Asthma has affected me a lot throughout my life, holding me back from being able to keep up with others and also weighing heavy on my mental health. I have unearthed a wealth of strategies to adapt to and navigate the unpredictable challenges that life presents. The art of managing my stress has become a vital lifeline, while tuning into the subtle signals my body communicates has evolved into a daily practice of self-awareness. Living with asthma has profoundly shaped many of my choices; it has carved out lessons in resilience and strength that resonate deeply within me. I have embarked on a vibrant journey, delving into a rich tapestry of activities that not only ignite my spirit but also encourage my body to move gracefully within its boundaries. Each endeavor is a beautifully chosen gem, carefully selected to honor my limits and create a personal sanctuary where I can flourish without feeling overwhelmed. With every new experience, I feel my spirit lift and dance, embracing the delightful nuances of life. This mindful approach allows me to fully appreciate the beauty around me while maintaining a deep respect for my capacities, ultimately paving the way for a more colorful and fulfilling existence. As the years have passed, I've discovered countless strategies to adapt and navigate the challenges that life throws my way. Learning to manage my stress and tuning into the signals my body sends me have become vital components of my daily routine. Living with asthma has undeniably influenced many of my choices, but it has also imparted invaluable lessons in resilience and strength. I've begun to delve into activities that keep me engaged and active, carefully selecting pursuits that honor my boundaries and prevent me from feeling overwhelmed. Each experience fuels my spirit, allowing me to embrace life’s joys while respecting my limits. As I gaze into the future, my focus sharpens on creating a harmonious balance in my life. I’m immersing myself in stress management techniques, nurturing my body to stay as healthy as possible, and exploring vibrant ways to embrace the passions I hold dear—all while refusing to let asthma dictate my journey. My aspiration is to transform this challenge into a powerful catalyst that fuels my strength and deepens my mindfulness. Although the path is often strewn with obstacles, my resolve to overcome them burns brightly, guiding me toward a life of fulfillment and joy.

To me, empowerment means having the confidence to take control of my own life, push past self-doubt, and embrace challenges without fear of failure. It is the ability to recognize my worth, trust in my abilities, and persist even when obstacles seem overwhelming. For years, I struggled with self-doubt, believing confidence was something I would eventually find once I became “good enough.” But I’ve learned that empowerment isn’t given it’s built through perseverance and self-belief. This realization has profoundly shaped my life. In middle and high school, I constantly questioned whether I was capable of success. From participating in a school pageant in seventh grade to joining my high school’s cross-country team and color guard, I was always afraid that no matter how hard I tried, I would never measure up. To protect myself from disappointment, I kept my expectations low, convincing myself that if I didn’t aim too high, I wouldn’t have to face failure. But empowerment came when I decided to stop holding myself back. In my junior year, I started pursuing my goals for my own growth rather than for validation. I challenged myself academically, dedicated myself to my extracurriculars, and embraced opportunities outside my comfort zone. I realized that true empowerment comes not from avoiding failure but from facing it head-on and learning from it. However, my biggest test came during the college application process. As someone from a lower-middle-class family, I feared that my financial situation would limit my opportunities. I doubted whether I was “good enough” for scholarships or prestigious schools. For a moment, I felt powerless, like my future was out of my control. But instead of giving in to fear, I reminded myself that empowerment means putting my best foot forward, regardless of the outcome. Now, I see education as a tool for empowerment not just for myself but for others. I want to use my experiences to help those who struggle with self-doubt and show them that they, too, are capable of success. Through mentorship and advocacy, I hope to create opportunities where others can find their own strength and confidence. My meaning of empowerment has really changed my life by helping me take ownership of my future instead of feeling like it was already ruined just because it was mine. I no longer wait for confidence to to have a chance to 'find me' I take the initiative and create it for myself.

During the summer, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at a vibrant nature center, a place alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. My role involved supervising a group of energetic children and orchestrating their lessons amidst the natural beauty surrounding us. As I engaged with them, I quickly observed the deep connection between their academic struggles and their self-esteem. When a concept didn’t click right away, I watched as frustration washed over their faces, transforming their bright eyes into expressions of doubt and disappointment. It was heartbreaking to see their spirits deflate, making them feel as if they weren’t intelligent enough to succeed. This heartfelt experience opened my eyes to the urgent need for more nurturing and supportive learning environments, where every child can flourish and feel empowered in their education. This transformative experience ignited a passion within me to reshape our perceptions of tutoring. All too often, tutoring is seen through the lens of punishment, a disciplinary measure rather than an invaluable pathway to personal growth. As I immersed myself in helping children navigate their lessons, I noticed the powerful change that unfolded when I provided unwavering support during their moments of discouragement. I aimed to illuminate the truth that learning at one’s own pace is not only acceptable but truly enriching. My mission became clear: to empower these young minds to view themselves as capable adventurers in the world of knowledge rather than as defeated souls. Gradually, I witnessed a remarkable evolution in their attitudes; they transformed into vibrant participants, eager to engage and fearless in seeking clarity. Questions blossomed like flowers in spring, and the fear of making mistakes diminished, replaced by a newfound confidence that made the learning journey not just bearable, but exciting. The consequences of my initiatives underscored the crucial role that educational support plays in fostering a strong community. If more individuals recognized tutoring and academic assistance as valuable opportunities for growth rather than viewing them as desperate measures, students would undoubtedly approach their learning experiences with greater confidence and a sense of empowerment. During my time working with local youth, I witnessed firsthand how personalized attention could transform a struggling student’s perspective on their abilities. For example, I helped a high school student who was anxious about math. Through tailored sessions that not only focused on problem-solving techniques but also built on their unique learning style, I was able to help them grasp concepts they had previously found daunting. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of accessible education. I aspire to continue this journey of creating meaningful change by advocating for educational initiatives that are within reach for all, and by fostering a culture that celebrates growth and learning from mistakes rather than fearing failure. My goal is to inspire not just students but also parents and educators to embrace these opportunities, ultimately leading to a stronger, more resilient community.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is my struggle with self-doubt. For years, I believed confidence was something I would eventually find something that would appear once I was “good enough.” But as I navigated school, extracurricular activities, and personal challenges, I realized confidence isn’t given; it’s built. It took stepping into responsibilities I thought I couldn’t handle and facing obstacles I didn’t think I could overcome to see my own strength. This struggle with self-doubt affected every aspect of my life. From a school pageant in seventh grade to my high school cross-country team and color guard, I constantly questioned whether I was worthy of success. I feared failure so much that I kept my expectations low, convincing myself that if I didn’t try too hard, I couldn’t be disappointed. By sophomore year, I hit a breaking point. Encouragement from teachers and family felt hollow, and I realized some friendships weren’t built on genuine support. For the first time, I confronted my fears, I was afraid of failing, of disappointing others, and of being left behind. As I worked to overcome my fears, my mindset began to shift. During my junior year, I stopped holding myself back and started pursuing my goals for my own growth rather than for validation. I embraced challenges by waking up at 5 a.m. for practice, dedicating myself to long school days, and pushing through moments of doubt. However, just as I thought I had conquered my self-doubt, the college application process brought it back with full force. I never considered myself “good enough” for a scholarship, and as someone from a lower-middle-class family, I knew my parents would struggle to afford my education. The fear of being a financial burden made me feel like a failure before I had even started. I have learned that success is not about how good you naturally are it is about effort. While I may not always feel confident, I understand that my value is not determined by immediate results. My experiences have shaped my view of education as an opportunity rather than merely a requirement. I see learning as a tool for growth, resilience, and positive change. I want to use my education to help others who, like me, have doubted their potential. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or community initiatives, my goal is to create spaces where others feel empowered to overcome their fears and strive for more.

I used to believe confidence was something I would eventually stumble upon, as if it would appear when I became “good enough.” But I’ve realized confidence isn’t something you find it’s something you build. It took stepping into challenges I thought I couldn’t handle to truly see my own strength. For years, I held myself back, believing success was for others, not me. In seventh grade, a school pageant exposed my self-doubt, and in high school, cross-country and color guard only amplified it. I convinced myself that if I acted confident, no one would notice how much I doubted my abilities. But deep down, I feared failure so much that I set low expectations to avoid it. By sophomore year, I was exhausted by the pressure to “do better.” Encouragement felt meaningless, and I realized some friendships were more about convenience than genuine support. It was then that I decided to stop limiting myself. Junior year, I shifted my mindset I worked toward my goals for my own growth, not for validation. I embraced challenges instead of avoiding them, dedicating myself to early morning practices and late evenings with color guard, pushing past the doubts that once held me back. But as I began applying for college, that doubt came rushing back. I had never considered myself good enough for anything, let alone a scholarship. Coming from a lower-middle-class family, I knew my parents would struggle to afford my education, and it made me feel like a failure before I had even started. The fear of not being “worthy” enough to earn financial aid or recognition weighed heavily on me. Still, I’ve realized that confidence, like success, isn’t about guarantees it’s about effort. I may not have all the answers, but I can control how hard I try. Along with my confidence, I’ve learned to put my best foot forward and be proud of it. As I move toward this next chapter, I refuse to let doubt dictate my path. I am no longer waiting to feel “good enough” I’m proving to myself that I already am. So this scholarship would help me reach not only my educational goals but my inner and mental ones as well, proving that Im good enough for something.

Volunteering is one of the most impact ways to give back to the community. During the summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a nature center, where my role was to watch the kids and set up their lessons. This experience not only allowed me to contribute to their learning but also gave me a deeper understanding of how education is evolving with each generation. One of the biggest lessons I learned was how much the way kids learn has changed over time. While teaching them, I noticed how easily some children became frustrated when they didn’t grasp a concept as quickly as others. Many of them would feel discouraged or even think they weren’t smart enough, which was tough to witness. It made me realize that our education system needs to adapt to different learning styles and ensure that kids don’t feel left behind. And even though I only have a limited amount of time with them I still felt like I could help them and make them feel more comfortable with wanting help and not feeling ashamed or in more casual terms 'dumb'. My way for this was during lessons I would encourage the kids to tell me if they were having trouble and if they did I would give them a lollipop for being brave and speaking up for themselves. Now some can say that it wasn't a good idea and it'll make kids lie for the lollipop I would have to disagree, because when I saw the kids that I knew were struggling come up to me and ask for help that was the only validation I needed to know that what I was doing was the right thing. One way people can help their community is by making tutoring more accessible and re-framing it as a valuable opportunity rather than a punishment. Too often, tutoring is seen as something for students who are struggling, rather than a tool for everyone to grow and improve. If communities encouraged tutoring as a normal and beneficial resource, more children would feel comfortable seeking help, ultimately leading to greater confidence and success in their education. Through my experience at the nature center, I learned that small efforts can make a big difference in a child’s confidence and learning experience. By promoting supportive educational opportunities, we can create a community where every child feels capable and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Writing is more than just putting words on paper; it’s an art that allows for self-expression. It helped me organize my jumbled thoughts when speaking felt impossible. I often struggled to articulate myself in conversation, but writing changed that. The page didn’t judge or rush meit simply let me be myself. Honestly, writing gave me freedom. I could lay out all my feelings and ideas without worrying about whether they sounded right or made sense to anyone but me. It was like clearing my head while discovering who I was. But even more than that, it gave me hope the hope that someone else might read my words and think, “I get it. I’ve felt that too.” That thought kept me going because finding someone who truly understands your perspective is everything. The amazing thing about writing is that it doesn’t just help you figure yourself out it also has the power to impact others. When we share our stories, poems, or essays, we invite people to see life through our eyes. It’s not always about them agreeing with us; sometimes, it’s just about sparking some empathy or showing them a different angle. That’s the magic of perspective. No two people see the world the same way, and writing celebrates that. And it’s not just personal writing creates ripples. A heartfelt letter can heal a friendship. A powerful essay can inspire someone to act. A raw, honest poem can give a struggling reader a reason to keep going. Writing has this incredible ability to connect us, even across time and space. You put your thoughts out there, and suddenly, someone halfway around the world is nodding along, feeling less alone because of your words. For me, my writing reflects my passion for connecting with people and sharing perspectives. It’s about saying, “Here’s my story, and I hope it helps you understand yours.” Whether I’m scribbling down a personal reflection or crafting a piece of fiction, the goal is always the same to use words to heal, connect, and inspire. Writing isn’t just an outlet it’s a lifeline. It’s helped me navigate my own emotions and struggles, and it’s given me a way to touch the lives of others. Through words, we can express ourselves, understand each other, and maybe even change the world, one sentence at a time. And when we do, we find that writing isn’t just an art it’s a bridge to something deeper.

https://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialSciences/ppecorino/INTRO_TEXT/Chapter%206%20Mind-Body/MIND_BODY_PROBLEM.htm (Paragraph Of Choice) Dr. Philip A. Pecorino’s "Introduction to Philosophy," particularly Chapter 6, delves into one of philosophy's most enduring debates: the mind-body problem. As readers consider the relationship between mental and physical states, this chapter will encourage them to contemplate whether or not human consciousness is fundamentally different from physical processes. There are both historical aspects to Pecorino's analysis, as well as contemporary aspects to it. The limitations associated with both materialist and dualist conceptions of this issue are challenged by him in the following paragraphs. As his main message is to encourage readers to reassess the frameworks through which they understand themselves, he invites them to do so. The chapter opens with a comprehensive examination of the key positions in the longstanding mind-body debate, meticulously delineating concepts such as Cartesian dualism, physicalism, and functionalism. Pecorino approaches these subjects not merely as a summarizer but as a critical commentator, illuminating the limitations inherent in each perspective. For instance, he explores Cartesian dualism, which asserts the existence of two distinct substances, mind and body suggesting that while this view underscores a fundamental separation, it falters in its ability to convincingly account for findings in modern neuroscience. Pecorino raises important questions about how this dualistic perspective can explain the intricate relationship between mental states and brain activity, thereby inviting readers to ponder its explanatory shortcomings. Alongside this, Pecorino offers a thoughtful critique of physicalist perspectives, which tend to equate consciousness with specific brain states. He does so by engaging with the "hard problem" of consciousness, famously articulated by philosopher David Chalmers. This problem pertains to the difficulty of explaining why and how physical processes in the brain give rise to subjective experiences, known as qualia. With this discussion, Pecorino not only identifies a significant challenge for physicalism but also opens a dialogue on the complexities of human consciousness that resist simplistic reduction. Beneath the surface of these philosophical positions lies a profound challenge regarding the limitations of binary thinking. Pecorino subtly advocates for a more nuanced view, suggesting that the persistence of the mind-body problem stems not from a clear demarcation between right and wrong but rather from the inadequacy of our conceptual frameworks to encompass the rich complexity of human experience. This theme is particularly exemplified through his exploration of emergentism a perspective that proposes consciousness emerges from physical processes yet cannot be entirely reduced to them. Pecorino’s nuanced language encourages readers to embrace the ambiguity of these debates, steering them away from the quest for definitive resolutions. Amid his analytical examination, Pecorino’s writing conveys an existential undercurrent, prompting readers to reflect on the implications of these philosophical discussions beyond mere theory. He suggests that the mind-body problem resonates with our fundamental concerns about identity, agency, and the nature of mortality. This existential dimension becomes especially prominent when he delves into contemporary issues, such as the implications of artificial intelligence and the notion of personal responsibility. Pecorino questions the ramifications of viewing consciousness as purely a computational process, leading to profound inquiries about the essence of the human soul. He invites consideration of how the prospect that the mind exists independently of the body may conflict with the scientific evidence supporting our biological origins, ultimately challenging readers to reassess their understanding of what it means to be human in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Pecorino does not provide a definitive resolution, and perhaps that is his point. The wandering nature of his argument mirrors the uncertainty inherent in the subject. The philosophical inquiry into the mind and body does not culminate in a clear answer but instead reveals the limitations of our attempts to define ourselves within strict metaphysical categories. By doing so, Pecorino encourages readers to see the mind-body problem not as a problem to be solved but as a mystery to be contemplated. In conclusion, Pecorino’s view of the mind-body problem. It is primarily a subtle invitation to rethink our assumptions about consciousness, identity, and reality. By presenting various perspectives while avoiding dogmatic conclusions, Pecorino nudges readers toward a deeper engagement with the complexities of existence. He conveys a central thesis that is as elusive as the topic itself, the mind-body problem is a reflection of the limits of human understanding, encouraging us to embrace the questions it raises rather than hastily answer them.