Growing up in Gadsden, Alabama, under the care of a single mother battling mental health issues, has profoundly influenced my outlook on life and relationships. My mother's struggle with childhood PTSD and subsequent addiction to methamphetamine cast a shadow over my formative years, exposing me to the harsh realities of mental illness and its ripple effects. At the tender age of nine, I experienced a traumatic event when my mother went missing for weeks, only to return beaten and broken. Witnessing her vulnerability and pain at such a young age left an indelible mark on my psyche, instilling in me a deep sense of empathy and compassion. Despite her efforts to shield my brother and me from her struggles, her suffering was palpable, teaching me the importance of resilience and forgiveness. Growing up in such harsh circumstances forced me to develop keen intuition and discernment. I learned to read people's intentions and character, a skill honed out of necessity to protect myself from falling into the same traps as my mother. Her hardships also gave me a clearer understanding of the world's complexities and underscored the importance of self-betterment and empathy. The adversity I faced growing up shaped my goals and aspirations, instilling in me a deep-seated desire to help others and make a positive impact in the world. Every day since witnessing my mother's first breakdown of many, I've strived to support others, even at my own detriment, in the hopes of sparing them the pain I endured. My experiences have taught me the value of kindness and forgiveness, virtues that guide my interactions with others and inform my commitment to personal growth. Despite the challenges I've faced, I remain grateful for the lessons learned and the strength gained from my upbringing. Meeting my current girlfriend, who shares similar struggles with mental health, has further reinforced the importance of compassion and understanding in nurturing relationships. While I may not personally struggle with mental health issues, I am surrounded by loved ones who do, motivating me to do everything in my power to ease their burdens and offer support. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in profound ways. It has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and compassion, driving me to advocate for others and strive for a more compassionate and inclusive society.

In my journey towards empowering others and fostering positive change, I've embarked on a multifaceted path shaped by a commitment to service and personal growth. Central to this journey is my active involvement in various social organizations dedicated to promoting physical and mental well-being. Within these communities, we cultivate a culture of mutual support, offering financial assistance during times of need and facilitating knowledge-sharing sessions to nurture collective growth and development. Moreover, my dedication extends beyond mere support to a profound aspiration to effect systemic change. This aspiration is epitomized by my pursuit of a career as a Cybersecurity Engineer. This decision is not merely driven by personal ambition but by a desire to acquire the expertise and financial means necessary to uplift and support others. Throughout my high school years, I embraced a diverse curriculum spanning business, finance, and engineering, with the ultimate goal of establishing a company that transcends conventional educational and career paradigms. However, my journey towards making a meaningful impact doesn't stop at personal achievement or professional success. It is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education and opportunity. This conviction was further reinforced through my involvement in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where I honed my management skills and garnered invaluable leadership experience. Winning first place in the FBLA competition for Business Management in Mobile, Alabama, and subsequently competing at the national level in Chicago, Illinois, instilled in me a profound sense of purpose and drive. Now, as I pursue higher education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, I continue to seek opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully to society. Enrolling in this esteemed institution not only provides me with opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills as an engineer but also facilitates the establishment of enduring networks of friends and colleagues who share my commitment to effecting positive change. Through my interactions with fellow students and faculty members, I am constantly inspired and challenged to think critically, adapt to new perspectives, and push the boundaries of conventional thinking. My time at the University of Alabama in Huntsville offers me invaluable opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities and community initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. By surrounding myself with individuals who share my values and aspirations, I am confident that together, we can leverage our collective talents and resources to create a brighter future for the less fortunate and contribute to the greater good of society. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of purpose and the profound impact that individuals can have when they channel their skills and passions towards a common goal: making the world a better place for all. Overall I feel that with the financial support offered by this scholarship it will help ease the burden of college and allow me to put forth more financial power towards my goal of creating a engineering company to support important matters.

In my journey towards empowering others and fostering positive change, I've embarked on a multifaceted path shaped by a commitment to service and personal growth. Central to this journey is my active involvement in various social organizations dedicated to promoting physical and mental well-being. Within these communities, we cultivate a culture of mutual support, offering financial assistance during times of need and facilitating knowledge-sharing sessions to nurture collective growth and development. Moreover, my dedication extends beyond mere support to a profound aspiration to effect systemic change. This aspiration is epitomized by my pursuit of a career as a Cybersecurity Engineer. This decision is not merely driven by personal ambition but by a desire to acquire the expertise and financial means necessary to uplift and support others. Throughout my high school years, I embraced a diverse curriculum spanning business, finance, and engineering, with the ultimate goal of establishing a company that transcends conventional educational and career paradigms. However, my journey towards making a meaningful impact doesn't stop at personal achievement or professional success. It is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education and opportunity. This conviction was further reinforced through my involvement in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where I honed my management skills and garnered invaluable leadership experience. Winning first place in the FBLA competition for Business Management in Mobile, Alabama, and subsequently competing at the national level in Chicago, Illinois, instilled in me a profound sense of purpose and drive. Now, as I pursue higher education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, I continue to seek opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully to society. Enrolling in this esteemed institution not only provides me with opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills as an engineer but also facilitates the establishment of enduring networks of friends and colleagues who share my commitment to effecting positive change. Through my interactions with fellow students and faculty members, I am constantly inspired and challenged to think critically, adapt to new perspectives, and push the boundaries of conventional thinking. My time at the University of Alabama in Huntsville offers me invaluable opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities and community initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. By surrounding myself with individuals who share my values and aspirations, I am confident that together, we can leverage our collective talents and resources to create a brighter future for the less fortunate and contribute to the greater good of society. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of purpose and the profound impact that individuals can have when they channel their skills and passions towards a common goal: making the world a better place for all.

In my journey towards empowering others and fostering positive change, I've embarked on a multifaceted path shaped by a commitment to service and personal growth. Central to this journey is my active involvement in various social organizations dedicated to promoting physical and mental well-being. Within these communities, we cultivate a culture of mutual support, offering financial assistance during times of need and facilitating tutoring sessions to nurture collective growth and development. Moreover, my dedication extends beyond mere support to a profound aspiration to effect systemic change. This aspiration is epitomized by my pursuit of a career as a Cybersecurity Engineer. This decision is not merely driven by personal ambition but by a desire to acquire the expertise and financial means necessary to uplift and support others. Throughout my high school years, I embraced a diverse curriculum spanning business, finance, and engineering, with the ultimate goal of establishing a company that transcends conventional educational and career paradigms. However, my journey towards making a meaningful impact doesn't stop at personal achievement or professional success. It is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education and opportunity. This conviction was further reinforced through my involvement in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where I honed my management skills and garnered invaluable leadership experience. Winning first place in the FBLA competition for Business Management in Mobile, Alabama, and subsequently competing at the national level in Chicago, Illinois, instilled in me a profound sense of purpose and drive. Now, as I pursue higher education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, I continue to seek opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully to society. Enrolling in this esteemed institution not only provides me with opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills as an engineer but also facilitates the establishment of enduring networks of friends and colleagues who share my commitment to effecting positive change. Through my interactions with fellow students and faculty members, I am constantly inspired and challenged to think critically, adapt to new perspectives, and push the boundaries of conventional thinking. My time at the University of Alabama in Huntsville offers me invaluable opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities and community initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. By surrounding myself with individuals who share my values and aspirations, I am confident that together, we can leverage our collective talents and resources to create a brighter future for the less fortunate and contribute to the greater good of society. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of purpose and the profound impact that individuals can have when they channel their skills and passions towards a common goal of making the world a better place for those in need.

From a young age, the allure of the digital realm fascinated me, sparked in part by my grandfather's career in cyber security at UAB Medical. His stories about safeguarding sensitive information and countering digital threats laid the groundwork for my interest in pursuing a computer science degree. As I advanced through high school, this interest evolved into a passion, steering me toward the dynamic and ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. Now, as a sophomore in college working towards a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, I find myself not only following in my grandfather's footsteps but also guided by the hands-on experiences of my uncle, with whom I currently reside. His work in a defense contractor company, specializing in cybersecurity, has provided me with valuable insights into the practical applications of the knowledge I am acquiring in my academic pursuits. My career aspirations are shaped by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the realm of cybersecurity. Post-graduation, I envision myself in a role that aligns with my passion for securing digital landscapes. Specifically, I aspire to work in Penetration Testing for the government, engaging in the crucial task of identifying and addressing vulnerabilities to fortify our nation's digital infrastructure. Additionally, I see myself involved in Bug Bounty Hunting, a pursuit that not only serves as a professional endeavor but also a personal commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of digital spaces. Defense contracting is another avenue I am keen to explore. Drawing from my uncle's experiences, I believe this sector provides an opportunity to leverage my skills for the collective defense of critical information systems. The prospect of contributing to national security through innovative cybersecurity measures is a driving force behind my career goals. In pursuing these aspirations, I am driven by a blend of academic knowledge, hands-on experience, and a genuine passion for the field. I have actively sought out opportunities to enhance my skills through coursework, internships, and independent projects. My commitment is underscored by the practical application of my learning, evident in my academic performance and the projects I have undertaken. Regarding my eligibility for this scholarship, I believe my familial connections to the field, combined with my academic dedication and career ambitions, make me a strong candidate. The scholarship's support would not only alleviate the financial strain on my educational journey but also empower me to continue developing the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field of cybersecurity. Personally I come from Gadsden Alabama where i was raised by a single mother with an older brother. The stress on my mother was too much to handle and with laws restricting assess to the Prozac medication she had to take my mother was pushed towards an addiction to meth. My father is jobless and lives off of my grandfather and he struggles with alcoholism and nicotine addiction. I have been surrounded by loved ones who struggle with Mental health issues everyday, and i do everything i can to help ease their burdens.

From a young age, the allure of the digital realm fascinated me, sparked in part by my grandfather's career in cyber security at UAB Medical. His stories about safeguarding sensitive information and countering digital threats laid the groundwork for my interest in pursuing a computer science degree. As I advanced through high school, this interest evolved into a passion, steering me toward the dynamic and ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. Now, as a sophomore in college working towards a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, I find myself not only following in my grandfather's footsteps but also guided by the hands-on experiences of my uncle, with whom I currently reside. His work in a defense contractor company, specializing in cybersecurity, has provided me with valuable insights into the practical applications of the knowledge I am acquiring in my academic pursuits. My career aspirations are shaped by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the realm of cybersecurity. Post-graduation, I envision myself in a role that aligns with my passion for securing digital landscapes. Specifically, I aspire to work in Penetration Testing for the government, engaging in the crucial task of identifying and addressing vulnerabilities to fortify our nation's digital infrastructure. Additionally, I see myself involved in Bug Bounty Hunting, a pursuit that not only serves as a professional endeavor but also a personal commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of digital spaces. Defense contracting is another avenue I am keen to explore. Drawing from my uncle's experiences, I believe this sector provides an opportunity to leverage my skills for the collective defense of critical information systems. The prospect of contributing to national security through innovative cybersecurity measures is a driving force behind my career goals. In pursuing these aspirations, I am driven by a blend of academic knowledge, hands-on experience, and a genuine passion for the field. I have actively sought out opportunities to enhance my skills through coursework, internships, and independent projects. My commitment is underscored by the practical application of my learning, evident in my academic performance and the projects I have undertaken. Regarding my eligibility for this scholarship, I believe my familial connections to the field, combined with my academic dedication and career ambitions, make me a strong candidate. The scholarship's support would not only alleviate the financial strain on my educational journey but also empower me to continue developing the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field of cybersecurity.

From a young age, the allure of the digital realm fascinated me, sparked in part by my grandfather's career in cyber security at UAB Medical. His stories about safeguarding sensitive information and countering digital threats laid the groundwork for my interest in pursuing a computer science degree. As I advanced through high school, this interest evolved into a passion, steering me toward the dynamic and ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. Now, as a sophomore in college working towards a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, I find myself not only following in my grandfather's footsteps but also guided by the hands-on experiences of my uncle, with whom I currently reside. His work in a defense contractor company, specializing in cybersecurity, has provided me with valuable insights into the practical applications of the knowledge I am acquiring in my academic pursuits. My career aspirations are shaped by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the realm of cybersecurity. Post-graduation, I envision myself in a role that aligns with my passion for securing digital landscapes. Specifically, I aspire to work in Penetration Testing for the government, engaging in the crucial task of identifying and addressing vulnerabilities to fortify our nation's digital infrastructure. Additionally, I see myself involved in Bug Bounty Hunting, a pursuit that not only serves as a professional endeavor but also a personal commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of digital spaces. Defense contracting is another avenue I am keen to explore. Drawing from my uncle's experiences, I believe this sector provides an opportunity to leverage my skills for the collective defense of critical information systems. The prospect of contributing to national security through innovative cybersecurity measures is a driving force behind my career goals. In pursuing these aspirations, I am driven by a blend of academic knowledge, hands-on experience, and a genuine passion for the field. I have actively sought out opportunities to enhance my skills through coursework, internships, and independent projects. My commitment is underscored by the practical application of my learning, evident in my academic performance and the projects I have undertaken. Regarding my eligibility for this scholarship, I believe my familial connections to the field, combined with my academic dedication and career ambitions, make me a strong candidate. The scholarship's support would not only alleviate the financial strain on my educational journey but also empower me to continue developing the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field of cybersecurity.

1. Prevention and Early Intervention Efforts: At the forefront of priorities stands prevention and early intervention efforts. This is not just a chronological necessity but a strategic imperative. By investing in awareness programs, community education, and early intervention initiatives, we can address mental health challenges proactively. For students like me, who face the stresses of academia, these initiatives can create a supportive environment that fosters mental well-being from the outset. 2. Mental Health Professional Workforce Expansion: Expanding the mental health professional workforce takes second place, not due to diminished importance but as a complementary step. With an increased understanding and recognition of mental health issues, the demand for mental health professionals surges. By bolstering the workforce, we ensure that individuals across Alabama, including students, have access to the guidance and support necessary to navigate their mental health journeys. 3. Crisis Response Services Enhancement: Crisis response services come next in priority. In moments of acute need, having an effective crisis response system is critical. This prioritization ensures that those in immediate distress receive timely and appropriate assistance. For students balancing the challenges of academics and potential mental health struggles, a reliable crisis response mechanism can be a lifeline. 4. Access to Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatment: The fourth priority is increasing access to evidence-based mental health treatment. Once prevention, workforce, and crisis response mechanisms are in place, ensuring that individuals can readily access proven and effective treatment modalities becomes paramount. This prioritization is a logical progression that completes the comprehensive mental health support system. While these priorities form a robust foundation continuous assessment and adaptation based on the evolving needs of the community ensure that the mental health support framework remains dynamic and responsive. As we advocate for these priorities, let us be mindful of the individual stories and challenges, recognizing that each student in Alabama is a unique thread in the rich tapestry of our collective well-being. Personally I come from Gadsden Alabama where i was raised by a single mother with an older brother. The stress on my mother was too much to handle and with laws restricting assess to the Prozac medication she had to take my mother was pushed towards an addiction to meth. My girlfriend has also had many struggles with mental health some leading her to be hospitalized and admitted to a mental ward to help her recover. though i dont have many problems with mental health myself I have been surrounded by loved ones who struggle with it everyday, and i do everything i can to help ease their burdens.

From a young age, the allure of the digital realm fascinated me, sparked in part by my grandfather's career in cyber security at UAB Medical. His stories about safeguarding sensitive information and countering digital threats laid the groundwork for my interest in pursuing a computer science degree. As I advanced through high school, this interest evolved into a passion, steering me toward the dynamic and ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. Now, as a sophomore in college working towards a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, I find myself not only following in my grandfather's footsteps but also guided by the hands-on experiences of my uncle, with whom I currently reside. His work in a defense contractor company, specializing in cybersecurity, has provided me with valuable insights into the practical applications of the knowledge I am acquiring in my academic pursuits. My career aspirations are shaped by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the realm of cybersecurity. Post-graduation, I envision myself in a role that aligns with my passion for securing digital landscapes. Specifically, I aspire to work in Penetration Testing for the government, engaging in the crucial task of identifying and addressing vulnerabilities to fortify our nation's digital infrastructure. Additionally, I see myself involved in Bug Bounty Hunting, a pursuit that not only serves as a professional endeavor but also a personal commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of digital spaces. Defense contracting is another avenue I am keen to explore. Drawing from my uncle's experiences, I believe this sector provides an opportunity to leverage my skills for the collective defense of critical information systems. The prospect of contributing to national security through innovative cybersecurity measures is a driving force behind my career goals. In pursuing these aspirations, I am driven by a blend of academic knowledge, hands-on experience, and a genuine passion for the field. I have actively sought out opportunities to enhance my skills through coursework, internships, and independent projects. My commitment is underscored by the practical application of my learning, evident in my academic performance and the projects I have undertaken. Regarding my eligibility for this scholarship, I believe my familial connections to the field, combined with my academic dedication and career ambitions, make me a strong candidate. The scholarship's support would not only alleviate the financial strain on my educational journey but also empower me to continue developing the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field of cybersecurity.

Save and Invest early. In my highschool we has a business and finance academy that I am graduating from, and the most important thing my teacher taught me was to save money and how compound interest works. My teacher even went so far as to take us to workshops to learn about personal finance, Stocks, and Interest of savings. By saving 5000 dollars one year at 5% monthly interest rate, you would make nearly 4000 dollars in a year. meaning if you had waited a year you would need to put 9000 in savings just to have the same start. Interest on money whether it be from buying and selling stocks or just from saving money is one of the most profitable ways to passively increase your income. This is the most helpful piece of financial advice I have ever been given.

When I see people helping others out of true kindness. I am happy when I can help others and make other people happy. Personally I feel like kindness should be given to everyone no matter who they are and their situation, and true kindness is helping others as well as not asking for anything in return as well as outright refusing any form of compensation. because compensation takes away the idea of the act, at that point it becomes a trade. Nostalgia makes me happy. reminiscing about the past and the time I would spend with my brother makes me happy. Remembering my Mothers smile even if it has been 7 years since I've seen her it still makes me happy to remember her. Hope for the future makes me happy. the idea that the world will be a better place and that I can help it get there is one of the best things I can hope for the future.

In my birth until i was 11 years old i lived with my single mother and older half brother. My mother was and to my knowledge still is a drug addict. My grades were horrible, and I Failed English and had D's and 1 C in my other classes. but after the final straw came my mother couldn't take care of herself any longer, and my father used underhanded means to take custody of me from my mother, and from the age of 12 till now I've made A's in more than 95% of my classes. being taken from my mother was the world largest wake up call, and for the first time in my life I realized that everything wasn't going to just be "ok" no matter what I believe. but I knew I only had myself and that unless I did something to make myself successful I wouldn't make it in life. My goal is to succeed and become someone who can take care of the ones I care about and give them a world that is safe to live in, with enough room to grow and develop whatever makes them happy.

Alexander Hamilton because he reminds me of myself and the life of success I want. when Hamilton was a boy his mother died of sickness, and it really hits to home for me because i was stripped from my mother at 11 because she is addicted to drugs and it has caused her to slowly kill her body and life. Hamilton created a financial system that brought prosperity to his country, and he always fought for what he believed and strove for success. Though he made bad decisions in his life, and this helps make him seem more like a normal person than an idol and this is why I admire him. No matter what mistakes he made he still owned up to his failures and didn't try to hide them. he was a trusted figure in America. I hope to be someone who can be great in society so I can help fix society to the best of my ability.

Giving to others puts happiness into the world, and nowadays that is needed more than ever. the world is full of negativity and selfishness, and it will take all the effort possible to help make up for the transgressions of people to each other. I have spent my 18 years trying my best to take care of my family, friend, and everyone I meet. I am striving for a successful job so I will have more power to give back to the world and do my best to heal the cracks in our worlds society.

Throughout my entire life math has always been my strong suit, and I believe that math is one of the most important parts of life and the understanding of the world. without math the world is a free flowing chaos, but with the foundation of mathematics and the idea around absolute knowledge I believe math is the baseline for all production in our world. Math gives efficiency to life and all inner workings of our reality. with no baseline for anything our world would be stagnated in the early days of civilization in a time where we did not know time, and in a land where we did not know land aside from dirt, trees, and rocks. I've always loved math because there is always a findable answer, and there are many ways to interpret, understand, and find that answer to your problems.

Calculus gives the world and those who learn it a new view on the world, and especially on mathematics and portions of the science field. Calculus is a necessary course that should be a requirement in the schooling of highschool students. I know from my time in AP Calculus that the idea and the lessons taught by calculus helped me gain an understanding on the fundamentals of certain aspects of life by teaching that there are ways to return to previous values even after obtaining one value.

My goals are to first complete highschool and college so I can get my degree in cybersecurity. I want to be successful enough to help anyone with addiction or problems they cant fight on their own. This is one way I want to help the world, and the reason I want to do this is so that maybe I would have a chance of helping my mother who is a heavy drug addict. Her addiction has ruined her life and she has no way to recover it, but I want to be the one who can help her regain her life.

I want to fix the world. Many people believe the world is completely broken and there is no fixing it, but i believe that if we as people had a cause to fight against and a means to work together that we can fix the world. There are many crisis going on in the world but they are slow developments, and we as humans adjust to those developments too quickly thinking all is ok like a slow cooking frog. we may not realize we are gone until it is too late. but I believe the world can be helped and fixed if we have a cause to fight for whether that cause is real or fake, it wont matter so long as everyone believes it to be real. I plan to find a way to help us by becoming a prominent figure in the world well renowned enough to be trusted and believed. then help in setting the world on a course and goal to further our development in the world and the universe possibly by creating a new start on another planet. one lead not by multiple countries in their own areas, but as one united world in this small speck of the universe.

There are many ways to live a long healthy life. Eating healthy and keeping your body cleansed and pure is one way to live longer, but the way i think people can live the longest is if they are stress free. stress, and anxiety cause the cells in our body to decay faster which speeds up the aging process making our skin wrinkle, organs fail, and can cause heart attacks. the best way to live stress free is to make a plan for the future and trust in that plan while also living happy. be true to yourself and live life how you want while keeping your needs and necessities in line.

Personally I have had to live with my grandparents on both sides of my family, and my grandmothers sister since I was 9 years old. it has always been my pleasure to take care of them and help them out in any way they need me to. over the past half of my life I have been there to help the elderly in my family with all of the household chores and necessities along with going to the store for them. I started working a job to save for college so my family wont have to worry about money for my college as well as to have the ability to pay for my own food as much as I can so they don't have to worry about me being too much of a burden on their expenses. I love my family and I want to do whatever I can to make sure they don't have to be burdened by me or my schooling.

There are many things in life that make me happy, and my family always taught me that its the little things that count. the sounds of birds in the sky or the blowing of wind on the trees are both common reasons to appreciate life. One thing that makes me happy is hearing the stories of children doing kind things or of acts of kindness to nursing homes. I read a story about a company bringing Virtual Reality to elderly in a nursing home to help them experience different beautiful areas. I love to hear about the unspoken kindness that people show one another. kindness that is never known to anyone, and a kindness that will be taken to the grave of secrets. my counselor once told me that there is no such thing as a," random act of kindness", but that kindness was a choice that we all can make every day. one short interaction I had on the road one day was when I was stopped at a red light. and i had just exited the car wash and didn't realize my passenger side mirror was folded in. so i reached out and realigned it in place. but a moment later while waiting on the light to turn green the man in a car one lane over rolled his window down and asked me if I needed to get over to get on the interstate(which I did) so I rolled down the window and told him yes and thank you. when the light changed green he waited until I was able to pass in front of him before accelerating. I still remember that his act of kindness made my day better, and made me happy long after the day had ended. these acts of kindness make me happy.

I've never lived with more than one parent at a time and it wasn't until I was 11 that I was forced to live with my father full time because he blackmailed my mom out of custody with her drug addiction she had for many years. and then he realized his house wasn't in a safe area of town so I was sent to live with my grandmothers sister. though my entire life I never grew spiteful of my family, because my mother taught me to care about others more than I did myself. even though she didn't realize she taught me to be that way it was because she acted that way. now I'm 18 and it has been 7 years since I last saw my mother and last I heard about her was from my older half brother who found her and said she was homeless and living day by day by searching dumpsters for food. so both my mother and father are jobless. all of this is a slight amount of what has happened in my life and all of it has taught me that if I want something done or if I'm unhappy I need to fix my life myself. so I work on weekends, go to my schools Academy courses, go to AP Classes, and take dual enrollment courses at the local community college. all in an attempt to be successful enough to take care of those I care about.

No matter how good hearted a person can be and no matter how kind a person is, any person in the world will do otherwise unlikely things given the situation and the opportunity. people can try to be good but the moment we have a taste of forbidden fruit we cant go back to the way we were before. for example if someone grows up with black and white T.V. they are content because they don't know about a better opportunity, but once a person sees colored T.V. they will never be content with a black and white T.V.

My most valuable characteristic is kindness. My mother taught me to always be kind to other people whether they are good, bad, rich, or poor because no matter who it is that I meet all people deserve the same manner of kindness and respect. I believe everyone deserves kindness because just a little amount of care for another person can help them make it another day. There is no reason that kindness shouldn't be shown to others and every small amount of happiness given is a small amount that wasn't there before. Being kind in life has come to help me already. Because of my kindness people trust me, and it has helped me become a more liked person to the point that I was voted as Co-President of the National Honor Society for my school. Kindness has made me easier to hang out with and trust, which has helped me get a job. I have always been taught that kindness given to the world will be returned to me later on in life more than I gave. I enjoy being good to other people and seeing the happiness that comes from being good to people.

When I start a project or assignment I must finish it. I cant stop midway through and then return with the same determination as I first started, but no matter what I can always get my work done when all is said and done. I have learned that I can learn anything if I have the mindset to do so. recently I was able to complete 5 Engineering assignments that encompassed 4 months of information in the span of 8 hours.

My family always told me to, "Go where the money is." and this information though basic helped me to understand more about the world and my own financial situation. later on in my high school career I was taught by my business and finance teacher that the best way to make money, besides working a job, is to invest smart. Since then I have been trying to learn more about Stocks and Cryptocurrency opportunities.

I control my life by using the knowledge that I have autonomy. I lived with my mother till i was 11 years old and during that time she always told me to never submit to anyone. My mother said that there is no reason to change myself for others and that my life is my own. She wanted to make sure i was independent as much as possible because she herself was unable to choose for herself due to her drug addiction. I am who I am, and no matter what comes my way I know I can weather it all. My determination to, "Be myself" comes mainly from the idea that if I change for the world my childhood and all I learned would have been a waste. The strength I was taught comes from the life I have lived so far, and all of the troubles I have already overcome. I live my life in the hopes to support as many people as I can whether it is by emotional, financial, or physical service. I want to have the ability to change the world for the better and to help people help themselves while also learning that the only way to live happy is to live true.