I always think about how there is not one character who looks exactly like me on the screen. I have a too-tight afro, long legs that don't exactly give a stallion look just awkwardly there, and a darker complexion. So, I make art that focuses on the things that go unnoticed even when they are within the light. I explore the theme of "Chaos Within Beauty," capturing unnoticed elements: people having fun, experiencing change, animals, and how plants react to our world. As a student, I'm always experimenting with new art styles and learning from my mistakes. My ultimate goal is to create a studio that empowers creatives of color, giving them a platform to influence and shape the narratives we see on screen. One of my current photography projects is to capture someone how they would like to be seen. So, the plan was to meet with a friend and discuss casual things. What their style is, and what their interests are. The friend goes for a more groovy kind of 80s look; they're interested in flowers and animals. Although AI is getting more advanced, as well as other types of Technology, the human connection that I can build as a photographer by simply meeting new people and talking about their experiences can craft a story that can be told through photographs. That may not just be saying oh, that friend likes flowers and animals. Instead, I can hint at different things like her style and how the flowers lace her outfit, almost outlining her within her power. I aim to understand others' stories and find ways to make media more inclusive. My goal is to capture the diverse cultures and lives of people of color, focusing on both their struggles and their joys for the benefit of future generations. I believe this starts with traveling and getting to hear new stories about people and their lives, with no one detail being left out. In the process of making art, trying different forms of expression, although I use the theme of chaos within Beauty, oftentimes I take one photo, and then it ends up being a million photos. It's this ongoing timeline of an experience that is my own, but it always features the world around me, and I would like to share that with everyone else.

Is it cliché to say that my mom is my best friend? It shouldn't be; she's the first person I want to tell everything to, from the gory details to the times when my happiness is bursting at the seams and the unfortunate lows that keep me down. I know she'll be there for me. Although I live in a single-parent home, it never feels like I'm getting any less love than if I had two parents. As a single parent, she has given me unconditional love that I want to continue giving to other people. I want to go as hard as my mom. Growing up and entering the educational world was always so scary; I didn't have an older sibling to tell me what was right and wrong. Yet the best thing about living in a single woman's household is seeing how powerful and capable my mom is and it makes me also want to be capable and try different things. From elementary school, I double-studied for regular classes and worked on speech comprehension, frequently feeling very behind. During this time, I explored books that gave me a new sense of non-normality. In middle school and high school, I tried out different hobbies like writing, photography, and capturing things that meant something to me. I am studying photography at the Maryland Institute College of Art. I hope to explore my creative mind and understand how our media can benefit from seeing more diverse communities on screen or in photographs. In the future, I envision creating a production studio where people of color can influence what they see on screen and in photographs. On campus, I work with a magazine that highlights different student businesses, cultures, and identities, photographing them for a collective semester publication that showcases our brilliance.

Is it cliché to say that my mom is my best friend? It shouldn't be; she's the first person I want to tell everything to, from the gory details to the times when my happiness is bursting at the seams and the unfortunate lows that keep me down. I know she'll be there for me. On my worst days, when I can’t sit still and my mind keeps racing, I either pick up my camera or start writing. Through my camera, I often explore the theme of “Chaos Within Beauty,” capturing elements that might otherwise go unnoticed. I give space for everything to exist: people having fun, people experiencing change, animals, and how plants react to our world. In high school, I captured one of my favorite photographs called A Figment– a tree shadows a woman and her– she's a figment because you might not see her, you might only see the tree instead. Not the pain of her being different or knowing how great and loving she is. When I think of my experience I think of all the times when there wasn't a character who perfectly aligned with me on the screen. The characters who look like me were always there to stabilize the main character. They could be the joke as long as the main character just got to succeed in the end. I want to understand others’ stories by photographing or making videos about their lives, cultures, identities, religions, and what makes them authentic. On my best days, I'm surrounded by people who constantly share their wisdom. That wisdom can simply be what they aspire to do, to where they come from, to how they feel about their identity, or who they choose to like. What truly makes my art style different is that asking other people about their experiences and what they aspire to be or do makes the art more personal and relatable. I use the skills that I've learned from being in the film industry as well as using photography techniques that allow people to be more comfortable in front of the camera. I want to be in these rooms where people of color aren't seen for only their struggle of being a person of color. I want to make and know strong characters who can inspire me, and older and newer generations to come. In the future, I'd like to make space for other people of color to have a say in what they see on that screen and who they see in that photograph. On campus, I work with a magazine that highlights different student businesses, cultures, and identities, photographing them for a collective semester magazine to showcase our brilliance. I would like to invest my art similarly in the future in a digital space for anyone to access. Also, taking internships that align to work with more diverse communities in media and figure out how they offer space for more people of color. I plan to create a podcast or YouTube channel to show off my interest and thoughts to a new audience. With this platform, I would include other creatives to talk about their experience to inspire other generations.

In high school, I captured one of my favorite photographs, "A Figment" – a tree shadows a woman. She's a figment because you might not see her; you might only see the tree instead. Not the pain of her being different, the joy she holds for herself, or the love she extends to others. As a photography student, I deeply value the ability to explore and express my story through art. I aim to understand others' stories and work towards making media more inclusive by presenting the diverse cultures, identities, genders, and orientations of people of color, focusing not only on our struggles but also on the joys that keep us up at night. As a first-generation student from a single-mother household, I have faced significant adversity. College often felt overwhelming, and I struggled to understand its complexities and how it would shape my future. By asking questions and reaching out to supportive communities within my college, I have navigated these challenges. These communities, particularly those supporting people of color, have been invaluable in discussing mental health, growing pains, understanding global issues, and preparing for the future. Being surrounded by like-minded students has also offered me the space to explore and understand other cultures, identities, and genders. There were times when I doubted my capabilities or felt less interesting compared to other students. Yet, I remain determined, finding alternative ways to succeed, such as using mock-ups from previous classes, asking more questions, or researching independently. I strive to repurpose my place in the educational world, seeking worthiness for myself rather than just for those who observe my journey. I suggest that other first-generation students, or students unsure of how to shape their future life immediately when they first start college, remember their interests and passions outside of school, find communities that support those qualities, and see how that can play into their education. In "A Figment," the meaning is that we are one thing as humans, but our feelings and values differentiate what more there is to come of us. So, having a friend or keeping up with family members who can keep you on track to remember who you are and what your ultimate goal is can also help the transition of being a first-generation student or choosing your future. When I think about my future, I envision creating a production studio where people of color can influence what they see on screen and in photographs. On campus, I work with a magazine that highlights different student businesses, cultures, and identities, photographing them for a collective semester publication that showcases our brilliance. I aspire to invest my art similarly in the future, creating a digital space accessible to everyone. I also plan to pursue internships that support diverse communities in media, aiming to understand how to offer more space for people of color. Additionally, I hope to create a podcast or YouTube channel to share my interests and thoughts with a new audience, featuring other creatives to inspire future generations.

Every Friday morning in elementary school, there was a thrift book sale. It consisted of a small library cart filled with unlimited books, especially “The Series of Unfortunate Events.” Each cover revealed only half of its mystery. I attempted to collect the whole series and grow my bookshelf. For years, these books haunted me; I would pick one up, read a few pages, and put it back down. They were chapter books—short but ever daunting. At the time, I was falling behind in my courses. I was doing double the amount of work in my core classes and being pulled out of class to practice my speech and comprehension skills, which had not come easy. Simply turning a page or two in a book or another series allowed me to see a life painted through the words on paper. In my language courses, there had to be a particular theme, but my mind constantly went to the extreme or focused only on the smallest details. Reading books outside of class made my mind run wild and find the lessons that spoke to me. Finding the lesson of your life can be a slippery slope. In the film and media industry, many stories take on certain hues. These hues often paint a single narrative, capturing only the gloomy and sorrowful experiences of people of color. Instead of these limited portrayals, I want to capture the vulnerable changes we experience in life—from our homes, found families, and within ourselves. I want to highlight people of color for their experiences, such as the culture that shapes them or their family background. I aim to create characters who act without the fear of missed opportunities, characters filled with hope and joy that can inspire generations, young and old. Growing up as an only child, applying to higher education and seeking different opportunities felt daunting. One of my best decisions was studying abroad during my first semester before committing to a college. During my time abroad, I became more acquainted with myself and met people who were slightly older than me. I studied in Spain in an English college program, where I heard from other students about their experiences and ways of life, and I learned much from the culture. By the end of the semester, I felt more comfortable making a decision and chose to attend my current school. Currently, my financial aid does not fully cover my school attendance, so I have taken out loans and my mom has taken out Parent Plus Loans in my name. With the scholarship, I hope to lessen the burden of choosing to continue my education for my bachelor's degree. Studying photography important to my dreams of making a space for people who look like me to have the opportunity to not only see their struggle on the screen but to see their lives presented in a new light.

"Don't reduce yourself to just existing. There's a reason why you're taking all these actions; you are where you are supposed to be. Even if you feel as if things are moving too fast or too slow, you exist within the motivation of something more." - Cele I received these words from a classmate while studying abroad. Having just graduated high school, I was focused on Film Production, which I had seriously studied for three years. Despite my dedication, by my senior year, I was burnt out and dissatisfied with my work. My creativity was stifled by practicality. I decided to study abroad, rejecting practicality. I found a program in Spain, where I met friends who were unapologetically authentic and embraced their identities. The locals helped me gain a slight understanding of Spanish through various events. In our program, we had native teachers and counselors to guide us through academic and personal challenges. During a 60-minute elevator pitch session, we were asked to write a pitch about what made us unique. I struggled, feeling like I was merely existing among my confident friends. I referred to myself as 'extraordinarily existing,' doing everything and being anything for anyone. Cele, a well-liked student, stopped me and shared the message that I was not just existing but motivated by something more. This conversation made me realize that I was holding back, fearing my friends' judgment. I decided to embrace my authentic self, even if it meant being alone. This message has stayed with me. On campus, I collaborated with a magazine as a photographer, exploring fashion and students' unique styles. I also wrote an article, interviewing and photographing students. Despite my worries about my work, I tried my best. Encouragement from other students helped me realize my capability. In my free time, I enjoy photographing landscapes and anything that catches my eye. Recently, I have been writing poems and short fiction based on my photos and performing them as well. With each passing year, I not only meet wise people but also rediscover myself. Understanding my motivations and values helps me make meaningful decisions. I aim to understand and tell people's stories through media like Photography and Film Production. Many stories are lost due to societal judgment of certain communities. Some media focus on the harm people of color experience rather than highlighting their families, traditions, everyday life, and potential to inspire all generations. My projects in photography, poetry, and film production capture the 'Chaos Within Beauty,' ensuring everything is noticed. One of my photographs features a guy standing among graffiti, almost a shadow within the art surrounding him. Instead, he is highlighted in the shaded darkness, surrounded by words left by other great people.

"Don't reduce yourself to just existing. There's a reason why you're taking all these actions; you are where you are supposed to be. Even if you feel as if things are moving too fast or too slow, you exist within the motivation of something more." - Cele. I received these words from a classmate while studying abroad. Having just graduated high school, I was focused on Film Production, which I had seriously studied for three years. Despite my dedication, by my senior year, I was burnt out and dissatisfied with my work. My creativity was stifled by practicality. I decided to study abroad, rejecting practicality. I found a program in Spain, where I met friends who were unapologetically authentic and embraced their identities. The locals helped me gain a slight understanding of Spanish through various events. In our program, we had native teachers and counselors to guide us through academic and personal challenges. During a 60-minute elevator pitch session, we were asked to write a pitch about what made us unique. I struggled, feeling like I was merely existing among my confident friends. I referred to myself as 'extraordinarily existing,' doing everything and being anything for anyone. Cele, a well-liked student, stopped me and shared the message that I was not just existing but motivated by something more. This conversation made me realize that I was holding back, fearing my friends' judgment. I decided to embrace my authentic self, even if it meant being alone. This message has stayed with me. On campus, I collaborated with a magazine as a photographer, exploring fashion and students' unique styles. I also wrote an article, interviewing and photographing students. Despite my worries about my work, I tried my best. Encouragement from other students helped me realize my capability. In my free time, I enjoy photographing landscapes and anything that catches my eye. Recently, I have been writing poems and short fiction based on my photos and performing them as well. With each passing year, I not only meet wise people but also rediscover myself. Understanding my motivations and values helps me make meaningful decisions. I aim to understand and tell people's stories through media like Photography and Film Production. Many stories are lost due to societal judgment of certain communities. Some media focus on the harm people of color experience rather than highlighting their families, traditions, everyday life, and potential to inspire all generations. My projects in photography, poetry, and film production capture the 'Chaos Within Beauty,' ensuring everything is noticed. One of my photographs features a guy standing among graffiti, almost a shadow within the art surrounding him. Instead, he is highlighted in the shaded darkness, surrounded by words left by other great people.

Is it cliché to say that my mom is my best friend? It shouldn't be; she's the first person I want to tell everything to, from the gory details to the times when my happiness is bursting at the seams and the unfortunate lows that keep me down. I know she'll be there for me. Although I live in a single-parent home, it never feels like I'm getting any less love than if I had two parents. As a single parent, she has given me unconditional love that I want to continue giving to other people. I want to go as hard as my mom. Growing up and entering the educational world was always so scary; I didn't have an older sibling to tell me what was right and wrong. I was an only child for a long time, and everyone saw the glamour of being the only child, getting all the gifts on Christmas, even knowing my birthday was the day after, and getting all the attention from both of my parents. Yet that wasn't the case; it felt like I had one parent, while the other one just lingered around, never truly there. I would sit waiting for calls, wasting away days in the hope that I could share with my other parent as much as I did with my mom. As I have gotten older, it’s still hard not to have that other parent, but every day I believe I'm stronger without him. My mom is willing to hear me out and challenge me to want more out of life. Her willingness to understand my feelings and push me to follow my heart often overrides the practicality that my brain wants to impose at times. From elementary school, I double-studied for regular classes and worked on speech comprehension, often feeling very behind. During this time, I explored books that provided me with a new sense of non-normality. In middle school and high school, I tried out different hobbies like writing, photography, and capturing things that meant something to me. Currently, I am studying photography at the Maryland Institute College of Art. I hope to explore my creative mind and understand how our media can benefit from seeing more diverse communities on screen or in photographs. In the future, I envision creating a production studio where people of color can influence what they see on screen and in photographs. On campus, I work with a magazine that highlights different student businesses, cultures, and identities, photographing them for a collective semester publication that showcases our brilliance. I aspire to invest my art similarly in the future, creating a digital space accessible to everyone. The art I am making right now follows the “Chaos Within Beauty” theme with my camera, capturing elements that might otherwise go unnoticed. I give space for everything to exist: people having fun, people experiencing change, animals, and how plants react to our world. One of my photographs features a friend with decaying flowers overlaying her rage-painted face, symbolizing how deeply rooted her emotions are within her experiences. Another shows how she presents herself to the world—a face of determination and a spark of hope amidst her tough exterior. She's a character you don't want to forget. This scholarship will help lessen the burden of taking on student and parent loans, where I'm only supported by my mother. Ultimately, going to school is an opportunity for me to show other girls and kids who look like me that anything is possible and that they can be just like any character on their screen.

When I go to a place, I snap my eyes twice, just like a camera. In making sense of my growing-up experience, I cannot remember a time when I was not trying to tell a story. Sometimes it would be short little plays that I would make with my friends, or we would use our action figures to play our roles. As I got a little older, I started taking videos and photos on my phone and even trying to write down short stories based on different prompts. On my worst days, when I can’t sit still and my mind keeps racing, I either pick up my camera or start writing. I often explore the “Chaos Within Beauty” theme with my camera, capturing elements that might otherwise go unnoticed. I give space for everything to exist: people having fun, people experiencing change, animals, and how plants react to our world. One of my photographs features a friend with decaying flowers overlaying her rage-painted face, symbolizing how deeply rooted her emotions are within her experiences. Another one shows how she presents herself to the world—a face of determination and a spark of hope amidst her tough exterior. She's a character you don't want to forget. My own experience has looked different at every stage. From being behind in elementary school because of maintaining core classes while practicing speech comprehension, to middle school where I was getting my first honor rolls, and finally to high school where I studied at both my high school and a career and tech center, consistently studying Film Production for three years. These experiences have helped me gauge my experiences at home, with friends, and who I could be, later influencing what I would talk about in my art. Through various forms of art—creative writing, poetry, filmmaking, and photography—I’ve found my voice. I have found it among classmates while being abroad, in the classroom, and from older adults. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I’ve presented my poetry at open mics and had my photographs published in a campus magazine. In the future, I'd like to see myself making space for other people of color to have a say in what they see on the screen and in photographs. On my best days, I'm surrounded by people who constantly share their wisdom. That wisdom can simply be what they aspire to do, where they come from, how they feel about their identity, or who they choose to like. I want to be in rooms where people of color aren't seen only for their struggle of being a person of color. I want to make and know strong characters who can inspire me and older and newer generations to come. In the future, I envision creating a production studio where people of color can influence what they see on screen and in photographs. On campus, I work with a magazine that highlights different student businesses, cultures, and identities, photographing them for a collective semester publication that showcases our brilliance. I aspire to invest my art similarly in the future, creating a digital space accessible to everyone. I also plan to pursue internships that support diverse communities in media, aiming to understand how to offer more space for people of color. I believe STEAM brings along the things that make us authentically human. From wanting to scale everything to be statistical to creating a visual image that can be shared with other people, it brings together many communities that are otherwise separate. By combining elements from one or more fields, STEAM can support better access for everyone.

On my worst days, when I can’t sit still and my mind keeps racing, I either pick up my camera or start writing. Through my camera, I often explore the theme of “Chaos Within Beauty,” capturing elements that might otherwise go unnoticed. I give space for everything to exist: people having fun, people experiencing change, animals, and how plants react to our world. In high school, I captured one of my favorite photographs called A Figment– a tree that shadows a black woman and – she's a figment because you might not see her, you might only see the tree instead. Not the pain of her being different or knowing how great and loving she is. A social justice issue that means the most to me is focusing on racism and equality in the media space and making it more inclusive. So new and old generations of people of color can see their stories reflected on screen that offer not simply their struggles or trauma but all their possibilities and joy. When I think of my experience I think of all the times when there wasn't a character who perfectly aligned with me on the screen. The characters who look like me were always there to stabilize the main character. They could be the joke as long as the main character just got to succeed in the end. I want to understand others’ stories by photographing or making videos about their lives, cultures, identities, religions, and what makes them authentic. Having a space in media where we see more characters who have more diverse stories there are bigger categories than simply just being from a wealthy family or fitting a certain type of beauty standard. In the case of inspiring new and old generations, I think it is having characters who are living lives that weren't projected in earlier stages of media so seeing characters with multitudes of different jobs or other ways of life. In the future, I'd like to see myself making space for other people of color to have a say in what they see on that screen and who they see in that photograph. On campus, I work with a magazine that highlights different student businesses, cultures, and identities, photographing them for a collective semester magazine to showcase our brilliance. I have been a model, photographer, interviewer, and article writer at Fusion. I would like to invest my art similarly in the future in a digital space for anyone to access. Also, taking internships that align to work with more diverse communities in media and figure out how they offer space for more people of color. I would hope to create a podcast or YouTube channel to show off my interest and thoughts to a new audience. With this platform, I would include other creatives to talk about their experience to inspire other generations. The act of social justice is seeing and knowing causes and understanding the wealth that it can offer for the future. Another club I am in is the Leadership of Color Collective. I shared and listened to others' experiences, both within and outside the life of a college student. I’ve grown as a student from listening and sharing. I have learned from many environments where people can present the good and the bad—the stories that make us human. These stories and advice stay with me and shape the person I plan to be in the future: someone who can present their truth freely and be open to suggestions.

On my worst days, when I can’t sit still and my mind keeps racing, I either pick up my camera or start writing. Through my camera, I often explore the theme of “Chaos Within Beauty,” capturing elements that might otherwise go unnoticed. I give space for everything to exist: people having fun, people experiencing change, animals, and how plants react to our world. In high school, I captured one of my favorite photographs called A Figment– a tree shadows a woman and her– she's a figment because you might not see her, you might only see the tree instead. Not the pain of her being different or knowing how great and loving she is. When I think of my experience I think of all the times when there wasn't a character who perfectly aligned with me on the screen. The characters who look like me were always there to provide stability to the main character. They could be the joke as long as the main character got to succeed in the end. I want to understand others’ stories by photographing or making videos about their lives, cultures, identities, religions, and what makes them authentic. On my best days, I'm surrounded by people who constantly share their wisdom. That wisdom can simply be what they aspire to do, to where they come from, to how they feel about their Identity, or who they choose to like. I want to be in these rooms where people of color aren't seen for only their struggle of being a person of color. I want to make and know strong characters who can inspire me, and older and newer generations to come. In the future, I'd like to see myself making space for other people of color to have a say in what they see on that screen and who they see in that photograph. On campus, I work with a magazine that highlights different student businesses, cultures, and identities, photographing them for a collective semester magazine. I would like to invest my art similarly in the future in a digital space for anyone to access. Also, taking internships that align to work with more diverse communities in media and figure out how they offer space for more people of color. I would hope to create a podcast or YouTube channel to talk with other creatives about their experience to inspire other generations.

On my worst days, when I can’t sit still and my mind keeps racing, I either pick up my camera or start writing. Through my camera, I often explore the theme of “Chaos Within Beauty,” capturing elements that might otherwise go unnoticed. I give space for everything to exist: people having fun, people experiencing change, animals, and how plants react to our world. In high school, I captured one of my favorite photographs called A Figment– a tree that shadows a black woman and – she's a figment because you might not see her, you might only see the tree instead. Not the pain of her being different or knowing how great and loving she is. A social justice issue that means the most to me is focusing on racism and equality in the media space and making it more inclusive. So new and old generations of people of color can see their stories reflected on screen that offer not simply their struggles or trauma but all their possibilities and joy. When I think of my experience I think of all the times when there wasn't a character who perfectly aligned with me on the screen. The characters who look like me were always there to stabilize the main character. They could be the joke as long as the main character just got to succeed in the end. I want to understand others’ stories by photographing or making videos about their lives, cultures, identities, religions, and what makes them authentic. Having a space in media where we see more characters who have more diverse stories there are bigger categories than simply just being from a wealthy family or fitting a certain type of beauty standard. In the case of inspiring new and old generations, I think it is having characters who are living lives that weren't projected in earlier stages of media so seeing characters with multitudes of different jobs or other ways of life. In the future, I'd like to see myself making space for other people of color to have a say in what they see on that screen and who they see in that photograph. On campus, I work with a magazine that highlights different student businesses, cultures, and identities, photographing them for a collective semester magazine to showcase our brilliance. I have been a model, photographer, interviewer, and article writer at Fusion. I would like to invest my art similarly in the future in a digital space for anyone to access. Also, taking internships that align to work with more diverse communities in media and figure out how they offer space for more people of color. I would hope to create a podcast or YouTube channel to show off my interest and thoughts to a new audience. With this platform, I would include other creatives to talk about their experience to inspire other generations. The act of social justice is seeing and knowing causes and understanding the wealth that it can offer for the future. Another club I am in is the Leadership of Color Collective. I shared and listened to others' experiences, both within and outside the life of a college student. I’ve grown as a student from listening and sharing. I have learned from many environments where people can present the good and the bad—the stories that make us human. These stories and advice stay with me and shape the person I plan to be in the future: someone who can present their truth freely and be open to suggestions.

On my worst days, when I can’t sit still and my mind keeps racing, I either pick up my camera or start writing. Through my camera, I often explore the theme of “Chaos Within Beauty,” capturing elements that might otherwise go unnoticed. I give space for everything to exist: people having fun, people experiencing change, animals, and how plants react to our world. In high school, I captured one of my favorite photographs called A Figment– a tree that shadows a black woman and – she's a figment because you might not see her, you might only see the tree instead. Not the pain of her being different or knowing how great and loving she is. A social justice issue that means the most to me is focusing on racism and equality in the media space and making it more inclusive. So new and old generations of people of color can see their stories reflected on screen that offer not simply their struggles or trauma but all their possibilities and joy. When I think of my experience I think of all the times when there wasn't a character who perfectly aligned with me on the screen. The characters who look like me were always there to stabilize the main character. They could be the joke as long as the main character just got to succeed in the end. I want to understand others’ stories by photographing or making videos about their lives, cultures, identities, religions, and what makes them authentic. When it comes to educating people I think nowadays it starts with our access to technology such as TV and the internet. Having a space where we see more characters who have more diverse stories there are bigger categories than simply just being from a wealthy family or fitting a certain type of beauty standard. In the case of inspiring new and old generations, I think it is having characters who are living lives that weren't projected in earlier stages of media so seeing characters with multitudes of different jobs or ways other ways of life. This could encourage audience members to want to succeed because they see certain characters and they can follow their journeys and apply them to their own lives. In the future, I'd like to see myself making space for other people of color to have a say in what they see on that screen and who they see in that photograph. On campus, I work with a magazine that highlights different student businesses, cultures, and identities, photographing them for a collective semester magazine to showcase our brilliance. I would like to invest my art similarly in the future in a digital space for anyone to access. Also, taking internships that align to work with more diverse communities in media and figure out how they offer space for more people of color. I would hope to create a podcast or YouTube channel to show off my interest and thoughts to a new audience. With this platform, I would include other creatives to talk about their experience to inspire other generations. The act of social justice is seeing and knowing causes and understanding the wealth that it can offer for the future.

On my worst days, when I can’t sit still and my mind keeps racing, I either pick up my camera or start writing. Through my camera, I often explore the theme of “Chaos Within Beauty,” capturing elements that might otherwise go unnoticed. I give space for everything to exist: people having fun, people experiencing change, animals, and how plants react to our world. In high school, I captured one of my favorite photographs called A Figment—a tree shadows a woman, and she's a figment because you might not see her; you might only see the tree instead. Not the pain of her being different or knowing how great and loving she is. When I think of my experience, I think of all the times when there wasn't a character who perfectly aligned with me on the screen. The characters who look like me were always there to provide stability to the main character. They could be the joke as long as the main character just got to succeed in the end. I want to understand others’ stories by photographing or making videos about their lives, cultures, identities, religions, and what makes them authentic. On my best days, I'm surrounded by people who constantly share their wisdom. That wisdom can simply be what they aspire to do, where they come from, how they feel about their identity, or who they choose to like. I want to be in these rooms where people of color aren't seen for only their struggle of being a person of color. I want to make and know strong characters who can inspire me and older and newer generations to come. A photograph I have taken features a man standing in an alleyway surrounded by graffiti. He appears almost as a shadow, yet he is highlighted in the shaded darkness, surrounded by words left by other great people. As a photography student, I deeply value the ability to explore and express my story. Creating different forms of art, even without words, speaks to me profoundly. I aim to understand others' stories and find ways to make media more inclusive. My goal is to capture the diverse cultures and lives of people of color, focusing on both their struggles and their joys, for the benefit of future generations. In the future, I'd like to see myself making space for other people of color to have a say in what they see on that screen and who they see in that photograph. On campus, I work with a magazine that highlights different student businesses, cultures, and identities, photographing them for a collective semester magazine to showcase our brilliance. I would like to invest my art similarly in the future in a digital space for anyone to access. Also, taking internships that align with working with more diverse communities in media and figuring out how they offer space for more people of color. I hope to create a podcast or YouTube channel to show off my interests and thoughts to a new audience. With this platform, I would include other creatives to talk about their experiences to inspire future generations.

On my worst days, when I can’t sit still and my mind keeps racing, I either pick up my camera or start writing. Through my camera, I often explore the theme “Chaos Within Beauty,” capturing elements that might otherwise go unnoticed. I give space for everything to exist: people having fun, people experiencing change, animals, and how plants react to our world. One of my photographs features a friend with decaying flowers overlaying her rage-painted face, symbolizing how deeply rooted her emotions are within her experiences. Another one shows how she presents herself to the world—a face of determination and a spark of hope amidst her tough exterior. She's a character you don't want to forget. When I reflect on my own experience, I don’t know exactly where to begin. I remember times when I was the quietest in the room. I might know the answer or have an idea, but I don’t believe that it’s worth saying at the time. In my head, I put together the idea of extraordinarily existing—doing and being anything for anyone else. But who am I for myself? I’m unrecognizable. To me, I am someone I can dislike at times because I wish I knew the answers, how to fix things, and how not to be scared. The thing is, I have done scary things. I went abroad for my first semester, I was a photographer, I wrote an article and interviewed students, and I performed at an open mic. These aren't the qualities of a scared person, but with any of these achievements, I've had this mentality of perfectionism that haunts me. On my best days, I’m taking challenges from my friends. Maybe that's reading an entire book in a day. Or I’m asking my friends what wisdom they can give me. When I was abroad, my friend gave me a counterargument to extraordinary existence. She said, “Don’t reduce yourself to just existing. There’s a reason why you’re taking all these actions; you are where you are supposed to be.” I remember these words whenever I’m making a new decision or thinking about pursuing art. When creating a photograph, there are no words. The image exists as a full story unless there’s another snap of that person. In the race against perfectionism, my determination is my best trait to combat it. When I’m working on a photography shoot, I will take over 100 photos even if it’s of the same person doing the same position. I will move myself in and out of the frame to different positions where they are not even looking at me directly so I can get the perfect photo. Another time, for a project, I set up a camera and would walk back and forth to ensure I got the right shot. I had to make sure each item was in the same place and then I would match the clips together along with music that would fade in and out. This project was me making my short film. Currently, my financial aid does not fully cover my school attendance, so I have taken out loans and my mom has taken out Parent Plus Loans in my name. With the scholarship, I hope to lessen the burden of choosing to continue my education for my bachelor's degree. Studying Photography and Film Production is important to my dreams of making a space for people who look like me to have the opportunity to not only see their struggle on the screen but to see their lives presented in a new light where they can be anything and more.

One of my fondest memories with an old friend is making short plays for her family. Sometimes we would act out our parts, or we’d use our Little Pet Shops to play our roles. Again in high school, I clung to a career and technology program that divulged into different parts of multimedia and film. I created uninteresting films at the time but I always remember picking up my camera once I finally took a photography class. It's hard to forget the feeling of taking the perfect photo because once you do it once it's like flipping a coin. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that creating stories, from images to videos, brings balance to my life. On my worst days, when I can’t sit still and my mind keeps racing, I either pick up my camera or start writing. I often explore the “Chaos Within Beauty” theme with my camera, capturing elements that might otherwise go unnoticed. I give space for everything to exist: people having fun, people experiencing change, animals, and how plants react to our world. One of my photographs features a friend with decaying flowers overlaying her rage-painted face, symbolizing how deeply rooted her emotions are within her experiences. Another one shows how she presents herself to the world—a face of determination and a spark of hope amidst her tough exterior. She's a character you don't want to forget. Through various forms of art—creative writing, poetry, filmmaking, and photography—I’ve found my voice. I have found it among classmates while being abroad, in the classroom, and from older adults. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I’ve presented my poetry at open mics and had my photographs published in a campus magazine. In the future, I'd like to see myself making space for other people of color to have a say in what they see on that screen and who they see in that photograph. In high school, one of my favorite photographs is called A Figment– a tree shadows a woman and her– she's a figment because you might not see her, you might only see the tree instead. Not the pain of her being different or knowing how great and loving she is. On my best days, I'm surrounded by people who constantly share their wisdom. I seek this in characters in book series, TV shows, and movies. During my first semester before college, I studied abroad in Spain, where I lived a life of existence, feeling less extraordinary than those around me. Over time, I felt unrecognizable in the race of being extraordinarily existing. I could do and be everything, which made me extraordinary, but often I left my emotions hidden from others. My friend gave me a counterargument to extraordinary existence: “Don't reduce yourself to just existing. There's a reason why you're taking all these actions; you are where you are supposed to be. Even if you feel as if things are moving too fast or too slow, you exist within the motivation of something more.” I remember these words whenever I'm making a new decision or thinking about pursuing art. Another one of my photographs features a guy standing among graffiti, almost a shadow within the art surrounding him. The image speaks to the audience, reminding them they are not forgotten within the space. Instead, they are highlighted in the shaded darkness surrounded by words left by other great people. I want to understand others’ stories by photographing or making videos about their lives, cultures, identities, religions, and what makes them authentic. By making art that can inspire new and old generations.

Every Friday morning in elementary school, there was a thrift book sale. It consisted of a small library cart filled with unlimited books, especially “The Series of Unfortunate Events.” Each cover revealed only half of its mystery. I attempted to collect the whole series and grow my bookshelf. For years, these books haunted me; I would pick one up, read a few pages, and put it back down. They were chapter books—short but ever daunting. At the time, I was falling behind in my courses. I was doing double the amount of work in my core classes and being pulled out of class to practice my speech and comprehension skills, which had not come easy. Simply turning a page or two in a book or another series allowed me to see a life painted through the words on paper. In my language courses, there had to be a particular theme, but my mind constantly went to the extreme or focused only on the smallest details. Reading books outside of class made my mind run wild and find the lessons that spoke to me. Finding the lesson of your life can be a slippery slope. In the film and media industry, many stories take on certain hues. These hues often paint a single narrative, capturing only the gloomy and sorrowful experiences of people of color. Instead of these limited portrayals, I want to capture the vulnerable changes we experience in life—from our homes, found families, and within ourselves. I am studying Film and Screen Studies at Pace University, with the hope of adding a photography minor. I want to highlight people of color for their experiences, such as the culture that shapes them or their family background. I aim to create characters who act without the fear of missed opportunities, characters filled with hope and joy that can inspire generations, young and old. Growing up as an only child, applying to higher education and seeking different opportunities felt daunting. One of my best decisions was studying abroad during my first semester before committing to a college. During my time abroad, I became more acquainted with myself and met people who were slightly older than me. I studied in Spain in an English college program, where I heard from other students about their experiences and ways of life, and I learned much from the culture. By the end of the semester, I felt more comfortable making a decision and chose to attend my current school. With the help of this scholarship, I hope to study abroad again and lessen the financial burden on my family regarding student loans. In turn, with my career goals, I believe it's crucial to be in the city and surrounded by diverse communities. On campus, I work with a magazine that highlights different student businesses, cultures, and identities, photographing them for a collective semester magazine to showcase our brilliance. In all, I want to hear and create more authentic stories that inspire me and others to prosper.

When the average person judges so-called celebrities who have money for a stylist and know about the event in advance, their wardrobe choices are often questionable. I have chosen to highlight the Met Gala of 2023, where the theme was “A Line of Beauty”—or so they thought. From any award show to simplistic modeling events, there are always celebrities who go for the sleek and pristine look. For example, a black and white suit, or perhaps they change up the color. For women, the dress might have a small emblem or unnecessary sparkles. This was still very common at this Met Gala. The overall brightness of the gala was lackluster. Most people were seen wearing black and white, often accentuating simple but interesting patterns that hinted at the theme. Although there was not a focus on colors, two looks that stood out to me were Tems in Robert Wun and Melissa Kaye jewelry and Chi Ossé in Advisory. I would describe Tems' outfit as elegant and Chi's as classy. Both outfits perfectly fit the celebrities in a way that accentuated their bodies. From Chi’s cut-out sleeves to Tems’ dress outlined with leaves, these outfits demonstrated an understanding of formal event attire—choosing something that is not distracting, like at a wedding or someone else's birthday. These two looks encapsulated the feeling of revealing different layers of possibility. When looking at different Met Galas, there is a culture where some people are over the top. It's not to say that extra fabric on a very plain dress isn't helping the look, but it's also not to say that it made it any better if you just took it off. When choosing my least favorites, it came down to very simple to very over-the-top looks. The first two looks that weren't my favorite were Tom Sturridge and Alexa Chung in Róisín Pierce and Jimmy Choo shoes. Tom chose to accentuate his suit with a pendant, but again, it is just a simple black and white tie. With Alexa next to him, I think the outfit helps her to be the center of attention. The trend of girls and their bows didn't exactly die off, but there is a limit to how many bows one should wear, and I think Alexa met that limit. Alexa slightly loses shape within the dress; although we can see her legs, the top of the dress almost doesn't fit the bottom. Another look I don't care for is Ariana DeBose in Altuzarra and Bucherer Fine Jewelry. For Ariana, I wouldn't say that neon yellow isn't her color; I just think the matching of the fur and the slight green that lays in the back of the dress almost doesn't match the jewelry. Even the small details within the textured waist panel and the leaves that line the sleeves of the dress are almost hidden by the fur. Next to her, Joseph stands in the classic Harry Styles look: a slightly patterned flower top and a black tux. Unlike Tom and Alexa, at least there was a balancing element between the two outfits, but instead, the flower element next to the yellow dress is more out of place. Like a line of beauty, some elements should be left out.

In my life, my biggest influence has been my mother. During times when I pushed her away, neither of us fully understood why. However, I always knew I could return to her. She didn't initially envision becoming a parent; her dreams revolved around baking her way to success. That passion still burns within her today, now manifested in her food truck business. People often tell me, 'You're just like her.' I am someone who remains quiet yet tenacious, persevering through any circumstances. I've learned not to take life too seriously; sometimes, victory lies in simply getting up and facing the day, just like my mom, who keeps trying each day, whether by adjusting her diet or going for a walk to seek change. Another trait we share is our self-doubt in our abilities. We tend to repeat the same patterns, resisting change. However, for me, that's not enough; I keep pushing forward. My mom may not realize it, but she holds herself to a high standard while quietly pushing herself, inspiring me along the way. I hope to create a space for people who look like me and for those who are seen as different simply because of the color of their skin or their personal identity. I aim to capture the chaos and beauty within these stories through visual storytelling, utilizing both videography and photography. Photography enables me to capture moments, preserving smiles and emotions, while videography has the power to convey feelings that words cannot adequately express.'Chaos within Beauty' encapsulates the juxtaposition of often-overlooked elements that shape a narrative and reveal diverse perspectives. The media frequently presents a single narrative, emphasizing gloom and sorrow, overshadowing the nuances of vulnerable transformation and the strength drawn from personal experiences. As a black woman, I find empowerment in embracing my normality within various contexts. In the media, it's uncommon to see a portrayal of an awkward black girl or a black boy who experiences joy. Even witnessing young adults openly expressing and exploring their sexuality as people of color is rare. Instead, our current media often portrays traumatic beginnings, eliciting sympathy for the injustice while those within these communities must repeatedly endure the trauma. My perspective as a black woman enables me to be optimistic about everyone else around me, in contrast to the ideals set by people who don't resemble me. Through my work, I strive to challenge the industry's shortcomings, particularly in casting and character representation. All too often, we encounter the same narratives with minor variations, neglecting the diverse realities of actual people. I believe the cast should actively participate in shaping the authentic portrayal of lives and experiences. Through imagery and videography, my goal is to challenge preconceived notions and illuminate the genuine beauty within individuals. I intend to capture their inner and outer qualities, culture, skills, and life experiences. My objective goes beyond mere statistics; I seek to unravel the intricate tapestry of real individuals."

The media often portrays a singular narrative, focusing on gloomy and sorrowful experiences rather than showcasing the full range of vulnerable change and the power of inspired skills that individuals possess. As a Film and Screen Studies student at Pace University, my goal is to use visual storytelling, from videos to photos, to highlight the experiences and cultures of people of color. I aim to capture the "chaos and the beauty within it," revealing different perspectives by foregrounding minor elements often pushed to the background. Being a black woman, I find strength in embracing my diverse existence and challenging the notion that people of color should be relegated to supporting roles in media. I believe that storytelling is the key to unlocking the realm of possibilities, and I'm exploring various outlets in my career, such as photography and videography, to capture emotions and memories in a unique way. Diversity in the creative space is of utmost importance to me, and I currently work with a magazine on campus that explores fashion in different contexts. I aspire to create a podcast where I can share stories and experiences of individuals who make a difference in their lives. Through my creative endeavors, I hope to inspire others to consider everything beyond their immediate lives and grow from one experience to the next, presenting these journeys through various forms of creativity. The film industry has its faults, particularly in casting and representation. It tends to portray the same character in similar contexts, often deviating from the truth of real people's lives. I believe that actors should be as involved as writers and directors in creating authentic and truthful portrayals of life experiences. My creative journey will one day become a statement to my younger self, reminding me of the dreams and passions I had as a child. Despite life's challenges, I remain optimistic, believing that my story will be written and that I won't fail myself. The college experience, as a first-gen student, has already exposed me to unexpected opportunities and connections, driving me further toward my goals. I aspire to work in the film industry in a space of diversity and inclusion, where I can hear and see authentic stories similar to my own. I want to create room for forgotten stories and showcase the experiences of people of color, celebrating their successes and progress. Through visual storytelling, I aim to challenge norms and reveal the true beauty within individuals, capturing their culture, skills, and unique experiences, moving beyond mere statistics and revealing the rich tapestry of their lives.

Every Friday morning in elementary school there would be a thrift book sale. It had been a small library cart that seemed to have unlimited books and especially The Series of Unfortunate Events. Each cover showed only half of the mystery. I attempted to collect the whole series and grow my bookshelf. For years these books have haunted me since I would pick one up and read a few pages only to put it back down. They were chapter books the ones that were short but ever daunting. At the time I was falling behind in my course. I was doing double the amount of work from my core classes and being pulled out of class to practice my speech and comprehension skills. Which had not come easy but simply turning a page or two in a book or another series I could see a life painted through the words on a paper. In my language course, there had to be a particular theme but my mind constantly went to the extreme or even focused only on the smallest details. Reading books outside of class allowed my mind to run wild and find the lesson that spoke to me. Finding the lesson of your life can be a slippery slope. While taking in the media that is shown to many the story takes on certain hues. These hues paint a single narrative some only capture the gloomy and sorrowful experience. Rather than showing the hues of vulnerable change and the power of inspired skills a person has to make from these experiences. I am studying Film and Screen Studies at Pace University. I want to highlight people of color for their experience and the culture that makes them up to be themselves or be from their family. The film industry has been heavily male-dominated and commonly more white. As a person of color, my story is being clouded by the outside world, I live and relive the trauma of people like me or people who are seen as different. We are only the side characters who can offer relief or even be the person in need of help to ensure the main character's conscience is good. I want to see lives that are raw, joyful, and sorrowful; stories that do not come in one look over the other. I want to hear and tell stories of real people that young and old people can relate to. Two clubs at my university that take me away from the mundane experience of college are Fusion Magazine and Leadership of Color Collective. At Fusion, I have been a model to a photographer; dressing up in different styles and acting in confidence. At LOCC I shared and listened to other’s experiences that were in and out of the life of a college student. I’ve grown as a student from listing and sharing, I have gained lessons from many environments where people can present the good and the bad; the stories that make us human.

She is someone who knows her craft and shares it with the world,asks for feedback, but also takes the intitative to alway start or continue being optimistic.

Chaos within Beauty is something that can exist within many worlds. It is the act of seeing the juxtaposition of minor elements, which are often pushed into the background, shaping a narrative that brings forth different perspectives. As a black woman, I find strength in embracing my own norm of existing in diverse contexts. At times, I feel as if I am and will only ever be seen as a background character, expected to only cause an uproar and never seen as simply beautiful. It feels as though society wants even less for me, a moldable entity, who should only relive the harm of her own existence so people can claim sympathy for people of color who experience discrimination. Through visual storytelling in images and videography, I aim to challenge conventional ideals and showcase the true beauty within people, capturing their inner and outer qualities, culture, skills, and experiences. I strive to go beyond mere statistics and reveal the rich tapestry of real individuals. I know my mom lives for me. There are certain times when I push her away, and she doesn't fully understand, and neither do I. But I know I can always go back. Before, she didn't envision herself as a parent. She had dreams of making her way up in the world through baking. I still see that passion in her every day, except now it has transformed into a food truck. People say, 'You're like her.' I am quiet, getting things done regardless of the circumstances. Everything will find its own way, and that has been the pattern. I witness her getting up every day and persisting, even if it involves minor changes like adjusting her diet or going for a walk. She desires something different. I have learned not to take life too seriously; sometimes the struggle lies in simply waking up and facing the day, trying something new to escape one's own thoughts. Another common trait between my mom and me is our resistance to accepting our abilities. We are trapped in the same test, applying the same methods instead of changing our mindset. However, that isn't enough for me. I continue to push forward. While my mom may not realize it, she sets her own standards for change, even if she doesn't voice them loudly to others. In any case, she keeps striving, even when it's not just for my sake. That is why she is irreplaceable in my life.

Chaos within Beauty is something that can exist within many worlds. It is the act of seeing the more minor things being highlighted against one another, which are almost being pushed into the background, shaping together a narrative that brings different perspectives. Design connects us within a space that can be anything as large and as significant to each person. My norm is being able to exist within other things as a black woman. At times I feel as if I am a background character only said to put up an uprise and never standing as a simple beauty. Something that could be easily molded into one thing among a society that wants even less than me. Telling stories through images and videography will put forth an untraditional ideal; showing people within their chaos and the things that make them beautiful inside and out. Never only highlighting a statistic but rather the culture, skills, and experience of real people. Finding the lesson of your life can be a slippery slope. While taking in the media that is shown to many the story takes on certain hues. These hues paint a single narrative some only capture the gloomy and sorrowful experience. Rather than showing the hues of vulnerable change and the power of inspired skills a person has to make from these experiences. I am studying Film and Screen Studies at Pace University. I want to highlight people of color for their experience and the culture that makes them up to be themselves or be from their family. The film industry has been heavily male-dominated and commonly more white. As a person of color, my story is being clouded by the outside world, I live and relive the trauma of people like me or people who are seen as different. We are only the side characters who can offer relief or even be the person in need of help to ensure the main character's conscience is good. I want to see lives that are raw, joyful, and sorrowful; stories that do not come in one look over the other. I want to hear and tell stories of real people that young and old people can relate to.

Chaos within Beauty is something that can exist within many worlds. It is the act of seeing the more minor things being highlighted against one another, which are almost being pushed into the background, shaping together a narrative that brings different perspectives. Design connects us within a space that can be anything as large and as significant to each person. My own norm is being able to exist within other things as a black woman. At times I feel as if I am a background character only said to put up an uprise and never standing as a simple beauty. Something that could be easily molded into one thing among a society that wants even less than me. Telling stories through images and videography will put forth an ideal that is untraditional; showing people within their own chaos and the things that make them beautiful inside and out. Never only highlighting a statistic but rather the culture, skills, and experience of real people.

Books have always led me to believe anything could be your own reality so I began creating. I also enjoy reading books from people of different cultural backgrounds and certain groups like LGBTQ. I realized that there was not only one story to be told but many. People of color all struggle with being the ideal expectation among the white society that dominated many areas like work and social life. I plan to attend a 4 year college where I am able to study abroad and study film production. I want to make short films that present authentic ways of life from first-hand people. The ideal of struggle is highly favored within the media because it tricks the audiences to believe they have a deeper understanding of the experience of a person of color . Although, it's only half of the experience of being a person of color. It's the struggle of proving your own work, worth, and your truth. Through these films, I want to show an alternative idea to many stereotypes about a culture or a race of a person. Telling the world about their experience and how their culture further it. People of color are compared to stereotypes that point out small characteristics that are acceptable for white people to act on. Without stereotypical expectations, we can be seen by our cultures and the skills we have learned from past generations. In today's society, many people say things without little to no thinking about how their words could affect another person. Many stories go overlooked by a society that witnesses the worse stories that are reported while other stories aren't as significant. The current society creates movies and shows that present the trauma of being a person of color but it is a constant grapple to prove yourself to a society that is against you. Being a person of color is a struggle but there is hope, family, culture, and community willing to share their traits and tools; that should be seen by the world. Movies to shows that represent more than a stereotypical ideal of a group will be a vital source to this society. This is because seeing a visual representation of struggles within a person's culture could outline racial experiences. Also showing different cultures of different people can stop the romanticization of life in a different country than many outsiders may have. Choosing to indulge in a media that only depicts struggles to the imperfections of people of color leads people of noncolor that they constantly need to "fix" people of color by making them more civil among society. This limits people of color to only the expectation and never having the time to fix their own problems. By making media in smaller and local communities we can celebrate talents that would be overshadowed by other children that are merely respected by society. Certain stereotypes like black people being known to be rough and dangerous paint over the opportunity for them to succeed in a professional setting. In the world media most jobs are highly dominated by white people. In the past I had believed my opinion was not as important because I would be ignored. Within my future of my education I would like to be united within groups that are highly diverse and women led. The prospect these groups can offer a less judgmention setting that is willing to empower many people rather than only the majority.

I plan to attend a 4 year college where I am able to study abroad and study film production. I want to make short films that present authentic ways of life from first-hand people. The ideal of struggle is highly favored within the media because it tricks the audiences to believe they have a deeper understanding of the experience of a person of color . Although, it's only half of the experience of being a person of color. It's the struggle of proving your own work, worth, and your truth. Through these films, I want to show an alternative idea to many stereotypes about a culture or a race of a person. Telling the world about their experience and how their culture further it. People of color are compared to stereotypes that point out small characteristics that are acceptable for white people to act on. Without stereotypical expectations, we can be seen by our cultures and the skills we have learned from past generations. In today's society, many people say things without little to no thinking about how their words could affect another person. Many stories go overlooked by a society that witnesses the worse stories that are reported while other stories aren't as significant. The current society creates movies and shows that present the trauma of being a person of color but it is a constant grapple to prove yourself to a society that is against you. Being a person of color is a struggle but there is hope, family, culture, and community willing to share their traits and tools; that should be seen by the world. Movies to shows that represent more than a stereotypical ideal of a group will be a vital source to this society. This is because seeing a visual representation of struggles within a person's culture could outline racial experiences. Also showing different cultures of different people can stop the romanticization of life in a different country than many outsiders may have. Within society I felt inadequate and I needed to be much more than the expectation. Constantly, My family members would look upon me to be much more successful than they had ever been. This strain my relationships, leaving me to distance myself from them because I did not want them to see my failure. Also I felt the need to be perceived as smart since I did not feel the expectation of a, ̈beautiful black girl̈. These negative thoughts had left me to accept that I did not deserve love or attention from people that I valued within my life. One of those people being my father. Him and my mom had separated when I was around ten years old. He even asked me if it would be right for him to leave and I could not give him an answer. Yet, once he was gone our relationship struggled because of things I could not control. He later went on to have three kids with another woman and slowly stopped reaching out to me. There were times when he did reach out but he guilted me into using my time solely to be with him. Although, I could not accept this half relationship because I had things I cared about, I wanted the support from my friends and especially my parents; If only for my success to be confident.

In the future, I want to make short films that present authentic ways of life from first-hand people. The ideal of struggle is highly favored within the media because it tricks the audiences to believe they have a deeper understanding of the experience of a person of color . Although, it's only the half of the experience of being a person color. It's the struggle of proving your own work, worth, and your truth. Through these films, I want to show an alternative idea to many stereotypes about a culture or a race of a person. Telling the world about their experience and how their culture further it. People of color are compared to stereotypes that point out small characteristics that are acceptable for white people to act on. Without stereotypical expectations, we can be seen by our cultures and the skills we have learned from past generations. In today's society, many people say things without little to no thinking about how their words could affect another person. Many stories go overlooked by a society that witnesses the worse stories that are reported while other stories aren't as significant. The current society creates movies and shows that present the trauma of being a person of color but it is a constant grapple to prove yourself to a society that is against you. Being a person of color is a struggle but there is hope, family, culture, and community willing to share their traits and tools; that should be seen by the world. Movies to shows that represent more than a stereotypical ideal of a group will be a vital source to this society. This is because seeing a visual representation of struggles within a person's culture could outline racial experiences. Also showing different cultures of different people can stop the romanticization of life in a different country than many outsiders may have. Choosing to indulge in a media that only depicts struggles to the imperfections of people of color leads people of noncolor that they constantly need to "fix" people of color by making them more civil among society. This limits people of color to only the expectation and never having the time to fix their own problems. By making media in smaller and local communities we can celebrate talents that would be overshadowed by other children that are merely respected by society. Certain stereotypes like black people being known to be rough and dangerous paint over the opportunity for them to succeed in a professional setting. In the world media most jobs are highly dominated by white people. In the past I had believed my opinion was not as important because I would be ignored. Within my future of my education I would like to be united within groups that are highly diverse and women led. The prospect these groups can offer a less judgmention setting that is willing to empower many people rather than only the majority. Once a photo is shot the story doesn't have to end. The want of me to continue creating has always been inspired by anything can be reality if you create it. In society we see a lack of diversity of people; like people who have certain features that are known withinin their minority or their gender to their sexual orientation. When capturing these unique traits and appearances it allows other people to confine within their difference and chooses to embrace their own true identity. I would capture the two sides of life of being a person within average society vs a society that is immensely within their culture.

I love creating things, especially within a digital form. I enjoy writing, photography filmmaking, and editing. Through all these hobbies they have one thing in common that makes me happy which is telling stories. In the future, I want to make short films that present authentic ways of life from first-hand people. Through these films, I want to show an alternative idea to many stereotypes about a culture or a race of a person. Telling the world about their experience and how their culture further it. People of color are compared to stereotypes that point out small characteristics that are acceptable for white people to act on. Without stereotypical expectations, we can be seen by our cultures and the skills we have learned from past generations. In today's society, many people say things without little to no thinking about how their words could affect another person. Once a photo is shot the story doesn't have to end. The idea that one image could create anything was inspiring to me. I started with a randomizer generator of photos. I wrote short entries of different characters or even descriptions of what I saw. Since film was almost like taking many pictures I took up the hobby of photography. Once I decide to start taking pictures I used my phone and captured the sky or anything I saw that was appealing. Later, I received a camera and I started taking portraits of myself that either had interesting colors, textures, concepts that were appealing to the eye. My want of me to continue creating has always been inspired by anything that can be a reality if you create it.

I've learned that I am aware of most of my problems. Yet, I neglect my true feeling in order to satisfy others. In high school, I was always trying to meet this expectation of me a 4.0 student. This did not come easily. I burnout myself for the greater reward. As I worked hard to get this goal I neglected my other hobbies like reading, filmmaking, and hanging out with friends. The school works became so exhausting; I had to check myself out of my mind; I did by using social media. Rather than trying to create or read because I knew I wouldn't be satisfied with the product. I heavily envied my peers around me who were so passionate about their futures. I felt that I was an imposter to my life. Because I was taking things for granted like film-making that was so exciting to my younger self. As a way to balance my school life and my personal life, I decided to take on a past hobby of photography. Slowly anytime I had free to myself I decided to start taking pictures. At first, I started taking pictures on my phone of the sky or anything I saw that was appealing. Once I received a camera I started taking portraits of myself that either had interesting colors, textures, concepts that were appealing to the eye. I have realized my want of satisfying others can never outweigh my satisfaction with my own self. The act of inspiring people means that you are going out of the box choosing to find your own balance within your life no matter the case.

I want to create films for unrepresented people and cultures. Through these films, I want to show an alternative idea to many stereotypes about a culture or a race of a person. In today's society, many people say things without little to no thinking about how their words could affect another person. When children are younger they are more impressionable to take out the ideals of their parents even knowing that they may be wrong. Films and shows that represent more than a stereotype of one type of person will be a vital source to this society. This is because seeing a visual representation of struggles within a person's culture could outline racial experiences. Also showing different cultures of different people can stop the romanticization of life in a different country than many outsiders may have. With my films, I want to be able to explore different cultures and understand the daily life of people who aren't like me or like me. Everyone's life experience is so different and bringing in culture allows there to be a celebration of difference. I want to see films that are not only about black struggle; I want to see the world of different cultures. These stories are important but when we generalize race suggest a struggle we get less understanding of the person and more of a stereotypical version that is devised of vague facts.