Exceeding in My Pilipino American Dance Community by Maharlika

Exceeding in My Pilipino American Dance Community by Maharlika - July 2015 Scholarship Essay

I would like to become a director and alumni of Pac Modern Dance Team. Pac Modern is a competitive hip hop dance team at California State University of Long Beach that got its roots from the Pilipino American Coalition (PAC) in 1995. This is my family and the first collegiate team I was accepted into during my college career. I connect with them and hope to carry on a legacy of inspiration, humility, constant growth, and respect for all people.

Dance has always been very important to me. Ever since my grandmother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis I've felt an impulse to 'be her feet'. I want to transpire the same energy and happiness she would if she were able to move. This is my first year on the team, but already I aspire to be like my directors and teammates. They inspire me to not only work harder and represent them well, but also to succeed in academics and push myself as a leader. This is the first family I believe that accepted me regardless of my quirky personality and my beginning status as a dancer. Because of this I feel like I have a responsibility to give them the best of me.

When I become one of the coordinators, I plan on mentoring dancers like myself so that they have the same opportunity I had if not more. I want them to be as enthusiastic as I was when I was auditioned and later accepted into the team. I hope to be a benchmark for all the success that Pac Modern's future has to offer, as well as a resource for a lifetime. I'm really proud of being part of this group of people and I'm proud to represent them.