‘Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover’ - the reality for me is that I’m always judged by my ‘cover,’ or rather my color. I’m black and went to a predominantly white elementary school where I grew up with comments from classmates like I couldn’t be Luke Skywalker at Halloween because Luke is white. In middle school, I faced a different form of judgment. The black kids would say that I was ‘the whitest black kid they knew’ because of how I spoke and the honors classes I took. I found it difficult to fit in. One day I’d wear saggy jeans to look ‘more black’, another day I’d smile with my upper lip curled in so I didn’t look ‘too black.’ I struggled to find confidence in myself and never dreamed I could become a leader because leaders have a voice that empowers and inspires others and I just couldn’t find mine. Things changed in high school. I joined clubs like UNICEF and Falcons for Orphans which aim to make a difference in the world. I was accepted to participate in the ‘Empowering Humanity Conference’ at Harvard University. Hosted by their UNICEF club, students from around the world heard speakers and participated in group problem-solving projects. Working with a diverse community of like minded students, I no longer felt alone. I returned to school, eager to have a voice. I gained officer positions in my school’s FBLA chapter as Secretary and Vice President. I also joined the Best Buddies Program, which fosters relationships between neurodiverse/special needs students and neurotypical students, as Treasurer. These opportunities gave me the platform to raise awareness about important issues and to help create a sense of belonging for all in our school community. Besides using their voice to create change, a good leader is an attentive listener. I believe having open dialogue is the path to better understanding. I enrolled in electives like Current World Issues and Social Justice which focused on global issues and group discussions featuring different points of view. I know how important it is to understand the causes/effects of historical events. Those class discussions have been invaluable to me. Having knowledge of the past makes me an advocate for a better future. At a time when students are often apathetic and disenfranchised by politics, I joined the Political Awareness Club. Each meeting focuses on current events where we have small group debates/discussions. I’ve learned a lot from this discourse and understand it’s important to have difficult discussions in a way that people aren’t feeling attacked in order to have productive outcomes. A leader is an integral part of their community. They establish relationships and understand the needs of its residents. My family consistently volunteers together in our community. I’ve had a part-time job at the same local business since I was 14. I’m involved with a recreational league and have made a point to be active in my school community. My parents taught me to appreciate different family structures, cultures, religions, socio-economic backgrounds, etc… This upbringing paired with my extroverted personality allows me to make connections with peers, teachers, and coworkers. My plan is to study Architecture and serve on local planning boards in order to design spaces that are not only beautiful, functional, and environmentally conscious but are also fully accessible and inclusive to all members of the community. My life experiences helped mold me into the empathetic person of conviction I am today. I’m ready to continue my leadership journey in college and am confident that I will only grow as a true advocate for positive change.

Ever since I was little, I’ve been infatuated with sketching, designing, and building. I was the kid who would get a new LEGO set and build it once following the directions, then take it apart and use the pieces to design my own creations. I’ve also been sketching and drawing since I could hold a pencil. I would take time-lapse videos of my sketches and share them with friends and family. As I got older, I became obsessed with building in Minecraft and would design intricate towns. I could have played more popular games, but for me, I truly enjoyed building, creating, and problem-solving in what was for me a creative oasis. Whenever my family visits a new city, I’m awestruck by buildings and structures old and new. I am happiest exploring the details of the world around me and am constantly inspired to create spaces that not only fill a need, but are beautiful. It only seems fitting that I pursue a career in Architecture because it has become my passion and making a positive impact on the global community is my goal. Because I’ve been committed to pushing myself in school, I’ve had the good fortune to receive offers of acceptance to several well-respected Architecture programs. While in college, I plan to study abroad to gain an appreciation for different design styles as well as cultures. I hope to secure internship opportunities to broaden my experience beyond the classroom as well. When I enter the workforce, I’ll seek a position that will continue to develop my skills through collaborative projects with experienced professionals. My ultimate goal is to work with nonprofit organizations to design safe spaces like community centers, homeless shelters, and schools that support local and global communities. As an environmentally conscious person, I will focus on sustainable materials and design spaces that are in harmony with nature as often as possible. I also hope to serve on a local planning board to ensure new development is inclusive and accessible to foster a sense of belonging for all in the community. I truly believe that where I come from has led me to this profession. I was born in rural Ethiopia, Africa. The architecture of my birth country was not exactly anything to write home about. It was a one-room mud house with a straw roof where the few farm animals we had slept in the same space. There was no electricity or running water, clean water required miles of traveling. These memories give me a sense of humility and empathy for what billions of people around the world go home to and the adversity they face. I know not everyone lives in mud houses but from the slums in India to some of the worst projects in America, I realize that what the world needs is builders, engineers, problem solvers, and architects who are willing to give back. This is exactly my intention. I have a strong work ethic, a deep commitment to making a positive impact, and will do everything in my power to make these aspirations a reality. As a young black man looking to excel in a field where he is a minority as well as make his mark in the world, I feel that my educational goals will help me become a leader in my field and an inspiring voice in my community.

“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve.’ is my favorite quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It reminds me that giving back to others is one of the most impactful things I can do. I was adopted from Ethiopia as a toddler into a family who instilled the importance of showing compassion for others and a dedication to volunteerism in me. I remember as a child when my mother donated her kidney to a stranger, when we vacationed and volunteered as a family, and when we tended the community garden at our school each summer. I learned that volunteerism not only helps the community, it’s an enjoyable experience for me as well. I’m an honors student who is drawn to clubs like UNICEF and Falcons for Orphans. These groups educate others about those in need and raise funds to help. I participated in the ‘Empowering Humanity Conference’ at Harvard University. We heard experts from around the world share about the needs of our global community. I was able to work collaboratively with other students who are dedicated to making a positive impact for others. I’m an officer in Best Buddies which is a group that connects neuro-diverse and differently abled students with other students in order to foster a sense of belonging for all in our school. I am a regular volunteer with two local cat rescue organizations called Trenton Cats Rescue and Joyce’s Voice for Cats. Twice a month, I attend to cats waiting to be adopted. I clean their cages, help administer medications, give them fresh food and water, as well as socialize them. Sometimes potential adopters will visit and I’ll explain the adoption process. In addition to those volunteer hours, I assist with the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) of community cats and, along with the rest of my family, foster cats in our home. Each of these volunteer experiences have made a positive impact on the community. Harvard’s ‘Empowering Humanity Conference’ inspired me to become a leader in my school. My school is a more compassionate place because of the inclusive atmosphere fostered through Best Buddies where I serve proudly as an officer. Students are more likely to welcome students with special needs to sit with them at lunch, walk with them from class to class, and form genuine friendships because of the work of this club. Additionally, my time with UNICEF and Falcons for Orphans has educated students about the difficulties affecting people globally. This has helped develop more empathy for others within our school community and we’ve had success raising money for these organizations. The hours I’ve spent working with Trenton Cat Rescue and Joyce’s Voice for Cats have allowed stray animals to be cared for before they’re placed into homes. Because of the TNR projects and my family’s willingness to foster, our community is better able to manage local feral cat colonies. This creates a more harmonious relationship between the community and animals in need. Volunteerism is part of my DNA. I can’t imagine a time in my life when I won’t choose to participate in volunteer opportunities. One of my career goals is to earn a degree in Architecture and one day open my own firm. I hope to work with nonprofit organizations to create safe havens in local communities such as homeless shelters and community centers. I would also like to serve on community planning boards where I can use my skills to ensure that the development of public spaces is inclusive and accessible for all. For me, volunteerism isn’t considered a ‘side gig,’ it is an integral part of my life.

'Be the Change You Wish to See in the World' is one of my family's favorite quotes. I grew up surrounded by examples of compassion for others and a dedication to making a positive impact on the world. My parents adopted me from Ethiopia and my sister from China. My mother donated her kidney to a stranger. As a family, we've volunteered for a local cat rescue for over 10 years. Giving time twice a month, I clean cages and care for cats waiting to be adopted. I also help administer medications and socialize the cats. I've truly learned the importance of giving back to others. I’m an outgoing person with empathy for others. Being adopted from Ethiopia, I have a strong desire to give back to the global community. I’m drawn to community service organizations like UNICEF and our school’s Falcons for Orphan clubs because they spread a message of compassion for others while raising money to make a difference in peoples’ lives. I've looked for opportunities to be a leader. I applied for and was accepted to participate in the 'Empowering Humanity Conference' at Harvard University. We heard speakers from around the world and worked with like-minded students on community minded projects. I'm an officer in my school's Best Buddies program which connects special needs students with typically abled students in order to create a sense of belonging for everyone. I believe having open dialogue is the path to better understanding. In school, I enrolled in electives like Current World Issues and a Gifted Practicum called Utopia which focused on global issues and group discussions featuring different points of view. I know how important it is to understand the causes/effects of historical events. Those class discussions have been invaluable to me. Having knowledge of the past makes me a stronger advocate for a better future. At a time when students are often apathetic and disenfranchised by politics, I joined the Political Awareness Club. Each meeting focuses on current events where we have small group debates/discussions. I’ve learned a lot from this discourse. I know it’s important to have difficult discussions in a way that people aren’t feeling attacked in order to have productive outcomes. I'm looking forward to a class focused on Social Justice in the upcoming spring semester to continue learning how to advocate for meaningful changes in our society. These opportunities have taught me how to be a person people feel comfortable with and trust to engage in courageous conversations with. I’m excited to get involved in the college community, particularly those organizations where I can continue my quest to make a positive impact for others. Ultimately, my goal is to major in Architecture and use my skills to give back to communities, locally and around the world by focusing on working with nonprofits to renovate/design recreation centers, homeless shelters, schools, etc.. I plan to continue as a leader for positive change by working with local community planning boards where I can advocate for animal-centric designs that create spaces where workspaces live in harmony with nature, the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, and access for people of all backgrounds and abilities. As a dark skinned Ethiopian growing up in a predominantly white community. I'm encouraged by the activism and advocacy that has dominated discussions during my time in high school. My school district has increased their dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. There is a lot of work to be done, but I'm optimistic and committed to being part of positive change as I move on to the next chapter in my life.

I've learned the hard way that positive mental health is not only important, it can be the difference between life and death. As a dark-skinned, Ethiopian adoptee growing up in a predominately white community created an internal struggle that haunted me throughout my childhood and only got worse in my teenage years. In elementary school, a classmate told me I couldn't be Luke Skywalker for Halloween because I was black. In middle school, I would try to curl in my lips so they looked 'less African' one day and then wear saggy pants to look 'more black' the next to try and fit in. Those are just a few examples of experiences that fostered a daily battle inside me which came to a head in high school. As a freshman, I became increasingly obsessed with my body and what I perceived as its flaws. Even though I'm a pretty social guy, I withdrew from hanging out with friends. I couldn't even go the the mall because I was sure everyone, including strangers, were judging me. The only way I thought to solve this was to 'fix' my body which meant developing an unhealthy relationship with food. I basically starved myself one summer to try to get my body where I wanted it to be before the next school year began. When I was unhappy or viewed the results as unsuccessful, I began to cut myself as punishment. My life was spiraling into dark places fast and I needed help. I began to work with a psychologist who diagnosed me with BDD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder. He helped me work talk through what I was feeling. After making some positive progress with my attitude towards food and my self image, he challenged me to re-enter social situations. I also joined group therapy for teens with eating disorders which I got a lot out of. It has been a long road, and I'm not completely out of the woods yet, but I'm happier and healthier. I'm committed to doing the work to improve my mental health. Mental health is important because it affects so many aspects of our lives. It affects your relationships with friends and family, your ability to find success in work or school, and your ability to handle to ups and downs that life brings. People often hide their struggles due to the fear of negative stigma. In my case, I felt so isolated being a male who struggled with body image until I reached out for help and realized I wasn't alone. Promoting positive mental health practices and resources has become more mainstream which is much needed. Ultimately, mental wellness helps us be good to ourselves and to become positive contributors to our community. Maintaining mental wellness is important and I've found a few things that really work for me. Running is a great stress relief for me and I find that it also re-energizes me if I'm feeling down. I also love music so I'll treat myself to a few minutes with my headphones in when I need a break from homework. It was important for me to find a balance between school, my part-time job, and making time for friends. I also reach out to my parents, guidance counselor, and psychologist when I feel overwhelmed. I understand that maintaining mental wellness shouldn't be an afterthought. I'm grateful to have the tools to help myself and have become confident enough with myself to encourage friends to also seek help when they're struggling. All of these experiences and lessons I've learned about mental health has definitely shaped how I see my future. While I've always accepted people for who they are and find a way to appreciate each individual's life journey, I do try to surround myself with people who share my positive attitude, strong work ethic, and drive for a happy, healthy life. I definitely foster those relationships where I feel accepted and supported knowing how these connections contribute to my mental health. Additionally, I realize the importance of choosing a career that not only provides for daily needs in life, but also taps into passions that ultimately make me happy. My goal is to become an architect and work with companies who appreciate animal-centric designs that create harmony with nature. I plan to incorporate sustainable, eco-friendly materials in these spaces. Working on projects such as these will contribute positively to my mental health because they integrate my passion for veganism and environmentally conscious living. I'm dedicated to finding a way to make a positive impact on the global community because it fills my mind and soul in the best way. I've learned that navigating life is full of ups and downs. There will always be battles to maintain mental wellness. Knowing yourself and being your own advocate is the road to true success and a happy, healthy life.

I've learned the hard way that positive mental health is not only important, it can be the difference between life and death. As a dark-skinned, Ethiopian adoptee growing up in a predominately white community created an internal struggle that haunted me throughout my childhood and only got worse in my teenage years. In elementary school, a classmate told me I couldn't be Luke Skywalker for Halloween because I was black. In middle school, I would try to curl in my lips so they looked 'less African' one day and then wear saggy pants to look 'more black' the next to try and fit in. Those are just a few examples of experiences that fostered a daily battle inside me which came to a head in high school. As a freshman, I became increasingly obsessed with my body and what I perceived as its flaws. Even though I'm a pretty social guy, I withdrew from hanging out with friends. I couldn't even go the the mall because I was sure everyone, including strangers, were judging me. The only way I thought to solve this was to 'fix' my body which meant developing an unhealthy relationship with food. I basically starved myself one summer to try to get my body where I wanted it to be before the next school year began. When I was unhappy or viewed the results as unsuccessful, I began to cut myself as punishment. My life was spiraling into dark places fast and I needed help. I began to work with a psychologist who diagnosed me with BDD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder. He helped me work talk through what I was feeling. After making some positive progress with my attitude towards food and my self image, he challenged me to re-enter social situations. I also joined group therapy for teens with eating disorders which I got a lot out of. It has been a long road, and I'm not completely out of the woods yet, but I'm happier and healthier. I'm committed to doing the work to improve my mental health. Mental health is important because it affects so many aspects of our lives. It affects your relationships with friends and family, your ability to find success in work or school, and your ability to handle to ups and downs that life brings. People often hide their struggles due to the fear of negative stigma. In my case, I felt so isolated being a male who struggled with body image until I reached out for help and realized I wasn't alone. Promoting positive mental health practices and resources has become more mainstream which is much needed. Ultimately, mental wellness helps us be good to ourselves and to become positive contributors to our community. Maintaining mental wellness is important and I've found a few things that really work for me. Running is a great stress relief for me and I find that it also re-energizes me if I'm feeling down. I also love music so I'll treat myself to a few minutes with my headphones in when I need a break from homework. It was important for me to find a balance between school, my part-time job, and making time for friends. I also reach out to my parents, guidance counselor, and psychologist when I feel overwhelmed. I understand that maintaining mental wellness shouldn't be an afterthought. I'm grateful to have the tools to help myself and have become confident enough with myself to encourage friends to also seek help when they're struggling.

My birth mother's wish was for me was to have a good education. My adoptive mother is an elementary school librarian who instilled a love of learning in me. These amazing women planted the seed which grew into a personal appreciation for the value of education. I. love. school. I thrive on developing relationships with my teachers and peers. I enjoy being part of the school community and participating in extra curricular actives. As an officer of the Best Buddies club, I help to make connections between neurodiverse students and typically able students in order to develop a sense of belonging for all students. As part of the UNICEF club, I've been able to educate others about those in need worldwide and to raise funds to help. I love history and a good debate so the Political Awareness club was the perfect place to hear about current world issues and participate in friendly debates with my peers. These discussions helped me appreciate other points of views and ultimately made me a more compassionate person. In addition to expanding my mind, school has developed my sense of empathy and compassion for others. School has helped me find the things I'm most passionate about as well. Pursuing a college degree is not only an exciting next step in my education but also paramount to achieving my career goal of becoming a licensed Architect. In college, I plan to earn a Master's Degree in Architecture. During this time, I hope to study abroad and foster my commitment to being a global citizen. I'll become part of the college community by getting involved with clubs and taking on leadership roles. I intend to secure internships which will provide the opportunity not only to develop my architectural skills but also to establish meaningful connections with mentors who will become part of my career network. I've always had a strong work ethic and put my all into whatever I do. I acquired a part-time job my freshman year of high school and still work there today. I volunteer for various community organizations including a local cat rescue and the local farmer's market. I'm a social guy who enjoys the company of friends and coworkers. I get along with others and accept people for who they are. I plan to pour these positive personal traits into a successful career in and make a difference in my community. Without earning a college degree, none of this would be possible. Once I achieve a college degree, my dream is to work with companies who appreciate animal-centric designs which encourage workspaces to live in harmony with nature and include sustainable, eco-friendly materials. I also hope to be able to work with nonprofits to create beautiful 'safe haven' spaces like homeless shelters, community centers, and schools for those in need. My birth mother's dream of a good education, a better life for me is in my grasp. It has become my dream and I will do what it takes to make it a reality.

Be a leader in the field of Architecture who gives back to the global community. Stay true to animal-centric design in order for my work to be in harmony with nature and include sustainable, eco-friendly materials. Live a life full of empathy, compassion, meaningful relationships, and positivity.

‘That Impossible stuff tastes like dog food,’ ‘I couldn’t give up wings even if it did help the environment,’ and ‘The Bible says we’re supposed to eat animals.’ These are statements I’ve heard from friends, family, and even strangers when they hear that I’m vegan. There are many mountains to climb when it comes to convincing people that a vegan lifestyle is not only enjoyable but has an incredibly positive effect on the world we live in. I’m ready for the challenge! My family has been vegan for 10 years, vegetarian 4 years before that. We made the decision to become vegan for many reasons. We’re animal lovers who strongly believe in advocating for the humane treatment of all animals. I’ve never been to a circus, we volunteered at Farm Sanctuary as a family vacation, and regularly foster cats/kittens waiting to be adopted. We even make sure spiders found in the house are safely placed outside! I’ve grown up surrounded by this compassion and dedication to the welfare of animals. Additionally, we’re committed to making a positive impact on the environment. We buy products packaged without plastic, use laundry strips and toothpaste tabs, carry reusable shopping bags, and more. After researching the detrimental effects of factory farming on the environment as well as the evidence that farming plant-based crops can impact hunger on a global scale, becoming vegan was the only option. Being vegan is part of my identity, it influences life decisions each and every day. In school, I find opportunities to share my experiences with teachers and peers. I’ve given presentations about the animal industry and speeches about the positive impacts a plant-based lifestyle has on the world. As a social, extroverted guy, I feel that I’ve cultivated an environment where people feel that they can freely ask me questions which has sparked many constructive conversations with my peers that they might not pursue otherwise. Whether it’s a friendly class debate or a quiet one on one conversation, I’m always up for spreading the word about my life as a vegan. In college, I plan to study Architecture. At first, people might think this is the end of my advocacy for veganism, but I look at it as just the beginning. My goal is to ultimately open my own firm and work with companies where I have the opportunity to educate clients and encourage them to choose animal-centric designs. Not only am I committed to using environmentally friendly materials and creating structures that are in harmony with the natural surroundings, but I’m excited to present designs that provide spaces for animals to thrive in. I’m inspired by architects who integrate bat towers, glass elements that are safe for birds, landscaping that supports pollinators, and vertical spaces that invite harmless animals to coexist with humans. I also hope to volunteer my time by collaborating with local community planning boards as a consultant. I will use my expertise as an architect and my experience as a vegan to guide decision makers toward animal friendly policies that enrich surrounding communities. I will actively seek out these opportunities and look forward to continuing vegan advocacy in my career. ‘The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated’ and ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’ are two quotes from Mahatma Gandhi that I carry with me all the time. I am and will always be vegan. I hope I can lead the way for bigger, more impactful changes that will create a brighter future for all living things.