The past year has been an emotional and transformative journey, one that has reshaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations, particularly in relation to mental health. The profound challenges I faced, especially concerning the health of my parents, have forced me to reflect deeply on what mental health means to me and how it intertwines with every aspect of life. In November 2023, I returned home from school to find my dad collapsed on the floor. His chest was tight, and he couldn’t catch his breath. My heart raced as I immediately called an ambulance, unsure of what was happening but knowing it was serious. The paramedics arrived quickly, diagnosing him with a heart block, which required him to get a pacemaker. As I stood there, feeling helpless, I realized how critical it was for him not just to receive medical attention but also mental and emotional support during this terrifying moment. The fear and uncertainty we faced as a family were profound, but they also reminded me of how resilient we can be when we lean on one another. My dad’s experience taught me that mental health can be just as important as physical health, especially when navigating life-altering situations. Then, in December 2024, I recieved unexpected news that my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. The emotional weight of her diagnosis hit hard, and our family was thrust into a whirlwind of medical appointments, treatments, and the constant, looming uncertainty of what the future would hold. I saw my mom, usually so strong, struggle with her emotions, and I recognized that her mental well-being would play a significant role in her healing process. For me, it wasn’t just about supporting her physically; I had to also offer emotional support and be there for her when the mental strain of her illness felt overwhelming. I quickly realized that navigating these emotional waters required patience, empathy, and the ability to understand that people need not only medical care but also psychological support. These experiences with my parents' health crises reshaped my understanding of the mental health challenges people face in times of personal or familial trauma. They highlighted the importance of clear communication, patience, and advocacy. As I watched my parents struggle with their health, I was reminded of how essential it is to have a voice during times of vulnerability—whether it's advocating for the proper medical treatment or simply ensuring that mental and emotional health are being taken care of. These experiences have directly influenced my career aspirations. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the importance of standing up for oneself in moments of crisis, I feel a strong calling to pursue a career in law. The skills of advocacy, support, and fighting for justice are essential, not just in the courtroom, but in all aspects of life. I want to be a lawyer who can help individuals navigate not only the legal challenges they face but also the emotional and mental hurdles that often come with them. Whether advocating for families going through health crises, supporting individuals facing discrimination, or defending those whose mental health has been overlooked in the legal system, I want to be a voice for those who need help navigating difficult and often overwhelming situations. In conclusion, the experiences of watching my parents struggle with health issues have given me a deep appreciation for the intersection of mental health, emotional resilience, and advocacy. They have inspired me to pursue a career in law, where I can help others find the support and justice they need during their most challenging times.

As a freshman at the University of South Carolina, I am embarking on an exciting journey toward a career in corporate law. Although I am at the beginning stages of my academic and professional life, I have already developed a clear vision for my future. My goal is to become a corporate attorney specializing in business law, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions, compliance, and contract negotiation. I am deeply committed to this path, and I have already taken steps to ensure that I will succeed. One of the most important aspects of my journey thus far has been my academic dedication. After my first semester at USC, I achieved a 4.0 GPA, and I am determined to maintain that level of excellence throughout all four years of my college career. I recognize that law school and the legal profession require a combination of intellectual rigor and practical experience. I am actively working to build a well-rounded skill set by participating in extracurricular activities such as Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law fraternity at USC. Through Phi Alpha Delta, I have been able to connect with other pre-law students and gain insights into the legal field, all of which have been incredibly valuable in shaping my understanding of the profession. I am already gaining hands-on experience in the legal field. I have secured a summer internship in corporate law, which will allow me to gain practical exposure to the kinds of legal issues that I hope to address in my career. This internship will be my first significant opportunity to apply what I have learned in the classroom to real-world situations, and I am eager to contribute to the firm’s work while learning from experienced attorneys. I believe that this internship will help me develop crucial legal skills, including research, writing, and communication, while also providing me with a deeper understanding of the corporate legal environment. My interest in law has been a constant throughout my life, shaped by both personal experiences and the influence of family members. My uncle, who pursued a career as a criminal attorney, has been a major inspiration. I grew up hearing stories about his work, and I admired his passion for justice and his dedication to making a difference in people’s lives. Additionally, I am fortunate to have family friends who attended UCLA and went on to build successful careers as family attorneys with their own firms in California. Their stories of perseverance and success in establishing their own practices have shown me how legal expertise can lead to both personal fulfillment and the ability to make a meaningful impact in one’s community. As I look toward the future, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the legal profession, particularly in the area of corporate law. I see corporate law as a field where attorneys can play a vital role in helping businesses grow, thrive, and navigate the complex legal landscape in which they operate. I believe that as the business world becomes increasingly global and interconnected, corporate lawyers have the potential to shape not just the success of individual businesses but also the broader economic and social landscape. Ultimately, my vision is to combine my passion for law with my interest in business to make a meaningful and positive impact on both my clients and society. I am confident that by maintaining my focus on academic excellence, gaining practical experience, and continuing to build relationships within the legal community, I will be well-positioned to achieve my goals and contribute to the legal profession in a significant way.

My favorite athlete to cheer on for Team USA is equestrian, Boyd Martin. I first sat on a horse's back when I was seven. Since then, I couldn't imagine my life without horses or the sport. My admiration for Boyd Martin is deeply rooted in my experiences as an equestrian. Having ridden horses since childhood, I have always looked up to Boyd as a role model. His dedication, skill, passion, and love for his horses and the sport are truly inspiring, and his journey in the equestrian world exemplifies the qualities of a true champion. Numerous achievements and a relentless pursuit of excellence mark Boyd Martin's career. His ability to connect with his horses and bring out their best performances is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work. Martin is a four-time Olympian. He has experience in the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Games, the Tokyo 2020 Games, and the Paris 2024 Games. Martin has trained various horses from racehorses to baby horses up to the Olympic level. Watching him compete, I am always struck by his grace under pressure and unwavering commitment to the sport. Martin's success is not just a result of his natural ability, but also his dedication to continuous improvement and his deep understanding of horses. In 2021, Annie Goodwin, an extremely talented rider and one of Martin's students passed away from a riding accident. Annie Goodwin owned Fedarman B, or "Bruno" and brought him to the 4* level. After Goodwin's passing, her parents and fiancé asked Boyd to take on Bruno. It was always Goodwin's dream to make it to the Olympics with Bruno, and in Paris this year, Martin did just that. Boyd honored her memory by fulfilling her dream. This act of compassion and dedication highlights Boyd Martin's character and deep bonds that are formed within in the equestrian community. Boyd and Annie's story is a reminder that the sport is not just about individual achievements but also about the connections and shared dreams. In cheering for Boyd Martin, I am not just supporting a talented athlete, but also celebrating the values of perseverance, compassion, and community that he embodies. His journey and actions inspire me to strive for excellence in my own riding and to cherish the relationships I have formed through this incredible sport. Boyd Martin's legacy is one of greatness, both on and off the horse, and that is why he will always be my favorite athlete to cheer for on Team USA.

Community service is a quality I have embraced wholeheartedly through my active participation in my high school student council, the Spanish National Honors Society, Beta Club, and various volunteer initiatives. My dedication to helping and shaping my community for the better has helped carve a path of personal growth for me. I love helping others and giving back to my community and the people I share it with. As a member of my high school's student council, I have had the privilege of spearheading fundraisers for local charities. Over my years on council, we have raised over $300,000. In 2022, we raised $133,346 for Jasmine Road, which is a residential program for adult women survivors of human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. In 2023 we raised $124,228 for Julie Valentine, which is an organization that provides free and confidential services to sexual assault and child abuse survivors. In 2024 we raised $130,041 for Battle Buddies, which provides veterans with PTSD a free service dog. The funds raised and donated helped provide essential services, support community projects, improve the lives of many, and reinforce the notion that collective efforts can lead to substantial positive change. My participation in Beta Club extended my service to the community by volunteering in various capacities. Whether it was cleaning up our local park, assisting at food banks, or helping at community centers, my actions contributed to the betterment of the community's environment. Over my three years in Beta Club, I have done over 60+ hours of community service. The time and effort my peers and I have dedicated to volunteering not only addresses immediate needs but also creates a ripped effect of kindness and civic engagement. In Spanish National Honors Society, I have volunteered around my school and community. On Fridays, we would go to elementary schools and teach Spanish to the after-school students. We used interactive approaches like games and crafts to make learning a fun and engaging experience for the children. In April, we spent a few afternoons cleaning the school to assist the custodians, and once a month, we were all assigned a specific date where we would come to school early in the mornings and tutor the kids in our high school struggling with their Spanish work. These endeavors enrich the community by promoting language skills and cultural understanding among young leaders. Finally, my passion for horses translates into community service as I teach lessons to children and volunteer at a horse farm. This unique contribution not only provides local youth with the opportunity to learn about horsemanship, but also instills in them values such as empathy, responsibility, and respect for animals and nature. Aside from teaching lessons, I feed the horses, clean and fill up their water troughs, and hold the horses for the vet, dentist, and farrier. The farm itself benefits from my volunteer work, ensuring the animals are well-cared for and the operations run smoothly. Each role I play and each hour I dedicate to these activities strengthens my community, making it a better place for everyone. I believe that my efforts demonstrate how your individuals can be agents of change, leading by example and inspiring others to contribute to the common good. I believe that if schools continue to offer these kinds of clubs, future generations of students will be involved in helping their communities. Schools could create mentorship programs that connect young people with experienced professionals to foster a culture of learning and personal development. These efforts could enhance the quality of life for current residents, while also laying down a strong foundation for future generations.

As I reflect on my experiences, one moment stands out where I demonstrated excellence in leadership, showcasing my abilities to motivate others. In my AP Macroeconomics class, we were assigned a group project where we were tasked with developing a marketing campaign for a makeshift business. We were assigned into groups chosen by the teacher. My team consisted of individuals with diverse personalities and skills, but we all desired to make the best marketing campaign we could and deliver an outstanding presentation. I feel that I have always been a natural leader, so I took the position of team leader. I recognize the importance of clear communication and collaboration. To start, I facilitated open discussions, making sure to listen carefully to each member's ideas and concerns. My main goal was to create an inclusive environment, encouraging everyone to contribute their ideas and perspectives. After we came up with a basis for our campaign, I assigned tasks based on individual strengths, ensuring that each person felt valued in the project's success. For example, if I felt someone was a strong speaker, I assigned them to the presentation role. Throughout the project, I maintained regular check-ins and provided constructive feedback when needed. I believe in leading with an empowerment approach rather than dictation. As a result, our group worked cohesively, leveraging our collective talents to produce our innovative marketing strategy. I believe that the impact of my leadership was vast. My group members felt confident in their assigned roles, and those who initially struggled with self-doubt gained confidence, recognizing their contributions were essential to the success of our project. The group's enthusiasm and collective motivation drove us to push past our initial goals. Our marketing campaign and presentation impressed our teacher and other classmates. I am so grateful that I got the position to lead my group. I feel that the experience demonstrated the power of effective leadership, showcasing how an inclusive and collaborative approach can bring out the best in individuals. By creating a positive environment that supports all the members of the group, my team was able to excel. This experience inspired me to lead with empathy, humility, and a commitment to empower others to reach their full potential. My plan for the future is to go to law school and become a lawyer. This project taught me skills that I know will be crucial whether it's for a project in college, law school, or working on a real case in a law firm. I am committed to being the best leader I can be in the future. I want to help those in need of justice for it. Eventually, I would love to become a managing partner at a firm. Although I know it will be very difficult work, I am determined to do it.

Throughout my years of high school, I am so grateful that I have been able to take such fascinating AP classes that have not only expanded my knowledge today but will help me to achieve higher education in the future. These rigorous courses have challenged me to think critically and manage my time effectively, which are skills essential to college and beyond. The diverse AP subjects I got to take have sparked my curiosity and allowed me to explore various academic interests, laying down a solid foundation for my future endeavors. I have taken various AP courses that have challenged and inspired me. I went to a charter school for my freshman year of high school that didn't offer AP classes, but as soon as I transferred to my current high school, I signed up for as many as I could. Since transferring to my current high school, I have taken AP Language, AP Psychology, AP US History, AP Biology, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Government. Each advanced course that I have taken has developed me into the student that I am today. AP Language taught me the importance of being diligent and persevering. Emphasis on effective communication has not only enhanced my writing and speaking skills but has also instilled in me the value of empathy and understanding others. Analyzing different writings and books has taught me to approach different viewpoints with kindness and respect, nurturing my ability to be considerate, hardworking, and open-minded. AP Psychology has encouraged me to be empathetic by learning and understanding the reasons behind people's actions, fostering a sense of kindness. Exploring the rich tapestry of the United State's past in AP US Government has not only provided me with a deep appreciation for the struggles and achievements of those who came before us but it's also shaped my character in great ways. AP Biology has certainly fostered kindness for me because I was taught to appreciate and understand every creature's role in the ecosystem. This gave me such appreciation for our world. AP Macroeconomics not only required a lot of focus to grasp challenging economic concepts, but it also taught me to look at the bigger picture of how our economy operates. I learned the impact of economic policies on individuals and communities of all brackets. Lastly, AP Government has opened my eyes to how the country is run and the importance of each person's role in democracy. Overall, each advanced course I have taken has taught me different material, but in the end, they all taught me patience, empathy, and how to be kind. In the early 2000's both my parents immigrated to America from Russia. They were both only allowed to bring a suitcase of their belongings and forty dollars in cash. My mother and father are the strongest and most hard-working people I know. They've instilled in me the values of hard work and resilience. Although my parents work very hard, college is still an expensive luxury that is necessary for me to achieve my higher education and career goals of being a family lawyer. My parents didn't get the benefit of being born in this country. They came here with close to nothing. They did everything they could to give my brother and I everything we needed, and I want to do everything I can to give that to others. Any amount of scholarship help is worth it and will help me make an impact on the world of law. I strive to make a difference and get justice for families and children who are struggling.

The best crossover episode would be between "Hannah Montana" and "Wizards of Waverly Place!" The title of this fascinating episode would be: "When Pop Meets Magic!" This episode will take place in New York City. Hannah Montana is set to perform in New York, and the Russo family from "Wizards of Waverly Place" just happened to win tickets to her concert. Excited to meet the pop sensation, Alex Russo devises a plan to meet Hannah in person, using her magic. On the day of the concert, Alex uses a spell to sneak backstage, but her spell messes up and she accidentally transports herself and Hannah to the Waverly Sub Station. There, Hannah is bewildered but is quickly charmed by the Russo family. Justin, a fan of order and rules, begins to devise a plan to send Hannah back in time before the concert begins. However, Max with his flirtatious personality, attempts to impress Hannah with his magic and wizard knowledge. Jerry and Theresa are thrilled to host a celebrity in their humble establishment. Amidst all of the chaos, Hannah's secret identity is nearly exposed when Harper, Alex's best friend and a huge Hannah Montana fan, walks into the Sub Station as Hannah is taking her wig off. Alex quickly escorts Harper out of the restaurant, promising to explain everything to her later. Once Harper leaves the restaurant, the Russos come together to perform a spell to teleport Hannah back to the concert venue in time. After many attempts, the spell doesn't work because the Wizarding Council put the Russo family on a 24-hour magic ban. After all, Alex's teleportation attempt was against the rules. Jerry and Theresa apologize to the council and beg for one more spell to get Hannah back to her concert, but the council turns them down. Hannah realizes she won't get back to the concert in time and feels like she let down her fans until Max comes in with an idea. He suggests having a concert at the Sub Station. It would allow a portion of Hannah's fans to still come see her, and it would bring in a lot of customers for the Sub Station. Hannah agrees and even invites Alex to perform one song with her. It ended up being a successful event. In the end, Hannah thanks the Russo family for their kindness and asks Alex to never try and teleport to her again. After some hugs and laughs, Hannah gives the family VIP tickets to her next concert and sets out to the airport to catch her flight back to California.