I’ve always been very fortunate when it comes to academics. I was awarded a full-ride scholarship to a prestigious college preparatory school, regularly take courses online, and now attend an awesome college where I am a member of several clubs, living in a special interest house with others who have a shared goal of increasing school spirit. None of this would’ve been possible without great generosity from others. As a first-generation student paying for my education entirely on my own, I like to give back by spreading awareness about all the resources available to those dealing with financial stress in regards to their education. My belief is that everyone who wants to pursue higher education should be able to do so, regardless of financial status. Especially in today’s economy, support in this way is becoming more and more needed by those of my generation. I’ve told many students about Bold.org, but I also encourage them to talk with their schools’ financial aid department. Though my financial situation is fairly unique, I know many others are nonetheless in a similar boat, and I want those people to feel understood and supported. I’m often looking up third-party scholarships, and if one doesn’t apply to me, I’ll try and think of a friend who might be a better fit as an applicant. Given that I spend a lot of time on platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake, I also try and help people find job opportunities that may help them bring in a little extra cash as well. I’m not yet in a place where I can create my own scholarship, but I can certainly help an incoming freshman fill out their FAFSA. I try to exemplify a spirit of excellence by providing guidance to those navigating the college application process, as I wish I had received more help in that area. I do not want others to be as lost during financial aid negotiations as I was when I was applying to different schools. Pointing people in the right direction is fulfilling to me, especially when it (literally) pays off for them. As I begin my law school applications, I realize that I am only compounding my financial struggles. Yet, I’m undeterred. Though it may be a long an arduous journey to being debt-free, I am to make it as easy and manageable as possible for those like me, who want to continue their academic careers and feel strongly about achieving their career goals by going through higher education. I went through a college application process that left me confused and without answers. Aspiring college students deserve more clarity, and this passion of mine motivates me to exemplify excellence by being a resource for others in that way.

I wish to pursue business law. I’ve known for a while that I want to be an attorney, and now that I have taken Fundamentals of Business and am currently taking Business Law while in undergrad, I feel confident that business law is the career path for me. Besides classes, other steps I’ve taken include being a member of my school’s Pre-Law Society, and I have submitted a letter of intent to run my own office in the summer as part of my current job as a sales representative. This will give me experience relevant to my eventual goal of running my own law firm. I consider myself an analytical, persuasive, and determined individual. As a first-generation student financing my education entirely on my own, I know that higher education is a huge investment. My parents encouraged me to go to trade school or straight into the workforce, but I knew that was not my passion, even if it would be easier financially. Social justice is important to me. Applying it to my career, and breaking in to the career I want, is only achievable through college—which I am loving so far. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I will then go on to law school. To make this more feasible, I am working hard at my job while applying to as many scholarships as possible. Maintaining good grades, extracurriculars, and a healthy social life on top of my career aspirations is certainly a challenge, but one I am excited to take. My main goal of going into business law specifically is to support small businesses. Mom and pop shops are losing out to major corporations more and more frequently. It hurts their communities. I wish to advocate for the little guy, and apply my knowledge and skills to do so. I will give these business owners advice on how to approach any legal issues they may face, helping them and their customers to thrive. Inflation and the economy in general are rough enough as it is, and the good people trying to navigate it deserve having someone in the corner. I am motivated to be that person. I am actively touring law schools to determine which one is the best fit for me. Most recently, I sat in on a Professional Responsibility class at Penn State Dickinson Law, where I even got to see a few students present about a lawyer’s duty of loyalty to their client. I could envision myself up there giving a presentation as well. I’ve also toured Georgetown Law, and have several other tours planned for winter break. Though becoming a lawyer can be a long, difficult journey, I know I will continue to enjoy that journey. Once I accomplish my goals, I will use the expertise I gained to give back to the many people who’ve helped me along the way.

I wish to pursue business law. I’ve known for a while that I want to be an attorney, and now that I have taken Fundamentals of Business and am currently taking Business Law while in undergrad, I feel confident that business law is the career path for me. Besides classes, other steps I’ve taken include being a member of my school’s Pre-Law Society, and I have submitted a letter of intent to run my own office in the summer as part of my current job as a sales representative. This will give me experience relevant to my eventual goal of running my own law firm. I consider myself an analytical, persuasive, and determined individual. As a first-generation student financing my education entirely on my own, I know that higher education is a huge investment. My parents encouraged me to go to trade school or straight into the workforce, but I knew that was not my passion, even if it would be easier financially. Social justice is important to me. Applying it to my career, and breaking in to the career I want, is only achievable through college—which I am loving so far. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I will then go on to law school. To make this more feasible, I am working hard at my job while applying to as many scholarships as possible. Maintaining good grades, extracurriculars, and a healthy social life on top of my career aspirations is certainly a challenge, but one I am excited to take. My main goal of going into business law specifically is to support small businesses. Mom and pop shops are losing out to major corporations more and more frequently. It hurts their communities. I wish to advocate for the little guy, and apply my knowledge and skills to do so. I will give these business owners advice on how to approach any legal issues they may face, helping them and their customers to thrive. Inflation and the economy in general are rough enough as it is, and the good people trying to navigate it deserve having someone in the corner. I am motivated to be that person. I am actively touring law schools to determine which one is the best fit for me. Most recently, I sat in on a Professional Responsibility class at Penn State Dickinson Law, where I even got to see a few students present about a lawyer’s duty of loyalty to their client. I could envision myself up there giving a presentation as well. Though becoming a lawyer can be a long, difficult journey, I know I will continue to enjoy that journey. Once I accomplish my goals, I will use the expertise I gained to give back to the many people who’ve helped me along the way.

I have always enjoyed school, knowing since I was very little that I eventually would go to college, even before I had any idea of what I wanted to study. Though my parents have been very encouraging as I make my way through my education, it’s not so easy for them to relate to me, specifically in regards to paying for college. They pushed for me to seek other options, like trade school, because they worried I was going in way over my head financially. My dad jokes that I will be in “soul-crushing debt” for a long time after I graduate. I don’t see it that way. I may have debt to deal with, but I’m completely optimistic about it. The financial burden I’m facing is well worth fulfilling my dreams. My career goal, a big reason that I want to attend college, is to become a lawyer. I toured a law school with my college’s Pre-Law Society in the fall of my sophomore year, which cemented this goal. I’m a very analytical person, who in any conflict tries to see all possible sides to the story. Advocacy is also very important to me. Growing up and often hearing things like “that’s just the way things are” and “life’s not fair” never quite sat right with me. Maybe life isn’t fair, maybe things are indeed the way they are, but as a lawyer, maybe I can bring a little more justice into the world. I won’t be content with people being treated unfairly. Not everyone is capable of standing up for themselves, so I feel called to step in for those underdogs. As for my life goals, I tend to take things one step at a time. I want to experience as much of the world as possible before I settle on a place to live. The idea of starting a family is appealing, but I want to be completely and totally sure that I actually want to do so before I make that choice. I still have time to figure things out, a lot of things to learn, and a lot of things to try. Right now, I’m working on a few different skills to help me along the way. I’m learning Spanish, practicing piano, and making sure to give myself a break after a draining but rewarding semester. Through my job, I’m getting better with interpersonal relations and time management, since I now make my own schedule, which is something I haven’t done in any of my previous jobs. Not only have I taken classes in college, classes that challenge me and give me new perspectives on a variety of topics, but I’ve met some awesome people. I’ve experimented with different clubs (who knew there would be a club for bonsai tree enthusiasts?), gone to many student events and after-class lectures, and gotten to explore the community both in and around campus. I feel I’m where I belong, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

One of my managers recently said “failing to plan is planning to fail” during a speech. That, in combination with the idea of planning your work and working your plan, has motivated me to make specific, achievable goals, rather than keep my goals too broad. Having action steps laid out is imperative. My long-term goal is to become an attorney, and I have two huge mountains to climb in relation to that goal. My first goal right now is to get into a good law school. There are several components to this, with my biggest challenge being scoring a 175 on the LSAT—which is quite high, but I shoot for the moon. I wish to study for one hour per day, taking full-length practice tests once a week. For me, this will require a budget of $100/month for my LSAT Demon subscription. I will take the real thing in April. I am also researching which schools consider demonstrated interest in their admissions decisions—for example, my dream school, Yale, does not. For schools that do consider it, I’ll network with professors and students on LinkedIn and via email. For the schools that don’t, I will pay even closer attention to what they do consider in the application process. I’m also starting to regularly meet with professors during their office hours so that I can have some people to ask about writing me a letter of recommendation. I will start my applications after I take the LSAT, and then begin applying to schools in September. I’m going to make sure I apply to some schools I’m very likely to get in to, some schools I’m moderately likely to get in to, and some that will be a bit of a reach. A good mix is ideal. I’ll have “safety schools” to fall back on if I don’t get in to my target schools. My other big goal is to become a branch manager for Vector Marketing in the summer. I am already a candidate for the position, but there are a variety of things I can do to improve my chances between now and when final decisions are made. I’ve created a spreadsheet that I am to fill with fifty names for potential new recruits by the end of November. And, by the end of January, I aim to have $2,000 in my workplace savings account. Other steps include completing three product demonstrations per week, making 100 recruiting calls per week, and staying active on social media (in relation to the job). To do all of these tasks, I must budget my time. Along with my courses, extracurricular activities, family obligations, and self-care needs, this can be tricky. But, tools like Google Calendar and my job’s performance-tracking software are there to help me. My responsibilities feel overwhelming at times, but I just convert that stress into ambition and drive. Being a branch manager—essentially running my own business—will look great on my law school applications. Of course, as an undergraduate, I must focus on my studies as well. I understand that I am taking on a significant amount of debt in order to pursue my passion, so I am determined to make it worthwhile. There will be obstacles, but no matter what, I’ll keep pushing myself. I’m even getting back in to my creative pursuits, as I’ve signed up for an upcoming costuming class. I may have a lot on my plate, but for me, it’s the perfect serving size.

I wish to pursue business law. I’ve known for a while that I want to be an attorney, and now that I have taken Fundamentals of Business and am currently taking Business Law while in undergrad, I feel confident that business law is the career path for me. Besides classes, other steps I’ve taken include being a member of my school’s Pre-Law Society, and I have submitted a letter of intent to run my own office in the summer as part of my current job as a sales representative. This will give me experience relevant to my eventual goal of running my own law firm. I consider myself an analytical, persuasive, and determined individual. As a first-generation student financing my education entirely on my own, I know that higher education is a huge investment. My parents encouraged me to go to trade school or straight into the workforce, but I knew that was not my passion, even if it would be easier financially. Social justice is important to me. Applying it to my career, and breaking in to the career I want, is only achievable through college—which I am loving so far. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I will then go on to law school. To make this more feasible, I am working hard at my job while applying to as many scholarships as possible. Maintaining good grades, extracurriculars, and a healthy social life on top of my career aspirations is certainly a challenge, but one I am excited to take. My main goal of going into business law specifically is to support small businesses. Mom and pop shops are losing out to major corporations more and more frequently. It hurts their communities. I wish to advocate for the little guy, and apply my knowledge and skills to do so. I will give these business owners advice on how to approach any legal issues they may face, helping them and their customers to thrive. Inflation and the economy in general are rough enough as it is, and the good people trying to navigate it deserve having someone in the corner. I am motivated to be that person. I am actively touring law schools to determine which one is the best fit for me. Most recently, I sat in on a Professional Responsibility class at Penn State Dickinson Law, where I even got to see a few students present about a lawyer’s duty of loyalty to their client. I could envision myself up there giving a presentation as well. Though becoming a lawyer can be a long, difficult journey, I know I will continue to enjoy that journey. Once I accomplish my goals, I will use the expertise I gained to give back to the many people who’ve helped me along the way.

I wish to pursue business law. I’ve known for a while that I want to be an attorney, and now that I have taken Fundamentals of Business and am currently taking Business Law while in undergrad, I feel confident that business law is the career path for me. Besides classes, other steps I’ve taken include being a member of my school’s Pre-Law Society, and I have submitted a letter of intent to run my own office in the summer as part of my current job as a sales representative. This will give me experience relevant to my eventual goal of running my own law firm. I consider myself an analytical, persuasive, and determined individual. As a first-generation student financing my education entirely on my own, I know that higher education is a huge investment. My parents encouraged me to go to trade school or straight into the workforce, but I knew that was not my passion, even if it would be easier financially. Social justice is important to me. Applying it to my career, and breaking in to the career I want, is only achievable through college—which I am loving so far. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I will then go on to law school. To make this more feasible, I am working hard at my job while applying to as many scholarships as possible. Maintaining good grades, extracurriculars, and a healthy social life on top of my career aspirations is certainly a challenge, but one I am excited to take. My main goal of going into business law specifically is to support small businesses. Mom and pop shops are losing out to major corporations more and more frequently. It hurts their communities. I wish to advocate for the little guy, and apply my knowledge and skills to do so. I will give these business owners advice on how to approach any legal issues they may face, helping them and their customers to thrive. Inflation and the economy in general are rough enough as it is, and the good people trying to navigate it deserve having someone in the corner. I am motivated to be that person. I am actively touring law schools to determine which one is the best fit for me. Most recently, I sat in on a Professional Responsibility class at Penn State Dickinson Law, where I even got to see a few students present about a lawyer’s duty of loyalty to their client. I could envision myself up there giving a presentation as well. Though becoming a lawyer can be a long, difficult journey, I know I will continue to enjoy that journey. Once I accomplish my goals, I will use the expertise I gained to give back to the many people who’ve helped me along the way.

I wish to pursue business law. I’ve known for a while that I want to be an attorney, and now that I have taken Fundamentals of Business and am currently taking Business Law while in undergrad, I feel confident that business law is the career path for me. Besides classes, other steps I’ve taken include being a member of my school’s Pre-Law Society, and I have submitted a letter of intent to run my own office in the summer as part of my current job as a sales representative. This will give me experience relevant to my eventual goal of running my own law firm. I consider myself an analytical, persuasive, and determined individual. As a first-generation student financing my education entirely on my own, I know that higher education is a huge investment. My parents encouraged me to go to trade school or straight into the workforce, but I knew that was not my passion, even if it would be easier financially. Social justice is important to me. Applying it to my career, and breaking in to the career I want, is only achievable through college—which I am loving so far. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I will then go on to law school. To make this more feasible, I am working hard at my job while applying to as many scholarships as possible. Maintaining good grades, extracurriculars, and a healthy social life on top of my career aspirations is certainly a challenge, but one I am excited to take. My main goal of going into business law specifically is to support small businesses. Mom and pop shops are losing out to major corporations more and more frequently. It hurts their communities. I wish to advocate for the little guy, and apply my knowledge and skills to do so. I will give these business owners advice on how to approach any legal issues they may face, helping them and their customers to thrive. Inflation and the economy in general are rough enough as it is, and the good people trying to navigate it deserve having someone in the corner. I am motivated to be that person. I am actively touring law schools to determine which one is the best fit for me. Most recently, I sat in on a Professional Responsibility class at Penn State Dickinson Law, where I even got to see a few students present about a lawyer’s duty of loyalty to their client. I could envision myself up there giving a presentation as well. Though becoming a lawyer can be a long, difficult journey, I know I will continue to enjoy that journey. Once I accomplish my goals, I will use the expertise I gained to give back to the many people who’ve helped me along the way.

The 'GUTS' lyric that most resonate with me is from All-American Bitch: "I don't get angry when I'm pissed / I'm the eternal optimist." This line captures the essence of teenage girlhood and the inability or aversion to allowing yourself to react when provoked, even in situations where it would be entirely justified. Regardless of how "pissed" I may be at a person (or, more poignantly, society at large), I cannot express my anger, though I would quite like to. Anger is a tool that young women are discouraged if not flat-out barred from using. If a teen girl is angry, she will either be reprimanded or, at best, not taken seriously. The song overall does an excellent job of examining this. But, there is another side. Olivia does not get angry when she's pissed, as she is eternally optimistic. This could have a sarcastic implication, but personally, the lyric resonates with me most if taken literally. Despite the anger I internalize, I am quite optimistic. Acting on anger can certainly lead to reactions that bring about progress, but I try to be more diplomatic in approaching whatever issues I face. I don't want to be angry. I want to be optimistic; I want to allow for all possibilities so as to include the best ones. I am young. I most likely have decades of opportunities ahead of me. My optimism often takes the form of assuming everyone has good intentions, even if the way they carry them out isn't the most ethical or kind. Even those with poor intentions never intended to be that way. They ended up that way because of any number of poor factors going on in their lives. It's hard to be angry at an individual when I, an optimist, can only see the good, or at least the potential for good. Fortunately and unfortunately, I grew up in an environment that did not allow me to have many of the classic adolescent experiences that Olivia details in 'GUTS.' I've never been in a toxic relationship, nor have I even been through a breakup, so I cannot connect to many of her songs. Yet, I connect with many of the lyrics to All-American Bitch, especially the line about anger and optimism. It represents my outlook on life. I also like how it is open to interpretation; this allows me to better apply it to my perspective. To me, it encapsulates the adolescent experience, and it does so in a way that helps me understand how I view myself and the world.

I love math because it is clear in that it is not open to interpretation, two plus two will always equal four and only four, but it is open to discovery. There will always be math problems to solve, and even more math problems to discover. It’s an exact science, and exists everywhere. As is normal for students, I often wondered why I had to take algebra, trigonometry, etc. I know I will almost definitely not be using it in any obvious way in my career. Any math after middle school seemed like overkill. But, I’ve come to realize that taking those classes was an excellent way to exercise my brain. Sure, I likely won’t need to find derivatives of any functions in my future business law career, but it’s not like a baseball player is doing pushups during the game—that’s part of practicing. Math is always present in one’s life, even if not explicitly so. Math can be tedious and frustrating, but it is absolutely something to be appreciated. Without it, my critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities would not be nearly as strong. Even though I’m not a STEM major, I still see the applications of math in my everyday life. It is consistent. It helps me get better with my finances. It helps me manage my time. Thank you, mathematics, for being such a vital part of our success as a society.

I have always enjoyed going to school, knowing since I was very little that I eventually would go to college, even before I had any idea of what I wanted to study. Though my parents have been very encouraging as I make my way through my education, it’s not so easy for them to relate to me, specifically in regards to paying for college. They pushed for me to seek other options, like trade school, because they worried I was going in way over my head financially. My dad jokes that I will be in “soul-crushing debt” for a long time after I graduate. I don’t see it that way. I may have debt to deal with, but I’m completely optimistic about it. The financial burden I’m facing is well worth fulfilling my dreams. My career goal, a big reason that I want to attend college, is to become a lawyer. I toured a law school with my college’s Pre-Law Society in the fall of my sophomore year, which cemented this goal. I’m a very analytical person, who in any conflict tries to see all possible sides to the story. Advocacy is also very important to me. Growing up and often hearing things like “that’s just the way things are” and “life’s not fair” never quite sat right with me. Maybe life isn’t fair, maybe things are indeed the way they are, but as a lawyer, maybe I can bring a little more justice into the world. I won’t be content with people being treated unfairly. Not everyone is capable of standing up for themselves, so I feel called to step in for those underdogs. As for my life goals, I tend to take things one step at a time. I want to experience as much of the world as possible before I settle on a place to live. The idea of starting a family is appealing, but I want to be completely and totally sure that I actually want to do so before I make that choice. I still have time to figure things out, a lot of things to learn, and a lot of things to try. Right now, I’m working on a few different skills to help me along the way. I’m learning Spanish, practicing piano, and making sure to give myself a break after a draining but rewarding semester. Through my job, I’m getting better with interpersonal relations and time management, since I now make my own schedule, which is something I haven’t done in any of my previous jobs. Not only have I taken classes in college, classes that challenge me and give me new perspectives on a variety of topics, but I’ve met some awesome people. I’ve experimented with different clubs (who knew there would be a club for bonsai tree enthusiasts?), gone to many student events and after-class lectures, and gotten to explore the community both in and around campus. I feel I’m where I belong, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

Pillow Brief Basket Lower Pot Write Eye Pretty Tap Still Salt Hard Stone Prince Order Chamber The commonality between the first row is that each word can be followed by (or finished by) the word “case.” Each word of the second row can be typed using only the letters on the top row of a typical keyboard. The third row is four types of water. Each word in the fourth row can be found in a title of a Harry Potter book/movie. I tried to make some words seem as if they could belong with words outside of their group. For example, “pot” and “tap” are both three-letter words with two common letters. “Basket,” “pot,” and “chamber” can each be considered a container. There are four words that start with P. I’ve enjoyed playing Connections since I found out about it, but never really considered the process of making a puzzle—it’s more difficult than it might seem! It’s easy to come up with four groups of four like words, but preventing the groups’ identities from being too obvious is hard. I’ll have to test out my Connections puzzle with friends and family sometime; I’m trying to get them into the game too!

One thing I wish I had been asked more often is simply “What do you think?” As a child, I was often praised for my talents—I played piano, violin, and (briefly) saxophone. I loved to draw, won science fairs, and stayed comfortably at the top of my class. I was even on TV! All the positive attention was very encouraging. But, I lacked a space to express myself. I wanted to always make people happy, and because that stayed at the front of my mind, people-pleasing took precedent over what I truly wanted. I wouldn’t quite say I’ve been dealing with burnout, but I do share in a lot of the struggles my fellow former gifted kids deal with. Being able to read at a 12th grade level by age 8 doesn’t exactly translate to the same level of success once you reach adulthood. Because I’m closer to average amongst my peers academically than I was in elementary and middle school, I often feel like I’ve fallen way behind, even though that isn’t really the case. My family is as proud of me as they’ve ever been, but that’s how a family is supposed to be. Others don’t notice my efforts as much as they used to—not that I am trying to feed my ego, I just fear that I am not living up to my previous self. This fear in combination with rarely being asked my thoughts or needs has influenced me to become very interested with social justice and political science, so I’ve taken on a variety of related opportunities to prove to myself that I can make an impact. I have a voice, and through my studies and other endeavors, I hope to learn how to most effectively utilize it. One of the most helpful steps of my journey so far was when I volunteered for a non-profit called Learning Life, which is dedicated to spreading awareness about democracy and diplomacy to people around the world. I got to connect with people from all different cultures, sharing my story and learning from theirs. I got to research people who made a difference for their communities. Through the experience, I identified improving access to education as one of my biggest passions. I understand why people may not think to ask a kid about their opinions, or what needs (specifically, mental health needs) haven’t quite been met for them yet. Ideally, kids don’t have to be concerned with loaded topics like politics or the anxiety-inducing responsibilities of adulthood. But, allowing a child to voice their thoughts, and not just what they want for dinner, is essential. Hearing what a child is concerned about, and what could alleviate those concerns, will prevent them from feeling they need to suffer in silence when things get tough later in life. I aim to be a resource for anyone who feels overlooked or pressured to stay small.

I have always enjoyed school, knowing since I was very little that I eventually would go to college, even before I had any idea of what I wanted to study. Though my parents have been very encouraging as I make my way through my education, it’s not so easy for them to relate to me, specifically in regards to paying for college. They pushed for me to seek other options, like trade school, because they worried I was going in way over my head financially. My dad jokes that I will be in “soul-crushing debt” for a long time after I graduate. I don’t see it that way. I may have debt to deal with, but I’m completely optimistic about it. The financial burden I’m facing is well worth fulfilling my dreams. My career goal, a big reason that I want to attend college, is to become a lawyer. I toured a law school with my college’s Pre-Law Society in the fall of my sophomore year, which cemented this goal. I’m a very analytical person, who in any conflict tries to see all possible sides to the story. Advocacy is also very important to me. Growing up and often hearing things like “that’s just the way things are” and “life’s not fair” never quite sat right with me. Maybe life isn’t fair, maybe things are indeed the way they are, but as a lawyer, maybe I can bring a little more justice into the world. I won’t be content with people being treated unfairly. Not everyone is capable of standing up for themselves, so I feel called to step in for those underdogs. As for my life goals, I tend to take things one step at a time. I want to experience as much of the world as possible before I settle on a place to live. The idea of starting a family is appealing, but I want to be completely and totally sure that I actually want to do so before I make that choice. I still have time to figure things out, a lot of things to learn, and a lot of things to try. Right now, I’m working on a few different skills to help me along the way. I’m learning Spanish, practicing piano, and making sure to give myself a break after a draining but rewarding semester. Through my job, I’m getting better with interpersonal relations and time management, since I now make my own schedule, which is something I haven’t done in any of my previous jobs. Not only have I taken classes in college, classes that challenge me and give me new perspectives on a variety of topics, but I’ve met some awesome people. I’ve experimented with different clubs (who knew there would be a club for bonsai tree enthusiasts?), gone to many student events and after-class lectures, and gotten to explore the community both in and around campus. I feel I’m where I belong, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

I have always enjoyed school, knowing since I was very little that I eventually would go to college, even before I had any idea of what I wanted to study. Though my parents have been very encouraging as I make my way through my education, it’s not so easy for them to relate to me, specifically in regards to paying for college. They pushed for me to seek other options, like trade school, because they worried I was going in way over my head financially. My dad jokes that I will be in “soul-crushing debt” for a long time after I graduate. I don’t see it that way. I may have debt to deal with, but I’m completely optimistic about it. The financial burden I’m facing is well worth fulfilling my dreams. My career goal, a big reason that I want to attend college, is to become a lawyer. I toured a law school with my college’s Pre-Law Society in the fall of my sophomore year, which cemented this goal. I’m a very analytical person, who in any conflict tries to see all possible sides to the story. Advocacy is also very important to me. Growing up and often hearing things like “that’s just the way things are” and “life’s not fair” never quite sat right with me. Maybe life isn’t fair, maybe things are indeed the way they are, but as a lawyer, maybe I can bring a little more justice into the world. I won’t be content with people being treated unfairly. Not everyone is capable of standing up for themselves, so I feel called to step in for those underdogs. As for my life goals, I tend to take things one step at a time. I want to experience as much of the world as possible before I settle on a place to live. The idea of starting a family is appealing, but I want to be completely and totally sure that I actually want to do so before I make that choice. I still have time to figure things out, a lot of things to learn, and a lot of things to try. Right now, I’m working on a few different skills to help me along the way. I’m learning Spanish, practicing piano, and making sure to give myself a break after a draining but rewarding semester. Through my job, I’m getting better with interpersonal relations and time management, since I now make my own schedule, which is something I haven’t done in any of my previous jobs. Not only have I taken classes in college, classes that challenge me and give me new perspectives on a variety of topics, but I’ve met some awesome people. I’ve experimented with different clubs (who knew there would be a club for bonsai tree enthusiasts?), gone to many student events and after-class lectures, and gotten to explore the community both in and around campus. I feel I’m where I belong, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

I have always enjoyed school, knowing since I was very little that I eventually would go to college, even before I had any idea of what I wanted to study. Though my parents have been very encouraging as I make my way through my education, it’s not so easy for them to relate to me, specifically in regards to paying for college. They pushed for me to seek other options, like trade school, because they worried I was going in way over my head financially. My dad jokes that I will be in “soul-crushing debt” for a long time after I graduate. I don’t see it that way. I may have debt to deal with, but I’m completely optimistic about it. The financial burden I’m facing is well worth fulfilling my dreams. My career goal, a big reason that I want to attend college, is to become a lawyer. I toured a law school with my college’s Pre-Law Society in the fall of my sophomore year, which cemented this goal. I’m a very analytical person, who in any conflict tries to see all possible sides to the story. Advocacy is also very important to me. Growing up and often hearing things like “that’s just the way things are” and “life’s not fair” never quite sat right with me. Maybe life isn’t fair, maybe things are indeed the way they are, but as a lawyer, maybe I can bring a little more justice into the world. I won’t be content with people being treated unfairly. Not everyone is capable of standing up for themselves, so I feel called to step in for those underdogs. As for my life goals, I tend to take things one step at a time. I want to experience as much of the world as possible before I settle on a place to live. The idea of starting a family is appealing, but I want to be completely and totally sure that I actually want to do so before I make that choice. I still have time to figure things out, a lot of things to learn, and a lot of things to try. Right now, I’m working on a few different skills to help me along the way. I’m learning Spanish, practicing piano, and making sure to give myself a break after a draining but rewarding semester. Through my job, I’m getting better with interpersonal relations and time management, since I now make my own schedule, which is something I haven’t done in any of my previous jobs. Not only have I taken classes in college, classes that challenge me and give me new perspectives on a variety of topics, but I’ve met some awesome people. I’ve experimented with different clubs (who knew there would be a club for bonsai tree enthusiasts?), gone to many student events and after-class lectures, and gotten to explore the community both in and around campus. I feel I’m where I belong, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

I have always enjoyed school, knowing since I was very little that I eventually would go to college, even before I had any idea of what I wanted to study. Though my parents have been very encouraging as I make my way through my education, it’s not so easy for them to relate to me, specifically in regards to paying for college. They pushed for me to seek other options, like trade school, because they worried I was going in way over my head financially. My dad jokes that I will be in “soul-crushing debt” for a long time after I graduate. I don’t see it that way. I may have debt to deal with, but I’m completely optimistic about it. The financial burden I’m facing is well worth fulfilling my dreams. My career goal, a big reason that I want to attend college, is to become a lawyer. I toured a law school with my college’s Pre-Law Society in the fall of my sophomore year, which cemented this goal. I’m a very analytical person, who in any conflict tries to see all possible sides to the story. Advocacy is also very important to me. Growing up and often hearing things like “that’s just the way things are” and “life’s not fair” never quite sat right with me. Maybe life isn’t fair, maybe things are indeed the way they are, but as a lawyer, maybe I can bring a little more justice into the world. I won’t be content with people being treated unfairly. Not everyone is capable of standing up for themselves, so I feel called to step in for those underdogs. As for my life goals, I tend to take things one step at a time. I want to experience as much of the world as possible before I settle on a place to live. The idea of starting a family is appealing, but I want to be completely and totally sure that I actually want to do so before I make that choice. I still have time to figure things out, a lot of things to learn, and a lot of things to try. Right now, I’m working on a few different skills to help me along the way. I’m learning Spanish, practicing piano, and making sure to give myself a break after a draining but rewarding semester. Through my job, I’m getting better with interpersonal relations and time management, since I now make my own schedule, which is something I haven’t done in any of my previous jobs. Not only have I taken classes in college, classes that challenge me and give me new perspectives on a variety of topics, but I’ve met some awesome people. I’ve experimented with different clubs (who knew there would be a club for bonsai tree enthusiasts?), gone to many student events and after-class lectures, and gotten to explore the community both in and around campus. I feel I’m where I belong, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

When you think of legal professions, fun and creativity generally don’t come to mind. Lawyers are highly respected, but can also be associated with words like “boring,” “pretentious” or even “intimidating.” The mental image is usually someone in a suit, sporting a serious expression. These associations are not unfounded. Those qualities are essentially required for their field. But, people are not their profession. I’m pursuing law, specifically business law, but on the side, I wish to make an impact in the beauty industry. Through this unconventional combination, I hope to be a role model for anyone who feels that they don’t fit the mold. Business law interests me because I hope to help small business owners in need of expertise on how to navigate the complex rules and regulations that companies must follow. I want to help people save their valuable time, allowing them more flexibility in pursuing not only their goals for their business, but their personal goals as well. Small businesses are struggling to compete with large corporations. Anything I can do to offset that within my community will allow the local economy to grow, and make a positive impact on the lives of those who make my day a little brighter whenever I go shopping around town. Standing up for the little guy is a core part of who I am. I carry this attitude in all facets of my life, not just my career path. As for the beauty industry, I want to further the movement to center cosmetology around creativity and expression, rather than the toxic ideas of anti-aging and making yourself look prettier. I am a huge alternative fashion enthusiast. Makeup that is supposedly garish and unprofessional to one is beautiful to another, and I try to help people expand their scope of beauty. Beauty should not be about making your face as symmetrical as possible, making sure you’re contouring “correctly,” or hiding any so-called imperfections. It should be about communicating your artistic vision to the world, or communicating how you’re feeling that day. Right now, I’m wearing eyeliner in the shape of a lightning bolt, accentuated by blue glitter. This is one of my milder looks! Any financial support I receive in my journey will be extremely appreciated. As the cost of living only seems to increase, and my work becomes more and more taxing, even a little help will mean the world to me. I do believe I would eventually succeed if I were to finance my education entirely on my own, but stress does take a toll. Be assured that I will give back in many ways once I am in a place to do so.

I have always enjoyed school, knowing since I was very little that I eventually would go to college, even before I had any idea of what I wanted to study. Though my parents have been very encouraging as I make my way through my education, it’s not so easy for them to relate to me, specifically in regards to applying, then paying for college. They pushed for me to seek other options, like trade school, because they worried I was going in way over my head financially. My dad jokes that I will be in “soul-crushing debt” for a long time after I graduate. I don’t see it that way. I may have debt to deal with, but I’m completely optimistic about it. The financial burden I’m facing is well worth fulfilling my dreams. My career goal, a big reason that I want to attend college, is to become a lawyer. I toured a law school with my college’s Pre-Law Society in the fall of my sophomore year, which cemented this goal. I’m a very analytical person, who in any conflict tries to see all possible sides to the story. Advocacy is also very important to me. Growing up and often hearing things like “that’s just the way things are” and “life’s not fair” never quite sat right with me. Maybe life isn’t fair, maybe things are indeed the way they are, but as a lawyer, maybe I can bring a little more justice into the world. I won’t be content with people being treated unfairly. Not everyone is capable of standing up for themselves, so I feel called to step in for those underdogs. As for my life goals, I tend to take things one step at a time. I want to experience as much of the world as possible before I settle on a place to live. The idea of starting a family is appealing, but I want to be completely and totally sure that I actually want to do so before I make that choice. I still have a lot of time to figure things out, a lot of things to learn, and a lot of things to try. Right now, I’m working on a few different skills to help me along the way. I’m learning Spanish, practicing piano, and making sure to give myself a break after a draining but rewarding semester. Through my job, I’m getting better with interpersonal relations and time management, since I now make my own schedule, which is something I have not done in any of my previous jobs. Not only have I taken some informative classes in college, classes which have challenged me and given me new perspectives on a variety of topics, but I have met some awesome people. I’ve experimented with different clubs (who knew there would be a club for bonsai tree enthusiasts?), gone to many student events and after-class lectures, and gotten to explore the community both in and around campus. I feel I am where I belong, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

During my first year of college, I was working as a barista for a local café. As first-years are not allowed to have their vehicle on campus, this was frustrating. I was only able to work one or two days out of the month whenever a relative would pick me up occasionally. I wanted a change. While I enjoyed making coffees, finding a job more relevant to my career path became my goal for sophomore year. After many applications and several interviews, over winter break, I eventually found a job as a remote sales representative for a company I was only vaguely familiar with: Cutco cutlery. Though I knew I was capable, I was intimidated by the job. Trying to sell a rather expensive product and consistently make sales was quite out of my comfort zone. Honestly, that is still the case. I am introverted, which makes being a sales rep a challenge, but it is a challenge I’ve welcomed. My first couple weeks of selling went significantly better than I was expecting. I was presenting mostly to family, and because they have been highly supportive of my endeavors, I made some pretty sizable sales. I earned prizes, and even three promotions! My first paycheck from Cutco was twice as big as what I earned as a barista. Things were going swimmingly. But, things then got difficult. I ran out of family and family friends. I was reaching out to people who did not really know me. Sales dropped quickly—I was no longer selling large sets, but small pieces, and faced “no-sales” regularly. Despite these frustrations, I would not be discouraged. I applied to other opportunities within Cutco, earning a spot in The Leadership Academy (a finances and career readiness course), and enrolling in training to become an assistant manager. I attended all team meetings, even though they were not required. I booked more demonstrations than I was previously doing in order to make un for decreased sales. Most importantly, I kept a positive attitude. Being a sales rep means that I am always improving my interpersonal skills. Negotiation is gradually becoming a strength of mine. Given that my eventual goal is to become a lawyer, I feel that this position is preparing me quite well to interact with others in a somewhat high-stakes scenario—my income depends on how well I can speak to people. Cold calling is difficult, and I recognize that the people I call might dislike me for it. Yet, I keep going. I believe in the product I sell, and I carry that into my pitches. My confidence has greatly gone up. Because this job allows me to make my own schedule and work as much or as little as I prefer, I’ve greatly improved my time management. One technique I learned in The Leadership Academy is to regularly conduct a self-audit of my schedule, making sure I am balancing schoolwork, job responsibilities, sleep, and me-time. If my schoolwork is especially challenging one week, I will book less demos. If I’ve been working particularly hard, I will make sure to maintain my mental health by giving myself a little more free time. Being in control of my time is getting me closer to my goal of complete independence, and I am improving my time management every day.

Being in a low-income family in an area that caters to the car rather than the pedestrian, the ideal sustainable life is not feasible for me quite yet. I must drive my gas-powered Accord, and I must buy foods that are processed and packaged in plastic or other environmentally unfriendly ways. But, there are still plenty of choices I can make to avoid harming the natural world around me any further. One intentional choice I make is my choice of clothing. Because I belong to a few creative subcultures, I see what I wear as a significant part of my identity. There are often fast-fashion pieces that I have to refrain from buying. Designer brands might come out with the most awesome shoes, and then I end up frowning when I research how those shoes got made. Luckily, I have thrift stores. Secondhand shopping is always hit-or-miss. I probably won't find exactly what I want every time, but, every time, I will know I am doing what is right for the environment. Another choice I make (to the best of my ability) is to walk or bike instead of drive. When I am at home, in the middle of nowhere, I have to use my car. But, when I am at college, everything I need is within walking distance. Walking to Walmart, for me, is a twenty-minute endeavor. If I drove, it would take about two minutes. My friends often question why I walk. There are multiple reasons: it's sustainable, it saves gas money, and I simply enjoy the exercise. I am currently taking a class that analyzes topics like ecocriticism and green Buddhism. We have discussed various positions one can take regarding environmental activism. The position that is the most motivating to me is that of ecofeminism. Ecofeminists view the imbalance of power between men and women as comparable to the domination humans have over the natural world. I believe there should be more harmony and evenness created between these dichotomies. On a less academic level, I think it's important to reduce my carbon footprint for the basic reason that I care for animals, plants, landscapes, etc. I want to preserve these riches for future generations. And, ensuring that these things can survive or even thrive will allow more resources for posterity as well. It pains me when a species goes extinct. I will do everything in my power to minimize my carbon footprint, and encourage others to do the same.

Financial troubles are affecting me more and more, and the pressure of figuring out how I will fund my education is getting in the way of my studies. Scholarship funding has been essential to my education. My parents are not unable to support me financially, but I am still not able to register as an independent student, as I don't meet any of the required exceptions. This means that the government expects me to contribute significantly more money towards tuition than what I have. I am doing my best to save, but it is not enough. I was extremely fortunate to earn a full-ride scholarship to the college prep school I attended, but for college itself, I was not so lucky. The debt I am accumulating is especially daunting as someone hoping to go to law school. Dickinson has a program where I can spend three years as an undergraduate, then three in law school, as opposed to the typical four years as an undergraduate, then the final three. This is a difficult program to get into, and it requires that I go to a specific law school, but I'm very willing to put in the work to save a year of tuition. I was planning on utilizing work-study this year, but I decided to take a risk and dedicate my time to extracurriculars instead. My college offers many opportunities, and I don't want to be held back by having to work a job when there's so much more to explore. Later in life, I don't want to regret not taking advantage of everything I can do here. I do work when I can during breaks, but otherwise, I can be found running around campus participating in a variety of things, or in my dorm working on my tasks for Learning Life, which are mostly communication-related. I'm getting better with outreach through social media, email, and phone calls, which will hopefully help me get paid on-campus opportunities next year. Along with my studies, I am a volunteer with Learning Life, a non-profit dedicated to spreading democracy and diplomacy worldwide. My extracurricular activities include the Pre-Law Society, Dickinson's mental health club (Project Wave), Dickinson Christian Fellowship, The Women's Network, and multiple political activism organizations on campus. I am also taking piano lessons to get back into my passion for music. Last year, I made the Dean's List, and am hoping to do so this year as well. I am taking additional classes online through Coursera to supplement my learning. Participating in an assortment of things that interest me will open doors to paying back the generosity that allowed me these opportunities. I will be sure to use my skills and passions to support those who made it possible for me to explore things like music and political activism. My goal is to become an attorney, and as of now, I am exploring different areas of law that I can potentially specialize in. I want to make an impact. I know I am capable, and I have the motivation, but financial support will make this significantly easier for me. If I am to win this scholarship, I will be extremely grateful. Once I attain my stability and independence, I will give back to everyone who helped get me there. Thank you for your consideration.

Financial troubles are now affecting me more and more, as the pressure of figuring out how to pay for college is getting in the way of my studies. Scholarship funding has been essential to my education. My parents are unable to support me financially, but I am still not able to register as an independent student, as I don't meet any of the required exceptions. This means that the government expects me to contribute significantly more money towards tuition than what I have. I am doing my best to save, but it is not enough. I was extremely fortunate to earn a full-ride scholarship to the college prep school I attended, but for college itself, I was not so lucky. The debt I am accumulating is especially daunting as someone hoping to go to law school. Dickinson has a program where I can spend three years as an undergraduate, then three in law school, as opposed to the typical four years as an undergraduate, then the final three. This is a difficult program to get into, and it requires that I go to a specific law school, but I'm very willing to put in the work to save a year of tuition. I was planning on utilizing work-study this year, but I decided to take a risk and dedicate my time to extracurriculars instead. My college offers many opportunities, and I don't want to be held back by having to work a job when there's so much more to explore. Later in life, I don't want to regret not taking advantage of everything I can do here. I do work when I can during breaks, but otherwise, I can be found running around campus participating in a variety of things, or in my dorm working on my tasks for Learning Life, which are mostly communication-related. I'm getting better with outreach through social media, email, and phone calls, which will hopefully help me get paid on-campus opportunities next year. Along with my studies, I am a volunteer with Learning Life, a non-profit dedicated to spreading democracy and diplomacy worldwide. My extracurricular activities include the Pre-Law Society, Dickinson's mental health club (Project Wave), Dickinson Christian Fellowship, The Women's Network, and multiple political activism organizations on campus. I am also taking piano lessons to get back into my passion for music. Last year, I made the Dean's List, and am hoping to do so this year as well. I am taking additional classes online through Coursera to supplement my learning. Participating in an assortment of things that interest me will open doors to paying back the generosity that allowed me these opportunities. I will be sure to use my skills and passions to support those who made it possible for me to explore things like music and political activism. My goal is to become an attorney, and as of now, I am exploring different areas of law that I can potentially specialize in. I want to make an impact. I know I am capable, and I have the motivation, but financial support will make this significantly easier for me. If I am to win this scholarship, I will be extremely grateful. Once I attain my stability and independence, I will give back to everyone who helped get me there. Thank you for your consideration.

As a first-generation student from a small Pennsylvania town, I hope to make a big impact on my community, even if I have to put in some extra effort. I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Using my political science background, I am currently fighting for a bill that will repeal closed primaries in my state, Pennsylvania. With the student-led organization Ballot PA, I have protested for voting rights for independents. People like veterans and those 18-24 are disenfranchised by closed primaries, despite paying taxes that allow primaries to run in the first place. I was the only one from my college to attend a rally in support of this bill. I spoke with legislators and the media. Activism is essential to me, and I will continue to fight for the causes I believe in. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I represent, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

Writing is important for me because it allows me to express myself while having the time to figure out how to properly articulate what I'm saying. In conversation, I have to think on my feet and sometimes get so caught up in trying to avoid awkwardness that I can't get my point(s) across. Plus, writing can be a form of art. Instead of drawing or making music, I am creative through writing stories and poetry. To me, writing is often therapeutic. It can be a way to exercise my brain, vent about things that are stressing me out, or give me something relaxing to do when I'm bored. Writing is a very enjoyable experience for me, and I hope to publish my writing in the future. My dad wrote a book when I was an infant, and he ran a blog for a few years. I've always thought that was cool, and I want to follow in his footsteps in that way. English is my favorite subject, and any time I am struggling with an essay, he helps me figure out how to structure it and make sure it flows well. I am grateful to grow up in an environment where I am supported in my academic endeavors. Sometimes, school can take away some of the enjoyment I get from writing. A ten-page briefing paper on the history of U.S.-China relations is not exactly the type of writing I would like to do, and my area of study requires that I do an almost excessive amount of this type. These long assignments turn writing into a chore and take a lot of energy to complete. While I would consider myself relatively skilled at analytical writing, I would love to improve my creative writing abilities. To combat this, I rarely write in my free time during the school year. This prevents me from getting exhausted with it. In the summer, and during breaks, I practice writing what I actually enjoy more often. I don't want to lose my love of writing, and I believe I have found a good balance. In conversation, I often feel overwhelmed. I become anxious, especially in academic or professional settings, and frequently forget what I intended to get across. But, when I write, I can think things through at my own pace. I can move points and paragraphs around as needed. I can go back and edit, adjusting the tone or correcting mistakes. Writing may not be as fast as talking, but, at least in my case, it is less likely to cause miscommunication. To me, this makes it more efficient, which is part of why I greatly prefer texting over phone calls. Hopefully, I will be going to law school in a couple of years, where I have been warned that I will have to write even more than I do as an undergraduate. Though it may be tiring, I am sure that it will be beneficial to me, and get me prepared for writing more lengthy pieces as my hobby. As a woman, I may have some extra obstacles to face, but as long as I maintain my love of writing, I am sure it will help me in both my career and life outside of work.

For most of my life, I've thankfully experienced little adversity, but financial troubles are now affecting me more and more. Scholarship funding has been essential to my education. My parents are not supporting me financially, but I am still not able to register as an independent student, as I don't meet any of the required exceptions. This means that the government expects me to contribute significantly more money towards tuition than what I have. I am doing my best to save, but it is not enough. I was extremely fortunate to earn a full-ride scholarship to the college prep school I attended, but for college itself, I was not so lucky. The debt I am accumulating is especially daunting as someone hoping to go to law school. Dickinson has a program where I can spend three years as an undergraduate, then three in law school, as opposed to the typical four years as an undergraduate, then the final three. This is a difficult program to get into, and it requires that I go to a specific law school, but I'm very willing to put in the work to save a year of tuition. I was planning on utilizing work-study this year, but I decided to take a risk and dedicate my time to extracurriculars instead. My college offers many opportunities, and I don't want to be held back by having to work a job when there's so much more to explore. Later in life, I don't want to regret not taking advantage of everything I can do here. I do work when I can during breaks, but otherwise, I can be found running around campus participating in a variety of things, or in my dorm working on my tasks for Learning Life, which are mostly communication-related. I'm getting better with outreach through social media, email, and phone calls, which will hopefully help me get paid on-campus opportunities next year. Along with my studies, I am a volunteer with Learning Life, a non-profit dedicated to spreading democracy and diplomacy worldwide. My extracurricular activities include the Pre-Law Society, Dickinson's mental health club (Project Wave), Dickinson Christian Fellowship, The Women's Network, and multiple political activism organizations on campus. I am also taking piano lessons to get back into my passion for music. Last year, I made the Dean's List, and am hoping to do so this year as well. I am taking additional classes online through Coursera to supplement my learning. Participating in an assortment of things that interest me will open doors to paying back the generosity that allowed me these opportunities. I will be sure to use my skills and passions to support those who made it possible for me to explore things like music and political activism. My goal is to become an attorney, and as of now, I am exploring different areas of law that I can potentially specialize in. I want to make an impact. I know I am capable, and I have the motivation, but financial support will make this significantly easier for me. If I am to win this scholarship, I will be extremely grateful. Once I attain my stability and independence, I will give back to everyone who helped get me there. Thank you for your consideration.

As a law and policy major who tends to choose courses that I know will challenge me, online platforms, tools, and resources have been essential to furthering my understanding of what I'm studying. Until college, I often used Quizlet to help with memorization. The flashcards and memory games made vocabulary a breeze. But, now that my assignments are typically long-form writing assignments to demonstrate my understanding of a concept, I've found that YouTube and Coursera are the most beneficial to me as a student. Within academia, YouTube has garnered a reputation similar to that of Wikipedia. Professors warn against using YouTube because it is a platform where anyone can post anything, whether it is accurate or not. To me, this is unfair. YouTube has thousands of vetted experts posting videos on topics they are passionate about. For example, the channel The Amoeba Sisters is a collaboration between real-life sisters, one creating the art, and the other, using what she's learned from her MS in biological sciences, narrates. There are countless other examples, in almost every subject, of highly educated and talented people making videos curated for those who want to learn. If I am struggling in a class, there is surely some YouTube creator who will be able to explain the topic in a different way, which will help me succeed. Of course, sometimes I need to verify that the creator has experience in whatever field they're discussing. But, generally, people with educational channels post their credentials anyway, making it easier to tell who to trust. The other platform I use is Coursera. Coursera is a website/app where accredited universities can post online, self-paced versions of their courses. Right now, I'm taking a course on how law and ethics intersect in the context of running a business. Since the courses are self-paced, it is ideal for someone who wants to supplement their learning while already enrolled at a college/university. It is also ideal for anyone curious about a topic, especially as the courses are free. Earning a certificate for completing a Coursera course is possible but comes with a fee. However, the platform has granted me three full scholarships, meaning I have received credit for completing two courses (then, the one I am currently taking). The scholarship opportunities, and ease of application, make it clear to me that Coursera is truly invested in broadening access to education. Though I am quite wary of AI, it has been helpful to me when doing research. Tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard can process more complex search queries than a typical search engine. As an intern whose responsibilities often include finding specific and obscure pieces of information, AI has certainly been useful. In an increasingly digitized world, online learning is now more popular and extensive than ever. It has helped me understand subjects I struggle with and enhanced my interest in subjects I love. Though YouTube and Coursera are what work for me, there are many other educational platforms online to explore. As I work toward my degree, I'm sure to utilize more of these resources.

Because I grew up in an environment where mental health was barely acknowledged and certainly not prioritized, I've had to maintain my mental wellness basically on my own. I have managed, largely thanks to resources online and my school community, but I wish my family would learn more about the topic. Though I've never had major mental health struggles myself, I have witnessed them in many friends and even my family, which compounds the problem. To prevent others from not knowing where to turn for mental health support, I aim to be an ally for those suffering, keeping my mental health in check so that I can continue to support those around me. A college environment can be detrimental to one's mental health. It is highly competitive, full of new people, and away from what is familiar. My mental health is threatened by the pressure to maintain good grades, which, in turn, can cause my grades to suffer, which causes my mental health to suffer, and the cycle continues. Luckily, there are resources at my school to help us. I am a member of my school's mental health activism club, Project Wave. Our slogan is "Make waves of good." Being a part of Project Wave has allowed me to connect with other students invested in spreading awareness about mental health. Our most recent events were in recognition of Suicide Awareness Week. We shared mental wellness tips, put displays around campus, and hosted several fun educational activities in support of our cause. I would encourage anyone to join (or start!) a similar club at their school. Having a supportive network is imperative, especially as a student. Another way I advocate for mental health in my community is by speaking up whenever mental illness is stigmatized. Because so many people misunderstand mental illness, people going through it often have to deal with judgment and misinformation. This can increase difficulties that the people are already struggling to overcome. When I witness this sort of bias, I make sure to address it politely but firmly. Sometimes, that bias comes from a well-intentioned place. But, even if that is not the case, helping people truly understand the issue can garner more compassion from them. Then, they will be better equipped to help in the fight for mental health resources and normalization. Mental health should be just as important as physical health. After all, they often go hand in hand. As a student, there are a lot of factors at play that can make maintaining my mental health challenging. Nevertheless, I try to stay strong. My community needs more support and advocates, and I aim to be one of them. Nobody should have to struggle alone.

I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Using my political science background, I am currently fighting for a bill that will repeal closed primaries in my state, Pennsylvania. With the student-led organization Ballot PA, I have protested for voting rights for independents. People like veterans and those 18-24 are disenfranchised by closed primaries, despite paying taxes that allow primaries to run in the first place. I was the only one from my college to attend a rally in support of this bill. I spoke with legislators and the media. Activism is essential to me, and I will continue to fight for the causes I believe in. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I represent, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

The 'GUTS' lyric that most resonate with me is from All-American Bitch: "I don't get angry when I'm pissed / I'm the eternal optimist." This line captures the essence of teenage girlhood and the inability or aversion to allowing yourself to react when provoked, even in situations where it would be entirely justified. Regardless of how "pissed" I may be at a person (or, more poignantly, society at large), I cannot express my anger, though I would quite like to. Anger is a tool that young women are discouraged if not flat-out barred from using. If a teen girl is angry, she will either be reprimanded or, at best, not taken seriously. The song overall does an excellent job of examining this. But, there is another side. Olivia does not get angry when she's pissed, as she is eternally optimistic. This could have a sarcastic implication, but personally, the lyric resonates with me most if taken literally. Despite the anger I internalize, I am quite optimistic. Acting on anger can certainly lead to reactions that bring about progress, but I try to be more diplomatic in approaching whatever issues I face. I don't want to be angry. I want to be optimistic; I want to allow for all possibilities so as to include the best ones. I am young. I most likely have decades of opportunities ahead of me. My optimism often takes the form of assuming everyone has good intentions, even if the way they carry them out isn't the most ethical or kind. Even those with poor intentions never intended to be that way. They ended up that way because of any number of poor factors going on in their lives. It's hard to be angry at an individual when I, an optimist, can only see the good, or at least the potential for good. Fortunately and unfortunately, I grew up in an environment that did not allow me to have many of the classic adolescent experiences that Olivia details in 'GUTS.' I've never been in a toxic relationship, nor have I even been through a breakup, so I cannot connect to many of her songs. Yet, I connect with many of the lyrics to All-American Bitch, especially the line about anger and optimism. It represents my outlook on life. I also like how it is open to interpretation; this allows me to better apply it to my perspective. To me, it encapsulates the adolescent experience, and it does so in a way that helps me understand how I view myself and the world.

Because I grew up in an environment where mental health was barely acknowledged and certainly not prioritized, I've had to maintain my mental wellness basically on my own. This is not an ideal situation. Though I've never had any mental health struggles myself, I have witnessed them in many friends and family. I aim to be an ally for those suffering, keeping my mental health in check so that I can continue to support those around me. A college environment can be detrimental to one's mental health. It is highly competitive, full of new people, and away from what is familiar. My mental health is threatened by the pressure to maintain good grades, which, in turn, can cause my grades to suffer, which causes my mental health to suffer, and the cycle continues. Luckily, there are resources at my school to help us. I am a member of my school's mental health activism club, Project Wave. Our slogan is "Make waves of good." There are everyday tips I use to maintain my mental health. These also help me maintain healthy relationships, as when my mental health is well, that will carry over to how I interact with others. The most basic tip is exercise. I love taking walks, and I take at least one every day. I think it has been the most helpful to me in terms of mental health, and I have felt significantly better physically ever since I started. Earlier this year, though, I got tendinitis in my ankle and was unable to walk for about a month. So, instead, I just did whatever stretched or upper-body movements I could manage, and though it wasn't ideal, it was a good enough substitution. Another tip that I try to do as much as possible is to practice gratitude. It's been proven that showing appreciation makes you happier, sometimes even happier than the person receiving the gratitude. But, it doesn't have to be a person. You can go about your day just acknowledging whatever makes that day a little better. I can be grateful for the weather. I can be grateful for my nice, comfy bed. And, I can say thank you to someone who might not hear it that often, like the housekeepers who work hard to keep our campus clean. Keeping a healthy relationship with food is also important to me. I've tried exclusively eating "healthy" foods in healthy portions. It didn't work. I've tried eating whatever I want, whenever I want. That didn't work either. Though it may seem obvious, I figured out that I needed to find a balance. I don't indulge in every craving I have throughout the day, but I make sure to reward myself with whatever sugary treat I want sometimes. I'm not going to eat so many salads, but I'll have enough fruits and vegetables to keep my body at its best. Overall, I believe my mental health is important in the same way I believe my physical health is important. They affect each other directly and profoundly. My relationships, grades, hobbies, and essentially everything else in my life depend on my mental health. Plus, if I am open about what I do for my mental wellness, I can encourage others to do the same. Spreading awareness will make for a better, healthier world.

I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Using my political science background, I am currently fighting for a bill that will repeal closed primaries in my state, Pennsylvania. With the student-led organization Ballot PA, I have protested for voting rights for independents. People like veterans and those 18-24 are disenfranchised by closed primaries, despite paying taxes that allow primaries to run in the first place. I was the only one from my college to attend a rally in support of this bill. I spoke with legislators and the media. Activism is essential to me, and I will continue to fight for the causes I believe in. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I represent, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Using my political science background, I am currently fighting for a bill that will repeal closed primaries in my state, Pennsylvania. With the student-led organization Ballot PA, I have protested for voting rights for independents. People like veterans and those 18-24 are disenfranchised by closed primaries, despite paying taxes that allow primaries to run in the first place. I was the only one from my college to attend a rally in support of this bill. I spoke with legislators and the media. Activism is essential to me, and I will continue to fight for the causes I believe in. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I represent, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

Since early on in elementary school, I have always known that I wanted to pursue higher education. I quickly learned that I was not being academically challenged at my school, and once the end of middle school approached, I applied to a prestigious college preparatory school, putting as much effort as I could into the application progress. Having straight As and a range of extracurricular activities in my repertoire, I was confident that I would be accepted. Yet, my hopes were low. My family would not be able to pay the tuition. A few weeks after applying, I received a phone call from the admissions department (a very anxiety-inducing thing for me, especially at the time). I was confused, as decisions were supposed to be communicated via email. To my shock, I was informed that I had been selected for a full-ride scholarship. I was ecstatic, and my passion for education and learning was reaffirmed. To prepare for college, I took on a variety of extracurriculars, discovering more interests of mine. I found I had a love of community engagement, library science, and technical theater, which I wrote about in my college applications. I worked closely with my college counselor to find the optimal school for me. My only regret is that I did not apply to more schools. I had a fee waiver and could've applied to as many as I desired. A part of me is still curious whether I would've gotten into Harvard. Nonetheless, looking back, I believe I made the right decision. Because I went to a boarding school, the transition to college was rather easy for me. As much as I love my parents, it is quite freeing to live away. I have greater control over my life, which has been very fulfilling for me, someone with a quite independent spirit. Though the transition was easy for me, I knew I did not want to continue some old habits that plagued my high school career. In high school, because I was now being challenged, it took considerable effort for me to maintain my grades. Dealing with a grueling schedule in addition to the difficult coursework, I became very withdrawn and shy. I fell behind not due to a lack of effort, but fear of speaking up about being placed in the wrong classes. I took Algebra 2 without taking Algebra 1, or even Pre-Algebra. I pulled through, but I could not comfortably go through similar situations again. Now that I'm in college, I am making sure to be sure of myself. I am maintaining relationships with my professors, choosing the classes that are right for me, and asking for help whenever I am in need. I'm also doing things to prepare for my career, participating in networking events and doing internships. Over the summer, I earned a certificate in leadership development, and currently, I am volunteering as a Democracy and Diplomacy Intern. I also take advantage of college-sponsored events, such as a rally at the Pennsylvania State Capitol building. There are many opportunities here, and I am participating in as much as I reasonably can.

I love math because it is entirely logical, yet leaves much room for us to continue exploring it further. If something in math does not add up, pun intended, then one must step back, approach the problem with a different method, and try again to find the solution. Math is a way to quantify the abstract concepts surrounding us. It is a way to put the abstract into order. Throughout my education, I have struggled with being creative. I am decent at drawing and playing piano, but originality is not my strong suit. The best I can do is try to translate an object or image that already exists onto my paper or play a piece someone has already written. I have always found solace in math, a subject where I can use my analytically inclined mind. If I am handed a problem, I can use tried and true methods to solve it. If I want to create a problem, it is practically effortless to throw some numbers and symbols down before the fun part of finding the solution. I've found myself thinking mathematically in situations that generally do not require it. As a barista, I think in ratios as I experiment with new drinks, figuring out how much milk with how much coffee will have the optimal taste, and how to keep that ratio in the different sizes. I plan my day by calculating how much I will like or dislike certain activities, how necessary each activity will be, and how much time is available, assigning numbers to these. Math keeps me efficient and well. Even when I am frustrated over a problem that refuses to reveal itself to me, I will always love math. Math problems may appear unsolvable and gray, but knowing that math is truly black and white reassures me that a solution is always possible. Math is a facet of my personality. Without it, I would not have the tools to understand the world around me.

I believe I exemplify a spirit of excellence through my high level of involvement in the various communities I belong to. I am a first-generation college student studying law and policy at Dickinson College. Along with my studies, I am a volunteer with Learning Life, a non-profit dedicated to spreading democracy and diplomacy worldwide. My extracurricular activities include the Pre-Law Society, Dickinson's mental health club (Project Wave), Dickinson Christian Fellowship, The Women's Network, and multiple political activism organizations on campus. I am also taking piano lessons to get back into my passion for music. Last year, I made the Dean's List, and am hoping to do so this year as well. I am taking additional classes online through Coursera to supplement my learning. When I am not on campus, I work as a barista at a local café, help older relatives with whatever they need, and am an active member of my church community. Over the summer, I earned a certificate in leadership development through an internship with Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, in partnership with Shippensburg University. There, I also worked as a Starbucks barista, where I became Barista Certified. The internship included several networking and team-building events. These were valuable to me, as they helped bolster my professionalism. For most of my life, I've thankfully experienced little adversity, but financial troubles are now affecting me more and more. Scholarship funding has been essential to my education. My parents are not supporting me financially, but I am still not able to register as an independent student, as I don't meet any of the required exceptions. This means that the government expects me to contribute significantly more money towards tuition than what I have. I am doing my best to save, but it is not enough. I was extremely fortunate to earn a full-ride scholarship to the college prep school I attended, but for college itself, I was not so lucky. The debt I am accumulating is especially daunting as someone hoping to go to law school. Dickinson has a program where I can spend three years as an undergraduate, then three in law school, as opposed to the typical four years as an undergraduate, then the final three. This is a difficult program to get into, and it requires that I go to a specific law school, but I'm very willing to put in the work to save a year of tuition. I was planning on utilizing work-study this year, but I decided to take a risk and dedicate my time to extracurriculars instead. My college offers many opportunities, and I don't want to be held back by having to work a job when there's so much more to explore. Later in life, I don't want to regret not taking advantage of everything I can do here. I do work when I can during breaks, but otherwise, I can be found running around campus participating in a variety of things, or in my dorm working on my tasks for Learning Life. My goal is to become an attorney, and as of now, I am exploring different areas of law that I can potentially specialize in. I want to make an impact. I know I am capable, and I have the motivation, but financial support will make this significantly easier for me. If I am to win this scholarship, I will be extremely grateful. Once I am financially stable and independent, I will give back to everyone who helped get me there. Thank you for your consideration.

I am a first-generation college student studying law and policy at Dickinson College. Along with my studies, I am a volunteer with Learning Life, a non-profit dedicated to spreading democracy and diplomacy worldwide. My extracurricular activities include the Pre-Law Society, Dickinson's mental health club (Project Wave), Dickinson Christian Fellowship, The Women's Network, and multiple political activism organizations on campus. I am also taking piano lessons to get back into my passion for music. Last year, I made the Dean's List, and am hoping to do so this year as well. I am taking additional classes online through Coursera to supplement my learning. When I am not on campus, I work as a barista at a local café, help older relatives with whatever they need, and am an active member of my church community. Over the summer, I earned a certificate in leadership development through an internship with Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, in partnership with Shippensburg University. There, I also worked as a Starbucks barista, where I became Barista Certified. The internship included several networking and team-building events. These were valuable to me, as they helped bolster my professionalism. For most of my life, I've thankfully experienced little adversity, but financial troubles are now affecting me more and more. Scholarship funding has been essential to my education. My parents are not supporting me financially, but I am still not able to register as an independent student, as I don't meet any of the required exceptions. This means that the government expects me to contribute significantly more money towards tuition than what I have. I am doing my best to save, but it is not enough. I was extremely fortunate to earn a full-ride scholarship to the college prep school I attended, but for college itself, I was not so lucky. The debt I am accumulating is especially daunting as someone hoping to go to law school. Dickinson has a program where I can spend three years as an undergraduate, then three in law school, as opposed to the typical four years as an undergraduate, then the final three. This is a difficult program to get into, and it requires that I go to a specific law school, but I'm very willing to put in the work to save a year of tuition. I was planning on utilizing work-study this year, but I decided to take a risk and dedicate my time to extracurriculars instead. My college offers many opportunities, and I don't want to be held back by having to work a job when there's so much more to explore. Later in life, I don't want to regret not taking advantage of everything I can do here. I do work when I can during breaks, but otherwise, I can be found running around campus participating in a variety of things, or in my dorm working on my tasks for Learning Life, which are mostly communication-related. I'm getting better with outreach through social media, email, and phone calls, which will hopefully help me get paid on-campus opportunities next year. My goal is to become an attorney, and as of now, I am exploring different areas of law that I can potentially specialize in. I want to make an impact. I know I am capable, and I have the motivation, but financial support will make this significantly easier for me. If I am to win this scholarship, I will be extremely grateful. Once I am financially stable and independent, I will give back to everyone who helped get me there. Thank you for your consideration.

If I could only watch one movie for the rest of my life, I would choose My Neighbor Totoro. It's a classic. Ushering in an era of Japanese culture captivated by the idea of healing, My Neighbor Totoro offers a level of comfort that only a Studio Ghibli production could bring. From pastoral themes to low stakes, to endearing characters, the movie feels as if it is hugging the viewer. Taking place in rural Japan in the 1950s, the film appeals to those with a strong connection to nature. As an environmentalist, few other films that I've experienced present nature in such an appreciative manner. My Neighbor Totoro shows characters enchanted and protected by nature, nature that is vibrantly animated with gorgeous visuals that could be pulled straight from a Monet painting. Even the vegetables look good enough to eat. The characters, mostly farmers, tend to their land in a caring manner. Even the soot accumulated in an old house is made into fanciful creatures, which, when encountered by the children, are looked upon with fascination instead of fear. The plot moves along when the children find acorns. Arguably the most whimsical part of the film, when Totoro helps the children grow a huge tree in almost an instant, shows the children to be completely captivated by nature. Though not quite as on-the-nose in its environmentalist messages as films like Princess Mononoke, the themes are prevalent nonetheless. In today's cinematic era, focused on world-saving superheroes, gun-wielding assassins, and large-scale destruction, it is refreshing to watch a movie that takes a step back from these elements and instead asks the viewer to relax. With an intentionally loose plot, My Neighbor Totoro reminds the viewer that life is not always fast-paced and high-stakes. The most tense moment, when the family is unsure how the mom is doing, is soon broken up when they find out that she is just fine, and soon to be home. The children do experience a relatively great deal of anxiety during this hour of uncertainty, but this can be expected of children. The realism is grounding. As for the children themselves, they evoke a sense of nostalgia for older viewers. Often, fiction presents children (especially main characters) as much more skilled and clever than a child would typically be. But, in My Neighbor Totoro, the children act like children. They are carefree, for the most part. They play like children. As they are the only ones able to see the nature spirits, the film implies that they are the only ones to still have a childlike sense of wonder and imagination. Despite the strange things they encounter, they do not encounter these things with apprehension. Rather, they approach it with naïve yet admirable curiosity. They may not make the wisest decisions, but neither would most people at their age. Viewers can connect with the characters through connecting with their inner child, once again experiencing that sense of wonder. I would highly recommend anyone who has not yet seen My Neighbor Totoro to watch it. It is sure to boost your mood and rid you of at least a little stress. Put simply, it is an adorable movie. How the characters view living in a haunted house, as exciting rather than frightening, is how I try to approach my problems. Any time I need a break, I quite enjoy My Neighbor Totoro. I could certainly watch it over and over again, especially as I already do.

I am a first-generation college student studying law and policy at Dickinson College. Along with my studies, I am a volunteer with Learning Life, a non-profit dedicated to spreading democracy and diplomacy worldwide. My extracurricular activities include the Pre-Law Society, Dickinson's mental health club (Project Wave), Dickinson Christian Fellowship, The Women's Network, and multiple political activism organizations on campus. I am also taking piano lessons to get back into my passion for music. Last year, I made the Dean's List, and am hoping to do so this year as well. I am taking additional classes online through Coursera to supplement my learning. When I am not on campus, I work as a barista at a local café, help older relatives with whatever they need, and am an active member of my church community. Over the summer, I earned a certificate in leadership development through an internship with Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, in partnership with Shippensburg University. There, I also worked as a Starbucks barista, where I became Barista Certified. The internship included several networking and team-building events. These were valuable to me, as they helped bolster my professionalism. For most of my life, I've thankfully experienced little adversity, but financial troubles are now affecting me more and more. Scholarship funding has been essential to my education. My parents are not supporting me financially, but I am still not able to register as an independent student, as I don't meet any of the required exceptions. This means that the government expects me to contribute significantly more money towards tuition than what I have. I am doing my best to save, but it is not enough. I was extremely fortunate to earn a full-ride scholarship to the college prep school I attended, but for college itself, I was not so lucky. The debt I am accumulating is especially daunting as someone hoping to go to law school. Dickinson has a program where I can spend three years as an undergraduate, then three in law school, as opposed to the typical four years as an undergraduate, then the final three. This is a difficult program to get into, and it requires that I go to a specific law school, but I'm very willing to put in the work to save a year of tuition. I was planning on utilizing work-study this year, but I decided to take a risk and dedicate my time to extracurriculars instead. My college offers many opportunities, and I don't want to be held back by having to work a job when there's so much more to explore. Later in life, I don't want to regret not taking advantage of everything I can do here. I do work when I can during breaks, but otherwise, I can be found running around campus participating in a variety of things, or in my dorm working on my tasks for Learning Life. My goal is to become an attorney, and as of now, I am exploring different areas of law that I can potentially specialize in. I want to make an impact. I know I am capable, and I have the motivation, but financial support will make this significantly easier for me. If I am to win this scholarship, I will be extremely grateful. Once I am financially stable and independent, I will give back to everyone who helped get me there. Thank you for your consideration.

I am a first-generation college student studying law and policy at Dickinson College. Along with my studies, I am a volunteer with Learning Life, a non-profit dedicated to spreading democracy and diplomacy worldwide. My extracurricular activities include the Pre-Law Society, Dickinson's mental health club (Project Wave), Dickinson Christian Fellowship, The Women's Network, and multiple political activism organizations on campus. I am also taking piano lessons to get back into my passion for music. Last year, I made the Dean's List, and am hoping to do so this year as well. I am taking additional classes online through Coursera to supplement my learning. When I am not on campus, I work as a barista at a local café, help older relatives with whatever they need, and am an active member of my church community. Over the summer, I earned a certificate in leadership development through an internship with Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, in partnership with Shippensburg University. There, I also worked as a Starbucks barista, where I became Barista Certified. The internship included several networking and team-building events. These were valuable to me, as they helped bolster my professionalism. Scholarship funding has been essential to my education. My parents are not supporting me financially, but I am still not able to register as an independent student, as I don't meet any of the required exceptions. This means that the government expects me to contribute significantly more money towards tuition than what I have. I am doing my best to save, but it is not enough. I was extremely fortunate to earn a full-ride scholarship to the college prep school I attended, but for college itself, I was not so lucky. The debt I am accumulating is especially daunting as someone hoping to go to law school. Dickinson has a program where I can spend three years as an undergraduate, then three in law school, as opposed to the typical four years as an undergraduate, then the final three. This is a difficult program to get into, and it requires that I go to a specific law school, but I'm very willing to put in the work to save a year of tuition. I was planning on utilizing work-study this year, but I decided to take a risk and dedicate my time to extracurriculars instead. My college offers many opportunities, and I don't want to be held back by having to work a job when there's so much more to explore. Later in life, I don't want to regret not taking advantage of everything I can do here. I do work when I can during breaks, but otherwise, I can be found running around campus participating in a variety of things, or in my dorm working on my tasks for Learning Life. My goal is to become an attorney, and as of now, I am exploring different areas of law that I can potentially specialize in. I want to make an impact. I know I am capable, and I have the motivation, but financial support will make this significantly easier for me. If I am to win this scholarship, I will be extremely grateful. Once I am financially stable and independent, I will give back to everyone who helped get me there. Thank you for your consideration.

I am a first-generation college student studying law and policy at Dickinson College. Along with my studies, I am a volunteer with Learning Life, a non-profit dedicated to spreading democracy and diplomacy worldwide. My extracurricular activities include the Pre-Law Society, Dickinson's mental health club (Project Wave), Dickinson Christian Fellowship, The Women's Network, and multiple political activism organizations on campus. I am also taking piano lessons to get back into my passion for music. Last year, I made the Dean's List, and am hoping to do so this year as well. I am taking additional classes online through Coursera to supplement my learning. When I am not on campus, I work as a barista at a local café, help older relatives with whatever they need, and am an active member of my church community. Over the summer, I earned a certificate in leadership development through an internship with Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, in partnership with Shippensburg University. There, I also worked as a Starbucks barista, where I became Barista Certified. The internship included several networking and team-building events. These were valuable to me, as they helped bolster my professionalism. Scholarship funding has been essential to my education. My parents are not supporting me financially, but I am still not able to register as an independent student, as I don't meet any of the required exceptions. This means that the government expects me to contribute significantly more money towards tuition than what I have. I am doing my best to save, but it is not enough. I was extremely fortunate to earn a full-ride scholarship to the college prep school I attended, but for college itself, I was not so lucky. The debt I am accumulating is especially daunting as someone hoping to go to law school. Dickinson has a program where I can spend three years as an undergraduate, then three in law school, as opposed to the typical four years as an undergraduate, then the final three. This is a difficult program to get into, and it requires that I go to a specific law school, but I'm very willing to put in the work to save a year of tuition. I was planning on utilizing work-study this year, but I decided to take a risk and dedicate my time to extracurriculars instead. My college offers many opportunities, and I don't want to be held back by having to work a job when there's so much more to explore. Later in life, I don't want to regret not taking advantage of everything I can do here. I do work when I can during breaks, but otherwise, I can be found running around campus participating in a variety of things, or in my dorm working on my tasks for Learning Life. My goal is to become an attorney, and as of now, I am exploring different areas of law that I can potentially specialize in. I want to make an impact. I know I am capable, and I have the motivation, but financial support will make this significantly easier for me. If I am to win this scholarship, I will be extremely grateful. Once I am financially stable and independent, I will give back to everyone who helped get me there. Thank you for your consideration.

I've volunteered in a variety of areas, but the experience that has most influenced my core values has been volunteering with a non-profit called Learning Life. Learning Life focuses on increasing global engagement with democracy, and shaping people into "citizen diplomats," and, further, "family diplomats," or those who get their families involved with the cause. Making sure everyone has a voice in politics, and helping people realize what an impact they can have (even as individuals) is important to me. Through Learning Life, I've heard people from around the world share stories of being prosecuted for their beliefs, being forced to abide by rules they don't agree with, and being looked down upon for speaking up against these wrongs. This is not okay. I want a world where people are governed by an entity that truly represents them and their ideologies, which leads me to my most recent volunteering experience. Just a few days ago, I partnered with an organization called Ballot PA to advocate for a bipartisan bill that would allow registered Independents to vote in primary elections. Pennsylvania is one of just seven states to completely exclude Independents in this way. This must change. I spent a day in the Harrisburg capitol building to show that students like me, a demographic that makes up a large number of Independents, are concerned that the archaic exclusion of Independents is still in place. I spoke with state senators and legislators. Though the bill is currently moving forward, I must continue my efforts, along with fellow supporters of voter equality. Because of my interest in politics and my eventual goal of going to law school, I chose law and policy as my major. I am exploring different areas of law to potentially specialize in, but one that is currently sticking out to me is international law. This branch is intriguing to me, especially after starting my experience at Learning Life. I've applied for an internship with the UN in hopes of learning more about international relations, an interest of mine that has been growing because of several courses I've recently taken. Right now, I am taking American Foreign Policy. I've always been engaged with current events, but this course has given me a more in-depth understanding of how my country has interacted with others, and the challenges that come along with trying to achieve and maintain peace across societal differences. To accomplish my career goals, I've taken on a variety of extracurricular activities. I am a member of my school's Pre-Law Society, mental health club, Women's Network, and multiple political activism clubs. Over the summer, I completed a Leadership Development Internship. I am also taking supplemental online classes through Coursera in addition to my college courses. With enough ambition, I know that my aspirations will stay within my reach.

Though most of my volunteering experience has involved helping people directly rather than helping the environment, I do consciously try to make environmentally friendly decisions in my day-to-day life. I advocate against trends like fast fashion and misguided means of ecotourism and for things like secondhand shopping and using public transportation (or, even better, walking/biking). In my nature and environment class, I am learning about ecocriticism, and its various applications. Ecofeminism has stuck out to me, and I am doing my best to practice it. If I were to leave a message at the top of a mountain, it would be "Remember what brought you here." Whatever motivation a person has to climb an entire mountain can surely get them through a range of other struggles or challenges, even if the motivation is simply wanting to climb the mountain in the first place. My message can also be taken more literally. Maybe their friends or family pushed them to accomplish such a feat. Maybe they were inspired by some other source. The message is brief and vague on purpose; I want it to resonate with as many people as possible. I don't want it to be about myself, and I want it to benefit others somehow, or at least make them take a step back and think about what they achieved. Then, hopefully, they will carry that energy on to the next thing, and the world will be a better place for it.

Because I grew up in an environment where mental health was barely acknowledged and certainly not prioritized, I've had to maintain my mental wellness basically on my own. This is not an ideal situation. Though I've never had any mental health struggles myself, I have witnessed them in many friends and family. I aim to be an ally for those suffering, keeping my mental health in check so that I can continue to support those around me. I am a member of my school's mental health activism club, Project Wave. Our slogan is "Make waves of good." We just hosted a variety of events for National Suicide Awareness Week. One of these events was a seminar on crisis management tips. These tips are meant for when you or someone close to you is going through a depressive or anxious crisis (some tips are meant for one and not the other). I haven't needed to use them, but I now have them in mind if I ever do need them. Examples included placing ice on your chest or the back of your neck to calm an anxious attack (as temperature changes are known to alleviate symptoms), the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise, and forcing yourself to move (to let out energy in an anxious attack) or not move (to avoid harming yourself or others during a depressive episode). Crisis management aside, there are everyday tips I use to maintain my mental health. These also help me maintain healthy relationships, as when my mental health is well, that will carry over to how I interact with others. The most basic tip is exercise. I love taking walks, and I take at least one every day. I think it has been the most helpful to me in terms of mental health, and I have felt significantly better physically ever since I started. Earlier this year, though, I got tendinitis in my ankle and was unable to walk for about a month. So, instead, I just did whatever stretched or upper-body movements I could manage, and though it wasn't ideal, it was a good enough substitution. Another tip that I try to do as much as possible is to practice gratitude. It's been proven that showing appreciation makes you happier, sometimes even happier than the person receiving the gratitude. But, it doesn't have to be a person. You can go about your day just acknowledging whatever makes that day a little better. I can be grateful for the weather. I can be grateful for my nice, comfy bed. And, I can say thank you to someone who might not hear it that often, like the housekeepers who work hard to keep our campus clean. Keeping a healthy relationship with food is also important to me. I've tried exclusively eating "healthy" foods in healthy portions. It didn't work. I've tried eating whatever I want, whenever I want. That didn't work either. Though it may seem obvious, I figured out that I needed to find a balance. I don't indulge in every craving I have throughout the day, but I make sure to reward myself with whatever sugary treat I want sometimes. I'm not going to eat so many salads, but I'll have enough fruits and vegetables to keep my body at its best. Overall, I believe my mental health is important in the same way I believe my physical health is important. They affect each other directly and profoundly. My relationships, grades, hobbies, and essentially everything else in my life depend on my mental health. Plus, if I am open about what I do for my mental wellness, I can encourage others to do the same. Spreading awareness will make for a better, healthier world.

Because I grew up in an environment where mental health was barely acknowledged and certainly not prioritized, I've had to maintain my mental wellness basically on my own. This is not an ideal situation. Though I've never had any mental health struggles myself, I have witnessed them in many friends and family. I aim to be an ally for those suffering, keeping my mental health in check so that I can continue to support those around me. I am a member of my school's mental health activism club, Project Wave. Our slogan is "Make waves of good." We just hosted a variety of events for National Suicide Awareness Week. One of these events was a seminar on crisis management tips. These tips are meant for when you or someone close to you is going through a depressive or anxious crisis (some tips are meant for one and not the other). I haven't needed to use them, but I now have them in mind if I ever do need them. Examples included placing ice on your chest or the back of your neck to calm an anxious attack (as temperature changes are known to alleviate symptoms), the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise, and forcing yourself to move (to let out energy in an anxious attack) or not move (to avoid harming yourself or others during a depressive episode). Crisis management aside, there are everyday tips I use to maintain my mental health. The most basic one is exercise. I love taking walks, and I take at least one every day. I think it has been the most helpful to me in terms of mental health, and I have felt significantly better physically ever since I started. Earlier this year, though, I got tendinitis in my ankle and was unable to walk for about a month. So, instead, I just did whatever stretched or upper-body movements I could manage, and though it wasn't ideal, it was a good enough substitution. Another tip that I try to do as much as possible is to practice gratitude. It's been proven that showing appreciation makes you happier, sometimes even happier than the person receiving the gratitude. But, it doesn't have to be a person. You can go about your day just acknowledging whatever makes that day a little better. I can be grateful for the weather. I can be grateful for my nice, comfy bed. And, I can say thank you to someone who might not hear it that often, like the housekeepers who work hard to keep our campus clean. Keeping a healthy relationship with food is also important to me. I've tried exclusively eating "healthy" foods in healthy portions. It didn't work. I've tried eating whatever I want, whenever I want. That didn't work either. Though it may seem obvious, I figured out that I needed to find a balance. I don't indulge every craving I have throughout the day, but I make sure to reward myself with whatever sugary treat I want sometimes. I'm not going to eat so many salads, but I'll have enough fruits and vegetables to keep my body at its best. Overall, I believe my mental health is important in the same way I believe my physical health is important. They affect each other directly and profoundly. My relationships, grades, hobbies, and essentially everything else in my life depend on my mental health. Plus, if I am open about what I do for my mental wellness, I can encourage others to do the same. Spreading awareness will make for a better, healthier world.

Because I grew up in an environment where mental health was barely acknowledged and certainly not prioritized, I've had to maintain my mental wellness basically on my own. This is not an ideal situation. Though I've never had any mental health struggles myself, I have witnessed them in many friends and family. I aim to be an ally for those suffering, keeping my mental health in check so that I can continue to support those around me. I am a member of my school's mental health activism club, Project Wave. Our slogan is "Make waves of good." We just hosted a variety of events for National Suicide Awareness Week. One of these events was a seminar on crisis management tips. These tips are meant for when you or someone close to you is going through a depressive or anxious crisis (some tips are meant for one and not the other). I haven't needed to use them, but I now have them in mind if I ever do need them. Examples included placing ice on your chest or the back of your neck to calm an anxious attack (as temperature changes are known to alleviate symptoms), the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise, and forcing yourself to move (to let out energy in an anxious attack) or not move (to avoid harming yourself or others during a depressive episode). Crisis management aside, there are everyday tips I use to maintain my mental health. The most basic one is exercise. I love taking walks, and I take at least one every day. I think it has been the most helpful to me in terms of mental health, and I have felt significantly better physically ever since I started. Earlier this year, though, I got tendinitis in my ankle and was unable to walk for about a month. So, instead, I just did whatever stretched or upper-body movements I could manage, and though it wasn't ideal, it was a good enough substitution. Another tip that I try to do as much as possible is to practice gratitude. It's been proven that showing appreciation makes you happier, sometimes even happier than the person receiving the gratitude. But, it doesn't have to be a person. You can go about your day just acknowledging whatever makes that day a little better. I can be grateful for the weather. I can be grateful for my nice, comfy bed. And, I can say thank you to someone who might not hear it that often, like the housekeepers who work hard to keep our campus clean. Keeping a healthy relationship with food is also important to me. I've tried exclusively eating "healthy" foods in healthy portions. It didn't work. I've tried eating whatever I want, whenever I want. That didn't work either. Though it may seem obvious, I figured out that I needed to find a balance. I don't indulge in every craving I have throughout the day, but I make sure to reward myself with whatever sugary treat I want sometimes. I'm not going to eat so many salads, but I'll have enough fruits and vegetables to keep my body at its best. Overall, I believe my mental health is important in the same way I believe my physical health is important. They affect each other directly and profoundly. My relationships, grades, hobbies, and essentially everything else in my life depend on my mental health. Plus, if I am open about what I do for my mental wellness, I can encourage others to do the same. Spreading awareness will make for a better, healthier world.

If I could have everyone read one book, it would be The Giver by Lois Lowry. Though not necessarily written to be disturbing, it evokes a deep sense of dread in the reader. The world of The Giver, supposedly a utopia, is completely alien, but not in a fantastic, welcoming way. Emotions are extremely suppressed. There is not even any color. Amongst other odd qualities of this society, these are all meant to minimize suffering. What the characters fail to realize, and what the main character Jonas has to understand, is that these changes also minimize what it means to be alive, or to be human. They minimize personal fulfillment and identity just as much as they minimize pain, which, I would argue, is an equally painful consequence. Jonas's task of being the Receiver of Memory (the one chosen to receive the memories of the time before the societal changes took place) is quite daunting. He must grapple with what he learns, things that cause him to question his entire upbringing and things that make him wonder whether this "ideal" new societal framework is ideal at all, or rather, quite the opposite. Lowry has stated that her books evaluate "the vital need for humans to be aware of their interdependence, not only with each other, but with the world and its environment." The world of The Giver explores this by maximizing the characters' interdependence while taking away the core qualities and circumstances of life itself. The environment created by the rules of the society is completely foreign and new, and Jonas comes to find that it is incompatible with personhood. The Giver is a dystopia disguising itself as a utopia, and that is what makes it so brilliant. The Giver makes the reader analyze how individuality and dualities are so vital to living. Sadness cannot be removed without also removing its antonym, happiness. True joy cannot exist without suffering to counter it. The Giver even touches on the dangers of eugenics, and how it can cause a society to decay even further. This is an important novel. It encourages gratitude and introspection. Everyone should read The Giver.

I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I represent, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

I’ve participated in a variety of volunteer experiences throughout my life. The earliest one that I can remember, beginning when I was about six, was packing shoeboxes with my church to be shipped to underprivileged kids around the world. The shoeboxes were filled with both toys and essential items like soap, toothbrushes, and washcloths. This project—which I’ve done annually—made me think about how fortunate I am, even if my life isn’t especially glamorous. Though I’ve worked with organizations such as the Special Olympics, a local horse club (which was the most fun!), and Muddy Mamas before, the one with the biggest impact on me was probably the Boys and Girls Club. I knew beforehand that my “job” was to help the kids at my local club with their homework. I was also instructed to organize fun, interactive activities for them. I assumed these tasks would be relatively easy—I’d done similar things at church with the Sunday School children. But, it was not so simple. The club was located in “the projects” of my town. Many of the members were there so they could get dinner after school for a very low cost. The education most of the kids received was lacking, which is not to say that the kids were unintelligent—they simply lacked resources. I was ready to teach them to the best of my ability, but they were not enthused about learning. I tried to engage them and make their homework feel more fun but to no avail. As someone with a passion for learning, it was frustrating. I never let the frustration show, though. I tried a new approach. Instead of trying to get them to do their schoolwork, I tried to get them to see me as a friend, first. That way, they’d (hopefully) see that I had their best interests in mind. Some were very shy. I understood that feeling. When I was their age, I was the same way. So, I asked them about their interests, and how their days were going. Over time, I noticed that they trusted me more, and were looking forward to our sessions. Eventually, they were more open to doing their work, even if it wasn’t exactly their favorite thing. Because of this development, their work got done significantly faster. I was proud. I was also proud of myself, as I’ve tried to be more personable despite my reserved personality. I grew as a person throughout the length of the program. I’ve also volunteered at a nursing home. My experience there was brief, and not particularly impressive, but meaningful nonetheless. All I had to do was push wheelchair-bound residents to the home’s church service. Some were appreciative, but some were slightly irritable, and others didn’t seem to pay attention. It saddened me, but not because I felt unappreciated. I didn’t expect any accolades, and I didn’t need any. Ending up in a nursing home and losing one’s mobility is surely an upsetting change of pace in one’s life. The least I could do was make it as stress-free as possible. After college, I plan to become a lawyer. My main goal is to advocate for those who don’t have the power to advocate for themselves. And, I hope to inspire those who do have that potential to make it their reality. Hopefully, my impact won’t be limited to my community. But, I will use the connections I’ve made in my community to propel myself and others along the path to success.

Though I simply describe myself as low-income when asked about my finances, my situation has an additional, unique frustration to it. When filling out the FAFSA and other forms, I was required to input my parents' income, as most students must do. The problem with that is that my parents are not financially supporting me, even though, according to the government, they should be able to afford to give me thousands of dollars annually. This means that I am given significantly less in grants than what I would receive if I were able to file as an independent student. My school's financial aid department even told me to file independently, despite my not being qualified to do so. I'm not married, nor an orphan, nor do I fit any other criteria for filing as an independent student. I had to file as a dependent. This means I am stuck. I've always strived for excellent grades, and I've always been involved with extracurricular activities and volunteering (at least as long as I could do so). Now, I feel forced into taking on more than I should. I have to be as academically impressive and well-rounded as I can manage to earn more scholarships, scholarships that don't come easy for someone who, all things considered, is pretty privileged. I love college. I love my clubs and societies. I'm enjoying my internship and piano lessons. But, I am left with little time to relax. I am aware of how lucky I am, but I wish my aid package was not based on income that will never be mine. A scholarship will allow me to be at my best, not at my busiest. To reach my full potential, I need to be rid of this extra pressure. I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I have an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare.

Though I simply describe myself as low-income when asked about my finances, my situation has an additional, unique frustration to it. When filling out the FAFSA and other forms, I was required to input my parents' income, as most students must do. The problem with that is that my parents are not financially supporting me, even though, according to the government, they should be able to afford to give me thousands of dollars annually. This means that I am given significantly less in grants than what I would receive if I were able to file as an independent student. My school's financial aid department even told me to file independently, despite my not being qualified to do so. I'm not married, nor an orphan, nor do I fit any other criteria for filing as an independent student. I had to file as a dependent. This means I am stuck. I've always strived for excellent grades, and I've always been involved with extracurricular activities and volunteering (at least as long as I could do so). Now, I feel forced into taking on more than I should. I have to be as academically impressive and well-rounded as I can manage to earn more scholarships, scholarships that don't come easy for someone who, all things considered, is pretty privileged. I love college. I love my clubs and societies. I'm enjoying my internship and piano lessons. But, I am left with little time to relax. I am aware of how lucky I am, but I wish my aid package was not based on income that will never be mine. A scholarship will allow me to be at my best, not at my busiest. To reach my full potential, I need to be rid of this extra pressure. I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I have an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare.

Over the summer, I completed a leadership development internship that allowed me to build on certain qualities within myself. During the internship, I focused on improving how I embody vital career competencies like communication, professionalism, and equity and inclusion. After all, career readiness is essential. Utilizing related skills will help propel me into the leadership positions I know I am capable of holding. The internship also bolstered my networking abilities. Networking is vital as a leader. Now, I can more easily connect with the people who have the proper skillset for what my organization(s) needs to accomplish. Another quality that makes me a leader is that I strive to be a resource for those around me. Leading isn't only about directing, but it's also about collaboration. I aim to be the person my colleagues come to whenever they need assistance. Not only do I set an example for others, but I also want to look out for them. I make sure to provide them with the information they need to succeed so that we can maintain a productive environment. I also recently completed a program about being a leader in terms of bridging religious gaps. It focused on being a good representative of my faith, meaning someone who can effectively communicate with people outside of our community in a welcoming way. This program helped me understand how to interact with others after the networking stage. And, I utilize the strategies I learned in the program in a lot of secular contexts, not just for religious outreach. I manage my time between these activities and my schooling by making sure that every extra obligation I take on is both relevant and reasonable. I choose extracurriculars that are supplemental to my career focus, and/or central to my identity. I do try unfamiliar things often, but I know that putting too much on my plate is going to slow me down. Once I figure out that something is not right for me, I will refocus my energy into something more productive. "Something more productive" can also mean me-time. I need a quality school-life balance so that I can consistently be at my best. As a perfectionist with very high ambition, I know I am at great risk of burnout. Because of this, mindfulness has become very important to me, and I make sure to keep my mental health in check. I've also learned to be more confident in saying "no," and avoid being too much of a people-pleaser. If I want to keep my GPA up, I can't go to every event, even if my friends would like me to go. I am very grateful for the leadership opportunities I've had so far, and I am actively seeking out more to be involved with in the future. Not only do they help me with my time management skills, but they serve as a launching pad for getting me into my career. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship. With less financial stress, I will be even more prepared to maintain my academic success.

Though I simply describe myself as low-income when asked about my finances, my situation has an additional, unique frustration to it. When filling out the FAFSA and other forms, I was required to input my parents' income, as most students must do. The problem with that is that my parents are not financially supporting me, even though, according to the government, they should be able to afford to give me thousands of dollars annually. This means that I am given significantly less in grants than what I would receive if I were able to file as an independent student. My school's financial aid department even told me to file independently, despite my not being qualified to do so. I'm not married, nor an orphan, nor do I fit any other criteria for filing as an independent student. I had to file as a dependent. This means I am stuck. I've always strived for excellent grades, and I've always been involved with extracurricular activities and volunteering (at least as long as I could do so). Now, I feel forced into taking on more than I should. I have to be as academically impressive and well-rounded as I can manage to earn more scholarships, scholarships that don't come easy for someone who, all things considered, is pretty privileged. I love college. I love my clubs and societies. I'm enjoying my internship and piano lessons. But, I am left with little time to relax. I am aware of how lucky I am, but I wish my aid package was not based on income that will never be mine. A scholarship will allow me to be at my best, not at my busiest. To reach my full potential, I need to be rid of this extra pressure. I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare.

I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I represent, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

As part of a generation that was raised in the age of technology advancing at such a rate that we can barely take the time to figure out its ethical implications, innovation has become a goal amongst most of us Millenials-Gen Z, not merely the goal of a select few entrepreneurs. Entranced by social media, we are encouraged if not expected to be, or at least want to be, some kind of influencer. I believe my generation is a highly competitive one. Whereas previous generations may have focused their enthusiasm on patriotism or accumulating wealth, Millennials-Gen Z have a more humanitarian, diplomatic approach. Of course, previous generations have also cared for social causes. They paved the way. But, we in the new generations have become so obsessed with doing the right thing that we created an entire system for keeping each other in check: cancel culture. Though this system is constantly misused and abused, we must consider why it exists. Millennials-Gen Z want future generations to grow up in a better climate (literally and figuratively) than what we inherited. Older generations see Milennials-Gen Z as lacking resentment. This is not entirely the case. Frankly, we're full of resentment. I did not ask for a climate crisis. I didn't sign up to be a part of a crumbling economy. None of us did. But, we know that resentment isn't going to get anything done, nor will it do our mental health (something we value greatly) any favors. Being so bitter is a weight on our shoulders that we instead choose to recycle, lobbing it directly at the myriad of issues we didn't create. Sitting back and wallowing in misery, longing for what could have been is no way to live. We're here to propose solutions. We're here to make an impact. Millennials-Gen Z traded a culture of respect for a culture of empathy. We're slowly dismantling nonsensical norms such as "wearing a hat indoors is impolite" for ideas that celebrate the individual. Elder higher-ups may sneer at the pink-haired Gen Z-er with tattoos, but we new generations know that self-expression is something that should not take away from the idea of professionalism. Millenials-Gen Z, regardless of the setting, see each other as complete human beings rather than just coworkers. We are certainly not the first generations to be made up of unique people, but we are the first to, as a movement, celebrate what makes us different. How much makeup I wear, even with the most garish colors, has zero impact on how well I can write a report. It does, however, reflect how authentic I am being to those around me. My style, beliefs, etc., are all a part of what makes me, me. The new generations know that trying to put people into a box, a box that does not truly benefit anyone, makes for a dull, unhealthy environment. As for picking up the phone, Millenials-Gen Z have pretty simple reasons for preferring, well, anything besides a call. We understand that a call is the quickest, most convenient method for the person calling. But, for the person answering, it may be the worst possible time. There is often no way to know whether it is an ideal time to call. Written communication like a text or email says "I understand you may not be available, and I want to allow you a sufficient amount of time to reply with the information I need." Younger generations find written communication to be the kindest format, with exceptions being emergencies or calls arranged by text. A text asking if now is a good time to call demonstrates to me that you recognize my humanity. Overall, society at large needs to improve its intergenerational communication skills. Right now, we write nasty headlines about each other online, and tip-toeing around each other in in-person conversations. We need to realize that no single generation is the problem and that we all want a better world, despite our differing methods of achieving this, and our differing opinions of what a better world would look like. Each generation has its overarching quirks, but so does any demographic. We're all just individuals, with individual perspectives, personalities, and goals. It's time we treat each other with a little more understanding.

I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I represent, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

I demonstrated tenacity during the COVID-19 pandemic whenever my life, like many others, temporarily went along an unexpected path. Though I remained in good health, not everyone in my family was so lucky. When my grandparents contracted the disease, someone in the family needed to step up and care for them. Everyone else was either too at risk, too far away, or too overwhelmed with other pandemic-related issues to help. Despite not feeling like the right person for the job, and being only 17, I was willing to do my best to support them. For over two weeks, I stayed in my grandparents' house doing whatever they needed while they recovered. I was not worried for my health, but it was a bit scary watching them go through it, as they have been dealing with other health issues recently. I was only doing simple things like sweeping or making food, and occasionally going out for groceries, but it felt more challenging given the context of the time. For the most part, I couldn't even see my parents, as my dad worried about getting COVID and not being able to work. We would not be able to afford such a situation. I was stuck. Plus, I had to balance this with my schoolwork. My grades were not up to my usual standard, as I cannot focus when all of my classes are taking place over Zoom. As I could not bolster my college applications with extracurriculars that did not exist with online school, I hated that I was falling behind. I was frustrated, but I made sure not to show it. I did not want to make my grandparents feel at all like they were holding me back from what I'd rather be doing, as my main goal was to get them feeling better, not to get myself back to doing what I wanted. Luckily, after a couple of scares, my grandparents eventually recovered. I am very grateful, as I know many other families were not so fortunate. The main thing I learned from this experience is that even if life throws you a curveball, you are still able to hit it. Everything turned out okay in my case, and I've learned to be even more appreciative of my health. Hopefully, I will not have to deal with another pandemic situation like COVID-19, but I will inevitably have to care for my older relatives in other ways as they increasingly rely on those around them. I am happy to be there for them.

As someone passionate about fashion and activism (and as someone who has dabbled in singing), Zendaya's strengths in each of those categories have always impressed me. But, the one I admire the most has got to be her acting abilities. I've looked up to Zendaya since her days on Shake It Up when I still dreamed of becoming a triple-threat superstar. Though my life has taken a much different path, her acting prowess will always inspire me. I have a great deal of respect for actors, especially after I spent much of my high school career working behind the scenes of technical theater productions. Their ability to become their characters and make the audience connect with them, whether live or through a screen, is beyond impressive. I've always wanted to try it out, but anxiety has held me back. In middle school, watching K.C. Undercover, I tried to envision myself being as confident as Zendaya's character. She was intelligent and fierce. I am glad Zendaya was able to give me an awesome role model like K.C. (even being involved with the production of the show!). Though Euphoria is not a genre I enjoy, I have heard great things about Zendaya's portrayal of Rue. I have no doubts she is a compelling character. Zendaya's interpretation of M.J. in the Spider-Man movies speaks to me on a personal level. Her independence and sarcastic sense of humor remind me of myself. I relate to her outcast-by-choice way of going about social situations, and her casual yet darkly creative style. And, like me, Zendaya's M.J. is bookish and introverted. I would love to ask Zendaya what it's like playing such a character, as someone with a personality like M.J. might not seem super fascinating to others, especially being that she's part of a world full of superheroes. Personally, though, I am very grateful she is a part of the Marvel universe.

The film that is endlessly captivating to me would have to be My Neighbor Totoro. It's a classic. Ushering in an era of Japanese culture captivated by the idea of healing, My Neighbor Totoro offers a level of comfort that only a Studio Ghibli production could bring. From pastoral themes to low stakes, to endearing characters, the movie feels as if it is hugging the viewer. Taking place in rural Japan in the 1950s, the film appeals to those with a strong connection to nature. As an environmentalist, few other films that I've experienced present nature in such an appreciative manner. My Neighbor Totoro shows characters enchanted and protected by nature, nature that is vibrantly animated with gorgeous visuals that could be pulled straight from a Monet painting. Even the vegetables look good enough to eat. The characters, mostly farmers, tend to their land in a caring manner. Even the soot accumulated in an old house is made into fanciful creatures, which, when encountered by the children, are looked upon with fascination instead of fear. The plot moves along when the children find acorns. Arguably the most whimsical part of the film, when Totoro helps the children grow a huge tree in almost an instant, shows the children to be completely captivated by nature. Though not quite as on-the-nose in its environmentalist messages as films like Princess Mononoke, the themes are prevalent nonetheless. In today's cinematic era, focused on world-saving superheroes, gun-wielding assassins, and large-scale destruction, it is refreshing to watch a movie that takes a step back from these elements and instead asks the viewer to relax. With an intentionally loose plot, My Neighbor Totoro reminds the viewer that life is not always fast-paced and high-stakes. The most tense moment, when the family is unsure how the mom is doing, is soon broken up when they find out that she is just fine, and soon to be home. The children do experience a relatively great deal of anxiety during this hour of uncertainty, but this can be expected of children. The realism is grounding. As for the children themselves, they evoke a sense of nostalgia for older viewers. Often, fiction presents children (especially main characters) as much more skilled and clever than a child would typically be. But, in My Neighbor Totoro, the children act like children. They are carefree, for the most part. They play like children. As they are the only ones able to see the nature spirits, the film implies that they are the only ones to still have a childlike sense of wonder and imagination. Despite the strange things they encounter, they do not encounter these things with apprehension. Rather, they approach it with naïve yet admirable curiosity. They may not make the wisest decisions, but neither would most people at their age. Viewers can connect with the characters through connecting with their inner child, once again experiencing that sense of wonder. I would highly recommend anyone who has not yet seen My Neighbor Totoro to watch it. It is sure to boost your mood and rid you of at least a little stress. Put simply, it is an adorable movie. How the characters view living in a haunted house, as exciting rather than frightening, is how I try to approach my problems. Any time I need a break, I quite enjoy My Neighbor Totoro. I could certainly watch it over and over again, especially as I already do.

I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I represent, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

Because I grew up in an environment where mental health was barely acknowledged and certainly not prioritized, I've had to maintain my mental wellness basically on my own. This is not an ideal situation. Though I've never had any mental health struggles myself, I have witnessed them in many friends and family. I aim to be an ally for those suffering, keeping my mental health in check so that I can continue to support those around me. I am a member of my school's mental health activism club, Project Wave. Our slogan is "Make waves of good." We just hosted a variety of events for National Suicide Awareness Week. One of these events was a seminar on crisis management tips. These tips are meant for when you or someone close to you is going through a depressive or anxious crisis (some tips are meant for one and not the other). I haven't needed to use them, but I now have them in mind if I ever do need them. Examples included placing ice on your chest or the back of your neck to calm an anxious attack (as temperature changes are known to alleviate symptoms), the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise, and forcing yourself to move (to let out energy in an anxious attack) or not move (to avoid harming yourself or others during a depressive episode). Crisis management aside, there are everyday tips I use to maintain my mental health. The most basic one is exercise. I love taking walks, and I take at least one every day. I think it has been the most helpful to me in terms of mental health, and I have felt significantly better physically ever since I started. Earlier this year, though, I got tendinitis in my ankle and was unable to walk for about a month. So, instead, I just did whatever stretched or upper-body movements I could manage, and though it wasn't ideal, it was a good enough substitution. Another tip that I try to do as much as possible is to practice gratitude. It's been proven that showing appreciation makes you happier, sometimes even happier than the person receiving the gratitude. But, it doesn't have to be a person. You can go about your day just acknowledging whatever makes that day a little better. I can be grateful for the weather. I can be grateful for my nice, comfy bed. And, I can say thank you to someone who might not hear it that often, like the housekeepers who work hard to keep our campus clean. Keeping a healthy relationship with food is also important to me. I've tried exclusively eating "healthy" foods in healthy portions. It didn't work. I've tried eating whatever I want, whenever I want. That didn't work either. Though it may seem obvious, I figured out that I needed to find a balance. I don't indulge every craving I have throughout the day, but I make sure to reward myself with whatever sugary treat I want sometimes. I'm not going to eat so many salads, but I'll have enough fruits and vegetables to keep my body at its best. Overall, I believe my mental health is important in the same way I believe my physical health is important. They affect each other directly and profoundly. My relationships, grades, hobbies, and essentially everything else in my life depend on my mental health. Plus, if I am open about what I do for my mental wellness, I can encourage others to do the same. Spreading awareness will make for a better, healthier world.

I almost exclusively play Minecraft in survival mode, which, to me, means that the most special activity in the game involves creativity. It sounds contradictory, but it takes survival skills for me to reach this activity. Once I can add to my house for the goal of aesthetics rather than protection or sustainability, I know I have reached my personal goal for the game. During the few times I've played in creative mode, I found that I missed the challenges of fighting off mobs, finding food, and surviving the Nether. But, I still enjoy putting my personality into my Minecraft worlds by changing my houses and landscapes. This isn't quite feasible in the early stages of a world, though. I can't just go placing obsidian down for my walls because I like the look. I need that for my portal! I can't keep cats in my house; they have to help me deal with Creepers. Once I get further into the game, and I'm a little more settled, things start to turn around. I can take the time to add patterned carpets. I can replace my torches with the much prettier lamps. The changes I make at this point turn my Minecraft house into a Minecraft home. This part resonates with me so deeply because it means I've gotten pretty far into the game. Since I like to accomplish all the survival mode goals as quickly as possible, making my house look fancy is a representation of everything it took to get me there. Plus, there are no stakes. I've dealt with all of the threats at that point. I can just have fun.

To me, Eleven would be an obvious choice to include in the three characters. Not only can she move things with her mind, but she can also read people's memories (to some degree). Yes, she may be weakened if she uses her abilities too much, but she has enough first-hand experience with all sorts of threats to know what to do and when. Plus, she is very loyal. Eleven would be a great ally, but also a great friend. My second choice would have to be Hopper, especially after seeing season four. In the middle of the Cold War, he escaped a Russian prison (partially by nearly breaking his leg on purpose!) under extremely harsh conditions. And that was after he seemingly died at the end of season three! But, the most impressive part wasn't even escaping the prison: the most impressive part was that he killed a Demogorgon in the process. Since Eleven is also on my team, I am especially confident he would not let anything get in our way. There are many other characters who I'd also like to have on my team, but if I can only pick three, I'd have to go with Nancy. Since she dealt with Barb's untimely death way back in season one, when Will went missing, she's had a lot of experience with supernatural threats. She is stoic, which is a strength: she will ensure that the team stays focused and on track to defeat the threats. Plus, she is intelligent. She'll be the one to come up with the plans. And, she's skilled with weapons. Though Nancy is not especially close with Eleven or Hopper, everyone in the main cast of Stranger Things has been through way too much to let that slow them down.

Because my favorite colors are black and pink, and I am inspired by Victorian-era fashion and architecture, my Barbie Dream House would look like a gothic mansion, painted pink with black trim/detailing. It should look old, but very well-maintained. From the outside, I want it to be evident that the house was inspired by both Barbie and Draculaura from Monster High, as both dolls have been an inspiration to me since I was very young. I prefer a cooler climate, and my favorite season is fall, so somewhere in New England would be a great location for the house. A fancy metal gate with an almost comically long driveway would take me to the entrance. As I get closer to the house, I would pass a variety of unusual plants to add some vibrancy and personality to the yard. The inside of the house would match the outside, with plenty of pink, luxurious furniture and pink/black decorations. Immediately inside would be a very high ceiling, with a huge chandelier. I would have my most extravagant outfits on display. Each room would be designed for comfort, even the kitchen, which would have ample room for walking around and setting down pots and pans. Each bedroom would have a canopy bed. A room full of books would have lounge chairs, desks with beautiful lamps, and a coffee bar to keep me caffeinated as I study. I would want plenty of natural lighting in the house. Big windows in most rooms are a must. And, there would be a spiral staircase to take me to the upper floor. I would add other luxuries like a gym, indoor pool, and mini movie theater. No matter their hobbies, my visitors will find a proper space for them to do their things. I would also opt to make the house as cat-friendly as possible, as I'm going to have at least a few cats in my dream house. Secret rooms will be hidden behind shelves or under part of the floor. Nobody will ever be bored in my Dream House. One day, I'm sure I'll turn this house into a reality!

It may be cliché to say that the character from “The Office” that I resonate with most is the straight man, Jim Halpert, but I do think his sense of humor and personality in general is the most relatable to me. Because he is one of the most “normal” characters on the show, he tends to just sit back and observe everyone else’s antics. One thing I do because of “The Office” is look at an imaginary camera whenever something funny or dumb happens. Making a “Jim face” at an imaginary camera makes my day more entertaining. Though Jim may also be one of the more intelligent characters on the show, he is more known for his pranks and sarcastic nature. He knows not to take his job too seriously. After all, his boss is Michael Scott. Though it's debatable whether Dwight deserved Jim's constant pranks (a moral dilemma that Jim eventually faces), it is without question that they were always hilarious. I have never worked an office job, and "The Office" does a great job of making me want to experience it, while simultaneously making me want to avoid it at all costs. The workplace dynamics depicted in the show were dysfunctional. There was often drama, which left productivity on the back burner. This reflected the way Michael Scott operated as a person. He was a wild card. But, once he left the show, nothing was the same. As unfocused and weird as Michael could be, his quirkiness made working for a monotonous paper company in a dull town bearable. Though I wish "The Office" was an accurate representation of what it's like to work in an office, I would venture to guess that it is highly exaggerated. After all, "The Office" is a mockumentary that satirizes the workplace. But, as someone who will be entering the workforce, I believe that the show can help me prepare. I expect drama. I might not get along with all of my coworkers. I expect to make mistakes that may have big consequences. I am sure I will be able to make the best of it, though, even if it requires regularly looking off to the side, and making a bemused face at nothing in particular.

I_am_not_an_Instagram_user_because_I_feel_it_is_not_great_for_my_mental_health_and_I_feel_that_influncer_culture_is_damaging. But_I_do_really_love_fashion_including_Forever_21_specifically. I_recognize_I_may_not_qualify_this_scholarship_but_please_give_me_a_shot. I'll be extremely grateful. Thank you!

Being in a low-income family in an area that caters to the car rather than the pedestrian, the ideal sustainable life is not feasible for me quite yet. I must drive my gas-powered Accord, and I must buy foods that are processed and packaged in plastic or other environmentally unfriendly ways. But, there are still plenty of choices I can make to avoid harming the natural world around me any further. One intentional choice I make is my choice of clothing. Because I belong to a few creative subcultures, I see what I wear as a significant part of my identity. There are often fast-fashion pieces that I have to refrain from buying. Designer brands might come out with the most awesome shoes, and then I end up frowning when I research how those shoes got made. Luckily, I have thrift stores. Secondhand shopping is always hit-or-miss. I probably won't find exactly what I want every time, but, every time, I will know I am doing what is right for the environment. Another choice I make (to the best of my ability) is to walk or bike instead of drive. When I am at home, in the middle of nowhere, I have to use my car. But, when I am at college, everything I need is within walking distance. Walking to Walmart, for me, is a twenty-minute endeavor. If I drove, it would take about two minutes. My friends often question why I walk. There are multiple reasons: it's sustainable, it saves gas money, and I simply enjoy the exercise. I am currently taking a class that analyzes topics like ecocriticism and green Buddhism. We have discussed various positions one can take regarding environmental activism. The position that is the most motivating to me is that of ecofeminism. Ecofeminists view the imbalance of power between men and women as comparable to the domination humans have over the natural world. I believe there should be more harmony and evenness created between these dichotomies. On a less academic level, I think it's important to reduce my carbon footprint for the basic reason that I care for animals, plants, landscapes, etc. I want to preserve these riches for future generations. And, ensuring that these things can survive or even thrive will allow more resources for posterity as well. It pains me when a species goes extinct. I will do everything in my power to minimize my carbon footprint, and encourage others to do the same.

To me, being a leader means being the person that others turn to whenever guidance or support is needed. Being a leader isn't simply telling others what to do, but helping others discover the most efficient and productive ways to get things done themselves. To lead, one must have the ambition to be the head of a team, the patience to manage a variety of people, and the perception to discern what settings and responsibilities are best for each individual. Recently, I completed a leadership development internship that allowed me to build on these qualities within myself. During the internship, I focused on improving how I embody vital career competencies like communication, professionalism, and equity and inclusion. After all, career readiness is essential. Utilizing related skills will help propel me into the leadership positions I know I am capable of holding. The internship also bolstered my networking abilities. Networking is vital as a leader. Now, I can more easily connect with the people who have the proper skillset for what my organization(s) needs to accomplish. Another quality that makes me a leader is that I strive to be a resource for those around me. Leading isn't only about directing, but it's also about collaboration. I aim to be the person my colleagues come to whenever they need assistance. Not only do I set an example for others, but I also want to look out for them. I make sure to provide them with the information they need to succeed so that we can maintain a productive environment. One quality of leadership that often goes overlooked is being open to feedback and constructive criticism. I will inevitably make mistakes, and I hope that those around me will feel comfortable and even encouraged to suggest changes in how I am operating. Even if things are already going smoothly, I still encourage others to offer alternative methods so that we can reach maximum efficiency. Productivity is not my only concern, however. I also want those around me to be in good spirits, and feel respected. If there is ever a doubt that I am here to support them, I would be all ears, so I can make positive changes. As a leader, I recognize that I represent schools, jobs, and other organizations that I have been a part of. Maintaining my integrity and honesty is important to me, as those organizations have helped me get where I am today. My actions going forward will reflect on what I've learned from everywhere up until this point. Overall, I am a leader because I actively choose to improve both myself and my work. I find working with others to be quite rewarding, and I hope others will look up to me as I take on more endeavors.

To me, being a leader means being the person that others turn to whenever guidance or support is needed. Being a leader isn't simply telling others what to do, but helping others discover the most efficient and productive ways to get things done themselves. To lead, one must have the ambition to be the head of a team, the patience to manage a variety of people, and the perception to discern what settings and responsibilities are best for each individual. Recently, I completed a leadership development internship that allowed me to build on these qualities within myself. During the internship, I focused on improving how I embody vital career competencies like communication, professionalism, and equity and inclusion. After all, career readiness is essential. Utilizing related skills will help propel me into the leadership positions I know I am capable of holding. The internship also bolstered my networking abilities. Networking is vital as a leader. Now, I can more easily connect with the people who have the proper skillset for what my organization(s) needs to accomplish. Another quality that makes me a leader is that I strive to be a resource for those around me. Leading isn't only about directing, but it's also about collaboration. I aim to be the person my colleagues come to whenever they need assistance. Not only do I set an example for others, but I also want to look out for them. I make sure to provide them with the information they need to succeed so that we can maintain a productive environment. One quality of leadership that often goes overlooked is being open to feedback and constructive criticism. I will inevitably make mistakes, and I hope that those around me will feel comfortable and even encouraged to suggest changes in how I am operating. Even if things are already going smoothly, I still encourage others to offer alternative methods so that we can reach maximum efficiency. Productivity is not my only concern, however. I also want those around me to be in good spirits, and feel respected. If there is ever a doubt that I am here to support them, I would be all ears, so I can make positive changes. As a leader, I recognize that I represent schools, jobs, and other organizations that I have been a part of. Maintaining my integrity and honesty is important to me, as those organizations have helped me get where I am today. My actions going forward will reflect on what I've learned from everywhere up until this point. Overall, I am a leader because I actively choose to improve both myself and my work. I find working with others to be quite rewarding, and I hope others will look up to me as I take on more endeavors.

I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I represent, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset, so I’m sure that with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I represent, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

Way back in seventh grade, whenever I read the Harry Potter series for the first time, I was so enthralled by it that I read through all seven books in two weeks. I've watched the movies tens of times. Thus, I feel I know which Hogwarts House I belong to quite well: Ravenclaw. One indicator that I am a Ravenclaw would be my connection to Ravenclaw Luna Lovegood. Even in a fantastic world full of magical creatures and occurrences, and even at a school for witches and wizards, Luna was an outcast. Interestingly, even Hermione Granger, grounded by facts and logic despite being a muggle-born thrown into the world of magic, judged Luna for her quirkiness and tendency to have faith in things that couldn't quite be proven. Despite this, Luna's optimism persisted. She was not gullible, she was just impressively open-minded. I see a lot of myself in her, and wish her character was given more scenes in the movies. Ravenclaw's motto is "wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure." Wit, or wisdom, is a core trait of Ravenclaws. I see wisdom as separate from intelligence or smarts. Hermione was extremely intelligent but lacked the introspective qualities of someone truly wise, so she ended up in a different house. Being a Ravenclaw does not mean automatically getting the best marks in every class. If it did, that would be a terrible way to sort students. Instead, being a Ravenclaw means being inquisitive. A Ravenclaw knows that while curiosity may have killed the cat, the satisfaction of knowledge later brought it back. Another quality of being a Ravenclaw that I embody is creativity. Ravenclaws are known to be artists, authors, musicians, etc. I've dabbled in a variety of creative hobbies throughout my life, including playing the violin, drawing, ceramics, writing, and most recently, playing the piano. One of my favorite things to do with my friends and family is visit an art workshop. It's quite fun to make a little project with a group of people I enjoy being around. Seeing the little differences between each person's finished product is fascinating to me. Besides hobbies, I am also creative in the way I express myself. I have a rather unique style inspired by the music I love, and I adore artsy, unusual makeup. It's a way of communication for me. A bright red streak across my eyes and glitter in my hair lets the world know that I want to truly have fun with my appearance, and not follow the status quo. I know Luna would agree. Ravenclaw is definitely the perfect fit for me. With wisdom and creativity being my biggest strengths, I know it is where I belong.

Stranger Things is undeniably one of Netflix's biggest shows. It propelled young talents like Millie Bobby Brown to stardom, returned hit songs from the 1980s back to the charts, and currently has millions of fans anxiously awaiting the fifth and final season. While I love Stranger Things for its plot, special effects, superb acting, and retro setting, I feel connected to it on a deeper level as well. In a parasocial way, I grew up alongside the main cast of kids, being the same age as their actors. Watching their development season by season as their lives and circumstances grew increasingly complex has been quite valuable to me. Stranger Things is not for the faint of heart. The show's horror elements- which grow increasingly intense each season- add a frightening sort of spice to what makes it so exciting. It never relies on cheap scare tactics like jumpscares or gore, instead putting characters in peril so that you feel you're fighting along with them. It always serves the plot. Now, on to the characters themselves. With a growing cast of dynamic figures, it would be impossible for me to touch on exactly what makes each one so special. Stranger Things does a fantastic job of blending human drama and supernatural events. Eleven grapples with growing up being experimented on in a strange facility, torn from what little family she had. Joyce Byers does everything she can to protect those around her despite her suspicions rarely being validated. Eddie Munson, suddenly thrust into a series of unimaginable dangers, takes it on without a second thought, even (spoilers!) sacrificing his life in the end. One character sticks out above the rest to me, though: Steve Harrington. In season one, he was not exactly the most upstanding individual. He was arrogant. Out of ignorance, he caused a rift between himself and Nancy while she was dealing with a crisis the likes of which Hawkins had never seen before. But, this was resolved through a very satisfying redemption arc. Teaming up with Dustin and his friends, Steve ended up being a key player in the battle against the Mindflayer. Since then, he's been a very engaging protagonist, helping the others deal with the Upside Down and forming new, compelling relationships with the growing cast, namely his good friend Robin. Stranger Things also offers plenty of twists and turns. For example, learning Vecna's true identity had my jaw on the floor. If you think you have all the secrets figured out, you don't. After watching the latest season, you'll be surprised how much has been planned out from the start. Pop culture enthusiasts, particularly those interested in the 80s, will love Stranger Things. Offering a feast of both obvious and subtle references to the time, the show manages to make these references feel authentic, and not just there for the sake of appeasing easter egg seekers. Plus, if you're into Dungeons and Dragons, this is the show for you. The hype around Stranger Things is certainly well-deserved. I highly encourage you to watch it before season five releases. If you're into horror, drama, or just anything 80s (including a killer soundtrack that masterfully reflects the narratives), you're sure to love it.

To me, being a leader means being the person that others turn to whenever guidance or support is needed. Being a leader isn't simply telling others what to do, but helping others discover the most efficient and productive ways to get things done themselves. To lead, one must have the ambition to be the head of a team, the patience to manage a variety of people, and the perception to discern what settings and responsibilities are best for each individual. Recently, I completed a leadership development internship that allowed me to build on these qualities within myself. During the internship, I focused on improving how I embody vital career competencies like communication, professionalism, and equity and inclusion. After all, career readiness is essential. Utilizing related skills will help propel me into the leadership positions I know I am capable of holding. The internship also bolstered my networking abilities. Networking is vital as a leader. Now, I can more easily connect with the people who have the proper skillset for what my organization(s) needs to accomplish. Another quality that makes me a leader is that I strive to be a resource for those around me. Leading isn't only about directing, but it's also about collaboration. I aim to be the person my colleagues come to whenever they need assistance. Not only do I set an example for others, but I also want to look out for them. I make sure to provide them with the information they need to succeed so that we can maintain a productive environment. One quality of leadership that often goes overlooked is being open to feedback and constructive criticism. I will inevitably make mistakes, and I hope that those around me will feel comfortable and even encouraged to suggest changes in how I am operating. Even if things are already going smoothly, I still encourage others to offer alternative methods so that we can reach maximum efficiency. Productivity is not my only concern, however. I also want those around me to be in good spirits, and feel respected. If there is ever a doubt that I am here to support them, I would be all ears, so I can make positive changes. As a leader, I recognize that I represent schools, jobs, and other organizations that I have been a part of. Maintaining my integrity and honesty is important to me, as those organizations have helped me get where I am today. My actions going forward will reflect on what I've learned from everywhere up until this point. Overall, I am a leader because I actively choose to improve both myself and my work. I find working with others to be quite rewarding, and I hope others will look up to me as I take on more endeavors.

I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset—and a somewhat annoying knack for debate—so I’m sure that, with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am just starting my sophomore year, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I represent, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset—and a somewhat annoying knack for debate—so I’m sure that, with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am a freshman, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I defend, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

The fall-inspired drink that speaks to both my personality and my tastebuds the most has got to be the Apple Crisp Macchiato, which I prefer iced. Though both the hot and iced versions have espresso on top and milk on the bottom, ordering iced means you will be able to see these layers in the clear cup made for cold drinks. Rather than a character, I see the Apple Crisp Macchiato as an illustration of my narrative. The laters in the macchiato remind me of myself. I may embody the strong, bitter taste of espresso on the outside, but once you get to know me on a deeper level, you'll find that my exterior hides a sweeter, more palatable personality reminiscent of the milk of the macchiato. When you get a macchiato, you could certainly stir the layers together, but this would undo the very intention of the drink: to consume the layers individually, letting the flavors transition. Stirring a macchiato means it is no longer a macchiato, but a latte. I am not a latte. Lattes are delicious, but as a woman of contradictions, I am layered. My fall narrative rests upon these contradictions. I am, for example, a bit obsessive when it comes to Halloween. It is my favorite holiday. Growing up in a conservative, Christian household, this has often been a point of contention. The thing is, I believe my gothic interests pair quite well with my traditional, religious views. Of course, I must also touch on the apple crisp flavor of the Apple Crisp Macchiato. To me, it evokes the feeling of a cool late-September day, as you wear a dark red sweater, listening to the crunch of fallen leaves under your boots as you walk. It's invigorating. When it is not in season, I try to recreate the drink at home just to give my senses a literal taste of those vibes. Whatever blend of spices is used to create the apple flavor in the Starbucks version, though, is just right. I often try it in other drinks as well. The Pumpkin Spice Latte is an enduring classic. The Pumpkin Chai, with its delicious cold foam topping, is a fresh take on familiar fall flavors. Frankly, I enjoy every fall drink Starbucks has put out so far. But, the drink with a special place in my heart has got to be the Apple Crisp Macchiato. It represents me. And, it's just plain good.

I am on track to become a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset—and a somewhat annoying knack for debate—so I’m sure that, with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am a freshman, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I defend, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

My two favorite Disney Channel shows are Wizards of Waverly Place and Phineas and Ferb. Though very different shows, they both take place in a world where anything is possible, whether by the supernatural abilities of a magical family, or the genius inventions of a suburban group of friends. Combining these worlds would allow for endless potential plotlines and character arcs. Interdimensional travel has certainly happened in the Phineas and Ferb universe, but I believe it would be most effective if Alex and the rest of her family got transported into the Tri-State Area via a magical portal. After all, it would be fascinating to see them drawn as animated characters, whereas the Phineas and Ferb characters would not as easily translate into live-action. Picture it: Alex begins a spell trying to sneak away to some concert with her friend. She doesn't get the spell quite right. She steps in, unaware of her mistake. Suddenly, she finds herself shocked, surrounded by the bright, two-dimensional colors of an animated world. Without hesitation, she turns around to jump back through the portal, but it has already closed. Taking note of her surroundings, Alex realizes that she is in a backyard. A group of kids sits by a tree, and one of them asks the group where someone named Perry might be. They turn to look at her, and after she explains her conundrum, they gladly agree to help her get back home. She learns their names: Phineas, Ferb, Buford, Baljeet, and Isabella. She also befriends Phineas and Ferb's older sister Candace, who is surprisingly on board with her brothers' antics this time. All together, they begin crafting an invention. Meanwhile, Dr. Doofenshmirtz conspires to stop everyone from inventing things, so that he can be the only person to have new ideas, allowing him to take over the Tri-State Area. He creates an "inator" that makes people forget how to create things. The "inator" accidentally hits Alex and the gang, rendering it seemingly impossible for her to return to her family. Despite this, Alex refuses to give up. She explains to her newfound friends that she is a wizard, and tries to tap into her powers. Even though she is very out of her element and away from anything familiar, she figures it out eventually. Perry, who's been hard at work, also figures out a way to defeat Doofenshmirtz and reverse the effects of the "inator." Alex returns home safely and even gets to go to the concert. Title: Trapped in the Tri-State Area

I am studying to be a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset—and a somewhat annoying knack for debate—so I’m sure that, with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am a freshman, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I defend, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

I am unique in that many attributes about myself appear to conflict. I am adept at reading and understanding the emotions of others, but I can't even begin to interpret my own. I quite enjoy being around people, but I prefer to just observe from a corner. I have an edgy, gothic style, which leads people to be a bit shocked when I tell them that I am very dedicated to the Christian faith. Ideally, by being open about my strange combination of identities (Christian, feminist, conservative, goth, etc), I will encourage others to break out of the molds they feel slated to fit. Often, I find myself having to explain myself, even though these attributes feel natural and normal to me. When someone fails to fit a stereotype, there should not be a shocked reaction. There should not be confusion. But, as stereotypes are so prevalent, these reactions are understandable. It is time to overturn the idea of what makes a person respectable, dignified, and intelligent. If a lawyer wishes to dye his hair blue, that should have nothing to do with how he is viewed as a professional. We only have so much time on this earth; our personal expression should not be impeded by outdated expectations in our chosen career fields. When choosing a doctor, I will not ask whether they have tattoos or piercings. I will not care where they stand on the political spectrum. I will only look to their experience as a doctor. I encourage people to stand up to institutions that restrict or discourage people from things that are not even related to those institutions. Improving my networking skills will help me as an activist. I am certainly enthused to help others, but I am going to need help along the way. As an introvert, reaching out to others proves challenging, but I am committed to making an impact. I enjoy giving back to my community, partially because it has opened many doors for me, but mostly because I feel it is simply a good thing to do. Tutoring children at my local Boys and Girls Club was a fulfilling experience. I realized that I could inspire them to care about their education if I approached them as a friend rather than just a tutor. I've also worked with the Special Olympics, giving medals to the winners. I was happy to work with an organization that serves marginalized communities. Hopefully, in the future, I will have similar opportunities. In all honesty, I'm not exactly sure how I will give back to my community. What I do know is that I will always look for possibilities. My college offers service trip opportunities, and while I did not get into any so far, I will keep applying. I've already joined several clubs that engage with those in need. And, I will give back independently, not only with my college associations. Wherever an opportunity arises, I will be there.

The dream version of my future self consistently inspires others to become their ideal selves as well, regardless of their background, appearance, or ability.

I am studying to be a lawyer, a career that will provide me with plenty of opportunities to make positive changes in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset—and a somewhat annoying knack for debate—so I’m sure that, with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am a freshman, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well-prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I defend, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as many of these wrongs as possible.

My home community is very divided in terms of education. The private high school is known to exist in its own sort of bubble, and the public school in the area lacks the funding and resources to adequately prepare students for adulthood. The people of these schools rarely interact, which prevents my community from really feeling like a whole, singular entity. As one of the few who learned in both of these systems, I wanted to bridge that gap. I saw a need for a connection, but just when I was starting to see some opportunities, the pandemic hit and everything stopped in its tracks. Now, in my college community, I am seeing a similar divide—one that resonates with me as a low-income student. My college is doing an excellent job of making sure that low-income accepted students can afford an education here, which I greatly appreciate. But, many of the townspeople were not afforded quality higher education—or any higher education—which highlights a need for integration. We do have a community engagement program that works closely with the less financially fortunate in the area, but due to its interview-for-approval nature, it is relatively exclusive. The irony in that is difficult for me to appreciate, as even I did not make it into the program, despite my passion and experience with supporting my local community. If a program is not open to all who wish to support it, it is going to miss out on some great assets. In my country, there is a lot of political division. People don't take the time to hear each other out, they just act defensively and assume the other side is speaking from a place of hatred. I feel as if I must keep my beliefs secret so that I can be friends with people from all perspectives because I've seen too many friendships end over an unwillingness to listen. I hope to see people engage in more civil conversations about important topics. We should take an "us vs. the problem" approach to political issues, rather than "us vs. them." That way, we can begin to make real progress. People of all beliefs simply need to be more understanding of why others think differently. Throughout the world, I would like to see more selflessness. I am admittedly guilty of putting myself first often, though I am increasingly trying to do good for others. Major problems like the war in Ukraine could be more quickly resolved if other nations stepped in to help. While I understand that outside issues may not be relevant to national interests, saving lives must always be a priority. As an individual, I can only donate so much. My impact, as just one person, will be small. But if we can band together, we can help many more people. I have volunteered for several organizations ever since I was little. These included 4H, Muddy Mamas, World Vision, Operation Christmas Child, and more. But, the one that had the greatest impact on me was my local Boys and Girls Club. I was blessed with the opportunity to tutor children in a low-income, dangerous area of my town. At first, most of them were shy, but over time, they realized that I was there to be a friend, not just a tutor. They eventually even seemed excited to do their work... maybe because they knew that they'd get to play games afterward. I got to design the games sometimes. I was happy to help them stay on track academically, especially since their school lacked resources and did not perform well. Sometimes, I also volunteered for the elderly at nursing homes. It was fulfilling to help out a part of the population that often gets overlooked. Right now, I am enrolled in a leadership training course that will help me take charge and make an even bigger impact on my community. Though I've done a lot of volunteering, being a leader has always been a scary step for me. I'm very introverted, so the idea of being a leader is intimidating. But, I know I am capable. My passion for helping others will fuel me to succeed.

I’ve participated in a variety of volunteer experiences throughout my life. The earliest one that I can remember, beginning when I was about six, was packing shoeboxes with my church to be shipped to underprivileged kids around the world. The shoeboxes were filled with both toys and essential items like soap, toothbrushes, and washcloths. This project—which I’ve done annually—made me think about how fortunate I am, even if my life isn’t especially glamorous. Though I’ve worked with organizations such as the Special Olympics, Lions Club, and Muddy Mamas before, the one with the biggest impact on me was probably Boys and Girls Club. I knew beforehand that my “job” was to help the kids at my local club with their homework. I was also instructed to organize fun, interactive activities for them. I assumed these tasks would be relatively easy—I’d done similar things at church with the Sunday School children. But, it was not so simple. The club was located in “the projects” of my town. Many of the members were there so they could get dinner after school for a very low cost. The education most of the kids received was lacking, which is not to say that the kids were unintelligent—they simply lacked resources. I was ready to teach them to the best of my ability, but they were not enthused about learning. I tried to engage them and make their homework feel more fun, but to no avail. As someone with a passion for learning, it was frustrating. I never let the frustration show, though. I tried a new approach. Instead of trying to get them to do their school work, I tried to get them to see me as a friend, first. That way, they’d (hopefully) see that I had their best interests in mind. Some were very shy. I understood that feeling. When I was their age, I was the same way. So, I asked them about their interests, and how their days were going. Over time, I noticed that they trusted me more, and were looking forward to our sessions. Eventually, they were more open to doing their work, even if it wasn’t exactly their favorite thing. Because of this development, their work got done significantly faster. I was proud. I was also proud of myself, as I’ve tried to be more personable despite my reserved personality. I definitely grew as a person throughout the length of the program. I’ve also volunteered at a nursing home. My experience there was brief, and not particularly impressive, but meaningful nonetheless. All I had to do was push wheelchair-bound residents to the home’s church service. Some were appreciative, but some were slightly irritable, and others didn’t seem to pay attention. It saddened me, but not because I felt unappreciated. I didn’t expect any accolades, and I didn’t need any. Ending up in a nursing home and losing one’s own mobility is surely an upsetting change of pace in one’s life. The least I could do was make it as stress-free as possible. After college, I plan to become a lawyer. My main goal is to advocate for those who don’t have the power to advocate for themselves. And, I hope to inspire those who do have that potential to make it their reality. Hopefully, my impact won’t be limited to my community. But, I will use the connections I’ve made in my community to propel myself and others along the path to success.

I am studying to be a lawyer, a career that will provide me plenty of opportunities to make positive change in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset—and a somewhat annoying knack for debate—so I’m sure that, with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am a freshman, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I defend, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as much of these wrongs as possible.

As my grandparents (and myself) have gotten older, I’ve been spending about the same amount of time around them, but now, it’s in an increasingly different context. For years, going as far back as I can remember, I’d love going to their house as often as I was allowed to so that I could play card games with them, or help my grandma bake things. While we still do those things, it is not as often. Now, much of my time around them is spent cleaning/organizing things for them, driving them around, and doing other day-to-day tasks. Of course, I am happy to help, but this change of circumstance is difficult for us. From my perspective, it is sobering to see that the people who were so lively and independent in my childhood are no longer full of energy. My grandpa cannot leave the house very often due to mobility issues that he did not have until I was about 14. Because of this, the three of us can’t go out and do fun things very often. We used to regularly go to the part, whereas now it is rare that we get to a restaurant. I’ve always known that this would naturally happen, so my parents made sure that I spend a lot of time with them in my younger years, which I am grateful for. But, it now makes me wish I could go back to then. My grandparents are very independent and (endearingly) stubborn people, much like myself. There’s a disconnect in terms of how much assistance I’m willing to give them, and how much they’re willing to accept. Because I’ll probably be the same way, I completely understand why they continue acting as if they can do everything they did in their 40s. The problem is, they just can’t do so much anymore because of their health. They’re aware of this issue, but try to act in spite of it, which just causes them frustration whenever they cannot. They feel a sort of stigma around aging where asking for help they previously wouldn’t need feels embarrassing/emasculating. While that stigma should not exist, I hope that I can guide them through it. As a caregiver, trying to work around these feelings requires a careful balance between respect and awareness. In the future, I hope to be better at striking this balance. I hope my grandparents see my efforts as an act of love, not labor. I am not a nurse fulfilling an obligation, but a friend trying to make this stage of their lives as fulfilling as possible. I am trying to be more of a friend in general, with all of my relationships. I am also trying to improve my physical health so that I am better prepared for when I am older. While I don’t think my goals, journey, or identity have changed with my experience as a caregiver, I would say that my way of going about my goals, journey, and identity has changed. I am more appreciative of the experiences I have in general. I am proud that my extended family considers me worthy of caring for the two family members that tie us all together.

I’ve participated in a variety of volunteer experiences throughout my life. The earliest one that I can remember, beginning when I was about six, was packing shoeboxes with my church to be shipped to underprivileged kids around the world. The shoeboxes were filled with both toys and essential items like soap, toothbrushes, and washcloths. This project—which I’ve done annually—made me think about how fortunate I am, even if my life isn’t especially glamorous. Though I’ve worked with organizations such as the Special Olympics, Lions Club, and Muddy Mamas before, the one with the biggest impact on me was probably Boys and Girls Club. I knew beforehand that my “job” was to help the kids at my local club with their homework. I was also instructed to organize fun, interactive activities for them. I assumed these tasks would be relatively easy—I’d done similar things at church with the Sunday School children. But, it was not so simple. The club was located in “the projects” of my town. Many of the members were there so they could get dinner after school for a very low cost. The education most of the kids received was lacking, which is not to say that the kids were unintelligent—they simply lacked resources. I was ready to teach them to the best of my ability, but they were not enthused about learning. I tried to engage them and make their homework feel more fun, but to no avail. As someone with a passion for learning, it was frustrating. I never let the frustration show, though. I tried a new approach. Instead of trying to get them to do their school work, I tried to get them to see me as a friend, first. That way, they’d (hopefully) see that I had their best interests in mind. Some were very shy. I understood that feeling. When I was their age, I was the same way. So, I asked them about their interests, and how their days were going. Over time, I noticed that they trusted me more, and were looking forward to our sessions. Eventually, they were more open to doing their work, even if it wasn’t exactly their favorite thing. Because of this development, their work got done significantly faster. I was proud. I was also proud of myself, as I’ve tried to be more personable despite my reserved personality. I definitely grew as a person throughout the length of the program. I’ve also volunteered at a nursing home. My experience there was brief, and not particularly impressive, but meaningful nonetheless. All I had to do was push wheelchair-bound residents to the home’s church service. Some were appreciative, but some were slightly irritable, and others didn’t seem to pay attention. It saddened me, but not because I felt unappreciated. I didn’t expect any accolades, and I didn’t need any. Ending up in a nursing home and losing one’s own mobility is surely an upsetting change of pace in one’s life. The least I could do was make it as stress-free as possible. After college, I plan to become a lawyer. My main goal is to advocate for those who don’t have the power to advocate for themselves. And, I hope to inspire those who do have that potential to make it their reality. Hopefully, my impact won’t be limited to my community. But, I will use the connections I’ve made in my community to propel myself and others along the path to success.

I am studying to be a lawyer, a career that will provide me plenty of opportunities to make positive change in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset—and a somewhat annoying knack for debate—so I’m sure that, with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am a freshman, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I defend, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as much of these wrongs as possible.

Selflessness is a part of my religious values, and because I have been practicing my religion since I was a little girl, selflessness comes naturally to me. I enjoy seeing others benefit from whatever I can give. A smile on someone else’s face puts a smile on mine, as I know that I’ve made a difference, no matter how small. Years ago, I heard the starfish parable. There are variations of the story, but it basically goes like this: a man notices hundreds of starfish stranded on a beach one hot summer’s day. He begins tossing them back into the ocean, knowing otherwise they would die. A boy passes by, and asks, “why are you tossing them back? There are hundreds and hundreds; how could you make a difference?” In response, the man tossed another starfish into the sea, and said, “I made a difference for that one.” The story has always stuck with me, and I’ve tried to toss as many metaphorical starfish back into the sea as I can. I was fortunate enough to be a part of my school’s Community Engagement program. This program allowed me to volunteer at a variety of local organizations such as Boys and Girls Club, Lions Club, and the Special Olympics. I spent the most time with Boys and Girls Club, which happened to be my favorite organization under the program. My “job” was to tutor the kids there—who were all from low-income families in a dangerous area of town—but I wanted to do more than just help with homework. Several of the children were shy. I understood that feeling. I tried to engage with each child in a meaningful way, asking about their interests, and matching my teaching methods to their learning style. Over time, they seemed to connect with me, and I was glad they considered me a friend. Mostly, I wanted to use my tutoring duties to help afford them better opportunities through education. They all had potential, and it delighted me to see them realize that potential as time went on. Unfortunately, COVID-19 put a temporary stop to Community Engagement, but it did open new doors for me. My grandfather became hospitalized with the disease a few months into the pandemic, leaving me to care for my grandmother, who also caught it (though with less severe symptoms). Mostly staying in one rooms for two weeks doing occasional favors wasn’t exactly the most fun way to embody selflessness, but I never complained. The rest of my family, who couldn’t help out for various legitimate reasons, was very appreciative. To me, it was just the right thing to do (and luckily, everyone turned out healthy). As I get tasked with more and more responsibilities. it becomes increasingly clear to me that in order to best serve others, I must first handle my own needs. I’ve been taking better care of myself, which is keeping my attitude towards others as positive as it’s always been. I try to keep in mind that anyone could be going through anything, and I’m only out to make others’ lives a little bit easier.

I am studying to be a lawyer, a career that will provide me plenty of opportunities to make positive change in my communities and society in general. Being a lawyer means being an advocate, and advocacy is something I wish to practice throughout my life. I’ll also be an advisor to my clients, helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. I’ll be able to inform people of their rights. That way, they will be more likely to notice if any entity is trying to take advantage of them. If I can fight for the common man, then I’m fighting for equality for everyone, one case at a time. I’ve always had an ethical mindset—and a somewhat annoying knack for debate—so I’m sure that, with enough effort, I’ll be able to accomplish all sorts of things through my career choice. But, I’m not in it to accomplish things for myself. My main goal is to represent others. I’m not yet sure what type of lawyer I’d like to be, but regardless, I can make a positive impact. Because I am a freshman, it is a bit early for me to know exactly how I’m going to make an impact. The specifics are a little foggy, but I’m doing everything I can to prepare. Right now, I am laser-focused on my education. I am also joining a range of clubs/other extracurricular activities so that I can get a feel for different communities around campus. I’m feeling very motivated for the time being, and if I push myself enough, I’ll be well prepared for graduate school. Graduate school may be a few years away for me, but I try to think long-term when making relatively big decisions like choosing my classes. Many of the social justice issues I wish to help resolve will be more easily overcome if I am adequately prepared for them as well. No matter what happens with my career, I will maintain a positive attitude. Though I am a bit introverted, I’m trying to be more outgoing. I hope anyone who works with me in the future will see me as encouraging and helpful. And, I hope anyone I’m working for will see me as collaborative and ready to learn. I like to think that I embody the aforementioned traits as I navigate college life, so I hope to carry them with me into my career. Regardless of who I defend, I know I am capable of making a positive impact as a lawyer. Despite its name, there are certainly many injustices entangled in the justice system, and I aim to undo as much of these wrongs as possible.

My best back-to-school tip: instead of asking your teacher what you can do to get at A in the class, ask what you can do to learn more about the subject. Ask questions that dive a little deeper into the lesson. See if any clubs or other extracurricular activities would make your search for knowledge more efficient. It’s great to have good grades, but focusing on absorbing the material rather than meeting a certain standard will ensure that you’re actually learning. You will succeed in class by focusing on grades, but you likely won’t retain the information long-term, as grades are a short-term goal. To really have a grasp on the subject—and show your teacher that you’re highly engaged with it—aim for understanding. I do not use Instagram, but I can be found via email at alainaleasure@icloud.com, or on LinkedIn at http://linkedin.com/in/alaina-leasure-b21373228 . If this is a barrier to my chance of selection, please reach out to me on either platform. Thank you!

My interests and hobbies have evolved over the course of my life, but passion has been present throughout each of them. In middle school, I was passionate about music and arts. In high school, I was passionate about community service and technical theater. Now, in orientation week of college, I am passionate about honing in on what I really want to do with my life—socially, career-wise, and interest-wise. The one passion that’s been consistent ever since I can remember, though, is my passion for academics. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my sense of drive, which I try to inspire in others. Ever since elementary school, I’ve been considered a nerd. While a number of my classmates also cared about grades, I was known to care about actually learning as well. As my adult life came closer and closer, I grew increasingly motivated to explore opportunities for my future. I’m sure I annoyed several teachers by asking for extra credit opportunities. The process of preparing for adulthood has been rewarding, and I hope that my efforts will come to fruition. COVID-19, unfortunately, had an impact on my love of learning. Online classes did not mesh well with my learning style, and an entire year of them was strange to experience. My grades didn’t fall behind—if anything, they improved—but teachers were more lenient in general anyway, and interactive activities weren’t really possible. I ended up retaining little information from my eleventh-grade year. And, because I stayed online while most of my classmates were able to begin in-person classes, I missed out on many extracurricular activities. During my senior year, I wanted to make a change, but it seemed I was too far behind for it to happen. I was quite disappointed. But, I knew it was only my circumstances that were holding me back. Now, in college, I have a fresh start. The classes I’m signed up for are more tailored to my academic background and interests. I can join any clubs/organizations I wish. I even intend to explore interests that I previously didn’t care about, or couldn’t explore even if I wanted to try them. There are so many opportunities available to me right now, and I’m not going to let them go to waste, especially since I’ve been without them before. I’ve always been passionate about school, and not even a global pandemic could change that. All COVID-19 did was take away many outlets for my passion. Now that those outlets are here again, I’m going to do whatever I can to make the best of my college experience. I’m seriously considering being a double-major, and I’m aware of how much effort it will take. It won’t be too much for me. Bring it on.

While I love many Disney characters, my favorite is probably Kuzco from The Emperor’s New Groove. I did look up to Disney princesses like Rapunzel and Cinderella as a little girl, but as my personality evolved, Kuzco’s sarcastic, somewhat arrogant personality was the most relatable to me. I also related to his introverted tendencies. Plus, the humor in The Emperor’s New Groove was something I wasn’t used to seeing in Disney movies. The dry wit and fourth-wall breaks stuck out to me. Of course, no mention of Kuzco could go without discussion of his unfortunate llama-related condition. It’s hilarious to see a stuck-up, selfish ruler get turned into an animal, especially with a villain (and her dim-witted sidekick) chasing him around. The character development during this chaos is easy to understand, but poignant nonetheless. Kuzco was transformed into something less valued than a human, so he learned to value other people in his kingdom as more than just servants/peasants. He became more compassionate. And, all of this development occurred in a way that both adults and children can appreciate. Besides his obvious character flaws, I also like that Kuzco is flawed in terms of his intelligence, specifically his social awareness (or lack thereof). Why would he invite someone he just fired (rather insensitively) to dinner? It was a recipe for disaster, and he had to deal with the consequences. Disney characters like Ariel may be naive, but Kuzco was simply ignorant. That ignorance makes him seem more human, which makes for a more interesting protagonist. The supporting characters of The Emperor’s New Groove also help to flesh out Kuzco as a character himself. Kronk, like Kuzco, isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but he is more amicable from the beginning. Yzma, like Kuzco, is focused on power and control, but she lacks the hidden kindness that Kuzco possesses. The Emperor’s New Groove is not a typical Disney movie, but it is one I definitely recommend for all ages. The other characters in the movie are great as well, and the fight scene near the end is very entertaining. And, again, like myself, most people who watch the movie will identify with Kuzco in some way.

It’s common knowledge that superfoods are healthy for your body, but in my experience, they’re healthy for your mind as well. The name “superfoods” itself gives a sense of motivation—eat this food regularly, and you’ll feel super! I do feel confident knowing that what’s going into my body is full of antioxidants and nutrients. Taking care of myself, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, keeps me on-track to maintain my health goals. Superfoods make this routine easy by bringing delicious, wholesome flavors to the table. Even as a relatively healthy person, I still worry about my well-being, especially as I get older. But, thanks to superfoods, I can be a bit less anxious. Berries can quell cancer-causing free radicals. Avocados can keep my blood pressure and blood sugar in check. Garlic and onions can help fight high cholesterol… I’ll just have to fight the bad breath afterwards. Foods praised for their health benefits often get a bad rap when it comes to their taste. I used to dismiss superfoods because I assumed they could never be as good as a juicy, cheesy burger, or pizza from the local pizza shop. In reality, though, I was missing out. Superfoods could give so much flavor without the lethargic, occasionally queasy post-meal feeling. Sure, I’ll be tempted to snack on a donut or two, but that temptation will go away as soon as I snack on some raspberries instead. The transition from my previous, unhealthy diet to my current one did not happen in a day. Incorporating superfoods into my diet was easy. I was open to eating more things like kale or sweet potatoes, and I already liked several superfood fruits. But, I’d defeat the purpose by putting a bunch of ranch on my salads, or a bunch of marshmallows on my sweet potatoes. Gradually, though, I’d add less and less fats/sugars to my superfoods. I learned to appreciate the flavors on their own more than I did before. And, personally, I think superfoods even look best without any extras. They’re naturally colorful, which screams “health” to me. My favorite superfoods are ones I can just pop into my mouth, because I’ll end up eating a good amount of them every time. I’ll consume a more-than-sufficient amount of beneficial vitamins/minerals with minimal effort. The toasty, neutral taste of almonds is great while I’m watching a show. No longer do I have to experience the regret of eating way too many M&Ms while binging a season. As for vegetables, I could eat a whole plate of broccoli at a family picnic—and I have. Yogurt with strawberries and blueberries might not be as quick and convenient, but it makes an all-around great dessert. With so many options, ranging from salmon to olive oil, it’s hard to pick favorites. While I sometimes slip into my old eating habits, superfoods always have my back. I’m glad I experimented with them, and I’m sure I’ll end up trying some more. I’ve never had pomegranate on its own… that’s next on my list. I do feel accomplished whenever I eat more superfoods than I eat normally. Thank you, superfoods, for being an awesome part of my diet.

I’ve participated in a variety of volunteer experiences throughout my life. The earliest one that I can remember, beginning when I was about six, was packing shoeboxes with my church to be shipped to underprivileged kids around the world. The shoeboxes were filled with both toys and essential items like soap, toothbrushes, and washcloths. This project—which I’ve done annually—made me think about how fortunate I am, even if my life isn’t especially glamorous. Though I’ve worked with organizations such as the Special Olympics, Lions Club, and Muddy Mamas before, the one with the biggest impact on me was probably Boys and Girls Club. I knew beforehand that my “job” was to help the kids at my local club with their homework. I was also instructed to organize fun, interactive activities for them. I assumed these tasks would be relatively easy—I’d done similar things at church with the Sunday School children. But, it was not so simple. The club was located in “the projects” of my town. Many of the members were there so they could get dinner after school for a very low cost. The education most of the kids received was lacking, which is not to say that the kids were unintelligent—they simply lacked resources. I was ready to teach them to the best of my ability, but they were not enthused about learning. I tried to engage them and make their homework feel more fun, but to no avail. As someone with a passion for learning, it was frustrating. I never let the frustration show, though. I tried a new approach. Instead of trying to get them to do their school work, I tried to get them to see me as a friend, first. That way, they’d (hopefully) see that I had their best interests in mind. Some were very shy. I understood that feeling. When I was their age, I was the same way. So, I asked them about their interests, and how their days were going. Over time, I noticed that they trusted me more, and were looking forward to our sessions. Eventually, they were more open to doing their work, even if it wasn’t exactly their favorite thing. Because of this development, their work got done significantly faster. I was proud. I was also proud of myself, as I’ve tried to be more personable despite my reserved personality. I definitely grew as a person throughout the length of the program. I’ve also volunteered at a nursing home. My experience there was brief, and not particularly impressive, but meaningful nonetheless. All I had to do was push wheelchair-bound residents to the home’s church service. Some were appreciative, but some were slightly irritable, and others didn’t seem to pay attention. It saddened me, but not because I felt unappreciated. I didn’t expect any accolades, and I didn’t need any. Ending up in a nursing home and losing one’s own mobility is surely an upsetting change of pace in one’s life. The least I could do was make it as stress-free as possible. After college, I plan to become a lawyer. My main goal is to advocate for those who don’t have the power to advocate for themselves. And, I hope to inspire those who do have that potential to make it their reality. Hopefully, my impact won’t be limited to my community. But, I will use the connections I’ve made in my community to propel myself and others along the path to success.

One personal finance lesson that’s important to me is the idea that it is always wise to make your money work for you. Saving is great, and you should always have a significant amount of money in savings (to whatever degree possible), but, with saving alone, your money can’t really grow. If you have some spare change, maybe invest it. Take on a project that you know will earn a profit. Any opportunity for you to earn money, even if it’s just a little bit, is one you should take. Investing into things like stocks, bonds, crypto, etc, is risky business. Always do ample research before making a decision in that realm. Remember to diversify your portfolio. Diversifying can also refer to buying gold or other valuables. That way, a backup plan is always available if one market tanks. Flipping things is a safer, but more time-consuming option. My dad, for example, used to buy junky cars and fix them up before reselling them. Cars might not be your thing—they’re definitely not my thing—but most talents can be translated into money-making opportunities. Take on whatever side hustle suits you. Even if you lack time, you probably have some items laying around that you could sell for a quick buck. Essentially, you don’t have to be Jeff Bezos to see money all around you. If influencers can trade paperclips up to a car, you can find ways to get closer to financial freedom as well. But, remember: take it easy. Give yourself time to bask in the glory of your accomplishments. Now, as the kids say, go get that bread.

The biggest problem facing the world right now is isolation. Isolation is something society as a whole faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that was out of everyone’s hands. The problem falls in isolating one’s self from ideas. Echo chambers plague the internet. Advocacy is necessary, and it can be a powerful thing—for the right audience. The right audience is not made up entirely of those on the same page. Rather, the right audience is balanced, with a mix of people across the political spectrum, and with a mix of personalities. Trying to convince people to join a cause when they already support that cause is pointless. The most that will happen is an increase of enthusiasm. That enthusiasm will dwindle if the cause doesn’t travel. People, on an individual level, need to come to terms with the fact that those with opposing opinions are generally not just extremists. There are millions of people on both sides of debates surrounding abortion, climate change, immigration, etc. But, one can nonetheless craft his/her internet feeds to make it seem like his/her opinion is the norm, and, more importantly, the sole norm. Unfortunately, true open-mindedness can be hard to find. To bridge this gap in thought, bias must be minimized. One efficient way to do this is for social media platforms to present people with a balance of media coverage toward relevant topics. Fact-checking software should be applied equally across posts. Platforms should not sacrifice the integrity of their content for the sake of getting people to spend more time growing complacent in their ignorance—something I hope to avoid to whatever extent possible.

My greatest achievement to date is most likely earning a full-ride scholarship to Mercersburg Academy. Though I worked very hard to earn that scholarship, it was a surprise nonetheless. Without it, I would not have been given the amazing experience that only a college preparatory school can offer. It taught me a lot about myself, but mainly, that I am capable of a lot more than I generally realize. Mercersburg Academy’s competitive acceptance rate was intimidating to me from the beginning. I knew how I compared to other students at my middle school, but, for the academy, I was competing against people from all over the world. Where did I stand? Was I good enough? I did participate in a range of activities, including student government, art club, chorus, orchestra, and the unnamed “gifted” seminar group, but surely others applying to the academy also had such a repertoire. Knowing this, I put every ounce of writing talent I possessed into the application’s essays. Looking back, I don’t believe it was the essays that caused me to become the Mercersburg Scholar. More likely, it was how I presented myself on the various tours of the school, and how I was able to overcome my anxiety during the required interview. Currently, I consider myself to be an ambivert. I enjoy being around people (sometimes), but I prefer to hang back in group conversations, and I don’t tend to initiate them. Eighth grade me, though, was a total introvert. I had a small group of close friends, but socializing outside of that group was practically torture. I knew not to let this feeling show, but it was definitely present. Touring Mercersburg Academy was interesting. I was already familiar with campus, but, when touring, I felt I had to fit in with the students. Many of them were upper class, which I was not. They had been given opportunities that were unavailable to me. I wasn’t exactly jealous, as I made the most of my circumstances, but it made me increasingly aware of my competition. The tour guides were always friendly, and I worried that I wasn’t acting outgoing enough, or that I seemed disinterested (despite my actual, high level of interest). The interview provided a similar, but intensified, experience. According to the woman who interviewed me, I did very well despite my nerves. She even described me as a quick-thinker, which was a relief, given that I feared blanking on any unexpected question. Overall, the application experience taught me that I can be outgoing and personable, even if I think of myself as socially awkward. My extrovert costume seems to suit me pretty well—I’m reasonably sure that it was the deciding factor when my scholarship was awarded. Since that experience, I’ve grown less terrified of interacting with my superiors, and those who seem more talented/experienced than myself. They are all people who can teach me something, and I’m proud of myself for being more open to such an experience. Being stuck with a year of virtual schooling due to COVID-19 worried me. I feared that I would slip into my old habit of keeping to myself as much as possible. For a while, it seemed like I would. I couldn’t interact with most people in-person for a while, so would I even bother once the world opened up again? It was a pretty long time until I got my answer, but the answer was yes. I yearned for the interactions I took for granted all those years. I became more outgoing than ever before. In the future, I hope to make the world an easier place for the underdogs. I can reach out to those whose achievements go unrecognized because they stay out of the limelight. I hope to remain humble, so I don’t present an air of intimidation. Whatever I can do to uplift others is what I seek to achieve. My eventual career goal is to be a lawyer, where I can advocate for those who may not have much of a voice. Though I’m proud of my accomplishments, I want to be primarily known for my services to others. Community engagement is a passion of mine, and I’ll use what I’ve learned from my very fortunate educational experience to further this passion. Now that I’m more comfortable around others, I’ll be sure to make an impact.

While I could describe my experiences throughout the years (especially recently) related to helping my grandparents, I believe that’s relatively typical. Many people can relate to having an emotional connection to their grandparent(s), which hopefully means they wish to help them thrive while navigating old age. Rather, I feel I should discuss my time volunteering at nursing homes. Nursing homes are inherently depressing. Some have more natural lighting and friendlier staff, but even the better ones have an aura of dismal permanence. I don’t have any suggestions on how to make them more lively, because “lively” is a very difficult word to apply to many of those who live there, as much as we’d like it to be easy. All I can do is bring positive energy into that environment. When I entered a nursing home in my community on a Sunday morning, the receptionist gave me a simple task: push certain wheelchair-bound residents to the worship service. Though I felt out of place in my heavy eyeliner, graphic t-shirt and black jean shorts, I put a smile on my face and went about my work. I made conversation with those who were awake enough to do so—many seemed very appreciative of what seemed like quite a small favor to me. Others seemed grumpy, but it didn’t bother me. In my mind, they had every right to be. Still others were just asleep. I cherish the time I spend with my grandparents for many reasons, including that other senior citizens don’t get to have that opportunity as often, or even at all. My generation can sometimes be dismissive of the elderly, but it is important to remember that their needs should be recognized, and their voices should be amplified, just as much as ours.

1. I don’t deserve this scholarship. I haven’t had to overcome any major struggles in my life, and, though I will be in massive amounts of debt because of my education, I’m already pretty confident in my ability to achieve my career/monetary goals later. 2. My narcissistic tendencies are making me want to be the best at whatever I do. Helping others is a bonus. I want to get through classes while participating in discussions as little as possible, because, despite thinking I’m a pretty cool person, I’m not particularly comfortable answering questions when I could be wrong. 3. I live in a rural area, which means I’m well acquainted with roadkill—though I’m yet to create any of it. One time last week, there was a deer blocking the narrow road. I waited. It stood. It walked away after about two minutes. I could’ve hit it, but I chose to overcome that obstacle.

Joy is an interesting feeling. Sometimes it’s right in front of me, presenting itself with flashing lights and saying “I’m here, be happy!” like when I accomplish something difficult, or when I finally see a friend after being apart for a while. Other times, joy is shy. It hides. Joy can often be subtle. Today, for example, has been less than ideal. It is quite rainy, I have to walk across my campus every hour or so, and my umbrella was stolen at lunchtime. But, I found joy in the rain. It gave some nice white noise as I studied in the library. It made me appreciate the warmth of my dorm room. I can find joy in any moment through practicing mindfulness. I pause what I’m doing, look around, and find something positive in my surroundings. Or, I recall the events of the day, and think of at least five good things I experienced. Even on days that didn’t go as planned, I can consistently find silver linings and bright sides. I try to help my friends do the same thing. Hopefully, they’ll see that their days are going better than they seem. Spreading joy brings joy, too. I’ve read that giving gifts can be more emotionally satisfying than receiving them, which sounds true to me. Compliments can also be given out like candy. Everyone likes to hear them, so why refrain? Even if I don’t have any material things to hand out, kind words are always available. Or, I can lend an ear. Overall, I simply want the world to be a more joyous place in general.