All my life, I’ve been craving adventure. Adrenaline practically rushed through me at all times. Any rollercoaster with turns and loops excited me, skydiving had been a dream of mine since I was 10, and watching the planes soar above me had caught my attention. As a kid, I grew up around people in aviation. My dad flew for the Navy, my paternal grandfather flew in different branches of the military, and my maternal grandfather flew helicopters his whole life. Although I had grown up around this, I never had a very strong feeling for aviation. I had always loved flying on airlines or flying in my grandpas helicopter, but I never thought about flying these machines myself. August of 2022, my brother, dad, and I were driving from Washington to Arizona, taking my brother to college. A few small planes passed overhead, and I told my dad that I wanted to fly one of those planes, mostly as an activity on my bucket list. 2 days later, I flew a Cessna 172 and the airport my dad used to fly out of, Falcon Field. Right after the flight had ended, I immediately wanted to go back, and I was only doing basic maneuvers. The instructor asked what I thought and I told him “I might want to do this for a living,” and his response was “you would make a hell of a pilot.” After that, I started taking more flights, and taking it seriously. 2 years later, here I am, going to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University to become a professional pilot, and I couldn’t be happier. The thrill of being thousands of feet above the ground and seeing things from a different perspective impresses me every time. While flying a plane is exciting, it comes with many responsibilities, and I trust myself to live up to them. I have always loved taking control, while also being open to other’s ideas and perspectives. I directed a school play my sophomore year of high school, and when my co-Director left half way through, I had to manage it all by myself. At first I thought it would be easy, but it turns out there was more than just a show to direct. The money, costumes, sets, tech crew, and promotion were all left to me. To my surprise, I didn’t freak out as I thought I would. I took a deep breath and I asked for help. And things went perfectly. I’ve had trouble trusting myself before, but as I grow up and become independent, I learned that I will always have myself, and I know the things I can do. Being a leader is something that I can be and have been.

My dream job is to become a Delta pilot, since they treat their pilots well and pay them as they should be. The hoops and obstacles it takes to become a pilot are long and difficult, but in the end, you end up where you wanted to be. As a 5 year old getting to sit in the cockpit of an airline flight, I knew that when I was older, this is where I wanted to be. But growing up, I started to realize the downsides to becoming a pilot. The cost, the training, the studying, and the flight programs are the parts we see, but what scared me was the parts we don’t see. The suicide rate of pilots is significantly high, the top reason for crashes is pilot error, and due to the lack of pilots, adequate training is transformed into “enough” training. I don’t want to be an unsafe pilot and risk not only my life, but many others, whether it be my flight instructor or 300 people in the back. So I chose to study aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where they not only train pilots, but train safe and professional pilots. When I first got my drivers license, I was beyond terrified, and told myself I am going to practice and study so hard to the point where I will be the best driver of my friends. And I did. I know I am going to do this as well for every license and certificate that I hold. When I become a flight instructor, I want to teach pilots how to be safe. I want them to feel safe and secure in the place they are at, being confident enough to overcome constant challenges. Outside of the actual training, I want to teach people all of the exciting things about aviation. Most people think that making a change would be changing multiple people’s lives or ideas, but the fact is, changing one can influence so many others. When you think about who you are, you realize you are a mosaic of the people around you. If I can help add a piece of aviation to someone’s mosaic, who knows how far it’ll be passed on? Though career wise I would love to be an airline pilot, I would also like to be an inspiration. I hope that 5 year old sitting in the cockpit of their airline flight looks up at me wanting to sit where I am.

Aviation has always been a passion of mine, although it started off as a bit of a fear. I grew up in a family of pilots, ranging from rotary pilots, fixed wing, military, and commercial pilots. I distinctly remember when I was 6, sitting in my grandpa's helicopter with my brother, ready for my first helicopter flight. As we slowly hovered above the ground, I felt a scream slip out of me. I immediately got off and watched as my brother and grandpa soared through the sky, and I regretted getting off. I grew up traveling across the country, and every flight I stepped onto was exhilarating, and I began to appreciate the views and the insane ability to be 30,000 feet above ground. August of 2022, my dad, brother, and I were driving from Washington state to Arizona, and as I looked around at the beautiful surroundings, I told my dad, a retired pilot, that I wanted to get my pilot's license. As I began my flight journey, I continued to be more and more excited about each and every flight, visiting new places in my state and learning about every aspect of flight- aerodynamics, communication, and how to be safe. Once I started applying to colleges, I realized Embry Riddle Aeronautical University was the place for me. I applied, got accepted, and committed with more anticipation every day to begin. I plan to study Aeronautical Science with a minor in Aerospace and Occupational Safety. With my degree, I want to be a pilot, but more importantly, I want to be a safe pilot. Being in the sky is beyond exhilarating, and making the flight both fun and safe is what I want to do, helping others to appreciate the sky and transportation of flight. Involving myself in my community is beyond important to me, and I am proud to say that I have been involved ever since I was about 6 months old. I was a volunteer for a diabetic research study from ages 0-15, donating many different bodily things to help find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. I was also involved in my school's Green Team, where we planted several different plants and crops, as well as grew some trees on the school property. Doing all of these things not only connected me closer to the people around me and my community, but it also helped me to connect more with our world as a whole, as well as learn the correct and proper ways to treat and handle important problems and ideas.

Most Barbie Dream Houses are vibrant and pink, which of course, is iconic and I would love to reside there, but my personal Dream House is a 5 story home with a rooftop deck overlooking the water. My Dream House is located on the edge of the beach next to an airport, with the runway being just in sight so I can watch the planes take off and land in the dark starry night. My Dream House has slides and ziplines on every floor, contrasting the basic idea of stairs to get from one floor to the other. Each floor has something special and unique about it that has to do with my interests. On the top patio, there is a massive waterslide that leads down to the beach, with patio chairs and a coffee and juice bar for refreshment when needed. Below that is the music room, a purple room filled with vinyls and guitars, along with a stage for performing karaoke and recording new music. Just below that floor is my room, a pristine and clean white room with organized drawers and perfectly set plants and posters of my favorite bands giving it some color. The closet is an AI machine that predicts what outfit is best regarding my mood and the weather outside, and of course, creates matching outfits for all my pets on the next floor below. This pet floor consists of dogs, goats, opossums, raccoons, and turtles, all of which get along and create the most loving and unique environment for any animal lover. This floor has agility beams and a pet spa treatment, because if I get to live in my Dream House, why shouldn't my pets be able to live in theirs? The very last floor is something very special, which functions as both a TV room filled with candy and snacks and a California King-sized couch, but behind one of the walls is an indoor roller coaster that goes through the basement and under the beach (surrounded by a protected casing of course). I love to be busy and live a chaotic and adrenaline-rushing life, so every floor has something that will keep me going and excited to wake up. Not only is my Dream House a place I have always fantasized about living in, but it's a place where I feel most comfortable and excited to pursue my interests and spend time with those I love, including my lovely pets, who truly bring me the most happiness.

My dream version of my future self is someone who helps others get even a step closer to their goals and dreams, since I have been helped in that way, and truly will forever be thankful for the help, and all I want is for me to help others feel that same rush of emotion.

There are many ways of coping, whether that be through writing, exercising, boxing, screaming, or crying, but there has always been a mechanism that will not only help me clear my head, but also create something beautiful, and be an escape to another world that can help myself and others, and that way, is through music. Growing up in a household that was surrounded by music and singing, I have grown to love and appreciate how the sounds of a guitar or a singer can make me feel so full of love and happiness. Music has brought me and my family closer, spending road trips by singing along to our playlists or having background noise against the sound of the wheels gliding over gravel. Similarly, this music has helped me to express myself, and understand the truth that is hidden in my mind. I started writing music at about 8 years old, and ever since then, it has been my most reliable method for getting my thoughts written out and getting through a problem that seems to be an impossible obstacle. Not only have I been able to sing my burdens away, but I have been able to do the same for my family and friends, and even random people on the internet who may be experiencing the same things as me. It makes me feel fulfilled knowing that my music can help at least one person, and make the world feel even a little bit more inclusive and caring for one another. Putting my original music on the internet is a big step into getting a voice out into the world, and though I have been so content with the love I get, I want to create a larger impact, one that music has pushed me to. Auditions for aired competition shows where one can express their love and passion for music has been my new goal, and what I want out of that isn't fame and fortune, but for even a few people to tell me "Your music has helped me." I've felt so much more confident in myself, and when I sit down to write a new song, I feel the emotions and tendencies that other writers have felt, which have helped me through rough times and moments of excitement. Although music may seem like just a background noise, it is so much more than that. It is hope, love, and healing, all in one flowing message that sits in one's head, helping them through sadness, happiness, boredom, or even prepping for a game. Music has made me feel more confident and understand who I truly am, and for that, I will forever be thankful.

Though love may seem like a simple and blissful feeling, it often comes with complications, some of which Belly has faced, deciding between two brothers that she deeply cares about. Each brother comes with both their roses and thorns, but which one is truly right for Belly? Conrad shows his maturity and secretive feelings for Belly, but Jeremiah truly treats her as if she were his soulmate, which is why I am proudly Team Jeremiah and believe that they are a picture-perfect couple. As seen at the beginning of the series, when Belly arrives at the summer house, Jeremiah excitedly greets her and her family with joy and charisma, whereas Conrad slowly creeps from beside the house, looking as if he wasn't ready to expect company, or that he even cared that Belly had shown up. Knowing that Conrad currently was with another girl, it is to be expected that he may not be as excited to see Belly as Jeremiah, since Jeremiah truly loves Belly. As the night goes on, Belly sneaks away to a late-night beach party, where Conrad and his girlfriend are, as well as her brother and Jeremiah. Conrad is quick to ignore Belly, and when speaking to her, calls her a brat in front of the entire crowd, showing how he doesn't care about how she is being treated. Jeremiah is quick to greet her and is excited to have her join the party, making her feel welcome and included. Throughout the series, Jeremiah goes above and beyond to make Belly feel loved and cared for, not only as a crush but as a person. He goes out of his way to teach her how to drive, giving her a good luck charm before her driving test, joining her and dancing with her when she feels insecure and out of place at the debutante rehearsal. He enjoys being around her, making her smile, and caring for her and expresses his deep love for her during a late-night pool swim at the beach house. Jeremiah proves himself to be worthy of Belly's love, and he shows her how he can be her knight in shining armor. On the other hand, Conrad only seems to care for Belly when another guy is talking to her, or when her attention isn't fully focused on him. He has known that Belly has liked him for years, and continues to lead her on as if she would have a chance with him, but he never gives in or even lets her into his head. He stays to himself and only stands up for Belly when she is getting hit on, or when another guy tries to take her love for Conrad and bring it to themselves. Though he may be overprotective of Belly, he only is because he wants her to love him forever, so that he feels that power and confidence that she gives him. When choosing a partner, one would want someone who cares about them as a person, prioritizes them, and overall, deeply cares for their well-being and happiness, which is exactly what Jeremiah provides to Belly. With his love and care for her, his charming and charismatic personality complementing her shy and insecure feelings, they are truly perfect for each other, and create a well-rounded and successful couple, with the opportunity to create something beautiful. Though her first crush may forever be Conrad, her soulmate will forever be Jeremiah.

Growing up with a Starbucks right down the street from my house, I always found a deep love for the Fall drinks, specifically, the Apple Crisp Macchiato. Fall was never my favorite season as a child, since I enjoyed being in the sun, running around in the fresh-cut grass, and playing in the sprinklers, but when the Fall drinks came around, Fall became tolerable to me, and then an all-time favorite. The Apple Crisp Macchiato gives off such a welcoming feeling, filled with warmth, comfort, and sweetness, but of course, nothing overpowering. Walking into a Starbucks and seeing the orange and red signs gave me such an excited feeling to get back to drinking my favorite drink after walking from school in the cold wind. I would sit down, pull out my homework, order my drink, and work until the sun went down. Being in such a warm and comfortable environment gave me so much motivation, and the Apple Crisp Macchiato gave me enough caffeine and sweetness to keep me in a good mood as I flew through my countless pages of homework. As I got older, I started my first job, specifically, at Starbucks, right before the Fall menu went up. Getting to decorate and theme the store as the Fall season approached was the highlight of my 8-hour shifts, and seeing the smiles of customers walk in always made my day. There was rarely a time during the Fall season when I would sell a drink that wasn't on the Fall menu, and whenever anybody needed a recommendation, I would offer the Apple Crisp Macchiato, and it was enjoyed by the customer, resulting in a thank you before they left the store, continuing out into the same cold wind that I walked into the store from. Every year when the Fall syrups come in before the launch date, I get so ecstatic knowing that soon will be the day when I can again drink my Apple Crisp Macchiato, feeling the nostalgia I felt back in middle school, dreaming of being behind the counter and serving this drink to other customers. Now that I have that opportunity, I feel an even deeper connection with every hot cup that I pass along, with every pitcher of milk I steam, and with every pump of Apple Crisp Syrup I put into the cup. These simple moments have such a special place in my heart that could never be replaced, and I will forever savor and remember the moments when I get the opportunity to feel comfort, nostalgia, and warmth in my Apple Crisp Macchiato, sitting in the Fall themed Starbucks down the street from my house.