As a child, I dreamed of becoming an astronaut. The idea of venturing into the unknown depths of space, witnessing the beauty of Earth from afar, and uncovering the secrets of the universe filled me with a sense of wonder and excitement. I was captivated by the thought of floating in zero gravity, conducting experiments on other planets, and perhaps even making groundbreaking discoveries that could shape the future of humanity. However, as I grew older, my career path took a different trajectory. Despite my childhood aspirations of becoming an astronaut, I eventually realized that the field of space exploration required a highly specialized set of skills and qualifications that did not align with my strengths and interests. Instead, I found my passion in writing and communication. I discovered that I had a talent for crafting compelling narratives, distilling complex information into accessible content, and engaging readers with thought-provoking ideas. I chose to pursue a career as a writer, focusing on topics that inspire me and allow me to explore a diverse range of subjects. While I may not be exploring the final frontier in a spacecraft, I have found my own version of adventure and discovery through the written word. Through my writing, I can transport readers to far-off places, introduce them to new concepts and perspectives, and spark their imagination in ways that parallel the wonder I felt gazing at the stars as a child. Although my career path diverged from my childhood dream of becoming an astronaut, I have come to realize that the essence of that dream – the thirst for knowledge, the longing for exploration, and the desire to push the boundaries of what is possible – still lives within me. I may not be donning a spacesuit and floating in microgravity, but I am exploring uncharted territories of human experience, diving into the depths of imagination, and reaching for the stars with every word I write. In a way, my journey from aspiring astronaut to writer has taught me an important lesson about following my passion and embracing the unexpected twists and turns of life. While my childhood dream may have shifted, the core values and aspirations that drove that dream remain a guiding force in my career as a writer. I may not have become the astronaut I once imagined, but I have become something equally fulfilling – a storyteller, a communicator, and a dreamer who continues to reach for the stars in my own way.

I firmly believe that being an 'up-stander' is not just a choice but a responsibility we all hold in ensuring a better world for ourselves and future generations. Like Mohamed Magdi Taha, I strive to stand up for what is right and use my voice as a tool for advocating positive change within my own community. One key aspect of being an 'up-stander' is the recognition of the transformative power of both small and large acts. I firmly hold the belief that even the smallest gestures can have a significant impact on individuals and the community at large. By practicing kindness, empathy, and understanding in my daily interactions, I aim to create a ripple effect of positivity and compassion in my community. Moreover, I understand the importance of building a strong and supportive community. Communities are the bedrock of society, providing individuals with a sense of belonging, support, and connection. To contribute to building a thriving community, I actively engage in various community-building efforts, such as volunteering, organizing events, and fostering relationships with my neighbors. One of the most powerful tools I possess in advocating for change and promoting community building is my voice. I recognize that my voice has the potential to inspire, educate, and mobilize others towards a shared goal of creating a more inclusive and harmonious community. Through writing, public speaking, and social media, I plan to amplify important messages, raise awareness about pressing issues, and advocate for positive change. In order to effectively utilize my voice for community building, I plan to focus on several key areas. Firstly, I will prioritize listening to the needs and concerns of my community members. By actively listening and understanding the challenges they face, I can better tailor my advocacy efforts to address their most pressing issues. Secondly, I will seek to foster dialogue and collaboration within the community. By creating spaces for open and respectful discussions, I aim to bring people together, build consensus, and work towards common goals. Lastly, I will strive to empower others to use their voices and become 'up-standers' in their own right. By mentoring and supporting individuals who wish to advocate for change, I hope to create a network of passionate and engaged community members who can work together to build a brighter future for all. In conclusion, I am committed to being an 'up-stander' in my community by using my voice, compassion, and actions to advocate for positive change and build a more connected and supportive community. By recognizing the transformative power of small acts, prioritizing community building, and harnessing the power of my voice, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive, empathetic, and resilient society.

As a dedicated and passionate student, I have always strived to achieve academic excellence and pursue my goals to make a positive impact in the world. My name is Earl Boswell and I am currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at DeVry University. Throughout my academic journey, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to my studies and have actively engaged in various extracurricular activities to expand my skill set and knowledge. I have always been driven by my desire to contribute to society and make a difference in the lives of others. This drive has fueled my ambition to pursue a career in Business where I aim to help people of owning their businesses. I am determined to use my education and skills to address job finding issues and bring about positive change. However, despite my determination and hard work, I have encountered financial challenges that have posed a significant barrier to achieving my educational goals. As a scholarship recipient, I believe that this financial assistance will greatly alleviate the burden of tuition fees and allow me to focus more on my studies and personal growth. This scholarship will enable me to continue my education without the added stress of financial constraints. It will provide me with the opportunity to fully immerse myself in my academic pursuits, participate in research projects, and engage in internships that will further enhance my knowledge and skills in Business Administration. Additionally, the financial support from this scholarship will allow me to explore learning opportunities outside the classroom, such as attending conferences and workshops related to my field of study. Moreover, receiving this scholarship will not only benefit me personally but also have a broader impact on my community and society. With the knowledge and experience gained through my education, I am confident that I will be better equipped to address critical issues facing our world today. Whether it be through research, advocacy, or community engagement, I am committed to using my education to create positive change and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all. In conclusion, this scholarship is not just a financial award but a transformative opportunity that will enable me to continue pursuing my educational goals and ultimately make a meaningful impact in the world. I am deeply grateful for the support and recognition that this scholarship offers, and I am excited about the possibilities it holds for my future academic and professional endeavors.

Recovery, to me, represents a profound journey of healing, growth, and transformation. It symbolizes the courageous process of overcoming adversity, be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Recovery embodies resilience, strength, and the unwavering human spirit's capacity to triumph over challenges and setbacks. It signifies a commitment to self-care, self-awareness, and self-empowerment. Moreover, recovery is not just about bouncing back but also about moving forward with newfound wisdom, insight, and compassion. It involves confronting and working through past traumas, breaking free from destructive patterns, and embracing a path of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Recovery fosters a deep connection with one's innermost self, leading to authentic self-expression and a sense of wholeness. Ultimately, recovery is a celebration of one's ability to rewrite their story, reclaim their life, and redefine their future. It is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, hope, and the belief that no matter how deep the wounds may be, healing is always possible. In essence, recovery embodies the essence of human potential and the capacity to rise above adversity with grace and courage.

Overcoming a mental health challenge is a journey that requires resilience, self-awareness, and support. Personally, I have struggled with anxiety for many years, but through introspection, therapy, and self-care practices, I have made significant progress in managing my condition. One key aspect of my journey has been recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves the same level of attention and care. To overcome my anxiety, I have implemented various strategies that have proven to be effective for me. One of the most impactful approaches has been mindfulness meditation. By practicing mindfulness, I have learned to observe my thoughts and emotions without judgment, which has helped me develop a greater sense of control over my anxiety symptoms. Additionally, regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep have all played crucial roles in improving my mental well-being. Therapy has also been instrumental in my healing process. Working with a therapist has provided me with a safe space to explore my emotions, identify harmful thought patterns, and develop coping mechanisms to deal with anxiety triggers. Through therapy, I have gained valuable insights into the root causes of my anxiety and have learned effective strategies to manage it. Support from loved ones has been another vital component of my recovery journey. Opening up to friends and family about my struggles has not only strengthened my relationships but has also allowed me to receive the encouragement and understanding I needed during difficult times. Surrounding myself with a supportive community has made a significant difference in my mental health. Moving forward, I am committed to supporting others who may be facing similar mental health challenges. One way I plan to do this is by sharing my own experiences openly and honestly. By breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and being vulnerable about my journey, I hope to create a safe space for others to do the same. I believe that destigmatizing mental health disorders starts with open dialogue and creating a culture of acceptance and understanding. In addition to personal outreach, I am dedicated to generating awareness for mental health challenges on a larger scale. I plan to volunteer with mental health organizations, participate in events promoting mental health awareness, and engage in advocacy efforts to push for better access to mental health resources and destigmatization in society. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire hope and resilience in others who may be struggling with mental health issues. By sharing my story, offering support, and advocating for change, I hope to contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society where mental health is prioritized and individuals feel empowered to seek help when needed. Together, we can create a world where mental health challenges are met with empathy and effective support systems, leading to healthier and happier communities.

As a performer in the field of theater, I have dedicated my life to exploring the nuances of storytelling through acting. I have been studying my craft for over a decade, immersing myself in various techniques and methodologies to refine my skills and deepen my understanding of the art form. From method acting to physical theater, I have embraced a multidisciplinary approach to my training, constantly pushing myself to grow and evolve as an artist. My long-term goal in this art is to establish myself as a versatile and dynamic actor who can captivate audiences with compelling and transformative performances. I aspire to work across different mediums, from stage to screen, and collaborate with visionary directors and fellow artists who share my passion for pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms. I am keen on exploring a wide range of genres and styles, from classical theater to contemporary works, in order to showcase the depth and breadth of my abilities as a performer. Beyond honing my craft and expanding my repertoire, I am also committed to using my platform as an artist to create meaningful and impactful work that resonates with audiences on a profound level. Whether through exploring complex social issues or shedding light on personal struggles, I believe in the power of storytelling to inspire empathy, provoke thought, and spark change. I envision my artistic journey as a means to bridge cultural divides, foster dialogue, and cultivate a greater sense of empathy and understanding in the world. In pursuit of these goals, I remain steadfast in my commitment to continuous growth and learning. I actively seek out opportunities for training, mentorship, and collaboration with other artists who can challenge and inspire me to reach new heights in my craft. I am always open to feedback and critique, viewing each performance as an opportunity for reflection and growth. By embracing a mindset of lifelong learning and self-improvement, I aim to cultivate a sustainable and fulfilling career in the performing arts. In conclusion, my journey as a performer in the theater is a constant exploration of self-expression, empathy, and artistic integrity. I am deeply committed to honing my craft, pushing my boundaries, and creating work that resonates with audiences on a profound level. Through storytelling and performance, I aspire to make a meaningful impact in the world and inspire others to see the beauty and complexity of the human experience. Let's explore the world through the gift of perforning!

As a writer who has encountered various forms of adversity throughout my life, I understand firsthand the challenges and growth that come with overcoming such obstacles. One particular experience that tested my resilience and determination was when I faced a period of severe writer's block that hindered my ability to produce creative work. This adversity not only impacted my professional life but also took a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. To overcome this adversity, I implemented a multifaceted approach that involved both introspection and external support. I began by acknowledging and accepting my struggle instead of denying or avoiding it. This self-awareness allowed me to explore the root causes of my writer's block, which ranged from perfectionism to burnout. By identifying these underlying issues, I was able to develop strategies to address them effectively. One key tactic I employed was establishing a structured routine that incorporated breaks for self-care and creative stimulation. Engaging in activities such as mindfulness meditation, reading diverse literature, and connecting with nature helped me find inspiration and recharge my creativity. Additionally, seeking feedback and guidance from trusted mentors and peers enabled me to gain valuable insights and perspectives that challenged my self-limiting beliefs. Through perseverance and a willingness to adapt, I gradually emerged from the depths of my writer's block and regained my passion for storytelling. This experience of overcoming adversity profoundly shaped me in several ways. It taught me the importance of resilience, patience, and self-compassion in navigating life's challenges. I learned to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and to view setbacks as stepping stones towards success. If I were to offer advice to someone facing a similar circumstance, I would encourage them to firstly acknowledge their struggles without judgment. It is crucial to practice self-compassion and hold space for vulnerability during challenging times. Seeking support from trusted individuals, whether it be friends, family, or professional mentors, can provide valuable perspectives and guidance. Embracing creativity in its various forms, from art to nature, can ignite inspiration and foster a sense of renewal. Furthermore, setting realistic goals and establishing a balance between productivity and self-care is crucial in overcoming adversity. By nurturing both mind and body, individuals can cultivate resilience and fortitude to navigate life's uncertainties. Ultimately, it is through adversity that we discover our true strength and potential, shaping us into more resilient, empathetic, and authentic individuals ready to face whatever challenges come our way.

Math is logic, black and white, yes or no, true and false. The main thing I love about math is that there is always a right answer. The process to get to the right answer can sometimes be what stresses people out and confuses them. Math is so straightforward in its contribution to life. Yes, there may be more than one way to get to the right answer, but there is only one right answer. The world is in chaos and will continue to be, math is a rock. Math is a rock. It is safe. When every other subject is questioning what has been supposedly proved in the past, math takes what we already know and uses it to solve problems. In a world full of change, chaos, and disaster, math is something that stays the same and continues to grow at the same time. I want to bend my perception of math to gain even more respect for it. All my life math has been the same, which is something I love about it. I want to continue to grow in my knowledge of math. Math teachers can make you love math or hate math. If you have a love for math or even a basic understanding and respect, you will be more likely to want to go into a career field that uses math. On the other side of the equation, if you hate math, you will steer away from any career field that uses math, which eliminates quite a few options. I’d like to say that I always put God first, and truly, that is what I strive to do, but I know that I will always fail on that account. The one thing that I want to make sure I do, in terms of my career is to make sure that it always comes last. I never want to prioritize my career over my family or my friends.

In this generation of youth, We go to schools, colleges, universities to complete our educated and start earning our livelihood. We take up jobs, practice professions or start our own businesses so that we can earn money to make our living. But which of these institutions make us capable of managing our own hard-earned money? Probably a very few of them. Our ability to effectively manage our money by drawing systematic budgets, paying off our debts, making buying and selling decisions and ultimately becoming financially literate is a perfect example of financial hygiene. Financial hygiene is knowing the basic financial management principles and applying them in our day-to-day life. It can enable an individual to build up a budgetary guide to distinguish what he buys, what he spends, and what he owes. This subject additionally influences entrepreneurs, who incredibly add to financial development and strength of our economy. Having good financial hygiene can also help others become independent and self-sufficient. It empowers you with basic knowledge of investment options, financial markets, capital budgeting, etc. Understanding money mitigates the danger of facing a fraud-like situation. A few strategies are anything but difficult to accept, particularly when they’re originating from somebody who is by all accounts learned and planned. Basic knowledge of financial hygiene will help people with foreseeing the risks and argue/justify with anyone learned and well-informed.

To me, General wealth is passed down within a family, from one generation to the next. The first generation accumulates property during their lifetime, which they then pass down to their children. With successful and proper planning, those children can then pass down wealth to their own children, and so on. The best way for me to build generational wealth for my family is to get started as soon as you can. Wealth compounds over time, so the earlier I can get started, the more time will be to my advantage. While considering ways to build my family wealth, I should also be thinking about how to protect that wealth and pass it on. Although there are many ways to structure an estate plan, setting up a Trust is a great place to start. That way, I’ll have peace of mind knowing that whatever wealth I do build will pass seamlessly on to future generations. Trust funds can sometimes get a bad rap, but in reality, they are a powerful estate planning tool that will allow me to have more control over how my wealth is passed on. First and foremost, assets placed within a trust will allow me to avoid probate and certain taxes. This means that my children’s inheritance will be better sheltered from legal fees and certain taxes that can affect my inheritance. Second, I can get to decide on what terms my children will be receiving their inheritances. For example, I could designate that each of my children will receive their inheritances in increments, and only once they meet a certain milestone. Know that I can set up a trust fund no matter how humble my beginnings might be. I can always add to the trust fund as time goes on, and the trust itself can be used to grow my wealth through investment portfolios. Time and appreciation make up a powerful combination for growing mu wealth without having to put in any extra work. Yes, I’ve guessed it: investments. Diligently tucking mu money away into a savings account is certainly laudable, but unfortunately won’t stand the test of time. Due to inflation, the value of the dollar today will only be worth a fraction of a dollar for my children’s generation. Instead of passing on a devalued lump sum, I can make a greater impact by investing my money in a way that it’ll be worth much more by the time my children receive their inheritance.

A song that has the most important message to me is "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson. In the song, Michael teaches a lesson about life reflections and how this impacts society It talks about: (1) Change comes with inner reflection, (2) if you want the world around to become better, you need to start with yourself, and (3) improvement is easy if you are looking at it the right way. Anyone who is feeling the devastation that comes with looking at the state of the world should listen to this song. Change can happen. All it takes is looking at yourself in the mirror, and moving forward from there. The thing I love about Michael Jackson is that he creates many memorable songs. A lot of them have powerful messages hidden beneath the catchy tunes that carry the lyrics forward. Man in the Mirror is no exception. This song has continued to stand through time as it has changed, shifting from one societal issue to the next. Its message persists as the world continues to segregate itself based on various disagreements based on the color of one's skin.

Climate change is a change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns when that change lasts for an extended period of time. Climate change can be caused by factors such as biotic processes, variations in solar radiation received by Earth, plate tectonics, & volcanic eruptions. Human activities contribute to climate change by causing changes in Earth’s atmosphere in the amounts of greenhouse gases, aerosols, (small particles), and cloudiness. The largest known contribution comes from the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere. We discovered Climate Change & Extreme Weather existed when we burn fossil fuels, such as coal & gas and we release carbon and it builds up in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases and aerosols affect climate by altering incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared (thermal) radiation that are part of Earth’s energy balance. River floods worldwide shows that 21 million people worldwide are affected by river floods each year on average. This number could increase to 54 million in 2030 due to climate change and socio-economic development. The following laws have been passed to help with increased flooding. The national Flood Insurance Act of 1968, The Flood Insurance Protection Act of 1937, & The National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994. Some solutions to fix this problem is we can take sensible steps towards protecting our environment and human health. We can also take actions to prepare our communities for present and future effects of climate change. We can also reduce the release of heat trapping gases like carbon can help protect our health and well being by decreasing impacts on our climate system. We can educate people and raise awareness by making posters about it or the reporters can talk about it around the world to spread it around. It is very important people become aware of this because it causes more extreme weather. olving this problem is very important because it can prevent a lot of things from happening or even beginning like houses and buildings being damaged by flooding from extreme weather. It can also be important because it can save people's lives.

I chose to pursue a degree in media and arts because it affords me the opportunity to explore both of my passions: writing, editing and producing creative experiences through camera. Through media, I can create ideas through imagery that is in a storytelling positions, design and produce screen segments, and then showcase them. Ultimately, engaging in this end-to-end experience is fulfilling to me because I get to not only imagine an experience but also bring it to existence. An artist's chosen media controls their entire artwork. I feel as though the media are the most important part of a work of art because it can determine how art makes us feel, how we interpret it, and how long it takes to create. With having so many forms of media such as: architecture, paint, sculpture, drawing, and printmaking, an artist has a wide array of directions their artwork can go. Furthermore, I think that when an artist commits to a medium they have already narrowed down the type of art they are going to create and this greatly influences the amount of time their art will take to create. By having such expansive, and various options for media, I feel as though artists truly have all control over the process of designing their art. Some of the aspects of the creative process that are affected by the media are: cost, materials used, color schemes, and textures. For my career choice, I have chosen Multimedia Artist. My reason for choosing this career is because I love drawing and playing video games, and with a career like this, I can be able to design, program, and create my own video games while getting to do what I like. I already familiar with a few graphic design programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator. With this job I could use these programs to make my ideas come to life. Multimedia Artists require a bachelor’s degree in education. They make decent pay, have multiple job opportunities, employment range that is high, and work in offices and studios. In order to obtain a job like this, education is required. In high school it, if you are interested in getting a job like this, it would be best for you to take as many art and design courses as you can. “Computer classes are also helpful, mainly classes that teach page layout programs or art and photography manipulating programs” (Fergusons 75). In college you will at least be required to have a bachelor’s degree in order to get the job. A bachelor’s degree of fine arts program at a four year college may include courses such as principles of design, art history, painting, mechanical drawing, sketching and constructing. Academy of Art University is one of many places that offer these courses. Students that graduate from the Academy of Art University will have a solid grasp on the fundamental game art principles, including knowledge of game engine technology and preproduction. I want to get knowledge on what this college has to offer in the gaming program and production wise. These studies will impact me and my career goals in a long run. I want to be the best Multimedia artist there is and will impact nations and all over the universe.

The Perfect Poem It shouldn’t feel like a poem at all. It should feel like a story you can get lost in. It’s the net that catches you when you fall. Poems don’t have to make sense And they don’t have to rhyme. They can be buoyant, or they can be dense. A good poem is the one you love. The one you read over and over. The perfect poem is a lucky find. Just like a four leaf clover. The perfect poem can make you smile for the good. And weep for the bad. It’s a song to be sung. And a book to be read. As you can see, I didn’t use rhymes, On those last few rhymes. Because while a good poem has rhyme and reason, The perfect poem can be thrown about any way. Why does the perfect poem not exist, Because it is not about what everyone has to say, About every good poem. The perfect poem, the one that is special to you, And to you alone.

Mental health is something I feel has always been something taboo, both growing up in my family household, as well as in society. I grew up not understanding how to talk about how I felt and if I felt pain or stress, I was expected to be strong enough to overcome those feelings on my own. I remember worrying I would get in trouble if I were crying. This difficult subject has since led to how I interact with my work, relationships and career pathways now. It was only a few years ago that I was driving alone on my way to my girlfriend's house where I was so overwhelmed by stressors in life that I had a thought of driving off of the road. This was the first time a thought of this nature had popped into my head. Minute after minute of driving, I had a sinking sensation. I felt there was a bit of truth to the thought and was overcome by feelings of sadness, anger and confusion. I was so scared and alone with this thought and was worried. I cried hysterically, while still driving the winding roads to my girlfriend's house. I couldn't stop crying and I couldn't understand why I was so affected by this thought that I would never want to actually want to act upon. I'm not sure what happened next, but all of the sudden I felt a little rational again. I asked myself, "is this reason to call the suicide prevention hotline?" After some deep breaths and a few more minutes of sitting in my car on the side of the highway, I called up an old friend. How lucky am I to have friends whom I feel I can reach out to with this sort of thing? I didn't understand what was happening, but I knew I was going to be able to be calmed down by a friend. So, I called him up and I told him everything. He definitely understood what was happening and he gave me some encouragement. What meant more to me than anything in that moment was that he trusted me. He had confidence that I was telling him the truth when I said "I think it's just a crazy thought and I could never do that to my loved ones or myself." His trust in me made me feel safe in talking about the truth. He made me understand the importance of taking taboo subjects off the table and communicating with the ones you love. This interaction has since shaped how I approach talking about mental health with my friends and family. I am not afraid to share this experience or ones like it. I am open and honest about the resources I use to maintain a level of stability and healthy behavior around stress. I think that more people have suicidal thoughts, or ones like it than they're willing to admit. I have known people from my community who also act on these thoughts. I hope that one day access to normalizing mental health and therefore making people feel safe in talking about it will one day be. When we have compassion and empathy towards those dealing with mental health issues, we can take one step closer into making them feel heard and safe. Some people don't have a support system like I do, and this is why I want to encourage people to reach out for help. It is so important to have a support system that approaches a person as a whole and not only treats injury or illness, but physiological treatment can go a long way as well. I hope to take this compassion for people into new lengths to make everyone feel safe and to take better care of their health.

Throughout my life, I have always thought of myself as a failure. I was a failure for not being smart enough, friendly enough, or pretty enough. Always, I criticized myself for not putting in enough effort in order to work up to my full potential. Though, this wasn’t about working up to my full potential, but for not fulfilling the unrealistic expectations that I had burdened upon myself and by the people closest to me. Over the past year or so, these burdens that I have carried weighed me down like how an anchor holds down a boat. Only, it was attached to my mind, instead of my ankle or a ship. The weight of the self-hatred and low self-esteem that I had made me feel like I was drowning. There wasn’t a bright horizon that could be seen in the distance, but instead more black and gray clouds that would bring another storm my way. Day after day, I would look at myself in the mirror, tearing myself down. I would tell myself every night that I was never enough. I believed that I was a weak and worthless individual, a waste of time. This kind of hateful thinking made it a struggle to stay afloat. Before I knew it, I was weighed down by anxiety and an eating disorder. Each morning I would wake up to only to prepare to endeavor the difficulties of my illnesses. At one point, I was fully consumed by the storm of my dark thoughts. I had trouble getting through each day. It was a struggle to pretend that everything was okay. I couldn’t even fake a smile anymore. During this time, I began to wonder what it would be like if I no longer existed. When I was staring at the cold and harsh waves on Carrabelle beach one night, I realized that I didn’t want to drown. All of a sudden, I remembered all of the people in my life who helped me throughout the different stages of my life. I didn’t want to let them down. I thought about how I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life struggling to get through a single day. I didn’t want to go through life isolated, because of my anxiety. I wanted to live a life where I could be happy and be surrounded by people I admire. That moment of staring at the waves was when my determination to not only to just live came back, but my will to enjoy life came back. I had to first learn from myself to begin to let go of the dark and anxious thoughts that had plagued me. Once I accepted that I would never be able to fulfill those unrealistic expectations that I had, I acknowledged that I needed to seek help by talking to mental health professionals. I couldn’t remain alone in the open sea forever, but needed to climb onto the lifeboat and communicate with people in my life. Eventually, I realized that I wasn’t a failure. I actually was successful in many ways: for going back to school; being able to be there to those close to me; and having the beautiful gift of having the freedom to be the person that I am today. I believe that I am enough. I am good enough for society. I am good enough to be myself without the burden of negative thoughts and unrealistic expectations. I am good enough to get the help that I need from others. I am good enough to live a happy life.

"A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle has transformed my life. It really restored a sense of peace within me. It helped me heal my judgment. It provided a pathway for dealing with anxiety. It showed me that there was another way other than staying trapped in the cultural conditioning that told me I needed to have more and do more and achieve more. Some people spend a lifetime in pursuit of their purpose. But that’s really not necessary. Just read this masterpiece by Eckhart Tolle and the purpose of your life will start to make sense. You are meant to do one thing with your life, and that is to awaken to the fire within which is the fuel of all life. This spiritual magnum opus will help you do that. At least I know it did for me. I read this book at least once a year for those and so many other reasons. It’s packed to the brim with existential truth and the kind of perspective and wisdom that will cause The Shift within you and completely change your life and the way you look at it.

Whenever I get asked why my favorite subject is and I say Math, one of three things happen. Either I get a 'yick' face, the person I am talking to begins to tell me all of the reasons they hate math, or the other person says they love math too and a unicorn with glasses and a bowtie appears and we ride off into the sunset, graphing calculators in hand, ready to take on the world. Needless to say, the first two are more common. Mathematics has been given a bad rap over the years and has become the butt of many jokes and the bane of so many people’s school careers. I am not one of those people, though. I find math to be inspiring and beautiful and, if nothing else, incredibly useful. I hope that by the end of this you may believe me, and perhaps understanding that side of the field may stop you from making the 'yick' face next time someone mentions the subject. I submit to you, that although mathematics is hard it is so worth it, and not just because it helps us understand the world, but because it is a beautiful human structure and should be appreciated as such. Math is an incredibly useful tool in our lives but is so underrated and underappreciated because the textbooks and curriculum we receive create impatient problem solving, which does not allow for a true understanding of what mathematics is and how to use math in your everyday lives and more important how to use reasoning in your life. This lack of understanding and interest continues through college and well into adulthood, leading to so many struggling with basic principles and reasoning techniques. We need to focus more of mathematics education and inspiration. Math should be about conversation and using what you know and learning how to use reason and intuition to find the answers to problems. I want people to understand that although it is hard it is worth it, and not just because it affects so much else in the world, but because it is itself a beautiful human structure and should be appreciated as such. I hope this was able to help you see how beautiful, inspiring, and awesomely helpful mathematics can be in every form and place in the world.

There is no doubt that learning is part of the American culture. Generally, to be successful, one must attain a high school diploma, go to college, and get a degree in a specific field of study. But in my opinion, there is not much value to schooling unless education helps us to become better people. I give education the credit for shaping me into the person I am today. Education has increased my critical thinking, helped me to better understand what is around me, and built my wisdom through history and literature. Firstly, learning has taught me the importance of critical thinking, in which judgments are reasoned and well thought out. Critical thinking helps us to recognize problems and find workable ways to solve them; sort through information and pick out what is relevant to a certain situation; comprehend and interpret works of writing; and come to conclusions about my beliefs. Critical thinking is an important skill. Those who use it are not easily be misled by faulty information. They carefully think over information they take in instead of taking it for face value. I believe that learning has shaped me into a student with the potential to make new discoveries by thinking outside of black and white. I not only have beliefs and conclusions, but deep reasoning behind it. Learning has also provided me a better understanding of the world around me. Through subjects such as chemistry, biology, and other world sciences, not only do I know the way that things that are, but why they are the way that they are. For example, I am learning about the environment, elements, and how the human body works. This information is useful for my intentions of going into the medical field. By using this knowledge, one can properly respond to problems that may arise. Responding to such problems also use critical thinking as previously described. Learning has surely shaped me to become prepared for my future career and contribution to society. Lastly, learning has broadened my wisdom through history and literature. There is so much that can be learned from past events. Using history can help us to avoid making the same mistakes. For example, by learning about America’s history with civil rights, voting rights, and more, I better understand the importance and value of equality. Many things can also be learned through literature. Works of writing are the authors’ ideas and views of life on paper that live on forever, even after the author passes on. Literature builds experience of other cultures: new places, people, and experiences. Without it, we lack insight into the past and present world before us. It enables us to make sense of the world and fellow humans through others’ discoveries, theories, and life philosophies. Without being educated in literature and past events, I would not have the wisdom and understanding of the world that I have today. In conclusion, all the efforts of teachers, administrators, my parents, and others have helped to give me the tools I need for my future. Lifelong learning has shaped me into becoming a deep thinker, one who understands how the world functions, and one with wisdom attained from history and literature. I plan to use my learning experiences to continue on in life by observing, visualize, and conquer every opportunity I achieve in.

This is probably the single most important scientific discovery to ever have graced mankind. Fire is an important discovery in many different fields in my opinion. It is relevant when you talk about any major scientific field. Fire also helped humans greatly in becoming civilized. The simple act of being able to cook food allowed us to eat meats that would otherwise have been dangerous to us. The heat from the fire allowed humans to feel warm even on cold nights. All in all, it helped humans thrive instead of merely survive. The number of people who survived to become older and more experienced increased. More people being around meant that we could spend time on other pursuits and allowed us to even explore and find newer pastures. The heat of the fire also allowed humans to create more advanced tools and materials. Where we once worked with only wood and stone, we could now work metal and glass. The improvement in material made us more efficient and gave us even more time to spend on other endeavors such as art. The discovery of how to create fire gave humans the means to access better resources and improved our condition of living. We discovered science, cooking, art and even the beginnings of religion because of fire. We also discovered fear, the dangers of excess and mortality.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world” (Nelson Mandela). Across the world higher education is considered a privilege that many people aspire to have, yet many of the youth who are eligible for higher education are acting below the expectations of their parents and the society as responsible adults. Higher education is necessary to perk up individuals’ life, develop society, enhance ones’ social skills, and provide vast opportunities for individuals. Education has always been a guide for people to follow in order to become their personal best. Higher education is the key for most people to open up a successful life, it is the main reason for the constant development of first world countries. The role of higher education is to develop individuals and make them more perceptive than they were in High School which will give the individual a higher quality of life. Furthermore, it has been proven that most people with at least a Bachelor’s degree from university make it. This is a personal choice weather to accept the minimum wage or not. However, individuals who work with this minimum wage work in a firm that does not work in developing the society. To develop society you need new knowledge and ideas, which only comes with the presence of young minds with higher education. So overall higher education is a lot more useful to the society as a whole. Why attend higher education? It is a question that many people disagree on. However, in order to approach a question like this we need to look at the advantages and disadvantages of it. And since higher education is better for society and individuals themselves, it is the best choice one could take. Logically speaking, the government would not make schooling compulsory without a reason, and the real reason is to create a well-educated civilization in order to have a brighter future.

Making the switch, making the change, being able to live healthier and to be proud of that is a difficult, but amazing thing to do. Before any physical changes should be made, I think it all has to start with mental health. There are many different ways to achieve a good mental health and to get into the right state of mind to make these healthy changes. Self-acceptance, self-help programs and stepping outside of the box are all associated with mentally getting in the right frame of mind to make healthier lifestyle choices. There are many, many different ways to make this start but in my opinion, these are the most important and most efficient. There are so many benefits to making these changes such as longer life, less likely to catch disease/illnesses. Self-acceptance is the most important part about mental health. Accepting yourself, who you are and your body is an extremely important part about mental health and even physical health. Making healthy changes in your life is never an easy thing. Self-acceptance is in my opinion the first step, and the most important step in successfully making these changes. I read somewhere that if you did not love yourself before the change, you will not love yourself fully after the change. We must first appreciate ourselves for who we are, or it will always be an ongoing battle with us. In my experience, I had tried to make healthy changes many times before, but I was never happy with who I was, so one day, I decided that I needed to first love myself. I started slowly but surly, accepting more and more of who I was. It all fell into place after that. I had changed my eating habits, I was very active and would visit the gym 5 days out of the week, sometimes more. It was all so much easier to stay on track with from that point. If we cannot be okay with the shape, size, color or other details about our bodies and always be expecting to make ourselves look just like someone else or look a certain impossible way, we will never be happy with ourselves and we will always be let down. Being healthy is the best look for filling your mind with things that will spread good, positive thoughts are always a good idea. There is never too much happiness. By reading, or watching or associating with anything that attributes to self-help is a good thing for a healthy mindset. We need to be in the proper mindset to change for the better and these things help us to do that. They are sort of like motivation. In a lot of these books they tell you how to "feed the soul". Which means to "feed the soul" with happiness. These lifestyle changes help you to feel really great and to lead a better life, It is just initially difficult to take those first steps. A lot of the time it is because people think they can 't do it. That is the wrong mindset and won 't stretch you very far. A change in routine is something that needs to be adapted to, which is hard. These motivational programs that help people to be leading on to the right path have saved many. People often do not think they work as good as they do. These things don 't only have to be used before or at the beginning of the change, but throughout the person's life

There are so many reasons to be excited for college that once you arrive, you’ll wonder what you ever worried for! Sure, college will be a lot different than the past 18 or so years, but the pros of college definitely outweigh the cons. If you’re a graduating senior and you’re scared to your core about beginning college in the fall, consider these reasons to be excited for college! One of the main reasons to be excited for college in my opinion is the opportunity of a fresh start. In high school, you can get kind of stuck in a rut. Your group of friends, your reputation, your after school activities... they’re all pretty stagnant. If something is wrong in your hometown, you’ll especially want to get a fresh start. And college is where you’ll find just that! In college, you’ll find a second family. Of course, you can’t replace your blood family, and living away from them for the first time won’t be easy. However, you’ll find a way to cope by making friends as close as brothers and sisters. Whether you join a sorority, club, or simply become extremely close with your roommate, you’re bound to discover your second family in college. I don’t know about you, but high school has not been the greatest experience for me. It had its highs and lows, but in general, what kept me going most often was hope for a better tomorrow. That’s because I know college will be immensely different from high school. Professors are different from teachers, living in a dorm is different from living with your family, and the overall atmosphere of a college campus is different from a high school campus. College doesn’t mean total freedom- I mean you’re still only 18, and college campuses don’t have their own sovereign law. However, you’ll have a lot more freedom in college than in high school. From choosing your own schedule to staying out all night curfew-free, college guarantees more freedom! But we’re all busy college students, and sometimes we need a reminder of how to stay healthy. Here are five tips for staying healthy in college—through mind, body and soul—and the reasons why they’re important to remember, even when your schedule is full and you’re feeling stressed. Drinking water is one benefit. You are 60 percent water, so you need way more fluids than you think. Even slight dehydration has a negative effect on mood, so you’ll lose motivation quickly if you aren’t drinking enough water. Studies recommend that men drink about three liters of water per day, and that women drink two liters. Move regularly on campus is another benefit. Students are prone to sit for long periods when studying, but your brain needs regular exercise to focus. If you’re too busy to get in a full workout, at least get up and take a short walk once for every hour you’re studying. But no matter how full your schedule is, you should always take advantage of the gym—after all, this is the last time in your life that a gym membership will be free! Third, get lots of sleep. I know, I know—you’ve got a midterm tomorrow, the rough draft of your term paper is due at midnight, and you haven’t had a real conversation in what feels like days. Getting eight hours of sleep every night seems impossible, but keeping a good sleep schedule is so important for your overall health and well-being.

Have you ever thought about what is in the products you use on the daily? Or maybe even wanted to try new eating habits or start a new way of exercising? To me, clean living is an organic way of life to be morally pure. Many people turn to clean living because they feel they can improve something in their lives. There are many advantages one can gain when living “clean”. The benefits of clean living are emotional stability, mental clarity, and physical strength. Clean living is beneficial for attaining mental clarity. For instance, “mediation is an art form of healing”. When you’re doing mediation you leave your stress at the door, put on some calming music and take a deep breath and stretch. It gives you this peace of mind that eliminates all thought. It allows you to travel to a place deep in your mind where there is nothing but peace and quiet or in other words your happy place. “According to the British Psychological Society, mediation involves concentration on the breath and body, which makes it a great way to soothe a person mind and relieve worries, by helping discharge tension and stress, yoga poses and breathing exercises keep a person free from such negative elements” (The Five Mental and Psychological Benefits of Meditating). “there are pranayama or breathing exercises that can effectively “clear the mental cobwebs” and help to increase mental clarity. Many Yoga students will benefit from a regular practice of pranayama exercises that increase mental clarity. As your thinking becomes sharper and more focused, you will be better able to complete your academic work in a more efficient and high quality manner.” Another benefit to clean living is physical strength or being a healthier you. Now it’s few days you want to be lazy and mope around eating junk food all day, being a couch potato which is acceptable, but it’s not okay if this is a reoccurring event. I bet your asking, “what does this have to do with clean living”? Well I got an answer for you, It has everything to do with clean living. Having control over your daily routine is an important factor of clean living because maybe it is something that you could be consuming that is causing you to be less energized than usual other than an age factor. “Scientific studies have shown time and again that choosing healthy foods can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. A healthy diet can help prevent cancer, since up to 60 percent of cancer cases are diet-related. … A healthy diet is a lifestyle, not a fad that is dangerous or difficult to maintain”. – How does my diet affect my health? Most people in today’s society would rather go to McDonalds or Taco Bell rather than eat a home cooked meal or even have a Caesar salad, and personally I used to do that myself. I have recently found out that preparing your own food is better than eating out because you can see what is in the food and how it is prepared. For example, when choosing place to eat out at you should ask yourself these questions like, is the food fresh or frozen? how much does the food cost? quality of food and service? and the nutritional value of the food. There are many benefits to clean living and all you have to do is pay attention and use them in your daily life to help you obtain mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical strength.

My experience with mental health shaped how I think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects my ability to cope with stress, overcome challenges, build relationships, and recover from life’s setbacks and hardships. Strong mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues. Rather than the absence of mental illness, mental health refers to the presence of positive characteristics. Anyone can suffer from mental or emotional health problems—and over a lifetime most of us will. The last 3 years alone, I almost suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Yet, despite how common mental health problems are, I was fortunate enough to improve my situation. The key to improving your mental is to interact with someone who is a “good listener”—someone you can regularly talk to in person, who will listen to you without their own conceptions of how you should think or feel. A good listener will listen to the feelings behind your words, and won’t interrupt, judge, or criticize you. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness and it won’t make you a burden to others. Most people are flattered if you trust them enough to confide in them. I felt that I didn’t feel that I have anyone to turn to, but once I realize there people that can help, like families, friends, mentors, doctors, therapists, or an educator on mental health There are also good ways to build new friendships and improve your support network. In the meantime, there is still a great benefit to interacting face-to-face with acquaintances or people you encounter during the day, such as neighbors, people in the checkout line or on the bus, or the person serving you your morning coffee. Making eye contact and exchange a smile, a friendly greeting, or small talk helps a lot.

Having the experience of being a son of a veteran is a great experience and opportunity; it is a lifestyle that not everyone will enjoy. It is awesome, but terrifying. It means that no matter where a Soldier is deployed, there is always a hero out there risking his/her life for our freedom. It means they are willing to fight and give the U.S. citizens their best efforts. They are out there to help protect us by risking their lives, sacrificing for all families! Some career aspirations that shaped my experience of the child of a veteran are meeting new people, traveling to different places in the world, starting a new life and journey, getting the ability to go help my parents and go to promotions where I can benefit and search upon what I want to achieve. These things are the crowning glory of my career goal. I treasure these moments. Let us not forget that our parents are the living heroes who protect our freedom and country. I am very privileged to have my dad as my hero and the role he plays in protecting our rights and liberties. Of course there are things that I really dislike about our lifestyle. But do I really have a choice? Like I said, it is a lifestyle. Here is a list of challenges that I have faced over the years: • Leaving the place you have grown to love and the friends you have made there. • When will you be able to see those friends again? • Can you visualize having a family member gone to fight in another country? • How about the sleepless nights of wondering if your dad is safe? • When will dad come home again? • Will he be here on my birthday and other special occasions? • Most fathers are there when their children are born, and I am so fortunate that my father is was there within the family. I cannot not stop bragging about it because I love what my dad does for my country as a veteran and a full-time policeman. Being a military child is really difficult. We are resilient and have overcome many difficulties. We are responsible. We help our mom raise our siblings. We are flexible and easy to get along with. We have tremendous stories to share and a life to live! Life as a military child can be rough at times, but also rewarding. That is my story of being a military child.

For as long as I could remember, I have wanted to be a actor. I have been working non-stop in theatre production and film studies ever since I was in the sixth grade. In high school, I was part of a drama production called "Pomedy". It's a really fun production it which captures different elements like music, drama, comedy, and life events. To reach my goals, I working on pursing a career in acting for film at the New York Film Academy in the Fall 2022. I must complete a four years of college education with begins in the August. I am very excited about my future and feel that with the opportunity your scholarship will provide, I can really act and I have a heart for it. My love for acting has been encouraged by my family and friends. I have had the opportunity to participate in local theatre clubs and audition for plenty short film roles at Florida State University.. With the help of my acting teacher, I was able to start acting club on campus. Many of the other students on campus developed an interest in the theatre and now our club has 100 members. My family also has enlisted many activities for which I provide locally, including basic arts as well as providing talents to local students . I find that I enjoy that aspect of working for theatre best. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of connections and places to provide social talents in my town , and my family can even afford to pso I hope to use my skills and love of acting to help me work with students on campus. College is very important to me because of what I believe in. Like my career goals, I hope to achieve and become successful in the field of acting for the rest of my life. To reach my goals, I need as much help as possible. I already have the moral support of my family and friends, but that is not quite enough to make my dream come true. I hope that this scholarship can help me reach this dream by awarding me with all honors.

One quality about myself that is important to me is my passion for wanting to help animals. I had always loved animals growing up and ever since my dog had passed away years back, I always had an interest in helping animals. My dog was very old, but the vet's promise he would live longer was quite reassuring. He then began to have seizures every couple weeks, and whenever we took him to the hospital, they said there was no cure for him. They wanted to euthanize him but I had believed that some day, maybe someone could fix him. But the convulsions continued until one day, I came home from a trip and called for him like usual, yet he did not come. I found him in the kitchen lying down as if asleep, but I knew at that moment he was not with me anymore. He had passed away from his sickness and it was devastating that nothing could have prevented it. Many people everyday have to experience the pain I did because their pets become sick and the only way to help them is to put them to sleep. Losing a pet is like losing a member of a family. I want to prevent people from having to go through this by finding ways to save their pets rather than having to let them go. I want to give them a second chance. I used to spend hours studying animals when I was younger by watching medical shows on channels such as Animal Planet because I enjoyed watching and learning about the pet hospitals and how they work. From shows about the miracles of a stray mother cat giving birth to healthy kittens to the tragedies of some horses who were locked in a barn to die because they had no one to love and care for them, but there are people who care. The people who spend months thinking of ways to create new vaccines to prevent diseases so you can ride your horse in the fields again. The people who spend hours operating on a dog's heart to give it another chance to catch a frisbee for his owner. The people who give their all to help even the smallest of creatures. These people are veterinarians and this is what I'm interested in. This is what I want to do in order to give back to those who lost their pets or animal they cared so much. Animals have always been there to give us friendship, love, and guidance; now it is my turn to give back what they gave the world.

Sometimes your biggest weakness can become your biggest strength. Take, for example, the story of one 10-year-old boy who decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training the master had taught him only one move. "Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?" "This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the sensei replied. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training. Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals. This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. "No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue." Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion. On the way home, the boy and sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind. "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?" "You won for two reasons," the sensei answered. "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grip your left arm." The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

Mahatma Gandhi quote,” be the change you want to see in the world,” is very useful in my life and it has helped me to transform everything around me. When I remind myself about the change that I want to see in the world, I know that I have power within myself that can create a beautiful life around me. It's the change that will be focused on how I will carry myself around and the best way that I will communicate with the people. I will focus on shaping the world by showing people the essence of loving each other’s and giving a helping hand to the disadvantaged in the society. For me to bring an effective change in the world, I must start by taking full responsibilities for the activities that revolves around my life. Ignorance has no defense, therefore, I will be accountable in to ensure that I bring the best out of me. With reference to the supreme law that states,” I create my own reality,” my philosophy will be about ensuring that I takes full accountability and responsibility to ensure that I perform the right things as the society expects and also be in the frontline to protest against the poor behaviors in the society. Therefore, as an individual, I will induce change in the world by eliminating the rotten deeds in the world. I will accept that I am the one who will be in charge of my own life, and this will come with wisdom that helps me to achieve results in all my experiences. The words that I speak must be accompanied by actions since actions speak louder than words. In my opinion, change is all about being the architect and the own author of the activities that we are responsible of. My thoughts, my words, my actions, my plans and my decisions that I take will be like a planted seed that will germinate and grow to lead me in a unique path of life that will instill a lot changes in the world. I will not have any space for idle thoughts as i will be accommodated with a lot of objectives and goals that must be brought to reality in the set deadline. When I understand the phenomenon of the realm of thought, I realize that true wisdom begins to grow in me. I believe that when I change my personality to the best, the affinities around the universe also changes. My efforts to change my previous nature will help me to develop a positive attitude of the changes that I want to bring in the world. It is not in sense when individuals waits and see what the rest of the population does. In a nutshell, positive development about my communication methods and taking responsibilities of everything that revolves around my life is all about the change in me. To me, this will have a deep meaning because I will be focused on bringing my plans into reality. When I change, the people around me will also be influenced and transform therefore the world will become a better place to live in. I will be the change that I want to see in the world and this will reap many benefits in the universe.