One of my favorite songs from Brat is "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. This song has become a timeless anthem for empowerment, resilience, and independence. Its message speaks to overcoming hardships and finding strength in the face of adversity, which is why it resonates with me so deeply. The infectious energy and uplifting rhythm capture a sense of triumph, no matter the circumstances. The song tells the story of someone who faces a difficult breakup and initially feels lost or defeated. But as the lyrics unfold, the protagonist gains confidence and realizes their worth, vowing to move on and thrive. The line "I will survive" isn’t just a catchy refrain; it’s a statement of personal power and self-affirmation. For me, "I Will Survive" is more than just a song about overcoming a breakup—it’s about resilience in any situation. The themes of self-reliance and emotional growth are universal, making it a powerful anthem for anyone going through challenging times, be it in relationships, work, or life in general. The song’s upbeat tempo and bold lyrics fill me with a sense of confidence and determination whenever I hear it. It’s a reminder that no matter what happens, I have the ability to stand strong, rise above, and keep moving forward. Another reason I love this song is because of its historical significance. Released in 1978, "I Will Survive" became an anthem not only for personal empowerment but also for the LGBTQ+ community. Over time, it has transcended its initial context, becoming a global symbol of strength and perseverance. The way the song connects with so many people, regardless of their background or experience, is something that really speaks to me. In addition to the empowering lyrics, the song’s arrangement and performance by Gloria Gaynor are absolutely iconic. Her voice is full of emotion and power, and the music mirrors the sentiment of the lyrics perfectly. From the opening notes to the triumphant final chorus, the song builds momentum and creates a sense of uplifting energy that sticks with you long after it ends. In conclusion, "I Will Survive" is my favorite song on Brat because it reminds me of the importance of resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Whether it's in personal struggles or everyday challenges, the song is a powerful reminder that we all have the strength within ourselves to overcome adversity and emerge stronger than before.

Mental health is incredibly important to me as a student because it directly impacts not only my academic performance but also my overall well-being and ability to manage the pressures that come with school life. As a student, balancing coursework, extracurriculars, and personal life can often feel overwhelming. Having a strong foundation in mental health is crucial for maintaining focus, managing stress, and ensuring that I don’t lose sight of my long-term goals due to short-term challenges. Mental health isn’t just about managing illness—it’s about creating the mental space and emotional resilience to handle the ups and downs of life, especially during the high-pressure years of being a student. For me, attending therapy has been a transformative experience. Therapy has provided me with tools and strategies to deal with anxiety, self-doubt, and stress, which are common for many students. Through therapy, I have learned how to recognize when I’m feeling overwhelmed, how to practice self-compassion, and how to establish healthy boundaries. Therapy has taught me the importance of taking time for myself, prioritizing mental health, and not feeling ashamed or weak for seeking help when I need it. The experience has made me realize that just like we take care of our physical health, we must take proactive steps to maintain our mental health as well. As a result of my own experiences, I am passionate about advocating for mental health in my community. In my school, I have spoken openly about attending therapy and encouraged others to prioritize their mental well-being. I try to lead by example, showing that it’s okay to not have everything figured out and that it’s normal to seek help. When classmates express feeling overwhelmed or stressed, I remind them that it’s okay to ask for support, whether that’s from a counselor, therapist, or trusted adult. I also make sure to create a nonjudgmental space for others to share their feelings, helping to reduce the stigma around mental health. In addition, I work with student organizations to promote mental health awareness. We’ve organized events, such as mental health awareness days, where students can learn about resources available to them, engage in activities that promote self-care, and hear from mental health professionals. By encouraging these conversations, I hope to break down the stigma that often surrounds mental health, especially in school environments where there can be a sense of pressure to "perform" at all times. I believe that when students feel supported and heard, they are more likely to reach out for help when needed. At home, I advocate for mental health by talking openly with my family about my experiences and encouraging them to prioritize their mental well-being. Whether it’s suggesting a mindfulness exercise before a stressful family event or reminding my family members to take breaks when they feel overwhelmed, I try to create an atmosphere where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. I also make sure to check in on loved ones, providing a listening ear and reminding them that it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. Overall, mental health is important to me because it’s foundational to every aspect of life, especially as a student. Therapy has been a pivotal part of my own journey, and I’m committed to using my experiences to advocate for a community where mental health is prioritized, conversations are open, and everyone feels supported. By continuing to speak openly about my own mental health and encourage others to do the same, I hope to help normalize seeking help and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.

The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is The Shawshank Redemption. The film tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a man wrongly convicted of his wife’s murder and sentenced to life in Shawshank prison. Over the years, Andy builds a deep friendship with fellow inmate Ellis “Red” Redding, played by Morgan Freeman, and uses his intelligence and resilience to transform both his life and the lives of those around him. This movie has profoundly impacted me because of its themes of hope, perseverance, and the power of human connection. The central theme of The Shawshank Redemption is hope, especially in the most dire circumstances. Andy’s ability to maintain hope in the face of almost insurmountable adversity is truly inspiring. Despite being wrongfully imprisoned, subjected to harsh conditions, and enduring the despair of being in an unforgiving system, Andy never loses sight of his future. His mantra, “Get busy living, or get busy dying,” serves as a reminder that life is what we make of it, regardless of external circumstances. Andy’s refusal to let the prison walls define him resonated with me deeply. It taught me that no matter how difficult life may seem at times, I can choose to remain hopeful and continue to move forward. This lesson has helped me face my own struggles with a renewed sense of resilience, reminding me that hope is a powerful motivator that can help me overcome the obstacles I face. The relationship between Andy and Red also had a profound effect on me. Their friendship shows the importance of human connection, especially in challenging times. Red, initially cynical and hardened by years of imprisonment, learns from Andy that there is more to life than just surviving—there is a way to live with purpose and hope. The film’s portrayal of their friendship taught me the importance of trust, vulnerability, and support in building meaningful relationships. It reminded me that no one is truly alone and that friendships can be a source of strength when facing life’s struggles. Finally, The Shawshank Redemption emphasizes the concept of freedom, not just physical but emotional and mental as well. While Andy’s physical escape from Shawshank is the culmination of his journey, his true freedom comes from his ability to hold onto his dignity and belief in a better future, even in the most oppressive circumstances. The film reminded me that freedom is not just about external circumstances but about maintaining control over my own thoughts, emotions, and actions. It encouraged me to look inward for the strength to face challenges and to never allow external situations to define my sense of self. In conclusion, The Shawshank Redemption has had a profound impact on my life because of its powerful messages about hope, resilience, and the importance of human connection. It taught me to never give up, to find meaning in small actions, and to recognize the freedom that comes from within. These lessons continue to guide me as I navigate the challenges in my own life, reminding me that hope and perseverance are key to overcoming even the most difficult obstacles.

My name is Joseph Deignan and I am a high school senior eager to pursue a degree in Systems and Industrial Engineering at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. I am passionate about finding innovative solutions to complex problems that can enhance efficiency and performance in various sectors. My ultimate career goal is to work for the government, where I can apply my engineering skills to help optimize systems and processes that impact national security, defense, and public service. The scholarship I am applying for is an essential part of my journey, and it holds significant importance to me for several reasons. First, this scholarship is crucial in alleviating the financial burden of pursuing higher education. As a Systems and Industrial Engineering major, the coursework and associated academic resources, such as textbooks, software, and lab equipment, can be expensive. Financial assistance will allow me to focus more on my studies rather than worrying about the costs that come with pursuing my degree. Without this scholarship, I would need to take on more work hours, which could distract me from my academic goals and prevent me from fully engaging in the opportunities that will shape my career. Additionally, receiving this scholarship would be a recognition of my dedication and hard work in pursuing my academic and professional goals. It validates my commitment to excellence in Systems and Industrial Engineering, a field that requires analytical thinking, innovation, and collaboration. As I strive to make meaningful contributions to government operations, this scholarship would stand as a testament to my potential and the value that others place on my future impact. This recognition would also serve as a reminder that I am not alone in my pursuit of making a difference and that there are people who believe in my ability to succeed. My career goal of working for the government is driven by a desire to serve my country and apply my engineering expertise to solve real-world problems. Whether improving logistics for defense operations, optimizing resource allocation for government programs, or enhancing supply chain management during national crises, the role of a Systems and Industrial Engineer in these sectors is critical. However, to achieve this, I must be well-prepared, both academically and professionally. This scholarship would support my educational journey and ensure that I have the resources to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges faced by public organizations and defense agencies. In conclusion, this scholarship is essential to my academic, professional, and personal growth. It provides me with financial stability to focus on my studies, recognition for my hard work and potential, and the ability to pursue my goal of serving the government. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to achieving my career goals and contributing meaningfully to the systems and operations that support national security and public service.