Hi guys! The essay I have is for a scholarship I am applying for. The prompt is: Research Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Program Initiatives and describe how your present or future community involvement and/or educational advancements can contribute to one of our missions. Tell me what you think! All types of advice would be great!
Many years ago I made the decision that I would open a performing arts studio. This dream was born out of a desire to help friends who would join dance, but because of economic and family hardships could not continue. I studied the performing arts at the Joyce LaVerne School of Dance for over twelve years. Over the years I have witness students join classes only to abruptly leave without explanation. Only after several inquiries would I learn that several students could no longer participate as a result of an incarcerated parent. It was then that I began to ponder the long lasting effects and social stigma of being the child of an incarcerated parent. A former classmate, whose parent was incarcerated, shared with me her family's economic hardships and her issues with self-esteem, weight gain, feelings of alienation, anxiety and depression.
As I shared what I had learned with adults and leaders of the Dance Studio, it became increasingly clear that children of incarcerated parents did not elicit nearly the same level of community support and compassion provided for other forms of separation, such as a child whose parent passes away. Separation associated with parental imprisonment not only separates the child from their parent but often separates the child from their friends and the support of the community. To me, the performing arts are more than just techniques learned in Ballet, Tap, Modern, and Jazz classes. Through performing arts children develop skills that will help them flourish in life. Performing arts addresses physical strength, flexibility, stress, as well as important life skills such as teamwork, discipline and focus.
My future community involvement begins with creating a community outreach program for children of incarcerated parents. Through performing arts I intent to bring together students that are struggling with similar family issues and putting them on a path to a mentally and physically healthy future. This future community involvement is certainly achievable and fits within three of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated's Signature Program Initiatives: Emerging Young Leaders initiatives, Health Initiatives, and Social Justice and Human Rights Initiatives.
