My favorite book-to-film adaptation is without a doubt Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The reason is that the story, music, and acting are fantastic and show consideration to the book it inspires itself from. While the book has considerably more details the film excels in its acting and story. The director makes it a point to flesh out the world through clever set design to immerse viewers into the movie. The composer, Danny Elfman, wrote the soundtrack and it perfectly encapsulates the silly and strange world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Each Oompa Loompa song has fun and insightful lyrics that match the quirky and entertaining themes that Roald Dahl wrote in the original. The opening title of the 2005 adaptation shows us how each chocolate bar is made in a complex setting with heavy machinery, and the music perfectly encapsulates this industrial atmosphere with powerful notes/chords showing that the factory is producing chocolate with extreme measures. Another iconic scene is the reveal of the all-chocolate wonderland, and Danny Elfman captures the kids' wonder by playing light melodic chords that are appealing and fantastical. The music isn't the only good thing about the adaptation, the actors who play pivotal roles also do an excellent job as well. The standout star in the cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka, and much like every other role he plays it is perfect and true to the character. Willy Wonka's deep trauma and complex feelings towards his father drive him to sell candy, and Johnny Depp shows each emotion Willy Wonka would have felt if he were to confront his father. This helps immerse the viewer as if they were there and helps push it as one of the best book-to-movie adaptations. Although, the acting would be diminished if the sets and CGI did not meet the same standards. The lead set designers, Don Conway and Randa Essam, helped breathe life into the world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by skillfully creating sets that aligned with Roald Dahl's description in the original book. The Chocolate River and Wonderland are particularly notable examples of their creativity. Each scene embodies fantastical, magical, and delightful themes that evoke the feelings a child would expect to experience in a real chocolate factory. This is also seen in Charlie's family house. The house is small, warm, and familiar compared to the freezing winter outside. This environment suggests that Charlie was raised in a loving and nurturing household. The opposite can be seen in Willy Wonka's childhood home with the house being intimidating, cold, sterile, and uninviting. Their clever use of ambiance shows how each character developed into the way they are now. Finally, with creative set design, the fictional world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was brought to life in front of our very eyes. The phenomenal acting of the lead characters helped breathe life into the story, and while it was slightly different from the book, it still stayed true to the source material. The perfect soundtrack brings the whole thing together in a big red bow and presents why this film is one of the best book-to-movie adaptations of all time.

Growing up in a low-income household showed me how having a positive perspective can change the outcome of a situation. When I was younger my dad taught me that there are two types of men in life- the man who keeps his head high and retains a positive attitude, and the man who takes all the blows from life and sinks in his grief. I saw this when he went to work each day and came back with a tired look on his face, and when he first started as a laborer in a construction company he was expected to stay in a low standing. However, over the years he slowly rose to the position of field manager and left the company to help his friend start their trade business. My dad is a beacon to me and an idol of how hard work and the right attitude can positively affect anyone. I've learned from these hardships and intend to become a veterinarian to support my local community. I have already begun to participate in countless community events to help the less fortunate. I strongly believe that everyone can make a difference as long as they put in the work and the right attitude towards their goals. To become a veterinarian it is vital to gain experience with other veterinarians in the field, and I have joined a club that allows me to work for local veterinarians to take the stress off animal clinics. Lastly, this summer I applied for an internship with my local animal shelter.

Minecraft holds one of those special places in my heart since its release on PlayStation 4 in 2013. The game was released near Christmas and I was lucky enough to get Minecraft and a PS4 for my birthday and Christmas. The first thing I always made sure to do was to play the tutorial world with my brother until we decided it was too hard and went into creative mode to cheat our way past it. I believe that the strongest influential power that Minecraft possesses over people is the power of nostalgia. When I think of Minecraft, I think of cool summer days with the windows wide open and the breeze from the door flowing in. I remember exploring the overworld with my brother on split screen and hating how compressed the screen looked. The world back then was much simpler since I was so young and careless, and how I never had to worry about things like tuition, stability, making hot meals, and only having to worry about one page of homework. This is similar to most peoples fond memories of Minecraft, not the new updates rolling in but the old versions where there were rumors of Herobrine hiding in your world and Pink Sheep was one of the coolest YouTubers at that time. Minecraft itself has transformed from a simple game into a vessel where people now can reexperience nostalgia and the memories of a simple childhood. This aspect of Minecraft to me is why it will always have a special place in my heart. Not because of any cool features or mobs but because the fond memories I made playing the game in a time I will always cherish.

In late 2023, I lost my younger brother when he tragically died in a car crash. This devastating event took away a significant part of my life, leaving a void that feels impossible to fill. My brother had an immense love for animals, and his dream was to become a veterinarian. Although he often shared this aspiration with me, I never fully understood the depth of his passion while he was alive. His passing forced me to reflect on his dreams and passions, and I realized just how much animals meant to him. It was then that I decided to honor his memory by taking up his cause. In order to cope with his passing I helped out at the pound, pretending he would walk in and hoping he was somehow still alive. While taking care of street animals, I have discovered the profound impact this work can have. During one of my duties I had found a energetic puppy that played with the other dogs often. I also began to play with the dog. Soon I felt less and less depressed and the dog might've saved my life that same day. I ended up adopting the puppy and introduced it to my brothers older dogs. Also sooner or later they too sprung back to life and it was then were I realized how significant animals are to us. These animals, once neglected and abandoned, become beloved family members, bringing joy and companionship to their new owners. Through this process, I feel a connection to my brother, as if I am continuing his mission and keeping his spirit alive. Every day, I am reminded of my brother's dream and the importance of kindness and empathy towards all living beings. By caring for these animals, I am not only preserving his memory but also making a positive difference in the world, one stray at a time.