Suicidal thoughts have been something that my mother has struggled with. I believe that sometimes the scariest aspect of life that one can face is themselves. However, my mother has overcome these challenges now I will be sharing her story. My mother grew up as the caretaker of her household. My grandmother was always working and so she left my mom in charge most of the time. As one could imagine, this put a lot of strain on my mother and so, eventually she started to spiral. The day that everything changed however was when a group of girls purposely locked my mother in a closet and while doing so, caused one of the storage units to collapse onto her. She was hospitalized for 6 months and had to relearn her basic functions. It was this that changed her childhood for the worse and led her to an even more strenuous adulthood. My mother and father never really got along, even when I was first conceived, and so my mom had to grasp the possibility of raising me on her own. I believe that it was this pressure that led her to explore drugs. It was at its worst when I was about three years old, so bad in fact that my mother was arrested. As terrible as it sounds, when I think about my first memory as a kid, I can only think of how scared I was at that moment. My father had gotten custody of me, and even when she was released from jail, all I remember when visiting my mother back then was her crying. This was because she knew she was going to lose me, due to her drug use and the environment she was putting me in. She did lose me in the end, and incident after incident, she had less and less time with me. COVID 19 however, was when she hit an all-time low. I hadn't seen her for a year now because she had no car to pick me up in and no house to take me to. Mind you she now had another son to look after as well. She and my brother were in and out of motels that whole year and my mom told me she felt like she was running out of options. So she called a homeless shelter she told me, and begged them for a spot. The lady on the phone was rude and dismissive, and told her, my mother, that she couldn't be helped. At that moment my mom was standing on top of a bridge, walking to get away from everything. She told me verbatim, "At that moment I was about to jump. I stood on the edge and braced myself, I had no reason to live anymore. I had failed as a mother and I knew you guys would hate me." Luckily by some miracle, a person stopped to help my mother and got her to safety. Later that year my mom and I reunited and she told me her story. I explained to my mom that I never thought she was a failure, and I acknowledged how hard her life had been. I thank God every day that she didn't jump because if she did, I would have never seen my mother again. I would have never seen her earn her new apartment, finally get off the drugs, or become the mother I knew deep down she could be. Suicide is something that takes so many things from people, and I'm that it hasn't taken anything away from me.

As a high school student, I believe that each individual possesses unique qualities and abilities that can positively impact the world. While we may not know our exact path just yet, we can start by exploring our passions, talents, and values. In this essay, I will discuss the unique contribution I aspire to offer to make a difference. I would like to make a lasting impact on society through my creative abilities. Art and creativity have always been my passion, and I believe they have the power to inspire, empower, and bring people together. Whether it's through painting, music, or writing, I want to use my creativity to shed light on important social issues and ignite positive change. By sharing my unique perspective and ideas, I hope to move people emotionally and encourage critical thinking. I am also passionate about environmental preservation and sustainability. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and I believe that every individual can play a role in making a difference. By promoting awareness and encouraging sustainable practices within my community, such as recycling, reducing waste, and advocating for renewable energy, I aim to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. In conclusion, as a high school student, I am eager to explore opportunities that allow me to make a unique contribution to the world. Through my creativity, environmental consciousness, educational initiatives, mental health advocacy, and promoting inclusivity, I hope to inspire positive change and make a lasting impact.

Nestled within the enchanting world of Harry Potter lies Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, an institution renowned for its house system. Each student entering Hogwarts takes part in the Sorting Ceremony, in which they are placed into one of four esteemed houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Today, I proudly present my case as to why I would be a perfect fit for Gryffindor House, exploring the traits associated with it and showcasing how my own qualities align harmoniously with its core values. Courage: Possessing tremendous courage is often deemed a fundamental quality of Gryffindor House. One defining aspect of courage is the ability to confront fear, and throughout my life, I have embraced numerous situations that have required sheer bravery. Whether it was stepping on stage to deliver a speech, standing up for the marginalized, or facing personal adversity, I have consistently displayed unwavering determination and resilience. These experiences have strengthened my character and reinforced the idea that Gryffindor House looks for individuals who possess the fortitude to face their fears and stand up for what is right. Chivalry: Gryffindor House is also synonymous with chivalry, encompassing noble and gallant behavior. My code of conduct in life has always been centered around treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy. I believe in championing the underprivileged, lending a supportive hand, and valuing the principles of fairness and justice. These qualities align seamlessly with the inherent nature of chivalry associated with Gryffindor House, illustrating my suitability for such an esteemed house. Ambition: While often attributed to other houses, Gryffindor values the ambition and drive to achieve greatness. In my pursuits, be it academics, extracurriculars, or personal hobbies, I set high expectations for myself. I strive to excel, aiming not only to fulfill my potential but also to make a significant impact in the world around me. This unwavering ambition, coupled with Gryffindor House's emphasis on determination and the pursuit of bold dreams, renders me an ideal match for this house. Fierce Loyalty: Loyalty to friends, family, and greater causes is an essential attribute associated with Gryffindor House. I am steadfast in my devotion, always standing by those I hold dear and remaining dedicated to the values I hold close. When faced with challenges, I find strength through the support of loved ones and strive to offer the same unwavering loyalty in return. The strong bonds I form with others, coupled with my deep-rooted sense of allegiance, align immaculately with Gryffindor's focus on camaraderie. In conclusion, the Sorting Hat's decision to place me in Gryffindor House would deem me a perfect fit for its esteemed ranks. My possession of courage, chivalry, ambition, and fierce loyalty underscores my compatibility with Gryffindor's core values. The opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that celebrates these qualities aligns seamlessly with the person I aspire to be. With Gryffindor House as my home, I eagerly anticipate the adventures and growth that await me as I embark on my journey at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Faith, whether it be in God or in any other belief system, can have a profound impact on an individual's life. In my case, my faith in God has been a source of comfort and guidance throughout my life. Any decision I make through the counseling of God has been a good one. Growing up, I faced many challenges, from family conflicts to academic struggles. However, my faith in God helped me persevere through these tough times. I found solace in prayer and in the promises of the Bible. The belief that there was a higher power who was watching over me gave me a sense of security and hope. Whenever I wanted to give up, I would go to God and ask for help and forgiveness. As I entered highschool and began thinking about my career, my faith continued to play a significant role in this aspect my life. It has helped me stay grounded and focused on my goals. The principles of honesty, integrity, and compassion that are integral to my faith have guided my decision-making in both my personal and school life. It has helped me finish those hard projects and study for those finals that seemed impossible. One of the ways that I think my faith will help me with my career is by providing me with a sense of purpose. I believe that the field I want to go into (health services) can make a positive difference in the world, and this motivates me to do my best every day. My faith will also give me the strength to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of challenges. Moreover, my faith has taught me the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. This will help me build strong relationships with my colleagues and clients, which in turn will contribute to my success in my career. It is all about respecting and loving others just as Jesus respected and loved us. When one realizes that everyone is equal, it makes dealing with conflict and obstacles a lot easier. In conclusion, my faith in God has been a guiding force in my life, providing me with comfort, guidance, and strength. I believe that it will continue to help me in my career by providing me with a sense of purpose, guiding my decision-making, and fostering positive relationships with those around me. This is how my faith has affected me throughout my life and how I believe it will affect me in the future through my career.