Imagine living in a society where it is acceptable for children to fight to the death as spectators watch for fun and enjoyment. This is exactly what Suzanne Collins depicted in her action-packed series, The Hunger Games. This series is loved by readers all over the world and had major demand for a movie franchise to follow. But, bringing these incredibly well-written books to life on a big screen was no easy task. Each book contains minute details that truly encapsulate the emotions and fears of every character as they work through the traumatizing society that is Panem. In the novels, Collins does an excellent job describing the thoughts the characters have, which gives readers an inside look into why they make the decisions they do. These inner monologues that are prominent in the books are not possible in the film. To combat this, filmmakers focused on the facial expressions and the interactions between characters. This was imperative for bringing the book to life because it gave viewers the chance to understand the internal character development that took place, especially as the series continued. Most of the books were written specifically from Katniss’s point of view, which made it hard to understand how her influence was making an impact outside of her own life. The movies took the freedom to show the rebellion in the districts, which was a direct effect of Katniss. These scenes were incredibly powerful because they portrayed the unity the districts were attempting to create and gave a much-needed break from the single view that Katniss could provide. The message shown was incredibly powerful and allowed viewers to feel a sense of pride for the districts as they fought for their freedom. Throughout the novels, music plays an incredibly important role in humanizing the tributes along with allowing the characters to express themselves through the tragedies they were facing. The song Hanging Tree in particular has incredibly deep meaning and significance in the books. Seeing this song in particular have an important role as it evolves during the entire series, both the books and the movies, allows the readers to understand the emotions of the characters involved in it. Understanding that Coriolanus Snow originally heard Hanging Tree sung by Lucy Gray after they witnessed the brutal killing of a District Twelve man allowed us to more fully grasp the irony of the districts later using it as a battle cry as they marched toward the capital. Hearing these songs come to life on the screen was mesmerizing. It truly gave the audience the ability to transport themselves into the scenes being portrayed and feel deep empathy and understanding for the characters on the screen. Altogether, The Hunger Games series was beautifully written due to Suzanne Collins’s ability to portray the characters' emotions, despite only telling the story from one character’s perspective. The movies encapsulated these feelings and were able to portray them on the screen which allowed the audience to truly feel connected to the characters and the situations they were encountering.

I watched my usually calm mother nervously fidget with the gold cross around her neck as she called my younger brother and me into the living room of our house. Sitting on the stiff couch, I focused on the loose string on my sweatshirt. Bailey, our energetic Yorkie Poo, ran around the couch with her usual boundless energy-seeking attention. My dad, who typically jumped at the opportunity to play with her, ignored her as if she didn’t exist. My mom took a shaky breath and grabbed my dad’s hand for support. That’s when I heard the words that caused my world to freeze: breast cancer. The uncertainty, crashing into me like a tidal wave, was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was as if time stood still as I attempted to grasp this sudden and frightening reality. I felt completely helpless as my thoughts turned to the journey my mom was embarking on that had no road map to guide her. To me, she had always been a symbol of resilience and invincibility, my rock I could lean against in times of need. Now, roles were reversed. She needed to rely on me for strength and support, despite the fact that I was unaware of how to navigate a situation that was far beyond anything I’d ever encountered. Stress quickly built as new responsibilities piled up. I was suddenly asked to support my family in ways I hadn’t before, such as driving my brother to volleyball practice, grabbing groceries from the store, and helping with math homework. My definition of responsibility quickly turned from a self-centered idea to a community-based notion that allowed me to take care of my family. Where I’d been worried about what outfit to wear to the football games with my friends, I was now concerned if anyone would be able to greet the generous friends and family who came to the door to drop off meals. I had always valued family time, such as going to watch my brother in his sports and activities instead of going out with my friends, but this new interpretation of sacrifice gave me an entirely new perspective on the closeness needed to support one another during this journey. Weeks turned into months as we faced countless chemo treatments together as a family. Throughout this journey, I’ve seen my mom through all of her highs and lows, including struggles with hair loss, extreme fatigue, and crippling uncertainty. By experiencing the lowest point in my mom’s life alongside her, I’ve gained the experience needed to meet every person with patience and understanding and learned to consider the invisible burdens people might be carrying. As my mom continues her treatments, she expresses to me the incredible work of all her healthcare providers. She shares details of our family’s lives, such as dances, big games, or important tests. On days when she was too exhausted to get out of the car without assistance, nurses made my mom feel seen by remembering the details she had mentioned. These stories have given me a new perspective on the medical field and the ability these workers have to support people at the lowest times in their lives. Inspired by these professionals, I’ve chosen to go into a career field that assists others. Whether it be through a non-profit organization like those who have helped our family during this journey, the medical field that will provide me the opportunity to make people feel valued, or a different route that I haven’t even explored yet, I’m determined to make a difference in the lives of others.

My younger brother barged into my bedroom one night, well after his bedtime, with tears streaming down his face. He ran to hug me, sobbing into my chest. Trying to calm him down, I asked what was bothering him. After a little while he was able to breathe and tell me what had happened. His bloodshot eyes looked at me as he asked, “Why am I different from the other kids?” Confused, I waited for more explanation. He continued by explaining that he sometimes couldn’t calm himself down when he got worried or thought about things over and over, unable to get them out of his head. He spent the next few hours in my arms as he drifted in and out of sleep. The next day I went to my mom with my concerns, explaining what had happened the night before. She, a teacher of 25 years, immediately picked up on the signs of anxiety and scheduled him for an appointment with the psychiatrist. After that appointment, my brother was able to receive an official diagnosis of anxiety, and my family came together to support him in any way we could. We started with being active listeners whenever he came to us with concerns, whether it be anxiety-induced or not. Learning different tactics to better help my brother manage his anxiety has also given me the skills necessary to help friends at school, the volleyball team I coach, and even myself. Regulating and understanding my emotions has given me the confidence to truly understand what I am feeling, providing me with an emotional maturity that isn’t common among my peers. I prioritize my mental health by being honest with myself when I feel as though I am not in the best mental space. When I feel this way, I work on taking walks around my neighborhood because it boosts my mood and gives me time to step away from what is on my mind. I also work to set realistic goals which I can actively work towards achieving. After implementing these tactics, I’ve noticed an increase in my drive to study and perform well in school. This can be attributed to my ability to manage the stress and anxiety that accompany high school. I am more capable of communicating with my family and peers, which gives me the opportunity to connect with those around me. I am grateful to my brother for being patient with me and my family as we work to better understand our emotions while simultaneously providing him with the support he needs.

From a young age, I have been an avid reader. I remember rushing home from school so I could dive into my books without interruption. Even now, with a busier schedule, I look forward to weekends when I can stay up late, fully immersed in my current read. My parents often laugh when I pack for vacations because the first thing I make sure to include is at least two books, never knowing how much time I’ll have to read. I learned my lesson after once not packing enough to read on a vacation to the beach. There’s something special about holding a physical book in my hand- the smell of print and the feel of turning the pages are irreplaceable. My favorite genre is historical fiction, especially stories focusing on the Holocaust and its lasting effects. There are countless accounts of the heroic and tragic events that occurred between 1941 and 1945. This period touched every corner of the Earth and shaped many people’s lives. I believe that I can learn something from every person’s story. I am continually inspired by the bravery and courage demonstrated by so many people. Learning about their experiences is incredible and reminds me that there is good in every situation, even when it is hard to see. I believe it's incredibly important to study these moments in history in order to prevent them from repeating. The books I’ve read have taught me that I want to make a difference in the world, especially in the medical field. Witnessing both the suffering and bravery in these books has inspired me to alleviate suffering in the real world through healthcare. Making a meaningful difference in the lives of others is a core value for me. These stories have proven that goodness exists, even in the darkest times, and that I too, have the power to contribute to the world in a positive way. Exploring genres beyond historical fiction has broadened my worldview and deepened my understanding of cultures different from my own. In particular, I have developed a strong sense of appreciation for Hispanic cultures, which led me to continue my studies of the Spanish language in high school. As I immersed myself in both the language and the culture, my passion for Spanish grew. This enthusiasm inspired me to continue to integrate it into my academic studies as I move forward into college. Altogether, books have tremendously shaped my goals for life and the confidence I have in myself to make a difference in the world around me

Math is often referred to as the universal language- a way for people to communicate across different language barriers. I love math because it leaves no room for uncertainty. In a world where few things are strictly black and white, mathematics stands out as an exception. Even when a problem has more than one answer, or no answer at all, there is always a well-defined process to follow in order to reach a solution. This structure and logic appeal to me. I enjoy following specific steps and using different methods to approach a problem, feeling immense satisfaction when I arrive at the correct answer after working through a challenge. Another aspect of math that fascinates me is its relevance to everyday life. Math is woven into many aspects of our daily routine. The problem-solving skills I’ve developed through math have carried over to situations outside of the classroom. Math has also helped me build strong friendships. Whenever I am confused about a problem or concept, my friends have been there to help explain different approaches and offer support. We’ve all bonded over being confused at some point in math class, and these shared experiences have strengthened my connections with the people I’m now closest to. Collaborative problem-solving has shown that even when math feels isolating, it can foster a strong sense of community and teamwork.

In April of my junior year of high school, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. This unexpended news completely shocked me and shifted my perspective. Suddenly, my mom, whom I had always seen as resilient and invincible, was relying on me in a situation I had never navigated before. This experience transformed my daily life and routine. My focus shifted from personal concerns, like how I would spend my summer break, to worrying about how things would affect her and the rest of my family. I had to step into many mature roles that were never expected of me before. I found myself driving my younger brother to practices and events, updating family and friends on my mom’s condition, and taking on countless other responsibilities. At first, these new roles were overwhelming and difficult to manage, but I soon realized the importance of accepting help from others. I began to rely on the support and encouragement from friends and family, who helped alleviate some of the stress and anxiety my family and I were facing. Although we still have days that are hard, I am deeply grateful for the people who are making this journey a little easier. Supporting my mom through her ups and downs has solidified my desire to pursue a career in the medical field. Knowing that I can be a source of light during one of the darkest moments in someone's life is incredibly rewarding. The incredible nurses who continue to care for my mom through this difficult journey are undeniably inspirational and have shown me the profound impact their work has. I aspire to make an impact in the lives of others just as they have for my mom and our family. Additionally, my love for the Spanish language is a crucial aspect of my career goals. Being able to communicate in another language opens the door to help even more people. I take great joy in connecting with those who have experiences different from my own. I recognize how critical it is for patients to feel heard and understood, especially when navigating something as complex and frightening as a medical diagnosis. This skill enhances my ability to serve a broader, more diverse community, ensuring that I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of even more people. All of these experiences have taught me the importance of being there for others, especially during their most challenging times. Whether it’s offering emotional support, taking on responsibilities when they can’t, or simply being present, I’ve learned that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a significant difference. I want to be the kind of person who offers comfort and strength when others need it most, using both my medical expertise and my ability to communicate in multiple languages to connect with and support a diverse range of people.

Throughout my life, I’ve known that I wanted to pursue a career path that allows me to help those in need and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. For me, this means entering the medical field, where I can support people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. My love of sports and physical activity sparked my interest in understanding how the body moves and functions, which further fueled my desire to work in healthcare. With so many different aspects of the medical field, I am confident that I will be able to find the area that is right for me. My interest in the medical field happened after my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. This experience transformed my perspective, making me realize the level of detail and care that goes into treating each patient. Every patient's story is unique, and I aspire to make a difference in the lives of others, just as the doctors have done for my mom and our family. To pursue this career path, I took part in a college and healthcare career fair, which exposed me to various aspects of healthcare and provided valuable insight into different colleges and their programs. This experience was crucial in helping me refine my focus and better understand the educational paths available to me. Additionally, I aspire to become fluent in Spanish to reach a broader audience and positively impact even more people. To achieve this goal, I have taken several steps to prepare myself. My passion for the Spanish language began in kindergarten, where I first fell in love with it. Learning to speak a language other than English allowed me to connect with a culture entirely different from my own. I dreamed of communicating with a new group of people, bridging the language barrier. Throughout grade school and high school, I continued to pursue this dream, taking Spanish courses seriously. In high school, I enrolled in advanced Spanish courses to work towards mastering the language. I plan to continue this pursuit in college by double majoring in Spanish, enabling me to reach more people during critical times of need. Another step I took to enhance my Spanish-speaking abilities was traveling to Ecuador. This trip allowed me to use the Spanish language in real-life situations, expanding my vocabulary and improving my fluency. Additionally, I spend hours volunteering at the Esperanza Latino Center, where I help distribute diapers and other necessities to families in need. While interacting with the children, I see the joy that language can and bring and the connections it fosters. This experience has been more rewarding than I ever imagined, allowing me to connect with others in ways I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. Between discovering my passion for the medical field and increasing my fluency in the Spanish language, I am confident that I will be well-prepared for a wide range of opportunities in the future.

LeBron James is arguably one of the greatest basketball players to ever set foot on the court. This debate has been discussed time and time again since Lebron’s debut in the NBA at the young age of 18, catching the attention of people from all generations, backgrounds, and beliefs. Being a fan of LeBron James is almost inevitable, especially in the age of social media. His countless successes are readily available and showcased in all forms of media, such as television, social media, and even magazines. His statistics alone speak for themselves, reflecting achievements he has accomplished. Between becoming the NBA all-time leading scorer and holding the record for the most playoff wins, he is a three-time Olympic gold medalist. These accomplishments alone have inspired thousands of kids to pursue their dream of playing basketball in the National Basketball Association, regardless of their circumstances. Beyond inspiring kids, LeBron motivates players in the NBA as well. Numerous players have taken to social media in recent years to praise LeBron and bestow upon him the title of the greatest of all time. But Lebron’s accomplishments extend far beyond the court. His organization, The LeBron James Family Foundation, works to create a change for the kids in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. By demonstrating the importance of giving back to the community, LeBron influences younger generations to be generous and grateful for the experiences that shape who they become. Many players forget this lesson when they achieve fame, but LeBron continues to speak about how grateful he is for the life he grew up with. In today’s media-driven world, many celebrities and athletes are hesitant to speak out about their beliefs and opinions. LeBron is not one of those people. Despite the constant spotlight, LeBron never succumbs to external pressures. He stays true to himself and doesn’t alter his beliefs to match what is popular at the time. He shows it is okay to go against the grain and stand up for what you believe in. LeBron is a great role model for all ages, not only for his athleticism on the court but also for his generous heart and unwavering commitment to being himself.

Over the past six months, I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone to develop the qualities of a leader. These qualities include active listening, effective communication, and confidence in my abilities. Listening to others is an essential aspect of leadership because it allows people to feel heard and know their opinions are valued. By asking open-ended questions and maintaining eye contact in everyday conversations, I’ve sharpened my listening skills. Effective communication is another critical part of leadership because it fosters collaboration and builds trust within the community. This complements active listening, as it demonstrates that, as a leader, you care about others' ideas and can effectively share those ideas with the group. Confidence in a leader is often overlooked because it can be mistaken for arrogance. However, when combined with humility, confidence becomes one of the most important leadership qualities. Despite its importance, confidence can be challenging to develop. I have improved this skill by recharacterizing failure as a learning opportunity rather than something to be avoided. By learning from my failures, I have gained valuable lessons about persevering. As a result of stepping out of my comfort zone and improving these key leadership qualities, I have found myself in positions of leadership within my school and community. My leadership journey began over the summer when I was invited to attend the 2024 Leadership Summit through my school. At this summit, I learned p how to enhance my leadership skills and had the opportunity to practice them with the entire group. I was selected by teachers at my school who recognized my leadership qualities in the classroom and around the school. Additionally, I serve as the president of my school’s investment and entrepreneurship clubs, a core leader of the peer ministry team, and the captain of the newly introduced flag football team. These roles require me to coordinate and plan engaging meetings that effectively deliver information in a fun and impactful manner. Time management is also crucial, as I must balance attending all necessary meetings and practices, which is an essential part of leadership. Recently, my school implemented a new leadership system in which students, recommended and nominated by teachers who have observed their leadership skills in the classroom, work to unite the school community through various activities and fundraisers. This leadership team is relied upon to set a positive example for students and lead different aspects of the school. Another program that significantly contributed to my leadership development was a selective three-week program at the University of Kentucky. This prestigious program accepted only 80 students out of thousands of applicants. The participants, identified as future leaders, were placed in groups to collaborate on projects designed to hone their leadership skills. Throughout the program, we engaged in workshops, discussions, and real-world problem-solving exercises. These activities challenged us to think critically, communicate effectively, and work together as a team. This experience broadened my perspective on being a leader while also reinforcing the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and resilience within leadership roles. Volunteering is a passion of mine, and I have found numerous ways to be a leader while following this passion. One organization I volunteer with is Brighter Days 4 Kids. This organization has given me the opportunity to be a leader by encouraging me to plan and run my own service project. This project is a toy giveaway at a local organization that provides products and services to the Spanish-speaking community in the area. Leading while also doing something I am passionate about is incredibly rewarding and shows me the impact I can have on the world around me.

As I finished my junior year of high school, my focus was on taking my end-of-the-year exams and making plans for the summer with my friends. However, my priorities suddenly shifted when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. Shocked and overwhelmed, I now had to concentrate on the new responsibilities placed on me while also ending the school year strong. These responsibilities included watching my younger brother, running to the grocery store, and managing many other tasks that were new to me. One of the challenges I faced was finding the ability to balance these new responsibilities while also maintaining strong grades, spending time with friends and family, and taking care of myself. Supporting my younger brother emotionally has also been a priority of mine during this time. I strive to be there for him while simultaneously navigating the new emotions I am experiencing. These circumstances are unlike anything we have ever experienced before, so we are attempting to navigate them together. I never want him to be afraid because of the situation, so I try my best to encourage to highlight the positives. Additionally, knowing my mom, a teacher, won’t be able to work for a minimum of eight months has added another level of stress. This situation has influenced my college search and application process, as scholarships would give me the opportunity to focus on furthering my education. Being a hard worker is extremely important to me, so I continue to use that drive and ambition as I look to continue my education. Throughout the hardships my family and I have faced these past few months, I have found myself drawing closer to God and finding comfort in His love. He truly shows how powerful His love is for us, and by focusing on the plan He has for my life, I have found peace. Growing in my relationship with the Lord has allowed me to recognize the many blessings He has given me. My goal through this journey is to show my love for God by making a difference in the lives of others, both in my community and beyond. To me, this is exactly what Agape love means. It is the love God has for us as human beings made in His image and likeness, and it is also how we demonstrate that love back to Him by taking care of His creation. Giving back to my community was a priority this summer during my time at a three-week-long entrepreneurship program. The project my group created focused specifically on how to support someone, along with their family and friends, after a breast cancer diagnosis in a way that was helpful and supportive. This program allowed me to realize that the circumstances I am in are shaping me as a person. God loves me so much that He is guiding me through this journey in a way that will allow me to shape the world around me.

From a young age, my parents have instilled in me the belief that we are fortunate to be in a comfortable financial situation, and that it is our responsibility to give to those who aren’t. This upbringing sparked my passion for volunteering. Giving back has been a priority for me, even at the age of 10, when I chose to collect donations for a local food pantry instead of receiving birthday gifts. To this day, I work hard to ensure that each year I help organize and run a service project for the youth in my community. Since 8th grade, I have worked with a local school to create Easter Baskets for the children who attend. I eagerly anticipate this project every year, as it allows me to take on real-life responsibilities. I manage task delegation and material collection, utilizing both my organizational and leadership skills. It is always rewarding to see the impact we are able to make, as my family, friends, and community come together to support the cause. For the past two years, I have been a volunteer with an organization called BDK, Brighter Days 4 Kids. This organization aims to provide guidance, inspire community support, and ignite passion. This experience has been incredibly beneficial to me, as it challenges me to think about how I personally can make a difference. Recently, I took the initiative to connect BDK with the Esperanza Latino Center, an organization that serves the needs of the local Latino community. We plan to use resources provided by BDK to host a toy drive for the young children that attend the Esperanza Latino Center. Volunteering and community service are incredibly important to me, and I am committed to continuing these activities as I prepare for college and beyond. The Schmid Memorial Scholarship would be incredibly beneficial because it would allow me to continue my education while also allowing me to make an impact on the world around me. This scholarship would enable me to dedicate more time to volunteering and community work during college, rather than needing to focus solely on earning an income.