There are so many excellent books, and when you look at fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, it seems overwhelming to choose just one for everyone worldwide to read. If I had to choose one book for everyone to read, I would choose "Fountains of Silence" by Ruta Sepetys. Sepetys is an incredible Lithuanian-American author focused on telling stories from the lost parts of history, specifically Eastern Europe and Spain. "Fountain of Silence," tells the story of Spain under the rule of Francisco Franco and the practices of the regime and Catholic Church during the dictatorship. Themes of oppression and control are balanced with themes of family and love to tell the story of two young people during this tense and conflicted time. I would have everyone read this book because of its incredible storytelling so more people know about the history of Spain. I learned about the rise of fascism in Europe in AP World History, and my teacher mentioned Franco's regime once. It is only because of Sepetys' book that I have any knowledge of this time in history, and it made me curious to learn more about Spanish history in general. A good book should move us to deeper emotions, to a revelation, or to be more curious about our world. "Fountains of Silence" moves readers to feelings and revelations about the world, becoming more curious about history and what might be hidden from us. This book encourages the exploration of history, which is essential in today's world. We can only know where we are going if we know where we came from.

Tuna Taco Tuesday Tis Tuna Taco Tuesday Moans Mother to Me. Tis Tuna Taco Tuesday Groans Grandpa to Gregory. Tis Tuna Taco Tuesday Complains Constance to Candy. Tis Tuna Taco Tuesday Frets Father to Freddy. Tis Tuna Taco Tuesday Wails Wanda to Wesley. Tis Tuna Taco Tuesday Gripes Grandma to Gabby. Tis Tuna Taco Tuesday And nobody is happy. Tis Tuna Taco Tuesday And it’s only Monday.

Pets are an incredible part of human life. They are creatures that are so different from us that we can peacefully co-exist alongside. Pets provide love, encouragement, and companionship and often ask for little in return. We truly are blessed to have pets in our lives. When I was a young child my family pet was a grey Weimaraner dog named Oscar. Oscar was like a big brother to my brother and me. He played with us, explored with us, and he would even let us dress him up with my scarves and tiaras. When I was about 18 months old my family was outside with some guests. Oscar and I were running around and playing like we always did. I started running to the road and there was a car parked on our street. Oscar cut me off I didn't run into the road and then the car. If I had made it to the road I could have been hurt that day, but Oscar knew to protect me. That was his greatest quality he was a protector. Pets are incredible parts of our lives and they bring so much joy to our lives. They can also save our lives whether physically or mentally. That's why I am so thankful for pets because they love us.

I don't deserve this scholarship. I have not started a business or saved a family from a burning house. I haven't discovered the cure for cancer. I have done well in school. I have been a good friend, sister, and daughter. I have been a good citizen by volunteering and registering to vote. That doesn't make me deserve a scholarship, but it's what I have going for me. I don't have academic or career goals. My goals are not even weekly; they are daily. My goals today are to finish my homework and apply for scholarships. Life is too rich and in the moment to bog it down by planning future goals. When I was six years old, my school rented bouncy houses and let us play on them as a part of field day. One of the bouncy houses was an obstacle course. It took me six tries, but eventually, I made it over the wall, which was the most challenging part of the obstacle course.

Giving is important to me because it is good for our communities. When you give then you make the world a better place. I give by volunteering and donating to charities. Giving of our time, money, and talents allow us to use our gifts to improve the world around us. That's why giving is good.

The simple pleasures of life may appear simple, but they make life worth it. For me, the simple pleasures in life include feeling the sun on my face, laughing with a friend, watching the birds, a hug from my parents, and finding a book that makes you laugh and cry. Other simple pleasures include the crunch of snow under your feet, a chocolate chip cookie, a warm bath, and a cozy blanket. Why do these simple pleasures make me happy? Well, the sun on my face, the birds, and the crunch of snow under my feet reminds me of the beauty of this world and the inestimable power of God. Laughing with a friend and hugging your parents reminds me of the love that always surrounds you. Connection is essential for mental well-being, and laughter and hugs remind me of those connections. Chocolate chip cookies, a warm bath, and a cozy blanket are material pleasures that remind me to take time for myself, slow down, and appreciate life. Finally, reading a good book reminds me that I need to challenge my mind and discover the world's stories. These simple pleasures remind me of the big things in life. Nature, faith, family, friends, and self-care are all big concepts that simple pleasures can support.

I perform acts of service in my life in many ways. For example, I participate in the Bonner Leader Program which focuses on community service in the local communities surrounding the University of the South. I also look for moments to perform small acts of kindness for those around me throughout my day. As a Bonner Leader, I spend a lot of my time engaging in acts of service. For example, I help non-profits run their social media accounts and help high school students apply to college. I also volunteer at a local second-hand store and help organize and work with customers. I always look for moments to help people out in my everyday life. Whether holding the door open for someone or giving someone a quarter when they are short on money, these small acts of service can make a difference. I also look for opportunities to help my roommates. I help them with homework, clean the bathroom, or make tea. Taking time to do these things shows you care. Acts of service are an essential part of being a human. It allows us to support our communities and show our friends and families that we care. Every opportunity to do an act of service is an opportunity to put good into the world.

I love singing and dancing and will join you in a karaoke battle. I love twirling down grocery store aisles and will even break out some waltz moves. I am a hopeless romantic. I love the classic rom-com tropes, cliches, and a happily ever after. Books make me happy like sunshine makes other people happy. Whenever I am stressed, a little rock and roll and a good book take away the stress. Also, I hate tea. As a southerner and bookworm, it is a little shameful, but whatever kind I cannot make myself drink tea. I believe ice cream might not fix all problems, but it makes every situation better.

My favorite hobbies are reading, knitting, and dancing. These hobbies keep me relaxed, keep me having fun, and are something I have enjoyed for years. I have loved reading since I was a little kid. The first book I remember reading on my own was a book of children's rhymes. Ever since then, I have been hooked. Books allow us to go on adventures, learn about others' experiences, and for me, they keep me calm. If I am having a stressful day or feeling overwhelmed any time I read a book I always feel better. I recently picked up knitting during quarantine. Being able to work on a project just for fun has been relaxing. I can watch TV or sit on the porch and knit. It helps me concentrate and to be able to make blankets and scarfs for my friends and family brings me lots of joy. I love dancing almost as much as I love reading. I started taking dance classes when I was 3 years old, but I have been twirling and jumping my whole life. Dance allows for freedom within discipline. The discipline that is required over your body and the choreography allows you to realize your strength and creativity. Hobbies are a wonderful way to relax, have fun, and create something for family and friends. I love my hobbies and they keep me grounded and free.

I volunteer at several non-profits in the communities surrounding my college. I volunteer at the Hospitality Shop. A non-profit thrift store that donates scholarships to local students and is focused on sustainability. I help organize the store and events. I volunteer with a group that helps local non-profits with their social media presence. I have helped several programs improve their posts or start their own social media pages. I help these non-profits connect not only with the communities they serve but with people who could donate or become volunteers. I volunteer at a local high school helping students determine their post-high school plans. Whether it is a four-year degree or an electrician apprenticeship, I work with them to achieve their goals and dreams. In the spring semester, I will also expand my work to help a foster transition home with technical and behind the scene support. I love all the work I do and love being able to support and serve the community that I live in while at college. It is very fulfilling.

I am passionate about helping people access education. I believe that everyone should be able to get the education they want in whatever form they may look like. I attend the University of the South which is in rural Tennessee. This semester I have been going to the local high schools in this rural area helping these students make decisions about their future. Whether they want to attend a 4 year school or get an apprenticeship to be an electrician I have been helping them figure out how to achieve this goal. I have helped them find scholarships, write a resume, and apply to schools. I spent my high school years wondering how everything worked for applying to college. I received minimal support and my friends who were first-generation received even less. To be able to go into these schools and help these kids get to college and be able to answer their questions and tell them things they didn't even know they needed to question is so exciting.

Every day I wake up and try to find my motivation. It could be different every day. One day, it might be the excitement of having lunch with a friend, and the next day it may be the idea that I get to make a difference in someone's life because of a volunteer opportunity. Sunday of this week I was excited to get out of bed and read scripture at church because my reading could reach someone in the congregation. Monday I was excited to wake up because I had a meeting with a non-profit I work with about their social media and how we can reach more people. Each thing that motivates me is underlined by the idea of spending time with and uplifting other people. My purpose is to help others and the opportunity to help someone every day is what gets me up and out of bed. Knowing that any act I do as small as a smile could change someone's day is enough to get me out of bed.

To me friendship means supporting and loving those around you. For me friendship is a deep connection that uplifts you throughout your life. I have been blessed to have many friends from many backgrounds in my life. Friends are the people who laugh with you, cry with you, and get in trouble with you. Friends are the ones who ask you if this is really a good idea and when you say I don’t know they say I guess we will find out. Friends push you out of your comfort zone but pull you out of danger. Friends are the ones who brag about how awesome you are and remind you to be humble when you get a big head. Friends are the people who show up when your grandmother is dying, sit with you, and don’t have to say a word to offer their support. Friendship is what makes life worth living. It is a source of joy.

Patience is the key for success in most aspects of life. Whether that be career, health, or relationships. In our careers and projects we have to have patience. Patience with our coworkers who are balancing personal and professional. Patient with the system we work for that can seem to take a long time to make any change and patient with the projects you are working on. Everything from teaching to marketing requires patience to see results. Patience is important when it comes to health. Physically it can take time to heal from injuries or see the effect of eating healthier. We also need patience for ourselves. If we are not patient with ourselves then our mental health can suffer. Being patient allows for what needs to happen to happen in its own time. In our relationships we cannot have strong connections with each other if we are not patient. We must understand that everyone comes with their own knowledge and baggage. We have to be patient as people learn new things or take time to become the best version of themselves. No one is perfect and the same patience and grace we need to extend to ourselves is what we need to extend to others.

The best way to live a long and healthy life is to make that your goal. Make intentional decisions everyday to live a long life. In the realm of physical health you should make good decisions that strengthen your body. Eating fruits and veggies, drinking water, going for a walk, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol all will lead to a longer life. In the realm of mental health. Taking time to check in with yourself. Surround yourself with people who make you happy and encourage you. If you are struggling with mental health seeking out the resources to help yourself is always the right move that will help you live you life to the fullest. Overall, the means to a long life is taking care of yourself physically and mentally.

Before the pandemic, my life was overscheduled and stressful. I was pulled in 20 different directions and barely had time for myself much less other people. My relationship with my brother suffered. We barely saw one another and when we did our interactions were often snippy. The pandemic sent everyone into lockdown and my brother and I were able to reconnect and have a better relationship. We spent more time together and talked to one another and fought less. My brother and I would work on homework together, play basketball, and go fishing in the neighborhood. I feel like I know my brother better now, because of the pandemic. Now, that I am in college and we do not get to see each other every day it is even nicer because we have this good relationship it means we have stayed friends even while I am at school. The pandemic improved my relationship with my brother and brought us closer together and for that I am thankful.