My experience with mental health has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in ways that continue to influence the person I am becoming. Going through difficult moments with my mental health forced me to slow down, look inward, and learn things about myself that I might never have discovered otherwise. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it helped me grow stronger, more self-aware, and more compassionate toward both myself and others. One of the biggest ways mental health has shaped my goals is by giving me a clearer sense of purpose. When I was struggling, even simple things felt overwhelming, and I had to learn how to push through challenges one step at a time. That taught me resilience—something I now carry into everything I strive for. I want to build a future where I feel stable, fulfilled, and proud of the work I do. My experiences have inspired me to set goals that involve helping others, creating safe spaces, and promoting mental well-being. Whether through education, healthcare, or community work, I want a career where I can make a difference for people who may be silently fighting their own battles. My relationships have also been shaped by what I’ve experienced. Mental health struggles have a way of revealing who truly cares, who listens, and who stands by you even when things get hard. I learned to value the people who support me with patience, honesty, and understanding. At the same time, going through these challenges taught me how to be more supportive in return. I’m more intentional with my relationships now—I try to be a better listener, to check on the people I care about, and to recognize when someone might be hurting even if they don’t say it out loud. My experiences taught me that real connections are built on empathy, communication, and the courage to be vulnerable. Most importantly, my understanding of the world has changed in a meaningful way. Before dealing with mental health challenges, I didn’t fully understand how powerful, heavy, or invisible people’s struggles could be. Now I see the world with more compassion. I don’t assume I know what someone is going through just by looking at them. I’ve learned that people often hide their pain behind smiles or jokes, and that kindness—even small acts—can make a bigger difference than we realize. My experience also helped me understand the importance of self-care, boundaries, and prioritizing mental well-being just as much as physical health. Overall, my mental health journey has taught me resilience, empathy, and patience. It has shaped my goals by giving me purpose, strengthened my relationships by teaching me the value of real support, and deepened my understanding of the world by showing me how important compassion truly is. While those experiences were difficult, they helped me grow into a stronger, more grounded, and more understanding person—someone who wants to continue learning, healing, and helping others along the way.

One of Taylor Swift’s performances that I find the most moving is her “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” performance on Saturday Night Live. Even though Taylor has had countless iconic moments throughout her career, this one stands out to me because of how raw, emotional, and unfiltered it felt. It wasn’t about choreography, special effects, or a stadium full of people—it was simply Taylor, her voice, her story, and her vulnerability. What makes this performance so powerful is the intention behind it. She didn’t just sing the song—she relived it. You could hear every emotion in her voice, from heartbreak to anger to acceptance. The way she maintained eye contact with the camera, the way her voice cracked at certain lines, and the way she threw herself fully into the storytelling made it feel like she was letting the audience step directly into her memories. It’s rare to see an artist so willingly expose the most delicate parts of themselves on such a public stage, and that honesty is what makes Taylor so unique. Another reason this performance moves me is because of what it represents in her career. “All Too Well” started as a fan favorite song that grew into something much bigger—a symbol of her growth as a songwriter, her courage to reclaim her narrative, and her ability to turn personal pain into art that millions connect with. Watching her perform the extended version felt like watching someone fully reclaim their voice after years of being underestimated or silenced. It was a moment of artistic freedom, confidence, and emotional release. Even the simple staging made the performance more impactful. The autumn leaves, the warm lighting, and the steadiness of her presence created an atmosphere that felt intimate and honest, even though she was performing live on national television. It reminded me of what Taylor’s career has always been about: storytelling that makes you feel something real. While “The Life of a Showgirl” celebrates her life on stage, this particular performance captures the heart behind all the lights and fame. It shows her humanity, her resilience, and her ability to turn her experiences into music that reaches the core of people’s emotions. That’s why this performance is the most moving to me—it shows Taylor Swift not just as a showgirl, but as a storyteller, a survivor, and an artist who pours everything she has into her craft.

Living with a blood disorder has had a significant impact on both my daily life and my perspective on health. It has shaped the way I take care of myself, how I advocate for my needs, and how I understand the importance of medical awareness. Managing a blood disorder is not something you can ignore—you feel it physically, emotionally, and mentally. It affects your energy, your routine, and sometimes even your confidence. But it has also taught me strength, discipline, and the importance of paying attention to my body. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance my condition with school, responsibilities, and everyday activities. There are days when symptoms make it harder to keep up, and I’ve had to learn how to listen to my body and adjust my schedule. Sometimes that means resting more, being proactive with doctor appointments, or staying consistent with treatments and medications. At first, it was frustrating because I didn’t want to feel “different” or limited. But with time, I realized that taking care of myself is not a weakness—it’s a form of strength and responsibility. Emotionally, having a blood disorder has made me more aware of what other people may be going through silently. Many blood disorders aren’t visible from the outside, so people often don’t understand how much they can affect someone’s energy, mood, and ability to function. This experience has taught me empathy and patience—not only with myself but with others as well. Because of everything I’ve been through, I’m passionate about spreading awareness. Many people don’t understand what blood disorders are, how they affect the body, or how serious they can be if untreated. I want to help change that. One of the ways I hope to spread awareness is by sharing my own story openly and honestly. When people hear personal experiences, it becomes easier for them to understand and care. I also hope to participate in school or community events where I can help educate others about symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of early diagnosis. Another goal of mine is to be a positive example for others living with chronic conditions. I want people to know they can still succeed in school, follow their dreams, and live a full life even with a health challenge. By speaking up, staying informed, and advocating for myself, I can hopefully encourage others to do the same. Overall, having a blood disorder has changed me, but it has also made me stronger, more determined, and more aware of the importance of health education. I hope to continue using my voice to bring attention to these disorders so that more people can understand, support, and advocate for those affected.

I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter because of the honesty, confidence, and creativity she brings into her music and career. She has a way of expressing emotions—whether it’s heartbreak, joy, confidence, or vulnerability—in a way that feels real and relatable. Sabrina’s music makes you feel understood, and her personality makes you feel like you’re growing alongside her. She’s playful, bold, and unafraid to reinvent herself, and that inspires me to embrace my own individuality. One thing I’ve always admired about Sabrina is her journey. She started young, and instead of letting the industry box her in, she grew into her own voice and style. Watching her evolve from early acting roles to becoming a respected pop artist showed me that it’s okay to take your time, experiment, and build your identity step by step. She reminds me that success doesn’t happen overnight—it comes from consistency, passion, and staying true to yourself. Her lyrics have also impacted me on a personal level. Songs like “Feather,” “Nonsense,” and the more emotional tracks show different sides of who she is—funny, vulnerable, confident, and reflective. Listening to her helped me through moments when I felt insecure or unsure of myself. Her confidence taught me to express myself more boldly, while her softer songs reminded me that vulnerability is nothing to be ashamed of. Sabrina’s career has also shown me the importance of owning your story. She doesn’t hide from criticism or pressure—she uses it as fuel to grow. Seeing her handle challenges with humor and grace pushed me to handle my own struggles in healthier ways. She gives off an energy that makes you feel like you’re allowed to take up space, be dramatic, be silly, be emotional—just be yourself. Overall, being a fan of Sabrina Carpenter has impacted me by giving me confidence, creativity, and comfort. Her music has been there during important moments in my life, and her growth inspires me to keep pushing forward with my own goals. She’s more than just an artist to me—she’s a reminder that you can be strong, successful, and still stay true to who you are.

My experience with mental health has had a powerful impact on my beliefs, my relationships, and the path I want to take in my future career. Going through difficult moments with my mental health taught me more about myself than I ever expected. It forced me to slow down, understand my emotions, and recognize that healing is not a weakness but a strength. Over time, these experiences have shaped how I view the world, how I connect with others, and what I hope to accomplish in life. One of the biggest ways mental health has influenced my beliefs is by teaching me the importance of compassion—both toward myself and toward others. Before I struggled with my own mental well-being, I didn’t always understand what people meant when they said they were “going through something.” Now, I know firsthand how heavy invisible struggles can be. I believe more deeply in the importance of patience, empathy, and giving people grace. My experiences have also changed how I view strength. I no longer see strength as pretending everything is okay. Instead, I see it in honesty, vulnerability, and the courage to ask for help when it’s needed. My relationships have also changed because of what I’ve gone through. When you face mental health challenges, you quickly learn who truly cares and who is willing to stand by you. I’ve become more intentional about who I surround myself with, choosing people who make me feel safe, supported, and understood. At the same time, my own struggles have made me a better friend. I listen more carefully now. I pay attention to how the people I love are feeling, even when they don’t say it directly. I try to be someone others can trust with their emotions. My experiences helped me build relationships based on honesty, communication, and mutual support rather than hiding my feelings or pretending to be okay. These lessons have also strongly influenced my career aspirations. Because I know what it feels like to struggle and still push forward, I want to be someone who helps others do the same. Whether I enter a field like healthcare, counseling, education, or another profession centered around people, I want to use my experiences to make a positive difference. I’m drawn to careers where I can support others, advocate for mental health awareness, or give people the kind of encouragement I once needed. I want to help create environments—whether in schools, workplaces, or communities—where people feel seen and valued, not judged or overlooked. Most importantly, my mental health journey has taught me resilience. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, but I learned how to keep moving forward. I discovered coping strategies, learned when to step back, and found strength in my ability to grow from difficult experiences. That resilience now guides me in everything I do. It reminds me that setbacks don’t define me—they teach me. Overall, my mental health experiences have shaped me into a more understanding, thoughtful, and determined person. They have changed the way I believe, the way I love, and the way I see my future. And even though the journey has been challenging, it has helped me become someone who wants not only to succeed personally but also to help others feel less alone in their own struggles.

There are many subjects I enjoy, but math is the one I genuinely love the most. My love for math comes from the way it challenges me, teaches me patience, and gives me a sense of accomplishment that few other subjects can match. Math is a subject that allows me to think deeply, solve problems creatively, and understand the world in a clearer and more organized way. Even when it feels difficult, every problem has a solution, and that helps me build confidence in myself as a learner. One of the main reasons I love math is because it is both logical and reliable. No matter where you are in the world, the answers stay the same. Two plus two will always be four. There is something comforting about that kind of consistency, especially when life feels unpredictable. Math gives me structure and shows me that with the right steps, I can get to the right answer. It teaches me how to break big problems into smaller, manageable pieces, which is a skill I use even outside the classroom in real-life situations. Another reason I love math is because it pushes me to think critically. Math is not just about memorizing formulas—it’s about understanding why those formulas work and how to apply them. When I’m solving a tough problem, I feel like I’m solving a puzzle. I enjoy trying different strategies, checking my steps, and finally reaching a solution after working hard. That feeling of accomplishment is one of the best parts of learning math. It reminds me that I am capable of overcoming challenges as long as I stay focused and patient. Math also connects to almost everything in life. Whether it’s budgeting money, measuring ingredients for cooking, understanding sports statistics, or interpreting data we see online, math helps us make informed decisions. Knowing math makes me feel prepared for the future, especially in a world that depends so much on technology, science, and problem-solving skills. Even fields like art, music, and architecture use mathematical ideas, which shows how powerful and universal the subject truly is. Most importantly, math has taught me resilience. There are times when I get problems wrong, feel stuck, or get frustrated. But math encourages me to keep trying, to rework the problem, and to believe that I can improve with practice. That lesson applies far beyond the classroom.

My name is Armaya Moore, and I am a 17-year-old senior in high school. I’ve faced a lot of challenges in my life, but through it all, I’ve stayed focused on my goals and the people who mean the most to me. I’m proud of the person I’ve become—someone who works hard, leads with heart, and never gives up, no matter what life throws my way. When I was very young, I lost my mother. That loss changed everything for me. Growing up without her has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced, but it also taught me how to be strong, independent, and grounded in my faith. I believe in God, and I always put Him and my family first. They are the reason I keep going, even when things get tough. I come from a big family—I have four younger siblings, and one more on the way. Because of that, my family can’t afford to help me pay for college. But that doesn’t stop me from dreaming big. I want to become a lawyer because I care about justice, and I want to help people who can’t fight for themselves. I’ve always been the type of person who stands up for others, and I know that becoming a lawyer will give me the tools to make a real difference in the world. Even though things haven’t always been easy, I’ve worked hard to stay involved in school and do my best in everything I’m part of. I’m the captain of my school’s lacrosse team, which has taught me leadership, discipline, and how to work with others. I’ll be continuing my lacrosse journey in college, which I’m very excited about. I’m also a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, National English Honor Society, and National Spanish Honor Society. I take my academics seriously because I know that education is my path to a better future. My grandma and aunt have been two of my biggest supporters. They encourage me every day to keep going and to believe in myself, especially when things feel overwhelming. I carry their love and support with me in everything I do. This scholarship would mean the world to me. It would help take some of the pressure off my family and allow me to focus on my studies and athletics in college. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to becoming the lawyer I’ve always wanted to be. I want to make my family proud, set a good example for my siblings, and one day be in a position to give back to others who are walking the same path I’ve walked. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity. I’m ready to work hard, keep pushing forward, and use everything I’ve learned to build a future that honors where I came from—and where I’m going.

The movie that’s had the biggest impact on my life is The Blind Side. While it’s based around football, the real heart of the story is about love, kindness, and the power of believing in someone. Watching Michael Oher’s journey from a life full of uncertainty to one of success, both on and off the field, really stuck with me. It made me think about how much of a difference just one person—or one family—can make when they choose to show up for someone else. One of the most powerful moments in the movie for me was when the Tuohy family welcomed Michael into their home. They didn’t know his full story, and they didn’t need to. They saw someone who needed a chance, and they gave it to him without hesitation. That kind of compassion moved me. It made me realize how important it is to lead with empathy and treat people with kindness, no matter what their background is. You never know what someone is going through, and sometimes just being there for them can completely change their life. As a student-athlete, I found myself relating to Michael’s journey in a lot of ways. Sports have played a huge role in shaping who I am. They’ve taught me how to work hard, stay focused, and push through challenges. Being part of a team has shown me how to trust others and be someone my teammates can count on. Like Michael, I’ve had people—coaches, teachers, family—who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Their support has been everything, and it reminds me that one day I want to be that person for someone else. Outside of sports, The Blind Side also made me think about the kind of impact I want to have. I’ve always enjoyed helping others, whether that’s volunteering in my community, tutoring classmates, or just being a good friend. And one of my favorite things to do is cook—it’s something I love because it brings people together and gives me a way to take care of others. Watching the way the Tuohys cared for Michael, even in small, everyday ways like sharing meals or cheering him on, reminded me that showing up consistently and with love matters. This movie didn’t just entertain me—it changed the way I look at life. It reminded me that success isn’t just about personal achievements. It’s about lifting others, being kind, and creating space for people to grow into the best version of themselves. I hope to live a life where I can make that kind of difference, just like the Tuohy family did for Michael. Whether it’s through my career, my relationships, or even just small acts of kindness, I want to be someone who helps others feel seen, supported, and believed in.

When I first started playing lacrosse, I was unsure where it would take me. I started truly enjoying myself at practice, putting my all into perfecting my skill. I started making friends and connections that were unlike any other. Every time I was able to put my cleats on and go to the field, it felt like a blessing. I often took it for granted, but when my senior night came and I realized it would be my last time playing on our home field that has been my home for the past four years, it hit me. Lacrosse has shaped me into the person I am today, and without it, I'm unsure who I would be. It has taught me leadership, friendship, and dedication. Being a student-athlete isn’t easy. Balancing practices, games, schoolwork, and family time has required me to stay disciplined and organized. I’ve had to learn to prioritize my time wisely, often staying up late to finish homework after a tough game or waking up early to review for a test before practice. These habits have prepared me for the future—I know that no matter what career path I take, I’ll have the work ethic and mental toughness to succeed. I plan to pursue a career in physical therapy or sports medicine, fields where I can stay close to athletics while helping others. I’ve seen firsthand how important recovery and injury prevention are in sports, and I want to be someone who supports athletes through that process. Outside of sports, one of my biggest passions is cooking. I love spending time in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes or learning traditional dishes from my family. Cooking allows me to express creativity differently, and it brings people together, which is something I value deeply. Whether it's making dinner for my family or baking for a team celebration, cooking has always been a way for me to show love and care. I also genuinely enjoy helping others, whether it's tutoring classmates, volunteering in my community, or simply being someone my friends can count on. Giving back and making people feel supported is something that drives me, and it’s a value I want to carry with me throughout life. I strive to be a lawyer and help people who need someone in their corner. Life isn't easy, and I want to be able to help people every chance I get. To make people feel loved and to let them know they have someone there for them means much more than people think.

I remember the first time my family visited a food drive. I was young, and although I didn’t fully understand what was going on at the time, I could feel the tension in the air—the quiet looks my parents exchanged, the way they hesitated before stepping forward. What stood out most to me, however, wasn’t the struggle; it was the kindness of the volunteers. They greeted us with smiles, offered warm words, and treated us with dignity. That moment stuck with me, and over time, it sparked something deeper: a passion to serve others and pursue a career where I can make a lasting difference. That’s why my professional goal is to become a lawyer or an attorney. As I’ve grown older, I’ve found ways to give back to the community that once supported my family. I’ve volunteered at numerous community events, each one reminding me of the importance of compassion and service. I’ve helped organize food and hygiene drives, picked up and sorted books for community book drives, and participated in a storybook walk where I helped children engage with literature in a fun and interactive way. These experiences have taught me the power of community and the impact that even small acts of kindness can have on someone’s life. Being part of these events has only strengthened my desire to pursue a legal career. I want to be the kind of lawyer who fights for those without a voice—those who feel overlooked or powerless. My background has given me a unique perspective. I know what it’s like to struggle, to rely on the kindness of others, and to find hope in unexpected places. This empathy drives me to want to help others navigate challenges and find justice when they might not have the resources or support to do so on their own. Academically, I am focused and determined. I understand that becoming a lawyer requires hard work, discipline, and dedication, and I am ready to meet those challenges head-on. I plan to continue my education with a major that aligns with law, such as political science or criminal justice, and eventually attend law school. Ultimately, I want to use my education and career to give back to the communities that shaped me. I believe that real change starts with people who care—and I care deeply. My goal is not just to succeed, but to help others succeed alongside me. That is the kind of lawyer I strive to become.