My name is Margarita Petridou, I am 17 years old and I come from Greece. A few days ago, I was accepted to The Juilliard School in New York, one of the most prestigious and demanding music institutions in the world.

I was awarded a scholarship based on artistic merit and financial need, which fully covers my tuition and housing expenses, with a total scholarship coverage of 85%.

My place at Juilliard was earned through an exceptionally demanding and highly competitive international selection process, at one of the world’s leading music institutions, where only 6%–9% of applicants are accepted each year.

I have worked for this dream since I was 4 years old.

I made it this far.

Now I need your support in order to continue this journey.

I deeply believe that when a young person manages, through dedication, hard work, and excellence, to earn such a rare distinction at a global level, they deserve the opportunity to continue growing and representing their country internationally — especially when they represent a new generation of musicians filled with dreams, passion, love, and vision.

I feel profound honor, gratitude, and responsibility for this international distinction.

Music has been part of my life since I was only 6 months old. I grew up surrounded by dance, practice, and a deep love for music. To me, the viola is not simply a musical instrument — it is my voice, the way I express my emotions, communicate with the world, and dream about my future.

Behind this achievement lie countless hours of practice, competitions, auditions, anxiety, effort, and sacrifices. Throughout this journey, I have been honored to receive 11 gold medals, 4 honorary distinctions, and 2 major awards in national and international music competitions. My greatest dream is to continue growing musically, to raise my level even higher, and to pursue a solo career with the viola, the instrument I love so deeply. One day, I hope to inspire other young people as well, showing them that when you truly love something and work for it with dedication, even the greatest dreams can become reality.

My family has already completed my enrollment at Juilliard by paying the first required amount, despite the major financial difficulties we face. We are a family with three children studying music, as both of my siblings are also pursuing music studies abroad on scholarships. Throughout all these years, my parents have made enormous personal and financial sacrifices every single day so that we can follow our dreams.

Despite the generous scholarship I received, the remaining annual amount of $17,800 is still extremely difficult for my family to cover. This amount must be paid in two installments, in August and December.

I am asking for the opportunity to continue what I managed to earn through so much hard work, dedication, and love.

This campaign is managed by my father, as I am still a minor, and all funds raised will be used exclusively for my attendance at Juilliard and for the necessary educational and living expenses related to my studies.

Every contribution, no matter how small or large, means more to me than I can truly express in words. And even if someone is unable to support financially, sharing this effort is equally valuable to me.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart, because through your support you are giving strength and hope not only to my own dream, but also to an entire new generation of young people who struggle every day with dedication, hard work, and financial difficulties, keeping their dreams, excellence, and love for music alive because they believe they can go even further, even higher.

Your trust and support mean more to me than words can express, and I am deeply grateful that you are becoming part of this journey.

Thank you sincerely for every act of support and every share.