From the age of 5 after witnessing my first music video highlighting dancers, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. As this unfocused adolesent, I instantly became captivated by the incredible story these dancers illustrated solely with their body. I found my first love, hip hop. From that moment, no one could stop me from moving. Having parents who immigrated from Honduras for their children to have more opportunities in a safer environment, a dance career wasn't exactly what they thought I should do. Even more, due to our financial instability, classes weren't an option. I wanted to branch out and learn as much as I could with what I was given and so I auditioned and got into Brooklyn High School of the Arts as a dance major. I was also blessed enough to be apart of artistic after school programs such as El Puente and even get a scholarship to attend Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts. In 2013 I auditioned to be apart of a new hip hop compeition dance team Dreams In Motion, created by Lisa Aronowitz, that competes in the Tristate area. For 2 years I was captain. Even though I wasn't financially fortunate to receive training outside of my highschool and, in all reality, only having less than 2 true years of ballet, I got into my dream school as a dance major. It was amazing news however, the tuition is very grand and my parents can't afford the cost. Years ago I never thought I'd be able to be enrolled and attend college and now that I have my chance I won't let anything stop me. I would be so appreciative to any and all types of help even if it's just support. My name is Elisabeth Ochoa, but everyone calls me Lizz. Thank you so much for reading my story and thank you so much for any contributions you have to help me become an Adelphi Panther and reach my dreams :)

#GFMScholarship thank you for the opportunity for college students such as myself to receive a grant for tuition. Although I was accepted to Adelphi university it hasn't been an easy path. Due to this high tuition and not wanting to add stress onto my parents who are 50+ in age, also with one of my parents is on disability and we are low income, I considered not going because I can't afford it but with the donation from all these people who believed in me and my passion for my craft, I had the drive to show that I have worked hard and I made it. I want people out there who are going for a tough and competitive career choice with a limited financial situation to know that it is possible for dreams to come true. I'm a Honduran 18 year old who grew up in a Bushwick that had not been gentrified yet. I didn't have the training that a lot of dance majors have at my age because my parents couldn't afford it however I don't feel shameful, but rather grateful that I got to be where I am today. I taught multiple classes on my own as a volunteer at dance places where I attended starting when I was 13 at an afterschool program called "Beacon Arts and Leadership" to being a dance teacher assistant and guest choreography for El Puente Bushwick and the competition dance team I was apart of Dreams In Motion. I want to continue going to college getting my education while becoming stronger in what I want to do. I want to make the same impact that was made on me when I was 5 years old and with the help from this grant I can continue on that journey, getting my degree, training and make that ultimate dream come true.
Thank you for reading 
#GFMScholarship