The first song that comes to mind when I think of a soundtrack for 2023 is “Welcome To New York”. It is notably the first track on the album, but the lyrics and feel of the song relate to jumping into new environments and life adventures. I officially graduated high school in 2023 and started my freshman year of college in a new state. Not only did I start college out of state, but I am playing NCAA D3 softball as well. In short, my 2023 has jumped through so many different things, from finishing my senior year of high school to my last summer before I turned 18 to the start of my freshman year of college. Truthfully, as overwhelming as it was and still might seem, I was ready for the transition to college and the chance to experience something new in a place where I could establish myself. “Welcome To New York” really speaks to this idea as Taylor walks through this story of someone getting a fresh start in a big, bright new place who seems to be experiencing life for the first time again. In the song, she uses the lyrics, “Everybody here wanted somethin' more. Searchin' for a sound we hadn't heard before”. To me, these lyrics embody the idea that I was taking into college, which is looking to find a new path that would lead me to what I see myself doing for the rest of my life as well as new goals to achieve and people to meet. One other song from the album I believe embodies my year is “Shake It Off”. As cheesy as it may sound, I experienced many things over this year that required me to simply shake it off my shoulders or out of my brain. I learned that people are not always who you think they are, and that is okay. Rather than harping on the bad and letting negative connotations get to me, I have had to learn to not let it bug me. Which, I will say this is not very easy for me and I am continuing to get better at it. But, I think what Taylor is insinuating in the song is that people can make assumptions, judgments, and stereotype you, but when it comes down to it others opinions don’t matter as long as you are true to yourself and your values. It is hard to change someone else and their beliefs on something, so I learned it is easier to find other outlets and people who are the right fit for me that I want to surround myself with. I believe this song pushes the idea of being yourself and sticking to what you know is true, which is an important message for people my age.

Sports, softball specifically, and being a part of a team have held great value in my life. The friends, communities, and connections I have today are primarily because of my involvement in sports. I have met some of the most influential people in my life through sports and some of those people have given me the advice to help me navigate life past high school. Because of this connection and my ability to continue my athletic career into college, I will be able to keep making these relationships that so greatly influence me and my everyday life. Sports have also positively impacted my mentality. Any extracurricular is meant to push you, and sports in particular have pushed me outside my box and have made me mentally stronger and smarter. Sports have forced me to challenge myself and have made me realize I am capable of more than I might think. Softball is a mental game, which has allowed me to be more comfortable with the uncomfortable. The constant challenge has prepared me for the obstacles I have faced in real life, and I believe that it will help me as I navigate adulthood. Being involved in sports almost always means having coaching as well as teammates older than you. Through coaching and other teammates, I have gained skills and advice that will be transferable into daily life as well as extracurriculars. They have taught me the importance of positivity and hard work and how that translates to adulthood. Without sports, I wouldn’t have gained the skills, knowledge, and people that have been and will continue to be influential in my life. Softball is the sport that I love the most as the feeling of stepping on the field and the community I am involved in is so loving and welcoming. I truly don't know where I would be if the younger 10-year-old me didn't decide to keep playing ball. Softball makes me feel like myself and helps me build confidence that I utilize on and off the field. The game itself gives me a certain indescribable feeling. I have been able to have a coach that believed in me to give me a chance to play in college next year. Not only does this allow me to continue playing the sport that has given me so much, but it also creates more connections and relationships that can help me transition into college. I am so grateful for everything that softball and sports have given me and I am so excited to continue my athletic journey playing D3 softball.

My future self is accomplished, thriving, happy, healthy, and loved.

Since entering high school, I have volunteered at my local hospital, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. Volunteering was an eye-opening experience for me as I realized how much one simple action can help someone else, especially in a healthcare setting. I knew then that giving back to the community in a healthcare-related field was what I wanted to do. Many of my friends were looking to the nursing profession, but it never seemed the right fit for me. Then almost by accident, I discovered speech-language pathology. One of the units at the hospital was using a Speech-Language Pathologist and I got to see first-hand the work she did. It was then that I realized how much of an impact that career can have on people by just creating an opportunity for individuals to communicate more effectively. My frequent conversations with patients as I assisted them getting to their speech therapy appointments made it clear to me that so many people who need help do not reach out, with the rising costs of insurance and co-pays. Therapies like PT, OT and speech often require long-term treatment for months or years, with each appointment often costing the patient some money out of pocket. Though these therapies are so very necessary for long-term wellness and health, I really started to understand how someone forced to choose between heating their home, paying for their prescriptions or weekly co-pays for therapy would choose to forgo their appointments. Oftentimes the easy simple things get lost in life or are taken for granted. I came to understand this at a younger age as I saw some of my family struggle to talk, tell their parents their feelings, or just understand other people the same way everyone else does. As I started to look to my future, I knew in my heart that I wanted to find some way to transform lives. My past personal experiences, coupled with my recent involvement with speech-language pathology, has helped me discover a path that will allow me to take that want and desire to help, and turn it into a meaningful career that will be life-changing not only for me, but for those around me. I will begin studying Speech-Language Pathology at Elms College in Massachusetts this fall. Part of the appeal of this program was the opportunity to complete my clinical training in community-based clinics that offer therapy to lower-income families in the Springfield, Massachusetts area that otherwise would likely not access such services due to financial burdens or other barriers. I am committed to continuing my efforts post-graduation toward breaking down financial and accessibility barriers that our most vulnerable populations face. I know the challenges will be great, but that will make the rewards that much sweeter.

Since entering high school, I have volunteered at my local hospital, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. Volunteering was an eye-opening experience for me as I realized how much one simple action can help someone else, especially in a healthcare setting. I knew then that giving back to the community in a healthcare-related field was what I wanted to do. Many of my friends were looking to the nursing profession, but it never seemed the right fit for me. Then almost by accident, I discovered speech-language pathology. One of the units at the hospital was using a Speech-Language Pathologist and I got to see first-hand the work she did. It was then that I realized how much of an impact that career can have on people by just creating an opportunity for individuals to communicate more effectively. My frequent conversations with patients, as I assisted them getting to their speech therapy appointments, made it clear to me that so many people who need help do not reach out, with the rising costs of insurance and co-pays. Therapies like PT, OT and speech often require long-term treatment for months or years, with each appointment often costing the patient some money out of pocket. Though these therapies are so very necessary for long-term wellness and health, I really started to understand how someone forced to choose between heating their home, paying for their prescriptions or weekly co-pays for therapy would choose to forgo their appointments. Oftentimes the easy simple things get lost in life or are taken for granted. I came to understand this at a younger age as I saw some of my family struggle to talk, tell their parents their feelings, or just understand other people the same way everyone else does. As I started to look to my future, I knew in my heart that I wanted to find some way to transform lives. My past personal experiences, coupled with my recent involvement with speech-language pathology, has helped me discover a path that will allow me to take that want and desire to help, and turn it into a meaningful career that will be life-changing not only for me, but for those around me. I will begin studying Speech-Language Pathology at Elms College in Massachusetts this fall. Part of the appeal of this program was the opportunity to complete my clinical training in community-based clinics that offer therapy to lower-income families in the Springfield, Massachusetts area that otherwise would likely not access such services due to financial burdens or other barriers. I am committed to continuing my efforts post-graduation toward breaking down financial and accessibility barriers that our most vulnerable populations face. I know the challenges will be great, but that will make the rewards that much sweeter.

Growing up, I did not realize how much the ability to communicate can affect how people live their day-to-day lives. It was not until I was about 10 or 11 that I realized two of my cousins had speech difficulties and had been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I fondly remember enjoying time spent with my cousins, but always playing in silence. In addition to their multiple learning disabilities, my cousins also had a very difficult home life. My aunt and uncle were struggling with their own mental health issues and were barely getting by financially. Family and friends tried to offer help and protect my cousins. My parents and grandparents tried to steer them toward early childhood development and healthcare resources that could have assisted Spencer and Amethyst. Unfortunately, the economic barriers and stigma they faced trying to access those resources were overwhelming, and these efforts ended up backfiring and led to their parents breaking off communications with the rest of my family and other supports. I often wonder how their life might have been different with early intervention and support. Since entering high school, I have spent several hundred hours volunteering at my local hospital. Volunteering was an eye-opening experience for me as I realized how much one simple action can help someone else, especially in a healthcare setting. I knew then that giving back to the community in a healthcare-related field was what I wanted to do. Many of my friends were looking to the nursing profession, but it never seemed the right fit for me. Then almost by accident, I discovered speech-language pathology. My frequent conversations with patients as I assisted them getting to their speech therapy appointments made it clear to me that so many people who need help do not reach out, with the rising costs of insurance and co-pays. Therapies like PT, OT and speech often require long-term treatment for months or years, with each appointment often costing the patient some money out of pocket. Though these therapies are so very necessary for long-term wellness and health, I really started to understand how someone forced to choose between heating their home, paying for their prescriptions or weekly co-pays for therapy would choose to forgo their appointments. Oftentimes the easy simple things get lost in life or are taken for granted. I came to understand this at a younger age as I saw some of my family struggle to talk, tell their parents their feelings, or just understand other people the same way everyone else does. As I started to look to my future, I knew in my heart that I wanted to find some way to transform lives. My past personal experiences, coupled with my recent involvement with speech-language pathology, has helped me discover a path that will allow me to take that want and desire to help, and turn it into a meaningful career that will be life-changing not only for me, but for those around me. I will begin studying Speech-Language Pathology at Elms College in Massachusetts this fall. Part of the appeal of this program was the opportunity to complete my clinical training in community-based clinics that offer therapy to lower-income families in the Springfield, Massachusetts area that otherwise would likely not access such services due to financial burdens or other barriers. I am committed to continuing my efforts post-graduation toward breaking down financial and accessibility barriers that our most vulnerable populations face. I know the challenges will be great, but that will make the rewards that much sweeter.

My name is Amanda Raymond and I am currently a high school senior in the state of Maine. I am planning on attending Elms College in Massachusetts to study Speech-Language Pathology to then go to graduate school to get my master's degree to become an SLP. I am a highly involved student-athlete as I play multiple sports and am involved in community service activity and work a part-time job. I am a highest honors student and have earned awards such as Bates College High School Scholar and RIT Innovation and Technology Scholarship. I am also a member of the National Honors Society and am a Student Ambassador at my high school. I have also been a part of the Indoor Track team my freshman and sophomore year. I was on the JV field hockey team freshman year and then was on varsity the other 3. There I was captain my senior year and earned the National Field Hockey Association All-Academic Squad. I have also been on varsity softball since my freshman year. I also play travel softball year-round and will be playing at Elms. I have been involved in community service since I was 12 starting at the hospital transporting patients to their appointments and helping out around the hospital. I have also volunteered at local field hockey and softball tryouts and practices to help the girls out. I have also volunteered at the Good Shepard Food Bank and the local YWCA. There I put together food packages at Good Shepard and cleaned the outdoor play area at the Y. The career I am pursuing is one that I know is in high demand but is also a way to bring positivity to people of any age. I will be able to impact the world by helping my patients be able to communicate again through the process of speech therapy. I think that this will be a very rewarding job that allows me to give back in a way that is slightly different than one would think. I also am excited as this profession allows me to help people of any age because SLPs can work anywhere from hospitals, out-patient care facilities, clinics, schools, or retirement facilities. I hope to bring smiles to my patients and those around me as well as continue to give back to the community I will soon be calling my home. I plan to contiune to up lift my community through service.

One book that I believe everyone should read in their lifetime is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. This book takes on an interesting and unexpected narrator called "Death." I think that when I was in 5th grade and I read this for the first time, the narration was the first thing that caught my eye. It was a striking way to narrate the story as it follows the life of a girl named Liesel in Germany during Hitler's reign. Some so many different historical elements and symbols are important in this book that listing them wouldn't do them justice. I think that the book speaks for itself and that rather than summarize it for the person reading this mini-essay, they should read it for themselves. The feelings I got after reading each intense scene whether it be Liesel stealing another book from a book-burning ceremony or something involving the war, it sparked a significant amount of emotion. I read this book for the second time in 8th grade and because I was not reading it for an assignment this go around, I was able to notice and enjoy different aspects of the book that I had not before. I think this is one of the most important things about truly loving a book. If you can read it multiple times and still love it the same every time, then it shows how much the book and its content made an impact. I am an avid book reader still even though I am a senior in high school with a very busy schedule. To me, reading is important to unwind but also open up my mind to new ideas. I think that The Book Thief is the perfect book for people of any age, even though I read it as an elementary schooler. Whenever anyone asks me what my favorite book is, The Book Theif by Markus Zusak has been my answer for the past 6 to 8 years.

Growing up being involved in many different sports and youth activities, I didn't realize how I wouldn't have been able to have those opportunities if it were not for volunteers. Ever since I was old enough to see how much a little help can go, I have found ways to give back and volunteer in my community whether it be on the sports field, in the hospital, or at local businesses. I have volunteered over 150 hours at St. Mary's regional hospital over the 3 summers I have had in high school. This experience has been one of the most influential things I have done and has opened my eyes to how important volunteers are for both the patients and the staff. While I am volunteering I am in patient transport where we get calls to transport patients to their appointments, bring labs to and from the laboratory, mail runs, and help do smaller projects around the hospital. I found that transporting patients takes one responsibility off some of the staff's shoulders and it also gives the patients an opportunity to have a conversation with me with no judgment, just whatever they feel like talking about. I think this part of this volunteering experience was also very rewarding and inspires me to continue to volunteer in a medical setting because it brings some light to those who have to consistently get medical attention at the hospital. Beyond the hospital, I have also spent over 15 hours volunteering at youth sporting events such as practices, games, and tryouts locally. I participated in field clean-up day for the local Cal Ripken fields and teams in my town. Helping out on this day allows all the kids 12 and under to practice softball and baseball as fields can get dirty and ruined during the winter months in Maine and need a little help before the beginning of the season. I think this was something I was inspired to do because when I was participating in 12u Cal Ripken I would not have been able to play without the help of all the older kids and adults so it is kind of my way of giving back what I got when I was there age. The situation is similar as I also helped out at youth softball tryouts and youth field hockey practices in my high school years. These experiences were also similarly inspired by the realization that I was once their age and all of these events and opportunities can't happen without the help of volunteers. I think that every kid deserves to have the chance to pursue the activities they love to do and that lack of staff/help shouldn't be a deciding factor in whether that occurs or not. I think my help has been a small but appreciated contribution to help keep youth sports going in my community.

The healthcare field is an ever-evolving line of work that the world needs to survive. For this world to operate, there needs to be a sense of collaboration amongst a well-rounded group of individuals. Curing diseases or even helping a single random patient at a hospital somewhere takes more than one person. When strong minds come together, the result of the collaboration is stronger as multiple people are contributing their ideas. Collaboration is something I think is very important to advance the healthcare field because everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard, and who knows what might come from the ideas of a group of people. It should become normalized to work as a team to meet goals, rather than try to be the best individual (although that is important as well). They teach kids in elementary school how to work with other kids to create projects, compete on a sports team, and make friends. This is taught so it can be translated into adult life. The medical world is evolving so fast that advances in medicine, cures, and treatments need to evolve at a similar pace to keep up. As a teenager that has a parent and grandparent that has worked in the healthcare field, I know how much collaboration is looked over. There have been many days when my mom has come home and talked about how much her coworkers don't get along, work together, and refuse to consider others' ideas. These are recipes for failure. Diversity also plays a part in this as the healthcare realm needs people of all genders, ages, experiences, and cultures to pitch in. Discluding those who are different in any way holds back not only that person, but the ability to create a well-rounded set of projects, ideas, and minds to help people be healthy happy individuals. Collaboration and diversity are aspects of life that I look to carry into my life past high school. I am majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders in hopes to be a Speech-Language Pathologist. Everyone I know is always like "So what do you teach people to talk?" and I think that question downplays the importance of what I want to do for work and how collaboration and diversity play a part in helping people. The ability to communicate in any way, shape, or form is something that is taken away from many people. Having the opportunity to help these people be the ones in the world who are different, but also can work with others to overcome obstacles is important. As SLPs are in higher demand as the years progress, I think that it is important to consider how much collaborative ideas and well-rounded groups of people are important to this field of work. I will most definitely be engaging in group work and research with people of my major and outside it to benefit those who need the help of speech therapists. I am currently enrolled in Syracuse University Project Advance through high school. This class is very difficult and requires long thinking and strong writing skills. Rather than competing to see who can get the best grade in the class, my class of 10 students has been working together to help each other succeed. I think this collaborative setting has been important to my success as a student in that class. It has helped me see a wide range of ideas and thoughts on difficult assignments and allowed me to contribute my thoughts to other people's work as well. This class sets me up strong for professional writing later in life.

Integrity is a strong word that I feel some people overlook or misinterpret. It is a word that is talked about at school, on the sports field, and in many lines of work, but to me, it means always being honest and true to myself. It means being able, to tell the truth, even if it is an uncomfortable conversation or situation. I also think that a huge part of having integrity is being true to yourself and your values. Being honest is difficult sometimes and can bring consequences, however, nothing is more important than being true to yourself. This is a concept that I finally grasped around my sophomore year of high school as I was struggling with realizing that you can't please everyone, not everyone is your friend, and that following my morals was more important than leaving them for the sake of someone else. Honor is different from integrity in the way that it is not something that is learned and developed from personal values, but rather is sometimes given. I feel as though I practice honor daily when I am respecting my parents, my boss, or anyone I interact or speak with of a higher level. I also earned honor when I was named captain of one of my travel softball teams and the varsity field hockey team in the fall of my senior year. This honor was something I was given, but it also allowed me to learn more about holding a position of honor and what responsibilities come with it. I was also recently accepted into my top college and was offered a spot on their softball roster, which I have since accepted. I think that this is the highest level of honor I have exercised as I had to earn my way to get that spot at the college and on the roster. I look to continue practicing honor as I go to college by earning it and using it with others.