This fall, I will be attending North Carolina A&T University, I am a first generation college student and have been through many things throughout my short life. Although everyone has their own story to tell, everyone’s is significant and how they became the person that they are today. On the verge of the middle of my 7th-grade year in middle school, COVID-19 struck, leaving me to up and move from everyone I had known for almost 8 years to an entirely different setting. My 8th-grade year of middle school was spent online, isolated away from everyone and any social interactions. Throughout this time, I slowly started to lose that spark I had when I was a child. My mind raced with thoughts that never stopped to rest, while my anxiety grew up behind me, like a shadow pulling me farther and farther down into its clutches. For the first time since I had left elementary school, I felt that this was my lowest. Then came high school. As a kid, you watch the high school rom-coms that Disney made and dream that high school would be just like that for you, though it's not what it seems. My 9th grade year of high school is what I would call the lowest point of my life, and that's something coming from a then 14-year-old girl. I had begun growing into a deep depression, that made me not want to get up in the mornings and go to school. When I did go to school, I had panic attacks in the hallways on the way to classes, due to all the people in the way. I was scared of how people would perceive and view me, so I enclosed myself in my bubble, making my depression and anxiety worse. What brings me joy, is the feeling of being able to say I made it, the feeling of overcoming something I thought I would never get over, and being able to open my eyes each morning to make myself a better version of myself than I was yesterday. Transitioning from someone who used to think the world was against her, to someone who lives for every opportunity thrown her way brings me that satisfaction of joy and succesfulness I yearned for in my times of need. Being the oldest of all my siblings, I am the one they look up to the most, being that role model for them lets me know I did something right. Having this chance to come into my senior year of high school knowing the things I have experienced and gone through alone, is enough joy and prosperous well-being for what the future holds for me. I plan to take my degree and make my art into clothing for those who love what I do, as well as giving back to my community into my mother who raised me single-handedly by herself. This opportunity is very grave and severe as the state of the world right now is not very good, but I have high hopes that I will be able to pursue my education and fill my heart while earns to learn more.

The personal achievement that I am most proud of is my ability to keep going even when things get hard. Throughout my life, I have been through many things and I’ve seen so many things, which has pushed me to do bigger and better things for my future. I have taught myself how to draw and have known how to draw for nine years. This is an achievement because I often told myself growing up that I couldn’t do a lot of things and yet I never once told myself that I couldn’t draw, sparking a new found, hobby in lifelong interest that is stuck with me for so long. My second personal achievement comes from completing high school. I struggled with severe anxiety and depression my freshman year of high school due to quarantine the previous years due to this I was unable to communicate properly in school and was still adjusting back to being in person. Just left me confused and in a tight bubble that I wouldn’t let anyone pop. Slowly, I started emerging out of that bubble and by sophomore year I was talking more and getting out of my bubble, that year I ran for the homecoming court, but I did not get to the final round. My junior year I came out of my bubble even more I once again ran for homecoming court, and surprisingly I was selected and able to represent my school with my dignity, perseverance, knowledge. This was just a surface of me, emerging from my bubble and emerging from the chains of would help me back in previous years. My senior year sent me back a little since I had to move schools in an entirely different state, starting me back from point a from which I had worked so hard to come from. Luckily I did not let this hold me back. I worked hard on my grades and I worked hard in school as well as what the people surrounding me to show them. What a great, loving, and kind person I was. A senior year I did not run for homecoming court as I had already won and wanted someone else to have the opportunity of blessing the school with their grace. When the second semester came around, I decided that I wanted to run for prom Queen this year as I had never done so before, and I was scared of the competition, mainly cheerleaders, who have been there since the beginning and I was just a newcomer. Again to my surprise, I was awarded many awards during our senior ceremony and I also got the chance of being prom queen I was the only one who ended up running and showed dedication and commitment to getting where I want to be. I see all of this to say my biggest accomplishment is coming out of the bubble that once held me back in life, it made me feel as if I would never get out. This shows that even though you may be the shyest person in the room, that can never prevent you from finding your true calling and being great.

My name is Harmane Amirah Calloway, and I am my mother's first child, as well as one of the first in my family to go to college. Going to an HBCU was not my intended dream as a child, but I knew what I wantwd to be. As I grew older, I learned that my mom’s dream school was A&T, and that she gave up her dreams for me. Ever since I was a little girl, my mom has told me to "dream big, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.", and with that statement came so many provisions and profound future careers you could even think of. Throughout my life, we were constantly moved around from school to school, making it harder for me to adapt to my surroundings, yet this did not stop any of my dreams. Most people go to college to make it rich in life, and to be wealthy with a known name, yet, my ambitions are different. I have decided to major in Business and Entrepreneurship. As a young girl, I wanted to be so many things, a cheerleader, a baker, a princess, and even an artist at one point who traveled the globe to paint famous people, even though all of these are possible, I had my mind set on two: Baking and Art. Now that I am much older, I know what traits I would want within myself and to give back to others. Achieving my degree in Business and entrepreneurship would set a new bar for the rest of my family, along with my siblings who look up to me. It would also help me to make a name for myself, one that would be used with great cause and dedication to its craft. I want to be the first in my family to achieve their bachelor's degree and beat teenage pregnancy, the first to break generational curses and show how high-spirited and ambitious my dreams truly are. And lastly, I want to someday give it all back to the woman who gave up her dreams for me to achieve and soar to mine, my mom. All of my hard work is not just a dream, but a mission that I need to complete my ultimate goal.  I was often seen as meek and small, but my spirit has grown wiser, stronger, more vibrantly, and tall. I hope to make my family proud, and I also hope to set the bar for all the younger little girls whose dreams were just like mine. With my degree, I plan to open my own bakery and my own clothing brand, just as my younger self would have wanted, infusing art with my passion for clothing and design, and baking with my love for creativity and uniqueness within my life. Attending an HBCU would allow me to open my horizons and explore new possibilities within my range, and teach me to soar and reach higher towards my dreams. Being around people who are like me and have things in common with me is something I have always dreamed of, along with being somewhere that accepts me and does not make me feel unwelcomed. A&T is now my dream school, and I plan to do extraordinary things with my time at A&T.

My name is Harmane Amirah Calloway, and I am my mother's first child, as well as one of the first in my family to go to college. Ever since I was a little girl, my mom has told me to "dream big, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.", and with that statement came so many provisions and profound future careers you could even think of. Throughout my life, we were constantly moved around from school to school, making it harder for me to adapt to my surroundings, yet this did not stop any of my dreams. Most people go to college to make it rich in life, and to be wealthy with a known name, yet, my ambitions are different. I have decided to major in Business and Entrepreneurship. As a young girl, I wanted to be so many things, a cheerleader, a baker, a princess, and even an artist at one point who traveled the globe to paint famous people, even though all of these are possible, I had my mind set on two: Baking and Art. Now that I am much older, I know what traits I would want within myself and to give back to others. Achieving my degree in Business and entrepreneurship would set a new bar for the rest of my family, along with my siblings who look up to me. It would also help me to make a name for myself, one that would be used with great cause and dedication to its craft. I want to be the first in my family to achieve their bachelor's degree and beat teenage pregnancy, the first to break generational curses and show how high-spirited and ambitious my dreams truly are. And lastly, I want to someday give it all back to the woman who gave up her dreams for me to achieve and soar to mine, my mom. All of my hard work is not just a dream, but a mission that I need to complete my ultimate goal.  I was often seen as meek and small, but my spirit has grown wiser, stronger, more vibrantly, and tall. I hope to make my family proud, and I also hope to set the bar for all the younger little girls whose dreams were just like mine. With my degree, I plan to open my own bakery and my own clothing brand, just as my younger self would have wanted, infusing art with my passion for clothing and design, and baking with my love for creativity and uniqueness within my life. “Because I am female, I am expected to aspire to marriage. I am expected to make my life choices always keeping in mind that marriage is the most important.” This is a quote by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, A Nigerian woman, author, and activist who made a statement from her infamous speech We Should All Be Feminists. I do not want to be the stereotype of the average female, I want to be a testament to the things women can do without the likes of men. I have decided to major in Business and Entrepreneurship. As a young girl, I wanted to be so many things: a cheerleader, a baker, a princess, and even an artist at one point who traveled the globe to paint famous people. Even though all of these are possible, I had my mind set on two: Baking and Art. I never knew how many different surfaces there were to art until I joined Instagram in my freshman year of high school. I instantly fell in love with all the different clothes I saw, and knew then and there I wanted to find my own style. Achieving my degree in Business and entrepreneurship would set a new bar for the rest of my family, along with my siblings, who look up to me. It would also help me to make a name for myself, one that would be used with great cause and dedication to my craft and creating pieces of fashion that no one has thought of or seen before. I want to be the first in my family to achieve my bachelor's degree and beat teenage pregnancy, the first to break generational curses and show how high-spirited and ambitious my dreams truly are. And lastly, I want to someday give it all back to the woman who gave up her dreams for me to achieve and soar to mine, my mom. All of my hard work is not just a dream, but a mission that I need to complete to achieve my goal and the life that I aspire to live.

When I was younger, I often found myself trying to be a follower and not a leader. My mother taught me different from this, she taught me to take charge and set an example. My mom had always been my example, the one I looked up to, as she had planned to go to college beginning she had me, giving up her dreams for my future. At that point, I was only a little girl who thought she wanted to pursue cheerleading when she got older. My first realization came in middle school, before covid drastically changed everyone’s lives, I was placed in an art class. I never took drawing seriously, as it was just a way for me to escape reality when things got too overwhelming. In that art class, I felt something spark within me, wanting me to be greater and better, giving me something I could excel within. At that moment, I had decided I wanted to go to Cal Arts, a prestigious art school in California where all the big leagues went. When I told my mom this, she told me to follow my dreams and to be the leader she taught me to be. My second realization came a year or so after starting high school. I was in the process of deciding what classes I wanted and saw a culinary class listed. By then, I had been cooking since eleven, plus I loved to bake sweets and eat any that came within my site. I signed up for that class and found a new love for something I didn’t know I had so deep. My tenth grade year was filled with boundless opportunities, as I was offered the chance at going to a retreat called Project Inclusion with some of my classmates for 3-nights. I learned so much about people’s lives that I knew nothing about, all while figuring things out about myself. That entire year felt so belonging and natural, allowing me the chance to flourish my bubble into the world. I went into my junior year of high school, I was still deadset on going to culinary school in New York. I had the high school life I had always dreamed of, and nothing was holding me back from conquering my other dreams. That year, I decided to run for homecoming court, which I had done previously in my sophomore year. Not expecting to win, I did put all my efforts into a seamless campaign, and was given the honors of being on the court. After all this, something happened during the middle of the peak of my junior year, which caused me to fall into a deep depression, and ultimately me deciding if staying somewhere where I was no longer happy was the ultimatum, or my education I had worked so long and hard for. So in the middle of my junior year, I gathered all of my things and moved to an entirely different state, while knowing no one, and starting from scratch. My third realization finally came one day in the car with my mom, when she told me how proud of me she was, and how many career opportunities I could choose from. Then and there I decided on business as my focal point, giving tme the opportunity to establish my own bakery and clothing lines if I chose to do so. Although my senior year is not over, I have completed so many things, especially learning how to re-emerge from my bubble, starting off with being one of the head senior leaders at my new school.

When I was younger, I often found myself trying to be a follower and not a leader. My mother taught me different from this, she taught me to take charge and set an example. My mom had always been my example, the one I looked up to, as she had planned to go to college beginning she had me, giving up her dreams for my future. At that point, I was only a little girl who thought she wanted to pursue cheerleading when she got older. My first realization came in middle school, before covid drastically changed everyone’s lives, I was placed in an art class. I never took drawing seriously, as it was just a way for me to escape reality when things got too overwhelming. In that art class, I felt something spark within me, wanting me to be greater and better, giving me something I could excel within. At that moment, I had decided I wanted to go to Cal Arts, a prestigious art school in California where all the big leagues went. When I told my mom this, she told me to follow my dreams and to be the leader she taught me to be. My second realization came a year or so after starting high school. I was in the process of deciding what classes I wanted and saw a culinary class listed. By then, I had been cooking since eleven, plus I loved to bake sweets and eat any that came within my site. I signed up for that class and found a new love for something I didn’t know I had so deep. My tenth grade year was filled with boundless opportunities, as I was offered the chance at going to a retreat called Project Inclusion with some of my classmates for 3-nights. I learned so much about people’s lives that I knew nothing about, all while figuring things out about myself. That entire year felt so belonging and natural, allowing me the chance to flourish my bubble into the world. I went into my junior year of high school, I was still deadset on going to culinary school in New York. I had the high school life I had always dreamed of, and nothing was holding me back from conquering my other dreams. That year, I decided to run for homecoming court, which I had done previously in my sophomore year. Not expecting to win, I did put all my efforts into a seamless campaign, and was given the honors of being on the court. After all this, something happened during the middle of the peak of my junior year, which caused me to fall into a deep depression, and ultimately me deciding if staying somewhere where I was no longer happy was the ultimatum, or my education I had worked so long and hard for. So in the middle of my junior year, I gathered all of my things and moved to an entirely different state, while knowing no one, and starting from scratch. My third realization finally came one day in the car with my mom, when she told me how proud of me she was, and how many career opportunities I could choose from. Then and there I decided on business as my focal point, giving tme the opportunity to establish my own bakery and clothing lines if I chose to do so. Although my senior year is not over, I have completed so many things, especially learning how to re-emerge from my bubble, starting off with being one of the head senior leaders at my new school.

When I was younger, I often found myself trying to be a follower and not a leader. My mother taught me different from this, she taught me to take charge and set an example. My mom had always been my example, the one I looked up to, as she had planned to go to college beginning she had me, giving up her dreams for my future. At that point, I was only a little girl who thought she wanted to pursue cheerleading when she got older. My first realization came in middle school, before covid drastically changed everyone’s lives, I was placed in an art class. I never took drawing seriously, as it was just a way for me to escape reality when things got too overwhelming. In that art class, I felt something spark within me, wanting me to be greater and better, giving me something I could excel within. At that moment, I had decided I wanted to go to Cal Arts, a prestigious art school in California where all the big leagues went. When I told my mom this, she told me to follow my dreams and to be the leader she taught me to be. My second realization came a year or so after starting high school. I was in the process of deciding what classes I wanted and saw a culinary class listed. By then, I had been cooking since eleven, plus I loved to bake sweets and eat any that came within my site. I signed up for that class and found a new love for something I didn’t know I had so deep. My tenth grade year was filled with boundless opportunities, as I was offered the chance at going to a retreat called Project Inclusion with some of my classmates for 3-nights. I learned so much about people’s lives that I knew nothing about, all while figuring things out about myself. That entire year felt so belonging and natural, allowing me the chance to flourish my bubble into the world. I went into my junior year of high school, I was still deadset on going to culinary school in New York. I had the high school life I had always dreamed of, and nothing was holding me back from conquering my other dreams. That year, I decided to run for homecoming court, which I had done previously in my sophomore year. Not expecting to win, I did put all my efforts into a seamless campaign, and was given the honors of being on the court. After all this, something happened during the middle of the peak of my junior year, which caused me to fall into a deep depression, and ultimately me deciding if staying somewhere where I was no longer happy was the ultimatum, or my education I had worked so long and hard for. So in the middle of my junior year, I gathered all of my things and moved to an entirely different state, while knowing no one, and starting from scratch. My third realization finally came one day in the car with my mom, when she told me how proud of me she was, and how many career opportunities I could choose from. Then and there I decided on business as my focal point, giving tme the opportunity to establish my own bakery and clothing lines if I chose to do so. Although my senior year is not over, I have completed so many things, especially learning how to re-emerge from my bubble, starting off with being one of the head senior leaders at my new school.

When I was younger, I often found myself trying to be a follower and not a leader. My mother taught me different from this, she taught me to take charge and set an example. My mom had always been my example, the one I looked up to, as she had planned to go to college beginning she had me, giving up her dreams for my future. At that point, I was only a little girl who thought she wanted to pursue cheerleading when she got older. My first realization came in middle school, before covid drastically changed everyone’s lives, I was placed in an art class. I never took drawing seriously, as it was just a way for me to escape reality when things got too overwhelming. In that art class, I felt something spark within me, wanting me to be greater and better, giving me something I could excel within. At that moment, I had decided I wanted to go to Cal Arts, a prestigious art school in California where all the big leagues went. When I told my mom this, she told me to follow my dreams and to be the leader she taught me to be. My second realization came a year or so after starting high school. I was in the process of deciding what classes I wanted and saw a culinary class listed. By then, I had been cooking since eleven, plus I loved to bake sweets and eat any that came within my site. I signed up for that class and found a new love for something I didn’t know I had so deep. My tenth grade year was filled with boundless opportunities, as I was offered the chance at going to a retreat called Project Inclusion with some of my classmates for 3-nights. I learned so much about people’s lives that I knew nothing about, all while figuring things out about myself. That entire year felt so belonging and natural, allowing me the chance to flourish my bubble into the world. I went into my junior year of high school, I was still deadset on going to culinary school in New York. I had the high school life I had always dreamed of, and nothing was holding me back from conquering my other dreams. That year, I decided to run for homecoming court, which I had done previously in my sophomore year. Not expecting to win, I did put all my efforts into a seamless campaign, and was given the honors of being on the court. After all this, something happened during the middle of the peak of my junior year, which caused me to fall into a deep depression, and ultimately me deciding if staying somewhere where I was no longer happy was the ultimatum, or my education I had worked so long and hard for. So in the middle of my junior year, I gathered all of my things and moved to an entirely different state, while knowing no one, and starting from scratch. My third realization finally came one day in the car with my mom, when she told me how proud of me she was, and how many career opportunities I could choose from. Then and there I decided on business as my focal point, giving tme the opportunity to establish my own bakery and clothing lines if I chose to do so. Although my senior year is not over, I have completed so many things, especially learning how to re-emerge from my bubble, starting off with being one of the head senior leaders at my new school.

My 8th-grade year of middle school was spent online, isolated away from everyone and any social interactions. Then came high school. As a kid, you watch the high school rom-coms that Disney made and dream that high school would be just like that for you, though it's not what it seems. My 9th grade year of high school is what I would call the lowest point of my life, and that's something coming from a then 14-year-old girl. I had begun growing into a deep depression, that made me not want to get up in the mornings and go to school. When I did go to school, I had panic attacks in the hallways on the way to classes, due to all the people in the way. I was scared of how people would perceive and view me, so I enclosed myself in my bubble, making my depression and anxiety worse, I was left with no ounce of joy. One day, as I lay in the darkness of my room, I began to think for myself, how I wanted better for myself. I had spent so much time telling myself how I no longer wanted to be here, I never once asked myself why I was meant to be here. Was the sight of the sun whisking its face from beneath the clouds not a reason to have joy for the opportunity of having life? After my epiphany, I decided to get myself help. I went to my mom and dad, and sat them down, explaining to them what I had been going through, and how much it had made me struggle. Once I had explained, they offered to get me help, a therapist, who would help me embrace all the insecurities and challenges I thought only I could face alone. When I first started going to my therapist, I was hesitant to open up about myself and my feelings, as I thought she would use them against me, which was not the case. She welcomed me to her space with open arms and comfort, something I thought I wouldn't find when looking for someone willing to help me with my problems. Over time I was going to my therapist, and I slowly started changing, only in the smallest of ways, only noticeable to me. In school, my panic attacks had decreased, and I had started making friends with people who matched my vibes. And to think that a couple of months prior I was struggling to even speak. After a couple of months, I had stopped going to thelapy, by then my 10th-grade year had approached like the speed of light, and this time around, I was talking more but more reserved, l also began participating in school-based activities. By my 11th grade year of high school, I had fully burst out of my bubble and found myself running for homecoming court, to which I had the honor of being chosen for. Transitioning from someone who used to think the world was against her, to someone who lives for every opportunity thrown her way brings me that satisfaction of joy and succesfulness I yearned for in my times of need. Being the oldest of all my siblings, I am the one they look up to the most, being that role model for them lets me know I did something right. Having this chance to come into my senior year of high school knowing the things I have experienced and gone through alone, is enough joy and prosperous well-being for what the future holds for me.

My 8th-grade year of middle school was spent online, isolated away from everyone and any social interactions. Throughout this time, I slowly started to lose that spark I had when I was a child. My mind raced with thoughts that never stopped to rest, while my anxiety grew up behind me, like a shadow pulling me farther and farther down into its clutches. For the first time since I had left elementary school, I felt that this was my lowest. Then came high school. As a kid, you watch the high school rom-coms that Disney made and dream that high school would be just like that for you, though it's not what it seems. My 9th grade year of high school is what I would call the lowest point of my life, and that's something coming from a then 14-year-old girl. I had begun growing into a deep depression, that made me not want to get up in the mornings and go to school. When I did go to school, I had panic attacks in the hallways on the way to classes, due to all the people in the way. I was scared of how people would perceive and view me, so I enclosed myself in my bubble, making my depression and anxiety worse, I was left with no ounce of joy. After my epiphany, I decided to get myself help. I went to my mom and dad, and sat them down, explaining to them what I had been going through, and how much it had made me struggle. Once I had explained, they offered to get me help, a therapist, who would help me embrace all the insecurities and challenges I thought only I could face alone. When I first started going to my therapist, I was hesitant to open up about myself and my feelings, as I thought she would use them against me, which was not the case. She welcomed me to her space with open arms and comfort, something I thought I wouldn't find when looking for someone willing to help me with my problems. Over time I was going to my therapist, and I slowly started changing, only in the smallest of ways, only noticeable to me. In school, my panic attacks had decreased, and I had started making friends with people who matched my vibes. And to think that a couple of months prior I was struggling to even speak. After a couple of months, I had stopped going to thelapy, by then my 10th-grade year had approached like the speed of light, and this time around, I was talking more but more reserved, l also began participating in school-based activities. By my 11th grade year of high school, I had fully burst out of my bubble and found myself running for homecoming court, to which I had the honor of being chosen for. Transitioning from someone who used to think the world was against her, to someone who lives for every opportunity thrown her way brings me that satisfaction of joy and succesfulness I yearned for in my times of need. Being the oldest of all my siblings, I am the one they look up to the most, being that role model for them lets me know I did something right. Having this chance to come into my senior year of high school knowing the things I have experienced and gone through alone, is enough joy and prosperous well-being for what the future holds for me.

One would say they had the most joy when they were a child, and I would belone to agree throughout my childhood, my mom made sure I had everything I ever wanted or needed, bringing me immense joy and no worries. Though my father was present in my life, it was as if he was absent too. While my mom made sure to show up to every little important event or something that brought importance to me, that small satisfaction of joy, my father would make excuses or not show up, bringing down the joy I felt when I was told he'd show. My 8th-grade year of middle school was spent online, isolated away from everyone and any social interactions. Throughout this time, I slowly started to lose that spark I had when I was a child. Then came high school. As a kid, you watch the high school rom-coms that Disney made and dream that high school would be just like that for you, though it's not what it seems. My 9th grade year of high school is what I would call the lowest point of my life, and that's something coming from a then 14-year-old girl. I had begun growing into a deep depression, that made me not want to get up in the mornings and go to school. When I did go to school, I had panic attacks in the hallways on the way to classes, due to all the people in the way. I was scared of how people would perceive and view me, so I enclosed myself in my bubble, making my depression and anxiety worse. When I first started going to my therapist, I was hesitant to open up about myself and my feelings, as I thought she would use them against me, which was not the case. She welcomed me to her space with open arms and comfort, something I thought I wouldn't find when looking for someone willing to help me with my problems. Over time I was going to my therapist, and I slowly started changing, only in the smallest of ways, only noticeable to me. In school, my panic attacks had decreased, and I had started making friends with people who matched my vibes. And to think that a couple of months prior I was struggling to even speak. After a couple of months, I had stopped going to thelapy, by then my 10th-grade year had approached like the speed of light, and this time around, I was talking more but more reserved, l also began participating in school-based activities. By my 11th grade year of high school, I had fully burst out of my bubble and found myself running for homecoming court, to which I had the honor of being chosen for. Transitioning from someone who used to think the world was against her, to someone who lives for every opportunity thrown her way brings me that satisfaction of joy and succesfulness I yearned for in my times of need. Being the oldest of all my siblings, I am the one they look up to the most, being that role model for them lets me know I did something right. Having this chance to come into my senior year of high school knowing the things I have experienced and gone through alone.

When asked what brings one joy in our generation, the majority would say partying, vaping, or getting wasted, which is a teenager's ideal night out, yet I had always been different from the rest. From a young age, was very abundant and charismatic with others, I was always one to try to impress people and saw the world in colors and images in my head that only I could explain. One would say they had the most joy when they were a child, and I would belone to agree throughout my childhood, my mom made sure I had everything I ever wanted or needed, bringing me immense joy and no worries. Though my father was present in my life, it was as if he was absent too. While my mom made sure to show up to every little important event or something that brought importance to me, that small satisfaction of joy, my father would make excuses or not show up, bringing down the joy I felt when I was told he'd show. As I grew older and graduated from elementary school into middle school, I slowly started realizing that joy comes in many shapes in forms, and sometimes it doesn't last forever. On the verge of the middle of my 7th-grade year in middle school, COVID-19 struck, leaving me to up and move from everyone I had known for almost 8 years to an entirely differert setting. My 8th-grade year of middle school was spent online, isolated away from everyone and any social interactions. Throughout this time, I slowly started to lose that spark I had when I was a child. My mind raced with thoughts that never stopped to rest, while my anxiety grew up behind me, like a shadow pulling me farther and farther down into its clutches. For the first time since I had left elementary school, I felt that this was my lowest. Then came high school. As a kid, you watch the high school rom-coms that Disney made and dream that high school would be just like that for you, though it's not what it seems. My 9th grade year of high school is what I would call the lowest point of my life, and that's something coming from a then 14-year-old girl. I had begun growing into a deep depression, that made me not want to get up in the mornings and go to school. When I did go to school, I had panic attacks in the hallways on the way to classes, due to all the people in the way. I was scared of how people would perceive and view me, so I enclosed myself in my bubble, making my depression and anxiety worse, I was left with no ounce of joy. One day, as I lay in the darkness of my room, I began to think for myself, how I wanted better for myself. I had spent so much time telling myself how I no longer wanted to be here, I never once asked myself why I was meant to be here. Was the sight of the sun whisking its face from beneath the clouds not a reason to have joy for the opportunity of having life? When asked the question of what brings you joy, one would think to sugarcoat it and portray an immensely happy life and discrediting their shortcomings, instead of showing what gave them that satisfaction of raw authenticity and true happiness. After my epiphany, I decided to get myself help. I went to my mom and dad, and sat them down, explaining to them what I had been going through, and how much it had made me struggle. Once I had explained, they offered to get me help, a therapist, who would help me embrace all the insecurities and challenges I thought only I could face alone. When I first started going to my therapist, I was hesitant to open up about myself and my feelings, as I thought she would use them against me, which was not the case. She welcomed me to her space with open arms and comfort, something I thought I wouldn't find when looking for someone willing to help me with my problems. Over time I was going to my therapist, and I slowly started changing, only in the smallest of ways, only noticeable to me. In school, my panic attacks had decreased, and I had started making friends with people who matched my vibes. And to think that a couple of months prior I was struggling to even speak. After a couple of months, I had stopped going to thelapy, by then my 10th-grade year had approached like the speed of light, and this time around, I was talking more but more reserved, l also began participating in school-based activities. By my 11th grade year of high school, I had fully burst out of my bubble and found myself running for homecoming court, to which I had the honor of being chosen for. What brings me joy, is the feeling of being able to say I made it, the feeling of overcoming something I thought I would never get over, and being able to open my eyes each morning to make myself a better version of myself than I was yesterday. Transitioning from someone who used to think the world was against her, to someone who lives for every opportunity thrown her way brings me that satisfaction of joy and succesfulness I yearned for in my times of need. Being the oldest of all my siblings, I am the one they look up to the most, being that role model for them lets me know I did something right. Having this chance to come into my senior year of high school knowing the things I have experienced and gone through alone, is enough joy and prosperous well-being for what the future holds for me.

My 8th-grade year of middle school was spent online, isolated away from everyone and any social interactions. Then came high school. As a kid, you watch the high school rom-coms that Disney made and dream that high school would be just like that for you, though it's not what it seems. My 9th grade year of high school is what I would call the lowest point of my life, and that's something coming from a then 14-year-old girl. I had begun growing into a deep depression, that made me not want to get up in the mornings and go to school. When I did go to school, I had panic attacks in the hallways on the way to classes, due to all the people in the way. I was scared of how people would perceive and view me, so I enclosed myself in my bubble, making my depression and anxiety worse, I was left with no ounce of joy. One day, as I lay in the darkness of my room, I began to think for myself, how I wanted better for myself. I had spent so much time telling myself how I no longer wanted to be here, I never once asked myself why I was meant to be here. Was the sight of the sun whisking its face from beneath the clouds not a reason to have joy for the opportunity of having life? After my epiphany, I decided to get myself help. I went to my mom and dad, and sat them down, explaining to them what I had been going through, and how much it had made me struggle. Once I had explained, they offered to get me help, a therapist, who would help me embrace all the insecurities and challenges I thought only I could face alone. When I first started going to my therapist, I was hesitant to open up about myself and my feelings, as I thought she would use them against me, which was not the case. She welcomed me to her space with open arms and comfort, something I thought I wouldn't find when looking for someone willing to help me with my problems. Over time I was going to my therapist, and I slowly started changing, only in the smallest of ways, only noticeable to me. In school, my panic attacks had decreased, and I had started making friends with people who matched my vibes. And to think that a couple of months prior I was struggling to even speak. After a couple of months, I had stopped going to thelapy, by then my 10th-grade year had approached like the speed of light, and this time around, I was talking more but more reserved, l also began participating in school-based activities. By my 11th grade year of high school, I had fully burst out of my bubble and found myself running for homecoming court, to which I had the honor of being chosen for. Transitioning from someone who used to think the world was against her, to someone who lives for every opportunity thrown her way brings me that satisfaction of joy and succesfulness I yearned for in my times of need. Being the oldest of all my siblings, I am the one they look up to the most, being that role model for them lets me know I did something right. Having this chance to come into my senior year of high school knowing the things I have experienced and gone through alone, is enough joy and prosperous well-being for what the future holds for me.

My 8th-grade year of middle school was spent online, isolated away from everyone and any social interactions. Then came high school. As a kid, you watch the high school rom-coms that Disney made and dream that high school would be just like that for you, though it's not what it seems. My 9th grade year of high school is what I would call the lowest point of my life, and that's something coming from a then 14-year-old girl. I had begun growing into a deep depression, that made me not want to get up in the mornings and go to school. When I did go to school, I had panic attacks in the hallways on the way to classes, due to all the people in the way. I was scared of how people would perceive and view me, so I enclosed myself in my bubble, making my depression and anxiety worse, I was left with no ounce of joy. One day, as I lay in the darkness of my room, I began to think for myself, how I wanted better for myself. I had spent so much time telling myself how I no longer wanted to be here, I never once asked myself why I was meant to be here. Was the sight of the sun whisking its face from beneath the clouds not a reason to have joy for the opportunity of having life? After my epiphany, I decided to get myself help. I went to my mom and dad, and sat them down, explaining to them what I had been going through, and how much it had made me struggle. Once I had explained, they offered to get me help, a therapist, who would help me embrace all the insecurities and challenges I thought only I could face alone. When I first started going to my therapist, I was hesitant to open up about myself and my feelings, as I thought she would use them against me, which was not the case. She welcomed me to her space with open arms and comfort, something I thought I wouldn't find when looking for someone willing to help me with my problems. Over time I was going to my therapist, and I slowly started changing, only in the smallest of ways, only noticeable to me. In school, my panic attacks had decreased, and I had started making friends with people who matched my vibes. And to think that a couple of months prior I was struggling to even speak. After a couple of months, I had stopped going to thelapy, by then my 10th-grade year had approached like the speed of light, and this time around, I was talking more but more reserved, l also began participating in school-based activities. By my 11th grade year of high school, I had fully burst out of my bubble and found myself running for homecoming court, to which I had the honor of being chosen for. Transitioning from someone who used to think the world was against her, to someone who lives for every opportunity thrown her way brings me that satisfaction of joy and succesfulness I yearned for in my times of need. Being the oldest of all my siblings, I am the one they look up to the most, being that role model for them lets me know I did something right. Having this chance to come into my senior year of high school knowing the things I have experienced and gone through alone, is enough joy and prosperous well-being for what the future holds for me.

My 8th-grade year of middle school was spent online, isolated away from everyone and any social interactions. Then came high school. As a kid, you watch the high school rom-coms that Disney made and dream that high school would be just like that for you, though it's not what it seems. My 9th grade year of high school is what I would call the lowest point of my life, and that's something coming from a then 14-year-old girl. I had begun growing into a deep depression, that made me not want to get up in the mornings and go to school. When I did go to school, I had panic attacks in the hallways on the way to classes, due to all the people in the way. I was scared of how people would perceive and view me, so I enclosed myself in my bubble, making my depression and anxiety worse, I was left with no ounce of joy. One day, as I lay in the darkness of my room, I began to think for myself, how I wanted better for myself. I had spent so much time telling myself how I no longer wanted to be here, I never once asked myself why I was meant to be here. Was the sight of the sun whisking its face from beneath the clouds not a reason to have joy for the opportunity of having life? After my epiphany, I decided to get myself help. I went to my mom and dad, and sat them down, explaining to them what I had been going through, and how much it had made me struggle. Once I had explained, they offered to get me help, a therapist, who would help me embrace all the insecurities and challenges I thought only I could face alone. When I first started going to my therapist, I was hesitant to open up about myself and my feelings, as I thought she would use them against me, which was not the case. She welcomed me to her space with open arms and comfort, something I thought I wouldn't find when looking for someone willing to help me with my problems. Over time I was going to my therapist, and I slowly started changing, only in the smallest of ways, only noticeable to me. In school, my panic attacks had decreased, and I had started making friends with people who matched my vibes. And to think that a couple of months prior I was struggling to even speak. After a couple of months, I had stopped going to thelapy, by then my 10th-grade year had approached like the speed of light, and this time around, I was talking more but more reserved, l also began participating in school-based activities. By my 11th grade year of high school, I had fully burst out of my bubble and found myself running for homecoming court, to which I had the honor of being chosen for. Transitioning from someone who used to think the world was against her, to someone who lives for every opportunity thrown her way brings me that satisfaction of joy and succesfulness I yearned for in my times of need. Being the oldest of all my siblings, I am the one they look up to the most, being that role model for them lets me know I did something right. Having this chance to come into my senior year of high school knowing the things I have experienced and gone through alone, is enough joy and prosperous well-being for what the future holds for me.

My 8th-grade year of middle school was spent online, isolated away from everyone and any social interactions. Then came high school. As a kid, you watch the high school rom-coms that Disney made and dream that high school would be just like that for you, though it's not what it seems. My 9th grade year of high school is what I would call the lowest point of my life, and that's something coming from a then 14-year-old girl. I had begun growing into a deep depression, that made me not want to get up in the mornings and go to school. When I did go to school, I had panic attacks in the hallways on the way to classes, due to all the people in the way. I was scared of how people would perceive and view me, so I enclosed myself in my bubble, making my depression and anxiety worse, I was left with no ounce of joy. One day, as I lay in the darkness of my room, I began to think for myself, how I wanted better for myself. I had spent so much time telling myself how I no longer wanted to be here, I never once asked myself why I was meant to be here. Was the sight of the sun whisking its face from beneath the clouds not a reason to have joy for the opportunity of having life? After my epiphany, I decided to get myself help. I went to my mom and dad, and sat them down, explaining to them what I had been going through, and how much it had made me struggle. Once I had explained, they offered to get me help, a therapist, who would help me embrace all the insecurities and challenges I thought only I could face alone. When I first started going to my therapist, I was hesitant to open up about myself and my feelings, as I thought she would use them against me, which was not the case. She welcomed me to her space with open arms and comfort, something I thought I wouldn't find when looking for someone willing to help me with my problems. Over time I was going to my therapist, and I slowly started changing, only in the smallest of ways, only noticeable to me. In school, my panic attacks had decreased, and I had started making friends with people who matched my vibes. And to think that a couple of months prior I was struggling to even speak. After a couple of months, I had stopped going to thelapy, by then my 10th-grade year had approached like the speed of light, and this time around, I was talking more but more reserved, l also began participating in school-based activities. By my 11th grade year of high school, I had fully burst out of my bubble and found myself running for homecoming court, to which I had the honor of being chosen for. Transitioning from someone who used to think the world was against her, to someone who lives for every opportunity thrown her way brings me that satisfaction of joy and succesfulness I yearned for in my times of need. Being the oldest of all my siblings, I am the one they look up to the most, being that role model for them lets me know I did something right. Having this chance to come into my senior year of high school knowing the things I have experienced and gone through alone, is enough joy and prosperous well-being for what the future holds for me.

My 8th-grade year of middle school was spent online, isolated away from everyone and any social interactions. Then came high school. As a kid, you watch the high school rom-coms that Disney made and dream that high school would be just like that for you, though it's not what it seems. My 9th grade year of high school is what I would call the lowest point of my life, and that's something coming from a then 14-year-old girl. I had begun growing into a deep depression, that made me not want to get up in the mornings and go to school. When I did go to school, I had panic attacks in the hallways on the way to classes, due to all the people in the way. I was scared of how people would perceive and view me, so I enclosed myself in my bubble, making my depression and anxiety worse. One day, as I lay in the darkness of my room, I began to think for myself, how I wanted better for myself. I had spent so much time telling myself how I no longer wanted to be here, I never once asked myself why I was meant to be here. Was the sight of the sun whisking its face from beneath the clouds not a reason to have joy for the opportunity of having life? After my epiphany, I decided to get myself help. I went to my mom and dad, and sat them down, explaining to them what I had been going through, and how much it had made me struggle. Once I had explained, they offered to get me help, a therapist, who would help me embrace all the insecurities and challenges I thought only I could face alone. When I first started going to my therapist, I was hesitant to open up about myself and my feelings, as I thought she would use them against me, which was not the case. She welcomed me to her space with open arms and comfort, something I thought I wouldn't find when looking for someone willing to help me with my problems. Over time I was going to my therapist, and I slowly started changing, only in the smallest of ways, only noticeable to me. In school, my panic attacks had decreased, and I had started making friends with people who matched my vibes. And to think that a couple of months prior I was struggling to even speak. After a couple of months, I had stopped going to thelapy, by then my 10th-grade year had approached like the speed of light, and this time around, I was talking more but more reserved, l also began participating in school-based activities. By my 11th grade year of high school, I had fully burst out of my bubble and found myself running for homecoming court, to which I had the honor of being chosen for. Transitioning from someone who used to think the world was against her, to someone who lives for every opportunity thrown her way brings me that satisfaction of joy and succesfulness I yearned for in my times of need. Being the oldest of all my siblings, I am the one they look up to the most, being that role model for them lets me know I did something right. Having this chance to come into my senior year of high school knowing the things I have experienced and gone through alone, is enough joy and prosperous well-being for what the future holds for me.

My 8th-grade year of middle school was spent online, isolated away from everyone and any social interactions. Throughout this time, I slowly started to lose that spark I had when I was a child. My mind raced with thoughts that never stopped to rest, while my anxiety grew up behind me, like a shadow pulling me farther and farther down into its clutches. For the first time since I had left elementary school, I felt that this was my lowest. Then came high school. As a kid, you watch the high school rom-coms that Disney made and dream that high school would be just like that for you, though it's not what it seems. My 9th grade year of high school is what I would call the lowest point of my life, and that's something coming from a then 14-year-old girl. I had begun growing into a deep depression, that made me not want to get up in the mornings and go to school. When I did go to school, I had panic attacks in the hallways on the way to classes, due to all the people in the way. I was scared of how people would perceive and view me, so I enclosed myself in my bubble, making my depression and anxiety worse, I was left with no ounce of joy. One day, as I lay in the darkness of my room, I began to think for myself, how I wanted better for myself. I had spent so much time telling myself how I no longer wanted to be here, I never once asked myself why I was meant to be here. Was the sight of the sun whisking its face from beneath the clouds not a reason to have joy for the opportunity of having life? When asked the question of what brings you joy, one would think to sugarcoat it and portray an immensely happy life and discrediting their shortcomings, instead of showing what gave them that satisfaction of raw authenticity and true happiness. After my epiphany, I decided to get myself help. I went to my mom and dad, and sat them down, explaining to them what I had been going through, and how much it had made me struggle. Once I had explained, they offered to get me help, a therapist, who would help me embrace all the insecurities and challenges I thought only I could face alone. When I first started going to my therapist, I was hesitant to open up about myself and my feelings, as I thought she would use them against me, which was not the case. She welcomed me to her space with open arms and comfort, something I thought I wouldn't find when looking for someone willing to help me with my problems. Over time I was going to my therapist, and I slowly started changing, only in the smallest of ways, only noticeable to me. In school, my panic attacks had decreased, and I had started making friends with people who matched my vibes. And to think that a couple of months prior I was struggling to even speak. After a couple of months, I had stopped going to thelapy, by then my 10th-grade year had approached like the speed of light, and this time around, I was talking more but more reserved, l also began participating in school-based activities. By my 11th grade year of high school, I had fully burst out of my bubble and found myself running for homecoming court, to which I had the honor of being chosen for.

As I grew older and graduated from elementary school into middle school, I slowly started realizing that joy comes in many shapes in forms, and sometimes it doesn't last forever. On the verge of the middle of my 7th-grade year in middle school, COVID-19 struck, leaving me to up and move from everyone I had known for almost 8 years to an entirely differert setting. My 8th-grade year of middle school was spent online, isolated away from everyone and any social interactions. Throughout this time, I slowly started to lose that spark I had when I was a child. My mind raced with thoughts that never stopped to rest, while my anxiety grew up behind me, like a shadow pulling me farther and farther down into its clutches. For the first time since I had left elementary school, I felt that this was my lowest. Then came high school. As a kid, you watch the high school rom-coms that Disney made and dream that high school would be just like that for you, though it's not what it seems. My 9th grade year of high school is what I would call the lowest point of my life, and that's something coming from a then 14-year-old girl. I had begun growing into a deep depression, that made me not want to get up in the mornings and go to school. When I did go to school, I had panic attacks in the hallways on the way to classes, due to all the people in the way. I was scared of how people would perceive and view me, so I enclosed myself in my bubble, making my depression and anxiety worse, I was left with no ounce of joy. One day, as I lay in the darkness of my room, I began to think for myself, how I wanted better for myself. I had spent so much time telling myself how I no longer wanted to be here, I never once asked myself why I was meant to be here. Was the sight of the sun whisking its face from beneath the clouds not a reason to have joy for the opportunity of having life? When asked the question of what brings you joy, one would think to sugarcoat it and portray an immensely happy life and discrediting their shortcomings, instead of showing what gave them that satisfaction of raw authenticity and true happiness. After my epiphany, I decided to get myself help. I went to my mom and dad, and sat them down, explaining to them what I had been going through, and how much it had made me struggle. Once I had explained, they offered to get me help, a therapist, who would help me embrace all the insecurities and challenges I thought only I could face alone. When I first started going to my therapist, I was hesitant to open up about myself and my feelings, as I thought she would use them against me, which was not the case. She welcomed me to her space with open arms and comfort, something I thought I wouldn't find when looking for someone willing to help me with my problems. Over time I was going to my therapist, and I slowly started changing, only in the smallest of ways, only noticeable to me. In school, my panic attacks had decreased, and I had started making friends with people who matched my vibes. And to think that a couple of months prior I was struggling to even speak. After a couple of months, I had stopped going to thelapy, by then my 10th-grade year had approached like the speed of light, and this time around, I was talking more but more reserved, l also began participating in school-based activities. By my 11th grade year of high school, I had fully burst out of my bubble and found myself running for homecoming court, to which I had the honor of being chosen for. What brings me joy, is the feeling of being able to say I made it, the feeling of overcoming something I thought I would never get over, and being able to open my eyes each morning to make myself a better version of myself than I was yesterday. Transitioning from someone who used to think the world was against her, to someone who lives for every opportunity thrown her way brings me that satisfaction of joy and succesfulness I yearned for in my times of need. Being the oldest of all my siblings, I am the one they look up to the most, being that role model for them lets me know I did something right. Having this chance to come into my senior year of high school knowing the things I have experienced and gone through alone.