"Decorum, Delegates!" This was Mrs. Doherty’s signature phrase, uttered with a smile that commanded the attention of a room of rowdy teenagers. As my AP Government teacher and, more importantly, my Model United Nations (MUN) advisor, Mrs. Doherty truly made my high school experience special. She was more than just my teacher; she was a mentor who instilled in me lessons of leadership, resilience, and compassion that continue to shape how I live my life. Mrs. Doherty taught me what it truly means to lead—not through delegating tasks or taking charge, but by inspiring others to follow through example. Unlike a lot of other teachers, her approach to leadership was never about showing control or power, it was simply about empowering others to be the best versions of themselves. When I took on the challenge of planning our school's annual MUN conference, she didn't micromanage or try and dictate my every move. Instead, she trusted me, guiding me with gentle advice while allowing me to make decisions and take pride and ownership of the event. When there was a mistake with positioning the day of the conference she didn't swoop in and try and fix everything herself, she offered gentle guidance and let me solve the issue, giving me the confidence that I could solve any future challenges I faced. At the end of the conference, it wasn't her own successes that she celebrated, it was ours. That experience taught me the importance of responsibility and adaptability — skills that transcend the bounds of a single conference. Beyond teaching me how to lead, Mrs. Doherty embodied resilience in a way that left a profound impact on me. Her perseverance was most evident in her tireless advocacy for her students. I’ll never forget how she fought with school administrators to ensure that a student who couldn’t afford the fees for an overnight MUN conference could still attend, at one point even offering to pay it herself if the school refused. She argued her case until the fee was waived, proving that no hurdle was too big when it came to opportunities for her students. Whether it was finding last-minute funding, gathering the necessary supplies for our conference, or handling logistical nightmares, Mrs. Doherty never accepted “no” as a final answer. I remember Mrs. Doherty when fighting for things like equal recognition of performing arts students vs athletes or fundraisers for health literacy-related projects in my school community. What made her resilience all the more extraordinary was her ability to maintain compassion and positivity despite facing personal challenges. While supporting us, she was quietly battling her own struggles, including health issues within her family. Yet, she never let those hardships dampen her spirit or her commitment to her students. She showed up every day with unwavering energy, ready to cheer us on and help us navigate our own challenges. Her strength taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring; it’s about continuing to give, even when life feels overwhelming. Mrs. Doherty’s influence extends beyond my time in high school. Because of her, I approach challenges with determination and lead with empathy. I strive to lift others up, just as she did for me and countless others. She showed me that true leadership is rooted in service and that even in the face of adversity, there is power in persistence and kindness. Whenever I hear the phrase “Decorum, delegates!”, I’m reminded of her lessons and the example she set. She taught me that with resilience and compassion, we can navigate life’s toughest moments and inspire others to do the same.

Whether it be a video of "You Will Be Found" calming anxiety attacks, the old jazz vinyls drowning out my parents fighting, or rhythms guiding my swimming strokes, music has always been my best friend and sanctuary. During my high school years, music wasn’t just an extracurricular activity, it was my escape, my language, and ultimately, the key to understanding both myself and others. My journey with music began early and took many forms. I’ve been part of the orchestra as a violist, the choir at multiple levels, and the musical theater (my first and greatest love). Each experience brought a new layer of meaning to my understanding of music. In orchestra, I learned the delicate balance of harmonizing with others, creating a collective sound that was far greater than the sum of its parts. Choir taught me the importance of vocal technique and the impact of subtle nuances, while musical theater gave me the freedom to explore storytelling through song and character. Whether performing on stage or rehearsing behind the scenes, each experience taught me the power of music to convey emotions without saying a word. But it wasn’t until a pivotal collaboration with an autistic pianist that I truly discovered music’s potential to heal and transform lives. Our first performance together was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The synchronization between us—every note, every breath—felt like it transcended the physical space we occupied. Our connection, though wordless, was deep, and in that moment, all of our differences seemed to melt away. For me, it was a profound realization: the act of making music could create a bridge between individuals, connecting us on a level beyond words. This collaboration ignited a new curiosity in me. I became fascinated by the way music interacts with the brain, how different rhythms, melodies, and harmonies can affect mood, cognition, and behavior. The more I worked with this pianist, the more I realized how music had the power to help people—particularly those with neurodiverse conditions like autism—express themselves in ways that words often couldn’t. This revelation led me to explore the field of music therapy, where I saw an intersection between my passion for music and my growing interest in science. Music therapy blends both disciplines, using sound to improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and I realized that this was the path I wanted to pursue. In college, I hope to delve deeper into music therapy and research while taking classes in both music and neuroscience. I hope to study how music can be used not just to heal, but also to unlock new avenues of communication and expression. Working with him made me realize the untapped potential music holds in therapeutic settings, especially for individuals who may struggle with traditional forms of communication. The way he used music to convey his emotions, bypassing the limitations of language, inspired me to think about how I could combine my love of music with my interest in helping others through scientific research. Music has shaped my high school years in ways I never expected. It has been a constant companion, helping me navigate the highs and lows of adolescence. It has shown me how to listen—both to others and to myself—and how to use sound to connect, heal, and inspire. As I move forward into college and beyond, I am excited to continue exploring the powerful relationship between music and the brain, and to use that knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.

Whether it be a video of "You Will Be Found" calming anxiety attacks, the old jazz vinyls drowning out my parents' fighting, or rhythms guiding my swimming strokes, music has always been my best friend and sanctuary. During my high school years, music wasn’t just an extracurricular activity, it was my escape, my language, and ultimately, the key to understanding both myself and others. My journey with music began early and took many forms. I’ve been part of the orchestra as a violist, the choir at multiple levels, and the musical theater (my first and greatest love). Each experience brought a new layer of meaning to my understanding of music. In orchestra, I learned the delicate balance of harmonizing with others, creating a collective sound that was far greater than the sum of its parts. Choir taught me the importance of vocal technique and the impact of subtle nuances, while musical theater gave me the freedom to explore storytelling through song and character. Whether performing on stage or rehearsing behind the scenes, each experience taught me the power of music to convey emotions without saying a word. But it wasn’t until a collaboration with an autistic pianist that I truly discovered music’s potential to heal and transform lives. Our first performance together was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The synchronization between us—every note, every breath—felt like it transcended the physical space we occupied. Our connection, though wordless, was deep, and at that moment, all of our differences seemed to melt away. For me, it was a profound realization: the act of making music could create a bridge between individuals, connecting us on a level beyond words. This collaboration ignited a new curiosity in me. I became fascinated by the way music interacts with the brain, and how different rhythms, melodies, and harmonies can affect mood, cognition, and behavior. The more I worked with this pianist, the more I realized how music had the power to help people—particularly those on the spectrum—express themselves in ways that words often couldn’t. This revelation led me to explore the field of music therapy, where I saw an intersection between my passion for music and my growing interest in science. In college, I plan to delve deeper into music therapy and research. I hope to study how music can be used not just to soothe or heal, but also to unlock new avenues of communication and expression. Working with him made me realize the untapped potential music holds in therapeutic settings, especially for individuals who may struggle with traditional forms of communication. The way he used music to convey his emotions, bypassing the limitations of language, inspired me to think about how I could combine my love of music with my interest in helping others through scientific research. Music has shaped my high school years in ways I never expected. It has been a constant companion, helping me navigate the highs and lows of adolescence. It has shown me how to listen—both to others and to myself—and how to use sound to connect, heal, and inspire. As I move forward into college and beyond, I am excited to continue exploring the powerful relationship between music and the brain and to use that knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.

I love "The Greatest" because it encapsulates a feeling of striving to meet others' standards, only to realize that it's a never-ending pursuit. This theme of trying so hard to please others yet feeling like it's never enough is something I can relate to on a personal level, both within my family and society. There’s also an underlying theme of exhaustion, not just from physical tasks but also from emotional labor—constantly giving but never receiving the acknowledgment that’s expected. For me, this track represents how we all juggle the desire to be loved and appreciated with the constant reminder that it’s an unattainable feat if we rely on external validation alone. The song’s message is relevant to many, particularly women, as we're often conditioned to fulfill certain roles or meet higher standards that men impose on them. The struggle to balance self-worth with societal expectations is a common theme in women’s rights discussions, and “The Greatest” captures that sense of emotional exhaustion and desire for personal authenticity. “Therefore I Am” is a bold declaration of self-empowerment, where Billie asserts her independence and challenges anyone who tries to define her. I especially love the use of classical philosophical references, like Descartes’ famous "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am). Like "The Greatest" and "TV", the song can be seen as a modern feminist anthem, one that calls out those who attempt to box women into prescribed roles or expectations. From this perspective, the song speaks to the power of self-determination. It's a refusal to be reduced to what others think, say, or project onto you. The title itself mirrors the idea that one’s identity and value are inherent, not defined by others. It draws a parallel to how women’s rights movements fight for the autonomy of women’s bodies and minds, asserting that women are not simply objects to be molded by society’s limited views. Having learned about philosophical concepts in AP European History, I found the song to be a contemporary take on a philosophical truth: that existence precedes essence. Billie’s lyrics play with the idea that her reality is defined by her thoughts and choices, not by external pressures. She asserts that she doesn’t owe anyone an explanation for who she is, something I strive to incorporate into my own life. I also love Billie's acoustic song, "TV". One of the most powerful aspects of “TV” is its thematic focus on women's autonomy and rights, particularly in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Billie has often been vocal about her support for women’s rights, and this track is an emotional response to the political climate that directly affects our bodies and freedoms. Billie’s lyrics express how these issues can feel like an ever-present backdrop in one’s life, a constant reminder of the struggles women face in a world where their rights are still under threat. For me, “TV” resonates deeply because it touches on the emotional exhaustion that often accompanies the fight for equality. It’s not just about the political struggles; it’s about the emotional toll that the constant need to fight for basic rights can take. This song, in its soft, almost melancholic tone, carries a message of solidarity with women everywhere who are experiencing similar frustrations and emotional fatigue. The lyrics reflect how, despite the cultural and legal battles, the fight for reproductive rights and gender equality is ongoing—and, unfortunately, can feel like a losing battle at times.

Some stories are so important that they transcend the medium they were first told in. S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, adapted by Francis Ford Coppola, is one such story. When I first read The Outsiders in my 7th grade English class, I fell in love with the different voices of the Greasers and their explorations of youth, identity, and class struggle. And just like everyone else who loves this book, there was no character I fell in love with more than that of Ponyboy Curtis. Through his eyes, Hinton painted vivid pictures of brotherhood, love, and the need to belong (something that when reading during the pandemic I yearned for). It was a deeply personal narrative that invited us into his inner world. A world filled with heartbreak and relentless hope. Transforming such an intimate and nuanced story to the silver screen was not an easy task, yet Coppola achieved it with remarkable artistry and passion. Sitting in a classroom huddled around a projector, I saw the golden sunsets and shadowed alleys plastered across the screen, mirroring the emotional landscape of the book and underscoring themes of fleeting innocence and unrelenting hardship. Watching the film felt like stepping directly into Ponyboy’s world. Key moments, like the fire rescue or Johnny’s final plea to Ponyboy to “stay gold,” were not only faithful to the source material but elevated by Coppola’s direction. What truly set the film apart, however, was the stellar cast, whose performances brought the characters to life in ways that exceeded my imagination. C. Thomas Howell perfectly captured Ponyboy’s introspection and vulnerability, while Ralph Macchio’s portrayal of Johnny Cade was heartbreaking. Patrick Swayze as Darry and Matt Dillon as Dally added layers of depth to their characters, making their struggles and sacrifices feel deeply personal. The actors didn’t just perform—they embodied their roles, making every relationship, every triumph, and every tragedy resonate profoundly with the audience. Additionally, while the book’s first-person perspective allowed me to connect intimately with Ponyboy’s inner thoughts, the film gave me a broader view of the relationships and emotions that shaped the story. It helped me learn that the true story didn’t just come from Ponyboy’s story, but the brotherhood and unbreakable bond of the Greasers. The haunting score and Coppola’s masterful use of lighting and framing turned pivotal moments like Johnny’s death and Dally’s tragic final stand into unforgettable cinematic experiences…events that were only enhanced when the novel was later turned into a Broadway musical. For me, The Outsiders represents a perfect marriage of literature and film. It taught me the power words have to evoke emotion and create meaning, while the movie showed me how those words could transform into a shared experience that connects us all. Together, the two mediums reinforced the timeless message at the heart of the story: in a world filled with division and hardship, we must strive to hold onto the fleeting beauty of innocence and goodness and come together. The Outsiders is a story for anyone who’s ever felt out of place, for anyone who’s longed for connection or struggled to stay true to themselves. It reminds us to stay gold despite our challenges, a message that resonates as powerfully today as it did when Hinton first wrote it. For that reason, both the book and its film adaptation will forever hold a special place in my heart, standing as a testament to the enduring magic of stories that bridge the gap between page and screen.

My favorite athlete to cheer on for Team USA is Katie Ledecky. Aside from just sharing a name, Kaite is my favorite athlete because of her traits and what she represents. Her resilience and determination from such a young age have made her a truly inspiring future, not just for swimmers (like me), but for fans of all sports. As a woman in swimming, I feel an even deeper connection to her journey and what she represents. Katie first came onto the global scene at the 2012 London Olympics when she was 15 years old, winning the gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle. Even though I was too young to watch the event live, watching her (through YouTube) dominate the pool with such composure and confidence at such a young age is awe-inspiring. Since then, she’s become one of the most decorated swimmers AND Olympians in history, breaking 16 world records and 9 Olympic medals. Her achievements show what's possible when hard work meets talent, empowering me to lead my way on the global stage. What truly sets Katie apart is her resilience. Even when the pressure is intense, she remains focused and humble, embodying the work ethic that all athletes dream of. Her ability to rebound from challenges and return stronger is a testament to her mental toughness. Whether it's a grueling training regimen at Stanford or U Florida or a closely contested race (like those with Ariarne Titmus), Katie never backs down. It’s that spirit that makes her so easy to cheer for. Furthermore, as a swimmer myself, I admire her drive and dedication, but as a woman, I resonate with her on an even deeper level. Ledecky isn’t just competing; she’s breaking barriers and showing young girls everywhere that we belong in the pool, on the podium, and at the forefront of anything we set our minds to. Watching her reminds me that being a woman is a strength, not a limitation. Cheering for her is about more than celebrating her victories; it’s about celebrating everything she stands for: resilience, strength, and the power of women. No matter what she does, I’ll always be rooting for her.