A look at my ideal bookshelf is like peering into a mixed bag of treasures, each chosen meticulously, influenced heavily by #BookTok recommendations. Among them, three titles stand out - "We Were Liars," "People We Meet on Vacation," and "It Ends With Us." Each has left a profound impact not only on me but also on the #BookTok community. "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart is a definite must-have. This captivating young adult thriller offered me a blend of suspense and emotion that's hard to forget. It unfurls the complexities of a seemingly perfect family, keeping its readers on their toes till an unexpected twist at the end. It's no surprise this addictive element of suspense caused waves within #BookTok. Thousands of users shared their shock over the plot twist, which sparked a frenzy of comments and dialogue. Next on my shelf, standing tall, is Emily Henry's refreshing masterpiece "People We Meet on Vacation." This travel-themed romance has a wonderful balance of humor, sentiment, and exploration. It says that adventures can open doors to self-discovery and love. The panoramic settings and relatable characters talk to the wanderlust and romantic in all of us, making it a hot topic on #BookTok. The hashtag "#PeopleWeMeetOnVacation" is filled with countless users swooning over the romantic journey, sharing travel experiences, and discussing their own personal growth. Last but undoubtedly not the least, "It Ends With Us" by Colleen Hoover is a must-have. It deals with raw, intense subjects like abusive relationships and resilience, delivered with care and depth. This book tugs at your heartstrings and leave you mulling over its story long after you've finished reading. It's made an impact on the #BookTok community like few other books have. The discussions around this book have been profoundly deep, urging readers to introspect on darker life issues and the strength it takes to break away. In conclusion, each of these titles holds its own unique place on my bookshelf. The suspense and thrill of "We Were Liars", the romantic wanderlust in "The People We Meet on Vacation", and the emotional journey in "It Ends With Us" each have left lasting impressions on #BookTok. Whether it's sparking plot-twist conversations or prompting deep introspections, each has contributed to the rich tapestry of #BookTok, making this lively corner of the internet a haven for voracious readers like myself. To me, these books aren't just printed words but immersive experiences, shared and cherished in this wonderful community.

My grandma was a very special person in my life. She lived in Kansas City and I always loved visiting her. Our bond got even stronger when she started battling severe dementia, a mental health issue that made her forget things. Being around my grandma during this time was really hard. But it also made me want to learn more about mental health and help others understand it better. It planted a big goal in my heart: to improve how people view mental health in our society. Even though dementia made my grandma forget a lot, we always found ways to connect, especially through arts and crafts. This taught me to be patient and to connect with people in different ways - not only using words. I believe these skills have made me a better friend and family member. Seeing my grandma's struggles with dementia also changed how I see others. It made me realize that everyone is fighting their own battles, even if we can't see them. It made me want to be more kind to people. It also made me want to change how people see mental health problems, because they are just as real as any physical illness. My grandma's battle with dementia led me to study psychology. I want to help others who are dealing with mental health problems, showing them they can still have good lives. I also want to spread the word about mental health to change people's minds for the better. In short, my grandma and her dementia really shaped me. She inspired me to be empathetic, to be a better communicator, and to help others understand mental health. She helped guide me in choosing my career path and giving me a mission: to make a difference in the world of mental health. Even though her dementia was hard, our time together was priceless, and I'll always be grateful for the lessons it taught me.

My name is Emma Thomsen, and I’ve lived all over due to my parents' jobs in the military. I love playing sports, like soccer and lacrosse, and I was on the cheer team. The hard work I put into these activities has taught me about leadership and being a part of a team. I also volunteered in our local basketball program and had a part-time job during high school which taught me a lot about responsibility. When I'm not playing sports or working, I spend my time learning about politics and the law because these are things I want to work on more in the future. So, why do I want to go to college? Well, that’s where I can learn more about politics and law before hopefully going to law school. Seeing my parents in the military, I know how important rules and structure are, and I want to be a part of making sure that everyone has a fair and just life. What have I learned from being in a military family that I can bring to college? Quite a lot! Moving around has taught me to be open-minded, and sports has taught me about teamwork. I've also learned about helping people by volunteering in my community. After college, my plan is to take all of my new knowledge back home. The first thing I want to do is help the kids in town. I think I can teach them a lot about teamwork from my sports experience and about how to do well in school based on my own journey. Even bigger than that, I think I can help my community with all of the knowledge I will gain. My town and others like it need someone who understands the rules and can fight for people's rights. I’d make sure the laws we have are fair for everyone, especially for military families like mine. I also want to show people in our town that it's possible to follow your dreams. I want them to see that working hard and learning can get you places. I think this could motivate others and create a positive change in our community. In the end, I'm excited to learn all I can in college and to take all of that knowledge back home. It’s not just about me growing and learning, it’s about bringing that growth back to my town. The more I learn, the more I can give back. That's what I'm really looking forward to. In conclusion, college is a big step that will help me achieve my goals. It’s going to be a place where I can combine my experiences from my community with new knowledge to help me reach my dream of going to law school. It's going to get me ready for the future that I want, and I can't wait to start.

My name is Emma Thomsen, I am Italian- American, and my great grandparents on my mom's side immigrated to the United States about 80 years ago. My mom is from New Haven, Connecticut and that's where I was born. For the first few years of my life I spent all my time with my very Italian grandmother, because both of my parents were serving in the U.S. military and were frequently on deployment. I am going to LSU in the fall for political science on a pre-law track. Right now, I am interested in governmental policy and the US government. My Italian heritage instilled in me values of hard work, resilience, and community, which have profoundly influenced my educational journey and aspirations. I am driven by a passion for understanding the complexities of governance and a commitment to fostering positive change within the political landscape. Growing up, my family emphasized the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge. This encouragement led me to excel in my studies, consistently achieving top grades and engaging actively in school activities. My interest in political science was sparked by an intrinsic curiosity about how societies function and the impact of governmental decisions on individuals' lives. I have pursued this interest through my many history classes, participation in debates, and involvement in student government. My goal is to understand the diverse political systems and ideologies that shape our world and to develop strategies for promoting democratic values and social justice. I am particularly interested in exploring how policies can address inequality and enhance civic engagement, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and represented. Beyond academics, I am committed to engaging with my community and advocating for positive change. I intend to join organizations that promote voter education and political participation, especially among underrepresented groups. By facilitating informed and active citizenship, I hope to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society. Additionally, I plan to undertake research projects that examine the impact of public policies on minority communities, aiming to highlight areas for reform and improvement. In the long term, I aspire to work in public service or as a policy analyst, where I can apply my knowledge and skills to craft effective, just, and inclusive policies. This scholarship will enable me to pursue my academic and career goals, equipping me with the tools to make a tangible difference in the political science field. As an Italian American, I am proud to carry forward the values of my heritage and dedicate myself to fostering a more equitable and informed society.