We have all found ourselves singing along to a song’s lyrics, many times neglecting its intended message. As a musician who finds peace and comfort in playing my electric guitar for hours, I try to immerse myself in the lyrics to find meaning in the message. When Dexter Holland of The Offspring wrote “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” he wasn’t just aiming to compose a fast, catchy anthem that sold records; he was sending society a message. When I play that song, written in 1998, I hear his message. We must recognize the need to address society’s social inequities. I love playing the opening riff that starts in a minor key, setting a serious tone followed by the lyrics “When we were young, our future was so bright.” I envision neighborhoods whose youth had dreams, ambition, and hope. However, when the song reaches the chorus, Holland sings, “Chances thrown, nothing's free... Still it's hard, hard to see… Fragile lives, shattered dreams.” Holland describes the harsh realization that children’s dreams were crushed because of their socioeconomic status. As they became young adults, some dropped out of school, some became drug addicts, and, tragically, one committed suicide. The lyrics are compelling, highlighting socioeconomic disparities; oftentimes, those who are born into poverty have no means of escaping, ultimately perpetuating a cycle of despair. The lyrics are powerful – our society must change. Through my experience with music, I have built confidence in myself and my ability to understand the deeper messages of lyrics. This curiosity has also led to empathy for others and appreciation for lived experiences. We must have compassion and curiosity about the stories of others and recognize we all belong to a diverse community full of unique individuals. It is in our differences that we build the most vibrant communities.

A healthy body is at its best when balanced with a healthy mind. This balance is achieved when both are priorities. Staying fit and healthy physically and emotionally is something that has become second nature to me. For students like myself, there are several ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle which can be implemented into a daily routine and once hardwired can last a lifetime. This includes addressing mental and emotional well-being, being aware of nutritional needs, and making exercise a core part of my lifestyle. A healthy mind must be attended to at all times. A critical first step is to prioritize sleep. Students often have hectic schedules, including both academic and social schedules. If sleep is not prioritized then the mind will not function optimally, leading to poor academic performance, anxiety, stress, and bad eating habits. Students should also make time for maintaining and forming new social connections. By staying connected with family and old friends, I know I can stay grounded by those who know me best. It is also important to foster new friendships and connections with college friends, advisors, and professors to form a new social support system to rely on during inevitable stressful events such as midterms and finals. Self reflection is healing, whether through meditation, quiet thought, or simply a walk outside. These simple moments to cleanse the mind can have a significant impact on mental well-being. Keeping healthy through nutrition is key to overall health. I have a passion for nutrition and maintaining a well-balanced diet. By seeking a healthy well-balanced diet with as much fresh produce and lean protein as possible, the body will feel ready to conquer both academic success and any physical demands from exercise. Even when eating in a college cafeteria, with the right knowledge one can easily moderate food intake and prioritize healthy choices and portion control. Cooking for oneself when not eating in a cafeteria is important. Not only does cooking help us understand the content of what we eat, it is fun and an opportunity to socialize. Lastly, water intake is critical to good nutrition. Water is as important a fuel to our bodies as calories. Carrying a water bottle instead of caffeinated, high-caloric beverages is set up for success. Physical exercise is critical to maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle and should address both strength and cardio training. Strength training helps contribute to physical health and improves longevity. This is an area I have found the most benefit from in my fitness routine. Endurance-based exercise, or simply cardio, is also important. It is a necessary form of exercise for heart health. A regular exercise routine should be scheduled and prioritized especially during high stress times in college. Another simple lifestyle habit is to walk when you can. The well established goal of 10,000 daily steps should be easily achieved by using our feet as the most reliable form of transportation. Exercise can also be a social event that fosters friendships and promotes the well-being of others. By prioritizing mental and physical health and fitness during college, I will not only ensure a successful college experience academically, but also personally as I obtain knowledge in both areas preparing me for a successful future after college. This self discovery about the importance of a healthy mind and body if accomplished during college will last a lifetime. I hope to also encourage other students to achieve this balance between physical and mental well-being to empower them to have influence over their own lives and set them up for success in both their personal and professional lives.

I think it is important to reflect on how I made my college choice, my life experiences – educational and personal – and my family’s influence to best describe my future goals and why higher education is important to my future. Each one of these components when combined have created an ideal situation for me to build a foundation for a future career in international business while also contributing to my community. Education alone is not what makes us successful. It is the combination of our personal experiences, our outside influences, our community involvement, and our education that contributes to our successes in life. My rigorous high school experiences taught me about the importance of interdisciplinarity and led me to a desire to study business combined with a rich liberal arts curriculum. I am one of twenty Altman scholars in the Tulane Altman Program in International Studies and Business. This selective four-year undergraduate program integrates liberal arts and business curricula with extensive language instruction and a full year of studying abroad. I will earn two degrees, a BA from the School of Liberal Arts, and a BSM from the School of Business, while also achieving professional proficiency in Spanish. This integrated and reflective approach will provide a fuller exploration of the world and how I can best contribute to it while also gaining further awareness and understanding of other cultures, particularly those in Spanish-speaking countries. I am excited that engaging in a collaborative, interdisciplinary curriculum will stimulate both personal and intellectual growth, providing an exceptional foundation for my future as a global business leader. One of my unique experiences is who my parents are; both are military veterans. Growing up in a household with two veterans was an invaluable experience that has prepared me well for college. At the peak of their careers, my younger sister was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy, and it was vital that I learned to be constantly mindful of her needs so others could understand how to help if my parents were gone. My identity as a military kid meant additional responsibilities at home in this and other ways, and it also fostered a strong sense of responsibility to my community. I was taught to seek ways to be useful to both individuals and the larger community whenever there is a need, and this did not change during the pandemic. I am deeply committed to community service. As community members and leaders we must stay connected to and serve our communities whether through donations, volunteer work, or non-profit board memberships. Volunteering over 500 hours to a non-profit youth theater organization serving hundreds of children, particularly those experiencing disparities, taught me the importance of community involvement especially to help people from under-resourced communities. I believe that recognizing the needs of one’s community and, in turn, giving back to achieve a positive impact is something we do not do enough of together. This was particularly important during the pandemic when I helped reopen the theater program safely by supporting outdoor activities to relieve the year long isolation of the young actors. For communities to thrive, we must have a sense of duty and be mindful of and responsive to the needs of others. I am dedicating myself to learning and service to others both in the US and when I am immersed in international experiences, so that I graduate not only with a valuable education but also emerge from college as a engaged member of society who knows the importance of being a responsible global citizen through cultural awareness, respect, and social responsibility.

I think it is important to reflect on how I made my college choice, my life experiences – educational and personal – and my family’s influence to best describe my future goals and why higher education is important to my future. Each one of these components when combined have created an ideal situation for me to build a foundation for a future career in international business while also contributing to my community. Education alone is not what makes us successful. It is the combination of our personal experiences, our outside influences, our community involvement, and our education that contributes to our successes in life. My rigorous high school experiences taught me about the importance of interdisciplinarity and led me to a desire to study business combined with a rich liberal arts curriculum. I am one of twenty Altman scholars in the Tulane Altman Program in International Studies and Business. This selective four-year undergraduate program integrates liberal arts and business curricula with extensive language instruction and a full year of studying abroad. I will earn two degrees, a BA from the School of Liberal Arts, and a BSM from the School of Business, while also achieving professional proficiency in Spanish. This integrated and reflective approach will provide a fuller exploration of the world and how I can best contribute to it while also gaining further awareness and understanding of other cultures, particularly those in Spanish-speaking countries. I am excited that engaging in a collaborative, interdisciplinary curriculum will stimulate both personal and intellectual growth, providing an exceptional foundation for my future as a global business leader. One of my unique experiences is who my parents are; both are military veterans. Growing up in a household with two veterans was an invaluable experience that has prepared me well for college. At the peak of their careers, my younger sister was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy, and it was vital that I learned to be constantly mindful of her needs so others could understand how to help if my parents were gone. My identity as a military kid meant additional responsibilities at home in this and other ways, and it also fostered a strong sense of responsibility to my community. I was taught to seek ways to be useful to both individuals and the larger community whenever there is a need, and this did not change during the pandemic. I am deeply committed to community service. As community members and leaders we must stay connected to and serve our communities whether through donations, volunteer work, or non-profit board memberships. Volunteering over 500 hours to a non-profit youth theater organization serving hundreds of children, particularly those experiencing disparities, taught me the importance of community involvement especially to help people from under-resourced communities. I believe that recognizing the needs of one’s community and, in turn, giving back to achieve a positive impact is something we do not do enough of together. This was particularly important during the pandemic when I helped reopen the theater program safely by supporting outdoor activities to relieve the year long isolation of the young actors. For communities to thrive, we must have a sense of duty and be mindful of and responsive to the needs of others. I am dedicating myself to learning and service to others both in the US and when I am immersed in international experiences, so that I graduate not only with a valuable education but also emerge from college as a engaged member of society who knows the importance of being a responsible global citizen through cultural awareness, respect, and social responsibility.

A healthy body is at its best when balanced with a healthy mind. This balance is achieved when both are priorities. Staying fit and healthy physically and emotionally is something that has become second nature to me. For students like myself, there are several ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle which can be implemented into a daily routine and once hardwired can last a lifetime. This includes addressing mental and emotional well-being, being aware of nutritional needs, and making exercise a core part of my lifestyle. A healthy mind must be attended to at all times. A critical first step is to prioritize sleep. Students often have hectic schedules, including both academic and social schedules. If sleep is not prioritized then the mind will not function optimally, leading to poor academic performance, anxiety, stress, and bad eating habits. Students should also make time for maintaining and forming new social connections. By staying connected with family and old friends, I know I can stay grounded by those who know me best. It is also important to foster new friendships and connections with college friends, advisors, and professors to form a new social support system to rely on during inevitable stressful events such as midterms and finals. Self reflection is healing, whether through meditation, quiet thought, or simply a walk outside. These simple moments to cleanse the mind can have a significant impact on mental well-being. Keeping healthy through nutrition is key to overall health. I have a passion for nutrition and maintaining a well-balanced diet. By seeking a healthy well-balanced diet with as much fresh produce and lean protein as possible, the body will feel ready to conquer both academic success and any physical demands from exercise. Even when eating in a college cafeteria, with the right knowledge one can easily moderate food intake and prioritize healthy choices and portion control. Cooking for oneself when not eating in a cafeteria is important. Not only does cooking help us understand the content of what we eat, it is fun and an opportunity to socialize. Lastly, water intake is critical to good nutrition. Water is as important a fuel to our bodies as calories. Carrying a water bottle instead of caffeinated, high-caloric beverages is set up for success. Physical exercise is critical to maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle and should address both strength and cardio training. Strength training helps contribute to physical health and improves longevity. This is an area I have found the most benefit from in my fitness routine. Endurance-based exercise, or simply cardio, is also important. It is a necessary form of exercise for heart health. A regular exercise routine should be scheduled and prioritized especially during high stress times in college. Another simple lifestyle habit is to walk when you can. The well established goal of 10,000 daily steps should be easily achieved by using our feet as the most reliable form of transportation. Exercise can also be a social event that fosters friendships and promotes the well-being of others. By prioritizing mental and physical health and fitness during college, I will not only ensure a successful college experience academically, but also personally as I obtain knowledge in both areas preparing me for a successful future after college. This self discovery about the importance of a healthy mind and body if accomplished during college will last a lifetime. I hope to also encourage other students to achieve this balance between physical and mental well-being to empower them to have influence over their own lives and set them up for success in both their personal and professional lives.

A healthy body is at its best when balanced with a healthy mind. This balance is achieved when both are priorities. Staying fit and healthy physically and emotionally is something that has become second nature to me. For students like myself, there are several ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle which can be implemented into a daily routine and once hardwired can last a lifetime. This includes addressing mental and emotional well-being, being aware of nutritional needs, and making exercise a core part of my lifestyle. A healthy mind must be attended to at all times. A critical first step is to prioritize sleep. Students often have hectic schedules, including both academic and social schedules. If sleep is not prioritized then the mind will not function optimally, leading to poor academic performance, anxiety, stress, and bad eating habits. Students should also make time for maintaining and forming new social connections. By staying connected with family and old friends, I know I can stay grounded by those who know me best. It is also important to foster new friendships and connections with college friends, advisors, and professors to form a new social support system to rely on during inevitable stressful events such as midterms and finals. Self reflection is healing, whether through meditation, quiet thought, or simply a walk outside. These simple moments to cleanse the mind can have a significant impact on mental well-being. Keeping healthy through nutrition is key to overall health. I have a passion for nutrition and maintaining a well-balanced diet. By seeking a healthy well-balanced diet with as much fresh produce and lean protein as possible, the body will feel ready to conquer both academic success and any physical demands from exercise. Even when eating in a college cafeteria, with the right knowledge one can easily moderate food intake and prioritize healthy choices and portion control. Cooking for oneself when not eating in a cafeteria is important. Not only does cooking help us understand the content of what we eat, it is fun and an opportunity to socialize. Lastly, water intake is critical to good nutrition. Water is as important a fuel to our bodies as calories. Carrying a water bottle instead of caffeinated, high-caloric beverages is set up for success. Physical exercise is critical to maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle and should address both strength and cardio training. Strength training helps contribute to physical health and improves longevity. This is an area I have found the most benefit from in my fitness routine. Endurance-based exercise, or simply cardio, is also important. It is a necessary form of exercise for heart health. A regular exercise routine should be scheduled and prioritized especially during high stress times in college. Another simple lifestyle habit is to walk when you can. The well established goal of 10,000 daily steps should be easily achieved by using our feet as the most reliable form of transportation. Exercise can also be a social event that fosters friendships and promotes the well-being of others. By prioritizing mental and physical health and fitness during college, I will not only ensure a successful college experience academically, but also personally as I obtain knowledge in both areas preparing me for a successful future after college. This self discovery about the importance of a healthy mind and body if accomplished during college will last a lifetime. I hope to also encourage other students to achieve this balance between physical and mental well-being to empower them to have influence over their own lives and set them up for success in both their personal and professional lives.

I was 9 years old when my younger sister was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy. Since then I have developed perspective, empathy, and responsibility unlike that of many older brothers because I have had to be more than a big brother; I am her eyes and ears, watching for signs of danger and knowing how to handle it. Being an older brother to a sister with a challenging medical condition taught me that fear can be transformed. Even from a young age I was inspired by my sister. I also became curious about the high cost of pharmaceuticals, particularly two of the highest cost seizure medications that were over $1,000 per month and the $700 Epi-Pen she needed after an allergic reaction. The high and sometimes irrational cost of pharmaceuticals in the US is something I’ve witnessed from media coverage and personal experience. How is it possible that Epi-Pens rose from $94 to over $700 in 7 years, but the COVID-19 vaccine was produced and sold for $15-20 per injection in less than a year? It is a problem at the intersection of for-profit business and public policy, and it results in a lack of access to affordable prescription drugs that worsens existing inequities in our healthcare system. Equitable access to medications is an ethical imperative. While this is a complex problem, it is necessary to rationalize the system, balance access, and reduce the potential for the pharma industry to profit from vulnerable populations. US healthcare expenditures are at an all-time high, but many Americans remain unable to afford critical medications due to prescription drug prices that are 2.5 times higher than those in other countries. This pricing is affected by multiple factors– research expenses, health plan costs, market competition, patent timelines, and regulation. This list is not exhaustive but demonstrates the importance of analyzing the economics of the pharmaceutical industry and determining how best to optimize business outcomes that prioritize patient care. Strategy and structure in this industry have very personal health implications and raise important questions about the way that ethics can and should be exercised and enforced in business. The bottom line is that fair and reasonable access to necessary care should be available to everyone. The public and private sectors need to work together to make this happen. The discrepancies between the Epi-Pen and the vaccine are partly explained by the provision of significant federal funding and oversight to increase access to treatment due to the virulent nature of COVID-19. Other seemingly illogical pricing and development choices are driven by the drug companies, and the obvious answer might seem to be federal regulation focused on price reform. The problem is more complex than that, however, and demands a much more nuanced solution. Strict price regulation has the potential to reduce critical investments in innovation, actually weakening patient outcomes. Another solution could be federal subsidies to support R&D costs, allowing for lower brand name drug prices. A better one may be to limit the FDA patent timeline in order to stimulate greater competition among pharmaceutical companies, driving prices to a more manageable range. All require the collaboration of multiple parties, and the best combination of feasible solutions to achieve equitable access to pharmaceuticals – from policy to marketing to supply chain to tech innovations in drug development. I am passionate about the business of the pharmaceutical industry and how to achieve lower prices and equitable access to all medications. I have a goal to make an impact for not just people like my sister but a global impact for others by discovering novel business solutions.

A healthy body is at its best when balanced with a healthy mind. This balance is achieved when both are priorities. Staying fit and healthy physically and emotionally is something that has become second nature to me. For students like myself, there are several ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle which can be implemented into a daily routine and once hardwired can last a lifetime. This includes addressing mental and emotional well-being, being aware of nutritional needs, and making exercise a core part of my lifestyle. A healthy mind must be attended to at all times. A critical first step is to prioritize sleep. Students often have hectic schedules, including both academic and social schedules. If sleep is not prioritized then the mind will not function optimally, leading to poor academic performance, anxiety, stress, and bad eating habits. Students should also make time for maintaining and forming new social connections. By staying connected with family and old friends, I know I can stay grounded by those who know me best. It is also important to foster new friendships and connections with college friends, advisors, and professors to form a new social support system to rely on during inevitable stressful events such as midterms and finals. Self reflection is healing, whether through meditation, quiet thought, or simply a walk outside. These simple moments to cleanse the mind can have a significant impact on mental well-being. Keeping healthy through nutrition is key to overall health. I have a passion for nutrition and maintaining a well-balanced diet. By seeking a healthy well-balanced diet with as much fresh produce and lean protein as possible, the body will feel ready to conquer both academic success and any physical demands from exercise. Even when eating in a college cafeteria, with the right knowledge one can easily moderate food intake and prioritize healthy choices and portion control. Cooking for oneself when not eating in a cafeteria is important. Not only does cooking help us understand the content of what we eat, it is fun and an opportunity to socialize. Lastly, water intake is critical to good nutrition. Water is as important a fuel to our bodies as calories. Carrying a water bottle instead of caffeinated, high-caloric beverages is set up for success. Physical exercise is critical to maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle and should address both strength and cardio training. Strength training helps contribute to physical health and improves longevity. This is an area I have found the most benefit from in my fitness routine. Endurance-based exercise, or simply cardio, is also important. It is a necessary form of exercise for heart health. A regular exercise routine should be scheduled and prioritized especially during high stress times in college. Another simple lifestyle habit is to walk when you can. The well established goal of 10,000 daily steps should be easily achieved by using our feet as the most reliable form of transportation. Exercise can also be a social event that fosters friendships and promotes the well-being of others. By prioritizing mental and physical health and fitness during college, I will not only ensure a successful college experience academically, but also personally as I obtain knowledge in both areas preparing me for a successful future after college. This self discovery about the importance of a healthy mind and body if accomplished during college will last a lifetime. I hope to also encourage other students to achieve this balance between physical and mental well-being to empower them to have influence over their own lives and set them up for success in both their personal and professional lives.

Staying Fit and Healthy is More Than Just Exercise By Ian Carstairs When someone says the word “fitness,” the image of a perfectly-toned individual as a result of hours in the gym is what most people see in their minds. However, staying fit and healthy goes well beyond the gym; in fact, there are important aspects of our lives that when balanced will prepare us for the best experiences with healthy achievements in all aspects of our lives. As a student, I prioritize staying fit and healthy while also addressing my mental, emotional, and nutritional needs in addition to my fitness needs. A healthy body is at its best when balanced with a healthy mind. This balance is achieved when both are priorities as integral parts of a student’s lifestyle. I have personally set goals to achieve both as a student and have seen the benefit. Staying fit and healthy is something that has become second nature to me. For students like myself, there are several ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle which can be implemented into a daily routine and once hardwired can last a lifetime. This includes addressing mental and emotional well-being, being aware of my nutritional needs, and making exercise a core part of my lifestyle. A healthy mind must be attended to just as a healthy body. A critical first step is to prioritize sleep. Students often have hectic schedules, including both academic and social schedules. If sleep is not prioritized then the mind will not function optimally, leading to poor academic performance, anxiety, stress, and bad eating habits. I ensure that I achieve at least 8 hours of sleep every night and avoid staying up all night. Next, as a well-rested student I also make time for maintaining and forming new social connections for support and enjoyment. By staying connected with family and old friends from high school, I know I can stay grounded by those who know them the best. It is also important to foster new friendships and connections with college friends, advisors, and professors that will help form a new social support system to rely on during the inevitable stressful events such as midterms and finals. Taking a mental wellness break from studying to maintain these important social connections will also help avoid loneliness and feelings of isolation. Self reflection is healing, whether through meditation, quiet thought, or simply a walk outside to clear one’s mind. These simple moments to cleanse the mind can have a significant impact on my mental well-being. Keeping healthy through nutrition is a key aspect to overall health. I have found a passion for learning about nutrition and maintaining a well-balanced diet. There are several factors that contribute to healthy nutrition. First is nutritional knowledge by understanding food labels and content of the packaged food we buy and consume. By seeking a healthy well-balanced diet with as much fresh produce and lean protein as possible, the body will feel ready to conquer both academic success but also any physical demands from an exercise routine. Even when eating in a college cafeteria, with the right knowledge one can easily moderate their food intake and prioritize healthy choices and portion control while allowing for the occasional treat such as a dessert or ice cream. Second is nutritional skills such as cooking. Not only is cooking one’s own food important to understanding the content of what we eat, it is also fun and an opportunity to socialize with others. Lastly, water intake is critical to good nutrition. Water is as important a fuel to our bodies as calories and should be prioritized for all students. A student that carries a water bottle instead of caffeinated, high caloric beverages is set up for success. Physical exercise is an important aspect to maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle. This comes in many forms from gym workouts or outdoor activities and should address both the strength and cardio training needs of the human body. Strength training is an area of fitness that helps contribute to physical health and may improve longevity. This is an area I have found the most benefit from in my fitness routine. Having a frame consisting of lean tissue as opposed to fat tissue is much better for one’s body. Consistently exposing one’s muscles to an external stimulus promotes bone health and joint mobility along with protecting the body against catabolism. Endurance-based exercise, or simply cardio, is also another important part of physical exercise. It is a necessary form of exercise for keeping a healthy heart. Moreover, speaking from personal experience, physical exercise has instilled confidence in me that I did not have previously. A regular exercise routine should be scheduled and prioritized. As a student I know it is important to make time for exercise especially during high stress times in college such as finals week, thesis completions, presentations, internship interviews, etc. Another simple piece of advice would be to walk when you can. The well established goal of 10,000 steps per day should be easily achieved by students if they use their feet as the most reliable form of transportation. I do this daily. Exercise can also be a social event that fosters friendships and promotes the well being of others. Together students can find creative ways to stay active and fit together. By prioritizing mental and physical health and fitness during college, I will not only ensure a successful college experience academically, but also personally as I obtain knowledge in both areas preparing me for a successful future after college. This self discovery about the importance of a healthy mind and body if accomplished during college will last a lifetime. I hope to also encourage other students to achieve this balance between physical and mental well-being to empower them to have influence over their own lives and set them up for success in both their personal and professional lives.

“Lindsay, are you okay?” I asked my sister. I was 9; she was 7. I still don’t know why I went to her room that day but when I did, something wasn’t right … she was blinking, confused, and not speaking clearly or moving normally. I was scared. What was happening? What do I do? Is it safe to walk away for help? I was really scared. I stayed with her and called out to our babysitter, after which Lindsay went to the hospital. I will never forget that pivotal moment that changed Lindsay's, my own, and my parents' lives, subsequently giving me new responsibility for my sister’s well-being. She spent her birthday a week later having seizures nearly all day long. I was 9. I was scared. Watching my parents’ fear (and experiencing my own) changed me. Lindsay endured endless tests, hospitalizations, and failed trials of medications before one controlled her seizures. She was eventually diagnosed with a rare disorder, Jeavon’s syndrome, that continues to manifest in atypical seizures. Eight years later, I am not scared. I am resilient. I have developed perspective, empathy, and responsibility unlike that of many older brothers because I have had to be more than just a big brother; I am Lindsay’s eyes and ears, watching for signs of danger and knowing how to handle them. She is a thriving sophomore, and after struggling to participate in sports she found a passion for theater. That gave us a space for shared purpose. I now spend many hours as a volunteer guitarist and stage crew leader for her local theater company. Being an older brother to a sister with a challenging medical condition taught me that fear can be transformed. Today, I am 17. And I am resilient. And I know the power of empathy.

When someone says the word “fitness,” the image of a perfectly-toned individual as a result of hours in the gym is what most people see in their minds. However, staying fit and healthy goes well beyond the gym; in fact, there are important aspects of our lives that when balanced will prepare us for the best experiences with healthy achievements at a gym or outdoors. For students to prioritize staying fit and healthy they must address their mental, emotional, and nutritional needs in addition to their fitness needs. A healthy body is at its best when balanced with a healthy mind. This balance is achieved when both are priorities as integral parts of a student’s lifestyle. I have personally set goals to achieve both in high school and have seen the benefit. Staying fit and healthy is something that is second nature to me and I am disciplined to visit the gym daily. A healthy mind must be attended to just as a healthy body. A critical first step for me was to prioritize sleep. As a well rested student I also make time for maintaining and forming new social connections for support and enjoyment. Taking a mental wellness break from studying to maintain these important social connections will also help avoid loneliness and feelings of isolation. Lastly, self reflection is healing, whether through meditation, quiet thought, or simply a walk outside to clear one’s mind. These simple moments to cleanse the mind can have a significant impact on my mental well-being. By prioritizing mental and physical health and fitness during college, I will not only ensure a successful college experience academically but achieve an important balance that will empower me as a college student to have influence over my own life and goals setting me up for future success.

I am the child of two military veterans. From my parents I have observed and learned characteristics that not only make individuals good leaders, they are characteristics that make us good humans. Growing up in a household with two veterans was an invaluable experience that prepared me well for the next stage of my life. The characteristics I have learned from my parents that I most value are servant leadership, resiliency, and integrity. My mom served 13 years in the Navy including deployments to Iraq. She now dedicates her career to helping children experiencing health disparities. The value I learned from my mother is servant leadership. She taught me that as leaders we must serve others and not ourselves. I began my journey as a servant leader over the past 4 years with a local non-profit youth theater company where I have been a stage crew manager not only leading but recruiting other volunteers to help children from diverse backgrounds. I believe that recognizing the needs of one’s community and, in turn, giving back to achieve a positive impact is something we do not do enough of together. My dad retired honorably after 25 years in the Navy with a medical disability. From my father, I learned and model resiliency. He exemplified this during his multiple deployments to the Middle East and his search for new employment during his transition to civilian life. This trait has also been particularly important during the pandemic when every day presented new public health guidelines and ever changing community plans. During our quarantine, I was constantly worried, but I knew I had to persevere by focusing on school and helping my family despite my own feelings of isolation and uncertainty. I also wanted to do more. Since the fall of 2020, I have been a volunteer study participant for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine trial. I am proud to have been resilient and to have done my part for my own community and the world. My parents began teaching myself and my sister the meaning of integrity at an early age. This was a core value they held as active duty personnel. I can not remember when I didn’t know the importance of it. I was taught that honesty and taking responsibility for one’s actions combined with doing the right thing when nobody's watching is non-negotiable for my future success. Integrity is a core value for veterans. With every decision I make, I commit myself to integrity. I hope to honor my parents through a successful college experience. I applied to and have recently been selected as one of twenty scholars in the Tulane Altman Program in International Studies and Business. This selective four-year undergraduate program integrates liberal arts and business curriculums with extensive language instruction and a full study abroad year. I will earn two degrees while also earning professional proficiency in my chosen language of Spanish. I am deeply committed to using my time as a college student to utilize every resource available to me by dedicating myself to learning and service to others both in the US and when immersed in international experiences. I will graduate not only with a valuable education but also emerge as an engaged member of society who knows the importance of being a responsible global citizen through cultural awareness, respect, and social responsibility. As I eagerly anticipate college, I am grateful for the values of servant leadership, resilience, and integrity I have learned from my veteran parents. I am ready to use these skills to lead and excel as my journey continues.

I am the child of two military veterans. From my parents I have observed and learned characteristics that not only make individuals good leaders, they are characteristics that make us good humans. Growing up in a household with two veterans was an invaluable experience that prepared me well for the next stage of my life. The characteristics I have learned from my parents that I most value are servant leadership, resiliency, and integrity. My mom served 13 years in the Navy including deployments to Iraq. She now dedicates her career to helping children experiencing health disparities. The value I learned from my mother is servant leadership. She taught me that as leaders we must serve others and not ourselves. I began my journey as a servant leader over the past 4 years with a local non-profit youth theater company where I have been a stage crew manager not only leading but recruiting other volunteers to help children from diverse backgrounds. I believe that recognizing the needs of one’s community and, in turn, giving back to achieve a positive impact is something we do not do enough of together. My dad retired honorably after 25 years in the Navy with a medical disability. From my father, I learned and model resiliency. He exemplified this during his multiple deployments to the Middle East and his search for new employment during his transition to civilian life. This trait has also been particularly important during the pandemic when every day presented new public health guidelines and ever changing community plans. During our quarantine, I was constantly worried, but I knew I had to persevere by focusing on school and helping my family despite my own feelings of isolation and uncertainty. I also wanted to do more. Since the fall of 2020, I have been a volunteer study participant for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine trial. I am proud to have been resilient and to have done my part for my own community and the world. My parents began teaching myself and my sister the meaning of integrity at an early age. This was a core value they held as active duty personnel. I can not remember when I didn’t know the importance of it. I was taught that honesty and taking responsibility for one’s actions combined with doing the right thing when nobody's watching is non-negotiable for my future success. Integrity is a core value for veterans. With every decision I make, I commit myself to integrity. I hope to honor my parents through a successful college experience. I applied to and have recently been selected as one of twenty scholars in the Tulane Altman Program in International Studies and Business. This selective four-year undergraduate program integrates liberal arts and business curriculums with extensive language instruction and a full study abroad year. I will earn two degrees while also earning professional proficiency in my chosen language of Spanish. I am deeply committed to using my time as a college student to utilize every resource available to me by dedicating myself to learning and service to others both in the US and when immersed in international experiences. I will graduate not only with a valuable education but also emerge as an engaged member of society who knows the importance of being a responsible global citizen through cultural awareness, respect, and social responsibility. As I eagerly anticipate college, I am grateful for the values of servant leadership, resilience, and integrity I have learned from my veteran parents. I am ready to use these skills to lead and excel as my journey continues.

We have all found ourselves singing along to a song’s lyrics, many times neglecting its intended message. I am a guitarist. As a musician who finds peace and comfort in playing my electric guitar, I try to immerse myself in the lyrics to find meaning in the message. When Dexter Holland of The Offspring wrote “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” he wasn’t just aiming to compose a fast, catchy anthem that sold records; he was sending society a message. When I listen to that song, written in 1998, I hear his message. We must recognize the need to address social inequities in our society. I love playing the opening riff that starts in a minor key, setting a serious tone followed by the lyrics “When we were young, our future was so bright.” I envision a neighborhood whose youth had dreams, ambition, and hope. However, when the song reaches the chorus, Holland sings, “Chances thrown, nothing's free... Still it's hard, hard to see… Fragile lives, shattered dreams.” Holland describes the harsh realization that children’s dreams were crushed because of their socioeconomic status. As they became young adults, some dropped out of school, some became drug addicts, and, tragically, one committed suicide. The lyrics are compelling, highlighting socioeconomic disparities; oftentimes, those who are born into poverty have no means of escaping, ultimately perpetuating a cycle of despair. The lyrics are powerful – our society must change. I have had the opportunity to give back to others during my high school years including volunteer work to help children with complex medical conditions on Medicaid and children from disadvantaged neighborhoods on scholarships for youth theater as a volunteer musician. Through this work, I have had the honor of meeting children who come from under-resourced neighborhoods such as the one described in this song. I know it is my duty to help others avoid “shattered dreams.” Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their greatest potential. If teenagers like myself were able to analyze the lyrics of a punk rock song and use the message I heard to improve my own life and set future goals to help others, then the impact of music on our generation and society's ecosystem is working. Through my experience with music over the past 6 years, I have built confidence in both myself and my ability to understand the deeper messages of songs’ lyrics and appreciate the artists who wrote them such as Dexter Holland who I have learned earned a PhD in Molecular Biology. Knowing he was a gifted student and musician inspires me to be confident in my own abilities and curious about the history of the musicians whose music I love. We must have compassion and curiosity about the stories of others and recognize we all belong to a diverse community full of unique individuals who’s lived experiences shape their own stories and symbolize their pasts. We are stronger because we are different, and it is in our differences that we build the most vibrant communities. I will bring this insight to my college experience as a student who knows that every voice, every name, and everyone’s history matters and contributes to a stronger community overall.

We have all found ourselves singing along to a song’s lyrics, many times neglecting its intended message. As a musician who finds peace and comfort in playing my electric guitar for hours, I try to immerse myself in the lyrics to find meaning in the message. When Dexter Holland of The Offspring wrote “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” he wasn’t just aiming to compose a fast, catchy anthem that sold records; he was sending society a message. When I play that song, written in 1998, I hear his message. We must recognize the need to address society’s social inequities. I love playing the opening riff that starts in a minor key, setting a serious tone followed by the lyrics “When we were young, our future was so bright.” I envision neighborhoods whose youth had dreams, ambition, and hope. However, when the song reaches the chorus, Holland sings, “Chances thrown, nothing's free... Still it's hard, hard to see… Fragile lives, shattered dreams.” Holland describes the harsh realization that children’s dreams were crushed because of their socioeconomic status. As they became young adults, some dropped out of school, some became drug addicts, and, tragically, one committed suicide. The lyrics are compelling, highlighting socioeconomic disparities; oftentimes, those who are born into poverty have no means of escaping, ultimately perpetuating a cycle of despair. The lyrics are powerful – our society must change. I have used music to build on my compassion and curiosity about the stories of others and recognize we all belong to a diverse community full of unique individuals who’s lived experiences shape their own stories and symbolize their pasts. We are stronger because we are different, and it is in our differences that we build the most vibrant communities.