If you were to ask 100 teenagers what leads them to volunteer in their community, most of them would probably say that they started volunteering because of a parent or a mentor. For me, it was my mom. I've watched my mom volunteer for many years as a mentor for her sorority's youth group, sing in the church choir, and help with events at my school. She often made me volunteer to help at our church, even though I would rather not have. I later realized that helping others without getting something in return can still benefit me greatly. I'm grateful that my mother guided me to that realization early on and that she taught me to care about something other than myself. Community service is more than just something I do to graduate from high school. It is an opportunity to meet new people, gain new skills, find networking opportunities, and build a connection with your community. The neighborhoods I pass through keep me aware of the need in my community. I also sometimes do community service at Heaven's Tender Touch Daycare, the daycare I grew up in. Being able to work with children at such a young age taught me to be patient and to not lose my temper when dealing with others, which is a skill that still helps me today. Service also helps me stay connected to my community, which teaches me that my power lies in helping others, and that is why I want to use my degree to help others. I plan to receive a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Music, or both, and I am confident that this is the path that I want to pursue. Knowing that service is a lifelong commitment, I feel it would be helpful to have the resources to one day, once I have furthered my education, to go back to my community and teach coding, give music lessons, and or tutor, to help someone see their value and help them step out with courage to pursue their dreams. Through my research, I have found the life of Bishop Ron O. Beazer Sr. inspirational. The fact that he was willing to show up and give his time and energy to people is the core of what I hope to do, and I would be honored to have my name and works written alongside Bishop Ron O. Beazer Sr.

In the 2nd grade, I performed as Michael Jackson in my school's Motown Review Spring Concert. To everyone's surprise, I could sing and sound like Michael Jackson as he did as a kid. If I could have everyone in the world read one book, it would be "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss. "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" is more than just a book; it's a roadmap for life's adventures. One of the reasons it's such a great book is because it speaks directly to you, the reader, about the incredible journey ahead. Here's why: Dr. Seuss has a magical way of using rhymes and colorful illustrations to capture your imagination. It's like he's inviting you into a world where anything is possible, where you can soar to great heights and explore unknown lands. The book celebrates the highs and lows of life. It acknowledges that there will be times when you feel on top of the world and other times when you face challenges and setbacks. But through it all, it reminds you to keep moving forward, persevere, and never lose sight of your dreams. "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" is a collection of timeless wisdom. Its advice, as relevant today as when it was first penned, covers topics like risk-taking, decision-making, and resilience in the face of failure. These are lessons that can guide you through life's unpredictable journey. The book holds a special place in my heart as it was a gift from my dad. It's a physical symbol of his love and belief in my potential. Each time I open its pages, I'll be reminded of that bond and feel inspired to keep pushing forward. "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" is a timeless classic that inspires, empowers, and encourages readers of all ages to embrace life's adventures with open arms. It's a book you'll cherish for years to come and will continue to resonate with you long after you've turned its final page.

My least favorite chore is emptying the dishwasher. In the 2nd grade, I performed as Michael Jackson in my school's Motown Review Spring Concert. To everyone's surprise, I could sing and sound like Michael Jackson as he did as a kid. In the vibrant tapestry of my life, woven with threads of resilience and determination, I stand as a high school sophomore guided by the unwavering strength of a single mother. As the son of a woman who navigates the challenges of parenthood alone, I've learned that adversity is not an obstacle but a catalyst for growth. My journey is proof of the power of persistence, and through education, I aim to paint a brighter future for myself and honor the sacrifices made by the extraordinary woman who raised me. K-pop has significantly impacted global culture in various ways and is a diverse genre with multiple groups and artists, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. However, several K-pop groups are known for their global appeal and diverse fan base. Some popular groups might resonate with me, a 15-year-old, regardless of my background. K-pop has fostered a massive global fanbase, often called the "K-pop fandom." Fans, known as "K-pop stans," connect through social media platforms, creating a sense of community that transcends geographical boundaries. This global fan engagement has led to the internationalization of Korean popular culture. Joining the K-pop fandom provides a sense of community and belonging. Fans share a common interest, allowing for connections with people worldwide who appreciate the same music. K-pop introduces fans to Korean culture, language, and traditions. This exposure can broaden one's cultural understanding and appreciation for diversity. K-pop groups often feature members from various ethnic backgrounds, fostering a sense of inclusivity and diversity that has resonated with fans worldwide, leading to discussions on representation and breaking down cultural barriers. As K-pop continues to gain global popularity, more diverse talents are emerging. Groups like BTS have broken stereotypes and showcased that talent knows no boundaries, providing positive representation for people of different ethnicities. Listening to K-pop may spark an interest in learning Korean, fostering a connection with a different linguistic and cultural experience. K-pop's elaborate music videos, choreography, and fashion can inspire creativity and self-expression. Many fans are drawn to the artistic elements of K-pop and may explore their creative interests as a result. K-pop fans participate in global conversations about their favorite groups through social media and streaming platforms. This involvement in global pop culture allows for a shared experience with fans from various backgrounds. K-pop's success escalated on social media platforms where fans use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to share content, participate in fan communities, and support their favorite idols. K-pop agencies and artists also leverage social media for promotion, connecting directly with fans worldwide. Ultimately, the impact of K-pop on an individual's life is subjective. Still, its ability to bring people together, promote diversity, and inspire positive changes is evident in its global influence. K-pop's impact on global culture extends beyond music, influencing fashion, language learning, community building, and even contributing to discussions on diversity and representation. Its ability to connect with audiences worldwide has made it a cultural phenomenon with a lasting influence.

In the 2nd grade, I performed as Michael Jackson in my school's Motown Review Spring Concert. To everyone's surprise, I could sing and sound like Michael Jackson as he did as a kid. Our absolute favorite Netflix series viewed in my household is The Blacklist. The Blacklist is a captivating and thrilling series that offers a unique blend of crime, mystery, and drama; my mom watches it every day, and now that Netflix added season 10, the final season, she is overly excited. I've often watched the show with her and know all the main characters' names. The show starts with a bang as one of the FBI's most wanted criminals, Raymond Reddington, surrenders himself and offers to help them track down and apprehend other dangerous criminals. The mysterious relationship between Reddington and the FBI agent Elizabeth Keen is at the core of the storyline and has you questioning the hidden connection between the two. The Blacklist" boasts well-developed characters with intricate backstories. Raymond Reddington, played brilliantly by James Spader, keeps you on the edge of your seats with his unpredictable nature. The dynamics between the characters add layers to the narrative. My mom loves Raymond Reddington/ James Spader. The show is renowned for its unexpected plot twists and turns. When you think you have a handle on what's happening, a new twist emerges, keeping you engaged and constantly guessing. Each episode features a new Blacklister, a dangerous criminal on Reddington's infamous list. The diverse cases range from political conspiracies to personal vendettas, making each episode a fresh and exciting experience. The show digs into moral uncertainty, exploring themes of redemption, loyalty, and the thin line between good and evil, causing you to question the motives and actions of the characters. The cast, led by James Spader, delivers stellar performances. Spader's portrayal of Reddington is magnetic and adds depth to the character. The chemistry between the cast members contributes to the show's overall appeal. The Blacklist" doesn't shy away from high-stakes situations. The constant threat of danger and the characters' vulnerabilities create intense and emotionally charged scenes. The show takes viewers on a global journey, with episodes set in various locations worldwide, with most of the episodes filmed in the area where I live. I loved hearing the cities in my area referred to throughout the shows. The various locations add a cinematic quality to the series and keep the narrative fresh and dynamic. With multiple seasons on Netflix, you can enjoy consistent quality throughout their binge-watching experience. The show maintains its high standards, ensuring a satisfying and immersive journey. Once you start watching, it's hard to stop. The fast-paced storytelling and the desire to uncover the mysteries surrounding Reddington and Keen will keep your friend hooked from episode to episode. The Blacklist is a fantastic series and offers a compelling and addictive viewing experience, making it the perfect show to clear a weekend for an immersive binge-watching session, with each season bringing you so much that you didn't expect.

In the 2nd grade, I performed as Michael Jackson in my school’s Motown Review Spring Concert. To everyone’s surprise, I could sing and sounded like Michael Jackson as he did as a kid. The crossover episode between my two favorite Disney Channel shows would be Handy Manny, and Phineas & Ferb. Title: Phineas, Ferb, and the Fix-It Celebration One sunny day in Danville, Phineas and Ferb brainstorm their latest invention when they receive a mysterious package. To their surprise, it contains a magical toolbox with talking tools from Sheetrock Hills – the world of Handy Manny. Excited by the prospect of new adventures, Phineas and Ferb open a dimensional portal using their latest invention. As the portal opens, Manny and the crew, Pat, Squeeze, Kelly, Turner, Rusty, and Stretch, step into Danville, amazed by the innovative gadgets and inventions they see. The gang quickly becomes friends, and together, they organize a Fix-It Celebration – a collaboration of creativity, construction, and friendship. Phineas and Ferb bring their wild imagination, while Manny and his tools contribute their handy skills. Meanwhile, the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz, intrigued by the magical toolbox, decides to steal it, and chaos arises as he attempts to snatch the toolbox, leading to a comical and action-packed chase across Danville and Sheetrock Hills. With Perry the Platypus and Manny's tools teaming up, they prevent Doofenshmirtz's plans and the magical toolbox from malfunctioning, causing a hole that temporarily merges the two worlds. Danville and Sheetrock Hills citizens must work together to fix the dimensional glitch. As the Fix-It Celebration continues, Phineas, Ferb, Manny, and their friends collaborate on building the ultimate invention. This device will close the dimensional hole and return each group to their world. The combined efforts of Phineas and Ferb's creativity, Manny's handy skills, and the ingenuity of both sets of characters lead to the successful closure of the dimensional hole. As a thank you, Manny and his tools decide to visit Danville annually for the Fix-It Celebration, creating a lasting friendship between the two worlds. The crossover episode ends with a spectacular celebration filled with laughter, music, and the joy of friendship that transcends dimensions. Phineas, Ferb, and the gang bid farewell to Manny and his tools, who return to Sheetrock Hills through a repaired dimensional gateway. However, a special connection remains between the two worlds, and they promise to meet again at the next Fix-It Celebration. Back in Danville, life returns to normal, but Phineas and Ferb can't help but reminisce about their incredible adventure with Manny and his crew. Inspired by the collaboration, they incorporated some of Manny's handy techniques into their future inventions.

In the vibrant tapestry of my life, woven with threads of resilience and determination, I stand as a black male high school sophomore, guided by the unwavering strength of a single mother. As the son of a woman who navigates the challenges of parenthood alone, I've learned that adversity is not an obstacle but a catalyst for growth. My journey is a testament to the power of tenacity, and through education, I aim to paint a brighter future for myself and honor the sacrifices made by the extraordinary woman who raised me. It was a Saturday afternoon, the day after Christmas break started. My friends and I got together for a gaming session featuring Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, my favorite game. My friends filled my room with excitement and laughter, each armed with a controller and a competitive spirit as we selected our favorite characters and prepared for the chaotic races ahead. The anticipation heightened as the countdown began, and with a cheer, the race commenced. While speeding around colorful tracks and launching shells at each other, we realized the sun was going down. This next race would be our last. We found ourselves racing on Rainbow Road, the track known for its colorfulness and its paths suspended into space. Tension was profound; the person who won would be the champion until our next meetup. My friends had filled my room with excitement and laughter, but now the room was pin-drop quiet. When the race started, all you could hear was the clicking of buttons and the clacking of moving joysticks. I started the race first and tried as hard as possible to keep my placement. Then, I entered the last lap of the race, and I had to lock in. I managed to dodge and block all items that came at me, and I was in the homestretch. I had a green shell in my hand and threw it away. I was confident I didn’t need any more items to protect myself. I was about to finish when the green shell I threw rebounded off the wall before me and hit me. I ended the race in 7th place, and I wasn’t happy. I didn’t play Mario Kart for at least three weeks after that. This moment is so memorable because I remember how I felt finishing the race in 1st place.

My mom wanted me to attend the best high school in the area and that wasn't a hard decision but she wasn't prepared to assist in paying the tuition. My mom now must take all the extra money that she can save, to help cover her portion of the tuition, which has been a challenge, but being accepted into the best private school in my area is worth the challenge, without receiving any help from family and or friends. Paying tuition is an added priority for my mom and all the financial assistance that I can receive would be a huge blessing and would also assist to make sure my daily needs are still able to be met. Once upon a time, in a magical forest, there lived a gnome named Gerald. Gerald was a small gnome, standing only three feet tall, but he had a big heart and a big dream - he wanted to be a soldier. Gerald lived in a peaceful village of gnomes, where they spent their days tending to the forest and keeping it beautiful. However, Gerald longed for adventure and excitement. He wanted to explore the world beyond the forest and defend it from danger. He wanted to be a soldier, just like the ones in the legends that his grandmother used to tell him. One day, a group of soldiers passed through the village on their way to fight a great dragon that had been terrorizing the neighboring kingdom. Gerald was awestruck by the sight of them - their shiny armor, their strong swords, and the way they walked with such confidence and purpose. He knew that he wanted to be just like them. Gerald decided to leave the village and embark on a journey to become a soldier. He packed a bag with a few essentials, said goodbye to his family and friends, and set off into the unknown. It was a long and difficult journey. Gerald faced many obstacles along the way - treacherous mountains to climb, raging rivers to cross, and fierce beasts to fight. But he never gave up. He kept pushing forward, driven by his desire to become a soldier. Finally, after many months of traveling, Gerald reached the kingdom where the dragon was terrorizing the people. He saw the dragon's destruction and heard the cries of the people. He knew that this was his chance to prove himself and make his dream come true. Gerald went to the king and offered his services as a soldier. The king was initially skeptical of the tiny gnome, but he saw the determination in Gerald's eyes and decided to give him a chance. Gerald trained with the other soldiers and quickly proved himself to be a skilled fighter. He was smaller and weaker than the other soldiers, but he was quick and agile. He also had a sharp mind and a deep understanding of the forest. He was able to outsmart the dragon and eventually defeated it. The people of the kingdom were saved and Gerald was hailed as a hero. The king offered him a position as a soldier in the royal army. But Gerald declined, instead he returned to his village and shared his story with the other gnomes, encouraging them to follow their dreams and not be afraid to pursue them. Gerald may be small, but he had shown that size did not matter when it came to courage and determination. From that day on, he was known as the bravest gnome in the land, and his story would be passed down through the generations. The end.

My mom wanted me to attend the best high school in the area and that wasn't a hard decision but she wasn't prepared to assist in paying the tuition. My dad who handles the tuition has financially backed out on handling the full tuition for high school because he is having financial difficulties. My mom now must take all the extra money that she can save, to help cover her portion of the tuition, which has been a challenge, but the private high school I was accepted into is worth the challenge. Keeping a roof over my head and making sure I have everything I need has always solely been my mom’s priority without receiving any help from family and or friends. Paying tuition is an added priority for my mom and all the financial assistance that I can receive would be a huge blessing and would also assist to make sure my daily needs are still able to be met. This year, I started high school, and this was a big turning point in my life. Coming from middle school was a huge transition because I had been at the same school for nine years. I had built relationships with teachers and students and now I am in a new environment. Going into High School has pushed me to grow. It has made me more responsible but keeping up with going from class to class was a challenge at first. I’ve always been known as one of the quietest kids in the class. Starting 9th grade and not knowing anyone pushed me out in the front because I am not the type of person to speak to people. I had to make new friends and speak so I could get help with navigating through the halls of a new school. I had to start feeling comfortable with raising my hand to ask questions and sitting next to people I didn’t know in the cafeteria. I have been trying to find new friends and thought that an extracurricular activity might help. I am interested in music and video games and I looked around to see what clubs I could join. I recently joined the Music Production club and the Coding club. I’ve taken piano lessons and recently received a beat-making machine as a gift. Since I’ve just joined the clubs at school, I haven’t had a chance to make friends but I hope that it will help. I’ve also had to be ok speaking in class, especially during a presentation or when the teacher asks me a question. I’m still trying to come out of my shell slowly and I’ve become a little bit more independent. My Creative Writing class is helping to shape me into being more comfortable standing in front of my class and speaking. It’s still difficult but knowing that it will affect my grade forces me and makes me rethink the challenge. It has begun to make me more inspired to grow personally knowing that there will be more public speaking as I go further in high school, college and in life. I was recently called on in English class to act in a scene in Romeo and Juliet, it was so much fun. I remain the quiet kid in class, speak when spoken to and only when requested to be in front of the class, I do.