From a young age, I have been captivated by the power of storytelling. Whether through the enchanting moments on Disney movies or the vivid narratives found in books, I felt an innate desire to immerse myself in the world of performing arts. However, my path to pursuing a career in this field has been deeply influenced by the sacrifices and resilience of my parents, who left everything behind in Ecuador to seek a better future for our family in the United States. Their unwavering determination has not only inspired me but also shaped my character and commitment to achieving my dreams. When my mother first arrived in the U.S., she took on the challenging roles of a nanny and cleaning lady, tirelessly working to finance my education. Witnessing her sacrifices instilled in me a profound appreciation for hard work and the importance of seizing every opportunity. Later, my father joined us, leaving behind a life threatened by criminal gangs in Ecuador to support our family. Their courage to start anew and their relentless pursuit of a better life have fueled my ambition and desire to excel in everything I do. However, the journey has not been without its challenges. My mother had to take out a Parent PLUS loan to cover my semester expenses at The University of Tampa, as she was the only one with acceptable credit. This financial burden weighed heavily on my shoulders, igniting a sense of responsibility to not only ease our family's financial strain but also to honor my parents' sacrifices. I began working as a cashier and later as a babysitter, determined to contribute towards repaying the loan and alleviating the stress on my mother. As I navigated through my studies, there were moments when the weight of assignments felt exhausting, and the temptation to give up loomed large. Yet, in those moments of fatigue and doubt, I found strength in my parents’ unwavering support and their faithfulness towards my success in the arts. Their sacrifices became my driving force, urging me to push through and strive for excellence. This mindset ultimately led me to finish my semester with a 4.0 GPA, many congrats from my theatre professor Dr. Crowther who made me feel again that I was born to perform and actually expressed to me how much she would love to work with me another time. My passion for the performing arts, particularly theatre, has become a vital part of my identity. The ability to explore different lives and emotions through acting allows me to connect with myself and others on a profound level. As a Hispanic woman in a traditionally underrepresented field, I am determined to break barriers in the entertainment industry and inspire others to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Despite skepticism from those who questioned my decision to major in Theatre, I firmly believe that life is too short to ignore what fills us with joy and passion. The saying, "Find a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life," resonates deeply with me and reinforces my commitment to this path. Attending UT has provided me with the opportunities necessary to thrive in my chosen career. My ultimate goal is to gain as much experience as possible so I can help future students to pursue their dreams. Art connects us, touches our hearts, and enriches us. A career in the arts should not be seen as less valuable just because it isn’t the norm. Art has always been an essential part of humanity, and without it, we would lose a piece of what makes life meaningful.

As a Hispanic girl who grew up watching Disney movies, telenovelas, singing along to musicals, and creating fake scenarios before bed, choosing theatre was a nature call. I live for the drama and love diving into the characters I get to portray. My journey began when I was 11 years old in Ecuador, where I was cast as the lead in a comedic play at my school. I was thrilled to have the chance to make others smile. I played a ‘tradwife’ who hated her life—though that sounds sad, the funny dialogue and my gestures made it less depressing. The laughter from the audience filled my heart, and even while staying in character, I felt immense joy knowing that everyone was having a great time with me on stage. After the show, many people approached my mom to congratulate her on my performance, encouraging her to help me pursue acting more seriously. My mom took their advice, and as soon as summer started, we traveled by bus to Guayaquil, one of Ecuador's major cities. There, I enrolled in “Academia de Famosos,” a theatre summer camp led by the Ecuadorian actress Mercedes Payne. Every weekend that summer, I made the three-hour trip from my small town of Quevedo to immerse myself in acting. At the end of the camp, Ms. Payne recognized me as her best student. She even told my mom privately that a national TV channel, Tc Television, was looking for a girl my age to play a role in a new show called “Los Hijos de Don Juan.” I practiced my lines and rehearsed the scene until I felt ready. I was nervous, but I reminded myself to give it my all. By the end of the day, I was overjoyed to learn that I had gotten the role! As production began, I could see acting as my future. However, balancing school and acting became difficult. By the second season of the show, traveling to Guayaquil frequently was tough, and eventually, I had to leave my role as Amelia. Even though I had to say goodbye, I knew my passion for acting wasn’t over. I continued to participate in every school play I could, and when I moved to the United States at 15, I was certain about wanting to major in theatre. In 2022, I started my studies at Lynn University, but unfortunately, the director saw my accent as a barrier to my success. I transferred to the University of Tampa for Spring 2024, I regained my confidence and committed myself to improving my skills in every class. My plan is to participate in more plays while in school and after graduation. And If the opportunity arises, I would also love to return to telenovelas! My ultimate goal is to gain as much experience as possible so I can help future students to pursue their dreams. I want to become a professor and share my journey with those who may face similar challenges. As an immigrant from a low-income family, I understand how discouraging it can be when others say that pursuing a career in the arts is “too hard” or not worth the investment. However, I believe that life is too short to shy away from doing what you love. Theatre is an art and art connects us, touches our hearts, and enriches our existence. A career in the arts should not be seen as less valuable just because it isn’t the rule. Art has always been an essential part of humanity, and without it, we would lose a piece of what makes life meaningful.

Growing up in Ecuador, for me the American dream symbolized more than just opportunity; It represented a lifeline to a future rich in possibilities. At 15 years old I embarked on a plane to the United States, leaving familiarity behind for the promise of a better life with my mother. This transition was a big moment that shaped my identity as a member of the latin community and deeply influenced my path forward. In Ecuador, my aspirations as an actress were limited by the limitations of the local entertainment industry. The prospect of joining networks like Telemundo or Univision, which seemed unattainable in Ecuador, became a tangible goal upon arriving in the United States. It was transformative, not only allowing me to pursue my passion for acting, but also immersing me in a land where opportunities were more abundant. However, the change had its challenges. My parents' sacrifices, my mother's hard work as a nanny and my father's perseverance despite health problems, underscored the importance of hard work and resilience. Their separation did not diminish their dedication to my future; Their sacrifices became my motivation to excel academically and personally. My parents are my driving force. The transition to American education presented its own set of obstacles. Financial constraints forced my mother and I to take out loans to pay for college since my own academic path was complicated by a lack of familiarity with standardized tests like the ACT and SAT. Because no matter how hard I tried, I felt that I had arrived too late to study for them, my score did not allow me to be enough to go to a public university. but despite everything, I persevered thanks to the support of my parents. My college path has been marked by dedication and achievements. Maintaining a 4.00 GPA and obtaining a position on the student newspaper is a testament to my commitment to excellence in journalism. Each success affirmed my belief in the power of the desire to learn, something my parents have always talked to me about. Because if you want to, you can. Looking ahead, I aspire to leverage my education in theater and journalism to contribute to my community. Earning this scholarship would not only alleviate financial burdens but also validate the sacrifices my parents made for my education. It would provide me with valuable networking opportunities and pave the way for internships at institutions like the Tampa Bay Times and the Straz Center. Beyond personal success, my ambitions extend to supporting others facing similar challenges. I envision a future where I can contribute to initiatives that empower others to pursue their dreams. Just as others have supported me, I am committed to paying it forward. My advice to anyone with similar obstacles as me is keep chasing your dreams, believe in yourself, and stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone moves at their own pace, so focus on what brings you joy. Choose a career you love, even if it means facing financial challenges. Pursue what makes you happy, as life is too short to not follow your passions. Lastly, always give and try your best at everything you do, because that is what will guide you towards success.

Growing up in Ecuador, for me the American dream symbolized more than just opportunity; It represented a lifeline to a future rich in possibilities. At 15 years old I embarked on a plane to the United States, leaving familiarity behind for the promise of a better life with my mother. This transition was a big moment that shaped my identity as a member of the latin community and deeply influenced my path forward. In Ecuador, my aspirations as an actress were limited by the limitations of the local entertainment industry. The prospect of joining networks like Telemundo or Univision, which seemed unattainable in Ecuador, became a tangible goal upon arriving in the United States. It was transformative, not only allowing me to pursue my passion for acting, but also immersing me in a land where opportunities were more abundant. However, the change had its challenges. My parents' sacrifices, my mother's hard work as a nanny and my father's perseverance despite health problems, underscored the importance of hard work and resilience. Their separation did not diminish their dedication to my future; Their sacrifices became my motivation to excel academically and personally. My parents are my driving force. The transition to American education presented its own set of obstacles. Financial constraints forced my mother and I to take out loans to pay for college since my own academic path was complicated by a lack of familiarity with standardized tests like the ACT and SAT. Because no matter how hard I tried, I felt that I had arrived too late to study for them, my score did not allow me to be enough to go to a public university. but despite everything, I persevered thanks to the support of my parents. My college path has been marked by dedication and achievements. Maintaining a 4.00 GPA and obtaining a position on the student newspaper is a testament to my commitment to excellence in journalism. Each success affirmed my belief in the power of the desire to learn, something my parents have always talked to me about. Because if you want to, you can. Looking ahead, I aspire to leverage my education in theater and journalism to contribute to my community. Earning this scholarship would not only alleviate financial burdens but also validate the sacrifices my parents made for my education. It would provide me with valuable networking opportunities and pave the way for internships at institutions like the Tampa Bay Times and the Straz Center. Beyond personal success, my ambitions extend to supporting others facing similar challenges. I envision a future where I can contribute to initiatives that empower others to pursue their dreams. Just as others have supported me, I am committed to paying it forward, ensuring that future generations benefit from the same opportunities that have shaped my journey. In conclusion, my identity as an immigrant and member of a minority population has profoundly influenced my path. It has instilled in me a deep appreciation for resilience and hard work. As I continue my journey, I am driven not only by personal ambition but also by a commitment to making a positive change in my community. The American dream, to me, is not just a concept but a reality that should be embraced, acknowledged, celebrated and shared.

The American Dream to me is about the desire for an upgrade in life and the pursuit of opportunities that aren’t available in our countries of origin. As someone who came to the United States from Ecuador when I was 15 years old to pursue a better life, I have a personal understanding of what the American Dream means. When I was 12 years old, I knew that I wanted to be an actress. I dreamed of being in telenovelas. However, I also knew that being an actress as a profession in Ecuador did not offer the same range of opportunities that it does in the United States. To work for Telemundo or Univision in Miami, for example, was a dream that seemed out of reach. With dreams of a better future for our family, my mom came first to the U.S and started to work as a nanny and cleaning lady to finance my education. Witnessing her sacrifice and efforts, I understood the value of hard work and the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity that came my way. Later, we were joined by my dad, who found a job at the airport as a bag jammer despite his degenerative bone illness. Life in Ecuador wasn’t safe anymore for him due to the criminal gangs. Therefore, he came to be safe and keep supporting us economically. My parent’s courage to start from zero and their resilience to keep going have been a constant source of inspiration to me. However, hard work is not always enough. My mother had to take out a Parent PLUS loan to cover the remaining expenses of my semester at The University of Tampa because she was the only one with acceptable credit. I transferred from my first institution due to limited opportunities and discrimination in the theatre department. I chose UT because it provides more opportunities and a safe space for students. Once my mom took on that loan I knew I had to step up, not only to ease the financial burden but also to honor my parents' sacrifices. I continued working as a cashier to contribute to my expenses and later as a babysitter to slowly start repaying the loan my mom took, which affected her credit score. Once the semester started, there were days when the weight of the assignments seemed too heavy to bear. Sometimes giving up seemed like the easiest option when faced with fatigue, but every time I felt overwhelmed, I remembered my parents. Knowing that they have been willing to do everything for me to fulfill my dreams encouraged me to overcome anything to achieve excellence in every task I undertook. My parents are my driving force to go above and beyond. Later, I finished my semester with a 4.00 GPA. I was offered a position in the student newspaper for this Fall 2024 due to my dedication as a journalist. I was determined to make the most of the opportunity my parents had worked so hard to give me. Today, when I am much closer to achieving my dream of obtaining a bachelor's degree, I feel very grateful to my parents and to God for giving us the strength to continue forward. This journey has shaped my character and ignited in me the desire to always give my best. I am applying for the A. Ramani Memorial Scholarship to not only ease our financial burden but also to make my parents proud and have a chance to achieve my dreams by continuing to network and gain experience during college without pushing them towards more debt.

Hey there! My name is Genesis Aviles, and I'm a current Sophomore at the University of Tampa, pursuing a degree in Theatre Arts with a minor in Journalism. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I've always dreamed of using my talents to make a difference in my community. Growing up in Ecuador and immigrating to the United States at the age of 15, I've experienced firsthand the struggles of financial instability and the importance of hard work and determination. My parents taught me the importance of taking pride in my roots and staying humble, no matter what. But here's the thing: I'm not just pursuing my dreams for myself. I'm doing it for my parents too. As a young girl, I remember my mom sacrificing her own dreams to provide for our family. Her and my dad always told me that education was the key to success, and that I should never give up on my dreams. I want to make them proud, and I want to show them that all their sacrifices were worth it, including my mom coming first to this country full of opportunities so my younger brother and I could have a better life. As a young girl, I was always fascinated by the world of performing arts. I grew up watching Disney and Barbie movies. I would also spend hours watching telenovelas, plays, and musicals, dreaming of one day being on stage myself. My passion for the arts only grew stronger as I entered high school, where I was actively involved in my school's drama club. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the performing arts, but I also knew that it wouldn't be easy. Financial struggles were a constant worry for my family, and I knew that I would need to work hard to make my dreams a reality. Despite the challenges, I remained determined to succeed. I have worked hard to maintain a 4.0 GPA while volunteering and performing in my community. I was always the first one to sign up for a school play, a choir performance, or a community service event. I knew that these experiences would not only help me grow as an artist but also provide me with the opportunity to give back to my community; In the future, I would like to help other young people who have big dreams but don’t possess the financial resources to achieve them. Because I believe that it is important to give a hand to those in need just the same way that we got one! My passion for the performing arts is not just about fulfilling my own dreams, but also about using my talents to make a positive impact in the world. As a young Ecuadorian woman, I know that there is a lack of representation in the arts, especially for women of color. I want to change that. I've always believed that my talents and abilities are a gift from God, and I'm determined to use them to to showcase the beauty of my Ecuadorian heritage and to show the world that Ecuador has a voice with talent!

Since I was a kid I’ve had a lot of imagination, I love to watch Disney movies because they transport me to other universes. I love to read too, because here I’m just Genesis; the color pink lover, Taylor swift fan, a girl who is still trying to find a place in this world. And even though I like to believe my life is a movie there’s no comparison with situations where I can turn into a vampire or spill coffee by accident but not less fortunately than on a handsome singer. When I act, I can live thousands of lives, love thousands of souls, walk on distant worlds and see the end of times. I’m from Ecuador and for a long time I was the little silly girl who was always raising her hand when the teacher asked about volunteers for a play. To get into the skin of someone else has increased my empathy, it always makes me more aware of what surrounds me. I realized I wanted to study acting at college when I was 11 years old. I got cast in a Tv show in Ecuador, I wasn’t Genesis anymore…I was Amelia, a girl with very low resources who loved her dad and wanted to be a chef. The experience of being in television touched my heart then, making me want more. That’s why my plan is to be a climber, start in Hispanic soap operas and little by little get into the American films like many Hispanic actresses have done before. I know that nowadays it’s hard for Latinos to get in the film industry, I’ve gotten exclude from many roles at my current college because of my accent. I want to change that for future teenagers and kids like me, I wish to become an inspiring person for those who are full of talent but don’t have the resources to achieve their dreams, I desire to help them and increase the inclusion on the entertainment industry for our ethnicity. I know that the road is not gonna be easy but I’m not proud of who I am because of choosing the easy path. I know that it’s always hard before it gets easier and I also know that to be a star you must burn. However to give up is not on my plans because I want to leave a positive mark on others. Since the truth is that at the end that’s all we can take with us. I want to have a career in the arts because is my dream and It’s also other kid’s dreams. I want to make a change so in a near future all the rejection phrases and frustration nights that came to me because of the way I talk are not gonna be a mandatory requirement to fulfill a goal for those who see this field with passion but are not who made the rules because they weren’t raised here. I want to show the same diversity that we have in our world on screen because representation is important. I’m a puzzle made of all the performances that I’ve watched since my journey in this world started, my personality is a mix of the best characters of my favorite plays, movies and Tv shows. Because that’s what acting does, acting changes peoples minds, acting shows you new perspectives, acting heals your soul and gives hope for those who are watching you and identify with your life as that character. Acting is an art that comes from our deepest emotions and feelings to inspire and awake others humanity.

Since I was a kid I’ve had a lot of imagination, I love Disney movies because they transport me to other universes. I love to read too, because here I’m just Genesis; the color pink lover, Taylor swift fan. And even though I like to believe my life is a movie there’s no comparison with situations where I can turn into a vampire or spill coffee by accident but not less fortunately than on a handsome singer. When I act, I can live thousands of lives, love thousands of souls, walk on distant worlds and see the end of times. I’m from Ecuador and for a long time I was the girl who was always raising her hand when the teacher asked about volunteers for a play. To get into the skin of someone else has increased my empathy and always makes me more aware of what surrounds me. I realized I wanted to study acting when I was 11. I got cast in a Tv show in Ecuador, I wasn’t Genesis anymore…I was Amelia, a girl who loved her dad and wanted to be a chef. This experience touched my heart then, making me want more. My plan is to start in telenovelas. Nowadays it’s hard for Latinos to get in the film industry, I’ve gotten exclude from many roles at my current college because of my accent. I want to change that for future teenagers like me, I want to become an inspiring person for those who are full of talent but don’t have the resources to achieve their dreams, I want to help them and increase the inclusion on the theatre and film industry for our ethnicity. I want to leave a positive mark on others, because at the end that’s all we can take with us.