As a sixth grader, I made a bold decision to join the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, a choice that required me to transfer to a new school. This decision was not made lightly; I sought academic challenges and growth even if I was the only one from my friend group to do so. Little did I know that this choice would lead me down a path filled with adversity and resilience. Stepping into my new school, I was met with unfamiliar faces and a sense of isolation. I had no friends and only knew one person in the entire school. I was very excited during my first few days in the new environment, and the enthusiasm of the teachers even though I was apprehensive about leaving my friends. The transition was more challenging than expected as I was subjected to bullying and harassment from my peers. Every morning, I would feel sick at the thought of facing another day at school fearing I would be shoved in the locker again or have a desk thrown at me. To make it worse, I rarely got to see my community friends due to the logistics of school times, sports, and other obligations. Despite these hardships, I fulfilled my commitment to the IB program and completed the year. My experience in the IB program was not what I had envisioned. The program failed to live up to its promises of academic rigor, and instead, I found myself struggling to cope with the social and emotional challenges of being the new kid. However, I refused to let this setback define me. I returned to my assigned middle school, determined to make the best of my situation. I was immediately welcomed back by my friends. This was a new school again as our middle school hosted sixth through eighth grade. Multiple elementary schools merge to form the middle school. This meant there were many new faces. This experience was much better. It gave me a chance to make new friends, do new things, and expand my horizons. It was soon time for high school. I still had that drive to seek out an academic challenge especially because the public schools were online because of COVID. This time, I was more cautious in my selection process. I sought out a school that prioritized inclusivity and did not tolerate negative behavior. This decision turned out to be the best one I have ever made. From the moment I stepped foot into my new high school, I felt a sense of belonging. I quickly found my place among my peers. I feel comfortable, safe, and challenged. A bonus, I have maintained a close core friend group from middle school. One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my experience as "the new kid" was the importance of resilience, courage, and motivation. Despite the challenges I faced, I refused to let them deter me from pursuing what was best for me in the long run. I learned to embrace my uniqueness and not let one bad experience define my future. I have formed friendships that will last a lifetime and have discovered a newfound sense of confidence in myself. As for the future, I feel prepared for whatever challenges may come my way as I go to college to obtain a degree in sports management. My experience has given me the courage to be the "new kid" on campus. I have overcome the adversity of being "the new kid" on three occasions emerging stronger and more determined than ever.

Extracurricular activities have always been more than just hobbies to me. They've been avenues through which I've found community, purpose, and personal growth. Among the array of activities I'm involved in—lacrosse, pickleball, and summer work—each holds a distinct significance, not only for my personal development but also for the betterment of the community. Lacrosse isn't just a sport to me; it's a way of life. From the moment I picked up a lacrosse stick when I was four, I was drawn to the camaraderie and work ethic inherent in the game. The bonds created on the field extend beyond the turf, shaping lasting friendships and relationships. These relationships motivate me. I have had several concussions, three surgeries, and a broken leg during my high school lacrosse career. Despite the injuries and medical issues that sometimes sidelined me, I have remained dedicated to my team, attending every practice and workout. Through this perseverance, I learned the value of commitment and resilience. These lessons have influenced my approach to challenges both on and off the turf. Pickleball has quickly become another passion of mine. While not an organized team sport, I have enjoyed playing the game when I can. While my normal competitors are my friends, I have made new connections through the sport. It is something I can share with my parents because it is a sport everyone can play that doesn’t require long practice or specific skills. Last summer, I realized that there were no organizations, leagues, or competitions for individuals under the age of eighteen. I decided to organize a youth league to provide a place for youth to play. I put together a proposal and submitted it to my local sports recreation council for their support. I was a bit surprised they agreed so quickly and appreciated the support. Unfortunately, the county did not grant the permits for the use of local courts. This set the challenge for this summer to get the permits to get the youth league started. Applying to colleges requires perseverance because rejection is not just possible, it is likely. Being unable to accept rejection is a valuable life skill that this experience has taught me. Summer work, while not as glamorous as sports, has taught me invaluable life skills and work ethic. Spending summers employed in various roles, from beach attendant to camp counselor, I've gained firsthand experience in responsibility, time management, and teamwork. Each job has offered unique challenges and opportunities for growth, ultimately shaping me into a more disciplined and adaptable individual. Teaching younger kids how to paddle board was challenging. Patience was necessary. My approach to customers makes a positive impact on their experience. I've been able to give back to my community by providing essential services and contributing to local businesses. Extracurricular activities allow me to form connections with others who share similar interests and goals. The experiences have also enriched my life by creating memories, improving my skills, and providing potential future opportunities. My activities continually challenge me and help me grow as an individual. Each experience contributes to my personal development, even when I am not successful. Although my summer jobs may have the only present contribution to the community, at least until I can get the pickleball league up and running, in the long term, these extracurricular activities will continue to shape me into a responsible, empathetic, and engaged member of society which is beneficial for me and the community.

Owning my own business is a goal of mine. If possible, I would start a versatile rental service for life’s necessary tools for home improvement and fun. Home improvement projects can be daunting, especially for those who lack the necessary tools or have limited storage space for rarely used equipment. Examples would include chainsaws to cut up a fallen tree, a paint sprayer for a weekend makeover, or a pressure washer for outdoor cleaning. While useful tools to use for projects, it is not always feasible to purchase such items. Similarly, recreation equipment like kayaks, jet skis, or snow skis are great to have to use, but not always practical for those who rarely participate in those activities or lack space for storage. My rental service would provide access to the tools customers want or need for home improvement projects, or just for fun, without the burden of ownership. This type of business would have multifaceted benefits to the community. The financial burden of purchasing expensive tools would be alleviated. Since not everyone can afford to invest in an extensive toolkit, and for those who only need specific tools for occasional projects, ownership may not be practical. A rental service equalizes access to high-quality tools, leveling the playing field for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners alike. Additionally, the business would promote sustainability by reducing unnecessary consumption. Rather than each household owning a set of tools that might only be used occasionally, the rental service model encourages resource-sharing, minimizing waste, and promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Starting this business would involve careful planning, risk analysis, and community engagement. The first step would be finding ample space to display and organize tools and equipment available for rent. To build the tool inventory, I would need to purchase the equipment. I would need to have start-up capital. I would want to survey community members to gain an idea of what tools or equipment would be most needed. Analyzing the risk and purchasing insurance would be important. Having a user-friendly online platform for reservations would be essential. Additionally, incorporating a membership system and loyalty programs could incentivize frequent users, creating a sense of community around the service. Special discounts for seniors, students, or community events could be implemented to ensure inclusivity. The mission of the rental service would be based on a community-driven initiative aimed at improving the welfare of our neighborhood. By making home improvement tools and recreation equipment accessible to everyone, my business would foster sustainability, reduce financial barriers, and empower individuals to participate in a life that is not restricted by space or money.

The dream version of myself would be looking in the mirror and seeing a happy, healthy, and successful contributor to society making the world a better place through sports, community service, and relationships.

Throughout elementary school, I received straight A's on my report cards. However, around sixth grade, things began to change. I no longer was able to focus or to read correctly. Alot was going on in that school year because I was attending a magnet program. I was at a different school, with no friends, and landed myself in an environment that exposed me to bullying. The bullying took its toll on me as my anxiety was at an all-time high. Not that I want to admit it, but I cried each morning and suffered stomach aches daily. It was not a surprise to my parents that my grades had fallen. However, I was upset with myself because I had aspirations to go to elite universities. I had a list of schools at age five that I wanted to attend, all of them requiring top grades. Due to the situation, I quit the magnet program and moved back to my home district. With the anxiety reduced, the bullying over, I thought I could pull my grades back up. It was upsetting each time I got a test back to see I didn't do as well as I thought. It seemed like the questions would change and the answers I selected were not the ones I thought I had chosen. It was confusing and upsetting. I thought I was going crazy. My parents were supportive but also not happy. My mom would spend hours with me studying. She made flashcards, she wrote out practice tests, and she helped me in every way she could. After one particular science test, that I failed, she knew something just wasn't right. I had studied for hours. I had demonstrated knowing the material, so failing the test made no sense. My parents took me to get tested because they knew something was off I was diagnosed with ADHD. Although this diagnosis is often related to hyper behavior, it was a matter of my brain not having breaks to slow down to read the actual words in front of me. It took several different medication types to figure out what works for me. This was a turbulent time for me. One made me feel like a zombie. Another one made me extremely sad, and yet another one made me angry. I would fight about taking the medication. The experience made me angry because, throughout this time, I only wanted to get better grades so I could get awards to show how smart I was like all my friends. I want my parents to be proud of me and to be able to go to those elite schools. Finally, we found the right medication. I have finally stopped fighting about taking the medication and I am doing alright in school. The experience of getting a diagnosis and the right medication influenced my relationship with my parents. Although there were verbal fights, the bottom line is that they are my support. I could not have made it through middle school or most of high school without their willingness to find a solution to my problem. The flashcards, the trips to the doctor, and the reminders of taking the medication have all been their ways to show me how much I mean to them. Although I may not get the best grades, I know they have my back and will help me however they can. I have come to understand that having ADHD does not have to limit my career aspirations. While there may be certain careers that are not well-suited to my condition, there are many others that are. By focusing on my strengths and abilities and finding ways to manage my symptoms, I am confident that I can pursue a fulfilling and successful career. I am no longer concerned about attending elite schools. I realize that being happy is much more important than a name on a certificate. I will attend a college that fits me rather than trying to fit into the school. In conclusion, having ADHD can be challenging, particularly when it comes to reading and test-taking. However, it is important to recognize that this condition does not define a person's intelligence or worth. By focusing on personal growth, being open about limitations, and finding ways to manage symptoms, individuals with ADHD can pursue fulfilling relationships and careers. Being open to help has been the smartest thing I have done and a report card will never be able to reflect that.

Having a place to belong is essential to surviving high school. Extra-curricular activities helped me find my community. When I started ninth grade, I knew no one in my school. I joined the lacrosse team and made friends quickly. During my sophomore year, I had to have two surgeries on my legs. This meant I could not play lacrosse. It was upsetting, and depressing, not being able to walk like I would normally for months. Coming out of the pandemic, which was isolating, it was rough to not be able to socialize like other teens. I was upset that I couldn’t play sports. I decided to be a team manager. I thought I would be an outcast because I wasn’t out in the field. The lacrosse teammates welcomed me and made the year much more enjoyable. I was able to cheer on my teammates from the sidelines even on a knee scooter. This was a good challenge to overcome because being physically unable to contribute to the team, I had to find other ways. I made sure to talk to everyone and help where I could. Sports has been the main extra-curricular activity in my life. I have played lacrosse since I was four. I played basketball for a few years as well. I started playing lacrosse because my dad played his whole life. I would watch college games on TV and then go outside to replicate what I watched. I would go nearly everyday to the local school to play with my dad. It was a way for me to bond with my dad. Sports contribute to the community because it provides an avenue for positive connections. Playing sports helps kids learn conflict resolution skills and how to interact with others. The rules of the sport teaches civility and how structure is important. Sports create communities within communities. Sports also provides health benefits. For me, my chosen extra-curricular activity got me through a rough time of my high school career.

The slow opening of my eyes after a long night’s rest is one of the best feelings. As a teen attending school, fulfilling home and team obligations, time is precious. Sleep is prized. It is easy to forget to stop and appreciate the little things in life, but as I grow older, the little things in life matter that much more. As I get older, the things that bring me pleasure have changed. When I was younger, getting a new toy would be the highlight of my day, week, or month. I would show it off to anyone I encountered. Playing with toys is no longer a pastime, but playing sports is always something I have done. Going through medical issues, I haven’t been able to participate in sports. As I am about to undergo a second surgery, I have come to realize the pleasure of being pain-free. Walking, moving, and playing sports is a pleasure that I didn’t realize I had until it was gone. Enjoying a family dinner where everyone puts their phone away is a simple life pleasure. The time is limited as we all have different schedules, but we all end up laughing and enjoying our time together. The family inside jokes always develop from those moments as we carry them on for years. Having time to just be present is easily my life’s most treasure simple pleasure. The ability to not be worried about what I must do or where I need to be, but to be present with my family and the circumstances at the moment. Whether it is the ability to sleep in, eat with my family, or simply move, life is full of simple pleasures if we take a moment to recognize them.

A simple pleasure in my life is playing with my dogs. We have three dogs living with us. Dogs are always happy. They are even happier when they have attention. They are simple and forgiving. When I play with the dogs, their tails wag and they have what look like smiles on their faces. It takes very little to see their happiness. It is a pleasure for me because their happiness is contagious. They easily make me feel better. This is likely why there is a saying that dogs are man’s best friend.

Cancer sucks. There is just no other way to explain the experience of watching someone you love go through it. When I was in third grade, my parents broke the news that my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer at age thirty-eight. I had recently lost my favorite aunt to cancer and attended her funeral. Even though I was young, I knew cancer was bad news. My dad had me read a book to him about a mom who had to fight cancer. It was a book for kids explaining cancer. At first, I did not understand why I was reading such a sad book. When I realized why, I was upset and scared. My mom had to have surgery that caused a week long stay in the hospital. Besides my brother being born, which I didn’t remember, I did not have that much experience with hospitals. After her surgery, we visited her. It was upsetting to see her lying there with tubes attached to her. She could not get out of bed and we could not hug her too hard because her stitches on her abdomen. We wanted her to come home. Then the chemotherapy started. She would lay in bed for days after getting the chemo. She felt horrible and we felt helpless. Our dad kept things as normal as they could be. It was a difficult time watching our mom be so sick and have no ability to help her. It was close to a year for her entire treatment. We were there with her the day she rang the bell to signal the end of her treatment. We will never forget the entire experience. It showed us how strong we were and together, we can beat anything, even cancer.

“You are loved.” The three words that all humans should hear on a regular basis. The current state of our society is overwhelming negative and lacks the basic humanity essentials. Each human should know they are loved despite height, weight, race, vaccination status, or political stance. Whether a person believes in God, Allah, Buddha, or any other ideology, humans have the unique ability to feel emotions and verbally express them. Today’s society is very much connected-electronically, not emotionally. The use of social media and media coverage has created a negative atmosphere that is constant. News is no longer factual, but a collection of opinions which garner success based on the most “likes” or “retweets”. Positive acts rarely make the news or social media viral posts. Humans, although not the only animals, have a unique cognitive ability to feel and express emotion. Emotions should be expressed, including the positive. Emotions are common among every human no matter their genetic make-up, societal status, or beliefs. Every human feels. One of the feelings they should have is “loved”. “You are loved” is a simple sentence with a big impact. It could resolve an argument. It could save a life. It could simply make someone’s day brighter. With the collective impact of humans feeling more positive will eventually make the world a better place.