Title: Unscripted Opening Scene: The screen fades from black. I stand backstage, hidden in the shadows, just outside the bright stage lights. I can hear the low hum of the audience—their collective anticipation, waiting for the show to start. I can feel the tension in the air. It’s the feeling I know all too well, the one I’ve come to crave: the moment before you step into the spotlight. I take a deep breath, my heart pounding in rhythm with the murmurs from the crowd. A mirror in front of me reflects a 17-year-old me, half in costume, half in my own clothes. The blend of the two symbolizes where I am in my life. It’s not just about acting—it’s about living the stories I’ve been given and the ones I’m still writing. "For as long as I can remember, the stage has been my home. But life? Life doesn’t come with a script. You write it as you go." Suddenly, the stage disappears, and I’m transported to the streets of New Haven, where I’m marching with Ice the Beef, leading chants to stand against gun violence. My megaphone amplifies our voices, filling the streets with power and purpose. I see a younger version of myself, uncertain but determined, walking with me. That day, the world felt heavy on my shoulders, but there was something powerful in knowing I wasn’t alone. There was hope in the crowd, in our unity, and it fueled something inside me. This wasn’t just a protest; it was a realization. It was the moment I realized I could be more than just a voice on stage. I could be a voice for change in my community, using the same passion I had for acting to make a difference in the real world. The scene shifts again. This time, I’m in a middle school classroom, sitting in the front row as a student. But as the camera pulls back, I see myself now on the other side of the classroom. I’m standing at the front, not as a student, but as an assistant director in the very same after-school theater program where I once started. The young students look up to me, wide-eyed and full of the same nervous energy I had when I was their age. One of the kids stumbles over his lines, and I feel the familiar pressure of wanting to help them get it right. I walk over, give him a reassuring smile, and tell him to breathe. The stage isn’t about perfection, I say—it’s about truth. It’s about being real with yourself and your audience. That moment hits me harder than I expect. I realize how much I’ve grown. The stage that helped me find my voice now allows me to help others find theirs. I never imagined that one day I’d be standing there, guiding others just like my teachers and mentors once guided me. The art of storytelling and the lessons learned on stage had shaped me into someone who could offer support and advice, not just to students, but to my community as a whole. Next, the scene blurs, and I’m back in a classroom—this time, it’s my IB History class. I’m surrounded by books, papers, and research as I work on my Internal Assessment about the Black Panther Party in New Haven. The significance of this project isn’t just academic; it’s personal. This research goes beyond the classroom—it’s an exploration of my city, my community, and the very essence of what it means to fight for change. I feel the weight of the past and the power of those who fought before me. As I dive deeper into the history of the Black Panther Party’s role in New Haven, I realize that activism and leadership are also forms of performance. They require passion, vision, and the ability to inspire others to take action. These are lessons I’ve learned not just from history books, but from the very people who’ve shaped my life. In the next shift, I’m standing backstage again, but this time, it’s different. The setting is unfamiliar—larger, grander, more professional. I’m stepping out onto a grand stage, the lights glaring down on me. This time, there’s no script to follow, no lines to memorize. There’s only me. I step into the spotlight, and the world feels alive with possibility. The audience is silent, waiting for something—maybe something new, maybe something that has yet to be written. In that moment, I realize that the stage isn’t just where I perform—it’s where I live out my purpose. This moment is unscripted. It’s mine. The scene fades to black, and the title appears: Unscripted.

I grew up in a single-parent household, where my mother was both the provider and nurturer. Her strength and resilience shaped much of who I am today. From a young age, I witnessed the sacrifices she made to ensure our family had what we needed, despite the challenges that came with being a single parent. My mom worked long hours, and I learned the value of hard work, determination, and perseverance through her example. But beyond the material sacrifices, it was her unwavering love and support that taught me the importance of kindness, empathy, and the power of family. These qualities have become the foundation of my character, guiding me through life's ups and downs. Growing up in this environment also meant that I had to mature quickly. I became accustomed to helping with household responsibilities and caring for my younger siblings, often taking on a leadership role. These experiences fostered my sense of responsibility and instilled in me a deep understanding of the importance of community and support systems. I saw how my mom’s strong will, despite facing so much on her own, created an environment where we were motivated to succeed, and where empathy and shared goals brought us closer as a family. One of the most transformative events in my life came when I lost two cousins to gun violence—one on January 1, 2023, and the other on February 23, 2020. The weight of their loss forced me to confront the harsh realities of violence in my community, and it ignited within me a passion for activism and social change. Their deaths were a catalyst for my involvement with Ice the Beef, an organization aimed at breaking the cycle of violence in New Haven. Through Ice the Beef, I became more involved in mentoring youth and organizing community events that foster peace and unity. This experience helped me develop a greater understanding of the power of community empowerment and the importance of using one's voice to create change. The loss of my cousins not only deepened my commitment to making a difference but also changed my perspective on what it means to lead. I understood that leadership is not just about titles or accolades; it's about serving others, making a positive impact, and standing up for what is right. It was through my leadership role with Ice the Beef that I truly realized how much one individual can inspire and influence others, especially when driven by a cause greater than oneself. This journey has reshaped my understanding of my own potential and the importance of giving back to the community. It has taught me that while we may face challenges, it is in those challenges that we find the strength to push forward and make a difference in the world. I carry these lessons with me as I continue my academic and personal pursuits, committed to fostering change, promoting peace, and using my voice to challenge injustice wherever I find it.

Playing sports throughout high school has been one of the most rewarding but challenging experiences of my life. Balancing practices, games, and tournaments with schoolwork and other commitments hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me lessons I’ll carry forever. One of the toughest challenges has been time management. There were so many nights when I’d come home exhausted after a game, but I’d still have to tackle homework or study for an upcoming test. Some weekends were completely packed with tournaments, leaving little time to hang out with friends or just relax. I had to learn to plan ahead and stay on top of my work to make sure I didn’t fall behind. At first, it was overwhelming, but over time, I realized how important it was to prioritize what mattered most. That’s a skill I know will help me in college and beyond. Another challenge was staying healthy—both physically and mentally. Long practices and tough games took a toll on my body, and there were moments when I felt completely drained. The injury was an athlete student's constant fear, and the pressure to perform at my best added to the stress. I had to learn to listen to my body, take care of myself, and not be afraid to ask for help when I needed it. Mentally, there were days when the pressure felt like too much, but pushing through those moments taught me how to stay focused and not give up, even when things got tough. Being a student athlete also meant making sacrifices. I missed out on some parties, family events, and time with friends because I was so committed to my team. At times, it felt isolating, but I kept reminding myself why I was doing it. The moments on the field—winning with my teammates, celebrating a hard-fought victory, or even just improving my own skills—made it all worth it. It taught me to stay dedicated and think about the bigger picture. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned came from working with my team. I’ve been lucky to play with people from all kinds of backgrounds and skill levels. Although we didn’t always agree, we learned how to communicate, trust each other, and work toward the same goal. Those experiences taught me about leadership and how important it is to support the people around you. Looking back, being a high school athlete wasn’t just about playing a sport. It was about learning how to manage my time, handle pressure, make sacrifices, and work with others. These skills have shaped who I am today and prepared me to face challenges with confidence and determination.

The spotlight was blinding, and my heart raced as the opening chords of "Under the Sea" began. I had been cast as Sebastian in my school's production of The Little Mermaid, and while the role was thrilling, it also came with a weight of expectation. As someone who had always loved performing, I knew this role was a chance to showcase my singing abilities like never before. But self-doubt crept in, as it often does before moments of growth. I questioned whether my voice could carry the performance. Would I be able to balance the lively, comedic energy Sebastian required while staying true to the music's technical demands? Doubt echoed louder than my voice in rehearsals. It was during this time that I turned to my faith for guidance and strength. Late one evening, after a particularly shaky rehearsal, I found myself reflecting on a Bible verse my grandmother often recited: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). I decided to lean into this belief, choosing to trust that my gifts were meant to be shared and that with preparation and prayer, I could overcome any obstacle. Faith didn’t just mean praying for a better outcome—it meant doing the work and trusting the process. I dedicated extra time to vocal practice, sought feedback from my director, and reminded myself to focus on the joy of the performance rather than perfection. As opening night approached, my confidence grew. The prayers, hard work, and support from my castmates paid off. I gave everything I had. Singing "Under the Sea" became a celebration of resilience, passion, and faith in the gifts I was fortunate enough to receive a one-minute applause for the song. My performance as Sebastian was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, and I was thrilled to hear their laughter during my comedic moments. When I later won an award for my portrayal of Sebastian and earned a Halo nomination, I felt deeply humbled and grateful. To me, the recognition wasn’t just a testament to my performance but also to the power of perseverance and faith in overcoming challenges. I gave everything I had. That moment affirmed that faith and hard work can transform fear into confidence, allowing you to rise above challenges. Today, whether I’m on stage or facing obstacles off of it, I carry the lessons of Sebastian and that special performance with me, knowing that with faith, I can navigate any storm.

My goals are to achieve academic success, pursue my passions in various fields of art, and secure a stable and well-paying job. I believe that education is the key to opening doors of opportunities, and I am committed to achieving my academic goals. I am currently a Notre Dame West Haven High School student, excelling in my studies and developing a love for learning. As a creative individual, I am passionate about various fields of art, including theater, acting, fashion, and interior design. These fields offer a unique platform to express oneself and connect with others. I have been able to pursue my passion for acting and performing arts through my involvement in the theater club at NDWH. I have also developed an interest in fashion and interior design and enjoy creating unique and beautiful spaces that reflect my personality and style. Regarding my future career path, I have not yet decided on a specific field. However, I am open to exploring various options and discovering what suits me best. I am considering pursuing a career in theater or acting, as they offer a unique and exciting experience. I also think that fashion and interior design provide a lot of potential for creativity and self-expression. Whatever path I choose, I am confident I will work hard to succeed. Apart from my academic and career goals, I am also committed to providing a better future for my family. As a child, I have always seen my mom struggling to make ends meet. She has worked hard to provide for our family, and I want to take some of that burden off of her shoulders. I want to ensure her have a comfortable retirement and that my siblings have a bright future. Therefore, I am working hard to secure a stable and well-paying job after college. Moreover, I believe in giving back to the community and positively impacting the world. I am interested in pursuing opportunities that allow me to contribute to society and help those in need. I believe that by using my talents and skills, I can make a difference in the lives of others. In conclusion, my goals are to achieve academic success, pursue my passions in various fields of art, secure a stable and well-paying job, provide a better future for my family, and positively impact the world. I am committed to putting in the hard work required to achieve my goals and to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.