Math, to me, is more than just a subject; it's a fascinating world of patterns, logic, and problem-solving that has always felt like a safe haven, especially after facing challenges due to dyslexia symptoms resulting from a concussion. When I was younger, I struggled to grasp language and reading concepts. However, amidst those difficulties, there was always one constant that made perfect sense to me – math. I vividly remember the moments when I first encountered mathematical concepts in school. Unlike reading, where the letters seemed to jumble together, numbers and equations felt like clear and concise language. Whether it was basic arithmetic or more complex algebraic expressions, solving mathematical problems came naturally to me. It was almost like I had found my secret superpower – a realm where my dyslexia couldn't hinder me. In a world that sometimes felt chaotic and unpredictable due to my dyslexia, math provided a sense of structure and certainty. While reading required careful decoding and meticulous focus, math rewarded me with a sense of accomplishment, as if I had unlocked the mysteries of the universe. It was liberating to discover that I excelled in an academic area, especially when other subjects posed significant challenges for me. As I advanced in my mathematical journey, the joy of solving problems and unraveling complex equations grew even more profound. Mathematics offered me a sense of control and self-assurance that I didn't always experience in other areas of my academic life. When life felt uncertain, I could turn to math as a reliable anchor, knowing that the rules and principles would always hold true. My love for math extended beyond the classroom. I found myself engrossed in mathematical puzzles, riddles, and games, constantly seeking new challenges to conquer. These experiences not only fueled my passion for the subject but also helped me develop a growth mindset – a belief that I could learn and achieve more through effort and dedication. Today, as I continue my academic pursuits and strive to make a positive impact in the world, my love for math remains as vibrant as ever. It has shaped my perspective and given me the confidence to embrace challenges head-on. Despite my dyslexia, I have come to realize that I can excel in ways I never thought possible, and math will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Having healthy eating habits is incredibly important to me because I have experienced firsthand the positive impact it can have on both my physical and mental health. Growing up in a low-income household, our access to nutritious food was limited, and we often relied on processed and unhealthy options. As I became more aware of the importance of nutrition, I made a conscious decision to adopt healthier eating habits to improve my overall well-being. One of the most significant differences I noticed when I started practicing healthy eating habits was the improvement in my physical health. I used to feel sluggish and lacked energy, especially after consuming sugary snacks and fast food. However, as I began incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into my diet, I noticed a positive change. I had more energy throughout the day, and my body felt more nourished and revitalized. It was as if I had unlocked a hidden source of vitality that had been dormant within me. Maintaining healthy eating habits has had a profound impact on my mental health. In the past, I often experienced mood swings and feelings of anxiety. I discovered that my food choices were closely linked to my emotional well-being. When I shifted to a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods and reduced my intake of processed foods, I noticed a significant improvement in my mood and overall mental clarity. I felt more focused, calmer, and better equipped to handle the challenges that life threw my way. Practicing healthy eating habits has also boosted my self-esteem and confidence. As I took charge of my nutrition and made mindful choices, I felt a sense of accomplishment and self-empowerment. Knowing that I was actively investing in my well-being and making positive choices for my body and mind gave me a newfound appreciation for myself and my capabilities. Healthy eating has become a form of self-care and self-love for me. Preparing nutritious meals and taking the time to savor each bite has become a ritual that allows me to pause and connect with myself. It's a way of showing myself that I am worthy of nourishment and deserving of feeling my best. Having healthy eating habits is essential to me because it has profoundly transformed my physical and mental health. I have experienced increased energy, improved mood, and greater self-confidence by making mindful choices about the foods I consume. Taking care of my body through nutritious eating has become an act of self-love and empowerment. It has taught me that I have the power to positively influence my well-being and has inspired me to continue prioritizing healthy choices for a fulfilling and vibrant life.

Having healthy eating habits is incredibly important to me because I have experienced firsthand the positive impact it can have on both my physical and mental health. Growing up in a low-income household, our access to nutritious food was limited, and we often relied on processed and unhealthy options. As I became more aware of the importance of nutrition, I made a conscious decision to adopt healthier eating habits to improve my overall well-being. One of the most significant differences I noticed when I started practicing healthy eating habits was the improvement in my physical health. I used to feel sluggish and lacked energy, especially after consuming sugary snacks and fast food. However, as I began incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into my diet, I noticed a positive change. I had more energy throughout the day, and my body felt more nourished and revitalized. It was as if I had unlocked a hidden source of vitality that had been dormant within me. Maintaining healthy eating habits has had a profound impact on my mental health. In the past, I often experienced mood swings and feelings of anxiety. I discovered that my food choices were closely linked to my emotional well-being. When I shifted to a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods and reduced my intake of processed foods, I noticed a significant improvement in my mood and overall mental clarity. I felt more focused, calmer, and better equipped to handle the challenges that life threw my way. Practicing healthy eating habits has also boosted my self-esteem and confidence. As I took charge of my nutrition and made mindful choices, I felt a sense of accomplishment and self-empowerment. Knowing that I was actively investing in my well-being and making positive choices for my body and mind gave me a newfound appreciation for myself and my capabilities. Healthy eating has become a form of self-care and self-love for me. Preparing nutritious meals and taking the time to savor each bite has become a ritual that allows me to pause and connect with myself. It's a way of showing myself that I am worthy of nourishment and deserving of feeling my best. Having healthy eating habits is essential to me because it has profoundly transformed my physical and mental health. I have experienced increased energy, improved mood, and greater self-confidence by making mindful choices about the foods I consume. Taking care of my body through nutritious eating has become an act of self-love and empowerment. It has taught me that I have the power to positively influence my well-being and has inspired me to continue prioritizing healthy choices for a fulfilling and vibrant life.

Eleven days before my sixteenth birthday, I said goodbye to my Grandpapa, whose life was deeply affected by dementia. Unfortunately, this is a disease my family knows too well. It was only after his passing that I realized the lack of interventions to slow down the progression of dementia in its middle stages. This simple yet complex question ignited a strong determination in me to bring about meaningful change in society with hopes of working with the federal government in studying dementia as my career. Witnessing the challenges faced by my own family members affected by dementia started a deep sense of empathy and a desire to contribute to finding effective treatments and support systems for those affected. When I was eight, we visited my great-grandparents, and little did I know that this innocent encounter would mark the beginning of a poignant journey. My Grandpapa's warm smile greeted me as usual, but something felt different this time. His repetitive questions about my school grade hinted at a puzzling change. Unbeknownst to me, this was the onset of his battle with dementia, setting off a chain of events that would deeply impact my family. As time passed, my Grandpapa's memory lapses worsened, and now I can identify that he was facing the early stages of dementia. It was disheartening to see him ask the same question repeatedly, and my Grandmama's laughter, though soothing, could not conceal the gravity of the situation. I have learned about the potential ways to manage and possibly delay memory loss, which has presented many “coulda, shoulda, woulda’s.” Controlling insulin levels and balancing, blood sugar levels, helping the patient focus, boost their energy, and cognition-enhancing medications all can prolong memory in dementia patients, offering hope in the face of this daunting illness. As the disease advanced, the cherished moments of playing go fish with my Grandpapa began to fade away. His memory loss was relentless, and it left me heartbroken and bewildered. Something that once held great meaning in our lives had become unimportant, and I found solace in tears, seeking to understand why this was happening to someone so amazing. In the midst of the turmoil, my Grandmama passed away, leaving my Grandpapa's health to further decline. As he entered the middle stages of dementia, he lost the ability to recognize us, his memories were reduced to blank pages. Despite the pain, I clung to the cherished memories we once shared, hoping to keep our bond alive. One day, as my family visited my Grandpapa during his middle stages, I noticed the profound changes in his appearance. Yet, amidst the fog of his memory, a fleeting moment of connection emerged. I initiated a game of go fish, and to my surprise, he smiled, teasing me with familiar words. Although the game was short-lived, I found solace in that fleeting moment, knowing that our shared history had not been entirely erased. Witnessing my Grandpapa's rapid deterioration sparked a fire within me to seek ways for patients to navigate dementia without losing cherished memories. My determination to make a difference in the lives of dementia patients grew stronger, propelling me toward a career in the medical profession. I am in my last year of pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Howard University, driven by a deep desire to positively impact lives. Through my education, I aspired to become a compassionate and dedicated medical professional, supporting patients on their journey to better health and seeking innovative solutions for dementia. Having witnessed the devastating impact of dementia on my family, I dream of a future free from its relentless grasp. My goal is to contribute to medical advancements that empower individuals with dementia to maintain their memories and cognitive abilities, enhancing their quality of life. Throughout my journey with my Grandpapa's battle against dementia, I have been deeply touched by the profound impact it has had on my family and have learned a lot from this experience. Specifically, I have learned a lot about the progression of dementia as I’ve demonstrated throughout this essay with hopes of using this research in my career. This experience has been a profound lesson in empathy and compassion. As my Grandpapa's memory deteriorated, I learned the significance of understanding the emotions and struggles of individuals facing challenges. It became essential to offer him support and comfort, cherishing every moment we spent together, even as his memories slipped away. Above all, cherishing memories became a profound life lesson during my time with my Grandpapa. As he began to forget moments we once cherished together, I understood the importance of preserving and sharing stories about him, so that I could share them with my younger cousins who did not have the opportunity to know him. Those cherished memories became the bridge that connected us to the essence of who he was, and I vowed to honor his life and legacy by preserving those precious moments forever.