Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of my favorite pieces of media ever. The name is derived from Latin words, which translated, roughly mean "New Genesis Good News". For those who have seen the show, the translated title makes perfect sense for the story and themes seen in the show. Evangelion first aired in 1997 and quickly became one of the all-time greats due to its complex writing, character design, music, and one of the best opening sequences in anime. Cruel Angel's Thesis, the opening song for the show, quickly became synonymous with the medium of anime as it perfectly captured the tone of the show while maintaining its 1990s identity. Despite its age, Evangelion's themes and characters are arguably more prevalent today than at the time. The show tackles themes like depression, self-worth, self-image, our connections with others, developmental psychology, sexual psychology, and the all-around human condition. One of the show's prevailing themes is the Hedgehog's dilemma, evening naming an episode of off the metaphor. The dilemma is a metaphor for human intimacy and states that, like a hedgehog in the cold, we yearn for the warmth and closeness of others. However, the closer we get the more we risk being hurt by the "quills" of others. The metaphor was first used by the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer whom Evangelion borrows from frequently. All and all, Evangelion was a part of my jumpstart in psychology. With its complex characters and views, it got me interested in learning about the connections of others and how we can better them. I would highly recommend this show to anyone who hasn't seen it.

One of my absolute favorite shows of all time is a Netflix original animation called Violet Evergarden. Violet Evergarden was animated by Kyoto Animations in collaboration with Netflix. Kyoto Animation is one of my favorite animation teams and this was one of their last projects before a firebomb attack that became the second-largest mass murder in Japan behind the United States' bombing in World War II. In a world where animators are treated poorly with unfair hours and unfair pay, Kyoto Animation stood as a pillar of hope as they were well known for treating their employees with love and care. This makes the already deeply emotional show have even more of an impact as you see each lovingly crafted frame fly across your screen. Violet Evergarden achieves more in 13 short episodes than most shows can do in several seasons. The world is incredibly interesting, as the best way I can describe it is fantasy, steampunk, and a Disney princess movie all rolled into one. The show follows our lead girl, Violet Evergarden, on her journey to a normal life after a life of war. She is given a home to stay in and is offered a job as a "doll". A doll is someone who functions as a scribe for those in the world who may not know how to write or wish to express their feelings more eloquently. This plot device functions as a fantastic vessel for taking Violet on an emotional journey while providing powerful short stories in each episode. Violet is a character who struggles to show and understand emotions at the beginning of the show, but the more she is thrown into increasingly emotional situations, the more she is forced to understand her own emotions. For an animated show, Violet Evergarden puts more real and relatable characters on your screen than most live-action shows. Another reason the show hits so hard is its score. As someone who loves and composes music myself, its soundtrack is some of my favorite of all time. The American composer, Evan Call, did great work matching the emotion and tone of the show which is no easy feat. The score is nostalgic, hopeful, sad, and beautiful which makes it a perfect fit. The animation also heavily contributes to an emotional experience. It has my favorite animation out of any show or movie to date. The color is vibrant and represents the emotion on the screen perfectly, and the character design is consistent in style but unique to every character. All in all, I would recommend this show to anyone and everyone who is seeking a short emotional experience. Even if the characters aren't relatable to someone, the animation, music, and world will keep them engrossed in the work of art from start to finish.

My friends and I love playing Mario Kart with each other. Just the other day we played 96 consecutive races to challenge ourselves. Our goal was to get 4500 points across the two sets of 48 races against hard computer opponents. We surpassed that goal and were 18 points shy of 5000 which is now our next goal. It took us six and a half hours to complete and we were up until 4 am. Our proudest moment from this stream of races was getting the top 4 places on Grumble Volcano which is one of the hardest courses in the whole game. We also love to try Mario Maker worlds together and often take each other on in smash bros ultimate. The very first console I got was a Nintendo Wii with Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros Brawl. These games have followed me through my life and I don't intend to stop playing them with my friends as we increase our challenges even further. As we aim for new milestones, it's not just about the points but the shared laughter and enduring joy these games bring to our friendship. They've been with me through life, and I look forward to continuing the adventure with my friends.

As one delves into psychology, the acquisition of a profound understanding of human behavior, cognition, and emotional intricacies becomes a transformative tool for shaping educational environments that prioritize the holistic development of all students. The exploration of the intellectual needs of gifted children holds particular significance in our world today. Often, gifted children face unique challenges within mainstream educational approaches, as their exceptional cognitive abilities may not receive the attention and nurturing they require. This specialized focus enables the formulation of tailored interventions and innovative educational strategies. By comprehensively understanding and addressing the intricacies of their intellectual capacities, one becomes instrumental in the development and implementation of educational programs designed not only to challenge and engage these students but also to create an environment where their exceptional talents can flourish. Simultaneously, the intersection of the focus on social-emotional well-being and intellectual growth is crucial. Psychology provides valuable insights into the emotional development of individuals, and the application of this knowledge in an educational context allows for the creation of supportive environments. These environments nurture not only academic excellence but also emotional resilience, ensuring that gifted children, who may grapple with unique social and emotional challenges, receive the holistic support they need. Through the pursuit of a career in psychology with this specialized focus, one is positioned as an advocate for inclusive educational practices. Such advocacy becomes a bridge between cognitive stimulation and emotional well-being, contributing significantly to the formation of well-rounded individuals. By prioritizing both the cognitive and emotional dimensions of a child's development, one plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education and mental health. In the broader societal context, the impact of such a career trajectory extends beyond individual students. It resonates in the creation of educational systems that recognize and cater to the diverse needs of learners. By advocating for inclusive practices, one contributes to dismantling barriers that may hinder the realization of potential among gifted children and other students who may benefit from tailored approaches to education. In conclusion, the decision to study psychology with a focus on fostering social-emotional well-being and meeting the intellectual needs of gifted children signifies a commitment to creating positive and transformative change in the field of education and mental health. Through the integration of knowledge, advocacy, and innovative approaches, one becomes a catalyst for shaping environments that prioritize the development of well-rounded individuals capable of navigating the complexities of society. This journey is not just an academic pursuit but a meaningful contribution to the broader landscape of education and human well-being.