Help me go to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy

Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted people,

My name is Anna Patricia Laviña, a 23-year-old from the Philippines. I've always enjoyed singing and performing on stage but I never really considered it to be something that I want to pursue in life. Coming from a third-world country, I was expected to get a "real degree" that would help me land a high-paying job. Because of this, practicing the arts is something that I can only do as a hobby. I got into the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and took up Sociology thinking that it would provide me that perfect formula for a successful future. I was too young and naive back then thinking that it would be that easy. I found comfort in joining the official university choir, the UPLB Choral Ensemble, and sang as a mezzo soprano for six years, competing and performing in various local and international venues.

Come 2018, I was already burned out and want nothing more but to sing my heart out. I was without direction and I can't make sense of my reality back then. I remember thinking, "If this is the path to becoming successful, why am I not looking forward to what's waiting for me at the end of the road?" That was when I decided to strike out on another path to understand and re-discover myself. I began to take workshops in Musical Theatre and auditioned in various engagements. I fell in love with it. I knew that that was what I wanted to do, whether it's performing, backstage work, or teaching music.

I auditioned with the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) thinking that it could aid me in the decision to finally pursue the arts as my career. Fortunately, I received word that I qualified for the Annual AMDA Scholarship at the New York campus! I learned that only one in five gets accepted into this prestigious institution; for that, I am very grateful and honored. After many sleepless nights filled with overthinking and tears, I decided to let go of my university degree to pursue my dreams.

Now, I am asking for your help to assist me in funding my first year of schooling with AMDA just so it could give me enough time to settle down, find additional grants and financial aid for the rest of my stay.

I would be very very grateful for your help and donations. Any form of support would make a huge difference and would be greatly appreciated.

Anna Patricia Laviña