Hope Is Here by Joanne

Hope Is Here by Joanne - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

As a new school year approaches, I find myself filled with a deep sense of purpose and anticipation. More than just gaining good grades or completing assignments, my greatest aspiration this year is to grow as a storyteller, through the art of cinematography! I want to learn how to use the camera not just as a tool for recording moments, but as a powerful way to captivate hearts and deliver a message of hope to a world that seems to be constantly searching for peace in all the wrong places.

Cinematography has always fascinated me. The way a simple shot can convey deep emotion, how lighting and angles can tell a story without a single word, these elements have the power to move people in ways that traditional communication often cannot. Through studying cinematography, I want to develop the skills necessary to tell stories that matter. Stories that don’t just entertain, but that awaken something in the viewer such as empathy, reflection, and ultimately, hope.
We live in a time where many people are overwhelmed by noise of social media, constant conflict, and a culture that often prioritizes image over truth. I believe film can cut through that noise. I genuinely want to create content that helps people see beyond the chaos, that reminds them they are not alone, and that peace is still possible. But peace doesn’t come from distractions or material things, it comes from purpose, connection, and often, faith.

My goal this year is to not only learn the technical aspects of cinematography such as editing, camera work, and visual composition, but also to understand how to emotionally connect with an audience. I want to study films that have changed lives and understand why they were so impactful. I want to collaborate with classmates, listen to different perspectives, and push myself creatively in ways I haven't before. Most of all, I want my growth in cinematography to be meaningful. If I can create even one short film or video that inspires someone to keep going, to believe in something greater than themselves, or to simply feel seen, now is a time to do so. This school year, I’m not just learning to shoot scenes, I’m learning to share light in a world that desperately needs it. Seeing people have hope and light in their eyes again motivates me to spread a message of hope!
Sincerely, Joanne