#BookTok has had a huge impact on the literary world, introducing readers to a wide range of diverse and captivating titles. Here are some must-have books that have made a significant impact on the #BookTok community. "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller: This beautiful retelling of the Trojan War through the perspective of Patroclus and Achilles has captured the hearts of many #BookTok users. Its exploration of love, friendship, and sacrifice has resonated deeply with readers. "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller is one of my favorites because it beautifully explores the complexities of love and friendship amidst the backdrop of the Trojan War. The emotional depth of the characters and the lyrical writing style really drew me in. “The Poppy War" by R.F. Kuang: This epic fantasy novel has gained immense popularity on #BookTok for its immersive world-building, complex characters, and intense storytelling. It tackles themes of war, power, and the human cost of conflict. "The Poppy War" by R.F. Kuang is an epic fantasy that completely transported me to a richly imagined world. I loved the intricate world-building, the morally gray characters, and the exploration of the human cost of war. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This captivating novel follows the life of a fictional Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo, as she reveals her extraordinary life and the seven husbands she had along the way. It has become a beloved book within the #BookTok community for its compelling narrative and exploration of identity and love. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating novel that delves into the life of a Hollywood icon. I was fascinated by Evelyn Hugo's story and the way it explored themes of identity, love, and the sacrifices we make for success. It was a truly immersive and thought-provoking read. “They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera: This heart-wrenching story takes place in a world where people receive a call on the day they are going to die. It follows two strangers who connect through an app and spend their last day together. The emotional journey and thought-provoking themes of mortality and living life to the fullest have made it a popular recommendation on #BookTok. “They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera is a deeply emotional story that had me in tears. It explores the idea of living life to the fullest when faced with mortality. The characters were so well-developed, and the writing really tugged at my heartstrings. "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black: This enchanting fantasy novel has become a sensation on #BookTok for its immersive faerie world, intricate politics, and complex protagonist named Jude. It has captivated readers with its twists, turns, and morally gray characters. "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black is a magical and addictive read. I was immediately drawn into the world of faeries and the intricate political schemes. The morally ambiguous characters, especially Jude, made the story so compelling.

Overcoming fear was the best decision I ever made. Although I was only a freshman in high school, the people around me had begun to work harder than me; my natural-born talent was no longer enough. My classmates and teammates were seemingly growing stronger, taller, and faster by the day. I, on the other hand, grew just one inch in height and a discouraging four inches in the waist. I fell further behind in sports, seemingly becoming slower and weaker. This widening gap in size and skill between me and my friends was the motivation I needed to pry myself off the couch and get into the gym. Walking through the doors, I was immediately overwhelmed by new sights and sounds. Dozens of different machines, each one with its unique purpose. The hundreds of pounds of iron. Men the size of monsters towering over my stout frame. I didn't know where to even begin. I felt insecure, out of place, and alone. I needed to run back home to the safety of routine and predictability. Thankfully, I remembered why I was here. I thought back to the bullies, the lack of confidence, and the mental weaknesses that had such a powerful hold on me. I listened to the advice of the older guys in the gym, developed a routine, and went to work. For six months, I spent two hours a day, six days a week exercising. I ate so much that I threw up. I worked until blisters dotted my palms. There were times when I couldn’t lift my arms or when my legs barely kept me off the ground. It seemed strange, but these feelings of pain and exhaustion became my only escape from the stress and anxiety that tried to break me. There were times, however, when I almost gave in to the exhaustion. In those times of sloth, my spirit burned brightest. Those were the moments that separated the average from the elite. Those moments led to my success in the gym and distanced me from my past self. For the first time in my life, I had set a goal, worked towards that goal, and achieved my goal. Now, the gym has become a place of peace. Acceptance and relief have replaced the fear and uncertainty I once felt. The crushing weight of expectations, the complexity of relationships, and much more melt away as I begin my workout. The only expectations left are those I place upon myself. The monotony of my routines that once seemed exhausting has become one of the constants in my life and a source of solace. The expectations of my superiors melt away, and I’m left with myself, my goals, and the tools I need to achieve my dreams. I never received any awards or congratulations, but I had overcome my weaknesses and made myself proud. A coach once told me, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.” This mentality is what continues to drive my work ethic and my approach toward my future. I know I am capable of setting big goals and accomplishing them. No longer will I let fear stop me from exploring new landscapes and taking on new challenges. The old version of myself, controlled by fear, has been replaced by a strong, confident young man ready to continue this journey of self-improvement.

Being a single parent can be challenging, but it can also be gratifying. Many single parents face unique obstacles while trying to balance their responsibilities and pursue higher education. It requires a lot of determination, time management, and support. One way being a single parent can shape the pursuit of higher education is by instilling a strong sense of motivation. When you're a parent, you want to provide the best possible future for your child, and education plays a big role in that. Knowing that your education will not only benefit you but also your child can be a powerful driving force. Additionally, being a single parent often means having to juggle multiple responsibilities. Balancing parenting duties, work, and studying can be tough, but it can also teach you valuable skills like time management, organization, and prioritization. These skills can also be transferable and beneficial in other aspects of life. Another way being a single parent can shape the pursuit of higher education is by fostering resilience and determination. Single parents often face financial challenges, limited resources, and a lack of support systems. Despite these obstacles, many single parents pursue their educational goals. Their determination and resilience can be a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges. Lastly, being a single parent can also lead to a strong support network. Connecting with other single parents who are also pursuing higher education can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with others who can relate can be extremely helpful and motivating. In conclusion, while I don't have personal experience as a single parent, I admire the strength and determination that many single parents exhibit while pursuing higher education. It's a challenging journey, but one that can lead to a brighter future for both the parent and their child. Keep pushing forward and know that you're not alone on this journey! If I had the opportunity to use money to benefit my community, there are several ways I would consider making a positive impact. One idea would be to invest in education and youth development programs. I believe that providing access to quality education and resources for young people is crucial for their future success. By supporting initiatives like after-school programs, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities, we can help empower the next generation and give them the tools they need to thrive. Another way I would use the money is by supporting local businesses and entrepreneurship. Small businesses play a vital role in the community, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. By offering grants or loans to aspiring entrepreneurs, and organizing workshops or training programs, we can foster a thriving business environment and help individuals pursue their dreams. Additionally, I would allocate funds toward community improvement projects. This could involve initiatives such as renovating public spaces, improving infrastructure, and enhancing access to essential services like healthcare or transportation. By investing in the community's physical environment, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive place for everyone to enjoy. Lastly, I would prioritize social welfare programs to support vulnerable populations within the community. This could involve partnering with local organizations to provide food, shelter, and resources for those in need. By addressing issues like poverty, homelessness, and inequality, we can work towards creating a more equitable and compassionate society. Of course, these are just a few ideas, and there are countless other ways to use the money to benefit the community. The important thing is to identify the specific needs and priorities of the community and allocate the funds accordingly.

As a passionate and determined individual, I believe I am deserving of this scholarship to help support turning my dreams into reality. From a young age, I have been captivated by the world of engineering. The intricate designs, problem-solving nature, and ability to create innovative solutions have always fascinated me. I have actively pursued my passion by participating in science fairs and attending engineering workshops. This scholarship would recognize my unwavering dedication and help me take the next step toward achieving my goals. As we all know, pursuing higher education can be financially draining. With a combination of tuition, meal plans, housing, transportation, and anything else I might spend money on, the money spent in college can change people’s lives. This scholarship would alleviate the burden of tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses. By receiving this financial support, I can fully immerse myself in my studies, without the constant worry of financial constraints. It would give me the freedom to focus on my coursework, participate in extracurricular activities, and gain practical experience through internships and research opportunities. My long-term goal is to become either a chemical or an environmental engineer. From a very young age I noticed a natural draw to nature and helping the environment. Because of this, I hope to work towards a degree that would help me find a job in this field. I aspire to be part of a team that tackles global challenges, such as climate change, urbanization, and technological advancements. Additionally, I aim to inspire and mentor future generations of engineers, sharing my knowledge and experiences to help them realize their potential. I hope that in doing that I can inspire others the same way I was inspired when I was younger. I firmly believe that I deserve this scholarship due to my dedication, passion, and commitment to becoming an engineer. With this financial support, I will be able to pursue my dreams, engage in impactful projects, and work. With a burning desire to become an engineer, I am committed to utilizing this financial help to further educate myself in this field. With the scholarship funds, I plan to invest in resources and tools that will enable me to undertake meaningful engineering projects. These projects will not only enhance my knowledge and skills but also contribute to the betterment of society. Whether it's designing sustainable energy solutions, creating assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities, or developing innovative transportation systems, my goal is to make a positive impact on the world through engineering.

I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, a large city along the east coast. From first grade up until third grade I attended a private school with a graduating class size of around 17. Because of this limited class size, our school didn't offer any sports or extracurriculars. This school focused only on academics, and because it was a private school, didn't have any specific town or city that supported or owned it. I think that sports are more than just competitions in my hometown, they are the only thing that makes us stand out from the rest of the world. It is especially important to bear in mind this when it comes to our football program, one of the most successful in the country. There is, however, an expectation among citizens of my town that they will dominate every aspect of the game against every team in the league. The "loyal fans" of the team will be utterly disappointed if we do not beat our opponents by at least 20 points. As a result of this feeling of never being sufficient, I developed an extremely low level of self-confidence. Even losing one unimportant conference game would be enough for our entire town to turn on us and hate us for our failure and "lack of effort". By myself I could do nothing to overcome this overbearing pressure to be the perfect athlete, so we learned to rely on each other when the pressure became too much to bear. By relying on each other, my teammates, and my coaches have been able to overcome seemingly insurmountable problems on and off the football field. We consistently pushed each other past our physical and mental limits so we could be the strongest, fastest, and smartest versions of ourselves. I spent hundreds of hours with my teammates and coaches and forged a bond of brothers no other group could forge. Now, as a senior, I can help my teammates fight through their battles just like my teammates helped me. I have come full circle by replacing the mentors who helped me when I was young. I had gone from a young, nervous little kid into a strong, confident leader taking the helm of our ship. Mark Twain once said, “It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog,” and for our team that couldn’t be more true.

As a passionate and determined individual, I believe I am deserving of this scholarship to help support turning my dreams into reality. From a young age, I have been captivated by the world of engineering. The intricate designs, problem-solving nature, and ability to create innovative solutions have always fascinated me. I have actively pursued my passion by participating in science fairs and attending engineering workshops. This scholarship would recognize my unwavering dedication and help me take the next step toward achieving my goals. As we all know, pursuing higher education can be financially draining. With a combination of tuition, meal plans, housing, transportation, and anything else I might spend money on, the money spent in college can change people’s lives. This scholarship would alleviate the burden of tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses. By receiving this financial support, I can fully immerse myself in my studies, without the constant worry of financial constraints. It would give me the freedom to focus on my coursework, participate in extracurricular activities, and gain practical experience through internships and research opportunities. My long-term goal is to become either a chemical or an environmental engineer. From a very young age I noticed a natural draw to nature and helping the environment. Because of this, I hope to work towards a degree that would help me find a job in this field. I aspire to be part of a team that tackles global challenges, such as climate change, urbanization, and technological advancements. Additionally, I aim to inspire and mentor future generations of engineers, sharing my knowledge and experiences to help them realize their potential. I hope that in doing that I can inspire others the same way I was inspired when I was younger. I firmly believe that I deserve this scholarship due to my dedication, passion, and commitment to becoming an engineer. With this financial support, I will be able to pursue my dreams, engage in impactful projects, and work. With a burning desire to become an engineer, I am committed to utilizing this financial help to further educate myself in this field. With the scholarship funds, I plan to invest in resources and tools that will enable me to undertake meaningful engineering projects. These projects will not only enhance my knowledge and skills but also contribute to the betterment of society. Whether it's designing sustainable energy solutions, creating assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities, or developing innovative transportation systems, my goal is to make a positive impact on the world through engineering.

As a passionate and determined individual, I believe I am deserving of this scholarship to help support turning my dreams into reality. From a young age, I have been captivated by the world of engineering. The intricate designs, problem-solving nature, and ability to create innovative solutions have always fascinated me. I have actively pursued my passion by participating in science fairs and attending engineering workshops. This scholarship would recognize my unwavering dedication and help me take the next step toward achieving my goals. As we all know, pursuing higher education can be financially draining. With a combination of tuition, meal plans, housing, transportation, and anything else I might spend money on, the money spend in college can literally change people’s lives. This scholarship would alleviate the burden of tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses. By receiving this financial support, I can fully immerse myself in my studies, without the constant worry of financial constraints. It would give me the freedom to focus on my coursework, participate in extracurricular activities, and gain practical experience through internships and research opportunities. My long-term goal is to become either a chemical or an environmental engineer. From a very young age I noticed a natural draw to nature and helping the environment. Because of this, I hope to work towards a degree that would help me find a job in this field. I aspire to be part of a team that tackles global challenges, such as climate change, urbanization, and technological advancements. Additionally, I aim to inspire and mentor future generations of engineers, sharing my knowledge and experiences to help them realize their potential. I hope that in doing that I can inspire others the same way I was inspired when I was younger. I firmly believe that I deserve this scholarship due to my dedication, passion, and commitment to becoming an engineer. With this financial support, I will be able to pursue my dreams, engage in impactful projects, and work. With a burning desire to become an engineer, I am committed to utilizing this financial help to further educate myself in this field. With the scholarship funds, I plan to invest in resources and tools that will enable me to undertake meaningful engineering projects. These projects will not only enhance my knowledge and skills but also contribute to the betterment of society. Whether it's designing sustainable energy solutions, creating assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities, or developing innovative transportation systems, my goal is to make a positive impact on the world through engineering.

As a passionate and determined individual, I believe I am deserving of this scholarship to help support turning my dreams into reality. From a young age, I have been captivated by the world of engineering. The intricate designs, problem-solving nature, and ability to create innovative solutions have always fascinated me. I have actively pursued my passion by participating in science fairs and attending engineering workshops. This scholarship would recognize my unwavering dedication and help me take the next step toward achieving my goals. As we all know, pursuing higher education can be financially draining. With a combination of tuition, meal plans, housing, transportation, and anything else I might spend money on, the money spend in college can literally change people’s lives. This scholarship would alleviate the burden of tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses. By receiving this financial support, I can fully immerse myself in my studies, without the constant worry of financial constraints. It would give me the freedom to focus on my coursework, participate in extracurricular activities, and gain practical experience through internships and research opportunities. My long-term goal is to become either a chemical or an environmental engineer. From a very young age I noticed a natural draw to nature and helping the environment. Because of this, I hope to work towards a degree that would help me find a job in this field. I aspire to be part of a team that tackles global challenges, such as climate change, urbanization, and technological advancements. Additionally, I aim to inspire and mentor future generations of engineers, sharing my knowledge and experiences to help them realize their potential. I hope that in doing that I can inspire others the same way I was inspired when I was younger. I firmly believe that I deserve this scholarship due to my dedication, passion, and commitment to becoming an engineer. With this financial support, I will be able to pursue my dreams, engage in impactful projects, and work. With a burning desire to become an engineer, I am committed to utilizing this financial help to further educate myself in this field. With the scholarship funds, I plan to invest in resources and tools that will enable me to undertake meaningful engineering projects. These projects will not only enhance my knowledge and skills but also contribute to the betterment of society. Whether it's designing sustainable energy solutions, creating assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities, or developing innovative transportation systems, my goal is to make a positive impact on the world through engineering.