Hello everybody! My name is Austyn Ayala. I'm a singer from Sacramento, California, and I was recently accepted into the California State Summer School for the Arts. CSSSA is a month-long residential intensive program at CalArts for students all across California to hone their skills with professionals and collaborate with other passionate artists in their field. Around 1500 students apply, around 500 are accepted, and only about 70-80 students are accepted to the music department. Unfortunately, with all this opportunity comes a hefty price tag, and I was offered zero financial aid, likely due to significant financial cuts around the arts recently. This is the only time I will be able to attend the program, and it's an opportunity that will be very beneficial for my career, which I hope to build as a musician. For the past 4 years, I have dedicated myself to music, hoping for an opportunity like this, and I hope you can help me get there. Thank you very much!