Few experiences have been quite as rewarding to me as volunteering my time at my local nursing home. My mother, a nurse, and sister, an activities member, had asked me to come to work with them and help out since they were so short-staffed. At first, I was extremely reluctant - I had never been in that type of environment before, and I wasn't sure what skills I could offer. After about an hour of walking around and bringing breakfast to residents, I realized that I didn't need to offer anything. My presence alone seemed to cheer up even the most reserved residents. I felt disheartened - many of these people were terribly lonely. Yet, at the same time, I felt a surge of eagerness. I thought, at the very least, if I volunteered my time, it would ensure at least a few people would feel connected. So, I decided to continue visiting that nursing home when I had the time to offer. It wasn't easy - this facility was completely understaffed and underfunded, like many others are. This means that residents may not have the resources or attention they need from workers who may not be paid the wages they deserve. The difference I made was small but sitting with residents and not only listening to them, but engaging with them and their stories, seemed to make a world of difference to them. At the end of the day, I was completely exhausted. However, I felt incredibly satisfied. I often wonder how exactly this system of elderly care has become so neglected in our society. Our senior citizens deserve the best care that can be provided, yet are constantly overlooked and ignored. It is immoral to throw them into these inadequate facilities and let them spend their days starved of proper care and attention. Connection to others is so important to our health and mental well-being. I'm not sure what the solution is to this issue. Whether it be substantial reform to the way nursing homes are run, or somehow encourage many more people to volunteer their time to this cause. Either way, I know I will continue to do my part - no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. It is worth it to know that I was able to have an impact on at least one person's day. I will continue to remind others that these people deserve much more than to be cast aside.

It is not easy to try something new, but sometimes, it can be exponentially more rewarding than you expected. This is how I felt about my decision to fill a gap in my schedule with General Psychology in my Sophmore year of high school. From the very first class I took, I was enthralled with the subject. Not only was I fascinated, but I exhibited talent in the material as well. I received perfect scores on each test I took. As I studied, the content fell into place within my memory so easily. And as I tested, the words came to me like it was second nature to me. There is nothing in my academic career that I am more proud of than my high averages in all of my psychology classes. It quickly became apparent to me that I had done so well due to my passion for the subject. I was more than convinced that this is the path I should take, and I decided that I will major in psychology in college and achieve a master's degree so I can work as a clinical psychologist. What I love about psychology is that not a moment passes around us without the topic being applicable in some way. It is how we come to understand our everyday behavior of ourselves and those around us. It is an explanation of how people interact with each other. It gives the reason why someone chooses orange juice instead of apple juice. But, perhaps most importantly, it allows us to understand the struggles of mental health - an increasingly apparent problem in our world. People every day deal with countless disorders that inhibit them from living their day-to-day lives to the fullest. From depression to anxiety, so many individuals, without even realizing it, may suffer from a disorder. This is why I desire this career path so deeply. Our society is becoming so much more welcoming to the concept of self-care and betterment, and mental health is at the forefront of this discussion. I hope that I can obtain my degree and educate my loved ones within my community on how they can take care of themselves properly. My small town is one of many that is perhaps lagging in terms of acceptance, and mental health is a last priority for many. This is what makes me unique in comparison to those around me. I wish to educate them on this topic, as education is the key to changing a negative mindset. There is so much that can be done with the gift that is knowledge. This is how societies can grow and change for the betterment of everyone.

There is nothing I am more passionate about than pursuing my degree in psychology. In high school is where I discovered my love for the subject, and I am determined to see it through in college. As I am struggling financially to bring together the funds to support my higher education, every little contribution I receive from scholarships is of great help. Throughout my years in high school, I acquired many skills that I never thought I could possess. For example, I was an alarmingly anxious child. However, it seemed that with each year of high school, my confidence grew exponentially. The presentations I once dreaded more than anything had quickly become an experience I looked forward to. I would despise the teachers who would often force upon us group work, which I now have to thank for getting me outside of my comfort zone. I know that these people skills will serve me not only in my day-to-day life, but in my career as a clinical therapist as well. Additionally, I learned how to advocate for myself. When I was younger, I wouldn't ask for help under any circumstances. Now, I understand that asking for help is not a weakness - it is a strength. This is how we come to better ourselves and the world around us. There is so much we can learn from others, and everything does not need to come from within. This is now a notion I hold very dearly, and it is why I want to go on to help others as much as I can.

It is not easy to try something new, but sometimes, it can be exponentially more rewarding than you expected. This is how I felt about my decision to fill a gap in my schedule with General Psychology in my Sophmore year of high school. From the very first class I took, I was enthralled with the subject. Not only was I fascinated, but I exhibited talent in the material as well. I received perfect scores on each test I took. As I studied, the content fell into place within my memory so easily. And as I tested, the words came to me like it was second nature to me. There is nothing in my academic career that I am more proud of than my high averages in all of my psychology classes. It quickly became apparent to me that I had done so well due to my passion for the subject. I was more than convinced that this is the path I should take, and I decided that I will major in psychology in college and achieve a master's degree so I can work as a clinical psychologist. What I love about psychology is that not a moment passes around us without the topic being applicable in some way. It is how we come to understand our everyday behavior of ourselves and those around us. It is an explanation of how people interact with each other. It gives the reason why someone chooses orange juice instead of apple juice. But, perhaps most importantly, it allows us to understand the struggles of mental health - an increasingly apparent problem in our world. People every day deal with countless disorders that inhibit them from living their day-to-day lives to the fullest. From depression to anxiety, so many individuals, without even realizing it, may suffer from a disorder without even knowing it. This is why I desire this career path so deeply. Our society is becoming so much more welcoming to the concept of self-care and betterment, and mental health is at the forefront of this discussion. I hope that I can obtain my degree and educate my loved ones within my community on how they can take care of themselves properly. My small town is one of many that is perhaps lagging in terms of acceptance, and mental health is last on the list of priorities one has. However, it takes being educated on these topics to change this toxic mindset. This is how, over time, a society can grow and adapt for the better.

Feminism is equality between the sexes, however, I believe it to be a much greater movement than the definition gives it credit for. There is a certain unity between those who identify themselves as feminists. Whether you're passing a woman on the street who is in distress, or groups of women overseas are being oppressed, feminism gives these suffering women a voice. This voice comes from the mouth of the movement - the movement which is constantly fighting for the success and equality of women. In a world where you can be brutalized solely because of your sex, knowing there are people out there who have your welfare in mind brings a comforting sense of security. No little girl should have to grow up believing she is inferior because of her gender, nor should she feel unsafe because of it. But more than protecting rights, feminism celebrates women for what makes them unique. It is not enough to be equal in the eyes of the law - women must be honored for their successes just as men are. This is what feminism strives to do. It brings together people in the interest of women's betterment physically, socially, and emotionally. I always thought feminism was solely fighting for women's rights, but as I grew up, I came to realize that sexism existed on every social level, not just in a legal setting. Marlene Dietrich helped me understand this. Dietrich used her fashion as a means of creating equality. During the 1930s, it was extremely taboo for a woman to wear men's suits or even pants. However, this didn't stop the Hollywood actress. In public and in private, she frequently sported suits even when it almost lead to her arrest. She influenced countless women to follow her and wear what they wanted to - rather than what society pressured them to wear. She, as a true feminist, dismantled the notion that a woman had to fulfill a feminine ideal. Dietrich was famously quoted "I dress for the image... not for the public, not for fashion, not for men." Without her brave fashion choices, women's social freedom in the US would have come much later. In my community, feminism is prominent, but it is not yet a standard. Luckily, I do not live in an area in which violence against women is frequently perpetuated. However, this does not mean we are treated equally. Often, in school, boys will "be boys" and make rather disgusting comments about girls. These types of conversations are usually brushed off and ignored - but words are much more damaging than we give them credit for. These words normalize the objectification of women, and that is never okay. Whenever I hear a conversation or am in one, that begins to disrespect a girl because of her gender, I always say something. That is my duty as a feminist on the smallest scale. While large change is hard to create on your own, everyone can do their part to change the social norms that prevent women from being equal. This is how we will solely, but surely, make girls truly equal in the eyes of society.