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Olga Duran

2,025

Bold Points

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Finalist

Bio

All of my life I was told to play it safe and to not take risks. Now I'm going against that. I'm an actress with a passion for music. Working full time while going to school full time.

Education

University of Houston

Bachelor's degree program
2019 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      acting

    • Dream career goals:

      Leading actress

    • Teacher

      Chinese community center
      2020 – 20211 year
    • Cashier

      Ross
      2019 – Present5 years

    Sports

    Dancing

    Varsity
    2013 – Present11 years

    Arts

    • Member

      Theatre
      rabbit hole , she kills monsters , soapy murder case, steel magnolias
      2016 – 2019
    • Choir

      Music
      yearly shows 2012-2019, the little mermaid, the mistery of edwin drood, once upon a mattress
      2012 – 2019

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      school — singer/dancer
      2016 – 2019

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Lisa K. Carlson DCPS Scholarship
    My life is dedicated to the arts. I have found that for me to feel safe and motivated I have to be doing what I love the most which is acting, singing, and dancing. I have been dancing professionally ever since I was 13. Before that I was told that I had two left feet. I remember playing music in my room by myself practicing to get the cumbia steps down until I seemed like a natural. I knew I wanted to be a teacher as I was influenced by some of the most amazing teachers growing up. This summer I got the opportunity to be a summer school teacher at a community center and it has changed my perception of teachers. People have always said that teachers deserve the world for their patience and I did t understand until I was having to teach in an entertaining fashion but still being productive. I spend around 6 hours with my students in the afternoon which is already a long time to keep a 5th graders attention, but they already have to spend another 6 hours before me with another teacher. Therefore it is understandable that by the time I get there, they are mentally exhausted and want to rebel. I try to incorporate my knowledge for the arts into my lesson planning because my passion drives me, but I have failed to factor in the preteen shyness and the unwillingness to do interactive activities. As long as I can see a 2 minute breakthrough moment for each of my students throughout the day I believe that they will become more excited to be in class, and understanding me wanting to make a fun learning space. Having to stay on my feet and keep the ball of energy rolling for my students gets tiring towards the end of the day. Even trying to make some creative content at home seems like a stretch that I have to take for myself. Thinking about my students feeling too bored of tired to do activities that will benefit their learning experience, reminds me of when I feel unmotivated to make music or practice my dancing. I feel as if my subconscious is forcing me. Having a set of young minds that I can help allows me to view myself in a different perspective and receive the advice that I diligently give to my students.
    WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship
    My life is dedicated to the arts. I have found that for me to feel safe and motivated I have to be doing what I love the most which is acting, singing, and dancing. I have been dancing professionally ever since I was 13. Before that I was told that I had two left feet. I remember playing music in my room by myself practicing to get the cumbia steps down until I seemed like a natural. I knew I wanted to be a teacher as I was influenced by some of the most amazing teachers growing up. This summer I got the opportunity to be a summer school teacher at a community center and it has changed my perception of teachers. People have always said that teachers deserve the world for their patience and I did t understand until I was having to teach in an entertaining fashion but still being productive. I spend around 6 hours with my students in the afternoon which is already a long time to keep a 5th graders attention, but they already have to spend another 6 hours before me with another teacher. Therefore it is understandable that by the time I get there, they are mentally exhausted and want to rebel. I try to incorporate my knowledge for the arts into my lesson planning because my passion drives me, but I have failed to factor in the preteen shyness and the unwillingness to do interactive activities. As long as I can see a 2 minute breakthrough moment for each of my students throughout the day I believe that they will become more excited to be in class, and understanding me wanting to make a fun learning space. Having to stay on my feet and keep the ball of energy rolling for my students gets tiring towards the end of the day. Even trying to make some creative content at home seems like a stretch that I have to take for myself. Thinking about my students feeling too bored of tired to do activities that will benefit their learning experience, reminds me of when I feel unmotivated to make music or practice my dancing. I feel as if my subconscious is forcing me. Having a set of young minds that I can help allows me to view myself in a different perspective and receive the advice that I diligently give to my students.
    Darryl Davis "Follow Your Heart" Scholarship
    My life is dedicated to the arts. I have found that for me to feel safe and motivated I have to be doing what I love the most which is acting, singing, and dancing. I have been dancing professionally ever since I was 13. Before that I was told that I had two left feet. I remember playing music in my room by myself practicing to get the cumbia steps down until I seemed like a natural. I knew I wanted to be a teacher as I was influenced by some of the most amazing teachers growing up. This summer I got the opportunity to be a summer school teacher at a community center and it has changed my perception of teachers. People have always said that teachers deserve the world for their patience and I did t understand until I was having to teach in an entertaining fashion but still being productive. I spend around 6 hours with my students in the afternoon which is already a long time to keep a 5th graders attention, but they already have to spend another 6 hours before me with another teacher. Therefore it is understandable that by the time I get there, they are mentally exhausted and want to rebel. I try to incorporate my knowledge for the arts into my lesson planning because my passion drives me, but I have failed to factor in the preteen shyness and the unwillingness to do interactive activities. As long as I can see a 2 minute breakthrough moment for each of my students throughout the day I believe that they will become more excited to be in class, and understanding me wanting to make a fun learning space. Having to stay on my feet and keep the ball of energy rolling for my students gets tiring towards the end of the day. Even trying to make some creative content at home seems like a stretch that I have to take for myself. Thinking about my students feeling too bored of tired to do activities that will benefit their learning experience, reminds me of when I feel unmotivated to make music or practice my dancing. I feel as if my subconscious is forcing me. Having a set of young minds that I can help allows me to view myself in a different perspective and receive the advice that I diligently give to my students.
    JuJu Foundation Scholarship
    My life is dedicated to the arts. I have found that for me to feel safe and motivated I have to be doing what I love the most which is acting, singing, and dancing. I have been dancing professionally ever since I was 13. Before that I was told that I had two left feet. I remember playing music in my room by myself practicing to get the cumbia steps down until I seemed like a natural. I knew I wanted to be a teacher as I was influenced by some of the most amazing teachers growing up. This summer I got the opportunity to be a summer school teacher at a community center and it has changed my perception of teachers. People have always said that teachers deserve the world for their patience and I did t understand until I was having to teach in an entertaining fashion but still being productive. I spend around 6 hours with my students in the afternoon which is already a long time to keep a 5th graders attention, but they already have to spend another 6 hours before me with another teacher. Therefore it is understandable that by the time I get there, they are mentally exhausted and want to rebel. I try to incorporate my knowledge for the arts into my lesson planning because my passion drives me, but I have failed to factor in the preteen shyness and the unwillingness to do interactive activities. As long as I can see a 2 minute breakthrough moment for each of my students throughout the day I believe that they will become more excited to be in class, and understanding me wanting to make a fun learning space. Having to stay on my feet and keep the ball of energy rolling for my students gets tiring towards the end of the day. Even trying to make some creative content at home seems like a stretch that I have to take for myself. Thinking about my students feeling too bored of tired to do activities that will benefit their learning experience, reminds me of when I feel unmotivated to make music or practice my dancing. I feel as if my subconscious is forcing me. Having a set of young minds that I can help allows me to view myself in a different perspective and receive the advice that I diligently give to my students.
    Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarship
    My life is dedicated to the arts. I have found that for me to feel safe and motivated I have to be doing what I love the most which is acting, singing, and dancing. I have been dancing professionally ever since I was 13. Before that I was told that I had two left feet. I remember playing music in my room by myself practicing to get the cumbia steps down until I seemed like a natural. I knew I wanted to be a teacher as I was influenced by some of the most amazing teachers growing up. This summer I got the opportunity to be a summer school teacher at a community center and it has changed my perception of teachers. People have always said that teachers deserve the world for their patience and I did t understand until I was having to teach in an entertaining fashion but still being productive. I spend around 6 hours with my students in the afternoon which is already a long time to keep a 5th graders attention, but they already have to spend another 6 hours before me with another teacher. Therefore it is understandable that by the time I get there, they are mentally exhausted and want to rebel. I try to incorporate my knowledge for the arts into my lesson planning because my passion drives me, but I have failed to factor in the preteen shyness and the unwillingness to do interactive activities. As long as I can see a 2 minute breakthrough moment for each of my students throughout the day I believe that they will become more excited to be in class, and understanding me wanting to make a fun learning space. Having to stay on my feet and keep the ball of energy rolling for my students gets tiring towards the end of the day. Even trying to make some creative content at home seems like a stretch that I have to take for myself. Thinking about my students feeling too bored of tired to do activities that will benefit their learning experience, reminds me of when I feel unmotivated to make music or practice my dancing. I feel as if my subconscious is forcing me. Having a set of young minds that I can help allows me to view myself in a different perspective and receive the advice that I diligently give to my students.
    Jameela Jamil x I Weigh Scholarship
    My life is dedicated to the arts. I have found that for me to feel safe and motivated I have to be doing what I love the most which is acting, singing, and dancing. I have been dancing professionally ever since I was 13. Before that I was told that I had two left feet. I remember playing music in my room by myself practicing to get the cumbia steps down until I seemed like a natural. I knew I wanted to be a teacher as I was influenced by some of the most amazing teachers growing up. This summer I got the opportunity to be a summer school teacher at a community center and it has changed my perception of teachers. People have always said that teachers deserve the world for their patience and I did t understand until I was having to teach in an entertaining fashion but still being productive. I spend around 6 hours with my students in the afternoon which is already a long time to keep a 5th graders attention, but they already have to spend another 6 hours before me with another teacher. Therefore it is understandable that by the time I get there, they are mentally exhausted and want to rebel. I try to incorporate my knowledge for the arts into my lesson planning because my passion drives me, but I have failed to factor in the preteen shyness and the unwillingness to do interactive activities. As long as I can see a 2 minute breakthrough moment for each of my students throughout the day I believe that they will become more excited to be in class, and understanding me wanting to make a fun learning space. Having to stay on my feet and keep the ball of energy rolling for my students gets tiring towards the end of the day. Even trying to make some creative content at home seems like a stretch that I have to take for myself. Thinking about my students feeling too bored of tired to do activities that will benefit their learning experience, reminds me of when I feel unmotivated to make music or practice my dancing. I feel as if my subconscious is forcing me. Having a set of young minds that I can help allows me to view myself in a different perspective and receive the advice that I diligently give to my students.
    Ocho Cares Artistry Scholarship
    My life is dedicated to the arts. I have found that for me to feel safe and motivated I have to be doing what I love the most which is acting, singing, and dancing. I have been dancing professionally ever since I was 13. Before that I was told that I had two left feet. I remember playing music in my room by myself practicing to get the cumbia steps down until I seemed like a natural. I knew I wanted to be a teacher as I was influenced by some of the most amazing teachers growing up. This summer I got the opportunity to be a summer school teacher at a community center and it has changed my perception of teachers. People have always said that teachers deserve the world for their patience and I did t understand until I was having to teach in an entertaining fashion but still being productive. I spend around 6 hours with my students in the afternoon which is already a long time to keep a 5th graders attention, but they already have to spend another 6 hours before me with another teacher. Therefore it is understandable that by the time I get there, they are mentally exhausted and want to rebel. I try to incorporate my knowledge for the arts into my lesson planning because my passion drives me, but I have failed to factor in the preteen shyness and the unwillingness to do interactive activities. As long as I can see a 2 minute breakthrough moment for each of my students throughout the day I believe that they will become more excited to be in class, and understanding me wanting to make a fun learning space. Having to stay on my feet and keep the ball of energy rolling for my students gets tiring towards the end of the day. Even trying to make some creative content at home seems like a stretch that I have to take for myself. Thinking about my students feeling too bored of tired to do activities that will benefit their learning experience, reminds me of when I feel unmotivated to make music or practice my dancing. I feel as if my subconscious is forcing me. Having a set of young minds that I can help allows me to view myself in a different perspective and receive the advice that I diligently give to my students.
    Dale Dance Scholarship
    My life is dedicated to the arts. I have found that for me to feel safe and motivated I have to be doing what I love the most which is acting, singing, and dancing. I have been dancing professionally ever since I was 13. Before that I was told that I had two left feet. I remember playing music in my room by myself practicing to get the cumbia steps down until I seemed like a natural. I knew I wanted to be a teacher as I was influenced by some of the most amazing teachers growing up. This summer I got the opportunity to be a summer school teacher at a community center and it has changed my perception of teachers. People have always said that teachers deserve the world for their patience and I did t understand until I was having to teach in an entertaining fashion but still being productive. I spend around 6 hours with my students in the afternoon which is already a long time to keep a 5th graders attention, but they already have to spend another 6 hours before me with another teacher. Therefore it is understandable that by the time I get there, they are mentally exhausted and want to rebel. I try to incorporate my knowledge for the arts into my lesson planning because my passion drives me, but I have failed to factor in the preteen shyness and the unwillingness to do interactive activities. As long as I can see a 2 minute breakthrough moment for each of my students throughout the day I believe that they will become more excited to be in class, and understanding me wanting to make a fun learning space. Having to stay on my feet and keep the ball of energy rolling for my students gets tiring towards the end of the day. Even trying to make some creative content at home seems like a stretch that I have to take for myself. Thinking about my students feeling too bored of tired to do activities that will benefit their learning experience, reminds me of when I feel unmotivated to make music or practice my dancing. I feel as if my subconscious is forcing me. Having a set of young minds that I can help allows me to view myself in a different perspective and receive the advice that I diligently give to my students.
    Abran Arreola Latinx Scholarship
    My life is dedicated to the arts. I have found that for me to feel safe and motivated I have to be doing what I love the most which is acting, singing, and dancing. I have been dancing professionally ever since I was 13. Before that I was told that I had two left feet. I remember playing music in my room by myself practicing to get the cumbia steps down until I seemed like a natural. I knew I wanted to be a teacher as I was influenced by some of the most amazing teachers growing up. This summer I got the opportunity to be a summer school teacher at a community center and it has changed my perception of teachers. People have always said that teachers deserve the world for their patience and I did t understand until I was having to teach in an entertaining fashion but still being productive. I spend around 6 hours with my students in the afternoon which is already a long time to keep a 5th graders attention, but they already have to spend another 6 hours before me with another teacher. Therefore it is understandable that by the time I get there, they are mentally exhausted and want to rebel. I try to incorporate my knowledge for the arts into my lesson planning because my passion drives me, but I have failed to factor in the preteen shyness and the unwillingness to do interactive activities. As long as I can see a 2 minute breakthrough moment for each of my students throughout the day I believe that they will become more excited to be in class, and understanding me wanting to make a fun learning space. Having to stay on my feet and keep the ball of energy rolling for my students gets tiring towards the end of the day. Even trying to make some creative content at home seems like a stretch that I have to take for myself. Thinking about my students feeling too bored of tired to do activities that will benefit their learning experience, reminds me of when I feel unmotivated to make music or practice my dancing. I feel as if my subconscious is forcing me. Having a set of young minds that I can help allows me to view myself in a different perspective and receive the advice that I diligently give to my students.
    Cocoa Diaries Scholarship
    As a black woman in America I have felt the need to always be exceptional in everything that I do to the point in which sometimes I can’t even relate to the people around me. I am dedicated to the arts and reaching out to people through performances because I find it that people are more inviting when I do so. Theatre, dance, and choir have helped me express myself and have better communication with my targeted audience. Which is usually people my age. I remember that in choir every time something big was happening that altered the environment of the entire choir room my executional teacher ,Mrs. V, would always have an amazing song selection to deliver the message to the audience. When a classmates sister died of leukemia we sang Sing Me To Heaven and the entire room felt the pain and release that we did. That’s the type of impact I want to have with people with my performances, but delivering messages about black oppression targeted towards women. I have found that when I try to speak about black injustice with just my voice people categorize me as defensive, aggressive, and a threat. Even when being as soft-spoken as I possibly can be. I might have a little bit of rage in me. It would be absurd not to knowing that I will always have a disadvantage everywhere I go because of the color of my skin and gender. I would say that I am a pretty optimistic Ky bright person with a can do attitude, but if I have to fight my way to get heard I will do so.
    Kozakov Foundation Arts Fellowship
    I dumb mittens a video below