Former President George H.W. Bush once said, "There could be no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others." This sentiment resonates deeply with me, as I have experienced the joy and fulfillment of giving back to my community from an early age and eagerly anticipate expanding that commitment through my professional career. While community is often thought of as the people you live among, I believe it is more profoundly defined by the sense of connection and support that these groups provide. This feeling is integral to shaping who we are, influencing our values, morals, and beliefs. My upbringing instilled in me a keen awareness of systemic inequalities and a responsibility to address them. I have come to understand that community should be a space where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their circumstances. As a member of my community, I am committed to advocating for those affected by injustice—whether it be discriminatory laws, unfair treatment, or social inequities. This commitment fuels my passion for public interest law, a profession that offers the tools to fight for a more equitable society. The essence of community lies in fostering a shared sense of belonging, and I aim to use my future legal career to build and sustain inclusive and unbiased communities. Public interest law, much like teaching and social work, is a profoundly impactful and rewarding human-centered career. Lawyers hold a unique position of influence, with the ability to transform communities through advocacy, policy reform, and education. Beyond shaping public policy, lawyers have the power to inspire hope and create tangible change by providing legal assistance to individuals facing systemic injustices. Through pro bono work, community outreach, mentorship, and civic engagement, lawyers can address the diverse needs of their communities while promoting justice and equality. For me, becoming a public interest lawyer is not just a career aspiration but a calling to serve others in meaningful ways. I am eager to contribute to the betterment of my community by addressing the needs of those who are too often overlooked or marginalized. By leveraging the tools of law, I hope to challenge injustices, advocate for systemic change, and empower individuals to thrive in environments where fairness and opportunity prevail. As I pursue this path, I understand that the journey to becoming a lawyer is one of dedication and perseverance. Yet, the work holds the promise of lasting impacts on communities—fostering resilience, driving innovation, and cultivating a shared sense of responsibility. Combining my professional expertise with my passion for service will allow me to build a legacy of meaningful change and ensure that every individual in my community has the opportunity to feel valued, supported, and heard.

I was no stranger to mental health issues. My grandpa died by suicide months before I was born. My cousin had been diagnosed with severe anxiety. Emotions were something openly talked about in my house. Because of this, I thought I understood mental health. But I didn’t realize how personal and overwhelming it could become until my freshman year of high school. March 28, 2022, began like any normal school day. I went to classes, chatted with friends, and followed my routine. But by mid-afternoon, everything changed. I found myself sitting in the school counselor’s office, trying to make sense of emotions that had spiraled out of control. That same day, I was taken to the hospital for evaluation. I met several mental health professionals, each one focused on a different aspect of care. It felt like a blur -like time had stopped- yet before the day was over, I was released with a plan to begin therapy. That moment marked the beginning of a long, complicated journey. Over the next year, I continued to struggle with depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder. These weren’t always visible to others, but inside, I was fighting battles every single day. Some days felt manageable; others felt like drowning. The unpredictability made it even harder to cope. I lived in fear of the next emotional wave crashing over me. A year later, almost to the day, I ended up back in the counselor’s office after a friend recognized the signs I had tried to hide. That Monday, I was sent home from school. By Wednesday, I found myself opening up for the first time in a long time, finally admitting just how dark things had gotten. I told the counselor about the suicidal thoughts I had kept buried. That honesty, though terrifying, marked a turning point. I finished my sophomore year in an outpatient mental health facility. It wasn’t how I pictured ending the school year, and there were days I dreaded going. But I went anyway. I knew it was what I needed. Therapy became a lifeline, a place where I could be honest, broken, and still accepted. Today, I still see a therapist. I still have hard days. But I’m in a better place than I’ve ever been, mentally and emotionally. Having just graduated from high school, I can look back and see how far I’ve come. I’ve built a community of people who lift me on my worst days. Friends, family, and especially my boyfriend have all played critical roles in my healing. My family provided unwavering support and resources; my friends never let me fall too far without reaching out to me. And my boyfriend reminded me that seeking help is not a weakness, but a strength. Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: the right people will stay. They will love you even when you’re struggling, even when you’re not your best self. Mental health doesn’t define who I am-it’s a part of my story, not the whole story. Breaking the stigma around mental health has become one of my life’s missions. I know firsthand how isolating and painful it can be. But I also know that healing is possible, and that support makes all the difference.

Former President George H.W. Bush once said, "There could be no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others." This sentiment resonates deeply with me, as I have experienced the joy and fulfillment of giving back to my community from an early age and eagerly anticipate expanding that commitment through my professional career. While community is often thought of as the people you live among, I believe it is more profoundly defined by the sense of connection and support that these groups provide. This feeling is integral to shaping who we are, influencing our values, morals, and beliefs. My upbringing instilled in me a keen awareness of systemic inequalities and a responsibility to address them. I have come to understand that community should be a space where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their circumstances. As a member of my community, I am committed to advocating for those affected by injustice—whether it be discriminatory laws, unfair treatment, or social inequities. This commitment fuels my passion for public interest law, a profession that offers the tools to fight for a more equitable society. The essence of community lies in fostering a shared sense of belonging, and I aim to use my future legal career to build and sustain inclusive and unbiased communities. Public interest law, much like teaching and social work, is a profoundly impactful and rewarding human-centered career. Lawyers hold a unique position of influence, with the ability to transform communities through advocacy, policy reform, and education. Beyond shaping public policy, lawyers have the power to inspire hope and create tangible change by providing legal assistance to individuals facing systemic injustices. Through pro bono work, community outreach, mentorship, and civic engagement, lawyers can address the diverse needs of their communities while promoting justice and equality. For me, becoming a public interest lawyer is not just a career aspiration but a calling to serve others in meaningful ways. I am eager to contribute to the betterment of my community by addressing the needs of those who are too often overlooked or marginalized. By leveraging the tools of law, I hope to challenge injustices, advocate for systemic change, and empower individuals to thrive in environments where fairness and opportunity prevail. As I pursue this path, I understand that the journey to becoming a lawyer is one of dedication and perseverance. Yet, the work holds the promise of lasting impacts on communities—fostering resilience, driving innovation, and cultivating a shared sense of responsibility. Combining my professional expertise with my passion for service will allow me to build a legacy of meaningful change and ensure that every individual in my community has the opportunity to feel valued, supported, and heard.

Former President George H.W. Bush once said, "There could be no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others." This sentiment resonates deeply with me, as I have experienced the joy and fulfillment of giving back to my community from an early age and eagerly anticipate expanding that commitment through my professional career. While community is often thought of as the people you live among, I believe it is more profoundly defined by the sense of connection and support that these groups provide. This feeling is integral to shaping who we are, influencing our values, morals, and beliefs. My upbringing instilled in me a keen awareness of systemic inequalities and a responsibility to address them. I have come to understand that community should be a space where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their circumstances. As a member of my community, I am committed to advocating for those affected by injustice—whether it be discriminatory laws, unfair treatment, or social inequities. This commitment fuels my passion for public interest law, a profession that offers the tools to fight for a more equitable society. The essence of community lies in fostering a shared sense of belonging, and I aim to use my future legal career to build and sustain inclusive and unbiased communities. Public interest law, much like teaching and social work, is a profoundly impactful and rewarding human-centered career. Lawyers hold a unique position of influence, with the ability to transform communities through advocacy, policy reform, and education. Beyond shaping public policy, lawyers have the power to inspire hope and create tangible change by providing legal assistance to individuals facing systemic injustices. Through pro bono work, community outreach, mentorship, and civic engagement, lawyers can address the diverse needs of their communities while promoting justice and equality. For me, becoming a public interest lawyer is not just a career aspiration but a calling to serve others in meaningful ways. I am eager to contribute to the betterment of my community by addressing the needs of those who are too often overlooked or marginalized. By leveraging the tools of law, I hope to challenge injustices, advocate for systemic change, and empower individuals to thrive in environments where fairness and opportunity prevail. As I pursue this path, I understand that the journey to becoming a lawyer is one of dedication and perseverance. Yet, the work holds the promise of lasting impacts on communities—fostering resilience, driving innovation, and cultivating a shared sense of responsibility. Combining my professional expertise with my passion for service will allow me to build a legacy of meaningful change and ensure that every individual in my community has the opportunity to feel valued, supported, and heard.

Swimming has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. The discipline, resilience, and time management I have developed as a student-athlete have shaped my ambitions for the future—particularly my passion for social work. Through my experiences in competitive swimming, I have learned the value of teamwork, perseverance, and supporting those around me, all of which have influenced my desire to help others on a deeper level. As a swimmer, I have faced both victories and setbacks, each teaching me valuable lessons about perseverance and mental strength. The sport has challenged me to push past my limits, stay focused on my goals, and remain motivated even when progress seems slow. More importantly, it has taught me the significance of having a strong support system. I have seen firsthand how encouragement from teammates and coaches can lift someone up in moments of doubt. These experiences have made me more empathetic and aware of the struggles people face, both in and out of sports. Being part of a team has shown me how essential it is to uplift and advocate for others, especially during challenging times. I have known teammates who struggled with personal hardships—whether it was mental health, family issues, or self-doubt. Seeing how these challenges affected them sparked my interest in social work. I want to be someone who can provide guidance, support, and resources to individuals who feel unheard or overwhelmed. Social work allows me to take my passion for helping others beyond the pool and into real-world situations where I can make a difference. Outside of swimming, I have a strong interest in creative writing and music, which provide me with a way to express myself and understand different perspectives. Writing allows me to process my thoughts and emotions, and I often find myself drawn to stories about resilience and personal growth. Music, on the other hand, serves as an emotional outlet, offering comfort and inspiration. These interests, combined with my experiences in athletics, have reinforced my desire to help people navigate life’s challenges and find their strengths. Ultimately, my journey as a student-athlete has given me the skills and determination to pursue a career in social work. The discipline, patience, and compassion I have gained from swimming will serve me well as I work to support and advocate for individuals in need. I am excited to take the lessons I have learned—both in and out of the pool—and use them to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Let’s be honest we all had days where we dreaded going to school or to work. I mean it’s human nature! If asked 5th-grade Bella what she wanted to be when she grew up she would have rolled her eyes at you and said “The next Taylor Swift duh”. However, flash forward 10 years I know that not going to happen. Throughout my time as a student, I have had many different educators and seen many different ways of teaching. While I’ve always tried to not have a favorite teacher sometimes it happens. I’ve always loved the teachers who treated students more like friends than people below them or were there for you on a bad day. I think that was one of the most inspirational parts was wanting to be the teacher is that you would be someone that everyone looked forward to seeing and knew they could come to. Another thing that is currently driving me to have a career in teaching is my passion for making the world a better place. Teaching in my opinion is by far the most rewarding job where you get to see that change first hand. I’ve always wanted to be a person that people can look back on and say that I had a positive impact on their lives. Throughout my high school career, I’ve always been very consistent in holding honors society positions that require volunteering. While teaching is not volunteering as you get paid I love volunteering at my church helping out with Sunday school. I’m also currently employed teaching swim lessons to toddlers, most of them being kindergarten-age. And I enjoy every second of it. No matter if it's getting to see their faces when they can finally float on their back by themselves or talking about how they have baby chicks in their classrooms. On the more logistical side, I knew I never wanted a desk job and would much rather have a job that no two days are the same. The creativity that comes with teaching and the ability to do your own thing within boundaries is also something that has always seemed to be perfect for me. While I know I won't be the next global superstar like Taylor Swift I know I can be famous in the classroom. While Taylor is writing her songs I will write my lesson plan with the same creative flow. As you can probably guess I’m counting down the days till I graduate from high school then have a degree to teach the next generation to love learning.

“Baby I could build a castle out of all the bricks they threw at me”. This line alone is a life motto forever and ever. The soundtrack the best represents my life would be New Romantics ((Taylors Version) Of course). Threw out my year so far I’ve lost friends but also gained so many in the process. I’ve had people that haven’t been kind and haven’t been welcoming. But my favorite part of this lyric is the fact that Taylor turned something negative into something beautiful. Im a huge believer that everything happens for a reason so if all these brinks are going to make a castle then it will all be well worth it in the end. Cause honey, “Life is just a classroom” as a student I feel I’ve leaned so much more outside the classroom such as how to learn to trust people and how to love. I know I’m never going to need biology in my career choice however I am going to need to learn to forgive and move on. On that note (pun intended), I also love the line, “The best people in life are free”. Real friends are something that are so hard to find, I believe real friends are those that you don't have to clean your house for, you don't have to mentally prepare yourself to see or to drain your social battery. The best people in life, your friends and your family, stay by your side no matter what you give them in return. My best friend is a huge Selena Gomez fan; she truly is Selena to my Taylor. I owe so much to those who have stayed by me in hard times. However on the opposite spectrum, "We wait for trains that just aren't coming" has a romance reader and a hopeless romantic this line makes me feel so seen. In high school boys are always important to everyone it seems. Everyone finds there perfect person for them, even though for some people its works that this but I know my soulmate doesn't go to my High School but its nice to imagine what life will be like once I'm married and happy with the love of my life. I feel this song best represents my life because Im always trying to make the best of life before I get too many responsibilities ending 2023 with heartbreak was definitely not how I pictured it would at the beginning of the year. But the new me if ready to move on and have the time of my life.