Media Arts is My Treasure by Felicia

Media Arts is My Treasure by Felicia - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

Matthew 6:21 states, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” For 15 years, I dedicated my time and talents to dancing, SFX makeup, drawing, acting, and playing instruments. But in seventh grade something amazingly unexpected happened. I auditioned and was accepted into the media arts program at a creative and performing arts specialty middle school. It was then that I found my treasure and love for media arts, specifically cinematography. Cinematography allows me to capture life’s meaningful moments through creative storytelling. This art form is my purpose and passion. It is liberating and I can freely express myself.

When given a chance, I maximize my opportunities. For Christmas 2023, I received a vlogging camera and an iPad. A year later, I created a business, produced 15+ videos for my school’s nationally ranked Girl’s Basketball Team, and was appointed as the Student Council Public Relations Liaison. In my Junior and Senior years of high school, I attended the HBCU Next Workshop and HBCU First Look Festival at Howard University and Morgan State University. These experiences allowed me to gain greater insights into improving my craft. I love experimenting with various mediums and learning new techniques. To further my, I am concurrently enrolled at our local community college. My courses include Film Production and Business.

Throughout my life, I have had multiple academic interests. Along with the arts, science is genuinely enjoyable for me. In high school, I took Honors Chemistry, AP Biology, Honors Anatomy and Physiology, and Zoology. I succeeded in these courses and received several Science awards ( National Science Honor Society (2023-current), Saint Andre’ Award in Honors Anatomy & Physiology I (only recipient) (2023-2024), Outstanding Achievement Award in Zoology (only recipient) (2023-2024), and Outstanding Achievement Award in Health (only recipient) (2023-2024)).

Last fall, I attended the Association of American Medical College’s panel and reception to celebrate the Congressional Black Caucus Conference, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Conference. This event blended two of my main interests. I learned about different medical fields, while capturing the essence of the event with my camera. I networked with doctors and professors, who shared their medical experiences with me. This event shaped my perspective of careers in health care, and the lack of African American and Hispanic representation in those fields which sharpened my focus and determination, recognizing that African Americans are not prevalent in all workplaces.

Moving forward, I plan to major in Film Production, while minoring in Business. I want to explore these fields, because I have always had a genuine passion for media arts. Being knowledgeable in the business field will help me understand current trends. Post undergraduate studies, I plan to obtain a Master’s in Fine Arts and Doctorate in Fine Arts. My goal is to work in the industry as a cinematographer and ultimately own several production companies. Moreover, I will establish an arts-focused mentorship program for students so that I can pour into the next generation the same way that programs have poured into me. Media arts is an art that I truly cherish and want to share with the world.