“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 Against All Odds: The Power of Perseverance June 2013, Gulfport, Mississippi. I remember driving home with my dad when suddenly we turned the corner. I remember the moment vividly - red and blue flashing lights. It was very late and I was tired, but he turned the car around and told me we were going to Walmart to look for a present for me. That night marked the last time I would see the people who gave birth to me. I was taken away to my aunt’s and told that my parents were "sick." I spent the year after nearly failing kindergarten, refusing to learn how to read, and frequently found myself in the principal’s office for misconduct. My aunt, already overwhelmed with my 2-year-old brother, could not manage my behavior, ushering us to a new home that would better support us. The following years were a turning point. My loathing for school transformed into a passion for learning. In just a year, I rose to the top of my class, and my behavior improved significantly. Where I once hated reading or doing homework, I discovered my love for school. New friends started coming to me for help with their schoolwork. If I hadn’t taken my education seriously back then, I wouldn’t have developed my love for books or the work ethic that drives me today. Around this time, my family started bringing my brother and me to their church. I quickly fell in love with the Catholic faith. I followed their lead and learned to pray every night before bed. Of course, most of this was blind faith until I turned 16. I began to take my faith seriously and made my Confirmation soon after. Suddenly, my faith was more than just a chore or sitting through Church; it became a great celebration! Above all, God brought me comfort and love in times of darkness. Yet, life continued to throw challenges my way. Each setback has taught me the resilience to pick myself up. I am profoundly grateful for the lessons I've learned and the support I’ve received— most of all from my best friend, family, faith, and teachers. After all the obstacles that have been sent my way, I can't help but feel thankful for the valuable lessons and gifts they’ve given me. Throughout my high school years, I’ve been told over and over how challenging college and medical school will be. It’s strange, but I find myself excited to face whatever life throws towards me. The obstacles I’ve encountered have equipped me with the resilience and grit to embrace misfortune. This is because no matter what horrible thing shows itself to me, I believe I can overcome it and gain something good from it. That is the ultimate lesson I’ve learned: good can come out of any and every hardship. Ultimately, my journey has taught me that growth often comes from struggle. As I prepare for college, I carry with me the belief that I can face whatever life may throw my way with the knowledge that perseverance and a positive attitude can lead to success. I look forward to not only embracing the challenges of higher education but also discovering new ways to contribute to my community and make a positive impact along the way.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 June 2013, Gulfport, Mississippi. I remember driving home with my dad when suddenly we turned the corner. I remember the moment vividly - red and blue flashing lights. It was very late and I was tired, but he turned the car around and told me we were going to Walmart to look for a present for me. That night marked the last time I would see the people who gave birth to me. I was taken away to my aunt’s and told that my parents were "sick." I spent the year after nearly failing kindergarten, refusing to learn how to read, and frequently found myself in the principal’s office for misconduct. My aunt, already overwhelmed with my 2-year-old brother, could not manage my behavior, ushering us to a new home that would better support us. The following years were a turning point. My loathing for school transformed into a passion for learning. In just a year, I rose to the top of my class, and my behavior improved significantly. Where I once hated reading or doing homework, I discovered my love for school. New friends started coming to me for help with their schoolwork. If I hadn’t taken my education seriously back then, I wouldn’t have developed my love for books or the work ethic that drives me today. Around this time, my family started bringing my brother and me to their church. I quickly fell in love with the Catholic faith. I followed their lead and learned to pray every night before bed. Of course, most of this was blind faith until I turned 16. I began to take my faith seriously and made my Confirmation soon after. Suddenly, my faith was more than just a chore or sitting through Church; it became a great celebration! Above all, God brought me comfort and love in times of darkness. Yet, life continued to throw challenges my way. Each setback has taught me the resilience to pick myself up. I am profoundly grateful for the lessons I've learned and the support I’ve received— most of all from my best friend, family, faith, and teachers. After all the obstacles that have been sent my way, I can't help but feel thankful for the valuable lessons and gifts they’ve given me. Throughout my high school years, I’ve been told over and over how challenging college and medical school will be. It’s strange, but I find myself excited to face whatever life throws towards me. The obstacles I’ve encountered have equipped me with the resilience and grit to embrace misfortune. This is because no matter what horrible thing shows itself to me, I believe I can overcome it and gain something good from it. That is the ultimate lesson I’ve learned: good can come out of any and every hardship. Ultimately, my journey has taught me that growth often comes from struggle. As I prepare for college, I carry with me the belief that I can face whatever life may throw my way with the knowledge that perseverance and a positive attitude can lead to success. I look forward to not only embracing the challenges of higher education but also discovering new ways to contribute to my community and make a positive impact along the way.

Close your eyes and picture your favorite woman. It doesn’t matter if it’s a partner, friend, or family member. Imagine them being told that one of their core beliefs is wrong or not respectable. Something they believe wholeheartedly in and would argue for hours to prove their point. Imagine that they are broken and finally agree to whatever the other person is saying. Now open your eyes and ask how many women are made to do this every day. How many women face isolation and are taken advantage of. They are denied freedoms such as having a job or being able to speak their mind. Mostly, when a woman decides to speak out, they are stereotyped as a “nitpick” or someone who just wants something to complain about. Our voices are ignored. Our voices are pushed aside. Our voices are condemned. My name is Lily Viglianco and I am striving to create a better place in this world for women one step at a time. In modern times, the idea that men and women ARE equal is shoved in our brains and told to stay put. When we speak out about rape, work opportunities, or even just a boundary, all is ignored. Women have been told to shut their mouths, accept their place, and sometimes even help men in their oppression. We are not dogs who can be trained to sit and then expected to stay until we are rewarded. No one is alone in this. Every woman faces problems from men all the time. The medical field is dominated by males. I want to become an orthopedic surgeon to prove that women can succeed even when told they can't. I have been told I won't receive many patients because of my gender and should consider nursing instead. I won't back down to appease others. I will achieve my dream of being a surgeon and do more than just survive my career environment; I will thrive. I will become the best surgeon in my field and the primary choice for patients in need. Every small step taken toward equality is a stride toward a better future, both for myself and for all women. Together, we can amplify our voices, challenge the status quo, and prove that we are not only equal but capable of achieving greatness in any field we choose. Let us stand together, united in our fight for respect, recognition, and the rights we deserve. We are resilient, we are powerful, and we will not be silenced.

Personal Challenges: One of the most significant challenges I faced was navigating the instability of my childhood due to adoption. My brother and I moved between multiple homes, and it wasn't until I was eight that we finally settled into a stable environment. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and determination. I learned to adapt to new situations and maintain a positive outlook, even when things were uncertain. Reflecting on those years, I realize that these challenges have instilled in me a strong sense of empathy and a desire to help others who might be going through difficult times. Adoption has also made me a tougher person. It challenged me to confront my fears and insecurities head-on, forcing me to develop a strong inner resolve. I learned to stand up for myself and advocate for what I needed, which has translated into a greater sense of confidence in my abilities. I’ve learned that overcoming obstacles isn't just about perseverance; it’s about finding strength within yourself and leaning on your support system. Throughout this journey, my faith in God has been a cornerstone of my strength. Trusting in His plan has inspired me to never give up, even in the face of adversity. I believe that my struggles are part of a greater purpose, and this perspective fuels my determination to keep moving forward. Service and Community Contribution: My commitment to community service is evident in my over 200 hours of volunteer work with my church and various local organizations. Through these experiences, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and understand their struggles. Volunteering has taught me the value of giving back and the impact we can have on our communities. Being involved in service projects has shaped my character by fostering compassion, teamwork, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Whether it was organizing food drives or mentoring younger students, each experience reinforced my belief in the importance of community and the role we all play in improving the lives of others. Future Aspirations: My passion for becoming an orthopedic surgeon stems from a desire to blend my interest in medicine with my commitment to helping others. My soccer coach, who is an orthopedic surgeon, has been a significant source of inspiration for me. Seeing him combine his medical expertise with his passion for sports has shown me the positive impact a physician can have on athletes’ lives. Additionally, my mother, a nurse practitioner, has instilled in me the values of compassion and dedication to healthcare. Both have shaped my understanding of the importance of support through recovery and the role that medical professionals play in making a difference. I aspire to have a positive impact on people's lives by not only treating injuries and conditions but also providing support and encouragement throughout their recovery journeys. I plan to uphold the values of a medical professional by maintaining integrity, compassion, and dedication to my patients. I aim to be a role model, much like my coach and my mother, who inspire me daily. By pursuing this career path, I hope to combine my love for the medical field with the values of service and community that have shaped my life thus far, all while trusting that God will guide me in my journey. His influence encourages me to persevere and keep faith in the positive outcomes I hope to create.

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been a constant struggle that has significantly impacted my life. The challenges associated with this condition, such as difficulty in focusing, staying organized, and completing tasks on time, have been a part of my daily routine for as long as I can remember. I am a forgetful person, and even the simplest tasks can turn into complex challenges for me. Therefore, I have developed strategies to combat forgetfulness, such as leaving notes around the house and creating checklists to use every night and morning. In addition to forgetfulness, I also struggle with impulsivity and find it difficult to control my emotions and behavior. While I am a good student, I often have trouble paying attention in class due to my hyperactivity. Sitting still at a desk all day can be quite challenging for me, and my hyperactivity often causes me to zone out and miss important lessons. Despite these challenges, I continue to work hard every day to manage my condition and live a fulfilling life. My parents have also struggled with me to battle my ADHD. They have helped me improve how I handle my symptoms and have been very supportive of me. They have helped me to understand that ADHD is a part of me, but it doesn't have to control my life. When I become frustrated over my mistakes influenced by my ADHD, they remind me that I am a normal person; I just have issues dealing with memory and focusing skills. Overall, I have had a long journey battling ADHD, and it's not over yet. I will continue to strive to find ways to improve my disability. I hope that one day, I may be able to help kids that have the same problems I do now. As mental awareness in the science community increases, the fight against ADHD will hopefully be less of a struggle for future generations.

My name is Lily, and being adopted and losing my parents has definitely affected me and will follow me for the rest of my life. When I was 5 years old, my brother and I were taken away from our parents. Instead of being an older sister to him, I became a mother as we moved from different houses. I have multiple mental illnesses such as ADHD, situational depression, and ODD that stem from my childhood. After my brother and I were adopted, we had severe attachment issues and struggled to adjust to our new home. It took us a while to call our new parents "Mom" and "Dad." I often wonder why I wasn't enough for my parents, but I feel like I'm overcoming it every day with the love and support that surrounds me now. I go to formal therapy for past trauma, but I also find comfort in people around me. My grandparents are the most loving people I know, and they support every decision I make, even if no one else agrees with them. My parents have always done their very best to show love in the house, and I know they'll always be a little worried I go down the same path my biological parents did. They try to prepare me every day so I don't follow in my biological parents' footsteps and make a life of my own. My brother and sister, although frustrating, are the most loving siblings and the best anyone could ever ask for. Last of all, my best friend Abigail Warburton. I saved a whole paragraph for her because she is the most special person in the world. She is the most positive and kind person I have ever known. She is so caring and sweet and never has anything mean to say about anyone. Every time I have an ugly thought about someone, I think of what Abby would think before I spit it out. She's like an angel God has sent for me. Although I love talking to friends, another form of therapy I have is through sports. It's easy to go for a run when I get mad or frustrated with the world. Running helps me to blow off steam and forget about current troubles. I've met some of my best friends through sports. In fact, I met Abby through soccer, and she always helps me to strive for my best. Abby does all the same sports as I do (soccer, cross country, and track). Whenever a run feels too long, she helps me to find one last reserve to go a little farther. I end with this paragraph because it's about the future and how I know I can make a bright future for myself even if I suffered a lot in my childhood. Even though the chances for me suffering from addiction are higher than others; Even though I have severe ADHD it causes me to say things without thinking; Even though some days feel endless and like there's no point in life. The things that help me through it are family, friends, and an outlet in sports. I know that I'm not defined by my past and that I'm strong enough to get through any future struggles that may be caused by past trauma.

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been a constant struggle that has significantly impacted my life. The challenges associated with this condition, such as difficulty in focusing, staying organized, and completing tasks on time, have been a part of my daily routine for as long as I can remember. I am a forgetful person, and even the simplest tasks can turn into complex challenges for me. Therefore, I have developed strategies to combat forgetfulness, such as leaving notes around the house and creating checklists to use every night and morning. In addition to forgetfulness, I also struggle with impulsivity and find it difficult to control my emotions and behavior. While I am a good student, I often have trouble paying attention in class due to my hyperactivity. Sitting still at a desk all day can be quite challenging for me, and my hyperactivity often causes me to zone out and miss important lessons. Despite these challenges, I continue to work hard every day to manage my condition and live a fulfilling life. My parents have also struggled with me to battle my ADHD. They have helped me improve how I handle my symptoms and have been very supportive of me. They have helped me to understand that ADHD is a part of me, but it doesn't have to control my life. When I become frustrated over my mistakes influenced by my ADHD, they remind me that I am a normal person; I just have issues dealing with memory and focusing skills. Overall, I have had a long journey battling ADHD, and it's not over yet. I will continue to strive to find ways to improve my disability. I hope that one day, I may be able to help kids that have the same problems I do now. As mental awareness in the science community increases, the fight against ADHD will hopefully be less of a struggle for future generations.