I believe that a society that is unaware of its history is doomed to repeat it. I have read many books that highlight the consistent flaws in our society and play the scenario forward, detailing worlds in which humanity fails to stand for justice and freedom, becoming a slave to society and government. Books like Brave New World by Adolus Huxley and The Giver by Lowis Lowry are examples of how society can turn against people and how trading security for freedom is not as beneficial as it sounds. However, both fall short when compared to George Orwell's 1984. Orwell does a brilliant job simplifying the horrors of an all-powerful government and a world where humans are reduced to batteries. The primary narrative throughout the book is that without passion and drive, any human can be broken and reduced to fearful, obedient slaves that live only to maintain the system that keeps powerful people on top. Orwell emphasizes the importance of free speech with the Thought Police, who control what people can or cannot think, say, and do. Without the ability to share ideas with one another, no one is able to unify and stand up to the omniscient Big Brother, thus perpetuating their enslavement. Orwell's career as a writer began after the First World War, and his novels highlighted his personal values of individuality and liberty. He wrote 1984, a year after the beginning of the Cold War, which caused his writings to have a notable impact on his global audience. 1984 emphasizes the dangers of totalitarianism and, like Animal Farm, calls out the inhumane actions of the Russian Communists, especially under Stalin. I believe everyone should read Orwell's 1984 and be given a chance to think critically about their society. Our job as people is to hold our government accountable, especially when they infringe upon our rights. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of their rights, and still, more are afraid of the consequences of standing up for what they believe in. However, a world like the one in 1984 is not far-fetched or unrealistic. Still, the greatest way for people to arm themselves against a totalitarian threat would be through the acquisition of knowledge.

Confidence was something that alluded me for a long time. It was completely foreign, and I never felt as though I was worthy of it. I thought confidence was something that you were born with; some blessing only a few possessed. Ever since grade school, I remember being so insecure about myself. I felt shy in social situations, never sure what to say and so afraid I would mess up. I was so afraid of being embarrassed, yet it seemed everything about me was embarrassing. I spent years in my shell. I didn't speak up, much preferring not to rock the boat. However, I still longed to feel like I belonged. One year, in my letter to Santa, I asked him to give me confidence. I knew it was something I lacked, but I thought it was out of reach to people like me. Over time, and with much help from my family, I began to see that confidence isn't just given to you. Confidence is earned. While some people are more naturally charismatic, no one is born confident. It takes time, effort, and a lot of self-awareness to learn how to become confident and operate with self-assuredness. While I am certainly not who and what I plan on being, I continue to work every day to grow more assured and confident in who I am. I would say I'm self-aware enough to learn about some of my shortcomings and continue to pursue change to become who I know I could be. It is in this pursuit that I have gained the confidence to speak positively about myself. I know I'm not much like other people, but I do not intend on being someone else. I would much rather be confident in myself.

I have always been enraptured by the unknown. I was hooked on fantasy as a child, and as an adult, I am hooked on theory. I love that there is a vast universe, or perhaps even a multiverse, out there, beyond our current understanding. I want nothing more than to explore the world of string theory and gain a better understanding of the vastness of the stars. I want to learn about and see everything from the quantum to the astronomical. For the last 6 years, I have been fascinated by these ideas, drawn by Theoretical and Astrophysics. I owe the credit of this exploration to TEDEd and Kurzgesagt, who fostered my love for the more abstract sciences. They opened my eyes to opportunities I wasn't aware that I had. When I was in grade school I excelled at math, like most subjects I put my mind to, but there was little about it that separated it from everything else I had studied. That changed for me when I began learning algebra. It came so easily, and all the pieces seemed to click in my mind. The formulaic nature of the subject made it so easy for me to comprehend and retain. Not only that, but algebra opens up to the world of calculus and geometry, which have vast implications in the real world. Calculus, in particular, has so much to do with physics, a pivotal part of the studies of space. It's such a good feeling when your passions and talents begin to align. My love for the stars grew exponentially when I realized that, with the right degree and dedication, I could reach them. They were no longer a fantasy, but rather a very real and obtainable reality. It gave me a goal. Something to work towards, and a place to focus my efforts. My love for space became a part of who I am, and mathematics has made it possible for me to see and become a greater part of the multiverse. I am still so enraptured by the unknown. However, I have learned that it is possible to know the unknown. To adventure and discovered what has yet to be discovered. To be allowed to play a pivotal role in the grand possibilities of humanity's bright future would be an honor. It wouldn't be possible without math, which serves as the foundation for the future of discovery.