Since before I could talk, I´ve always had a passion for music. I grew up attending concerts sitting on the shoulders of my parents, watching MTV in the living room, and dancing in my diaper to music courtesy of my Hello Kitty CD player. It wasn´t until elementary school that I discovered that my passion for music went beyond listening, and I quickly began experimenting. At seven, I took up songwriting. I would draw inspiration from the music on the radio and the countless Disney Channel Originals I had seen. Music quickly became my first and most effective outlet for self-expression. After nearly a year of songwriting, I auditioned for my first-ever musical with a song I had written myself, introducing me to an entirely new world of self-expression through music. I went on to join numerous local productions, and I even went on to attend a middle school of the arts. Every day, I learned more about the impact of music through theatre. I studied its historical importance and got to practice music theory and vocal technique. By the end of my sixth-grade year, this all came to an end when the global pandemic began. Suddenly, my passion for songwriting returned. Despite the many piles of journal entries and frequent Zoom calls with my therapist, I found the most effective coping mechanism for my isolation was music. To me, music stood out so much because it enabled me to morph my anxiety and loneliness into art. This idea that music could bring a positive outcome out of such a difficult time for me served as a symbol of hope. It wasn't until I attended the Fordham Summer Leaders Academy this past summer that I got my first taste of my full potential in the music industry. In just one week, I was able to tap into the performance, technical, and business sides of the music industry. I soon realized that my passion for music lies in more than just one area. I came back home refreshed and ready to continue exploring. I started researching producers and singers whose art spoke to me. I took inspiration from artists like Imogen Heap and Ariana Grande, and would layer vocals on my laptop, recording harmonies to recreate their songs. I studied the lives of many famous producers like Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes. I also took inspiration from producers like WondaGurl, who started her career at fifteen and is now one of the most accomplished female producers at just twenty-eight years old, producing songs for Cactus Jack (Travis Scott´s record label) and even Sony Music Publishing. I decided I want my impact to be like theirs. I want to create music and media that inspires the next generation, whether that be young girls like me or people who share my personal connection with music. For me, college is going to be a crucial part of my goal. I intend to go to the school with the best possible tools to help me continue down this musical path. Music is one of the most universal forms of communication, and can spread messages across all languages and cultures. Music truly has the potential to heal the world, and I want nothing more than to take part in this movement.

Since before I could talk, I´ve always had a passion for music. I grew up attending concerts sitting on the shoulders of my parents, watching MTV in the living room, and dancing in my diaper to music courtesy of my Hello Kitty CD player. It wasn´t until elementary school that I discovered that my passion for music went beyond listening, and I quickly began experimenting. At seven, I took up songwriting. I would draw inspiration from the music on the radio and the countless Disney Channel Originals I had seen. Music quickly became my first and most effective outlet for self-expression. After nearly a year of songwriting, I auditioned for my first-ever musical with a song I had written myself, introducing me to an entirely new world of self-expression through music. I went on to join numerous local productions, and I even went on to attend a middle school of the arts. Every day, I learned more about the impact of music through theatre. I studied its historical importance and got to practice music theory and vocal technique. By the end of my sixth-grade year, this all came to an end when the global pandemic began. Suddenly, my passion for songwriting returned. Despite the many piles of journal entries and frequent Zoom calls with my therapist, I found the most effective coping mechanism for my isolation was music. To me, music stood out so much because it enabled me to morph my anxiety and loneliness into art. This idea that music could bring a positive outcome out of such a difficult time for me served as a symbol of hope. It wasn't until I attended the Fordham Summer Leaders Academy this past summer that I got my first taste of my full potential in the music industry. In just one week, I was able to tap into the performance, technical, and business sides of the music industry. I soon realized that my passion for music lies in more than just one area. I came back home refreshed and ready to continue exploring. I started researching producers and singers whose art spoke to me. I took inspiration from artists like Imogen Heap and Ariana Grande, and would layer vocals on my laptop, recording harmonies to recreate their songs. I studied the lives of many famous producers like Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes. I also took inspiration from producers like WondaGurl, who started her career at fifteen and is now one of the most accomplished female producers at just twenty-eight years old, producing songs for Cactus Jack (Travis Scott´s record label) and even Sony Music Publishing. I decided I want my impact to be like theirs. I want to create music and media that inspires the next generation, whether that be young girls like me or people who share my personal connection with music. For me, college is going to be a crucial part of my goal. I intend to go to the school with the best possible tools to help me continue down this musical path. Music is one of the most universal forms of communication, and can spread messages across all languages and cultures. Music truly has the potential to heal the world, and I want nothing more than to take part in this movement.

I was in an early morning history class when we had just gotten to our lesson on World War II. The board, in capital letters, read: ¨THE HOLOCAUST¨. The girl sitting across from me boldly asked, "What is the Holocaust?" with no visible expression whatsoever. Everyone in my class turned and stared in shock. This ignorant question changed everything for me. I began reflecting on the school system, pondering how such a prominent time in history could be overlooked. I couldn’t fathom the idea of my history being erased, so I decided to take action. A club I had recently joined, BBYO, started as a safe space where I could bond with other girls who shared my Jewish heritage. It quickly became my platform, where I could educate and motivate the next generation of girls, sparking empathy in my community. I began writing my first speech to secure the position of social media manager on our board. I went on to serve in that role twice, as well as retention chair, vice president, and president. In my four years with this program, I successfully curated over seventy social media posts for our Instagram, led countless programs, attended leadership workshops, helped create and promote fundraisers for our chapter as well as outside causes like Helping Hands and JARC, and attended an event with a Holocaust survivor. As the current president, I am in charge of delegating responsibilities to my counterparts, setting deadlines for each of their tasks, and working closely with both our chapter's advisor and designated staff member. I am so grateful for the impact I have been able to make in my community through this organization. This chapter has lent me many crucial life and leadership skills. Skills I can wait to further cultivate in college.

Since before I could talk, I´ve always had a passion for music. I grew up attending concerts sitting on the shoulders of my parents, watching MTV in the living room, and dancing in my diaper to music courtesy of my Hello Kitty CD player. It wasn´t until elementary school that I discovered that my passion for music went beyond listening, and I quickly began experimenting. At seven, I took up songwriting. I would draw inspiration from the music on the radio and the countless Disney Channel Originals I had seen. Music quickly became my first and most effective outlet for self-expression. After nearly a year of songwriting, I auditioned for my first-ever musical with a song I had written myself, introducing me to an entirely new world of self-expression through music. I was also seven when I was introduced to the phrase "glass half-full". This philosophy paved the way for my identity and was a crucial part of the rest of my upbringing. From then on, I never viewed an inconvenience for what it was. To me, everything is a learning experience. After developing this optimistic outlook of mine, I grew up convinced I had a superpower, and in a way, I did. Nothing compared to the feeling of being able to comfort a friend by providing an alternative outlook on a situation they were facing. I would often tell them that there is never one way to view something, because there is good and bad in everything. Following my first ever theatre experience, I went on to join numerous local productions, and I even went on to attend a middle school of the arts. Every day, I learned more about the impact of music through theatre. I studied its historical importance and got to practice music theory and vocal technique. By the end of my sixth-grade year, this all came to an end when the global pandemic began. Suddenly, my passion for songwriting returned. Despite the many piles of journal entries and frequent Zoom calls with my therapist, I found the most effective coping mechanism for my isolation was music. To me, music stood out so much because it enabled me to morph my anxiety and loneliness into art. This idea that music could bring a positive outcome out of such a difficult time for me served as a symbol of hope. To me, optimism doesn't have to be an inherited trait; it is a conscious choice one can make. For me, optimism comes from music. Oftentimes, it only takes one new perspective to change one's way of thinking. I would like to use this influence on a bigger scale and bring my half-full glass to college with me. By joining campus organizations and clubs that promote social action and advocacy, I aim to instill hope in my community during college.

Since before I could talk, I´ve always had a passion for music. I grew up attending concerts sitting on the shoulders of my parents, watching MTV in the living room, and dancing in my diaper to music courtesy of my Hello Kitty CD player. It wasn´t until elementary school that I discovered that my passion for music went beyond listening, and I quickly began experimenting. At seven, I took up songwriting. I would draw inspiration from the music on the radio and the countless Disney Channel Originals I had seen. Music quickly became my first and most effective outlet for self-expression. After nearly a year of songwriting, I auditioned for my first-ever musical with a song I had written myself, introducing me to an entirely new world of self-expression through music. I went on to join numerous local productions, and I even went on to attend a middle school of the arts. Every day, I learned more about the impact of music through theatre. I studied its historical importance and got to practice music theory and vocal technique. By the end of my sixth-grade year, this all came to an end when the global pandemic began. Suddenly, my passion for songwriting returned. Despite the many piles of journal entries and frequent Zoom calls with my therapist, I found the most effective coping mechanism for my isolation was music. To me, music stood out so much because it enabled me to morph my anxiety and loneliness into art. This idea that music could bring a positive outcome out of such a difficult time for me served as a symbol of hope. It wasn't until I attended the Fordham Summer Leaders Academy this past summer that I got my first taste of my full potential in the music industry. In just one week, I was able to tap into the performance, technical, and business sides of the music industry. I soon realized that my passion for music lies in more than just one area. I came back home refreshed and ready to continue exploring. I started researching producers and singers whose art spoke to me. I took inspiration from artists like Imogen Heap and Ariana Grande, and would layer vocals on my laptop, recording harmonies to recreate their songs. I studied the lives of many famous producers like Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes. I also took inspiration from producers like WondaGurl, who started her career at fifteen and is now one of the most accomplished female producers at just twenty-eight years old, producing songs for Cactus Jack (Travis Scott´s record label) and even Sony Music Publishing. I decided I want my impact to be like theirs. I want to create music and media that inspires the next generation, whether that be young girls like me or people who share my personal connection with music. For me, college is going to be a crucial part of my goal. I intend to go to the school with the best possible tools to help me continue down this musical path. Music is one of the most universal forms of communication, and can spread messages across all languages and cultures. Music truly has the potential to heal the world, and I want nothing more than to take part in this movement.

Since before I could talk, I´ve always had a passion for music. I grew up attending concerts sitting on the shoulders of my parents, watching MTV in the living room, and dancing in my diaper to music courtesy of my Hello Kitty CD player. It wasn´t until elementary school that I discovered that my passion for music went beyond listening, and I quickly began experimenting. At seven, I took up songwriting. I would draw inspiration from the music on the radio and the countless Disney Channel Originals I had seen. Music quickly became my first and most effective outlet for self-expression. After nearly a year of songwriting, I auditioned for my first-ever musical with a song I had written myself, introducing me to an entirely new world of self-expression through music. I went on to join numerous local productions, and I even went on to attend a middle school of the arts. Every day, I learned more about the impact of music through theatre. I studied its historical importance and got to practice music theory and vocal technique. By the end of my sixth-grade year, this all came to an end when the global pandemic began. Suddenly, my passion for songwriting returned. Despite the many piles of journal entries and frequent Zoom calls with my therapist, I found the most effective coping mechanism for my isolation was music. To me, music stood out so much because it enabled me to morph my anxiety and loneliness into art. The idea that music could bring a positive outcome out of such a difficult time for me served as a symbol of hope. It wasn't until I attended the Fordham Summer Leaders Academy this past summer that I got my first taste of my full potential in the music industry. In just one week, I was able to tap into the performance, technical, and business sides of the music industry. I soon realized that my passion for music lies in more than just one area. I came back home refreshed and ready to continue exploring. I started researching producers and singers whose art spoke to me. I took inspiration from artists like Imogen Heap and Ariana Grande, and would layer vocals on my laptop, recording harmonies to recreate their songs. I studied the lives of many famous producers like Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes. I also took inspiration from producers like WondaGurl, who started her career at fifteen and is now one of the most accomplished female producers at just twenty-eight years old, producing songs for Cactus Jack (Travis Scott´s record label) and even Sony Music Publishing. I decided I want my impact to be like theirs. I want to create music and media that inspires the next generation, whether that be young girls like me or people who share my personal connection with music. For me, college is going to be a crucial part of my goal. I intend to go to the school with the best possible tools to help me continue down this musical path. Music is one of the most universal forms of communication, and can spread messages across all languages and cultures. Music truly has the potential to heal the world, and I want nothing more than to take part in this movement.

Since before I could talk, I´ve always had a passion for music. I grew up viewing concerts from the view of my parents' shoulders, the MTV channel constantly playing in the living room, and dancing in my diaper to music courtesy of my Hello Kitty CD player. It wasn´t until elementary school that I discovered that my passion for music went beyond listening, so I began experimenting. At seven, I took up songwriting. I would draw inspiration from the music on the radio and the countless Disney Channel Originals I had seen. Music quickly became my first and most effective outlet for self-expression. After nearly a year of songwriting, I auditioned for my first-ever musical with a song written by yours truly, and made it in, introducing me to an entirely new world of self-expression through music. I went on to join numerous local productions, and I even went on to attend a middle school of the arts. Every day, I learned more about the impact of music through theatre. I studied its historical importance and got to practice music theory and vocal technique. By the end of my sixth-grade year, this all came to an end when the global pandemic began. Suddenly, my passion for songwriting returned. Despite the many piles of journal entries and frequent Zoom calls with my therapist, I found the most effective coping mechanism for my isolation was music. To me, music stood out so much because it enabled me to morph my anxiety and loneliness into art. The idea that music could bring a positive outcome out of such a difficult time for me served as a symbol of hope. It wasn't until I attended the Fordham Summer Leaders Academy this past summer that I got my first taste of my full potential in the music industry. In just one week, I was able to tap into the performance, technical, and business sides of the music industry. I soon realized that my passion for music lies in more than just one area. I came back home refreshed and ready to continue exploring. I started researching producers and singers whose art spoke to me. I took inspiration from artists like Imogen Heap and Ariana Grande, and would layer vocals on my laptop, recording harmonies to recreate their songs. I studied the lives of many famous producers like Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes. I also took inspiration from producers like WondaGurl, who started her career at fifteen and is now one of the most accomplished female producers at just twenty-eight years old, producing songs for Cactus Jack (Travis Scott´s record label) and even Sony Music Publishing. I decided I want my impact to be like theirs. I want to create music and media that inspires the next generation, whether that be young girls like me or people who share my personal connection with music. For me, college is going to be a crucial part of my goal. I intend to go to the school with the best possible tools to help me continue down this musical path. Music is one of the most universal forms of communication, and can spread messages across all languages and cultures. Music truly has the potential to heal the world, and I want nothing more than to take part in this movement.