A Storyteller's Start by Heidi

A Storyteller's Start by Heidi - July 2015 Scholarship Essay

Dewey eyes and wistful sighs aren’t just the symptoms of an overworked college student. These traits also belong to young dreamers such as myself. One of my upmost passions in life is becoming a proficient storyteller. Although there is no one set pathway for all storytellers, I believe that college is a vital part of my avenue to reaching this goal of mine. This skillset involves attaining education via practical tools, place, and people. I am extremely eager to invest the work required to be able to tell stories professionally because everyone has one that deserves to be told well.

Although I’ve always felt propelled towards story work such as writing, acting, and directing, I very recently was forced to comprehend just how pertinent the craft can be in day-to-day living. I personally understand what it’s like to feel as if your story doesn’t matter because only within the last few months, I have recovered from an eating disorder. It was a quiet struggle that gnawed at me since I was in elementary school and although I’m still finding my balance in these smoother waves, I can unabashedly declare that I am free from the mental torture I inflicted upon myself. Now that I can acknowledge my own unique worth, I am passionate about promoting that sense in as many individuals as possible.

My chosen major is in Art & Performance, an academic focus will teach me how to take in and express stories with the most efficient and vivacious methods. I’m confident that this is a field that will exponentially benefit me in my becoming someone who can tell a more dynamic, truthful story. However, I feel this degree at University of Texas at Dallas will not be complete without a unique experience which I am presently working towards: study abroad.

I am currently saving and planning to study abroad in London and am ecstatic at the idea of growing as a human being and a storyteller. Besides some new recipes and an awesome accent, my period in London will gift me with the foundational tools unique to study abroad which will elevate my development personally, academically, and professionally. In arguably the storytelling capitol of the world, I expect to learn how to convey tales in the most hands-on, immersive way possible as I myself undergo great change. The best stories occur when there is transformation and I would be experiencing a highly exciting upheaval of my routine, thus shaping my own story. Study abroad alone will teach me to people-watch masterfully, to constantly challenge my definition of normal and beautiful, and to celebrate people’s differences and similarities. All these attributes directly fuel a storyteller’s creativity and skill. On a practical level, it is my hope that my time abroad will flesh out my ability to work with others from all different backgrounds, which is a skill that companies – not just within the arts – with a global presence seeks.

London’s culture can foster in me the practical capabilities required of a storyteller. I am very excited at the prospect of being surrounded by all sorts of people who will inspire and influence my progression. Whether it be writing, directing, acting, photographing, or merely communicating on an every-day basis, I will have had the privilege of absorbing top skills from masters in the craft. I feel that only when I learn my trade from as many chief perspectives as possible can I reach the heart of it. With the advantage of London’s particular location, making connections in the world’s central storytelling hub at this stage in my academic and career pathway is a wise and sought-after move.

Regarding my vision for the future, study abroad in and of itself will evolve within me rigorous and vibrant new stamina and finesse as a student due to the exposure to true independence and a constantly reshaping perception. I keenly anticipate my work both in a classroom and a professional setting displaying higher quality upon my return. Whatever the medium, the tales I convey will be able to connect with and represent their recipients better. Studying abroad in London will not only shape me as a person but will equip me to create quality stories that will touch people’s lives in turn. I am confident that I will be a radically different student, employee, creator, and human being with London’s study abroad experience in my life’s repertoire. The complete and wonderful package that college has to offer me will propel me towards my achieved goal. The steps I take after my chapter at university involve creating quality tales on the page, stage, or screen.

Although I am currently working to earn the necessary funds, I have embraced the reality that there is no possible way I will be able to embark on this transformative adventure without the help of scholarships. However, I believe ambitions do indeed have the potential to come true. With a bright future ahead of me, I now look to Varsity Tutors to assist me in this next chapter. After all that I’ve endured so far, I have faith that Varsity Tutors also considers my story worth a happy ending.