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Surayah Smallwood

795

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

Hello! My name is Surayah and I am a graduating senior from Philadelphia. I am a member of National Honor Society and served as Student Body President on my Student Council. I hope to go to school for either business or fashion design, as I plan to start a fashion business!

Education

Girard College High School

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Design and Applied Arts
    • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
    • Sociology
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Apparel & Fashion

    • Dream career goals:

    • Guest Associate

      Walmart
      2023 – Present1 year

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2021 – 20232 years

    Awards

    • Most Valuable Runner

    Arts

    • Self

      Design
      2018 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Girard College — Organizer
      2021 – 2023
    Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
    My mom has instilled in me a great understanding of mental health and how to properly prevent and treat it. This has guided me to be an overall better person. From small interactions with strangers, to interactions with my friends and family, I try to ensure that my actions leave a positive impact on the people around me. I understand how fragile mental health can be, as I have heard the stories of my mom’s clients, and I have witnessed first-hand my own friends and family’s struggles with mental health. I know how important proper support and love is in times of— or times leading up to— crisis. One of my profound life goals is to establish a rehabilitation center, inspired by my mother's unwavering dedication to the mental health field. Growing up in Philadelphia and witnessing my father struggle with the challenges of the “justice” system, I've firsthand experienced the repercussions of inadequate rehabilitation. My mother, dismantling mental health stigmas and exposing me to her field of work, has formed in me a deep concern for this issue. My vision for rehabilitation is rooted in restoring humanity to these programs, encouraging self-discovery, and empowerment. I understand that mental health is a complex system— with no one way of handling it—, and I am to teach others this philosophy.
    Alexis Mackenzie Memorial Scholarship for the Arts
    What is often thought of as just clothing, to me, holds a much deeper significance. Fashion is an art form, each garment resonating with emotion. Fashion is our second skin—a means of self-expression— that we’d be bare without. It serves as armor, propelling wearers with a sense of power and confidence. Each piece in our wardrobe should reflect a strain of our personality. The key to creating a change through fashion is to keep this question in mind: How does the impact of fashion extend beyond creative expression and into societal norms? For me, fashion is a means of rediscovery and self-expression. Creating wearable art, seeing my sketches materialize into reality, is truly fulfilling. It serves as an outlet, a way to communicate thoughts and emotions that I often struggle to verbalize. Fashion allows me to share my inner thoughts and emotions with the world at large. What is often thought of as just clothing, to me, holds a much deeper significance. Fashion is an art form, each garment resonating with emotion. Fashion is our second skin—a means of self-expression— that we’d be bare without. It serves as armor, propelling wearers with a sense of power and confidence. Each piece in our wardrobe should reflect a strain of our personality. The key to creating a change through fashion is to keep this question in mind: How does the impact of fashion extend beyond creative expression and into societal norms? For me, fashion is a means of rediscovery and self-expression. Creating wearable art, seeing my sketches materialize into reality, is truly fulfilling. It serves as an outlet, a way to communicate thoughts and emotions that I often struggle to verbalize. Fashion allows me to share my inner thoughts and emotions with the world at large. However, the fashion industry, while ever-evolving, lacks much diversity. Despite aiming to cater to everyone, it often falls short. This disparity is what drives my ambition to become a fashion designer. As a black female, I can represent a multitude of people worldwide. My protagonist's personality seeks inclusive solutions, a mindset I aim to bring to the industry. Moreover, creating fashion without causing harm to the environment is extremely important. The fashion industry's practices, from the exploitation of third-world countries to the excessive use of natural resources, contribute significantly to social and environmental degradation. This is not the fashion I aspire to create. I envision a fashion industry that uplifts and inspires, one that promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship. By advocating for sustainable practices and innovative design solutions, I hope to make a meaningful impact and contribute to a more sustainable future for fashion. Fashion should uplift and inspire, not exploit. I envision a fashion industry where everyone feels empowered. I want people to watch runway shows and see themselves reflected in the models. Fashion should inspire confidence and self-love. My goal is to create beautiful, sustainable clothing that minimizes harm to the environment. In conclusion, fashion is more than just clothes; it's a form of art and self-expression. Its impact extends beyond creative expression to societal norms, influencing how people perceive themselves and others. As a future fashion designer, I aspire to create a more inclusive, sustainable industry that celebrates diversity and empowers individuals.
    Endeavor Design Scholarship
    What is often thought of as just clothing, to me, holds a much deeper significance. Fashion is an art form, each garment resonating with emotion. Fashion is our second skin—a means of self-expression— that we’d be bare without. It serves as armor, propelling wearers with a sense of power and confidence. Each piece in our wardrobe should reflect a strain of our personality. The key to creating a change through fashion is to keep this question in mind: How does the impact of fashion extend beyond creative expression and into societal norms? For me, fashion is a means of rediscovery and self-expression. Creating wearable art, seeing my sketches materialize into reality, is truly fulfilling. It serves as an outlet, a way to communicate thoughts and emotions that I often struggle to verbalize. Fashion allows me to share my inner thoughts and emotions with the world at large. In conclusion, fashion is more than just clothes; it's a form of art and self-expression. Its impact extends beyond creative expression to societal norms, influencing how people perceive themselves and others. As a future fashion designer, I aspire to create a more inclusive, sustainable industry that celebrates diversity and empowers individuals.