From an early age, I was shown just how important it was to have the heart to reach out. My parents had the heart to help a young and very sick girl, and I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for them. To be blessed with a mostly okay childhood is rare for those who went through foster care, and I was lucky to be gifted with that. Within my community, many people are hurting-- as in any community. I recently moved to a large city, which was a huge culture shock for me. After being adopted, I grew up in a very small, close-knit town. We often helped each other when in need, as I even experienced myself. Now, I see so many people rushing by others who are hurting. Just the other day, a girl my age was crying in a library. She was quiet enough to where most people might not hear her. But the ones that did would just glance at her. Everyone was so focused on their schoolwork or reading to take the time to see what was wrong. That type of occurrence happens so often that the blatant disregard of emotions is common. My family worked hard to equip me with kindness. I am certainly not always kind, but because of the strong examples that I was surrounded with, I see how impactful my words or actions can be. I want to show others that same mentality, too. Sociologists say the most introverted of people will influence 10,000 others in an average lifetime! The number of people that could be reached if I step out of my comfort zone to help better someone's day. Now, that one person might feel inclined to reach out to someone they pass by. I know that it is naive to think that I can better a whole city by just being compassionate to those around me, but creating a chain effect is completely possible. Even on a smaller scale, kindness is just as important. I do not have to change a thousand people's day from good to bad to make a difference; I feel joy from just changing one. Although it was not easy, I am in some ways thankful that I have the history that I do. I have had the feeling of being unloved, and I know how it can hurt. Equally, I have had the feeling of being loved. This unique perspective has demonstrated how essential compassion truly is. I hope that I have the heart and strength that my parents do to make a difference in my community.

Books come in many shapes and sizes. They come in many colors, with many different genres and different tropes. They have different characters, different plots, and different lessons. Many have different worlds and different characters. There is not one written book that is the same as another. Each story that you pick up will take you to a new place that you've never been or even heard of. That is, in my opinion, the most beautiful thing about a book. It also happens to be the most beautiful thing about people. One person is always completely different than the person next to them. You will never find someone exactly the same in every possible way-- and it took me a very long time to realize that. When I was younger and I was just discovering the genre of fantasy, I usually only read books with main characters that were heroic, maybe a little funny, and saved the day. Besides the fact that those characters are found in most middle-grade books anyway, I hardly branched out. On the rare occasion when I would start reading something with a protagonist that I couldn't understand-- one that wasn't perfect-- I would often put it down to pick up something else. Unknowingly, this mentality was part of my thinking in more ways than one. I hated things that were imperfect and hard to understand, and I especially hated things that I could not control. This proved to be true in school, friendships, and even hobbies. When I would move schools because of my dad's job, I would befriend the 'same type' of person. I only liked learning about subjects that I could comprehend right away. If I was not good at something, I'd throw it away instead of trying. Eventually, as I began to branch out and read other things, I was introduced to new worlds. New characters with new stories and new outcomes. I began to appreciate the gray in between the white and black of a story, and that seeped into my real life as well. Books helped me to see that everyone, and everything, has layers. Differences between things are what makes them unique and special-- and that specialness is what makes them beautiful. As I read more and more flawed characters, I saw just how incredible those flaws can make a story. Although my future is unknown, I feel much more equipped to move forward. I don't need to control my own story for it to be a good one. Flaws and differences are found in everything, and books have made me realize my goal of appreciating that.

A couple of years ago, if you were to ask me to share my view on mental health, I don't think I would have much to say. I knew I had some friends that were struggling, and even some family members. I, however, was perfectly fine. There was absolutely nothing wrong with me-- I had school and my future to worry about. So, how could there be? That was not true. I was not okay. I have not been okay for a very long time. I have learned to bottle it up through the years and hide it away from others. I saw mental health as just another one of my many imperfections, something that would make those around me uncomfortable. How could I be loved if I was uncomfortable to be around? So instead of talking to a therapist about my thoughts and stress and anxiety, which was affecting me physically, I developed my own ways to deal with it: I worked myself to the breaking point. With school, I loaded on AP classes and dual enrollment credits. I began working 20 to 30 hours a week at my work and removed any free time from the schedule. However, there was that small time window, between getting home from work and falling asleep, where I would hide in my closet. I crawled into the corner because the small space felt comforting. That craving to be in control of everything--including myself-- was fulfilled. Very recently, I went through an extremely traumatic event, where I was confronted with just how many imperfections I had. Guilt and grief were all around me, tugging me out of any possible comfort spot in my closet I had. That was when I decided to stop pretending like I was okay and I began talking to a therapist. The most important people around me had not even realized, I don't think, just because of how much I was doing between school, leadership positions, and work. However, mental health is more easily covered up than people realize. Yes, there are signs. However, those signs are not always visible to others. After that shifting point, and after that event which had made me value the people in my life, I rearranged my life and values. Before, I had cared about how someone could help me. Now, I try to focus more on who that person is. Before, I had cared more about constructing a future that involved success and money. Now, I care much more about happiness-- which doesn't mean that I am weak. Throughout university and my future career, no matter what path I choose, I want to make mental health a priority for myself, and for others who believe that pushing it away is the solution-- just as I had. Today, I have many things to say about mental health. It is not something that should be ignored. It is not something that you run from, or hide from, but something that you can look directly in the face. And it certainly is not an imperfection.

From the moment my parents brought me home, I have been influenced tremendously by their compassion. They have shown me exactly how far generosity can go, and have always been role models for me in community service. When I was applying to join the National Honor Society during my sophomore year, I was drawn to the dedication that my chapter had shown in giving back to our community. Too often, students are focused completely on their studies, and while that is a good thing, I was glad that I was offered a chance to join an organization that seemed to care about more important things. During my time in my school's National Honor Society, I have had the opportunity to complete almost 100 hours of community service, doing various tasks to help out around the school and town. Out of all the volunteer work I have done, the one I am most proud of is my work in my youth group, located at my local church. I started going there when I was 14 years old--after practically being forced by my dad to 'socialize.' He was, as he usually is, right. I met a group of people that would grow to be like my family and support me throughout the past four years. Within that connection, I was able to help even more people. Whether it was playing with kids at community-wide events hosted by the church, or helping set up for events, I was surrounded by caring, selfless people. One of the most important things that I did at my youth group was selling lattes. Other than learning how to make an amazing cup of coffee, we got to donate all of the proceeds to an organization dedicated to providing vehicles and technology to missionaries around the world. Though it was very rewarding to see how community service can help the people directly in front of me, there was something so incredible knowing that the work that I was doing was helping others hundreds of miles away. That kind of charity and funding is providing a ripple effect and through the assistance to missionaries, I hope that even more areas in need are provided with resources. Although my time at my school's chapter of the National Honor Society has just recently come to an end, I know that I will continue to volunteer my time and hands to those who need it. It was never about just reaching a quota to be a part of the program-- but instead based solely on the knowledge that the small help I was providing could make a big difference.

I was ten years old when I watched my first foreign show. It was certainly a big shift from Hollywood's loud action and an even louder budget. But what I focused on the most was language. Growing up in a small town, I was surrounded by white people who only ever spoke English, and while I had heard other languages before, I never paid much attention. However, when I started to watch these shows from so many different countries, with cultures, food, music, and religions that I had never seen before, I realized my love for languages. Suddenly I was paying attention, soaking up all of the unfamiliar words and sounds. I have studied Italian, Spanish, Korean and most recently Mandarin. I cannot say that I am necessarily proficient in all of them, but it is my personal goal to become fluent in Mandarin and Korean. As English is my first language, doing so is definitely challenging at times. The tones, the grammar, the cultural context; all confusing and difficult to understand. I think I still might being saying the majority of Chinese words wrong, and my tones are likely flat, but I love it. I love learning, I love the study, and I love the satisfaction that comes with finishing each day learning new words. I learned Hangeul, the Korean writing system, in a single day and soon moved on to reading sentences and phrases. I don't move that fast anymore, but I am still eager to learn more and more. Studying language has impacted my life as it is one of the few things I look forward to doing when I get up in the morning. There is a Chinese proverb that says, "Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere." That's what language learning is to me: a treasure. Being able to talk to others and understand each other is incredible, and I want others to be able to as well. There are many individuals in the United States who don't speak English, and that makes everyday life difficult. I would want to help them by communicating in a way that speaks to their soul. Language is a definition of culture, and no one would want to feel alone in that way. As I transition into my senior year, I am sure that I will have less time to spend studying. However, I still truly hope to continue learning more about languages through college and the world.

68 years ago, James Watson and Francis Crick created a model of DNA's double helix structure. Using the x-ray crystallography method created by Rosalind Franklin, they were able to identify the two chains of nucleotide pairs. Years later, molecular biology is a growing field as scientists work to figure out ways to alter this DNA structure. My favorite scientific discovery is the process of editing the eukaryotic cells using CRISPR- Cas9. A genius invention in the world of genetic engineering, the CRISPR tool is one that could save lives. While some say playing God, I say it is a way to save lives. This isn't as simple as just editing a human embryo, but crops, livestock, and immune system cells. When I first heard of this process in my 10th grade biology class, I was fascinated by how far humans have come. It is incredible how we are able to understand such complex ideas and invent things that 100 years ago, would never even be a glimmer of thought. And in 100 years, there will be even better technology that surpasses this generations scientific understanding. With CRISPR and the field of genetic engineering, we are able to create a better world.

Chips, a Haiku by Emily VanPelt: Salt and Vinegar The most elite chip flavor There’s no argument

It was probably around second grade when I read my first fantasy book. How incredible it was to be able to see into other worlds with magic and mysterious creatures-- all that is not of our own. I remember thinking that I wish I could go to those worlds. That I lived elsewhere, and not Earth. Eight-year old me had no idea what our planet really had to offer. I had no idea that there was so much we have yet to discover, inside and out of the atmosphere. That humans were complex enough, without adding pointy ears or superpowers. Understanding the planet and universe we live in is important for the advancement of our society. With constant evolving ideas and new technology being developed, exploration of Earth and space has never been so accessible. The next solar system over is almost within our grasp, which puts our existence into perspective. Looking inside of ourselves to comprehend our role in this spinning galaxy is how we will be able to look outward. Literature. Art. Music. Aspects of the human culture that are what brings all of us together. Whether its Andy Warhol's pop art, or Mozart's symphony's, the arts are what tells us the story of our species. What makes the human mind tick? Socrates had his ideas, while Freud had his own. Whoever was right, we don't exactly know. But that's why it is important for us to study these ideas, as well as create new ones. Understanding ourselves as humans is the first step to gripping the secrets of the universe. The second is science. Ah, the love of the modern world: Biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, etc. We can unlock the unknown by working together, creating theories, experimenting and experimenting and then experimenting again. Just imagine: An engineer teams up with physicist to bring science fiction to life and invent the world's first ship to travel at the speed of light. Impossible? Or just improbable? The only way to know is to join together and use the different strengths of our minds. So, what would it all be for? Where would understanding humanity, Mother Nature, or space bring us? Einstein said it best: "Any fool can know. The point is to understand." The most powerful force, beating out gravity and nuclear energy, is knowledge. Where we came from and where we are going are questions that we have asked since the beginning. Isn't it about time they get answered?

Yes, I was in the foster care system. Growing up with a confusing family situation was difficult. It still is at times, even. However, I was lucky enough to be adopted by two caring people who have worked hard to raise a little girl who wasn't their own. Now, we could each agree that I am more theirs than anyone. They are the ones who put me through an expensive dance program, listened to my endless rants of problems at school, and dealt with me yelling and getting upset over that day's math homework. They are the ones that came to every dance recital, every awards ceremony, every school event. My mom taught me to braid my hair. My dad taught me how to make chili, though he would argue that I still overcook the meat. They are the ones who gave me a second chance. My parents have shown me a steadfast love, as all parents do. They taught me a kindness and understanding that I hope I can convey to those around me. I hope to make them both proud when I work hard towards a college degree and career path. Fostering my love of languages at an early age, I want to study and work in a field that uses that passion. Studying other languages is something that I want to continue into college. I am currently learning Mandarin, which is difficult and very different than my first language. My dad helps run through flashcards with me and my mom will ask me to say something at random times, always keeping me on my toes. I want to be able to reach out to others, like my parents reached out to me, even if they don't speak English. It is so important that everyone knows that they are loved and that they matter, and in a world where that isn't common to hear, not all do. Although the majority of people in the United States do speak English, there are many who don't. This makes everyday life for those individuals. I hope that I choose a path that I allows me to help those people, using the kindness and warmth my parents have raised me on. While my birth parents passed me on, and two foster families thought a sick baby was too much work, my adoptive parents saw a daughter. A little girl in need, who they love and cherish. Although I don't tell them enough, I am so thankful. Using this opportunity that was given to me, I am going to work hard to make sure others can have their opportunities too.