Building a Future in Purpose-Driven Storytelling by Ashley

Building a Future in Purpose-Driven Storytelling by Ashley - March 2025 Scholarship Essay

I was raised by a single parent and have been financially independent since losing my mom to breast cancer when I was 21. As an only child, I’ve had to navigate the challenges of supporting myself entirely while now adding higher education to my expenses. Returning to college on my own has meant learning to balance full-time work, school, and finances carefully. It’s not always easy, but I’m committed to making it work. Any support would help lighten the load and allow me to focus more on my education and future goals.

That future is shaped by the work I do every day at Dell Children's Foundation. I currently work full-time, supporting fundraising efforts through donor relations, campaign initiatives, and event coordination. Most recently, I’ve had the opportunity to assist with the HERE campaign, a six-year effort that raised over $105 million to expand critical services at Dell Children's and fund a major capital expansion. A key factor in surpassing our initial goal of $90 million was our team's ability to share patient stories in a way that truly connected with community investors.

I saw firsthand how digital storytelling can capture hope in a patient’s journey and shape the way people invest in something bigger than themselves. One example of this was Holtin’s story. Diagnosed with a complex heart condition while still in utero, Holtin became a Dell Children’s patient before he was even born. His journey began at our Maternal Fetal Care Center, where his mother received specialized care throughout her pregnancy. Thanks to the HERE campaign, she was able to safely deliver Holtin in our Special Delivery Unit, where he was immediately placed in the hands of our cardiac team. Within days, he underwent a life-saving surgery and had a second open-heart surgery just weeks later.

Holtin’s story is precisely why I am passionate about the power of storytelling. Its reach goes beyond print materials and digital media; it’s about bringing a mission to life and making individuals feel part of something greater than themselves. A single story can have a lasting impact without expiration, and Holtin's family sharing their story proves this.

My 10-year plan may not be written in permanent ink, but I envision leading a mission-driven marketing and storytelling agency. This agency would partner with nonprofits across the nation to amplify the voices of those who need support the most. My agency will specialize in digital media, content marketing, and strategic storytelling, helping organizations communicate their mission in ways that inspire action and drive lasting change.

I envision my agency working with hospital foundations like Dell Children’s to tell patient stories that connect donors to life-saving work. I also see it expanding into nonprofits that shaped my own life, like Austin Sunshine Camps. As a fee-based kid in elementary school, I had the opportunity to attend camp on scholarship, and it wasn’t just a summer getaway—it was a place where I felt a real sense of belonging, adventure, and community, giving me experiences I might not have had otherwise. It showed me the power of organizations that invest in children and their futures, and I want to help ensure those same opportunities exist for the next generation.

At the core of my business will be storytelling that makes a difference. Whether through documentary-style videos, digital campaigns, or brand storytelling, my agency will give organizations the tools they need to engage their audience, inspire support, and create lasting impact.

My education will not only provide me with the fundamentals of digital storytelling, branding, and audience engagement but also help me develop the leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability needed to navigate an ever-changing industry.

Beyond the classroom, my education will provide me with opportunities to gain hands-on experience. I plan to take advantage of internships, industry partnerships, and mentorship opportunities to learn from professionals in digital marketing, nonprofit development, and content creation. St. Edward’s University’s Digital Storytelling and Content Creation program will provide me with the technical skills, creative expertise, and real-world experience needed to bring impactful stories to life and prepare me to lead a mission-driven marketing agency..

My time at Dell Children’s Foundation has reinforced that success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you connect with and how you work together. Through my education, I hope to expand my network, learning from professors, industry professionals, and peers who bring diverse perspectives. These relationships will provide opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and long-term professional growth.

Ten years from now, I hope to be involved in mentorship programs, providing opportunities for students and young professionals who want to pursue careers in marketing, storytelling, and social impact work. Education has opened doors for me, and I want to help others access the same opportunities.

In the next decade, I see myself leading a storytelling and marketing agency that helps mission-driven organizations connect with their audiences, inspire action, and create lasting change. My education will be the foundation that gets me there—equipping me with the knowledge, leadership skills, and industry experience to turn this vision into reality.

I once thought my opportunity for higher education had passed, forever weighted in grief, but returning to school has been a personal investment in my future. With the right education, mentorship, and experience, I know I will create a career that isn’t just fulfilling but makes a meaningful difference in the world.