Growing up, I was always “too much”—too loud, too opinionated, too emotional. These weren’t just passing remarks; they were judgments etched into my identity before I even had a chance to define myself. They clung to me like a second skin, each word forging another link in an invisible chain that tightened with every passing year. That chain slowly began to suffocate the person I was meant to be, until the weight of those labels made me almost unrecognizable—to myself and the world. In my desperation to belong, I silenced my voice. I sanded down the edges of my personality, dimmed my light, and molded myself into the image others seemed to prefer—quiet, agreeable, subdued. But no matter how much I conformed, a gnawing emptiness remained. It was a persistent ache, a whisper deep inside me saying, “This isn’t who you are.” I wasn’t just hiding pieces of myself; I was erasing them. Then came “Wicked.” On a school trip with my theater club, I experienced it on Broadway for the first time. Sitting in the dim glow of that theater, I watched as Elphaba stepped into the spotlight, and for the first time, I saw myself reflected on stage. She, too, had been labeled “too much”—too green, too different, too powerful. Yet instead of crumbling beneath the weight of rejection, she harnessed those differences and transformed them into her greatest strength. Elphaba’s refusal to conform became my battle cry. She didn’t apologize for who she was; she turned what others called flaws—her green skin, her fierce passion, her unyielding spirit—into her power. That moment of revelation was transformative. I realized I didn’t need to shrink myself to fit someone else’s narrative. My loudness, my opinions, my emotions—these weren’t flaws. They were the essence of my strength. By the time I reached college, I was done hiding. The parts of me that once felt like burdens became the foundation of my confidence. I stopped second-guessing myself in class and raised my voice, even when it felt uncertain. I embraced leadership roles, producing for BCTV and hosting my own radio show, where I amplify the stories and ideas that matter to me. I took on lead roles in campus productions, stepping into the spotlight with a boldness I never thought I could possess. Each time I speak, lead, or perform, I’m not just reclaiming my voice—I’m proving, to myself and others, that individuality is my superpower. Elphaba taught me that being different isn’t just okay—it’s vital. The world may try to break me, may try to mold me into something smaller or quieter, but like Elphaba, I’ll rise. I’ll defy gravity—not just in the grand, defining moments, but in every small decision to stay true to myself. The world may try to change me, but Elphaba’s resilience has shown me that I can change the world by embracing who I am—fully, unapologetically, and powerfully.

“They all say that it gets better, it gets better the more you grow / Yeah, they all say that it gets better, it gets better, but what if I don’t?” Birthdays are typically a time to celebrate the start of a new year of life, filled with anticipation and the promise of growth. However, for me, they often bring a sense of frustration and uncertainty. Instead of celebrating the year ahead, I find myself weighed down by the past—the things I still haven’t figured out, the milestones I didn’t reach, and the lingering questions I thought I’d have answered since my last birthday but still haven’t. I thought that growing older would bring clarity and direction, but it feels like the opposite. Instead of feeling more confident, I often feel more lost. I’ve heard for years that as you grow older, things get easier—that with age comes wisdom and control. When I was younger, I believed this without question. I imagined that by the time I reached adulthood, everything would fall into place. I thought I would know what I wanted to do with my life, how to navigate relationships, and where I fit into the world, but my confusion has only deepened. The questions I had as a teenager seem to multiply, and the certainty I thought would come with age feels as elusive as ever. It’s as if the more I grow, the more I have to figure out, and the more uncertainty I face. When I was younger, I didn’t worry about my future the way I do now. I was carefree, more focused on the present moment. The world seemed full of possibilities, and I felt like I had time to figure things out. But now, the weight of responsibility feels heavier. I’m no longer just thinking about myself. I have to consider my family—especially my brother, who is autistic—and the future I’ll share with him. As my parents grow older, I also worry about how I’ll care for them. There’s an immense pressure to make the right choices, not just for myself, but for the people I love. And while I feel this responsibility deeply, I often don’t know what the right path is. The uncertainty of my future, compounded by these obligations, makes me question what my life will look like in the years to come. Then there’s the pressure of figuring out my career. I’m majoring in marketing and communications with a minor in journalism, but I still don’t know what I want to do with my life. I thought I’d have a clear vision by now, but I’m just as lost as I was in high school. I look at people around me who seem to have their futures mapped out, and I can’t help but wonder, “What if I never get there? What if I always feel this lost?” And then there’s my relationship. My boyfriend is joining the Navy, and while I’m proud of him, I can’t help but feel anxious about what this means for us and the preservation of our relationship. The uncertainty of our future, combined with the stress of everything else in my life, adds to the overwhelming sense that nothing is certain. I often find myself thinking, “What if I can’t handle it all?” And in these moments, I’m struck by the haunting question that Olivia Rodrigo sings about: "What if it doesn’t get better?" What if, despite growing older, the confusion and uncertainty never go away? What if I spend my life still feeling like I don’t have it all figured out?

The Honest Hearts Challenge The Honest Hearts Challenge is a high-stakes, emotionally charged event that tests trust, honesty, and the strength of romantic connections between Islanders. Designed to uncover hidden truths, strengthen bonds, or even unravel relationships, this challenge guarantees unforgettable moments filled with lighthearted humor, emotional depth, and dramatic revelations. The challenge begins with the Islanders assembled in the villa, where they learn they’ll be put to the ultimate honesty test. A secluded “truth booth,” complete with a polygraph machine, is set up. One Islander is hooked up to the machine while their partner and the rest of the villa watch live. The questions are divided into three escalating rounds: playful, revealing, and explosive. Round 1 (Playful): Light-hearted questions kick things off, such as, “Who’s more likely to hog the mirror?” or “What’s a pet peeve your partner has that annoys you?” This round encourages laughter and playful banter, creating a relaxed atmosphere before diving into more serious topics. Round 2 (Revealing): This round dives into the relationship’s core with probing questions like, “Do you see yourself staying with your partner after the show?” or “Do you trust your partner completely?” These questions challenge the foundation of the couple’s connection. Round 3 (Explosive): The stakes rise as curveballs are thrown, including questions like, “Have you ever thought about coupling up with someone else here?” or “Do you think your partner is only here for the money?” The answers can either strengthen the relationship or create doubt and tension. Scoring: Truthful answers earn points, while dishonesty scores none. The couple with the highest honesty score wins a romantic reward, like an exclusive date or a luxurious night in the Hideaway. The couple with the lowest score faces serious consequences, such as being nominated for elimination or enduring a temporary separation. The Aftermath: The fallout from the challenge is just as captivating as the test itself. Honest answers can bring couples closer, while shocking revelations and lies spark arguments and emotional moments. Discussions ripple through the villa, creating new alliances, rivalries, and unexpected outcomes. Fans flock to social media to react, turning viral moments into unforgettable television. The Honest Hearts Challenge encapsulates everything that makes Love Island a cultural phenomenon: emotional vulnerability, humor, suspense, and drama. It offers Islanders a chance to showcase their authenticity while delivering explosive entertainment that keeps viewers hooked. With its unique mix of tension and tenderness, this challenge would cement itself as an unforgettable addition to the Love Island legacy.

My best back-to-school tip would be to stay open to trying new things and meeting new people! The amount of chances we miss every day because we are too afraid of how others will perceive us is astronomical. Being afraid to put yourself out there can result in losing out on meeting lifelong friends or finding lifelong passions. So, if you’re interested in a club, go to the first general meeting to see what it’s about! If there is someone you are interested in being friends with, sit next to them in class and strike up a conversation! Moreover, teachers can become some of your closest companions in addition to being advantageous in your learning, so never be afraid to get to know them a bit; it is a lot more useful than you might think. Instagram handle: @caracaulfield

My family and I have always eaten our meals in a ritualistic way, with certain days of the week having designated meals for dinner. For instance, on Mondays we order from McDonald’s, on Wednesdays we get Chinese take-out, on Saturday we grill meats and fish, and on Sundays we make pasta. While these meals are subject to change, they generally remain as a constant each week. With scheduled meals, you may think that dinners would get boring and repetitive after a while. However, my family and I have managed to find a way to keep mealtimes exciting and delicious each night, despite already having an idea of what’s being made. How you may ask? The answer is simple: superfoods. Superfoods are defined as foods that have a high-nutritional density. The great thing about superfoods is that on top of being healthy and beneficial for your body, they can easily be incorporated into everyday meals, even seemingly unhealthy ones. As mentioned above, Mondays are McDonald’s nights – not the healthiest of food choices. Even so, I have found ways to incorporate healthy foods, like superfoods, into all of my meals to ensure that I am getting proper nutrition and have balance between my food groups. For example, I love adding leafy greens to McDonald’s cheeseburgers for a richer flavor. Additionally, when I order sesame chicken, I love to pair it with broccoli for a higher nutritionally-valued meal. When we grill on Saturdays, one of my favorite superfoods to eat is salmon topped off with a bit of Dijon mustard because it is healthy, light, and tasty. These are just a few examples of how I incorporate superfoods into dinnertime, but my breakfasts and lunches also contain various superfoods. Breakfast is one of my favorite meals of the day, and eggs are one of my favorite superfoods to use for breakfast because of their versatility. With eggs, you can make a variety of meals. My favorites include: scrambled eggs; deviled eggs; sunny-side up eggs; poached eggs; and a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich! For lunches, I love incorporating avocado into my meals. Sometimes I put it in my sandwich, my salad, or simply on toast. Superfoods are incredibly multi-purpose as they can be used in any meal or snack throughout the day. I always feel good knowing that the things I put into my body are healthy for me and easily accessible, and this feeling is highly attributed to superfoods.

Most people think a healthy lifestyle is strictly constituted by a balanced diet and a systematic fitness regimen. While these factors are most definitely components of a healthy lifestyle, they aren’t the only ones that should be taken into account. On top of what was already listed, a healthy lifestyle also consists of having healthy sleeping habits, finding a good balance between relaxation and stress, refraining from the intake of harmful substances, and maintaining meaningful relationships with others. The driving forces which compel me to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle can be attributed to my father’s current health condition and my past struggles with finding equilibrium between academic and social life. Before I was born, my dad used to be a heavy smoker – smoking upwards of two packs of cigarettes per day. The side effects of nicotine were not as widely well-known as they are today, and this lack of knowledge resulted in my father suffering deleterious conditions like emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These diseases are irreversible and, over time, get progressively worse. It has been devastating to witness my father having to use his inhaler and nebulizer after simply walking about the house, and it’s even worse knowing that these devices, while beneficial, cannot prevent the onslaught of the inevitable. Recently, I moved into college, but unfortunately, I had to go without my father alongside me. The night before we left, my dad stopped breathing in his sleep and had to be rushed to the ER. Knowing that I could have more time with my father if he hadn’t smoked floods my mind every day, and it is the reason why I have vowed to never do the same. Moreover, there was a long period of my life when the stress I endured because of school took an immense toll on my mental and physical health. I was hell-bent on being titled as my school’s valedictorian, and to achieve this, I took to great lengths. I sacrificed my sleep schedule to spend more time studying to get perfect grades, and I even lost some friendships because I prioritized my academics over my social life. This unhealthy lifestyle caused me to regularly feel numb and void. Eventually, my self-isolation caught up to me, and I decided it was time to change my approach so that I could live a healthier and more fulfilling life. I started by creating a balanced schedule for myself to follow each day – giving myself enough time to study, socialize, and get a healthy amount of sleep each night. Additionally, whenever I felt stressed, I found that going for strolls in nature’s presence brought me comfort. I have continued to implement these methods into my life today, and I have found them to be extremely rewarding. Not only am I a happier individual than I was before, but I also feel stronger and healthier. As I transition to the next phase of my life with college, I am already preparing myself for the several obstacles that are sure to be thrown my way. By maintaining my current methods and practices in day-to-day life; however, I am confident that my next four years will be nothing but enriching and enjoyable.

The discovery of the HeLa cells was one of the most important discoveries for human health. HeLa cells were discovered when Henrietta Lacks, the harborer of the cells, went to the hospital for cervical cancer treatment. A doctor collected two pieces of tissue from her cervix: one from her tumor and one from healthy cervical tissue nearby. After the sterilization process, it was discovered that Henrietta’s cells were immortal. These HeLa cells grew twenty times faster than Henrietta’s normal cells and seemed unstoppable. This discovery launched the mass production of HeLa cells for trying to develop a polio vaccine. Henrietta’s cells were more susceptible to the virus than any cultured cells had been. William Scherer at the Tuskegee Institute mixed thousands of liters of the culture, and ultimately, the polio vaccine was developed, estimated to have saved 10 million lives. At the Tuskegee Center, HeLa cells were also used for many different types of research because, despite being cancerous, they shared many basic characteristics with normal cells. By the early nineties, a scientist at Yale had used the HeLa cells to discover that her human cancer cells contained an enzyme called telomerase, which aids in the rebuilding of telomeres. This discovery explained the mechanics of HeLa’s immortality: telomerase constantly rebuilt Henrietta’s chromosomes so that they never grew old and never died. These discoveries have contributed to many medical breakthroughs, from research on the AIDs pandemic, the effects of zero gravity in outer space, the development of polio and COVID-19 vaccines, and cancer research. For these reasons, the scientific discovery of HeLa cells is fascinating to me, and Henrietta Lacks’s memory will live on forever – just like her cells.

"The Long Walk" by Stephen King is the perfect dystopian novel to highlight the innateness of human evil paired with the plight of defenseless individuals. The book is a metaphor for war, specifically the Vietnam War, as its contents parallel the televised draft and the horror of innocent boys and men getting killed. "The Long Walk" is a description of the story itself. Every year, one hundred boys from poverty-stricken neighborhoods are selected to enter an annual contest to have a chance to win a grand prize. However, from this group, there can be only one sole winner. To win, each contestant must maintain a pace of at least 4 miles, or else he gets a warning. If the boy who gets the warning can keep walking at the required pace for the next hour, the warning is revoked. However, if the boy collects three warnings, the next time he slows down, he is shot by a soldier and killed. The last boy who remains wins. The trail that the boys have to walk along is one guarded with ropes to keep avid watchers and family members behind, allowing such viewers to get a first-hand account of all of the suffering and bloodshed. This detail raises a question regarding human morality and the lengths those who hold authority can take without opposition. The novel shows how the immense suffering of the moribund is the easiest and most effective marketing for one's dictatorship as citizens and soldiers don't dare to protest. What makes the novel stellar is its duality between physicality and spirituality. As the boys break down physically and walk into the arms of death, their minds deconstruct to the point of becoming lifeless automatons. In this light, it seems that life is actually much crueler than death.

I have always felt inclined to give back to the community that has shaped me into the person I am today. Before I even reached high school, I partook in several means of service with my family, including volunteering at my local animal shelter and planting flags on the graves of veterans for memorial holidays. Once I joined my high school’s Key Club, aimed at providing service to the community, I became cognizant of the plethora of opportunities available to me. In my sophomore year, I became the vice president and have been the president of the club for the past two years. In my role, I have raised thousands of dollars for charitable organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Heart of the Hamptons, and others that are important to our club as a whole through service events such as environmental cleanups and set-ups for local events. Additionally, within the community where I live, approximately 40% of students are economically disadvantaged. They are underrepresented and suffer inequalities, as demonstrated by their historically low test scores and resulting education abandonment. Aware of this situation, in my role as a team leader on my school district’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force, I have placed them at the center of my efforts. Through data analysis with a team of peers and our subsequent advocacy before the school board, I have been effective in implementing improvements in our school curriculum aimed at this group. I have been honored to have a voice in my school over the past four years. I have learned to be sensitive to the needs of a community and to actively produce change. My community engagement has shaped my identity, and I will continue to participate in similar roles throughout college and my professional life.

I have always been a person who advocates for change. My initial motivation is personal. My twin brother, who is on the autism spectrum, has inspired me to be an outspoken proponent of equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. I have worked tirelessly throughout high school to extend opportunities to students with different types of impairments. Beginning with our school store, I extended a convenient schedule to students with disabilities. This was a successful initiative because it offered a familiar environment in which to gain work experience. Expanding upon this action, I worked closely with a local bakery to increase job opportunities for students with special needs who were comfortable entering a new and unfamiliar setting. On a broader scale, I am supportive of all people who are disadvantaged. Within the community where I live, approximately 40% of students are economically disadvantaged, the majority of them being minority students from Latino and Native American backgrounds. They are underrepresented and suffer inequalities, as demonstrated by their historically low test scores and resulting education abandonment. Aware of this situation, in my role as a team leader on my school district’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force, I have placed them at the center of my efforts. Through data analysis with a team of peers and our subsequent advocacy before the school board, I have been effective in implementing improvements in our school curriculum aimed at this group. Additionally, I joined my school’s Principal’s Cabinet, an outreach organization tasked with addressing and solving problems within the school community. For the past four years, it has been my mission to tackle issues affecting the student body. A major concern has been school safety and fears of school violence among students. To lessen the anxiety that this issue produces, I worked with the Cabinet to introduce greater security measures within the school including: mandatory ID cards for attendance, a security entrance, and the replacement of most glass windows and doors with thicker panes that offered a higher degree of protection. Parallel to these physical changes, I conducted research with my peers on the topic of school shootings, with special focus on the mindset of a school shooter. Once we gathered facts and information regarding the tragedies in Columbine, Sandy Hook Elementary, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we had developed greater insight regarding this national problem. As a team, we prepared a presentation for school assemblies to bring greater awareness to students and faculty and to prevent these events in the future. We focused on training teachers, school staff, and students to recognize the early warning signs of a troubled youth. Other school-wide concerns include the stress and anxiety that results from academic overload. Through a school survey, we learned that the vast majority of students felt overwhelmed by the amount of work they were required to do. Moreover, students felt that they did not have an outlet for releasing pent-up anxiety. I proposed an anti-anxiety space at school where students could spend their free periods during the day. We designed the room with de-stressors including LED lights, games, and comfortable furniture. I have been honored to have a voice in my school over the past four years. I have learned to be sensitive to the needs of a community, to collaborate with many different groups, to share differing perspectives, and to actively produce change. My community engagement has shaped my identity, and I will continue to participate in similar roles throughout college and in my professional life with the hope of making a positive impact in the world.

Humans take nature for granted, often overexploiting its free resources. Yet, many fail to realize that we are quite similar to the very thing that ensures our survival. Humans and trees are one example. Like trees, humans stand upright with mobile limbs stemming from a central trunk. Even our bronchial system is similar to the root system found within trees. Moreover, the way humans care for their young shares a great likeness to that of trees. Trees feed their offspring by sending nutrients to their roots and even protect them from overheating by shifting their leaves to shade them in accordance. Additionally, humans and all things found in nature are co-dependent. Humans breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, while autotrophs do the opposite. For us to breathe, an autotroph’s production of oxygen is vital. In turn, we supply them with the carbon dioxide they need to produce nutrients and undergo photosynthesis. Most importantly, nature brings nostalgic memorabilia. Some of my fondest memories include swinging on the great oak tree in my grandparent’s backyard, seeing a fox as my family and I traversed a nature trail, and experiencing the feathered touch of a robin on my fingertips for the first time. To continue my appreciation for nature, I have made efforts to be more sustainable and have spread the word about the importance of preserving our environment’s biodiversity. I was fortunate enough to be a part of Drawdown East End’s annual festival this year, aimed at lowering the emission of carbon in our atmosphere and implementing greener policies. Through my advocacy, I hope everyone can realize how essential nature is to keeping human nature alive and well.

I have always been a person who advocates for change. My initial motivation is personal. My twin brother, who is on the autism spectrum, has inspired me to be an outspoken proponent of equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. Because I am sensitive to this subject, I have worked tirelessly throughout high school to extend opportunities to students with different types of impairments. I have focused on increasing their independence and self-confidence by engaging them in work opportunities within our school and in the local community. Beginning with our school store, I extended a convenient schedule to students with disabilities. This was a successful initiative because it offered a familiar environment in which to gain work experience. Expanding upon this action, I worked closely with a local bakery to increase job opportunities for students with special needs who were comfortable entering a new and unfamiliar setting. On a broader scale, I am supportive of all people who are disadvantaged. Within the community where I live, approximately 40% of students are economically disadvantaged, the majority of them being minority students from Latino and Native American backgrounds. They are underrepresented and suffer inequalities, as demonstrated by their historically low test scores and resulting education abandonment. Aware of this situation, in my role as a team leader on my school district’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force, I have placed them at the center of my efforts. Through data analysis with a team of peers and our subsequent advocacy before the school board, I have been effective in implementing improvements in our school curriculum aimed at this group. Moving forward, I hope to serve as a catalyst for real change aimed at these groups as I partake in similar initiatives at college.

Mental sets cause people to be close-minded in their way of thinking, just as confirmation biases seek out information that supports one belief and eliminates any alternatives. Having such fixed mindsets are not only detrimental to us, but to the people around us. Compromise can never be reached if one isn’t open to broadening their horizons of thinking. I maintain a growth mindset by continuously informing myself on topics I am unaware of and immersing myself in different cultures to gain insight on others’ points of view. As a freshman, I was selected to be a member of my school’s Principal’s Cabinet, an outreach organization tasked with addressing and solving problems within the school community. I have worked collaboratively with school faculty and my fellow Cabinet members, all of different backgrounds, to tackle issues including school safety, academic rigor, and mental health. Moreover, I have been especially passionate about the need for greater diversity and inclusion in school education. When asked by my principal to participate in my senior year, I became a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force. In this role, I have proposed new policies for the school curriculum to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are implemented. If not for hearing perspectives about these issues from other students, faculty, and parents, I would not have been as successful in helping to create new policies for current and future generations. I have been honored to have a voice in my school over the past four years. I have learned to be sensitive to the needs of a community, to collaborate with different groups and share differing perspectives, and to actively produce change. In my future life, I look forward to maintaining my growth mindset to produce similar, if not more influential, change.

Growing up, especially as a young girl, an adversity I’ve had to overcome is the belief that I am inferior because of my gender. Constantly women are reminded of their inferiority to that of men. Growing up, teachers are known to specifically ask for “strong boys” to help them in carrying something, but rarely ever “strong girls.” As a female, I have felt like I have had to compensate for the stereotypes placed upon my gender. I have felt the need to prove that I am equal to a man. This outdated notion that women are incapable of amounting to men has pushed me to establish a name for myself and challenge gender boundaries. My passion to advocate for myself and others is what caused me to want to be involved in reformation within my school and community. When I was selected to participate in fostering positive change at my high school, I accepted the challenge and joined the Principal’s Cabinet. This outreach organization is tasked with addressing and solving problems within the school community. I have worked collaboratively with board members, principals, vice principals, superintendents, and my fellow Cabinet members. The issues have included school safety, academic rigor and student stress, and diversity and inclusion. A major concern among the student body has been school safety. To lessen the anxiety that this issue produces, I worked with the Cabinet to introduce greater security measures within the school including: mandatory ID cards for attendance, a security entrance, and the replacement of most glass windows and doors with thicker panes that offered a higher degree of protection. Parallel to these physical changes, I conducted research with my peers on the topic of school shootings, with special focus on the mindset of a school shooter. Once we gathered facts and information regarding the tragedies in Columbine, Sandy Hook Elementary, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we had developed greater insight regarding this national problem. As a team, we prepared a presentation for school assemblies to bring greater awareness to students and faculty. Other school-wide concerns include the stress and anxiety that results from academic overload. Through conducting a school survey, we learned that the vast majority of students, especially those in my grade, felt overwhelmed by the amount of work they were required to do. Moreover, students felt that they did not have an outlet for releasing pent-up anxiety. I proposed an anti-anxiety space at school where students could spend their free periods during the day. We designed the room with de-stressors including LED lights, games, and comfortable furniture. The recommendation laid a foundation to begin to alleviate this problem and with the return to school after the pandemic, it is being implemented. A final project that I feel especially passionate about is the need for greater diversity and inclusion in our school culture. When asked by my principal to participate in my senior year, I became a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force. In this role, I propose new policies for the school curriculum to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are acknowledged and implemented. I have been honored to have a voice in my school over the past four years. I have learned to be sensitive to the needs of a community, to collaborate with many different groups and share differing perspectives, and to actively produce change. My community engagement has shaped my identity and I will continue to participate in similar roles throughout college and in my professional life.

On all scales ranging from local to global, I want to see a change in people’s compassion levels. I find that in modern-day society, people’s actions are more influenced by the praise they will receive from doing such action rather than actually wanting to benefit others in some way. As a result of my observation, I decided to become an integral member of my school’s Key Club — a club centered completely around giving back to my local community. After only being a member of the club for a short while, I realized that I had found solace in giving back to the community. My involvement in the club did not go unnoticed and, a year after my initial involvement, I was unanimously chosen to be the Vice President of the club in my sophomore year of high school. After being mentored for a year by the president of the club at the time, I was bestowed the honor of becoming the president who would take after her in my junior (and now senior) year of high school. During my years as president, my school has raised thousands of dollars for several fundraisers. These include, but are not limited to: No Shave November, the Southampton Can Drive, the Southampton Diaper Drive, the Southampton Toiletries Drive, Heart of the Hamptons, and several other local charities. We also have benefitted the local community by volunteering at beach cleanups, catering events, and set-ups for local events. I am so thankful that my involvement within the club has allowed me to integrate myself better in my community. It has been a pleasure to see the progression of those in my community from being simple strangers to friendly faces. Knowing that the events I have helped to organize are creating an upward trend of volunteering amongst the youth in my school community is extremely rewarding. In expanding upon my leadership skills, I was chosen by my school counselors to attend the Rotary Youth Leader Awards (RYLA) program. This leadership program helped to develop my skills as a leader, on top of making new connections, and also allowed me to gain inspiration from fellow youth leaders across the region. Additionally, I was selected by my school’s student body as a helpful leader to become a member of the Natural Helpers Program. After my selection, I attended a conference that taught me the skills to strengthen my communication skills so as to better aid and support others. This knowledge that I have acquired from both programs has directly led to myself becoming a safe presence to others within my school community, and subsequently dispersing my passions which have since been adopted by others. It does not muster up a great deal of effort to be kind or to show kindness to others. By expanding our compassion for others, we can benefit our communities in positive ways. Being that many of us live a comfortable life, it is not hard to spare even minute amounts of time to give back to those who aren’t as fortunate. A domino effect begins with each action we take to be of service to others. Helping local communities turns into helping communities in other nations. By starting off small, we can inspire and help others all across the world.

Admitting our faults is never an easy thing to do. In life, I find that most of us tend to be our harshest critics. One quote that is special to me is by A. James where he said, “The wisdom of admitting your weaknesses and correcting them through continuous learning means leadership,” and we can only set an example for others when we first set an example for ourselves. One of my biggest weaknesses was constantly comparing myself to others. If I received a high test score but someone else scored a point higher, I felt inadequate instead of celebrating how well I performed. A significant moment I remember was when I desperately wanted to be valedictorian. It consumed me to the point where I wasn’t enjoying my life because all I did was study. During this time was when my class advisor had told my graduating class that we each needed to pick a quote for the yearbook. That night, I scrolled mindlessly as I tried to find a quote that was seemed adequate enough for it. Then, I happened to stumble across the quote by A. James above. After reading such quote, I took took a step back and realized that my worth was not based on other people's grades. I wanted to be valedictorian so I could set a good example for the younger students of my middle school. I wanted to show them that you can achieve your goals through hard work and dedication. I also accepted the fact that if I didn’t receive the title, it was not for lack of effort and I should still be proud of all my accomplishments. When I eventually was rewarded with the title of valedictorian, I truly felt that I was a leader for future students. For others to look up to us, we must be the best versions of ourselves. We can lead others once we first lead ourselves in the right direction. Leadership isn’t always about being the one in command. It is also about teaching others to lead through example. The quote by A. James taught me that by embracing our weaknesses and improving upon them, we can show others that their weaknesses can be overcome as well.

A personal finance lesson that I I’ve found to be exceptionally useful and important is to spend less money than you make. By doing so, I’ve saved a decent amount money that will only continue to grow in the future. The money I’ve saved will benefit me later in the future for when I have to pay off bills and any potential debts I may have. Furthermore, saving my money has taught me a lot about discipline. A lesson I’ve learned is that not everything I want is something I necessarily need. For instance, my previous over-consumption of material goods caused me to spend more money than was actually necessary for my day-to-day life. By forcing myself to save more of my money, I realized how unnecessary it was of me to spend as much as I did on things I didn’t need. Such things include an abundance of clothes and makeup. Now if I do decide to splurge, I splurge on things like groceries which I know I will make the most use of. Although at times it is hard for me to cut back on my spending, the consequences of doing so have been nothing but positive. I’ve taught myself how to be more self-sufficient and simultaneously have felt more secure in my financial standing. Spending less money than you earn is not an easy task; if it was, everyone would do it. However, it is something I highly encourage and will continue to pursue for my future endeavors.

A personal finance lesson that I I’ve found to be exceptionally useful and important is to spend less money than you make. By doing so, I’ve saved a decent amount money that will only continue to grow in the future. The money I’ve saved will benefit me later in the future for when I have to pay off bills and any potential debts I may have. Furthermore, saving my money has taught me a lot about discipline. A lesson I’ve learned is that not everything I want is something I necessarily need. For instance, my previous over-consumption of material goods caused me to spend more money than was actually necessary for my day-to-day life. By forcing myself to save more of my money, I realized how unnecessary it was of me to spend as much as I did on things I didn’t need. Such things include an abundance of clothes and makeup. Now if I do decide to splurge, I splurge on things like groceries which I know I will make the most use of. Although at times it is hard for me to cut back on my spending, the consequences of doing so have been nothing but positive. I’ve taught myself how to be more self-sufficient and simultaneously have felt more secure in my financial standing. Spending less money than you earn is not an easy task; if it was, everyone would do it. However, it is something I highly encourage and will continue to pursue for my future endeavors.