In 10th grade, I faced one of the most difficult challenges of my life when my father passed away unexpectedly. His death left a profound impact on me, and I struggled to find my footing in a world that felt unrecognizable. At the time, I was also balancing academics, extracurriculars, and volunteer work, and the emotional weight of my grief made it hard to keep up with everything. To cope, I had to learn how to manage my emotions while also staying on track with my responsibilities. I realized that I couldn’t go through this alone, so I made an effort to communicate more openly with my teachers and family about my struggles. I restructured my daily routine to allow myself time to grieve, while still meeting my obligations. This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through pain—it’s about accepting that challenges will change you, and learning how to adapt. I discovered the importance of emotional support and how asking for help can be a powerful way to stay strong. It also showed me that resilience involves being compassionate with yourself during tough times. Since then, I’ve applied these lessons in other areas of my life, from my leadership role in Amnesty International to my volunteer work at my local animal shelter. I’m more patient with myself and others, and I’ve developed a deep sense of empathy. The strength I’ve gained from this experience shapes how I approach challenges, both personally and academically, as I continue to pursue my goal of becoming a veterinarian. Volunteering at the animal shelter has allowed me to discover my true motivation for wanting to become a veterinarian. I have come to understand that many of the animals at the shelter were discovered abandoned on the side of the road or given up for unknown reasons. Prior to becoming a volunteer, my desire to become a veterinarian was simply because I love animals. While this is still true, I have now realized that my passion for animals extends beyond simply loving animals. I am determined to become a veterinarian because I love animals and because I want to ensure the well-being of animals in need, providing them with the necessary help, safety, and security they need to live long and healthy lives. This passion, love, and drive led me to pursue a certificate as a Certified Veterinary Assistant, which I completed during my junior year of high school. The experience and knowledge gained during this education will serve as a strong foundation for my future studies in the veterinary field.

“No one mourns the Wicked / Now, at last, she’s dead and gone / Now, at last, there’s joy throughout the land”. Wicked begins with Glinda announcing Elphaba’s “death” to the munchkins, prompting the munchkins to express how Oz is now “saved” in “No One Mourns the Wicked.” Before seeing the movie, I didn’t know what the underlying themes surrounding Wicked were. What I did know was that this opening scene made me feel uneasy. The question that came to my mind was, “Why is everyone celebrating Elphaba’s death?” In the opening scene, we see a poster with Elphaba’s face on it. She is shown to be angry and has stereotypical features that a witch would have, like a pointed hat and long, black nails. However, thinking back to this poster later in the movie after learning more about Elphaba’s childhood and how everyone treated her at Shiz, the poster had a new meaning: They saw her as a mad, Black woman. Elphaba was born with green skin, which Glinda reveals in the opening scene. All Elphaba ever wanted was to feel content with herself, but all everyone saw was someone who looked different. When she attends Shiz, she finds out that all of the animals of the land are suspiciously disappearing. When she finally gets to meet the Wizard of Oz, she has the intention of asking for his help in saving the animals. But, as it turns out, the Wizard is not only behind this, but he also never had powers to begin with. After this is revealed, the Wizard tells Elphaba that he only requested to meet with her so that he could use her powers to help with this scheme. Rightfully so, Elphaba is not okay with this. I resonated with Elphaba’s story because it made me reflect on my own life and experiences. For instance, as a black woman in America, I can recall multiple instances where I have been the only Black girl in a room full of White people and felt the stares. Her story also made me realize that Oz represents America. Elphaba is a Black woman in America, who is consistently shamed by her peers and overshadowed by her white counterpart, Glinda. Even though Glinda plays into the “privileged white girl” stereotype for most of the movie, in “No One Mourns the Wicked”, which takes place after Shiz, Glinda’s true colors start to show. Glinda, like Elphaba, is also a witch. She is a privileged White girl who is used to always getting her way. She is the type of person who presents herself as nice, but who uses their privilege to gain power. In the last few minutes of Wicked, when Madame Morrible turns on Elphaba, Glinda accepts Madame Morrible’s invitation to replace Elphaba as her prodigy. By this point in the movie, Glinda and Elphaba had gotten quite close, so seeing Glinda give in to the person who not only hated her from the start of the movie, but who was also the first person to declare Elphaba as the Wicked Witch of the West was shocking. This showed that although Glinda considered Elphaba to be her friend, that didn’t overpower her need for power. Ultimately, Wicked forced me to think deeply about how society views people who look like me. Wicked did an amazing job portraying how society treats black women. From showing how Glinda's want for power overshadowed her friendship with Elphaba, to showing how even after death, Elphaba was still shunned by the munchkins, Wicked has become my new favorite musical.

Living sustainably has become an essential part of my daily life because I believe that even small actions can collectively make a significant impact on our planet. One of the most consistent efforts I make is taking the time to recycle items in my home, ensuring that I separate plastics, metals, glass, and paper into their proper categories. I regularly research which items are recyclable in my community and make trips to local recycling centers to dispose of them responsibly. Additionally, I try to repurpose items whenever possible. For instance, glass jars from groceries are saved and used for storage, and cardboard boxes are reused for organizing or for shipping purposes. This routine has become second nature to me, and it requires effort, patience, and commitment—but it’s worth it to know that I am reducing waste and supporting a circular economy rather than contributing to our overflowing landfills. Beyond recycling, I am also mindful of my overall energy consumption. In our household, we prioritize turning off lights and unplugging appliances when they’re not in use, as well as adjusting the thermostat to conserve energy. I’ve also become more conscious of the types of products I purchase, opting for sustainable, eco-friendly options, even if they sometimes come at a higher price. For example, I avoid single-use plastics as much as possible, choosing reusable containers, bags, and utensils instead. When commuting, I often choose public transportation, walking, or cycling, which not only reduces my carbon footprint but also encourages me to stay active and spend time outdoors. Each of these choices might seem small individually, but together, they contribute to a lifestyle that prioritizes environmental responsibility. I view these habits not as sacrifices, but as intentional steps towards a future that respects and protects our natural resources. Reducing my carbon footprint is important to me because I recognize that climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human communities worldwide. I’ve learned that every individual’s actions contribute to either the problem or the solution, and I want to be part of the movement toward positive change. By making sustainable choices in my daily life, I am actively participating in the global effort to slow down environmental degradation and lessen the effects of climate change. I am particularly concerned about the impact on vulnerable communities and future generations, who will face the consequences of the environmental damage being done today. It feels empowering to know that, through my efforts, I’m reducing pollution and conserving resources for others. Moreover, I hope that my commitment to sustainability can inspire others in my community to consider their environmental impact as well. When friends and family notice my dedication to recycling, energy conservation, and eco-friendly practices, they often ask questions, which opens up meaningful conversations about the small changes they can make in their own lives. I believe that leading by example has a ripple effect, encouraging others to adopt more sustainable habits. Together, I envision a future where these collective actions contribute to a healthier planet, one that respects and preserves the natural resources we all depend on. In a world where environmental challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, I find hope in knowing that each of us has the power to make a difference.

Billie Eilish’s music has always resonated with me, offering a sense of understanding and relatability. Songs like “TV,” “I Love You,” and “Birds of a Feather” capture emotions I have felt in ways that few other artists can, providing me with comfort and validation through her words and melodies. Each song resonates with me deeply, reflecting themes of disconnection, vulnerability, and loss. The song “TV” particularly strikes a chord with me because it captures the feeling of emotional numbness and distraction that I sometimes experience in a world that’s constantly bombarded by the media. In the song, Billie sings about trying to escape from reality by immersing herself in TV shows, reflecting a sense of emptiness that feels all too familiar. I, too, have found myself turning to the media as a way to disconnect, avoiding confronting my own thoughts and emotions. Her lyrics remind me of the importance of being present and addressing the root of my feelings, rather than drowning them out with distractions. “I Love You” holds a special place in my heart because it captures the complexity and vulnerability of loving someone, even when it’s painful. The song’s lyrics describe the struggle of feeling love despite knowing it may not be reciprocated in the same way. This song resonates with my own experiences in friendships where I’ve cared deeply for others, sometimes more than they have cared for me. The line “I can’t escape the way I love you” feels particularly raw, as it speaks to the inescapable nature of true emotions, even when they are difficult to bear. Listening to this song allows me to reflect on past friendships, appreciate the growth they brought me, and accept that vulnerability is a necessary part of loving others. Lastly, “Birds of a Feather” connects with me on a profound level because of its themes of companionship and loyalty. This song speaks about the comfort of finding someone who truly understands you, almost like a soulmate. The lyrics describe the bond between two people who feel as though they are inseparable, despite life’s ups and downs. I resonate with this song because of the close relationship I have with my mom. The song captures the essence of what it feels like to have someone who “gets” you on a level that no one else does. This is a rare and beautiful connection that’s hard to find, so I’m glad that I’m able to have this with my mom. Each of these songs by Billie Eilish resonates with me in a unique way, reflecting different aspects of my emotions and experiences. Through “TV,” I confront my tendency to avoid my emotions; in “I Love You,” I find validation in the complexity of love; and with “Birds of a Feather,” I’m reminded of the irreplaceable value of true companionship. Billie’s music offers a space where I feel understood and less alone, and these songs, in particular, continue to impact me by capturing the nuances of life’s emotional journey.

The ringing of a doorbell, a heavy door, bright lights, the sound of dogs barking, and the smell of animals in the air - these were the sensations that greeted me on my first day volunteering at the local animal shelter. In fifth grade, my teacher posed the daunting question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As she went around the room, listening to my classmates’ future career goals, I had time to contemplate my own purpose in life. Throughout my life, I have had numerous opportunities to care for animals and protect their well-being. For my tenth birthday, I was given six fish to take care of. I remember being ecstatic, as I had always wanted a pet of my own. This was my first hands-on experience with an animal, and it sparked a deep interest in learning how to properly care for my fish and provide them with the best life possible. After my fish passed away, my passion for animals only grew stronger. I spent hours watching National Geographic, The Vet Life, and visiting the zoo on weekends. When I turned twelve, a French bulldog puppy became the newest addition to my family, giving me yet another chance to explore my love for animals. Being entrusted with the responsibility of caring for my own pet ignited a passion in me like no other. As I entered high school, I continued on a path towards self-discovery. My interest in animals remained strong, and I began to consider how I could turn this passion into a career. This led me to the decision to pursue a career as a veterinarian. To ensure that I was serious about this career path, I started volunteering at the local animal shelter. Stepping inside the shelter for the first time solidified my decision and erased any doubts I had about this journey I was embarking on. During my first shift as an official volunteer, my task was to clean the cages of the kittens. Although this may seem like a simple task, the shelter had just rescued and housed multiple kittens, meaning every cage was occupied from floor to ceiling. For three hours straight, I had to take each kitten out of the cage, clean up after them, replace their bedding and bowls, and repeat the process for each one. Despite feeling sore, tired, and questioning everything, it was worth it to see the kittens happy and comfortable in their clean living space, waiting to be adopted by a loving family. Since that day, I have signed up for multiple shifts at the shelter, including sorting animal food, cleaning the cages of small companion animals, and, of course, cleaning kittens’ cages. Volunteering at the animal shelter has allowed me to discover my true motivation for wanting to become a veterinarian. I have come to understand that many of the animals at the shelter were discovered abandoned on the side of the road or given up for unknown reasons. Prior to becoming a volunteer, my desire to become a veterinarian was simply because I love animals. While this is still true, I have now realized that my passion for animals extends beyond simply loving animals. I am determined to become a veterinarian because I love animals and because I want to ensure the well-being of animals in need, providing them with the necessary help, safety, and security they need to live long and healthy lives.