Unapologetically A Vampire by Erika

Unapologetically A Vampire by Erika - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

“I gathered the candles around me to recreate the scene. Of course, they stayed unlit. I was terrified of fire, but in my six-year-old genius, I thought it would work. Cowering and hopeful, I whispered the words from the YouTube video and waited to become a vampire.”

It may seem strange, but by watching this YouTube video, I set in motion a complete change in my life. I wanted to become a vampire, not for romance, but for something else. To me, vampires represent freedom, a strength I have learned to carry because of my love of vampires. They travel the night, unapologetically themselves. Growing up sheltered, limited by family and finances, I clung to them. When I could do nothing but study, vampires became my escape. I realized my strength wasn’t immediate confidence, but curiosity instead.

In wanting this “vampire,” I pursued freedom. That initial YouTube fantasy finally came together while I was on a trip to Corpus Christi. The first time I left San Antonio, I looked like a fledgling, lost, but having fun in my ignorance. I touched the Gulf, giggled at a dump outside my hotel window, and explored. Those simple moments made me realize I never wanted to stay stagnant again, rewiring what I thought was possible. This was the first time I finally felt like the “vampire” I wanted to be.

Ever since that moment, I have explored freedom and expression with different people as much as I can. Being able to try new things or go on an adventure despite being nervous is a strength I’ve learned to hold. Coming from a shy childhood, I am now able to express myself more and take risks. I had stayed on the sidelines, never attempting to socialize. Now, I take risks and embrace freedom. Whether that is trying a new fruit, exploring a new city, making new friends, or taking up a new hobby, I am closer to becoming the vampire I imagined.

Now, as I light the candles around me for their fragrance, I think back to that moment. I was never going to become a vampire through YouTube, but I’m still working to become the “vampire” my younger self craved, someone free. I may not reach that idealized version, but I continue to train. What began as fantasy became my intention, allowing myself to keep choosing curiosity, even when it seems unfamiliar.