The biggest problem facing the world right now is food scarcity and lack of nutrition in people in third world countries. There are many children and adults around the world who don't receive the correct amount of nutritional values that they need. Most people living in third world countries eat one meal a day. The consequences of not receiving enough nutrition can contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and stroke, type-2 diabetes, osteoporosis, some cancers, depression, and eating disorders. Malnutrition is also very bad for children, because it causes long term effects. Malnourished children can be short for their age, as well as thin or bloated. They also can be listless and have weakened immune systems. Nutritional disorders affect any system in their body and their senses of sight, taste and smell. It can also create anxiety, affect mood swings, and mess with other psychiatric symptoms. This also affects mental development and behavioral tendencies long term. One way we can work on this right now, is to send groups to these third world countries to provide them with foods that are high in nutrition. Another helpful strategy would be to plant fruits and vegetables, and give those people animals that can reproduce for protein. There are many benefits in red meat such as vitamins and iron that is good for the body. Meat in general, besides being a good source of protein, provides lots of other nutrients that the body needs including iodine, iron, zinc, and vitamins. If people took this issue seriously, much good could be done for those suffering from malnutrition in third world countries.

Before Covid-19, my youth group would go to nursing homes and play our instruments and sing for them. Our whole youth group would gather on a bus and drive all around to different nursing homes on different Sunday afternoons and play for the Seniors who lived there. I play violin, and my brother plays cello, and we would play many duets that I composed or arranged. The Seniors that we played for greatly appreciated our music. Most of these people are lonely and don't have much to do, so mini-concerts, singing, and music is joyfully welcomed. Many requested that we "come again soon" or "play something else." After we were done performing, we would talk to them and pray with them. The senior citizens really appreciated the fact that these young kids were taking time to fellowship with them. I really enjoyed getting to know them better as well. It is amazing the stories and advice heard from people who have lived life to its fullest and are ready to impart their wisdom. Many conversations have stuck in my head over the years. It was super sweet to see them enjoy our music and to be able to talk to them, and I can't wait to do it again once the restrictions are lifted.

One quote that really means a lot to me was given by Rosa Parks. She said "Each person must live their life as a model for others." This quote always makes me think, especially because I am a senior this year. I want to be a model for the younger students to follow. I want to show them that you can be cool without doing drugs, having sex, and becoming addicted to other vices in high school. These things can ruin lives, and I want to make a difference in the younger kids lives. My primary goal is to be a great example to help these younger kids flourish in school, and not become dropouts. I want to succeed, and I want them to succeed. But I have to be an exemplary example, as I know that they are watching me. This quote by Rosa Parks always inspires me to keep being that good influence for others to see and follow.

The most helpful piece of financial advice I have ever received was from my dad. He told me to never overspend my money, but to instead save and carefully keep track of my money as it goes to my expenses. Never go into debt unless it is for a necessity like a house, car, or appliance. He also said to be prudent with my money and not frivolous. So, every week when I get my paycheck, although it goes into my checking account, I then transfer most of it into my savings. I only save a little of my money for my gas bills. Although I do spend some money on frivolous things, I have a very tight budget of what I can spend on clothing or restaurants. If I stick strictly to my budget, I will never overdraw my checking account. Saving my money is a very responsible and wise thing to do. As I will soon be an adult, I have many things I need to start preparing for. First, I will be going to college within the next year. Hopefully, by the time I start my first year I will have enough to pay for my first year of college. Second, I will need a car, and money to pay for my gas and insurance. So, by saving now, I will have money for those necessities later on in life. Finally, it is always wise to have extra money in reserve in case something goes wrong and you need to pay a bill. For instance, if my car breaks down or one of my appliances die, then my prudence in saving will have been rewarded. All of these lessons boil down to the advice my dad gave me: to save my money and not overspend.

My favorite book is Eragon, written by Christopher Paolini. I love books about fantasy; books with dragons, magic, elves, dwarves, and monsters. Everything in Eragon is magical and fantastical. Second, I love long books. And Eragon is around 500 pages! But it doesn't feel like a long read because the story is so interesting. I love the whole storyline of Eragon. An orphaned boy living with his uncle and cousin stumbles upon a dragon egg. Dragons are almost extinct, and this egg contains one of the very last dragons. Dragons choose who they bond with... and the dragon, Saphira, bonds with him (Eragon)! She (Saphira) becomes his best friend. The storyline is very sweet, but also exciting and full of action. There are battles, and descriptions of fantastic lands to make my imagination go wild; but, there are also real people and towns that I can relate with. Paolini includes a "bad guy' named Galbatorix. Although he is your typical evil nemesis character, he adds an element of suspense and scariness to the plot. I also appreciate that Paolini doesn't make Eragon invincible and therefore, very predictable. Predictable stories are so boring! But Eragon has many flaws, so he sometimes gets hurt by foes and loses in battles to adversaries. Instead of already knowing what's going to happen, the story takes twists and turns, and has so many surprises! Finally, the author, Paolini, includes a lot of interesting and descriptive details. So, when you are reading the story, you it feels like it's happening all around you. It's riveting! It is really hard for me to put the book down. The whole story, and series, is so well-written. I asked my best friend to get me the series for my birthday and have now read them 13 times.

My dream life is to become a famous composer and write a lot of music. I want to write movie music, classical music, pop music, and sacred music for all instruments and for voices too! I would like to focus mainly on stringed instruments, as those are my favorite. It would be great to work from home every day, playing my violin and piano, composing and arranging different pieces for all occasions. I would like to start with classical and sacred. Then I would teach my children to play different instruments. After experiencing that, I would like to work at a studio and write my movie music and pop music for movies as well. My biggest dream is to write music for famous companies, like Disney. Then I could write sweet melodies for their princess movies, as well as epic pieces for MARVEL or other action series that they have. Writing music is the main essence of my dream life.

One personal finance lesson that I have learned is to save my money for things I want. I don't spend money on things that I do not have. If I want to buy something, I am wise and save my money, setting a little aside after each paycheck. After a while, it adds up, and I have enough to buy whatever it is that I want. If I follow this example, I have money to pay my gas bills and other necessities. Saving your money is extremely important. There are always times in one's life when accidents happen. Maybe your boiler broke, the engine failed in your car, or you got into a car accident. If you haven't saved money in case of these catastrophes, you won't have the money to pay to have them fixed. This just drives you deeper into debt. To stay out of debt, it is a very good idea to save your money, and only spend money that you have in your account.

My favorite piece of art is called Christina's World, by Andrew Wyeth. One of the reasons it is my favorite is because it reminds me of the country, where my grandma lives. Also, the painting is very beautiful. It depicts a young woman lying in a grassy field. This painting is special and endearing to me because the painting is of a young woman who contracted a muscle disease that left her unable to walk. She chose to crawl around using her arms instead of using a wheelchair. Her name was Christina. Christina inspires me to keep trying to achieve my goals, no matter my limitations. The gray sky in the painting reminds me of trials in her life, but she pushes through those trials using her own strength. She is a great example of perseverance. Christina's World is a wonderful work of art that is both inspiring and beautiful.

It was very hard watching my friend go through his mental illness. He cut himself "to take away the pain" and had scars, not only on the outside but also on the inside. Sometimes he would say "No one would miss me if I was gone. Nobody cares about me." There were some days when I wondered if I would ever see him again. Many times I begged him to keep going, and not give up. I was so scared that I would lose him. Eventually, he started therapy and counseling and he recovered, but after going through that experience with him, I never want anyone to experience the trauma of mental illness again. I would like to be an encouragement to people with mental illnesses, to help them not be depressed, and to show them that they are a valuable asset to their community. Even when they feel like no one loves them, there are always people in the world who silently appreciate those around them. These people need to step up and let those around them know they are loved. I would like to be that person who steps up, and helps encourage people with mental illnesses that yes, they are loved. They are valued, appreciated, and would be missed. I want to be that good friend who is there for others when struggling with depression, or suicide. I want everyone to see me as someone they can depend upon to cheer them up, and hold them while they feel like sinking.