At the start of my freshman year, I found myself in two different friend groups: the theater kids and a group of black students, mostly sophomores. I was drawn to the latter because it was refreshing to have friends of color. I grew closest to DeShan, who had a crush on my theater friend, Miguel. I helped DeShan ask Miguel out, but Miguel wasn’t interested. Despite this, DeShan asked again in late October, only to be turned down, leaving him devastated. DeShan’s behavior shifted after that. He skipped school and returned in tears, but then, he became a completely different person. He spread rumors that Miguel had cheated on him, which isolated Miguel from others. When I texted DeShan to ask why, his response was chilling: “I decided he had to pay.” I gradually distanced myself from DeShan and spent more time with Miguel. While the tension continued, things escalated over winter break. During this time, an Instagram page called SaeTea gained popularity, allowing people to post gossip. At my father’s house, where I felt isolated, DeShan and his friends used the platform to attack Miguel and me. They spread false rumors about me betraying him, called me ugly and fat, and claimed Miguel was using drugs. These posts, coupled with my difficult situation at my father’s house, sent me into a depressive state, worsening my anxiety. When I returned to school, things only got worse. DeShan and his friends started verbally abusing us. I’d always struggled with school, but now it was harder to focus. DeShan’s best friend, Dez, started sending me threatening messages on Snapchat, vowing to attack Miguel. Miguel and I began eating lunch in a teacher’s classroom to feel safe. Then, in February, Dez sent the first of nine death threats, explaining how she would kill me in my sleep. I was terrified, fearing she would harm my friends if I told anyone.As a result, I began skipping school, attending only on days I had rehearsal. I told my mom and teachers I was sick to avoid Dez. My mental health worsened, and my grades dropped. In April, I decided I had to find a way through. I started going to school regularly and attended tutoring to improve my grades before the year ended. I spent the summer at my father’s house, trying to heal. Although Dez was gone, DeShan’s harassment continued. He eventually graduated, but his actions didn’t fully stop. I still struggled, especially at the start of my sophomore year, but I learned to manage. Throughout all this, theater became my sanctuary. It was a place where I found support, and my mental health and grades improved. Today, I spend all my free time in the theater, grateful for the community that feels like home.

Cooking was that special bonding time for Mom and me. She started teaching me from the day I was big enough to stand on a stool and stir a bowl. Be it just a simple dinner or trying out new recipes, it was always something we looked forward to doing together. As I grew older, I found myself more attracted to baking. What started off as an innocent hobby soon grew into a creative outlet, one through which I found ways to express myself and identify other new interests. First, there were cookies and tarts; each recipe taught me a little more. The true turning point, though, came on my 10th birthday when I told my mother that I would bake my own birthday cake. For my unicorn-themed party, I had decided to make a unicorn surprise cake, basically one that had a rainbow center that would show when it was cut. I could feel the excitement and nervousness as I measured out the ingredients and layered the cake with care. Though it wasn't perfect-the colors were uneven and the frosting not smooth enough-it felt like an accomplishment. With my mom's help, I was proud of what I had done. The real moment of delight was when I cut the cake in front of my friends, and their eyes all opened wide as rainbow sprinkles and small candies began falling out. That second of surprise and delight had made all the effort worthwhile, and it sparked my passion for cake-making. Over the years, I’ve continued to experiment with different cake designs and techniques. Each cake has been a new challenge, one that has taught me patience, precision, and perseverance. Baking is a process of trial and error—mistakes are inevitable, but each one offers an opportunity to grow. Whether it’s perfecting a fondant design or learning how to make a smooth buttercream finish, I’ve grown as both a baker and a person. For my wild card submission, I’ve curated a collection of my favorite cakes from the past few years. Each cake tells a unique story—whether celebrating a special occasion, expressing my creativity, or simply challenging myself to try something new. Through baking, I’ve learned the importance of creativity, resilience, and the joy that comes from creating something with my own hands. These are lessons that I will carry with me for life, and I look forward to continuing to bring the same zeal and hard work into college and beyond.

Attending a predominantly white school growing up, I was one of the few black students. I also struggled with spelling, as well as stuttered when reading out loud due to dyslexia. Throughout the eight years that I attended that school, I was known for my frizz-y hair, pesky stutter, and my need for extra help. These challenges, while difficult, taught me to find strength in my uniqueness and embrace my determination to succeed. With the encouragement of my mother, I decided to make a bold change and transferred to a small arts school in Pomona. At The School of Arts & Enterprise, I discovered a supportive environment where my unique talents and passions were nurtured and celebrated. The personalized attention and encouragement I received from my community allowed me to thrive academically and creatively, revealing strengths and talents I had never fully realized. Over the past four years, my journey through high school has encompassed my passion for theater and musical theater. From my initial involvement, I quickly found myself drawn to the intricacies of performance and production. I explored different roles like stage manager for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by Rachel Sheinkin and understudy in Fools by Neil Simon. I discovered my love for the collaborative nature of theater. I embraced a leadership role within the theater community at my school. I was honored to be appointed as the assistant to the Director of Theatre and the Company Manager, which allowed me to combine my passion for theater with the organizational and technical parts of performance. Because of my own challenges I’ve had to overcome, I want to help others do the same. I am commitment to diversity and inclusion that fosters a creative environment that reflects the complexities of the world we live in and compliments my own belief of using theatre to amplify underrepresented voices. I will do this through collaboration, creative exploration, and artistic experimentation to push beyond the boundaries and to use art to inspire the communities around us. This provides an exciting environment for artists like myself looking to create work that speaks to racial and political issues in our society as well. I am already passionate about theater but to also make a social impact through my performances is important to me. Reflecting on my high school years, I am proud of the growth I have achieved personally, academically, and artistically. My journey in theater has resulted in my development and has been a source of joy. In the end, I will always come back to performing because having the ability to make someone feel something and take them away from their reality is an experience I never want to lose.

At the start of my freshman year, I found myself in two different friend groups: the theater kids and a group of black students, mostly sophomores. I was drawn to the latter because it was refreshing to have friends of color. I grew closest to DeShan, who had a crush on my theater friend, Miguel. I helped DeShan ask Miguel out, but Miguel wasn’t interested. Despite this, DeShan asked again in late October, only to be turned down, leaving him devastated. DeShan’s behavior shifted after that. He skipped school and returned in tears, but then, he became a completely different person. He spread rumors that Miguel had cheated on him, which isolated Miguel from others. When I texted DeShan to ask why, his response was chilling: “I decided he had to pay.” I gradually distanced myself from DeShan and spent more time with Miguel. While the tension continued, things escalated over winter break. During this time, an Instagram page called SaeTea gained popularity, allowing people to post gossip. At my father’s house, where I felt isolated, DeShan and his friends used the platform to attack Miguel and me. They spread false rumors about me betraying him, called me ugly and fat, and claimed Miguel was using drugs. These posts, coupled with my difficult situation at my father’s house, sent me into a depressive state, worsening my anxiety. When I returned to school, things only got worse. DeShan and his friends started verbally abusing us. I’d always struggled with school, but now it was harder to focus. DeShan’s best friend, Dez, started sending me threatening messages on Snapchat, vowing to attack Miguel. Miguel and I began eating lunch in a teacher’s classroom to feel safe. Then, in February, Dez sent the first of nine death threats, explaining how she would kill me in my sleep. I was terrified, fearing she would harm my friends if I told anyone.As a result, I began skipping school, attending only on days I had rehearsal. I told my mom and teachers I was sick to avoid Dez. My mental health worsened, and my grades dropped. In April, I decided I had to find a way through. I started going to school regularly and attended tutoring to improve my grades before the year ended. I spent the summer at my father’s house, trying to heal. Although Dez was gone, DeShan’s harassment continued. He eventually graduated, but his actions didn’t fully stop. I still struggled, especially at the start of my sophomore year, but I learned to manage. Throughout all this, theater became my sanctuary. It was a place where I found support, and my mental health and grades improved. Today, I spend all my free time in the theater, grateful for the community that feels like home.

In a world where life's challenges often weigh heavily on our hearts, the enchanting universe of Disney offers a respite like no other. Through its captivating movies, timeless songs, and enchanting theme parks, Disney has a remarkable ability to bring joy, ignite hope, and provide something to look forward to. The synergy of these elements creates a profound impact on my life, reminding me of the importance of embracing childlike wonder and finding solace in the magic that Disney consistently offers. Disney movies have a unique way of transcending time and age, uniting generations under a shared umbrella of delight. From classics like "Cinderella" and "The Lion King" to modern masterpieces like "Frozen" and "Moana," these films have a remarkable ability to evoke emotions, transport me and all those around me to fantastical worlds, and fill my heart with joy. The heartwarming tales of courage, friendship, and love remind me of the fundamental human values that bind people together, offering a reprieve from the challenges of the real world. The captivating animation and relatable characters create an emotional resonance that stays with us long after the credits roll, serving as a source of joy even in our daily lives. Disney songs have an incredible power to touch people's souls and rejuvenate spirits. The melodies are not just catchy tunes; they are vehicles of hope, carrying messages of resilience, determination, and dreams. Songs like "A Whole New World" from "Aladdin" and "Let It Go" from "Frozen" inspired me to look beyond our current circumstances and dare to dream big. These melodies serve as anthems that remind us that challenges are temporary and that with determination, we can overcome anything. Disney songs became a personal soundtrack to my life, offering comfort and motivation when I need it the most, instilling a sense of hope that propels me forward. In a world that can often feel burdened with uncertainty and challenges, Disney movies, songs, and parks offer a multi-faceted refuge for hearts and minds. The magic of Disney transports to worlds where joy is abundant, hope is invincible, and anticipation is palpable. Through enchanting stories, unforgettable melodies, and immersive experiences, Disney crafts a narrative of happiness that touches every aspect of people's lives. As I continue to face the complexities of my reality, the enduring allure of Disney remains a steadfast source of joy, hope, and something to look forward to. Just as Walt Disney once said, "Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever."