It may be a common anime amongst others, but Demon Slayer is an anime that I can watch over and over again. Tanjiro has inspired me so much as his family is slaughtered by a demon and in the midst his sister, the only living survivor other than him is slowly turning into a demon. Although he was devastated by the loss of his family he ensured that he and Nezuko made it to safety. Through the devastation, mourning, and grief from not being there to protect his family, Tanjiro continues to fight and motivate himself to become a demon slayer to save Nezuko and turn her back into a human but also avenge his family's deaths. There were plenty of times Tanjiro could have quit and there were many times that he wanted to but with determination and the need to prove his success to himself, he continued and became one of the best. This character development is so captivating to me because, under those circumstances, I don't know what I would have done. I don't know if I would have fought off the demon he and Nezuko encountered immediately after meeting their family and climbing Mt. Sagiri, how could anyone have such strength? Tanjiro tackled every obstacle in front of him and still found compassion and empathy for Nezuko and others that he encountered. Through everything he never let his hardships harden him and that to me is captivating and motivating to continue with any challenges I may face in my life.

As a non-traditional student, my journey into higher education directly reflects the necessity of balancing multiple jobs from the onset to even pursue college immediately after high school. This distinction is fundamental to understanding my unique circumstances and underscores why I should be considered for a scholarship. The decision to enter college straight after high school wasn't just about furthering my education—it was a testament to the relentless dedication I had to work multiple jobs to make it possible. Unlike many of my peers who could rely on parental support or financial aid, my path to higher education was paved with the need to finance my academic endeavors. Working as a substitute teacher, waitress, and summer youth counselor wasn't just a means to supplement my income; it was the only way I could afford to pursue a college education at all. The financial burden of tuition, books, and living expenses loomed large, but I refused to let it deter me. Instead, I embraced the challenge, knowing that every hour spent in the classroom, every shift worked at the restaurant, and every summer spent mentoring at-risk youth was an investment in my future. Balancing these demanding roles while completing a heavy course load required an exceptional level of discipline, time management, and resilience. Whether I was waking up early to teach a classroom of eager students, serving tables late into the night, or dedicating my summers to guiding and supporting at-risk youth, my commitment to education never wavered. Moreover, my experience working in diverse settings—from education to hospitality to youth counseling—has not only provided me with valuable skills but has also deepened my understanding of the world around me. As a substitute teacher, I learned the importance of effective communication and leadership. Waiting tables taught me the value of customer service and adaptability. And my time as a summer youth counselor underscored the critical role that mentorship and support play in the lives of young people. Receiving a scholarship would not only alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with being a non-traditional student but would also recognize the sacrifices and hard work that have enabled me to pursue my academic goals from the very beginning. It would provide me with the resources and support necessary to continue my educational journey without compromising my other responsibilities. In essence, my status as a non-traditional student, combined with the necessity of working multiple jobs to even attend college straight after high school, highlights my determination, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to education. With the support of a scholarship, I am confident that I can continue to thrive academically and achieve my goals of furthering my education and making a positive impact in the world.

A book that I would have everyone in the world read would be "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman. This book has reshaped my way of thinking and shows a profound revelation of cognitive understanding. As I delved into Kahneman's work of the two systems that drive our thoughts, I found that system one focuses on intuitive and fast-paced responses while system two focuses on a more deliberate and analytical approach. Reading this book has not only enriched my academic pursuits of a degree in Mental Health but also impacted my personal growth. To anyone interested in the way that their and others' minds work this book will inspire you to observe your thoughts and perceive your decision-making processes. I discovered that many of my decisions were influenced by biases and cognitive processes that were ingrained in me since birth. Moreover, "Thinking, Fast and Slow" has equipped me with the tools to navigate the complexities of human behavior and understand the underlying mechanisms that drive our choices. Whether through academic endeavors, interpersonal relationships, or professional aspiration, Kahneman's work has been a compass to guide me toward informed decision-making and a deeper sense of empathy for myself and others. As I embark on my path as a future therapist, the knowledge gained from this book fuels my passion to delve deeper into the intricacies of the human psyche. I am inspired to apply the principles learned from Kahneman's work in my practice, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy for my clients. I wholeheartedly recommend "Thinking, Fast and Slow" to anyone seeking to unravel the mysteries of the mind and unlock their full cognitive potential. Its profound insights have left an indelible mark on my intellectual and professional journey, and I hope it will touch others in the same profound way it has touched me.

A creative solution to a social issue in my community could be an integrated hands-on learning curriculum. As a substitute teacher who is pursuing higher education, I have noticed in my community especially, that students do not feel that school is for them. Or they believe that what they are learning will not help them in the "real world". Designing a curriculum that integrates every-day life into academics could help students feel more engaged or show them different career paths they may have not considered. For instance, incorporate nutrition education into science classes, or teaching math through budgeting and financial literacy. Offering hands-on activities that engage students and make learning fun. This could include community gardening to teach about nutrition and sustainability or an established mentorship program where older students can mentor younger students. In the community I reside, it is often that I will hear students say that the way that they act or go about a situation is due to others they have seen around them. Changing that narrative and having a younger child or student whom looks up to them for guidance and support could aid in better leadership skills and a sense of purpose. Where these students can see that they are in an low-income area facing education disparities, crime and violence integrating a hands-on learning experience in the community can also affect parents. By teaching and showing students that there are other paths you can take, workshops for the community can also aid in students feeling excited to come to school. These workshops could partner with local health care providers and offer vaccinations and check-ups for families who otherwise may not be able to visit a health clinic. They could also consist of workshops on topics such as, financial management, parenting skills, and health education. This helps create a supportive family network and get parents involved on what their children would be learning in school. Outside of the school sector, students need community engagement regardless of what school or area they reside. Partnering with a local community college could give parents and students access to different courses, certifications, or higher education courses they may be able to take and in turn set an example for those whom look up to them. I believe that incorporating some or even all of what is mentioned above, would be a creative solution to the issue of poverty, education disparities, crime and violence in my community.