Being the eldest son of a single mother of five children was the most important role I have had the honor of filling in my life. My mom and dad were both military; during their time together, they had two children, my older brother and me. However, they separated shortly after they returned to America after being stationed in Germany. After separating, my mom remarried shortly after to my stepdad, with whom she had three beautiful little girls, my little sisters, Shire, Arya, and Valyr. After a couple of years, my stepdad began to show his true colors and started being abusive toward my mother, brother, and me. This caused my brother to leave and live with my dad, leaving my mom and I to fend for ourselves. Eventually, my mom filed for divorce. The next couple of years were challenging; my mom was constantly working day and night, leaving the care of my younger sisters primarily to me. Taking care of your siblings is normal, but taking care of them to the extent I had to was something else. I cooked meals, bathed them, showed them how to do their homework, got them to school, home from school, etc. As trying as those times were, I wouldn't trade the hardships for anything. They taught me incredible patience and independence. It allowed me to care for and serve others and gave me memories I will treasure forever. Those times came to an end when my mom decided to go back into the military. She thought it best for the girls to live with my stepfather and me to live with her parents, all while she left to pursue her dream of climbing the military ladder. I don't fully know what was going through her mind; I guess the stress of all those years of work and the war she fought against my stepdad in the divorce finally made her cave. What I do know is the years that followed were an unwelcome change to the life I was leading. I no longer looked after my sisters, and the mother I looked up to for so long had left with barely a trace left behind. All my childhood experiences have given me a unique perspective on parenting and caring for others. It has given me a drive to ensure that I will never put others into situations I was in. All while giving me incredible opportunities to serve others in the past, present, and future. Throughout all the tribulations of life, education was a constant that I learned to love. It gave me ways to learn, adapt, problem-solve, and pursue my interests. As such, I plan to research quantum physics, using the resources I will gather to create organizations to assist children in pursuing education and develop more resources for single parents to provide for their kids.

Unfortunately, the term abandonment hits very close to home for me. When I was little, my father left, then my older brother, and eventually, my mother left during my first year of high school. This forced me to live with my grandparents, who were kind enough to take me in. Despite wishing for them to stay, there was nothing I could do, no steps I could take to rectify the situation. I couldn't go after them and beg them to stay. Instead, I focused on the only thing I could control: school. During my sophomore year, I attended as many college-level classes as possible and joined math and science competitions to challenge myself. I worked as hard as I could in everything I was a part of, and after a while, the results reflected that. Halfway through sophomore year, I got pulled up to varsity in football and started winning science competitions. My greatest accomplishment in high school was getting last place the first time I went to state for Science. But the last time I went, I got first place. The time and effort I spent preparing for Science made me realize my love for Physics. I wish to study physics and then research quantum physics to uncover the mysteries that still lie there. Throughout my life, people have assisted me for various reasons. Whether financially, emotionally, or physically, they have performed a great deal of service to allow me to persevere and become who I am today. One example is my grandparents, who allowed me to live with them. They gave me a home and allowed me to attend an exceptional high school. As such, I have joined many organizations to provide me with opportunities to give back as much as I can. Of the many organizations I have joined, the one that allows me to help the most is my church. Most recently, we went through dozens of schools that lacked the finances to provide for their students adequately, and we completely renovated and improved their buildings. We also gave out thousands of pairs of shoes to students who needed it. Being of service to others was a fantastic thing; it gave me a unique perspective that showed me how grateful I am for the service towards me and the tremendous feeling of being able to give back to those who need it now. As I pursue my dreams of physics research, I will use my success in that field to further serve others. I will create educational programs that will enable those with a love of physics to pursue knowledge without worrying about finances and other personal things that would otherwise hold them back from their dreams.

Mental health challenges are a universal aspect of the human experience, impacting individuals at various stages of their lives. Regardless of whether one acknowledges them or not, these struggles touch everyone in some way and are an inevitable part of our journey. I have encountered bouts of anxiety, depression, and various other obstacles intermittently throughout my childhood and continue to navigate them today. These encounters with adversity have profoundly influenced my aspirations and connections by fostering a heightened sense of empathy towards others, prompting me to adopt a lifestyle and cultivate habits that prioritize mental well-being, and propelling me towards personal growth despite enduring hardships. Throughout my many battles with anxiety and depression, I have gleaned a crucial insight: the significance of being a pillar of support for others, as we can never truly fathom the burdens they carry. To be going through the lowest acme in your life and seemingly no one is there to offer a helping hand is a truly disheartening experience—one that countless individuals can relate to. Yet, this could all be alleviated if there is a single person that is willing to listen and empathize with the victim facing the mental health challenge. Reflecting on my mental health journey, I have been fortunate to create incredulous relationships with numerous people merely by extending empathy toward them. And through my efforts to assist others with their mental health and well-being, they, in turn, acquire the same invaluable lessons I have learned and develop their wellspring of empathy for others. Mental health accompanies us on our journey, weaving through both the highs and lows of life. In times of adversity, having a support system to lend an ear and provide an outlet for venting becomes crucial. Equally important, however, is safeguarding our well-being during periods of stability, ensuring that we do not stumble into pitfalls that could potentially jeopardize our mental health. My mental health journey has prompted me to reassess and recalibrate my priorities, allocating my efforts towards areas of utmost significance while waning my efforts in areas that could act as pitfalls. As part of maintaining my mental equilibrium, I have taken the decisive step of disconnecting from all forms of social media, as well as distancing myself from acquaintances who did not share my commitment to holistic well-being. Furthermore, I have diligently dedicated myself to pursuing my long-term goals, mitigating the burden of student loans by assiduously planning and financing my college and medical school education. This endeavor encompasses meticulous research on potential educational institutions, composing compelling college essays, and actively applying for scholarships to maximize financial assistance. The ultimate goal of all people is, in one way or another, to become the best version of themself. Moreover, the innumerable challenges and hurdles I have encountered on my mental health journey have propelled me to become the best version of myself. The tribulations have served as catalysts for self-discovery and personal growth. They have taught me resilience, perseverance, and patience, along with assisting me in developing coping mechanisms to navigate life's many ups and downs. By facing mental health struggles head-on, I have gained an immense understanding of the strength that lies within me. This newfound resilience has empowered me to pursue my goals with unwavering determination, surmounting obstacles and pushing beyond my comfort zone. Through my ongoing journey of self-improvement, I strive to inspire others to embrace their potential, reminding them that they too possess the power to overcome any challenge that comes their way. Although I am the best version of myself right now, my mental health journey has just begun and is far from over. I will continue to grow, and continue to be the best version of myself while propelling others forward as well.

"Shake It Off" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, which was released in 2014. The upbeat and catchy song has since become a favorite of many, including myself. There are several reasons why "Shake it Off" is my favorite song, among them are its empowering message, upbeat tone, ability to bring happy memories, broad appeal, and status as an anthem for all Swifties. Firstly, "Shake it Off" has a positive and empowering message that resonates with me. The song's lyrics encourage listeners to shake off negativity and criticism, to focus on the good things in life, and to keep moving forward. As someone who struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, I find the song's message inspiring and uplifting. It reminds me to let go of my fears and doubts and to embrace a positive attitude, no matter what life throws my way. Secondly, I love the song's catchy and upbeat melody. From the moment the song starts, I can't help but tap my feet and start dancing along. The infectious beat and Taylor's confident vocals make the song impossible not to love. Every time I listen to "Shake it off," I feel energized and motivated to take on the day ahead. Thirdly, "Shake it off" brings back happy memories for me. I first heard the song during a difficult time in my life, and it quickly became my go-to song for lifting my mood. Whenever I was feeling down, I would turn on "Shake it off" and dance around my room, singing at the top of my lungs. Even now, whenever I hear the song, it takes me back to that time, and I feel grateful for how much it helped me get through a challenging period in my life. Fourthly, "Shake it Off" is a song that has broad appeal. Regardless of your age, gender, or musical taste, there's something about the song that everyone can enjoy and resonate with. It's a song that you can dance to, sing along with, and feel good about. In a world where there's so much division and disagreement, "Shake it Off" is a song that brings people together and reminds us that we're all in this together. Finally, I appreciate the fact that "Shake it Off" is more than just a song; it's an anthem. It's a statement of resilience and determination. It's a reminder that, no matter what challenges we face in life, we have the power to overcome them. And that's something that we all need to hear from time to time. In conclusion, "Shake it off" by Taylor Swift is my favorite song for several reasons. Its positive message, catchy melody, happy memories, broad appeal, and empowering anthem status all make it a song that I will always love and cherish. Whether I'm feeling happy, sad, or somewhere in between, "Shake it Off" is a song that never fails to put a smile on my face and remind me of the power of positivity.

Becoming a cardiac surgeon is my chosen career path, and I am excited about the potential to make a significant positive impact on the world. As a cardiac surgeon, I will have the opportunity to save lives, alleviate suffering, and improve the quality of life for people suffering from heart disease and chronic conditions. One way I plan to make a positive impact is by performing complex surgical procedures to treat various heart conditions. Through my intense training and mastery of surgical techniques, I will be able to perform life-saving surgeries on patients suffering from serious heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and heart failure. Each successful surgery will provide hope and a renewed chance at life for patients and their families. In addition, I plan to share my passion for cardiac surgery with others and encourage them to pursue careers in medicine or surgery. By speaking at engagements and mentorship programs, I hope to help students and aspiring medical professionals understand the importance of cardiac surgery in today's society. I want to motivate them to pursue careers in medicine and surgery and make a positive impact on the world through their unique skills and talents. Through my training and mentorship, I hope to inspire future generations of doctors and surgeons who will continue to save lives and make a positive impact on the world. Moreover, as an aspiring cardiac surgeon, I see the importance of engaging in research and innovation. Through my work in research and development, I hope to discover new techniques and technologies to improve cardiac care. By contributing to developing new treatments and therapies, I can help revolutionize the field of cardiac surgery and improve patients' lives worldwide. My passion for research and innovation drives me to pursue excellence and push the boundaries of what is possible in cardiac surgery. Lastly, I plan to use my position as a cardiac surgeon to advocate for healthcare policies and reforms that promote access to quality healthcare for all. I believe that everyone should have access to the same level of care, regardless of their socio-economic status. By advocating for equitable access to healthcare, I hope to help reduce health disparities and make a positive impact on the world. In conclusion, becoming a cardiac surgeon is not just a career choice for me; it is a calling. I am excited about the potential to positively impact the world through my chosen career path. Through my surgical expertise, mentoring, advocacy, and research, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of patients and the broader community. I believe that by working together, we can create a world where everyone has access to quality healthcare and every life is valued and cherished.

"Life Worth Living" by Miroslav Volf is a thought-provoking book that explores the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness. The book is a must-read for anyone who seeks to gain a deeper understanding of their purpose in life and the values that guide them. First and foremost, "Life Worth Living" offers a fresh perspective on the meaning of life. In today's world, where people are bombarded with messages about success, fame, and material possessions, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters in life. Volf's book reminds us that the pursuit of happiness is not just about achieving external goals, but is also about finding meaning and purpose in our everyday lives. He invites readers to reflect on what truly makes life worth living, and how we can cultivate the values that give our lives meaning. Secondly, "Life Worth Living" is a book that challenges us to truly contemplate the kind of world we want to live in. In a world that is plagued by conflict, injustice, and inequality, Volf's book offers a vision of a world that is just, peaceful, and compassionate. He encourages us to see beyond our differences and to work together to build a world that is grounded in love and respect for all. Furthermore, "Life Worth Living" is a book that offers practical wisdom for navigating the challenges of life. Volf draws on his own experiences as a theologian, scholar, and human being to offer advice for living a meaningful and fulfilling life. His reflections on topics such as forgiveness, gratitude, and resilience are particularly valuable in today's world, where many people are struggling with anxiety, stress, and mental health issues. In conclusion, "Life Worth Living" by Miroslav Volf is a book that everyone in the world should read. It offers a fresh perspective on the meaning of life, challenges us to think deeply about the kind of world we want to live in, and offers practical wisdom for navigating the challenges of life. Reading this book can help us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our values, and our purpose in life. It will also inspire us to work towards creating a world that is more just, peaceful, and compassionate.

I shall become a committed and motivated cardiac surgeon fortunate enough to be saving patients' lives.

Famous mathematician and theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein, once proclaimed "Mathematics is, in its own way, the poetry of logical ideas." A beautiful description of everything tangible can be explained through math, not with words, but rather with theorems. This process of equations and logistics has changed our world from a desiccated wasteland into a palace of physical and theoretical knowledge. When looking at math throughout the ages we see its been applied in many different ways. From weapons of war to massive kingdoms, it has been used for almost every great human invention thus far. However, with our current understanding, there is still much to be discovered about the very universe we reside in. The only possible way that we can attempt to learn about the mysteries of this world is through the process of theories and equations until we get it right. Thus, what is there not to love about math? If you know the process of math has developed the world around you into the state it is today and it is the only option to be able to progress further, why not love it? Through math, we have been able to create impossibly large buildings and amazing feats of architecture. We have created spaceships capable of leaving our atmosphere and we have sent men and women to the moon. We have managed to take incredible photos of astronomical structures in our universe that were just theoretical decades before. And all of that is thanks to math.