Mental health is often viewed as the way we think and feel and our ability to deal with life's highs and lows. The enjoyment and stability of good mental health affords us the sense of purpose and direction, the enthusiasm to pursue our goals in life, and the ability to navigate through the challenges that happen in our lives. When considering our physical health, we attempt to stay fit as well as seek proper help and guidance almost in a timely manner to ensure we are meeting standards to be as physically fit as possible. We should take the same approach when it comes to our mental health. Optimal mental health cannot be considered as a standalone concept as it is fundamentally connected to physical and spiritual health, whatever that looks like to an individual. The Black community experiences many obstacles when compared to other communities. In the Black community, many live in fear of the violence that takes place on a continuous basis. Some lack assurance and comfort that they will be safe in their own homes due to possibly being a victim of a stray bullet. Many children go to sleep hungry and looking forward to the next school day as the breakfast and lunches for the reduced families becomes a beacon of hope for their next meal. There are also those who lack basic necessities such as adequate shelter, clothing, water, and electricity, to name just a few. Let's not forget the individuals in physical pain, suffering from some debilitation or disease and unable to receive the proper professional care due to lack of medical and/or dental coverage. It is highly unlikely that a person can achieve optimal mental health in these conditions. However, if effective programs were implemented in these communities, people of color may have a better chance of achieving the optimal mental health that they deserve and desire. Not having optimal mental health can make one feel powerless and defeated, therefore, resulting in a depressive state of mind. I envision a utopia where quality services advocating towards mental health are erected in the communities. For example, a nice recreation center with various sports and coaches may be exactly what is needed for the youth in these communities as this may be an avenue in channeling their frustration by engaging in recreational activities which in turn would curb the violence. Many white communities have the resources within their communities that black communities can only dream of. Something as simple as professional businesses offering medical, dental, and psychological services in these communities would be ideal to the mental and physical well-being of a person. People tend to do better when change is implemented and if senators, congressmen, councilmen, etc. were to advocate for the adequate resources to be dispersed within these communities, it could possibly lift the spirits of many and bring about an effective and purposeful change in achieving optimal mental health. In my opinion, achieving optimal mental health starts with creating a lifestyle that one can be comfortable with even when days may appear challenging. Having effective resources in the Black community supporting optimal mental health would be beneficial in directing those battling mental health to look forward to their purpose and direction in life.

I am the most happiest when I am listening to K-Pop. Since 2014, I have been listening to K-pop. Listening to K-pop gave me the inspiration to want to learn more about the Korean culture and language. In the 8th grade, I began to collect K-Pop albums since the lyrics in the album are written fully in Korean. As a result, I began to explore teaching myself how to read, write, and speak the Korean language. Whenever I would purchase an album, I would read the personal messages from the artists to test my understanding of what was written. My interest in learning the language grew to a heightened level to the point where I became really engrossed in learning to speak Korean fluently. I would buy books, watched K-dramas, K-pop interviews, and downloaded a Korean app that taught me how to speak the language. Currently, I am fluent enough to understand and engage in a conversation. I also know how to write in Korean. As a result of learning the Korean culture, it piqued an interest in me to major in Asian studies. I would love to attend St. Mary's College of Maryland in the Fall of 2022 as they have an Asian Studies program. I desire to study all about the Asian culture in general with a specific interest in the Korean culture. I intend to apply to the study abroad program so that I can travel to South Korea and study there as a student. In addition to the study abroad program at St. Mary's College of Maryland, the college also offers an internship to study a foreign language in any part of the world. My preference is to travel South Korea to enhance my ability to speak and interpret the Korean language as an expert.

I was so excited to attend the Harry Styles concert last month after waiting for a new concert date due to the pandemic. It felt so good just to be able to enjoy one of my favorite singers at a live concert and just bask in the ambiance of the crowd as well as the acoustics of the music and Harry's voice. This was really great for my mental and emotional health as well as I struggled from time to time with having to social distance myself. I will cherish this memory for years to come!

Life can present so many challenges and obstacles at times. Some good and some bad but ultimately one can either adapt or succumb to what life throws their way. The book entitled, "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson, is one of the most inspiring books I have read. This book was very relatable as it consisted of four characters living in a Maze in search for the right "cheese" that would make them satisfied and happy in life. All four characters were in in a "rat race" trying to find the best cheese possible within the Maze. One of the characters was content with the cheese he already had while another character was always in search of the next best cheese that was in the Maze. Then there was a character who was frustrated because it seemed the cheese he was looking for was non-existent. The final character found a cheese that he thought would be terrible as it turned a lot of things in his life in the Maze upside down just to realize that once he adapted to the changes the cheese brought along, he actually ended up enjoying the cheese. This book was very inspiring as it allowed me to recognize that the "cheese" in your life will not always look the same. It showed me how there will be periods of up and downs and periods of adjustments. Life may not always lend you lemons but when things seem to get sour or you feel like you may feel disconnected you can find another path to make lemonades. I am learning how to adapt from transitioning from high school to college life in Fall 2022 and the different challenges yet also the exciting moments that come along with it.

Losing my aunt was very upsetting as I held her very dear to my heart. She was one of the people I could count on for moral support as well as motivation. My aunt passed away from a seizure which took everyone by surprise. My didn't get the chance to even tell her that I loved her and that I appreciated all of the love, support, and guidance that she had provided to me over the years. My grandmother passing during the height of the pandemic was very eye-opening. It helped me to realize that life is so short and should not be taken for granted. In a blink of an eye, a loved one can be taken from you without notice and you should cherish every moment that you spend with the people you love. I came to learn that life is a gift and one that should be treasured at all times. As a result of experiencing loss, I decided to make the most of my life and to pursue different opportunities that I may once never have considered. For example, I decided to apply to colleges and stay on campus opposed to attending college as a commuter. I was once afraid of stepping into a place that would be unknown to me as attending college itself is treading on unfamiliar territory. However, I realized that if my aunt was alive, she would be my main supporter, besides my mom, encouraging me to venture out and explore and embrace the opportunity in my new journey into young adulthood. I have learned how to see and embrace the differences in others and appreciate what makes everyone different and their contributions to my life. There was a time I would take for granted that I would see my family every day. However, losing a loved one in the midst of a pandemic has taught me that family is of the utmost importance and should be cherished even through the ups and downs. I decided to be the one to fight towards making peace and not holding a grudge as you never know the last time you may be able to tell your loved one that you love them or just hear their voice on the other end of the phone. I came across a quote that read as follows, “I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.”—Leo Buscaglia This quote has become paramount in my life as I know that although my aunt and grandmother transitioned into another life, they continue to live within me by their memories and the choices that I make. When I go to college and live in the dorm, I will hear my aunt's voice telling me to keep exploring new opportunities and when the heat of the sun kisses my forehead, I will remember my grandmother's smile. Life is truly a gift that one should not take for granted and I will forever embrace my gift of life everyday due to the losses I have experienced.

As an African American female, I often feel as though I have to work twice as hard to make my "mark" in this world. People in my own race often refer to me as an "Oreo" as they feel I am not "Black Enough." My mom has helped me to overcome the feelings of not being accepted by my own race. At the age of 15, my mom was pregnant with my sister, yet she instilled in us the value of an education. She showed us what the true definition of perseverance was as she graduated with her BS in Biology as well as took on jobs while in college to support us. Being the middle child of 6 siblings, I often feel the pressure to be an example as one of the oldest yet at the same time I feel that my inadequacies some times can be a hindrance. I struggle with general anxiety disorder. This can become very overwhelming at times depending on the situation that I encounter. During the pandemic, my anxiety seemed to heightened as my normal routine as I knew it no longer existed. I found myself persistently worrying about my health as well as my family's health and this began to take a toll on my mental health. With the support of my family, I was able to overcome the anxiety and push forward towards excelling in my grades as well as enrolled in the INROADS College Links program. This program provided me with the tools to be even more successful and prepared me toward the next steps of higher education. As a result, I was able to take college courses while still in high school. I am currently in my 12th grade year and will take more college courses in the Spring 2022. I am very eager with applying to colleges and finding scholarships and financial aid that will be able to assist me in pursuing majoring in theater with a minor in Asian studies. I taught myself how to speak, write, and read Korean as I am passionate about learning other cultures and languages. I desire to study abroad in college so that I can one day live in South Korea and teach the English language. My ultimate dream when majoring in theater is to one day be on Broadway. I always had a passion for the performing arts ever since I can remember. I am active in my community. I am very passionate about giving back to the community and providing service. As a Girl Scout, I am actively involved in community activities such as wreath laying for the veterans, making care packages for the senior citizens, as well as other service activities. This proves to have a positive impact on the community as it shows respects and provides a service to those in need. In regards to laying the wreaths on the graves of veterans, we show our respect and gratitude for their service towards our country. It is great to pay tribute to those who have served as their contribution should not go unnoticed. In closing, I plan to use the scholarship money toward my tuition to help defray cost as my family does not have the means to outright pay for college. This scholarship would be a tremendous help since my mom has to provide for me and my siblings while also paying the mortgage, utilities, and other expenses.

I am passionate in regards to the performing arts. At the age of five, my mom enrolled me in ballet and after the first recital, I remember telling my mom that the stage is where I belong! My mom started to recognize my interest not only in dance but in singing and drama/theater as well. From there my passion really evolved even more. My mom enrolled me in community theater classes in which I learned how to write and direct plays as well as be a cast member. This was a very exciting time in my life which lead me to want to pursue the arts even more. I also have been very active in chorus from elementary school up until now my senior year in high school. As a result of all of my performing arts activities, my ultimate desire is to major in theater with the long term dream to perform on Broadway. My performing arts background will benefit the local community in a great way as I can take my knowledge and skills to assist other young artists. For example, dancing since the age of five has allowed me the opportunity to assist at my ballet school as a student assistant to the primary grades (ages 3-8). I am able to critique their techniques and provide them with pointers to ensure they pass their ballet exams. Also, I am able to assist in choreographing the primary group for the upcoming Spring recital. I enjoy volunteering with children of all ages. Next summer, I plan to choreograph a recital and recruit volunteers to perform in the community a platform against bullying. I feel that my experience in the performing arts along with others experienced in the arts will bring a different perspective and awareness of the negative impact of bullying in all forms. The choreography will consist of a series of dances, songs, and spoken word placing emphases on how we can stop bullying if we stand and speak out against it as one voice in the community. I believe that relaying the message using the dramatics of dance and the power in spoken word will reach all ages in the community. Until we are united as one front in our communities, how can we expect change to take place. The performing arts tends to appeal to the emotions of people no matter the ethnicity, age, or gender. I am hopeful that the arts will be used to send a message that will resonate in all those who play a part in supporting and speaking out against bullying.

Daring to be different and embracing my difference keeps me grounded in staying true to myself. People often refer to me an an "Oreo." It's crazy but to some I am not "black enough" yet to others I am a perfect combination. I do not let others opinions define me just because I do not dress, look, or act the part according to their standards or criteria of whatever that should be. I am able to embrace my ethnicity while at the same time embracing the ethnicity of other cultures. I am the type of individual that can appreciate diversity in any shape or form. I keep my head up high despite the naysayers and drown them out while listening to my K-Pop or whatever genre of music I feel in the mood for that day. I am a leader among all things and as a leader I march to the beat of my own drum. I will always stay true to myself and I encourage others to stay true to themselves as well. There is only one me and I plan on being the best true me that I can be!

I serve as a mentor to a few underclassmen at my school. Being a high school senior, I have took under my wing a group of freshmen and sophomores who were having a hard time adjusting to high school. I created a support group via social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook in which they can feel free to ask questions particularly about conversational topics that may be a little challenging to address. I have also encouraged them to pursue activities/clubs that may be of interest to them. I am very approachable and because I am very outgoing and bubbly, I believe this allows for them to be transparent and look at me as a confidant as well as a friend not just another upperclassmen. I recently experienced a situation in which one of the sophomores expressed she has been a victim of bullying. The bullying began virtually during distance learning her freshmen year and has continued in person her sophomore year. With the support of myself and two of my classmates, we encouraged her to report the incidents to administration as it is totally unacceptable. Due to her trusting us, she was able to inform her parents as well as administration to resolve the issue. In addition to mentoring my peers, I also serve as a mentor to students' grades kindergarten to second grade at my ballet school. As a student instructor, I guide and demonstrate the various ballet positions to the youth while encouraging them and supporting them in executing their movements flawlessly in order to pass their examinations. I continuously provide moral support by assuring them they are doing an awesome job which builds their confidence and skills. Through my mentorship of others, I hope to grow a circle of mentors to keep the cycle going!

The pandemic has had a great impact in shaping my mindset. Through the pandemic, I have learned how to appreciate and value the importance of family and relationships in general. There was a time when I would take for situations and people for granted, however, my perspective has changed for the best. I no longer take for granted that my parents will always be around and supportive as I have seen how many families have lost their loved ones as a result of COVID-19. I have now made it a purpose to spend as much time with my family as possible and to let them know that I love them. Even when helping out with my smaller siblings or just lending an extra hand with chores, I am appreciative that I am able to spend time with them. I have also learned the value of friendship and to cherish your true friends. I believe the pandemic has created a stronger bond within my circle of friends. We laugh with each other more, support each other stronger, and are even there even in times to offer a shoulder to cry on even if its via face time. Although the pandemic has been tragic, it has shown me that good things can come out of bad situations.

I struggle with general anxiety disorder. This can become very overwhelming at times depending on the situation that I encounter. During the pandemic, my anxiety seemed to heightened, as my normal routine I once knew no longer existed. I found myself persistently worrying about my health as well as my family's health. This began to consume me to the point that the worrying actually started manifesting other symptoms resembling body ailments. As a result, I began to have muscle tension, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and felt as if I couldn't breathe. That's when my doctor diagnosed me with general anxiety disorder. I searched the web for different resources to help me to cope with the changes taking place in the midst of the pandemic. I didn't realize that another reason the anxiety was creeping on me was because I wasn't able to physically interact with my friends as well as continue with my extracurricular activities. My mom became a support for me as well as other family members. As a result, I decided to reach out to my friends and form a group chat. The group chat really helped me with my anxiety and to feel like I still had my circle in place. My group chat began to grow and I was able to meet new people due to distant learning. I have a love for animals and thought it might be good to purchase a pet. I decided on two male guinea pigs. This turned out to be the best emotional support animals for me. Playing with them and taking care of them kept my mind off of everything that was once consuming. A lesson I learned is that when life deals you lemons, make lemonade or stay sour. This was a life changing lesson.

I help my community in different ways. I am very passionate about giving back to the community and providing service. As a Girl Scout, I am actively involved in community activities such as wreath laying for the veterans, making care packages for the senior citizens, as well as other service activities. This proves to have a positive impact on the community as it shows respects and provides a service to those in need. In regards to laying the wreaths on the graves of veterans, we show our respect and gratitude for their service towards our country. It is great to pay tribute to those who have served as their contribution should not go unnoticed. With respect to the elderly, each troop member purchases and collect donations of toiletries such as soap, washcloths, tissue, washcloths, socks, toothbrush, tooth paste, etc.to make care baskets for the seniors. I assist with collecting toiletries and assembling the care baskets. We assemble a total of 50-75 baskets a few times out of the year and take them to the senior assisted living home. While at the senior assisted living home, my Girl Scout troop and myself distribute the baskets to each senior as well as spend time with them by engaging in arts and crafts activities. It is such a rewarding experience to give back to others. I love seeing the smiling faces of the seniors as some of them do not have family that come to visit them. They tell us that we made their day and ask when are we returning. I believe that the elderly are the pillars of our community and we should honor them in any way that we can to show them how much we truly appreciate and respect their contributions to the community.

In order to have a positive impact on the climate, I recycle, reduce my energy usage, and try to minimize waste. My family has implemented recycling as a daily habit in our home. We make sure to recycle all packages, plastic, bottles, and other materials. Recycling is great for the climate as it helps to reduce emissions and carbon dioxide. I reduce energy by limiting how much I charge my phone and other gadget. Also, I turn off the lights in the house when I do not need them to preserve the electricity. Lastly, I minimize waste in a few ways. One way in which I minimize waste is making sure I am not throwing away any food. I try to ensure that when I consume food, I am only putting on my plate what I know I will actually eat. I also minimize waste by donating unwanted items to charity as well as repairing and reusing items instead of purchasing new ones.

My favorite book of all time is The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. This is the second book in the Hunger Games quadrilogy, since the new book had recently come out. This book had me in shambles as I was reading, since it really tugged on my heartstrings. All the previous victors from the past games were thrust into an arena to fight to the death, again, because of Katniss Everdeen and her leading a rebellion with the Mockingjay. During this book, she had lied and forged a pregnancy so that the games would stop, claiming her fellow teammate had gotten her pregnant and they were now married. Katniss had formed an alliance with many other victors such as Finnick Odair, Mags, Johanna, Wiress and Beetee. During these games, the arena was a clock. Different things would happen at different hours, and it was all split up into different sections as well. But, many people would die. Gloss and Cashmere were siblings and they both got killed around the same time, Mags was old and fragile, so she walked into the poisonous gas to not be a burden. Wiress had died from a slice to her throat, and the female morph ling had passed away due to jumping in front of Peeta to save him. Everyone's goal was to get Katniss and Peeta out, so that they could lead the mocking jay revolution in District 13. These deaths were extremely traumatic for me, and I always tend to cry when reading them or watching the movie adaptation.

Bullying has been a problem dated back from centuries. However, it seems to be even more prevalent today. This is a major problem facing our world right now as so many age groups are affected by bullying. It is a shame when children are afraid to ride the school bus or even walk into a place of learning due to the anxiety and stress that hovers over them like a dark cloud due to their oppressors. School should be a place in which a student should feel safe and protected and exercise their freedom to learn in a peaceful environment without being targeted. Let's not forget about cyber bullying and the impact that it can have on a person's reputation, mental health, and personal well believing. Cyber bullying has sky rocketed out of control as the internet and the many various platforms that are designed have turned into another avenue of being able to launch attacks on victims of bullying. I have a classmate who just mustered up the courage to speak on how she has been a target of bullying by her peers during the pandemic in the virtual learning environment. This has affected her not wanting to attend school in person as the group of students that are bullying her also attend the school and are even in her classes. Lastly, bullying in the work place has become a level of concern. Employees are being targeted by their superiors as well as by colleagues. One might think that as you become an adult that bullying ceases, however, that is so far from the truth. If we were to educate on the impact bullying has on the mental, social, and psychological well- being of a person and hold the oppressors accountable of their actions, this may bring about change.

I have received so much helpful advice over the past few years from many sources ranging from my mom, Girl Scouts, and other programs and workshops on finances. My mom is very adamant regarding being disciplined with finances. She taught me and my sisters how to be wise in spending and managing our money. My mom showed me how to manage my paycheck from my summer job by budgeting and saving. She suggested that I budget my pay by taking a percentage of my check and transferring it into my savings account. She said this would come in handy for a "rainy" day. I wasn't really sure of that term "rainy" day until I encountered a situation in which one of my paychecks was delayed by 2 weeks and I needed money to hold me over until I received my pay. I was so grateful to her for this lesson and this is one that I will always remember going forward!

My family and friends always speak of how much I am into K-pop to the point where it seems like it shows up in everything that I do! For example, I am sitting at my desk listening to K-pop as I write this personal essay. The person reading this essay may ask themselves, "what is it about K-pop that is so interesting and how does it relate to me attending college?' Well, I am so glad you asked! Since 2014, I have been listening to K-pop. Listening to K-pop gave me the inspiration to want to learn more about the Korean culture and language. In the 8th grade, I began to collect K-Pop albums since the lyrics in the album are written fully in Korean. As a result, I began to explore teaching myself how to read, write, and speak the Korean language. Whenever I would purchase an album, I would read the personal messages from the artists to test my understanding of what was written. My interest in learning the language grew to a heightened level to the point where I became really engrossed in learning to speak Korean fluently. I would buy books, watched K-dramas, K-pop interviews, and downloaded a Korean app that taught me how to speak the language. Currently, I am fluent enough to understand and engage in a conversation. I also know how to write in Korean. As a result of learning about the Korean culture, it really piqued an interest in me to attend college majoring in Asian studies. I would love to attend St. Mary's College of Maryland in the Fall of 2022 as they have an Asian Studies program. I desire to study all about the Asian culture in general with a specific interest in the Korean culture. I intend to apply to the study abroad program so that I can travel to South Korea and study there as a student. In addition to the study abroad program at St. Mary's College of Maryland, the college also offers an internship to study a foreign language in any part of the world. My preference is to travel South Korea to enhance my ability to speak and interpret the Korean language as an expert. After I receive my degree in Asian Studies, I aspire to live in South Korea for at least three years and teach English in Korean schools. I believe that the foundation I receive in Asian studies will prepare me by giving me the resources that I need to be adaptable living and working in a foreign culture. Once I have experienced teaching in South Korea, I would like to pursue a long term career as a foreign interpreter for the United States government.

Someone I admire from history is Elizabeth Schuyler. Elizabeth Schuyler was the wife of Alexander Hamilton, famously known as the founding father without a father. She was a strong woman, overcoming plenty of obstacles thrown her way, especially with her husband constantly being in the spotlight and helping to establish an American government. I saw a glimpse of her life in the Broadway musical titled, "Hamilton" and instantly became immersed in her character, so much to the point in doing my own research about her. Growing up in the spotlight must have been a chore for her from the start, since her father was in the Senate and a very wealthy man. When she was still young, she married Alexander Hamilton. Marrying him wasn't easy, as all he seemed to do was work and not spend much time with her, even after the war had been over. Hamilton had also had an affair with a young lady named Maria Reynolds, and through everything that had happened, Elizabeth stayed with her husband. Even with him being unfaithful, she wanted to work through it and stay with him. She must have been a woman of true commitment. Elizabeth Schuyler is more than Alexander Hamilton's wife, though. When her husband passed, she raised money for the Washington Monument, as she was also close with George Washington himself. Elizabeth Schuyler spoke out about slavery, despite her husband owning slaves, as well as her colleagues. She had also established the first private orphanage in New York City to pay homage to her husband, who was an orphan. Elizabeth was a very courageous woman, always wanting to help and do work in her community. She told everyone's story and legacy, but in doing that, she was also making a legacy for herself.

I love dance and theatre and how the two can merge into one. I truly enjoy attending productions at the Kennedy Center as well as on Broadway. The way that a choreographer choreographs the movement of a dance and piece it together with an actual dramatization is phenomenal! I am so into the background effects as well as the stage production that is entailed with both. Theatre is a major that I am interested in pursuing as I myself would dream of being a Broadway performer and touring the world. I also am a dancer. I have trained in ballet since the age of five. The movements are so captivating and elegant that it tells a story through the dance itself. The way that the music builds with intensity is very moving in itself that whether I am performing or watching a performance, I can feel the emotions of the character.

As a Girl Scout, there are always volunteer opportunities. One of my favorites is giving back to the elderly in the community. Each troop member purchases and collect donations of toiletries such as soap, washcloths, tissue, washcloths, socks, toothbrush, tooth paste, etc.to make care baskets for the seniors. I assist with collecting toiletries and assembling the care baskets. We assemble a total of 50-75 baskets a few times out of the year and take them to the senior assisted living home. While at the senior assisted living home, my Girl Scout troop and myself distribute the baskets to each senior as well as spend time with them by engaging in arts and crafts activities. It is such a rewarding experience to give back to others. I love seeing the smiling faces of the seniors as some of them do not have family that come to visit them. They tell us that we made their day and ask when are we returning. I believe that the elderly are the pillars of our community and we should honor them in any way that we can to show them how much we truly appreciate and respect their contributions to the community.

I would love to live in South Korea and teach English. I have taught myself how to speak, read, and write Korean as I am a huge KPop fan and have a love for the Asian culture in general! I intend to major in Asian studies and apply to the study abroad program. I anticipate moving to South Korea within 2 years after graduating from college. After spending some time living in South Korea, I would like to return to the United States as an interpreter. I have a fascination with learning foreign languages and would like to pursue a career in which I can travel abroad and serve as an interpreter for the United States government. Another dream of mine is to be on Broadway. I am truly passionate in the performing arts and would love to one day work alongside Lin Manuel Miranda as he is such a great performer and composer of theater and music! I will minor in theater/drama upon entering college next Fall. I would love to be able to perform across the country and the world in many Broadway productions! I told my mom that when I am famous, I will buy her a vacation home in Scotland. I truly am looking forward to having this dream come into reality!

I have received so much helpful advice over the past few years from many sources ranging from my mom, Girl Scouts, and other programs and workshops on finances. My mom is very adamant regarding being disciplined with finances. She taught me how to be wise in spending and managing my money. She told me that when I received my paycheck from my summer job, to take a percentage of my check and place it in my savings account for a "rainy" day. I wasn't really sure of the term "rainy" day until I encountered a situation in which one of my paychecks was delayed by 2 weeks and I needed money to hold me over until I received my pay. I was so grateful to her for this lesson and this is one that I will always remember going forward! Another piece of helpful financial advice I received was that in the event I have to apply for student loans, when I receive my refund check from the University that I attend, be mindful to not look at the check as "free money" but instead to save it and apply it towards the loan balance. This is very helpful considering many college students will use the money on purchases they may not need such as concert tickets, shoes, etc. I plan to take this information and apply it should I find that I need to take out a loan as it will be beneficial to me in the long haul.

My mother was a teen mom at the age of 15, however, she did not let that stop her from pursuing her education. My mom attended Bowie State University straight out of high school while providing for my oldest sister who was 2 years old at the time. In her last year of college, she gave birth to me despite family members telling her she would not graduate on time. She proved them wrong by graduating with her Bachelor's in Biology. I asked her how was she able to manage prioritizing her course work while caring for me and my sister. She told me once you have a goal in mind and determination, you are able to achieve anything. My mom knew the importance of a college education and how it could provide better opportunities for our family. Since my early childhood years, my mom would always encourage me and my sister to do our very best in school and to maintain good grades. She wouldn't accept anything less from us as she told us that going to school and studying was our only job during this stage of our life. I often chuckled inside as I never looked at going to school as a job. However, now that I am a senior in high school, it truly takes a lot of work, studying, and determination not only to make the grades but to prove to a university/college why I would be a valuable student at their institution. I watched how my mom encouraged my oldest sister to pursue a degree in fashion as she was able to recognize her talent in drawing designs as well as her eye for fashion in general. As a result, my sister graduated from Marymount University with her Bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising. Seeing my sister walk across the stage to accept her degree was so empowering that I knew I wanted to experience that same joy. I know my mom will continue to be a major influencer while I am in college as she has continuously provided support every step of the way with completing my college applications, scholarship searches, and touring campuses to find the college/university that will be the best fit for me. My mom's love, guidance, and support has been influential in my decision to attend college. I see how much she was able to accomplish by pursuing her degree. Although, I may not have walked her path, I am very appreciative and inspired by mom and I respect how she was able to persevere towards her degree despite the obstacles that she had to overcome.