Finances have always been a struggle. I have to pay for everything that I get because my parents aren’t able to. I save a lot of my money for college but some financial assistance would be a great stress reliever. They’ve always told my siblings that we have to pay our way through college. I’m lucky enough to have a car, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to go to college. I’m the first out of my siblings to go to college so this is all brand new to me. When I was younger, money didn’t mean a lot to me. I never knew how much it was worth. Until I entered my job, the day after I turned 16, I was then greeted with how much it actually meant. It’s easy to blow it on things that aren’t needed, maybe things you thought you needed. When I turned 17, I realized that money was no joke and I had to start saving, so I did. Saving has been a huge blessing. A quote I go by is “Save for a rainy day”, that’s what I repeat everytime I have a thought of buying someone miscellaneous. My dad always stressed to save, he’s also a big saver. He never failed to provide us what we needed, he never failed to make us happy. He is the reason I’ve learned so much financial responsibility and I will continue to consult him on whatever questions I have about money. My mother on the other hand never had much financial responsibility, that is probably where I picked up all my habits from. My dad talked sense into her and she learned a lot of lessons from him. When my grandmother got sick, she repressed her emotions by going shopping all the time. That’s how she coped. Once she realized she couldn’t be shopping everyday just to compensate for her mother dying, she consulted my dad and my uncle. My uncle is a vice president at a bank and helps me, my mom, and my dad with our finances. He is very responsible with money. My uncle and my dad have taught me a lot in the past 2 years, especially when I knew nothing about an IRA and CPM. They taught me saving techniques while still allowing myself to have some spending money to hangout with my friends. I plan to use this same method in college, but financial assistance of some sort would be greatly appreciated.

Exploring the Universe: The Pursuit of Understanding In the vast expanse of the cosmos, our universe beckons with mysteries waiting to be unraveled, some knowing they never will be. The cosmos, with its galaxies, stars, planets, and dark matter, serves as an infinite canvas for exploration and discovery. Our understanding of the universe not only satisfies our innate curiosity but also has profound implications for science, technology, and philosophy. Here are several reasons why probing the nature of the universe is vital. Firstly, scientific knowledge about the universe has a direct impact on technology. Countless innovations have been born from space exploration, from satellite communication to medical imaging techniques. Understanding the universe pushes the boundaries of our scientific understanding, leading to groundbreaking technological advancements that enhance our lives on Earth. An increased grasp of the universe can potentially yield challenges humanity faces today, such as sustainable energy and climate change. Secondly, cosmic exploration fosters unity among diverse communities and nations. International collaboration in space research demonstrates the power of cooperation and the breaking down of borders. The ISS, a symbol of global collaboration, serves as proof of how the understanding of the universe can unite humanity for a common purpose. By working together, we can pool our collective knowledge and resources to tackle complex cosmic questions. Thirdly, comprehending the universe provides perspective on our place in the grand scheme of things. The famous ¨pale blue dot¨ photograph of Earth taken by the Voyager 1 spacecraft is a humbling reminder of our insignificance in the cosmos. This perspective can cultivate humility, respect for our planet, and a sense of responsibility to preserve it. It also offers the potential to reveal whether life exists beyond our planet, answering one of humanity´s most profound questions. To unravel the mysteries of the universe, we must employ a diverse array of ideas and concepts. Some of the most crucial consists of: 1.) Scientific Method: The foundation of cosmic exploration is the scientific method. Hypotheses, experiments, and observation are essential tools for gaining knowledge about the universe. As we question and probe, we accumulate empirical data that gradually unveils the universe´s secrets. 2.) Math: Math is the universal language of the cosmos. From Einstein´s equations of general relativity to the laws of thermodynamics, mathematical concepts provide the framework for our understanding of the universe. It helps us describe the unobservable and predict the behavior of celestial bodies. 3.) Technology: Technological advancements are our eyes and ears in space. Telescopes, satellites, and space probes enable us to observe distant galaxies, study exoplanets, and explore celestial phenomena. Future technological works will let us continue to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. 4.) Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The universe´s complexity necessitates interdisciplanary cooperation. Physicists, philosophers, astronomers, biologists, and chemists all contribute to understanding the cosmos. Diverse perspectives can lead to breakthroughs in understanding. 5.) Theoretical frameworks: Theories like the Big Bang theory, quantum mechanics, string theory, and the theory of relativity provide overarching frameworks that guide our exploration of the cosmos. They are the compasses that steer our efforts to uncover universal truths. Ergo, the quest to understand the universe is not only a pursuit of knowledge but also a journey toward progress, unity, and self-awareness. The benefits of cosmic exploration extended far beyond the boundaries of our planet, impacting technology, global cooperation, and our perspective on life itself. Employing the scientific method, math, technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and theoretical frameworks, we will continue to dive deeper into the mysteries of the universe, making discoveries that will shape the future of humanity. As we explore the cosmos, we not only look to the stars but also within ourselves, seeking to better understand our place in the universe and to define what it means to be human in this vast, interconnected cosmos.

The Power of Unity In the hit Netflix series, ¨Stranger Things,¨ the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, has been plagued by supernatural threats that defy our understanding of reality. In this hypothetical scenario, I would choose to form a squad with three iconic characters Eleven, Mike, and Nancy; stemming from their unique qualities and track record of handling supernatural situations, emphasizing the importance of unity in perilous circumstances. El, with her remarkable telekinetic abilities, stands out as a vital asset to our squad. Her demonstrated capability to manipulate objects with her mind, access parallel dimensions, and confront otherworldly entities make her an indispensable addition. Irrespective of her offensive capabilities, El also serves as an invaluable source of information due to her connection with the supernatural, adding depth to our arsenal against threats. Mike Wheeler´s unfaltering leadership and loyalty make him an ideal choice for our squad. Throughout the series, Mike has consistently demonstrated his ability to unite people and inspire them to confront formidable challenges. His deep commitment to his friends, especially El, and his determination to protect Hawkins make him an essential pillar of the team. Mike´s leadership and strategic thinking are pivotal for the squad´s success. Nancy Wheeler´s inclusion in the squad is warranted by her exceptional investigative skills and resilience. Her experiences in uncovering government conspiracies and exposing supernatural occurrences in Hawkins have honed her ability to reveal hidden truths. Nancy´s investigative acumen is invaluable for identifying the origins and vulnerabilities of the threats. Her relentless pursuit of the truth would drive me, El, and Mike forward, even in the face of adversity. ¨Stranger Things¨ consistently underscores the importance of friendship, courage, and determination when facing the unknown. The deep bonds between El, Mike, and Nancy exemplify these values, forging an unbreakable trust that empowers them to confront the most daunting challenges. The synergy resulting from their unique, but logical dynamic, serves as a testament to the strength achieved when individuals unite for a common cause, providing inspiration and hope for Hawkins. In a world where reality blurs with the supernatural, forming a squad with El, Mike, and Nancy is not just a strategic choice but a necessity for the enduring values of friendship, determination, and courage. Together, we would represent a potent force capable of taking on any supernatural threat in Hawkins. Just as in ¨Stranger Things,¨ their unity showcases the strength that individuals can achieve when they come together. This scenario represents the importance of teamwork and resilience in the face of the unknown, values that hold both in fiction and reality.