Throughout high school I have been actively involved in taking dual enrollment courses. Simultaneously while balancing being the president of TAFE (Teachers Association of Future Educators), acting in Varsity Theater, theatrical design competitions, Girl Scouts, and being involved in student council. I graduate this year with my high school diploma and my associates degree, however, the school I plan to attend is the cheapest I can find; still, I cannot afford it. I am a very driven individual, hardworking, and I take pride in representing my school and community whenever I can. However, it can be tiring and time consuming to deal with at times. To say I have much on my plate would be an understatement and I balance more than I often can. I’ve found myself trying to avoid how much the big things can get to me. This made me realize that I have no time for myself or to do what I love. I have found myself doing that for a while now, since my sophomore year to be exact. When my friend I met through theater committed suicide, it left a profound mark on me and i started to drift away from doing the things that I loved. Soon things started to feel a bit normal and I decided that I would use my future to help others who may be silently fighting battles they don’t speak about. As a child, my life has always been dedicated to helping and serving others in various ways. From an early age, I discovered the joy in supporting those around me, and finding satisfaction in being an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. My experiences shaped my understanding of the world and the significance of standing up for others, especially those unable to speak out for themselves. This made me realize through the career of law, I could have a lasting impact on other peoples’ lives for the better. Although I never initially envisioned a future as a lawyer, as I grew older, I began to appreciate how a legal career aligned with my passions and strengths. A friend of mine was in a domestic violence situation with her boyfriend. I tried everything I could to help her, but she couldn’t get out of the situation without being harmed more. This exposure ignited a deep sense of responsibility within me to advocate for those who find themselves in such circumstances. Seeing the effects it had on my loved ones and people around me, made me realize, how many cases of domestic violence are there really? Although it is not publicised, many people go through domestic violence- some without a change to leave. I decided to devote my career into becoming a Domestic Violence Lawyer, where I can use my education and passion to help others and make a difference in their lives. Through my driven work ethic, love for others, and integrity; I believe that I can make a difference to help others focus on their future without concern. This is why I choose to become a domestic violence lawyer: to help those who feel as if they cannot leave their situation, to help those who feel like they’re stuck. You are worth more than a painful situation. No one deserves to be treated as if they are nothing, so I will strive to help victims realize that they are worth more than their circumstances.

Growing up, my parents constantly pushed me beyond my limits of what I thought were my limits, especially when it came to my education. My parents’ fear that I would end up with the same limited opportunities as they once had. Working long hours for minimum wage, little areas for a bright future; all what they pushed me to avoid. Even when money was tight, they did everything in their power to provide me with the tools and support I needed to succeed. My parents always stated that education was vital to a successful future and how they should have taken their opportunity at higher education. During my freshman year of high school, my mother encouraged me to enroll in dual credit courses so I could get a head start on my education. At the time, I didn't understand the amount of pressure and stress that came with those expectations. However, throughout all four years of high school I managed to stay on top of my coursework, maintaining my dual credit courses, and keeping my gpa at a 3.6. Balancing school on top of my mental and physical health often felt overwhelming and I constantly felt as though I was failing at what was expected of me. Sophomore year marked a point in my education that led to a drastic decline. A close friend of mine tragically took his own life and it left a drastic impact on me and on those around me. After his passing, I found it difficult to focus on school and my motivation began to decline. I fell into depression and found that staying on top of my courses was exhausting; all while grieving the loss I will never know the answer to. No matter what, my mother still encouraged me to pick myself up and to keep my mind busy. So, I did just that. Being reminded of my parents’ regret and financial struggles, I knew their encouragement came from a place of love and not pressure. Though my academic journey has been challenging, it has shaped me into a person who is more than determined to pursue higher education. Not only to have a successful future, but to honor my parents’ efforts and belief in my potential.

Growing up, my parents constantly pushed me beyond my limits of what I thought were my limits, especially when it came to my education. My parents’ fear that I would end up with the same limited opportunities as they once had. Working long hours for minimum wage, little areas for a bright future; all what they pushed me to avoid. Even when money was tight, they did everything in their power to provide me with the tools and support I needed to succeed. My parents always stated that education was vital to a successful future and how they should have taken their opportunity at higher education. During my freshman year of high school, my mother encouraged me to enroll in dual credit courses so I could get a head start on my education. At the time, I didn't understand the amount of pressure and stress that came with those expectations. However, throughout all four years of high school I managed to stay on top of my coursework, maintaining my dual credit courses, and keeping my gpa at a 3.6. Balancing school on top of my mental and physical health often felt overwhelming and I constantly felt as though I was failing at what was expected of me. Sophomore year marked a point in my education that led to a drastic decline. A close friend of mine tragically took his own life and it left a drastic impact on me and on those around me. After his passing, I found it difficult to focus on school and my motivation began to decline. I fell into depression and found that staying on top of my courses was exhausting; all while grieving the loss I will never know the answer to. No matter what, my mother still encouraged me to pick myself up and to keep my mind busy. So, I did just that. Being reminded of my parents’ regret and financial struggles, I knew their encouragement came from a place of love and not pressure. Though my academic journey has been challenging, it has shaped me into a person who is more than determined to pursue higher education. Not only to have a successful future, but to honor my parents’ efforts and belief in my potential.

In my life, the only goal I have ever held close to me was to make sure I could make a positive impact on others' lives. I have always been full of positivity and have always made sure everyone can shine, even on their darkest days. When it came to picking out a career in life, I spent countless hours trying to figure out how much of an impact I could leave on people and change their lives for the better. I stumbled across the idea of becoming an attorney. At first, I was a bit reluctant and taken aback by the idea. I'm good at public speaking but frightened by everyone's attention. I tried looking for something else, but all the hours of research led me back to law. Back in 2018, my grandmother passed away, and we had to settle her will. My mother was supposed to be the sole inheritor, but since she was adopted, other family members became outraged since she wasn't biologically my mother's mom. Eventually, we hired a lawyer, a not-so-good one, to handle our case. If we had had enough money, we could have won. My family would still be together; we'd still have Christmas together, Thanksgiving, New Year's. Yet, since we lost, it divided my mother from her siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and everyone she could call her family. At times, I think about whether the lawyer we had could have been cheaper, my family members could have paid my mom back, and we'd be okay. It's been six years, and I still grieve the family I once had. My whole family fell apart in the courtroom over a will. The will contained two hundred thousand dollars, which was supposed to be given to my mother, a woman who stayed by my grandmother's side through everything, and it was just gone. Although I still think about how it could have gone right. A mutual agreement could have been made; my mother would have gotten her money back, and it would have been alright. I hope to be that attorney fighting for somebody who feels like there is no hope. My mother lost everything that day, not monetarily wise, but family-wise. I strive to become an attorney who can bear witness and desire to make someone feel like there is hope left. Even in the darkest situation, I want to provide the light and comfort.

When I was in the sixth grade I fell in love with the art of theatre. I watched my cousins' 3A state one-act play and I remember being totally mesmerized by the way these people could pull off a live show. Watching her one-act play made me fall in love with the world of theatre, ever since I haven't stopped. The sixth grade is when I joined a theatre tech class there I learned about set, props, makeup, costumes, and practically everything you need to know about tech. Seventh grade rolled around and I still stayed in that tech class, no varsity, just tech. In eighth grade I finally got the courage and joined varsity theatre. I did not act in our one-act play because I was battling social-anxiety but I took to the stage during our spring show. It was there when I found out I loved being on the stage. It felt like a breath of fresh air. I could fill in another person's shoes and not be afraid of what others would've thought of me. It was like a dream come true. My school only gives our company 600-dollars for our shows. The thing is, we bring home more championships than anyone in our small town school. I believe they've limited us by having us cut off from resources we need, which in this case is money. In ninth grade, I made high school varsity theatre. I had never been the acting type, so to come to high school and to be given the opportunity to be on stage; i took it. I played a Joy of Life Singer in our fall show, Dearly Departed. My first ensemble role. Then I finally played in our one act, The Book Of Dog, as ensemble character. We made it all the way the 4A Region competition without being defeated, sadly we received 6th place. Since then I've been in two musicals: The Nightmare Before Christmas, whom I played an ensemble character named Witch Hazel, and The Wizard Of Oz, who I played Ozmas and A Sneezing Munchkin. This year's one-act play I got casted as an alternate for The Miraculous Journey Of Edward Tulane - in which I had to fill in and perform for several people for several performances. At first I was upset, all I could think about was "Am I even good enough? Should I just quit?" but my director reassured me it was nothing that I did. So I took her words into consideration and started working harder than ever before. I want to make a career out of theatre so I started practicing different monologues to expand my range. I've grown a lot since then, and I hope that I can use my talent to show others that just because you were 'benched' once, doesn't mean it limits you as an actor. All you can do is get back up, and try again.

In a world striving for equality, the persistence of sexism remains a challenge. Reflecting on my experiences with sexism in the 5th grade, I joined a mixed soccer team (boys & girls) and it became evident that gender-based discrimination limited all that I could do on the team. I trained harder than all the boys, but yet I was still labeled as "a girl." Even my own coach, a grown man, treated me the same way those kids on my team did. It made me feel hopeless and it left me wondering if I was good enough for any sport or any extracurricular. Sexism happens everywhere and it has been deeply rooted in human history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, women have been faced with discrimination based upon their sex. Sexism can often be shown in various forms such as bullying, limitations due to gender, and so much more. It is unfortunate that women have to identify this as normal in today's society. Society has this image that women are supposed to be one of two things but what if we don't want to live inside this box society has created for us? I plan on majoring in Theatre Education to become a director, even still, I face sexism by being told I would never make it in the 'big leagues' because of my gender. I wish to become a female director up on broadway one day or maybe even direct a movie or two, yet everyone doubts what I can do. I can be the best in the art, the best in the business, and still be berated by men. Directing is something I have a passion for so I will not let anything stop me but the comments have a mental effect upon me. In other words, sexism refers to the discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping based on a person's gender, typically favoring one gender over the other. One of the key areas where sexism is evident is in the workplace, directing included! Women often face challenges in accessing the same opportunities and promotions as their male counterparts. This can be attributed to biases and stereotypes that perpetuate the belief that certain roles or positions are more suitable for men. It is crucial to address these biases and create a more inclusive and equal work environment. Sexism also affects education and the portrayal of gender roles in media. Young girls and boys are often exposed to gender stereotypes that limit their potential and reinforce traditional gender norms. By challenging these stereotypes and promoting gender equality in education and media, we can help create a more inclusive society where individuals are not limited by their gender. To combat sexism, it is essential to foster awareness and education. This involves promoting gender equality, challenging harmful stereotypes, and encouraging open dialogue about the issue. It is also crucial to support policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, such as equal pay for equal work and providing opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. In conclusion, sexism is a deeply rooted issue that requires collective effort to address. By promoting gender equality, challenging stereotypes, and fostering inclusive environments, we can work towards a society where individuals are valued and respected regardless of their gender. It is important for each of us to actively contribute to creating a more equal and just world, free from the constraints of sexism, especially in the workplace.

Every person has a story to tell or a narrative that shapes their identity and influences their actions. My story is intertwined with my encounters with mental health, both personal and vicarious. These experiences have not only shaped my perspective but also fuelled my passion for my dream. I have had personal struggles with my mental health, and I have also witnessed the horrifying effects of mental illness in others. The loss of a friend to suicide was a devastating experience that highlighted the importance of mental health for me. My friend's passing was a reminder that everyone matters, and that mental health is crucial in every aspect of life. Let alone I watched my own Father go through some of the toughest times of his adulthood. It was hard to watch and not be able to do anything; but I just had to be there. I believe that mental health is as important as physical health; our minds are the center of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; they determine how we perceive the world, interact with others, and make decisions. When our mental health is compromised, it affects every aspect of our lives, from our academic performance to our own relationships. Personally, I’ve had numerous times when I felt at an all time low, like nothing mattered, like no one cared. I pray that I can advocate and be a voice for those who go unheard; when their cries for help have gone unnoticed, I want to be that voice for others. If someone had been a voice for my friend, I think he would still be here today. Nevertheless, I have found my expression through the art of performance theatre. As a performer, I use the stage as a platform to explore complex emotions and narratives, including those related to mental health and emotions. This creative outlet has been therapeutic, enabling me to process my feelings and experiences in a constructive way. In addition, I have sought professional help when needed. Counseling sessions have provided me with strategies to manage my mental health and have reinforced the idea that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to one's strength and resilience. I am passionate about studying psychology and theatre to gain a deeper understanding of the human mind and behavior. I believe that this knowledge will equip me with the skills and insights necessary to make a difference in the lives of others. In conclusion, I believe that mental health is important because it is concrete to our overall well-being and quality of life. It shapes our perceptions, influences our actions, and determines our interactions with others. I maintain my mental wellness through mindfulness, creative expression, and help when needed. I am committed to advocating for mental health and using my experiences and education to make a positive impact in my chosen career. Either by producing a show that handles heavy topics; or letting my students know it's okay to reach out to someone.