I am planning on majoring in neuroscience. I have always been captivated by neuroscience and how, by studying it, I am, in a way, learning more about myself. Neuroplasticity is a topic that explains how with time, our brain can grow, change, and adapt to stimuli. Similarly, every endeavor in which we persist results in a change. By better understanding neuroscience, I will be better equipped to help others by understanding the methodology and reasoning of disorders and their progressive nature. Akin to humans, diseases develop and function and grow. Often, this growth is progressive, as are its ramifications in our daily lives. When we are cognizant of a disease's presence, we can mitigate its impact on our day-to-day functioning. Neuroscience will allow me and other passionate students to analyze the brain and nervous system[s] and get to the root of a disease or disorder, hopefully making life easier for posterity. Neuroscience will allow me to progress in my altruistic endeavors. Education propagates knowledge; knowledge is essential for progression in STEM. By utilizing the invaluable knowledge I will learn through studying neuroscience, I will help deepen STEM and neuroscientific research and, as a result, help people, too. Medicine is vast, so it is essential to understand medicine, to better understand ourselves and others. I want to help myself through pursuing an educational career studying neuroscience. I will not only help myself, but I will help myself help others, too. As we experience what life has to offer, our brain changes, and we change, too. We all have the possibility to grow, adapt, and function better; neuroscience will help make this possibility a reality for many. If I can study something I am passionate about and help people in the process, I will have lived a good life, and I will have helped others do the same.

Change is inevitable, progressive, and collective. Regardless of one's involvement in society, change will occur--and change will not always be desirable. However, when we persist, we can progress and we can prevail. I wish to see more tolerance in the world. Through education, we gain knowledge. With knowledge, it is hoped that we can tolerate the changing world around us. Education, formal and informal, is essential in society and the world. Rather than denouncing one for not conforming to tradition, tolerance will enable one to take a stance of neutrality; accepting even when you cannot understand for the betterment of society is what tolerance is. Tolerance, however, is not ubiquitous. The sooner that we accept the changing world around us, the better. Being tolerant does not necessitate deviation from one's beliefs, nor does it negate one's faithful and religious devotion; tolerance, put simply, condemns the reliance on violence and persecution. When we become cognizant of the dismal reality that many people face because of intolerance, we can progressively promote peace. Education leads to tolerance; tolerance leads to peace; peace promotes the viability of society. One does not have to be less right in order to respect the rights that every individual is deserving of. The animosity that is widespread only propagates more animosity. To mitigate animosity, we must think and act sensibly and reasonably. In the face of opposition, we must not enable nor reinforce oppression. We must not proclaim to be preeminent when, in fact, the fact is, rightness is negligible. If we can only convince ourselves of our rightness, then what good is it to be right? We must accept the inevitable presence of opposition. Change will not come easy; it never has. However, when we put time and devotion into pursuing education, we will be better equipped to promote change and control it. Change is powerful. We must act with a clear purpose in mind. Reality is but a social and individualized construct; when we allow ourselves to view society and its facets from another perspective, we are not only changing the way in which we view phenomena, but we are allowing ourselves to be made cognizant of the different perspectives around us. Education will allow us to change society with tolerance. Collectively, we can all create a society that does not ostracize individuals because of their non-traditional or "deviant" ideologies but tolerates a view that deviates from what is the norm. Tolerance is essential for peace.

Talent is ubiquitous. The utilization of the talent one embodies isn't as common. I am a talented writer. Yes, I know. Subjective. Writing has always been immensely influential in my life. When my grandfather passed away last year from Coronavirus, my talent nearly dissolved, like a match with a dying flame. I lost my passion, my drive. Akin to grief, talent is progressive. We will have endeavors that may inhibit our optimum performance. What matters is that the endeavors are temporary, not causing an everlasting impasse. Talent is complimentary to our individuality. How our talent is used is what makes each individual truly unique. My grandfather was a landscaper. He was passionate about the work he did. It wasn't fruitful, but it was a job. He always wanted more for me. After the brief interlude (grief), I thought with sensibility. The best way to honor my grandfather is by giving his hope meaning. He has acted as a catalyst, the main motivator in my education. Through him, my talent has a purpose. My purpose wasn't always discernable. I struggle with pessimism. But I've experienced the worse before. I progress. I improve. I persist. Writing has always offered a sense of disassociation. It allows me to isolate myself from the reality of life’s hardships and see the possibilities. The fruits of life aren't unobtainable. Like talent, they are universally common. The path to them, however, is a winding one. It isn't uncommon to lose your compass, your sense of direction. But when you do, you must persist. Persistence leads to progression. Progression leads to improvement. Your talent will guide you along the changing routes. You hold they key to your destination. Thank you, - Cameron McNichols