Music is a universal language that has the extraordinary power to profoundly touch our hearts and souls. It can have a wide range of emotions, inspire us, and provide a lens through which we perceive and understand the world around us. Throughout history, music has played a significant role in shaping cultural, social, and personal perspectives, leaving an indelible mark on individuals and society as a whole. One of the profound ways music has shaped my view of the world is through its emotional impact. Music has an uncanny ability to tap into our deepest emotions, transporting us to places of joy, sadness, love, or nostalgia. When we hear a powerful piece of music, it can resonate with our own experiences, offering solace or celebration. It reminds us of our shared humanity and the complex tapestry of emotions that make us who we are. Music allowed me to connect with myself and others on a profound level, helping members navigate and make sense of my emotions. Music serves as a mirror of culture, reflecting my values, traditions, and memories. Different genres of music often carry the imprints of the historical, social, and political contexts in which they originated. Engaging with diverse musical traditions from around the world allowed me to gain insights into the cultural nuances and perspectives of various communities. This exposure expanded my understanding, empathy, and the breakdown of stereotypes, promoting a more inclusive and interconnected world. Music has been a vehicle for social commentary, empowering artists to voice their thoughts, beliefs, and concerns. Throughout history, musicians have used their platform to address social issues, challenge the status quo, and advocate for change. From protest songs during times of political unrest to anthems of unity and empowerment, music gave me the power to mobilize communities, raise awareness, and inspire action. It catalyzes social movements, pushing boundaries, and striving for a more just and equitable world. On a personal level, music shaped my view of the world by providing a means of self-expression and personal growth. It allowed me to communicate my innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences when words fail. Whether I created music or simply listen to it, music became a sanctuary where I could explore my own identity and find solace in difficult times. It encouraged introspection, and reflection on my values and beliefs, and helped me navigate the complexities of life. Through music, I gained a deeper understanding of myself, forge connections with others, and find inspiration and strength to overcome challenges. Music is also a powerful catalyst for connection and community. Concerts, music festivals, and other musical events create spaces where people from diverse backgrounds come together to share their love for music. In these communal experiences, barriers dissolve, and a sense of unity and belonging emerges. Music has the incredible ability to unite people, bridging divides of language, culture, and ideology. It reminded me that we are part of something greater, fostering a sense of shared humanity and collective purpose. In conclusion, music profoundly impacts how we view the world, especially with my story. Its emotional depth, cultural resonance, social commentary, and personal significance shaped my perceptions and understanding. Music is a powerful tool for connection, personal growth, and social change. By engaging with music, I opened myself to new perspectives, expanded my empathy, and found inspiration to make the world a better place.

Mental health is essential because it affects all aspects of our lives, including our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. When we have good mental health, we can think, manage our emotions, and cope with life's challenges. On the other hand, when we experience poor mental health, it can impact our ability to function effectively and lead to a range of negative consequences, including problems with relationships, work, and physical health. Moreover, mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being. Our mental health influences how we feel about ourselves and the world around us, our ability to engage in social and leisure activities, and our overall quality of life. Therefore, taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. This includes practicing self-care, seeking help when needed, and addressing mental health concerns as they arise. I maintain my mental health by not overwhelming myself with work and activities while surrounding people who raise me, and not putting me down. When your brain is cluttered with thoughts, tasks, and needs, it becomes overwhelmed and makes it to where it wants to shut down. The brain shutting down could result in increased fatigue, a decrease in grades, lower morale, and poor hygiene. All of these things are important signs that someone is overworked or shutting down, which could lead to physical changes. When you experience poor hygiene, you are more susceptible to sicknesses including tooth decay, athlete's foot, lice, and pinworm. Each one has its part of the body that they attack, but they all are detrimental to our health. Another way I maintain my mental health is by setting boundaries and prioritizing myself when it comes to making decisions. Setting boundaries and learning to say no when necessary are easy decisions, but are often pushed to the side because they are considered "too hard to do." Once you can break through and prioritize activities and commitments that align with your values and goals, you become more awakened and you can, in a sense, see again. Taking care of your own needs and respecting your limits is essential for maintaining mental well-being. The last way I keep my mental health is by becoming self-aware of emotional outbreaks. This goes hand-in-hand with knowing what is best to get over an emotional time or topic. Having someone to keep you accountable is best, but it is not always the best option, but it is a start for some. Keeping a journal or a diary is also a great way to release thoughts and emotions without keeping them secluded in your mind.

My name is Lindsay Holliday and I am a senior in high school in Marion, Ohio. I was born and raised here and plan to attend the Ohio State University, starting with one year at the Marion campus. I have been involved with the school and community music and arts programs since I was little, including but not limited to musicals, plays, choirs, bands, and dances. Some sports I have done in my high school career are bowling, tennis, and track. I am also in my school's Tri-M branch, which is an honor society for band and choir students. As a child, I have wanted to be somewhere in the medical field, but never had a clear idea where. As I have grown up, I have seen all sorts of doctoral roles and positions in a hospital, which all have their pros and cons. I have noticed that some positions tend to be more hostile to patients and other workers, either because of their things or the feeling of superiority over others. I have seen this, especially in nursing homes. Sometimes, the nurses can get fed up and upset because their patients can not remember things or help themselves when it comes to hygiene. Another thing I see is if the work becomes repetitive, the nurses and doctors tend to be burnt out and start to become irritable. Seeing these types of treatment hit me somehow, making me want to pursue a healthy role in the healthcare field. Being a positive and respectable model in any job makes you more credible and you can make better connections with those around you. One way I would like to achieve this goal is by educating and empowering patients. Medical professionals can play a vital role in educating patients about their health conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures. By empowering these patients with knowledge and promoting shared decision-making, healthcare providers can help individuals take an active role in their well-being. Another way I could achieve this goal is by mentoring and training the next generation of medical professionals. I can make a lasting impact by mentoring and training aspiring healthcare providers. Sharing knowledge, experience, and wisdom with future generations can help cultivate a culture of excellence and compassion in the medical field, ensuring that a positive impact continues to be made beyond an individual's career. My last way of making a positive impact is by engaging in research and innovation. By participating in medical research and innovation, healthcare professionals can contribute to advancing medical knowledge and developing new treatments. This can involve conducting clinical trials, publishing research findings, and collaborating with other experts to improve healthcare outcomes and address unmet medical needs.

The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is "Dead Poets Society." Directed by Peter Weir and released in 1989, this film has left an indelible mark on my soul and has shaped my perspective on life, education, and the pursuit of passion. "Dead Poets Society" is set in the prestigious Welton Academy, an all-boys preparatory school known for its strict adherence to tradition and discipline. The story revolves around the arrival of an unconventional English teacher named John Keating, played brilliantly by Robin Williams. Keating's unorthodox teaching methods and his encouragement of his students to think for themselves and seize the day, inspired by the transcendentalist writers, spark a rebellion against the conformist nature of the institution. From the moment I first watched "Dead Poets Society," I was struck by the profound impact a teacher can have on the lives of their students. The character of John Keating embodies the power of education to awaken curiosity, passion, and critical thinking in young minds. His mantra, "Carpe Diem," became a rallying cry for me, a reminder to seize every opportunity and live life to its fullest. Through captivating performances and heartfelt storytelling, "Dead Poets Society" explores themes of individuality, self-expression, and the power of art. It taught me the importance of pursuing one's dreams and passions, even in the face of societal expectations and pressures. The film inspired me to question the status quo and to challenge the limitations imposed by others. One particular scene that has remained etched in my memory is the "O Captain! My Captain!" moment. As the students stand at their desks to honor their departing teacher, it is a poignant symbol of Keating's impact on their lives. It reminded me of the transformative influence a mentor can have and our responsibility to inspire and uplift others. "Dead Poets Society" also sheds light on the importance of fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. The bond between the students in the film serves as a powerful reminder of the support and strength that can be found in connection with others. It taught me the significance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who share similar passions and values. Moreover, "Dead Poets Society" sparked my love for literature and poetry. The film introduced me to the works of Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, and other influential poets, awakening a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and power of words. It reinforced the idea that literature can shape our perceptions, challenge our beliefs, and ignite our imaginations. In conclusion, "Dead Poets Society" is a film that has deeply impacted my life. It taught me to embrace individuality, pursue my passions fervently, and savor each moment. It reminded me of the importance of education that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth. Through its timeless message, this film continues to inspire me to be a lifelong learner, to question the norms, and to seize the day.

The dream version of my future self is to someone who is traveling across the country to save lives while enjoying their time visiting each state or city.

America, as we know it, has evolved as a country but has also had downfalls. Our country seems to be turning on itself when we should be uniting and fighting as one country. I understand that some things mentioned in Congress and many court cases can be controversial, but we need to be level-headed and see all parts of the story. If we do not open our minds, we will never be able to expand and make our lives better. This is what it takes to be an American, which is why I am always proud to display my origins. The main things that make me proud to be an American are all the hardships we have gone through in the past and our freedom because of people’s sacrifices. As a country, we have lost millions of people through attacks on our country and people who fought for the country. The dedication these people had to be free from tyranny makes me proud that I am able to reside in this country. It amazes me how people who are so motivated by something could accomplish such a task. Even though they were not guaranteed to live, they took that risk and made the most of their time on the battlefield. These people also fought for our freedom, which is another reason I am glad to be an American. If people did not want to fight for our country, we would still be under the control of England and would not have the freedom we have now. One change I would like to see in our country is better support and safety for the people who reside in the United States. Sometimes, our government wants to focus on potential threats and turns its full attention to them when it should focus on something that could alter the future of this country. With the current situation our government is in, we see them focusing on banning an app that could be “spying” on us rather than kids in schools being threatened for their lives. I am not saying we need to ban guns or set up prison-level security in schools, but I want the government to understand that these kids are our future. If they see how some kids are losing their lives by going to school, it does not put a good taste in their mouths. It could make them resentful towards the government. One way I can affect this change is by starting support groups for kids who have been victims of said attacks or knows someone who has. These groups can also be used for any hardships or rough spots in their lives. This is different from a normal therapy session because we will focus on hardcore trauma and helping straight from the source.

Feminism has been a word thrown around the history to describe a ditsy, frail lady who loves pink and luxury. This definition should no longer be accurate because females are evolving and have interests in considerably manly activities. Feminism in my words would be the feeling that you belong to the female gender. I believe that this is an important topic because we see how many people have been criticized and put down for feeling that they do not belong because they were not put into the right gendered body. Every voice should be heard and accepted for who they are or believe they are, especially if it will make them happier, leading to a happier world as a whole. I also see it is important to bring to light the idea of cases against women for the benefit of men. One example of this is Muller v. Oregon. This court case made it so woemn were provided with less working hours than men, which makes it so that men have more hours and make more money. Another thing that is a major roadblock to overall female prosperity is the Pink Tax. The Pink Tax is referring to when companies target products towards women and increase the price while competing brands for men are more affordable and cheaper. Two women I look up to and aspire to live by are Nikki and Brie Bella. They are two phenomenal WWE wrestlers from 2007-2023. They have both been through major life changes including Nikki having neck surgery and Brie giving birth. Even with their tough circumstances and not being able to wrestle, they still trained and worked together to become better versions of themselves. They were always positive and went to social media to express these feelings to many people across the globe. They became role models in the WWE and made an impact in the women’s division, leading the revolution of not being called WWE Divas, but now being WWE Superstars, like every male wrestler. I personally found this inspiring, which helped me make a decision when it comes to sports. This year, I have tried 2 different sports, including bowling and tennis. For bowling, I was one of 6 girls on the team and made more friends with the boys, but still made it known that making fun or rude comments was not needed and helped change their mental game when it came to those. When referring to tennis, I have not completed the season of tennis, but I am the only girl on the team. I do not let this circumstance put me down or make me feel less valuable. I am a team player and I have made friends with everyone on the team. I am hoping to have a positive impact on the whole team by the end of the season.