A profound quote by Hans Christian Andersen that resonates deeply within me states, “Where words fail, music speaks.” Music has always been an integral part of my life, serving as a free space for expression, connection, and healing. Growing up, I struggled with articulating my thoughts and feelings, often feeling misunderstood or unable to fully convey the depth of my experiences through words alone. Music, however, provided me with an alternative language, one that could capture the nuances of my emotions and allow me to express myself in ways that words could not. I would often find myself angry or with a short temper and sad; yet when I was asked why I was unable to explain what I was feeling. I would then play a song that could help me feel my emotions or allow me to process my thoughts as I listen to the lyrics or melody of the song. Furthermore, my love for music has sparked my interest in composing my own pieces of work. At first, I began writing poetry to express my thoughts and emotions. However, in some instances when I am overwhelmed with stronger emotions it is not as easy to find the right words that would bring emphasis or creative metaphors to the poem. I began finding slow instrumentals to play behind my poems as I recited them or smooth jazz, which would eventually become my main outlet to destress. I began listening to beats that were slow tempo, fast tempo, R&B genre, neo-soul, and many others that would bring me at ease. Listening helped me find my words to my emotions or compose a clever lyric that would give me excitement to share with my family and friends. Moreover, I found an outlet through music by the different genres, I’ve listened too, from R&B, Hip-hop, Jazz, and pop music. Each genre has the ability to put me in a different mood and state of mind. My favorite artist is Beyonce, because I love the passion she puts into her music, especially her Lemonade album and her album 4. She sings with heartbreak in one song and then she has an up-tempo song with catchy lyrics. It shows that as humans we are able to feel and to jump from emotion, but the important thing is that we acknowledge our feelings and feel free to express them. "Where words fail, music speaks" also reflects my aspiration to use music as a tool for positive change. I am passionate about the potential of music to address social issues and foster empathy and understanding as it has done so many times before. This has been done through concerts, classrooms, teaching music to underserved communities, or using music therapy to support mental health. I hope that one day I can find the confidence to harness the power of music to make a meaningful impact as my favorite artist has done for me. In essence, this quote captivates the profound role that music plays in my life. It is more than just an art form; it is my voice, my refuge, and my means of connecting with the world. Through music, I have found a way to communicate my innermost thoughts and feelings and hope to one day contribute to a greater good. "Where words fail, music speaks" is not just a quote to me but a reflection of who I am and the values I hold dear.

There is a universal saying that a mother’s love knows no bounds. This aphorism is one I can honor in the love and care my mother has given to me. When I think about the person who has supported me the most in reaching my educational goals, my mother is who I would praise. She has supported me through every stage of school, from the earliest days of elementary school to the challenges of high school. My mom raised me and my sister as a single mother, living from check to check, and managed to play a significant part in my education. She helped me maintain a balance between school and my personal life, she taught me to be courageous, and the importance of tenacity as I grew older. From a young age, my mom instilled the importance of being a student-athlete. In middle school, I played on the girls' basketball team, soccer team, flag football team, and track and field team. I loved sports and being active, but I had to be reminded that being a student-athlete means prioritizing the ‘student’ aspect first. She helped me organize my study schedule, ensuring that I balanced my schoolwork and extracurricular activities. When I struggled with math, she introduced me to online tutoring sites, like Khan Academy where I would receive extra practice. Also, when she had the time, she would sit at the kitchen table to help me make flashcards to study for any upcoming exam after a long day at work. That year I achieved two perfect scores on my Reading and Math state exams and multiple awards from my sports team, such as Most Improve Player and Best Team Player. She attended every award ceremony and made it known that I deserved every accolade. My mom dedicated her time to making sure I enjoyed every aspect of school and as well as childhood. Additionally, my mom made it possible for me to reach other educational advances. After I passed my state exams, I was offered a summer course at Duke University. Although, at the time I was unaware that the opportunity required a payment to enroll in, my mom proposed the offer to me, and I accepted it with great enthusiasm. The price of the class was $1,000 and although our expenses at times were a battle, she did not want me to pass up this opportunity, nor did she want me to worry about the finance part, hence the reason she did not tell me. She knew my passion for law yet my uncertainty about which field to study and wanted me to experience an area of study on my own. That summer I enrolled in an online forensic science class with a professor at Duke University. I loved every part of it, from researching the cases to listening to each lecture and learning about the elements of a crime scene investigation. My mom allowed me to realize there should never be a limit placed on my education and if I have a dream to pursue it. My mom’s support has played an indispensable role in helping me reach my educational goals. She taught me the importance of discipline and opened my perspective to a newfound interest in law. My knowledge of Duke and their law school has generated my admiration for the University with hopes of being accepted. As I look toward the future, I know that her support gave me the courage to navigate through any challenge and pursue my dreams with confidence, along with maintaining balance and a positive mindset through my education.