"I just want something different." Four years ago, I told my friends this almost every day until eighth grade ended abruptly. For the first fourteen years of my life, I was surrounded by the same people every single school year. I had a very static life, a set routine every day and a set group of friends to go through the steps with. I lived in East Knoxville at the time and I was at a public middle school, this meant that my path for high school was already set. I was on track to go to the same school all of my friends were going to. But, I had a dilemma. I have a brother who is a year older than me and at the time, my parents decided to divert his path and send him to a private school instead of the public one he was set to go to. Now, this school was across town from where we lived at the time and I knew that if I chose my intended school, it would be a lot harder on my family. I did not want my parents to have their kids at different schools because I knew this would burden them more than they could handle. On the other hand, I knew that taking the easier option for my parents and going to the private school would be inevitably harder on me. I had never been the new kid before, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to be so soon. In the end, I decided that attending the private school was the best option for myself and my family, but it came at a cost. Suddenly, I found myself in an entirely different environment, far from the familiar faces and routines I had grown accustomed to. The halls echoed with new names and unfamiliar faces, and I struggled to find my place in this new setting. I missed my old friends, our own inside jokes, and the comfort of knowing where I belonged. Making new friends became a challenge, and while I eventually formed connections, they didn't really replace the bonds I had left behind. This shift impacted more than just my social circle. It also impacted the way I viewed change and altered my experiences in high school. I couldn't help but wonder what my life would have been like had I stayed on my original path. This experience taught me adaptability, a skill I might have not developed otherwise. This change also created a desire within me to understand the dynamics of change and the importance of empathy to those struggling with being the new kid. While I do miss my old friends, I am so happy that I chose to make a change in my life in order to experience something new. The new kid experience shaped my future goals into surrounding the idea of becoming an advocate for people to feel comfortable transitioning to a new space where the fear of change doesn't hinder potential growth in their own lives.

"People of Panem, we fight, we dare, we end our hunger for justice!" If there were one book I could hand to everyone worldwide, it would be "The Hunger Games." This thrilling story isn't just about survival, it's a powerful reminder of resilience, bravery, and the consequences of power. Set in a dystopian world, this book follows Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen-year-old forced into a brutal game where survival means outsmarting her society's system. Why would I choose this book? Because it's not just a gripping tale, it shows the importance of standing up against injustice. In the world of Panem, society is divided based on wealth and the abuse of power is starkly depicted. The stark contrast between the wealth of the Capitol and the struggles in the Districts serves as a reminder of what is going on in our world today. Katniss's journey should resonate universally. Her determination, sacrifice, and empathy showcase humans' capacity to fight for what's right, even in the darkest of circumstances. This book ignites discussions about privilege, sacrifice, and the dilemmas faced in pursuit of justice. "The Hunger Games" is a great book to encourage critical thinking. It prompts readers to think about societal structures today, the consequences of unchecked authority, and the importance of solidarity in changing oppressive systems. In conclusion, "The Hunger Games" isn't just a narrative, it's a call for reflection, empathy, and action. This book can help to unite individuals worldwide in recognizing the importance of empathy, equality, and the pursuit of a more just society.

"One more minute," I told my Mom, "I have to finish the last paragraph and then I'll turn the light off I promise!" My earliest memories have always featured not only my own experiences but also those of the characters I came across in the stories I read. From a very young age, I have been a devoted reader, spending most of my childhood immersed in stories of fantasy and adventure. In elementary school, we would have a designated library class once a week. I went to school every Thursday giddy with excitement for library day. I would spend the entire time in the library just walking around picking out books. All of my classmates would be seated and reading a colorful picture book, while I was perusing the aisles for the perfect chapter book I would spend the next couple of days reading. When my librarian, Ms. Owens, noticed my deep love for reading and heightened curiosity for the longer books, she started giving me amazing suggestions. Even today, I still think of the kindness Ms. Owens showed me as I peruse the aisles of the county libraries searching for the perfect book. Along with the kindness Ms. Owens taught me through my passion for reading, I learned about just how different one individual can be from another. Oftentimes in elementary school, I would be asked by my classmates, "Why do you read so much?" and even told "I hate reading, you're a nerd!" As a young child, this would confuse me. I would think "How do they hate reading? It's so fun and easy!" Sooner than later, I realized that people have different interests and preferences. Just like how I enjoyed diving into books, others might find joy in different activities. It taught me that diversity isn't just about appearances or backgrounds, it extends to our likes and dislikes too. What matters in the end isn't conformity but instead respecting each other's differences. Now in high school, I've discovered my passion for helping others, and it's deeply rooted in my love for communication and understanding. As I reflect on my journey through reading, I have discovered what I hope to be my purpose in life. My fascination with stories didn't just stop at the adventures within the pages, it has extended to understanding how people communicate, connect, and express themselves. Through this fascination, I have decided that I want to become a speech pathologist. My goal to pursue this major stems from a desire to help individuals find their voice and communicate effectively. Just as Ms. Owens guided me through my passion for reading, I hope that someday I can help guide individuals to unlock their full potential in finding their own passions and goals for the future.