Picture this: you are at an amusement park, and you spot the most intricate roller coaster you have ever seen. As you are waiting in line for the ride, you ask a man who just got off the ride how they would describe that ride, and he looks you in the eyes and tell you "I could explain the feelings I had during than 1 minute ride, but my description would still not prepare you for what you're about to experience." You think that man is overexaggerating, because as you are assenting, it feels like any other roller coaster; however, that man was right because nothing could have prepared you for the drop at the top of the ride. That unexplainable, stomach-dropping feeling is the equivalent to watching just one episode of Criminal Minds on Netflix. The 15-season television series is the most thrilling show on Netflix. The show represents the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) of the FBI in action, catching serial killers all over the US. The unique story lines, some based off of real serial killers, captivate the audience, allowing a viewer to truly believe that they are witnessing the inner workings of a criminal's mind. While there are "cool" aspects of the show, demonstrating the intelligence and behavioral analysis of the FBI agents who ultimately save the day, the series also depicts heartbreaking losses. While the first season aired almost 20 years ago, people all over social media talk about certain episodes that have their jaws still hanging, and hearts completely shattered. Not only is there an emotional aspect to the show, but as a viewer, you are inclined to think alongside the FBI to try and figure out who the killer or "unsub" is throughout the episode. Hence, the series not only caters to those who want to feel an emotional connection to the characters, but also to those who are naturally curious minds, trying to solve a mystery. While each episode could be watched as a stand-alone, the individual story arcs of the BAU agents are arguably what makes the series as amazing as it is. The viewer see's their favorite agent go through the worst type of pain, or a horrible loss, and feel the pain alongside them. They also, however, learn to love these characters as the funny, loveable people they are. The creative genius behind the television series demands that every emotion, whether it be sadness, laughter, anger, or joy, be felt in just 40 minutes. Criminal Minds is by far the most versatile, thrilling TV show in Netflix, and if you like rollercoasters, you are in for one amazing, unexplainable ride with Criminal Minds.

The idea of paying it forward is used to encourage people to spread kindness and perform good deeds. Whether a person heard it in school, in a place of worship, or in a cheesy commercial, this idea embodies what it means to give back to people or a community that has done well for you. However, we don’t see the impact of paying it forward until we have been on the receiving end of the action. I didn’t realize what it meant to pay it forward until I met Carol. It’s August 1st, 2020: A 16-year-old girl works 8 hours a day as a summer camp counselor, and her birthday is coming up in 2 weeks. But she can’t be excited. She is overcome with anxiety because of a single email received that morning: the Common Application has just opened. Not only has she not started her college essay, but all of her friends have already finished. As you have probably already concluded, this girl is me. I had not begun my essay because I was unaware people started so early. But, the average person in my affluent town, who had college advisors since 9th grade, knew this. I felt like I was at a disadvantage, like I had already lost a battle that hadn’t even begun, because my financial standing prohibited me from accessing resources that my peers had. However, that was not the case. One day, I received an email from an online college advising company called Matriculate. They offered low-income students free college advising. At first glance, it looked like the biggest scam I had ever encountered. I never heard of any company that would provide this type of service for free. But after researching more thoroughly, I saw how many people benefited from this company. So, I gave it a shot. Little did I know, this would be one of the best decisions I made during the college process. I got assigned to my advisor– Carol. Carol was an undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins University. At our first meeting, she explained that she could help with my resume, college essays, applying for scholarships, and much more. While all of this was great, Carol gave me something that encouraged me to dream big: empathy. The college senior explained that as a 12th grader, she used the same platform to assist her in the college application process. My worries about not getting into top colleges because of not having “real” college advisors and not being able to afford college was eased with her own success stories. Carol gave me the confidence and motivation to push myself, work hard and fight for a top education. And now, I’m going to the college of my dreams because Carol guided me to see my full potential. Carol was applying to graduate school while helping me apply to college. Carol was not getting paid to assist me whatsoever. Carol, in my eyes, embodies the idea of paying it forward. She benefited and appreciated the help she received so much that she went out of her way to help someone who had similar struggles as her, without getting anything in return. When I settle into the University of Michigan, I will join the Matriculate chapter at my school and find someone who, like me, needs assurance that education is attainable, no matter what your financial situation is like. I will continue to pay it forward in every aspect of my life.