Any high school kid is likely to express similar thoughts when asked about their freshman year. One's freshman year is a crucial period in their life—a time of significant change. It's a year when the landscape of friendships shifts, when the weighty questions about life's direction begin to take shape, and when the once-familiar rhythm of daily responsibilities undergoes a fundamental change. My freshman year was an epochal juncture, marked not only by these universal shifts but also by a personal battle against a formidable adversary: a mental health disorder that took me on an unexpected journey. The first tremors of this battle came in the form of a panic attack—a jarring awakening to the presence of something both alien and internal. It was a moment that I sensed was the precursor to a profound transformation. As I grappled with the challenges that this mental health disorder presented, I found myself in the crucible of resilience, fighting to establish a foothold in the terrain of my own mind. Each skirmish with my own thoughts taught me invaluable techniques for coping, defeating, and eventually dissipating the distinct emotional storms that raged within me. In those moments of struggle, I adopted a personal mantra: "You've traversed this far; why halt the journey now?" This steadfast belief became my anchor, a steady hand guiding me through the labyrinthine passages of my mental landscape. As I forged ahead, my passion for film emerged as an unexpected ally—an antidote that could summon a calm amidst the chaos. Through the lens of a camera, the world shifted. A new reality took form—one in which my mind was unburdened, and worries seemed distant echoes. But the progression of my anxiety disorder was unrelenting, pushing me to the periphery of my high school experiences. There, amidst the solitude of my home, I discovered a virtual mentor—a filmmaker on Youtube whose cinematic creations were nothing short of masterpieces. The allure of his artistry kindled a flame within me, igniting a fascination for film and the arts. I embarked on a journey of self-guided learning, watching intently, dissecting every nuance, and noting down the intricate steps that paved the path to becoming a filmmaker. Empowered by this newfound knowledge, I made a pivotal investment in my dream—a GoPro camera. With its acquisition, my foray into the world of film was catalyzed, and a nascent film career unfurled before me. Film evolved into more than simply a pastime; it served as an escape and a means for personal growth. As I battled the lingering effects of my anxiousness, I started to understand the power of a camera's lens extended beyond artistic expression. It held the potential to create a connection between my inner and outside worlds—a channel through which I might go through the world with a renewed sense of direction and vision. In an effort to return to the rhythm of school life, I turned my lens towards capturing the vibrant tapestry of student life. I became the chronicler of sports events, the curator of pivotal moments, and the creator of compelling narratives that bound our student body together. One project, in particular, thrust me into the spotlight—a school-wide video that propelled us into the semi-finals of a prestigious contest. I had discovered my calling, my reason, in the field of film at that thrilling moment, and the realization hit me like lightning. Even if the journey had its share of twists and missed opportunities, over time, the framework of my life started to resemble an appearance of regularity. The fabric of my high school years, though woven with threads of absence, was still rich with the substance of memory. Film became my chosen medium to channel the creative currents coursing through me, to give voice to the emotions that words alone couldn't encapsulate. It became the bridge that spanned the gap between my internal struggles and external expression. Through my lens, I unearthed the splendors of Earth's phenomena, casting them in pixelated frames that held the potency to evoke emotions and stir memories. Cameras, I realized, were not mere devices; they were memory catchers—guardians of fleeting moments that could be rekindled with the press of a button. The way these pixels played harmoniously to project the world's beauty onto the canvas of one's mind remained a constant wellspring of motivation, a fount of passion that invigorated my pursuit of videography. Reflecting on my tumultuous journey, I find a measure of gratitude in the early encounter with my mental health battle. The struggle, though arduous, armed me with an arsenal of emotional resilience that I could wield in the face of life's tribulations. And it was through the art of film that I discovered a formidable ally, an instrument that helped me harness my emotions, transform them into stories, and share those narratives with the world. As I go forward, I do it with the knowledge gained through battles waged and successes attained. My love of movies has evolved beyond its function as a creative outlet to serve as an inspiration for me as I navigate the difficulties of life. It serves as a reminder that amidst hardship, beauty can be discovered, tales can be spoken, and the power of art may shed light on even the most inner depths of the soul.

Retail marketing has always captivated me, from the vibrant displays that cover shops to the tailored recommendations that appear on our screens. In this dynamic industry, where creativity meets strategy to create great customer experiences, my professional interests and personal passions are combined. The relationship between technology and retail marketing offers an intriguing environment for people with a passionate interest in innovation in an era when technological advances are the norm. I am drawn to the almost endless possibilities it gives within the field of retail marketing because I am extremely interested in how technology has the power to alter customer experiences. I currently work as a technical support agent for Apple therefore I am always surrounded by a technological environment. Through my experience working there, I have seen tons of proof of how technology can change retail marketing. Some examples include troubleshooting applications and configuring Apple’s artificial intelligence also known as Siri. Retail marketing would probably not be present if technology wasn't used. Modern retail marketing is defined by its capacity to change, advance, and react to altering consumer expectations and behaviors. The foundation of this flexibility is technology. It enables merchants to identify buying habits, preferences, and trends by empowering them to gain valuable consumer insights through data analytics. Retail marketing would be unable to interact with customers personally and provide customized experiences without this data-driven strategy. Additionally, there would be a significant decline in convenience without technology. My strategy for retail marketing is based on the idea of making shopping a memorable experience that goes beyond simply monetary transactions and creates lasting relationships between customers and businesses. This vision goes beyond the traditional idea of shopping, including an encompassing and engaging trip that leaves customers with more than just items but also with treasured recollections and strong emotional bonds. Every detail of the store is carefully chosen to create feelings in the customers, from the atmosphere to the layout, from the design features to the aromas that fill the air. I picture stores as immersive environments where clients are welcomed into a setting that reflects the soul of the brand, producing a deep emotional resonance. Technology plays an important role in elevating these experiences even higher. Brands may learn about the tastes and activities of certain customers by utilizing data analytics. This makes it possible to create highly customized experiences where offers, suggestions, and product recommendations are made in accordance with individual preferences. Imagine entering a store where the objects on display are not just things on shelves, but rather thoughtfully chosen items that reflect your own likes and style. The foundation of my sales strategy is creativity. Narratives, in my opinion, have the capacity to transcend transactional relations and create emotional bonds. By creating narratives for products, meaning, and purpose are given to them. Customers are urged to participate in a broader story and develop a stronger connection with the brand when these narratives are in line with the business's values and purpose. Social media serves as a medium for expanding these interactions outside of physical locations. A community is built around the brand when it produces interesting content that goes beyond product advertising. A sense of loyalty and belonging is fostered through encouraging dialogues, sharing experiences, and engaging customers to be co-creators. My vision essentially aims to redefine the retail shopping experience. It involves using technology, creativity, and emotional resonance to build a community of ambassadors and enthusiasts in addition to consumers. This strategy creates the foundation for long-lasting relationships. It's about reviving retail's heart and soul and integrating it into people's daily lives.

Ask any high school student about their freshman year and they’ll tell you the same thing. Freshman year is when everything changes. This is the year that friendships are made (or destroyed), life goals are pondered, and daily responsibilities change. During my freshman year, I was tasked with combating a mental health disorder. Despite my struggles, I developed a lifelong passion for film. My first experience with this disorder is when I had a panic attack. I knew that it was the beginning of a long journey. Getting through the battles has made me flourish mentally. I’ve learned new techniques to help cope, defeat, and extinguish my distinctive feelings. I always tell myself, “You’ve made it this far why stop now.” My goal in life is to distract society from their current well-being and offer a captivating message through film. My anxiety disorder progressed so much that I oftentimes found myself skipping school and unable to get out of bed. The sudden progression of my anxiety caused me to miss out on many valuable high school experiences. While at home, I was drawn to a filmmaker on Youtube. He created cinematic masterpieces and piqued my interest in film and the arts. I started by watching, listening, and taking notes on how to become a filmmaker. Inspired by the Youtuber, I then purchased my own GoPro. This solidified my love of film and served as a starting point for my film career. Film is an antidote for me. It put me in a mood, separated from reality where my mind was clear, with no worries. In order to get back in the mood to go to school, I started filming for the student body. It was a struggle to present myself with my current circumstances but I had hope. I captured all the sports games, as well as the many events, held such as football, soccer, wrestling, basketball, club rush, and pep rallies. Editing a school-wide video that led us into the semi-finals for a contest. This was it, I finally found my calling to film. It gave me this rush of emotion. From there, I soon came to realize that my life was going back to normal. Even though I missed out on big parts of my high school experience, I withheld those memorable moments. Film helps me express my creative side, which might not otherwise be apparent. It’s given me a purpose and helped me navigate life with an anxiety disorder. Through my work, I’ve been able to showcase and highlight the beauty of Earth's phenomena. To me, cameras are memory catchers, which hold the ability to bring back lost or forgotten moments. The way the pixels project the beauty of the world to one’s mind keeps me motivated and passionate about videography. Throughout my journey of mental health, I’m glad I got to experience it early, so that I can gain control of my emotions, especially through the art of film.