From Reader to Writer

As a child, I had always been an avid reader, but it wasn't until my 8th-grade English class that I discovered my love for writing. My teacher assigned us a personal narrative essay, and I found myself excitedly typing away on my computer for hours on end, lost in the world of my own words. When I got the paper back with an A+ and a note of encouragement from my teacher, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that I had never experienced before. From that moment on, I knew that writing was something that I wanted to pursue seriously.

But it wasn't until my senior year of high school that I truly realized my passion for writing. I was assigned to write a research paper on any topic of my choosing for my AP English class. As someone who had always been interested in mental health, I decided to focus on the stigmatization of mental illness in the media. The more I delved into the topic, the more I realized just how important it was to raise awareness and fight against the negative portrayals of mental health in our society. That paper ignited a fire in me to write about issues that I was passionate about and that I believed could make a positive impact on the world. I began to write articles for my school newspaper, focusing on mental health and social justice issues, and eventually started a blog where I shared my personal experiences and thoughts on various topics.

It was my mother who first recognized my talent for writing and encouraged me to pursue it further. She had always been a lover of literature and had a deep appreciation for the written word. She would read to me every night before bed, and we would discuss the stories and characters in great detail. Her love for books was infectious, and I soon found myself falling in love with them too.

Throughout my high school career, I received a lot of positive feedback on my writing, both from teachers and peers. But it was my mother who continued to push me to pursue my passion, even when I doubted my own abilities. Her unwavering belief in me gave me the confidence I needed to apply to colleges with writing programs. When I discovered the Creative Writing program at Fordham University, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. The program's emphasis on storytelling and social justice aligned perfectly with my own passions, and I was drawn to the university's commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community.

As I look towards my future, I know that I want to use my writing as a tool for change. I want to write stories that challenge societal norms and open people's minds to new perspectives. I want to use my words to make a positive impact on the world, just as my mother and my 8th-grade English teacher did for me.

In addition to my passion for writing, I am also in need of financial aid to attend college. I am confident that with my passion and dedication to my craft, combined with the support of Fordham University, I can achieve my goals and make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Fordham University's Creative Writing program offers the perfect opportunity for me to hone my skills and use my writing to make a difference. I am excited about the prospect of joining this vibrant community of writers and becoming a part of a tradition of social justice and creativity.