I am a first-generation American, daughter to a refugee from a civil war and a woman who fled from the cruelty of an impoverished country. As victims of political violence and systemic poverty, their stories of hardship inspire me to serve our international community and work to ensure their past is no one else’s present. To realize this vision, I have dedicated my professional journey to fostering international peace and prosperity through nonprofit organizations, such as and leading up to the United Nations. My undergraduate degree, which will focus on international relations and concentrate on peace, conflict, and cultural nuance in world politics, will be an opportunity to cultivate a world where people like my parents are no longer subject to violence, displacement, or poverty in their rightful homes. I will leave an impact as a global citizen who championed the rights of the disenfranchised and advocated for equitable living for all, and to continue embodying Agape love, my journey to reach this goal starts here, in my neighborhood. During my time in community college, I demonstrated a firm commitment to service and leadership through my college's Student Government Association. I represented the student body through investigation of the needs of students, successful organization of resources, and overseeing initiatives to improve student satisfaction and representation. I learned much about communication, leadership, and advocacy alongside a diverse group from many backgrounds and cultures. I built the skills to understand not only my strengths and opportunities for growth, but also how I can advocate for people in my community at large. Serving as a leader in college helped me realize that my drive for advocacy should not stop on my college campus, and I've already set foot on the path to continue serving my neighborhood. Looking ahead, I will continue embodying Agape love by remaining a pillar of support and kindness in my community, a gentle hand to guide those who need it and uplift all those around me. Though I am just one person offering a comforting presence and encouragement now, I dream of bettering my community in Charlotte in more tangible ways. I will target issues that are important to me, such as walkable and connected communities, affordable housing and education, and refugee integration through community outreach, volunteering, and education. I am highly optimistic about my future as an undergraduate student, but also as an involved member of my community, pursuing these endeavors and touching the lives of people from all walks of life.

I'm told that the smell of death is something you can never forget. It permeates everything it touches as it separates you into two halves: the person you were before and the person you are after. So, too, will the destruction of a place you once called home or the persecution of your people leave a similar feeling. For me, these are distant possibilities, but for many migrants and asylum seekers, this is their reality. My father and his mother were such people. As refugees from the Liberian Civil War, he and his mother came to America with nothing to support themselves but each other. My father surpassed many challenges to become what he is today: a loving father, a graduate degree holder, and a pillar of support to his community. My mother shares a similar story as she left her impoverished home in Kenya to pursue a better life in America. As victims of political violence and systemic poverty, their stories of hardship inspire me to serve our international community and ensure their past is no one else’s present. Together, they raised me with the values they wish were more present in the world; kindness, fairness, and unending generosity. To follow in their teachings and touch the lives of those who could not escape their circumstances, I have dedicated my professional journey to fostering international peace and prosperity through the United Nations. The first step on this path is my undergraduate studies, where I will pursue a degree in international relations, concentrating on peace, conflict, and cultural identities. A college education is more than an opportunity to learn; it is a critical moment for growth, achievement, exploration, and connection. I realized as much during my time in community college, where I made wonderful memories and discoveries through various extracurriculars; the Scholarship Club, Multicultural Club, and most notably, serving in the Student Government Association. I began as a Senator on my area campus, collaborating with students and college staff to advocate for the needs of my campus before eventually being elected as President to spearhead initiatives on improving student representation and satisfaction. As I transition to university, I will continue to pursue avenues for research, exploration, and leadership in my community to exemplify what it means to be a global citizen. Additionally, I plan to earn a degree specializing in international law because of how closely the field relates to international relations; with an education in law, I will be even more empowered to understand the issues that the international community faces and set forth realistic solutions. Afterward, I will work toward realizing my dream by earning a place in the United Nations and promoting peace and prosperity for all. Beginning a career in the United Nations would allow my hand to shape the future of the international community by advocating for the rights of citizens and sovereign nations and fostering the development of less fortunate countries. More than that, I will be able to positively influence how we respond to events of international importance and improve our mechanisms for peace to benefit our collective future, and I want to educate myself on how to make these changes a reality.  Though I am just one person with one voice, I refuse to turn away from the suffering of others. My parents' courage and my passion for service have empowered me to aim high on my journey to change the world. In the words of the United Nations' charter, we should all promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.

I am a first-generation American, daughter to a refugee from a civil war and a woman who fled from the cruelty of an impoverished country. As victims of political violence and systemic poverty, their stories of hardship inspire me to serve our international community and work to ensure their past is no one else’s present. To realize this vision, I have dedicated my professional journey to fostering international peace and prosperity such as and leading up to the United Nations. The first step on this path is my undergraduate studies, where I will pursue a degree in international relations. To me, a college education is a critical moment for growth, achievement, exploration, and connection. I realized as much while in community college, where I made wonderful memories serving in our Student Government Association. This experience has created a deep sense of fulfillment in leadership and advocacy while showing me that my community involvement should not stop on my college campus, and I believe an HBCU is the right place to pursue this passion. The sense of community and cultural celebration to be found in universities built on black excellence is unparalleled, and as a young black woman still trying to find her way, I want to learn, grow, and build connections in a place where I know that I will always belong. However, despite all my planning and determination, my journey hasn't been without struggles. Going as far back as middle school, I would have trouble wanting to complete homework or finding the strength to finish daily tasks. I chalked this up to teenage laziness—something I would eventually grow out of as the real world grew closer. But then those feelings kept creeping up, more frequent and debilitating than ever. I became an awful imitation of my former self as I struggled for years to regain control, trapped in my thoughts and unable to properly function. Mental fog is the most frightening part of depression to me; it's like a constant haze you can't shake off, eroding your mind into nothing. The COVID pandemic exacerbated these issues and put me in an even more fragile place than I was before it. My mental illness, which went undiagnosed for years, led me to struggle in school and continuously frayed at my interpersonal relationships. For the first time, I felt like I was failing not only myself, but my parents, educators, and even my friends. Most regrettably, I convinced myself that my illness was my fault and that I needed to struggle through it alone. This vicious cycle continued for years until I finally took the first step and sought professional help in my sophomore year of high school. Isolation helped me uncover and heal parts of myself that I would have otherwise continued to suppress, and now I can put a name to what I have been experiencing and have an amazing therapist to help me combat my depression and assist me in completing my degree at an HBCU. Though this experience was unprecedented and challenging, I now have the tools to navigate life on the path to reaching my dream of facilitating global peace, sustainability, and development through the United Nations. Though I am just one person with one voice, I refuse to turn away from the suffering of others. My parents' courage and my passion for service have empowered me to aim high on my journey to change the world. In the words of the United Nations' charter, we should all promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.

For most of my youth, I lived a cruel lie. I remember that as far back as middle school, I would have trouble wanting to complete homework or finding the strength to finish daily tasks. I chalked this up to teenage laziness—something I would eventually grow out of as the real world grew closer. But then those feelings kept creeping up, more frequent and debilitating than ever. I became an awful imitation of my former self as I struggled for years to regain control, trapped in my thoughts and unable to properly function. Mental fog is the most frightening part of depression to me; it's like a constant haze you can't shake off, eroding your mind into nothing. Moreover, the COVID pandemic exacerbated these issues and has become the biggest challenge I've faced in my life. I have excelled in academics for as long as I can remember and this led me to conflate my value with my ability to perform well; so to suddenly find myself earning poor grades and struggling to focus on my schoolwork was beyond devastating. For the first time, I felt like I was failing not only myself, but my parents and educators. Most regrettably, I convinced myself that my illness was my fault. Because of this, I saw no end to the cycle until, on a whim, I spoke about my mental health during a yearly checkup, numbly recounting my distress to the pediatrician. I supposed nothing would come of it and prepared to continue as usual until I read my diagnosis on the after-visit report: Moderate-Severe Depression. The knowledge of my condition was a gift, but also a curse. Though I am grateful my illness did not drive me to self-harm or worse, the psychological damage is still there. It was heartbreaking to learn that what I perceived as typical had been contributing to my illness: the hateful words of my peers, the dismissive response my father had to the very idea of depression, and the constant competition between my classmates to become the best of the best. Despite this, isolation helped me uncover and heal parts of myself that I would have otherwise continued to conceal. Learning to move past these memories is a struggle I will not give up on, and I have my incredible therapist to thank. Additionally, keeping in touch with my close friends is and has been my lifeline to persist through my low points during the lockdown and the tough transition back into in-person learning. Though this experience was unprecedented and challenging, I now have the tools to navigate life on the path to reaching my dream of promoting global peace, sustainability, and development through the United Nations. I mentioned before that my diagnosis was a curse, but I've since shed that perspective. I no longer feel shame regarding my illness or my use of therapy to manage it. With the truth of my condition and the tools to combat its effects, I want to use my career to realize my dream of international peace and prosperity. I refuse to let my illness take anything else away from me, just as I refuse to contribute to anyone else's suffering the way my circumstances contributed to mine. If I could offer advice to someone in similar circumstances, it would be that your struggle with depression is treatable and that there is no shame in reaching out when you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Take the first step toward recovery, and the rest will fall in line in due time.

I'm told that the smell of death is something you can never forget. It permeates everything it touches as it separates you into two halves: the person you were before and the person you are after. So, too, will the destruction of a place you once called home or the persecution of your people leave a similar feeling. For me, these are distant possibilities, but for many migrants and asylum seekers, this is their reality. My father and his mother were such people. As refugees from the Liberian Civil War, he and his mother came to America with nothing to support themselves but each other. My father surpassed many challenges to become what he is today: a loving father, a graduate degree holder, and a pillar of support to his community. My mother shares a similar story as she left her impoverished home in Kenya to pursue a better life in America. As victims of political violence and systemic poverty, their stories of hardship inspire me to serve our international community and ensure their past is no one else’s present. Together, they raised me with the values they wish were more present in the world; kindness, fairness, and unending generosity. To follow in their footsteps and touch the lives of those who could not escape their circumstances, I have dedicated my professional journey to realizing my dream of international peace and prosperity through the United Nations. The first step on this path is my undergraduate studies, where I will pursue a degree in international relations, concentrating on peace, conflict, and cultural identities. A college education is more than an opportunity to learn; it is a critical moment for growth, achievement, exploration, and connection. I realized as much during my time in community college, where I made wonderful memories and discoveries serving in our Student Government Association; beginning as a Senator, then progressing to President of the SGA and the top representative of our student body. This experience has created a deep sense of fulfillment in leadership and advocacy and has also shown me that my community involvement should not stop on my college campus. Moving forward, I will continue to get involved in my community and tackle issues that are important to me and my community at large, and I believe an HBCU is the right place to start this journey. I've chosen an HBCU to complete my undergraduate studies because I believe the sense of community and cultural celebration to be found in universities built on black excellence is unmatched. As a young black woman still trying to find her way, I want to learn, grow, and build connections in an environment where I know that I will always have a place and I think these qualities will stand out through my attendance at an HBCU. As I transition to university, I will continue to pursue avenues for research, exploration, and leadership in my community to exemplify what it means to be a global citizen. Additionally, I plan to earn a degree specializing in international law because of how closely the field relates to international relations; with an education in law, I will be even more empowered to understand the issues that the international community faces and set forth realistic solutions. Following my graduation, I will work toward realizing my dream by earning a place in the United Nations to promote peace and prosperity for all. Beginning a career in the United Nations would allow my hand to shape the future of the international community by advocating for the rights of citizens and sovereign nations and fostering the development of less fortunate countries. More than that, I will be able to positively influence how we respond to events of international importance and improve our mechanisms for peace to benefit our collective future, and I want to educate myself on how to make these changes a reality.  Though I am just one person with one voice, I refuse to turn away from the suffering of others. My parents' courage and my passion for service have empowered me to aim high on my journey to change the world. In the words of the United Nations' charter, we should all promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.

I'm told that the smell of death is something you can never forget. It permeates everything it touches as it separates you into two halves: the person you were before and the person you are after. So, too, will the destruction of a place you once called home or the persecution of your people leave a similar feeling. For me, these are distant possibilities, but for many migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, this is their reality. My father was such a person. As refugees from the Liberian Civil War, he and his mother came to America with nothing to support themselves but each other. My father surpassed many challenges to become what he is today: a loving father, a graduate degree holder, and a pillar of support to his community. My mother shares a similar story as she left her impoverished home in Kenya to pursue a better life in the United States. She and my father raised me with the values they wish were more present in the world: kindness, fairness, and unending generosity. As a first-generation American born to resilient parents who triumphed over so many hurdles to be where they are today, my heart breaks for those trapped in humanitarian crises beyond their control. I dream of dedicating my career to serving them by advocating for global peace, sustainable practices, and the development of less fortunate countries through the United Nations, where I, too, will triumph as a leader in the international community. The first step on this path is my undergraduate studies, where I will pursue a degree in international relations focusing on peace, conflict, and cultural identities. A college education is more than an opportunity to learn; it is a critical moment for growth, achievement, exploration, and connection. To capitalize on this, I will continue to pursue research, exploration, and leadership in my community to exemplify what it means to be a global citizen. Afterward, I will work toward realizing my dream by earning a place in the United Nations and promoting peace and prosperity for all. Beginning a career in the United Nations would allow my hand to shape the future of the international community by advocating for the rights of citizens and sovereign nations and fostering the development of less fortunate countries. More than that, I see ways in which the international community can improve its responses to matters of global importance and mechanisms for peace. I strongly believe that with a sustained push toward progress, all who are willing to advocate for the disenfranchised can and will leave a lasting impact on our collective future. Though I am just one person with one voice, I refuse to turn away from the suffering of others. My parents' courage and my passion for service have empowered me to aim high on my journey to change the world. In the words of the United Nations' charter, we should all promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.

I am a first-generation American, daughter to a refugee from a civil war and a woman who fled from the cruelty of an impoverished country. As victims of political violence and systemic poverty, their stories of hardship inspire me to serve our international community and work to ensure their past is no one else’s present. To realize this vision, I have dedicated my professional journey to fostering international peace and prosperity through nonprofit organizations, such as and leading up to the United Nations. My undergraduate degree, which will focus on international relations and concentrate on peace, conflict, and cultural nuance in world politics, will be an opportunity to cultivate a world where people like my parents are no longer subject to violence, displacement, or poverty in their rightful homes. I will leave an impact as a global citizen who championed the rights of the disenfranchised and advocated for equitable living for all, and my journey to reach this goal starts here, in my neighborhood. During my time in community college, I demonstrated a firm commitment to service and leadership through my college's Student Government Association. I represented the student body through investigation of the needs of students, successful organization of resources, and overseeing initiatives to improve student satisfaction and representation. I learned much about communication, leadership, and advocacy alongside a diverse group from many backgrounds and cultures. I built the skills to understand not only my strengths and opportunities for growth, but also how I can advocate for people in my community at large. Serving as a leader in college helped me realize that my drive for advocacy should not stop on my college campus, and I've already set foot on the path to continue serving my neighborhood. Looking ahead, I will continue giving back to my community by remaining a pillar of support and kindness, a gentle hand to guide those who need it and uplift all those around me. Though I am just one person offering a comforting presence and encouragement now, I dream of bettering my community in Charlotte in more tangible ways. I will target issues that are important to me, such as walkable and connected communities, affordable housing and education, and refugee integration through community outreach, volunteering, and education. Very soon, I will begin an exciting volunteer position with the American Red Cross, where I will be directly involved in reconnecting refugee families who have been separated during times of crisis. I am highly optimistic about my future as an undergraduate student, but also as an involved member of my community, pursuing these endeavors and touching the lives of people from all walks of life.

Global peace, sustainability, and the development of the international community are topics I could pour over for hours. Exploring how the identities and relationships of this world have evolved while developing essential conversations on the subject not only fascinates me but also gives me an outlet to advocate for the betterment of the global community. My interest in political science stems from personal motivations that remind me of the incredible parents who raised me and my mission to embody their character in everything I do. My father played a significant part in creating this passion. As refugees from the Liberian Civil War, he and his mother came to America with nothing to support themselves but each other. My father triumphed over many challenges to become what he is today: a loving father, a graduate degree holder, and a pillar of support to his community. My mother shares a similar story, leaving her home in Kenya as soon as she could to pursue a better life in the United States. She and my father raised me with the values she wishes were more present in the world: kindness, fairness, and unending generosity. As a first-generation American born to resilient and dedicated parents who triumphed over so many hurdles to be where they are today, my heart breaks for those trapped in humanitarian crises beyond their control. I dream of dedicating my education and career to serving them by advocating for global peace, sustainable practices, and the development of less fortunate countries through the United Nations, where I, too, will triumph as a leader in the international community. I began my journey of leadership through my college's Student Government Association. There, I learned from, supported, mentored, and eventually led a diverse group of students whose mission was to represent an equally diverse student body. This experience helped me grow as a service-oriented and collaborative individual and significantly pushed me toward my desired future. Another step toward realizing my dream is my undergraduate studies, where I will pursue a degree in international relations, concentrating on peace, conflict, and cultural identity studies. My foundation during university will be utilizing opportunities for research, exploration, and leadership in my community to exemplify what it means to be a global citizen. Afterward, I will devote myself to realizing my dream by earning a place in the United Nations, promoting peace and prosperity for all. Beginning a career in the United Nations would allow my hand to shape the future of the international community by advocating for the rights of citizens and sovereign nations and fostering the development of less fortunate countries. Aside from working with the UN on attaining global peace and continuous self-improvement to remain true to its mission, I want to influence nations' positions on global affairs positively. Even now, I see ways the international community can improve our systems for peace to serve us better, and I want to educate myself on how to make these changes a reality.   Though I am just one person with one voice, I refuse to turn away from the suffering of others. My parents' courage and my passion for service have empowered me to aim high on my journey to change the world. In the words of the United Nations' charter, we should all promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.

I'm told that the smell of death is something you can never forget. It permeates everything it touches, writhing into your mind and body as it separates you into two halves: the person you were before and the person you are after. So, too, will the destruction of a place you once called home or the persecution of your people leave a similar feeling. For me, these are distant possibilities, but for many migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, this is their reality. My father was such a person. As refugees from the Liberian Civil War, he and his mother came to America with nothing to support themselves but each other. My father surpassed many challenges to become what he is today: a loving father, a graduate degree holder, and a pillar of support to his community. My mother shares a similar story as she left her home in Kenya to pursue a better life in the United States. She and my father raised me with the values they wish were more present in the world: kindness, fairness, and unending generosity. As a first-generation American born to resilient and dedicated parents who triumphed over so many hurdles to be where they are today, my heart breaks for those trapped in humanitarian crises beyond their control. I dream of dedicating my education and career to serving them by advocating for global peace, sustainable practices, and the development of less fortunate countries through the United Nations, where I, too, will triumph as a leader in the international community. The first step on this path is my undergraduate studies, where I will commit to academic excellence while pursuing a degree in international relations, concentrating on peace, conflict, and cultural identity studies. A college education is more than an opportunity to learn; it is a critical moment for growth, achievement, exploration, and connection. To capitalize on this, I will continue to utilize avenues for research, exploration, and leadership in my community to exemplify what it means to be a global citizen. Additionally, I plan to earn a law degree specializing in international law because of how closely the field relates to international relations. Afterward, I will work toward realizing my dream by earning a place in the United Nations and promoting peace and prosperity for all. Beginning a career in the United Nations would allow my hand to shape the future of the international community by advocating for the rights of citizens and sovereign nations and fostering the development of less fortunate countries. Aside from working with the UN on attaining global peace and continuous self-improvement to remain true to its mission, I want to influence nations' positions on global affairs positively. Even now, I see ways the international community can improve our systems for peace to serve us better, and I want to educate myself on how to make these changes a reality.   Though I am just one person with one voice, I refuse to turn away from the suffering of others. My parents' courage and my passion for service have empowered me to aim high on my journey to change the world. In the words of the United Nations' charter, we should all promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.

For most of my youth, I lived a cruel lie. I remember that as far back as sixth grade, I had trouble wanting to complete homework or finding the strength to finish daily tasks. I chalked this up to teenage laziness—something I would eventually grow out of as the real world grew closer. But then those feelings kept creeping up, more frequent and debilitating than ever. I became apathetic and miserable, an awful imitation of my former lively self. I struggled for years to regain control, trapped in my thoughts and unable to properly function. Mental fog is the most frightening part of depression to me; it's like a constant haze you can't shake off, eroding your mind into nothing. Most regrettably, I convinced myself that my illness was my fault. Because of this, I saw no end to the cycle until, on a whim, I spoke about my mental health during a yearly checkup, numbly recounting my distress to the pediatrician. I supposed nothing would come of it and prepared to continue as usual until I saw a diagnosis at the bottom of the after-visit report: Moderate-Severe Depression. The knowledge of my condition was a gift, but also a curse. Though I am grateful my illness did not drive me to self-harm or attempt to take my life, the emotional and psychological damage is still there. It was heartbreaking to learn that what I perceived as typical had been contributing to my illness; the hateful words of my peers, the dismissive response my father had to the very idea of depression, and the constant competition between my classmates to become the best of the best. Learning to move past these painful memories has been a struggle, but it is one I will not give up on, and I have my incredible therapist to thank. Through various forms of therapy, goal-setting, crisis plans, and positive reinforcement, she helped me realize that to put my best foot forward for myself and the people I hope to help in my future career, I must let go of the negative emotions I had clung to. My dream to promote global peace, sustainability, and development through the work of the United Nations has no space for these old and bitter feelings. To continue serving as a leader in my community, I will first begin by supporting myself in this new stage of my life. With the truth of my condition and the tools to combat the effects of my illness, I want to use my education and career to pursue my dream; ensuring that everyone can live devoid of physical and mental barriers. I refuse to let my illness take anything else away from me, just as I refuse to contribute to anyone else's suffering the way my circumstances contributed to mine. Perhaps the most important realization to come from my healing journey is my understanding of how poor mental health can fester in people. I lived under the false impression that everyone around me maintained a perfect state of mind, but now I understand that is not true. We all struggle with something, and we can all be a part of the fight against the stigma of mental health by treating others with the kindness, fairness, and generosity we all deserve. After generations of suffering in silence, it is up to us to decide that the cycle ends now.

I was once told by a dear friend that she trusts me so completely she sometimes turns her brain “off” when we’re together– as if she were on autopilot, cruising around according to my input. At the time I just laughed at her assertion, but her words always stuck with me. I didn’t know then how serious she was, but I realize now that the confidence I instilled in her was not incidental. This was reaffirmed in a conversation we had months later about how she perceived me; to her, I am the reliable friend, the level headed “thinker” who is always there when she needs someone. I have always put my friend’s and family’s needs before mine as a symbol of my commitment to them. Suffice to say, my preferred love language is “acts of service”; I constantly look for ways to make the lives of those around me easier, sometimes even at my own expense. Though my efforts are sometimes tiring, it is not without recognition; I am fulfilled by the kind words, acts, and love I receive in return and I wouldn’t have it any other way. As I am now, I don’t have to wonder how others consider me; I know that I am a kind, sympathetic, and service-oriented individual, and I see those same values in the company I keep. Aside from my personal relationships, I exemplify these values in my work and extracurriculars; for two years, I served in Student Government at my alma mater, Central Piedmont Community College, as a Senator and then as President. Though my roles were mostly leadership based, I was also a mentor to my colleagues, during work and away from it. Additionally, I completed an internship with my city’s Community Relations department that provided me with a myriad of experiences and learning opportunities. I spent six weeks working closely with their Dispute Settlement Program, whose mission is to assist citizens in settling conflicts away from the courtroom. The department also engaged in several community outreach initiatives, investigated concerns of discrimination and police misconduct, and planned events to promote togetherness in the city of Charlotte. The experience I gained was greatly rewarding and left me wanting more out of my own efforts. In this current world, I would certainly find more benefit as an individual that only cared for myself. I have experienced and observed, in the distant past and in recent memory, how I could behave in the face of difference and conflict. I could rush straight to fighting or arguing, or even ostracize my peers through bullying, harassment, or ignorance. The years leading up to the pandemic were some of my toughest because of these social norms. As a black girl who was openly attracted to other girls and clumsily exploring my own identity, I bore a lot of negativity stemming from immaturity and ignorance, and I vowed to never make anyone else feel this way with my own actions. In the future, I will continue to treat others with the same compassion I wish I would’ve received when I was younger, and I will empower others to follow my example. The professional goals I have set for myself follow this selfless thinking; it is my dream to work in the United Nations to advocate for global peace, sustainability, and development. I have committed to putting more effort towards service, philanthropy, and community-building as a global citizen, and I know I will be fulfilled completing this mission.

“I couldn’t stand living in a place like that, where everyone suffers and nothing changes.” My mother said this to me when I asked her what her life was like before leaving Kenya. She always tells me stories with a kind, velvety voice that puts me at ease, but that day, nothing about her story calmed me. My mother and I share a passion for service and a love of people, but she made it clear that these qualities meant nothing in the environment she grew up in. In her hometown, resources are scarce, selfishness and desperation keep people alive, and sympathy for others is an afterthought. I asked if she would ever return after having been away for so long and she solemnly replied, “There’s nothing there for me.” Her sorrowful recollection makes me grateful that she was able to pick herself up and start over in a new country where her possibilities are endless. My father shares a similar story, as he and his mother fled from a civil war in Liberia when he was just two years old. But many people are not this fortunate. There are impoverished people, refugees, and victims of all kinds who can’t, or won’t, leave the only places they’ve ever known. The story my mother and father had before their lives in the United States, and the pain of others with similar circumstances, pushes me to rally for their rights, protections, and freedoms. Therefore, if I could change one thing in the world, it would be to create lasting global peace to prevent further suffering and uplift all the citizens of this world. Everyone deserves to live rather than survive; pursuing their dreams, giving to their communities, and empowering others to prosper. I have committed to this mission because I have the power and resources to make my dreams a reality, and as I prepare to enter university, the only thing left to do is walk the path. Earning an undergraduate degree in International Studies concentrating on peace, conflict, and cultural circumstances is the first step on this path. During my education I will continue to pursue opportunities for leadership, service, research, and exploration as I develop into a responsible global citizen. These ambitions crafted the dream I have for my professional career, which is to work with the United Nations on international peace, sustainability, and development. Beginning a career in the United Nations would allow my hand to directly shape the future of the international community. Though I am just one person with one voice, I refuse to turn away from the suffering around me. My mother’s courage to leave her home and start a life in the United States empowered me to aim high on my journey to change the world. As proclaimed in the United Nations’ charter, we should all “promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom”.