Jane Eyre, often considered the first feminist novel, is my favorite classical book. There are many modern novels that I love, but Jane Eyre is one of my top picks among all varieties of fiction. As an avid reader and traditionally published author, Jane Eyre has many aspects that interest me. One of my favorite parts of the book is Mr.Rochester. He is the romantic lead, and Jane’s employer. Rochester is a traditional Byronic hero. He is dark, romantic, and burdened by a heavy past. While there is no doubt that Rochester has toxic traits, he attempts to control them in order to be a good man for Jane. There is something especially romantic about a morally gray character who is only good for the woman he is in love with. Byronic heroes are my favorite type of character, partly because of Rochester. In my fourth novel, Scarlet Whispers, Albert, one of the romantic leads, is also a Byronic hero. Jane Eyre gave me a love for dark, romantic figures, helping me to become a better writer and author. For that reason, Jane Eyre will always be special to me. Now, I write some sort of Byronic hero into each of my novels, sometimes as the romantic lead and other times as a side character. I can barely imagine a book without a Rochester-like figure. Jane Eyre influenced me in a powerful way by making me fall in love with a whole new type of character that I was unfamiliar with. Its influence over me will never end.

Rumi once said, “I know you’re tired but come, this is the way.” Perfectionism is something I have struggled with my entire life. It is very, very tiring. However, I have found a variety of coping strategies that have helped me through my depression, anxiety, and crippling perfectionism. These tools have saved my life. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I fell into a serious, life-altering depression. It was totally debilitating to the point that all I wanted to do was sleep. About the same time, I was also diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The symptoms from my illnesses magnified the depression that I was already experiencing. The amount of medicine I had to keep track of caused my anxiety to skyrocket. During that period of mental instability and loneliness, I began to write. I wrote as much as I possibly could, and the stories that I created – the relationships and romances that I dreamed up – saved my life. Writing was the one thing that kept me going, and it ended up changing me, and leading me to become who I am today. After many months of writing, and then marketing my work to many different publishers, I signed my first book contract at the age of sixteen. Today, I am a traditionally published, award-winning author with World Castle Publishing. I have four books, EverGreen, Moonlit Skies, Fallen Snow, and Scarlet Whispers, released to the public. I also have three more books completed to be released in the coming year. Writing has brought me out of my depression, and helped me become a whole new person, I not only understand myself better, but also know that I CAN accomplish great things. Therapy has also been an extremely helpful tool. While I still struggle with depression, anxiety, and perfectionism, I am learning to accept that not everything needs to be exceptional. I often think of the famous quote from the musical “Hamilton”, “He will never be satisfied”, when trying to cope with my never-ending need for success. My therapist and I are working through the reasons for this desire, and I have made some progress. Yoga has also been a very useful tool, enabling me to clear my mind. The combination of spiritual and physical exercise creates a special environment where I can meditate without stress. Healthy eating, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, has also helped put my body back on track. These are all very simple tools, but extremely useful. Of course, medication is also helpful. I am not one to advocate for unnecessary pills, but they can be a good resource. For me, medication is necessary to help keep my anxiety under control. When I have a clear head, I am able to have a happier life. Medication is not the best tool for everyone. But for me, it has been a life saver. Balancing my brain chemistry has helped not only my mental health, but also my overall quality of life. It has enabled me to leave the house, try new things, and realize new dreams. Without the combination of many helpful “tools”, I would have never been able to finish high school with a 4.2 GPA, become an author, and work towards contentment. I may never fully overcome my mental health struggles, but that is okay. In many ways, they are a part of who I am. I would not be the same person I am today if I had never dealt with depression and anxiety. They are certainly not a gift, but a struggle I have learned to manage.

“A War On Two Fronts” Thomas Edison once said, “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to just try one more time.” Living with Hashimoto’s Disease and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) has certainly made accomplishing my goals more difficult. The constant chronic fatigue, pain, swelling, headaches, and brain fog accompanying these conditions makes certain moments hard to move past. At times, my body becomes so worn down from fighting that it hurts to breathe, move, or even lift my head. Those moments, days, or even weeks, are the hardest. Still, I am determined not to let Hashimoto’s Disease and PCOS control me. On some days, I may have to work much harder than others to complete simple tasks, but I will never give up. When I was sixteen, shortly after I had finally been officially diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease, I signed a contract for my debut novel. My first book, "EverGreen", was released in 2021. Today, I am a traditionally published, award-winning author with four books released to the public. By relentlessly pursuing my passion for writing, I turned my struggles into strength. I proved to myself and the world that a woman with multiple chronic illnesses can still accomplish her dreams. Even so, my struggles with Hashimoto's Disease and PCOS will never end. As a teenage girl, I have always been very self-conscious about my body. Like many women with autoimmune disorders, I have insulin resistance, causing me to gain weight through no fault of my own. In a period of just a few months, right before I wrote my first novel, I gained about forty pounds. At the time, I had never heard of Hashimoto's Disease, and certainly never guessed that I would have PCOS. I did not know what was causing my symptoms and I resented my body. I started eating only one or two meals a day, because I was convinced that it was my fault that I was gaining weight. After I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease and PCOS, my challenges did not become any lighter. I realized just how judgmental people – and doctors – can be. In fact, one endocrinologist blamed me directly for my weight gain. That doctor’s appointment was one of the worst experiences of my life. Even with the challenges of all the physical symptoms, dealing with my resulting mental health struggles has been the hardest part of my journey. Only recently did I come to understand that my depression (as a result of my weight gain) had caused me to develop an eating disorder. This was further aggravated by the fact that my boyfriend at the time urged me to eat less, because I was getting “fat” and might start to weigh more than him. As a sixteen-year-old girl, that was crippling. Today, I still struggle with my mental health, but I am learning to accept my body. I have learned that physical appearances do not define a person, or what they are able to accomplish. In spite of Hashimoto's Disease and PCOS, I have chased my dreams. I am working on another novel, as well as preparing for college in the fall. I will be majoring in political science and history with plans to attend law school. One day, I plan to fight for human rights on the world stage, and to advocate for mental health. My chronic illnesses have made me stronger, and will never stop me from achieving my goals. Following Thomas Edison’s advice, I will always “try one more time” until I accomplish my dreams.

“The Man Who Saved Liberty and Justice For All” “The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just, it shall not deter me.” - Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln is arguably the most influential political leader in the history of the world. In a time of great turmoil in the United States, he was able to bring the country back together, and do what was necessary (even though his actions were sometimes not Constitutionally sound) to protect human rights for all people. By saving America, he ended up saving the world. Lincoln’s personal life was filled with tragedies including losing his mother at the age of nine and later losing three of his own children before adulthood. He had every “excuse” to give up but he did not. He was a self made man full of brilliance, integrity, and determination. A son of largely illiterate parents, he worked to educate himself, become a lawyer, and eventually become the president that our country desperately needed. Without Lincoln’s leadership, the United States would likely have split into two countries after the Civil War. As two separate (and feuding) countries, America would not have become the major world power that could later help to bring an end to both World Wars. Without the United States remaining “united” under Lincoln, our entire world would undoubtedly look very different today. As President, Lincoln did what he knew was right. He defended freedom and justice for all people. He never abandoned his mission to end slavery, while also succeeding in reuniting the country. Abraham Lincoln could never have predicted the lasting effects of his decisions and leadership. His legacy affects each of us to this day and he deserves our lasting admiration.

Albert Einstein once said, "Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought." Like Einstein, I aspire to be creative in all that I do. Art – particularly the written word – is a huge part of my life. At sixteen-years-old, I signed my first book contract. My debut novel, “EverGreen”, was released in 2021. I am now a traditionally published author with three books published before graduating from high school and three more under contract to be released in the next year. My work as an author is, without a doubt, the best part of my life. I often say that I did not become a writer, but that I was born one. Creativity is not something I acquired – it flows from the core of my soul. I pour my thoughts, feelings, and emotions into my novels. They are much more than a collection of words scattered on pieces of paper, they are windows to my soul. Humans have the unique ability to create, and for me, doing so is my primary purpose. Writing is more natural to me than the act of breathing itself. Creativity, art, and color make life more enjoyable. Without them, existence would be monotonous, bland, and dry. Every person needs creativity in their life, whether through music, film, novels, paintings, or poetry. Writing is my outlet, my passion, and my joy. I do not just apply it to my life, it is my life.

Entrepreneur Elon Musk once said, "I think it is possible for ordinary people to choose to be extraordinary." This has certainly been true for me. Like Musk, I have Autism Spectrum Disorder, commonly known as Aspergers or ASD. Some people consider autism to be a negative word or crippling diagnosis, but I do not. Similar to many people with Aspergers, I am particularly gifted in one area. For me, my talents are in writing and storytelling. At just sixteen years old, I signed my first book contract and became a traditionally published author. Many people had told me this was impossible and that I would not be able to do it. There was a part of me that believed them, but I knew that if I allowed myself to accept the idea I would never be published, it just wouldn't happen. I did not give up and my dream came true, I learned that I am capable of extraordinary things! Learning that I am capable of accomplishing my dreams and being a successful author has had a huge impact on me. I no longer look at my autism as a negative. Yes, it does create some challenges, particularly in dealing with social situations, but I am able to see past that. My neurodivergent brain is what allows me to imagine and tell my stories. I think differently from most people, and that is okay! In fact, it is a good thing. Aspergers has helped me become who I am today. I do not wish I could eliminate my autism; I would not be the same person if I did. Learning what I am capable of doing has helped me to accept myself. I know that no matter what my future dreams may be, I am capable of accomplishing them.

Cicero, a historic Roman philosopher, scholar, and writer once said, “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” - I wholeheartedly agree ! As an avid reader and writer, books have been very important to me since I was young. My dream room is an old fashioned style personal library filled from floor to ceiling with books and the smell of old parchment. Books have provided a critical escape for me from the challenges of everyday life. “The Twilight Saga”, by Stefanie Meyer, stands out for the unique role it has played in my life. I read “The Twilight Saga” at a time when I was struggling to understand the world and find my place in it. The characters in this saga became almost real, like friends, to me. Through them I found comfort in knowing I was not alone to face life struggles. I learned valuable life lessons about relationships and morality. Inspired by these stories, I found confidence to reach for my own dream of becoming an author. I am now an award winning traditionally published author with three books published (“The Evergreen Trilogy”) and three more under contract BEFORE graduating from high school. I have discovered that I have an insatiable passion for writing. If I had not read “The Twilight Saga”, I may not have discovered my passion and become an author myself ! Meyer’s saga was inspiring both in terms of how I connected with and learned from her characters and what she inspired me to do in my own life. I hope that my books are as engaging and inspirational for others as Meyer’s have been for me!

Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” I dream of helping to make the world a better place through a legal career focused on human rights. I am passionate about this dream and committed to making it a reality. I have struggled with the challenges of autism since early childhood. For much of this time, I was undiagnosed but I knew I was “different”. I did not understand why school and making friends were so incredibly difficult for me. Many people around me assumed I was just shy; but in reality there was so much more hidden behind my quiet, anxious nature. I found daily life overwhelming. Functioning within the rigid structure of the one-size-fits-all public school system was excruciating. In middle school, I finally discovered how much I love learning and channeled my energy into academic success. Though the social aspects of school are still very challenging, I have learned to focus on my unique strengths – reading, writing, and history. I now recognize the gift of autism in the incredible strengths I possess and the things I can accomplish using those gifts. This fall, I will be attending Ashland University as an Ashbrook Scholar. The Ashbrook Scholar program is a nationally renowned rigorous undergraduate program focused on history, political science, and political economics. The Ashbrook education model states“Students are not talked down to, nor indoctrinated with ideology. Instead, they are welcomed into a great American conversation, where they can form their own understanding....... Through these documents (primary sources), students transcend contemporary biases and come into direct contact with the truths at the heart of the American story.” This unique model of education encourages students to learn HOW to think and not WHAT to think. I will be majoring in history and political science, while also studying Latin, economics, Shakespeare, foreign relations, religion, and philosophy. This will provide an excellent foundation for law school and I can not wait to begin my studies as part of the program! After I complete my undergraduate education, I plan to go to law school and focus on constitutional and international law. Eventually, I hope to work in foerign policy. One of my biggest dreams is that I may be able to help end the concentration camps in China. All over the world, people are being imprisoned and killed simply because of their genetics or religious beliefs. Many people believe that eugenics is no longer a problem in the modern world, but it is resurging in our culture. I hope to be able to fight this movement throughout the world by working with the State Department. Building on an undergraduate education through the Ashbrook Center, I know I can become a skilled lawyer. I will use my unique strength with both spoken and written words to drive change on human rights issues in our nation and the world. I am passionate about making Walt Disney’s words come true - I can dream of making a difference for good in the world , and with hard work, I can make it happen!

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Nature is loved by what is best in us.” As a young, teenage girl, I was surrounded by billboards and commercials trying to tell me what the definition of beauty was. They claimed that being paper-thin and ‘Barbie Doll perfect’ was the only way to be beautiful, and that being beautiful was the only way to be confident. The version of beauty that they portrayed was neither natural, nor healthy. The idolized models were underweight, photoshopped, and surgically altered. But as a 6th grade girl, I assumed that these models were only showing their natural bodies with minimal makeup. And because my body was not paper-thin and ‘Barbie Doll perfect’, I assumed that I was not beautiful. Today, I know the truth behind the beauty industry. Now, I only wear makeup for fun and because it makes me feel good. I know that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and that there is no one specific definition of what makes someone attractive. While I still struggle with self-confidence, I do not try to alter my body in order to please the beauty industry. Our most beautiful features come from nature, and makeup should be used to highlight them rather than replace them. Not everyone is meant to have the same body mass index (BMI), and it is perfectly okay that we all look different. Everyday is still a battle to accept and be confident in my body, but I will never forget that there are a million different types of natural beauty.

“Becoming a Butterfly” “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, he turned into a butterfly.” - Anonymous Proverb Depression is one of the most dangerous diseases in the world. It is deadly, inhibiting, and destructive to many who suffer from it. Depression brings out the darkest parts of a person’s psyche. Suddenly, all of your fears, doubts, and traumas are brought to the front of your mind, and seem to stay there no matter what you do. Depression is an illness in the same way that heart failure is a disease. It can be caused by many different reasons, yet never eliminated. Once depression has sunk itself into an individual’s mind, it really never leaves. There are many different aspects of my life that have contributed to my chronic depression. Throughout my life, the causes have varied. At one point, bullying and harassment were the most prevalent causes of my depression. At another, loneliness was the main aggravator. Today, the pain and frustration caused by other chronic illnesses, as well as stress about my future, are the main contributors to my depression. I suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Hashimoto’s Disease. These are both chronic conditions that have immense influence on my everyday life. Both contribute to adrenal fatigue, which makes almost any activity feel like running a marathon. I am exhausted, achy, bloated, and inflamed all the time. There is never a day when I can escape the physical results of my medical conditions. This pain and general frustration with my body has caused my depression to rise back up and at times overwhelm me. My struggles with depression have changed my outlook on life. I no longer judge people for being unable to complete every task. My depression has taught me that you can never know everything about a person. You do not know the physical or mental illnesses they may be struggling with. And even if you ask if someone is struggling, you are not entitled to an answer. Personal mental health is a very private thing that some people choose not to share. Choosing not to share their struggle does not mean it is not real. Because of my depression, I see the world in a different way. I know just how important a single compliment can be. A few kind words can make someone's day better. And one argument, conflict, or insult can cause depression to rise up. When interacting with a stranger you do not know, giving them a simple smile can make their day. If more people realized this, the world might be kinder. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 1 in 5 U.S. adults struggle with mental illness. If you interact with 20 people during the day, there is a decent chance that at least 4 of them are dealing with mental health struggles. In short, you can never predict what someone is dealing with. This is not to say there is no hope. I have struggled with depression and anxiety since I was 13. However, at 16 I signed my first book contract and became a traditionally published author. Just as a beautiful butterfly emerges from a cocoon, out of my hopelessness, my success story as an author was born. As a senior in high school, I now have three books published with three more already under contract. Despite struggling with my mental health, I have become successful doing something I love. I was suffering through one of my worst depressive episodes in 2020. Yet during that time, I completed my first novel, “EverGreen”. It was an inner battle, but I made it through. Mental illness makes everything harder, but not impossible. I used to hesitate when asked to discuss mental health. Now, I understand that it is important to acknowledge the struggle in order to break the stigma. My second book, “Moonlit Skies”, follows a character's struggle with depression. My third novel, “Fallen Snow”, depicts abuse and how it affects long-term mental health. Though my books are fictional and in the paranormal romance genre, they discuss real-life issues that help readers understand the world. My current project follows a character suffering from psychosis. There are very few young adult romance novels that approach this topic. However, it needs to be addressed. I include the truth about mental illness in my books so that readers can view the world through the eyes of characters who deal with issues like depression and anxiety. The more society accepts and acknowledges mental health, the sooner the stigma surrounding it will begin to melt away. I want to help others struggling with mental health to find their inner butterfly so the world can see them fly.

J.K. Rowling once said, “Depression is the most unpleasant thing I have ever experienced. . . . It is that absence of being able to envision that you will ever be cheerful again.” Over the course of my life, I have struggled with depression in many forms. But no matter whether it is caused by loneliness, brain chemistry, or pain / frustration from other health issues, the core aspect of depression will always be the same: hopelessness. Depression shapes your outlook on life. It is not something that can be isolated. It is a cycle of perpetual self-loathing in which you are sure that you will never be good enough and that life will never be fulfilling and meaningful. Depression is not a choice, it is an illness. Once you have lived with depression, you will never see the world in the same way again. It is impossible to look at a struggling person with judgment when you have faced the same challenges yourself. Suffering from depression makes you see the humanity in people.. A deep sense of loneliness often accompanies depression and I wholeheartedly believe that "The loneliest people are the kindest.” (Jellal Fernandes). Depression truly is the darkest pit a person can ever fall into. Perhaps the worst part is that it is always there. Chronic depression never disappears. Sometimes, all it takes is one argument, conflict, or loss to cause your fragile mental stability to come crashing down. One thing I have learned from my own struggles with depression is that you can never truly see what a person is going through. Outward appearances do not reflect inner health. Even if an individual is wealthy with a successful career, they may suffer from chronic depression. There is no shame in the struggle. Mental illness should be treated in the same way as any other physical ailment. I never want to shy away from talking about depression. I want to speak openly to bring awareness. Trying to disguise mental health struggles from the world gives them even more power. Breaking the silence helps deconstruct the stigma. For the longest time, I did not want to acknowledge my own depression. Now I know the science behind depression, I understand that it is a real medical condition. But I know there are still many people in the world who struggle with mental illness without understanding why or asking for help. If they are anything like me, they blame themselves for an illness that they did nothing to cause. I want to change our culture’s perception of depression, and make it so that mental health is recognized and valued. Everyone should take steps to maintain their mental health in the same way that we should all eat healthy foods to stay physically strong. I am a traditionally published author of young adult paranormal romance novels with three books released to the public and three more under contract. My second book, “Moonlit Skies”, follows a character who is struggling with depression. When outlining the plot, I pulled heavily from my own life. I want women and girls of all ages to read “Moonlit Skies” and gain a better understanding of depression and the real-life realities of mental illness. My third novel, “Fallen Snow”, details the long-term side effects of abuse on someone with fragile mental health. I have had several readers tell me how “Fallen Snow” opened their eyes to mental health struggles they had not previously thought much about. By incorporating mental health issues into my fictional writing, I hope to help destigmatize it within culture and society as a whole.

President John. F Kennedy once said, “Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” These are wise words! Trying to be like everyone else does not lead to happiness, you must be true to yourself to be content. In middle school, I struggled to fit in. In an effort to blend in, I tried to dress like everyone else even though I did not like the clothes. As a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD or Asperger's), imposter syndrome and imitation were a huge part of my life. As I wore clothes I did not like, I became increasingly unhappy and my self-confidence suffered. Today, I wear clothes that make me feel good. Instead of wearing tight, ripped jeans, I wear dresses and skirts that compliment my body type and make me comfortable. Rather than wear shirts that show my stomach, I wear layers that make me feel like I can breathe without exposing too much skin. While people at my high school may look at me strangely because I am the only student who dresses the way I do, it does not matter. I am confident in who I am. I now embrace my uniqueness. Finally accepting myself for who I am has brought peace to my life and allowed me to chase a dream of mine. At sixteen years old, I signed my first book contract and became a traditionally published author. Today, I have three books released to the public and three more under contract. If I had continued my efforts to simply fit in and be like everyone else, I would never have gained the confidence to reach for my dream at such a young age. Being true to one’s self is the key to both happiness and to accomplishing amazing things!

J.K. Rowling once said, “Depression is the most unpleasant thing I have ever experienced. . . . It is that absence of being able to envision that you will ever be cheerful again.” Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, my depression became overwhelming, monopolizing every aspect of my life. Though I still (and most likely always will) deal with mental health struggles, I am now in a much better place. One of the most effective tools in helping to pull me out of my depressive state was working with a high quality therapist. She helped me work through hidden trauma, learn more about myself, and develop coping strategies. For those with mental health struggles, the importance of a trusted therapist can not be overstated. Medication, while not something I would recommend to everyone, has also been very helpful for me. I am thankful for the medicines that help my hormones and brain chemistry to remain in harmony. It is imperative that the stigma associated with these medications be removed so that those who need them are comfortable asking for help. Another helpful practice is self-exploration. Based on personal experience, this can be very helpful. Choosing an art form such as writing, painting, or drawing to express one’s self can be very therapeutic. Self-reflection is also helpful. As one understands the history of their own personal mental illness, it is easier to form coping strategies. It is imperative that there be an increase in both public awareness and acceptance of mental health challenges so that appropriate resources are more readily accessible for those who need them. Healing must begin with acceptance of mental illness as a “real” disease meriting treatments unique to each affected individual. Therapy, medications, self-explorations, self-reflection, and self-care are all important parts of successful long term treatment.

Author Cassandra Clare once wrote, “Only the very weak-minded refuse to be influenced by literature.” I am passionate about literature and wholeheartedly agree with Clare’s sentiment. During elementary and middle school, I was consumed with reading, always having a book, or two, or three with me at all times. Within the pages of the endless books I read, I found characters I could connect with. Through these characters, I escaped into another world and let my mind relax. I learned valuable life lessons about relationships, ethical dilemmas, and the effect of one’s choices. My passion for books has now grown into something even more powerful. As a senior in high school, I not only read books, but also write them. At sixteen years old, I signed my first book contract and became a traditionally published author. I write young adult paranormal fantasy romance novels, the same types of books I love to read! Since signing the contract for my debut novel, ”EverGreen”, I have had two additional books published and have three more under contract. I absolutely love sharing my stories with the world, writing makes me feel alive ! Stefanie Meyer once said, “I always write things that entertain me, and one of the things that I find really enjoyable to explore is the idea of love.” I concur with Meyer and most of my writing has an element of love within the plot. Though romantic relationships are involved in my novels, my stories explore so much more. I write about friendship, mental health, eugenics, abuse, unplanned pregnancy, miscarriage, and many other challenging topics. I aim to not only tell stories that entertain, but also stories that make the reader think. Whether writing or reading, I will always have a book close by. Books are truly my passion!

Author, Scholar, and Thinker - mix these up and you get a very unique ME! I do not fit in a pre-made mold, I design my own! I intend to simultaneously pursue two career paths, as both a LAWYER and an AUTHOR. My most notable accomplishment and my dream come true during high school has been becoming a traditionally published author. I seized the opportunity of more time at home during the COVID pandemic to relentlessly work on my first novel. After the manuscript was complete, I independently queried dozens of potential agents and publishers until I found a perfect match for my work. After A LOT of hard work, I was offered and signed my first contract with World Castle Publishing when I was just sixteen. My first novel, "EverGreen", was released in March 2021. I will have three novels published BEFORE graduating from high school with three more under contract. As an author and a thinker, writing is part of my very essence. Though my books are fictional, they express truths about the world that have the potential to sway hearts and minds towards understanding of love, friendship, loyalty, and individuality. Though my stories are fictional, they incorporate challenging issues including the evils of eugenics and the importance of mental health. I want to use my books to go beyond simple entertainment but as a springboard for thought provoking growth for the reader. Writing makes me feel alive and will always be a part of my life. I plan to attend Ashland University located in Ashland, OH. Ashland University is home to The Ashbrook Center which provides a rigorous program of study in political science, history, and political economics. The center is nationally renowned for its unique and comprehensive approach to education based on the study of primary documents and "teaching people how to think, not what to think''. I had the opportunity to attend three intensive residential summer camps for high school students through the Ashbrook Center during the summer of 2021. This was truly a life changing experience solidifying my desire to eventually attend law school and pursue a career in the legal field. I am confident that I have found my path in life and that Ashland University should be my home away from home for the next four years. I have already been selected as a future Ashbrook Scholar and plan to double major in history and political science with minors in religion and international political studies. Books have been an important part of my life since I was very young. My favorite novels are young adult (YA) paranormal and fantasy romance books. Many people negatively judge this genre as immature and hollow, but I find that these books hold important truths. “Twilight” teaches about the value of mortality. “The Hunger Games” highlights the criticality of human rights, and “Vampire Academy” shows the importance of friendship. These books all had a significant impact on my life at a time when I was struggling to understand the world and find my place in it. The characters in these books became almost real to me. Inspired by the stories I immersed myself in, I found confidence to reach for my own dream of being an author. I now share my own stories in hopes that they offer similarly engaging, encouraging, and thought provoking plot lines for the reader. Through both my legal career and my creative writing, I want to change the world for the better. The Ashbrook Scholar program at Ashland University is the next step in my journey.

President John F. Kennedy once said, “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try”. As the world seemingly spun to a stop during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I suddenly had unplanned time at home. I took advantage of this time and decided to work towards my dream of becoming a published author. I quickly became engrossed in my writing and started treating it as a job, one I really enjoyed! I was DETERMINED to make the leap from avid reader, to avid writer and I committed to putting in the EFFORT to make this dream come true. I wrote each and every day, at specific times of the day. Questions such as "Can I really do this?", "Will anyone actually like my stories?", and "Am I crazy for trying this?" were significant mental hurdles to conquer. I did not relent in my efforts and after a couple "false starts", the story of my first novel, “EverGreen”, was born. After writing “EverGreen”, the arduous task of marketing my work to potential publishers began. This required independently learning about the publishing industry. I queried dozens of potential agents and publishers, preparing individualized submissions for each. Like any debut author, I received plenty of rejections. There were many moments when I was tempted to give up on my crazy dream, but I did not. After A LOT of hard work, I was offered and signed a contract with World Castle Publishing for my first novel when I was just sixteen! This was a dream come true because I was DETERMINED and relentlessly put forth the EFFORT to make it happen.. Since signing my first book contract, my writing career has exploded. I have had radio, TV, and newspaper interviews as well as multiple book signing events. I work tirelessly to promote my novels and have learned valuable skills not only about writing but about marketing and business. I will have three books published and three more under contract before I graduate from high school. DETERMINATION and EFFORT have also been crucial to my success in other areas of my life. I have enjoyed being a part of and leading my high school Speech and Debate team as Team Captain. Speech and Debate competitions require a tremendous amount of individual commitment and preparation. You have to practice, practice, and practice some more, with your only audience often being a mirror. I was DETERMINED to hone my public speaking skills so I put in the EFFORT. I have won awards in multiple event categories in local, state, and national tournaments. I also put a lot of EFFORT into my academic endeavors. I have a 4.2 GPA and have successfully completed many honors, advanced placement, and college classes. I will finish high school with over 40 hours of college credit. DETERMINATION and EFFORT can make dreams come true and the next dream I am pursuing is to be a part of the Ashbrook Scholar program at Ashland University. This is a nationally renowned program focused on history, political science, and economics. It will provide an excellent foundation for me as I plan to attend law school after completing my undergraduate studies. I take President Kenedy’s quote, “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try,” to heart. After law school, I would like to become a judge or work for the State Department in foreign policy. I am passionate about defending human rights, and aim to do so through my legal career. I am DETERMINED and committed to putting in the EFFORT to continue making my dreams come true.

Author, Actor, Singer, Scholar, and Thinker - mix these up and you get a very unique ME! I do not fit in a pre-made mold, I design my own! I intend to simultaneously pursue two career paths, as both a LAWYER and an AUTHOR. My decision to formally pursue a career in law was cemented after attending the Ashbrook Academy at Ashland University this past summer. The Ashbrook Center is nationally renowned for its rigorous program of study in political science, history, and political economics. My experience there was truly life changing! I went to the Academy uncertain of my path ahead in life but I left with incredible confidence knowing that I want to pursue a legal career and certain of my ability to succeed. In addition to my legal career, I plan to continue writing. I am a traditionally published author at World Castle Publishing, writing mainly young adult fantasy and paranormal romance books. I will have three books published and three more under contract before I graduate from high school. Writing makes me feel alive, and provides an outlet to share thought provoking stories with the world. Writing is part of my very essence; I will always have a new story to tell. Ashland University will help me harness my talents to pursue both of my career paths: LAWYER and AUTHOR. Not only will I be immersed in the study of America's most influential historical documents but I will also have the chance to study literature, Shakespeare, and Latin. I have already been selected as a future Ashbrook Scholar and am excited to begin my studies there. After I complete my undergraduate studies followed by law school, I will work to defend the rights of all citizens uniquely combining my passions for history, law, and writing.

James Madison, one of my favorite thinkers and presidents, once said, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” There are many world-wide problems, but the largest is ignorance – not from lack of education, but rather because it is the easier option. If more people took interest in the world around them and its intricate past, many of today’s tragedies would not be permitted to take place. Many people choose not to inform themselves about history, leading the past to repeat itself. This is why in the twenty-first century, there are still genocides, widespread discrimination, and rampant oppression in the world. Unfortunately, many people choose not to acknowledge these issues to prevent the need for action. In China, Uyghur Muslims are currently being placed in concentration camps and forcibly sterilized. In Afghanistan, women live in fear of sexual harassment, due to their sexist regime. And in North Korea, anyone who speaks against the government is imprisoned or killed. All of these situations continue to develop due to the voluntary ignorance of much of the world’s population. The only way to solve the issue of ignorance is through personal motivation. Individuals need to want to know what is happening in the world. In the absence of knowledge and a concerted defense of human rights, terrible atrocities will persist. As a country, we must begin to place more value on knowledge and understanding of such things as natural law. We need to change our education system to teach about fundamental rights. By doing this, we will encourage the next generation to be informed. If we decrease the problem of ignorance – thereby increasing vigilance – we can stop many of the world's greatest atrocities.

"Secret Battles" Not all wars are fought with weapons. In fact, my war with Hashimoto's Disease and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is concealed within my own body. If a person were to only look at my outward appearance, they would have no knowledge of the daily war I fight. My constant, hidden struggle has taught me the value of motivation, determination, compassion, and perseverance. I have learned not to judge anyone by their outward appearance, as it does not reflect the truth about their body, character, or life. My challenges as an autoimmune chronic illness warrior have not defeated me but instead empowered me to become a better person. I am a stronger, more confident, and more determined person because of the challenges I have faced. I know that I can overcome and succeed in my dreams no matter what life throws my way. Rosa Parks once said, “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear, knowing what must be done does away with fear.” This describes life as an autoimmune chronic illness warrior. Though my body battles with me every day, I have made up my mind not to give up. I am motivated by my passions, in particular writing. When I was sixteen, I wrote and signed a contract for my first book. My first novel, "EverGreen", was released in 2021. As a junior in high school, I became a traditionally published author. I will have three books released before I graduate from high school! By relentlessly pursuing my passion, I turned my struggle into strength. I proved to myself and the world that a woman with multiple chronic illnesses, and symptoms such as adrenal fatigue and insulin resistance, can accomplish powerful things - I am more than just my autoimmune disorders. As a teenage girl, I am very self-conscious about my body weight. But like many women with autoimmune disorders, I have insulin resistance causing me to struggle with my weight. In a period of just a few months, I gained about forty pounds. The reality of not only dealing with the pain of Hashimoto's Disease and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, but also my fractured body-image was challenging. I realized just how judgmental people – and doctors – can be. Humans tend to judge others by their outward appearance. Our culture makes assumptions about people based on their weight. Since I am unable to lose the weight I gained as a result of my chronic illnesses, this has been particularly challenging for me. This change in my body caused me to spiral into depression, and I am still working to accept my body. I have learned that outward appearance does not reflect a person’s health, and certainly not their worth. Struggling with autoimmune chronic illnesses has helped reshape how I view the world. My respect for self-motivation is utmost. I respect those who push through their struggles to fulfill their dreams. I have learned not to judge people by their physical appearance, as many of the challenges they face are not visible to others. I continue struggling with my illnesses, but have an unwavering determination to fight my way through. I will not let autoimmune war prevent me from accomplishing my dreams. Regardless of my health challenges, I will continue to pursue my career as an author, and also my goal of becoming a lawyer. Though I will fight this battle for the rest of my life, I will never surrender to the illnesses that plague my body. I am determined and motivated. I am an autoimmune chronic illness warrior.