When most people hear the word calculus, they think of difficult equations and long homework assignments. While calculus can be challenging, I believe it is one of the most important subjects in the STEM field because it teaches students how to solve complex problems and understand how the world works. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics all depend on change, movement, and patterns, and calculus provides the tools to analyze those concepts. As someone who plans to major in Computer Science, I know learning calculus will help me build the skills I need to succeed in college and in my future career. One reason calculus is so important is because it allows scientists and engineers to predict and understand change. In physics, calculus is used to calculate speed, acceleration, and the motion of objects. Engineers use it to design bridges, airplanes, and buildings that are safe and efficient. Medical researchers use calculus to study how diseases spread, how medications move through the body, and how medical equipment functions. Without calculus, many of the technologies and scientific discoveries that improve our lives would not exist. Calculus also plays a major role in technology, especially in computer science. Many people assume that programming is only about writing code, but mathematics is the foundation of many areas of computing. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, computer graphics, robotics, and data science all rely on calculus to solve complex problems and improve performance. As technology continues to evolve, understanding calculus will allow me to develop software that is smarter, faster, and more efficient. I want to be part of creating technology that solves real-world problems, and calculus will provide the analytical skills needed to make that possible. Another reason calculus is valuable is because it strengthens critical thinking. Unlike some subjects where memorization is enough, calculus requires students to analyze situations, recognize patterns, and develop logical solutions. It teaches persistence because many problems cannot be solved on the first attempt. Students must break large problems into smaller steps, evaluate different approaches, and learn from mistakes. These are the same skills that successful scientists, engineers, and programmers use every day. Even when I struggled with advanced math concepts, I learned that patience and practice eventually lead to understanding. Those experiences have made me more confident in my ability to overcome difficult challenges. Calculus also teaches students that learning is a process. Every concept builds upon previous knowledge, showing that success comes from consistent effort rather than instant results. This lesson extends beyond mathematics. Whether someone is designing new technology, conducting medical research, or developing solutions to environmental problems, persistence and hard work are essential. Calculus reminds us that solving important problems often takes time, creativity, and determination. As I prepare for college, I know calculus will challenge me, but I also know it will prepare me for the future I want to build. My goal is to earn a degree in Computer Science and contribute to innovations that improve people's lives. I believe calculus will help me think more logically, solve problems more effectively, and develop the technical skills needed to succeed in a constantly changing world. Calculus is far more than just another math class. It is a powerful tool that drives innovation across every STEM field. It helps us understand the world, create new technologies, solve important problems, and improve the lives of others. For these reasons, I believe calculus is one of the most valuable subjects a student can study, and I look forward to using it as the foundation for my future education and career.

Mental health has shaped my life by teaching me that strength is not about pretending everything is okay—it is about facing difficult moments and continuing to move forward. Losing my father during my teenage years was one of the hardest experiences I have ever faced. The grief, sadness, and uncertainty that followed affected not only my emotions but also how I viewed life and the importance of having people who genuinely care about you. Although that loss was painful, it helped me develop resilience and a deeper appreciation for the support of family, friends, mentors, and my faith. My experience has also shaped my relationships. I have learned that everyone carries struggles that others may never see, which has made me more patient, compassionate, and willing to listen. I try to be the kind of friend who encourages others instead of judging them because I know how important it is to feel supported during difficult times. Serving my community through my church, especially by helping provide meals to people experiencing homelessness, has reinforced the idea that kindness and compassion can make a real difference in someone's life. My mental health journey has also influenced my goals. I want to build a future that would make my father proud by earning a degree in Computer Science and using technology to solve real-world problems. I know there will be challenges along the way, but I have learned that asking for help, staying focused, and believing in yourself are signs of strength, not weakness. The discipline and perseverance I have developed through life's challenges will help me succeed in college and beyond. Most importantly, my experiences have changed the way I see the world. I have realized that success is not measured only by grades, awards, or accomplishments. It is also measured by how we treat people, how we overcome adversity, and how we choose to help others. Mental health affects everyone, and I believe we should create a world where people feel safe talking about their struggles without fear of being judged. Although I would never have chosen to lose my father, the experience has helped shape the person I am becoming. It has taught me empathy, resilience, gratitude, and the importance of caring for both myself and others. Those lessons will stay with me throughout college and for the rest of my life, guiding me as I pursue my goals and strive to make a positive impact on my community and the world

My dad was everything to me. He wasn’t just my father. He was the one I talked to about real stuff, the one who kept me in check, and the one who made me feel like I could actually be something in life. Before he passed, I didn’t realize how much I depended on him. Losing him right before I started high school changed my whole life. Going into high school, I wasn’t worried about grades or sports or fitting in. I was just trying to deal with losing him. I was hurt, confused, and really angry. I would be sitting in class, but my mind would be somewhere else. Some days I didn’t even care about school because it felt like nothing really mattered anymore. I felt like I lost my direction and didn’t really have anybody who understood what I was going through. For a while, I let that get the best of me. I wasn’t as focused, and I didn’t push myself the way I should have. But after some time, I started thinking about my dad and the things he used to tell me. He always talked about being strong, staying focused, and not letting your situation define you. I knew if I gave up, I would be letting him down and myself too. That’s when I started trying to do better, even when it wasn’t easy. I got more involved in helping people, like feeding the homeless and volunteering in church, and that made me see life differently. It showed me that I still had something to give, no matter what I was dealing with. I also started working with my aunt in her tax business, which taught me how to be responsible and handle real-life situations. It helped me grow up and start taking things more seriously. I still miss my dad every day. That doesn’t go away. But now, instead of letting it break me, I use it as motivation. Everything I do now is with him in mind. I want to make something of myself and make him proud, even if he’s not here to see it. Losing him hurt me, but it also made me stronger. It pushed me to grow up and think about my future in a different way. I’m still working on myself, but I know I’m moving in the right direction. And everything I do, I carry my father with me.