My name is Magdalina Goranova and I am a first-generation, low-income student living in a single-parent household. I live in the beautiful Vail Valley, where I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to have the Rocky Mountains in my backyard. I love going outside, hiking, biking, playing volleyball, golf, and doing track and field. In addition, I love reading and writing. On August 11, 2019, I achieved a significant milestone by publishing my first book, "Blackout." This young-adult, science-fiction novel delves into the dystopian consequences of humanity's environmental impact, envisioning a future shaped by the urgent need for change. The underlying goal was to raise awareness about climate change, especially among younger generations, and inspire actionable steps in their daily lives. Through this literary journey, I discovered not one but two profound passions that would shape my academic and professional pursuits. The first is my love for writing—a skill I believe is invaluable, whether employed for personal enjoyment or academic endeavors. Writing, to me, is comparable to embarking on an uncharted expedition within the nooks and crannies of my mind, where each word becomes a stepping stone on a path paved with the stones of imagination. It serves as a medium for expressing my thoughts, emotions, and allowing my creativity to roam freely. The second passion that emerged from the experience was advertising. Throughout my high school years, I immersed myself in managing the sales and advertising aspects of my debut book while concurrently writing its sequel. The intricacies of advertising fascinated me—how specific language and visuals could profoundly impact sales. Consequently, I have decided to double major in advertising/public relations and human factor psychology at the University of Central Florida, continuing to explore the world of writing on the side. However, the road to success in writing was not without its challenges. A significant obstacle emerged in the form of my mother's health issues, which required four surgeries, extensive scans, and physical therapy, accumulating medical bills that reached $500,000. As the sole caretaker in a single-parent household, my mother's inability to work for a year and subsequent part-time employment due to lingering health concerns placed an immense financial burden on our family. Despite the strain, my determination to pursue my dreams of becoming a published author persisted. To navigate the financial constraints hindering the traditional publishing route, I embarked on a proactive journey. I reached out to numerous individuals, pitching my ideas and engaging in continuous conversations over several months. Through perseverance and resourcefulness, I attracted sponsors who were willing to support my literary aspirations. This allowed me to self-publish my book successfully, achieving a debut that surpassed my expectations. Despite the familial challenges, I accumulated popularity in my hometown, participating in book talks and interviews that brought my vision to a wider audience. The juxtaposition of personal hardships and professional success taught me resilience and the importance of seeking alternative opportunities. By alleviating the financial burden on my family through external support, I realized my dream of becoming a published author and learned the power of persistence in the face of adversity. This experience has shaped not only my academic choices but also instilled in me a commitment to overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of my passions.

On August 11, 2019, I achieved a significant milestone by publishing my first book, "Blackout." This young-adult, science-fiction novel delves into the dystopian consequences of humanity's environmental impact, envisioning a future shaped by the urgent need for change. The underlying goal was to raise awareness about climate change, especially among younger generations, and inspire actionable steps in their daily lives. Through this literary journey, I discovered not one but two profound passions that would shape my academic and professional pursuits. The first is my love for writing—a skill I believe is invaluable, whether employed for personal enjoyment or academic endeavors. Writing, to me, is comparable to embarking on an uncharted expedition within the nooks and crannies of my mind, where each word becomes a stepping stone on a path paved with the stones of imagination. It serves as a medium for expressing my thoughts, emotions, and allowing my creativity to roam freely. The second passion that emerged from the experience was advertising. Throughout my high school years, I immersed myself in managing the sales and advertising aspects of my debut book while concurrently writing its sequel. The intricacies of advertising fascinated me—how specific language and visuals could profoundly impact sales. Consequently, I have decided to double major in advertising/public relations and human factor psychology at the University of Central Florida, continuing to explore the world of writing on the side. However, the road to success in writing was not without its challenges. A significant obstacle emerged in the form of my mother's health issues, which required four surgeries, extensive scans, and physical therapy, accumulating medical bills that reached $500,000. As the sole caretaker in a single-parent household, my mother's inability to work for a year and subsequent part-time employment due to lingering health concerns placed an immense financial burden on our family. Despite the strain, my determination to pursue my dreams of becoming a published author persisted. To navigate the financial constraints hindering the traditional publishing route, I embarked on a proactive journey. I reached out to numerous individuals, pitching my ideas and engaging in continuous conversations over several months. Through perseverance and resourcefulness, I attracted sponsors who were willing to support my literary aspirations. This allowed me to self-publish my book successfully, achieving a debut that surpassed my expectations. Despite the familial challenges, I accumulated popularity in my hometown, participating in book talks and interviews that brought my vision to a wider audience. The juxtaposition of personal hardships and professional success taught me resilience and the importance of seeking alternative opportunities. By alleviating the financial burden on my family through external support, I realized my dream of becoming a published author and learned the power of persistence in the face of adversity. This experience has shaped not only my academic choices but also instilled in me a commitment to overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of my passions.