For me, playing with my friends, family and community was always the most exciting and envigorating way to play Minecraft. This was the first game that I'd ever chosen to play in my early teens, and subsequently every single one of my siblings fell down the rabbit hole with me. We'd spend hours building together, exploring, dangling sheeps from trees when nobody was looking; it was magnificent. Minecraft was quite literally the game that defined my youth. Not only did our small family community resonate deeply with my growing self, but so did the external community. I began watching all kinds of Minecraft YouTubers and just became fascinated how this game was shaping the online world. Who could have imagined that one game could have this much influence on so many people, becoming something I had in common with millions of people worldwide! After joining more of these communities, I made my first ever online friends and dove headfirst into making my first ever YouTube channel. Those were the building blocks to my current career. I'm studying for a bachelor's in video production, which has filled me with passion and purpose, but I can trace the beginning of this love all the way back to how I started making videos. All it took was one special day when I first clicked on that grassy block icon, and it's inspired me ever since.

When I was seven years old, my father was assigned to the Middle East and eventually wound up being stationed in Camp Slayer, next to the Al-Faw palace in Iraq. This was the same palace where Saddam Hussein lived until his death in 2003, and in all the splendor of the palace, my father decided to videotape his experiences there and mailed them to us on DVDs that he made on his old 2005 Dell laptop. His videos (which nowadays would be considered vlogs) inspired me to learn about how videos worked, and what someone could do with them. Since he return home from Iraq seven months after deployment, I found myself studying how he made those videos and put them onto the DVDs. There was a drive to learn how to do them, not just because they intrigued me, but because I thought it was cool because my dad did it too. Over fifteen years later, I'm now professionally working with videography as my job, and seeking to create things that are beautiful and wonderful for viewers to behold. As we moved from state to state over the years with my father's changing assignments, I found that we often didn't have the chance to grow roots wherever we wound up. The longest I ever lived anywhere was five years, but the making of videos did provide me with another blessing: memories. While we didn't get to stay long in any one place, we do have precious memories of our time there because of the videos we made. It was an unintentional journal, but now it's a fond piece of my own personal history that I can look back on with the nostalgia of childhood. And perhaps the greatest gift that came to me from my father's career in the military is this: his gift of a future. With my current health issues and personal feelings about serving in the military myself, I remember feeling guilty at times that I couldn't (or wouldn't) continue the longstanding tradition of my forefathers serving my country. But his vlogs and teachings about serving our country and mankind helped me to see that there are more ways to serve than just by holding a gun and going abroad. My weapons would not be bullets and guns, tanks and trucks, but they would be words, movies, and messages that would stir the heart and move the soul. Many have died in our Armed Forces so that we wouldn't have to die ourselves, and because my father put his own life on the line for that cause, it showed me how I too could fight for what I value. Truly, my father's decision to serve his country shaped the course of my life forever.

Silver is one of my best friends. She's small, lean, and has claws that she hates to have trimmed. I still have a few scars on my shoulders, marks that come from her wanting to cuddle and be held. And she loves lint rollers. She's our family cat, and she's a member of the family in full. She and her brother Momo are the first pets we had in our family. The very first night I had with them in our home, I slept on the couch with them resting on my legs. Back then, they were no larger than my hands. But that first night made a bond that I have treasured ever since. Silver took a special attitude towards me. She always wants to jump up and get her scratches any time she sees me sitting down. Even when I'm walking around doing any random task, she'll barely climb up my leg to tell me what she wants. Even after being gone for two years, when I returned home from serving a mission, she eventually recognized me and jumped back onto my shoulder. It was a precious reunion for me, and it only grew the love I have for this cat. For whatever reason, she chose me. I'm glad she did. My life has been better for it, and I know that one day I'll have another pet when she passes on. But I won't fret. I'll see her again in the next life.

I hate my body. I have for a long time. I'm overweight and weaker than average, and that's because I made poor choices during my teenage days. These years were also influenced by undiagnosed physical and mental challenges. But one great moment of my life was when I realized that my future was in my own hands. My happiness was determined by my choices, not my circumstances. Ever since that day I've fought to live a healthier life. I've lost weight, felt better about myself, and even gotten treatment for my previously unknown challenges. While not yet satisfied with my current body state, I see that progress has indeed been made. Because of this change that's happened so far, I'm now an advocate of living a healthy life. Eating right, consistent exercise, and treating illness are all important elements of having a happier life. I speak from experience.

Books have been a blessing in my life for as long as I could read. They have given me great knowledge and understanding, and many have shaped the direction of the path of life I walk today. But no book has ever shaped the way I view my world more than The Book of Mormon. Translated from ancient texts, The Book of Mormon has enlightened millions of readers every year since the early 1800s. It is the second most read book in America, just behind the Bible itself, yet its brotherhood to the Bible makes it more unique than any book in religious history. It teaches of an ancient people within the Americas who also knew of the prophecies of Jesus the Christ and looked forward to His coming. The crowning event of the book is when the Messiah Himself visits these people after the Resurrection and shares with them His teachings. When I truly read and studied this book, my knowledge as a Christian filled with hope and love. The Book of Mormon fills the gaps of the gospel and doctrine of Christ, lost from the Bible through centuries of translation errors. Light began to fill my understanding, and I finally sought to make sense of the world around me. My entire worldview was altered, and I have never seen anything quite the same way. I am beyond grateful for this book, for it helped save me from the darkest period of my life. It has brought me closer to my faith in my Lord Jesus Christ, and I have seen it change the lives of countless others for the better. That is why The Book of Mormon is my favorite book.

Mathematics and science are lenses through which we view the operations of the universe, but spirituality is our understanding of the purpose of these systems. When it comes down to brass tacks, mathematics and science are human inventions by nature. There was no book passed down to the first man that gave instructions on the difference between one apple and two. Our numbers and names for the aspects of creation are our attempts to understand our place in the universe and answer questions that we long to know. But in the end, a child can only crawl for so long before they must be taught to walk. Religion, spirituality, and faith provide the next step. They grant knowledge of higher powers than ourselves. Whatever the beliefs of an individual may be, having even a partial understanding of our purpose in life grants an advantage to the believer. Believing in a purpose in life provides a framework that enhances our scientific and mathematical knowledge. My favorite mathematical reference is the Fibonacci Spiral or "golden spiral", which is found all throughout examples of nature. To me, it stands as mathematical confirmation of a divine clockwork, and of a divine Watchmaker. Where science can offer theories as to the origin of species, spirituality can grant the missing piece of a puzzle as to how the creature gained instinct, and how it knew to act. This is not to say that science and mathematics are discounted. I believe that they are noble endeavors and highly worthwhile pursuits to help better our understanding of the world around us, and what we can do to make the lives of the human race greater. My understanding is not that religion and spirituality replace the sciences, but that they fill the gaps of knowledge in science and math. Matters of faith and spirituality are not science per se, but they too follow repeatable principles, divine "Laws of Thermodynamics" if you will. Should one want to learn more about faith, they must engage in things that will help to solicit answers from that field of knowledge. It is akin to studying biology to understand the human body; the difference is that you instead seek to study the human soul. Religious and spiritual practices are some venues for that knowledge. Science is how we see the universe operate. Mathematics is how we measure those systems. Spirituality is how we learn the meaning and purpose of the whole machine.

The world's greatest problem that we face currently is a lack of moral character. Too often there are people that are trying to redefine what is right and wrong, and we simply let it happen. But legality is one thing. Action is another. We view others beneath ourselves simply because of the color of their skin or the place they hail from. Their religion and faith become disgusting to those who put them down and they berate anyone who deviates from the line of thought we treasure. Also, we're allowing things such as the porn industry and the sex slavery trade to continue right under our noses. We the people aren't moving to pass the laws needed to help end these vile businesses. Why is that? Because then half of America alone would have to give up pornography. And yet, they cannot think that far. Their addictions enslave them, weaken them, and drive many to mental health issues and suicide. If moral character were once again a core value within the world, then this issue would self-destruct and resolve itself. But man is weak after all. Much of what we could do to work on the problem would be to pass laws on these matters, but if that doesn't happen, then it comes down to more of an individual basis. We must choose one by one to not stoop down to the level of animals, but to the inner divinity that each human is possessed with. At some point, we all must say, "No, I shall not do this thing, and never again."

My life is a canvas that simply needs paint, and it's made from memories. The primary examples of creativity that I place within my life are the recordings of precious memories that I hold dear. I then edit the videos I make to emphasize specific portions of the most memorable times and save them to the internet. I do that so people can enjoy the wonders of life and be inspired to go and create their own excitement in life. Because of this hobby of mine, I've been able to look back in time to those special days and remember those good old days. Granted, the memories may not be the same as they were when they were first made, but every story goes through edits and changes when put to the test. As Alfred Hitchcock once said, "What is drama but life with all the dull bits cut out?" Then I'd suppose my creativity is expressed in cutting out those dull parts.

Making time for proper study is the biggest key to academic success, followed by a drive for that success. Many college and high school students fail because they procrastinate their work to failure. My resolution was to be the opposite. I've been trying to fix my sleep schedule to increase energy. I've set aside certain days for homework and study. Each of these has helped to contribute to the overall success I've seen; it's only my second semester, but all grades I've received so far have been A- at the absolute lowest. Drive also fuels you to find creative solutions to the problems you're facing. Can't focus on your own? Form a study group with other members of your class. Feeling hangry? Keep a healthy snack in your bag to refuel during a study group. Burnt out? Get some fun into your schedule. Your personal drive helps you manage both sides of the coin, entertainment, and education.

Serving a mission in Alaska for two years, with minimal weekly contact with family and friends once a week, was not an easy endeavor. I also discovered how truly crippling mental health can become, especially once the COVID-19 pandemic erupted onto the world scene. All missionaries were given the option to return home early should we feel overly anxious about the situation, but that was a point where I knew that since I had come as far as I had, I couldn't turn back now. I was willing to stick it out. A scripture that truly helped me get through the trials of the pandemic, in the book of Doctrine and Covenants, goes as follows: "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." In the span of our lives, these trials are one small step. It helped me reframe my thinking to see the bigger picture and to endure to the end of these trials. And in the end, I succeeded.

Generosity is the giving of what you have out of charity, regardless of your current needs. My parents are highly generous and have raised me to follow in their footsteps. One of the best examples they've given me happened in the spring of 2021. My mother's duties in our church placed her in charge of preparing for funerals of the congregation. Within the span of a month and a half, we had about five deaths, and she personally ran volunteer catering for four of the five, while submitting donations to the fifth. It almost makes me tear up thinking about it, and that example has inspired me to constantly take baked goods to other students on campus to honor her and do good through generosity.

In the words of scripture that hits very close to home for me, "Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25) Mankind's ultimate purpose in life is to have joy. Joy itself is different from pleasure. It is lasting peace and happiness, while pleasure is nothing more than a temporary high. As a religious person, it's my belief and knowledge that we were created to learn, grow, and evolve in this life so that we might inherit an even greater joy in the next life. It certainly is not an easy process, for life is always full of some form of hardship and strife. Rather than surrender, we are to overcome and rise higher than our problems in an effort to come close to God again as we once were. To be with Them again, our Heavenly Parents, is our ultimate destiny here on Earth. This truth has motivated me to see things from a wider perspective. Trials that come my way, I can now view as opportunities for growth. It helps to know that it is for a greater purpose than just myself. That same motivation also fuels me to help others on their own journeys to learn about life and their own purpose. Whether they believe me or not, I know where we're going and why. To me at least, that is glorious enough. How can I not share that?

I have two primary goals for my future career. The first is to work outside of the Hollywood system to produce content that they cannot corrupt. Much of the media we see emerging from their studios is degrading filth that alters the hearts and minds of those affected. Hollywood's own success formula is a testament against them, with rising accusations along the lines of #MeToo displaying their cordial corruption. Only 20% of what is produced in the studio makes it to the screens, and less than that is considered successful. I intend to follow the more recent trends of crowdfunding to avoid the trenches and produce content that is mature in attitude, uplifting to all, and still good for the family. My second goal is to revitalize the mental healthcare systems we have in place. Poor infrastructure and inter-party squabbling have left this nationwide epidemic of mental health untreated and silent, with only more focused attention being garnered within the last decade. I want to change this operation with treatment at the source: actually getting the proper care to the people at a younger age. Our current healthcare systems need reduced or bargain prices for therapy and related branches, so that young adults and children will have affordable care and get the treatment they need. My goal is to help in the process of making that change and generating awareness.

Recently I started dating again. Admittedly, that doesn't sound like a brave thing to do. I guess I say it is because my one past relationship really wounded me. It's taken a while to recover from that, and I'm still sorting through things in the aftermath. But I was asked out by someone I respect, and I found myself starting to open up again. That hasn't happened in years, but it didn't come before a lot of nervous sweating. Bravery doesn't have to be flashy or dramatic. It isn't under a requirement of grandeur or recognition. Our common examples are often those who became famous through their deeds, yet they are the minority. Bravery is still walking in on that first day of school even when you're shaking like a reed in the wind. It's defending someone even behind their back against gossip. You need bravery to become the person you were meant to be. It's a tool to refine and define you from the crowd, and with time, to inspire them to follow in your footsteps for good. Thus, bravery is uncomfortable action, regardless of the outcome. All that is left is the choice of faith to act.

I never knew that I suffered from mental illness until I was twenty-two, in the middle of serving a religious mission in Alaska. The problems were always there, but they had never been so escalated as during the end of that mission; there was constant darkness, depression, stress, and things I simply didn't understand. My first recognizable panic attack was outside a skating rink. Things clicked after that; I began to see that this wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last. My unseen childhood ailings began to haunt me in full strength. My recovery only began when I finally was able to meet with a therapist for the first time. He and I didn't click well (though I never knew I could request a swap) but because of him, I was able to put a name to my tormentors. It felt like naming Horsemen of the Apocalypse: depression, anxiety, religious scrupulosity. A twisted Bible that was indeed, but I felt enlightened all the same. Armed with knowledge, now I could begin to fight back. After my own diagnosis and learning, I began to see beyond myself and notice how others were also being afflicted by these same demons of the mind. A strong bond particularly was made between two other missionaries and me after understanding what they struggled with as well. My own family history of these ailments was brought to light. My mother and father, their mothers and fathers, and beyond them also fought within themselves. The relationships I had with my family and friends shifted drastically because now I knew they hurt just like I did. Perhaps the biggest element of my grasp on mental health was how it impacted my personal views of life's biggest questions. I am a Christian and believe in a God and in His Son, Jesus Christ. I believe He suffered for the sins of the world and rose again on the third day, but with my mental health issues (particularly religious scrupulosity) these felt less like feelings of sacredness and solace and more like curses and condemnations. The constant presence of damnation dangled over me. My soul felt chained and unable to be comforted. I considered and nearly attempted suicide multiple times, but I never had the "guts" to go through with it. That has lessened with my current knowledge. I am not cursed, but rather simply afflicted. While now attending university, I've met many others who share similar feelings, and don't know what's going on within themselves. They lose faith in a Creator, or rather His love for them, and take lives of misery without answers. My empathy for these people has blossomed so much. I can't help but see someone crying and go talk to them, for I had none to talk to myself. I choose to act as my Savior acted, whether or not they believe in a God. My understanding now is that there are far too many people in the world who are unnecessarily suffering from mental health issues. They struggle to live one more day, thinking there's not a shred of hope left in the world. What they need is to be heard and helped. I have chosen to be that ear and outstretched hand. In my line of work, the media industry can be such a blessing to help spread awareness and opportunities, especially with proper representation in movies and television. The right stories can be shared in the right way. Right now, the health community is not equipped to fully handle the issues at hand regarding mental health. My own university doesn't have the manpower to handle all the cases being submitted to their health center. We've received reports that there are more reported mental health struggles than ever before in the history of the school, and I suspect they'll keep rising. It's time to redesign the system so that mental health care is more affordable for younger generations. If we can make that happen, these issues can be addressed early and hopefully prevent further problems in their lives. My goal can be said the same way as the story of the Good Samaritan. It is to not walk past the battered and bruised but to care for and console them. I'm going to fight the stigma. I'm going to help redesign the systems that bind those who need that aid. And I'm going to do it in any way I can, even if that means offering hugs and chances to listen on the street.

I never knew that I suffered from mental illness until I was twenty-two, in the middle of serving a religious mission in Alaska. The problems were always there, but they had never been so escalated as during the end of that mission; there was constant darkness, depression, stress, and things I simply didn't understand. My first recognizable panic attack was outside a skating rink. Things clicked after that; I began to see that this wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last. My unseen childhood ailings began to haunt me in full strength. My recovery only began when I finally was able to meet with a therapist for the first time. He and I didn't click well (though I never knew I could request a swap) but because of him, I was able to put a name to my tormentors. It felt like naming Horsemen of the Apocalypse: depression, anxiety, religious scrupulosity. A twisted Bible that was indeed, but I felt enlightened all the same. Armed with knowledge, now I could begin to fight back. After my own diagnosis and learning, I began to see beyond myself and notice how others were also being afflicted by these same demons of the mind. A strong bond particularly was made between two other missionaries and me after understanding what they struggled with as well. My own family history of these ailments was brought to light. My mother and father, their mothers and fathers, and beyond them also fought within themselves. The relationships I had with my family and friends shifted drastically because now I knew they hurt just like I did. Perhaps the biggest element of my grasp on mental health was how it impacted my personal views of life's biggest questions. I am a Christian and believe in a God and in His Son, Jesus Christ. I believe He suffered for the sins of the world and rose again on the third day, but with my mental health issues (particularly religious scrupulosity) these felt less like feelings of sacredness and solace and more like curses and condemnations. The constant presence of damnation dangled over me. My soul felt chained and unable to be comforted. I considered and nearly attempted suicide multiple times, but I never had the "guts" to go through with it. That has lessened with my current knowledge. While now attending university, I've met many others who share similar feelings, and don't know what's going on within themselves. They lose faith in a Creator, or rather His love for them, and take lives of misery without answers. My empathy for these people has blossomed so much. I can't help but see someone crying and go talk to them, for I had none to talk to myself. I choose to act as my Savior acted, whether or not they believe in a God. My understanding now is that there are far too many people in the world who are unnecessarily suffering from mental health issues. They struggle to live one more day, thinking there's not a shred of hope left in the world. What they need is to be heard and helped. I have chosen to be that ear and outstretched hand. Right now, the health community is not equipped to fully handle the issues at hand regarding mental health. My own university doesn't have the manpower to handle all the cases being submitted to their health center. We've received reports that there are more reported mental health struggles than ever before in the history of the school, and I suspect they'll keep rising. It's time to redesign the system so that mental health care is more affordable for younger generations. If we can make that happen, these issues can be addressed early and hopefully prevent further problems in their lives. My goal can be said the same way as the story of the Good Samaritan. It is to not walk past the battered and bruised but to care for and console them. I'm going to fight the stigma. I'm going to help redesign the systems that bind those who need that aid. And I'm going to do it in any way I can, even if that means offering hugs and chances to listen on the street.

Reducing stigma through love, and by providing more quality therapeutic care for those afflicted. Many people I know can't deal with their mental health issues because the prices are too high for them to even think of affording health. That should not ever be the norm. My proposal is simple: under healthcare plans, certain terms of mental health and therapy care will be covered by the plan (for at least underprivileged children and young adults) so that the people will be able to actually understand what's going in within their minds and find treatments to help them be both happy and healthy in living. It will certainly require healthcare companies to bite a bullet in cash, but frankly, I believe they have enough that they'll be fine without it. Their customers will certainly be happier that way.