I’m a rising freshman who is attending Boston University. I am pursuing a bachelors degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Urban Affairs, and I may consider a masters later down the line. I’m aiming towards making a legitimate difference in sustainable urban development. Specifically, I'm focusing on improving current models of permeable pavement, implementing it, and creating green third spaces in cities. Permeable pavement helps cities manage stormwater better by letting rain soak into the ground instead of running off into drains. This can reduce flooding risks and improves water quality, making urban areas cleaner and more resilient when facing certain weather events. In cities that experience heavy snowfall, this can also help with using less sand and salt on roads while also preventing flooding. Another benefit to permeable pavement is that it reduces the urban heat island effect, which is being experienced in almost every city. Dark pavement can take in considerable amounts of heat, and then radiate it back out. This makes hot and sunny weather in cities particularly unpleasant, and even dangerous. The only drawback to permeable pavement is its cost, and I want to work to develop a model that’s cheaper and effective to implement. All of the positives of permeable pavement can lead to a more positive living experience for those in cities, be it drivers, pedestrians, bikers, and more. All types of people can benefit from improved accessibility roads, especially disabled and low-income communities. My other focus, green third spaces includes creating parks, gardens, and free sustainable indoor locations for people to simply exist in. These not only enhance urban beauty, but also provide vital benefits like cooling the city, supporting biodiversity, and giving people places to relax and connect. There is a desperate need for more third spaces, a place where people can go to legally that isn’t work, school, or home that doesn’t any cost money. If locations are designated for people to spend time in, adding sustainable and green elements is generally simple. These spaces are crucial for improving urban living standards and fostering community well-being. I'm studying to understand environmental, social, urban, and intersectional issues deeply and gain practical skills to advocate for sustainable urban practices. My goal is to work directly with communities, engineers, and policymakers to create cities that are greener, healthier, and more enjoyable for everyone. Hopefully there will be at least one city where I’ve created something new, something helpful and beneficial to the world.

As someone who has survived a suicide attempt by means of an overdose, I feel deeply connected to this scholarship. I’m a rising freshman at Boston University, and if I could go back in time to the day I overdosed and tell my younger self that I'd end up at one of the top universities in the country, I wouldn’t believe it. The truth about life is that sometimes it gets really, really bad before anything positive can happen. Yet, this experience has taught me that "The Best is Yet to Come." My biggest aspiration is to work in sustainable urban development. This field perfectly combines my passions and values. It’s not just about constructing buildings and laying out roads; it’s about creating communities that are efficient, eco-friendly, and inclusive. I want to design spaces that improve people's lives and ensure a healthier planet for future generations. Another dream of mine is to be the first in my family to earn a bachelor's degree and, possibly, a master's. This goal goes beyond academic achievement; it’s about breaking the cycle of poverty my family has been trapped in for generations. I've witnessed firsthand the struggles that come different levels of poverty. This experience has inspired my desire to work in environmental city planning that accounts for diverse groups of people, including low income and unhoused people. I want to create sustainable urban spaces that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic status. Education has always been a safe place, opening doors to opportunities that once seemed out of reach. By achieving this milestone, I aim to prove to my younger self that life can get better. It truly was just a waiting game. My journey isn’t exclusively about personal success; it’s about making a difference in the world. I want to leave a legacy that reflects my values and aspirations. I hope to be remembered as someone who overcame personal struggles and used those experiences to drive positive change. Through my work in sustainable urban development, I want to create a ripple effect that inspires others to dream big and believe that their best days are ahead. In conclusion, my dreams reflect the resilience of the human spirit. They show that no matter how dark the present may seem, if you can hold on, the future contains endless possibilities. By pursuing a career in sustainable urban development, achieving research goals, and making a meaningful impact on the world, I have seen that the best is still yet to come, and that good keeps coming. It guides my life and gives me the strength to overcome any external and internal challenges I face.

In a capitalistic society that values activities by how much monetary gain can be achieved, I have learned that true satisfaction comes from dedicating myself to the passionate service of others. Through my time spent baking cookies for the homeless, judging an elementary school robotics fair, participating in neighborhood clean-up efforts, sorting clothes for my school's spare inventory, and being a member of the National Honor Society, I have gained invaluable insights into the transformative power of service. One of my most meaningful steps in my volunteer journey took place within the sacred walls of a synagogue. I am not Jewish, so this experience was also a learning journey. Volunteering at a local synagogue opened my eyes to the harsh realities faced by the homeless in our community. It was a simple act of baking cookies, but it spoke volumes about compassion and human dignity. I learned that even a small gesture of kindness can bring warmth and sustenance to those who have fallen on hard times. I have distant family members who have struggled with homelessness, so this particular cause was close to my heart. Judging an elementary school robotics fair was a chance to nurture the curiosity and innovation of young minds. When I first arrived, I was nervous about the responsibility of selecting winners, but the energy and enthusiasm of these young engineers and inventors were contagious. In this role, I learned that education and encouragement are vital for the growth and development of our future leaders. The innocent passion I saw in those kids rekindled my own passion for learning and inspired me to continue nurturing the potential of others. Their lego robot creations were shockingly complex as well. The other judges and I were able to give each group with a specialized award for their unique creations. Environmental causes have always been close to my heart, especially after taking an AP Environmental Science class in school. Walking around my neighborhood and picking up stray litter alone left me to ponder the urgency of addressing our most pressing environmental issues. Through my efforts, I was able to properly dispose of 4 contractor sized trash bags worth of litter. I learned that our planet's well-being is everyone's responsibility, and even small-scale actions can contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. This experience has made me appreciate all living beings and reinforced my commitment to sustainable practices. Sorting clothes in my school's spare clothes inventory exercised my patience, empathy and resourcefulness. I encountered the struggles some students face when it comes to basic necessities. Some students might need spare pants because they fell in mud during recess, but others might not be able to afford clothes at all. Sorting and organizing clothes for those in need underscored the importance of solidarity within a community. It has motivated me to continue addressing issues related to poverty and accessibility, both within my school and in the broader community. Membership in the National Honor Society has provided me with a platform to amplify my commitment to service. This organization has further developed my leadership and organizational skills and allowed me to participate in larger scale group efforts. It has reminded me that education, character, and service are the pillars of a fulfilling and impactful life. In the future, I plan to continue my work helping others by expanding my volunteer efforts, particularly in the areas of intersectional environmental activism. My experiences have taught me that the path to a brighter future is paved with kindness, knowledge, selflessness, and unity.

I am a huge fan of The Cure, and have been for years. I love the music itself, the people behind it, what it stands for, all of it. This piece uses a reference of Robert Smith, the lead singer of The Cure, on the set where they were filming The Lovecats music video. I’ve always been really drawn to this song because of its strangely upbeat nature. When most people think of The Cure, they think of either slow gothic songs, or sappy love songs. The Lovecats is actually about a suicide pact, which makes sense in the context of The Cure. Most people wouldn’t know that solely based off of the sound though. I also just really love cats. The original photograph only has a few cats, one in his lap, and a couple in the windowsill. I wanted this piece to have some realism and some dreamlike elements. I of course wanted to add more cats, so I did, and used some references of my own cats to do so. The wall to the left is obviously less realistic than everything on the right, but it’s because I wanted it to look like a transition to an unreal place. The staircase is also colored bright yellow which is abnormal for a typical building, bringing more of the dreamlike feeling in. I had made this as a project in art class last year, where we were tasked to make a portrait of one person that’s detailed, or a less detailed group of people. I chose to do the single portrait and added a bunch of cats. If I had access to more materials than the standard colored pencils that were provided I probably could’ve made Robert’s face look better, but considering what I had I think he looks lovely. My favorite part of making this was either coloring in his shirt and detailing all of the little folds, or drawing the cats (once again, I love cats). My least favorite would be when I accidentally ripped off the area where I drew his mouth, and then had to glue on new paper to the area. I ended up dedicating this drawing to my mom because she was a fan of The Cure long before I was born, and it’s one of our many shared musical interests. She loved this so much that she even wanted to send it to Robert Smith himself. Any time I look back at my portfolio, if I see this, I think of singing The Lovecats in the car with my mother.

In kindergarten, my grandmother made a promise to me. She grew up in a period and place that didn't value women's education, so she never had the chance to think about going to university. Not to mention that even if they wanted her to, they could never afford it. My family has a long history of people simply surviving, teetering between poverty and typical low income, which is disheartening because they were all hard workers. Thankfully, we are breaking the cycle of generational poverty now. I'm actually the first person in my family to be born outside of government housing. My grandmother wanted me to be the first person in our family to attend college. My mother didn't get to because she was given too many responsibilities at work, eventually having me too, and my uncle simply didn't go. From the day we received my first report card, my grandma knew I could be successful in academics. "If you get good grades throughout school, I'll take you to Paris!" I still remember her telling me after proudly showing off my new grades. She loves to travel and make memories, especially since she's getting older now. As long as something terrible doesn't happen, we'll be planning a little trip to Europe once I graduate. She has been saving up for that trip for years. I'm sure we will have a fantastic time wherever we go, and I'll cherish every moment of it. I love my grandma. If I can receive some financial assistance for school, I can worry less about whether I can afford to stay in college. Attaining higher education has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid; it truly means everything to me. Getting a degree is amazing, and it's even better when you're the first person in your family to do it. However, my aspirations extend past personal achievement; they are deeply rooted in my desire to make a meaningful impact on the world around me. I've been considering a career in healthcare, specifically radiation therapy, for about three years now. I've witnessed the devastating effects of cancer within my own family. I've seen the toll it takes on individuals and their loved ones, both emotionally and physically. Knowing that my work could help people and their loved ones potentially overcome such a dreadful journey is motivating beyond belief. Even if I don't pursue radiation therapy, I want to help people, so my job will still benefit the community around me. In addition, the money I earn from that job will hopefully be given back to people who need it. Once I'm financially stable, I want to engage in philanthropy. I'd like to give back in the form of scholarships and donations to animal shelters, in particular. Lastly, I want to take my grandmother on a trip myself. To honor the woman who instilled the value of education in me, to thank her for believing in me, and always being there for me. She will probably be a bit more hard of hearing and may not see too well, but I'll take her wherever she wants. In conclusion, my pursuit of higher education and a career in healthcare is driven by my desire to make a meaningful impact on others. Receiving financial assistance for my education is not just about accomplishing my personal dreams but also about enabling me to embark on a journey of giving back and improving people’s lives.

The adrenaline and dopamine rush of jumping out of a plane, successfully pulling the parachute cord, only to have it sucked away in an instant. The feeling of dread, realizing there’s nowhere to safely land. Trees, telephone poles, the ocean, whatever. That moment of euphoria, the control you had over life, it only lasted a few seconds. Now you feel stupid for jumping without looking down first. Shame, guilt, you’re leaving everything behind, you might die. In the end, you manage to only suffer minor injuries. You swear you’ll never go skydiving again, but as you lie in bed at night you can’t help but crave that dopamine and adrenaline. It will never be that intense again, no matter what you do. That is what my addiction has been like. I had been addicted to self harm for a long time. I’m not sure exactly when it started, but I think it has been around 7 years. Young, depressed, angry, with no outlet or coping abilities. Any time i would be angry at myself or at the world, I would hurt myself. It started as punching, piercing, then slicing. I had a prescription drug addiction for a short time but it has generally affected me less than my self harm issues, I’ve been sober for over 4 years now. Self harm addiction is hard to explain to people who haven’t experienced it before. It’s hurting yourself, it’s not like you’re taking something that makes all of your pain go away, or fills you with sheer euphoria; but it can. It literally rewires your brain to be less receptive to events other than self harm. It gives the short dopamine rush you’re looking for. It’s punishment and a reward, with shame and guilt afterwards. Getting admitted into an inpatient facility 3 times definitely made me want to quit. I had to go in because I overdosed as a suicide attempt, my self harm was too apparent and severe, and I was a general danger to myself and people around me. I’d really rather do anything other than be stuck in that hospital for another 2 weeks with nothing to do again. Building a reliable support system around me also helped me quit. Friends that care about me and my therapist who’s always helped me cope have been crucial to getting clean. Clean and sober, life is better. I can appreciate the good things that happen without the happiness getting dulled because it’s not an addiction habit. I am happy. I hope that one day, nobody will harm themselves again. Be it through self harm, drug addiction, alcoholism, or anything else. I want everyone to experience pleasant sobriety. I plan to go to college and major in biology, then go into the field of radiation therapy and cancer treatment. A diagnosis like cancer is truly out of people’s control, and it can cause true misery. It can be very hard to stay positive or even want to stay alive when your body is fighting against you. Some patients take up substance abuse or self harm as an escape from everything that’s happening to them. I hope that my insight from my own addiction and experience of being around other addicted people could let me help my future patients. I want to instill hope in people. Even if they feel like the future is bleak, I want to treat them, and be there for them as a person they can talk to.

My ideal future self is someone who has finally overcome depression, spends quality time with a few pet cats, and makes significant contributions to society through advancements in cancer treatment through radiation therapy or genetic engineering.

In a world so vast, my existence can seem insignificant at times. Despite this, my resolve to leave a positive impact on the people, animals, and the Earth around me grows stronger each day. With a combination of personal values, volunteer experience, and a vision of the future I want to live in, I’m motivated to make a lasting positive change for the world around me. My journey toward making a positive impact began with volunteer experiences that have left an indelible mark on my values and aspirations. Engaging in activities such as judging at a robotics fair, baking cookies for the unhoused, and even cleaning up my neighborhood, I witnessed the tangible difference a single act of kindness can make. The joy I felt while bringing smiles to young faces and nourishing those in need fueled a desire for more significant and lasting change. These experiences instilled in me the understanding that even seemingly small actions can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to join in and create a collective impact. Central to my approach is a deep-seated belief in the power of empathy. The ability to understand and connect with the experiences of others is a catalyst for meaningful change. As I embark on a career in radiation therapy, I see a unique opportunity to apply this empathy to provide comfort and support to patients facing challenging health journeys. Through active listening and genuine compassion, I aim to ease their burdens and empower them to navigate their struggles with resilience and hope. By treating each patient as an individual with their own fears and dreams, I hope to not only enhance their physical well-being but also provide emotional solace during their difficult times. My commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond the healthcare realm. Inspired by the satisfaction of picking up trash and witnessing the immediate transformation of my environment, I am resolute in my dedication to environmental stewardship. I am passionate about preserving the planet for future generations and protecting its diverse ecosystems. By raising awareness, participating in clean-up initiatives, and advocating for sustainable practices, I aim to contribute to a healthier and greener world. Furthermore, my aspirations encompass a holistic approach to making a difference. Just as I have selected causes close to my heart for volunteering, I intend to continue supporting a diverse range of issues. Whether it's advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, assisting the unhoused, or championing animal welfare, my goal is to be a versatile agent of positive change, touching lives in various ways. In the end, I want to help; be it people, plants, animals, land itself, systems, anything that I can. Through inner values and determination, I know I can change the world around me for the better. Every act that I or someone else do has some level of impact, no matter how small it may seem. Everything is small in the grand scheme of things, so you might as well try to make a difference anyway.

I have volunteered in many different ways over the years. For example, I’ve been a judge at my elementary school’s robotics fair, and I baked cookies for the unhoused with my classmate’s synagogue members. I enjoyed doing these because they actively helped people out. Putting smiles on young kids faces when I nominated their groups for awards, and feeding someone who needed it filled me with joy. Having real, immediate impact on people’s lives is something I strive for in my future as a healthcare worker. While doing activities that have immediate impact are awesome, I have done many more solo initiatives to make the world around me a better place. When the weather permitted, I’d go outside for a walk around my neighborhood with a trash bag and a snow glove. I would pick up as much miscellaneous plastics, cigarette butts, beer bottles, and more as I could. Taking a walk around the next day and seeing the noticeable difference I made was incredibly fulfilling. I care so deeply about the environment, especially considering we have lots of little animals walking around here. Thanks to me picking up some trash, a random turkey didn’t choke on a shredded up vinyl glove on the ground. I don’t volunteer just to volunteer, I only spend my time with causes I personally care about. I hope that as I get older I’m able to find the time to volunteer outside of work. Only helping causes for select parts of what I believe in will still leave me somewhat unsatisfied. If I’m able to find time to help the environment, the sick, my LGBT community, animals, the unhoused, and honestly anyone who needs it at the moment, I’ll be happy. The main reason for me going into radiation therapy is helping others. Volunteering has strengthened that desire to help more and more over the years. Problem solving, empathy, communication, and teamwork- qualities that I believed I lacked- were enhanced after volunteering. Connecting these skills to my daily life and my work has generally made me a better person. In conclusion, my volunteer experiences have strongly shaped my values and career path. The joy of helping people, animals, the environment, and more has fueled my desire to pursue a career in radiation therapy. These experiences have taught me empathy, compassion, and the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact. As I move forward, I'm driven by the purpose of helping others, inspired by the lessons I've learned through volunteering.

My favorite story of all time is “I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream” by Harlan Ellison. I read it back in 2021 after watching a small video analysis about it. This story is the single reason as to why I gave up pessimism as a whole, why I’m a positive person looking for the silver lining in every situation. If you’ve never read it before, here’s a little summary: The cold war turned hot, lots of nuclear destruction, but powers are using these master computers to preform all of this destruction. The allied power’s computer goes crazy and eliminates all of humanity. This computer gains sentience, and garners hatred for humanity, at humans for creating it. So, it takes a couple humans inside of its system to torture for eternity. It tortures them for hundreds and hundreds of years, but for a short moment when the computer isn’t paying attention, some of the humans take the opportunity to finally put each other out of their miseries. Ted, the main character, hated the only girl character especially. However, instead of letting himself die and feel peace, he kills her so she can finally rest. Since everyone is dead, the computer gets immeasurably furious, and turns Ted into a deformed blob for the rest of time, but keeps his mind in tact. He would have been able to rest, have the suffering end, but in the darkest of times imaginable, humanity persisted. The act of murder in this story is an act of the most pure compassion possible. The most pure evil can’t stop the light of humanity from shining through. Taking that from the story, I’ve started being more positive as a person. I want to help others, and this made me actually want to enter healthcare. I didn’t want to be a doctor, but I did want to work with people in spite of my social challenges with autism. The contrast between the dark nature of the book and the positivity it has given me in life is astounding, especially since the message I took away from it isn’t a common one. Most people call that story one of the most hopeless of all time, just pure suffering and anguish, but I would reserve those titles for Cormac McCarthy books. I can’t even bring myself to finish those because they are so miserable. Now, I choose to surround myself with more positive things in life. I’m very thankful to not experience the misery that the characters in IHNMAIMS did, and I hope I never will. But I do hope that more people are able to come across that story or another story like it and take away a life changing message. Books can be insanely impactful for people, and I hope that more people can find meaning like I did.

Throughout my life, I have faced various obstacles due to my disabilities, including autism, ADHD, and POTS. These challenges have made interactions with people difficult and focusing on tasks a constant struggle. However, I have learned to overcome these challenges through a combination of optimism, seeking support from a nurturing community, and fostering a passion for learning. As I begin on my college journey, I plan on pursuing a Bachelor's degree in biology, and then work in radiation therapy. Despite the challenges caused by my conditions, I believe that my unique experiences have granted me a deeper understanding of the importance of competent medical care and empathy. My goal in life is to save lives and positively impact others, particularly those with multiple disabilities and illnesses. In my pursuit of higher education, I plan to remain resilient, utilizing the coping mechanisms I have developed over the years with the help of therapy. Staying optimistic allows me to focus on the possibilities rather than the obstacles. By reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, I have been able to harness my determination and remain committed to my academics. Moreover, I understand the significance of building a supportive community. In college, I hope to connect with people like me that can understand and appreciate the difficulties I face. This network of understanding friends and mentors will provide me with the emotional support and encouragement necessary to navigate the academic and social aspects of college life. I am particularly drawn to the field of radiation therapy because it presents a unique opportunity to combine my passion for biology with my desire to help others. The prospect of providing relief and comfort to patients battling illnesses excites me. Additionally, my firsthand experience with disabilities gives me a unique perspective that can contribute to offering comprehensive and empathetic care. After finishing college, my ambitions don’t stop. I plan to continue my learning journey through ongoing research and professional development. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the medical field by conducting research that focuses on improving treatment options and quality of life for individuals with multiple conditions and comorbitities. By combining my personal experiences with my academic expertise, I aim to bridge the gap between medicine and empathy. I envision a future where healthcare professionals understand and cater to the diverse needs of their patients. Through my work, I hope to create a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare system that embraces the multifaceted challenges faced by those with disabilities and chronic illnesses. I am confident that I can achieve my goal of positively impacting lives in the medical field. If more medical professionals listen to their patients, believe in them, and have some experiences of their own, quality care can be given much more often.

In a world promoting fear and perfectionism, I look forward to inevitable failures. Trial and error are crucial steps in growth. If people were always afraid of failure, we would have never made strides in math or science fields. Stepping out of comfort zones leads to true growth and innovation, inspiring people to unleash their potential. I am comfortable enough with myself to fail sometimes, and I think that’s important to be a leader. However, leadership isn't exclusively about being bold and courageous. It’s about genuinely listening to the people I want to lead. Active compassion, empathy, and respect create connections that formal authority never could. For example: if a general doesn’t listen to a soldier’s cry that there’s an ambush being set up behind them, the whole troop will suffer. As a leader, you have to pay attention to your group’s desires, warnings, and concerns. Having struggles of my own and seeing others around me suffer has shown me the power of genuine understanding. When people say “put yourself in their shoes”, I feel that I’m able to do that very well. Imagining myself in their position helps me make decisions that are beneficial to everyone. Lifting others up when they fall and cheering on their successes build a safe, productive space for everyone’s growth and development. Inclusivity is a key part of what guides my actions. Diversity creates innovation and nurture creativity. Every voice matters. If a group is composed of identical people with the same ideas, nothing will get done. Different perspectives and ideas come from unique life experiences, so including anyone that wants to come along is important. Being a leader isn't easy, but authenticity and integrity keep me grounded. I don’t know everything in the world, nobody does. If I can be honest and vulnerable with the group I’m trying to lead, they can be more comfortable with me. This lets them feel like they can give me the feedback I need so that I can improve my leadership skills even more. Openness about vulnerabilities fosters growth and learning. My leadership journey is rooted in an endless desire for positive impact. I lead with heart and soul, unafraid of vulnerability, and embracing failure as a catalyst for growth. Listening, empathy, and inclusivity build a community where everyone feels valued and empowered. Leading authentically and emotionally is an expression of who I am and a commitment to creating a better world, one step at a time.

Music has always been my refuge, and amid the vast array of genres, metal speaks to the depths of my soul. From the aggressive screams to the haunting melodies, I find solace and understanding in the world of metal music. This unique art form has profoundly shaped the way I view the world, allowing me to see beauty in darkness, embrace the unpredictability of life, and find acceptance in chaos. Through my love for sub-genres like black metal, sludge metal, doom metal, and grindcore, I’ve developed a new lens to view complexities of emotions and human experiences. Music is art, and many people use art to escape or cope with life. If I listen to DSBM (depressive/suicidal black metal), I’m listening to someone scream and sob into a microphone, with drums and guitar in the background. This type of music is how artists can blatantly express how they feel, the hurt, the sadness, the loneliness, and the anger. For me, I don’t feel sad when I listen to it. I recognize it as what it is, artistic expression. I love the harshness and the truth in the wailing, the low production and how I just know someone made this in their basement on a Tuesday afternoon. It’s incredibly down to earth. Of course, not all DSBM is like that, but a lot of it is. A lot of it is beautiful if you look deeper into it. Listening to harsh and abrasive music lets me see the beauty in darkness. As I listen to Hanging Garden’s “I was cold beside you”, I hear the story of someone’s lover slowly losing feeling for them, and becoming interested in another person. It’s a song of hurt and betrayal, but I feel love when I listen to it. To be hurt so badly, you must have felt intense care for that person, and that is beautiful in itself. The ability to feel bad is impossible without good. Black metal is beauty. Sludge metal and doom metal often are mixed together because sludge is made from doom metal and hardcore punk. It can be very slow and hard hitting, then speed up into aggression. The tempo changes of sludge metal keep me grounded. If I listen to a new song, I don’t know what to expect. This music keeps me on my toes and focused on the present. Appreciating the unpredictability of life is hard, but I’ve thankfully learned how to do it. Grindcore is purposefully made to be bad. It’s hard to listen to. It can be disgusting, vile, inappropriate, and simply be harsh noise. Napalm Death’s iconic grindcore symbol is a music note, but crossed out. This is noise, not music, but I listen to it anyway. Why? Because it’s so shockingly chaotic and ugly. There’s something so alluring about the chaos and disgust in grindcore, which makes me less shocked by the horrible things that happen in the world. Bad things happen, and most of them are out of people’s control. I will just have to sit through it and learn to enjoy it. Even if I end up not loving it like I love grindcore, I’ll at least be more comfortable than before. Music has made my perception of the world much more positive. I can’t imagine what it would be like if I hadn’t learned how to appreciate the world like I do now. The ugly is beautiful, the loneliness is lovely, and the anger is peace.

As a future healthcare worker, I am committed to providing the highest quality care to all of my patients, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. My personal experiences as a member of the LGBTQ community and as someone who has dealt with chronic illnesses have given me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals in these communities when accessing healthcare. Although I plan on working as a radiation therapist, someone who treats cancer with radiation, I’ll still be around others with health issues. Compassion and empathy are some of the most important qualities people can have in health care. People who have dealt with issues understand what others have gone through. A lot of people who make frequent visits to the hospital or doctors have comorbidities or multiple conditions. If someone shares a chronic illness that I have, like POTS, I can understand how they feel and how I can help them more. Even if they don’t have a condition that I do, I enjoy learning about rarer or invisible illnesses in particular. I’d love to learn about them so I can provide the best care possible. Along with that, I understand the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for all patients. For many LGBTQ people, going to the doctor can be an anxiety-inducing experience due to the fear of discrimination or mistreatment. As a healthcare worker, I plan to take extra steps to ensure that all of my patients feel respected, valued, and heard. Additionally, my personal experiences have given me insight into the specific healthcare needs of the LGBTQ community. For example, many LGBTQ individuals are at increased risk for certain health issues, such as mental health disorders, substance abuse, and sexually transmitted infections. By staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in LGBTQ healthcare, I will be better equipped to provide effective care and support to my patients. Furthermore, as someone who has dealt with chronic illnesses, I understand the frustration and challenges that come with navigating the healthcare system. I have had to advocate for myself and be my own healthcare advocate, and I am committed to being a strong advocate for my patients as well. I believe that empathy, compassion, and open communication are essential for building trusting relationships with patients and helping them feel supported and empowered throughout their healthcare journey. In summary, my personal experiences as a member of the LGBTQ community and as someone who has dealt with chronic illnesses have given me a unique perspective and a deep sense of empathy for my future patients. As a healthcare worker, I am committed to providing the highest quality care to all of my patients, and to creating a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.

Mathematics is a subject that some people love and others despise. For me, the subject offers comfort because of how concrete it is. It’s also an endless source of fascination and discovery. At its core, math is all about problem-solving and finding patterns, and it can be used to understand and explain many different phenomena in the world around us. One reason why I love math is the feeling of satisfaction that comes with solving a challenging problem. There's nothing quite like the rush of excitement that comes when you finally figure out a problem that's been giving you trouble. This feeling of accomplishment can be addictive, and can often make me feel like a nerd for enjoying it so much. Another reason why I love math is the way it connects to other fields. Although math is often seen as an abstract subject that has little to do with the real world, it is really used in almost every field, from science and engineering to economics and finance. For example, math is used to model and understand the behavior of physical systems, from the movement of planets to the spread of diseases. It is also used to analyze data and make predictions about future trends, which is essential in fields like finance and marketing. Furthermore, math is used in everyday life in ways that we might not even realize. We use math when we balance our checkbooks, calculate the tip on a restaurant bill, or estimate how much time it will take to get to work. Even something as simple as baking a cake requires a basic understanding of math, as we need to measure ingredients and adjust cooking times based on the size of the pan. Practical features of mathematics like such make it enjoyable for me. If I hated it, life would be much more difficult. In conclusion, math is a subject that can be loved for many different reasons. Whether it's the satisfaction of solving challenging problems, the way it connects to other fields, or its everyday applications, there is something about math that speaks to me. And with its broad applicability across so many different fields, it's clear that math truly is used in everything we do.

In my future, I see myself working as a radiation therapist. I believe that I, even today, have the unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. My work will involve helping patients overcome cancer and other serious illnesses, and I am committed to providing the highest level of care to each and every one of my future patients. However, my desire to make a positive impact on the world extends beyond my work as a radiation therapist. I am also passionate about activism in disability and LGBTQ+ spaces, and I believe that these are important areas where positive change can be made. In terms of disability activism, I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their physical or mental abilities. As a radiation therapist, I will have the opportunity to work with patients who have disabilities, and I am committed to providing them with the same level of care and compassion as any other patient. In addition, I plan to use my position as a healthcare professional to raise awareness about disability issues and advocate for policies that promote equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. I believe that by working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society that values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Similarly, in the LGBTQ+ community, I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As a radiation therapist, I will have the opportunity to work with patients who identify as LGBTQ+, and I am committed to providing them with a safe and welcoming environment where they feel comfortable and supported. In addition, I plan to use my position as a healthcare professional to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and advocate for policies that promote equal rights and opportunities for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. I believe that by working together, we can create a more accepting and inclusive society that celebrates diversity and recognizes the unique experiences and perspectives of all individuals. Overall, I believe that my future work as a radiation therapist and my continued activism in disability and LGBTQ+ spaces go hand in hand. My plans to provide high-quality care to my patients and advocating for policies that promote inclusivity and equality, I hope to make a positive impact on the world and create a more just and equitable society for all.

Throughout my high school career, I have strived for academic excellence and have maintained a consistently high GPA. I am proud to have challenged myself with rigorous coursework and extracurricular activities, such as volunteering with the National Honor Society and working towards a leadership position in my school’s Student Advocacy club. These experiences have allowed me to develop important skills, including time management, problem-solving, and communication. In addition, I am bilingual. I speak English natively, am fluent in Spanish, and have been learning Japanese. I can connect with and work with a wider range of people now. This skill has allowed me to become more independent, as I am able to navigate situations that require language proficiency with greater confidence and ease. I also have a part-time job, which has taught me the value of responsibility, hard work, and time management. Balancing school, extracurricular activities, and work has not always been easy, but it has helped me develop important life skills that I know will be valuable in my future. As I move forward, I plan to use the skills I have learned and developed during my high school years to achieve my academic and career goals. I am passionate about pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Biology and working in STEM. I believe that my skills in problem-solving, communication, and time management will help me succeed in these fields, as they require individuals who can work efficiently and effectively in a team environment. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, as it will help me achieve my academic and career aspirations. With this scholarship, I will be able to focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities, which will help me further develop my skills and prepare me for the challenges ahead.

One of the most common interview questions for jobs is, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?". It's used by an interviewer to gauge what type of person you are, like if you want to stay with the company for a long time or aspire to be in a leadership position. As I get ready to apply for my first formal job, I no longer worry about this question. In the past, when we would do mock interviews at school for practice, I felt strange answering that question. I lied every time. Of course, it didn't matter much since they weren't real interviews, but I didn't see myself being alive in the next five years. You can't say that to people though, especially in a formal setting. I have dealt with suicidal thoughts, treatment-resistant depression, and anxiety for so long that I can't remember what my life was like before it. Poor mental health makes planning for your future near impossible. It's a lot like planning what you'd do during an alien invasion; it won't happen, so why waste your time thinking about it? With no passions or hobbies, it was hard to decide what career field I might like to go into. I didn't like people which eliminated a huge chunk of jobs, didn't want to deal with money, didn't want responsibility, and didn't care about anything in general. Over the last 5 years, I have been in therapy with different professionals and trialed almost every medication available. In these past two years alone, I have made an unbelievable amount of progress in healing. I can say and honestly believe that I will be alive in the next 5 years unless something out of my control changes that. Now that I want to be alive and successful, I sometimes worry that something awful could happen to me. I could come down with an awful sickness or cancer, I could get into an accident, or someone could hurt me. In the end, it's not worth it to let my anxiety about these possible events get to me. They could and do happen to anyone. A lot of people in my family have been diagnosed with cancer. Some have survived, and some have died. I wish I could have helped, but I couldn't. This sparked a desire in me one day, that I want to help people. I want to be the reason that a family or a friend can welcome someone close to them back home, or at least say that the treatment team had tried everything. My great-aunt had cancer in her esophagus that had ended up spreading through more of her body. Chemotherapy didn't work on her. One day, she complained about pain in her collarbone area. The treatment team administered radiation to the area, and it helped. She ended up passing away, but that made her a bit more comfortable in her final months. Cancer treatment has been an interest of mine for nearly 2 years now, and I've liked science as a general subject for pretty much my whole life (even if I wasn't super passionate when my mental health was bad). I want to be a radiation therapist. It's the most interesting to me because I know everybody needs different treatments and a personalized plan, if there are more options, more people can survive. To make sure I can understand it and provide the best care I can, I want to get a full 4-year degree in either general biology or cellular biology. I know that I do want to help people, and even if I can't save lives, I want to give people a chance and make them more comfortable. If I told the younger me that I wanted to work anywhere around people, I wouldn't believe it at all. Healing my mental health, even if I still struggle sometimes, has been the best thing I've ever done for myself. I feel so much more passionate about everything. If I can help others heal (physically) and end up enjoying their lives too, I think I made my own life worth something. In 5 years, I see myself alive, graduating from a good college with a bachelor's degree in cellular/general biology, with a group of friends that can be relied on, and applying to work in a hospital. I won't be a doctor, but I will help in the treatment of cancer. I will make people's lives better. I see myself helping people, and probably giving some good advice or coping skills while I'm at it.

I am the only version of myself in the world. Anyone can say that, unless they’re a clone. Uniqueness is subjective, and many of the qualities that I think make me unique can apply to many others as well. I enjoy that, how uniqueness is a shared trait among all people. Even the most average person is unique in terms of how average they are. At a surface level, something like my music taste is statistically unique. Far less people listen to metal than other genres, but my taste in music isn’t who I am, regardless of how much I love it. I think that’s one thing that makes me unique; being open. Open to change, criticism, new ideas, and more. My core beliefs may be unchanging, but I always listen with an open mind and heart. While many other people have this trait, it’s less common in the people that I am around. In truth, there will always be people sharing traits with me, there’s billions of people on the planet, and in those billions of people, there’s even more genes, DNA, and cells. I hope to give back to my community by providing cancer treatment. We are all unique with different genes, but cancer can affect every single one of us. Some of the most important people in my life, often the most unique ones, have passed away due to cancer. My great aunt was diagnosed with an aggressive form cancer six years ago. She was given chemotherapy, which didn’t help too much. Since her diagnosis was relatively late, her cancer ended up spreading. She complained about pain in an effected part of her collarbone, so she received radiation therapy for it. It helped. While she ended up passing away shortly after, this made me realize how crucial radiation therapy is in cancer treatment. Every cancer case is unique, and no two people can be given the same treatment plan. Options are important. If I could give people an option that could potentially save their life, or at least lessen their pain to an extent, I would be proud. I am unique in my struggles, accomplishments, life, preferences, and so much more. The fact that I am unique makes me just like everyone else, and they are all just like me. While I may not fit in at school, I fit in perfectly well on this planet. In fact, I think I am a fantastic fit. I will make people’s lives better, and if that isn’t unique, I am content with it.