The sudden hush of the audience ignites my anxiety and triggers a sense of nervousness. Attempting to put my worries at ease, I glance at my ensemble. Their reassuring gestures are all I need to know that this performance will run smoothly. I gracefully place my bow onto the first string. With my fingers at the ready, I give the cue to my ensemble; as if by instinct, my mind relaxes, and I become consumed in the music. Since a young age, I’ve always been fascinated with becoming a member of an orchestra. I adored the soundtracks of popular franchises such as ‘The Lion King ’ and ‘The Crown’. Music was my escape, it transported me to new worlds and made my imagination soar. Looking back almost eight years later, I consider playing the violin to be one of the most gratifying and transformative moments of my life. For many people, this may not meet their definition of transformation, but performing in front of people when you are dealing with anxiety and depression ranks high on my list of achievements. It started as jitters on the first day of school as I relocated in the middle of the school year. Leaving your friend group, attending a new school, and figuring out your place in a new environment can shake anyone. For me, my anxiety was amplified by bullying and feeling out of place. It took a while for me to make friends and find people who appreciated my creativity and artistic flair amongst a sea of athletically inclined students. I was so relieved when I was able to connect with a small group of orchestra enthusiasts. My middle school always hosted the annual solo and ensemble contest. This contest gave students the chance to show off their skills and perform more rigorous music. I gathered a group of my closest friends, and we decided to perform as an ensemble. I took on a leadership role; it was my responsibility to coordinate rehearsals, pick music, and officially sign us up for the competition. All seven of us would cram into a small practice space and play our parts relentlessly. Regardless of how tired I was, being surrounded by a group of dedicated people who shared the same passion never failed to brighten my day. The day of our performance was nerve-racking. My anxiety was high and I was so concerned that I would let my teammates down. I was physically sick but used all of my resources to center and calm myself. We made it to our performance room and slowly entered a single-field line. The judge was stone-faced the entire time, making small marks on his sheet. I remember hearing the heavenly sound of my violin mixing with the ensemble. Our melodies flowed together seamlessly. Once we finished our piece the judge handed me back our rubric: we got first place! Music has been able to touch the lives of millions and inspire them to chase after their dreams. Similarly to music, businesses across the world have been able to break through barriers such as sexism, racism, and classism. The foundation of a good business starts out with teamwork and communication. I was able to learn this during my ensemble performance. This experience helped to build my confidence, and leadership skills and allow me to see myself succeeding in the world of business because of my drive and dedication to achieve greatness. It became the first proof point of my ability to do hard things and partner with others to accomplish something that we thought we could not do.

In high school, I was constantly surrounded by the same group of kids I’ve known since elementary school. Friends that I associated with will naturally come and go, but perceptions about who you are tend to always stay the same. Transitioning to college will finally give me the opportunity to build my image and expose myself to new experiences. I will have an opportunity to make new friends, bridge new connections, and become self-reliant. But amidst all these changes, I’ll also prioritize my mental health by pacing myself, practicing self-care, and leveraging my support network when help is needed. The college will also be my new home away from home as I transition away from my family and familiar environment. I anticipate that it might be difficult for the first few months, but I’m hopeful that I’ll find a way to make new friendships that can last a lifetime. Whether I decide to join a sorority or association, I am confident that I will be able to build new relationships. From preparing myself to live on my own to being accountable for managing my schedule, the past couple of years has prepared me for the next step. I’ve always had a passion for fine arts and since the pandemic, it’s taken me a while to finally find my creative spark. I hope to have the opportunity to express my talent whether it involves decorating my dorm or finding time to sketch. I also look forward to developing my time management skills by having the option of choosing my own class schedule. Mental health has been a personal challenge that I have been managing, although I tend to avoid focusing on the fact of my own personal struggles coping with mental health. In fact, I used to drown myself in my school work and prioritize other people's feelings over my own. Over the past two years, I’ve begun to realize how masking your feelings over time can lead contribute to additional mental health concerns. With the support of my family and therapist, I’ve found practices to improve my mental health and well-being. One of the most important tools I’ve learned is simply just taking better care of my body. Finishing your final year in high school is something most seniors tend to dread, but there are ways to change this. Exercising and eating nutritious foods have both helped me significantly improve my mental health. In addition, I’ve prioritized creating the space for quiet time to read or simply decompress by eliminating distractions. Reflecting back on my experience, I believe that seeking and recognizing that I needed help for my mental health was a breakthrough for me to work through my personal challenges. College is the beginning of the rest of my life. It's an incredible opportunity for me to explore different majors, learn new things, and find myself. I’m looking forward to seeing where these next four years take me, all the new experiences, friends, and independence.

I truly enjoyed reading the novel “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. It perfectly tackled issues surrounding activism, racism, and gun violence. One of the moments that stood out to me and later became my favorite, was when the main character, Starr described her thought process after her white friend, Hailey made a racist comment. Hailey attempted to “encourage” Starr to focus more on basketball by asking her to” hustle! Pretend the ball is some fried chicken. Bet you’ll say on it then” (Thomas 111). So many minority students often feel like they must walk on eggshells when faced with racism and derogatory language from their peers and teachers at school. Starr rightfully called Hailey out on her racist remark. In return, Hailey perceived Starr’s outburst as unwarranted and overly aggressive, trying to paint Starr as the “angry black girl”. Hailey used her whiteness to her advantage, turning the story to make her the victim. This powerful moment shows how easily being black affects Starr’s daily life. Not only does she experience stereotyping, but her feelings are constantly being dismissed or hidden so she protects Starr version 1.0 (Garden Heights Starr). No one should ever feel like they cannot rightfully be themselves, if anything, this moment made me realize how important it is to stand up against injustice rather than remain silent and take it. This book had so many amazing moments that described Starr’s journey of processing grief and finding her voice. I wish that over the course of the book, Starr's boyfriend, Chris became more politically aware of his privilege and recognized the level of oppression black people have faced for centuries rather than criticize Starr from the sidelines. During chapter 23, Starr decided she wanted to participate in a protest. At this point, Chris knows the horrors Starr has witnessed, yet strictly believes this “won’t solve anything” (Thomas 389). Starr reminds Chris that she doesn’t need him to agree, but would like for him to “just try to understand how I feel”(Thomas 290). Personally, based on Chris’ language he feels as if there's a huge disconnect between him and Starr. I don’t think that Chris matured or learned anything from the protest. Starr should not have to educate Chris, if he was truly concerned he would be mindful of the vocabulary he used during conversations involving race. It’s not about Chris hating his whiteness, but what his whiteness entails. Furthermore, the book would have benefited from the perspective of another character who wasn’t able to have media attention, yet still pushed for justice against injustice. Thousands of people are subjected to even worse violent acts of police brutality. Not everyone is fortunate enough to gain a massive platform like Starr. Every story is equally important, but not every story is shared. It takes a lot to push toward action, and Starr's character inspired me to use my platform to help others around the country. During the BLM protests, I supported organizations and petitions that promoted peaceful protests and worked towards enacting safer laws for POCs throughout the nation. While our efforts failed to make lawful changes, they did help address a major issue facing our world, racism. Overall the book was fantastic. I was lucky enough to meet the author during one of her book tours and felt that this story was truly compelling. The book conveyed a lot of heavy emotions surrounding several different controversial topics but it was perfectly executed. I truly hope Angie Thomas will one day compose a follow-up book on Starr’s story.

To me, integrity means always being honest and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. For example, during my last job, I had a manager who tended to become easily distracted by her phone. She was constantly spending half of her shift in the break room face-timing her boyfriend or mindlessly scrolling through TikTok. For weeks she would continue with this same behavior and each time she failed to put in the same amount of effort as everyone else on the team. While I attempted to pick up on the work she failed to complete, our store was still experiencing a steep decline in sales. Eventually, my regional manager questioned me about my manager's work ethic and I was torn. I didn't want to put her in an uncomfortable position or possibly risk her losing her job. However, I knew it wasn't fair to me and the rest of my coworkers if we continued to complete her job without receiving the proper credit. I was honest and spoke my mind truthfully. As nervous as I was, my regional manager was very understanding. She had seen my work ethic before and always knew she could trust me because I showed integrity in every assignment I did. My regional manager made the difficult decision to deny my manager's request for a promotion. While this wasn't the outcome my manager expected, she did make some positive changes in her work ethic. She became much more positive and we truly felt like a team again. I'm proud that I had the courage to speak up and communicate the lack of fairness and dishonesty I witnessed coming from my manager's part. I believe in the importance of having respect for rules and policies and also, behaving in ways that are ethical and honest. Since I'm pursuing a business degree, I have come across a lot of people looking to gain personal profit rather than acting in the interest of the entire community. This is why I try my best to work with accountability and bring a strong work ethic to every day.

Imagine being able to travel back in time to the Renaissance era. A young Leonardo da Vinci is standing in front of a massive canvas that will one day become one of his most famous pieces of art, the Mona Lisa. Little does he know that in the near future, millions of people across the world will be able to access his entire art portfolio at a touch of a button. Over the past decade, technology has been advancing at an insanely fast rate. Iphones, tablets, and computers are amazing tools that have made life much easier, but the one technology that will always continue to inspire me is social media. Thanks to platforms such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter people from all walks of life are able to connect in ways that were once believed to be impossible. In the days before social media, several people were confined by their own interests and passions. It wasn’t easy to find people in your direct vicinity who also shared a love of Disney films or knitting. Social media introduced a new way for those with unique niches to find friends and create communities. Another way in which social media inspires me is through its ability to constantly keep people in the know. It’s much easier to wipe out a phone rather than turn on a television set or radio to get your news. Twitter is constantly updating its users on things such as major world disasters, congressional decisions, and celebrity rumors, within a matter of seconds. Not only has it benefited the way we receive our information, but also the way we choose to address it. Through storytelling, users are now able to be vulnerable and open up about their own personal struggles. This has led to major platforms implementing easy-to-share online petitions, nonprofits, charities, and fundraisers. Reaching these large audiences and promoting a good cause strengthens the relationship between the donor and establishes a community built on kindness and support. The power of social media has managed to strengthen the way we connect as humans, deliver us the latest news, and provide aid to those who need it most. While every technology has its faults, social media continues to evolve and motivate people to accomplish more than they could ever dream of, and that’s why it continues to inspire me to this day.

I have come from a long line of hard workers. From attending meetings from five in the morning to six at night, then rushing out the door to get me to school on time, both of my parents have worked tirelessly to provide me and my sister with a very comfortable and happy lifestyle. Their natural drives and ambitions have inspired me to take my degree plan more seriously. I plan on pursuing a college degree because it gives me the tools to enter the workforce successfully, an opportunity to study a topic with which I’m fascinated, and allows me to become more independent. As technology continues to evolve and new companies start to gain notoriety, securing a college degree is essential because it makes existing jobs more accessible. I’m hoping that I’m able to complete college with a bachelor's degree, majoring in business. The business world is highly competitive, especially for young people fresh out of college. Oftentimes, jobs aren’t looking at what you studied in college, but the fact that you studied something at all. The college experience trains you for the real world. You learn how to understand complex subjects, properly communicate your thoughts in essays, and think analytically. College also gives you a chance to improve your organization skills, and time management skills. You learn the importance of being self-disciplined. These are all important qualities you need to become a more professional individual. Since COVID, the employment rates for people who only have a high school diploma are shrinking rapidly. The high school graduates who’ve managed to obtain jobs in the service industry aren’t getting fair wages or many chances to become more advanced in their careers. On the other hand, college graduates have all the necessary skills that qualify them for a range of different employment opportunities. I’ve always dreamed of one day owning my own company. My love for the world of fashion, art, and mental health awareness has always inspired me to share my creativity with others. Since a young age, I’ve continuously found ways to be creative. Whether it be following a Bob Ross tutorial, reconstructing an old doll house, or taking sewing lessons, my hands were always moving. This past summer provided me with a lot of time to narrow down which major I might be interested in trying. I discovered my perfect fit was business. It combines everything that fascinates me: managing a company and also helping consumers find the best products for the best price. For the majority of my life, I’ve been dependent on my parents. My goal is to become more independent, and college is the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I understand that college is a huge commitment. A college education requires students to spend thousands of dollars yearly and dedicate hundreds of hours to their studies. However, all this hard work does eventually pay off. Time management and organization are important skills you learn throughout your college experience. Essay deadlines, tests, and homework can be very overwhelming when you’re juggling several classes. College teaches you how to manage all your responsibilities. It also encourages you to be a more independent adult. You get the chance to pick your schedule and decide on your extracurricular activities. College offers many students the perfect transitional period that leads them to become more mature, independent and responsible adults. In conclusion, I’m pursuing a college degree to become more self-sufficient and create better career opportunities for myself. A college degree will allow me to become a well-equipped and successful adult who contributes positively to society.

“Money doesn’t grow on trees,” I remember hearing that phrase come from my parents' mouths every time I pleaded with them to buy me a new toy or give me money to purchase more scented erasers from my school’s book fair. Recently, I’ve gotten a job of my own and can confirm, I finally understand the true meaning behind that phrase. The purpose of that saying is to stress the importance of hard work and encourage people to make smart spending decisions. Even though I am making minimum wage, my parents have taught me the importance of budgeting, saving, and learning more ways to become financially literate as I enter adulthood. Millions of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, have fallen victim to credit card scams, or are struggling to pay off their student loan debt. Unfortunately, several of them were never taught the importance of financial management or the proper financial skills. Financial literacy is crucial to strengthening the relationship someone has with money. It’s also a lifelong course full of learning. Fortunately enough for me, my parents have taught me how to become my own personal financial advisor. Every time I feel the urge to purchase that new eyeshadow palette or buy a signed copy of my favorite album, I’m quickly reminded that blowing my paycheck all at once decreases the amount of money that goes into my savings and emergency accounts. So, I’ve started to create monthly budgets for myself. By tracking how much money I receive every month, I’m able to carefully calculate how much money should go toward my fixed expenses or any discretionary spending. This budgeting technique has also allowed me to set reasonable savings goals. As a senior in high school who is about to make the daunting transition into college, I’ve had several concerns as to how I’m going to further finance my education. To help with this problem, I’ve created a savings goal: putting aside money from my paycheck each week. These small contributions to my savings account can in turn help me lessen the burden of my student loans. With my new understanding of the importance of creating a budget and investing in a savings account, I am able to hold myself accountable for any financial expectations and set a course toward success with any goals that look unachievable. With this newly found knowledge, I’ve been able to teach my younger sister the importance of becoming financially literate. Even at thirteen years old, she’s managed to outsmart my old budgeting methods and find new ways to generate money. Luckily for me, there are several resources for me to access to expand my financial knowledge. I’ve begun to subscribe to newsletters such as ‘Investopedia’ and listen to one of my favorite financial podcasts, “Afford Anything.” My father has taught me more about the stock market and how investing money now might lead to a greater financial return in the future. Financial literacy teaches people the importance of making smart discussions with their money. This includes budgeting, saving, and understanding how to stay financially informed. These skills have allowed me to act more responsibly with my finances and help aid those who might be less informed. By educating the importance of finical literacy more students can set themselves up for long-term success.

The British royal family's importance today is complex. There are millions of people interested in seeing the monarch's demise, and thousand more who question its longevity. Today I want to examine the transition of modern socialites and one of my biggest role models, Megan Markle the Duchess of Sussex. Firstly, through the controversial interracial relationships in the royal family. Secondly, the racist backlash Megan faced from the British public. And finally, why we need to embrace diversity and inclusion more than ever. Surprisingly, interracial relationships in the royal family started long before Harry and Megan. Queen Victoria grew a close friendship with her Indian attendant Abdul Karim. The queen at the time was sixty-four and Abdul was twenty-four. According to Smithsonian magazine, “Queen Victoria in turn showered him with gifts, titles and honors, much to the resentment of the royal family.” After Victoria died in 1901, her family members tried to conceal their relationship. They started by burning all the letters shared between Abdul and Victoria. Then, they removed him from the house that was gifted to him by Victoria. Finally, they deported him back to India. Ninety-six years later, the world was introduced to a shy girl named Diana Spencer. After a very public divorce, Diana began to openly date men of color. The press spotted her with heart and lung surgeon, Dr. Hasnat Khan. She later developed a more serious relationship with Egyptian film producer Dodo Fayed. Rumors circled that a possible proposal was in the works. The Guardian described “The obsession with bloodlines makes the idea of royals marrying people of color – or even having non-white heritage themselves – difficult for the press and public to stomach.” Megan Markle's engagement to Prince Harry shocked the world. Not only was she biracial, but also a divorcee. She is one of the first biracial women to marry into the Royal Family. Her engagement immediately went viral. She has been given labels such as “The Black Princess”, a fashion icon, and was even recognized by Queen B herself, Beyonce. But the news did not sit well with everyone. The couple began to be attacked both online and in person. According to Entertainment Tonight, Megan and Harry “received a package of white powder that was originally investigated as a racial hate crime, a U.S. politician was suspended from Twitter for a racist tweet about Markle, and this past January, former British UKIP leader Henry Bolton temporarily split with his girlfriend, Jo Marney, after she made headlines for several racist comments about Markle including calling her a “seed” that would “taint the royal family.” After Harry announced that he would be stepping down from his royal duties the public continued to shame Megan and blame her for his departure. Megan has always been good at ignoring the hate. But I can't begin to imagine how cyberbullying has affected her mental and physical health. She persevered through all the hurtful headlines and continues to advocate for young women and spread mental health awareness. As strong as Megan Markle is, she shouldn't have to experience online abuse or public harassment. The world needs to start evolving with the changing demographics. Biracial children and interracial marriages are at an all-time high. Looking at things from a global standpoint, our overall inclusivity has improved, but we still have a long way to go. Unfortunately, bigotry, ignorance, and racism have clouded the minds of millions of people. Allowing young people, like myself, to help educate, lead and provide insight into our differences can better shape the future of the world with just a pop of color.

As the designated family fashion critic and stylist, I’ve always taken extreme pride in my appearance. Fashion is my creative outlet, but during the pandemic, it was harder to have access to the brands I once loved. One day while endlessly scrolling through Instagram, I came across a brand that was love at first sight, Telfar. Known for its infamous shopping bag totes, Telfar has grown a large following within the last few years and recognition from some of my favorite celebrities. Paparazzi found Solange dancing the night away with a tan Telfar bag attached to her hip, and Beyoncé leaving brunch while carrying her white Telfar. I immediately became hooked. I quickly started researching more about the company and its founder, Telfar Clemens. Aside from the eye-catching bag, I discovered that the brand had an amazing come-up story that impacted me in more ways than one. The brand stands for black pride, queerness, and accessibility. As someone who identifies as a queer person, it’s sometimes challenging for me to properly express myself and my sexuality through clothing. Clemens had been producing unisex clothing items and bags for almost sixteen years. Blurring the lines between clothes that are traditionally deemed feminine and masculine. Telfar also reflected the everyday consumer, believing that good quality should be available to everyone. In their early fashion shows and social media campaigns models of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and heights were displayed with full confidence. I was excited to see someone who was just like me making a name for themselves in such a competitive fashion and business industry. Not only that but owning their company in full, but being the CEO and head designer. Even in today’s day and age, it’s rare to see black-owned or queer-owned fashion brands that are successfully mainstream. Seeing Telfar being proud of who he was and sticking true to the message of his brand, “Not for you - for Everyone”, inspired me to create much more than an essay. I fully immersed myself in the world of Telfar. I feel connected to Telfar Clemens not only as a brand but as a person. I saw myself in him, he was also someone who struggled to find a place for themselves in fashion. He stood up for those who felt isolated and forever changed how the world defines individuality and luxury. I will forever continue to support and uplift the same people who helped paved the way for me and my generation, black queer artists. Accessibility and defying the world of luxury classism in America, Telfar has grown from a small company to an iconic symbol of American fashion. Telfar constantly breaks down the racial stigmas of black fashion designers. Proving time and time again that black fashion isn’t just hip hop or streetwear. Telfar Clemens inspired me to become more confident in myself and support those fighting for inclusion in industries that lack it. That's why I plan on pursuing a business career. In the hopes that one day I can open more doors for women of color and members of the LGBTQ community. Telfarrepresents a shift in the culture of fashion and proves how much black creators can achieve. This brand has become a beacon of hope for me and many more generations of fashion lovers to come. I’m now part of a beautifully diverse and vibrant community that stands for so much more than a bag.

The sudden hush of the audience ignites my anxiety and triggers a sense of nervousness. Attempting to put my worries at ease, I glance at my ensemble. Their reassuring gestures are all I need to know that this performance will run smoothly. I gracefully place my bow onto the first string. With my fingers at the ready, I give the cue to my ensemble; as if by instinct, my mind relaxes, and I become consumed in the music. Since a young age, I’ve always been fascinated with playing the violin. I adored the soundtrack of the popular franchise ‘Harry Potter’,. Music was my escape, it transported me to new worlds and made my imagination soar. I knew I was destined to play the violin. Looking back almost eight years later, I consider playing the violin to be one of the most gratifying and transformative moments of my life. For many people, this may not meet their definition of transformation, but performing in front of people when you are dealing with anxiety and depression ranks high on my list of achievements. It started as jitters on the first day of school as I relocated in the middle of the school year from Kentucky to Texas. Entering a new environment can shake anyone. For me, my anxiety was amplified by bullying. It took a while for me to make friends and find people who appreciated my creativity and artistic flair amongst a sea of athletically inclined students. I was so relieved when I was able to connect with a small group of orchestra enthusiasts. In seventh grade, I entered the annual solo and ensemble contest. This was the perfect opportunity for my ensemble to perform more rigorous music. It was my responsibility to coordinate rehearsals, get our music approved, and officially sign us up for the competition. At first, everything was very overwhelming: our sheet music was composed of several interchanging melodies. I knew we’d need more time to learn the piece, so for the next two months, I scheduled a rehearsal every day after school. All seven of us would cram into a small practice space and play our parts relentlessly. Regardless of how tired I was, being surrounded by a group of dedicated people who shared the same passion never failed to brighten my day. The day of our performance was nerve-racking. My anxiety was high and I was so concerned that I would let my teammates down, but I managed to center and calm myself. The room was filled with the heavenly sound of my violin mixing with the violas, and cellos. Once we finished our piece, we silently awaited our results. In the end, we got first place! After so much perseverance, I surprised myself and mastered one of the most difficult ensemble pieces I’d ever performed. Music has been able to touch the lives of millions and inspire them to chase after their dreams. For me, music has inspired me to attend college and pursue a business career. Similarly to music, businesses across the world have been able to break through barriers such as sexism, racism, and classism. The foundation of a good business starts out with teamwork and communication. I was able to learn this during my ensemble performance. This experience helped to build my confidence, leadership skills and allow me to see myself succeeding in the world of business because of my drive and dedication to achieve greatness. It became the first proof point of my ability to do hard things and partner with others to accomplish something that we thought we could not do.

I looked up from my chair, startled to see twenty-five other people staring intently at me waiting for a response. I had been called on yet again to answer a question regarding oxidation numbers. I knew if I didn’t respond in the next thirty seconds, my physics teacher would make a snarky comment about my lack of attentiveness. So in a monotone, quiet voice, I replied “I don’t know”. I shifted further into my chair, letting the wave of embarrassment set in. I’ve never been very good at science. I’m not sure if it’s the confusing equations or the labs that infuriated me more. In class, I would try my best to avoid answering any questions and lean on Google to help me through the nightmare that was junior physics, but I couldn’t rely on that forever and my grades were certainly reflecting that. I had Mr.O as my teacher the previous year for chemistry, he would push me more than my other classmates because he knew I could be much more successful if I focused more in class. I planned on proving to myself and Mr.O, that I was fully capable of improving my grades and being more prompt for class without relying on others. In the beginning, physics was much harder than any science class I had previously taken. I had an early case of senioritis and wasn't motivated to put effort into my work. This caused me to purposely put off my physics homework and pretend that the problems would solve themselves. I knew I needed a different approach, so I set a goal for myself, to make the honor roll. This encouraged me to become more determined to craft a better schedule for myself, putting more of my free time towards studying and attending as many tutoring sessions as I could. From that point on I was attending tutorials every morning from exactly 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM. Then tutorials every afternoon from 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM. I would go straight to the physics room and receive tutoring from Mr. O. Even if I felt confident in the homework or test we had, I still wanted to ensure I was on the right track to success. I saw significant improvements in my grades, rather than settling for a C plus, I was making high B’s and A’s on almost every assignment. There were a lot more students who were in the same boat as me in terms of time management. My friends and I came together and decided on creating our tutoring group outside of school. We had sessions two days out of the week, working as a team to help one another through challenging problems. I was no longer staying up past midnight, disappointed in myself for procrastinating. Introducing a more academically disciplined schedule into my daily routine improved my stress levels, and my grades, and gave me more time to sleep. As the end of the school year was approaching, Mr.O pulled me aside to commend me on the work and time I had dedicated to his class. I had reached my goal, I made it onto the honor roll. All of my grades for every four quarters were higher in physics than they were in chemistry. I was proud of myself. I no longer felt nervous to answer a question in class I felt more inclined to raise my hand. This challenging experience taught me so much about myself, as long as I keep my focus and put in everything I got, I can be successful at anything.

The sudden hush of the audience ignites my anxiety and triggers a sense of nervousness. Attempting to put my worries at ease, I glance at my ensemble. Their reassuring gestures are all I need to know that this performance will run smoothly. I gracefully place my bow onto the first string. With my fingers at the ready, I give the cue to my ensemble; as if by instinct, my mind relaxes, and I become consumed in the music. Since a young age, I’ve always been fascinated with playing the violin. I adored the soundtracks of the very popular franchise ‘Harry Potter’. Music was my escape, it transported me to new worlds and made my imagination soar. I knew I was destined to play the violin. Looking back almost eight years later, I consider playing the violin to be one of the most gratifying and transformative moments of my life. For many people, this may not meet their definition of transformation, but performing in front of people when you are dealing with anxiety and depression ranks high on my list of achievements. It started as jitters on the first day of school as I relocated in the middle of the school year from Kentucky to Texas. Entering a new environment can shake anyone. For me, my anxiety was amplified by bullying. It took a while for me to make friends and find people who appreciated my creativity and artistic flair amongst a sea of athletically inclined students. I was so relieved when I was able to connect with a small group of orchestra enthusiasts. In seventh grade, I entered the annual solo and ensemble contest. This was the perfect opportunity for my ensemble to perform more rigorous music. It was my responsibility to coordinate rehearsals, get our music approved, and officially sign us up for the competition. At first, everything was very overwhelming: our sheet music was composed of several interchanging melodies. I knew we’d need more time to learn the piece, so for the next two months, I scheduled a rehearsal every day after school. All seven of us would cram into a small practice space and play our parts relentlessly. Regardless of how tired I was, being surrounded by a group of dedicated people who shared the same passion never failed to brighten my day. The day of our performance was nerve-racking. My anxiety was high and I was so concerned that I would let my teammates down, but I managed to center and calm myself. The room was filled with the heavenly sounds of my violin and accompanying cellos. Once we finished our piece, we silently awaited our results. In the end, we got first place! After so much perseverance, I surprised myself and mastered one of the most difficult ensemble pieces I’d ever performed. Music has been able to touch the lives of millions and inspire them to chase after their dreams. For me, music has inspired me to attend college and pursue a career in business. Similarly to music, businesses across the world have been able to break through barriers such as sexism, racism, and classism. The foundation of a good business starts with teamwork and communication. I was able to learn this during my ensemble performance. This experience helped to build my confidence, and leadership skills and allow me to see myself succeeding in the world of business because of my drive and dedication to achieve greatness. It became the first proof point of my ability to do hard things and partner with others to accomplish something that we thought we could not do.

School can be extremely draining. With all the tests and essay deadlines, everything can feel overwhelming. Students use so much brain power throughout the year, it’s sometimes easy to neglect our mental and physical health. My time in quarantine allowed me to reevaluate my relationship with myself. I learned how to better maintain my overall health, especially while in school through integrating a better sleep schedule, making positive improvements to my diet, and trying out boxing. Nothing beats the defeated feeling I get when my 6:15 AM alarm goes off in the morning. I somehow lift my tired limbs out of bed and dizzily walk into my bathroom. If I feel some miraculous spark of energy I might grab a couple of granola bars from the pantry before I’m on my way out. I am not a morning person, and I’ve always struggled to find an effective way to improve my sleep schedule. After taking on the responsibilities that come with having a part-time job and attending school, my old habits quickly died out. I started setting a goal for myself, every night I would go to bed at exactly 10:30 PM. I’d finish my homework, do my night routine, and then get into bed. My grades saw major improvements and I was able to focus better in class. This change allowed me to wake up a little less grumpy and have more than enough energy to go about my day with a positive attitude. As someone who only knows how to make Eggo waffles and chicken nuggets, fast food is truly one of the best inventions of all time. I love the feeling of sitting in a drive-through and getting my food in under ten minutes. The taste of salty french fries dipped in tangy barbeque sauce and the smell of a warm spicy chicken sandwich always satisfies my cravings. I noticed that over time, my family had been spending hundreds of dollars a month on fast food. It felt like almost every day we were DoorDashing tacos or placing an order at our local pizza shop. My parents decided that we needed to change our eating habits, not only to save money but to improve our overall health. Instead of eating out daily, we limited ourselves to one day out of the week. I started expanding my palate to include caesar salads, ham sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables. I was eating more nutritious foods and craving less sugary snacks. Rather than asking for chocolate chip cookies at the grocery store, I’d ask for cucumbers. It was a difficult transition, but as the weeks went on, I felt healthier. My least favorite activity in school has always been physical education. I hated the fact that I’d be outside in the hot Texas heat for an hour and a half running around a track, doing push-ups, and lunges. I knew I needed to change the way I approached working out. Find another outlet to positively release stress instead of creating more of it. My parents signed me and my sister up for boxing. I was very hesitant to go, online boxing looks super intense and violent. I quickly learned that all those brightly colored costumes and kickflips were all for show. The first couple of classes gave me the confidence I needed. I felt supported by all the people around me. They encouraged me to push through the difficult workouts and release any pent-up aggression. These improvements in my life taught me how to grow mentally and physically, but most importantly, they encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone.

I sat down in my white fold-out chair patiently awaiting my first customer. I had already picked out the best lime-colored cups and yellow napkins Party City had to offer. But most importantly, I crafted the most deliciously innovative bowl of lemonade. Some water, pre-squeezed lemon juice, and an undisclosed amount of sugar were my key ingredients. Five-year-old me was determined, on that cloudy day in November, to sell as much lemonade as possible. Me and my friend, Misha, had spent all day decorating poster boards with cut-out magazine letters and glitter glue. We walked house to house advertising our new thirst quencher. Unfortunately, our persuasion skills were underdeveloped, so we only sold three cups. Looking back on this moment, my tiny makeshift lemonade stand gave me all the tools I needed that inspired me to pursue a career in business. It taught me all about marketing, tracking financial growth, and accessibility. As a senior in high school, I’m preparing to transition into college life this upcoming fall. I have already committed to the University of North Texas in the beautiful city of Denton. I’m truly excited to further my education and get closer to achieving my long-term career goal. I hope to one day get my MBA and open up a nonprofit organization that helps underrepresented minorities and LGBTQIA+ members get better and easier access to mental health resources. I have suffered from severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies for the past three years. I’m fortunate enough to have access to an amazing therapist. However, there are millions of teens out there that don’t have any resources or anyone to turn to. It’s extremely important to me that I can do everything I can within this lifetime to remove barriers that have prevented people from accessing mental health treatment.

“Money doesn’t grow on trees,” I remember hearing that phrase come from my parents' mouths every time I pleaded with them to buy me a new toy or give me money to purchase more scented erasers from my school’s book fair. Recently, I’ve gotten a job of my own and can confirm, I finally understand the true meaning behind that phrase. The purpose of that saying is to stress the importance of hard work and encourage people to make smart spending decisions. Even though I am making minimum wage, my parents have taught me the importance of budgeting, saving, and learning more ways to become financially literate as I enter adulthood. Millions of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, have fallen victim to credit card scams, or are struggling to pay off their student loan debt. Unfortunately, several of them were never taught the importance of financial management or the proper financial skills. Financial literacy is crucial to strengthening the relationship someone has with money. It’s also a lifelong course full of learning. Fortunately enough for me, my parents have taught me how to become my own personal financial advisor. Every time I feel the urge to purchase that new eyeshadow palette or buy a signed copy of my favorite album, I’m quickly reminded that blowing my paycheck all at once decreases the amount of money that goes into my savings and emergency accounts. So, I’ve started to create monthly budgets for myself. By tracking how much money I receive every month, I’m able to carefully calculate how much money should go toward my fixed expenses or any discretionary spending. This budgeting technique has also allowed me to set reasonable savings goals. As a senior in high school who is about to make the daunting transition into college, I’ve had several concerns as to how I’m going to further finance my education. To help with this problem, I’ve created a savings goal: putting aside money from my paycheck each week. These small contributions to my savings account can in turn help me lessen the burden of my student loans. With my new understanding of the importance of creating a budget and investing in a savings account, I can hold myself accountable for any financial expectations and set a course toward success with any goals that look unachievable. With this newly found knowledge, I’ve been able to teach my younger sister the importance of becoming financially literate. Even at thirteen years old, she’s managed to outsmart my old budgeting methods and find new ways to generate money. Luckily for me, there are several resources for me to access to expand my own financial knowledge. In fact, I’ve begun to subscribe to newsletters such as ‘Investopedia’ and listen to one of my favorite financial podcasts, “Afford Anything.” My father has taught me more about the stock market and how investing money now might lead to a greater financial return in the future. Financial literacy teaches people the importance of making smart discussions with their money. This includes budgeting, saving, and understanding how to stay financially informed. These skills have allowed me to act more responsibly with my personal finances and help aid those who might be less informed. By educating the importance of finical literacy more students can set themselves up for long-term success.

It’s 1964, and a young Muhammad Ali stands, listening in the crowd to the compelling words of Malcolm X. Further down the street, at the Apollo Theater, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin can be heard, enhancing the air of everyone going about their daily routines. The streets are full of a welcoming aroma. The elated cries of residents gossiping over a good plate of cornbread, pot roast, yams, and baked macaroni was the only sound that could perfectly characterize the city of Harlem. Over the years, Harlem, like many other cities across the United States, has decided to rebrand itself. Harlem is a national landmark for the African American community. When the passionate individuals who make up this city ask questions as to why they haven’t seen improvements in the education system, housing prices, or new job opportunities, council members continue to ask for time. Residents have been told to practice patience and be thankful that their community is being blessed with more diversity and modern features to promote convenience and a better standard of living. Bringing a Starbucks to Harlem doesn’t meet the needs of its people when they have higher housing prices and no local employment opportunities. Wealthy investors will try to poorly apply a band-aid over a flesh-eating bacteria. which is gentrification. Gentrification is about division and is yet another way for segregation to repeat itself. It’s about keeping money and power away from minorities. To quote John Green, “Two friends on a river can accomplish a lot, but they cannot escape the deep systemic racism in America.” We get a taste of this every day when states rave about the high-rent communities with their trendy restaurants and luxury brand storefronts rather than improve the schools in low-income areas. Gentrification is a warning to all classes, genders, religions, and diverse communities around the world. This is a warning that regardless of where you live, your financial status or lack thereof will continue to be the deciding factor when it comes to thriving in this country. The hard-earned money of thousands of low-income citizens has been transformed into state taxes that are funding programs and laws that keep these citizens out of the very same buildings they once called home. People are being priced out of the market, and they must now find a way to transport themselves and any additional family members to a more suitable environment. People are losing everything, and becoming homeless, so that investors can get richer. Are the lives of these citizens not as important as the all-mighty dollar? There are several ways to prevent the negative effects of gentrification. Through these strategies, we can protect residents from being displaced, but most importantly, bring back harmony into minority communities. By modifying zoning and allowing for more infill development, existing communities can repurpose buildings for community centers and affordable housing. Ensuring that no piece of land goes to waste. These communities will have the chance to set affordable housing prices so that single parents, the elderly, and people with disabilities aren’t priced out of the community. One of the many ways to address displacement and strive for positive change. America is one of the most powerful nations in the world because it recognizes the contribution of all its people and strives to create paths for all its citizens to pursue their dreams and live in ways that allow their children and future generations to advance. Everyone has a place in this country. And gentrification doesn’t allow all voices to be heard or accounted for as we make plans for the future.

In the early years of my childhood, I was fascinated with the growing group of pop culture women throughout the early 2000s. Hannah Montana, Barbie, and Princess Tiana might be some of my childhood heroes but nothing compares to the admiration I have for my mom. My mom has been a huge inspiration to me. Always putting others before herself and never giving up regardless of how challenging an obstacle might be. She encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and pursue one of my favorite activities, speech and debate. Her strength, dedication, and most importantly her character have inspired me to further my education and attend her alma mater, the University of North Texas. In 2018, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. This shook the entire family. Everyone did their best to pitch in, visiting her frequently, attending doctor appointments, and preparing meals. For me, this was a very difficult transition to watch. A woman who had been one of the most kind-hearted people on the planet was deteriorating before my eyes. My mom was composed for the entirety of my grandmother’s chemo treatment. Doing her best to remain in high spirits and spend as much time with her as possible before she passed on. Even in times of great sadness, she put on a brave face and did her very best to be the rock that kept our family grounded. Soon after, I began my first year in high school. I’ve always been soft-spoken and nervous to speak in front of large crowds. However, this quickly changed after my mom encouraged me to give a speech and debate a chance. She believed this class would help me build confidence,prepare for interviews, and make friends. And it surely did, I participated in several different categories such as informative debate, world schools, and congressional debate. This class made me feel more comfortable within myself, I was no longer avoiding voicing my opinion or speaking up during class discussions. I had an amazing opportunity to be a part of a team that accepted me for who I was and supported me during some of the hardest times of my life. I come from a long line of skillful educators. Both sets of my grandparents have experience in the educational field. Teaching at everything from elementary schools to universities. They sacrificed so much and worked tirelessly to set my parents up for success and provide them the resources to attend college. Just like my grandparents, my mom has the same determination. She somehow managed to show up for every violin competition, dance recital, and swimming lesson, while still balancing her work life. Doing everything in her power to ensure me and my sister pursued activities that brought us fulfillment. Her dedication has inspired me to work towards a career in the field of business. I hope that one day I’m able to create generational wealth for the future generations of my family. Guaranteeing that no more sacrifices need to be made to secure them a successful path to college. I’m truly grateful to be blessed with a mom who supports me regardless of my mishaps, provides helpful advice, and encourages me to put a positive mark on the world. Over the past 17 years of my life, I have learned a lot from my mom, she stays strong regardless of what life throws at her. I like to view my mom as one of my idols, and a role model. She has shaped me into the brilliant young woman that I am today, and for that, I’ll forever be grateful.

Just like the changing seasons, I’m constantly evolving. As my high school experience is coming to a close, I can now reflect on the lessons I’ve learned. High school has taught me a lot about myself, and for that, I’ll forever be grateful. It’s given me the perfect opportunity to grow as a person and explore my interests. I used to be a reserved, shy, and self-conscious girl who wouldn’t dare raise her hand in class. I would never speak what was on my mind, for fear that my peers might judge or criticize me. Now, I’m no longer afraid to voice my opinion and use my voice to advocate for social change. Over these past four years, I’ve grown to become more open with my feelings and I’ve finally come to love myself for who I am, inside and out. As an active user of social media, I’m constantly exposed to images of flat-tummy teas and women with ‘slim-thick’ bodies. While it’s not illegal to get plastic surgery, filler enhancements, or use the occasional Snapchat filter, all these images made me question myself, was I pretty enough? The Kardashians were constantly getting praised for their curves and small stomachs, this made me believe their image was the ideal body type. Feeling pressured to fit this curvy mold prompted me to change my daily routine. I started to pay more attention to my weight and I started following the tutorials of women who had managed to increase their curves. These adjustments didn’t change my body in the way I’d hoped, and they only made me feel worse about my image. In the fall of 2021, media giant Facebook was exposed for purposely implementing an algorithm that was prone to increasing the rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide in teens. This discovery encouraged me to take a social media break. During this time I learned how important it is to look at the world around you. Everyone is looking for a sense of belonging, and social media was meant to be a tool that made the world feel more connected, but it turns out we’re more separated than ever. I have since returned to Instagram, only this time, I’m following and supporting women who inspire me to become more self-confident, without the weight loss pills or the Brazilian butt lift. People such as Lizzo and Jameela Jamil have been at the forefront of the body positivity movement. Both women use their platforms to advocate against fatphobia and call for more diversity in the model industry. I was inspired by them to create an inclusive, shame-free conversational space for me and my friends and to unpack our relationships with body image and self-worth. On my journey of self-discovery, I have learned that regardless of if I’m blessed with the discount code for Iggy Azalea’s personal trainer, nutritionist, makeup artist, or plastic surgeon, I don’t need to change anything about myself. I’ve finally learned to accept myself, and thus letting go of these unattainable beauty standards, allowed me to develop a sense of inner peace. I began to celebrate my individuality. These stretch marks, hip dips, and acne make me unique. I’ve learned that when it comes to self-acceptance there isn’t a one size fits all answer. As long as you keep moving forwards, you’ll eventually find what you’re looking for.

Throughout my years of school, I’ve been fortunate enough to share my own personal experiences with others. Specifically through organizations such as speech and debate and orchestra. These communities instilled in me the very tools that have allowed me to become better at analytical thinking, memorization, and communication skills. Community service has always been at the forefront of my life and it’s given me the perfect opportunity to make a positive difference in someone's life. Aside from my extracurricular activities I also donate books, clothes, and toys to shelters in need, babysit children, and have performed violin at my local community hospital. My experience working in an orchestra will always be near and dear to my heart. I’ve had the opportunity to perform at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center during the holidays with my ensemble. I learned how to organize rehearsals and practice times so that the enter event ran smoothly. The patients were always very appreciative and attentive while we played. If it wasn’t for my incredible teachers and classmates I would’ve never had the courage to start volunteering and would’ve missed out on how accomplished you feel once you donate time to serving the people of your community.

Reflecting on my journey to this point, someone who has made a significant impact on my life was my former math teacher, Mrs.Westfall. She had quite a way of influencing me as I admired her level of professionalism and general approach to how she engaged students. Rather than avoiding sensitive questions about real-world events, she embraced the challenge by being her authentic self. She also made it clear from the beginning, that she would do everything she could to ensure all her students succeeded. Her laughter was infectious and her passion for math inspired me to explore my passion for the field of business in college. Mrs.Westfall taught me how to become intellectually curious and become more self-confident. Most importantly, she taught me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to by trusting in my capabilities. Throughout my childhood, math has always been a difficult subject for me. During my middle school experience, my teachers noticed that I struggled to fully grasp concepts just as quickly as my peers. To help address this gap, I was placed in a second math class that was led by Mrs.Westfall. She often tutored other students during her free period and was willing to lend a helping hand. Every day my schedule consisted of visiting Mrs.Westfall during my first period. We’d review past quizzes, and homework assignments, and work through practice problems. This new schedule adjustment took some time to get used to as I’d often feel embarrassed to admit I was in a tutoring class. Thankfully, I made several new friends through this class and felt support from others who were in the same position. As the weeks progressed, I recognized a significant difference in the way I approached math. Mrs.Westfall’s methods of tutoring were tailored differently from anything I’d experienced before. Every math equation was somehow connected to a real-world issue we’d experience as youths. The class was exposed to learnings about taxes, mortgages, car insurance, and budgeting. Mrs.Westfall was a great listener and was always there for me when I needed someone to talk to or for advice. She gave our class fun projects like designing a digital vision board or pricing groceries. She made math so much more engaging which made me appreciate the subject more. I was no longer shying away from answering questions or struggling to correctly write out a formula. I found myself more engaged by participating more to explain an answer to a math problem and volunteering to help a peer when they were struggling. This experience taught me an important lesson, don’t be afraid to utilize my resources and ask for help when I need it. I’m forever grateful for the love Mrs.Westfall pours into her relationships with her students. This course impacted me by showing me how important it is to stay disciplined and approach difficult tasks with a positive attitude and carry these values into my profession. There are times that I still struggle with math, but I will always have the drive and confidence Mrs.Westfall instilled into me to know that I can achieve great things regardless of how difficult they might seem.

The song that has the most important message to me is ‘Boredom’ by Tyler, The Creator. This song helped me mentally survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Tyler raps about how he feels alone, stuck indoors, and isolated from his friends. He reflects on how boredom, although inconvenient, can lead to darker things like depression and anxiety. This song was able to craft a story that is both compelling and heartbreaking. The inability to overcome that dark cloud of loneliness you feel can oftentimes lead you to believe that your life is purposeless. Tyler bravely puts all his insecurities, fears, and vulnerabilities out into the open. This song was able to help me understand how life goes through many different transitions. It’s common for the people in our lives to go down different paths, and we may start to feel distant from them. As the pandemic changed my sense of normalcy, I started to feel unsure about my future. I experienced the feeling of boredom more commonly and it became a vicious cycle that I had to overcome. To cope I turned to music, social media, and movies. Tyler was one of the first artists that I truly felt connected to, and this song reminds me of those mentally draining first couple of months I spent during the pandemic. While the song allowed me to confront my feelings of sadness, it also gave me hope. The repeated lines of “find some time / find some time to do something” reminds me that regardless of what obstacles come my way, I need to keep moving forwards. It’s fine to not have everything figured out, we have the time, we just need to find some of it.

School can be extremely draining. With all the tests, essay deadlines, and group assignments everything can feel overwhelming. I use so much brain power throughout the year, it’s sometimes easy for me to neglect my mental and physical health. My time in quarantine allowed me to reevaluate my relationship with myself. I learned the importance of maintaining my overall health, especially while in school through integrating a better sleep schedule, making positive improvements to my diet, and trying out boxing. Nothing beats the defeated feeling I get when my 6:15 AM alarm goes off in the morning. My eyes are puffy, my body aches, and my stomach can’t help but growl. I somehow lift my tired limbs out of bed and dizzily walk into my closet to pick out an outfit for the day. If I feel some miraculous spark of energy I might grab a couple of granola bars from the pantry before I’m on my way out. I am not a morning person, and I’ve always struggled to find an effective way to improve my sleep schedule. After taking on the responsibilities that come with having a part-time job and attending school, my old habits quickly died out. I started setting a goal for myself, every night I would go to bed at exactly 10:30 PM. My grades saw major improvements and I was able to focus better in class. I woke up a little less grumpy and had more than enough energy to go about my day with a positive attitude. As someone who only knows how to reheat frozen pizza and chicken nuggets, fast food is truly one of the best inventions of all time. I love the feeling of sitting in a drive-through and getting my food in under ten minutes. The taste of salty french fries dipped in tangy ranch and the smell of a warm spicy chicken sandwich always manages to satisfy my cravings, especially after a long school day. I noticed that over time, my family had been spending hundreds of dollars a month on fast food. My parents decided that we needed to change our eating habits, not only to save money but to improve our overall health. Instead of eating out daily, we limited ourselves to one day out of the week. I was eating more nutritious foods and craving less sugary snacks. I started expanding my palate to include salads, sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables. Rather than asking for chocolate chip cookies or Cheetos at the grocery store, I’d ask for cucumbers. It was a difficult transition, but as the weeks went on, I felt healthier. My least favorite activity in school has always been physical education. I hated the fact that I’d be outside in the hot Texas heat for an hour and a half running around a track, doing push-ups, and lunges. I knew I needed to change the way I approached working out. Find another outlet to positively release stress instead of creating more of it. My parents signed me and my sister up for boxing. I was very hesitant to go, online boxing looks super intense and violent. I quickly learned that all those brightly colored costumes, greasy hair, and kick flips were all for show. The first couple of classes gave me the confidence I needed. I felt supported by all the people around me. They encouraged me to push through the difficult workouts and release any pent-up aggression. These improvements in my life taught me how to grow mentally and physically, but most importantly, they encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone.

I have come from a long line of hard workers. From attending meetings from five in the morning to six at night, then rushing out the door to get me to school on time, both of my parents have worked tirelessly to provide me and my sister with a very comfortable and happy lifestyle. Their natural drives and ambitions have inspired me to take my degree plan more seriously. I plan on pursuing a college degree because it gives me the tools to enter the workforce successfully, an opportunity to study a topic with which I’m fascinated, and allows me to become more independent. As technology continues to evolve and new companies start to gain notoriety, securing a college degree is essential because it makes existing jobs more accessible. I’m hoping that I’m able to complete college with a bachelor's degree, majoring in business. The business world is highly competitive, especially for young people fresh out of college. Oftentimes, jobs aren’t looking at what you studied in college, but the fact that you studied something at all. The college experience trains you for the real world. You learn how to understand complex subjects, properly communicate your thoughts in essays, and think analytically. College also gives you a chance to improve your organization skills, and time management skills. You learn the importance of being self-disciplined. These are all important qualities you need to become a more professional individual. Since COVID, the employment rates for people who only have a high school diploma are shrinking rapidly. The high school graduates who’ve managed to obtain jobs in the service industry aren’t getting fair wages or many chances to become more advanced in their careers. On the other hand, college graduates have all the necessary skills that qualify them for a range of different employment opportunities. I’ve always dreamed of one day owning my own company. My love for the world of fashion, art, and mental health awareness has always inspired me to share my creativity with others. Since a young age, I’ve continuously found ways to be creative. Whether it be following a Bob Ross tutorial, reconstructing an old doll house, or taking sewing lessons, my hands were always moving. This past summer provided me with a lot of time to narrow down which major I might be interested in trying. I discovered my perfect fit was business. It combines everything that fascinates me: managing a company and also helping consumers find the best products for the best price. For the majority of my life, I’ve been dependent on my parents. My goal is to become more independent, and college is the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I understand that college is a huge commitment. A college education requires students to spend thousands of dollars yearly and dedicate hundreds of hours to their studies. However, all this hard work does eventually pay off. Time management and organization are important skills you learn throughout your college experience. Essay deadlines, tests, and homework can be very overwhelming when you’re juggling several classes. College teaches you how to manage all your responsibilities. It also encourages you to be a more independent adult. You get the chance to pick your schedule and decide on your extracurricular activities. College offers many students the perfect transitional period that leads them to become more mature, independent and responsible adults. In conclusion, I’m pursuing a college degree to become more self-sufficient and create better career opportunities for myself. A college degree will allow me to become a well-equipped and successful adult who contributes positively to society.

I remember the moment I met her for the first time vividly. It was a cloudy afternoon in 2015, I was sitting on the sofa mindlessly flipping through cable channels when I heard the garage door open with a slow creek open. My mom stood there, cradling a small little ball of fluffy curls in her arms. I paused for a moment, examining the moving creature, it was a dog. Not just any dog, but the cutest little angel I’d ever seen. I was honestly shocked. My sister and I had been begging to get a pet for months. We’d researched dog breeds, debated on names, and even fought over which dog bed would match the aesthetic of our rooms. It took a while but our efforts finally paid off, we were ready to welcome a furry friend into our family who’d forever change it for the better, and her name was Roxy. Roxy has always been a small pooch, but her size doesn’t make her any less mighty. From her puppy years to now she’s always been ready to attack any outsider that alarms her senses. From the poor Amazon delivery man just trying to do his job to the random teenager dropping off DoorDash, you’ll always see her little face jumping up and down through the front door window. She’ll bark, growl, and even show her teeth almost like she’s trying to smile. She’s taken on the role of a guard dog. Unfortunately, people tend to perceive her as super aggressive, when in reality she’s the friendless dog you’ll ever meet. Roxy has always been a gifted therapist. Trust me, after a long school day with tests and endless drama it’s always great to have someone to vent to. Roxy will greet me at the door and follow me into my room. I’ll tell her some generic summary about my day while patting her head, then I’ll immediately start ranting. I express the frustrations I’m having with time management or even my relationships with family members. Her little tail will start wagging when she agrees with a point or her head will slightly shift when she’s confused. I like to believe she’s listening to everything I say but at times her toys seem to be more entertaining than my rambling. During the pandemic, my anxiety and depression worsen. It was hard for me to get motivated to leave my room or spend a few minutes outside. I decided to switch up my routine and bond more with my dog. Whenever I spent more time with Roxy my nerves would cease to exist. She helped to calm me down and ease my stress. We would take daily strolls through my neighborhood and play catch in the backyard. Every time she would hear the jingling of her leash she was ready to get moving. Roxy is my trainer who inspires me to spend less time sulking in a dark room and more time exploring the great outdoors. As life has returned to normality, both of us have continued to keep up with our daily exercises. Even in the hot summers or the freezing winters we always remain active. I’m extremely appreciative of all the joy Roxy has brought into my life. I’ll always cherish the unconditional love and companionship she’s given me that has helped me through some hard times. She’s taught me how to be patient, but most importantly, how to love myself. If it weren’t for the wake-up kisses, the therapy sessions, the long walks, the barks, or the smiles my heart would’ve been a little more empty.

Being cyber bullied was one of the experiences I had during my middle school years. It demolished my self-confidence, and self-worth, and made me even more anxious. If I could change anything in the world, it would be to put a permanent end to bullying. As my fingers fell from the keyboard, I knew I couldn’t bear to face my parents. They knew something was wrong but I was scared to come face to face with a situation I’d been struggling with for weeks. I showed them emails I received from a group of girls whom I thought were my friends. In these emails, I was told to kill myself, that I was a problem and many more terrible phrases. I wasn’t able to avoid the group online, let alone at school. Once I started reaching out to my parents and school counselor I was able to come to a resolution. It’s great that school districts have begun to implement proper resources and provide presentations that encourage students to report any bullying or go to a trusted adult. However, there is still so much more that needs to be done. Bullying causes individuals to further internalize problems that could lead to anxiety. They aren’t always able to feel comfortable in a social setting. These victims tend to struggle with self-harm, suicide, and toxic relationships. As social media and technology are growing larger by the second, so has bullying. On platforms such as Twitter, some users are constantly faced with death threats and sexual harassment threats in their comments daily. Several of the most notorious social media platforms in the world are notably known for turning a blind eye to cyberbullying. These organizations must recognize the mental damage they continue to promote by letting these comments go unfiltered. By implementing more anti-harassment policies and blocking tools this issue might cease to exist. The media also plays a large role in the promotion of bullying. Reality shows such as “Kitchen Nightmares' ', “Real Housewives of Atlanta”, and “Bad Girls Club”, continuously show loops of people reflecting bully behavior. Whether it’s Gordon Ramsay calling another chef stupid, or two women having a physical altercation, some viewers will begin to imitate what they perceive as reality. This causes people to think gossip is acceptable and that it’s natural to verbally harass someone. Regardless of these concerning factors, people continue to consume trashy media and mimic it in their daily lives. I guess in the end being nice makes for really bad reality tv. Bullying is preventable. There are many ways to decrease the risk of bullying before it even begins. The destructive psychological effects bullying has on victims are truly horrific. It’s important as a society that we stand in solidarity with victims and continue to advocate for media platforms to fight hate, not encourage it.

My high school experience has taught me a lot about life, especially now that I’m getting ready to transition into college. I quickly realized how underprepared and overwhelmed with the scholarship application process truly is. Unless you’re considered a top athlete or a student that overachieves academically, it becomes very difficult to stand out. Thankfully, after researching various articles that suggest tips for first-time scholarship applicants, I think I’ve cracked the code. Applying for scholarships isn’t about glamorizing your struggles, it’s about living in your truth and sharing your story. I was introduced to the importance of scholarships about a year ago. My college career counselor provided one of my classes with a presentation that listed several ways we could obtain financial support to fund college. This financial aid could be used towards purchasing textbooks, dorm supplies, paying for tuition, or anything you needed to be successful in college. I’ve always known that my goal was to attend a competitive and reputable university. After looking at tuition costs, I was afraid that some of my dream schools would lead to an unwanted financial burden that would make it difficult to put my younger sister through school. After a few talks with some teachers, applying for scholarships began to peak my interest even more. At the start of my search, scholarships were so hard to find. The internet is full of unreputable and scam sites. As a result, I could never find a website I truly trusted. I came across a Bold.org ad that provided information that led me to immediately applying to most of the scholarships that did not require an essay for submission. Unfortunately, I was not selected for any of the no-essay scholarships. I decided to pivot and began to write a few simple essays that showed off more of my personality and character. I’d eagerly waited for the results of my application but my essays never got much farther than a few reviews. I never became a finalist, and this just made me feel like I’d walk two steps forward only to be pushed twelve steps backward. It’s challenging to apply for essays. You never know if you’ll be the perfect candidate or if your story’s unique enough. Sometimes you begin to question yourself, Am I special enough? As much as I would love to have the opportunity to win a scholarship, I also know how important it is to never undermine the amount of work that’s put in by other applications who’re hoping to receive the same thing to further their education. These last few months have taught me that scholarships are very competitive, but if you keep working towards your goal, you might one day be granted a donation that forever changes your life for the better.

My goal in life is to graduate college and open my care facility that primarily focuses on providing mental health services to underprivileged communities and teens. There are several harmful stigmas and miseducation surrounding mental health that makes it hard for people to feel comfortable opening up. As someone who's struggled with their mental health, I know how important it is to spread awareness and let others know that they aren't alone. If I am the winner of this scholarship, I'll be putting the money towards opening my facility, in the hopes of one day helping thousands of people heal.

Disney has been around for nearly one hundred years and has gifted the world with thousands of iconic characters and stories. Trust me, I enjoy singing along to timeless classics like The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Hercules as much as the next person. However, my all-time favorite character will forever be Fa Mulan. Her journey is truly inspirational, she was selfless, challenged sexist stereotypes, and always remained true to herself. From the beginning of the movie, Mulan shows her disinterest in getting married. After failing the matchmaker, she’s ultimately faced with the harsh reality that she might not bring her family honor. During the song “Reflection”, Mulan is still working on self-discovery. She isn’t sure who she is yet, but she’s willing to put aside her desires to honor her family’s traditions. Her motivation to go to war is not only to save her father’s life but also to find herself. Mulan displays a healthy balance between selfishness and selflessness.This helps to make her a more relatable character. Her selflessness allows her to make deeper connections with others and also save thousands of people in the process.While her selfishness allows her to grow as a person and discover her self-worth. As colorful fabrics and silks are carefully draped around Mulan’s body, the dressmakers explain that “Men want girls with good taste, Calm, Obedient, Who work fast-paced, With good breeding, And a tiny waist,” (Mulan). Unlike most Disney princesses, Mulan never once waited on a man to solve all of her problems. Mulan’s experience as a soldier pushed her out of her comfort zone and allowed her to further her character development. In societal norms, women are supposed to behave in a submissive and passive manner. But in the army, Mulan cannot allow gender stereotypes to hold her back. Her courage and determination allows her to overcome obstacles and find self-worth. Her ability to outdo her peers on every task and grow both physically and mentally shows that gender never limits a person's ability to succeed. Although I love the unique stories of each Disney princess, Mulan is the type of strong woman that stands out amongst the others. Her tale as a strong independent woman who embodied fearlessness, selflessness, and outspokenness is a story that must continue to be shared.

Dear Rhianna, You’re probably busy picking new eye shadow colors or coming up with some revolutionary eye cream, but please hear me out. You should release music because it increases your revenue and is universally available to all your fans. Using your time and money towards producing iconic tracks would increase your overall income. You’re one of the most streamed artists in Spotify history. Reaching approximately 44 million monthly streams and millions of die hard stans that beg you to release new music every year. Not acknowledging this success is causing you to lose fan engagement. Releasing an album allows you to benefit from four different profitable categories: Merch, music videos (Youtube), advertisements, and tours. Capital Xtra reported that you made about $141.9 million dollars during your “Diamonds Tour” selling out 84 out of 87 shows. You know that your fans want music, yet you continue to focus more on makeup and skincare rather than the musical aspect of your stardom. You started as a singer, a performer; it's perfectly fine to venture out into other businesses but your fans are still rooting for you to make a music comeback! Makeup guidelines and restrictions are completely different in countries outside the U.S., thus limiting the reach you can achieve. Even if your overseas fans wanted to purchase these products they wouldn’t have the chance to buy them from the source, unlike music. Songs can be sold directly to your fans no matter where they live on the planet. Your own website directly states that all Fenty Beauty products are only available in “ select Sephora stores throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, Singapore and the Middle East (UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait).” Your music appeals to people of all shapes, colors and forms. It can be heard in stores, on the radio, on television and purchased as CDs, digital downloads, and requested radio plays. Everyone will be able to enjoy your work without limitations. Some might say the makeup industry is more profitable because it reaches so many genders and races, however, the makeup industry is already overcrowded with celebrity beauty brands. Selena Gomez has Rare Beauty, Kylie Jenner has Kylie Cosmetics, and Kim Kardashian has KKW Beauty. Not all of your fans are into makeup, they fell in love with your music not your twenty dollar Buki Brush. Plus, they won’t always have the money to restock on makeup that is well over what is deemed affordable in the industry. Purchasing an album is a one time thing that lasts forever. With that being said, I truly hope you consider returning to the music game. Being a billionaire does not mean you should give up on the millions of fans who fell in love with you through your music. These fans are ready to open their wallets to purchase your comeback album. We are watching your social media and ready to sing along with you again!