Education has taught me to have hope. A repeated theme over my favorite courses of Social Studies and History has been change is inevitable and normally it's for the best. No matter how dark the present or past situation may be, from the political climate to feeling overwhelmed by the college experience, education has taught me to persevere in the face of adversity, that it will get better. That the collective action, especially of an empowered and bold generation, much like mine, is what will bring forth change. Those countless nights of not understanding my calculus or french homework taught me patience. Life skills of taking a deep breath when frustrated and utterly confused, to maintaining composure and working harder to understand the concepts at hand, even if that meant doing hundreds of practice problems to midnight Khan Academy sessions. The thing about education is, yes, at times may be challenging, but it prepares you for the real world. Arriving to college, being the first in my immediate family to do so, not to mention being one of the few members attending an institution in the United States, was rough. I was excited and eager eyed, but looking back completely head over heels. I look around and see my peers not having to worry about finances regarding school materials, dorm costs, meal plans, or the fun social aspect of college and its frustrating, much like that calculus homework. And when FAFSA comes around, with all the legal jargon, and the amount of forms, paperwork, dates, finances, not to mention the added stress of scholarships, as well there was no help or guidance. It was mainly me figuring out the bureaucratic and complicated process that is the college system, preparing me for the real world. And it was time consuming and complicated and left me utterly confused, much like that french homework. As I truly begin to enter the real world of careers, internships, and jobs, living hundreds of miles from home in the bustling city of Washington, D.C. I realized school has prepared me for this. To work hard, to never give up, to be resilient. It also taught me to think out side of the box and be creative in problem solving. It also showed me to be more inclusive and affirming to others. My time in Model United Nations helped develop my diplomacy and people skills. My time in the Student Advisory Council help me develop my own independent political thought and become an advocate for equality and justice. My time in Orchestra taught me collaboration and unity, while demonstrating the beauty of different people coming together under the same interest. I would not be the person I am today, who is so eager to take on the world and make it a better place if it weren't for education. And much like those history classes, I am learning from my past mistakes and struggles, and using the hope of a better future to drive my ambition to success.