Where I Come From Shapes Where I Am Going My family has shaped the way I see education, responsibility, and the kind of future I want to create. I grew up in a Caribbean and Haitian household after my family moved from Florida to Louisiana when I was young. My mother made that move because she was looking for better work opportunities and a better life for our family. Watching her work hard for my siblings and me has influenced how I think about success. I learned early that opportunities do not always come easily, and sometimes you have to create your own path. Growing up, I also saw how much family members depend on each other. My mother became a single parent when I was younger, and I have helped care for my younger siblings and my grandmother. Those experiences taught me that responsibility is not always something you choose. Sometimes it is simply something you step into because the people you love need you. Caring for my grandmother, especially toward the end of her life, also changed how I think about compassion and the importance of showing up for people. My family has also shaped my view of education. I do not see college as something I am doing only for myself. I see it as an opportunity to build something that can benefit my family and eventually other people too. I am studying Mass Communication with a focus in Public Relations because I enjoy communication and the way it can connect people, organizations, and communities. My experiences in college, including leadership, volunteering, and working with different groups, have helped me understand that I want my career to have a purpose beyond simply having a job. My long-term goals reflect that belief. I want to continue my education through graduate school and eventually pursue a dual degree in business and nursing. I also hope to create a nonprofit school focused on media, music, and the arts. I want young people to have access to creative education, mentorship, and opportunities that can help them imagine a future beyond what they may currently see around them. My family taught me that success is not just about where you end up. It is also about what you do with what you have been given. The sacrifices, responsibilities, and experiences I have had have shaped the way I look at my future. I want to build a life that reflects the work my family has put into me, while also creating opportunities that can reach beyond my own family.

# The Collector of Impossible The first time someone told Maya something was impossible, she was eight years old. "You can't build a treehouse without a backyard," the neighbor laughed. Maya didn't argue. She picked up a scrap of paper, wrote the word **Impossible**, folded it into a tiny square, and dropped it into an empty glass jar sitting on her dresser. It became a habit. When her teacher said, "Your science project is too ambitious." Into the jar. When classmates laughed at her homemade inventions held together with cardboard, duct tape, and hope. Into the jar. When people told her she dreamed too big. Into the jar. By high school, the jar was half full. By college, she needed a second one. "You can't afford that." Fold. "Someone else is more qualified." Fold. "That's unrealistic." Fold. "You should pick a safer career." Fold. The funny thing was, Maya never collected the papers because she believed them. She collected them because every impossible became a challenge she refused to forget. Whenever life became difficult, she would unscrew the lid and read them one by one. *Impossible to earn that scholarship.* She applied anyway. *Impossible to recover from that bad semester.* She asked for help, studied harder, and improved. *Impossible to become a leader.* She volunteered. She spoke up. She served. One by one, the papers became less intimidating. The ink never changed, but she did. Years passed, and the collection continued. Then one afternoon, Maya found herself standing inside an empty building with cracked walls, dusty windows, and a leaking roof. Everyone else saw an abandoned structure. She saw classrooms. She imagined music drifting down hallways. Students learning photography. Young artists discovering talents they never knew they had. Future filmmakers, journalists, musicians, and designers finding a place where someone believed in them before the rest of the world did. When she shared her vision, people smiled politely. "Starting a nonprofit school? That's impossible." She smiled back. That night, she reached for another slip of paper. She wrote the word carefully. Folded it. Dropped it into the jar. Years later, people stood in line outside the completed school for its grand opening. Parents held their children's hands. Students carried notebooks filled with dreams. Teachers unlocked classroom doors for the very first time. Before the ribbon was cut, Maya walked into her office carrying the same old glass jar. The paper inside had faded with time. She poured every folded square onto her desk. Hundreds of impossibles. She opened them slowly. *Impossible.* *Impossible.* *Impossible.* She laughed. Not because the people had been cruel, but because they had mistaken difficult for impossible. She carried the stack outside, walked to the recycling bin, and let every piece of paper fall from her hands. A little girl standing nearby looked up and asked, "Why are you throwing them away?" Maya smiled. "I don't need them anymore." "What were they?" "Every reason someone thought I couldn't do something." The little girl looked at the overflowing bin. "What happens now?" Maya handed her the empty glass jar. "You'll probably hear that word someday too." The girl held the jar tightly. "What should I do with it?" Maya looked toward the school, where students were already filling the halls with laughter. "Collect every impossible you hear," she said. "Then spend your life proving it belongs somewhere else." The girl frowned. "Where?" Maya pointed to the recycling bin. "Because it turns out impossible was recyclable."

I love being a woman. It may sound simple, but it is something I genuinely feel with my whole heart. There have been moments where I have become emotional just thinking about how grateful I am to have been born a woman. If I had the choice, I would choose to be a woman in every lifetime. When I think about the history of women, I think about resilience, courage, compassion, and determination. Women have overcome barriers, challenged expectations, and continued to create opportunities for future generations. Their stories remind me that strength is not always loud. Sometimes, it is found in the quiet decision to keep going, to keep believing, and to keep lifting others up. My understanding of women's empowerment began at home. I watched my mother work tirelessly to provide for our family while encouraging my siblings and me to pursue our dreams. Even when life became difficult, she continued moving forward with strength and grace. She taught me that being a strong woman is not about pretending everything is perfect. It is about showing resilience, caring for others, and believing that tomorrow can be better than today. Watching her taught me that empowerment begins with the example we set for those around us. That lesson has shaped the way I choose to serve others. At Loyola University New Orleans, I am the founding student leader for the Women's Affinity Group through the Ignatian Life Community. My goal is to create a space where women feel comfortable being themselves, sharing their experiences, and building genuine friendships. I am also involved in J.E.W.E.L.S., a women's empowerment and community service organization that has strengthened my understanding of leadership, mentorship, and sisterhood. These experiences have shown me that empowering women is not about competing with one another. It is about celebrating each other's successes, offering support during difficult moments, and creating communities where every woman feels seen, heard, and valued. Women's empowerment also shapes the future I hope to build. As a Mass Communication major specializing in Public Relations, I want to use communication to create opportunities that inspire others. After completing my education, I hope to establish a nonprofit school focused on media, music, and the arts throughout the Caribbean and the United States. I want young women to have access to mentorship, education, and creative opportunities that encourage them to believe in their abilities and pursue careers they may have once thought were impossible. Every girl deserves someone who believes in her potential before she fully believes in herself. To me, women's empowerment is not one moment or one accomplishment. It is a lifelong commitment to supporting, encouraging, and investing in other women. Whether I am helping someone feel included, mentoring a younger student, or creating opportunities through my future nonprofit, I want my actions to remind women that they belong, their voices matter, and their dreams are worth pursuing. If I can help even one woman believe in herself a little more than she did the day before, then I know I have made a meaningful difference.

Growing up, I learned that serving your community is not always about leading the biggest project or receiving recognition. Sometimes, it means quietly showing up, helping where you are needed, and making someone else's day a little easier. That mindset has guided many of the volunteer and leadership experiences I have pursued throughout high school and college. Each opportunity has taught me something different about compassion, responsibility, and the importance of giving back. The summer before starting college, I volunteered at my local hospital in the blood transfusion department. My responsibilities included answering phone calls, sanitizing work areas, scheduling patient appointments, and assisting staff with daily tasks. While these may seem like simple responsibilities, they showed me how important every role is in a healthcare setting. Even though I was not directly providing medical care, I was helping create an organized and welcoming environment for patients and supporting the healthcare professionals who cared for them. That experience taught me that meaningful service often happens behind the scenes. During the spring semester of my freshman year at Loyola University New Orleans, I participated in service learning with the New Neighbor Project, a nonprofit organization that helps immigrants improve their English and prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam. I supported the online portion of the program by opening Zoom meetings, assigning students to breakout rooms with other volunteers, using Constant Contact to send class reminders, and assisting with educational marketing. Knowing that my work helped make classes more accessible and organized for students working toward citizenship was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me that communication is one of the most powerful ways to connect people with opportunities. Another experience that stands out to me took place during my senior year of high school. My mother and I volunteered together for two days to help repaint and decorate a middle school that was preparing to reopen. It was amazing to watch the building transform from an empty space into a welcoming environment for students. Although we only volunteered for a short time, I realized that creating a positive space can have a lasting impact on the people who learn there every day. My commitment to serving others has continued throughout college. I serve on Loyola University's Student Government Association Elections Committee and am involved in the Multicultural Student Board, the Student Board of Justice, J.E.W.E.L.S., and the Ignatian Life Community. These organizations have allowed me to support students, encourage campus involvement, and contribute to initiatives that promote leadership, service, justice, and belonging. Each experience has strengthened my communication skills while reminding me that leadership is rooted in service. These experiences have shaped the person I am today and the person I hope to become. As a Mass Communication major specializing in Public Relations, I want to use my education to connect people with resources, strengthen communities, and create opportunities that make a lasting difference. One day, I hope to establish a nonprofit school focused on media, music, and the arts throughout the Caribbean and the United States. No matter where my career takes me, I know that service will always be at the center of my work. The greatest lesson my community has taught me is that helping others does not always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness leave the biggest impact.

"The Postmodernism Condition: A Report on Knowledge" by Jean Francois Lyotard (1979) Paragraph of Focus: Science has always been in conflict with narratives. Judged by the yardstick of science, the majority of them prove to be fables. But to the extent that science does not restrict itself to stating useful regularities and seeks the truth, it is obliged to legitimate the rules of its own game. It then produces a discourse of legitimation with respect to its own status, a discourse called philosophy. I will use the term modern to designate any science that legitimates itself with reference to a metadiscourse of this kind making an explicit appeal to some grand narrative, such as the dialectics of Spirit, the hermeneutics of meaning, the emancipation of the rational or working subject, or the creation of wealth. For example, the rule of consensus between the sender and addressee of a statement with truth-value is deemed acceptable if it is cast in terms of a possible unanimity between rational minds: this is the Enlightenment narrative, in which the hero of knowledge works toward a good ethico-political end -- universal peace. As can be seen from this example, if a metanarrative implying a philosophy of history is used to legitimate knowledge, questions are raised concerning the validity of the institutions governing the social bond: these must be legitimated as well. Thus justice is consigned to the grand narrative in the same way as truth. My interpretation: In this reading, Jean-François Lyotard argues that scientific truth is not as objective or independent as many people believe. He explains that science often relies on larger cultural stories, which he calls "metanarratives," to justify its importance and gain public trust. These stories help people understand why science matters and why they should believe in it. According to Lyotard, truth is not simply discovered. It is also shaped by the social and political systems that surround it. This means that what a society accepts as truth can be influenced by those who have power and authority. One of the most interesting ideas in the reading is that science depends on stories even though it often claims to reject them. Science is usually viewed as a field based entirely on evidence, facts, and logic. However, Lyotard points out that science still needs people to believe that its work is valuable. For example, many people support scientific research because they believe it will lead to progress, improve society, and solve major problems. This belief is not something that can be proven through an experiment. Instead, it is a larger story about human advancement and the future. In this way, science depends on a form of faith just like other systems of belief. The reading also explores the connection between truth and justice. If society accepts a certain idea as true, that idea often influences laws, institutions, and social expectations. Schools decide what knowledge should be taught. Governments create policies based on what they believe is true. Courts make decisions based on accepted facts and evidence. Because of this, truth is not only about knowledge. It is also connected to power. The people and institutions that define truth often have influence over what is considered right, wrong, fair, or unfair. This idea made me think about how knowledge changes over time. Throughout history, there have been many beliefs that were once accepted as facts but were later challenged. Scientific theories have changed, social attitudes have evolved, and laws have been rewritten. What one generation accepts as obvious truth may be questioned by the next. This does not mean that knowledge is meaningless. Instead, it shows the importance of remaining open-minded and willing to examine the assumptions behind what we believe. I also think Lyotard's argument can be applied to modern society, especially with the rise of social media and technology. Today, people are constantly exposed to different versions of the truth. News organizations, political groups, influencers, and corporations all try to shape public opinion. As a result, it can sometimes be difficult to determine which information is trustworthy. Lyotard's ideas remind us that we should think critically about the information we receive and consider who benefits from certain narratives being accepted. Overall, I believe Lyotard's main message is not that science is false or unimportant. Instead, he wants people to recognize that no system of knowledge exists completely outside of society. Science, politics, and social institutions are all influenced by human values, beliefs, and power structures. By questioning the stories that shape our understanding of truth, we can become more thoughtful, informed, and aware of the world around us. Rather than accepting ideas at face value, we should ask where they come from, who supports them, and how they affect the way we think and live.

My name is Chamael Bolivar, and I am a first-generation American of Haitian descent pursuing a degree in Mass Communications with a minor in Business Administration at Loyola University New Orleans. Growing up in a Haitian household, I was raised with the values of "Lekòl, Legliz, Lakay," meaning School, Church, and Home. These values taught me that success is not something you achieve for yourself alone. It is something that should benefit your family, your community, and future generations. My commitment to family became especially important as my grandparents grew older. My grandmother lived with dementia, and my grandfather faced serious health challenges in his later years. Alongside my family, I helped care for them while balancing my responsibilities as a student. Watching my mother care for multiple generations at once taught me what sacrifice, resilience, and love look like in practice. Those experiences shaped my understanding of service and showed me that helping others often begins at home. My commitment to community extends beyond my family. At Loyola, I participate in Sewcial Justice, an organization that creates handmade items for people experiencing homelessness. Through this work, I have learned that meaningful impact does not always come from large actions. Small acts of kindness and consistency can make a real difference in someone's life. As a Mass Communications major, I believe communication is one of the most powerful tools for change. Stories have the ability to educate, inspire, and connect people across different backgrounds. This belief is one of the reasons I chose my field of study. I want to use media and communication to create opportunities for others, particularly those whose voices are often overlooked. After college, I plan to remain involved in community service and outreach, but one of my biggest goals is to establish a nonprofit organization in Haiti. The nonprofit would focus on helping young people who are interested in media, communications, music, and other creative fields. Haiti is filled with talented individuals, but many young people face barriers that limit their opportunities. Political instability, economic challenges, and a lack of resources often make it difficult for students to pursue their interests and develop their talents. I know the creativity and potential that exists within the Haitian community because I see it every day. Too often, talented young people are forced to limit their dreams because they lack access to equipment, training, mentorship, or educational opportunities. My goal is to help change that. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and access to resources, I hope to create opportunities that allow young people to develop their skills and pursue careers they may have once thought were impossible. The values of Lekòl, Legliz, Lakay have shaped my commitment to education, service, and family. As I continue my education and work toward my future goals, I hope to use those values to create opportunities for others and leave a lasting impact on both my local community and the Haitian community that has shaped so much of who I am.

Sustainability should be a priority in my field because communication plays a major role in how people learn about and respond to important issues. As a Mass Communications major, I may not be studying environmental science, but I still believe I have a responsibility to help educate people and bring awareness to issues that affect our communities. Communication is everywhere. Whether it is through news, social media, advertising, public relations, or content creation, the messages people see every day can influence their decisions and actions. I think one of the biggest challenges with environmental issues is that many people know they exist, but they do not always understand how those issues connect to their daily lives. Topics such as climate change, pollution, and waste management can sometimes feel overwhelming or too far removed from people's personal experiences. That is where communication becomes important. When information is presented in a clear and relatable way, people are more likely to pay attention and take action. As someone who studies communications, I have learned that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have. People connect with stories more than statistics alone. A well-told story can help someone understand why an issue matters and inspire them to make a change. I believe communication professionals have the ability to take complex topics and make them easier for people to understand. This can help communities become more informed and involved in finding solutions. In the future, I hope to use my career to help organizations, nonprofits, and community groups share messages that create positive change. Whether I work in public relations, media, marketing, or community outreach, I want to use communication to educate and connect people. I can see myself helping create campaigns that encourage recycling, reduce waste, promote environmental awareness, or highlight organizations that are working to improve their communities. Even small actions can have an impact when enough people are informed and motivated to participate. I also think technology can play a role in sustainability. Many organizations now rely on digital communication instead of printing large amounts of paper materials. Social media, websites, and digital campaigns allow messages to reach thousands of people quickly while reducing waste. As technology continues to grow, communication professionals will have even more opportunities to share information in sustainable ways. Ultimately, I believe sustainability should be a priority in every profession because everyone has a role to play in protecting the future. In communications, that role is helping people understand issues, share ideas, and inspire action. Through my education and future career, I hope to use storytelling and communication to make important information accessible to more people. If I can help even a small number of individuals become more aware of their impact on the environment and encourage positive change, then I will know I have used my profession to make a difference.

One thing that has always made me stand out is my name. My full name is Chamael Bolivar, and growing up, it seemed like almost everyone had a different way of pronouncing it. Depending on who I am speaking to, I sometimes introduce myself differently. In English, my first name is usually pronounced "Sha-Mail," while in Haitian Creole it sounds more like "Sha-Ma-yel." My last name, Bolivar, can also be pronounced differently depending on the language and accent. Because I come from a Haitian family, I grew up hearing my name pronounced the Haitian way at home. However, at school and in other settings, I often heard the Americanized version. As a kid, this sometimes confused me because I was never quite sure which version of my name I should use. Even today, I find myself switching between pronunciations depending on who I am talking to. If I am around Haitians, I usually use the Haitian pronunciation. If I am speaking with someone who is not Haitian, I may use the English pronunciation because it is easier for them to understand. The funny part is that people often ask me which pronunciation is correct. The truth is that both are correct. One reflects my Haitian background, and the other reflects the environment I grew up in as a first-generation American. I usually let people choose whichever version feels most natural to them. Growing up, I was also teased about my last name. Some people thought it sounded like "boulevard" and would make jokes about it. At the time, those comments really bothered me. If someone wanted to annoy me, making fun of my last name was probably the fastest way to do it. Looking back, I realize that I was frustrated because my name is such an important part of who I am. As I got older, I began to appreciate my name much more. While learning about history, I came across Simón Bolívar, the South American revolutionary who helped several countries gain independence from Spanish rule. Seeing my last name connected to such an influential historical figure made me view it differently. Instead of being embarrassed by it, I became proud of it. In fact, it even made me curious about my family history and interested in taking a DNA test one day to learn more about my ancestry. What once felt awkward has become something I appreciate. My name tells the story of my Haitian heritage, my American upbringing, and the different communities I move between every day. It may confuse people sometimes, but it is uniquely mine, and I would not change it for anything.

In a world increasingly driven by technology, human connection has not disappeared. Instead, it has changed the way we communicate and understand each other. Technology does not remove connection, but it does affect how we experience it. Because of this, I believe we have to be more intentional about how we use it and how we understand what we see online. From my own experience with technology, especially artificial intelligence and digital media, I have learned the importance of being aware of what I see online. I have completed certifications related to AI, and I understand how images, videos, and information can be created or changed using technology. This has taught me not to accept everything online at face value. It also showed me that technology can shape how people see the world, even when it is not fully real. Because of that, I try to think more critically about digital content and how it may influence opinions or emotions. At the same time, I do not think technology removes real human connection. In fact, it can help people stay connected in new ways. People build friendships through social media, talk through messaging, and join online communities with others they may never meet in person. These connections can still be meaningful and real because they allow people to share experiences, support each other, and communicate across distance and time. Technology has also made communication faster and easier. People can stay in touch with family members who live far away, collaborate on school or work projects, and share their thoughts instantly. This can help maintain relationships that might otherwise fade. In some cases, it can even help people find communities where they feel understood and supported. However, I also understand that online connection is not always the same as face-to-face interaction. In-person communication allows people to understand tone, body language, and emotion more clearly. It also creates shared experiences that cannot always be felt through a screen. Because of that, I believe balance is important. Technology should support connection, not replace it. It should be a tool that brings people together rather than something that replaces real interaction. In my own life, being part of community activities has shown me the value of real human interaction. Experiences where I can engage with people in person remind me that everyone has their own story and emotions. It helps me stay grounded and more aware of the people around me. I also notice that when I step away from my phone and focus on real conversations, I feel more present and connected. I also think my generation has a unique responsibility when it comes to technology. We are growing up with constant access to social media, AI tools, and digital communication. Because of this, we have to learn how to use these tools in a healthy and thoughtful way. That means knowing when to disconnect, when to engage, and how to tell the difference between real and artificial content. Overall, I believe authentic human connection depends on how we use technology. If we stay aware, thoughtful, and intentional, technology can strengthen the way we connect instead of weakening it. The goal is not to avoid technology, but to use it in a way that still protects empathy, understanding, and real human relationships.

The lyrics "I've got class and integrity, just like a goddamn Kennedy" resonate with me because they highlight the unrealistic expectations often placed on women to appear composed, successful, and put together at all times. As a college student, daughter, and caregiver, I have experienced both the pride and pressure that come with those expectations, and Olivia Rodrigo's song reminds me that it is okay to be imperfect while still striving for success. What makes this lyric stand out to me even more is the reference to the Kennedy family. I have always been fascinated by the Kennedys and the legacy they have left on American history. They are often associated with leadership, education, public service, and achievement. From the outside, they seem polished and accomplished, which is why Olivia Rodrigo's comparison is so powerful. The lyric captures the pressure many people, especially women, feel to maintain a perfect image even when life is far from perfect behind the scenes. As a woman, I have often felt the expectation to be responsible, hardworking, and resilient no matter what challenges I may be facing. Growing up, I watched my mother take care of three children while also helping care for her aging parents. Her strength taught me a lot about responsibility and perseverance. When I started college, I also helped care for my grandparents, which meant balancing family responsibilities with my academic goals. There were times when I could not stay after class for events or activities because I needed to be home. While I never saw these responsibilities as a burden, they taught me how to manage my time and support the people I care about. At the same time, I love being a woman. I admire the strength, compassion, and determination I see in the women around me. My mother showed me that being strong does not mean being perfect. It means continuing to move forward, even when things are difficult. That lesson has helped me throughout college and in many areas of my life. The reason these lyrics connect with me is because they acknowledge something many women experience. We are often expected to be successful, kind, confident, and composed all at once. While there is nothing wrong with striving for those qualities, it is important to remember that nobody is perfect. Olivia Rodrigo's song reminds me that it is okay to have flaws, make mistakes, and still be worthy of success. That message reflects my own journey and continues to inspire me as I work toward my goals.

When I was in fourth grade, my parents separated, and my mother became a single parent. From that point on, she was responsible for raising me, my younger brother, and my younger sister. As I got older, I began to realize that she was not only taking care of her children but also helping care for her aging parents. Looking back, I am amazed by her resilience and the responsibilities she carried every day. What stands out to me most is that my mother was caring for three generations at once. My brother and I are part of Generation Z, my younger sister is part of Generation Alpha, and my grandparents belonged to the Silent Generation. Managing the needs of all of us was not easy, yet she continued to show up every day with strength and determination. Watching her do that taught me that resilience is not about being perfect. It is about continuing to care for the people who depend on you, even when life becomes overwhelming. When I started college, I also became more involved in helping care for my grandparents. This responsibility taught me many valuable lessons. I had to be mindful of their needs, making sure they had eaten, checking on their well-being, and being prepared in case they fell or needed assistance. Over time, I learned basic caregiving and medical skills that I never expected to learn at my age. These experiences taught me patience, responsibility, and how to remain calm in situations that required quick thinking. Helping care for my grandparents also required strong time management. There were many occasions when I could not stay after class for events or activities because I needed to return home and help my family. While it was sometimes difficult to balance school, personal responsibilities, and family obligations, it taught me how to prioritize what mattered most and make the most of my time. Most importantly, growing up with a single mother showed me the importance of selflessness and service. My mother constantly put the needs of others before her own, and her example inspired me to do the same. Through helping care for my grandparents, I learned that supporting others is not always convenient, but it is often one of the most meaningful things a person can do. Today, I carry those lessons with me in every aspect of my life. My mother's resilience and the experiences I gained helping my grandparents have shaped me into someone who values responsibility, compassion, and perseverance. They have taught me that true strength is often quiet, and that caring for others can leave a lasting impact on both the people receiving help and the people giving it

Higher education is helping me develop the communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills needed to create positive change. As a Mass Communications major with a minor in Business Administration, I am learning how media and communication influence the way people understand the world around them. I believe that communication is one of the most powerful tools for connecting communities, sharing information, and giving people a voice. One of the reasons I chose to study communications is because I have always been interested in storytelling and the media. Every day, people rely on news outlets, social media platforms, and other forms of communication to stay informed. However, not every story receives the attention it deserves. Many communities, especially underserved communities, often lack representation or access to information that could benefit them. Through higher education, I am gaining the skills necessary to help bridge those gaps. My coursework has taught me that effective communication is about more than simply delivering information. It is about understanding audiences, building trust, and creating messages that have a meaningful impact. These are skills that I hope to use throughout my career to help people feel informed, represented, and empowered. I am particularly interested in how media can be used to bring awareness to important social issues. Whether it is highlighting community programs, promoting educational opportunities, or encouraging conversations about topics that are often overlooked, communication has the ability to spark change. As someone with a Caribbean background, I have seen how issues such as mental health are sometimes overlooked or misunderstood. I believe media can play an important role in educating communities, reducing stigma, and encouraging people to seek support when they need it. Higher education is also helping me grow personally. College has challenged me to think critically, work with people from different backgrounds, and become more confident in my abilities. These experiences are preparing me to become a stronger communicator and leader in the future. My goal is to create a positive impact by using communication to connect people with opportunities, resources, and information that can improve their lives. Whether I work in public relations, community outreach, nonprofit communications, or another area of media, I want my work to serve a purpose beyond myself. I want to help tell stories that matter, amplify voices that are often overlooked, and contribute to stronger communities. For me, higher education is more than earning a degree. It is an investment in the skills, knowledge, and experiences that will allow me to make a meaningful difference. By continuing to learn and grow, I hope to use communication as a tool for education, awareness, and positive change for years to come

Faith in my life is not strictly religious. I would describe myself more as spiritual and agnostic. I believe in energy, intention, and the idea that what you put into the world comes back to you in some form. I often find myself hoping for good luck, trusting the universe, and staying positive even when things feel uncertain. For me, faith is less about structured religion and more about staying grounded, hopeful, and focused on becoming the best version of myself. It also connects to my values of helping others and being a positive presence in my community. This mindset has had a strong impact on my academic life. I try to approach school with intention and discipline, even when it feels stressful or overwhelming. At the end of my freshman year, I reflected on my goals and reminded myself that I wanted to stay in my university’s honors program. I initially set a goal GPA of 3.3 because that was the requirement to stay in the program. However, I pushed myself to do better than the minimum expectations. As a result, I earned a 3.9 GPA and made the Dean’s List. That achievement meant a lot to me because it showed me that I am capable of more than I sometimes expect from myself. My motivation also comes strongly from my mother. She values education deeply and has always encouraged me to take school seriously. As a single parent, she has worked hard to support me and my siblings, and I have always admired her dedication. She pushes me to stay focused on my goals and reminds me of the importance of building a strong future through education. Knowing the sacrifices she has made motivates me to take advantage of every opportunity I have. Outside of my family, my desire to pursue higher education is also influenced by my own experiences and goals. I am passionate about using my education to create opportunities for others, especially through media, communication, and community-based work. I hope to one day open a nonprofit school in Haiti that focuses on music, media, and creative fields. I want to help young people develop their talents and access opportunities that may not otherwise be available to them. Overall, my spiritual mindset, my mother’s support, and my personal goals all work together to push me toward higher education. I see college not only as a personal achievement, but as a foundation for the impact I want to make in the future. Through my education, I hope to continue growing, giving back, and building something meaningful for my community and beyond.

Math has always been one of my favorite subjects, even though I struggled with it for many years. During elementary school and even into eighth grade, there were times when I genuinely did not understand what was going on in class. Concepts did not always come easily to me, and I was not always the fastest student when it came to solving problems or completing timed multiplication worksheets. However, what I loved about math was that it taught me persistence. I never felt discouraged when I got an answer wrong because I knew I could keep practicing until I understood it. Instead of giving up, I viewed mistakes as part of the learning process. That mindset helped me improve over time and gave me confidence in my ability to overcome challenges. What makes math especially interesting to me is that it is everywhere. Even though I am not pursuing a STEM major, I still encounter math in my everyday life and studies. As a Mass Communications student, I use math when analyzing social media performance, tracking engagement rates, measuring audience growth, and determining the best times to post content. Behind every successful campaign are numbers and data that help tell a story. Math has taught me how to think critically, solve problems, and be patient with myself when learning something new. Because of that, it is a subject I will always appreciate. Even now, when I am bored or want to challenge myself, I often revisit math problems just to keep my skills sharp. Math is something I know I will carry with me throughout my life, no matter what career path I pursue.

The Receipt Challenge If I could create a brand-new Love Island challenge, it would be called "The Receipt Challenge." The purpose of the challenge is to test how well Islanders really know each other while also creating some fun drama and unexpected revelations. Before the challenge begins, each Islander would anonymously answer a set of questions about themselves. These questions could include: What is your biggest red flag? What is your biggest dating ick? What is your most embarrassing dating story? What is something you have not told the villa yet? and What is one thing you wish your partner would do more? During the challenge, the anonymous answers would appear one at a time on a giant screen. Couples would then have to work together to guess which Islander submitted each response. Every correct answer would earn points for their couple. The twist comes after each guess. Once the answer is revealed, the Islander who wrote it must explain their response in front of everyone. This could lead to funny moments, surprising confessions, and even a little drama if someone reveals a secret, admits a concern about their relationship, or exposes an unexpected opinion. The couple with the most points at the end would win a special prize, such as a private date, a night in the Hideaway, or immunity from the next dumping. I think this challenge would be entertaining because it tests communication, honesty, and compatibility while keeping viewers engaged with unexpected twists and reactions.

I want to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector because I believe everyone deserves access to support, opportunities, and resources that allow them to reach their full potential. Throughout my life, I have witnessed challenges within my family and community that showed me how easily people can be overlooked when they do not have the help they need. These experiences have inspired me to dedicate my future career to serving others and creating positive change. Growing up in a Haitian and Caribbean household, I noticed that certain issues, especially mental health, were not always openly discussed. In many cases, people were expected to be strong, keep their struggles private, or simply move on without seeking support. I also became aware of how issues such as domestic violence can affect individuals and families while remaining hidden because of fear, stigma, or lack of resources. These experiences taught me that many people suffer in silence and that communities need safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable seeking help without judgment. My perspective was also shaped by what I have seen in my community. As a college student who uses public transportation throughout New Orleans, I am exposed to different walks of life every day. While traveling to school, work, or other activities, I often see people experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction, and mental health struggles. These experiences remind me that community challenges are not just statistics or stories in the news; they affect real people. Seeing these realities has motivated me to think about how I can contribute to solutions rather than simply observe the problems. One of the ways I have already started serving my community is through my involvement in Sewcial Justice, a student organization that creates handmade items for people experiencing homelessness. Although I had never knitted before joining the club, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and learn. While I am still developing my skills, the experience has shown me that making a difference does not require being an expert. What matters is being willing to contribute your time and effort to help others. Knowing that the items we create may provide comfort to someone in need has made the experience especially meaningful. These experiences have strengthened my desire to work in the nonprofit sector because I want to help create opportunities for individuals who may not otherwise have access to them. In the future, I hope to support initiatives focused on education, mental health awareness, and community development, particularly within Caribbean communities. I want to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, support individuals affected by domestic violence, and connect people with resources that can improve their quality of life. Ultimately, I see nonprofit work as a way to turn compassion into action. My goal is not only to help individuals overcome challenges but also to create opportunities that allow communities to thrive. Through service, advocacy, and education, I hope to make a lasting impact on the issues that have affected both my community and my own life. By helping others access the support and opportunities they deserve, I believe I can contribute to building stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities for future generations.

If there is one thing I hope to build in the future, it is a nonprofit school in Haiti that focuses on music, media, and other creative fields. While traditional subjects are important, I believe creative talents deserve the same level of support and investment. Too often, young people have dreams and abilities that go undeveloped because they lack access to resources, training, or opportunities. This goal is personal to me because of my Haitian background. Throughout my life, I have seen talented individuals who wanted to pursue careers in music, media, communications, and the arts but were unable to do so because of financial barriers. I have also seen people with valuable knowledge and skills who wanted to teach and mentor others but lacked the resources to make that possible. These experiences made me realize that talent alone is not always enough. People also need opportunities. The school I hope to build would create a space where students can develop their creativity, learn practical skills, and gain confidence in their abilities. I want it to be a place where students feel encouraged to explore their interests, whether that is journalism, digital media, music production, public relations, or other creative industries. In addition to providing education, I hope the school can connect students with mentors, internships, and career opportunities that help them turn their passions into professions. My education is helping me build the foundation for this dream. As a Mass Communications major with a minor in Business Administration, I am learning how to communicate effectively, manage organizations, and create programs that can make a lasting impact. Every class, internship, and leadership opportunity brings me one step closer to understanding how to turn this vision into reality. Building this school would positively impact both me and my community. For me, it would represent the fulfillment of a long-term goal rooted in service and opportunity. For the community, it would provide a pathway for students to discover their talents and pursue futures they may not have thought possible. Education has the power to change lives, and I believe creative education can be especially powerful because it allows people to tell their stories, express themselves, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. Ultimately, I am not just hoping to build a school. I am hoping to build opportunities, confidence, and a stronger future for the next generation. Through education, creativity, and mentorship, I hope to create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom.