Application Letter: Appalachian State University

Dear Appalachian State Admissions Office, 

I am writing to you because as a future graphic designer, I believe that your graphic design program will help me reach my full potential. I have always been a creative and artistically driven person. I love getting to make art and exploring my emotions through my work. My artwork has helped me through many struggles, both big and small. The last few years have been quite hard for me mentally, physically, and academically, but I would not be the person I am today without the struggles I have endured. In the last couple of years, I have grown so much as a person and would be lying if I told you that I was not immensely proud of myself. 

When I was in high school, I thought I wasn’t going to graduate due to my mental health struggles. I struggle with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I proved myself wrong by persevering and was able to graduate high school early in February of 2020. Later that year, I was accepted to The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) to study Fashion Design and Merchandising. 

I would not have been able to make this great achievement if it was not for my art. In fact, my graduation project explored the benefits of art and design. I have always been enamored by the impact that art can have on one's life. What it is that the world is truly at your fingertips and it gives you the power to express yourself in a way that you never could have otherwise. Art has always been my way of communicating what I couldn't express in words. I found power in the ability to convey to a large audience my message or emotion. When I decided to go to college, I decided to go into fashion design because at the time I thought that would be the best major to express myself through my art. 

That summer before the start of the school year the COVID-19 Pandemic had swept the nation causing a lot of chaos and confusion for many people. That year I had planned to go in person but ended up having to go online because I had to help my mother, who recently lost her job, pay the bills. I noticed that these issues made it almost impossible to reach my full potential during online classes. 

The roadblocks that I faced while attending UNCG made me feel unworthy of pursuing higher education, due to the lack of resources I was offered. With the weight of paying bills, while pursuing my education, I decided to take a semester off to figure things out. I didn't know whether I wanted to continue to attend UNCG, or if I should pursue another path.

After my gap semester, I had decided to attend Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). My first semester at CPCC was tough, yet I persevered and ended my first semester with a B average. Although I was proud of my improvements, I knew I could do better the following semester. I am already doing much better and currently have all A’s and B’s in all my classes this spring. 

My time at CPCC gave me the time to reflect on myself, as well as the time to talk to counselors to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I told them that I wanted to make a positive impact with my art. I wanted to be able to influence people and to become an expert in communicating through design. Although they gave me many options, it was not until one counselor really showed me about the possibilities of graphic design. It was then that I knew that I had found the perfect major and life path for myself. It checked all the boxes that I knew I wanted in my career. I knew it would help me be able to express myself and to truly have the positive impact that I wanted.

This past year has been critical for my personal growth. I have learned how to navigate my mental health and learning disability. My mental health struggles and my learning disability do not define me, but rather make me stronger. While working through these issues I have become more confident. I have found my true calling in graphic design, where I can express myself and communicate through my art. I would love to go study graphic design at Appalachian State University, because I know that the school holds great opportunities for students like myself. I can say with certainty that I would be a terrific fit for your school, and would be more than happy to attend Appalachian State University. 

Sincerely.