Influencing Change One Frame at a Time by Sydney

Influencing Change One Frame at a Time by Sydney - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Ever since I fiddled with my first colored pencil, I've been enchanted by the transformative power of art. Although I am a novice in the grand arc of art history, I am a rising freshman at Pennsylvania Western University Edinboro majoring in Media Arts with a concentration in Animation. As I embark on this academic journey, my prime motivation is a singular, profound dream: I aspire to rekindle the lost charm of storytelling in animation, weaving narratives that not only entertain but also enlighten.

There's something incredibly captivating about animations that narrate stories. They bridge the gap between reality and fantasy, molding imaginative worlds brimming with emotions and life lessons. Although some may view animations as mere distractions for their children, I perceive them as a robust platform for expressing complex issues and narrating underrepresented tales. My love for storytelling through animation spurred from my fascination with this expressive medium, one that effortlessly combines visual artistry with captivating narratives. However, often in pursuit of dazzling visuals, the genuine art of storytelling tends to become an afterthought in contemporary animation. I am motivated to change this trend and pour life back into stories, authentic narratives that stir hearts and stimulate minds.

To breathe life into this dream, I remain steadfast in my educational endeavors. This dedication is often reflected in my organized planners which are diligently filled with each day's objectives. It's not just a tool for managing time, it's a roadmap to my aspirations, a strategic plan to navigate through the complexities of my journey, ensuring that my final destination remains in sight. Planners offer me a sense of routine, create a framework where I break down my ambitious goals into manageable tasks, and assisting me to stay focused amid potential distractions.

Every brush stroke I make, every critique I withstand, and every creative concept I devise in my Studio Arts coursework echoes my unwavering commitment to challenge the norms of animation artistry. The intellectual rigor at Pennsylvania Western University Edinboro, coupled with my solid academic foundation emanated by a High School GPA of 4.0, arms me with the necessary fidelity to stay true to my cause.

I understand that my dream extends beyond the boundary of a conventional path. It would require a fair share of resilience and an unyielding spirit to perceive failures as stepping stones towards success. Nonetheless, I am willing to brave the storm, driven by the alluring promise of an era when animations conjure more than just bewitching visual realms—they captivate the audience by the sheer prowess of their storytelling.

I too carry a unique story that challenges societal norms and dares to envision a world unbarred by stereotypes. Translating these personal narratives into the realm of animation storytelling holds significant potential to foster diversity and inclusivity in a medium so influential among the young minds.

Moreover, being a recipient of the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship would provide a significant boost to my endeavours, making the journey more accessible and the dream attainable. So, armed with passion and perseverance, planner in one hand, paintbrush in the other, I embark on my path to infuse life back into animation storytelling, influencing change one frame at a time.