I believe that I am a positive force in society for a variety of reasons; some are related to my personality and treatment of others, while others relate to my community and environment. Being bi-racial has created a sense of otherness that has allowed for compassion for others and a level of understanding that I don't see from many others. I have been singled out by teachers and coaches for my empathy and kindness for fellow students throughout my school tenure in Southampton. I know firsthand how it feels to have peers make comments about my appearance and my interests, and I try to be supportive and kind at all times, whether or not I know the individual being treated poorly. I feel that the positive outcome of my experiences is acceptance and inclusion for all. Often, this creates further issues for me socially, but I know that I am making choices with which I can be comfortable. My community is a place to which I feel immense attachment. Not only do I live here with my mom and brother, but my uncle, grandparents, and aunts and uncles live here as well. To say that this is home is an understatement. My hope is that when I earn my landscape architecture degree, I can move back here and enjoy success in creating beautiful landscapes for my clients. Naturally, I am invested in preserving the beauty and integrity of our farm fields, beaches, and landscapes. I am concerned about the transient visitors to our beautiful community that don't treat our area with the love and respect that it deserves. I have been involved in KEY Club and clean-up initiatives in the area. I am concerned for the citizens that inhabit the East End as well and have volunteered for a variety of different initiatives. I have volunteered at multiple running races such as the Hamptons Half Marathon passing out water to the participants. I assisted at Heart of the Hamptons during the holiday food drive distributions. I have assisted with numerous events for Hamptons Pride, an organization supporting LGTBQ individuals on the East End. I have volunteered for events for the AJJ Scholarship Fund which raises funds annually for local scholarships and initiatives and provided "Buddy Benches" for many area schools, including Southampton Elementary School. These benches provide a safe space for children that are feeling sad, left out, or in need of a friend. If a child is seated on the Buddy Bench, it signals to the other children that the student wants company. The thought is to foster kindness and inclusivity from a young age before clique-type behavior can begin. As far as the parameters of current social norms are concerned, I'm at a loss to describe what those may be. I feel that there is much strife and disagreement in our nation, and that concerns me. Having to have discussions with my family about being careful and having awareness of my surroundings due to Asian Hate is something that I hope will not be a "norm" someday. I am acutely aware that my comfort level here is a bubble and not a reflection of the rest of the nation. I know that as I move on the college, my perspectives may change based on my experiences. I hope that I can continue being the concerned and caring person and citizen that I am today, and be a positive influence on others that may be struggling.