The summer of 2021 is one I will never forget. Drastic changes in my everyday life were made, from the way I received my education, in-person to online, to not being able to walk in a store without a mask. Learning became difficult and a whole new concept. I, like many others, was depressed, and struggling with mental health due to the lack of social stimulation. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, in a world where time seemed to be at a halt, I found an opportunity that would cultivate my passion and hone my foreign language skills. I was presented with a chance to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain. I had been studying Spanish at my school for three years and was eager to learn more about the language's origins while also improving my fluency. The emotions I experienced as I waved goodbye to my parents at Hartsfield-Jackson airport were a whirlwind of excitement, fear, anticipation, and curiosity. My heart raced with the thrill of embarking on a new adventure, but I also felt a twinge of fear at the unknown that lay ahead. The anticipation of what awaited me in a foreign country and the curiosity to explore new cultures and experiences fueled my emotions as I prepared to board a flight with a group of adolescents I had just met. As I laid over in Newark, New Jersey airport, I could sense that my fellow travelers were also experiencing similar emotions. We were all embarking on this journey together, yet we were still strangers to one another. We exchanged nervous smiles, trying to hide the trepidation we felt beneath the facade of excitement. Finally, the moment arrived when we boarded the plane that would take us to Spain. The rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins as I stepped onto the aircraft, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. I settled into my seat, eagerly peering out the window as the plane taxied down the runway, ready to take off into the unknown. As the plane soared into the sky, I looked out at the clouds below, realizing that I was leaving behind my familiar surroundings and entering a foreign land. The navigation signs in the airport were now in Spanish, and English, my native language, would now be the foreign language for the next month. This realization added to my sense of excitement and curiosity, as I eagerly anticipated immersing myself in a new culture and language. The emotions I felt during that momentous flight are still fresh in my mind, etched into my memory. The mix of excitement, fear, anticipation, and curiosity created a rollercoaster of emotions that I will never forget. Stepping off the plane in Spain, I took a deep breath and embraced the unknown, ready to embark on a life-changing journey of discovery and growth During my time in Barcelona, I gained a more global awareness of social graces and politics. I better understand how individuals in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries interact and socialize with each other and feel more fully able to serve these communities, abroad and domestically, in culturally appropriate ways. Everything from the food, to music, dancing, etc, was distinct and exotic from my American perspective. The architecture was enthralling. The stunningly colorful landscape and the beautiful Spanish cathedrals are still lucid in my mind. I can't wait to continue my study-abroad experiences and use my newly acquired interpersonal and social knowledge to make a difference in the world by teaching people the value of global competence and advocating humanitarianism.

At the tender age of eight, during a resurgence of online games, I stumbled upon a little gem called Minecraft. Little did I know that this popular construction game would ignite a passion within me for architecture and set me on a path towards developing relevant design skills. As I grew older and entered high school, I was determined to give my dream of becoming an architect a solid foundation. I eagerly enrolled in my school's STEM program, eager to dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It was during my second year in the program that I had the opportunity to complete a mini-capstone project that would forever shape my perspective on architecture. For my capstone project, I decided to focus on designing hyper-efficient buildings inspired by organisms found in nature. As I delved into the research for my project, I quickly realized that the construction and operation of buildings were significant contributors to environmental problems such as global warming and the depletion of natural resources. This realization sparked a deep awareness within me about the negative impact of current-day construction practices on the environment. This newfound awareness ignited a fresh enthusiasm in me to explore environmentally responsible architectural practices. I became determined to find ways to mitigate the damage caused by traditional construction methods and seek out solutions to reverse the harm already done. I felt a sense of responsibility to contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly architectural practices that could have a positive impact on our planet. With this newfound passion, I eagerly immersed myself in researching and studying various methods and techniques for environmentally responsible building design. I delved into topics such as green building materials, energy-efficient design, renewable energy integration, and sustainable construction practices. I was inspired by the potential of using innovative and sustainable methods in building design to not only reduce the negative impact on the environment but also to contribute to reversing the damage already done. I am now more determined than ever to conduct research in this area and explore creative ways to implement environmentally responsible architectural practices in my future career as an architect. I believe that there is a tremendous untapped potential to make a positive impact on the environment through sustainable and responsible building design, and I am committed to being part of the solution. With my passion for architecture and my newfound enthusiasm for environmentally responsible practices, I am eager to contribute to the advancement of sustainable architectural practices and be a catalyst for positive change in the field of architecture.

At the tender age of eight, during a resurgence of online games, I stumbled upon a little gem called Minecraft. Little did I know that this popular construction game would ignite a passion within me for architecture and set me on a path towards developing relevant design skills. As I grew older and entered high school, I was determined to give my dream of becoming an architect a solid foundation. I eagerly enrolled in my school's STEM program, eager to dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It was during my second year in the program that I had the opportunity to complete a mini-capstone project that would forever shape my perspective on architecture. For my capstone project, I decided to focus on designing hyper-efficient buildings inspired by organisms found in nature. As I delved into the research for my project, I quickly realized that the construction and operation of buildings were significant contributors to environmental problems such as global warming and the depletion of natural resources. This realization sparked a deep awareness within me about the negative impact of current-day construction practices on the environment. This newfound awareness ignited a fresh enthusiasm in me to explore environmentally responsible architectural practices. I became determined to find ways to mitigate the damage caused by traditional construction methods and seek out solutions to reverse the harm already done. I felt a sense of responsibility to contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly architectural practices that could have a positive impact on our planet. With this newfound passion, I eagerly immersed myself in researching and studying various methods and techniques for environmentally responsible building design. I delved into topics such as green building materials, energy-efficient design, renewable energy integration, and sustainable construction practices. I was inspired by the potential of using innovative and sustainable methods in building design to not only reduce the negative impact on the environment but also to contribute to reversing the damage already done. I am now more determined than ever to conduct research in this area and explore creative ways to implement environmentally responsible architectural practices in my future career as an architect. I believe that there is a tremendous untapped potential to make a positive impact on the environment through sustainable and responsible building design, and I am committed to being part of the solution. With my passion for architecture and my newfound enthusiasm for environmentally responsible practices, I am eager to contribute to the advancement of sustainable architectural practices and be a catalyst for positive change in the field of architecture.

The summer of 2021 is one I will never forget. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, in a world where time seemed to be at a halt, I found an opportunity that would cultivate my passion and hone my foreign language skills. I was presented with a chance to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain. I had been studying Spanish at my school for three years and was eager to learn more about the language's origins while also improving my fluency. The emotions I experienced as I waved goodbye to my parents at Hartsfield-Jackson airport were a whirlwind of excitement, fear, anticipation, and curiosity. My heart raced with the thrill of embarking on a new adventure, but I also felt a twinge of fear at the unknown that lay ahead. The anticipation of what awaited me in a foreign country and the curiosity to explore new cultures and experiences fueled my emotions as I prepared to board a flight with a group of adolescents I had just met. As I laid over in Newark, New Jersey airport, I could sense that my fellow travelers were also experiencing similar emotions. We were all embarking on this journey together, yet we were still strangers to one another. We exchanged nervous smiles, trying to hide the trepidation we felt beneath the facade of excitement. Finally, the moment arrived when we boarded the plane that would take us to Spain. The rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins as I stepped onto the aircraft, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. I settled into my seat, eagerly peering out the window as the plane taxied down the runway, ready to take off into the unknown. As the plane soared into the sky, I looked out at the clouds below, realizing that I was leaving behind my familiar surroundings and entering a foreign land. The navigation signs in the airport were now in Spanish, and English, my native language, would now be the foreign language for the next month. This realization added to my sense of excitement and curiosity, as I eagerly anticipated immersing myself in a new culture and language. The emotions I felt during that momentous flight are still fresh in my mind, etched into my memory. The mix of excitement, fear, anticipation, and curiosity created a rollercoaster of emotions that I will never forget. Stepping off the plane in Spain, I took a deep breath and embraced the unknown, ready to embark on a life-changing journey of discovery and growth. During my time in Barcelona, I gained a more global awareness of social graces and politics. I better understand how individuals in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries interact and socialize with each other and feel more fully able to serve these communities, abroad and domestically, in culturally appropriate ways. Everything from the food, to music, dancing, etc, was distinct and exotic from my American perspective. The architecture was enthralling. The stunningly colorful landscape and the beautiful Spanish cathedrals are still lucid in my mind. I can't wait to continue my study-abroad experiences and use my newly acquired interpersonal and social knowledge to make a difference in the world by teaching people the value of global competence and advocating humanitarianism.

At the tender age of eight, during a resurgence of online games, I stumbled upon a little gem called Minecraft. Little did I know that this popular construction game would ignite a passion within me for architecture and set me on a path towards developing relevant design skills. As I grew older and entered high school, I was determined to give my dream of becoming an architect a solid foundation. I eagerly enrolled in my school's STEM program, eager to dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It was during my second year in the program that I had the opportunity to complete a mini-capstone project that would forever shape my perspective on architecture. For my capstone project, I decided to focus on designing hyper-efficient buildings inspired by organisms found in nature. As I delved into the research for my project, I quickly realized that the construction and operation of buildings were significant contributors to environmental problems such as global warming and the depletion of natural resources. This realization sparked a deep awareness within me about the negative impact of current-day construction practices on the environment. This newfound awareness ignited a fresh enthusiasm in me to explore environmentally responsible architectural practices. I became determined to find ways to mitigate the damage caused by traditional construction methods and seek out solutions to reverse the harm already done. I felt a sense of responsibility to contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly architectural practices that could have a positive impact on our planet. With this newfound passion, I eagerly immersed myself in researching and studying various methods and techniques for environmentally responsible building design. I delved into topics such as green building materials, energy-efficient design, renewable energy integration, and sustainable construction practices. I was inspired by the potential of using innovative and sustainable methods in building design to not only reduce the negative impact on the environment but also to contribute to reversing the damage already done. I am now more determined than ever to conduct research in this area and explore creative ways to implement environmentally responsible architectural practices in my future career as an architect. I believe that there is a tremendous untapped potential to make a positive impact on the environment through sustainable and responsible building design, and I am committed to being part of the solution. With my passion for architecture and my newfound enthusiasm for environmentally responsible practices, I am eager to contribute to the advancement of sustainable architectural practices and be a catalyst for positive change in the field of architecture. This scholarship would not only help me achieve my educational goals, but it would also enable me to pursue my personal and professional ambitions. Through overseas study programs, research projects, and community participation activities, I would be able to further enhance my talents, extend my knowledge, and widen my perspectives. It would also allow me to network with like-minded individuals, mentors, and experts in the area of architecture, expanding my network and opening doors to future opportunities. Furthermore, as a student who values diversity, inclusivity, and cultural understanding, I feel that this scholarship would help my personal growth by allowing me to travel and learn about diverse cultures. It would also allow me to contribute back to the community.

At the tender age of eight, during a resurgence of online games, I stumbled upon a little gem called Minecraft. Little did I know that this popular construction game would ignite a passion within me for architecture and set me on a path towards developing relevant design skills. As I grew older and entered high school, I was determined to give my dream of becoming an architect a solid foundation. I eagerly enrolled in my school's STEM program, eager to dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It was during my second year in the program that I had the opportunity to complete a mini-capstone project that would forever shape my perspective on architecture. For my capstone project, I decided to focus on designing hyper-efficient buildings inspired by organisms found in nature. As I delved into the research for my project, I quickly realized that the construction and operation of buildings were significant contributors to environmental problems such as global warming and the depletion of natural resources. This realization sparked a deep awareness within me about the negative impact of current-day construction practices on the environment. This newfound awareness ignited a fresh enthusiasm in me to explore environmentally responsible architectural practices. I became determined to find ways to mitigate the damage caused by traditional construction methods and seek out solutions to reverse the harm already done. I felt a sense of responsibility to contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly architectural practices that could have a positive impact on our planet. With this newfound passion, I eagerly immersed myself in researching and studying various methods and techniques for environmentally responsible building design. I delved into topics such as green building materials, energy-efficient design, renewable energy integration, and sustainable construction practices. I was inspired by the potential of using innovative and sustainable methods in building design to not only reduce the negative impact on the environment but also to contribute to reversing the damage already done. I am now more determined than ever to conduct research in this area and explore creative ways to implement environmentally responsible architectural practices in my future career as an architect. I believe that there is a tremendous untapped potential to make a positive impact on the environment through sustainable and responsible building design, and I am committed to being part of the solution. With my passion for architecture and my newfound enthusiasm for environmentally responsible practices, I am eager to contribute to the advancement of sustainable architectural practices and be a catalyst for positive change in the field of architecture.

The summer of 2021 is one I will never forget. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, in a world where time seemed to be at a halt, I found an opportunity that would cultivate my passion and hone my foreign language skills. I was presented with a chance to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain. I had been studying Spanish at my school for three years and was eager to learn more about the language's origins while also improving my fluency. The emotions I experienced as I waved goodbye to my parents at Hartsfield-Jackson airport were a whirlwind of excitement, fear, anticipation, and curiosity. My heart raced with the thrill of embarking on a new adventure, but I also felt a twinge of fear at the unknown that lay ahead. The anticipation of what awaited me in a foreign country and the curiosity to explore new cultures and experiences fueled my emotions as I prepared to board a flight with a group of adolescents I had just met. As I laid over in Newark, New Jersey airport, I could sense that my fellow travelers were also experiencing similar emotions. We were all embarking on this journey together, yet we were still strangers to one another. We exchanged nervous smiles, trying to hide the trepidation we felt beneath the facade of excitement. Finally, the moment arrived when we boarded the plane that would take us to Spain. The rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins as I stepped onto the aircraft, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. I settled into my seat, eagerly peering out the window as the plane taxied down the runway, ready to take off into the unknown. As the plane soared into the sky, I looked out at the clouds below, realizing that I was leaving behind my familiar surroundings and entering a foreign land. The navigation signs in the airport were now in Spanish, and English, my native language, would now be the foreign language for the next month. This realization added to my sense of excitement and curiosity, as I eagerly anticipated immersing myself in a new culture and language. The emotions I felt during that momentous flight are still fresh in my mind, etched into my memory. The mix of excitement, fear, anticipation, and curiosity created a rollercoaster of emotions that I will never forget. Stepping off the plane in Spain, I took a deep breath and embraced the unknown, ready to embark on a life-changing journey of discovery and growth. During my time in Barcelona, I gained a more global awareness of social graces and politics. I better understand how individuals in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries interact and socialize with each other and feel more fully able to serve these communities, abroad and domestically, in culturally appropriate ways. Everything from the food, to music, dancing, etc, was distinct and exotic from my American perspective. The architecture was enthralling. The stunningly colorful landscape and the beautiful Spanish cathedrals are still lucid in my mind. I can't wait to continue my study-abroad experiences at college, furthering my liberal education, and using my newly acquired interpersonal and social knowledge to make a difference in the world by teaching people on the value of global competence and advocating humanitarianism.

At the tender age of eight, during a resurgence of online games, I stumbled upon a little gem called Minecraft. Little did I know that this popular construction game would ignite a passion within me for architecture and set me on a path toward developing relevant design skills. As I grew older and entered high school, I was determined to give my dream of becoming an architect a solid foundation. I eagerly enrolled in my school's STEM program, eager to dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It was during my second year in the program that I had the opportunity to complete a mini-capstone project that would forever shape my perspective on architecture. For my capstone project, I decided to focus on designing hyper-efficient buildings inspired by organisms found in nature. As I delved into the research for my project, I quickly realized that the construction and operation of buildings were significant contributors to environmental problems such as global warming and the depletion of natural resources. This realization sparked a deep awareness within me about the negative impact of current-day construction practices on the environment. This newfound awareness ignited a fresh enthusiasm in me to explore environmentally responsible architectural practices. I became determined to find ways to mitigate the damage caused by traditional construction methods and seek out solutions to reverse the harm already done. I felt a sense of responsibility to contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly architectural practices that could have a positive impact on our planet. With this newfound passion, I eagerly immersed myself in researching and studying various methods and techniques for environmentally responsible building design. I delved into topics such as green building materials, energy-efficient design, renewable energy integration, and sustainable construction practices. I was inspired by the potential of using innovative and sustainable methods in building design to not only reduce the negative impact on the environment but also to contribute to reversing the damage already done. I am now more determined than ever to conduct research in this area and explore creative ways to implement environmentally responsible architectural practices in my future career as an architect. I believe that there is a tremendous untapped potential to make a positive impact on the environment through sustainable and responsible building design, and I am committed to being part of the solution. With my passion for architecture and my newfound enthusiasm for environmentally responsible practices, I am eager to contribute to the advancement of sustainable architectural practices and be a catalyst for positive change in the field of architecture.

The summer of 2021 is one I will never forget. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, in a world where time seemed to be at a halt, I found an opportunity that would cultivate my passion and hone my foreign language skills. I was presented with a chance to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain. I had been studying Spanish at my school for three years and was eager to learn more about the language's origins while also improving my fluency. The emotions I experienced, as I waved goodbye to my parents at Hartsfield-Jackson airport, were a whirlwind of excitement, fear, anticipation, and curiosity. My heart raced with the thrill of embarking on a new adventure, but I also felt a twinge of fear at the unknown that lay ahead. The anticipation of what awaited me in a foreign country and the curiosity to explore new cultures and experiences fueled my emotions as I prepared to board a flight with a group of adolescents I had just met. As I lay over in Newark, New Jersey airport, I could sense that my fellow travelers were also experiencing similar emotions. We were all embarking on this journey together, yet we were still strangers to one another. We exchanged nervous smiles, trying to hide the trepidation we felt beneath the facade of excitement. Finally, the moment arrived when we boarded the plane that would take us to Spain. The rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins as I stepped onto the aircraft, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. I settled into my seat, eagerly peering out the window as the plane taxied down the runway, ready to take off into the unknown. As the plane soared into the sky, I looked out at the clouds below, realizing that I was leaving behind my familiar surroundings and entering a foreign land. The navigation signs in the airport were now in Spanish, and English, my native language, would now be the foreign language for the next month. This realization added to my sense of excitement and curiosity, as I eagerly anticipated immersing myself in a new culture and language. The emotions I felt during that momentous flight are still fresh in my mind, etched into my memory. The mix of excitement, fear, anticipation, and curiosity created a rollercoaster of emotions that I will never forget. Stepping off the plane in Spain, I took a deep breath and embraced the unknown, ready to embark on a life-changing journey of discovery and growth. During my time in Barcelona, I gained a more global awareness of social graces and politics. I better understand how individuals in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries interact and socialize with each other and feel more fully able to serve these communities, abroad and domestically, in culturally appropriate ways. Everything from the food, to music, dancing, etc, was distinct and exotic from my American perspective. The architecture was enthralling. The stunningly colorful landscape and the beautiful Spanish cathedrals are still lucid in my mind. I can't wait to continue my study-abroad experiences in college, furthering my liberal education, and I will use my newly acquired interpersonal and social knowledge to make a difference in the world by teaching people the value of global competence and advocating humanitarianism.

At the tender age of eight, during a resurgence of online games, I stumbled upon a little gem called Minecraft. Little did I know that this popular construction game would ignite a passion within me for architecture and set me on a path towards developing relevant design skills. As I grew older and entered high school, I was determined to give my dream of becoming an architect a solid foundation. I eagerly enrolled in my school's STEM program, eager to dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It was during my second year in the program that I had the opportunity to complete a mini-capstone project that would forever shape my perspective on architecture. For my capstone project, I decided to focus on designing hyper-efficient buildings inspired by organisms found in nature. As I delved into the research for my project, I quickly realized that the construction and operation of buildings were significant contributors to environmental problems such as global warming and the depletion of natural resources. This realization sparked a deep awareness within me about the negative impact of current-day construction practices on the environment. This newfound awareness ignited a fresh enthusiasm in me to explore environmentally responsible architectural practices. I became determined to find ways to mitigate the damage caused by traditional construction methods and seek out solutions to reverse the harm already done. I felt a sense of responsibility to contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly architectural practices that could have a positive impact on our planet. With this newfound passion, I eagerly immersed myself in researching and studying various methods and techniques for environmentally responsible building design. I delved into topics such as green building materials, energy-efficient design, renewable energy integration, and sustainable construction practices. I was inspired by the potential of using innovative and sustainable methods in building design to not only reduce the negative impact on the environment but also to contribute to reversing the damage already done. I am now more determined than ever to conduct research in this area and explore creative ways to implement environmentally responsible architectural practices in my future career as an architect. I believe that there is a tremendous untapped potential to make a positive impact on the environment through sustainable and responsible building design, and I am committed to being part of the solution. With my passion for architecture and my newfound enthusiasm for environmentally responsible practices, I am eager to contribute to the advancement of sustainable architectural practices and be a catalyst for positive change in the field of architecture. This scholarship would provide me with the means to further my education, conduct research, participate in professional development opportunities, and alleviate financial burdens. It would empower me to pursue my career goals as an architect with a focus on environmentally responsible practices and make a positive impact in the field of sustainable architecture. I am grateful for the opportunity and believe that this scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve my aspirations in the field of architecture.

The summer of 2021 is one I will never forget. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, in a world where time seemed to be at a halt, I found an opportunity that would cultivate my passion and hone my foreign language skills. I was presented with a chance to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain. I had been studying Spanish at my school for three years and was eager to learn more about the language's origins while also improving my fluency. The emotions I experienced, as I waved goodbye to my parents at Hartsfield-Jackson airport, were a whirlwind of excitement, fear, anticipation, and curiosity. My heart raced with the thrill of embarking on a new adventure, but I also felt a twinge of fear at the unknown that lay ahead. The anticipation of what awaited me in a foreign country and the curiosity to explore new cultures and experiences fueled my emotions as I prepared to board a flight with a group of adolescents I had just met. As I lay over in Newark, New Jersey airport, I could sense that my fellow travelers were also experiencing similar emotions. We were all embarking on this journey together, yet we were still strangers to one another. We exchanged nervous smiles, trying to hide the trepidation we felt beneath the facade of excitement. Finally, the moment arrived when we boarded the plane that would take us to Spain. The rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins as I stepped onto the aircraft, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. I settled into my seat, eagerly peering out the window as the plane taxied down the runway, ready to take off into the unknown. As the plane soared into the sky, I looked out at the clouds below, realizing that I was leaving behind my familiar surroundings and entering a foreign land. The navigation signs in the airport were now in Spanish, and English, my native language, would now be the foreign language for the next month. This realization added to my sense of excitement and curiosity, as I eagerly anticipated immersing myself in a new culture and language. The emotions I felt during that momentous flight are still fresh in my mind, etched into my memory. The mix of excitement, fear, anticipation, and curiosity created a rollercoaster of emotions that I will never forget. Stepping off the plane in Spain, I took a deep breath and embraced the unknown, ready to embark on a life-changing journey of discovery and growth. During my time in Barcelona, I gained a more global awareness of social graces and politics. I better understand how individuals in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries interact and socialize with each other and feel more fully able to serve these communities, abroad and domestically, in culturally appropriate ways. Everything from the food, to music, dancing, etc, was distinct and exotic from my American perspective. The architecture was enthralling. The stunningly colorful landscape and the beautiful Spanish cathedrals are still lucid in my mind. I can't wait to continue my study-abroad experiences and use my newly acquired interpersonal and social knowledge to make a difference in the world by teaching people the value of global competence and advocating humanitarianism.

Cinephile by Jocelon Smith Movies have been an important means to convey to me the possibilities in life. My favorite quote, “If you never leap, you’ll never know what it's like to fly,” is spoken by the protagonist, Felicie, in one of my favorite animated movies, Leap. I was 11 years old when I first watched the 2016 Netflix release and had already convinced myself I was too old to continue watching “kid movies.” By the twelfth time I saw it, I had forgotten all about the self-imposed rule of being “too old”. In the film, a young, aspiring dancer flees an orphanage to pursue her dreams in Paris. Despite her lack of formal education or access to resources, she rose to the top and ultimately achieved her goals. The character's persistence influences me to persist through the challenges of life. “You can be anything,” the recognizable catchphrase from the popular franchise, Barbie, has also been a powerful mantra in my life, and it is one the producers made literal for their protagonist. Barbie was a mermaid, a fairy, a fashion designer, race car driver, chef, and more; a young woman capable of doing it all, no matter the perceived impracticalities. My heart yearned for the latest movie or doll in the franchise. She was someone I got to know and identify with. My dolls (I still have them!) and their costumes allowed me to create my own world: I was a veterinarian one day, and a world-famous pop star the next. The possibilities were endless. In Barbie and the Three Musketeers, a film inspired by the Alexandre Dumas novel featuring three chivalrous swordsmen, now four brave swordsWOMEN fight bad guys after everyone told them they were not capable of doing so. My eyes glistened with inspiration. The movies and dolls fueled my creativity, relieved my anxiety, and inspired me to try my best at everything, from dance and soccer, performing arts, and languages, to my interest in STEM. I can honestly say I have Barbie to thank for my dream of becoming a world-renowned architectural engineer! Most recently, I visited my local AMC theaters to view the new movie The Woman King. This film is very different from my former favorite films, Leap and Barbie and the Three Musketeers because it is a live-action feature film, rather than an animated film, and is intended for mature audiences. The movie focuses on an elite all-woman army whose storyline parallels many social issues in the United States right now. The film challenges patriarchal and racist conventions, demonstrating to young black women that they can achieve anything no matter the stereotypes. This positive depiction is empowering and it altered my self-perception; I no longer feel deterred but am instead made determined by the doubts of others about my intelligence, appearance, body weight, or skills. These movies truly resonate with me and I hold them close to my heart as a constant reminder that I can achieve anything in life. These movies epitomize the person I wish to be and have put me on the pathway to becoming her. As I reflect now on my younger self, I see the impact of media representation of girls and women like me on my own hopes and aspirations. Seeing really is believing and believing in oneself is the key to fulfillment.