From watching the evening news on a daily basis with my father, discussing current affairs and interacting with the multicultural environment around me; politics have played a considerable role in my life since a tender age. This constant role has overtime led me to develop a keen interest in politics, political science, and more specifically: the field of international relations. Being a subset of political science, my interest in international relations stems from the field’s combination of a number of disciplines that surround politics as a whole; these disciplines ranging from economics and comparative politics, to history and political theory. Furthermore, unlike the traditional study of political science, international relations isn’t restricted to one nation, rather the field’s intent is to analyze the international political relations of a multitude of countries globally. Thus, incorporating a uniquely global and intercultural element to the field, unfound in other facets of political science, this intercultural element oft taking shape in the importance of foreign languages to the field. As a life long language learner and proficient speaker of the Arabic, French and Spanish languages; international relations was a no-brainer of a choice when it came to solidifying my interest. Not only do I have the opportunity within international relations to act upon my passion for politics, but likewise, to interpret and study politics through global lenses and consequently, various languages of the world. All of which rendering the field infinitely more attractive in my perception as two passions of mine collide. Yet, in light of my passion for international relations and upbringing in the United States, I cannot ignore my existence as a black man in the country. An existence which has been historically hated and discriminated till the present day, an existence which I find being replicated in lands overseas at the hands of US foreign policy. Thus, given my personal experience and that of my people, never would I want for another to be faced with similar. Henceforth, my goal of attaining a career in the US State Department. Within the State Department, I will have the opportunity to work directly with the implementation of the very foreign policy that I find problematic, bringing alternative viewpoints and using my linguistic and political aptitude in order to advocate for oppressed, and subjugated peoples globally. Similarly, it is also within my career aspirations to engage in work at a think tank. Therein, I will find myself able to publish various bodies of research and educate the masses as it pertains to the reality of not only American, but foreign policy at large and how change can be brought about. Thus, with a keen interest in international relations, intercultural exchange, and lived experience; my impact will be left through changes commenced internally, and education disseminated amongst the masses.

What is a leader? Is it one who’s able to whip his subsidiaries into shape? One who rules with a merciless iron fist? A pure manipulator? Such are the archetypes that popular media would lead you to believe shape leaders, however, effective leadership is far more complex, multifaceted and forgiving than what’s commonly believed. Firstly, from the most important character traits of a leader is that of emotional intelligence. In order to be a leader, it is needed to understand that whilst humans are mostly logical, they can quickly allow emotions to lead their thoughts and decision making processes, especially in what are often fast-paced, stressful, team environments. Therefore, maintaining a high degree of emotional intelligence is of utmost importance for the leader in question as such intelligence will allow him to get through to his team members, understand why someone may be doing or saying as they are and allow for him to connect with his team on a personal level. Such a trait I’ve had the opportunity to employ a multiplicity of times in my experience as a leader; be it in spearheading group projects, organizing teams of people for activities, or even in situations as simple as coordinating a gathering. Always do I try to implement emotional intelligence not only my professional, but day to day affairs. Furthermore, from the traits that render a person a true leader, and also a trait that I maintain, is that of discipline. Leading requires the ability to keep going despite what appears to be repeated failure, the ability to do more when giving in is the most attractive option, the ability to encourage others to continue with their best effort despite feeling defeated internally. Being a trait that I so highly value in my personal affairs, to no surprise do I embody it in my leadership style as well. Notably, one instance I was leading group research which would cater to a larger project. Upon presenting the research, our professor sternly informed us that our research was insufficient and lacking in a number of areas. Despite my internal feelings of despair at his comments, I turned away from such feelings and addressed the issue with my group; informing them that this is not our end, we will fix the problem and return even greater; such a task we successfully completed under my leadership. The project culminating in us receiving one of the highest grades in the class. Combining the aforementioned traits, a leader is inevitably formed, however, what distinguishes myself as a leader from the rest is uniquely my ability to disregard the negative opinions and judgment of others and to carve my own way. Never has it been in my character to be a follower and to submit to the status quo, rather, I’ve always been one who prioritizes and doesn’t compromise his values, strives to think independently, and always seeks the betterment of himself by trailblazing his own path.

Since childhood, I’ve found myself with a keen interest in global politics, frequently watching the nightly news with my father and trying to analyze the little that I understood. Ever since, I’ve cultivated this interest as I encroached upon maturity through personal research, reading, and now studies at the University of Maryland where I’m a student of International Relations. Additionally, whilst at the University of Maryland I’ve taken a liking to data, particularly, data analytics and the field’s intersection and application with International Relations; leading me to self teach programming languages such as R and platforms like Excel. However, not only has my heart been enamored with the study of politics from juvenility and recently, data analytics, but also with the study of foreign languages; a passion which flourished into teaching myself the Arabic, French, and Spanish languages to levels of fluency. Thus, combining these scopes of academic interest at the University of Maryland, I’ve created a number of goals and aspirations, both academically and career wise, that I strive to actualize. During my time at the University of Maryland, I’ve had the opportunity to advance these goals of mine significantly. Firstly, through the Maryland Global Fellows Program, I’ve been selected to participate in a specialized seminar course, sitting at the feet of giants in the field of International Relations and drastically increasing my expertise in the field. This experience culminating in an internship on Capitol Hill wherein I’ll find myself able to put my newfound knowledge into practice as I work hands-on with real policy, international, and domestic issues alike. Similarly, I’ve also had the opportunity to further my foreign language passion, namely, through the university’s Arabic Flagship Program and Language House Living Learning Program. As both a member and intern in the Arabic Flagship Program, I was able to partake in, and tutor students taking the most advanced Arabic classes offered at the University of Maryland. Such activities being largely supplemented by my residence in the immersive Language House program wherein I’m able to converse on a day to day basis with Arabic speaking roommates. Additionally, I was able to contribute to the Flagship program’s semesterly, Arabic newsletter; multiple pieces entirely in Arabic. An experience culminating in my invitation to a university wide symposium wherein I was able to present personal research pertaining to the Arabic language and its diglossia. However, not always have I experienced such success and comfort in the academic setting. As a black man in the United States, in my younger years I often felt the need to do multiple times as much work as my counterparts in order to gain but half the recognition. Thus, I took it upon myself to cover any flaw I had, no matter how natural. In school, this covering took place in my fear of admitting to not knowing. For any question I was to have an answer and to every argument a rebuttal; but in such a practice, cheating myself out of true learning and deceiving none of my supposed intelligence other than myself. With time, sitting in my statistics class, on the brink of a sweat due to being asked a question for which I didn’t know the answer, I made the conscious choice to turn away from what I had been upon until then. Finally, I’d let myself be a learner once more, be sincere in my quest for knowledge and let out the words “I don’t know.”

From watching the evening news on a daily basis with my father, discussing current affairs and interacting with the multicultural environment around me; politics have played a considerable role in my life since a tender age. This constant role has overtime led me to develop a keen interest in politics, political science, and more specifically: the field of international relations. Being a subset of political science, my interest in international relations stems from the field’s combination of a number of disciplines that surround politics as a whole; these disciplines ranging from economics and comparative politics, to history and political theory. Furthermore, unlike the traditional study of political science, international relations isn’t restricted to one nation, rather the field’s intent is to analyze the international political relations of a multitude of countries globally. Thus, incorporating a uniquely global and intercultural element to the field, unfound in other facets of political science, this intercultural element oft taking shape in the importance of foreign languages to the field. As a life long language learner and proficient speaker of the Arabic, French and Spanish languages; international relations was a no-brainer of a choice when it came to solidifying my interest. Not only do I have the opportunity within international relations to act upon my passion for politics, but likewise, to interpret and study politics through global lenses and consequently, various languages of the world. All of which rendering the field infinitely more attractive in my perception as two passions of mine collide. Yet, in light of my passion for international relations and upbringing in the United States, I cannot ignore my existence as a black man in the country. An existence which has been historically hated and discriminated till the present day, an existence which I find being replicated in lands overseas at the hands of US foreign policy. Thus, given my personal experience and that of my people, never would I want for another to be faced with similar. Henceforth, my goal of attaining a career in the US State Department. Within the State Department, I will have the opportunity to work directly with the implementation of the very foreign policy that I find problematic, bringing alternative viewpoints and using my linguistic and political aptitude in order to advocate for oppressed, and subjugated peoples globally. Similarly, it is also within my career aspirations to engage in work at a think tank. Therein, I will find myself able to publish various bodies of research and educate the masses as it pertains to the reality of not only American, but foreign policy at large and how change can be brought about. Thus, with a keen interest in international relations, intercultural exchange, and lived experience; my impact will be left through changes commenced internally, and education disseminated amongst the masses.

For some, books serve as a medium for the transportation of information from the pen of an author to the mind of a reader, for others, books are nothing but rectangular mounds of paper which sit atop a shelf collecting dust. However, for me, books symbolize gateways to knowledge that is hidden between two covers, knowledge that has the potential to open doors to the ends of the world and beyond. By way of books, I’ve been given the opportunity to learn a multiplicity of things such as the political affairs of our contemporary world, the history of countries and peoples, as well as the intricacies of language and linguistics, however, these various subjects themselves do not suffice in recounting that which I’ve learned from books. Rather, from books, I’ve learned how to learn. Within every book I find, even if there appears to be none, there is a typically vague, central lesson which readers can take away after having ‘finished’ reading. In works of fiction, these lessons are usually found in the narration of the story, such as in Albert Camus’ world famous L’étranger where one is left pondering his own existence and what it means to interact with the world; whereas in non-fiction topics, these lessons are quite direct as they are more often than not, the focal point of the book like those found by the 14th-century Moroccan traveler Ibn Battutah in one of the most pivotal works of medieval travel in The Travels of Ibn Battutah. It is through these various lessons that I have learned how to learn from books, with each lesson, I observe the experience of another with regard to a particular endeavor, then, when communicating this affair to my own life I am able to pursue it in a manner which is far better than that which preceded me. Due to the wealth of knowledge that lines the pages of books, brimming with information to be devoured by the eyes of the next reader, books have played an instrumental role in shaping my personal life goals. Specifically, books have given me opportunities. Had it not been for books, I would not have been at all successful in my goal of learning the Spanish, French, and Arabic languages, however, directly because of books, I was able to realize this goal. Furthermore, if not for books, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish personal goals relating to discipline, time management, and techniques of discussion and debate. With books as my foundation and primary source of learning, I am able to continually increase the grandeur of my goals, infinitely increasing as the knowledge itself bound inside of books is effectively infinite. Thus, it is because of books that I will be able to continue creating and accomplishing goals akin to the aforementioned, goals which are even larger and more encompassing as I grow as a reader, and congruently, a person.

There, in my 8th period Statistics class, my throat astringent in dryness, a streak of sweat racing down my rear, and a sharp swell of heat in my chest. Therein lie the words, a burden upon my tongue. The only words I cannot say, through all the tongues which I have learned, the only words which my tongue cannot churn: the forbidden words. However, my younger self would gaze into the mirror and only see myself for who I thought I was, never who I was not. Unaware I was of the stares I received when entering classrooms, and little did I understand the mockery of the Southern twang in my speech. To the same mirror I gleaned as a child, I returned, observing myself as an alien. To my thick, coily, and Sulfur 8 scented hair; my eyes beamed, and across my cocoa butter smooth skin my fingers ran. Physically, I fit the mold of those I saw in the evening, those whose bodies lay strewn across the streets, those whose faces were in the mugshot. In spite of my physical resemblance, I took it upon myself to perfect the things which we’re not prone to the leer of the eye. From my observations of the mold, it was customary to be one of ignorance, consequently, from such a plague, I shielded myself. For every question, I had an answer, for any argument I had a refutation; never giving in and saying the forbidden words. Down this path I strayed, deceiving none but myself into thinking I was unlike the others in the mold. But of course, by acting as if I was knowledgeable, I gained knowledge of nothing except arrogance and a seal on my heart. A seal from learning, the thing which I had loved from a tender age. A seal from personal reflection and thought, truly ignorant of my own self I had become. ‘Twas there in my Statistics class where acute gazes were aimed upon me, I reclined in my chair, the sweat drying down my back, leaving a cold streak. The forbidden words seemed all too lawful, and attractive their liberation appeared. A release in my scrunched forehead and a loosening of my motionless grip, I couldn’t resist them, for my time of suffocation had come to a cease, and with my first true breath, the words came: “I don’t know.” To that same mirror I returned, my hair growing on all sides in its full afro form, my eyes bister in color, and my mustache scoring my upper lip. I looked deep into myself, to a former me who did not let the world tell him who he was going to be, the innocent soul that pondered upon this same mirror with glee, the one who I knew I was meant to be. It didn’t matter to me if I used my native vernacular, said what was on my mind, and picked my hair to the sky; for I know who I was and strong in that I shall be. No longer upon me was the obligation of knowing, just the obligation of learning and constantly growing, the state which was natural to me. All too common are such identity crises amongst young men and in a whirlpool of confusion they often find themselves. In avoiding such confusion, it is necessary for the young man to realize that he will gain nothing in seeking the approval of others, he must always be his honest self lest he desire to lose it, and that you only fit into the box you put yourself in.

Travested by hardship, afflicted with the worst of calamity, and promised a future of perish by virtue of the inaction of their peers in humanity; such is the case of billions worldwide, yet, specifically, the condition of the people of Palestine. Officially, since 1948 the Palestinian people have found themselves subject to a genocidal, institutional style oppression at the hands of settler colonialists who have laid claim to their native land. Year after year, Palestinians, children and women alike, are indiscriminately slaughtered to seemingly no end. Such a slaughter occurring whilst the majority of the world remain none the wiser and thus, inactive in aiding in the upheaval of the desperate Palestinian situation. However, this trend of ignorance with regards to Palestine has largely reversed since the events of the 7th of October as global movements rallying for awareness and calling for change on a mass scale have commenced. Although the means which these movements have taken may have not shown much tangible success, it is undeniable the cultural shift and increase in general connaissance towards Palestine that they have caused, such knowledge and shift being the two factors necessary for creating change on an even larger, political scale; all of which clarifying the undisputable importance of involvement in social justice issues. Pertaining to social justice issues generally, and specifically the Palestinian cause, I find it to be an obligation upon everyone who considered himself human to get involved. Recognizing the inhumanity in thousands being killed in the most horrific of ways, being driven out of their land, and bombarded with aerial assault, only requires the most miniscule sliver of humanity. Whomsoever is pleased with such afflicting his brothers in humanity, then let him refrain from involvement, however, if one is displeased then means by which he can have an impact are readily available, the most available of these means being none other than social justice movements. As previously stated, due to their display and grandeur social justice movements are one of the most effective methods for raising awareness of social issues, especially as has been witnessed in recent months with regards to the Palestinian cause. These movements have educated and mobilized millions. With such education and mobilization in tandem, multilateral action can now be enacted with a high likelihood of success in affecting those on the ground for the better; especially, as there is now an understanding of what must be done, thanks to these movements. The importance of involvement is one which, by no means, can be understated. It’s a means by which voices are heard, ideas are shared, masses are educated, and change is created.

Being a student who has a deep seated passion for the social sciences, particularly, International Affairs, it is in my desire to pursue such a field during both my undergraduate and both graduate level studies as I wholly intend to obtain a Bachelor’s and Master’s in the field. Furthermore, given the intimate passion I have for language and learning other languages, having taught myself the Arabic language, French, and Spanish; I intend to pursue formal study of the Arabic language alongside International Affairs in a flagship, abroad program during my undergraduate studies. Coupling these two fields of interest and study together, I will find myself able to pursue a successful career in a number of fields ranging from diplomacy, NGO work, or even translation; a field which I’ve had experience in through my work translating TED Talks and helping immigrant students from Arabic, French, and Spanish speaking countries in my school, all of which further preparing me for my future academic and professional endeavors. Yet, in the realm of scholarships, seldom does one think past the monetary benefit. However, when considering this scholarship it is of utmost importance to focus on that which is not monetary and the potential impact that this scholarship can have for me, and equally those around me. Having received this scholarship, I would have an opportunity to further myself in my pursuit of a university level education. As a Black male, hardly are people who resemble myself represented in spaces of higher learning, thus, because of this scholarship I would be able to become my own representation, and simultaneously empower others who may look like me. Furthermore, this scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies and excel to the highest of levels as I am not left in a fret about financial burdens which this scholarship would erase. Given that I intend to study International Relations, this scholarship will power me through my years of both undergraduate and graduate study, allowing me to obtain a headstart in the workforce. In a similar vein, this head start in the workforce will allow me to rapidly attain standing in the aforementioned careers of diplomacy, NGO work, or translation. Therefore, given this scholarship, I will be able to create lasting, positive effects upon my community by way of the collegiate level education which this scholarship will allow for me. Effects such as establishing interpersonal relations by way of language, or resolving international conflicts via International Affairs, this scholarship will impact me and my surrounding community in a multiplicity of ways.

For some, books serve as a medium for the transportation of information from the pen of an author to the mind of a reader, for others, books are nothing but rectangular mounds of paper which sit atop a shelf collecting dust. However, for me, books symbolize gateways to knowledge that is hidden between two covers, knowledge that has the potential to open doors to the ends of the world and beyond. By way of books, I’ve been given the opportunity to learn a multiplicity of things such as the political affairs of our contemporary world, the history of countries and peoples, as well as the intricacies of language and linguistics, however, these various subjects themselves do not suffice in recounting that which I’ve learned from books. Rather, from books, I’ve learned how to learn. Within every book I find, even if there appears to be none, there is a typically vague, central lesson that readers can take away after having ‘finished’ reading. In works of fiction, these lessons are usually found in the narration of the story, such as in Albert Camus’ world famous L’étranger where one is left pondering his own existence and what it means to interact with the world; whereas in non-fiction topics, these lessons are quite direct as they are more often than not, the focal point of the book like those found by the 14th-century Moroccan traveler Ibn Battutah in one of the most pivotal works of medieval travel in The Travels of Ibn Battutah. It is through these various lessons that I have learned how to learn from books, with each lesson, I observe the experience of another with regard to a particular endeavor, then, when communicating this affair to my own life I am able to pursue it in a manner which is far better than that which preceded me. Due to the wealth of knowledge that lines the pages of books, brimming with information to be devoured by the eyes of the next reader, books have played an instrumental role in shaping my personal life goals. Specifically, books have given me opportunities. Had it not been for books, I would not have been at all successful in my goal of learning the Spanish, French, and Arabic languages, however, directly because of books, I was able to realize this goal. Furthermore, if not for books, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish personal goals relating to discipline, time management, and techniques of discussion and debate. With books as my foundation and primary source of learning, I am able to continually increase the grandeur of my goals, infinitely increasing as the knowledge itself bound inside of books is effectively infinite. Thus, it is because of books that I will be able to continue creating and accomplishing goals akin to the aforementioned, goals which are even larger and more encompassing as I grow as a reader, and congruently, a person.

There, I found myself outside of a club meeting for which I was President, prior to the beginning of the meeting, with my fellow club leaders, grabbing passersby from the hallway and inviting them to the meeting, attempting to increase our attendance. In this process, my Vice President grabs a student walking aimlessly, head down, and without compatriots. I turn my head away and continue scanning the corridors, however, before I could even settle my gaze, my VP calls me over and says that “this kid is from Peru and only speaks Spanish, speak to him.” My heart races. Prior to this, I was yet to have used my Spanish abilities in a real-life situation, only speaking with other learners and natives through voice calls on Discord. However, I had to speak, it would be an injustice not to. I uttered my first words, before I could even finish my sentence I saw the face of the Peruvian glow like a lamp found hovering over an empty basketball court at 2 am. Brightness. I introduced him to the club and what we do, and sat next to him, translating the meeting. By the end, we had exchanged phone numbers on WhatsApp and then went our separate ways. I had told him where I and my regular group of friends sit during lunch in the event that he had wanted to swing by. At that point in time, my history with the Spanish language had been nothing but tumultuous. From sitting at the feet of teachers in Pre-Kindergarten learning what the language was, developing an insatiable hunger to learn it upon meeting a sixth grade Spanish teacher from Cuba, growing a hatred for it which lasted for nearly two years because of a ninth grade teacher, to finally teaching the entire language and all of its sciences to myself, and equally rendering myself a native-like speaker. Two months after that club meeting, we’re both sitting on bleachers adjacent to a turf football field amusing ourselves with the spring weather, conversing about the differences in Peruvian and American cultures, and filming ourselves chanting slogans one would only hear in the crowd of a football game in Mexico. I did not see him for the first few weeks of my Senior year, however, we eventually caught up. Although we had the same age, the school had placed him in eleventh grade instead of twelfth, most likely an issue of credits, I didn’t inquire further. Our conversation was cut short as he had to go off with his other friends, all native Spanish speakers from Peru, Venezuela, and neighboring countries. I was glad he had to go, I was glad he had somewhere to go, and I was glad he had found a group to which he could relate. I was glad that I was able to be there for him in a time when his impetus for coming to this country was the death of his uncle in Peru and having no other family left except for a portion which resided in the US, prompting his arrival. I was pleased with the fact that I was able to use something which I had taught myself to do what I was able in making life easier for someone who was in a time where ease was precarious.

With repeated mass shootings and homicides; guns are no stranger to the American public and are only becoming increasingly familiar with rampant increases in gun purchases, and coinciding decreases in regulation. In 2021 alone, over 45,038 lives were lost due to guns, according to the Gun Violence Archive. In fact, between 1968 and 2017 over 1.5 million people died because of gun violence, a figure higher than the number of soldiers killed in every US conflict since the 1775 American War of Independence. Since, gun ownership has only spiked to 120.5 guns per 100 Americans, which according to a Small Arms Survey, is the highest rate in the world. However, American obsession with guns is nothing new, in fact, it’s been a staple of American culture for decades. From 19th-century Wild West fantasies to street outlaws like Bonnie and Clyde, guns have constantly had their fair share of fictionalization in American culture, leading to their mass fetishization and ownership. Additionally, due to normalization efforts of gun ownership by various mediums of American propaganda, namely the military, guns have become commonplace amongst the indoctrinated. Everyone needs a gun we’re told, from the itchy trigger finger hot head, to the angry war veteran, and to the domestic terrorist; all have the “innate right” to a lethal firearm. However, this “innate right” comes at a price: the sanity of generations of Americans. In fact, gun violence has deteriorated the mental health of American youth so much that according to an American Psychological Association poll, 75% of people between the ages of 15 and 22 cite gun violence as a “major source of stress.” Furthermore, according to the national center for PTSD, even in K-5-aged children, early signs of severe PTSD are beginning to show due to witnessing and living through gun violence, as well as school drills. A generation raised upon mental disorders is a generation set to fail, unfortunately, for the sake of guns. Thus, if given the opportunity to change the course of history in my community, I would cease the legality of owning lethal firearms in the United States. Although I may not have the direct ability to do so as of now, I strive daily to educate those within my community on the horrors of gun violence through my position as President of my school's Minority Scholars Program, and likewise Vice President of my school's Black Student Union. In a world where life is allegedly cherished, preserved, and at the “highest standard” in human history, it seems quite contradictory to have an epidemic of gun violence alongside these cherished “values”. Personally, being a high school student, it is in my view that no one should have to witness the daily horror of a shooting on the faces of their peers, coping in jokes, and “laughing it off.” I should not have to arrive at school and theorize my exit plan if a shooting occurs that day. I should not feel the need to have a pre-written will, saved, to send to my family. If we want to change the course of history in our communities, in our country, and shape the broader world; then we can first look to our own hips and disarm ourselves.

Within myself I find a number of characteristics which I deeply cherish, value, and make me who I am as a person. However, I find that the most notable of characteristics which I hold is that of discipline. Discipline is one of the most storied and sought after traits in the entire world, however, given modern advents of technology and social media, video games, and constant boosts of instant dopamine, discipline has become a rarity amongst the masses. Known very well are the benefits of discipline, yet, barely any take the necessary time to achieve it. However, one may ask, what exactly is discipline? Although there will be a multiplicity of responses based on who is asked, I believe that discipline can be boiled down quite simply to the following: the ability to do what you must do when you have no desire to do it. In my mind, that is the essence of discipline. It is studying for that extra hour even though you have already been at it for six, it is reading those ten extra pages before bed even though you’ve already read three hundred, it’s training yourself to arise at the same time each morning even though it’s a Saturday morning and your bed feels warm. That is discipline. Consistently, going above and beyond when others struggle to even execute the bare minimum, that is discipline, and that is the same discipline which I find in myself. Given the nature of the quality of discipline, the reason as to why I value it and why I feel that it will help me in my life journey are one in the same: discipline drives you to accomplish your goals and separate yourself from your competition in any facet of life. With my discipline, I have already excelled and achieved various things in my life. From holding numerous leadership positions in clubs at my school like President of the Minority Scholars Program or Vice President of the Black Student Union, to finding success in my passion for languages, teaching myself to fluency in the Arabic, Spanish, and French languages, discipline has been the driving factor in all of these feats. Given that which my discipline has already helped me accomplish, going into my future, as I hone my discipline and continue to grow in it, I know that it will persist in leading me towards success in all of my academic and general endeavors.

It is not a life of vain, desire, and shallow lusts which I envision when thinking to my future, nor is it a life of meaningless exertion and strife, seeking monetary gain to satisfy my deeper delights. Rather, it is a life of knowledge which I see, seeking it wherever it comes. A life of constantly learning, revising, and learning again, never lessening in that which is innate to us all; a life of discovering, that is what’s worth it all.

As I progress in my Senior year of high school, I notice myself in a perennial state of mental absence. Absence from the affairs of stereotypical high school life, absence from old friends, and absence from the traditional ‘joyous’ moments of a Senior. However, although I am no longer mentally present in the aforementioned, I do find myself spending hours upon hours, and days upon days elsewhere; that elsewhere being college. Already, I have begun planning my path to success in college, and upon this plan I will act, and have acted. This plan begins before my first year of college, and even my first day, rather, it has already commenced. If it’s success in college that I desire, then it is upon me to excel in as many areas of my life that I can at this present moment, thus, preparing me for the onslaught of college academics and social life. I began by inspecting my course rigor, increasing it in order to simulate that of a first year college student, increasing to the point which I have arrived at now, where I am taking a litany of five Advanced Placement courses for the 2022-2023 academic year. Like this, I am ensuring my success and continuation of academic excellence, as I am already preparing myself for the task which will be at hand upon my commencement of college level coursework. Next, in my plan to succeed in college, I found it necessary to improve in my extracurricular activities, notably, my foreign language abilities, and various leadership roles. Given my passion for language, and having learned the Arabic, French, and Spanish languages, I came to the realization that it is through these passions I can achieve unparalleled success in college, distinguishing myself from the rest. In college, I plan to use these languages to my advantage, allowing me to embark upon study abroad in a multiplicity of countries, and attaining minors and certifications across these languages, rendering me all the more successful in the eventual job search and propelling me to the top of my collegiate class. Additionally, I plan to increase my leadership abilities. Considering my positions as President of my school’s Minority Scholars Program,Vice President of our Black Student Union, and a school ambassador, leadership is something which I enjoy and comes naturally. With my plan of bettering my leadership skills, I’ve earned volunteer positions on political campaigns, facilitated a live Q&A with the Governor of the US Virgin Islands for my school’s Black Student Union, and have revived the once dead Minority Scholars Program. I plan to continue in this manner in college, giving me the ability to rise in the ranks of clubs and frontline numerous programs, as well as dominate in the classroom, propelling myself towards being an academic force to be reckoned with. However, I’ve not planned such a plan of success in vain. I’ve done it due to what I view as the importance of a college degree. As black men, we have disappointingly low rates of college enrollment and completion, and in our communities, often, there is an ignorance to education and its value. An education, and more specifically a college degree, in our 21st century American lifestyles is a means to success in nearly every facet of life. No longer upon the one who seeks a college degree are the strifes of being unqualified, unintelligent, or simply ‘unfit’ for a respectable position in society. A college degree is a key to success, and it is through my plan of success in college, that I plan to attain this key.

Upon completing both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the study of International Relations, it is in my desire to immediately immerse myself in the issues and projects which I am passionate about in the field, and will leave a lasting impact on the world at large. It is through the means of networking, public speaking, and a thirst for knowledge that I will leave this lasting impact, globally, coupled with my expertise in the Arabic, Spanish, and French languages, as well as my fervor for reading. No global impact can be left upon the world without the help of others, thus, in order to accomplish my goal of a positive impact via my International Relations career, it will be necessary that I establish global connections via networking. With the help of networking, I will garner the ability to surround myself with a team of like-minded, motivated, and intelligent individuals, all of whom share the same deep seated passion for leaving a positive impact on the world as I. Additionally, with this global group of connections and expertise, I will have access to all that which is necessary to leave my impact, be it international personnel, financial resources, or the global insight needed to complete a variety of tasks. Secondly, I plan to make a positive impact on the world via my International Relations career with the help of my ardor for public speaking. To create global change, it is obligatory that the one desiring to enact change can effectively communicate his message. Thus, using my public speaking skills, I will be able to deliver my message on a global scale, mobilize groups and governments, and recruit others into aiding in my mission of creating an impact. Finally, I plan to leave a positive impact on the world with my zeal for knowledge, specifically, knowledge of the Social Sciences and International Relations. In the pursuit of impactfulness, knowledge is one of the most vital aspects, as without it, one will be dumbfounded in the type of impact he wants to make, how he will make it, and the resources which will be needed to make it. Thus, with a passion for knowledge, seeking it wherever it lies, I will know how to allay any problems which arise whilst in the process of leaving my mark; be it the onslaught of a global economic crisis, language barriers, or political strife, I will be able to make use of my expertise in the Social Sciences and alleviate any calamity which may impede upon my plan for leaving a positive global impact. To conclude, it is through the means of networking, public speaking, and beneficial knowledge, powered by an International Relations career that I plan to leave a positive impact on the world. An impact which will not seek to be one of temporary change and half heartedness, but one of strength, and long lasting impermeability

From the United States to France, from Britain to Portugal, the effects of imperialism have eviscerated the modern world. One may ask: What is imperialism? As per the Merriam Webster dictionary, imperialism is “: a policy or practice by which a country increases its power by gaining control over other areas of the world”. For example, France. The French spread their imperialism through colonialism. They are most known for their colonization of North Africa, West Africa, South America, and a slew of other countries. What did France do in all of their colonies? They forced their language, culture, and religion upon the native peoples whomst they colonized, thus beginning their imperialism. But, why does this matter in our modern times? Simply put: because of the effects of imperialism. Western imperialism has transmitted the ideals of racism, chattel slavery, and capitalism. These ideologies have penetrated the roots of the societies that they were brought to and degenerated the world at large. However, despite these atrocities caused by imperialism, a multi-faceted solution is needed to prevent the further carnage of nations. The most impactful manner that we can take to reverse imperialism is education. If a person does not understand a problem, then how can they fix it? By educating the colonized and the colonizer, the colonizer is enlightened about how cynical their actions were and why it should never be repeated. Whereas, the colonized learns what happened to them, and why. With the proper education, a newfound sense of compassion and understanding can be developed. However, this education will not fund itself. It demands willingness and adequate resources. As the saying goes, “when there’s a will, there’s a way” Whilst there is a large mountain ahead, it’s definitely possible to scale it and put the days of imperialism behind as nations.