At the heart of Marcus Aurelius’ *Meditations* lies a core Stoic principle: the firm division between what is within our control and what lies beyond it. The above statement, simple yet profound, encapsulates this central theme. “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” With this line, Aurelius is not offering abstract encouragement, but articulating a disciplined philosophy of life—one that redefines the nature of power, strength, and human freedom. The underlying meaning is that the path to lasting strength, peace, and moral clarity does not come from manipulating the external world, but from mastering our inner world—our thoughts, interpretations, and responses. This insight is rooted in the Stoic concept of *epictētōn* (things within our power) and *adēphora* (things indifferent or beyond our control). According to this view, all external circumstances—fame, fortune, loss, praise, or suffering—are ultimately unstable and unpredictable. What remains consistently within our grasp is the power to shape how we respond to those circumstances. Aurelius’ message, therefore, challenges the very foundation of how most people measure success and personal worth. In a society that glorifies control, conquest, and influence, he proposes a radical inversion: that true power is not the ability to change the world, but the capacity to remain undisturbed by it. To understand the significance of this idea, one must place it in the context of Aurelius’ life. As Roman emperor, he held the highest secular authority in the ancient world. He commanded armies, passed laws, and wielded influence over millions. Yet despite this external power, *Meditations* reveals a man constantly battling inner unrest and seeking a moral compass in the face of loss, betrayal, illness, and the brutal nature of political life. His writings, originally intended as personal notes, repeatedly circle back to the idea that inner mastery is the only reliable foundation for peace. He did not find strength in his crown, but in his conscience. This tension between outer power and inner virtue gives his words even greater weight. The structure of the quote is instructive: it begins with a declaration of agency—“You have power over your mind”—then draws a sharp boundary: “not outside events.” It concludes with a conditional promise: “Realize this, and you will find strength.” The strength he speaks of is not brute force, charisma, or dominance; it is the quiet, enduring strength of self-governance. To realize the truth of this distinction is, in itself, a transformative act. It shifts the locus of control from the unpredictable world to the stable terrain of reason and choice. This moment of realization is what Stoics would describe as *prohairesis*, the rational will, which determines our ethical character regardless of what happens around us. Critically, Aurelius is not suggesting that we ignore or avoid hardship. On the contrary, his philosophy embraces adversity as a teacher. Stoicism teaches that suffering, misfortune, and death are not to be feared but understood as natural parts of existence. What determines whether these experiences weaken or strengthen us is how we interpret them. If we view suffering as a personal attack or injustice, we become bitter and fragile. But if we see it as an opportunity to cultivate patience, courage, or wisdom, we emerge stronger. Thus, our mental framing of experience becomes the battleground where strength is forged. This perspective also brings moral implications. If we truly believe that our mind is the one domain where we are sovereign, then we also bear full responsibility for our reactions, judgments, and actions. We cannot blame others for our anger, jealousy, or fear; nor can we justify wrongdoing by pointing to external pressures. In this way, Aurelius’ statement is not just comforting—it is demanding. It calls us to a higher standard of accountability. There is no refuge in victimhood or excuse-making. Strength, in the Stoic sense, is inseparable from virtue. Moreover, this internal focus is not a retreat from the world, but a preparation for engaging with it more wisely. A person who has mastered their mind becomes more effective in the world precisely because they are not ruled by it. They can act decisively without attachment, love without clinging, and lead without arrogance. They are unshaken by praise or blame because their self-worth is rooted in character, not approval. In a culture that prizes external validation, such inner fortitude is rare and deeply transformative. One might argue that this inward turn risks indifference to injustice or passive acceptance of suffering. But this is a misunderstanding of Stoic ethics. Marcus Aurelius does not suggest that we abandon action; rather, he insists that we act justly, but without expectation or emotional dependence on outcomes. The Stoic does not turn a blind eye to cruelty or failure but confronts them with courage and clarity, knowing that their moral worth lies in the effort, not in the result. This detachment from outcome is not apathy, but freedom—a freedom from being enslaved by things we cannot control. In contemporary terms, Aurelius’ insight is perhaps more urgent than ever. We live in a time of constant distraction, media overload, and societal pressure. We are bombarded with narratives that our value lies in wealth, popularity, or status—things largely outside our control. In such a climate, the ability to govern one’s mind, to pause, reflect, and respond with intention, is a revolutionary act. It is a form of quiet rebellion against a world that profits from our emotional volatility and insecurity. In conclusion, Marcus Aurelius’ assertion that we have power over our mind, but not over external events, is not a simplistic slogan—it is a profound call to reorient our lives. It challenges us to stop chasing control over the uncontrollable and instead invest our energy in cultivating self-awareness, resilience, and virtue. Strength, in this view, is not about what we achieve outwardly, but how well we govern ourselves inwardly. To realize this is not to withdraw from the world, but to engage with it from a place of clarity and inner peace. In mastering the mind, we not only liberate ourselves—we become a steady light for others in a world of chaos.

Education is more than just a path to a diploma—it’s the key that opens doors to opportunity, change, and growth. As a first-generation student, I see education as a chance to break cycles, redefine my future, and show others—especially young women like me—that they are capable of achieving anything they put their minds to. Education is important to me because it gives me the tools to not only improve my own life, but to uplift others and create lasting impact in my family and community. Growing up, I watched my parents work hard to provide for our family without the benefit of a formal education. Their strength and sacrifice inspired me, but it also made me realize how different their lives could have been if they had access to the opportunities that education brings. I want to use my education to honor their hard work by going further, dreaming bigger, and helping others along the way. To me, education means freedom—the freedom to choose my own path, to speak up with confidence, and to build a life that reflects my values and passions. Through school, I’ve discovered not only my academic strengths but also my voice. I’ve learned to think critically, express myself clearly, and stand up for what I believe in. These skills go far beyond the classroom—they are shaping me into the kind of person I want to be: someone who leads with purpose and lifts others up. Education has given me courage, clarity, and the confidence to take on challenges that once felt out of reach. The legacy I hope to leave is one of perseverance, empowerment, and impact. I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t just overcome obstacles, but who turned those challenges into motivation to help others. Whether it’s mentoring younger students, returning to my community to give back, or using my future career to advocate for equity and opportunity, I want my journey to inspire others to believe in themselves—even when the odds are stacked against them. More than anything, I want to show that where you start does not have to define where you end up. I want younger girls—especially those who look like me or come from similar backgrounds—to see what’s possible when you stay focused, work hard, and never stop learning. My legacy will not just be the degrees I earn, but the doors I help open for others. In the end, education is my foundation. It’s the power to write my own story—and help others write theirs. And if I can leave behind even one person who feels stronger, more hopeful, or more determined because of the path I walked, then I’ll know I’ve left a legacy worth remembering.

Being a female athlete in a world that often associates strength and dominance with men has taught me how to push past limitations—both the ones society places on me and the ones I’ve had to overcome within myself. Through my involvement in multiple sports—softball, basketball, volleyball, cross country, and tennis—I have developed discipline, resilience, and confidence. Balancing sports with school and life hasn’t always been easy, but it has shaped me into a stronger, more determined young woman ready to make her mark in any environment. One of the most challenging but rewarding experiences I’ve had was competing in both cross country and volleyball during two seasons. Managing two demanding sports at once while keeping up with school taught me more about time management, perseverance, and mental toughness than anything else I’ve done. There were days when I’d go straight from a cross country meet to a volleyball game, barely having time to catch my breath. But I showed up, pushed through, and gave 100% to both teams. That experience proved to me that I could handle pressure, multitask effectively, and still perform at a high level. Each sport brought out different aspects of my strength. In softball and basketball, I learned about teamwork, quick decision-making, and mental focus. Volleyball and tennis taught me precision, communication, and the importance of staying composed under pressure. Cross country, on the other hand, challenged me mentally more than physically—it taught me how to fight through fatigue and silence self-doubt when I wanted to give up. Together, these experiences built me into a well-rounded athlete and a more confident individual. Balancing five sports across different seasons while staying on top of academics has also forced me to grow as a leader and as a student. I’ve learned how to organize my time, set priorities, and make sacrifices when necessary. More importantly, I’ve learned how to advocate for myself—whether it's communicating with coaches, speaking up in the classroom, or taking initiative in group projects. These are life skills that will continue to serve me well in college and beyond. As a female competing in athletics, I’ve faced moments where I felt underestimated, overlooked, or judged differently compared to my male counterparts. But instead of letting that discourage me, I’ve used it as motivation. I’ve learned that strength doesn’t always mean being the loudest in the room—it means being consistent, showing up, and refusing to quit. I’ve earned respect not just through words, but through action and perseverance. Being a multi-sport athlete while balancing school and life has empowered me to take control of my future. I’ve learned how to lead, how to fight through adversity, and how to believe in my own strength. I’m proud to be a strong female in a male-dominated world—not because it’s easy, but because I’ve proven to myself that I can do hard things and come out stronger on the other side.

Growing up in a household where no one had attended college, I often saw the limitations placed on my family—not due to lack of intelligence or ambition, but due to a lack of opportunity. My parents worked long hours at physically demanding jobs, and while they provided for our basic needs, I witnessed the sacrifices they made to keep us afloat. These experiences instilled in me a deep understanding of the value of education—not just as a pathway to a better job, but as a key to long-term stability, empowerment, and service to others. I’ve chosen to pursue higher education because I want to break the cycle of limited opportunities and build a future where I can give back to my family and community. As a first-generation college student, I know that the road ahead will be challenging, but I have been intentional in preparing myself for what’s to come. First, I prioritized academic achievement throughout high school. I enrolled in Advanced Placement and honors courses to challenge myself and get a taste of college-level work. I sought help when needed and made it a point to build strong relationships with teachers and counselors, who have become invaluable mentors in guiding me through the college application process. Beyond academics, I became involved in extracurricular activities that helped me grow as a leader and collaborator. Whether serving as class president or volunteering at the local food pantry, I’ve learned how to balance responsibilities and communicate effectively with people from all walks of life. These skills will serve me well in college, where independence and time management are essential. Knowing that my parents could not offer direct guidance through the college process, I took the initiative to research everything I could. I attended college fairs, participated in virtual campus tours, and joined programs that would aid me in my future education. Through these programs, I learned how to write personal statements, apply for financial aid, and navigate the transition to college life. Each step I’ve taken has made me more confident and better equipped to thrive in a higher education environment. Perhaps the most significant way I’ve prepared is by developing a mindset of resilience. I’ve faced setbacks—financial worries, moments of self-doubt, and a lack of representation—but I’ve learned to turn these challenges into motivation. I remind myself that by being the first in my family to attend college, I am opening doors not just for myself, but for the generations that follow. In pursuing higher education, I am not only chasing my own dreams—I am honoring the hard work of my parents and the sacrifices they’ve made. I am proving that where you come from doesn’t have to determine where you’re going. I am prepared, determined, and excited to take this next step, knowing that it is not the end goal, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and growth.

From a young age, I have been deeply moved by the ways healthcare professionals impact the lives of others—not just by treating illness, but by providing hope, comfort, and dignity during the most vulnerable moments. My decision to pursue a degree in healthcare stems from both a personal calling and a sense of responsibility to serve my community. As a woman entering the healthcare field, I see a unique opportunity to break barriers, advocate for equity, and inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in science and medicine. My interest in healthcare began when I watched my grandmother battle chronic illness multiple times throughout her life. The care and compassion she received from her nurses and physicians left a lasting impression on me. It wasn’t just the medication or treatment that helped her—it was the way her healthcare providers made her feel seen and valued. That human connection inspired me to follow a path where I could offer the same care and compassion to others. I am particularly drawn to the intersection of healthcare and social justice. Many underserved communities still lack access to quality healthcare, and disparities based on race, gender, and income continue to affect health outcomes. As I pursue my degree, I am committed to addressing these inequities. Whether through clinical practice, public health initiatives, or policy work, I want to be part of creating a system where healthcare is a right, not a privilege. As a woman in healthcare, I recognize the importance of representation. Women bring unique perspectives and strengths to medicine, yet we are still underrepresented in leadership roles and specialized fields. I hope to challenge these norms by pursuing excellence in my field, mentoring other women, and advocating for gender equity within the healthcare system. I want to help build an environment where young girls see women in lab coats, scrubs, and surgical masks not as exceptions, but as the rule. Beyond the hospital or clinic, I aim to be a community advocate. I believe in health education as a tool for empowerment. By engaging with schools, local organizations, and grassroots initiatives, I hope to raise awareness about preventative care, mental health, and wellness—especially in marginalized communities. Sometimes, making a positive impact doesn’t require a grand gesture; it can be as simple as a conversation that changes someone’s approach to their health. Ultimately, I am pursuing a degree in healthcare not just to treat illness, but to promote well-being, foster equity, and inspire others. As a woman, I carry the responsibility—and the privilege—of paving the way for others, challenging norms, and using my voice to uplift those who are often unheard. I am excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Music: a way to express and feel emotions through your heart and ears. It has always been a consistent thing in my life, from worship music on the radio, to pump up songs in the gym. Music has been so monumental within my personal life, and so many factors have played a role into why. I have been active in music and choir throughout my entire schooling career. Worship music is a huge part of my life, as I try to listen to songs that glorify God. I joined a worship band my freshman year of highschool, and continued to participate throughout my junior year, until the band slowly fell apart. This band is how I met my first ever boyfriend. He played the guitar and I sang. We connected through worship songs, and continued to get to know each other. Once we started dating, we would create playlists for each other and blast them in the car. Fast forward to senior year, we had been going strong for over a year. Two days after Christmas, he broke up with me. I felt shattered and in pieces. To cope, I listened to a mixture of worship songs, knowing this was for God's glory, and breakup songs. As a senior, I recently picked up a guitar, even though it reminded me of my ex. I decided that learning the guitar for myself would be a way to heal from my heartbreak, and I was right. I started playing guitar, learning chords, and eventually started playing songs I love. I worshiped God through Christian music as well. Balance is extremely important in everything, from physical health to schooling. Balancing my passion for music and my academic responsibilities has not been an easy road. It has taken many years to figure out what works best for me. I find that lists help me stay focused the most. Scheduling out when I will study or do homework has served me well. My favorite method of scheduling is bullet points, that way I get the satisfaction of crossing out the completed task. This effective method allows me to see the progess, keeping me motivated. It has been a long journey to learning time management, but applying it allows me to balance music and sports, all while keeping my studies strong and my grades up. Overall, music has helped me cope, feel peace, and grow in my faith. It is a way to connect with others, and even a way to remember loved ones, past or present, which is why I am passionate about it.

There are a lot of people in the world, and many of them play major roles in our lives. So many individuals have influenced me, but ever since I was a little girl, I have always admired my mother the most. Her kind heart, compassionate soul, and gentle voice have always struck me inspired. Her loving nature and patience are things to strive for. My mom works hard for everything she has, and takes nothing for granted, because she knows the effort put into having it. Even though she does not have a college degree, success surrounds her. Ever since I was a freshman in high school, she has always supported me in the idea of going to college. Her work ethic, integrity, and initiative are qualities I deeply respect. Growing up watching and learning from her has motivated me to take the steps I need to in acquiring further education. My mom's love for others has shaped the way I act. It has also impacted the way I see the world. No matter who it is, she is the first one to offer help, whether it means baking bread and cookies for someone, someone to call and talk to, or a simple hug. Her selflessness has influenced my decision to pursue a career where I am able to make a difference in other people's lives. My sophomore year of highschool I decided to do group speech for the very first time. Throughout it, I was able to learn how important and effective speech and the art form of it is. It is truly amazing how impactful speech can be, and the positive messages that can be spread through it. Junior year I completed speech again, excited for the season once more. My group and I went to state that year, which was an amazing experience. The beautiful speeches and even the short films put an elegant touch on the meaning of doing speech. It is not just about getting a good rating, but about speaking and making known values that can change someone's life. Learning this has changed my perspective of speech altogether, showing me how truly amazing and impactful words can be. Doing speech is something I encourage my fellow peers to participate in. The exciting trips, friendly people, and fun behind making the story or film come to life are qualities that make speech so much fun. Not only is it fun, learning how to present an idea is a skill that is valuable for the rest of life.