Meet the 2011 Point Scholars

Brandon Lee Markowitz
- from Sharon, Mass.
- pursuing a BA/BFA from Eugene Lang College and Parsons The New School of Design

How do you feel your Point Scholarship will change or help your future?
After graduating high school at the age of eighteen, I was disowned by my birth family as a result of my sexuality. Receiving a Point scholarship will enable me to go to college so that I can make a difference in the lives of LGBT youth. It will give me the opportunity to strengthen my skills and tools in order to make a difference. Further, having a Point mentor in psychology, who works with LGBT youth and victims of abuse, will help prepare me for the obstacles I will face in the field and in the community. Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Being a Point Scholar will help me to continue to be the change I want to see in the world.

In conjunction with Point, how do you wish to make difference in the LGBT community?
I am proud of who I am, and I want other LGBT youth to be able to grow up proud of who they are as well. I am majoring in psychology and photography. I look forward to working with LGBT youth who are victims of homophobia and abuse and, I look forward to working for the eradication of these two social ills. Engaging in community service will give me more opportunities to help LGBT youth who are struggling now. I hope that sharing my story will help give hope to other LGBT youth across the nation.