Perhaps the reader has already guessed why I was so willing and anxious to play the accompaniment to this violin solo; if not the violinist was a girl of seventeen or eighteen whom I had first heard play a short time before on a Sunday afternoon at a special service of some kind, and who had moved me to a degree which now I can hardly think of as possible. At present I do not think it was duc to her wonderful playing, though I judge she must have been a very fair performer, but there was just the proper setting to produce the effect upon a boy such as I was; the half-dim church, the air of devotion on the part of the listeners, the heaving tremor of the organ under the clear wail of the violin, and she, her eyes almost closing, the escaping strands of her dark hair wildly framing her pale face, and her slender body swaying to the tones she called forth, all combined to fire my imagination and my heart with a passion, though boyish, yet strong and, somehow, lasting. I have tried to describe the scene; if I have succeeded, it is only half success, for words can only partially express what I wish to convey. Always in recalling that Sunday afternoon I am subconscious of a faint but distinct fragrance which, like some old memory-awakening perfume, rises and suffuses my whole imagination, inducing a state of reverie so airy as just to evade the powers of expression. She was my first love, and I loved her as only a boy loves. I dreamed of her, I built air castles for her, she was the incarnation of each beautiful heroine I knew; when I played the piano, it was to her, not even music furnished an adequate outlet for my passion; I bought a new note-book and, to sing her praises, made my first and last attempts at poetry. I remember one day at school, after we had given in our note-books to have some exercises corrected, the teacher called me to her desk and said: "I couldn't correct your exercises because I found nothing in your book but a rhapsody on somebody's brown eyes." I had passed in the wrong note-book. I don't think I have felt greater embarrassment in my whole life than I did at that moment. I was ashamed not only that my teacher should see this nakedness of my heart, but that she should find out that I had any knowledge of such affairs. It did not then occur to me to be ashamed of the kind of poetry I had written. In James Weldon Johnson's The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, the narrator's infatuation with the teenage violinist is illustrated through an innocent yet intense longing for love, creating a compelling portrayal of the narrator's response to his crush. Johnson demonstrates the depth of the narrator's passion and paints a picture of the longing and desire to be loved. The narrator's youthful adoration of the violinist serves as the central theme, demonstrating how profound experiences can shape one's thoughts, desires, and actions. Visual and sensory imagery immerses readers in the scene where the narrator first becomes aware of the violinist and allows for an understanding of the environment's impact on the spark of infatuation between the narrator and violinist. The description of the church service as "half-dim" and the "heaving tremor of the organ under the clear wail of the violin" allows the setting to be depicted in a way that provides for the violinist to be seen in a light that shows her immersed in the moment. The phrase "the escaping strands of her dark hair wildly framing her pale face" evokes visual imagery that conveys her becoming lost in her music. Visual and sensory imagery create a sensory experience, allowing the reader to connect with the atmosphere and emotions in the scene. The use of symbolism is apparent in the passage as the narrator portrays the violinist as his first love. Although he is initially fond of her for her musical talents, her significance transcends beyond that as the passage goes on. He describes her as "the incarnation of each beautiful heroine [he] knew," which conveys the violinist embodies characteristics and values of beauty and grace. By saying this, the narrator equates the violinist to the idealistic heroine in literature, which every young boy admires. She not only allures him with her musical talent, she becomes the girl of his dreams. By relating her back to previous heroines, the violinist is seen as an inspiration for the narrator's poetry and the single object with which he is preoccupied. The metaphorical language in the passage allows for reflection on the narrator's emotional state and feelings. In describing her musical performance, the tones and her presence "combined to fire [her] imagination and heart with passion." The metaphor of the fire conveys an intense emotional response by eluding to himself being consumed by the sensory symphony. Additionally, his entire being was overcome by her fragrance, "inducing a state of reverie so airy as just to evade the powers of expression." As seen in the metaphor, his recollection of the Sunday prior not only describes the impact of his memories but also highlights his emotions associated with the memory. He is captivated to a great extent and portrayed as daydreaming, in essence, wandering into his own world. The emotional depth of the narrator's desire for the violinist to notice him moves beyond purely adoration. The narrator is in love with the teenager, and it is his first love. With emotions encompassing him, the depth of his feelings allows the reader to sense this is more than a crush. A first love is a transformative experience, and the intensity of the narrator's feelings comes to life through Johnson's work. It captures the universal experience of a first love, reminding the reader of the relevant nature of the desire to be loved.

As I think on my academic career, my interests and objectives are intertwined with the many experiences that have created me. From the beautiful mountains of Asheville, NC, to the busy streets of Japan, I have immersed myself in possibilities for learning and leadership that have sparked my academic interests and goals of becoming an oral surgeon. Notably, my extracurricular activities taught me the significance of community participation and leadership from a young age. Student Government was my canvas for development and participation. Class Secretary-Treasurer taught me organization and finance, while the role of Class President taught me the value of relationships. These jobs required strategic planning, creative communication, and compassionate leadership. Moreover, Habitat for Humanity and my service for National Honor Society channeled my passion for community transformation. I was blessed to lead community-building projects as Director of Events and Vice President of Habitat for Humanity, reflecting the health sciences' inclusive and service-driven culture. This significant connection showed the possibility for leadership and service to ravel together and instilled in me a passionate dedication to elevate lives. Interestingly, I began a revolutionary academic and leadership adventure beyond my hometown. The National Student Leadership Conference at Duke University exposed me to healthcare's complexity. I saw the delicate balance between scientific rigor, compassionate understanding, and groundbreaking innovation in medicine. This interaction broadened my perspectives and fueled my love for healthcare that blends empathy and science. Habitat For Humanity and my healthcare leadership opportunity have shaped my academic career and my drive. I am at the crossroad of my academic career, ready to combine my passion for social welfare with my desire to train as an oral surgeon. I'm delighted to start this transformational journey that embodies my steadfast commitment to helping lives via science and compassion, guided by my experiences and leadership opportunities. My academic achievements have developed my health sciences passion. I excel at biology and am always fascinated by its complex dance. This passion carried over into my employment as a Biology Tutor, where I teach my peers the complexity of life. Each tutoring session is a chance to spark their interest and enthusiasm, which has driven me. This shared excitement strengthens my belief that communication and education will guide me toward becoming an oral surgeon. These two components raise medical care into an art form whereby compassion and empathy are as important as accuracy and skill. Beyond school, I play varsity soccer, where discipline and collaboration resemble healthcare's precision and cooperation. These experiences have shaped my dedication to quality and cooperation, which I will apply to oral surgery. My desire to specialize as an oral surgeon is a calling. I want to use medical technology and surgery to bring back smiles and enhance lives. From student organizations to community service, I've grown to appreciate healthcare's technical and personal elements. My journey has been one of constant growth, discovery, and empowerment. My student governance, volunteer work, and academic achievements form the foundation of my oral surgery dreams which began from my drive to be a leader in my community.

"Health knows no boundaries," declared the distinguished medical scientist, Dr. Paula Smith. These words have resonated deeply throughout my journey towards global citizenship. As I've grappled with what it truly means to live in this world, I've aspired to become an oral surgeon, a path that transcends geographic and cultural borders, seeking to make a tangible impact on the health and well-being of people worldwide. World citizenship encompasses a deep feeling of belonging to a worldwide community in a society with many cultures, civilizations, and difficulties. Through experiences, education, and personal aspirations, I have learned to understand the rich tapestry of our common humanity, developing a devotion beyond the Swannanoa Valley, North Carolina, and the United States. World citizenship recognizes that we are all part of a global family beyond artificial bounds on a map, and it expresses the deep insight that our lives are connected and that our decisions affect others. Eye-opening experiences ignited my path toward global citizenship during trips to Mexico and Japan. Witnessing healthcare disparities and varying healthcare systems in these countries served as stark reminders that health is a universal right, regardless of location. These experiences emphasized the importance of accessible and quality healthcare services globally, irrespective of geographical borders. My quest for global medical awareness extended to the Duke Medical Camp, where I gained invaluable insights into the medical field and its international challenges. This experience broadened my perspective on the impact of healthcare imbalances and the potential for change through dedicated individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, opened my eyes to the intricate interconnections of our world. It revealed that, although tangible borders exist, the world is deeply interconnected on the microscopic level. The virus did not respect borders, nationalities, or socioeconomic status. It transcended geographical boundaries, making it abundantly clear that one nation's health profoundly affects all countries' health. This realization reinforced my commitment to global healthcare and bridging disparities. History runs like a river, bearing the legacy of previous generations. It involves successes, tragedies, and continuous advancement. Understanding this historical continuity helps me to understand the intricate interaction of cultures, economies, and political systems that define our globe. Furthermore, my active participation in Habitat for Humanity projects, building homes for underserved families, illuminated the mutualistic relationship between housing and healthcare. It emphasized that the path to global health equity requires addressing multiple facets of well-being. My journey has fueled a passion to specialize in oral surgery, a field where I can contribute to improving the oral health of individuals from diverse backgrounds. This aspiration aligns perfectly with my goal of addressing dental health inequalities on a global scale. I envision myself working in my local community and engaging in international missions, providing essential oral healthcare services to underserved populations. As I pursue my dream of becoming an oral surgeon, I am committed to promoting health as an essential component of overall global health. By embracing global citizenship and transcending borders, it's clear that the world can be seen as a fabric of life knitted together in unison. I firmly believe that bridging the healthcare divide can build a healthier world and that our actions may design a future that values our humanity and connects nations abroad.

Reflecting on my academic journey, it becomes evident that my interests, objectives, and aspirations have been profoundly shaped by many experiences that have defined me. From the breathtaking mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, to the bustling streets of Japan, my immersion in diverse cultures and learning opportunities have ignited my academic passions and my unwavering commitment to becoming an oral surgeon. In this pursuit, the distinguished medical scientist Dr. Paula Smith has echoed in my mind: "Health knows no boundaries." This concept has been at the heart of my desire to become an oral surgeon. I have grappled with the profound meaning of living in an interconnected world and aspired to a path as an oral surgeon that transcends geographical and cultural borders, seeking to make a tangible impact on the health and well-being of people worldwide. Through my experiences, education, and personal aspirations, I've come to appreciate the rich mosaic of our shared humanity, extending my devotion far beyond the boundaries of Swannanoa Valley, North Carolina, and the United States. My journey has been a tapestry woven with academic achievements and impactful extracurricular involvement. Notably, my roles in student government provided fertile ground for personal development and active community participation. Whether serving as Class Secretary-Treasurer, which honed my organizational and financial skills, or as Class President, where I learned the value of building relationships, I discovered the importance of strategic planning, creative communication, and compassionate leadership. These leadership positions have laid the foundation for me to build up my knowledge in Dentistry. My passion for community transformation can be expressed through my involvement with Habitat for Humanity and service with the National Honor Society. As the Director of Events and Vice President of Habitat for Humanity, I was privileged to lead projects that reflected the inclusive and service-driven culture of the health sciences. These experiences underscored the potential for leadership and service to interweave, cementing my unwavering dedication to uplifting lives. Eye-opening experiences during trips to Mexico and Japan ignited my path toward understanding disparities beyond the United States. Witnessing healthcare disparities and varying healthcare systems in these countries served as stark reminders that health is a universal right, regardless of one's geographic location. These experiences underscored the critical need for accessible and quality healthcare services worldwide, transcending geographical boundaries. The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the intricate interconnectedness of our world. It revealed that, despite tangible borders, our world is deeply interwoven at microscopic levels. The virus disregarded borders, nationalities, and socioeconomic status, making it evident that the health of one nation profoundly affects the health of all countries. This realization reinforced my commitment to global healthcare and addressing disparities. Pursuing my dream of becoming an oral surgeon, I remain steadfast in my commitment to promoting health as an essential component of overall global well-being. I firmly believe that bridging the healthcare divide can build a healthier world, and our actions can shape a future that values our shared humanity and connects nations across the globe. My journey is a testament to these ideals, and I look forward to a future where my dedication to improving oral health on a global scale knows no boundaries.