Public service, in my opinion, is to utilize one's talent, time, and empathy to better the lives of other people. It is the dedication to place community interests over personal interests in an effort to make society fair, compassionate, and sustainable for everyone. Public service is not a profession; it is a lifetime obligation and a way of life with principle and integrity. I consider public service a necessity because it acts as a mediator between individual hardship and collective solutions. Public service, in a world of increasing inequalities, is too often the difference between access to education, health, justice, and economic opportunity. It reminds us that no one succeeds completely by themselves; our communities, our institutions, and our fates are interconnected. My zeal for service is a result of having witnessed both the possibility and the limits of the systems that are designed to protect and uplift people. Whether volunteering in community centers, organizing drives for underfunded schools, or assisting local advocacy groups, I witnessed firsthand how policy, resources, and leadership—or the lack thereof—can affect people's lives. These experiences taught me that meaningful change requires more than goodwill; it requires planning, commitment, and strategic effort. I intend to work at the intersection of policy and community development. I want to develop programs that address structural barriers to opportunity, especially in disadvantaged communities. I would like to be involved in developing programs that expand access to education, promote economic development, and augment civic engagement. I believe that sustainable change happens when communities are not only heard but are also equal partners in developing solutions that affect them. In order to achieve these dreams, I will pursue a major in International Business and Marketing. This field of study offers the expertise I need to translate passion into effective programs and policy. I will learn, through my education, to evaluate complex social issues, quantify policy outcomes, manage public resources effectively, and advocate for equitable change. I am particularly excited about gaining strong leadership, research, and community partnership building abilities, all of which are crucial to successful service. Beyond the classroom, I plan to take part in internships, volunteerism, and service-learning projects during my time in college. I want to apply what I learn in real-world settings—whether in non-profits, government, or community organizations—so that I will graduate with both knowledge and experience. My long-term aspiration is a career in public sector leadership, where I can develop and administer programs to decrease systemic inequality on the local and national stages. Public service is not always easy. It requires grit, patience, and a commitment to grind it out through the tough problems with no immediate payoff. Yet the potential to leave a lasting impression on individuals' lives is so rewarding. My perspective is that a career in public service is not just doing what's right—it's an act of ensuring that everyone, no matter where they're from, has a fair shot to succeed and thrive. In pursuing this vocation, I hope to do justice to those who have gone before me and to invite others to join in the work of creating a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world.

I plan to use my education not just as a personal stepping stone, but as a stepping stone to building a more empowering and inclusive path for Black people in the corporate world. Through pursuing a degree in international business, I'm gaining the knowledge and skills needed to work in complex markets, ethically lead, and understand the cultural forces shaping global business. But beyond the texts and the lecture halls, I see this learning as a duty—one that obliges me to take direct action on the system barriers which have long excluded Black voices from boardrooms, executive suites, and entrepreneurial success. The business community, like the majority of sectors, continues to struggle with racial disparities in hiring, promotion, investment, and representation. Black professionals are still underrepresented in management ranks, and Black entrepreneurs face disproportionate challenges in accessing capital, networks, and mentorship. My mission is to break and help change that cycle. I want to use my platform, voice, and knowledge to advocate for equity, drive diversity in leadership, and aid programs that invest in Black excellence. One of the ways in which I plan to do this is through creating or becoming involved with business endeavors that are committed to ethical leadership and community investment. Whether it is through launching a socially responsible business startup, joining a corporation with strong diversity initiatives, or even launching a nonprofit that focuses on entrepreneurial education, I want my career to always be a reflection of my commitment to empowering others. I envision producing programs that provide mentorship and access to capital for up-and-coming Black business leaders, especially youth that do not see themselves reflected in current business leaders. Representation is key, and I hope to be part of changing what leadership looks like. Second, I plan to leverage my voice and use it to advocate for policy changes within corporate structures—moving towards open hiring practices, equal pay, and inclusive company culture. I believe that education empowers me not only with the technical capabilities to succeed in business, but also with the gravitas to be at the tables of decision-making and lead actual change. I also believe in paying back in the form of efforts towards improving financial literacy and career growth within Black communities to bridge the capability-opportunity gap. In the end, I'm not receiving a business education for personal gain. I'm doing it because I can bring knowledge to action. I want to help get us to the place where Black professionals are not merely invited to the table, but feted at it, where success is not the outlier but the norm, and where the leadership runway is evident and facilitated for generations ahead.

Mental health is an important aspect of the human condition that affects how individuals think, feel, and interact with the world. Over the years, I have learned that mental health not only plays a role in an individual's perceived happiness but also significantly affects an individual's beliefs, relationships, and professional aspirations. My personal experience with mental health has been painful and eye-opening, granting me a deep appreciation for the importance of mental wellness and the way it influences how I interact with the world, my relationships with others, and my future professional goals. Mental health was stigmatized and ignored when I was growing up. The idea that mental illness was a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of was ingrained in the conversation that surrounded me. However, my own experience of mental illness began to contradict these assumptions. When I suffered from depression and anxiety, I was forced to confront cultural constructions of strength and resilience. I knew that mental illness wasn't weakness but part of the human condition. We all have a mental and emotional life, no matter what our background or circumstance, and this has to be cared for. This shift in my mind created a new set of beliefs related to mental health. I understood that mental health is as important as physical health and requires conscious care, genuine communication, and nourishment. I also became aware of the necessity of using compassion and empathy while addressing mental health concerns, my own and others'. Rather than looking at mental health struggles as personal battles to be fought alone, I began thinking of them as universal experiences that require community support. These changed beliefs have guided how I live. I no longer see other people in terms of judgment or expectation but in terms of understanding and empathy. I firmly believe that we must create environments where mental health is spoken about freely, where vulnerability is a marker of strength, and where seeking help is encouraged. Mental health challenges also impact relationships among people. I have found it hard to explain my difficulties numerous times, especially if I feared judgment or rejection. I learned along the way that honesty and openness are the bases for deep relationships. The more I spoke about my mental health requirements, the more I learned that other people had similar struggles, and that these shared experiences enhanced my relationships. The single most significant lesson that mental health has taught me regarding relationships is the value of vulnerability. I used to keep my emotions hidden away for fear of driving people away. Yet, once I started to be vulnerable with family and friends regarding my mental health challenges, I learned that vulnerability formed stronger and more genuine relationships. Others began to react with compassion and support, and I felt less isolated and more bonded. Furthermore, my experiences with mental health have made me more attuned to the emotional well-being of others. I’ve become more patient and understanding when people around me are struggling, recognizing that mental health challenges are often invisible and require more care than is immediately apparent. Paying closer attention to my own mental health has made me a better listener, a more compassionate friend, and a more supportive partner. In addition, my personal experiences with mental illness have driven me to break the stigma of mental health. I strive to have open discussions about mental wellness, whether in casual or more serious conversations. By being vulnerable myself and creating safe spaces for others to do so, I've been able to form closer, more intimate relationships where individuals feel comfortable being themselves. Mental health has also greatly influenced my career aspirations. Initially, I struggled with how to balance my career ambitions with managing my mental health. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, wondering if I could handle the pressures of the professional world. However, I eventually realized that my experiences with mental health had equipped me with valuable insights and skills that could guide my career choices. I was drawn to careers that involve helping others, such as psychology, counseling, or social work. My own experiences with mental illness, coupled with my desire to make a positive impact, compelled me to choose careers in which I would have the opportunity to help others who were struggling with the same problems. The empathy and awareness I've gained from my own experience have provided me with a unique insight that would be valuable in these careers. Additionally, my experiences have reshaped my definition of work-life balance and career success. I've learned the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of myself, with the recognition that a successful career is one that not only achieves personal satisfaction but also enables a sustainable work-life balance. I aspire to have a career where I can offer value to others while being honest to my own well-being. Lastly, mental health has prompted me to seek a career that will enable me to combine my passion for service with my desire to make a difference in a world that is increasingly compassionate and empathetic. In education, advocacy, or direct service, I am excited about a career that will promote mental wellness and contribute to eliminating the stigma of mental health. My experience of mental health has had a profound impact on my attitudes, relationships, and professional aspirations. It has reshaped my definition of strength, compassion, and empathy, and has made me value vulnerability and sincerity of communication even more. As such, I am now more committed than ever to creating empathetic and supportive relationships, both personal and professional. In addition, mental health has encouraged me to pursue a career where I can help others while also taking care of myself. Lastly, mental health has made me a more self-aware, empathetic individual, and it still affects my behavior and goals on a daily basis.

In today's globalized society, the intersection of marketing, international business, and economics is the key to triumph. An understanding of concepts from these fields drives business trends and determines how companies succeed in competitive, dynamic environments. John Graff's Real Insights is a helpful guide on how economic and international marketing principles can be successfully applied to real-world business practices. In international business, market trends, cross-cultural communications, and global economics are essential. Economic concepts of supply and demand, market structure, and trade theory help companies understand international trade. Graff emphasizes how economic forces—such as currency fluctuations, tariffs, and political issues—affect business operations. His book highlights the importance of evaluating the reward and risk of pursuing new markets and leveraging special strengths for strategic market growth. For instance, when entering new foreign markets, companies must understand the economic climate, choose the best market entry strategy, and adapt products to meet local needs. Graff stresses that market research and adapting to local economic conditions are essential to success, allowing companies to tailor strategies for every single market. From the perspective of marketing, international markets offer challenge and opportunity. Firms need to adjust marketing methods according to cultural and economic conditions in the target markets. Segmentation, targeting, and positioning must be adjusted according to varying customers' tastes and values in various markets. Graff's book, by making use of case studies, discusses the role played by consumer intelligence in creating successful international marketing campaigns. It is essential in global marketing to know local law, buying power, and sensitivities. Graff provides examples of campaigns considering local business cycles and using international branding, with lessons on how companies can enter markets without being insensitive to cultural differences. In business, the application of microeconomic and macroeconomic principles is crucial in decision-making. At a macro level, understanding inflation, exchange rates, and fiscal policies affects operations of businesses globally. For instance, inflation within a destination market can affect price strategy, and exchange rate fluctuations can affect costs and profitability. Graff's book shows how economics knowledge helps firms deal with uncertain economic climates and remain flexible with pricing and resource allocation. At a microeconomic level, consumer preference, competition, and pricing knowledge help companies optimize their supply chains and competitive positioning. Graff's pricing strategy analysis across different economic conditions emphasizes the imperative to react to local and international pressures. In summary, it is crucial to integrate international business, marketing, and economics knowledge to thrive in global markets. Real Insights provides a valuable guide for converting theoretical principles into real business strategies. A sound understanding of economic basics and ability to tailor marketing strategies to various cultural environments helps firms make rational decisions, reduce risks, and maximize growth opportunities.