As a student with dyslexia, I have a unique perspective and set of strengths and skills that have shaped my educational experiences. Throughout my academic career, I have faced numerous challenges due to my learning disability, but I have also developed an exceptional work ethic and a passion for giving back to my community through it. I first became aware of my dyslexia in elementary school. I was attending Hola, a bilingual school where I was being taught in both English and Spanish, and I was struggling to keep up with my classmates. This added to the difficulties I was already facing, and by the time I reached the third grade, I was years behind my classmates in reading and writing. I was frustrated and felt like I was being seen as a lost cause and a charity case, but with the help of my parents and grandparents, I decided to take a different approach to my education. I worked extremely hard and put in hundreds of hours outside of school to catch up with my classmates, and by fifth grade, I was at the top of my class and won three out of the six subject awards. My experiences with dyslexia have inspired me to give back to others who are facing similar challenges. I have worked with organizations like the Adaptive Sports Foundation, Friar Suppliers, and the Inclusion Program at Port Rowing, which has taught me the importance of service, integrity, compassion, responsibility, kindness, and patience. Through these organizations, I have been able to help people with disabilities experience the joy of activities like snowboarding, and I have seen the difference that a small gesture like a toy can make in the life of a child from an underprivileged background. These experiences have inspired me to continue giving back to my community, and I am proud to have used my platform as an entrepreneur and small business owner to have raised thousands of dollars for these organizations and make a real impact in people's lives. I have had to overcome the challenges and struggles of Dyslexia. The things I have had to face because of dyslexia have put me in a position where I am now in a position to help others that also struggle with learning disabilities or other physical disabilities. My experiences with dyslexia has forced me to face numerous challenges, but it has also given me a unique perspective and set of skills that I will use to succeed in college and in my future career. I will be attending Rice University this fall, where I hope to study business. Here, I will hopefully put myself into a position to become a successful entrepreneur and business owner, where I can use my position to help others and create a difference through my work. I believe that with hard work and by working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those around us.

As we sat on the trail's side, I was unsure how Patrick would get down. Patrick had severe autism and cognitive disabilities that made specific tasks difficult, including snowboarding. I had worked with him several times, and he always seemed to be having a good time- that was my main goal. However, this time, he had grown extremely frustrated and refused to move. I decided that we should try a different approach. I spun my board around him so that I was now standing below him. Looking back up the hill toward him, I grabbed him by his gloves. As I held his gloves, I shifted both of our bodies so that we were facing each other and aiming down the hill. As we glided slowly, he pressed his body against mine, and I guided him down the mountain. He quickly began to follow my movements. Ultimately, I let go of him, and he continued the motions we had been working on, gently descending the mountain. After countless attempts and hours spent working on it, he had finally been able to snowboard on his own. When I reached the bottom, I saw him with one of the biggest smiles I had ever seen on a person. Moments like this are why I put such an emphasis on doing community work, because the ability to spread joy, happiness and help others in need, is something truly special and meaningful to me. My time working with organizations such as the Adaptive Sports Foundation, Friar Suppliers, and the Inclusion Program at Port Rowing has truly shaped the man I have become. These organizations have instilled core values such as integrity, compassion, responsibility, kindness, and patience in me. These values have become pillars in the life I try to live. Treat everyone with respect, service, and integrity while learning to overcome challenges and use mistakes to grow as a person. Since these organizations play such a key role in my life, I have prioritized giving back to them in any way I can. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, I have used my company, Latscards, as a platform for raising a significant amount of money for the organizations I work with. I have helped raise thousands of dollars for The Adaptive Sports Foundation, Project Livo, and Friar Suppliers. This money has done so many good things within my community, as we have helped provide lessons for different activities to people with disabilities, helped send food to the needy across Long Island, and even have helped collect and raise thousands of dollars worth of toys for a toy drive I helped run that gave back to underprivileged kids on Long Island. I hope to continue to inspire change through my platform and things such as Project Livo, as I work with other teenagers across Long Island to emphasize community work, and to create real life change in thousands of peoples’ lives. This scholarship would play a massive role in allowing me to focus even more on my charity work and my company, which are my primary goals. Helping to remove some of the stress of paying for college would open up more opportunities to focus on creating an enormous difference within my community through my volunteer work and allow me more time to raise money through my business. Going to college is the most significant step in expanding my knowledge to enable me to scale my charity work and my company into one that does not just help my local community but genuinely makes a difference across the country and even the world.

The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is the boxing film Rocky starring Sylvester Stallone. I first saw this movie when I was in elementary school, but it wasn't until recently that I realized the impact that the movie has had on me. Rocky is an underdog story about Rocky Balboa, a struggling boxer who gets a chance to fight for the world heavyweight championship. The movie is about more than just boxing though; it's about the human spirit and the power of determination. One of the main reasons this movie has had such a big impact on my life is because it taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. Rocky was not a naturally gifted boxer and had everything stacked against him in his pursuit to be great, but he worked hard every day to improve his skills and eventually he got better. He didn't give up when things got tough, and he never lost sight of his goals. As a student that has dyslexia, and struggled mightily in elementary school, I was inspired by Rocky’s ability to keep trying even with all the difficulties he faced. Instead of giving up, I realized what was possible with a little hard work and effort, so I worked hard in school and eventually got to the top of my class. I was inspired to work hard and learned to never give up on my goals, as nothing is impossible. Another important lesson I learned from this movie is the value of relationships. Rocky's relationship with his coach, Mickey, was instrumental in his success. Mickey saw something special in Rocky and believed in him when no one else did. Their relationship taught me the importance of having mentors and people who believe in you. In my life, my Mickey figure is the same person that used to watch the movie with me, my dad. My dad has always believed in me and his support has put me into a position to get to where I am today. He is also a mentor figure to me as he is someone I truly look up to as he is truly an amazing, kind, and passionate person. The final reason that Rocky had such an impact on my life is that it taught me about the power of second chances. Rocky had a tough life, but he never gave up on himself. He took every opportunity he was given and worked tirelessly to make the most of it. His journey showed me that it's never too late to chase your dreams and make something of yourself. In the beginning of my academic career from kindergarten to 3rd grade, I was a very misbehaved kid. I had grown so frustrated with my struggles in school that I was mean to everyone I talked to, would lash out, and was extremely upset with everyone. I realized that was not the life I wanted to live, so I spent a lot of time focusing on being kind and helping others. This has led me to the position I am in today where I spend hundreds of hours every year working with a variety of charity organizations and have raised a significant amount of money for organizations such as the Adaptive sports foundation and Friar Suppliers. In conclusion, Rocky has had a tremendous impact on my life. It taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, relationships, and second chances. I will always be grateful for the lessons I learned from this movie, and I will carry them with me throughout my life.

As a snowboard instructor and coach, I am passionate about helping my students feel the accomplishment and develop the skills to get down some of the most beautiful mountains. More than anything, I want them to feel like they are part of something; part of a group of athletes, regardless of skill. While I teach students of all ages, shapes and sizes, many of my students have physical and developmental disabilities. I have been working with these snowboarders for the last few years as a member of the Adaptive Sports Program. In addition to snowboarding, I also volunteer for Inclusive Rowing, at Port Rowing. As an athlete, coach and mentor for students with special needs and learning differences, my goal is to build confidence, build community and make sure everyone has an equal chance to be part of an environment that will support them and help them grow. I am very active in my community and school, my work with the Adaptive Sports Foundation, Project Livo, the Garden City Fire Department, Friar Suppliers and the Inclusion Program at Port Rowing has truly shaped the man I have become. These organizations have provided opportunities to use core values such as integrity, compassion, responsibility, kindness, and patience. These values have become pillars in the life I try to live. Treating everyone with respect, kindness, and integrity while learning how to overcome challenges, and use mistakes to grow as a person. These organizations are a big part of my life and I have made it a priority to give back to them in other ways as well. As a small business owner, I believe in the importance of supporting the local community. The small business that I launched last year, Latscards, is doing very well so I made the decision months ago to donate part of the profits to the Adaptive Sports Foundation. I have made a large impact through the amount of time and effort, I have spent working with these different organizations and have been able to create change by spreading awareness, raising money, and working hands-on with these different organizations. As someone that has been involved in various leadership roles, from being president of the economics club to being a lead volunteer snowboard instructor, I have a lot of experience being a “leader’ and have been around many people that do not understand what leadership truly is. I believe that the idea of leadership and what it means to be a leader are commonly misinterpreted. Many people believe that being a leader is just a characteristic that someone that is the boss or in charge has, but it is much more than that. Leadership is innovation, creating change, and bringing out the best in others. Leadership is how we make new ideas that significantly impact the world, help those in need, and ultimately help others become leaders within society. The ability to make a change and put others in a position to make a difference is authentic leadership. Leadership is important to me because it is how I make the largest impact within my community and the world. As a leader at my school, in my company, and within different charity organizations, I can use my leadership to advance my community and put others in a position where they are eager to create a difference and make an impact as well. I hope that I will continue to be able to make a difference within my community throughout my time at Rice University and well after I enter into my career.

One person I truly admire is definitely my dad. My dad is not only an amazing human being but is someone that has shown and taught me necessary characteristics to be successful through the way he lives. He is a small business owner, and I have seen firsthand how hard he works. He has taught me so many valuable life lessons, not only through his words but also through his actions. He is an inspiration to me in so many ways and I am grateful to have him as my father. Growing up, I have seen my dad work tirelessly to run his small business. He is the owner of a small staffing agency in NYC, and I have seen how much time and effort he puts into making sure that the business runs smoothly. He works around the clock and is always the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. I have seen his dedication and hard work firsthand, as he worked tirelessly through the pandemic to keep his business afloat, and these characteristics certainly have rubbed off on me. He has taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance and the value of putting in the time and effort to achieve success. My dad is also a great leader and has the ability to bring out the best in others. He treats everyone with kindness and respect and is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. I have seen him work with different organizations and communities to help those that need it most. He has a strong sense of integrity and always does what is right, even if it is not the easiest path to take. He has taught me that it is important to always do what is right, regardless of who is watching. Most importantly, my father has shown me the value and importance of education. He has made me realize that it is so important because it is one of the few things someone else can not take away from you, and that can truly put you in a position to be successful. On a different note, I participated in the Public Forum in speech and debate at Chaminade High School because I not only enjoyed arguing with other people civilly but also because I enjoyed the community and bonds that formed because of it. When I first got to this school, they wanted me to join Speech and Debate, welcoming me with open arms and I am so grateful they did. I have learned critical thinking and reasoning skills that will be crucial in my collegiate and professional life. All in all, my dad is a true inspiration and has been a positive influence in my life in so many ways. He has instilled important characteristics in me and has put me in a position to be very successful. He has taught me the value of hard work, integrity, kindness, leadership, and effective communication, and these are all characteristics that I strive to embody in my own life. I am lucky to have him as a father and I hope to make him proud and continue to live by the values and principles he has instilled in me. I also greatly enjoyed doing Speech and Debate because of what it provides an opportunity for.

As a student and small business owner of Latcards, financial literacy is a crucial aspect of my daily life. I understand the importance of being financially literate and continuously expanding my knowledge on the subject because financial literacy is how both my business and I become and stay successful. To educate myself, I actively seek out resources such as books, articles, and online courses on personal finance, budgeting, and investment. I also make it a point to attend online workshops and seminars that focus on financial literacy and money management from business leaders around the world. In addition, I discuss my personal and business finances and seek advice on financial decisions from people I know that are financially smart such as people working in finance or business. I plan to continue to make use of technology to educate myself. This can include listening to financial literacy-themed podcasts and YouTube channels, where I can learn through others' experiences and insights, as well as learn information on various financial topics. As for educating others, I constantly go out of my way to make sure my friends and family have a good sense of financial literacy and money management. By doing simple things such as recommending easy-to-understand finance books such as Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, YouTube videos, and even online courses, I can put my friends, family and employees in a better position financially in the long run. I also plan to partner with local organizations that focus on financial literacy education to provide workshops and seminars for others within my community that may be helped or could benefit from learning about financial literacy. I also believe in leading by example, and as a small business owner, I make sure to be transparent about my financial decisions and the financial health of the company. This way, others can learn from my experiences and be more financially literate themselves. Lastly, I understand that financial literacy education is a lifelong journey, and I am committed to continuously seeking out new resources and opportunities to improve my own financial literacy and that of those around me. All in all, financial literacy is essential for personal and business success. As a student and small business owner, I am dedicated to continuously educating myself and others on financial literacy through various resources and practical applications, including utilizing technology, incorporating it into the onboarding process, making it accessible to others and making the process of learning about financial literacy a lifelong journey.

My love for golf started when I was just a young kid, spending the weekends in the summers with my grandfather on the lush greens and driving range of Noyac golf course. He taught me everything I know about the game, from the proper way to grip a club to the art of a perfect swing. Even today, after 14 years of playing golf with him, he still loves giving me tips about my game and I love listening to him and adjusting my game accordingly. Those early days on the course with my grandfather are some of my fondest memories. I remember his patience as he taught me the basics, and the thrill I felt when I finally hit the ball just right and watched it soar through the air. It was then and there that I knew I was hooked. As I grew older, my passion for the game only deepened. I spent hours on the course and driving range, honing my skills and learning new techniques. While I was never the best golfer, I signed up for and competed in local youth tournaments at historic clubs like The Bridge and Shinnecock. This only helped to fuel my love for the game even more. Being able to play on such gorgeous courses that were so historic and important to the game of golf was something that was incredibly special to me. Golf has been an important part of my life, not just because of the physical and mental benefits, but also because it has helped me to build a deeper relationship with my grandfather. He has always been a mentor and role model to me, and I cherish the time we spent together on the course. This helped build a unique bond between me and him that is different from everyone else I know. I hope to pass on my love for the game to future generations. Aside from the personal benefits, I also appreciate the social aspect of golf. It's a game that builds connections because it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Just one round of golf can create friends, or get a business deal done. Looking back on my golf journey, I am filled with gratitude for the time I've spent on the course and the lessons I've learned through the game. I look forward to many more years of playing and savoring the peacefulness of the greens, the rush of hitting a long drive, and the camaraderie of the people I play with.

Social media is fake Relationships that aren’t real People that are fake Pictures that are acted out Moments that are staged allowing people to lash out All it does is created pain Behind a hidden name people do whatever they want regardless of what it creates different people fought All it does is promote hate Different emotions are brought but social media is fake Make sure to avoid making a mistake The virtual world we create Is nothing but an illusion We hide behind a screen And forget about the real solution We forget to live in the moment And miss out on true connection Social media is fake But true life is worth the attention. We must remember to be true To ourselves and to others too In this world of screens and likes It's easy to lose sight of what's right So let's leave behind the virtual lie And seek out genuine connections in the sky.

If I could have everyone in the world read just one book, it would be Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. This novel tells the incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was taken prisoner by the Japanese during World War II. The book is a testament to the human spirit, and it shows how one's determination and willpower can help someone survive even the most horrific experiences imaginable. Throughout Louis' story, readers are taken on a journey of perseverance and survival. The book details the brutal treatment he endured as a prisoner of war, including beatings, starvation, and all-out torture. Despite everything, Louis never gave up hope, instead he kept his spirits up by focusing on his dream of returning home to his family. But Unbroken is not just a survival story. It is also a story about the power of the indomitable human spirit. Louis' experiences in the war were incredibly traumatic, leaving immense scars when he returned home, and yet over time, he was able to overcome them and move on with his life. He returned home, got married, and even ran in the 1948 Olympics. Louis’ perseverance shows us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Lastly, the book gives the reader a necessary historical context of WWII and the struggles of soldiers during the war. Many times, war is glamorized in novels and movies. In Unbroken, this is not the case. The challenges that Louis faced are truly shown, allowing the reader to fully realize the sacrifices many soldiers need to make. Yet through Louis' actions during these struggles, the reader learns about true acts of courage, hope, and the power of the human mind. Ultimately, Unbroken is a powerful and inspiring book that has the power to change the way someone thinks about their ability to overcome challenges. It teaches the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up, even in the face of adversity. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the extreme capabilities of humans, and the sacrifices of soldiers and their families during wartime. Reading this book can not only change the way people think about war in general but also how one thinks about oneself. Which can inspire a new generation of people to be more like Louis, determined, resilient and compassionate.