In this rapidly changing society with continuous evolving technology one can hardly keep up the pace. What we have imagined before as impossible became easily accessible and what we think about today as being modern becomes obsolete quickly. I am privileged to live these times where I have the necessary resources to grow and become the best version of myself so that I can serve others and help. That is what success looks like for me! To be independent, needed and choose to be of service for others through what I do. What I want to become when I grow up is important. However, even more important is: how do I want to achieve that? The answer is, with care and compassion for the community and people around me. I trust that only if they are cared for, people give their best. Having a balance between life and work is also a measure of success for me. Making time for small pleasures such as going out in nature, hiking, fishing, traveling and spending time with my family are part of what I see a successful life. Maintaining an equilibrium between work and personal life is essential for me. Ultimately, success (like happiness) is what we make out of our life and how we decide to live it to its fullest. Also, being healthy (physically, mentally and emotionally), having a goal and being on a journey to achieve it is part of what I call success. A new frontier for me is another component of my success. Allow me to tell you more about this component… A healthy mind and spirit reside in a healthy body. Unfortunately, when they feel sick, American people think twice before they go to the doctor. Why? If high healthcare costs prevent people from seeking help, then this is my next intellectual frontier. I want to explore and understand how I can make the health care system more accessible and affordable to people. I want to combine current technological advancements with people’s strengths and creative ideas to improve this system. To do that, I need to work hard, start early, identify my own values and remember that I am a small part of the big development. Gaining more knowledge about the medical field, the social components and their implications, current healthcare system and its affordability will allow me to achieve my goal of being empowered with knowledge so that I can advance this domain. I envision the knowledge I gain in college will help me understand the complexity of the world in which we live. It will help me become a well-rounded individual able to make informed decisions for the common good and contribute to the development of the society. Knowledge and information will give me essential tools. A college education is a first step in achieving career goals. It gives me the access to the information needed to make further educational and life decisions. It expands my intellectual horizons and presents me with the opportunities and choices. A college education exposes me to varied cultures, personalities, environments and research opportunities. It helps me understand my own values and mature as an individual. Formal education helps me grow to become the best version of myself To summarize, having a college education will help me gain the necessary foundation to be in the services of people and help them to have better healthcare. In conclusion, this scholarship opportunity will help me reduce the costs associated with having the very much needed formal education in order to pursue my dream, achieve my goal and ultimately be successful.

Calculus, often regarded as the bedrock of modern mathematics, plays a pivotal role in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields. Its importance comes not only from academic curiosity but also from the very foundation upon which much of contemporary scientific and technological advancement rests. In this essay, I will explore the multifaceted significance of calculus in the STEM field. Calculus is a fundamental tool for modeling and analyzing natural phenomena. Calculus provides the language and methodology to formulate precise mathematical models, whether it's predicting the trajectory of a projectile, understanding the rate of change of physical quantities, or describing the behavior of complex systems such as fluid dynamics. For instance, in physics, calculus is indispensable in deriving equations of motion, determining forces, and solving differential equations that govern physical processes. Moreover, calculus plays a crucial role in engineering disciplines, where it enables the optimization of designs, analysis of structures, and prediction of system behaviors. Engineers utilize calculus to calculate stresses in materials, design efficient electrical circuits, and develop algorithms for signal processing and control systems. Without calculus, advancements in fields such as aerospace engineering, telecommunications, and robotics would be severely limited. In the realm of technology and computer science, calculus underpins algorithms and computational methods essential for data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Techniques such as gradient descent, used extensively in optimizing neural networks, rely heavily on calculus to find optimal solutions. Moreover, calculus provides the theoretical framework for understanding how algorithms behave and perform under various conditions, thus guiding improvements and innovations in software and hardware development. In mathematics itself, calculus represents a cornerstone discipline that connects various branches of mathematics. Differential calculus, with its focus on rates of change and slopes of curves, seamlessly merges with integral calculus, which deals with accumulation and area under curves. Together, they form powerful tools for solving problems in fields as diverse as statistics, economics, and biology. Calculus also provides the foundation for more advanced mathematical theories and concepts, such as differential equations, Fourier transforms, and complex analysis, which are essential in furthering scientific knowledge and applications. Beyond its technical applications, learning calculus fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential in the STEM disciplines. It encourages students to break down complex problems into manageable parts, apply logical reasoning, and develop rigorous methods of analysis. These skills are invaluable not only in academic and professional settings but also in everyday decision-making and understanding of the natural world. Furthermore, calculus has historical significance as a catalyst for scientific revolutions. The development of calculus by luminaries such as Newton and Leibniz in the 17th century marked a paradigm shift in scientific inquiry, enabling unprecedented advances in physics, astronomy, and engineering. The principles of calculus continue to inspire and drive innovation in contemporary research, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and technological capabilities. In conclusion, calculus stands as a cornerstone of the STEM field due to its profound impact on theory, application, and technological innovation. Its versatility and applicability across diverse disciplines make it an indispensable tool for scientists, engineers, and mathematicians alike. As we continue to tackle increasingly complex challenges in science and technology, the enduring relevance of calculus ensures its place as a fundamental pillar of modern education and research.

Understanding the nature of our universe is crucial for several reasons. First, it satisfies our innate curiosity about the world around us. Humans have always sought to comprehend the mysteries of the cosmos, and this pursuit of knowledge drives progress and innovation. Moreover, understanding the universe helps us to better appreciate our place in the universe It gives us perspective on our existence, our planet, and our species. It fosters a sense of interconnectedness and can promote stewardship of our environment and resources. Also, delving into the nature of the universe often leads to practical applications and technological advancements. Many scientific discoveries, from the theory of relativity to quantum mechanics, have paved the way for technologies that have transformed society. Regarding ideas and concepts to employ in this pursuit, interdisciplinary collaboration is key. The universe is complex and multifaceted, so it requires the expertise of scientists from various fields, including physics, astronomy, cosmology, biology, and more. Additionally, leveraging cutting-edge technology, such as advanced telescopes, particle accelerators, and supercomputers, allows us to explore the universe in ways previously unimaginable. Furthermore, creativity and open-mindedness are essential. Some of the most groundbreaking discoveries have come from thinking outside the box and challenging conventional wisdom. Encouraging diverse perspectives and fostering a culture of curiosity and exploration can lead to profound insights into the nature of reality. Bringing together experts from diverse fields such as physics, astronomy, biology, mathematics, and philosophy allows us to tackle complex questions from multiple perspectives. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as space telescopes, particle accelerators, and supercomputers enables us to collect and analyze vast amounts of data, leading to discoveries and insights. Developing theoretical frameworks and models to explain observational data, and conducting experiments to test these theories, is crucial for advancing our understanding of the universe. Actively exploring the cosmos through space missions, ground-based observatories, and international collaborations expands our knowledge of the universe and reveals new phenomena and objects. Promoting scientific literacy and engaging the public in discussions about the universe fosters a greater appreciation for science and encourages future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields. By embracing these ideas and concepts, we can continue to deepen our understanding of the universe and unlock its mysteries, ultimately enriching our lives and advancing human civilization. Overall, by working to better understand the universe, we not only satisfy our curiosity but also advance human knowledge, promote technological progress, and gain a deeper appreciation for the world we inhabit.

In this rapidly changing society with continuous evolving technology one can hardly keep up the pace. What we have imagined before as impossible became easily accessible and what we think about today as being modern becomes obsolete quickly. I am privileged to live these times where I have the necessary resources to grow and become the best version of myself so that I can serve others and help. That is what success looks like for me! To be independent, needed and choose to be of service for others through what I do. What I want to become when I grow up is important. However, even more important is: how do I want to achieve that? The answer is, with care and compassion for the community and people around me. I trust that only if they are cared for, people give their best. Having a balance between life and work is also a measure of success for me. Making time for small pleasures such as going out in nature, hiking, fishing, traveling and spending time with my family are part of what I see a successful life. Maintaining an equilibrium between work and personal life is essential for me. Ultimately, success (like happiness) is what we make out of our life and how we decide to live it to its fullest. Simple things in someone’s eyes can be a huge success for other people. Also, being healthy (physically, mentally and emotionally), having a goal and being on a journey to achieve it are part of what I call success. A new frontier for me is another component of my success. Allow me to tell you more about this last one component… A healthy mind and spirit reside in a healthy body. Unfortunately, when they feel sick, American people think twice before they go to the doctor. Why? If high healthcare costs prevent people from seeking help, then this is my next intellectual frontier. I want to explore and understand how I can make the health care system more accessible and affordable to people. I want to combine current technological advancements with people’s strengths and creative ideas to improve this system. To do that, I need to work hard, start early, identify my own values and remember that I am a small part of the big development. Gaining more knowledge about the medical field, the social components and their implications, current healthcare system and its affordability will allow me to achieve my goal of being empowered with knowledge so that I can advance this domain. I envision the knowledge I gain in college will help me understand the complexity of the world in which we live. It will help me become a well-rounded individual able to make informed decisions for the common good and contribute to the development of the society. Knowledge and information will give me essential tools. A college education is a first step in achieving career goals. It gives me the access to the information needed to make further educational and life decisions. It expands my intellectual horizons and presents me with the opportunities and choices. A college education exposes me to varied cultures, personalities, environments and research opportunities. It helps me understand my own values and mature as an individual. A college education helps me grow to become the best version of myself To summarize, having a college education will help me gain the necessary foundation to be in the services of people and help them to have better healthcare. This scholarship opportunity will help me reduce the costs associated with having the very much needed formal education in order to pursue my dream, achive my goal and ultimately be successful.

I recently had the chance to prove how financially literate I am by living in a residential school away from home. Until that point, I had no experience with spending money as my parents were the ones that made these decisions for me. When I had to manage my resources independently, I realized I needed help and I turned back to my parents. I realized I was not very competent in this area and I needed to change that. I learned from them that being financially literate in this society gives me the necessary tools to make informed decisions about how I spend money to achieve my goals. The attitude toward money is essential. It is not only about how much money one individual makes or has, but how the money is spent and saved for current expenses (wants and needs) and future situations. Being financially literate helps me acquire knowledge, become more independent in managing monetary resources, building a good credit score and increasing confidence in my financial future. Overall, it makes me feel in control of my finances. Gradually, I started putting into practice my parents’ advices and limit my spending on unnecessary things, make trips to the store with a pre-made list and stick to it, prioritize my expenses starting with bills, obligations, needs (such as food and clothes), small savings and occasionally small rewards for sticking to my initial spending plan or for getting a good score on a test. Of course, being teenager, I am tempted to spend more on what I like than on what I need, given the fact that my fundamental needs are still covered by my parents or school (for housing costs). However, once I make the transition to live in a campus as a college student, I expect I will be better equipped to handle money than I was when I moved to my current residential high school. Why? Because I will need to spend more money on housing (which represents the majority of costs for young people). Consequently, I will have less money to spend on my small pleasures or wants. That will make the decision process easier for me as I will not have too much left. Having a set amount of money and planning to avoid borrowing will help. I plan to be debt free when I graduate college and avoid loans. Therefore, I am applying to as many scholarships as I can. I also plan to use credit cards with cash backs and pay them on time to avoid interest charges. That will increase my credit score and prepare me as a trustworthy person for the moment I want to make bigger purchases such as a car. Ulterior to that, I plan to spend money on making the down payment for a house so that I will avoid paying rent. I also plan to use what I learned to make better decisions, stay away from making impulsive purchases, prioritize needs versus wants and save for future by starting early in life. Having a house on my own will save money on the long run and I plan to start early.