Hope by Imogen

Hope by Imogen - January 2018 Scholarship Essay

One word that describes why I wish to attend college is “hope.” I plan to pursue a degree in Music Industry because I want to use music to make the world a better place.

One of the most pervasive issues today is mental illness and suicide. When I was younger, I struggled with depression and anxiety but music was always there for me. You could even say that music saved my life. If I was feeling stressed or sad, I would grab my headphones and get lost in a song. I also let out my feelings and worked out my emotions by writing lyrics. I know from personal experience how much music can change people’s lives. Music is extremely effective at helping with stress management and relaxation. Not only does it help distract from stressors, but studies have found that it can actually have a physiological effect, such as lowering blood pressure and slowing the heart rate.

Music can have such a powerful impact. It can empower you or bring you comfort. It can show you that someone else is going through the same things you are and make you feel less alone. It can connect two people who are far apart and break down boundaries. Music has been so important to me over the years and I feel that the best music is music that makes you feel and makes you think. I want to use music to change the world by bringing it to as many people as possible. I just want to make people feel and make people think and make the world a better place. The best way that I think I can do that, is by devoting my life to helping spread music across the world.

Young people struggling with depression and low self-esteem often feel isolated and lonely. If a song can reach them, let them know that they’re not alone, and give them hope, then it could make a life or death difference.

I have decided to pursue a degree and career in the music industry because I would love to play a part in helping other people have this experience with music. In the future, I see myself as the tour manager of a successful band or running an international music festival. It is important to me that any tour or festival that I take part in also have a philanthropic tie-in, because I would like my work to benefit others. Ideally, I would have connections at an organization that supports at-risk youth. I have been involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for several years. I would see to it that whenever possible, the events that I organize would be affiliated with similar organizations.

I have not always had the easiest life. I have had to deal with depression, anxiety, dyslexia, prejudice, homophobia, bullying, and more. I have always persevered because I never gave up. I was raised by a single parent and even though my mother has always tried to give me everything we need, we have often struggled financially. Even though my life has not always been easy, I do know that I have had it better than a lot of other people, so I want to use my privilege to help others. Working in the music industry seems like the best way to take a subject that I have great passion for and use it to help people just like me out there in the world.

Music gave me hope when I needed it most. I want to attend college, so that I can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to have a successful career in the music business. That is how I will be able to bring hope to other young people who need it as much as I did.