My goal is to create a future where I can use art, design, and storytelling to inspire change and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I want to create work that brings attention to issues that are often overlooked, shares the experiences of underserved communities, and encourages people to care. I believe creativity has the power to connect people, change perspectives, and become a voice for those who are not always heard. After graduating high school at 16, I chose not to view this year as a time to slow down, but as an opportunity to grow. I am using this time to deeply research colleges, career paths, scholarships, and opportunities that align with my purpose. My goal is to enter college prepared, confident, and ready to take full advantage of every resource available to me. I want to combine my passion for art with my interests in sociology and psychology to better understand people and the communities around me. I want to learn why society functions the way it does, how people develop their beliefs, and what causes certain challenges within communities. By understanding human behavior and social systems, I hope to identify problems at their roots and create thoughtful solutions that lead to lasting change. A major part of my plan is making higher education more accessible and affordable. Through my research, I discovered that I can complete CLEP exams with free preparation courses and vouchers through Modern States, allowing me to earn college credit at no cost. This opportunity will help reduce future expenses and allow me to begin college with a strong academic foundation. Coming from a low-income background has taught me that determination and creativity can open doors. I have learned how to find opportunities, use available resources, and continue moving forward even when challenges exist. I plan to utilize scholarships, financial aid, free educational programs, libraries, mentorship, and community resources to continue building my future. My budget will focus on being intentional with every expense. My main costs will include applications, transportation, study materials, portfolio development, and any necessary educational fees. I will reduce these costs by applying for scholarships, seeking fee waivers, using free resources, and taking advantage of programs designed to support students with limited financial resources. This year, I am focused on researching, developing my skills, volunteering, creating art, and preparing for college. My long-term goal is to combine my education, creativity, and passion for helping others to create projects that educate, inspire, and improve communities. I believe my circumstances do not define my future. They have strengthened my determination and taught me the importance of resilience. I am excited for the journey ahead and ready to transform my passion into action, using every opportunity I receive to create a better future for myself and the communities I hope to serve.

Helping others has always been something I’ve valued, and I believe that’s because of the examples I’ve seen in my own family. My great-grandfather served in the Korean War. His bravery, resilience, and lifelong commitment to serving others even after the war taught me what real strength and sacrifice look like. I also have a family member who is a nurse and another who is an epidemiologist. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw firsthand how hard they worked to protect others. One was on the frontlines caring for sick patients, and the other was working behind the scenes, helping track the spread of the virus and keep communities safe. Watching their tireless dedication made me realize how important it is to give back in any way you can, no matter how big or small. Inspired by their example, I’ve tried to live my life with the same sense of service. One way I’ve demonstrated helpfulness is by being someone others can count on—especially during hard times. I’ve helped take care of younger family members, especially when things got overwhelming during the pandemic. I’ve also supported classmates who were struggling academically, offering to study together or help them understand homework when they felt behind. At school, I’ve stepped up when teachers needed help organizing, cleaning, or supporting classmates who felt left out. I try to treat others with care and attention because I know how much it means to feel seen and supported. One example where I had to rely on persistence and perseverance was during a time when I was overwhelmed with school and responsibilities at home. There were nights I stayed up late helping with things around the house, then still had to wake up early to study or finish assignments. I felt exhausted and stressed, but I reminded myself of the people in my family who never gave up, even when things were hard. My great-grandfather didn’t quit when things got tough. The nurse in my family kept going through long, emotionally draining shifts. My epidemiologist family member worked day and night when no one had clear answers. Their strength pushed me to keep going too. I stayed focused, kept doing the work, and eventually I saw my grades improve and felt proud that I didn’t give up. Being helpful isn’t always about doing something big. Sometimes it’s about showing up, being consistent, and doing what you can with what you have. That’s what I’ve learned from my family and what I try to live by every day.

The movie that has had the biggest impact on my life is The Pursuit of Happyness. Watching Chris Gardner’s story hit me so hard because it felt like I was watching my own life play out on screen. The scene that stuck with me the most is when Chris and his son have to sleep in a subway station bathroom. They had nowhere else to go. I remember thinking, that could’ve been me. That feeling of being lost, scared, and having to protect someone you love while you’re falling apart inside—it’s something I know all too well. But there’s another scene that really stuck with me—the moment when Chris gives his son a basketball as a gift. It wasn’t anything fancy or expensive, just a simple basketball. But to his son, it was the best thing in the world. That hit me hard because I’ve been there too. There were times when I didn’t have much, and the little things meant everything to me. Something as simple as a small gift, a kind word, or even just a moment of peace felt like the most precious thing in the world. That’s how I learned to appreciate the little victories in life when everything else felt so hard. Chris didn’t give up, even when everything was against him. He was homeless, struggling to find a job, and still somehow kept pushing forward for his son. That kind of strength and determination gave me hope. It made me realize that no matter how hard life gets, I can keep fighting too. There were times in my life when I thought giving up was easier, when I felt like no one understood what I was going through. But watching Chris’s journey showed me that struggle isn’t the end. It’s part of the process. It’s about how you keep going, even when you’re tired and scared. The movie also reminded me how important it is to hold onto your dreams, even when everything else seems impossible. Chris’s fight wasn’t just about survival; it was about proving to himself and his son that they deserved a better life. That’s something I connect with deeply. Like Chris, I’m fighting to build a future where I can be proud of who I am and what I’ve overcome. The Pursuit of Happyness isn’t just a movie to me. It’s proof that pain and struggle don’t define you—your courage to keep going does. It showed me that even in the darkest moments, there’s a chance for something better. And that’s the kind of hope I carry with me every day.