Amazon Scholarship Winner
College: California State University, Northridge
Career goal: Filmmaking
Receiving the $10,000 Amazon Scholarship isn’t just a financial boost, it is a beacon of hope for my dreams in filmmaking and photography.
Middle school was quite a challenging time for me. Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t play sports or seek the spotlight. Instead, I stayed close to a small circle of friends and focused on my classes. Math stood as a huge barrier to my success in school though. The many steps involved in solving a single equation left me frustrated, and the support I sought from teachers often felt out of reach. During this time, my family faced an even greater challenge: my dad’s sudden illness. The day my mom tearfully shared that he had multiple tumors throughout his body is etched in my memory forever. I was thrust into a world of fear and uncertainty, balancing schoolwork with the worry of losing my dad.
Thankfully, we received a glimmer of hope—the cancer was treatable. For the past five years, my dad’s resilience in battling the disease taught me huge lessons in perseverance and strength; sometimes it gets better and sometimes it doesn’t. He still goes to work every day and is happy, which makes me happy. His unwavering spirit inspires me daily.
Amidst these challenges, high school brought a breath of fresh air into my life. In my film production class, I discovered my passion for filmmaking. My growing interest in filmmaking also sparked a fascination with photography to capture moments in time. This led me to take a photography class that taught me a great deal about both the art of photography and the editing processes required to create the perfect shot. Then, I finally received an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which provided the tailored support I needed to navigate my struggles with math. With this newfound support, I could focus more on what I really wanted to do with the rest of my life: storytelling through filmmaking.
As my senior year approached, my mom encouraged me to apply for scholarships to support my dream. I took a chance and applied for one, never imagining the impact it would have on my future.
When the email arrived announcing that I had won the $10,000 Amazon Scholarship, I couldn’t believe it at first. It seemed like a mistake, something too good to be true. It wasn’t until I held that oversized check at Bullard High’s Night of Knights Awards Ceremony, surrounded by the proud smiles of my dad, my mom, and my family, that it truly sunk in. The weight of this moment was overwhelming. It wasn’t just about financial support; it was the recognition of the challenges I had overcome, the pride in achieving something significant, and the dreams I held dear.
The idea of actually pursuing filmmaking started to take shape. The scholarship is a lifeline, not just financially, but emotionally too. It means I can buy the camera equipment necessary to hone my skills in filming and photography. This scholarship also helps to alleviate financial pressure from my family, who already face medical bills and the ongoing challenges of my dad’s treatment. It allows me to focus on my education and pursue my dreams without adding to their worries.
My dream is to attend California State University, Northridge, renowned for its film program. There, I aspire to immerse myself in a community of filmmakers, learn from industry experts, and one day operate the cameras that capture stories on screen. The scholarship will not only help me afford essential tools like a laptop and books but also serve as a sturdy foundation for my journey ahead.
I am grateful for this scholarship, which highlights the unwavering support of my family and teachers who believed in me even during moments of self-doubt. With this financial support, I feel empowered to chase my dreams, to use storytelling as a tool for change, and to make a meaningful impact through visual art. Thank you to the donors for believing in me and for paving the way to a brighter, more hopeful future.
