, as a girl who has been battling with anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder, I also strive to help others find comfort and healing through my empathetic nature and interest in science. As a child, I was constantly labeled as the "problematic kid" or "grouchy" when, in reality, I just didn’t know how to express my emotions properly or healthily. As I grew older, my struggles with mental health worsened. In eighth grade, I developed anorexia nervosa, concealing my illness behind the isolation of quarantine and online learning. Eventually, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and began treatment. I reluctantly attended therapy sessions and took my prescribed medication, but it all felt temporary—I still couldn’t imagine making it. Growing up in a household where mental health issues were shunned, I became hyper-aware of myself in therapy. Accepting the reality of recovery and acknowledging that this was part of who I was felt overwhelming. However, after leaving therapy, I came to a crucial realization: I could only be helped if I truly wanted to be and was willing to put in the effort. All the treatments, conversations with therapists, and encouragement from my parents had felt superficial until I decided to take control of my own understanding. While I took it upon myself to learn about mental health and behavior, I also indulged in my artistic nature, creating art pieces and eventually my own business, Emberquartz Art, to express my abstract emotions and bring joy to others who felt the same way I did. I began to prioritize my studies, my interest in psychology and science, and my love for art. Spending time by myself with a record player in the back, sitting with bad posture on the floor, and an energy drink and acrylic paint beside me was my form of self-care, and the way I felt most in tune with my emotions. Creating art had been purely an aesthetic venture until I began to recover, and while recovery was hard, art and science got me through it. This determination paid off when I advanced to state in the Visual Arts Scholastic Affair, achieving an area award and earning my letterman jacket. My piece was painted on a mirror, a self-portrait and reflection of my journey through recovery. The people who saw my piece were enamored with the surreal aspects and darker subjects, and while some were unsettled, I enjoyed being able to combine my interests to create a work of art that resembled me as a person. While seeing an artist with colorful clothes and funky earrings may be odd as I pursue my rigorous neuroscience degree, I aim to blend my love for art and science as I work toward my career as a psychiatrist. Becoming a psychiatrist will allow me to help others understand themselves and get the help I wish I could have received. With art, I will continue to help others embrace their emotions. With this scholarship, I will be able to fund my goal of medical school and use my empathetic nature to help the world become a better and more beautiful place.

As a kid, I was always fascinated with horror, psychology, and all things paranormal. Ever since I was given access to the world wide web, I have made it my goal to understand concepts that others seem too complex or morbid. I plan to pursue my degree in STEM by completing a Bachelor's of Science in neuroscience, on a journey to go to medical school and get certifications to help others as a psychiatrist. Growing up, I was seen as too emotional or problematic, as I didn't understand why I felt emotions so strongly. Later in life, I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety. With this, it makes it harder for me to handle day to day life, with symptoms like lethargy, misophonia, and lack of focus. While I didn't feel normal, I know many people feel like this. With a degree in neuroscience, and focusing in the STEM field of research, I plan on using my interest in the brain and mental health to destigmatize harmful stereotypes and help others. With my interest in psychology and horror, pieces of literature that further sparked my interest in STEM were works like Silence of the Lambs, Pride and Prejiduce, Frankenstein, and medical studies of psychological disorders or cases. Delving deeper into how the human mind can create such complex narratives, and seeing strong female characters like Clarice Starling as an FBI agent made me excited to pursue my degree in STEM. Furthermore, being able to have access to studies and see the evolution of horror further excited my interested in the human brain. I have taken a personal connection with characters like Clarice Starling, wanting to be strong and use my knowledge of psychology to help others and asvance in my field of work. With this scholarship, I will be able to continue my studies and focus on research at my college of choice. Currently, I have 50+ college credits, which will put me as a sophomore in college. Due to this, I will be faced with labs, research projects, and advanced classes earlier than my peers, and having a way to pay for my education will help me progress, not having a financial burden in the back of my mind. With this, I will also be able to make my way to medical school an easier journey. Knowing that I have support, both financially and motivationally will be crucial to my academic goals. I will be able to pursue my love for advocating for mental health and helping others as a psychiatrist with the equipped knowledge I will acquire with my neuroscience degree.

In the 1940s, lobotomization was a common practice, involving the use of an ice pick to sever neural connections in the prefrontal cortex, often leaving the subject in a dazed state. At the time, this was considered a legitimate and even beneficial treatment for mental illness. However, by 1950, lobotomies were deemed unethical. Looking back on this practice, we now recognize the procedure as inhumane, but this raises the question: How did we ever see this as acceptable? While science and mental health care have advanced significantly, there is still much progress to be made. What was once seen as normal may be viewed as shocking 30 to 40 years from now. This is why scientific progress is essential, particularly in mental health care, medicine, and the destigmatization of mental illness. Understanding the complexities of the brain and the underlying causes of mental illness is crucial in shaping the future. So much of our world is influenced by prejudice and a lack of scientific understanding. By continuing to push forward in neuroscience—my chosen field—I aim to contribute to a future where mental health care is more effective and accessible. Having personally struggled to find meaningful support, I recognize the need for better resources and awareness. Pursuing a degree in neuroscience on my path to becoming a psychiatrist means taking on the responsibility of leadership and scientific inquiry to help others in ways I once needed myself. Studying the brain—an abstract yet profoundly intricate organ—is not only interesting to me but necessary. It is a challenge I am ready to embrace, knowing that doing so will contribute to meaningful change in the world. As a psychiatrist, I will understand the immense responsibility that comes with the profession. Working in a STEM field while integrating the nuance and abstraction of human emotion into medicine is a challenging yet essential task. Psychiatrists and mental health professionals play a crucial role in various fields, including acting, the military, and law enforcement. Recognizing the weight of this responsibility—shaping individuals' perceptions of mental health and guiding their thinking—is vital in influencing society as a whole. Leadership demands responsibility, and my commitment to both scientific learning and leadership will shape not only my own future but also the future of our society. With advancements in science, leadership, and mental health care, I believe the world will become a more educated and compassionate place. Through this scholarship, I hope to contribute to this progress.

My name is Emily Montes, but most people call me "Em" or "Ember." I was born and raised in Texas, moving from Converse to rural Cibolo in sixth grade. Although I live in a predominantly conservative and rural area, I express myself through my art, clothing style, and community service with my school’s Art Club and National Art Honor Society. As president of both the Art Club and National Art Honor Society, I organize meetings, plan community service events, coordinate face painting jobs, and manage financial decisions alongside our sponsors. Through our efforts, we’ve raised funds through handmade craft donations and painted murals within our city and school. Additionally, our club has participated in the Memory Project, creating portraits for children in underprivileged areas to give them a keepsake of their childhood. Over the years, I have accumulated over 400 service hours, including my time as a manager for our cross country team. Waking up at 5 a.m. to spray water on exhausted runners vomiting after miles of training and assisting our coaches was a regular part of my mornings. My fall semesters were spent at cross country meets, often from dawn until late afternoon or evening. Despite the early mornings and demanding work, I’ve loved every moment of my community service. While I have a solid academic standing and extracurricular involvement, I will receive little financial support from my parents for college. As the youngest of four siblings—all of whom attended college, with one earning a master’s degree—the Hazelwood benefits from my parents’ military service are no longer available to me. Additionally, my abuela is a dependent under my parents, and essential household expenses make it impossible for them to support my tuition. While I will have housing for my bachelor’s degree, tuition remains a significant hurdle, especially as I work toward medical school. Although these challenges take up much of my time, I still focus on my future and what I want to accomplish as I gain more independence. As someone who has struggled with anorexia nervosa and is diagnosed with depression and anxiety, I have always been a strong advocate for mental health. As I prepare for a career in psychiatry, I plan to continue raising awareness and dismantling the harmful stereotypes surrounding mental health. In college, I intend to be actively involved in mental health and STEM organizations, using my voice to advocate for awareness and, in turn, help keep youth safe both online and in the community.

When asked, "What do you want to do when you're older?" I had no response. I never imagined growing older or having a future—I simply couldn't see myself living that long. My mental health had always been a defining force in my life. I was constantly labeled as the "problematic kid" when, in reality, I just didn’t know how to express my emotions properly or healthily. The concept of my future felt abstract, and until my sophomore year, I had no clear goals. As I grew older, my struggles with mental health worsened. In eighth grade, I developed anorexia nervosa, concealing my illness behind the isolation of quarantine and online learning. This was when my future felt the most uncertain, and I realized that in order to even envision one, I needed to recover. Eventually, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and began treatment. I reluctantly attended therapy sessions and took my prescribed medication, but it all felt temporary—I still couldn’t imagine making it. Growing up in a household where mental health issues were shunned, I became hyper-aware of myself in therapy. Accepting the reality of recovery and acknowledging that this was part of who I was felt overwhelming. However, after leaving therapy, I came to a crucial realization: I could only be helped if I truly wanted to be and was willing to put in the effort. All the treatments, conversations with therapists, and encouragement from my parents had felt superficial until I decided to take control of my own understanding. I immersed myself in learning about the inner workings of the brain, determined to not only comprehend my own struggles but also to support others who felt the way I did. I didn’t want anyone else to feel alone or as if their thoughts were too abstract to be expressed. I channeled my energy into my studies and art, enrolling in college courses through UT Austin and taking honors classes during my sophomore year. These courses were more challenging than anything I had taken before, but they were exactly what I needed to push myself forward. I went from doing the bare minimum in regular classes to thriving in advanced coursework. For the first time, I began to see a future for myself—one that I was willing to work for. Pursuing a major in neuroscience, my ultimate goal is to become a psychiatrist and open an art therapy studio. By studying the brain, the nervous system, and cognitive sciences, I hope to use my knowledge to help others better understand themselves. Mental health should not be stigmatized, and asking for help should not feel intimidating. The world I grew up in made me feel alienated, but I plan to contribute to a future where mental health is acknowledged and accepted—through my work as a psychiatrist.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:28 I cannot remember a time when God or faith was not a part of my life. Like Arthur and Elana Panos, my parents are immigrants, coming from Mexico in search of a better life for themselves and their family—including me. They were raised Catholic, but the rigid structure and mental toll of their faith led them to seek a different path. Eventually, they became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the religion I grew up in. Every Sunday, I attended three-hour church services, read both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and prayed every morning and night. This was my foundation for the first thirteen years of my life and how my parents shaped my morals. As I entered my teenage years, I began questioning my faith. The more I learned about the gospel, the more I questioned the teachings of the church. As a Hispanic, queer, artistic, and alternative-dressing girl, I struggled to conform to mainstream Christianity, which made me question both myself and my beliefs. However, rather than fully rejecting my parents faith entirely, I became more intrigued by the inner workings of religion, the Latter-day Saint church and its moral philosophies. By high school, I had developed a firm understanding of Christianity as well as the bible and symbolic meanings within it. I believe religion is a beautiful concept, and while I no longer share the same beliefs as most Christians, I deeply respect the moral compass of Jesus Christ. His teachings—treating others equally, showing kindness, caring for oneself, and living a life of service—are universal values that transcend religious boundaries. Though I no longer identify as Christian, these principles continue to guide me. Looking ahead, I see myself continuing my spiritual journey in a way that aligns with my evolving beliefs. As I pursue a major in neuroscience with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist, I know the responsibility of listening to others' struggles will be both mentally and emotionally demanding. Having been raised with religious teachings, this has given me a foundation for understanding complex psychological and philosophical ideas. This foundation will serve me well in the future, not just in my career, but in shaping the person I strive to become.

I may have watched Silence of the Lambs five years ago, but for me, the lambs never stopped screaming. I was 13 when I saw Silence of the Lambs, mistakenly believing it to be a farm-themed thriller. My mom and sister introduced it to me, hoping to prove that psychology and forensics were too difficult for me. As the movie began, I watched a young woman running through the woods in baggy clothes—Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee overcoming her past and the traumas that shaped her. I applauded her silently. She was strong, intelligent, and independent, relying only on herself. Though she was both kind and beautiful, it was her resilience that captivated me. I saw myself in her—the determination to prove my parents and the world wrong, to take on something bigger than myself. She had majored in criminology with a minor in psychology, and while my path leads to psychiatry, forensic psychology intrigued me. I followed her keen mind as she unraveled the crime before her, paying close attention to every clue. Many aspects of the movie fascinated me—the infamous Buffalo Bill, who sewed clothing and wigs from the skin of his victims, and Hannibal Lecter, who preyed on his patients and those who stood in his way. But it was Clarice who stood out. She was passionate about her work, willing to share parts of herself to achieve something greater. I could see myself doing the same. I will be majoring in neuroscience, the study of the nervous system and its connection to behavior and the brain. Entering college with over 50 credit hours, I have done rigorous coursework in preparation for a future in psychiatry. While my studies are mainly rooted in science/biology , Silence of the Lambs has remained close to my heart, strengthening my mentality. Both the book and film have pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, and to embrace challenges rather than deem myself too weak. When I feel discouraged, I look at my taxidermied death’s-head hawk moth—the same species that appeared on the book cover and movie poster. When I feel overwhelmed, I imagine the trees of Quantico, along with the foggy forest. Silence of the Lambs has fueled my love for literature, film, and psychology, reminding me why I chose this path for my future. This scholarship will allow me to continue that journey—and maybe, finally, make my own lambs stop screaming.

Falling in a playground is inevitable, but having someone to help you up isn’t guaranteed. My mom would watch me play, and if I ever got hurt, she would hold me and say “Sana sana colita de rana”. While it sounds cute in Spanish, the translation is “there there, tail of the frog”. Saying this to a child who is hurt, or as a term of endearment for a family member is common in Mexican households like mine. But as I got older, it seems it is easier for families like mine to revert to the phrase talking about a tail of a frog rather than confront internal struggles. While both my parents are Mexican, with Spanish being their first language and my mom immigrating from Juares, I was raised with my culture at arm's length. I’m born and raised in Texas, and besides the christmas tamale making and the mexican sayings, that’s where my cultural expression ends. What was prevalent in my home however, was the generational dismissal of any mental health struggles or discussions. Despite both my mom, abuela, and aunt struggling, and having a long family history of mental illness. This ingrained perspective made it difficult as I became a teenager, not being able to express my emotions or voice my struggles since it was seen as something I could get over. However, becoming able to talk to friends and share experiences with others was what made it easier to work through adversity. Working on my communication and embracing differences was what healed the part of me that was scared to communicate. Also making me devoted to learning about my culture, background, and family on my own, and embracing it later in life. Having someone to help you through life should be guaranteed for everyone, but, with this scholarship, I will be able to continue my studies and guarantee help for others as a psychiatrist. While both my parents are veterans, the Hazelwood and military benefits for their kids have been used, leaving me to find scholarships and a find my own way to pay for college, aswell as not having an ensured payment. Furthermore, I plan on going to med school, so ensuring I have the funds to make my dream come true is crucial. With this scholarship, I will help others, continue to embrace culture, and make a positive change in the world.

"When I go to the club, I wanna hear those club classics Club classics, club, club classics" I have never stepped foot in a club, let alone been able to step foot in one, since I am still underage. A club with great music, however, would be less intimidating than stepping foot into a cross-country meet. I've never been good at sports. As a Mexican girl who has always been slightly overweight and surrounded by smaller girls, I have always felt "gaudy." This was the same even in athletics. In P.E., locker rooms were a nightmare, and this was no different when I got into high school. Despite this, I decided to join the cross-country team my junior year of high school. I had one friend on the team, and in an effort to better myself, I signed up. Long story short, my one-mile runs over the summer did not equate to my teammates' lifetime of training. I was not at all a good runner, but my coach held out some hope. I was given the choice to become a manager and help the team at meets and practices, as well as train alongside them. Becoming a glorified water girl didn't feel great, but it was a role I was willing to play, and it has become one of the most rewarding things in my high school career. My senior year was no different. I still saw myself as a weird-legged, gaudy girl, but I had friends and a team who appreciated me. With this newfound confidence, I went into my summer training optimistic. What motivated me to get up in the morning, put on my beat-up Hokas, and drink a protein coffee was the brat album. "Brat Summer" was the newest trend, but Charli's music was more than a trend to me. My cross-country training playlist consisted of all of brat, but my favorite remained "Club Classics." This song had the best beat to run to and motivated me to continue on, with both long runs and in life. Cross-country season is over, but my brat season is not. "Club Classics" remains my favorite song on brat, as it has motivated me through the things I always hesitated to do, putting a dramatic flair to my persistence. This scholarship will allow me to persist in my education and bring brat into my college career.

As I slammed the door in my mom's face, her cries reverberated throughout the hallway- “Why are you like this?”- but the only thought I could discern was that I needed to find my sketchbook. Amidst the hardships in my life, I have used art as an escape and as a way to convey my emotions and articulate concepts that I could not put into words. Art exceeded mere escape, as it became a means for me to express my mentality for others to resonate with and bring me a sense of safety in my identity. I was born into a conservative Mexican household in Converse, Texas, to parents who were born and raised speaking Spanish, with my mom immigrating from Juarez. Aside from Christmas tamale-making and Mexican sayings, my cultural expression largely ends there. What was prevalent in my home, however, was the generational dismissal of any struggles or discussions about mental health, despite my mom, abuela, and aunt struggling with it and a long family history of mental illness. Growing up with the ingrained idea that being mentally different was bad, I turned to art as an escape from an early age. When I became too upset to control myself, I had to find a way to release my frustration without disturbing my parents or peers. I also often daydreamed because socializing didn’t come naturally to me. Art became my way of expressing emotions when I was too shy or upset to describe them. Many of my early sketchbooks are filled with scribbles, tears in the paper, vibrant colors, and sketches of things I liked at the time, such as My Little Pony. From the beginning, my drawings reflected my mental state, and while I started with scribbles and cartoons, this was only the start of my creative journey. During adolescence, I continued to immerse myself in art. My dollar-store notebooks evolved into Canson Mixed Media pads, and my crayons were replaced with colored pencils. As my artistic skills improved, so did my ability to communicate my feelings. I spent hours watching sketchbook tours and animation channels, aspiring to impact others the way those artists had impacted me. Whether through a new art form or a painting, I believed art was my passion and purpose. I don’t want others to feel unheard or misunderstood the way I have, and I believe expressing myself through art is a powerful way to connect with others, transcending words. I aspire to be a great painter, and one of my main inspirations is Frida Kahlo. Frida created many self-portraits, and while she didn’t claim to be a surrealist, much of her work reflects the surrealist movement of her time. She often portrayed herself in distorted forms, such as a deer or a mechanical figure. Frida also struggled with her identity, being both European and Hispanic, and she expressed this in her piece The Two Fridas. I find it easier to empathize with her than with any other artist. Like Frida, I often create self-portraits, many of which are slightly distorted, incorporating skeletons or objects to convey different ideas. As someone who grew up being labeled “weird,” I can relate to Frida’s experience of being an outcast. Many ridiculed her style, androgyny, and sexuality. Growing up in a conservative environment, I also faced backlash for similar reasons. Like Frida, I’ve used these challenges to help me grow, embracing what makes me unique and channeling it into my art. Being able to channel my personality and quirks through my art has become my strongest trait. When people are introduced to me or meet me for the first time, one of the first things they learn is that I do art. Art is a part of me, and sharing it with others is a passion of mine. During high school, I started my own small business, and I take every opportunity to be a vendor at events. With my dad’s help, I’ve turned multiple pieces of my artwork into stickers and prints. I also handmake jewelry from polymer clay, beads, and hand-painted designs. When I’m not vending, I continue my business locally, taking commissions from friends, family members, and even people I barely know. Not all my art is for money, though. In high school, I took advanced art classes, including AP Studio, AP Art History, and AP Drawing, while holding an officer position as president of my school’s Art Club and National Art Honors Society. Every other week, I plan art activities for our club members, organize collaborative murals, and set up events for the club to participate in. As I continue my education in college, I plan to keep contributing to my community through art and to keep creativity alive. If there is one thing I am, it is an artist. Anything I do, I do with a creative and open mind. Anything I create must be bold and meaningful. College will not change this. Here’s the revised version with corrected grammar and punctuation: As an artist, I aspire to make people feel seen and heard. I strive to create pieces of art that comfort, excite, engage, or evoke emotion in people. Creating art is a gift, and I want to share it just as the world has shared it with me. I want to continue bringing joy to people of all ages, whether it’s a girl excited about strawberry earrings or an elderly woman intrigued by my art, I will continue to pursue my passion and embrace my identity as an artist .

Being exposed to massive amounts of horror and paranormal media from a young age piqued my fascination on how the brain functions, and how we as humans interpret things we perceive as abnormal. What makes something scary? Why do we consider the unusual or strange fear provoking? Why do people choose to avoid fear or discomfort, while others are fascinated by it? All of these questions sparked my curiosity and desire to learn why I and other people feel this way and interpret tribulations and discomfort As I grew older, my curiosity on the brain's interpretation and limits blossomed into a more personal desire to learn about it. My struggle with anorexia nervosa, as well as getting diagnosed with depression and anxiety made me fully aware of how my brain functioned, and how my experiences and biological factors influenced my behavior throughout my life. I’ve since wanted to understand why I felt the way I did, and how, even though I am aware that behaviors are destructive or unhealthy, I chose to continue. As I became more aware of my psychological state, my love for science grew, as I could understand why I and others feel the way we feel. This, combined with my passion for helping people and immersing myself into psychological research, had made neuroscience the ideal intersection. When I was wondering why I felt so strongly and empathetically from things like ghosts, bugs, and inanimate objects, having this understanding of the mind would have made emotional regulation and finding support feel less intimidating. Choosing to study how neurological pathways influence behavior and decision making, I will study neuroscience in order to become a psychiatrist to help others who have felt as deeply as I have since I was little. Going into college, I do not have any savings from my parents, benefits from their time in the military, or merit-based scholarships. I have 3 siblings, and I am the youngest, which means that my siblings have used all the benefits my parents were given for their kids after they served in the military. Furthermore, my parents have been financially helping my other siblings, as they are much older than me. This has left me with little to no financial support, and due to my family's income, I am also not in the bracket to receive enough financial aid to cover most of my tuition. I also plan to attend medical school, so preparing for this is also a priority. With this scholarship, I will carry on STEM studies, just as Richard and Rebecca Whiddon have. I will use the money to pursue my degree in neuroscience and further my research to help others.

As an artist, you have to stand out from the crowd to capture the attention of the viewer. I devote myself to my work because I see it as an extension of myself—a reflection of my character and what distinguishes me from my peers. I have been acknowledged by the Artpace Gallery in downtown San Antonio and the Texas Visual Arts Scholastic Event, and I believe my dedication to my passion will enable me to devote myself fully to other pursuits I care deeply about. I take pride in my ability to assist those in leadership roles while also managing a group of people in an organized and effective manner. Serving others is one of my strongest qualities, and empathy comes naturally to me. Being able to understand and feel other people's emotions is a strength that I’ve learned to channel positively. While it can lead to emotional challenges for some, I use it to enhance my leadership, writing, and art. I also plan to utilize it in my future career as a psychiatrist. Pursuing psychiatry is something I’m deeply passionate about, but I know it will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and resilience. I understand that working in a field focused on people’s well-being can be demanding and emotionally challenging. However, learning about the human mind, behavior, and emotions is one of my greatest interests, and I believe I have the perseverance to meet these challenges head-on. By learning more about myself and the complexities of the human mind, I plan to make a positive impact on the world by creating a safe space for individuals who struggle to express their feelings or who feel ostracized. Having experienced feelings of loneliness and the pressure of falling behind, I am determined to pursue a career in the STEM field with a focus on destigmatizing mental health. I want to help others feel supported and validated, ensuring that no one feels like an "outcast" or misunderstood for what they are going through. By utilizing my empathetic nature and interpersonal skills, I plan to continue making a difference in the lives of others. My own struggles with mental health, diagnosed later in life, have fueled my passion for this cause. I don’t want anyone to feel afraid to speak about their emotions or ashamed of their experiences. As a psychiatrist, I hope to create an environment where people feel empowered to embrace and accept themselves for who they are.

Each year, I have participated in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event, where a student can submit 2 art pieces with the chance of making it to the state competition. As a Freshman, this was one of the first times I was able to showcase my artwork and describe my thought process behind my materials and techniques, allowing me to feel more confident in my work. I eagerly submitted my two pieces, however, both of my pieces that year had only won at the regional competition. They had garnered attention at a regional level, but fell short of State competition material. Disheartened by not advancing, I had tried again my Sophomore year, submitting 2 of my best pieces from my art class. Experimenting with mixed media, realism, and color theory, I had created two pieces that reflected my perspective on the world and showed my creative process. With the knowledge I had from my Freshman year, I was able to prepare myself for the competition, and learn how to keep a good work ethic while under pressure and a deadline. Furthermore, the setback of not advancing the previous year, this had taught me resilience and perseverance. I had poured my heart into two pieces that focused on my own self expression and showed the best of my skills, showing my growth as an artist. Once again, my efforts fell short. Though I had not advanced, these repeated setbacks have taught me determination, and taught me to stay true to my artistic expression. The following year, as a Junior, I continued to progress in my art, and I had enrolled in my school's AP Studio 2D Art and Design class. When given the syllabus, we were instructed to investigate an inquiry through our art. While we were able to do what our heart desired, the freedom felt foreign, and forced me to hone in on my own shortcomings of my art. I discovered that challenging myself when creating my art allowed me to grow, and while it was hard, being able to push through creative blocks allowed for an evolution in my art. I had challenged myself to do a painting on an ornately framed mirror, and devote my time and skills wisely to create a piece important to me that also reflected my personal emotions. When it came time to submit our pieces for the annual competition, my pieces were complete, and for once I was fully confident in my work. The night after the competition, I was told that I had advanced to State, and the piece that challenged me the most was what got me to advance. This taught me that diligence and resilience is important to success, and devoting yourself to what you find important is crucial in personal growth. My advice to others who have faced similar trials: having confidence in your passion for creative expression, and not trying to imitate anyone else is ultimately what helps you grow as an artist. Patience in both yourself and in the process will allow you time to grow and reflect on your journey, often becoming the more memorable part of being an artist rather than just finishing a piece

By attending Byron P. Steele High School, the teachers who have helped me grow artistically and academically have inspired me to pursue higher education. In my freshman year, I was desperately trying to find the will to continue—not just in school but in life overall. I struggled with my mental health to the point where I felt helpless and lacked any motivation for high school, let alone higher education. My teachers, however, acknowledged my talents. While unconventional, they were noticed. My art teachers urged me to compete in competitions and pursue my passion, which allowed me to build confidence both artistically and academically. In order to compete, I needed to maintain a certain grade point average, and this push motivated me to try harder in school. After adapting to this work ethic of balancing effort with passion, I began to develop a stronger drive for a better academic career. In my sophomore year, I enrolled in all honors and college classes, deciding to push myself to be the best I could be. While I continued to nurture my love for art and all things creative, I also prioritized learning as much as I could to enhance my chances of getting into a good college and securing a hopeful future. Since then, I have taken all honors, dual credit, dual enrollment, and AP classes. As my performance improved, so did my confidence in myself. The confidence I gained throughout my high school experience has inspired me to pursue higher education, focusing on mental health and the STEM field. My high school experience instilled in me a love for science, and AP Psychology offered a new perspective on how I could use my emotional intelligence and passion for science in meaningful ways. While focusing on my academic career and how I can progress further in higher education, I have also served as president of our school’s Art Club and National Art Honors Society. I balance my rigorous coursework with planning and assisting in club activities such as the Memory Project, our city and school murals, and face painting at local events. My dedication to these clubs has positively impacted my community by fostering an artistic environment that serves others and promotes growth for artists of all levels. My time spent planning community service events and devoting myself to others has deepened my desire to continue this commitment—both in life and in college.

My name is Em Montes, and my biggest life passion is being able to make a safe space for anyone to talk about their feelings, using my empathy and creativity to help. I have been doing art for as long as I could hold a pencil, and I had started getting into drawing figures when I learned about fashion art. I have practiced figures, clothing, and makeup looks through painting and other mediums, and have improved my skills my whole life. In college, I plan to continue my life passion of art, even though I plan on going into the STEM field, art will always be one of my biggest passions, and the way I express my feelings and connect with others. Coco Chanel had used fashion to challenge societal norms, empower the artistic and queer community, and become a beacon of light for anyone who is creative. With this scholarship , I will continue my passion for art, and use my telents to make art that can connect to others in ways that words cannot. Painting has always been a way I could convey my emotions visually, without crying or talking, and I feel like my experience as a Pansexual girl has contributed to this aswell. When I first came out, and understood that I was queer, I couldn't tell my parents or most of the people close to me. I never cried in front of them, since I did not want to give myself away and face the backlash of my parents and others, so instead, I would often draw the way I felt. I used vibrant colors and vivid designs to make art pieces that represent my queer experience since I could not do it any other way. With this money, I will continue to connect with others through creating a safe space to talk about mental health, sexuality, and gender identity, as Coco Chanel has. I would like to continue her legacy of challenging societal norms through a form of art, by continuing my artistic career with painting, sculpting, drawing, and sewing. Being queer has also made me more empathetic with people of the queer community, and people who have grown up with religious trauma or dissaproval from parents. I want to make sure that despite any backlash or hate, I will make a safe place for anyone of any gender, race, or identity to come to

One of my best friends is a lesbian, we both share a love for video games and music, as well as being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community since I am pansexual. We have been friends for almost 6 years, and we have bonded over similarities of our past relationships with women and how it impacted our ideas on dating going forward. Despite the openness of our sexuality with each other, her parents are the opposite and have shunned and ridiculed her for her identity as a queer woman. Her parents are both heavily conservative and have made their stances on the LGBTQIA+ community clear: they are not welcome or accepted. Even though this includes their daughter, my best friend, they are still hesitant and often disgusted in the way she is deciding to lead her life. Even though my friend has faced countless harmful comments and insults regarding her sexuality, she is still one of the most resilient and loving people I know. Without her, I would not be as confident or open about my sexuality, and it would have taken me longer to embrace my identity if it weren't for her. Despite her parents not being accepting of her identity, she is still a symbol of love in my life, and I believe this shows how a parent's perception can largely effect their child's outlook on themselves and how to treat others. Even though my friend grew up with parents who disagreed and ridiculed her identity, she has taken this hate and used it to show love to others, making sure to not hurt others the way that others have hurt her. Knowing how situations like this impact children, I plan on becoming an advocate in how parents should learn about their child's identity rather than shunning it because they are not familiar with it. I want to destigmatize the idea that children and teenagers are not able to comprehend the concept of love, or believe that sexuality is a "choice". I plan on advocating for adults, and mostly parents, to keep an open mind and understand that, like them, us children are also navigating the world, and trying to find our own identity. Even though the views of parents and their kids may not align, I want to be an advocate for acceptance, and loving your kid no matter their sexuality, gender, or identity they align with.