Typically, it is hard to capture the essence of a city in a song–the chaos, vibrance, energy, and people. However, listening to “Welcome to New York” does just that. It takes me back to living in that exact city five years ago. I called New York City my home for three years, from age eleven to fourteen. Some kids had parks and playgrounds to explore, but I had an entire city waiting to be conquered. When I play this album and this song, a cascade of memories takes me back to the bustling streets and vibrant neighborhoods. I felt so small in that city, but I gained a sense of power and confidence, which is something I still carry with me today. When I listen to this song, I am instantly transported back in time. Each line of the song unfolds like a nostalgic vignette, capturing the essence of my own personal adventures and experiences in the city, as well as the stereotypical New York experience. “It's a new soundtrack, I could dance to this beat, forevermore, the lights are so bright, but they never blind me.” For some people, New York was intimidating and too much for them. I felt so calm there, and the craziness of the city made me happy rather than stressed out. I lived across the East River from Manhattan in Brooklyn. From my neighborhood called Dumbo, I would look at the magnificent skyline every night. Those lights never blinded me. These lyrics evoke the sense of freedom and potential that New York offered me as a kid. It serves as a reminder of the boundless energy and excitement accompanying my every step in this dynamic city. I never had a dull day living there. I also felt like I belonged there. In such a big city, no one really pays attention to you. I gained a sense of personal style and stopped caring what people thought. The sidewalk was my runway, even though I was five feet away from my parents at all times. I “was someone else before” living here, but I left having a sense of character built by this extraordinary city. “Like any great love, it keeps you guessing. Like any real love, it's ever-changing,” shows how unpredictable this city really is. One day in the summer, my mother and I planned to take a ferry and have lunch somewhere. That outing turned into an entire day of adventure. We ended up at the Loeb Boathouse rowing boats in Central Park and seeing a Broadway show at the last minute! Every day was different and held a new memory to make. Through this song, I am reminded of the indelible mark the city left on my life and the memories that will forever be etched in my heart that undeniably made me who I am today.

As an aspiring interior designer, I am thrilled to share the vision for my Barbie Dream House. This architectural masterpiece would be located in Brooklyn, New York, in the trendy neighborhood of Dumbo where I used to live as a child. Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of the city with a glorious view of the Manhattan skyline, my Dream House stands as a beacon of elegance and creativity. The exterior of the Dream House is a magnificent blend of modern and classical influences. The facade showcases a sleek and contemporary design, with clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a striking combination of glass, steel, and sustainable materials. To add a touch of glamour, the entrance is adorned with a sculptural canopy and a cascading living green wall, providing a refreshing oasis in the heart of the city. As we step inside, a spacious and light-filled foyer welcomes guests, featuring a sculptural staircase that serves as a centerpiece. The interiors of the Dream House are a celebration of design, balancing functionality and aesthetics with meticulous attention to detail. The open-concept living area is a showcase of elegance and comfort, characterized by high ceilings, exquisite lighting fixtures, and an eclectic mix of contemporary and vintage furniture. The walls are adorned with curated art pieces, reflecting my passion for creativity and self-expression. The kitchen, my culinary haven, is a true masterpiece. It combines the latest technology with a sleek and minimalist design. Equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, a massive marble island, and ample storage space, it allows me to indulge in my love for cooking and entertaining. A cozy breakfast nook by the window invites me to enjoy morning coffees while admiring the cityscape. The Dream House features a multi-functional studio space that serves as my design atelier. It's a sanctuary where I can explore my creativity and bring my architectural visions to life. With drafting tables, cutting-edge design software, and an extensive library of inspiration, this space is the heart of my architectural pursuits. As I ascend the grand staircase to the upper levels, I am greeted by a tranquil oasis—the master suite. Bathed in natural light, the bedroom features a luxurious canopy bed, a dressing area showcasing my stunning wardrobe collection, and a private terrace offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. The en-suite bathroom is a sanctuary of relaxation, complete with a soaking tub, a rain shower, and exquisite finishes that create a spa-like atmosphere. The Dream House also includes a versatile entertainment area, equipped with a state-of-the-art home theater system and a cozy lounge, perfect for hosting movie nights and intimate gatherings. Adjacent to it is a fully-equipped home gym, adorned with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and cutting-edge exercise equipment, allowing me to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Outdoors, a rooftop terrace serves as my private retreat. It features lush greenery, comfortable seating areas, and a rooftop pool with a glass edge that seemingly blends into the city skyline. This serene space provides a respite from the bustling city below, allowing me to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views. Overall, my Dream House is a testament to my passion for design, reflecting my sophisticated taste and unwavering dedication to aesthetics. It embodies the perfect fusion of modernity, elegance, and functionality, creating a sanctuary that nurtures my creative spirit and offers an inspiring environment for personal and professional growth.

This might be a pretty common answer from someone my age but, beginning high school amid a pandemic had a cascading effect that brought me to where I am now. Because most schools weren’t prepared to transition to online teaching overnight, there was a lot of chaos and confusion during the first year of the pandemic. I spent a lot of time alone both due to the online learning component, but also because we followed social distancing protocols and didn’t interact with many people. What this did for me was give me a lot of time to reflect on what I wanted out of my high school experience. My mom had graduated from a small all-girls boarding school right outside of Washington, DC and had been lobbying me to go there practically since birth. They even sent her a onesie when I was born with my future class year on it! Before the pandemic and every challenge that accompanied it, I was pretty set on having a typical high school experience complete with proms, football games, and other rites of passage teens go through from grades nine to twelve. I began ninth grade full of ambition and determined to have the quintessential best four years of my life. When everything fell apart halfway through my first year, I was forced to reexamine what was important to me and how it might impact my future. There was nothing wrong with my school, but it didn’t afford me the opportunities that my mom had during her high school years. I also recognized that living independently might be a good soft skill to begin developing before college so that I would be even more prepared for it. I applied and was accepted to The Madeira School and I am looking forward to graduating next spring with the Class of 2024! I have loved being at an all-girls school and while my high school experience has been 180 degrees different from how it began, I would not trade it for the world. Side note: my mom gets to hand me my diploma since she is an alumna. What a great tradition! One of the most unique aspects of my school is that we are required to do three internships before graduating. One of those is working on Capitol Hill. This past year, I interned for Senator Jon Ossoff. This was not only an extremely educational experience but it also made me appreciate my home state of Georgia. So many kids want to bolt from their hometown the minute they graduate and I was no exception. I was born in Alpharetta and have lived in and around the metro Atlanta area my whole life. My entire personality was centered around moving to either New York or California because I am interested in the performing arts. However, working for Senator Ossoff and meeting so many interesting constituents from my home state (some of whom are in the entertainment industry) made me rethink my future and where I decide to live. Georgia has so much to offer and has transformed itself over the last two decades. They have a thriving performing arts and entertainment community as well as some amazing institutions dedicated to supporting this industry. I will be applying to several schools in Georgia but I am also sure I will be returning to live here. I am grateful that even though my high school experience turned out differently than how I had envisioned. It helped change my perspective and made me so grateful for my home state.