Hello! My name is Aaliyah White, and I am 17 years old. I am a senior at Mainland High School, where I am actively involved in the dance program. Dance has been a passion of mine since I could walk. It serves as a positive coping mechanism, a way to express my feelings, and a fun way to stay in shape.
I believe in the power of kindness and make it a point to greet everyone I meet at school. A simple "hello" can truly brighten someone's day. I enjoy engaging in conversations with my teachers, as they deserve that interaction, and I look forward to seeing them each day.
My favorite princess is Pocahontas. I admire how she stood up for what she believed in, proving that women can achieve just as much as men. One of my all-time favorite movies is "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson, which highlights the struggles faced by Black Americans and the resilience we have shown.
In the future, I aspire to become a therapist. My own experiences with therapy have helped me overcome many challenges, and I hope to give back by supporting others.
This holiday season, my wish is to have my school fees covered. I have been the dance captain for the Lady Bucs at Mainland High School for three years, a dream I’ve cherished since I first learned about the team. This year, we received an invitation to perform at the Sugar Bowl, but my family's financial situation made it difficult for us to afford the $1,800 cost. I want to showcase my talent and build connections that could lead to a professional dance career.
Since my sophomore year, I have been paying for my dance lessons on my own because I am dedicated to my craft, and I didn’t want to burden my mom, who is a single parent working hard to support my five siblings and me after leaving a long-term abusive relationship. As a result, we haven’t been able to celebrate holidays like other families.
Despite these challenges, I have taken on the responsibility of caring for my younger sister, which has made my senior year quite different from that of my peers. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my story, and I appreciate your support. Thank you!
