As a young African American man navigating through his first year of college, what words would describe my gratitude for all the privileges that got me to this point? Three simple words: I don’t belong. Those words aren’t constants but a commandment, a rule known only to a few that has branded me different from my peers. It extends beyond gender, intellect, or even the color of my skin. But words can only convey so much. Let me paint a picture instead. Imagine a sterile hospital room, a tiny baby resting in the trembling arms of a woman in a hospital gown, her face obscured like a window smudged by the rain. Her beautiful lashes are weighed down by tears, her warm voice straining as she whispers regrets into the ear of her child. Unfortunately, that’s all I have of this woman: imagination. In reality, that woman, my birth mother, brought with her a burden bigger than a baby bump—a battle against drug addiction. A battle that she ultimately lost, as I was taken from her. The life I now lead is filled with love, thanks to my incredible parents. But I hope you never know the feeling of being told by the two most important people in your life that you are not who you thought you were. You. Are. Adopted. The weight of that realization settled in my chest like an anchor. I learned I needed to take care of that little baby my parents fell in love with. To make sure he never forgets where he came from and to not allow himself to feel less than because if the teratogens in my birth mother’s womb had acted just a fraction faster than the opportunities before me would have never existed. So once I reached high school, I took off running. I took Computer Science I and II, AP Computer Science Math, and Robotics. I got a 5—the highest possible score—on the AP Computer Science exam and even earned a certification in video game design. I spent an entire Summer and Thanksgiving studying to achieve a high score on the SAT. I nailed a 1510. I joined the National Honor Society, volunteered with the North Texas Food Bank, Red Cross, and donated to several other annual charities. I’ve put forth all this effort not only to appease my demons but also to get acquainted with the mindset needed to achieve a rather personal goal. More than 23,000 kids age out of foster care each year with no resources or skills to meet their needs, much less their wants. My primary academic interest is to use my computer science degree to empower this community and offer them the chance for a better future. Through close collaboration with my university, tech companies, and social service organizations, I aim to transfer my course knowledge into educational programs designed with current information about the tech sphere and provide these kids with a more individualized academic experience. I aspire to foster not only their interest in STEM subjects but also to instill in them a strong sense of self and resilience, which will hopefully expand their career paths and imbue them with the empathy to share their blessings with others. It took a lot of people—my parents, family, friends, and teachers—to get the key of education into my hands. I want to share it with them. To share the limitless well of love my parents have poured into me. So they know not to let anyone, especially themselves, tell them that they don’t belong in any room they walk in.

Four years ago, I was hard-boiled as an egg when it came to serving my community. Fourteen-year-old Chris couldn’t figure out why his dad would drag him from gaming with his friends to stand in sweltering 95° Texas heat, loading boxes of food into strangers’ cars outside our church. I focused only on the task, avoiding any conversation that wasn’t strictly necessary. My goal was simple: get through the day and come up with an excuse to avoid coming back. That changed with a single glance inside the trunk of a dark blue SUV. Two pairs of eyes stared back. One a girl younger than me, the other a boy a little older. They didn’t say anything and neither did I, but just seeing them spoke volumes. I realized the boiling water of life although scaldingly relentless; it was something that—if I broke out of my shell—I could change. Since then, the North Texas Food Bank has received my full support, and neither rain nor snow nor heat nor darkness of night have deterred me from serving the hungry. But I didn’t stop there. When I became a member of the National Honor Society in high school, I found more ways to help in my community. I bought Christmas-themed felt and fabric for students in fashion class to transform them into winter clothing for children in need. At my school’s Homecoming Festival, I manned a welcoming booth, signing in festival-goers and giving out candy. Back at Westside Baptist Church, the Youth Ministry has also extended my reach. We’ve donated blood, cleaned up litter, rebuilt roofs, acted as ministers, etcetera. All of us have put our body, mind, and soul into serving our community just as our community has served us. And I’ve seen the impact firsthand. Tearful faces blossomed into warm smiles. Cards in unfamiliar languages thanking us. Bonds that I still remember to this day. Community service isn’t a side dish; it’s a spice that enhances the tastes of everyone involved—just like those two kids did to me. But my drive isn’t just fueled by childhood memories. It’s partially fueled by an unthinkable childhood that never was. Only 3% of former foster kids, like me, obtain a bachelor’s degree. I’ve been fortunate to have the support to reach this goal of higher education. But not every child gets that chance. More than 23,000 kids age out of foster care each year with no resources or skills to meet their needs, much less their wants. My primary academic interest is to use my computer science degree to empower this community and offer them the chance for a better future. Attending TCU will equip me with the necessary tools and connections to impart meaningful change in their lives. Through close collaboration with the university, tech companies, and social service organizations, I aim to transfer my course knowledge into educational programs designed with current information about the tech sphere and provide these kids with a more individualized academic experience. Furthermore, I recognize the importance of service in education, so I’d like to provide a mutual framework that teaches students to help others during challenging times. By integrating community goals into lessons, I aspire to instill in them hope and resilience, fostering not only their interest in STEM subjects but also nurturing a deeper connection with their community, which will hopefully inspire a new batch of coffee beans to go forth and brew their own special coffee that transforms our world.

Imagine this: you’re a straight-A student, a member of the National Honor Society, and you’re about to take the PSAT with a singular ambition. Your goal is clear: achieve a standout score that will get you into the National Merit Scholarship Program. Hours blur into days as you immerse yourself in hundreds of math problems on Khan Academy, meticulously review vocabulary lists, and tackle endless reading passages. Eventually, the test day arrives, and the finish line inches closer. And then, it’s here—the score report is in your hands. You eagerly scan the page, only to be met with a number that falls a mere ten points short of your dream. During the fall of my junior year, that was my reality. Now, let me preface this by disclosing the fact that my score was in the 99th percentile. I didn’t perform poorly by any means. However, it’s important to understand that sometimes, it’s not just about meeting a standard; it’s about reaching a dream that you’ve been chasing for so long. It’s a strange feeling to be caught between accomplishment and failure. On one hand, I knew I had given it my all; on the other, that small numerical difference felt like a slap in the face. Becoming fixated on a single two-digit number is easy, however, I couldn’t allow it to overshadow all the hard work, dedication, and growth that brought me to that point. So, what did I do when I saw SAT Team classes were opening? I got straight to work using Khan Academy, some YouTube videos, and practice SATs. And, believe it or not, I came to appreciate that PSAT experience. Because as I dove into my studies, I found myself applying the lessons I learned from that ‘failure’. I realized I couldn’t rely on only my own knowledge. So, I got acquainted with those who’d been nominated for the National Merit Scholarship Program and fell into a leadership role. I organized study groups in the library or over Zoom with other students in our class, letting them help me touch up on my calculus while I showed them how to better analyze passages. Each time any of us doubted our abilities, I reminded them of a quote one of my teachers said that resonates deeply with me to this day: “There isn’t any shame in falling short, the shame is in refusing to rise again.” Every question we answered, every practice test we took, and every ounce of effort I invested into them and myself was a testament to my refusal to stay down. So, while that ten-point difference may have stung initially, I soon realized that my ‘failure’ was just one chapter in a much larger story. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Life is a journey, not a destination,” and my destination was a few pages away. And the only person who’s stopping me from turning to the next chapter is myself. I wanted a high score on the SAT. I focused on my weaknesses, studied for hours each day, and scored a 1510. But I wasn’t the only one who scored well. A number of those I tutored came back to me with scores even higher than mine and I couldn’t get upset. I poured all my energy into making sure we would all succeed together. My experience has taught me how to network, plan, execute and learn from others. Because true leadership isn’t about reaching the peak alone; it’s about bringing others to the top with you.

Sometimes, it only takes one person to change a life. At Westside Baptist Church, we’ve got an entire group ranging from 8th-12th grade to change many. We’ve fed the hungry, donated blood, cleaned up litter, rebuilt roofs, acted as ministers, etc. All of us have put our body, mind, and soul into serving our community just as God has served us. And I’ve seen firsthand the impact of community service. Since working with the Youth Ministry, I’ve actively started seeking out opportunities to make a positive impact on those around me. I’ve volunteered with the North Texas Food Bank, handing out meal packages during food drives and donating money every year for their Fall Charities. My work with them has been unforgettable. The gratitude on people’s faces as we handed them their meal packages or put bags of food in their trunk will stick with me for the rest of my life. Alongside my work at the food bank, I’ve been involved in various church events, such as working at a booth, connecting kids from nearby schools. Although I sucked at charades, the bright smiles of the kids made most of the embarrassment worth it. Most of it. I also got a chance to usher for numerous school’s plays such as, the Addams Family and Matilda. For anyone who hasn’t read or watched either series, I highly recommend them! Those ones would have to have been the most fun because I saw both an amazing show and the amazement on the faces of people in the audience. I even donated to the Red Cross and several other annual charities. Although it’s difficult to part with one’s hard earned cash, getting those thank you letters in the mail bought out any doubt about my decision. Community service isn’t just an act; it’s a heartfelt connection that uplifts everyone involved. Thanks to the WBC Youth Ministry, I’ve been uplifted. Now, I wanna bring others up here with me. Starting with foster care. According to the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing, only 3% of foster and former foster kids, like me, obtain a bachelor’s degree. More than 23,000 kids age out of foster care annually with no resources or skills to meet their needs. A career in STEM holds the potential to address this poverty. Through collaboration with professors, I aim to design programs with current information about tech careers and provide these kids with a more individualized academic experience. Furthermore, I recognize the importance of infusing faith into education, providing a spiritual framework that assures students of God’s plan and how to lean on His support during challenging times. By integrating faith, I aspire to instill in them the same sense of self and resilience that Westside instilled in me. Receiving the Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship would provide me with the financial support needed to acquire a college education and create a network of connections I can call upon to help achieve this goal of mine. To show other kids like me that just because we were given up, doesn’t mean we should give up. God has blessed me with wonderful parents who’ve guided me to this opportunity. Now, it’s my turn to guide others. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

My dad gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person; that spark of passion. I was just nine when he took me to his job as a software engineer. The image is forever burned into my brain: rows upon rows of thick desktop screens, dark towers by their sides, and beeping servers in the back, a wire rainbow snaking under desks, and coffee-stained Minion memes offering words of encouragement lining the walls. As I settled into my beat-up leather chair and watched my dad work, I found myself enamored. Fascinated by how a few letters and numbers on a computer could create the software needed to run an episode of Pokemon on my iPad. And I carried this spark with me throughout my life, from the good ol’ days of testing the physics in Minecraft to this latest Age of Information where I’m testing the memory limits of AI language models. However, I want to push this spark past testing and focus on creating change. After completing my degree, my goal is to empower underserved communities. And no group is hit harder than youth in foster care. I was one of the lucky ones, adopted by my parents when I was just a baby. Unfortunately, more than 23,000 kids age out of foster care each year with no resources or skills to meet their needs, much less their wants. A career in STEM holds the potential to address the systemic poverty affecting these kids. Attending college, I believe, will equip me with the necessary tools and connections to impart meaningful change in their lives. A major hurdle in education for foster kids is the lack of personalized guidance from teachers, leading many to fall behind academically due to unmet needs. Collaborating closely with other students and professors, I aim to formulate educational programs designed with current information about the tech sphere and bring a more individualized academic experience to these kids. College is the ticket to reaching this goal. Unfortunately, it’s a ticket with a price tag. My parents work incredibly hard, and I’m forever grateful to them, but the income provided isn’t enough to cover the entirety of my college expenses. Additionally, there are certain circumstances that exacerbate our financial struggles. My dad has heart issues, a rare foot disease, and has lost sight in one eye. His medical expenses are an ongoing necessity compared to me attending college. Still, this won’t stop me from chasing my dreams. There’s a wealth of resources out there to help me break into the computer science field. Still, as a fellow Chris with a sharp wit, I’d like to receive not only my degree, but also the chance to experience college and grow into the man capable of continuing this legacy of excellence my parents have given me. It’s my duty as a son. Thank you in advance for considering my application and have a blessed day.

In the words of American author and public speaker Donald Miller, “In the age of information, ignorance is a choice.” But for black people in rhe United States, ignorance wasn’t a choice but a reality. Throughout history, education has not been our given right but a battle against oppression and discrimination, against barriers that kept us from reaching better opportunities. Opportunities just beyond those walls, out of sight but never out of mind. Schools were divided, resources were unequal, and the American Dream was exactly what it said on the label: nothing more than a dream. Putting aside the serious tone for a bit, let’s focus on the brighter side of the story. Today, as a young African American man preparing to pursue a Computer Science degree, I’m forever grateful for the efforts that went into making this privilege a possibility. In an era marked by racial injustice, those who came before me refused to accept the hand they had been dealt. They stepped up, took action, and won the right to pursue the American Dream. And I refuse to wander from this path paved with their blood, sweat, and tears. So once I reached high school, I took off. I’ve taken Computer Science I and II, AP Computer Science Math, and Robotics, and even got a 5—the highest possible score—on the AP Computer Science exam. I joined the National Honor Society, volunteering with the North Texas Food Bank, Red Cross, and donating to several other annual charities. I’ve put forth all this effort not only to obtain a well-paying job, but also because I recognize that there’s still room for another group’s path to college. According to the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing, only 3% of foster and former foster kids, like me, obtain a bachelor’s degree. More than 23,000 kids age out of foster care each year with no resources or skills to meet their needs, much less than their wants. A career in STEM holds the potential to address the poverty affecting these youths. Attending college, I believe, will equip me with the necessary tools and connections to impart meaningful change in their lives. A major hurdle in education for foster kids is the lack of personalized guidance from teachers, leading many to fall behind academically due to unmet needs. Through collaboration with other students and professors, I aim to work with educational leaders to design programs with current information about tech careers and provide these kids with a more individualized academic experience. Furthermore, I recognize the importance of strong bonds in education, so I’d like to provide a mutual framework that teaches students to seek out others for support during challenging times. By integrating collaboration and team building into lessons, I aspire to instill in them hope and resilience, fostering not only their interest in STEM subjects but also nurturing a deeper connection with their peers, which will hopefully expand their career paths and encourage them to lean on others’s understanding.

COLLEGE [col·​lege] noun A key that opens doors that had been locked in the past. African American Heritage Dictionary: New College Edition In the words of American author and public speaker Donald Miller, “In the age of information, ignorance is a choice.” But for black people in the United States, ignorance wasn’t a choice but a reality. Throughout history, education has not been our given right but a hard-fought battle against oppression and discrimination, against barriers erected that kept us from reaching better opportunities. Opportunities just beyond those walls, out of sight but never out of mind. Schools were divided, resources were unequal, and the American Dream was exactly what it said on the label: nothing more than a dream. Putting aside the serious tone for a bit, let’s focus on the brighter side of the story. Today, as a young African American man preparing to pursue a degree in Computer Science, I’m forever grateful for the efforts that went into making this privilege a possibility. In an era marked by racial injustice, those who came before me refused to accept the hand they had been dealt. They stepped up, took action, fought, and won the right to pursue the American Dream. And I refuse to wander from this path paved with their blood, sweat, and tears. Moreover, I recognize that there is still room for another group’s path to college. According to the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing, only 3% of foster and former foster kids, like me, obtain a bachelor’s degree. More than 23,000 kids age out of foster care each year with no resources or skills to meet their needs, much less than their wants. A career in STEM holds the potential to address the poverty affecting these youths. Attending college, I believe, will equip me with the necessary tools and connections to impart meaningful change in their lives. A major hurdle in education for foster kids is the lack of personalized guidance from teachers, leading many to fall behind academically due to unmet needs. Through collaboration with other students and professors, I aim to work with educational leaders to design programs with current information about tech careers and provide these kids with a more individualized academic experience. Furthermore, I recognize the importance of strong bonds in education, so I’d like to provide a mutual framework that teaches students to seek out others for support during challenging times. By integrating collaboration and team building into lessons, I aspire to instill in them hope and resilience, fostering not only their interest in STEM subjects but also nurturing a deeper connection with their peers, which will hopefully expand their career paths and encourage them to lean not only on their own understanding. College is the key to unlocking this door.

Sometimes, it only takes one person to change a life. At Westside Baptist Church, we’ve got an entire group ranging from 8th to 12th grade to change the lives of many. We’ve fed the hungry, donated blood, cleaned up litter, rebuilt roofs, acted as ministers, etc. All of us have put our body, mind, and soul into serving our community just as God has served us. And I’ve seen firsthand the impact of community service. Smiles. Tears. Laughter. Those raw emotions when it’s just you and someone in need are what inspire me to serve. Community service isn’t just an act; it’s a heartfelt connection that uplifts everyone involved. Thanks to the WBC Youth Ministry, I’ve been uplifted. Now, I want to bring others up here with me. Since working with the Youth Ministry, I’ve actively started seeking out opportunities to make a positive impact on those around me. I’ve volunteered with the North Texas Food Bank, handing out meal packages during food drives and donating money every year for their Fall Charities. My work with them has been unforgettable. The gratitude on people’s faces as we handed them their meal packages or put bags of food in their trunk will stick with me for the rest of my life. Alongside my work at the food bank, I’ve been involved in various church events, such as working at a booth connecting kids from nearby schools. Although I sucked at charades, the bright smiles of the kids made most of the embarrassment worth it. Most of it. I also got a chance to usher for numerous school’s plays such as, the Addams Family and Matilda. For anyone who hasn’t read or watched either series, I highly recommend them! Those ones would have to have been the most fun because I saw both an amazing show and the amazement of the crowd. They were uplifted. Recently, I found unexpected inspiration in the form of a Twitch content creator named CDawgVA or Connor. I happened to stumble upon one of his charity streams where he was raising funds to support his friend and fellow content creator Ironmouse. She suffers from an extreme case of immunodeficiency, so Connor was biking across Japan to raise money for the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) to help find a cure for her disease. It reminded me of one of my close friends who battles a rare and challenging disease called eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). This means that if he consumes even a small amount of certain foods, such as dairy, eggs, or wheat, it triggers an inflammation in his throat, requiring medical attention. Seeing Connor’s dedication to help his friend left me with a burning question. I’ve done work to uplift my outer community, but what about my inner community? And so, I’ve been challenging myself to come up with a solution. I want to organize a charity event in my local area, raising awareness about EoE and the challenges my friend faces daily. I want to show him that he’s not in this battle alone. I want to uplift him as my community has uplifted me.

Sometimes, it only takes one person to change a life. At Westside Baptist Church, we’ve got an entire group to change many. We’ve fed the hungry, donated blood, cleaned up litter, rebuilt roofs, etc. All of us have put our body, mind, and soul into serving our community just as God has served us. And I’ve seen firsthand the impact of community service. Smiles. Tears. Laughter. Community service isn’t just an act; it’s a heartfelt connection that uplifts everyone involved. Thanks to the WBC Youth Ministry, I’ve been uplifted. Now, I wanna bring others up here with me. Starting with foster care. According to the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing, only 3% of foster and former foster kids, like me, obtain a bachelor’s degree. More than 23,000 kids age out of foster care annually with no resources or skills to meet their needs. A career in STEM holds the potential to address this poverty. Through collaboration with professors, I aim to design programs with current information about tech careers and provide these kids with a more individualized academic experience. I aspire to instill in them the same sense of self and resilience that Westside instilled in me.

My Dad, my rock and roll. For as long as I can remember we did everything together. One of my favorites was our weekly visits to the local farmer’s markets. He answered my endless “what’s this?” and “what’s that?” as he let me decide which foods to sample, often to his dismay since I’d pick fruits so exotic you couldn’t even pronounce their name. Always a fan of NBA 2K, Dad was just as patient at the basketball courts. He’d stand back and let me dribble the ball, coaching me on my form and footwork. I’ll never forget when I made my first three-pointer. He treated it like I’d dunked on Lebron James. On a Saturday morning, if he was up before 10 AM and the GMC had gas, I could practically smell an adventure. That is, until 2019. Dad started having trouble walking, so we took him to the doctor, but the treatments they prescribed didn’t help much. After a long period of pain, a knee walker, and a walking boot, plus dozens of dollars spent, the doctors finally identified the problem: Charcot foot, a complication of his diabetes that fused his bones togethers. In rapid succession he lost eyesight in one eye along with congestive heart failure. Numerous doctor appointments and hospital stays meant he could no longer work, which put a strain on our family’s finances. What made it most difficult in accepting the changes was that his mind remained sharp even as his body declined. He could fire off answers while watching Jeopardy and whoop me in NBA 2K22, but he was confined. To a house. A bed. A boot. However, my education finish line was in sight, and I couldn’t falter now. College is a hub for mentorship, career opportunities, and personal growth, but all of that comes with a price. So once I reached high school, I took off running to earn that opportunity. I’ve taken Computer Science I and II, AP Computer Science Math, Robotics, and Video Game Development. I got a 5—the highest possible score—on the AP Computer Science exam and even earned a certification in video game design. I joined the National Honor Society, volunteering with the North Texas Food Bank, Red Cross, and donating to several other annual charities. I’ve put forth all this effort not only to obtain a well-paying job, but also to get acquainted with the mindset needed to achieve a rather personal goal for myself. Recently, I found unexpected inspiration in the form of a Twitch content creator named Connor. I happened to stumble upon one of his charity streams where he raised over $1 million to support his friend and fellow content creator Ironmouse. She suffers from an extreme case of immunodeficiency, so Connor biked across Japan to raise money for the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) to help find a cure for her disease. Seeing Connor’s dedication to help his friend left me with a burning question. I’ve served my outer community, but what about my close-knit inner community? And so, I’ve been thinking of solutions. But not just for my dad’s diseases. But diseases that have impacted those close to me directly such as diabetes, dementia, and eosinophilic esophagitis, to name a few. I’ve seen their struggles. I want to organize charity events to raise money and awareness of the challenges they face. To show them they’re not fighting alone.

For the longest time I can remember, I’ve always been a shy child. It wasn’t that I couldn’t be outgoing; my friends would say that I was the most outgoing person they knew, always friendly and confident around them. Yet, facing a group of strangers—be they classmates, teachers, or even family—turned me into a deer in the headlights. However, one book changed all that for me and I believe it has the potential to do the same for countless other introverts around the world: Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come. The book details Pan’s fascinating and humorous journey to live like a gregarious extrovert for one year, pushing herself beyond her comfort zone. It was funny, relatable, and precisely what I needed to conquer the new peak I had set for myself: Make at least one new friend in high school. Pan’s book provided me with challenges that I could connect with and insights on how to overcome them. One specific example from the book that struck a chord with me was when Pan talked about joining a comedy improv class. She described the sheer terror she felt at the thought of a spontaneous performance in front of strangers. However, imagining the people around you as “strangers” only hinders you. Pan realized this and deliberately sought ways to increase her exposure to these “strangers” and practiced seeing them as friends. She stepped into uncomfortable situations, embracing the awkwardness and turning it into a learning experience. Reading about Pan’s success got me thinking. If she could face her fears head-on, why couldn’t I? So, I used her book as a guide, pushing myself to take small steps, just as she did. I joined my school’s debate team, put myself out there, and even won my second-ever debate tournament, a big leap for someone who used to be afraid of speaking up in groups. If I could have everyone in the world read just one book, it would undoubtedly be this one. Not only does it offer a hilarious and relatable perspective on stepping outside your comfort zone, but it also serves as a reminder that we’re all human, with fears and insecurities. I believe Pan’s book has the potential to pave the way for connections, growth, and the realization that we can conquer life’s peaks, even if they once seemed insurmountable.

Imagine two children sitting in the same classroom, one introverted and one shy. The introverted child prefers to quietly write at his desk, finding interacting with all the other children overwhelming. The shy child wants to join the other children but remains at her desk, too afraid to join them. While people can overcome their shyness, introversion is an inherent aspect of a person, much like their hair or eye color. And for the longest time, I was that introverted child. It wasn’t that I couldn’t be outgoing; my friends would say that I was the most outgoing person they knew, always friendly and confident around them. Yet, facing a group of strangers—be they classmates, teachers, or even family—turned me into a deer in the headlights. However, two books changed all that: Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come and How to Instantly Connect with Anyone: 96 All-New Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships. It was an ordinary Wednesday morning when I walked into my debate class only to find a new project awaiting me. Our teacher had tasked each of us with selecting a book to read, turning it into a lesson, and presenting it to be judged by our classmates. Obviously, the thought of facing twenty-six teenagers who had mastered the art of tearing their opponents apart terrified me, and I felt doomed from the start. But then, I laid eyes on the book that might just have been my savior. Jessica Pan’s Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come stood out on the list as my beacon of hope. The book details Pan’s fascinating and humorous journey to live like a gregarious extrovert for one year, pushing herself beyond her comfort zone. It was funny, relatable, and precisely what I needed to conquer the new peak I had set for myself: To present to my classmates as if they were my old friends. But it wasn’t just Pan’s book that gave me a new goal. You see, about a month ago, my mom handed me a copy of How to Instantly Connect with Anyone: 96 All-New Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships by Leil Lowndes. This book felt like the missing piece to this extrovert puzzle. It was a treasure trove of cutting-edge communication tips and tricks for big success in business and social relationships—in person, by email, or on the phone. Did you know of the “Triangle Technique”? It’s a simple yet powerful concept that involves creating a triangular pattern by shifting your gaze between three points: the left eye, the right eye, and the lips of the person you're engaging with. By employing this technique, you can establish a deeper connection, convey confidence, and leave a lasting impression on others. That’s one down. Only ninety-five more to go. Since then, I’m about forty-eight tricks deep into my journey. Those two books inspired me to take a deep look inward and examine myself. Reading about Pan’s hilarious and sometimes awkward experiences gave me a new perspective on my own introversion. It showed me that while introversion is a part of who I am, it doesn’t have to limit or define me. Lowndes armed me with an arsenal of various tips and tricks to actively participate in group discussions, share my ideas, and even take on leadership roles at my school. Those two books, though just some pages wedged between a hardback cover, acted as the catalysts that allowed me to make more than a few friends after my A+ lesson.

Service is not just an act; it’s a heartfelt connection that impacts both the giver and receiver. From a young age, I’ve been exposed to community service through various avenues. I worked with my church on numerous outreach programs, providing aid and support to those in need. Additionally, as a member of the National Honor Society, I participated in charity events and fundraisers regularly. While these experiences have been rewarding, I must admit that community service has often been an afterthought in my life. A few summers ago, that all changed. My church’s youth group had partnered with a group called Imagine More to provide supplies and support to kids at a local foster home. From the moment we gathered at church, I could tell something was different. All of us were eager to make a positive impact on these children's lives. The sheer amount of donations brought by the youth was overwhelming—we had to pack two whole buses just to fit it all! Arriving at the foster home, we immediately connected with the kids. We played games, drew pictures, and shared stories. Some even exchanged phone numbers! It was a heartwarming experience to bring not only stuff, but smiles to those children’s faces. As an adopted child myself, the experience hit particularly close to home. I saw myself in them, realizing that I could have been any one of those kids. They impacted me. Since then, I actively seek opportunities to make a positive impact on those around me. Volunteering at the North Texas Food Bank has been truly fulfilling, as I’ve had the chance to witness the genuine joy and bright smiles of those in need. Alongside my work at the food bank, I’ve been involved in various church events, such as working at a booth connecting kids from nearby schools. Although I sucked at charades, the bright smiles of the kids made most of the embarrassment worth it. I also got a chance to usher for my school’s play, the Addams Family. For anyone who hasn’t read or watched the series, I highly recommend it! That one would have to have been my favorite because I saw both an amazing show and the excitement of the crowd as they came and went. I impacted them. Recently, I found unexpected inspiration in the form of a Twitch content creator named CDawgVA or Connor. I happened to stumble upon one of his charity streams where he was raising funds to support his friend and fellow content creator Ironmouse. She suffers from an extreme case of immunodeficiency, so Connor was biking across Japan to raise money for the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) to help find a cure for her disease. It reminded me of one of my close friend who battles a rare and challenging disease called eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). This means that if he consumes even a small amount of certain foods, such as dairy, eggs, or wheat, it triggers an inflammation in his throat, requiring medical attention. Seeing Connor’s dedication to help his friend left me with a burning question. I’ve done work to postively impact my outer community, but what about my inner community? And so, I’ve been challenging myself to come up with a solution. I want to organize a charity event in my local area, raising awareness about EoE and the challenges my friend faces daily. I want to show him that he’s not in this battle alone. I want to uplift him as my community has uplifted me. That's how I plan to positively impact my world.

My dream version of my future self is like the charismatic, outgoing protagonist of a movie—the kind of guy who can support himself yet always finds the time to enjoy the fun things in life with those around him.

Community service is not just an act; it’s a heartfelt connection that inspires both the giver and receiver. From a young age, I’ve been exposed to community service through various avenues. I worked with my church on numerous outreach programs, providing aid and support to those in need. Additionally, as a member of the National Honor Society, I participated in charity events and fundraisers regularly. While these experiences have been rewarding, I must admit that community service has often been an afterthought in my life. A few summers ago, that all changed. My church’s youth group had partnered with a group called Imagine More to provide supplies and support to kids at a local foster home. From the moment we gathered at church, I could tell something was different. All of us were eager to make a positive impact on these children's lives. The sheer amount of donations brought by the youth was overwhelming—we had to pack two whole buses just to fit it all! Arriving at the foster home, we immediately connected with the kids. We played games, drew pictures, and shared stories. Some even exchanged phone numbers! It was a heartwarming experience to bring not only stuff, but smiles to those children’s faces. As an adopted child myself, the experience hit particularly close to home. I saw myself in them, realizing that I could have been any one of those kids. They inspired me. Since then, I actively seek opportunities to make a positive impact on those around me. Volunteering at the North Texas Food Bank has been truly fulfilling, as I’ve had the chance to witness the genuine joy and bright smiles of those in need. Alongside my work at the food bank, I’ve been involved in various church events, such as working at a booth connecting kids from nearby schools. Although I sucked at charades, the bright smiles of the kids made most of the embarrassment worth it. I also got a chance to usher for my school’s play, the Addams Family. For anyone who hasn’t read or watched the series, I highly recommend it! That one would have to have been my favorite because I saw both an amazing show and the excitement of the crowd. I inspired them. Recently, I found unexpected inspiration in the form of a Twitch content creator named CDawgVA or Connor. I happened to stumble upon one of his charity streams where he was raising funds to support his friend and fellow content creator Ironmouse. She suffers from an extreme case of immunodeficiency, so Connor was biking across Japan to raise money for the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) to help find a cure for her disease. It reminded me of one of my close friend who battles a rare and challenging disease called eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). This means that if he consumes even a small amount of certain foods, such as dairy, eggs, or wheat, it triggers an inflammation in his throat, requiring medical attention. Seeing Connor’s dedication to help his friend left me with a burning question. I’ve done work to uplift my outer community, but what about my inner community? And so, I’ve been challenging myself to come up with a solution. I want to organize a charity event in my local area, raising awareness about EoE and the challenges my friend faces daily. I want to show him that he’s not in this battle alone. I want to uplift him as my community has uplifted me. That’s what has inspired me to make a change.

Healthy eating habits are essential because they provide our body with the necessary tools to sustain itself, boost energy, and fight off illnesses. Like an engine that runs on premium gas, our bodies function optimally when fueled with nutritious foods. With this in mind, at the beginning of 2022, I decided to take the wheel on my health and signed up for a Nutrition and Wellness class last spring. In my class, I learned that eating healthy has a positive impact on both our physical and mental health. When we provide our bodies with nutritious foods, we support proper organ function, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. For example, incorporating whole grains into our diet can contribute to lower cholesterol levels and better heart health. In addition, foods rich in complex carbs can provide energy, improve our mood, and promote mental clarity and focus. By nourishing our bodies with healthier diets, we’re setting the stage for a longer and happier life. However, I didn’t just learn about the benefits of a balanced diet. I also had the opportunity to get hands-on experience making parts of this diet. As part of the Nutrition and Wellness class, we had regular cooking labs where we prepared a variety of healthy dishes, ranging from Caesar salads to nutrient-dense granola balls. I’ve gotta say, out of all the dishes we made, the fruit pizza was arguably the most fun to prepare and eat. Even if my group’s pizza did look kinda… deformed. Taking what I learned in the Nutrition and Wellness class to heart, I put my knowledge into practice by making conscious choices to add healthier foods to my daily meals. I started my mornings off with heartier breakfasts packed with whole grains, fruits, and protein, providing a steady stream of energy to kickstart my day. Peanuts and almonds became regular additions to my lunch, alongside apples, bananas, and grapes. I also tried to exercise for thirty minutes every day to complement my eating habits. As time passed, I noticed that I felt more energetic, alert, and less tired than before. I found myself exercising more frequently and even performing better as a result. The combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise has made a significant difference in my life, allowing me to lead a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Both my father and my grandpa suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. My grandpa had several toes amputated because of this. I’ve seen the toll a disease like that can take on your health and finances, and it has motivated me to take steps toward prioritizing my own health now rather than waiting for potential health issues to arise in the future. There’s still so much I want to do in life: play the latest video games, see the end of my favorite series, spend time with family and friends, and much more. And the only way to enjoy all these experiences to the fullest is to establish healthy eating habits while I’m young. So, as we prepare to face the road ahead, make sure you’ve got the right fuel to last the trip.

Healthy eating habits are essential because they provide our body with the necessary tools to sustain itself, boost energy, and fight off illnesses. Like an engine that runs on premium gas, our bodies function optimally when fueled with nutritious foods. With this in mind, at the beginning of 2022, I decided to take the wheel on my health and signed up for a Nutrition and Wellness class last spring. In my class, I learned that eating healthy has a positive impact on both our physical and mental health. When we provide our bodies with nutritious foods, we support proper organ function, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. For example, incorporating whole grains into our diet can contribute to lower cholesterol levels and better heart health. In addition, foods rich in complex carbs can provide energy, improve our mood, and promote mental clarity and focus. By nourishing our bodies with healthier diets, we’re setting the stage for a longer and happier life. However, I didn’t just learn about the benefits of a balanced diet. I also had the opportunity to get hands-on experience making parts of this diet. As part of the Nutrition and Wellness class, we had regular cooking labs where we prepared a variety of healthy dishes, ranging from Caesar salads to nutrient-dense granola balls. I’ve gotta say, out of all the dishes we made, the fruit pizza was arguably the most fun to prepare and eat. Even if my group’s pizza did look kinda… deformed. Taking what I learned in the Nutrition and Wellness class to heart, I put my knowledge into practice by making conscious choices to add healthier foods to my daily meals. I started my mornings off with heartier breakfasts packed with whole grains, fruits, and protein, providing a steady stream of energy to kickstart my day. Peanuts and almonds became regular additions to my lunch, alongside apples, bananas, and grapes. I also tried to exercise for thirty minutes every day to complement my eating habits. As time passed, I noticed that I felt more energetic, alert, and less tired than before. I found myself exercising more frequently and even performing better as a result. The combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise has made a significant difference in my life, allowing me to lead a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Both my father and my grandpa suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. My grandpa had several toes amputated because of this. I’ve seen the toll a disease like that can take on your health and finances, and it has motivated me to take steps toward prioritizing my own health now rather than waiting for potential health issues to arise in the future. There’s still so much I want to do in life: play the latest video games, see the end of my favorite series, spend time with family and friends, and much more. And the only way to enjoy all these experiences to the fullest is to establish healthy eating habits while I’m young. So, as we prepare to face the road ahead, make sure you’ve got the right fuel to last the trip.