My biggest role model is my third grade teacher. Growing up, I struggled to read, and my writing abilities needed improvement. By third grade, the gap I had from the expected level of understanding was growing, and I struggled to keep up with the class. I had a hard time expressing myself on paper and felt uncomfortable being around others. My classmates constantly changed and I didn't have many people I considered to be friends. By 3rd grade teacher noticed and spent our reading and writing periods giving me feedback and reviewing with me what I could have done to make my writing, especially fiction, more descriptive and transition through my ideas smoothly. Over the course of the year, I made slight improvements and with her guidance, I became significantly better. By 4th grade, the time she put into me was evident through my performance. Since then, my abilities have only grown, and I feel the need to return the favor that I was fortunate enough to have. I started in 2019, halfway in my first year of high school, by volunteering at a local elementary school in my neighborhood. I donated my time assisting club advisors to educate students on the program Scratch as an introduction to computer science. This was a valuable transition to the summer of 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, I continue volunteering with Learning Ally, a non-profit organization working towards improving the reading experience for students behind their grade level and those with conditions that inhibit their reading ability. Through the creation of audiobooks, Learning Ally provides resources for students to love to read and not only enjoy but understand what they are reading. I have volunteered on projects that check the quality of audiobooks for literature and textbooks to ensure students receive the tools they deserve. Furthermore, I have volunteered by researching districts, sourcing contacts, and connecting principals, English directors, and teachers with Learning Ally to let them know they are eligible to use Learning Ally in their classrooms. As a student in a district that subscribed to Learning Ally's audiobook resources during 2020, the height of the pandemic, I can confidently say that the audiobooks have been a blessing to many students. Moreover, when I came across UPchieve, an organization that pairs students in low-income communities with tutors, I was compelled to join and give back. I started as a certified tutor in pre-algebra, algebra I and II, and geometry. As two years have passed, I have expanded my knowledge in school and augmented the areas in which I am certified. The list includes trigonometry, pre-calculus, SAT Math, SAT Reading, humanities essays, and US History. Whenever I have available time, I check to see if any students are waiting and happily take up the session. Some sessions are ten minutes, while other sessions need ninety minutes. The time depends on how much support the students need to feel confident in their ability to complete the problems. After tutoring, I like to browse through the other subject areas offered on UPchieve in search of areas where I could leverage my skills and provide assistance. During the 2021-22 school year, my school went back to in-person learning. I tutored one peer in algebra II and two other peers throughout the year in pre-calculus. As math comes naturally to me, I feel obligated to pass on my knowledge and strategies for persevering through the class so that I can provide hope for others who may be stressed and constantly anxious. In college I hope to find organizations to continue my volunteering journey.

I am in my senior year and am the oldest of six children. I have been active in my school from running my Latin Club, the Kearnian (school newspaper) as website manager and senior editor, Debate Club, and Engineering Club, and 4-H. I practice coding and 3D design in CAD software to broaden my perspective and allow me to truly hone in on my passion. Once I graduate high school, I hope to get a degree in engineering and become proficient in computer science. Specifically, I am interested in biochemical or biomedical engineering. Chemicals make up our medicines and many man-made products and are responsible for many issues we are currently facing including contaminants in the water system. Having expertise in the processes that make up our society is important to me because of the medical conditions my family and I have. My grandmother and older cousin both had cancer- breast and bone, respectively. Fortunately, both survived and have been cancer-free for the last couple of years. These experiences have greatly touched me and further pulled me into STEM and medicine. For that reason, I was excited when I received the opportunity to complete research at the side of an undergraduate student in chemical engineering. I truly enjoyed the laboratory atmosphere and the meticulous details that go into running tests and preparing chips to run PFOA chemicals to determine which method is the best for detecting the concentrations. While my decision is not official, as I am open to discovering alternate paths, I have confidence that my career will lead me toward a rewarding path. Once I graduate college, I either want to go to graduate school to obtain a higher degree or apply for a STEM-related job. If I continue with research, I want to continue with oncology, prosthetics, alternative energy resources, or environmental repair. If I double major, I want to move into computer science because of how popular and in-demand technology and programming fields are. With the experience of taking AP Computer Science A, I believe I will develop a greater sense of how I feel about the subject. My service has been to both my physical and digital communities. I volunteer with Learning Ally, an organization working to improve the reading experience for struggling students. Learning Ally provides resources for students to not only enjoy but understand what they are reading. I have volunteered on projects that check the quality of audiobooks to ensure students receive the tools they deserve and a multitude of other projects. When I came across UPchieve, which pairs students in low-income communities with tutors, I was compelled to join. I started as a tutor in pre-algebra, algebra I and II, and geometry. As two years have passed, I expanded the list to trig, pre-calc, SAT Math & Reading, essays, and US History. When I have available time, I check to see if any students are waiting and take up the session. Giving back to my community is important because of the impact teachers have had on my life. Growing up, I struggled to read, and my writing abilities needed improvement. By third grade, the gap I had from the expected level of understanding was growing, and I struggled to keep up. Through the help of my 3rd teacher, I became better. By 4th grade, the time she put into me was evident through my performance. Since then, my abilities have only grown, and I feel the need to return the favor. It is rewarding knowing I am helping others, and they are becoming more confident in their work and themselves.

My service includes both my physical and digital communities. I started in 2019 by volunteering at a local elementary school in my neighborhood. I donated my time assisting club advisors to educate students on the program Scratch as an introduction to computer science. This was a valuable transition to the summer of 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I volunteer with Learning Ally, a non-profit organization working towards improving the reading experience for students behind their grade level and those with conditions that inhibit their reading ability. Through the creation of audiobooks, Learning Ally provides resources for students to love to read and not only enjoy but understand what they are reading. I have volunteered on projects that check the quality of audiobooks for literature and textbooks to ensure students receive the tools they deserve. Furthermore, I have volunteered by researching districts, sourcing contacts, and connecting principals, English directors, and teachers with Learning Ally to let them know they are eligible to use Learning Ally in their classrooms. As a student in a district that subscribed to Learning Ally's audiobook resources during 2020, the height of the pandemic, I can confidently say that the audiobooks have been a blessing to many students. Moreover, when I came across UPchieve, an organization that pairs students in low-income communities with tutors, I was compelled to join and give back to other students. I started as a certified tutor in pre-algebra, algebra I and II, and geometry. As two years have passed, I have expanded my knowledge in school and augmented the areas in which I am certified. The list includes trigonometry, pre-calculus, SAT Math, SAT Reading, humanities essays, and US History. Whenever I have available time, I check to see if any students are waiting and happily take up the session. Some sessions are ten minutes, while other sessions need ninety minutes. The time depends on how much support the students need to feel confident in their ability to complete the problems. After tutoring, I like to browse through the other subject areas offered on UPchieve in search of areas where I could leverage my skills and provide assistance. While I am not certified in the sciences, I am reviewing my chemistry notes to prepare for the certification quiz. As an AP Physics C- Mechanics student, I have spent a significant portion of my previous year and current school year on physics concepts and believe I have mastered the topics to lend support. During the 2021-22 school year, when my school went back to in-person learning, I tutored one peer in algebra II and two other peers throughout the year in pre-calculus. As math comes naturally to me, I feel obligated to pass on my knowledge and strategies for persevering through the class so that I can provide hope for others who may be stressed and constantly anxious. Giving back to my community is particularly important because of the impact teachers have had on my life. Growing up, I struggled to read, and my writing abilities needed improvement. By third grade, the gap I had from the expected level of understanding was growing, and I struggled to keep up with the class. Through the constant help of my 3rd teacher, I became significantly better. By 4th grade, the time she put into me was evident through my performance. Since then, my abilities have only grown, and I feel the need to return the favor. It is rewarding knowing that I am helping others, and they are becoming more confident in their work and, most importantly, themselves.

My impact on this world has been towards my physical and virtual community. I started in 2019 by volunteering at a local elementary school in my neighborhood. I donated my time assisting club advisors to educate students on the program Scratch as an introduction to computer science. This was a valuable transition to the summer of 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, I continue volunteering with Learning Ally, a non-profit organization working towards improving the reading experience for students behind their grade level and those with conditions that inhibit their reading ability. Through the creation of audiobooks, Learning Ally provides resources for students to love to read and not only enjoy but understand what they are reading. I have volunteered on projects that check the quality of audiobooks for literature and textbooks to ensure students receive the tools they deserve. Furthermore, I have volunteered by researching districts, sourcing contacts, and connecting principals, English directors, and teachers with Learning Ally to let them know they are eligible to use Learning Ally in their classrooms. As a student in a district that subscribed to Learning Ally's audiobook resources during 2020, the height of the pandemic, I can confidently say that the audiobooks have been a blessing to many students. Moreover, when I came across UPchieve, an organization that pairs students in low-income communities with tutors, I was compelled to join and give back to other students. I started as a certified tutor in pre-algebra, algebra I and II, and geometry. As two years have passed, I have expanded my knowledge in school and augmented the areas in which I am certified. The list includes trigonometry, pre-calculus, SAT Math, SAT Reading, humanities essays, and US History. Whenever I have available time, I check to see if any students are waiting and happily take up the session. Some sessions are ten minutes, while other sessions need ninety minutes. The time depends on how much support the students need to feel confident in their ability to complete the problems. After tutoring, I like to browse through the other subject areas offered on UPchieve in search of areas where I could leverage my skills and provide assistance. While I am not certified in the sciences, I am reviewing my chemistry notes to prepare for the certification quiz. As an AP Physics C- Mechanics student, I have spent a significant portion of my previous year and current school year on physics concepts and believe I have mastered the topics to lend support. During the 2021-22 school year, when my school went back to in-person learning, I tutored one peer in algebra II and two other peers throughout the year in pre-calculus. As math comes naturally to me, I feel obligated to pass on my knowledge and strategies for persevering through the class so that I can provide hope for others who may be stressed and constantly anxious. Currently, I have taken on three more projects with Learning Ally and am eager to also tutor students. I recently finished two which were priorities and work on researching districts daily. Even when I feel like I may not have time, I try to dedicate short bursts of time so that I accomplish my goals. If I am asked to provide tutoring, I would gladly do so since there is nothing better than collaborating and seeing a classmate have that a-ha moment when they finally can solve that question that was causing them difficulty. This moment is also vital for building confidence in students. Giving back to my community is particularly important because of the impact teachers have had on my life. Growing up, I struggled to read, and my writing abilities needed improvement. By third grade, the gap I had from the expected level of understanding was growing, and I struggled to keep up with the class. Through the constant help of my 3rd teacher, I became significantly better. By 4th grade, the time she put into me was evident through my performance. Since then, my abilities have only grown, and I feel the need to return the favor. Thus, I look for organizations with missions that focus on supporting students. Each successive generation of students will make up the future leaders of society, and it only makes sense to guide them to ensure they can fully contribute back to the community. When students grasp the topic, I know that I have done my service to the student. It is rewarding knowing that I am helping others, and they are becoming more confident in their work and, most importantly, themselves.

Once I graduate high school, I hope to get a degree in engineering and become proficient in computer science. Specifically, I am interested in biochemical or biomedical engineering. Chemicals make up our medicines and many man-made products. Chemicals also are responsible for many issues we are currently facing including contaminants in the water system. Having expertise in the processes that make up our society is important to me because of the medical conditions that my family and I have. If I double major, I want to move into computer science because of how popular and in-demand technology and programming fields are. With the experience of taking AP Computer Science A, I believe I will develop a greater sense of how I feel about the subject. My grandmother and older cousin both had cancer- breast and bone, respectively. Fortunately, both survived and have been cancer-free for the last couple of years. These experiences, though, have greatly touched me and further pulled my intentions into the STEM and medical fields. For that reason, I was especially excited when I received the opportunity to complete research at the side of an undergraduate and graduate student in the field of chemical engineering. I truly enjoyed the laboratory atmosphere and the meticulous details that go into running tests and preparing chips to run PFOA chemicals to determine which method best detects the concentrations. While my decision is not official, as I am open to discovering alternate paths, I have confidence that my career will lead me toward a rewarding path. I want to use my knowledge to complete research in the lab and find cures for diseases or use my coding experience to help those suffering and make a positive difference in the world. Once I graduate college, I either want to go to graduate school to obtain a higher degree or apply for a STEM-related job. If I continue with research, I want to continue with oncology, prosthetics, alternative energy resources, or environmental repair. While having that dream job may be as far as most people look ahead, I feel community service is as critical and warrants time to be allocated towards it. Furthermore, I want to become more involved in my community. Many organizations have incredible missions, and I feel compelled to partake and contribute. My dream is not only to succeed but see my community succeed. Progress is a team effort that requires people from all backgrounds and careers to join together for the common good. I am committed to being of service to elevate my neighbors while I contribute to the field I pursue as my career. When the pandemic hit, my school closed. After the year ended, I knew I wanted to put my abilities forward and find some way to help others. I started with Learning Ally. When I read their mission was to provide struggling readers with ebooks that could transform their lives, I knew I wanted to become a volunteer because I myself struggled reading until 3rd grade. I read and proof checked ebooks that become available to participating schools whose students need them the most. I was thrilled when I learned that my school was participating. When I came across UPchieve, an organization that pairs students with tutors, I was compelled to join. I started as a certified tutor in pre-algebra, algebra I and II, and geometry. As two years have passed, I have expanded my knowledge in school and augmented the areas in which I am certified. The list includes trig, pre-calculus, SAT Math & Reading, humanities essays, and US History.

Once I graduate high school, I hope to get a degree in engineering and become proficient in computer science. Specifically, I am interested in biochemical or biomedical engineering. Chemicals make up our medicines and many man-made products. Chemicals also are responsible for many issues we are currently facing including contaminants in the water system. Having expertise in the processes that make up our society is important to me because of the medical conditions that my family and I have. My grandmother and older cousin both had cancer- breast and bone, respectively. Fortunately, both survived and have been cancer-free for the last couple of years. These experiences, though, have greatly touched me and further pulled my intentions into the STEM and medical fields. For that reason, I was especially excited when I received the opportunity to complete research at the side of an undergraduate and graduate student in the field of chemical engineering. I truly enjoyed the laboratory atmosphere and the meticulous details that go into running tests and preparing chips to run PFOA chemicals to determine ways to better detect contaminants. While my decision is not official, as I am open to discovering alternate paths, I have confidence that my career will lead me toward a rewarding path. I want to use my knowledge to complete research in the lab and find cures for diseases or use my coding experience to help those suffering and make a positive difference in the world. Once I graduate college, I either want to go to graduate school to obtain a higher degree or apply for a STEM-related job. If I continue with research, I want to continue with oncology, prosthetics, alternative energy resources, or environmental repair. If I double major, I want to move into computer science because of how popular and in-demand technology and programming fields are. With the experience of taking AP Computer Science A, I believe I will develop a greater sense of how I feel about the subject. My mother's journey through medical school to become a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, and in-home patient care specialist before deciding on choosing a pharmaceutical coder inspires me to have an idea but willing to keep my mind open because many career paths become available as I take the journey. College is important because education is one thing that no one can take from me. The quest to better and lend me to serve society drives me to my goals. I believe college will allow me to find meaning in my life as the opportunities that will follow my degree will bring about a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that I am one step closer to my career goal. I believe community service is an essential part of our well-being because one learns the value of hard work and dedication. Community service is more than collecting trash at the park or reading to children during storytime; community service is a pledge where one grows through the act of caring for one's community and environment. Being Muslim is my identity; it's my moral compass and my motivation towards my religion, family, and my response to my world. As a Muslim, the pillars of Islam provide me with the foundation and courage to take care of my community and represent my fellow neighbors and classmates.

It is critical to have healthy eating habits because optimal health only results when all dimensions of our health are healthy. From the ninth to the twelfth grade, when health classes incorporate nutrition, my physical education teachers have always warned us about the effects of risky decisions. My health class this year focuses on mental health. One of the first topics we discussed is optimal health and how there are four dimensions of health that all need to be in good standing for our overall health to be in the right place. While many of my classmates didn't heed the warnings, I increased my daily exercise and altered my eating habits to follow a healthier lifestyle. Seeing and hearing the effects of drugs and poor eating habits have motivated me to prevent such tragic events from paying to me. Most recently, a student in my grade last year bought drugs during her lunch period instead of having lunch. When lunch ended, she entered the bathroom and started consuming the substance. I remember a message over the loudspeaker calling for a lockdown as nurses rushed with Narcan. After two doses, they were luckily able to revive her. However, this near-death situation could have been fatal or avoided if the student took precautions to protect herself. Most importantly, if students understood the risks and distanced themselves from these substances and behaviors, there would be fewer incidents. Furthermore, healthy eating habits are crucial for me because of their impact on distant relatives. Many of my mother's cousins or my grandfather's close friends have died from a poor diet and an obsession with smoking. Those who didn't die of lung cancer died of a heart attack. For this reason, I take my health very seriously and utilize my treadmill if I cannot walk outside. When I skip walking, possibly due to the poor weather or imminent storms, it takes a toll on me physically, especially if I do not compensate with my treadmill. I begin to feel a tingling in my thighs which causes difficulty for me to sleep. All night I feel uncomfortable and walk up grudgingly as a result. When I finally resume my walks, I feel relaxed and can focus all my attention on my homework as I do not feel the need to move around the apartment. I have enjoyed adding walks to my schedule because I spend time with a close friend who lives on the other side of time. Walking provides us time to catch up and allows me to explore my town as I can slowly take in the streets and houses along the walk.

As a high school senior, I have started my college search, and despite the discussions of news reports explaining the decline in students applying to college, I still see the light at the end of the tunnel. While college is a significant financial decision, cost should never be the reason a student stops their education in pursuit of a more educated self. College is important because education is one thing that no one can take from me. The quest to better and lend myself to serve society drives me to my goals. The thought of lessening the burdens of others has encouraged me to continue. Education is such a powerful tool for individuals to use to fulfill their dreams in a world where racism and sexism affect one's opportunities, and wealth serves as a burden that stops you from going through a door. I believe college will allow me to find meaning in my life as the opportunities that will follow my degree will bring about a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that I am one step closer to my career goal. When I find the meaning of life, my shoulders will have to carry one less burden as one of the most ambitious tasks in my career is solved. To continue learning, I plan on attending college. I am interested in majoring in engineering, specifically biochemical or biomedical, and experiencing the laboratory-based facet of the subject. Engineering seems to have always called me. I believe applying science is beneficial to society and is needed to overcome the challenges we are currently facing. Furthermore, I hope to become proficient in computer programming because, in the digital world, we are becoming more technology-based every day. Programming is a vital skill needed to stay updated with the ever-changing world. I also considered laboratory research because of the struggle my family members experienced. Engineering is a bound of paths connected by the desire to improve upon what already exists, waiting for those who are passionate. I want to use my knowledge to complete research in the lab and find cures for diseases or use my coding experience to help those suffering and make a positive difference in the world. Once I graduate college, I either want to apply to graduate school to obtain a higher degree or apply for a STEM-related job to start my career. If I continue with research, I want to continue with oncology, prosthetics, chemical developments in water or medications, alternative energy resources, or environmental repair.

Once I graduate high school, I hope to get a degree in engineering and become proficient in computer science. Specifically, I am interested in biochemical or biomedical engineering. Chemicals make up our medicines and many man-made products. Chemicals also are responsible for many issues we are currently facing including contaminants in the water system. Having expertise in the processes that make up our society is important to me because of the medical conditions that my family and I have. My grandmother and older cousin both had cancer- breast and bone, respectively. Fortunately, both survived and have been cancer-free for the last couple of years. These experiences have greatly affected me and pulled my intentions into the STEM and medical fields. For that reason, I was thrilled when I received the opportunity to complete research with an undergraduate and graduate student in the field of chemical engineering. I truly enjoyed the laboratory atmosphere and the meticulous details involved with running tests and preparing chips to run PFOA chemicals through to determine which MOF (metal-organic framework) best detects the PFOA concentrations. While my decision is not official, as I am open to discovering alternate paths, I have confidence that my career will lead me toward a rewarding path. I want to use my knowledge to complete research in the lab and find cures for diseases or use my coding experience to help those suffering and make a positive difference in the world. Once I graduate college, I either want to go to graduate school to obtain a higher degree or apply for a STEM-related job to start my career. If I continue with research, I want to continue with oncology, prosthetics, alternative energy resources, or environmental repair. If I plan on a double major, I want to move into computer science because of how popular and in-demand technology and programming fields are. With the experience of taking AP Computer Science A, I believe I will develop a greater sense of how I feel about the subject. Personally, my current class has opened new possibilities and encouraged me to continue working with Java.

Once I graduate high school, I hope to get a degree in engineering and become proficient in computer science. Specifically, I am interested in biochemical or biomedical engineering. Chemicals make up our medicines and many man-made products. Chemicals also are responsible for many issues we are currently facing including contaminants in the water system. Having expertise in the processes that make up our society is important to me because of the medical conditions that my family and I have. My grandmother and older cousin both had cancer- breast and bone, respectively. Fortunately, both survived and have been cancer-free for the last couple of years. These experiences, though, have greatly touched me and further pulled my intentions into the STEM and medical fields. For that reason, I was especially excited when I received the opportunity to complete research at the side of an undergraduate and graduate student in the field of chemical engineering. I truly enjoyed the laboratory atmosphere and the meticulous details that go into running tests and preparing chips to run PFOA (man-made chemicals) through in order to determine which MOF (metal organic framework) best detects the PFOA concentrations. While my decision is not official, as I am open to discovering alternate paths, I have confidence that my career will lead me toward a rewarding path. I want to use my knowledge to complete research in the lab and find cures for diseases or use my coding experience to help those suffering and make a positive difference in the world. Once I graduate college, I either want to go to graduate school to obtain a higher degree or apply for a STEM-related job to start my career. If I continue with research, I want to continue with oncology, prosthetics, alternative energy resources, or environmental repair. If I plan on a double major, I want to move into computer science because of how popular and in-demand technology and programming fields are. With the experience of taking an AP Computer Science A, I believe I will develop a greater sense of how I feel about the subject. Personally, my current class has opened new possibilities and encouraged me to continue working with Java. Science is important to society because it has the ability to change our future's course. I believe the application of science is beneficial to society. What is needed to protect the planet and devise a cleaner living style that is more appropriate to suit the needs of the growing population is a cohesive plan that involves critical thinking and the ability to visualize a more functional world.

Once I graduate high school, I hope to get a degree in engineering and become proficient in computer science. Specifically, I am interested in biochemical or biomedical engineering. Chemicals make up our medicines and many man-made products. Chemicals also are responsible for many issues we are currently facing including contaminants in the water system. Having expertise in the processes that make up our society is important to me because of the medical conditions that my family and I have. My grandmother and older cousin both had cancer- breast and bone, respectively. Fortunately, both survived and have been cancer-free for the last couple of years. These experiences, though, have greatly touched me and further pulled my intentions into the STEM and medical fields. For that reason, I was especially excited when I received the opportunity to complete research at the side of an undergraduate and graduate student in the field of chemical engineering. I truly enjoyed the laboratory atmosphere and the meticulous details that go into running tests and preparing chips to run PFOA (man-made chemicals) through in order to determine which MOF (metal organic framework) best detects the PFOA concentrations. While my decision is not official, as I am open to discovering alternate paths, I have confidence that my career will lead me toward a rewarding path. I want to use my knowledge to complete research in the lab and find cures for diseases or use my coding experience to help those suffering and make a positive difference in the world. If I continue with research, I want to continue with oncology, prosthetics (biomechanics), alternative energy resources, or genetics. If I plan on a double major, I want to move into computer science because of how popular and in-demand technology and programming fields are. With the experience of taking an AP Computer Science A, I believe I will develop a greater sense of how I feel about the subject. Personally, my current class has opened new possibilities and encouraged me to continue working with Java.

College is important because education is the one thing no one can take from me. The pursuit to better myself and become an asset to society drives me toward my goals. The desire to alleviate the stresses for others encourages me to try harder the next time. With knowledge comes power and power is ultimately the force needed to transform the course the world takes. Education is such a powerful tool for individuals to use to fulfill their dreams in a world where racism and sexism affect one's opportunities, and wealth serves as a burden that stops you from going through a door. Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepared for it today.” I truly believe that education can reverse the imperfections and vices that plague our world into a place that is more accessible and inclusive for all people. I believe college will allow me to find meaning in my life as the opportunities that will follow my degree will bring about a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that I am one step closer to my career goal. When I find the meaning of life, my shoulders will have to carry one less burden as one of the most ambiguous tasks in my career is solved. I am interested in majoring in engineering, specifically chemical or biomedical, and experiencing the laboratory-based facet of the subject. Engineering seems to have always called me. I believe the application of science is beneficial to society and will be needed to overcome the issues we are currently facing. Each encounter with engineering has encouraged me to pursue the field as I wish to look back on my years and realize the impact I had on society. Through my major, I also hope to become proficient in computer programming because, in the digital world, we are becoming more technology-based every day. Programming is a vital skill needed to stay updated with the ever-changing world. I also considered laboratory research because of the struggle my family members experienced. Engineering is a bound of paths connected by the desire to improve upon what already exists. The course I plan on taking is not fully clear, but through college and internships that connect me to companies and various projects, I am determined that I will uncover the path meant for me to pursue. College is more than just four years of rigorous education; it is a doorway to opportunities and a search for one’s complete identity and purpose.

College is important because education is the one thing no one can take from me. The pursuit to better myself and become an asset to society drives me toward my goals. The desire to alleviate the stresses for others encourages me to try harder the next time. With knowledge comes power and power is ultimately the force needed to transform the course the world takes. Education is such a powerful tool for individuals to use to fulfill their dreams in a world where racism and sexism affect one's opportunities, and wealth serves as a burden that stops you from going through a door. Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepared for it today.” I truly believe that education can reverse the imperfections and vices that plague our world into a place that is more accessible and inclusive for all people. I believe college will allow me to find meaning in my life as the opportunities that will follow my degree will bring about a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that I am one step closer to my career goal. When I find the meaning of life, my shoulders will have to carry one less burden as one of the most ambiguous tasks in my career is solved. I am interested in majoring in engineering, specifically chemical or biomedical, and experiencing the laboratory-based facet of the subject. Engineering seems to have always called me. I believe the application of science is beneficial to society and will be needed to overcome the issues we are currently facing. Each encounter with engineering has encouraged me to pursue the field as I wish to look back on my years and realize the impact I had on society. Through my major, I also hope to become proficient in computer programming because, in the digital world, we are becoming more technology-based every day. Programming is a vital skill needed to stay updated with the ever-changing world. I also considered laboratory research because of the struggle my family members experienced. Engineering is a bound of paths connected by the desire to improve upon what already exists. The course I plan on taking is not fully clear, but through college and internships that connect me to companies and various projects, I am determined that I will uncover the path meant for me to pursue. College is more than just four years of rigorous education; it is a doorway to opportunities and a search for one’s complete identity and purpose.

The characteristic I value most about myself is my dedication to giving back to my neighborhood and online community. Growing up, I struggled to read, and my writing abilities needed improvement. By third grade, the gap I had from the expected level of understanding was growing, and I struggled to keep up with the class. Through the constant help of my 3rd teacher, I became significantly better. By 4th grade, the time she put into me was evident through my performance. Since then, my abilities have only grown, and I feel the need to return the favor. I started in 2019 by volunteering at a local elementary school in my neighborhood. I donated my time assisting club advisors to educate students on the program Scratch as an introduction to computer science. This was a valuable transition to the summer of 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, I continue volunteering with Learning Ally, a non-profit organization working towards improving the reading experience for students behind their grade level and those with conditions that inhibit their reading ability. Through the creation of audiobooks, Learning Ally provides resources for students to love to read and not only enjoy but understand what they are reading. I have volunteered on projects that check the quality of audiobooks for literature and textbooks to ensure students receive the tools they deserve. Furthermore, I have volunteered by researching districts, sourcing contacts, and connecting principals, English directors, and teachers with Learning Ally to let them know they are eligible to use Learning Ally in their classrooms. As a student in a district that subscribed to Learning Ally's audiobook resources during 2020, the height of the pandemic, I can confidently say that the audiobooks have been a blessing to many students. Moreover, when I came across UPchieve, an organization that pairs students in low-income communities with tutors, I was compelled to join and give back to other students. I started as a certified tutor in pre-algebra, algebra I and II, and geometry. As two years have passed, I have expanded my knowledge in school and augmented the areas in which I am certified. The list includes trigonometry, pre-calculus, SAT Math, SAT Reading, humanities essays, and US History. Whenever I have available time, I check to see if any students are waiting and happily take up the session. Some sessions are ten minutes, while other sessions need ninety minutes. The time depends on how much support the students need to feel confident in their ability to complete the problems. After tutoring, I like to browse through the other subject areas offered on UPchieve in search of areas where I could leverage my skills and provide assistance. I look for organizations with missions that focus on supporting students. Each successive generation of students will make up the future leaders of society, and it only makes sense to guide them to ensure they can fully contribute back to the community. When students grasp the topic, I know that I have done my service to the student. It is rewarding knowing that I am helping others, and they are becoming more confident in their work and, most importantly, themselves.

Technology has improved over the years, making our lives, from food to healthcare, safer and more enjoyable. One specific technology that inspires me to believe the usage of technology can result in a better world is prosthetics. Many people think of computers when they think about technology. To me, technology is an innovation that has altered the course of humanity for the better. The application of medical, design, computer, and engineering concepts has gifted millions of people the ability to adjust to living without a body part, whether from birth or an accident later in life. Arm, leg, eye, and organ prostheses are vital to providing individuals the same quality of life as they can drastically improve one's situation. As I continue to attend open houses for colleges, I can recall one specific story told that piqued my interest in biomechanics. The story was about a team of biomedical engineers who were working on their capstone project when they heard from a friend about a carpenter who experienced an unfortunate accident. He was working with a saw and cut off the index finger on his right hand. As a right-handed individual, he relies on this finger to hold nails and hammers. With the loss of this finger, he tried to adapt and use his left hand, but he struggled tremendously at his trade. The carpenter tried multiple prosthetics on the market, and they neither fit him comfortably nor were they within his budget. Thanks to these students, the carpenter returned to his trade. They put their skills to the test with his design and not only gained experience in the field, but also saw the impact they had on his life. After hearing this story, I was more inclined to find a way to incorporate biomedical engineering into my college journey because of how important it is for me to know that I can better lives.

Once I graduate high school, I hope to get a degree in engineering and become proficient in computer science. Specifically, I am interested in biochemical or biomedical engineering. Chemicals make up our medicines and many man-made products. Chemicals also are responsible for many issues we are currently facing including contaminants in the water system. Having expertise in the processes that make up our society is important to me because of the medical conditions that my family has. My grandmother and older cousin both had cancer- breast and bone, respectively. Fortunately, both survived and have been cancer-free for the last couple of years. These experiences, though, have greatly touched me and further pulled my intentions into the STEM and medical fields. For that reason, I was especially excited when I received the opportunity to complete research at the side of an undergraduate and graduate student in the field of chemical engineering. I truly enjoyed the laboratory atmosphere and the meticulous details that go into running tests and preparing chips to run PFOA (man-made chemicals) through in order to determine which MOF (metal organic framework) best detects the PFOA concentrations. While my decision is not official, as I am open to discovering alternate paths, I have confidence that my career will lead me toward a rewarding path. I want to use my knowledge to complete research in the lab and find cures for diseases or use my coding experience to help those suffering and make a positive difference in the world. Once I graduate college, I either want to go to graduate school to obtain a higher degree or apply for a STEM-related job to start my career. If I continue with research, I want to continue with oncology, prosthetics, alternative energy resources, or environmental repair. If I plan on a double major, I want to move into computer science because of how popular and in-demand technology and programming fields are. With the experience of taking an AP Computer Science A, I believe I will develop a greater sense of how I feel about the subject. Personally, my current class has opened new possibilities and encouraged me to continue working with Java. Diversity in the workplace is important because different people with different experiences produce the best results. The US population is a conglomerate of hundreds of ethnicities that all have different traditions and beliefs. When brought together, they are the people of the future who will make decisions and come up with solutions that most effectively work for the people. With minorities, representation is especially important. Many misconceptions and stereotypes exist against certain groups and the best way to dispel these fallacies is by hiring these people into roles to prove they are just as competent and successful in the workforce. Being able to collaborate with others builds perspective and allows more empathy when you get to know people more personally. Furthermore, hiring diverse people positively impacts society and uplifts everyone as children can look up at people who look like them and believe they can do that particular career. Growing up most images of STEM related careers especially engineering and computer science were dominated by men. I did not see any Muslim women holding these positions and it felt not comforting to know there was no one like me. Feelings like this led me to question whether this field would be appropriate for me and made me worry if I would be able to fit in without others who could understand me.

In my community, country, and world, I would like to see more individuals lending support and using their abilities and advantages to the benefit of others. Many talented individuals are capable of helping others but do not have the outlets to make use of their skills. After going virtual to the pandemic, I hope that many people, both old and young, take the opportunity to tutor in virtual tutoring sessions and if possible in their area join in person tutoring. Many students are behind because of the disconnect during the pandemic and assistance is in high demand. I act locally by donating my time to tutor students in my elementary school, my high school, and an online community of students across the United States. Before the pandemic in March 2020, I would go to one of the elementary schools in my district on a weekly basis to assist with a Girls Who Code Club that taught 4th and 5th graders introductory coding with a platform called Scratch. The pandemic encouraged me to give back since I noticed I had a significant amount of time and nothing to do since most activities were cancelled. This experience was a valuable transition to the summer of 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. After I ended my 2019-2020 school year virtually, I needed something to fill up all the time I had at home. I signed up to volunteer with Learning Ally, a non-profit organization working to improve the reading experience for students behind their grade level and those with conditions that inhibit their reading ability. Once invited to volunteer, I was elated by the community of volunteers who loved to donate their time. Through the creation of audiobooks, Learning Ally provides resources for students to love to read and not only enjoy but understand what they are reading. I have volunteered on projects that check the quality of audiobooks for literature and textbooks to ensure students receive the tools they deserve. Furthermore, I have volunteered by researching districts, sourcing contacts, and connecting principals, English directors, and teachers with Learning Ally to let them know they are eligible to use Learning Ally in their classrooms. As a student in a district that subscribed to Learning Ally's audiobook resources during 2020, the height of the pandemic, I can confidently say that the audiobooks have been a blessing to many students. Moreover, when I came across UPchieve, an organization that pairs students in low-income communities with tutors, I was compelled to join and give back to other students. I started as a certified tutor in pre-algebra, algebra I and II, and geometry. As two years have passed, I have expanded my knowledge in school and augmented the areas in which I am certified. The list includes trigonometry, pre-calculus, SAT Math, SAT Reading, humanities essays, and US History. Whenever I have available time, I check to see if any students are waiting and happily take up the session. Some sessions are ten minutes, while other sessions need ninety minutes. The time depends on how much support the students need to feel confident in their ability to complete the problems. During the 2021-22 school year, when my school went back to in-person learning, I tutored three peers in algebra II and pre-calculus. As math comes naturally to me, I feel obligated to pass on my knowledge and strategies for persevering through the class so that I can provide hope for others that may be stressed and constantly anxious. Currently, I have taken on two more projects with Learning Ally and am eager to also tutor students. If I am asked to provide tutoring, I would gladly do so since there is nothing better than collaborating and seeing a classmate have that a-ha moment where they finally can solve that question that was causing them difficulty.

Applying for scholarships can be a severely daunting process. Searching and searching only leads to more clicking and clicking and a deep throbbing pain in the forehead. The eye strain and disappointment that comes with constantly staring at the screen and missing deadlines is enough to make many students completely give up because they feel like they have no chance. However, against all odds there is that one scholarship each student is destined to get as long as they do not put all their eggs in their basket and dedicate enough time to the prompt so that it does not look like it was written ten minutes before the deadline. Furthermore, the scholarship process has taught me patience, self-confidence, and shown me how many qualified candidates there are. Looking at the finalists and winners has proven how dedicated students are and their concentration on achieving their goals. While many could instantly give up and walk away, those who continuously write essays are focused on achieving their goals and refuse to let finances stay in the way of accomplishing their dreams. A circumstantial effect of scholarship writing is the benefit of tracking deadlines and organizing scholarships based on how quickly they are due and the priority ranking I give to each scholarship. By preparing for scholarships in the summer, I have been able to concentrate on college applications since I have an order for how I would move forward. With this calendar, I pace myself and can track my progress without ever feeling like I am forgetting to do something. This has greatly helped me since my senior year has started because I am budgeting time and giving myself enough time for school work and managing my responsibilities at home. The most important thing that I have learned from applying to scholarships is that the lessons from scholarships can be applied to colleges and the workforce. Many times we will be denied from the scholarship we felt we worked so hard on, the college whose application we dedicated the most energy on, and the job where we felt we nailed that interview. The painstaking wait to hear the results and the decision comes with most important moments in life and practicing now can allow students to become familiar and learn the skills to overcome disappointment and move on. The lessons I have learned from applying from scholarships has evoked me to continue searching and build confidence with each piece of me that I put into the submission.

Once I graduate high school, I hope to get a degree in engineering and become proficient in computer science. Specifically, I am interested in biochemical or biomedical engineering. Chemicals make up our medicines and many man-made products. Having expertise in the processes that make up our society is important to me because of the medical conditions that my family and I have. My grandmother and older cousin both had cancer- breast and bone, respectively. Fortunately, both survived and have been cancer-free for the last couple of years. These experiences, though, have greatly touched me and further pulled my intentions into the STEM and medical fields. For that reason, I was especially excited when I received the opportunity to complete research at the side of an undergraduate and graduate student in the field of chemical engineering. I truly enjoyed the laboratory atmosphere and the meticulous details that go into running tests and preparing chips to run PFOA (man-made chemicals) through in order to determine which MOF (metal organic framework) best detects the PFOA concentrations. While my decision is not official, as I am open to discovering alternate paths, I have confidence that my career will lead me toward a rewarding path. I want to use my knowledge to complete research in the lab and find cures for diseases or use my coding experience to help those suffering and make a positive difference in the world. Once I graduate college, I either want to go to graduate school to obtain a higher degree or apply for a STEM-related job to start my career. If I continue with research, I want to continue with oncology, prosthetics, alternative energy resources, or environmental repair. If I plan on a double major, I want to move into computer science because of how popular and in-demand technology and programming fields are. With the experience of taking an AP Computer Science A, I believe I will develop a greater sense of how I feel about the subject. Personally, my current class has opened new possibilities and encouraged me to continue working with Java. While having that dream job may be as far as most people look ahead, I feel community service is as critical and warrants time to be allocated towards it. Furthermore, I want to become more involved in my community. Many organizations have incredible missions, and I feel compelled to partake and contribute. My dream is not only to succeed but see my community succeed. Progress is a team effort that requires people from all backgrounds and careers to join together for the common good. I am committed to being of service to elevate my neighbors while I contribute to the field I pursue as my career.

My favorite scientific discovery, which has had a tremendous influence on the health of humans and pets and improved the quality of life, is antibiotics. Antibiotics are medications prescribed for individuals whose immune systems are under attack by bacteria that cause infections, inflammations, and other complications to the organism. When people used to die in thousands from contact due to viral or bacterial infections, there was no way to limit the travel of people and animals who were hosts of the bacteria. One horrific example was the Black Plague. However, with the invention of antibiotics, like penicillin, against a variety of infections, people have overcome infections and can return to their everyday life. Epidemics were curbed, and people lived healthier, less fearful lives knowing that medicine was now potent enough to defeat the growing number of illnesses. The pandemic has only made me appreciate the necessity of antibiotics. COVID-19 was a novel infection and showed us the repercussions of living in an unprepared world, similar to the times before the introduction of antibiotics. Like antibiotics, though, we slowly but surely controlled the spread and are moving forward in a new normal that is more careful and grateful for the medical world, our first responders, and the constant progress of antibiotics. As medicine continues to improve, antibiotics will reign over infections and provide a lifeline to those infected, inspiring new generations to pursue a career in the medical field to help guide society towards the light that always shines so long as we believe it is there.

One thing that gives me hope that the future will be better is the passionate individuals who strive against all adversity. Health care workers have struggled the most during the pandemic, yet they continue to show up with a brave face to work every day. Tiktok videos documented their chaotic days that have become the norm and taught people to be serious and sincere in their actions. Frontline workers represent who we are the resilience we all have. Their dedication strikes interest in how medicine connects with engineering. At the beginning of the pandemic, fear plagued us all. Health care workers never had the chance to show fear as their need was far behind their capacity. As we progress in this pandemic, I believe hope is attainable if we continue to join against our common enemy- COVID-19. Time has shown what we can accomplish when we set aside our differences and focus on the root issue at hand. When the pandemic first hit in 2019, we were all lost, shuttered in our homes. In 2022, we have vaccines, coronavirus pills, contact tracing, PCR tests, rapid-antigen tests, and plenty of other resources. Vaccination has increased, and doctors have a better grip on the situation. Though we are still struggling, some European countries are considering changing COVID-19 to an endemic, which means we are getting closer to the normal we all long to regain. Remaining the pandemic to an endemic doesn't mean we let our guard down, but instead, we can focus on moving towards a more equitable forward. This is a significant step forward since we entered the pandemic three years ago. Since New York City opened and other major cities across the country followed, I gained hope as the nation began to open itself, ready for people to come back. Slowly but surely, the US and the international community is reopening to the energy we had pre-March 2019. Through the opening and closing, I hold onto the hope that one day I can regain stability and know that my school won't close, one day I can feel safe in outdoor gatherings, and one day we can happily talk about COVID-19 as a memory.

Knowing STEM would be my destination, I focused on the four bold letters but discovered that the field was too broad. Through summer programs, classes, and competitions, I began to develop a preference for engineering because it incorporates math and science-- my favorite two subjects. Since the bean plant experiment in my third-grade class, I have admired nature and the lessons it has provided people. Through my search for who I am and what I believe my role in society is, I have found a path, yet, I continue to explore other options available. Once I graduate high school, I hope to get a degree in engineering and become proficient in computer science. Specifically, I am interested in biochemical or biomedical engineering. My decision is not official as I am open to discovering alternate paths. I want to use my knowledge to complete research in the lab and find cures for diseases or use my coding experience to help those suffering and make a positive difference in the world. Once I graduate college, I either want to go to graduate school to obtain a higher degree or apply for a STEM-related job to start my career. If I continue with research, I want to continue with oncology or prosthetics. Engineering seems to have always called me. I believe the application of science is beneficial to society. What is needed to protect the planet and devise a cleaner living style that is more appropriate to suit the needs of the growing population is a cohesive plan that involves critical thinking and the ability to visualize a more functional world. Through my major, I also hope to become proficient in computer programming because, with the digital world, we are becoming more technology-based every day. Programming is a vital skill needed to stay updated with the ever-changing world. I also considered laboratory research because of the struggle my family members experienced. In summation, engineering is a bound of paths connected by the desire to improve upon what already exists, waiting for the passionate to undertake. My interest in oncology is personal as my grandmother had breast cancer, and a close cousin of mine had bone marrow cancer twice. The price was costly, but my parents and aunts pitched in to help him. Luckily both of my family members survived and are living cancer-free. However, over 600,000 Americans are not as fortunate and die from cancer annually, as reported by the CDC. This research will help me feel I am contributing to the field and making a difference in the health of my family and community. With the staggering amount of deaths, especially for minority families, I wish to make a difference, so no family has to suffer what countless families have suffered. Furthermore, I want to have a career where I can also give back to the community. Many organizations have incredible missions, and I feel compelled to partake and contribute. My dream is not only to succeed but see my community succeed. Progress is a team effort that requires people from all backgrounds and careers to join together for the common good. I am committed to being of service to elevate my neighbors while I contribute to the field I pursue as my career. The course I plan on taking is not fully clear, but through college and internships that connect me to companies and various projects, I am determined that I will uncover the path meant for me to pursue.

Once I graduate high school, I hope to get a degree in engineering and become proficient in computer science. Specifically, I am interested in biochemical or biomedical engineering. My decision is not official as I am open to discovering alternate paths. I want to use my knowledge to complete research in the lab and find cures for diseases or use my coding experience to help those suffering and make a positive difference in the world. Once I graduate college, I either want to go to graduate school to obtain a higher degree or apply for a STEM-related job to start my career. If I continue with research, I want to continue with oncology or prosthetics. Furthermore, I want to become more involved in my community. Many organizations have incredible missions, and I feel compelled to partake and contribute. My dream is not only to succeed but see my community succeed. Progress is a team effort that requires people from all backgrounds and careers to join together for the common good. I am committed to being of service to elevate my neighbors while I contribute to the field I pursue as my career.

I believe the meaning of life is to fulfill whatever your calling is but, more importantly, feel satisfied when you look back that your past made the years on this planet worth living. When you find the meaning of life, you have a burden released from your shoulders as one of the most ambiguous tasks has just been solved. Though the purpose of life is different for every individual, the central theme is to do something where you contribute to the community and have pride in your accomplishments. I try to achieve what I believe the meaning of life is by taking it slowly and developing a plan of realistic short time goals that I can cross off before I dive into a larger pursuit. For instance, I believe the meaning of life for me is to benefit the fields of either engineering, mathematics, or partake in research. My smaller goals start with excelling in my classes, taking courses that align with m intended major, and participating in competitions that focus on engineering, CAD design, or science in general. Additionally, I look for opportunities to be in a laboratory or speak with college students to better grasp the setting I will be moving towards and develop a plan to be prepared. Though the meaning of life is what I am focused on, I have learned that helping out in my community can motivate me to continue pursuing a goal that will take over four years before I can reach it. Thus, I have become more active in my community and dedicate a set amount of time to volunteer. I tutor students at my high school, assist students virtually in various math topics, and help organizations reach schools to provide resources for students who struggle reading.

The biggest problem the world is facing is climate change. Climate change has been an ongoing issue since the Industrial Revolution. However, its effect has become more serious, and the devastation it causes has become more catastrophic in the last century. With record high temperatures, drought seasons longer than ever before, and floods that have cleared out towns, people across the globe are feeling the effects of a warmer planet. One way we can work on this problem is to spread awareness of the situation. As simple as that may sound, there are quite a lot of people who do not believe climate change is occurring. The sad reality is that the longer this group questions the legitimacy of events, which are becoming more rampant, the less time we have to focus on the issue as we try to debunk the myths plaguing social media and the minds of people. At the same time, we need to encourage more people to look into the situation. Thus, more people would understand the causes and know what to do to reduce the emissions released into the atmosphere. Many people constantly hear news outlets describing the crisis we face but do not understand the terminology and look over the issue. Others do not feel empowered enough to think that their actions can contribute to a greener planet. We can not allow ignorance to spread or the powerless to feel small any longer if we wish to continue living in the home we all share. We need to make climate change more open, so more people feel a sense of responsibility and want to make a difference. Spreading awareness is the way to get people interested in this crisis and understand the impact humans have on the planet.

Mental health is a serious issue. Almost one in five people in the United States alone struggle with their mental health, and that number is only continuing to grow. With the number of people suffering, it seems ludicrous there isn't a universal solution people from all walks of life can access. One practical solution for helping reach more people struggling with mental health is to make resources available at no cost in multiple locations throughout each state. However, before any solution can work, mental health needs to be destigmatized. The reason is that even if people have access to help if they worry about what their friends and family will say if they find out a loved one is received mental health assistance, they may never take a step forward and ask for help. Once the issue is no longer taboo, clinics must be placed in all states since most people with access are in urban areas. As the clinics are established, it is imperative that assistance also be available online. With the coronavirus pandemic, we all have had to shift to a digital platform. A digital platform would provide more people access as they can click for help on any mobile device. An information page needs to become available to the public so those who wish to seek advice without speaking to anyone can still receive assistance. Most importantly, the resources created will have to be free so that finances do not play a role in someone not receiving assistance. So many people live in poverty and are unable to take up any extra costs. There will not be any discrimination, so no trivial factors are responsible for someone not receiving support for their situation.

Art and STEM can make the world a better place when combined since art is the creative aspect needed to create the visions and designs of the STEM field. The STEM field turns dreams into a reality with the engineers' ingenuity to create an out-of-the-world product that benefits society. With STEM, methods are devised on how to reverse climate change and deal with hunger and poverty worldwide. Art provides the space for designs to be created for solutions to issues we face and know we can not put off anymore. Sometimes art reminds us to look into nature and borrow ideas to solve the crises we have to overcome. In addition, Art and STEM can help people facing isolation or those who battle feelings of loneliness and struggle with illnesses, that they may not feel comfortable speaking about with others. Art gives comfort and support, as colors, designs, and styles are utilized to express emotions, for those who may not be comfortable sharing it aloud. STEM allows for the creations of robots and technology to soothe people and provide them with companions when they can not be around other people for medical reasons. I am a curious individual who has always loved doing experiments. I can remember the days in elementary school when my class would grow plants in milk cartons. We would vote on which plant we wanted to grow. Once we had the seeds, we would plant them and study the effects of various amounts of sunlight and water to determine which combination would result in the most successful bean plant. My curiosity has led me to the belief that humanity has to work together as a world population rather than as separate nations to overcome some of the severest challenges we are facing including but not limited to food shortages, global warming, and public safety. In the summer of 2021, I had the opportunity to partake in an internship relating to 3D design, 3d printing, and voice command technology. I learned how to use Creo, a 3D design software, and apply the skills to design a dump truck. From there, I received an introduction in coding so that I would be able to create a code that would allow the 3d printed dump truck to tilt back its bucket above the horizontal by 50 degrees. This experience has opened my ideas to architecture and mechanical engineering, which I never considered as possible career paths. The beauty behind this internship is how eye-opening it was. I have always loved the sciences and math. To combine both into a career, I have found engineering. Even with engineering, there are so many pathways to take, and the opportunities are endless. I wish to pursue a college education because it will be beneficial since I want to move toward engineering or research. With the knowledge I obtain in college, I plan on applying it to all the jobs I get moving forward. In addition, colleges offer many opportunities to participate in, and I wish to take advantage of all the resources provided. Some include research programs, internships, co-ops, and fairs that show how degrees translate into careers I wouldn't imagine possible. In essence, a college education is a ticket in the real world which I will redeem for a spot in a field that I can be proud of and cherish when I look back at what I have accomplished in my life.

One of my favorite books is Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The story tells of an older couple who never had children but need help to take care of their property. The wife and husband agree on adoption, and she wants a son. When the husband goes to the orphanage, he instead finds a young, red-headed girl who is quite talkative, but he likes her from first glance and takes her home. When the wife sees the girl, she is in disbelief and wants her husband to return the child to the orphanage. The husband refuses to send her away, and the girl adapts to fit the family's lifestyle and earn acceptance from her new mother. Through the story, Anne makes the most of it as she is a misfit since she behaves differently compared to the other girls in the town. The mother takes notice of this as she receives comments from other women. The mother looks upon her daughter negatively. However, her father loves her from the start and is the more optimistic one who enjoys spending time with Anne. The beauty of the story is the bond that forms between the two. Even though the mother loves Anne, she doesn't show it. By the end of the book, the man dies from a heart attack after losing a significant amount of money when the stock market crashes. With this tragedy, the mother learns how to show her love for her daughter. The perseverance Anne has paid off. Throughout the book, the author hints at how the mother starts to embrace the idea of having a daughter. In the end, it becomes clear that the power and strength of the family outshine all other possessions.

Quotes are a source of motivation that can change the course of our lives. One quote that I have come to understand the meaning of is, "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new." Change is inevitable but I know that I have struggled to accept that fact for some time now. Change brings back the fears of the unknown which can be torturous because I do not know what to expect or how to prepare for it. I am the type of person who is organized and likes to know that I have things under control, so losing that control when dealing with change is nerve-wracking. As I continue to grow, I have learned to let loose a little bit and watch events play out naturally instead of impeding on it. With time, I have come to realize that to be successful one needs to allow change to be a part of the equation and use it to one's advantage rather than let it be one's downfall. For me, this quote means to accept the obstacle you face but do not let the challenge control you, rather you must take control of the change ahead of you and adapt to it. Instead of trying to resist change, I have learned to embrace it and can now use it to better myself because the world is an ever-changing place, which needs people who can deal with change and use it as a drive to push forward, rather than those who continuously whine over the insecurity of trying something new. This quote is special because it can help people from all walks of life. Everyone has had their share of the unexpected, but what people don't realize is that change will not wait for you. It's coming and will continue to come. At first, it causes subtle ripples that only a few will notice until the day is ready for change to leash out and sweep by like a tsunami. Though we as people can never truly know exactly when change is coming, the only thing we can control is our attitude towards it and our ability to do what is morally correct, whether that is socially accepted or not.

Someone in history that I admire was a ground-breaking, female in the 'computer' section of NASA. She moved up into the -at the time- white male section that directly was involved with spacecrafts being sent into outer space, and dealt with the cruel reality of being segregated even when she tried to fit in. She was an American mathematician involved with the calculations for the Apollo 11 mission, and never let the hatred and insults of her co-workers bring her down. Her name was Katherine Johnson, and she helped to forever change the face of NASA. At a time in the 1960s when women were separated from their male counterparts, and women of color were put below white women, she rose up and became a respected figure by her colleagues. From having to run to another building in heels to the colored bathroom for women, she persevered for change and equality, knowing what was morally correct. After having to explain the additional hurdles she had to face at work, her white male colleagues desegregated the women's restroom and learned to treat her and women in general with more respect in the workplace. Though she passed away in 2020, she will always be the inspiration for my endeavors as she showed that all the effort and grit put into your work will pay off and be the catalyst for a better place.

The most helpful piece of financial advice I have ever received was don't settle for the initial offer, try negotiating and searching for others instead. So often, we are desperate (especially during this pandemic) and need money to pay bills or a job to keep up with the mortgage. As a result, we tend to accept the first reply without thinking of its effects. With the stresses of life, we also don't apply for many options and worry we will get rejected or feel the first one is the only one we will receive. Unfortunately, this mentality paralyzes us from overcoming the obstacles we face. For example, say we are looking for a loan and the first reply back from a bank is less than the amount we desired and it has an extremely high interest rate. At our wits end, we would just say yes and try to deal with what we get instead of waiting to see what the next offer would bring. However, in hindsight we realize this wasn't the best choice and we could have at least tried to negotiate for a higher principal and a lower rate, because in the end paying the loan back is inevitable and will continue to follow us and destroy our credit score, especially if we are already struggling to keep up with other bills. The same thing goes for a job; when we apply for jobs we may want to take the first one rather than compare the options and look for the one that provides the best outcome. This may cause us to miss out on exclusive benefits which could have provided us with a financial cushion. To summarize, patience is key because impulsive reactions can bring us to our downfall and only time will tell.

My favorite scientist was a ground-breaking, female in the 'computer' section of NASA. She moved up into the -at the time- white male section that directly was involved with spacecrafts being sent into outer space, and dealt with the cruel reality of being segregated even when she tried to fit in. She was involved with the calculations for the Apollo 11 mission, and never let the hatred and insults of her co-workers bring her down. Her name was Katherine Johnson, and though she has passed away, she will always be the inspiration for my endeavors.

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on March 4th in New Jersey. My last day of in-person classes was on Friday, March 13, 2020. Families received a phone call stating schools would close for two weeks and reopen, but the school remained virtual for the remainder of the school year. Students, parents, and teachers alike were stunned by this unprecedented pandemic and survived until the summer. From March 2021 until the next school year, cases spiked and the situation only got worse. My school remained virtual for the 2020-2021 school year and still is one year later. This has truly been a shocking experience. Pandemics are rare and when they do hit, they come with force. I will never forget this pandemic as a whole. I will remember the lockdown and the news reports constantly providing the saddening details of the number of lives lost. I will never forget being isolated at home, restrained to the walls of my home. This pandemic has taken away some of my energy and motivation, but I have persevered and optimistically look at what’s ahead of me as a source of inspiration to continue putting my best work forward. Throughout this period of quarantine, I have had more time to think about my decisions and the world. This pandemic has taught me to value life because life is short and can be taken away in a sudden. Families have been brought together because everyone is stuck at home. We, as people, have learned to appreciate all the blessings we have and help those who are in need. This pandemic has shown us that we are all people in the end, no matter how we identify or look, and we need to support each other to get through these unprecedented challenges. However, the pandemic has uncovered some vile situations that are occurring right under our noses. The inequality in pay and resources has left minority groups further behind their counterparts and these people have more health conditions/fewer medical centers that have resulted in them contributing to a larger percentage of deaths. When we think of essential workers, we think about doctors and law enforcement workers, but we forget about the everyday grocery workers and truck drivers who put themselves in harm's way, so we can have food to eat. We have learned to cherish the little things and be thankful for all that we have. During the lockdown, we have seen the effects of everyone online. Technical issues have been at their highest points and the discrepancies with internet connectivity and the resources one has are more evident, as those who have less are struggling more than the rest. Emotions have been running high with all the stress and anxiety that come with the restrictions such as lockdowns. Many small businesses have shut down because they can’t afford to remain open and thousands have emigrated out of cities into more suburban/rural areas because they can’t keep up with the cost of living. The world has been turned upside down and people have become desperate. The current system hasn’t been able to keep up with the demand of need and children have been forced to work to provide extra income to support their parents. The only way to get to the other side of the tunnel is to embrace everyone, lend a hand, and be one giant family. From living through a pandemic for almost a year now, I can conclude that the issues the pandemic has caused to resurface need to be addressed. The cost of living has risen as hourly pay rates have stayed the same. Minority groups have been left with less help and everyone has seen the strain on hospital workers as there are not enough beds and oxygen tanks to go around. I have learned that we must lend a hand and donate to those who are in need because if we were to ever drop down and get stuck, we would want someone to help us out of it. The current system has shown its flaws and needs to be corrected so we will be prepared in the future. Moving forward, the pandemic has taught me to adapt and be flexible. Our situations can change in the snap of a finger and we needed to be prepared to quickly shift and conform to the direction we are shown. I have learned there is strength in the community and numbers. I wish to become better at collaborating and using these soft skills to come out a stronger and most importantly, better person. I plan on working to be at the top of my class and attend a university, majoring in engineering. I want to make a difference in people's lives through research or discoveries that will forever change the world!

I believe community service is an essential part of our wellbeing because one learns the value of hard work and dedication. Community service is more than collecting trash at the park or reading to children during storytime; community service is a pledge where one grows through the act of caring for one's community and environment. During my life- prior to the pandemic- I volunteered my time at a local elementary school, helping students in the homework and coding club. From this experience, I appreciated the connection I made with younger students and the teachers. I understood the commitment I made when I first stepped in and wanted to make a difference in the students' lives, which I was lucky enough to accomplish. I spent an hour weekly assisting struggling students with their core subjects and opened up the door for students to the world of coding and a future involved with computers and technology. Once the pandemic hit, the schools in my neighborhood closed. The district made the best of the remainder of the school year. After the year ended, I knew I wanted to put my abilities forward and find some way to help others. While I didn't come across any opportunities to lend my service to my community, I was fortunate to explore volunteering opportunities. I spent some time transcribing historical documents so digital copies of the physical pieces would exist, should anything happen to the precious copies stored in museums. The records I copied became available for the public. In doing so, people were able to discover history from the comfort of their homes. After spending some time with the Smithsonian organization, I moved onto another volunteering project with Learning Ally. When I read their mission was to provide struggling readers with ebooks that could transform their lives, I knew I wanted to become a volunteer with them. I read and proof check ebooks that become available to participating schools whose students need them the most. I was thrilled to learn that my school was participating in the program, and students in my community would be able to use these resources to become successful readers. Through my future career, I intend to help my community. I hope to host events and raise money so families can receive beneficial resources. I plan on raising awareness for the community garden by encouraging people in the community to take part in growing food for local food banks. There are many ways we can all engage together and find solutions to issues in the community. Furthermore, I would like to promote cleanups around the rivers that run past my town and teach about the importance of freshwater for the citizens and the wildlife. Moreover, I wish to educate the public on ways to care for our planet and use practices that will do well for our Earth, like planting trees. I believe community service is a life skill and will better us all. The experience will change an individual and teach them the significance of lending a hand to those in need. Like Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Community service is a priceless contribution to society, and the selfless works of many have changed the world for the greater good.

A motivational quote one of my teachers repeated was "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination," by Jimmy Dean. After thinking about this quote, I realized that even when obstacles come one's way, they shouldn't be seen as the end of one's journey, rather the beginning of a new path to one's goal. Inevitably, we will all face difficulties and reach points where we feel overcome with disappointment because the unexpected happened. Dean's quote encourages us to embrace a change in perspective to accomplish what we set out to do. Jimmy Dean's quote has inspired me to pursue my goals because I have accepted that even when I have no control over the events that occur, I do have the ability to come up with a new plan of action. As I have ventured into the world of endless opportunities with various programs available, I have reached low points where I thought I was not good enough to compete for these events. When I lose confidence in myself, I refer back to this quote and search for the other possibilities I have and what else I can do to educate myself. I realize that my potential is still within, and the programs I did not get accepted into were not for me. I believe this quote can be a motivation for all of us. Our perspectives influence our choices, which shape our future. I feel this quote is beneficial and can help those struggling with anxiety over the future. No one could have known that the year 2020 would have been dominated by a life-threatening virus that flipped the world upside down. We have been in lockdown in hopes of stopping the spread. Though we can't make this virus magically disappear, we can think of ways to use the extra downtime to catch up on work and do things we wouldn't have time on a regular week. I have taken advantage of the time I have and practice for standardized tests and volunteered to better myself, my community, and students across the country. I now understand that no matter what path I go down, with determination and grit, I will reach my end location, wherever that may be.

I am passionate about STEM because I have always loved math and learning more about the world around me. As I grew older, my appreciation for the advancements in technology expanded. Our world continues to progress and better our lives as people. There are various ways one can benefit society by going into the STEM field. From computer scientist to engineer to mathematician to professor, the possibilities are endless, and there seems to be something for everyone. Therefore, I want to find a way to give back to my community and assist those who are struggling. One occasion that increased my interest in the STEM field occurred in my 8th-grade science class when my teacher decided to celebrate women's history month by teaching us about Katherine Johnson, an African American NASA mathematician. Johnson helped with the calculations needed to put astronauts in space. My teacher showed the class the movie Hidden Figures, which left me in awe over how much the three main characters, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, endured every day at NASA. The 1960s was the space race when the United States, Russia, and other countries competed to see which country could successfully get a human to the moon. During this time, segregation was dominating, and African American women were set apart from white women. Since Johnson was African American, she worked in the 'computers' section, where she did the calculations she computed for the men above her. When she moved up to help send astronauts to space, the men in that department treated her horribly. I recall how Johnson had to have her own coffee machine because the men did not share with her, and how the bathroom Johnson used was in a different facility. Her determination and perseverance allowed her to stand out, and she figured out the trajectory for the Apollo 11 mission. Katherine Johnson spent every day facing discrimination because she was a woman and a person of color. Her white female colleagues and male associates taunted her because of who she was. Nevertheless, Johnson persevered and accomplished incredible feats that were unimaginable at her time. After seeing how much Johnson had to endure and how far she progressed, I became convinced that I could follow my passion in the STEM field. Once I graduate high school and move onto college, I hope to get a degree in engineering and become proficient in computer science. More specifically, I look towards biochemical engineering or even chemistry. I want to use my knowledge to do research in the lab and find cures for diseases to help those who suffer daily from ailments. The statistics that demonstrate women make up nearly half of the US labor market, but only 28% of the STEM workforce is female is disheartening, and I hope to reduce this gap. I realize the contributions I can make to the STEM field by encouraging other young women to believe in themselves and dare to take the first step. No matter which path I take in the STEM field, I want to be an inspiration for younger women. All girls should find someone they can look up to and become inspired to excel and pursue their dreams in a male-dominated field. Like Rosie the Riveter said, "We Can Do It"! Women and girls alike have the potential to match up to their male counterparts in the STEM field and only need motivation and support to flourish in this leading career path.

The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked our world and affected each and every one of us. The little things we didn't notice pre-pandemic have come back to haunt us. Family means more as we never know if our loved ones will suddenly die from the virus. Even with all the sadness and negativity that have affected the entire world, we have slowly started recovering and finding a new normal. STEM occupations will grow and become more valuable than they used to be. For humankind to survive and adapt in a post-pandemic world, specific STEM fields will be more in demand, and we must take note of them. For example, the field of medicine will be deemed necessary and encourage people to reach out and take care of themselves. With this virus, we are all potential targets, but those with pre-existing conditions and obesity are more at risk. Those who are susceptible to catching the flu and other illnesses will come to realize they may need to take their medicine more seriously and abide by a healthier style of living. To sum up, the health of people will become a priority that society will value more. Secondly, STEM occupations will become more critical to moving forward from the pandemic by providing more research on microscopic organisms. Research specifically involving biomedical and biochemical science will receive the recognition that it deserves. The advances made with the lab research on the virus and the progression of the vaccine is all thanks to the researchers who spent countless hours working in the lab to help us all. Thirdly, STEM occupations will develop to continually accommodate distance communication. Computer science has become a popular field due to how tech-savvy we have evolved in the 21st century. When schools, businesses, and most of the community shut down in March 2019 at the time when the virus hit the United States, we were all forced to adapt to online learning and a lack of face to face communication. As time went on and we continued staying home to stop the spread of the virus, we had to find a better, alternative way to move forward with our education and careers, in case we wouldn't be able to return to normal for quite a bit of time. Advances in the STEM field have skyrocketed since it first started. It is evident from the data that employment in STEM occupations has grown by 79% since 1990, from 9.7 million to 17.3 million jobs. Whether through our welfare, breakthrough findings, or greater ways of communicating and keeping in touch with friends and loved ones, STEM occupations will be there to guide us into the future of many unknowns.

One woman I admire who was in the STEM was Katherine Johnson. Last year in my science class, my teacher told us about Katherine Johnson, who was an African American NASA mathematician and she helped with the calculations needed to put an astronaut in space. The 1960s was the time of the space race, when the United States, Russia, and other countries were competing to see which country could successfully get a human to the moon. Also, at that time there was segregation and African American women were separated from white women who were also separated from the majority of NASA members, white men. Since Johnson was African American, she worked in the 'computers' section where she did the calculations that she was asked to compute. When she moved up to help send astronauts to space, she was treated horribly. I can recall from the movie where she had to have her own coffee machine because the men didn't want to share with her and had to run to a different facility to use the bathroom. Her determination and perseverance allowed her to stand out and she figured out the trajectory for the Apollo 11 mission. After seeing how much Johnson had to endure and how far she progressed, I became convinced that I could follow my passion in the STEM field and make contributions, while also encouraging other young women to believe in themselves and have the courage to take the first step. Once I graduate high school and move onto college, I hope to get a degree in engineering and also become proficient in computer science. More specifically, I am looking towards biochemical engineering or even chemistry, but there are still many options on the table for me. I want to use my knowledge to do research in the lab and find cures for diseases or use my coding experience to help those who are suffering and make a positive difference in the world. No matter which path I take in the STEM field, I want to be an inspiration for women to come, especially my younger sisters to pursue whatever they wish to take part in. Since women are underrepresented in the STEM field especially, I wish that all girls can find someone that they feel they can look up to and who represents them. This would give the next generations of girls confidence to pursue the dreams in a male-dominated field.