"It Ends With Us" by Colleen Hoover Above all, this title has transformed the #BookTok community and truly inspired those who had lost their passion for reading to gain it back again. This book is especially special to me because it has brought me and my mother closer together. I originally read this book as I saw it on TikTok and recommended it to my mom. As soon as she finished it, we immediately bonded over this captivating novel. As this book impacted me, it also shed light on real-world issues. This novel displayed that not all love stories are a "happily ever after". The #BookTok community was able to amplify Colleen Hoover's message and issues about abuse. It has inspired numerous women to speak up against abuse and demonstrate that it is important to make decisions for your own benefit. "It Ends With Us" rekindled my mother and I's love for reading. She uses reading as an escape from her work life and every time I spot her curled up in a book, I know I have the #BookTok community to thank. Furthermore, the novel addresses domestic abuse, self-worth, and resilience, creating meaningful dialogue among readers about sensitive real-life issues. This book has genuinely united the #BookTok community and has spread awareness among all. "The Love Hypothesis" by Ali Hazelwood Although my mother and I loved "It Ends With Us", we had differing opinions about "The Love Hypothesis" by Ali Hazelwood. This was another book I recommended to my mom after we rediscovered our love for reading. As a student in a STEM program, I loved the combination of scientific terms and love lust. It touched my science-nerdy side as well as my book-nerdy side. This book highlighted the intersection between the STEMnists and the #BookTok community. #BookTok showed that even though STEMnists supposedly enjoy science, technolgy, engineering, and math, they could also enjoy reading a book with those aspects. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid There are no other words that describe this book besides truly captivating. This was a novel that I could not put down. Every word printed on the page brought me into the story, feeling every twinge of sadness or butterflies in my stomach. The #BookTok community could not have recommended this novel enough and yet again, it was one of my mother and I's favorites. #BookTok brought multiple communities together, as Taylor Swift fans remarked on how a song aligned with the plot of this novel. The #BookTok community has not just impacted its own circle, but has expanded its impacted to other communities as well. These books shaped personal reading tastes and built a community where readers share reviews, participate in themed challenges, and engage in debates. #BookTok has become a powerful influence in the book world, with these titles leading the charge.

Clean Sushi Ornaments Reading Sewing Open-Minded Exile Races Delicate Yankees Shoes Osaka Overcooked Car Rides Betty Movies Taylor Swift Songs: Clean, Betty, Exile, Delicate Family Activities: Sewing, Reading, Movies, Car Rides Things that Remind Me of My Dad: Sushi, Races, Yankees, Shoes Words Beginning With O: Open-Minded, Overcooked, Osaka, Ornaments From my first Taylor Swift concert, I knew I would be listening to Taylor Swift for the rest of my life. As a teenage girl, there is nothing more comforting than getting ready while singing the entirety of "reputation" or screaming lyrics in a sold-out stadium filled with 70,000 people. Taylor Swift and her music have changed my life and become part of my journey to become a better version of myself, or "Chloe's Version". My family is a large part of my identity. I grew up in a household accommodating eleven people almost all year round. At times, it is difficult to form personal bonds with everyone I see at home. Sewing is an activity I picked up during elementary school. In fashion class, I sewed using my grandmother's sewing machine. She lent it to me and taught me how to use the pedal and thread the bobbin. When my grandmother's vision required her to use glasses, I helped her thread the machine and needle. Sewing was and always will be our passion and has created a connection for which I will be forever grateful. My love for reading slowly diminished over the years but one book sparked my interest years later: "It Ends with Us". This book holds a special place in my heart because it represents my connection to my mother. After reading this novel, I recommended it to my mother and she loved it. I watched as both our interests in reading flourished again. I truly appreciate our connection through reading. The smell of buttery popcorn from the microwave is an instant reminder of my family. Every weekend, I look forward to curling up on my spot at the corner of the couch with the rest of my family, watching the newest movies on Netflix. Although we sit in silence, nothing builds our connection more than being in each other's presence. Car rides have recently been added to the list of family activities due to the numerous college tours. Even though my runner's legs aren't used to staying still for hours, I look forward to the car bingos and category games with my brothers. My dad is my number one supporter. He shows up to all my races and games and drives me to every practice, even if it's two hours away. He always helps with my programming homework or navigates me home when the roads are closed. I knew I had to give him an entire category in appreciation for all that he has done for me. This last category is a bit obscure. Yes, these are words that all begin with the letter "O", but they all remind me of my family. Open-minded: my family is willing to accept me with all my interests and fully support my decisions. Overcooked: this is a game that does end with screaming matches, but ultimately loads of fun on Sunday nights. Osaka: Our trip to Japan in the summer brought lots of sweat, but laughs too. Ornaments: I love all Christmas traditions, but my favorite, by far, is putting up ornaments with my family. If I were to sum up the most treasured parts of my life, these would be the categories. The pieces of this Connections puzzle connect parts of me that make me, me.

From a young age, my family and I always spent the day in New York City. The excitement of exiting the Holland Tunnel and seeing the impressive architecture has truly impacted my aspirations. This motivated me to begin my journey in architecture by drawing and expanding my knowledge. I attended a Pre-College Program at Columbia University, taking the course Introduction to Architectural Design and Theory. I had the opportunity to learn from a professor who had graduated from Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP), along with other successful architects who helped broaden my understanding of architecture. I learned that architecture is not only about the design and building but also about the use of space and how life commences within. I was also able to see this first-hand at Fallingwater, the house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. I was truly fascinated by how the house encapsulated the nature surrounding it, without disrupting nature itself. This visit helped widen my perspective of how architecture can conform to many environments, from New York City to the rural areas of Pennsylvania. During my career, I hope to learn more about the environment we create spaces in and how to transform people’s lives. Our world is ever-changing and architects must understand how to adapt by analyzing patterns and using trial and error. Now every time I cross that state line, I am inspired to take the steps necessary to achieve my dreams, such as earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and an architecture license. Besides these certifications, I hope to build a sense of self and discover who I am as a person and how my work will shape who I become.