From my earliest memory of tree climbing with friends, I have always been a proponent for diversity. I maintain a general curiosity never limited to a lens of race and culture. I love discovering lifestyles, traditions, hobbies, interests, and quirks that make people individuals. This passion has graced my life with innumerable intriguing conversations with both people I know well and those simply passing through my path. Supporting and embracing equality and diversity has become a personal journey for me. A Black American youth, my interest in US, Caribbean, and African Black cultures and history has peaked. From this foundation, I eagerly explore other cultures, understanding similarities and variations. I cook multicultural dishes with my family, discovering uses and significance of various ingredients. My personal love of languages fuels five-and-counting years of Spanish studies. I work through French, Swahili, and Hindi, with many other languages and countries on my futures list. These investigations, although intriguing and valuable, serve as avenues for connection to others. I refuse to make anyone around me feel misunderstood. Taking greater strides to convert these beliefs into action, I collaborated with teachers to lead our campus' first Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Despite doubt from several, 180 families came. I was overwhelmed with the unity and appreciation as I watched people of all ages listen to poetry and join dances around volunteers proudly representing their roots. Months later, we broke through again with the first Black History Celebration. Students and their families shined with the understanding that their voices matter and their cultures are significant. Since then, several students have approached with their own cultural traditions, hoping for similar programs in the years to come. I will continue expanding these stories into an International Cultural Exposition. I intend to advocate for diversity and equality throughout my life.

Sometimes, the greatest inspiration comes from the most arduous situations. In Thomas Keneally’s “Schindler’s List,” I found this truth quite apparent. A true Holocaust story, the heartbreaking novel followed a business savvy, compassionate German man who risked his life to save thousands of Jews under his assignment. Oscar Schindler’s factory became a rare refuge within Hitler's antisemitic land. This book successfully captured valuable leadership lessons while sharing the light of one man’s contribution during dark times. It began with naive, young Schindler celebrating a promotion to German factory manager. As Schindler gradually registered his counterparts’ wrongdoing and chose morality, I freshly viewed history’s hated Nazis as inexperienced youth. Despite pressure from associates, imprisonment, and multiple threats of death by concentration camp, Schindler embodied true leadership by refusing to demean anyone. Even as Germany’s defeat progressed, Schindler ignored temptation to flee with Nazi leaders to ensure that his factory remained untouched. Schindler demonstrated great levels of integrity, courage, and compassion. In several imprisoned Jews’ lives, individuals initially shown unperturbed by German censuses were later imprisoned with heavy regrets regarding career and relationship decisions. Although I pray history avoids another genocide, the book clearly illustrates the value of taking time, within this fast world, to savour every moment and relationship. The Jews demonstrated powerful unity, remaining supportive and faithful to their beliefs despite conflict. As they remained authentic in misery, I firmly believe that I can persevere through my challenges without conforming to limiting expectations. Although several novels depict great people and events, this book uniquely captured the hope and dignity one person can initiate despite impositions. Oscar Schindler’s list of workers, or Schindler’s List, remains a symbol of hope, perseverance, and integrity to history. For me, it will perpetually inspire effort to make a positive impact at every stage of life.