Gather 'round, fellow gamers, for I have a tale of triumph, teamwork, and a touch of chaos from the world of "Cuphead" in co-op mode! Picture it: a cozy gaming den adorned with posters of pixelated heroes, the air buzzing with excitement as controllers are grasped tightly in eager hands. Our journey begins with two intrepid souls, each taking on the roles of Cuphead and Mugman, venturing forth into the vibrant and challenging world of Inkwell Isle. With a cacophony of jazz tunes setting the stage, they dive headfirst into the whimsical yet perilous adventures that await. As they traverse through the whimsical yet treacherous landscapes, facing off against devious bosses and overcoming fiendish platforming challenges, their bond grows stronger with every victory and defeat. But it was during a particularly intense battle against the diabolical duo, Hilda Berg and Grim Matchstick, that our heroes faced their greatest trial yet. With fiery determination burning in their eyes, they dodged and weaved through a barrage of projectiles, their fingers dancing across the controller buttons with practiced precision. As the battle raged on, with health bars dwindling dangerously low, disaster struck in the form of a misplaced jump, sending Cuphead hurtling toward certain doom. But fear not, for in a moment of pure synchronicity, Mugman leaped into action, sacrificing himself to parry Cuphead back to safety, mere milliseconds before the fatal blow could land. In that fleeting moment of selflessness and split-second timing, the tide of battle turned, and our heroes emerged victorious, their hearts pounding with exhilaration and triumph. But it wasn't just the thrill of victory that solidified "Cuphead" as their top choice for co-op gaming—it was the shared adrenaline rush, the infectious laughter in the face of defeat, and the unbreakable bond forged through countless hours of pixelated peril. And so, with a newfound sense of camaraderie and determination, our dynamic duo presses onward, ready to face whatever challenges await in the whimsical world of "Cuphead," where every victory is sweeter when shared with a friend.

I think it is remarkable how someone can experience something like the Holocaust and still keep positivity in their life. Instead of being mad at the world for not being dealt a fair hand, he played with the cards he was given. The way he chose to live life to the fullest is very influential. It seems as if everything had been taken from him, but he still found how to give to others. Throughout his life, he spread knowledge and love. I did some research on Jack and also discovered that he wrote a book! He survived the concentration camp by hiding in a pipe that led from the laundry to the kitchen. He was the youngest survivor of the concentration camp and the only member of his family. How he moved on in life to do great things is a great example of optimism and determination. In the spring of 2020, right as the pandemic started, my mother passed away. My Mother, Sara McDonnell, was a very positive and encouraging person, like a personal cheerleader. When she passed away, I had to grow up and mature. I was 14 and was instantly given more responsibility. I had to grow up for my dad because I knew it wasn't (and still isn't) easy for him to provide for and be a parent to me and my sister. There were of course emotional repercussions to losing my Mother, but there were also challenges that presented themselves that I recently took for granted. The real adversity I would say that I have to face is holding myself to high standards and keeping myself disciplined and enthusiastic. I could be upset with what happened to me and take it out on other people, but that's not who I am. It feels right to be enthusiastic and have a positive spirit for myself and others. My main interests are guitar and weightlifting, I would consider them more than hobbies. I have been playing guitar for over 4 years and have made money playing live. Over the summers, I'll play guitar until my hands start cramping and/or bleeding. I have been weightlifting for 1 year (technically 1 year tomorrow) and have been meticulously tracking what I do for each session and what I eat. I find both of these interests to be challenging yet rewarding. The only person around to motivate me to work out or practice guitar is myself. I no longer have that cheerleader to encourage me. To stay resilient and consistent in my interests, I need to keep a strong mind and be especially self-assured. My father works as a landscaper and makes less than $15,000 per year. We can afford everything we need, but I don't know how much can be saved for college. For the past two years, I have been working at a local dairy farm that pays enough for my gas and guitar obsession. During the school year, I work every Saturday and some Sundays from 5:00-8:30 am and 2:30-5:30 pm. I'll work up to 34-hour weeks in the summer. I plan on going into Sports Physiology, Nutrition Science, and Music at Northern Michigan University this Fall. I am excited not only to expand my knowledge on these topics but learn them well enough so that I can teach others as well. I would like to become either a personal trainer, strength coach, physical therapist, or something along those lines. I want to be able to educate others regarding topics such as Kinesiology or Nutrition because of how interesting and beneficial I find these topics to be.

From the outside, social anxiety appears as a mere inconvenience, a case of being shy or reserved. Yet, for those who grapple with it daily, it's a battle against one's mind. I know this struggle intimately, as it has been with me since adolescence. The fear of judgment, the dread of social interactions, the relentless self-doubt—these are the demons I confront daily. However, amidst this turmoil, college stands as a beacon of hope—a place where I can confront my fears, grow as an individual, and forge a path toward a brighter future. I come from a very small town and school (Byron Michigan, population of 525) where it is not easy to fit in. I feel that I am not understood by anyone and there aren't enough people that have common interests as myself. Simple tasks like speaking up in Mr. Schmitt's math class or attending my neighbor's open house become challenges, each accompanied by apprehension and self-consciousness. The fear of embarrassment or rejection cripples my ability to form meaningful connections, leaving me feeling isolated and misunderstood. It's a constant battle against irrational thoughts and imagined judgments, a struggle to break free from the awkwardness of my mind. Despite the overwhelming nature of my anxiety, college represents a sanctuary—a space where I can confront my fears in a supportive and nurturing environment. I would be encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences, surrounded by a diverse community of peers and mentors. Whether it's participating in study groups or intramural water polo, each interaction serves as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. I feel hope for my future at a university, to find others like myself. College offers a wealth of resources and support systems designed to help students like me navigate the challenges of social anxiety. From counseling services to peer support groups, there are countless avenues available for seeking guidance and assistance. I feel like there are fewer expectations at colleges of having to be cool or fit in. It seems there are enough people that I should be able to find others like me. In conclusion, college holds immense significance for me as a means of overcoming my struggles with social anxiety and achieving personal and professional success. It offers a supportive environment where I can confront my fears, grow as an individual, and chart a course towards a brighter future. While the journey may be challenging, I am determined to persevere, knowing that the rewards of my efforts will be well worth it in the end.