Chappell Roan's music has deeply resonated with me, especially as a queer teen navigating my identity. I first realized I was "different" in 5th grade, but at the time, I didn't even know "coming out" was a thing. When I casually mentioned to my mom that I had a crush on a girl, she told me I was too young to understand how I felt and advised me not to tell my friends or the girl. She said that most kids my age weren't "like me." It was confusing and isolating, but as I grew older, I began to accept who I was. By 8th grade, I became more comfortable with my identity, and open about it with friends. It's still hard sometimes though but I know there's people like me who understand. Chappell's music, with its raw, unapologetic expression of queer experiences, has been a reminder that it's okay to embrace my truth. Her songs have been a source of comfort and validation for me, as they speak to the struggles, joys, and complexities of being queer. I support her career because she is a voice for the LGBTQ+ community, and her music has helped me feel seen and heard in a world that often doesn't fully understand or accept us.

I never expected that a children's movie I grew up with would help make sense of my future, but the 2011, "The Muppets" did just that. An unusual and unexpected movie to inspire one's college journey, but for me, its themes of belonging, self-discovery, and purpose perfectly captures why higher education is something I strive for. In the movie, the song "Man or Muppet" highlights Walter's struggle to understand who he truly is and where he belongs. That feeling of uncertainty is one I know well. I've spent so long caught between worlds, not quite fitting in with those around me but knowing I have something meaningful to offer. Not knowing the answer doesn't mean I won't find it. Like him I know I'll find where I belong. Like Walter, the main character in "The Muppets", I've often felt a lack of belonging. It seems that wherever I look, there's a disconnect for one reason or another. It's not that I struggle to interact with others; I work well in groups, hold conversations, and adjust to different social settings well. But these conversations rarely go beyond those surface-level interactions. At school, it's hard to find common interests that will create deeper relationships. At work, I work well with my coworkers, but being the youngest, there's a gap in experiences and perspectives. I don't feel excluded because there's no lack of trying on either end. I just feel out of place, like I haven't found my people yet. Just like Walter wonders if he belongs in the human world or the Muppet world. That's why college is so important to me. To connect with people who have the same ambitions and passions. Kermit's words, "Just because you haven't found your talent yet doesn't mean you don't have one," resonates deeply with me. Through most of the movie Walter is stuck admiring the Muppets but wondering if he really is one. That uncertainty mirrors how I view my future. I know I want to make a difference through forensic psychology, but I haven't had many opportunities to explore it in depth. In the end Walter finds belonging among the Muppets, I know higher education is my chance to find that belonging and grow into the person I'm meant to be. Beyond just finding my own place I also want to use my education to help those who feel lost just like I once did. In "The Muppets" Kermit is hesitant to bring the group together because he doubts, they can still make an impact. By the end they realize that though times have changed, the Muppets are still needed. The idea that no matter how lost we may feel at times, we still have something valuable to offer sticks with me. Forensic psychology isn't just about studying criminal behaviors. It's about understanding peoples struggles and how to help them. Like Kermit and Walter, I want to make a difference even if I don't have all the answers yet. I want to help others find belonging just as I hope to find my own. "The Muppets" isn't just a fun children's movie it's a movie about finding where you belong which is what I hope to do through college. Walter finally embraces who he is, realizing he doesn't have to be between two worlds, he just has to be himself. That's what my future shows, somewhere I won't feel out of place. Where I can embrace my passions and grow into the person, I know I'm capable of becoming. Like Walter, I'm ready to take that step to find where I belong.

Throughout my academic journey, I've faced numerous challenges that have shaped my determination to succeed. One of the significant hurdles has been the struggle with certain subjects, particularly math and science. While these subjects proved difficult and often left me feeling down about my academic abilities, it was through these challenges that I discovered my true passion: psychology. In contrast, I excelled in English and history, subjects where I could engage with content creatively and analytically. Reading literature and diving into historical events allowed me to connect with the material in meaningful ways. My success in these areas gave me confidence and reinforced my belief that I have strong intellectual capabilities, even if math and science were not my strongest suits. During my first psychology class, everything just clicked. The concepts fascinated me, and I found myself genuinely interested in the material. This experience was transformative, as it showed me that my struggles in other areas did not define my capabilities. Psychology became a subject where I felt confident and motivated, and it ignited a desire to delve deeper into understanding the human mind. As I prepare for college, I'm filled with excitement and a sense of hope. College represents a fresh start, a place where I can focus on my strengths and develop my interests further. I'm eager to dive deeper into psychology, explore various subfields, and participate in research opportunities. The prospect of studying a subject I'm passionate about and meeting like-minded individuals is incredibly motivating. Despite my excitement, I can't help but feel frustrated and anxious about my GPA. My struggles in math and science have brought down my overall academic performance, making me worry about my college applications. It's disheartening to think that my difficulties in these areas could potentially hinder my chances of pursuing my passion. However, I refuse to let this setback deter me. Instead, I plan to focus on my strengths and leverage my experiences to demonstrate my resilience and determination. In college, I intend to make the most of this new chapter by taking proactive steps to ensure my success. I will seek out resources such as tutoring and academic support services to help me overcome any challenges that arise. Additionally, I plan to engage with my professors and peers, participate in study groups, and take advantage of any opportunities for extra credit or enrichment. Moreover, I will make an effort to balance my academic pursuits with extracurricular activities that align with my interests. Joining psychology clubs, attending seminars, and participating in volunteer work related to mental health will not only enhance my learning experience but also allow me to build a network of supportive and like-minded individuals. In conclusion, while high school may not have been my strongest season, it has shaped my determination to succeed in college. My struggles in math and science have taught me resilience and the importance of focusing on my strengths. My passion for psychology, combined with my proficiency in English and history, has given me a new sense of purpose and excitement for the future. I am ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that college will bring, and I am determined to make the most of this fresh start.