My summers in between semesters feel much longer than my 9 months away at school. The tireless Las Vegas heat drags me along every hour of every day, as I yearn for the crisp, green air of my college campus. This summer morning, I woke up early for my shift, bracing myself for another 9 hour grind to save my money for the upcoming semester. I was particularly tired today and as I clocked in, I tried to stay positive. “Every hour I work, the more money I save,” I tell myself, trying to shake off the exhaustion. My shift had started thirty minutes ago, but it felt like an eternity. How had it only been thirty minutes? Before I could answer my own question, the next customer approached the register. “Do you have this shirt in different sizes?” It was a busy day today, and under the bright white lights of the retail store in which I spent most of my summer days, I wondered if I would make it through today's shift. I sighed, glancing at the clock, to see its time moving painfully slow. Although suddenly, a small miracle occurred. The melodies playing over my typically annoying work radio, entranced my ears. My favorite artist, Chappell Roan, played over the work radio. My heart skipped a beat, and my hands froze mid fold. A smile stretched across my face. The melody and lyrics were a lifeline, pulling me out of my exhaustion. I felt as though I was no longer at work. Suddenly, I was in the golden fields of Fort Collins, the sun casting a warmness on my skin as my best friends and I blasted Chappell Roans “Good Luck, Babe” through our speakers. We layed in the soft grass, carefree and full of life. Students walked by us on campus, smiling because “Good Luck, Babe” had just blown up. Everyone knew it, and everyone who walked by sang along. The birds chirped, complimenting the melodies and chords of Chappell Roans music. The song skips a beat, and now I was in the car with my Mom and my sister, the windows down and the wind flowing through our hair. My sister and I knew every lyric by heart, harmonizing as we filled the car with joy. My Mom, glancing over at us wondering who this new musician is that we love. It didn’t take long for Chappell Roan to make its way onto Mom’s playlist. The melodies slowed down, and I found myself in the quiet corner of the Colorado State University library. It was late, and the soft yellow glow of the lamps illuminated my notes. That was when I first discovered Chappell Roans music, playing gently through my earbuds. Her songs and her lyrics were a soothing presence that made me feel less alone on this late night, a moment of joy and happiness that only Chappell Roans vocals can bring to me. The song continued playing, and I was back at work, but something had changed. The weight of my fatigue lifted, replaced by a sense of relief and motivation. I took a deep breath, the scent of new clothes and perfume now comforting rather than oppressive. With a smile I resumed my work, eagerly awaiting the next time I can sing along to Chappell Roan’s songs with my best friends. Her music reminded me, in moments of struggle, there is always beauty and joy to be found. And those moments were enough to keep me going, to remind me why I work so hard, and what I was working towards.

Viva Las Vegas Living and growing up in Las Vegas, at times, was the most unique thing about me. I learned that my experience living in Las Vegas is not typical. The nightlife in my city was constantly being glorified and romanticized; a life filled with partying, drug/alcohol abuse, clubbing, raving, and more. Many of the pre-teens and teenagers of my city spend their adolescence gawking at The Las Vegas Strip in awe. One of the most prevalent social issues today is drug/alcohol abuse. Although, in “sin city” this issue seems to be more extensive. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration claims that the use of opioids/prescription-type pain relievers is 6.7% higher in Las Vegas, Nevada than nationally. Living in Las Vegas, I have seen what addiction can do to an individual, their families, and their communities. Throughout the years, I have witnessed family and friends fall into the tight ropes of addiction which have led to my passion for helping addicts in my community. The first time I witnessed someone overdose I was 12 years old. I was walking the halls of my middle school returning to class when I saw my friend Bryce begin to vomit and have a seizure. I can still hear the piercing yells from teachers and staff telling me to leave the hallway; I never saw Bryce again. His brother told a few of his friends that he had taken pills at school that day, and was struggling with drug abuse. That day led me to a greater awareness of the pain and suffering that pollutes our society and our youth. I was no longer innocently naive to the social issues of my city, rather I was immediately put at the forefront of the battle. Soon after that, my grandma passed from a lifelong addiction to alcohol. In 7th grade I learned it was hard to grieve someone you only half knew; my grandma was always intoxicated. After facing the reality of addiction, and how it affects individuals and their families, I wanted to help make a change and give back to my community. My sister and I began giving out food to homeless addicts in an attempt to reach them with humanity and kindness. Growing up with an addict father, my sister and I quickly realized that sometimes all you can do for an addict is be there for them. Drugs and alcohol are controlling and they change the person. My experiences growing up have led me to be passionate about helping addicts within my community. I also focus on helping struggling teenagers learn that turning to substance abuse is not the answer. In school, I went around to the classrooms with other students to speak about the D.A.R.E. program. Although, I think the biggest leadership and influence I have had has been on my close friends. I hope to make a difference in this world by being a compassionate leader who understands the realities of the struggles with addiction. I plan to give back to my community by helping struggling addicts and I will continue to work to help my community and seek to make positive changes. I have seen what addiction can do to an individual, their families, and their communities, and my goal is to create change.

Viva Las Vegas Growing up in Las Vegas, nightlife was constantly being glorified and romanticized; a life filled with partying, drug/alcohol abuse, clubbing, raving, and more. Many of the pre-teens and teenagers of my city spend their adolescence gawking at The Las Vegas Strip in awe. One of the most prevalent social issues today is drug/alcohol abuse. Although, in “sin city” this issue seems to be more extensive. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration claims that the use of opioids/prescription-type pain relievers is 6.7% higher in Las Vegas, Nevada than nationally. Living in Las Vegas, I have seen what addiction can do to an individual, their families, and their communities. Throughout the years, I have witnessed family and friends fall into the tight ropes of addiction which have led to my passion for helping addicts in my community. My goal is to make an impact in this world through my leadership skills and to be able to help struggling addicts. The first time I witnessed someone overdose I was 12 years old. I was walking the halls of my middle school returning to class when I saw my friend Bryce begin to vomit and have a seizure. I can still hear the piercing yells from teachers and staff telling me to leave the hallway; I never saw Bryce again. His brother told a few of his friends that he had taken pills at school that day, and was struggling with drug abuse. That day led me to a greater awareness of the pain and suffering that pollutes our society and our youth. I was no longer innocently naive to the social issues of my city, rather I was immediately put at the forefront of the battle. Soon after that, my grandma passed from a lifelong addiction to alcohol. In 7th grade I learned it was hard to grieve someone you only half knew; my grandma was always intoxicated. After facing the reality of addiction, and how it affects individuals and their families, I wanted to help make a change. My sister and I began giving out food to homeless addicts in an attempt to reach them with humanity and kindness. Growing up with an addict father, my sister and I quickly realized that sometimes all you can do for an addict is be there for them. Drugs and alcohol are controlling and they change the person. My experiences growing up have led me to be passionate about helping addicts within my community. I also focus on helping struggling teenagers learn that turning to substance abuse is not the answer. In school, I went around to the classrooms with other students to speak about the D.A.R.E. program. Although, I think the biggest leadership and influence I have had has been on my close friends. I hope to make a difference in this world by being a compassionate leader who understands the realities of the struggles with addiction. I will continue to work to help my community and seek to make positive changes. I have seen what addiction can do to an individual, their families, and their communities, and my goal is to create change.

Growing Up in Las Vegas In Walt Whitman’s eminent and influential poem O Me O Life, he explores the realities of adapting to life in the times of industrialization and modernization of 1819. In my experience as a middle-class minority growing up in the inner city of Las Vegas, I have faced many challenges that are mirrored in Whitman's work. The poem O Me O Life circles around the prevalent issues of corrupt, irrational, and deceitful cities. Many can relate this to modern issues such as crime, unemployment, and the disconnect between citizens. Being raised in Las Vegas I quickly became accustomed to city life. There are many things to love about living in Las Vegas, although there are also just as many challenges. Whitman says, “of cities fill’d with the foolish,” to depict a town inhabited by selfish and irresponsible people. Growing up in the inner city, I was constantly surrounded by irresponsible people, some of whom were family. Within the inner-city, alcoholism and drug abuse rates are high and affect many families and children growing up in these areas. I have been directly impacted by these two epidemics; my grandmother dying when I was 12 from a lifelong battle with alcoholism, and witnessing my father struggle with drug and alcohol addiction my whole life. Being in a family of addicts living in the city, I was afraid for my future. Whitman continued in the poem by saying, “Of myself forever reproaching myself, for who more foolish than I,” to explain how he is, too, a contributor to the problem of the city. Throughout my adolescent years, I felt very connected to this quote; I was afraid that the influence of my surroundings was too strong for my own good. I soon learned that my future is what I make of it. Instead of letting my circumstances decide my future and attitude, I took control and grew the passion and motivation to succeed. I targeted my motivation toward schooling and my education, and I have been able to build confidence in my character. Although, this was not the only challenge I faced growing up in the city. The inner city often is full of crime, homelessness, and dangerous people. For the youth growing up in these areas, there are many obstacles and challenges to work through. In my experience living in Las Vegas, threats of school shootings, gang activity, homelessness, kidnapping/missing people, and much more crime are common. In Whitman's O Me O Life, he says, “of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me,” to explain the people within cities as morally distasteful and unexcited. It is evident through his writing and displeasing mood that Whitman is in disgust with the criminals that infest his home streets. I can strongly relate to Whitman’s disgust and anger. I have witnessed shootings, threats, domestic violence, drug abuse/dealing, and much more all within my block. The biggest challenge about growing up being directly surrounded by crime is trying not to lose faith in humanity. Whitman ties this into the end of his poem, wrapping up all his ideas, saying “the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse,”. Therefore, despite the challenges of living in the inner city, I must make my mark; I must create change where I see fit. O Me O Life restored my faith in humanity, my faith in myself, and taught me how to love living in Las Vegas. Overall, as a middle-class minority growing up in the inner-city of Las Vegas, I have faced many challenges that are highlighted in Whitman's poem, O Me O Life. I have learned how to push through the battles of addiction, loss, and crime. I plan to let my upbringing motivate my goals and passion in life and stay focused on what is important. Las Vegas is my home, and I would not want it to be any other way.

I cried more when my guinea pig died than when my grandma died. Thankfully, there has not been a lot of death in my life or in my family. But I sometimes sit and think to myself about the day of my grandma's funeral and how I angrily held inside the stream of hot tears as I was sitting with my family at her service. I was furious and I was weak. I went home that day, and once I had made it to my room, changed all my clothes, got into bed, and turned out the lights, I began to cry. I began to cry into my dog's lap. I bawled in grief and held on so tightly to my best friend. Why was it so easy for me to let my emotions show around my pets compared to my family? In retrospect, I compare my grandma’s death, and how I dealt with my emotions, to how I reacted to my first pet passing away; my guinea pig. I was 8 years old when my guinea pig, Harry, died. That day was met with a type of sadness young, eight-year-old me did not know how to deal with. I cried for Harry for days, he was my best friend. I realized that not only for myself but for many other people, dealing with your emotions can be a lot easier with animals compared to people. It explains why I felt the need to hide my emotions from my family but felt completely safe with my dog. Growing up being close to my pets sparked my passion for animals, and I have always known that I wanted to help animals and people alike. I plan to achieve this goal of mine by enrolling in a University as a full-time student majoring in either biology or zoology and minoring in business. With my degree, I plan to become a veterinarian and then own my business/practice. I also want to make my veterinary hospital a service dog training center and help people with disabilities become independent with the help of a furry friend. I know, despite my pets not being service animals, that they have helped me tremendously in dealing with my emotions. All I want is to be able to give that to others and help animals in need. Not only will my love and passion for animals drive me to reach my goals, but my love for biology will as well. Taking biology honors and AP biology sparked my passion for a science based field, confirming that learning zoology would be my passion.

On my first day of high school in 2019, I was tirelessly trying to calm down my freshman nerves as I walked through the front doors at 7:00 A.M. I made my way to my homeroom, Ms. Sobaski’s room, with music blasting so loud in my headphones it clouded my thinking. I sat in the back of the room in hopes that someone friendly would sit next to me and spark up a conversation —there was no conversation to be had. “Everyone already has their friend groups,” I thought to myself quietly. I turned my music up more, sank into my chair, and waited for the rest of the class to pile in. Growing up in today's age of fast-paced media, it is not surprising that I struggle with anxiety. According to Evolve Treatment Center, 31.9% of American teens struggle with anxiety daily. Throughout my four years of high school, I have been in a constant battle with my thoughts and worries. Now that I am closer to graduation, I look back at my years in high school and realize that many people guided me during times when I was stressed or anxious; my family, teachers, and friends. Although by far one of the most memorable pieces of advice I ever received was from Ms. Sobaski on my very first day at Liberty High School. As I sulked at my desk in Ms.Sobaski’s classroom, she went through the list of students, taking attendance, and passing out schedules. It was very evident on my face that I was anxious. I felt as though I wanted to cry, and I wasn’t even completely sure of the reason. I felt I was the only girl in the entire world that wasn’t fit for high school. As time passed in homeroom, I was hit with the dreadful realization that I had 8 other classes to go to. I was always a student who loved to learn but feared the possibility of not fitting in. The first day of school was something I despised, due to the simple fact that choosing where you sit determines who you will be making friends with. When the bell rang, I got up from my desk and walked over to Ms. Sobaski, a teacher who I had just met, and will never see again as I was not scheduled in any of her classes. I asked her a simple question about my schedule, and through the cracks in my voice and worry shining on my face, she could tell something was wrong. Ms. Sobaski looked at me and said, “Breathe, and just say hi to people,” I responded with a forced smile in an attempt to not let my tears fall. She knew exactly what I needed to hear, and her kind words helped me through my anxiety. I walked into my first-period class with a whole new mindset. I sat down at a table filled with students, and I said hi. I introduced myself; I made improvements. Coincidentally, one of the girls sitting next to me ended up being my best friend for the next four years of high school. I was blessed not only with a real friend for these last four years, but the kind words and encouragement from one of the kindest and strongest teachers to ever teach at Liberty High School. Although I never got to know Ms.Sobaski more after my first day of freshman year, she impacted my life and my thinking; she made me a more outgoing person and I will forever be grateful for that.