I vividly recall the day when my belief in God truly solidified. I was an eight-year-old boy at the time, and while I had a general understanding of Jesus and His significance, it often takes a personal experience to make faith real for a child. Looking back, my experience was more amusing than miraculous, but it meant the world to me back then. As I lay in bed, I gazed at the wall where a large, empty reptile tank rested on a wooden bookshelf. I felt a mix of fear and uncertainty. The reason for my anxiety was simple: we were planning to sell the lizard that was supposed to inhabit that very tank the next morning. The issue was that I hadn't seen the peculiar reptile in weeks. It had a habit of burrowing beneath the substrate in the tank, remaining hidden for days at a time. This time felt different, and my heart was heavy with the fear that it might have passed away under there. I dreaded the possibility of embarrassing myself by trying to sell someone a dead lizard. To make matters worse, I was too afraid to touch the creature because it was known for biting. So, in my young mind, my only option was to pray to Jesus for my little reptilian friend to be there when I woke up, and for everything to be alright. I prayed fervently that night, believing it to be a miracle in the making. The next morning, as I groggily awoke, the first thing I saw on the wall was the lizard, peacefully roaming inside the terrarium. I was nearly moved to tears. It had worked – God had heard my prayer. From that moment on, I had an even stronger faith in the Lord our Savior. In hindsight, it might sound a bit whimsical and lighthearted. Would I still believe in God to this day if the lizard had been lifeless? I certainly would. However, I genuinely believe that it left a profound impact on my heart at that moment, one that I'll never forget. This story is about an epiphany I had as a child. But it wouldn't have had the same meaning without the most influential religious figure in my life – my father. He's an exceptional person, and I look up to him more than anyone else in this world. While he and my mom made a few parenting mistakes, as everyone does, one area where they excelled was in teaching us about Christianity and Jesus. My dad served as a pastor for an extended period, and at a crucial point in my life, he was the pastor of a small Presbyterian church that met in our home. I learned so much from him, not just because he was my dad, but because he had a remarkable way of explaining things to me in a way that made sense. Whenever I had a question, whether it was ethical or religious, he always had a thoughtful answer that encouraged me to think for myself instead of providing a simple, dismissive response. These are some of the pivotal things in my life that have changed and impacted me as the person I am today. And I have many people to thank for that, however I can only really give credit to one, and that is Jesus our Lord and savior, who died on the cross for me because he loves me more than I could ever imagine. All glory to him, because he guided the many hands that effectively shaped me and my understanding of Him.

Alright, buckle up – let's dive deeper into why diverse voices in PR are like the superheroes of storytelling. We're not just talking about a sprinkle of diversity for optics; it's a full-on storytelling fiesta that transforms the game. Think about a world where PR isn't stuck in the same old story loop. Now, imagine diverse voices swooping in like a storytelling orchestra, each bringing its unique beat and rhythm to the stage. It's not just about shaking things up; it's about obliterating the mold into a gazillion fragments. Forget the one-size-fits-all approach – what we're diving into is a rich tapestry of narratives, a vibrant kaleidoscope showcasing the breathtaking spectrum of human experiences. In this revamped storytelling landscape, it's not just about breaking free from the shackles of routine; it's a rebellion against the narrative monotony that's been the status quo for too long. Picture this: narratives that refuse to conform, narratives that celebrate the beautifully chaotic symphony of voices that make up our world. So, no more recycling the same tired tales. Diverse voices are the architects of a new narrative universe, and they're not just tinkering around the edges; they're reshaping the very foundation of storytelling. This isn't a minor tweak; it's a seismic shift towards authenticity, towards stories that resonate on a deeply human level. It's about time we ditched the cookie-cutter narratives and embraced the unpredictability of diverse voices. This isn't just a call for diversity – it's a demand for a narrative revolution. Because in this brave new world, stories aren't just told; they're lived, felt, and celebrated in all their glorious diversity. Welcome to a storytelling renaissance where the kaleidoscope of human experiences takes center stage, and every voice adds a unique hue to the masterpiece of our collective story. And you know those stereotypes we're all tired of? Diverse voices annihilate them. Picture this: a world where your story isn't confined by someone else's preconceived notions. It's like a breath of fresh air, breaking down walls and giving voice to the stories that deserve to be heard. But it's not just about rebellion; it's about building trust. When you see someone on the screen or in an article who gets what you've been through, there's an instant connection. Trust isn't built on polished corporate speak; it's built on realness, and that's what diverse voices bring to the table. Now, let's zoom out a bit. In a world that sometimes feels like it's pulling itself apart, diverse voices are the glue. They're the bridge between different worlds, fostering understanding and empathy. It's not just about hearing; it's about listening and truly getting where someone else is coming from. So, the next time someone brushes off the importance of diverse voices in PR, remind them it's not about checkboxes – it's about rewriting the story of us. It's about letting the messy, beautiful reality shine through. Diverse voices aren't just a trend; they're the heart and soul of storytelling in the 21st century.

During our junior year, our soccer team, Lutheran High School Soccer, had a decent season, and we managed to reach the final four in the state after winning the district. One of our toughest opponents was a team called Chinquapin from Houston. Every time we faced them, whether it was at home or away, it turned into a rough and dirty game. They were not only challenging because of their aggressive play but also because they were pretty good at it. After one game at Chinquapin's home field, a particularly intense and dirty match, we managed to win by just one point. However, Coach Casper and Coach Wright weren't pleased with our behavior. They said we had almost matched Chinquapin's level of aggressiveness and unsportsmanlike conduct, which wasn't the way they wanted us to play. As a result, they made us run twenty-four "down and backs," which involved running back and forth across the field in front of the other team. Fast forward a few months, and we faced Chinquapin in the final four of the state, a game that held the key to the finals. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the clock ticked down, with just 45 seconds remaining. In a dramatic turn of events, Chinquapin managed to secure a one-point victory, making it one of the most challenging and intense matches our team had ever played. But what happened after the final whistle truly showcased the essence of sportsmanship. We, as a team, didn't let the intensity of the game cloud our judgment. Instead, we approached Chinquapin's players with respect and camaraderie. We shook their hands, congratulated them on their hard-fought victory, and genuinely wished them the best of luck in the finals. This simple act of goodwill demonstrated that we understood the importance of treating others as we would like to be treated ourselves. It's a lesson that transcends sports and finds its place in the core values of life. In the world of competition, you can't go very far without knowing how to treat others with respect and dignity. Our soccer journey had taught us that winning or losing is just one part of the game; the way you conduct yourself, especially in the face of adversity, is equally important. It's a principle that extends beyond the soccer field and into our lives, reminding us to always treat others with kindness and empathy, regardless of the circumstances. Not only that, the following day we ended up attending their championship game against another team and cheered for them louder than anyone else in the stands. Their entire school had come out to support them, and yet our Lutheran soccer team's cheering squad voices were the loudest. Even though they ended up losing the championship game, we walked onto the field, lifted them off the ground, shook their hands, and patted them on the back. We even helped comfort some of their players as they were in tears. Coach Wright mentioned that in his 45 years of teaching and coaching soccer, that was the proudest moment he had ever experienced as a coach. I'm immensely proud to have been part of that team. Playing sports is something that I feel in an invaluable experience, and it has truly helped formed me into the person I am today.

Life. That is what all of the photos I have submitted have in common. No matter, the hand you’ve been dealt in life, no matter how hard things might be for you, if you can learn to find the light with whatever dark situation you’re going through, and you can learn to laugh at the things that should make you miserable—including yourself sometimes—that’s how you really win life. These pictures that I have submitted are not the most extraordinary in the world, but they do not need to be. They are only meant to capture what we value most, but often forget… If I offered you 10 million dollars, would you take it? Yes? But the only catch is that you don't get to wake up tomorrow. Would you still take it? Of course not. So then, wake up every day with a smile on your face, because you are worth a million bucks. People will take these things for granted. But my true hope and passion is to capture moments that can best display “life”. And if even one of my photos can spark inspiration in someone else, I have achieved my goal in my photography journey. What surprises me most about humankind is that we get bored of our childhood, rush to grow up, and then yearn to be children again. That we lose our health, to make money, and then lose our money, to restore our health. That by thinking anxiously about the future.. we forget the present. such that we live in neither the present, nor the future. That we live, as if we were never going to die, and die as though we had never lived. My photos are something that I am passionate about, and I really believe that taking photos, videos, and just being able to capture those moments and memories is an invaluable thing. But even though I will always encourage people to bring a camera with them, we must also learn to capture these moments that will be gone all too quickly, with our minds. And cherish those memories forever.

Scotch tape. Tin foil. Styrofoam. Duct tape. String. My parents couldn't figure out for the life of them why those were the only items that I passionately requested the year I turned four when they asked me for my birthday requests. They just laughed in amusement at my seemingly childish, random gift list, until it all started coming together years down the road. I hadn't known back then how to articulate that I wanted raw building materials. Imagining up all sorts of creative projects was a favorite pastime, and I needed supplies to work with. They watched, intrigued, as I began to use those items to craft my own wallet, build an intricate model, or set up a scientific experiment. At the tender age of seven, I experienced an epiphany while sprinting down the basketball court with all the speed my little legs could muster. I came to an abrupt stop right in the center of the court, having reached a profound realization. When my parents inquired about why I had halted mid-game, I enthusiastically replied,"I figured out how to change the design of my Lego car, to make it able to drive on its own!" It was in that very instant that my parents realized I likely would not become a D1 athlete, but I did possess something truly remarkable. Fast forward a few years, and my creative outlets became more involved. Now I sought out wire and colored stone beads and cracked open lavender geodes from the stone yard. I spent hours twisting the metal into what would become a carefully crafted tree—a jagged base made of sparkling stone, branches bowing in the unseen wind, and leaves made of colorful, shimmering pebbles. A miniature masterpiece with my personal touches, each one a tad hard to release to its buyer. Embracing my innate creativity is a divine gift from God, and I take great pleasure in contemplating how I can utilize this talent to shape my future. Whether it's channeling my creativity into building computers from scratch, engineering intricate habitats for numerous reptiles, or conceptualizing and executing various projects, I envision using this ingenuity as a cornerstone of my life. My family has consistently provided supportive encouragement to fuel my creative endeavors, and for that I am grateful. They have helped my dreams take flight in various ways over the years. My journey, from a young child requesting basic materials to crafting intricate works of art and functional projects, has illuminated the significance of creativity and craftsmanship. It's not solely about the end product but the process itself—the joy of transforming abstract ideas into tangible reality. As I progress through my education and journey into the next phase of my life, I eagerly anticipate exploring new dimensions of creativity and bringing my visions to life. Creativity is not just a fleeting talent; it's a lifelong companion. In college and beyond, I wholeheartedly embrace the opportunities it brings, not only for my personal fulfillment but also for the positive impact it can have on others. It's not just about what I create but how my creativity can serve a purpose and bring joy to those around me.

During our junior year, our soccer team, Lutheran High School Soccer, had a decent season, and we managed to reach the final four in the state after winning the district. One of our toughest opponents was a team called Chinquapin from Houston. Every time we faced them, whether it was at home or away, it turned into a rough and dirty game. They were not only challenging because of their aggressive play but also because they were pretty good at it. After one game at Chinquapin's home field, a particularly intense and dirty match, we managed to win by just one point. However, Coach Casper and Coach Wright weren't pleased with our behavior. They said we had almost matched Chinquapin's level of aggressiveness and unsportsmanlike conduct, which wasn't the way they wanted us to play. As a result, they made us run twenty-four "down and backs," which involved running back and forth across the field in front of the other team. Fast forward a few months, and we faced Chinquapin in the final four of the state, a game that held the key to the finals. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the clock ticked down, with just 45 seconds remaining. In a dramatic turn of events, Chinquapin managed to secure a one-point victory, making it one of the most challenging and intense matches our team had ever played. But what happened after the final whistle truly showcased the essence of sportsmanship. We, as a team, didn't let the intensity of the game cloud our judgment. Instead, we approached Chinquapin's players with respect and camaraderie. We shook their hands, congratulated them on their hard-fought victory, and genuinely wished them the best of luck in the finals. This simple act of goodwill demonstrated that we understood the importance of treating others as we would like to be treated ourselves. It's a lesson that transcends sports and finds its place in the core values of life. In the world of competition, you can't go very far without knowing how to treat others with respect and dignity. Our soccer journey had taught us that winning or losing is just one part of the game; the way you conduct yourself, especially in the face of adversity, is equally important. It's a principle that extends beyond the soccer field and into our lives, reminding us to always treat others with kindness and empathy, regardless of the circumstances. Not only that, the following day we ended up attending their championship game against another team and cheered for them louder than anyone else in the stands. Their entire school had come out to support them, and yet our Lutheran soccer team's cheering squad voices were the loudest. Even though they ended up losing the championship game, we walked onto the field, lifted them off the ground, shook their hands, and patted them on the back. We even helped comfort some of their players as they were in tears. Coach Wright mentioned that in his 45 years of teaching and coaching soccer, that was the proudest moment he had ever experienced as a coach. I'm immensely proud to have been part of that team.

Tennis has always been an incredibly impactful sport for me. Ever since I first set foot on the court, I've been captivated by the sensation of it all – the texture, the size, and, most importantly, the feeling that I'm engaged in an epic game of giant ping pong. However, my enduring tennis journey owes much to one individual: my tennis coach. He stands out as one of the finest coaches I've had, surpassing even the memories of my dad coaching my 3rd-grade soccer team. His influence extended far beyond the tennis court's boundaries. He was a guiding light in my life, teaching me not only the art of tennis but also invaluable life skills. With unwavering dedication, he nurtured my passion for the sport, inspiring me to push my limits and strive for excellence. His lessons went beyond the forehand and backhand; they delved into the realms of patience, discipline, and resilience. My coach was exceptional, not just in the realm of tennis but also as a mentor, imparting invaluable life lessons alongside the fundamentals of the sport. He instilled in me the values of integrity and perseverance, always pushing me to improve. In my younger days, one of his simplest yet impactful methods of encouragement was to have me swiftly gather all the balls strewn across the court after each practice drill. Those seemingly minor tasks, like darting across the court to retrieve stray tennis balls, held within them a profound power to mold my character. They weren't just about discipline; they were about dedication, about the unwavering commitment to the pursuit of excellence. As I reflect upon those moments, it's clear that my coach didn't merely teach me to hit a forehand or execute a perfect serve. He instilled in me a sense of purpose and resilience that transcends the boundaries of the tennis court. I can't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for the countless hours my coach invested in me, not only as a tennis player but as a person. His guidance extended beyond the confines of sportsmanship. It was about fostering integrity, about instilling a work ethic that would serve me well in all facets of life. The impact of his mentorship reverberates through the years, a constant reminder of the profound influence one person can have on another. Whenever I step onto the tennis court today, it's not just the game I embrace, but the enduring lessons in determination and honor that my coach imparted to me. It's why, to this day, I can never resist the call of a quick match of tennis.