The album, "Locked In" by the newly-found YoungSpice, is comprised of six songs that could best be described as a compilation of experiences while being locked in the house during the pandemic and experienced the purest form of solitude and academic burnout; the moments building up to his cabin fever, experience a sudden change of perspective leading to insanity, and finally answering the door to the opportunities going down the drain. This first song on his radical album, YoungSpice decides to open in his native tongue, Spanish. The introductory song is titled " La Gata Bajo La Lluvia" (Rocio Durcal). This ballad introduces the album by telling the story of an unsheltered cat meowing under the thundering rain. This unlucky feline represents the heartache of YoungSpice as he faces a supercut of happy memories plays in his head while facing loneliness, heartbreak, and sadness. The following track--which is drastically different on all levels: sonically, lyrically, language and genre-- is titled Emily montes (Corona is crazy), by Emily montes is an upbeat rave song taking the perspective of an 8-year-old. This song represents the rapid mental decline of YoungSpice. YoungSpice effectively and directly tells us: "Corona is crazy" meaning that the pandemic was something he was not remotely prepared for. The year 2020 was not just the year of the global pandemic, but also conscious class awakening. He knew that the effects of 'corona' extended beyond health concerns and disproportionately affected different populations. The third track on the album, Take me Away by Emily montes is a plead for help during his delusion. He needs escapism from the tormenting landscape that the shelter-in-place order has created for him. During the moment of hysteria, YoungSpice tells us "I looked in the mirror and in tears, I noticed how bad I had let myself go. I became lucid!" He then added Dear Old Nicki, by Nicki Manaj to the album. This song encapsulates the moment in which YoungSpice looks in the mirror; Dear Old Nicki refers to that moment of realization as the death of a young spice. At that moment he knew his new name would be, effectively, YoungSpice. A new era was coming and that's when the genre of the album changed once more. In his new era, YoungSpice took accountability for his actions. He decided to add Reality Check by NoName to the album. In this song, he explores the idea that maybe it is time to realize that opportunities are going by, and even though he is prone to regress, holding yourself accountable for mistakes is the first step to getting over burnout. The concluding track is titled "Finish Line" by Chance the rapper. This piece is a gospel of truth to YoungSpice. The bittersweet taste that lingers, is the salty tears he cries as he realizes that he's back. Sad that he spent almost two years in stillness, he is beyond thrilled answered the door-- a little late-- he answered.

Scared and alone, this was the only way someone like me could approach college applications while in high school; attending an HSI seemed like a foreign concept since it was never mentioned in my high school. As I recall earlier memories, I begin to remember that embarking on my journey to pursue a higher education was not just scary, but also tedious and full of obstacles. The first step to on this journey would be asking your institution for help. Asking for help is not something to be shy or embarrassed about, we all need it. Help takes form in many different ways, from therapy and financial counseling to college workshops; access as many resources as you are allowed to. As I began this journey of self help, I knew that as an at-risk and unhoused youth I need to relieve some discomfort by seeking institutions that worked to serve youth like me. Locally, I accessed a youth center that was there for me when no one else was. The Broadway youth center assisted me in accessing a plethora of resources, from health care to food assistance. Nonprofits like these are dire to people like me. Additionally, they also gave the opportunity to explore academic resources. They have an on-site scholarship preparer to whom I bombarded with many questions relating to the college application process. Without these people and institutions, I would not have pursued higher education. Furthermore, asking for help can alter your life course; three words forever changed my life, "I need help." Aside from college-bound programs, working a part time job can be worthwhile and enriching, spending time on Indeed or NPO looking for jobs that provided benefits while working and studying made my career change happen. On indeed I found countless opportunities that funded some of my school expenses while working for them. On NPO, I found the nonprofit job that I currently hold and I love dearly. In addition to this, I thought about the needs I had. Exploring schools that might best accommodate your needs and wants is a must. Deciding to apply to an HSI was one of the best career choices I could have made, not only will it let me emerge myself in a rich familiar environment, but also develop some my existing linguistic repertoire. All in all, realizing that you need help is the biggest step forward, taking it was the most moving physically and emotional for me. Walking into my counseling office and seeking resources, workshops, websites, institutions that aid me in my academic success and wellbeing was only possible because I made it happen; be the change you need for yourself. Embark on the next journey you need to take by asking for help first. Preparing yourself for the next opportunity as best you can will allow you to develop as best possible and most thoroughly. Explore enriching workshops for career preparation, whether in academia or the workforce, preparing yourself for the future is an investment worth making.