My relationship with Jesus started at a young age. I grew up in a Christian household and my grandma was one of the ministers at my church. My faith in Jesus and the word of God is the guiding point in everything I do in life. My ⁤⁤Faith is the number one core value that is central to my worldview and has shaped me as a person. As a Christian, I have trust, hope, and a deep belief in my ability to achieve greatness in everything I pursue knowing that God is with me every step of the way. One of the first bible verses my Dad taught me is Phillipans 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”-NKJV. I always think back to this verse when I'm having a hard time or having doubts. Remembering this verse serves as a source of strength and guidance during hard times. Whether I find myself confronted with adversity or plagued by doubts, knowing God is the source of my strength and the light to my path provides comfort and reminds me that I am never alone and that there is a meaning and purpose in everything in life. I pray to God for help when making important decisions and pray He guides me in setting goals and overcoming challenging situations. ⁤⁤I hope to inspire my peers and anyone else around me to do the same by living their lives with faith in Jesus Christ. God has helped me succeed in my academics. As a top ten student who graduated with a 100.2 GPA, I know that it wouldn't have been possible without God. God has blessed me with the ability to grasp certain concepts easily. I prayed that God would help me to understand the things I was learning in school and I know that He has helped me throughout my high school journey. I learned early in life that God doesn't just help you with spiritual understanding but in understanding many things. I will be attending Georgia Southern University and will be majoring in Biology. After obtaining my Bachelor of Science degree, I will then attend Dental school to become a General dentist. I believe one of the purposes God has given me in life is serving others. One of the biggest problems in my chosen field is the lack of access to dental care in low-income communities. My ultimate goal is to help countless individuals regain their smiles and confidence through my dental work. I aspire to offer free dental services to children from low-income households, potentially through a mobile dental clinic. Moreover, I dream of traveling the world to provide dental care to those in need and without access to such services. I know that through God's guidance, I will be able to achieve my goal and more.

In elementary school, there was a dental bus that would come to the school to provide some students with free dental services. As a kid, I was so excited to be able to get on the bus and it was amazing to me how they packed a mini dental office into it. This is where I first became interested in becoming a dentist. I wanted to help clean and fix teeth just like the dentist in the dental bus did. I continued to have an interest in dentistry throughout middle and high school and was even able to join a healthcare organization once I got to high school. I have done many career surveys to help figure out careers that would fit me and I have always been matched with healthcare careers. I have researched career options in the dentistry field such as a dental hygienist, general dentist, orthodontist, Endodontist, and dental technician. I have decided from my interest and research that my career goal is to become a general dentist. To be a dentist you need to have a degree and have taken the required courses to apply to dental school. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by paying for the education that is needed for my career goal. With this scholarship I can go to a college that offers a pre-dental program or track and these programs can prepare me for dental school prerequisites. Colleges also offer academic advisors and mentors who can guide me in selecting the right courses, extracurriculars, and internships that could bolster my dental school application. I plan to major in biology which covers many of the required courses to get into dental school College will also prepare me for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). College will also allow me to explore different areas of academic interest and help me find something that fits me. Most colleges offer internships and research opportunities that can give me a real-world experience in biology. The Jerzee Foudation Scholarship would significantly contribute to my journey to college. I see college as a bridge to opportunities and this scholarship will help alleviate financial burdens. Allowing me to focus on my academic pursuit and involvement in clubs and organizations. These opportunities will be used to boost my resume when applying to dental school and future jobs. This support would also enable me to establish new initiatives, possibly expanding the impact of organizations like the Youth Action Team, where we spread community awareness on substance abuse. Moreover, the financial backing from the scholarship will also open up doors to connect with like-minded students and gain insight into the dental profession through clubs and organizations related to health. By attending college, and earning a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, I can open my own practice where free dental services are offered to low-income families who struggle with oral health. My love to learn and the determination to see my dreams accomplished is what drives me to continue with my education. I am excited to join higher education because it provides numerous opportunities for personal development. My desire for social interactions and participation in a multitude of activities related to university life extends beyond academic pursuits alone. Taking this course of education is meant to not only shape my future but to play a great role in society overall.

There is one core value in life that has helped me overcome all obstacles and any adversity I've had to face in life. ⁤⁤Faith is that core value, it is central to my worldview and has shaped me as a person. For me faith encompasses more than my religious beliefs. It also means having trust, hope and a deep belief in my ability to achieve greatness in everything I pursue. My faith serves as a source of strength and guidance during hard times. Whether I find myself confronted with adversity or plagued by doubts, my faith provides comfort and reminds me that I am never alone and that there is a meaning and purpose in everything in life. ⁤⁤My faith has came from being raised in a very religious household and through my personal experiences of overcoming challenging situations and witnessing first-hand the power that having faith has in people's lives. ⁤⁤ Faith helps me when making important decisions and helps to guides me in setting goals and overcoming challenging situations. ⁤⁤I hope to inspire my peers and anyone else around me to do the same by living their lives with faith in whatever they believe in. ⁤⁤ In the future, I would like to change and address the issue of inadequate access to dental care in low-income communities. Oral health is a very important part of your overall well being, yet many people in low-income areas face barriers in obtaining proper dental care. To make a positive change in these areas, I plan to start an outreach program, have a mobile dental clinic, and start an online health initiative. I am interested in initiating a program that seeks to educate individuals residing in low income communities about the significance of hygiene and preventive dental care. My goal is to partner with schools and health organizations to arrange workshops that specifically address dental care practices. Moreover I aim to establish a mobile dental clinic that can reach different low income areas and provide essential dental services such as cleanings, check ups and minor treatments. To staff the clinic I will seek support from dentists, hygienists and dental students who're willing to volunteer their time and expertise. For dental procedures I will provide discounted services specifically tailored for individuals with low income backgrounds. In order to fund these reduced price services I will organize fundraisers and other events. Furthermore I plan on implementing an initiative that allows remote and digital consultations, advice and follow ups, for check ups or non emergency situations

My name is Kayla parsons and I attend the Newton College and Career academy. After entering high school, I participated in many groups that participated in community service, such as FCCLA, HOSA, and STEM Stars. My main community service organization is the Youth Action Team and drug-free coalition. We do different events to spread awareness of the harmful impact of drugs and substance abuse in our community. After joining this group, my communication skills have improved so much. Through the YAT, I organized and led an activity in our Kick The Habit Event. The Kick the Habit event is where we set up tables with games related to suicide prevention and drug and alcohol abuse. I am also the vice president of my school's FCCLA chapter and help to develop community service events. I have come to love community service events. It gives me a sense of purpose. Knowing that I can help someone even in the slightest way makes community service very important. I plan to continue participating in community service events by volunteering and organizing my own large-scale community service event. Because of my experience with volunteering, I have gained the skills to become a confident leader in not just school but also in my community. I hope to use these skills in the future to make a great change to my community. After high school, I will attend Georgia Southern university and major in Biology. After getting my bachelors degree in biology I plan to attend the Dental College of Georgia to become a general dentist. I would like to change and address the issue of inadequate access to dental care in low-income communities. Oral health is a very important part of your overall well being, yet many people in low-income areas face barriers in obtaining proper dental care. To make a positive change in these areas, I plan to start an outreach program, have a mobile dental clinic, and start an online health initiative. I am interested in initiating a program that seeks to educate individuals residing in low income communities about the significance of hygiene and preventive dental care. My goal is to partner with schools and health organizations to arrange workshops that specifically address dental care practices. Moreover I aim to establish a mobile dental clinic that can reach different low income areas and provide essential dental services such as cleanings, check ups and minor treatments. To staff the clinic I will seek support from dentists, hygienists and dental students who're willing to volunteer their time and expertise. For dental procedures I will provide discounted services specifically tailored for individuals with low income backgrounds. In order to fund these reduced price services I will organize fundraisers and other events. Furthermore I plan on implementing an initiative that allows remote and digital consultations, advice and follow ups, for check ups or non emergency situations.

My name is Kayla parsons and I attend the Newton College and Career academy. After entering high school, I participated in many groups that participated in community service, such as FCCLA, HOSA, and STEM Stars. My main community service organization is the Youth Action Team and drug-free coalition. We do different events to spread awareness of the harmful impact of drugs and substance abuse in our community. After joining this group, my communication skills have improved so much. Through the YAT, I organized and led an activity in our Kick The Habit Event. The Kick the Habit event is where we set up tables with games related to suicide prevention and drug and alcohol abuse. I am also the vice president of my school's FCCLA chapter and help to develop community service events. I have come to love community service events. It gives me a sense of purpose. Knowing that I can help someone even in the slightest way makes community service very important. I plan to continue participating in community service events by volunteering and organizing my own large-scale community service event. Because of my experience with volunteering, I have gained the skills to become a confident leader in not just school but also in my community. I hope to use these skills in the future to make a great change to my community. After high school, I will attend Georgia Southern university and major in Biology. After getting my bachelors degree in biology I plan to attend the Dental College of Georgia to become a general dentist. I would like to change and address the issue of inadequate access to dental care in low-income communities. Oral health is a very important part of your overall well being, yet many people in low-income areas face barriers in obtaining proper dental care. To make a positive change in these areas, I plan to start an outreach program, have a mobile dental clinic, and start an online health initiative. I am interested in initiating a program that seeks to educate individuals residing in low income communities about the significance of hygiene and preventive dental care. My goal is to partner with schools and health organizations to arrange workshops that specifically address dental care practices. Moreover I aim to establish a mobile dental clinic that can reach different low income areas and provide essential dental services such as cleanings, check ups and minor treatments. To staff the clinic I will seek support from dentists, hygienists and dental students who're willing to volunteer their time and expertise. For dental procedures I will provide discounted services specifically tailored for individuals with low income backgrounds. In order to fund these reduced price services I will organize fundraisers and other events. Furthermore I plan on implementing an initiative that allows remote and digital consultations, advice and follow ups, for check ups or non emergency situations.

My name is Kayla parsons and I attend the Newton College and Career academy. After entering high school, I participated in many groups that participated in community service, such as FCCLA, HOSA, and STEM Stars. My main community service organization is the Youth Action Team and drug-free coalition. We do different events to spread awareness of the harmful impact of drugs and substance abuse in our community. After joining this group, my communication skills have improved so much. Through the YAT, I organized and led an activity in our Kick The Habit Event. The Kick the Habit event is where we set up tables with games related to suicide prevention and drug and alcohol abuse. I am also the vice president of my school's FCCLA chapter and help to develop community service events. I have come to love community service events. It gives me a sense of purpose. Knowing that I can help someone even in the slightest way makes community service very important. I plan to continue participating in community service events by volunteering and organizing my own large-scale community service event. Because of my experience with volunteering, I have gained the skills to become a confident leader in not just school but also in my community. I hope to use these skills in the future to make a great change to my community. I also volunteer every other Sunday at my church, where I work the projection board for Sunday service. After high school, I will attend Georgia Southern university and major in Biology. After getting my bachelors degree in biology I plan to attend the Dental College of Georgia to become a general dentist. I would like to change and address the issue of inadequate access to dental care in low-income communities. Oral health is a very important part of your overall well being, yet many people in low-income areas face barriers in obtaining proper dental care. To make a positive change in these areas, I plan to start an outreach program, have a mobile dental clinic, and start an online health initiative. I am interested in initiating a program that seeks to educate individuals residing in low income communities about the significance of hygiene and preventive dental care. My goal is to partner with schools and health organizations to arrange workshops that specifically address dental care practices. Moreover I aim to establish a mobile dental clinic that can reach different low income areas and provide essential dental services such as cleanings, check ups and minor treatments. To staff the clinic I will seek support from dentists, hygienists and dental students who're willing to volunteer their time and expertise. For dental procedures I will provide discounted services specifically tailored for individuals with low income backgrounds. In order to fund these reduced price services I will organize fundraisers and other events. Furthermore I plan on implementing an initiative that allows remote and digital consultations, advice and follow ups, for check ups or non emergency situations.

My name is Kayla parsons and I attend the Newton College and Career academy. After entering high school, I participated in many groups that participated in community service, such as FCCLA, HOSA, and STEM Stars. My main community service organization is the Youth Action Team and drug-free coalition. We do different events to spread awareness of the harmful impact of drugs and substance abuse in our community. After joining this group, my communication skills have improved so much. Through the YAT, I organized and led an activity in our Kick The Habit Event. The Kick the Habit event is where we set up tables with games related to suicide prevention and drug and alcohol abuse. I am also the vice president of my school's FCCLA chapter and help to develop community service events. I have come to love community service events. It gives me a sense of purpose. Knowing that I can help someone even in the slightest way makes community service very important. I plan to continue participating in community service events by volunteering and organizing my own large-scale community service event. Because of my experience with volunteering, I have gained the skills to become a confident leader in not just school but also in my community. I hope to use these skills in the future to make a great change to my community. After high school, I will attend Georgia Southern university and major in Biology. After getting my bachelors degree in biology I plan to attend the Dental College of Georgia to become a general dentist. I would like to change and address the issue of inadequate access to dental care in low-income communities. Oral health is a very important part of your overall well being, yet many people in low-income areas face barriers in obtaining proper dental care. To make a positive change in these areas, I plan to start an outreach program, have a mobile dental clinic, and start an online health initiative. I am interested in initiating a program that seeks to educate individuals residing in low income communities about the significance of hygiene and preventive dental care. My goal is to partner with schools and health organizations to arrange workshops that specifically address dental care practices. Moreover I aim to establish a mobile dental clinic that can reach different low income areas and provide essential dental services such as cleanings, check ups and minor treatments. To staff the clinic I will seek support from dentists, hygienists and dental students who're willing to volunteer their time and expertise. For dental procedures I will provide discounted services specifically tailored for individuals with low income backgrounds. In order to fund these reduced price services I will organize fundraisers and other events. Furthermore I plan on implementing an initiative that allows remote and digital consultations, advice and follow ups, for check ups or non emergency situations.

My name is Kayla Parsons and throughout my high school career, I have participated in many organizations that engage in community service projects, such as FCCLA, HOSA, and STEM Stars. I am also an active member with the Youth Action Team (YAT) and Drug-Free Community Coalition (DFCC) organizations. Participating in community service projects with these organizations has taught me very valuable lessons about having a servant-leader mindset. Through these various organizations, I took part in many community service events. Through the YAT, I organized and led a Kick The Habit Event to spread awareness of the harmful impact of drugs and substance abuse in my community. In this event, I set up tables with games related to suicide prevention and drug and alcohol abuse as well as displays that raise awareness of positive behavioral habitats throughout the community. This year I serve as the vice president of my school's FCCLA chapter. Aside from helping to plan meetings, I am responsible for organizing community service events for our members. I have a passion for leadership and community service and I plan to use these skills in my future career. I have completed numerous career surveys to determine which professions would suit me, consistently finding matches within the healthcare pathway. I researched various dental career options, including dental hygienist, general dentist, orthodontist, endodontist, and dental technician. Through my interests, research, and personal experiences, I've wholeheartedly chosen the path of becoming a general dentist. My ambition as a dentist is to profoundly impact the community through dental service. My intention is to major in biology, as it covers the pre-requisite courses for dental school. My passion for science has been a driving force, and my completion of the biotechnology pathway in high school has solidified this commitment. I have also earned an industry-based credential certification for biotechnology through the NOCTI exam. Through majoring in biology, I can continue learning and researching as I am doing now. I find great fulfillment in laboratory work and research experiences, making biology the ideal major for me. When considering my choice of college, I consistently seek institutions with strong biology programs. Georgia Southern immediately caught my attention as one of these colleges. Following a campus visit, I became certain that it was the college I aspired to attend. During my visit, I gained valuable insights into the biology program, which left me with a favorable impression. The availability of pre-medical and pre-professional concentrations aligns perfectly with my goal of pursuing a career in dentistry. Moreover, Georgia Southerns provision of academic advisement promises invaluable support on my journey. During my time at Georgia Southern, I aspire to engage in numerous research and internship opportunities. Additionally, I hope to broaden my education through study abroad programs. After obtaining my bachelor's degree at Georgia southern, I plan to apply to the Dental College of Georgia to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Following employment as a dentist in practices owned by others, I harbor ambitions of establishing my own dental practice. My initial interest in dentistry was piqued during elementary school when a dental bus visited, providing free dental services to some students. I am determined to provide assistance to children and families in the same way that the dental bus aided me. My ultimate goal is to help countless individuals regain their smiles and confidence through my dental work. I aspire to offer free dental services to children from low-income households, potentially through a mobile dental clinic. Moreover, I dream of traveling the world to provide dental care to those in need and without access to such services

Having diverse representation in STEM careers is important to me because the advancement and growth of our society have depended heavily on the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Unfortunately, a small set of people often not people of color have dominated these areas for far too long. This lack of variety is not only unfair, but it also hinders these fields' development and advancement. People of color are underrepresented in STEM fields for a number of reasons. First off, diversity in STEM fields contributes to a variety of viewpoints and experiences. A collection of people generates more original and creative ideas the more diversified they are. Individuals of color contribute distinctive cultural backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints that can assist in resolving issues that others may have missed. This is crucial for creating technology and resolving intricate issues that affect various people. The presence of people of color in STEM professions can also act as an inspiration for younger generations. In order to encourage young people to pursue STEM fields, representation is essential. When young people see people who resemble them working in these industries, it inspires them to believe that they can also succeed and have an impact. This portrayal might also aid in dispelling prejudices and misconceptions that might have discouraged some groups from pursuing STEM careers. Thirdly, biased technology and research may result from a lack of diversity in the STEM areas. Without a varied staff, one group's needs could be prioritized in the development of products and research, producing biased outcomes. When it comes to healthcare, this can be especially problematic because research that does not reflect all communities may result in incorrect disease diagnosis and treatment. A diverse team of researchers can ensure that technology and research are created with consideration for all people, producing more precise and inclusive findings. Finally, social justice and equity depend on diversity in Scientific disciplines. Systemic injustices that restrict access and opportunity for disadvantaged groups have been related to the lack of diversity in STEM areas. We may endeavor to eliminate these structural injustices and advance fairness and justice by diversifying the STEM areas. In conclusion, having people of color in STEM fields is crucial for promoting innovation, breaking down stereotypes, preventing bias, promoting social justice, and creating a more inclusive society. It is up to everyone in these fields to work towards creating a more diverse and equitable workforce.

After entering high school, I participated in many groups that participated in community service, such as FCCLA, HOSA, and STEM Stars. My main community service organization is the Youth Action Team and drug-free coalition. We do different events to spread awareness of the harmful impact of drugs and substance abuse in our community. After joining this group, my communication skills have improved so much. Through the YAT, I organized and led an activity in our Kick The Habit Event. The Kick the Habit event is where we set up tables with games related to suicide prevention and drug and alcohol abuse. I am also the vice president of my school's FCCLA chapter and help to develop community service events. I have come to love community service events. It gives me a sense of purpose. Knowing that I can help someone even in the slightest way makes community service very important. I plan to continue participating in community service events by volunteering and organizing my own large-scale community service event. Because of my experience with volunteering, I have gained the skills to become a confident leader in not just school but also in my community. I hope to use these skills in the future to make a great change to my community. I would like to change and address the issue of inadequate access to dental care in low-income communities. Oral health is a very important part of your overall well being, yet many people in low-income areas face barriers in obtaining proper dental care. To make a positive change in these areas, I plan to start an outreach program, have a mobile dental clinic, and start an online health initiative. I am interested in initiating a program that seeks to educate individuals residing in low income communities about the significance of hygiene and preventive dental care. My goal is to partner with schools and health organizations to arrange workshops that specifically address dental care practices. Moreover I aim to establish a mobile dental clinic that can reach different low income areas and provide essential dental services such as cleanings, check ups and minor treatments. To staff the clinic I will seek support from dentists, hygienists and dental students who're willing to volunteer their time and expertise. For dental procedures I will provide discounted services specifically tailored for individuals with low income backgrounds. In order to fund these reduced price services I will organize fundraisers and other events. Furthermore I plan on implementing an initiative that allows remote and digital consultations, advice and follow ups, for check ups or non emergency situations. There are some obstacles that I may encounter along the way such as financial constraints, volunteer recruitment, technological barriers, and limited awareness. I may have a difficult time securing funding for the establishment and maintenance and the mobile dental clinic. It may also be hard to collect the funds to offer discounted dental service while also making some kind of profit from my establishment. With the remote consultation initiative it may be difficult to initiate in some areas where people may not have easy access to technology and digital devices. The last obstacle I may face is gaining trust of the community and ensuring that they understand how crucial and important preventative dental care is and the benefits that come with it. By tackling these obstacles and having a combination of community engagement and innovative healthcare models, I believe it's possible to make significant strides in improving access to dental care for those in low-income communities.

Participating in community service has had a major impact on my life. I started after participating in my first community service event with my church and I have participated in more as time went by. Community service has allowed me to make a positive impact on my community by contributing my time, skills, and resources to help others. Whether I volunteered at a local shelter, cleaned up a park, or tutored students, my efforts can make a real difference in the lives of others. Community service has provided me with opportunities for me to develop new skills and hone existing ones. For example, I learned how to work as part of a team, improve my communication skills, and gain experience in particular fields. Community service also helped me build connections with others who share my interests and values. I met people from different backgrounds and developed new friendships, while also learning about the needs and concerns of my community. Participating in community service also helped boost my resume and made me more attractive to potential employers. I am committed to making a positive impact and have valuable skills and experience. Engaging in community service has also been a rewarding experience that helped me grow as a person. I developed a sense of empathy, compassion, and gratitude as I learned more about the challenges facing others in your community. Overall, participating in community service has been a rewarding experience that allowed me to make a positive impact on my community while also gaining personal and professional benefits. I am in many groups that participate in community service such as FCCLA, HOSA, and STEM Stars. My main community service organization is a group called the Youth Action team and drug-free coalition. We do different events to spread awareness of the harmful impact of drugs and substance abuse in our community. On 10/27 we had our first meeting and planned for our kick-the-habit event. We also had planning meetings on 11/16/21, 12/6/21, 1/10/22, 1/24,/22 1/26/22, 3/7/22, and 3/14/22. We then had our set up on 3/16 for the event. The actual kick the habit event was on 3/17. In our kick the habit event we spread awareness of the harmful impact of vaping by setting up a table with an informational game on vaping in our school. This event was very big and there were many tables with other groups spreading awareness of other topics such as domestic violence and alcohol abuse. I will continue to participate in community service by volunteering at a local organization. Many local organizations, such as food banks, shelters, and schools, rely on volunteers to carry out their missions. I will contact organizations in my area to find out about volunteer opportunities that match my interests and skills. I will also participate in community events. Many communities host events throughout the year, such as festivals, fairs, and parades. Volunteering to help with these events can be a fun and rewarding way to give back to my community. My contributions can help these organizations to carry out their missions and make a positive impact on the lives of others. I come from a low-income household and without having scholarship money, I would not be able to attend college. My parents would not be able to pay my whole college tuition plus other expenses on top of that. This is why I have worked hard to apply for as my scholarships as I can to lift the financial burden off my parents. Thank you, I am sincerely grateful for your consideration.

Participating in community service has had a major impact on my life. I started after participating in my first community service event with my church and I have participated in more as time went by. Community service has allowed me to make a positive impact on my community by contributing my time, skills, and resources to help others. Whether I volunteered at a local shelter, cleaned up a park, or tutored students, my efforts can make a real difference in the lives of others. Community service has provided me with opportunities for me to develop new skills and hone existing ones. For example, I learned how to work as part of a team, improve my communication skills, and gain experience in particular fields. Community service also helped me build connections with others who share my interests and values. I met people from different backgrounds and developed new friendships, while also learning about the needs and concerns of my community. Participating in community service also helped boost my resume and made me more attractive to potential employers. I am committed to making a positive impact and have valuable skills and experience. Engaging in community service has also been a rewarding experience that helped me grow as a person. I developed a sense of empathy, compassion, and gratitude as I learned more about the challenges facing others in your community. Overall, participating in community service has been a rewarding experience that allowed me to make a positive impact on my community while also gaining personal and professional benefits. I am in many groups that participate in community service such as FCCLA, HOSA, and STEM Stars. My main community service organization is a group called the Youth Action team and drug-free coalition. We do different events to spread awareness of the harmful impact of drugs and substance abuse in our community. On 10/27 we had our first meeting and planned for our kick-the-habit event. We also had planning meetings on 11/16/21, 12/6/21, 1/10/22, 1/24,/22 1/26/22, 3/7/22, and 3/14/22. We then had our set up on 3/16 for the event. The actual kick the habit event was on 3/17. In our kick the habit event we spread awareness of the harmful impact of vaping by setting up a table with an informational game on vaping in our school. This event was very big and there were many tables with other groups spreading awareness of other topics such as domestic violence and alcohol abuse. This year 1/31/23 we had our first meeting to plan our kick-the-habit event for this year. I will continue to participate in community service by volunteering at a local organization. Many local organizations, such as food banks, shelters, and schools, rely on volunteers to carry out their missions. I will contact organizations in my area to find out about volunteer opportunities that match my interests and skills. I will also participate in community events. Many communities host events throughout the year, such as festivals, fairs, and parades. Volunteering to help with these events can be a fun and rewarding way to give back to my community. I will also make charitable donations. My contributions can help these organizations to carry out their missions and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

As someone who began volunteering during high school, I underwent significant changes that transformed my outlook towards life. Volunteering shaped several aspects of myself that include empathy to others' struggles; better social consciousness around societal concerns today; connectedness through diverse groups interaction; bravely facing challenging scenarios while contributing personal resources towards causes close to heart and more. To elaborate upon how these experiences affected my transformation- volunteering allowed encounters with individuals from all walks of life who were passionate about making a change in wider communities, irrespective of backgrounds. Participating in such work brought about new learning experiences that helped gain insights into unique conditions people face within their lives, helping me understand where various struggles originate. My approach became more compassionate, and as I gained perspective on societal issues faced by different groups, my ability to empathize strengthened with those in need and also instilling that sense of service towards disadvantaged peoples. Becoming a volunteer also meant the development of interpersonal skills such as communication effectiveness, teamwork proficiency and collaboration ability that is useful not just for volunteering activities but for personal activities too. Participating in volunteer work has provided me with invaluable experiences that have allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and tackle challenges head on. From planning fundraising events to advocating for important social issues I have grown confident in my leadership abilities and have become a more resilient individual. I have learned that adaptability and perseverance are crucial when facing obstacles, which has empowered me to pursue my passions and goals with unwavering determination. Volunteering has also broadened my worldview by immersing me in diverse communities and allowing me to understand their unique needs. This experience has inspired a sense of responsibility within me to contribute positively to society as a global citizen. By engaging with discussions surrounding social justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights I have become an advocate for positive change. In conclusion volunteering during high school has played an integral role in shaping my personal growth. It has not only developed empathy, interpersonal skills, resilience but also provided invaluable experiences beyond the classroom that will continue to guide me as I embark on new challenges beyond high school. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to make a difference in the lives of others and I am excited to continue my commitment to service in the future, knowing that it will continue to shape me into a better version of myself.

Having diverse representation in STEM careers is important to me because the advancement and growth of our society have depended heavily on the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Unfortunately, a small set of people often not people of color have dominated these areas for far too long. This lack of variety is not only unfair, but it also hinders these fields' development and advancement. People of color are underrepresented in STEM fields for a number of reasons. First off, diversity in STEM fields contributes to a variety of viewpoints and experiences. A collection of people generates more original and creative ideas the more diversified they are. Individuals of color contribute distinctive cultural backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints that can assist in resolving issues that others may have missed. This is crucial for creating technology and resolving intricate issues that affect various people. The presence of people of color in STEM professions can also act as an inspiration for younger generations. In order to encourage young people to pursue STEM fields, representation is essential. When young people see people who resemble them working in these industries, it inspires them to believe that they can also succeed and have an impact. This portrayal might also aid in dispelling prejudices and misconceptions that might have discouraged some groups from pursuing STEM careers. Thirdly, biased technology and research may result from a lack of diversity in the STEM areas. Without a varied staff, one group's needs could be prioritized in the development of products and research, producing biased outcomes. When it comes to healthcare, this can be especially problematic because research that does not reflect all communities may result in incorrect disease diagnosis and treatment. A diverse team of researchers can ensure that technology and research are created with consideration for all people, producing more precise and inclusive findings. Finally, social justice and equity depend on diversity in Scientific disciplines. Systemic injustices that restrict access and opportunity for disadvantaged groups have been related to the lack of diversity in STEM areas. We may endeavor to eliminate these structural injustices and advance fairness and justice by diversifying the STEM areas. In conclusion, having people of color in STEM fields is crucial for promoting innovation, breaking down stereotypes, preventing bias, promoting social justice, and creating a more inclusive society. It is up to everyone in these fields to work towards creating a more diverse and equitable workforce.

Participating in community service has had a major impact on my life. I started after participating in my first community service event with my church and I have participated in more as time went by. Community service has allowed me to make a positive impact on my community by contributing my time, skills, and resources to help others. Whether I volunteered at a local shelter, cleaned up a park, or tutored students, my efforts can make a real difference in the lives of others. Community service has provided me with opportunities for me to develop new skills and hone existing ones. For example, I learned how to work as part of a team, improve my communication skills, and gain experience in particular fields. Community service also helped me build connections with others who share my interests and values. I met people from different backgrounds and developed new friendships, while also learning about the needs and concerns of my community. Participating in community service also helped boost my resume and made me more attractive to potential employers. I am committed to making a positive impact and have valuable skills and experience. Engaging in community service has also been a rewarding experience that helped me grow as a person. I developed a sense of empathy, compassion, and gratitude as I learned more about the challenges facing others in your community. Overall, participating in community service has been a rewarding experience that allowed me to make a positive impact on my community while also gaining personal and professional benefits. I am in many groups that participate in community service such as FCCLA, HOSA, and STEM Stars. My main community service organization is a group called the Youth Action team and drug-free coalition. We do different events to spread awareness of the harmful impact of drugs and substance abuse in our community. On 10/27 we had our first meeting and planned for our kick-the-habit event. We also had planning meetings on 11/16/21, 12/6/21, 1/10/22, 1/24,/22 1/26/22, 3/7/22, and 3/14/22. We then had our set up on 3/16 for the event. The actual kick the habit event was on 3/17. In our kick the habit event we spread awareness of the harmful impact of vaping by setting up a table with an informational game on vaping in our school. This event was very big and there were many tables with other groups spreading awareness of other topics such as domestic violence and alcohol abuse. This year 1/31/23 we had our first meeting to plan our kick-the-habit event for this year. I will continue to participate in community service by volunteering at a local organization. Many local organizations, such as food banks, shelters, and schools, rely on volunteers to carry out their missions. I will contact organizations in my area to find out about volunteer opportunities that match my interests and skills. I will also participate in community events. Many communities host events throughout the year, such as festivals, fairs, and parades. Volunteering to help with these events can be a fun and rewarding way to give back to my community. I will also make charitable donations. My contributions can help these organizations to carry out their missions and make a positive impact on the lives of others.