A Bision for Artistic Abundance in Education by Madeleine

A Bision for Artistic Abundance in Education by Madeleine - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Within the vibrant landscapes of my home state, Louisiana, lies a stark paradox. This unique cultural haven, known for its inherent artistic richness, unfortunately suffers entrapment in an economic mire, the brunt of which is borne by young students struggling in underfunded public school systems. The concept of vast cultural richness cohabitating with pangs of poverty and educational deprivation pivots my motivation towards an academic journey that will strive to fill this gap, to bridge this seemingly unbridgeable divide.

As a rising college freshman at the University of Mississippi, majoring in Theatre/Performing Arts, Arta, Fashion, and Studio Arts, I, Madeleine Dersam, am on an indomitable journey. My heart beats passionately for an immersive art that communicates our most profound human experiences with a delicacy words often fail to mirror. It is this belief that compels me to champion the cause of artistic education firmly, especially in Louisiana, where art curricula stand vulnerable in the face of financial strains.

My motivations are deeply rooted in my core belief that Art is fundamental to human existence - a language of the soul that allows children to express themselves long before words can fulfill this role. Art not only stimulates creativity and innovation but also fosters emotional growth and social development in ways that traditional education often overlooks. Yet ironically, in a state so artistically abundant as Louisiana, art education is usually the first casualty of budget cuts. This is the scenario I am determined to change, what keeps me relentlessly focused on my academic pursuits.

Balancing my studies in an array of artistic domains, I strive towards making transformative contributions in how art is perceived educationally. While I juggle theatre performances, delve deep into artistic intricacies, sew some beguiling fashion, or engage with studio arts, I am constantly inspired and reminded of my purpose - to reshape the access points that students in Louisiana, and beyond, have to art education. My endeavors are not just about honing my skills, but about utilizing the power of art to catalyze a significant change in our education system.

Recognizing both the importance of traditional education and the often-understood significance of art-based skills, I am dedicated to promoting the virtues of creative learning. My dream is to cultivate dreamers, to raise a generation of people who dare to think differently, using creativity as a solution to real-world problems. I am fearful of a world devoid of art's influence but more than that, I passionately believe in a world where that never happens.

Maintaining an impressive GPA of 4.0 in high school, I am adamant about taking this fidelity towards academic excellence further, into my college years and beyond. With commitment and desire towards shaking up the conventional educational paradigms, my scholarship within the Varsity Tutors Education Scholarship Contest will be a testament to my pledge.

In conclusion, whether my path leads me to be a full-fledged artist, a compassionate teacher, or a fervent advocate for art's inclusion in our lives, I have a clear vision. I am motivated by the goal of creating a supportive environment where children can nurture their artistic talents and apply these skills to improve their education and solve pressing societal issues. I dream of a world brimming with dreamers and creatives, a world enhanced and enriched by the profound beauty of artistic expression and appreciation.