I want to see equal opportunity for education in my country, which is the United States of America. I live in southern California, where a lot of inequalities exist. Where I live, for instance, one school has a rating of 5/5, and another school right across the street has a 2/5. Even though they live in the same area, same county, and same state, they are facing huge differences. Since my freshman year in high school, I devoted my time every week after school to volunteer at the schools. I was extremely privileged to be part of it. While I volunteered at these two schools, I saw straight at the problems; the infrastructure is poor, and there are not enough resources for the students to unleash their potential. Even though the kids have talents and passion, the school was not ready for them. It broke my heart to see them not able to realize that they could be part of something greater. After that, I decided to cooperate with my classmates in bringing a small, trivial change to the school. Me and my classmates I, usually a member of 4 or 5, gathered in the multi-purpose room and started a homework club. We spread around the tables, helping students who need help with their homework. If they need additional help, we use our own laptops to show them instructional videos such as khan academy, or Bozeman science videos. Not only they are fascinated by our efforts, they showed were more willing to do more homework and learn more. I loved seeing their reactions; their smile meant everything to me. Even during my finals week, I went to the schools to do my job. I took this seriously, and I wasn't going to let anything block my path. Now, I want to take it to the next level. 2 years later, I will be a fully grown man, looking for more opportunities and activities. I want to create a start-up where I create a mini library or resource center in a huge container truck. The inside will be decorated; there will be windows and colorful wallpapers and so on. If my non-profit start-up expands, my co-workers and I will arrive at the schools just before the end bell rings and allow students to stay in our decorated containers reading the newest books and study materials. This will give a more positive impact to society.

I want to pursue education further in the future life. Not just any education. Education for students who don't even had a chance to get an equal chance to study in the first place. Ever since my elementary school teacher asked me for my dream job, I always chose a teacher. Then in middle school, I had to be more specific; I chose education for special needs. I do not regret choosing it until now. I genuinely feel that it is a job that is rewarding and spreading out happiness to the people around me. Spending my younger days in Brazil, São Paulo, I witnessed a lot of poverty and inequalities while going to school. Near my house was a place called 'favela' where a lot of poor people built their houses from bricks and wood scrubs. It is so dangerous that even locals don't dare go there; I was scared for all my life in Brazil, as my house was within 20 minutes distance. However, during my school volunteer program, I had the chance to visit there to see and experience what life is like. Even though I was scared to death, I decided to go, not knowing that it would change my life. There I was, standing still in front of the tall impoverished houses, not knowing what to do. I saw small kids as young as six years old, helping their parents to earn more money. It broke my heart. That is when I decided to devote my time to giving opportunities. I believe it is unfair to not give a chance who did not even have an opportunity. For me, they looked like rough gemstones waiting to be refined and polished. Since then, I tried to show up with the next few volunteers and got to know them more. Like my expectations, they were excited every time they were shown a new material; they absorbed the information like a sponge absorbing water. It was a joy spending time with them. Now, I am working as an assistant teacher at a local school in Fullerton, California. As I am a junior in high school, I have not been able to fully give classes to students. However, I cherish this opportunity. I come early than my work hours, talking to students, helping with their homework and listening to their current thoughts and concerns. Even though it might sound trivial, one of the students told me that spending time together helped her mentally. Now, there are so many ways for one person to pursue an education. It is a matter of fact whether that person finds that opportunity. Luckily, I was in a position where I had abundant chances where I could pick and pursue. Like the young kids at the favela, they were not provided anything for their future studies. I want to stop that from happening for this generation and the next generation. That is my goal. Even though it might sound ambiguous, I feel that it is what my heart tells me to do. Providing educational opportunities will help them unleash their potential and later achieve the goals that they always dreamed of.

America - By Dongwon Yoo A land where everyone wants to live in A place where everyone has dreamed of It is where I live It is America There was once a young boy daydreaming hoping believing that he will be there accomplishing his goals That boy is now seventeen studying in America fulfilling his long-held hopes and dreams There were days when he was hurt and bullied There were times when he couldn't understand anything There were moments when he wanted to give up on everything He did not stop Nor did his belief He stood up one last time believing that this is the last chance No matter what he had encountered He never gave up Nor did he set back Enduring all the obstacles, here he is standing on the ground glancing at the skies proud of himself That is who he is This is me ME

My goal is to find a college that will award me financial aid to cover my economical burden. As a child from an immigrant family, we didn't have any luxury for ourselves. My mom and my younger brother depended on my father for his weekly earnings. There were hard times when my dad was not able to find a better job; we had to fear that someday we had to prepare for the worst. I am planning to major in education in college. Even though my family is not rich, we always thought education should be the center of our family goal. My parents have done their abilities for me and my brother to have the best educational opportunities. There is a reason behind majoring in education later in college. I want to produce next-generation students that will help build the world into a better place. Every day I go to school, I am always delighted with what I am learning for the day. I want to share this feeling with the students and help spread the happiness and joy in learning. To achieve my goal, I am currently working as an assistant teacher at a school near my home. I go there every week after school, helping students prepare better for the classes. When I have time, I stay behind with them, helping with the homework. Also, for kindergarteners, I stay in the classroom until their parents come to pick them up. Even though I am not fully 'teaching', this experience has been a great opportunity. Being with younger students, and waiting to digest new information every day warms my heart. Seeing them keeps my fire going. It takes a lot of time to devote to teaching after school; however, I am starting another teaching-related internship this month to guide young students unleash their future. Even though it makes me tired, I know it can make a difference and it is what makes me keep going. In college, I want to create a 'key club' just like in high school. The club will spend its time volunteering and teaching young kids at schools in the same county. It will provide my classmates with wonderful opportunities and hands-on experience for whoever wants to go on this career path. I know that my sole effort cannot change the world dramatically. However, with me and my classmates spreading the importance and joy of education, I believe that it would make a slight positive change in the near future.

Disney has been part of my life. I grew up watching mickey mouse on TV, jumping around in the house trying to be like him. During my elementary school life, I enjoyed watching marvel characters, which technically is part of Disney company; thus a Disney character. While watching 4 avengers movies, I became a boy of 7 years old to a teen of 17 years old. I can definitely say that Disney has been the source of my enthusiasm and good memories. It is pointless to point out my favorite character because I have loved all of them. I had the whole character of invincible characters dolls, stickers of avengers, and Micky mouse bookmarks. I feel that choosing one is dividing my childhood from others. As Disney owns Marvel, and if I had to, it would be Captain America. The man of courage and selflessness, Captain America shows the true skills a leader should have through a sequel of movies. I first watched the movie in 2014 when I was riding on a plane. Back then, the only marvel movie I watched was avengers; it struck me a lot as I didn't know there was a movie dedicated to a single character. Watching through the movie, I was deeply immersed in the movie so I spent the whole flight skipping plane meals - those are my favorites. When I finished the first one, I watched the second one which was newly released. These two movies changed my life. Watching a tiny scrawny man become the greatest superhero of all time made me realize that I could be the same. After landing, I began to plan out my behavior. I decided to do 10 pushups every day without exceptions. Even now, it goes on. Captain America taught me the most important lesson: Never give up; when the right chance comes, be sure to take it. I thank him so much.

My parents never studied colleges in the US. In fact, they never had any American curriculum-based education in the US. Why? Because they are South Koreans. Both were born and grew up in Korea, they never saw any foreigner with blue eyes or blond hair until they started traveling outside of the world. Before they had me, all they wanted was to have a chance to study abroad. As they didn't have a chance, they decided to give their child a chance to study in the US - and here I am studying abroad fulfilling my goals. My family and I had to go through a lot to settle in America. When I first had my theology class in school, I didn't know what to do; I couldn't answer the question my teacher asked me. Then, my classmates beside me started to make fun of me. I remember going to the back corner of the library and crying until my dad picked me up. At that point, I wanted to go back and be in my safe place. I didn't feel that I would actually fit in this different place. My parents asked me to give it one more shot; they told me that if that fails, we will go back. Not wanting to stress and disappoint my parents, I went back to school the next day as if nothing bad had happened. I didn't listen to others chuckling and making fun of me. In fact, I ignored them all. A few weeks passed and one day, guys around me started to talk to me and ask me to join their group during lunch. I was at first intimidated; I thought they were pranking me. However, they embraced me and started to make me feel at home. That was the first time I really felt at home. After that, I felt that school became easy for me. Every class that I seemed to struggle with became easy for me; I actually enjoyed going to school. As days passed, I made more friends and my grades went up gradually. Seeing my smiling face every day after school, my parents relaxed. Nothing made me happy seeing my parents smile. Now, as 5 months have passed, I can feel that I am now a different person. People around me say that I have matured and grown up mentally and physically. Of course, I am grateful for what they tell me. But I sometimes wonder if I would be the same person I am if I haven't faced these obstacles in my life. Sometimes I think, did these obstacles allow me to grow up? Or is it just time passing? No one can give me a clear answer to it. Nevertheless, I believe that every situation I encounter is meant for something, and allows me to overcome it, thus making me a better person.

I love math because I am surrounded by math itself. The laptop I am writing this essay on, the room I am in right now, the clothes I am wearing... everything has to do with math. I am not talking about the math we learn in math; in fact, I am talking about the mathematics itself! I think math is fascinating due to its history with our humanity. If you think thoroughly, math has been everywhere with humans since the beginning. Math has been the primary factor in human evolution. I didn't like math at first, to be honest. I was stressed dealing with math homework and assessments. I thought math had nothing to do with me; math was another subject that I despised. However, my math teacher began to relate math to real situations to me. That was the turning point that changed my perspective. She told me that a TV has 1.618:1 which can be seen in name cards, credit cards, and even in temples in Athens! I immediately fell in love with math since that moment. I began to see how math has shaped our lives. Another reason I love math is that it is universal. There is no need to translate any math equations for other people from different countries. If I wrote y=x+5, people from Spain, Korea, Mexico, and Sweden would all understand the equation. It may not seem great, but this itself appeals to me the most. I have seen people get on discussions on math from multiple countries. It is amazing that math creates a bridge where people can share their opinions and ideas with ease. Math has been a great part of my life. I tasted the bitterness of studying mathematics, but it still gives me new challenges that I enjoy. I am sure that as long as humanity survives, mathematics would evolve and move forward as well.

Learning is something I can't live without. If you tell me to pick three things that are important, it is food, family, and learning. Many students despise learning; they think that learning is not going to help them later in life. In fact, they are wrong. If you look around you, every single material has been made by someone who learned about it. For example, if the person who created TV didn't learn about how electricity flows, would TV be invented? No, not at all. All that is around us are a product of our learning. Thus, it is not something we should take lightly, and we should cherish it. The reason learning is so important to me is that it fascinates me the most. Learning about something I don't know is equivalent to discovering a new path to my future career. Every time I learn something, I sense some kind of emotional outburst in my brain and body that it makes me feel more energized and on top of the world. However, learning can sometimes be frustrating. Not everything turns out to be successful on the first time of learning. But, these failures and setbacks are what motivate me to learn more and continue moving forward. During my sophomore year, I decided that I was going to study AP World History myself. As my school didn't have any AP classes, many friends around me thought it was near impossible for me to pass the test. But I focused on the learning itself. I thought that learning new subjects would help me in the foreseeable future whether I fail them or not. With this mindset, I gave it a shot. Not all learning processes were successful. There were days I understood and didn't. I even took a week during learning because it was too overwhelming. However, I didn't give up. I wanted to finish and show people around me that I could do it. After that, I studied day by day, searching for other resources until the exam day. I passed the exam. I was proud of myself for what I had achieved. This was the real moment when I cherished the act of learning. Learning helped me to get this far and to be who I am now. Even though the way hasn't been easy, everything turns out to be great later. This is why I keep learning. My mom used to say 'there are no limits to learning; the reason they stop learning is because they limit themselves.' even now, there is still a fire going inside me that longs to learn. I believe that I am never too old to learn anything. After graduating from high school, I plan to spend my time enrolling in diverse classes as possible in colleges or other educational centers. I feel that I see the world based on what I learn. The more I learn, the more I understand and interact with the world around me. That is my goal.

I came from South Korea to the US as a recent immigrant. I came to the US on July 1st of 2022. When I first landed at the LAX airport, I thought, 'Is this the United States? THE UNITED STATES?' I could not believe that I had landed in a world full of opportunities that my parents had always reminded me of. Now, stepping on US soil was a huge life-achieving work for me. I knew my parents worked all their hours just to get me to study in this new country. I am forever grateful to them. Before I came here, I thought I had everything I needed; I thought I experienced all that I needed in my life. However, I was like a frog in a well that knows nothing about the ocean. When the airport gate opened, I felt a dry, hot air slashing my skin. I had never experienced this kind of weather in my life before. Then, my parents and I went to a small apartment which was going to be our home. There was so much to do, and being in a new place itself was overwhelming to me. Even though it was a simple change of location, it was totally out of my comfort zone and I didn't know what to do exactly. For the first week of my arrival, I spent my time wandering around my town finding new attractions. After a few minutes of walking, I found some high school students playing football in the park. Of course, I knew what football was, but I didn't know how to play it as it is a true American Sport. I stood next to them watching enthusiastically, trying to understand their way of sports. After watching them for 20 minutes, one of the students asked me if I wanted to join them. I said 'yes' right away. It was the first time that someone ever asked me anything. My English wasn't really good, but I spoke clearly so that they could comprehend what I was trying to convey. They taught me the basics. The 4 quarters, the positions, teams such as Chargers, and Rams, and how the high school division works. It was quite overwhelming because they seemed to go on forever. Nonetheless, I started playing with them, and the next thing I knew, nearly two hours had passed playing with them. As it was getting dark, they started to go home, and we exchanged our Instagram IDs so that we can meet later. I told my parents about the experience I had with the students I met. They were also thrilled that I had made friends or neighbors. 3 months have passed since I met these friends. As we go to different schools, we don't really meet together as we used to do during the summer; we still contact each other. I took them to a Korean restaurant in Buena Park to show them my home country's culture. They also invited me to their homecoming party, which I had never expected them to do so. Before I came to the US, I doubted myself whether I am going to fit in this vast country with lots of people with different perspectives. I even prepared myself that I would be alone and with no friends through out the school year. However, I am truly grateful to my friends who had the courage to ask me to play football with them. Without them, who knows what I would be doing now? They proved to me that there are no barriers between people.