If I had to pick one book that I think everyone in the world should read, hands down, it would be "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. This timeless masterpiece really hits home with its exploration of basic human values, social injustices, and the complexities of empathy and morality. Set in the racially charged environment of the American South in the 1930s, "To Kill a Mockingbird" follows the story of Atticus Finch, a principled lawyer who defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. The novel tackles themes of racial prejudice, social inequality, and the courage to take a stand for what's right, even when the odds are stacked against you. What makes "To Kill a Mockingbird" stand out is its ability to transcend time and cultural barriers, offering profound insights into the human condition that resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. By diving into the complexities of race, class, and justice, the book challenges readers to confront their own biases and prejudices, promoting a deeper understanding of the importance of tolerance and compassion. But that's not all— "To Kill a Mockingbird" also serves as a powerful catalyst for discussions on social justice and equality, making it an invaluable tool for fostering empathy and understanding in our diverse and interconnected world. Its timeless message reminds us that, no matter our differences, we are all part of the same humanity and have a responsibility to strive for a fair and just society. By encouraging readers to put themselves in the shoes of characters from different walks of life, "To Kill a Mockingbird" nurtures empathy and compassion, planting the seeds for positive social change. In a world often plagued by division and discord, the lessons of empathy and tolerance found in this remarkable novel are more vital than ever. That's why, if I could choose just one book for everyone to read, it would be "To Kill a Mockingbird," because its powerful message has the potential to inspire positive change and bring humanity together in our shared pursuit of justice and equality.

Certainly! Here's a potential response: --- One lyric from Olivia Rodrigo's ‘GUTS’ that deeply resonates with my own teenage experience is from the song "Jealousy, Jealousy": "All I see is what I should be, happier, prettier, jealousy, jealousy." This lyric encapsulates the pervasive feelings of comparison and inadequacy that often accompany adolescence, as well as the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards set by society and peers. During my teenage years, I constantly found myself grappling with the overwhelming desire to measure up to the perceived successes and appearances of others. Whether it was scrolling through social media feeds filled with carefully curated snapshots of seemingly perfect lives or comparing myself to classmates who appeared to effortlessly excel in various aspects of their lives, the relentless cycle of comparison left me feeling inadequate and consumed by jealousy. The lyric "All I see is what I should be, happier, prettier, jealousy, jealousy" vividly captures the internal struggle of battling against unrealistic expectations while simultaneously grappling with feelings of envy towards those who seem to effortlessly embody them. In the age of social media, where curated images and filtered narratives often distort reality, the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and happiness can be overwhelming for teenagers. Furthermore, the lyric speaks to the universal experience of grappling with self-doubt and insecurity during adolescence. As teenagers navigate the complexities of identity formation and self-discovery, they are often bombarded with conflicting messages about who they should be and what they should aspire to become. In the quest to fit in and be accepted, many teenagers find themselves compromising their authenticity and sacrificing their true selves in pursuit of an idealized image of perfection. Moreover, the lyric highlights the insidious nature of comparison and its detrimental impact on mental health and self-esteem. Constantly measuring oneself against others not only fosters feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt but also perpetuates a toxic cycle of jealousy and resentment. Rather than celebrating their own unique qualities and accomplishments, teenagers often find themselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of comparison, constantly seeking validation and approval from others. In conclusion, Olivia Rodrigo's lyric "All I see is what I should be, happier, prettier, jealousy, jealousy" poignantly captures the essence of adolescence and the challenges that come with it. Through its raw and honest portrayal of the pervasive feelings of comparison, inadequacy, and jealousy that plague teenagers, the lyric serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance, authenticity, and resilience in the face of societal pressures and expectations.

I would like to begin my essay by saying rest in peace to Linda Kay Monroe Whelan, and to thank her for giving back to her community. My experience in giving back to my community started 10 years ago, just by donating change to St. Jude's Children's Hospital via a school fundraiser. It meant a lot to me knowing that other kids my age would be receiving treatment thanks to mine and many others' contribution. Jumping forward to 2022, my community service in volunteering began with my sister encouraging me to help at the Alameda County Community Food Bank in my spare time (which I will call "the food bank" throughout this essay). Though I was hesitant to wake up early when I typically sleep in, I pushed myself to go. On my first day, I was able to meet many beautiful people from different backgrounds and walks of life with some even coming from Southern California for vacation and ending up volunteering. I saw the true incredibility of the effort produced by a community to help the less fortunate, and I was inspired to keep volunteering at the food bank. Gradually, looking at food meant an entirely different thing to me than before. Prior to beginning my community service, I took food for granted as my parents were able to provide it consistently, however now I notice that many others don't have this necessity. It shocked me to hear that a quarter of families in Alameda County struggle with food insecurity. I had been blind to the epidemic of hunger in America, only seeing what was in my own home and never in my friend's, in my neighbor's, in my teacher's, in my classmate's, in millions of American's that aren't able to provide food for their families for a variety of factors. Noticing this infinitely increased my gratitude for the opportunities and resources I've been given, and I was, and still am inspired to make a change. Continuing to volunteer, I was able to become a Lead Volunteer in July of 2023, granting me permission to use machinery and guide volunteers with whatever assistance they need. This doesn't mean I was exempt from bagging produce and distributing it, but is a sign of trust from the food bank staff (those who nominated me for the role). I am further encouraged to speak to my fellow volunteers, in which I have found that many of them, at some point in their lives, had to decide whether to spend their paycheck on groceries or other necessities like gas or rent. It is jaw-dropping to me that this is a decision people have to make in the richest country in the world. Due to my experiences in the food bank and seeing what people have endured, in college I hope to study humanities in hopes of either making a direct change in the government or making an organization that assists others, much like the food bank gives back to the community. If I choose to pursue a bachelor's or doctorate, it will be in political science to see what I can do to solve the social issues in my community, not only fight them. For if we do not cure food insecurity at its core, we will continue treating its symptoms until the end of time. Overall, giving back to my community via volunteering has shaped the way I think about the unused abundance of food in America, the crisis of hunger, and what I can do to fight against it and encourage others to. Thank you for your consideration, Faris Eltaki