Visiting and reaching out to elderly people and spending time with them is one thing I do to improve elderly people’s lives in my community. One lady, in particular, has a special place in my heart. She loves to talk when I visit her. She especially enjoys discussing her life and her family. Engaging in conversations is very enjoyable for them and me. When I visit, I also like to bring her something to brighten her day, often something to eat- she loves blueberries! These few hours of interaction always brings a big smile to her face and mine too! She and many other elderly people are very kind when I reach out to them. They treat me like family, and I also consider them to be a part of my family. Elderly people that I have spent time with have touched my life, and I hope I have touched theirs as well.

Better Education for Future Generations Many older people say, “School has changed a lot since there.” This statement is true in many ways, such as using books to go digital and having less testing. While these changes are significant, they cannot compare to what has changed in our schools as much as violence, particularly gun violence. School safety and security is the biggest problem facing the education system today, and improving school safety would dramatically make education better for future generations. School shootings and acts of violence have been steadily increasing in recent years. Sandyhookpromise.org says that America has had more than two thousand shootings since 1970. Nearly half of them have since Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012. Tragedies like this are devastating, not only because of the loss of lives but also because children no longer feel safe going to school. Children and families alike are scared they or their children will not come home from a day at school. There need to be changes made to make education safer in America. Change needs to happen to make American schools safer for many reasons, including mental and emotional health. Large numbers of children who survive these shootings or acts of violence are scarred emotionally because of what they witness. They can quickly develop anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions. Even those children and parents who watch the evening news can be hurt by the violence because they imagine it could have been them or their child and are instantly overwhelmed by fear. School violence has been rising since past generations have been in school, and this violence is not ok. No child or student should witness violence while trying to get their education because they came to school to learn, not be constantly worried about whether they will return home. Changes are necessary to ensure that children are safe and secure in schools. These changes to make schools safer would preserve the physical and emotional well-being of the children. They should not suffer because they are trying to learn and get an education.

The Best Financial Advice I've Received Some people spend and spend their money and wonder where it all goes. They buy an overabundance of things that they want and do not need. Some people go to the grocery store hungry and buy lots of foods they do not usually consume. Some people also go to a store without a list and often buy things they regret later. These instances would not happen with one solution: having a financial plan. As a planner, this was a no-brainer to be the most helpful piece of financial advice I have ever received. Like other things in life, I want to be prepared and ready for the future, and finances are no different. I would say that someone should make a budget incrementally throughout the year so they know where their money will be going and will not have any unexpected expenses. They should keep a notebook or binder with their financial information and update it regularly. Also, they should stay up-to-date on the financial world to optimize their finances. If someone has a financial plan, it will help them realize that it all adds up and that their money is not unlimited. After creating an individual plan, someone will more easily be able to say no to unnecessary purchases, which would save them money. This additional money can be thoughtfully instead of carelessly spent on a spur-of-the-moment purchase. Planning not only helps someone's wallet but also eases their stress, which is why it is my most helpful piece of financial advice.

The Biggest Problem in the World Right Now Someone watching television says that a character is crazy because they are having an anxiety attack and changes the channel. This situation is an unfortunate example of a mental health stigma, the biggest problem in the world because a large percentage of the population is humiliated because of something they cannot help. Many of these people are afraid to tell others about what they are going through or get help because they know that shaming someone with a mental health condition is very common. The number of people who struggle with a mental disorder is shocking because many have not told anyone they are suffering. According to worldbank.org, nearly 1 billion people have a mental illness, and almost 3 million die annually due to substance abuse. Many people with mental health conditions are often looked down on because of the stigma surrounding their symptoms. People cannot control if they have a mental health condition, and many who do wish they could live without the added burden of struggling with their mental health. However, this is not something they can choose, and making them feel worse about life than they probably already feel does not help anyone. One way we can work on this problem is to educate all communities through community outreach programs and in the school systems. Laws need to provide funding for these programs that will spread awareness. In turn, these programs will diminish the stigmatization of people with mental health conditions and will help save and improve millions of people's lives. The biggest problem the world is facing right now, which is mental health stigmas, can be diminished with the determination and understanding of those who have a mental illness.

Someone I Admire from History I can only imagine that being the first lady is not easy. They watch their other-half lead their country and are constantly in the public eye. Many Americans, especially young girls and women, look to them for guidance and comfort during political turmoil. They need to be a rock for their husbands and the country, which takes more bravery than I can fathom. One first lady, in particular, stands out to me because of her generous, charitable nature: Rosalynn Carter. Rosalynn Carter went above and beyond expectations while her husband was in office. She is also still serving notable causes, even now. Some of her charitable work includes: working alongside her husband to build houses with Habitat for Humanity and working at the Carter Center. What made me admire her most was her commitment to helping people’s mental health, something she was very passionate about in her life. While working at the Carter Center, she leads a program to lower the stigma around mental health and promote greater access to care for people’s mental health. Her public service after her husband was President shows her commitment to helping make the world a better place for everyone. These qualities are not something you ordinarily find in someone, particularly in politics. They are unique to Rosalynn Carter because she has a very caring heart, which she uses to serve others. She is a true light in this world and has left a legacy that will live on even after she is gone. Because of this, she is one of the people I admire most in modern history.

Solution for Many Mental Health Struggles Millions of people struggle with mental health, which impacts their life. They are bombarded by negativity, especially online. What if people did not see the negativity on social media and other sources? I believe many people’s mental health would be much better in the long run by staying off the internet, specifically social media. Many people struggle with their mental health, and I believe someone immersing themselves in social media can cause existing mental health conditions to worsen and can also cause mental health struggles. I, for example, have struggled with my mental health and often scroll through my phone because I think it will make me feel better. However, scrolling through social media is one of the worst things I could do for my mental health because it leads to comparison and feeling poorly about myself. Countless times I think: “I wish I could be as happy as them” or “I must not deserve what they have.” Even when I was doing well with my mental health, I would open social media and instantly fall into a dark hole of depression. Am I saying that social media is all bad? No, but I am saying that people, especially those who knowingly struggle with mental health, should limit their time on social media and follow people who spread positivity. Also, they should not follow someone or continue to follow someone who makes them struggle, whether it be making you sad or upset. They should reach out to someone and tell them that they are trying to limit their time on social media so that they can keep you accountable and maybe even try it themselves. What more could someone want then helping themselves and possibly helping someone else in their mental health journey?

Creativity in My Life Most people think being creative means being an artist, but I do not believe that is the only way to be creative. I apply creativity throughout my life in a variety of ways. For example, I use creativity daily by finding innovative ways to complete daily tasks such as cleaning and organizing. I use creativity by color-coding and sorting my notes for school assignments. I also enjoy expressing my creativity in writing, whether for my education or for fun. I use creativity to find new ways to solve problems and help people. However, along with using creativity for everyday tasks, I also apply creativity for enjoyable traditional artistic activities. Using creativity traditionally, I love using my talents to digitally create collages, flyers, and photo albums using editing software. I enjoy editing video clips and making sentimental videos for someone to cherish, such as when I created a slideshow for my cousin’s wedding. I also like to create things with my hands, such as jewelry. In addition, I incorporate creativity in life by watching films and reading creative works. Creativity is an essential part of my life because it allows me to express myself and show others who I am as a person.

1. I do not deserve this. After all, I am not writing this because I want to write this. My mom said I had to write this if I wanted to get a milkshake tomorrow. I want to get ahead in life and make money, but I am not willing to work hard at it. 2. I do not have any academic or career goals. My family says I have to go to college and get a job if I want to get a car from them. I would rather stay home and watch tv and eat lots of snacks. 3. I have never overcome any obstacles because my life has been easy. Everyone wishes they were me because I never had anything to get in my way in my life.

Molded by My Mental Health Mental health has a different connotation for everyone, but it is complex for me. My mental health has been like a rollercoaster throughout my life. It has been up and down and round and round. Sometimes, I feel the lowest of lows, and other times I feel comfortable with how I feel and who I am. I am uncertain what life would have been like if I was someone without my mental health condition. I know I am who I am today because of how my mental health has shaped me. My mental health has significantly shaped my goals and aspirations in my life. Because I have struggled with my mental health, I have realized that I want to help others who are also going through similar situations. This aspiration is one of the main goals in my life that I otherwise would have even considered if it were not for the challenges I have faced with my mental health. I also know that overcoming some of my mental health challenges has given me hope that I can overcome other obstacles to reach my goals. Relationships in my life have been both rocky and wonderful because of my mental health. My relationships have tremendously suffered because I lost contact with most of my friends and family during my periods of sadness. I did not even feel the desire to talk to anyone. I feel like my mental health struggles burned the bridge of connection to other people, and some of these people have not reconnected with me yet. However, I am happy to say that I have made it through that season and have since formed deeper bonds with those people I am closest to in my life. I believe the relationships I am pursuing are even more meaningful because I have been open about mental health, and these people know what journey I am going through in my life. My mental health also shaped my beliefs and understanding of the world. I know if I did not face obstacles with my mental health, I would not be as compassionate towards others dealing with their mental health journeys. For example, while some people see people with mental health challenges and think they are “crazy,” I think they need a helping hand just as everyone does at some time in their life. I also believe that I have a richer understanding of the human brain because I have studied and learned about why people have different experiences with their mental health. Sometimes I wonder what my life would have been like without my mental health struggles, but then I realize that if I did not have my mental health challenges, I would not have learned valuable life lessons. I would not have my goal of helping others if it were not for the ups and downs of my mental health. I believe my close relationships are more purposeful and sincere with my mental health obstacles. My mental health struggles have also opened my eyes to see the world with a greater sense of understanding and sensitivity. I believe my mental health journey has made me grow and mature into who I am.

The Best Advice I've Heard The wisest thing I have ever heard is: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” These wise words come from the classic tales of Winnie the Pooh, and I admire author A.A. Milne for incorporating universal words of wisdom into his stories. I always found the stories of Winnie the Pooh encouraging, and it does not surprise me that the tales of Winnie the Pooh have become a staple story that children have read and been encouraged by for generations. These stories with motivating words I read so long ago continue to uplift me. This wisdom is inspiring because each person who listens to it can apply it to their situation in their life. The first part of the quote gives the listener confidence to have courage about what they are facing- big or small. The second part of the quote tells the reader they can face what life throws their way because they are tough. The last part of the quote gives doubting listeners a reminder that they are smart enough to succeed. Overall, these words of wisdom show listeners hope by telling them that they are far more capable and valuable than they could ever imagine.

Goals for My Future My goals for the future include going to college to further my education. I want to major in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in psychology and business. I do not know which direction my studies will take me, but I do know that I want to help people in my future career. Another part of college is extracurricular activities. Regarding activities and organizations, I would like to be a part of the honors program at my college and serve in student government. Additionally, I would like to be involved in community activities, such as volunteering at the local library and attending a local church. I believe my education and these activities will prepare me well for my life after I graduate from college. After college, I hope to get a satisfying job within a few months of graduation. Then, I hope to settle down and find somewhere more established to call my home. After settling down, I hope to get married and start a family. I hope to raise my children to understand the importance of working hard to pursue their dreams, as I hope I would have done in my life. Beyond starting and raising a family, I hope to have a successful and happy work and personal life. These goals encompass who I want to become in the future, and I am very excited to see where my journey will take me.

My Study Strategies Studying is probably not the thing most students find enjoyable about their school, but the key to successful studying is to have study strategies. Some of my study strategies might seem unimportant, but I believe that they are what helped me learn best. My first strategy is to ask the question, “why?”. “Why am I learning this, and why is it important?” This helped me realize the reasoning and significance behind what I was studying, which helped me understand the meaning of the material. My next strategy might sound tedious, but I assure you that it helped me plenty of times. This strategy is researching study strategies that have helped other students. I asked my teachers what they thought would help me study, and I also researched online to see what creative methods other students were using. After finding a handful of study methods that sounded interesting to me, I started trying some of those methods. While I have many strategies for studying, one of my favorite study strategies is to pretend that I am someone who is instructing the class. I create all kinds of material like PowerPoint and slideshows and even notes that “my class” can use to study and present them to the pretend audience. Another strategy I use is to find a study partner. Some ways to learn with a study partner are to discuss what you are learning and help each other brainstorm different rhymes, acronyms, and songs that help us remember what we are learning. While these strategies are personally helpful and have helped me succeed, they may not work well for someone else. I would tell someone wondering how they should study to try what study strategies make them the most excited to learn.

Why I Love and Appreciate Nature I love nature because of the way it makes me feel. Many components of nature align with my emotions. One of my favorite examples of nature is the ocean. The ocean can be rough at one time with enormous waves and calm at other times. It symbolizes my thoughts and emotions because there are moments when my feelings are fierce and strong like a storm, but there are also moments when they are peaceful and serene, like a day on the ocean with smooth sailing. I try to appreciate nature by taking care of it. If a plant is dry and needs a drink, I water it. If there is a piece of trash on the ground, I throw it away. I have tried to find creative ways to reuse and recycle items that I would usually discard without a thought. I also try to practice the mindset of treating nature as a living thing- something that you would treat with care. I believe if nature were something more people appreciated, the world would be a better place.

Persistence is Key to Success I am very familiar with persistence, especially with my education. One specific time that I was persistent was when I was studying for a college admissions test. In the beginning, I thought I would prepare for this test like any other, but the more I learned about it, the more I realized that there was a factor that I had not considered: time limits. Working on a test knowing there was a limited time factor was daunting for me, but it taught me what it means to persevere and work through something that seemed impossible. I took many practice tests and daily practice problems and set a timer. I gradually became faster and eventually took the college admissions test. I scored decently on it, but I felt that I could do better, so I kept practicing. Did I think about giving up? I did think about quitting; it would have been so much easier, but someone wise once told me that the best things in life require hard work and perseverance. This wisdom encouraged me and motivated me to continue on my journey of studying. I studied and practiced more and retook the test, and then it was time to find out my results. When I mustered the courage to open them, I found out that I scored higher than I did the first time. At that moment, I knew my perseverance paid off. I knew I chose the right decision to keep pushing forward even when the times were tough, and I felt like giving up.

What Generosity Means to Me Think you cannot be generous? You might say you do not have any money, but generosity is not equivalent to your wealth. Generosity is an act of kindness given freely out of the goodness of your heart. Generosity is not about the size of your wallet: it is about the size of your heart. It is an act of service that one does not expect anything in return. A real-world example of someone showing generosity is a teacher. Teachers, for example, often demonstrate much generosity by staying after the time they are supposed to be off from work and helping their students learn something that they do not understand. They are also generous because they spend what limited salary they make to buy supplies for the classroom that the students will enjoy. Many also sacrifice their time to lead extracurricular activities at a school. Teachers are great examples of generous people. There are lots of ways to be generous. Sure, it can financially, but it doesn't have to be. You can also be generous with your time and your resources. For example, helping someone do something that requires another person or letting someone borrow something of yours because they do not have one. These are all ways of being generous by showing kindness and giving something freely of yourself.

What Friendship Means To Me Stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, and you are lost! What do you do? You call a friend. A friend to me is someone who will sacrifice their time when you are in need. They will help you, no matter the impact it has on them. They do not see this sacrifice as a burden. They see it as an opportunity to help someone they love and care about very much. A friend to me is also someone who will encourage you when you are feeling down. I have felt sad many times in my life, and a friend of mine would take time out of their day to call and text me to check on me when they know I am sad. This act of kindness and selflessness would encourage me and help me realize that I am not alone. Another quality of a friend is someone who does not judge you. A friend will love you and accept you for all that you are, even with your flaws. They will not look down on you for making mistakes. A friend understands that everyone, including themselves, makes mistakes, and judging someone for what mistakes they have made does not accomplish anything. I believe that friendship is an invaluable gift between people. A person who is loyal, understanding, and selfless is the definition of a friend. This relationship is like a beautiful flower that will continue to grow and blossom when these qualities are between people. No one should take a friendship for granted because it is a meaningful relationship that can last a lifetime!