My non-descript nylon backpack rivals Mary Poppins’ magical duffle; overrun with both the mundane and the extraordinary, my bag always leaves my peers awe-struck! Though not concealing a standing lamp like Mary’s, my bag DOES regularly include nail files, calming crystals such as Rose Quartz and Lapis Lazuli for my yoga-loving peers, individual tooth flossers, a bedazzled Aquaphor tube, Tums, deodorant, Advil, individual salt and pepper packets, a deck of cards, mini note pads, hand sanitizer, random chargers, and even a pair of extra socks (my newest addition). My backpack is always so fully stocked with potentially necessary supplies that my friend, Eva, even produced an “exposé” on my bag while our entire high school was sequestered in Piedmont Park one afternoon for three hours following a bomb threat (do not panic - we were safely secured!). My backpack’s notoriety started when I entered high school; nervous that I would need a pencil sharpener or scared that I would require a mint to combat the cafeteria’s garlic ravioli, I created my own freshman emergency kit. Intrinsically a people-centered person who thrives in building strong and lasting relationships, I loved helping my classmates whenever they found themselves in need…of anything. During the first week of school as a freshman, a girl I did not know frantically asked everyone in her path at lunch for a hair brush. A smile spread across my face knowing that I could help out. I quickly handed her the brush. She was eternally grateful and after using it she asked my name and said, "You are a lifesaver, Arden. I love you!" Something as simple as lending a peer my hairbrush led to a new connection. Combining my passion for helping with my uncanny ability to remember minuscule details, I started carrying items that I remembered others needing. In addition to this, I started carrying things I believed would bring specific friends joy. Seeing their faces light up when I pulled out an item curated for them from my top pocket was worth the extra weight I carried on my back. By the end of 11th grade, my bag overflowed with “useless necessities” while my heart overflowed with joy as my peers all trusted that they could rely on me when they found themselves in need. Feeling fulfilled by helping others, even in the most random situations where you might find yourself needing a spare pair of socks, I will be a source of strength for my community by always striving to be the person you can depend on.