The existence of a Creator who designed heaven and earth is a deeply philosophical and personal question, one that intertwines with individual beliefs, experiences, and interpretations of the world. Many who believe in a Creator often refer to philosophical arguments that provide a logical basis for their faith. One such argument is St. Thomas Aquinas' argument from efficient causes. Aquinas posits that everything in existence has a cause, leading to a sequence of causes and effects. He argues that this chain cannot extend back infinitely, implying the necessity of a first cause that itself was not caused by anything else. This uncaused cause, he concludes, is God. Aquinas further supports his argument with the concept of governance in the world, observing that non-intelligent beings consistently act towards an end as if directed by a higher intelligence, which he identifies as God. St. Anselm's Ontological Argument adds another layer, suggesting that if we can conceive of a greatest possible being, then this being must exist in reality. Anselm argues that the very concept of God as the greatest conceivable being implies existence, as existence in reality is greater than existence merely in the understanding. To provide an anecdotal perspective that solidifies belief in God, consider the story of a scientist who experienced a profound moment of clarity while studying the intricacies of the human cell. This scientist, immersed in the complexity and precision of biological systems, was struck by the idea that such detailed and purposeful design seemed unlikely to be the product of random chance. This experience, combined with philosophical reflections on causality and purpose, led the scientist to believe in a Creator who designed the intricacies of life and the universe. On the other hand, there are many who doubt the existence of a divine creator. This skepticism often arises from a scientific and empirical worldview that emphasizes observable and testable phenomena. For instance, the theory of evolution provides a naturalistic explanation for the diversity of life through mechanisms like natural selection and genetic mutation, without invoking a divine designer. The concept of a self-sustaining universe, governed by the laws of physics, offers an alternative to the idea of a necessary first cause. A personal anecdote of doubt might involve a philosopher who, after years of studying various religious and philosophical texts, finds the arguments for God's existence unconvincing. This philosopher might argue that the existence of natural evil, such as natural disasters and diseases, is incompatible with the notion of an all-powerful, benevolent Creator. This realization, coupled with a commitment to empirical evidence and logical consistency, leads the philosopher to adopt an agnostic or atheistic stance. The argument from the origin of the idea of God suggests that the very concept of a divine creator must have a source. Proponents argue that this idea could not have originated from humans alone, implying a real, divine origin. Critics, however, might argue that the concept of God is a human construct, born out of psychological and social needs. The existence of God has been proven with the multiple logics and proofs that are presented. God must exist as the understanding of him world wide and the idea of him in our minds, shows he must exist in reality. God cannot be disproven as Hick's two solutions show each reality in which God existing is logically possible. With the causes and unexplainable patterns, only a great divine all-powerful figure can be thought of to create this world. All of this shows that God's existence cannot be denied and proves him as real.

Feeling hopeless and lost, I somehow ran out of the dark woods into the light This is how “Out of the Woods” from Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” relates to my life and would be a defining track. The journey it describes mirrors my life from my challenging junior year to an empowered senior year. Through the themes of ambition, drive, and impact, I have navigated my struggles and emerged stronger, much like the song’s narrative. “Out of the Woods” summarizes the hectic periods of my life, especially my junior year, where I faced significant difficulties both at home and at school. The haunting lyric “Are we out of the woods yet? Are we in the clear yet?” resonates deeply within me. During that year, I felt constantly on edge. I suffered an abusive family environment that ruined my home life, making every day a battle for peace and stability. At school, bullying and mean-spirited peers added to my struggles, making me feel isolated and misunderstood. Despite these challenges, my spirit never shook. I knew I had to endure and push forward, much like navigating through dense, unpredictable woods. Ambition played a crucial role in my journey. Even when circumstances seemed insurmountable, I held onto the belief that I could rise above my situation. My junior year was a period of intense self-discovery. I realized that my dreams and aspirations were worth fighting for, no matter how difficult the path was. This drive to succeed kept me going, even when the woods seemed darkest. The lyric “Remember when you hit the brakes too soon / Twenty stitches in a hospital room” serves as a reminder of the setbacks I faced. Each setback was a lesson that fueled my determination. With a newfound sense of purpose, I took control of my narrative. I spoke out against the injustices I faced, both at home and at school. The act was liberating and it marked the beginning of my journey out of the woods. Confronting my abusers and standing up to bullies, I reclaimed my power and built a supportive network of friends. These new relationships provided a sense of belonging and validation that had been missing for so long. The shift from feeling like a victim to feeling like a survivor was profound, and it was driven by my relentless pursuit of a better life. Impact is the theme that defines my current state. As a senior, I no longer let the opinions of others dictate my self-worth. The journey through the woods has strengthened me and am more resilient. I have learned that my value is not determined by the cruelty of others but by my actions and beliefs. The lyric “Are we out of the woods yet?” is no longer a question filled with anxiety, but a triumphant acknowledgment of my progress. I am finally in the clear, ready to embrace the future with confidence and hope. My experiences have shaped me into someone who is not only surviving but thriving, eager to make a positive impact on the world around me. “Out of the Woods” by Taylor Swift is more than just a song on my soundtrack, it reflects my journey through high school. My challenging junior year taught me resilience, while my senior year allowed me to reclaim my narrative and build a brighter future. I am proud of the person I have become and excited about the adventures that lie ahead, knowing that I have the strength to navigate any woods I may encounter. Thank you for reading my application.