Little Girl,Big Apple, and even BIGGER dreams

My name is Dominique Swift and I am a senior at Central High School in Philadelphia (class of 278)! I am writing to ask you to support me and my dreams of attending NYU. I plan to major in communications and advertising to explore the relationship between media and identity. My passion is to create art that echoes the beauty of black women, inside and out. To show through my paint the strength in delicacy, and to illustrate how completely feminine it is to be opinionated and authoritative. When I was younger, I needed to gaze upon the qualities of the women that shared my same hue. I longed to explore images of black women that could be admired, respected, and ultimately implemented in my daily stride. Sadly, I didn’t readily see that being illuminated on the world stage. The lack of this beautiful portrait made me seek her in all walks of life. This desire drove me to search for her in all sectors. I aspire to ultimately be her...through my art and work. In 2017 I painted my first jacket. I illustrated a black queen whose mouth was bound by tape that read “No Negativity”. She was the picture I wanted to personify, she had the attitude that I wanted all of us to have; to view ourselves as worthy and speak nothing less. The reaction I received from my painting was beautiful, and it felt needed by us all.  If blessed with your investment I would be closer to attending my dream college without monetary obstacles, closer to pursuing my passion and broadening my knowledge with a degree to have me equipped to walk in my purpose.