Meet Nessaja S.: A 2021 Brown Girls Do® Inc College Scholarship Winner
Nessaja, 18, is the second recipient of the 2021 Brown Girls Do® Inc College Scholarship. Originally from Houston, TX, Nessaja started dancing when she was 7. “I like to train in any different style really. I’m really open to doing new things, but when I dance professionally, I want to do contemporary ballet,” she said.
Related: Meet Kylah H.: A 2021 Brown Girls Do® Inc College Scholarship Winner
Photo and Article Cover Photo: Nessaja S.; shot by Keda Sharber
Nessaja has been a Brown Ballerina Ambassador since 2016, so she’s known about the scholarship for quite some time. “Getting this one helped me so much,” she said. She applied for the scholarship to help lower her out-of-state tuition costs. “I know that it’s scary and it gets a little nerve wracking,” she said, reflecting on the processes of applying for colleges and scholarships. “It’s definitely worth it to at least reach out.”
Related: Applying for College Scholarships with Brown Ballerina Ambassador Morgan Cruise
Nessaja is a freshman at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, where she is majoring in Dance Studies. “Even though I’ve only been here for 4 weeks, the way that I’ve danced has changed significantly for the better. This is such an important experience in my opinion, and I feel like doing whatever you can to help yourself get there is definitely important.”
Nessaja is also interested in photography and videography, a hobby inspired by her mom, who is a photographer. After college, Nessaja wants to join a professional dance company that allows her to travel the world.
Follow Nessaja’s dance journey on Instagram!
The annual Brown Girls Do®Inc College Scholarship is awarded to full-time college undergraduate students across any field of study. You don’t have to be a dancer to apply for this scholarship, and although everyone is encouraged to apply, priority will be given to a first-generation student in college who demonstrates financial need. The application window typically opens each May, and winners are typically announced each August.
Visit our scholarships page to learn about all of our scholarships and grants today!