From a young age, I have had a vibrant imagination, one that weaves the written word into a mesmerizing tapestry of vivid characters and enchanting worlds. I have even started writing books that I hope to publish someday. Each time I plunge into the pages of a book, characters spring to life in my mind, inviting me on an extraordinary journey that feels remarkably different from watching their tales play out on screen. Films often gloss over crucial details that infuse a narrative with depth and richness, while at times, they delve into dimensions unexplored by the text, offering fresh perspectives that elevate the overall understanding of the story. Take "Twilight", for example—a series that has ignited passionate debates among its audience. In the exciting climax leading up to an intense showdown against problematic vampires, a key scene unfolds as Edward's sister, Alice, steps into the battle. Endowed with the remarkable gift of foresight, she becomes an essential player in the drama, her prophetic visions illuminating the path through the chaos. This intricate dance of suspense and supernatural ability enhances the tension of the moment, revealing the subtle nuances that can easily be overshadowed in a cinematic adaptation. It is these intricate details that transform reading into a transcendent experience for me, allowing me to peel back the layers of the story and traverse its depths through the lens of my imagination. One of my favorite adaptations from book to film is Robert C. O'Brien's captivating tale Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. The film adaptation, The Secret of NIMH, beautifully captures the essence of the original narrative while offering a distinct interpretation that enchants viewers. In O'Brien's book, readers are drawn into a mesmerizing world inhabited by highly intelligent rats, whose lives have been irrevocably altered by the cruel hands of scientific experimentation. Details unfold like a layered tapestry, revealing their harrowing origins and the complex circumstances that shaped them. Unlike the animated film, which focuses primarily on the valiant journey of Mrs. Frisby—a determined mouse fighting against time to save her ailing child—the novel intricately explores many perspectives. It immerses us in the lives of unforgettable characters, particularly the morally torn rat, Nicodemus, whose wisdom and inner conflict resonate deeply. The other inhabitants of the farm, too, contribute to a rich mosaic of resilience and courage, each one adding a unique brushstroke to the overarching narrative. These added layers within the novel enrich our understanding of the profound themes it grapples with, such as humanity's relentless advancement encroaching upon nature and the ethical quandaries posed by scientific endeavors. While "The Secret of NIMH" dazzles with its stunning animation and emotional resonance, the source material unfurls with a vibrancy that weaves together a more immersive tapestry—one bursting with diverse experiences and viewpoints that elevate the story into an unforgettable exploration of bravery and sacrifice. Members of my family have read the book and watched the film adaptation. Yet, I am the only member who finds genuine enjoyment in both. The book paints vibrant pictures of the characters' thoughts and emotions, crafting a complex tapestry of their motivations and relationships. In contrast, the film, while visually striking and expertly directed, offers a different lens through Mrs. Brizbee. Although it omits some details, it brilliantly captures the essence of the story through dynamic performances and breathtaking cinematography. Each version presents a distinct viewpoint, illuminating aspects of the narrative that only a few rare adaptations manage to convey, making my appreciation for both truly unique.

When I was about two years old, a dog bit me in the eye, and unfortunately, it had to be put down; however, the incident was not the dog’s fault. Since then, I’ve witnessed animals in poor health and observed how some are treated as if they are aliens in this beautiful world. I love all animals, whether they are domestic or wild because every creature has a purpose in our ecosystem. I have chosen to pursue wildlife rehabilitation and anything involving plants and animals because animals have been a significant part of my life since childhood. I plan to take as many classes as I can in animal science, environmental studies, and agriculture to deepen my knowledge and better assist nature. I aspire to create a world where others can learn about the environment, similar to how the Kratt brothers introduced wildlife to children through their show, Wild Kratts. I want to help prevent animals from becoming extinct so that future generations won’t have to wonder what a tiger or a goldfish looks like. My goal is to receive a solid education and learn as much as possible about the environment, allowing me to make a difference, no matter how small. I hope to inspire others to follow a similar path to create a safer, better world—much like the vision presented in Star Trek.

Choosing my favorite Billie Eilish songs was tough because her music expresses a wide range of emotions and styles. After careful thought, I picked three tracks that connect with my feelings and experiences, making them special in my playlist. The song "Lovely," by Billie Eilish and Khalid, deeply resonates with me. For a long time, I felt invisible, as if my voice got lost in the noise around me. Each day felt heavier as I fought my internal battles, believing I was alone in my struggles. The sense of isolation was overwhelming, and I felt that no one understood the depth of what I was going through. The heartfelt lyrics of the song capture the loneliness I felt during my darkest moments. Billie's haunting version of "Lovely" has a deep emotional impact. The music, with its melancholic tones, matches the song's essence, creating an atmosphere that evokes anticipation and realization. As her voice blends with the ethereal sounds, it speaks directly to the heart, offering a powerful message of solitude and connection. The lyrics remind us that, despite feeling isolated, we are never truly alone. This balance between loneliness and the comfort of shared experience creates a powerful listening experience that stays with you long after the song ends. The song "Therefore I Am" also resonates with me and helped me understand my identity. It emphasizes that I am in control of who I am and that my worth isn’t defined by what others think. This realization has empowered me to accept my true self, urging me to live authentically and confidently, without letting others influence my identity. It reminds me that I have the right to define myself. Listening to "Therefore I Am" is energizing and engaging. The beat is upbeat and encourages listeners to feel not just intellectually but also emotionally, suggesting that we should “listen with our hearts.” The lyrics promote self-acceptance and authenticity, highlighting the vital importance of being true to oneself. Musically, the track showcases a rebellious and playful spirit, revealing a complex personality. While some parts of the song might seem fierce, they add to the overall richness, reflecting the complexities of self-identity and confidence. This mix of lively sounds and thought-provoking lyrics invites listeners to embrace their uniqueness and challenge societal norms. Finally, the song "Bad Guy" reminds me of the importance of being authentic. It shows the dangers of presenting a false image to impress others. I realized that pretending to be someone I do not distance me from my true self and affects my relationships. It's essential to be genuine and not conform to others’ expectations. The rhythm of "Bad Guy" creates a spooky vibe like a horror movie. Its eerie beats and suspenseful undertones build tension. The background music feels almost like it’s daring the listener to speak up. This unique blend of sounds encourages self-expression without fear of judgment. The song celebrates individuality and urges everyone to be true to themselves.

A couple of years ago, while playing club soccer as a goalkeeper, I experienced something unexpected during a game. I dove to make a save and successfully caught the ball in my hands. Just then, a girl from the opposing team ran toward me at full speed and began kicking the ball repeatedly. The ball was positioned between her foot and my head. Surprisingly, the referee didn’t blow the whistle as quickly as one might expect. Instead, he defended the girl, claiming that she "did not mean to kick the ball so many times." As a result of the girl’s actions and the referee's delayed response, I suffered a concussion that impacted my ability to learn. Before my concussion, I was able to retain 90% of the information presented to me and was a straight-A student. Unfortunately, after the concussion, I began struggling to remember what I learned in various subjects, as well as information about friends and family. My grades now range from Cs to Bs, with the occasional A, but overall, they have declined. Additionally, as a woman with blonde hair, I often face the stereotype of the "dumb blonde," which doesn’t help my situation. While my concussion may not be as life-threatening as when I was bitten in the eye by a dog at the age of two or when my appendix burst and almost went unnoticed, it has created long-term challenges for my learning ability. A concussion is not something to overlook. Although I have difficulty remembering things, I continue to put in the effort, whether that means writing down every detail or using various materials on the same subject. There are many reasons why I am pursuing a degree in STEM. I love animals and aspire to become a wildlife rehabilitator. I plan to attend Morehead State University to major in science and animal-related subjects to broaden my knowledge of animals so that I can respond appropriately to any situation I encounter. I also intend to major in business to open my own animal shelter or sanctuary. Additionally, I wish to take a few engineering classes to ensure my car runs smoothly. There are so many reasons for my path, but a couple specifically strengthen my love for nature. I grew up watching *Wild Kratts*, which inspired me to want to save the species that inhabit our planet. I also enjoyed watching National Geographic. A few years ago, I came across a song that resonated deeply with me and still does to this day. Some of my peers may not remember the song—or may not have considered its message—but it was "Dear 2045" by Adrianswife. The most recent documentary I viewed was "Kiss the Ground: Full Movie with Spanish Subtitles - Healthy Soil, Regenerative Agriculture" by Fruitarian Paradise. Through all the videos I've watched about the earth, nature, plants, and animals, I have come to realize that I want to help save our planet. My goals include making the air cleaner, the soil richer, and sharing knowledge that will enable others to contribute to a better world. Pursuing a higher education is not easy, especially given the rising costs. I understand that college is not free, but I plan to share the knowledge I gain so that others might also follow a similar path to help the earth. This scholarship would significantly aid me in achieving my goal of contributing to a safer and healthier world.

For many years, the topic of mental health was an unfamiliar territory for me. I grew up without any formal education on what mental health encompasses, its critical importance, or how to take care of it. This gap in understanding cast a long shadow over my emotional well-being, leaving me feeling lost and confused. My perspective shifted dramatically when I discovered two influential books: "Big Life Journal: Teen Edition" and "Mental Health 101 for Teens." I first received the "Big Life Journal" in 2019, a gift from my mother as she embarked on the journey of homeschooling me and my sister. She believed that providing me with a personal diary would encourage reflection and self-expression. At that time, I approached the journal as simply a place to jot down daily activities and thoughts, completely unaware of the deeper purpose it could serve in my life. It wasn’t until I picked up "Mental Health 101 for Teens" in 2023 that the pieces of my emotional puzzle began to fall into place. For years, I had been under the impression that expressing my emotions was either excessive or unacceptable. I frequently received comments that made me doubt myself, with people telling me I "cried too much" or needed to "control" my feelings. These comments, often laden with judgment, left me feeling as if I were not only wrong for being emotional but also condemned me to conform to a rigid stereotype. Though I am a woman, I often felt confined within a box typically associated with the male experience, where vulnerability was frowned upon. As a result, I resorted to hiding my emotions, allowing my tears to flow only in the privacy of my bedroom at night. I convinced myself that shielding others from my feelings was a noble act, as I viewed emotional expression as a burden rather than a natural component of being human. However, the revelations I encountered while reading "Mental Health 101 for Teens" transformed my understanding. I learned that the coping mechanisms I had adopted—masking my emotions and practicing emotional suppression—were detrimental to my overall well-being. The book opened my eyes to the fundamental aspects of mental health, illustrating not only its significance but also practical strategies to nurture and protect it. Armed with this knowledge, I felt inspired to take action in reshaping my lifestyle; this newfound motivation was ignited further after a life-altering trip to Alaska, where the breathtaking landscapes and fresh air rejuvenated my spirit. Despite my determination, I quickly realized that maintaining my mental health was increasingly challenging, especially since I still live with my family, who may not fully understand my struggles. To address this, I turned to an app called Finch, seeking guidance and support in navigating my emotional landscape. Along with music to calm me and help me focus on life. However, my battles with mental health seemed to weigh heavily on my motivation. I found it difficult to engage in beloved hobbies, and my focus on schoolwork became erratic as if my enthusiasm had evaporated. The burden of my emotions felt like an anchor, dragging me down, making every effort to move forward a significant challenge. Yet, as I embark on this journey toward better mental health, I am filled with hope. I understand that acknowledging and working through my feelings is not a burden but a vital step toward healing and personal growth. I am committed to exploring the resources available, including my journal and the insights gained from my readings, as I strive to cultivate a healthier mindset and reclaim my motivation. "The Search" by NF

I am interested in several fields, including wildlife rehabilitation, business ownership, land surveying, soil testing, content creation on YouTube, and mechanical engineering. When I was about three years old, I got a dog named Baby. She was my adorable and funny little companion. Twelve years later, I went out to the backyard to check on the baby goats to make sure they had survived the night. Normally, Baby would run up to greet me as soon as I walked through the gate of the fenced yard, but this time, I received no greeting. I thought she might just be asleep, as she was getting older, but I couldn’t find her in her usual spots. After searching for a while, I discovered her under a fallen pine tree, covered in blood and unable to walk. None of the other animals seemed to notice her absence. We rushed her to the vet, where she received the best possible treatment. The veterinarian informed us that a coyote had attacked her and advised us to keep Baby inside for a week. During that week, my family made some changes to the fencing to prevent coyotes from climbing over. Baby recovered and was eventually returned outside, but soon after, we realized the real culprit: our other dog, Bonnie. Tragically, Baby later died from a second attack. We were baffled by Bonnie's behavior and made many educated guesses about her actions. I theorized that her genetic background could shed light on what happened. In a wolf pack, if a wolf is sick and shows no promise of recovery, it is often taken out by the others to protect the pack. Since Baby had many lumps on her body, I suspect she may have had cancer, and Bonnie was acting according to her instincts as a canine. I have always had a deep love for animals, plants, and the environment around me. Since childhood, I aspired to have a job that involved working with animals. My journey began with the desire to become a veterinarian, then I shifted my focus to zoology, followed by marine biology, and ultimately decided to pursue a career as a wildlife rehabilitator. Owning my own business would also allow me to expand my reach and make a difference in ways I couldn't achieve on my own. Additionally, studying land surveying and soil science would provide me with a better understanding of the extent of damage our Earth has endured. Creating content on YouTube would help me share knowledge widely and inspire others. By sharing knowledge about our environment and helping others acquire important skills that may not have been accessible to them before, I aspire to contribute to solving nature-related problems. This effort could also raise awareness of various issues and motivate more individuals to get involved in making a difference. One of my inspirations for striving to improve the world is the documentary "Kiss the Ground: Full Movie with Spanish Subtitles - Healthy Soil, Regenerative Agriculture" by Fruitarian Paradise.

There's something electrifying about the radiant smile on my face that lifts the spirits of everyone around me! Stress-free is all I need. I am a young woman with a diverse range of romantic interests. I feel drawn to both girls and guys, provided they are kind and respectful individuals. I am particularly passionate about exploring polyamorous relationships, as I believe in the value of deep connections with multiple people. However, I am not one to push such beliefs on someone if they are not comfortable with them. One of my greatest passions in life is my love for animals. I have always felt a strong bond with them, and I find immense joy in caring for and learning about different species. To combine my love for animals with my entrepreneurial spirit, I have a strong desire to start a business that focuses on helping animals of all shapes and sizes. My goal is to create a positive impact in the lives of animals in need, whether it be through rescue, rehabilitation, or advocacy. I hope to make a meaningful difference in the animal welfare community. I plan to use the money I earn to pursue my goal of becoming a wildlife rehabilitator. This will cover the cost of the necessary classes that provide me with the skills and knowledge needed for this career. Additionally, I will use the funds to purchase textbooks and other essential materials for my coursework. Beyond academics, I also need to budget for food and various college supplies that support my daily living and learning experiences. This financial assistance will be crucial in helping me achieve my dream of helping injured and orphaned wildlife. Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community has had its ups and downs as time has passed and attitudes have changed. At first, I was nervous about how my friendships, family relationships, and romantic relationships would be affected by my identity. Fortunately, my family was supportive, as I discovered that other family members were also part of the community. As for my friends, some disagreed with my identity, while others either came out to me or didn't care. Some friends chose to leave, decided that discussions about the community were off-limits, or stayed supportive. In my significant relationships, when I came out, my partner at the time broke up with me. Subsequent love interests had mixed reactions; some didn't care (but also cared and had input on my situation), while others tried to "change" me or guilt me into thinking that I was in the wrong. I often struggle to find work and education that accepts me for who I am and my skills, rather than focusing on the details of my love life. I have experienced various opinions and reactions. I find some movies featuring gay characters adorable, but over time, I've noticed that a lot of drama has emerged within the community. Listening to claims of "you're being homophobic" over minor non-homophobic situations wore me out, so I stopped following everything happening in the community. I still catch wind of some events, and I continue to help others with their identities, but the constant drama has driven me away. Although some parts of the community disgust me and make me dislike the idea of being associated with the community, there are good, respectful, and accepting aspects of the community that restore my faith in humanity. Although I experience ups and downs, I always find a way to push through and ignore the negativity around me. I refuse to let others dictate my passions based on what they think is best.

For my dual enrollment class at Pellissippi State Community College, I was assigned extra credit to watch a one-hour-long agriculture video. Normally, watching videos wouldn’t impact my life much, and I thought this would be like watching a boring documentary. However, I was pleasantly surprised right at the beginning. Not only was the beginning colorful, but the speaker caught my attention. As I continued watching, I realized that my future career could help shape the world in significant ways, rather than just providing medicine for animals. I could make simple changes on my farm, spread the word, and contribute to advancements in science. The video I watched was "Kiss the Ground Documentary Full Movie with Spanish Subtitles - Healthy Soil, Regenerative Agriculture" by Fruitarian Paradise. My journey in STEM has been a powerful and transformative experience, fostering both my skills and character. Despite facing skepticism and hurtful comments, I have chosen to channel negativity into motivation, letting each dismissive remark fuel my determination to succeed. The unwavering support of my family and friends has been instrumental in my growth, providing strength and encouragement during challenging times. Their belief in my potential inspires me, much like the remarkable women in my life who have triumphed in male-dominated STEM fields. This strong support network reinforces my purpose as I pursue my studies and projects with resilience and dedication. I aspire not just for personal success but also to challenge stereotypes and dismantle barriers, proving that hard work and self-belief can open up limitless possibilities. My passion for animals and the natural world drives my commitment to fostering a healthier environment for future generations. I aim to become a wildlife rehabilitator, dedicating my time to rescuing and nurturing injured animals and ensuring their safe return to the wild. Additionally, I plan to leverage my storytelling skills through a YouTube channel, creating engaging content to raise awareness about critical environmental issues and inspire others to join the movement for change. As a future businesswoman, my goal is to develop sustainable ventures that prioritize ethical practices, demonstrating that businesses can thrive while being responsible stewards of the Earth. I also have a keen interest in land surveying, which will enable me to contribute to responsible land management and ensure development projects respect natural habitats. Through all these endeavors, I am committed to showing others that their dreams can be realized, no matter how ambitious. I aim to spread knowledge, inspire action, and cultivate a deep appreciation for our planet, leaving a meaningful impact on the world we share. My experiences in STEM activities and collaborative projects have also been immensely rewarding, helping me develop leadership skills and improve teamwork. Effective communication has become essential, as I've learned to listen to my peers while sharing my ideas. Collaborating with others has refined my ability to delegate tasks, creating a motivating environment focused on our shared goals. The hands-on nature of these projects has been exhilarating, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings while sparking my creativity. As I look toward a future career in biology, I feel energized about the possibilities that lie ahead. I’m eager to leverage my practical experience, leadership, and teamwork skills to initiate transformative projects that positively impact individuals and communities, particularly in healthcare, environmental conservation, or education. I approach challenges with confidence and resilience, viewing them as opportunities for growth. Every experience not only hones my skills but also prepares me to make meaningful contributions to biology and society. I'm excited to embrace the potential ahead and work toward turning my aspirations into reality.