I may be the only teenager that I know that watches C-Span for entertainment. From an early age, I would spend hours on end watching YouTube videos about cultural anthropology, the cold war, or the enlightenment period, just to name a few. To me, the world isn't just a collection of current events; it’s a map of everything that came before us. My name is Jared, and I see the study of our past and our systems not just as an academic pursuit, but as mirror to analyze the present. Growing up in the Houston area, I noticed early on how much of our daily lives is dictated by invisible lines. I found myself drawn to geography and history because they provided the "why" behind the "what." Why does this neighborhood look this way? Why do these two groups struggle to communicate? Understanding these roots changed my perspective from one of frustration to one of curiosity. My plan to make a difference is centered on the intersection of cultural anthropology, law and political science. We often try to solve political problems with purely "logical" or "economic" solutions, but we forget the human element. There are cultural histories that influence how people vote, trust, and interact. I want to work in law as an attorney. My understanding of anthropological insights will ensure that I respect and reflect upon the community in which I live, rather than practicing law from a one-size-fits-all perspective. History has taught us that the most successful civilizations were rarely the most righteous. By studying the rise and fall of ancient cultures, I’ve learned that sustainability isn't just about resources; it’s about social cohesion and the ability to listen to opposing voices. In a world that feels increasingly polarized, I believe we should focus on the art of the compromise. Like Ryan T. Herich, I find value in the argument itself in order to uncover a truth that neither side could see alone. Ultimately, my goal is to be a bridge-builder. Whether I’m analyzing how geographic displacement affects political stability or how historical grievances shape modern diplomacy and law. I want to use my education to remind people that we are part of a continuous story. By better understanding the past, I believe we can be much more intentional about the direction of our future. I don’t just want to study history; I want to help us learn from it so that we can finally stop repeating its most painful chapters

Growing up with eczema, allergies, and asthma, life has not always been easy, and I'm not talking about slight itchiness, minor sneezing, and a mild cough, but painful rashes and scabs, a puffy face, and a debilitating cough that left me in the hospital. I remember mornings where my skin would feel itchy and on fire, nights spent in the hospital because I couldn't breathe, and school days having to be missed because I couldn't stop coughing. But despite all of the hardship, all of the struggle, and all of the strife, I never let my conditions hold me back. Despite my conditions, I was still able to play sports and make friends. Having these conditions has given me the drive and perseverance to endure, even when things got tough. This drive has helped me through many things in my life, such as school and sports. It will also help me through college, where I plan to study political science and eventually attend law school. As a child, history and politics were some of my favorite subjects, from watching the news to reading up on my favorite historical time periods; history and politics were subjects that were always so intriguing to me. This love for politics also came from a desire to help people in substantial, lasting ways, and in my research of prominent American political figures, I noticed something intriguing. Some of the most influential political figures had backgrounds in the law and went to law school. From Barack Obama, to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, to Thomas Jefferson, the connection was clear: the law and law school were a clear avenue into politics. This led me to look into law and law school, and I fell in love with the subject. Like politics, the study of the law challenges your values and beliefs and forces you to form your own opinions, which is something I always loved about politics. The law also gives me a chance to be a positive force in my community and others' lives through pro bono work, legal advocacy, and community outreach. With my legal experience, I will then be able to transition to politics to help people in a more substantial and lasting way. While in politics i will implement and advocate for progressive policies that improve the lives of everyday people. Even though my conditions have given me lots of hardship in my life, it also gave me the hard work and drive needed to succeed in the pursuit of my goals.

The game of football has been much more than a sport to me; it has been a crucial piece of my character and has had a profound influence on my development as a young man. I started playing football at 7 years old. From the beginning, I began to learn lessons from the game that will impact me for the rest of my life. From that very first season, I began to learn lessons that transcended the football field. Those lessons that will continue to shape my perspective for the rest of my life The first lesson football taught me was the true meaning of accountability. In a team environment, you quickly realize that your actions affect the success of your entire team. You cannot afford to be selfish. There were many afternoons that my body was sore, or I was mentally exhausted from the school day. I had to remind myself that my teammates were counting on me to show up and give 100% effort . Football also taught me how to persevere. Growing up, I faced physical hurdles that often made the sport difficult at times. Dealing with severe eczema and asthma was difficult during the hot summer days in Texas. Pushing through the fatigue of conditioning drills in triple-digit temperatures taught me that I am capable of doing hard things. Football stripped away my excuses. Attention to detail is a valuable skill that I have developed from the game of football. Football is a game of inches and success is often determined by split second decisions. Perfecting technique, or mastering the proper footwork requires high level of focus and practice. I have learned that overlooking a minor detail could lead to a missed opportunity for the entire team. This detailed approach has now carried over into my academic life, helping me become more effective in my schoolwork Rewards in life are reserved for those who show persistence and hard work. The discipline I gained on the field has built my confidence in my ability to handle any obstacle that comes my way. The memories that I have created as a football player will stay with me for the rest of my life. As I look toward the future, I carry these vital lessons of accountability and resilience with me into every new challenge. I know that the demanding "grind" of football has prepared me to succeed in whatever professional arena I decide to enter next, ensuring I am ready for the journey ahead.