I dedicated myself to a Boy Scout troop for ten years. It was an experience sided by a long and weighty journey toward my acceptance and finding my role in the troop. In the shadow of my elder brother, I was the second African American to join this troop and every meeting was a test of resilience. The discomfort of no diversity in the group made it evident that my opinions might not always be valued based on the color of my skin. I realized that silence wasn't the answer when nights were spent in the company of peers who questioned my heritage and identity. Fishing alone, having no mentor, and tenting solo reminds me of my isolation, a result of my peers' biases. I would cry to adults but no change would happen. The change I wanted wouldn't come unless I spoke out, stepped up, and embraced my true unapologetic self. Going the extra mile in my troop made me a better scout and an even better person. I stopped moping about my circumstances and instead took action to contribute to my troop, sharing my story and striving to make my voice heard. To be heard and accepted I needed a bold move. Running for the role of Senior Patrol Leader was my right play. Leading those who once despised me kickstarted my transformation. I had the power to teach new scouts how to treat others and influence their actions as they grew throughout the year. With a determination of steel and an unapologetic commitment to being myself, barriers were broken and blazed a trail of acceptance, showing that change starts with courage and resilience. Being in discomfort made me a better scout along the way, allowing me to contribute and change my troop for the better. I plan to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion, teach courage and resilience, and finally share my experiences and newfound values and interests with my soon-newfound community at IIT. If you or someone else is going through adversities. always try and make your problem into your power. Flip the script and find the good from what is happening. Take every misfortune and turn it into a learning lesson. Life nine times out of ten never goes as planned and we all have to understand that. So when your going downhill and going through a lot. Use that time to become a better person and understand how to work through your difficulties and adversities. Life is what you make it.

“I'm just afraid that if I died today, then my life would have amounted to nothing.” My fear is not leaving a meaningful mark on the world. It's a powerful reminder to strive for purpose and impact. I am an aspiring future college student, a software engineer, and currently a content creator, as well as a learning entrepreneur. My goal is to leave an impact on the world. How hard can it be to reach eight billion people's hearts? This is why I will major in Computer Science. Technology affects almost everything and most of us don't even know it. Outside of Computer Science, I plan on taking additional classes such as Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Film classes.  My passion in life is to create things. Ever since I was little all I ever have done I create and envision new things. I'd fill up sketchbooks and always ask for more art supplies but even after receiving them my creativity was too much to be sufficed by just a painting or a sketch. I love to create things that are even more than art like ceramics, painting, drawing, or sculpture. I would create businesses when I was a child and hustle while young. I would create beaded bracelets and sell them for money. My grandma taught me how money works and explained to me how capital works. I would have a full-fledged candy business and be called the candy boy across my whole school. I would learn how to run a business hire workers and give them benefits such as paying them in Skittles and giving them a discount. Even while being a kid and doing my thing, I always enjoyed the fact that selling this candy didn't just make me money. It made me feel good to create this thing because I was able to put my passion to create to use and help those around me. Seeing friends and people I didn't know smile because I made their day was dear to me. But my future won't just be selling Skittles. I want to design for people websites and make my own business through computer science. I'll engineer websites and products and help code for big companies to solve world issues. That's why I need to go to school so I can acquire these skills to help others. These funds would help since I'm paying for my tuition out of my own pockets. But who inspires me might be peculiar to you but still, my reasons are valid. I look up to many young African American content creators. It's a group called AMP, which means "any means possible", to achieve your goal and live your dreams by working hard and achieving that goal by any means possible. Seeing these young people work harder than most adults and achieve their goals does push me to become better. To have goals is one thing, but what sets most people apart is having a plan to achieve them. I was given a layout by my mentor from my childhood. “You always have to see yourself in the future, and place yourself where you want to be.” He gave me a plan called “7, 30, and 90 days.” I always set my goals for the day, but that must lead to the week, and those weeks lead to the month and those goals from the month all affect the quarter year. Because of this, you must always have the end in mind. Because what you repeat becomes permanent and affects the picture ahead of you. Ultimately, my overarching goal is to make a positive impact on the world through my work as a software engineer, content creator, and entrepreneur. By setting and working towards achieving my goals, I know I can leave a mark on the world and inspire others to pursue their passions with purpose. With each step, I am reminded, “The journey towards success is not always easy, but it is worth the effort.” As I continue to grow, I can not wait to see where my future career path will lead me, knowing that I have the power to shape my future and make a difference in the world.

My experience with mental health has undoubtedly shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. Mental health is a crucial aspect of our lives, yet it is often overlooked, and many people struggle with it in some way or the other. As a young man, I have realized that men's mental awareness just gets worse as the standards of what a man is keeps on rising. Growing up, I struggled with depression, which affected my academic performance and my relationships with those around me. I would often talk to myself in my journals as a way of dealing with depression, thoughts, and bad days. While unknowingly writing in my journal was my way of figuring out who I was as a kid, I wish I had someone who accepted me for who I am as a person and would listen to me without judging me so much. Maybe my education wouldn't have been affected, and I wouldn't have had to write to keep me somewhat sane. However, my experience with depression has taught me the importance of mental health and the need to address it in school and other aspects of life. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act, and it is crucial to overall health and quality of life. I believe that childhood mental health shapes adults and can change the way they view the world and even change their children's future based on how they were taught to deal with mental health, whether in a healthy or toxic way. Mental health has also impacted my relationships with others. When mental health isn't properly attended to, it can lead to depression, hurt those closest to us, and ruin relationships that were once held dear. However, I have learned that surrounding myself with a good group of people is a very important thing to do. Humans are meant to be social, so I don't surround myself with no one just because I'm introverted. My experience with mental health has also helped shape my goals and aspirations. I have learned that mental health plays a significant role in achieving our goals and that if our mental health isn't good, we might not have the determination or energy to work for our dreams. Mental health impacts students' learning, and it is essential to address it in schools. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. It has taught me the importance of addressing mental health in schools and other aspects of life, the need to surround ourselves with a good group of people, and the impact of mental health on achieving our goals and aspirations. Mental health is a big topic that can change a person's life, and it defines the ups and downs and can help change us for the better.

During my high school years, I had the privilege of being taught by an exceptional African American teacher and coach, Coach Parker. He isn't as big as Obama or as impactful to the world as Dr. MLK, but he sure did impact my life. He was not only a remarkable basketball coach but also an AVID teacher who went beyond the call of duty to create a welcoming and safe classroom environment for us black students. Coach Parker's willingness to engage with our curiosity, challenges, and our mindsets, helped open our minds to new ideas made him stand out from the rest of the teachers. Coach Parker's classroom was a haven for all of us. We felt welcomed and safe every day, knowing that we had a teacher who could listen to our stories and struggles without judgment. He could relate to us and we could talk like normal. Talking to him was as easy as communicating with a best friend. He was an excellent listener, and his kind and approachable demeanor made him easy to talk to. His students, including me, felt comfortable enough to share our personal stories and problems with him. Coach Parker's ability to listen attentively and provide us with great advice was amazing. He made our problems feel lighter and gave us the support we needed to overcome them. One of the most significant memories I have of Coach Parker was when I was a sophomore. I was often bullied for being a nerd, and people told me that I would never succeed in life because I was only book smart. However, Coach Parker believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my goals. His unwavering support gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my abilities. Unfortunately, Coach Parker had to leave our school due to personal reasons, but his impact on us remained. He taught us to never give up on ourselves and to pursue our goals relentlessly. He motivated us and challenged us to be the best versions of ourselves. His influence on my life has been profound, and I am forever grateful. As I approach graduation, I am convinced that Coach Parker has played a significant role in shaping my future and he has inspired me as a person and he was someone to look up to figuratively and literally (he's 6'7). He has taught me valuable life lessons that I will carry with me forever. I will take what I learned from him and apply it to my future career as a software engineer, content creator, and entrepreneur. I will always remember Coach Parker's unwavering support, his ability to listen, and his willingness to challenge us to be better. In conclusion, Coach Parker was more than just a teacher to us. He was a mentor, a counselor, and a friend who made a significant impact on our lives. He motivated us to achieve our goals and challenged us to be the best versions of ourselves. Coach Parker's influence on my life has been immense, and I will always be grateful for everything he has done for me.

I always had a knack for computers, whether it was taking web design as a kid or computer science in high school. It was always something I was good at and enjoyed. I hope to further my interests and passion through computer science by learning with and from intellectually driven students and professors. I admire how impactful technology is in our life from crossing the street to directing airways. We take software for granted but I see computers' true value in our day-to-day lives. I see the potential coding holds for those in poverty and those with ideas like me. I believe taking computer science specifically is the best choice for me. I want to experience the many hands-on opportunities including undergraduate research, study abroad, career/internship seminars, student computer labs, Threads, and the state-of-the-art technological resources available at this university. College provides a unique platform from which I will be able to grow. Not only in terms of academics and rigorous coursework but campus opportunities and close-knit communities as well as what the city has to offer. I am drawn to the computer science program colleges have for its emphasis on interdisciplinary opportunities, cutting-edge research, strong industry connections, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. The unique blend of these factors makes it my top choice for pursuing my computer science education and career aspirations. I want to take hold of this opportunity and impact small communities. Computer science is a tool I want to utilize to achieve my dream of helping others. Through computer science, I see endless possibilities to make an impact. For instance, I want to create educational software that is accessible to people in underprivileged communities. I have seen firsthand how a lack of resources can hinder a child's education, and I believe that technology can be used to bridge this gap. I also want to work on developing software that can help people with disabilities. Assistive technologies have come a long way, but there is still so much room for improvement. If I can help make people's lives easier through technology, then I will feel like I have made a meaningful contribution to society. Furthermore, I am excited about the opportunities for research and innovation in computer science. There are so many unexplored areas in this field, and I want to be a part of the next breakthrough. Whether it's developing new algorithms or creating innovative applications, I want to be at the forefront of computer science research. Aside from my academic interests, I am also drawn to the community aspect of college life. I am looking forward to meeting other students who share my passion for technology and learning from their experiences. I believe that the connections I make in college will be invaluable throughout my life. In conclusion, pursuing a degree in computer science is the best way for me to combine my interests and make a meaningful impact on the world. I am excited about the opportunities that college will provide me, both academically and socially, and I am eager to begin this next chapter of my life.

"I put my church first, the community second, and myself last for countless days and hours. I planned and communicated with my Boy Scout troop and my church to create an Eagle Scout service project. I have been a part of the Boy Scouts for over twelve years, and God has always been important in scouting. Whether it's me leading our nightly prayer at camp, saying our oath to serve our duty to God, or even being the youth pastor, God has always come first. Doing this Eagle Scout project taught me how to be resilient and patient. I had to keep planning even on the days when I was busy or didn't feel like it. I had to be patient with others and understand that people have other priorities. I was able to practice what it's like to work with people of all ages and learned how to lead people who were much older than me. This Eagle Scout project taught me resilience because I had to put in the work. I went out there late at night just to power wash the concrete, and this took the entire evening. There was a cold front coming in, so power washing with numb hands was harder than I thought. The next day, I arrived early and prepared everything, and all my planning was a success. I prayed everything would go well, and it did. I plan to continue living with what I learned from this project. I learned how to put in the work for something I care about, and in this instance, it's God and my church's people. I plan on taking the work ethic I gained from this project and using it in everything else. I learned that if you want something in life, you have to work for it, and God will see that you have been putting in the effort and give it to you."

As a Boy Scout, I learned the importance of giving back to the community and the value of volunteerism. This year, I had the opportunity to take on a service project with eight other scouts to paint the parking lot of a church. These were the same eight scouts who had hiked the challenging Philmont trail with me, a journey of approximately 96 miles. Although we got some help from horses, it was still a strenuous journey that required hours of planning and execution. But it was worth it. Our service project helped numerous people attending the church, and it inspired others to get involved and help their communities. Through this project, I discovered my strengths and weaknesses. I learned the importance of delegating tasks and letting others take charge. I also learned the significance of communication and helping people of all ages. I have always been passionate about serving the community, and I continued to do so by using my off-period as a senior to do community service at school. I helped my teachers who had once helped me. I even go back to my anatomy teacher's class and help her with grading, cleaning, and teaching younger students. This experience taught me how much I love helping others and being around people. Beyond school, I have also volunteered at food drives and homeless shelters. I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact that service can have on people's lives. While doing all this i still have been able to be top of my class participate in track, become an eagle scout, and be a member of NHS. It is a powerful feeling to know that you have made a difference in someone's life, no matter how small. I plan to take all the ethics and lessons I learned from volunteering to college. I am driven to create software that can make people's lives easier. After college, I plan to become a software engineer and develop websites and apps that can help people in their everyday lives. I am also a content creator, and I use my skills to teach others. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I hope to continue to do so in the future. Volunteering can do more than just help others; it can help you too. It can teach you valuable life skills, help you discover your passions, and inspire you to make a difference in the world. I have seen the power of service firsthand, and I believe that it is the key to building stronger and more connected communities.

As an Eagle Scout this year I had my own service project with eight scouts to paint a church parking lot. This helped numerous people attending the church. I discovered my strengths and weaknesses. I learned how important delegating tasks and letting others take charge. I even go back to my anatomy teacher's class and help her with grading, cleaning, and teaching younger students. This experience taught me how much I love helping others and being around people. Beyond school, I've also volunteered at food drives and homeless shelters. It's a powerful feeling to know that you have made a difference in someone's life. I plan to take all the ethics and lessons I learned from volunteering to college. I'm driven to create software that can make people's lives easier. After college, I plan to become a software engineer that help people in their everyday lives. I'm also a content creator, and I use my skills to teach others. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I hope to continue to do so in the future. I've seen the power of service firsthand, and I believe that it is the key to building stronger and more connected communities.

“I'm just afraid that if I died today, then my life would have amounted to nothing.” My fear is not leaving a meaningful mark on the world. It's a powerful reminder to strive for purpose and impact. I am an aspiring future college student, software engineer, and currently a content creator, as well as a learning entrepreneur. My goal is to leave and impact on the world, how hard can it be to reach eight billion people's hearts. To have goals is one thing, but what sets most people apart is having a plan to achieve them. I was given a layout by my mentor from my childhood. “You always have to see yourself in the future, and place yourself where you want to be.” He gave me a plan called “7, 30, and 90 days.” I always set my goals for the day, but that must lead to the week, and those weeks lead to the month and those goals from the month all affect the quarter year. Because of this, you must always have the end in mind. Because what you repeat becomes permanent and affects the picture ahead of you. This week I'll work towards my goal of becoming a software engineer, by applying for scholarships to help fund my education. I’ll do my daily coding as well as research deeper in the field. In the next month, I'll find, plan, and begin executing a coding project so I can build my portfolio. Additionally, create a linkedIn account in future pursuit of an internship. For my 90 day goal, I'll have 2 projects if not 3, and at least one must be completed. By then it will be the end of summer and I will be off to college. What a journey. How one goal leads to another and time flies by. Next, I will work on my other goal, content creation. This week, film two videos, edit both videos, finish one, and get ready to upload for the next week. This will result in consistency. Consistency is good, but it depends what you are being consistent at. For instance, with content creation I learned you can not just be consistent with a new video every week. You have to be consistent on improving your video every week. You shouldn't upload the same video every week and expect growth. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” You must improve and change yourself to develop into a better person. Being an entrepreneur is a very broad term. There are limitless possibilities to turn ideas into a profitable outcome. But I already know my idea. As a learning entrepreneur, my goal is to seek out new opportunities and learn from successes and failures. This week, I will research ways to make wealth, and invest your money wisely. I'll read a book and watch videos on insights and advice. In the next month, I aim to develop a business plan for at least one of the ideas I've made and begin laying the groundwork for it. By the end of the 90 days, I hope to have launched my first entrepreneurial venture, whether it's a small scale project or a full fledged startup. Ultimately, my overarching goal is to make a positive impact on the world through my work as a software engineer, content creator, and entrepreneur. By setting and working towards achieving my goals, I know I can leave a mark on the world and inspire others to pursue their passions with purpose. With each step, I am reminded, “the journey towards success is not always easy, but it is definitely worth the effort.” As I continue to grow, I can’t wait to see where my future career path will lead me, knowing that I have the power to shape my own future and make a difference in the world, and leave a legacy behind me.

“I'm just afraid that if I died today, then my life would have amounted to nothing.” My fear is not leaving a meaningful mark on the world. It's a powerful reminder to strive for purpose and impact. I am an aspiring future college student, software engineer, and currently a content creator, as well as a learning entrepreneur. My goal is to leave and impact on the world, how hard can it be to reach eight billion people's hearts. To have goals is one thing, but what sets most people apart is having a plan to achieve them. I was given a layout by my mentor from my childhood. “You always have to see yourself in the future, and place yourself where you want to be.” He gave me a plan called “7, 30, and 90 days.” I always set my goals for the day, but that must lead to the week, and those weeks lead to the month and those goals from the month all affect the quarter year. Because of this, you must always have the end in mind. Because what you repeat becomes permanent and affects the picture ahead of you. This week I'll work towards my goal of becoming a software engineer, by applying for scholarships to help fund my education. I’ll do my daily coding as well as research deeper in the field. In the next month, I'll find, plan, and begin executing a coding project so I can build my portfolio. Additionally, create a linkedIn account in future pursuit of an internship. For my 90 day goal, I'll have 2 projects if not 3, and at least one must be completed. By then it will be the end of summer and I will be off to college. What a journey. How one goal leads to another and time flies by. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” You must improve and change yourself to develop into a better person. Being an entrepreneur is a very broad term. There are limitless possibilities to turn ideas into a profitable outcome. But I already know my idea. As a learning entrepreneur, my goal is to seek out new opportunities and learn from successes and failures. This week, I will research ways to make wealth, and invest your money wisely. I'll read a book and watch videos on insights and advice. In the next month, I aim to develop a business plan for at least one of the ideas I've made and begin laying the groundwork for it. By the end of the 90 days, I hope to have launched my first entrepreneurial venture, whether it's a small scale project or a full fledged startup. Ultimately, my overarching goal is to make a positive impact on the world through my work as a software engineer, content creator, and entrepreneur. By setting and working towards achieving my goals, I know I can leave a mark on the world and inspire others to pursue their passions with purpose. With each step, I am reminded, “the journey towards success is not always easy, but it is definitely worth the effort.” As I continue to grow, I can’t wait to see where my future career path will lead me, knowing that I have the power to shape my own future and make a difference in the world leaving a legacy of wealth behind.

“I'm just afraid that if I died today, then my life would have amounted to nothing.” My fear is not leaving a meaningful mark on the world. It's a powerful reminder to strive for purpose and impact. I am an aspiring future college student, software engineer, and currently a content creator, as well as a learning entrepreneur. My goal is to leave and impact on the world, how hard can it be to reach eight billion people's hearts. To have goals is one thing, but what sets most people apart is having a plan to achieve them. I was given a layout by my mentor from my childhood. “You always have to see yourself in the future, and place yourself where you want to be.” He gave me a plan called “7, 30, and 90 days.” I always set my goals for the day, but that must lead to the week, and those weeks lead to the month and those goals from the month all affect the quarter year. Because of this, you must always have the end in mind. Because what you repeat becomes permanent and affects the picture ahead of you. This week I'll work towards my goal of becoming a software engineer, by applying for scholarships to help fund my education. I’ll do my daily coding as well as research deeper in the field. In the next month, I'll find, plan, and begin executing a coding project so I can build my portfolio. Additionally, create a linkedIn account in future pursuit of an internship. For my 90 day goal, I'll have 2 projects if not 3, and at least one must be completed. By then it will be the end of summer and I will be off to college. What a journey. How one goal leads to another and time flies by. Next, I will work on my other goal, content creation. This week, film two videos, edit both videos, finish one, and get ready to upload for the next week. This will result in consistency. Consistency is good, but it depends what you are being consistent at. For instance, with content creation I learned you can not just be consistent with a new video every week. You have to be consistent on improving your video every week. You shouldn't upload the same video every week and expect growth. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” You must improve and change yourself to develop into a better person. Being an entrepreneur is a very broad term. There are limitless possibilities to turn ideas into a profitable outcome. But I already know my idea. As a learning entrepreneur, my goal is to seek out new opportunities and learn from successes and failures. This week, I will research ways to make wealth, and invest your money wisely. I'll read a book and watch videos on insights and advice. In the next month, I aim to develop a business plan for at least one of the ideas I've made and begin laying the groundwork for it. Ultimately, my goal is to make a positive impact on the world through my work as a software engineer, content creator, and entrepreneur. By setting and working towards achieving my goals, I know I can leave a mark on the world and inspire others to pursue their passions with purpose. As I continue to grow, I can’t wait to see where my future career path will lead me, knowing that I have the power to shape my own future and make a difference in the world.

Mental health is a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, it affects how we think, feel, and act. It's more than mental illness and depression. It’s essential to overall health and quality of life. Mental health is overlooked by many and we all struggle with it in some kind of way. If mental health impacts us so much why do we not address it in school enough? Being a young adult. I think it's important to advocate about mental health because when we become full-grown adults it's harder to understand and deal with children's mental wellness. Mental health can impact students learning such as me and many others. I think judging is what blocks us from expressing what we feel. As a young man, men's mental awareness just gets worse as these standards of what a man is keeps on rising.  When you wake up on a bad day, you feel tired, you don't want to listen in class that day. You don't engage with others and your friends wonder what's wrong. You can't go to your parents because "I've been through it worse" so that means what I'm going through doesn't matter. You have no one to go to except you and your thoughts. Your mental wellness is doing badly and because of that, you can't focus on what is on hand, your future, your dreams and aspirations, and of course the math homework ahead of you. This happens to most of us, we all have bad days. But we are fortunate to have friends and people we can vent to. But others are unfortunate and have to deal with their problems by themselves. When I was younger I felt like I was the unfortunate one. I struggled with depression growing up and would talk to myself in my journals, "Book of kyle 1" and "Book of kyle 2." Unfortunately, they will not be published, but unknowingly writing in my journal was my way of dealing with depression, thoughts, and bad days. Writing to myself allowed me to figure out who I was as a kid. When I read my book now the things I talked about that I struggled with were dumb but still affect me as a kid. If I had someone that accepted me for who I am as a person and would listen to me without judging me so much. Maybe my education wouldn't be affected and I wouldn't have to write to keep me somewhat sane. I wish everyone had the chance to write their book about kyle. Other kids didn't know any better and would continue failing in school. Their outlet would be drugs, drinking, and smoking.   But mental health doesn't always have to be sad. Almost everyone is blessed with friends in family who care for us and we have to realize that. Knowing you are loved should uplift you. surrounding yourself with a good group of people is a very important thing to do. Humans are meant to be social so don't surround yourself by no one just because you're introverted. Mental health has so many solutions but not everyone knows about them. Mental health awareness impacted me throughout my childhood. I learned how to deal with bad days, and depression and still excel in school. I'm thankful that I am now fine and my mental health is good.

As a child, I always had an innate curiosity and natural inclination towards technology. I was fascinated by how computers worked and how they could be programmed to do amazing things. I took web design classes and learned Python at a young age, and I loved flying my drone and making video footage. As I grew older, my interest in technology only intensified. In late high school, I pursued computer science classes and even enjoyed learning how to build PCs and researching the newest GPU specs. I also found Apple's latest UI updates really fascinating, and often stayed up late at night thinking about how to create something similar. However, my motivation to pursue a higher education in computer science did not stem from my love for technology alone. I was also passionate about working with animals and had always been fascinated by wild animals. I took agriculture and vet classes in my first half of high school, but soon realized that this was not the path I wanted to take in life. I spent weeks trying to figure out what I should do instead, wondering what my real skillset was. Eventually, I realized that I had a vast amount of knowledge in computers and coding, which I had enjoyed since I was a kid. This realization motivated me to research schools and computer science programs. I then enrolled in AP computer science and dropped agriculture and it was the best decision i made. I loved learning python and created a calorie tracker. I hope to continue pursuing my interests and passion by majoring in computer science. I am amazed by how technology impacts our lives in so many ways, from crossing the street to directing airways. We often take software for granted, but I see the true value of computers in our day-to-day lives. I believe that coding could help those in poverty and bring ideas to life. Moreover, computer science teaches critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are important for personal growth and career development. Therefore, I want to sharpen my computer science skills and utilize them to help small communities and make a positive impact on the world. In conclusion, my passion for technology and my desire to make a positive impact on the world are what drive me to pursue a career in computer science. I believe that with the right skills and knowledge, I can help small communities and make a difference in people's lives. I am excited to continue learning and growing in this field, and I am eager to see where this path takes me.

My ten years in Boy Scouts was a transformative journey filled with lifelong lessons, deep friendship, and thrilling adventures. From camping trips in the woods to backpacking at Philmont Ranch, every moment was a test of resilience, and I am grateful for the experiences that helped me become the person I am today. Throughout my journey, I encountered several challenges, but the most significant one was the issue of diversity within the troop. Being one of the few African Americans in the group, it was evident that my opinions and contributions were often disregarded, not based on merit but rather bias against the color of my skin. This made me feel uncomfortable, and I started to wonder if I truly belonged there. However, I refused to let the situation dictate my Scout career. Instead, I took action to contribute to my troop, share my story, and make my voice heard. I ran for office and got elected as the Senior Patrol Leader, a significant milestone for me. As the leader of the group, I had the authority to teach new scouts how to treat others and influence their actions throughout the year. Leading the very people that once ignored my opinions was daunting, but I knew that I needed to lead the change that I wanted to see in the troop. With a determination of steel and an unapologetic commitment to being myself, barriers were broken, and I left a culture of acceptance. I was able to channel my discomfort into something positive, and I am proud of the impact I made. Being a leader in the Boy Scouts allowed me to develop essential life skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication. I learned how to work with people from different backgrounds and perspectives and how to manage conflicts. These skills have helped me in my personal and professional life, and I am grateful for the experiences that enabled me to grow as a person. Looking back, I realize that my experience in the Boy Scouts was a microcosm of the world we live in, where people of different races, cultures, and beliefs must learn to coexist. It is essential to recognize and celebrate our differences and use them as a tool to build a stronger community. We must also acknowledge our biases and work to overcome them to create a more inclusive and equitable society. In conclusion, my ten years in the Boy Scouts were a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Despite the challenges I faced, I am proud of the impact I made and the lessons I learned. My experience taught me that leadership is not about power or control, but about serving others, bringing people together, and creating a positive change in the world.

Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act and is more than just mental illness. Mental health is crucial to our overall health and quality of life. However, it is often overlooked, and many of us struggle with it in some way. I believe schools should address it more because, as young adults, we must advocate for mental health awareness. If we don't learn about it now, it will be harder to understand and deal with children's mental wellness when we become full-grown adults. Mental health can also impact students' learning, including myself and many others. Unfortunately, judgment often blocks us from expressing our feelings, which makes it even more important to raise awareness. As a young man, I have noticed that men's mental health awareness has been getting worse as society's expectations of what a man should be keep rising. When you wake up on a bad day, you may feel tired, not want to listen in class, avoid engaging with others, and your friends may wonder what's wrong. You may feel like you can't go to your parents because they may say, "I've been through worse" or something similar, which can make you feel like what you're going through doesn't matter. You may feel like you have no one to turn to except yourself and your thoughts. When your mental well-being is suffering, you can't focus on what's at hand, such as your future, dreams, aspirations, and even math homework. We all have bad days, but fortunately, most of us have friends or people we can vent to. Unfortunately, some people have to deal with their problems by themselves. When I was younger, I felt like the unfortunate one. I struggled with depression and often talked to myself in my journals called "Book of Kyle 1" and "Book of Kyle 2." Although I will never publish them, unknowingly writing in my journal was my way of dealing with depression, thoughts, and bad days. Writing to myself allowed me to figure out who I was as a kid. When I read my journal now, the things I talked about that I struggled with were foolish but still affect me as an adult. If I had someone who accepted me for who I am and would listen to me without judging me, my education wouldn't have been affected, and I wouldn't have had to write to keep me somewhat sane. I wish everyone had the chance to write their own book like I did. Unfortunately, some kids don't know any better and continue failing in school. Their outlet becomes drugs, drinking, and smoking. Mental health doesn't always have to be sad. Most of us are blessed with friends and family who care for us and we need to realize that. Knowing that you are loved should uplift you. Surrounding yourself with a good group of people is crucial. Humans are meant to be social, so don't isolate yourself just because you're introverted. Mental health has many solutions, but not everyone knows about them. Mental health awareness impacted me throughout my childhood. I learned how to deal with bad days and depression and still excel in school. I'm grateful that my mental health is now good.

During my high school years, I had the privilege of being taught by an exceptional teacher and coach, Coach Parker. He was not only a remarkable basketball coach but also an AVID teacher who went beyond the call of duty to create a welcoming and safe classroom environment for us students. Coach Parker's willingness to engage with our curiosity, challenge our mindsets, and open our minds to new ideas made him stand out from the rest of the teachers. Coach Parker's classroom was a haven for all of us. We felt welcomed and safe every day, knowing that we had a teacher who could listen to our stories and struggles without judgment. He was an excellent listener, and his kind and approachable demeanor made him easy to talk to. His students, including me, felt comfortable enough to share our personal stories and problems with him. Coach Parker's ability to listen attentively and provide us with sound advice was exceptional. He made our problems feel lighter and gave us the support we needed to overcome them. One of the most significant memories I have of Coach Parker was when I was a sophomore. I was often bullied for being a nerd, and people told me that I would never succeed in life because I was only book smart. However, Coach Parker believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my goals. His unwavering support gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my abilities. Unfortunately, Coach Parker had to leave our school due to personal reasons, but his impact on us remained. He taught us to never give up on ourselves and to pursue our goals relentlessly. He motivated us and challenged us to be the best versions of ourselves. His influence on my life has been profound, and I am forever grateful. As I approach graduation, I am convinced that Coach Parker has played a significant role in shaping my future. He has taught me valuable life lessons that I will carry with me forever. I will take what I learned from him and apply it to my future career as a software engineer, content creator, and entrepreneur. I will always remember Coach Parker's unwavering support, his ability to listen, and his willingness to challenge us to be better. In conclusion, Coach Parker was more than just a teacher to us. He was a mentor, a counselor, and a friend who made a significant impact on our lives. He motivated us to achieve our goals and challenged us to be the best versions of ourselves. Coach Parker's influence on my life has been immense, and I will always be grateful for everything he has done for me.

During my high school years, I had the privilege of being taught by an exceptional teacher and coach, Coach Parker. He was not only a remarkable basketball coach but also an AVID teacher who went beyond the call of duty to create a welcoming and safe classroom environment for us students. Coach Parker's willingness to engage with our curiosity, challenge our mindsets, and open our minds to new ideas made him stand out from the rest of the teachers. Coach Parker's classroom was a haven for all of us. We felt welcomed and safe every day, knowing that we had a teacher who could listen to our stories and struggles without judgment. He was an excellent listener, and his kind and approachable demeanor made him easy to talk to. His students, including me, felt comfortable enough to share our personal stories and problems with him. Coach Parker's ability to listen attentively and provide us with sound advice was exceptional. He made our problems feel lighter and gave us the support we needed to overcome them. One of the most significant memories I have of Coach Parker was when I was a sophomore. I was often bullied for being a nerd, and people told me that I would never succeed in life because I was only book smart. However, Coach Parker believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my goals. His unwavering support gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my abilities. Unfortunately, Coach Parker had to leave our school due to personal reasons, but his impact on us remained. He taught us to never give up on ourselves and to pursue our goals relentlessly. He motivated us and challenged us to be the best versions of ourselves. His influence on my life has been profound, and I am forever grateful. As I approach graduation, I am convinced that Coach Parker has played a significant role in shaping my future. He has taught me valuable life lessons that I will carry with me forever. I will take what I learned from him and apply it to my future career as a software engineer, content creator, and entrepreneur. I will always remember Coach Parker's unwavering support, his ability to listen, and his willingness to challenge us to be better. In conclusion, Coach Parker was more than just a teacher to us. He was a mentor, a counselor, and a friend who made a significant impact on our lives. He motivated us to achieve our goals and challenged us to be the best versions of ourselves. Coach Parker's influence on my life has been immense, and I will always be grateful for everything he has done for me.

As a Boy Scout, I learned the importance of giving back to the community and the value of volunteerism. This year, I had the opportunity to take on a service project with eight other scouts to paint the parking lot of a church. These were the same eight scouts who had hiked the challenging Philmont trail with me, a journey of approximately 96 miles. Although we got some help from horses, it was still a strenuous journey that required hours of planning and execution. But it was worth it. Our service project helped numerous people attending the church, and it inspired others to get involved and help their communities. Through this project, I discovered my strengths and weaknesses. I learned the importance of delegating tasks and letting others take charge. I also learned the significance of communication and helping people of all ages. I have always been passionate about serving the community, and I continued to do so by using my off-period as a senior to do community service at school. I helped my teachers who had once helped me. I even go back to my anatomy teacher's class and help her with grading, cleaning, and teaching younger students. This experience taught me how much I love helping others and being around people. Beyond school, I have also volunteered at food drives and homeless shelters. I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact that service can have on people's lives. It is a powerful feeling to know that you have made a difference in someone's life, no matter how small. I plan to take all the ethics and lessons I learned from volunteering to college. I am driven to create software that can make people's lives easier. After college, I plan to become a software engineer and develop websites and apps that can help people in their everyday lives. I am also a content creator, and I use my skills to teach others. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I hope to continue to do so in the future. Volunteering can do more than just help others; it can help you too. It can teach you valuable life skills, help you discover your passions, and inspire you to make a difference in the world. I have seen the power of service firsthand, and I believe that it is the key to building stronger and more connected communities.