My faith has been one of the most consistent and grounding parts of my life. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have grown up learning the importance of faith, hard work, and integrity. One of the biggest ways my faith has shaped me is through attending seminary every day. Starting my mornings with scripture study has helped me stay focused on what truly matters and has given me a sense of direction, even during stressful or uncertain times. Seminary has taught me more than just knowledge about the gospel. It has taught me discipline, commitment, and how to apply spiritual principles to everyday life. There have been days when waking up early felt difficult, but choosing to show up anyway has strengthened my character. It has helped me learn that growth often comes from consistency and effort, even when it is not easy. That lesson has carried into other areas of my life, including school, relationships, and my future goals. I have also been involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which gave me the opportunity to connect my faith with a community of people who share similar values. Being part of FCA helped me see how faith can bring people together and create a supportive environment. It showed me that living my beliefs is not just something I do privately, but something I can share through my actions, my attitude, and the way I treat others. My faith has helped me through challenges by giving me a sense of peace and perspective. When things feel overwhelming, I have learned to rely on prayer and trust that there is a bigger plan for me. Instead of feeling alone in difficult situations, I feel supported and guided. This has helped me stay hopeful and motivated, even when things do not go the way I expect. It has also reminded me to treat others with kindness and understanding, because everyone is going through their own struggles. As I prepare to attend Brigham Young University, I am excited to continue growing both academically and spiritually. I value that BYU incorporates faith into its education, because I believe learning is not just about gaining knowledge, but also about becoming a better person. Being in an environment that encourages strong values and moral decision making will help me stay grounded as I work toward my career. Looking ahead, I believe my faith will play a huge role in my career. No matter what path I take, I want to be known as someone who is honest, hardworking, and compassionate. My faith teaches me to act with integrity, even when it is difficult or when no one is watching. In a professional setting, that means making ethical decisions, treating others with respect, and always doing my best. I also believe my faith will help me stay resilient. Every career comes with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Having a strong foundation in faith gives me the confidence to keep going and trust that I am capable of overcoming obstacles. It reminds me that my worth is not defined by success or failure, but by who I am and how I treat others. Overall, my faith has shaped who I am today and continues to guide me as I look toward the future. It has given me strength, purpose, and a clear sense of right and wrong. As I pursue my education and career, I know that my faith will continue to be a source of direction and support, helping me not only succeed, but do so with integrity and purpose.

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing the piano when I was five years old, and what began as simple lessons and practice sessions quickly turned into something much more meaningful. Over time, music became more than just a hobby. It became a way for me to express myself, to connect with others, and to feel a sense of purpose. Learning piano at such a young age taught me discipline and patience. At first, it was about learning the notes and getting through songs without mistakes, but as I grew, I started to understand the emotion behind the music. I realized that playing the piano is not just about hitting the right keys, it is about telling a story. That shift changed everything for me. I began to enjoy practicing, not because I had to, but because I wanted to improve and create something meaningful. In addition to piano, I have been involved in orchestra and choir throughout school, church, and my community. Being part of these groups has been one of the most impactful experiences in my life. In orchestra, I learned how to listen to others and work together to create something bigger than any one person. In choir, I discovered the power of voices blending together and how music can bring people closer. Performing in different settings, whether at school concerts, church services, or community events, showed me how music can connect people from all different backgrounds. Music has also been a source of comfort for me during difficult times. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or stressed, I turn to the piano or listen to music, and it helps me reset. It gives me a way to process emotions that I cannot always put into words. Because of this, I understand how powerful music can be, not just as entertainment, but as a form of support and healing. After completing my degree, I hope to pursue a career that allows me to share my passion for music with others. One of my main goals is to become a music educator, where I can teach students and help them discover their own love for music. I want to create an environment where students feel encouraged, supported, and excited to learn. Not everyone has access to music education, and I want to help change that by making music more accessible and inclusive. I also hope to continue performing, whether that is through community groups, church, or other opportunities. Performing allows me to stay connected to music in a personal way, and it reminds me why I fell in love with it in the first place. I would love to be involved in programs that bring music to communities that may not otherwise have access to it, such as after school programs or local organizations. Ultimately, my goal is to use music to make a positive impact. Whether I am teaching, performing, or simply sharing music with others, I want to create experiences that inspire people and bring them together. Music has shaped who I am today, and I want to pass that same opportunity on to others.

The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is Life is Beautiful. At my school, Karl G. Maeser Academy, we first read the book and then watched the movie, and experiencing the story in both ways made it unforgettable. Reading the book allowed me to understand the plot and the characters’ thoughts, but watching the movie brought the emotions to life in a way I could feel deeply. Seeing the father, Guido, and his unwavering love for his son made me realize how powerful hope, creativity, and courage can be even in the darkest situations. What touched me most was Guido’s optimism and determination to protect his son from the horrors of the world around them. He turned every terrible moment into a game, creating a world where fear and suffering were hidden behind humor and imagination. Watching him do this made me think about the kind of person I want to be. I want to bring hope, joy, and comfort to the people around me even when life feels overwhelming. The movie made me reflect on my own family and the sacrifices people make out of love, often without anyone noticing. It also taught me to appreciate small moments of happiness, laughter, and connection, because those moments matter more than we realize. Life is Beautiful also changed the way I view hardship. Guido’s creativity and courage showed me that even when circumstances are impossible to control, the way we respond matters. I realized that life is not just about enduring challenges but about finding ways to bring light and meaning into the lives of others. Seeing Guido’s actions made me think about how I can support and encourage the people around me, whether through small acts of kindness or simply offering hope during hard times. The story reminded me that optimism and love are forms of strength, and that even small gestures can have a lasting impact. The movie inspired me to value courage, selflessness, and compassion. Guido risked everything for his son, and while his story is heartbreaking, it is also incredibly uplifting. It showed me that love is powerful and that protecting, guiding, and supporting someone else can be one of the most meaningful things a person can do. The combination of tragedy and hope in the story made me think about how I want to live my own life, striving to bring encouragement and positivity to others even in difficult moments. Experiencing Life is Beautiful through both the book and the movie made the story unforgettable. It challenged me to think about what it means to love unconditionally, to act courageously, and to make life meaningful for the people around me. The lessons from Guido’s story have stayed with me and continue to influence how I approach challenges, relationships, and opportunities to help others. Life is Beautiful has inspired me to live with hope, compassion, and gratitude, and it has taught me that even in the darkest times, we can choose to bring light and love into the world.

am passionate about early childhood education because I love seeing children discover new things and gain confidence in themselves. Young children are curious, full of energy, and eager to explore the world around them, and being part of that excitement is something I find deeply rewarding. I enjoy helping them ask questions, figure out answers, and celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small. Those moments of growth, when a child learns something new or realizes they are capable, are what make working with children so meaningful to me. I have spent a lot of time around children in different ways, and each experience has strengthened my love for early childhood education. I have watched my sisters’ kids most weekends, volunteered in various clubs, and participated in programs where I supported younger students. Through these experiences, I have learned how important patience, encouragement, and creativity are when helping children learn. I have seen that children respond best when they feel supported, understood, and free to explore. Helping them grow, whether it is teaching a new skill, reading a story, or simply playing and listening, has been incredibly fulfilling. Being involved in activities with children has also shown me how much learning happens outside of formal lessons. Children are constantly observing, asking questions, and experimenting, and they need guidance to help them turn curiosity into understanding. I enjoy helping them explore ideas in ways that make sense to them, whether through hands-on activities, games, or simply talking with them. I have learned that early education is not just about teaching skills, it is about creating an environment where children feel safe, encouraged, and inspired to keep learning. I am passionate about early childhood education because it is a time when children develop not only knowledge but confidence, creativity, and curiosity. Seeing a child’s eyes light up when they figure something out or try something new is a reminder of how important these early experiences are. I enjoy being someone they can rely on for guidance, support, and encouragement. I also value the chance to make learning fun and memorable, helping children associate education with excitement and possibility. Ultimately, I am passionate about early childhood education because it allows me to make a positive impact on children’s growth and development. I enjoy helping children discover their abilities, celebrate their successes, and gain confidence in themselves. Being part of those early learning experiences, and seeing children explore, create, and succeed, is what drives my passion. I want to continue supporting children in ways that help them enjoy learning, feel capable, and develop skills and confidence that will carry with them as they grow.

My drive to become a teacher started with my freshman-year American Studies teacher. She had a way of making every lesson exciting and engaging, turning history and literature into stories that felt alive. She didn’t just teach facts, she encouraged us to think critically, ask questions, and explore ideas in ways that made learning fun. Her energy and passion were contagious, and I found myself looking forward to her class every day. For the first time, I truly loved learning, not just for grades, but for the joy of discovery. What made her extraordinary wasn’t just her creativity or knowledge, it was the care she showed for each student. She noticed when someone was struggling, offered encouragement when we doubted ourselves, and celebrated our successes in ways that felt genuine. I remember feeling seen and supported in ways I hadn’t before. Her belief in my abilities helped me start believing in myself. That experience made me realize that teachers don’t just teach content; they shape how students see themselves and what they believe they can achieve. I wanted to be that kind of teacher, someone who inspires curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. Since then, I have sought experiences that would help me grow as an educator. I have worked as a nanny, helping children learn, explore, and gain confidence in their abilities. I’ve also supported students in local homeschool co-ops, where I learned how different children approach learning in unique ways. These experiences taught me patience, adaptability, and creativity, all qualities I saw in my freshman-year teacher and hope to bring to my own classroom one day. I’ve learned that teaching isn’t just about sharing knowledge, but about connecting with students, encouraging them, and helping them see the value of learning for themselves. Moving between Cincinnati, Ohio, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Lehi, Utah, taught me how different schools and communities can feel, and how important it is for teachers to make students feel included and supported. My American Studies teacher made even challenging topics feel approachable and exciting. That combination of care, engagement, and high expectations is exactly the kind of classroom I want to create. I hope to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and show students that learning can be a true adventure, not just a requirement. Ultimately, my goal is to become a teacher who changes lives in the same way my freshman year American Studies teacher changed mine. I want students to leave my classroom feeling supported, encouraged, and excited to learn, just as I did. Teaching is not just a career for me, it is a calling, a way to share knowledge, inspire growth, and help students discover their potential, just as she helped me discover mine.

Serving my community has always been a part of my life, but certain experiences have taught me more than I could have imagined. Volunteering at retirement homes, watching my sisters’ kids most weekends for free, participating in National Honor Society projects, and writing pen pal letters to children in Africa have each given me ways to help others while learning lessons that have shaped who I am. One of the experiences that affected me most was volunteering at a retirement home. At first, I wasn’t sure what I could offer, but I quickly realized that just being present mattered. I spent time talking with residents, listening to their stories, and helping with small activities. One woman shared memories from her childhood that were full of both joy and hardship, and I realized how much people value being heard. Seeing her smile and light up during our conversations made me feel like I was making a real difference. In the short term, it was rewarding just to see someone happy because I had taken the time to care. In the long term, it made me more patient, empathetic, and aware of how important human connection is, no matter someone’s age. Watching my sisters’ kids most weekends has also been a kind of service, even though it didn’t feel like volunteering at first. It required constant attention, patience, and creativity. Some weekends, it meant helping with homework, planning games, or calming tears. Other times, it meant celebrating small accomplishments or helping them learn new things. Those moments taught me responsibility and gave me a sense of purpose. In the short term, it was tiring but rewarding. In the long term, it strengthened my ability to nurture, guide, and connect with younger children—skills I know will be important as I pursue teaching. Service through National Honor Society and writing letters to kids in Africa expanded my perspective even further. NHS projects allowed me to see the power of teamwork in serving a community, whether through organizing food drives or helping with local events. Writing letters to children in Africa reminded me that encouragement and kindness can cross borders. I may never meet some of the kids I write to, but knowing that my words could brighten their day or give them hope made me realize that service doesn’t have to be visible to matter. These experiences have shaped how I approach life. They have taught me that service is about connection, empathy, and consistency. They have shown me that helping others, even in small ways, can create lasting impacts. In the long term, I hope to continue serving others in meaningful ways, whether as a teacher, a mentor, or just as someone who is present and supportive. Service has shown me that giving my time and care is one of the most meaningful ways to grow as a person and positively impact the world around me.

Engaging in speech and debate has helped me learn how to communicate clearly, think critically, and share ideas in a way that is both confident and respectful. Even in casual discussions or structured conversations, I’ve seen how important it is to organize my thoughts, listen carefully, and respond thoughtfully. These skills have been especially valuable as I share my Christian faith with others. Being part of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and attending seminary have given me opportunities to talk about my beliefs, encourage others, and explain what my faith means to me. I’ve learned that sharing faith isn’t about having the “right answer” immediately, but about listening, understanding, and expressing my beliefs in a way that connects with others. The practice of preparing arguments, responding to questions, and thinking on my feet, skills I’ve honed through speech and debate- has made those conversations more natural and meaningful. Speech and debate also taught me the importance of empathy and perspective. In debate, understanding another person’s viewpoint is just as important as presenting your own. In sharing my faith, this has helped me approach conversations with care, making sure I respect where someone else is coming from while still standing firm in what I believe. I’ve learned to use words not only to explain, but to encourage, uplift, and invite others to explore their own understanding of God. Another key lesson has been confidence under pressure. In debate, moments of surprise or challenge require calm and focus. This has translated directly into conversations about faith, where I can respond thoughtfully to questions, doubts, or differing opinions without fear. I’ve also learned how to guide discussions in a positive, constructive way, creating space for meaningful dialogue rather than just giving answers. Sharing faith is about being genuine, not perfect, and honesty and patience often speak louder than any prepared argument. Being around other young people, especially through FCA, has shown me how much encouragement and support matter. Leading discussions, helping classmates think through challenges, and sharing experiences has strengthened my ability to connect with people of all ages. It’s taught me that faith grows not only through lessons or explanations, but through relationship, example, and shared experiences. Ultimately, the skills I’ve gained through speech and debate, combined with my experiences in FCA and seminary, have prepared me to share my faith thoughtfully, compassionately, and confidently. I want to inspire others, encourage them in their spiritual journeys, and reflect Christ’s love in the way I speak, listen, and live every day.

My drive to become a teacher comes from growing up in very different places. I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, spent part of my childhood in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Lehi, Utah. Each of these places had its own way of life, culture, and community, and moving between them taught me how much environment shapes learning and growth. Cincinnati was busy and full of energy, with streets and neighborhoods that exposed me to a wide variety of people. Harrisburg felt smaller and quieter, where everyone seemed connected and community meant something different. Lehi was fast-growing and full of opportunities, with schools and programs I had never experienced before. Experiencing such different places showed me that students come from all kinds of backgrounds and that understanding those differences is essential to being a good teacher. Through all these changes, I realized that what made the biggest difference in a school was the teachers who cared. The ones who took the time to get to know their students, encourage them, and make them feel included created classrooms where learning was possible no matter the challenges. I wanted to be that person for someone else, someone who helps students feel supported, confident, and understood. I have always loved being around kids, and working with them has only strengthened my desire to teach. Whether it is helping younger kids with schoolwork, guiding them through activities, or just spending time with them, I enjoy seeing their curiosity, energy, and excitement for learning. I want to help students discover what they are capable of and support them in ways that make learning feel meaningful and fun. I plan to go to college to become a special education teacher because I want to create classrooms where every student feels safe, valued, and capable. I want to help students grow not just academically, but socially and emotionally, and to be the teacher who sees each student’s strengths and helps them reach their potential. Moving between Cincinnati, Harrisburg, and Lehi taught me adaptability, empathy, and the importance of understanding students as individuals, lessons I will carry with me as a teacher. Teaching is not just a career for me. It is a way to make a real difference in the lives of children, to help them feel confident, included, and capable, and to share in the joy of learning with them every day. Being around kids and helping them grow is what drives me, and I want to do that for every student I meet.

Speech, debate, and drama are usually seen as activities where people perform or compete, but they’re really about something bigger than that. They help people learn how to express themselves, think more deeply, and understand others in ways that go beyond the classroom. One of the biggest impacts these programs have is on communication. Being able to clearly explain your ideas is an important skill in school and in life. Speech and debate especially focus on not just having an opinion, but being able to support it and present it in a way that others can understand. That kind of practice builds confidence over time. It’s not just about speaking in front of people, but about knowing that what you’re saying has value and deserves to be heard. Another important part of these activities is how they encourage critical thinking. Debate, for example, pushes people to look at both sides of an issue, even if they don’t agree with one of them. That helps develop a more open mindset and teaches you to really think about different perspectives instead of just sticking to one point of view. Those skills are useful in school, but also in everyday situations where understanding others matters and quick assumptions can lead to misunderstanding. Drama adds something different but just as meaningful. It focuses more on emotion and perspective. Through acting and storytelling, people can step into someone else’s experience and see the world in a new way. That builds empathy and helps people become more aware of how others feel and think. It also encourages creativity and self-expression, which are just as important as analytical skills in both academic and personal settings. Overall, these programs help people grow in ways that aren’t always obvious at first. They build confidence, improve communication, and encourage both logical thinking and emotional understanding. Those are skills that can make a real difference, not just in school, but in future careers, relationships, and everyday interactions with others. In college, I hope to continue exploring opportunities related to speech, debate, or drama. I want to keep improving how I express my ideas and challenge myself to think in new ways. I also hope to step outside of my comfort zone and take advantage of new experiences that will help me grow. In the end, speech, debate, and drama aren’t just about speaking or performing. They’re about learning how to connect with others, share ideas, and become a more confident and thoughtful person over time.