An anime I can watch over and over—and have done so—is Fushigi Yugi. It was one of the first anime series that introduced me to the incredible world of anime, and I was instantly hooked. Fushigi Yugi blends slice of life, fantasy, and romance, delivering a captivating storyline, but best of all are the characters. As a young teen, I was particularly drawn to the main male character. I even used to call him my boyfriend because his character exemplified chivalry and was undeniably easy on the eyes. The series skillfully balances adventure and emotional depth, creating an engaging experience that remains fresh with each rewatch. The complex relationships and character development kept me invested, making it a timeless favorite. The blend of genres in Fushigi Yugi offers a little bit of everything, making it a perfect gateway into anime for newcomers while providing plenty of depth for longtime fans. Whether it's the intricate plot twists or the memorable characters, there's always something new to appreciate each time I revisit the series. Additionally, Fushigi Yugi explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth, which resonated deeply with me. The emotional journeys of the characters, along with the fantastical elements, created a perfect escape from reality. The nostalgia and joy it brings with each viewing remind me why I fell in love with anime in the first place. Fushigi Yugi will always hold a special place in my heart for sparking my love for anime and continually delivering a delightful and enriching viewing experience.

The better question is, what don't I love about math? I enjoy knowing that there is always an end in sight; a problem either has an answer, or it doesn’t. There is almost always a definitive conclusion. I appreciate the certainty and clarity math provides—there's no guessing about what's happening. Additionally, it fascinates me how math can be applied to nearly anything in the world, allowing us to derive solutions to various problems. Another reason I love math is that everyone uses it subconsciously without realizing it. Whether it's calculating time, measuring ingredients, or managing finances, math is an integral part of everyday life, seamlessly woven into our daily routines. I am also captivated by the beauty and elegance of mathematical concepts. The way simple equations can describe complex phenomena in nature, technology, and the universe is truly amazing. Furthermore, math challenges me to think critically and solve problems creatively, enhancing my logical reasoning and analytical skills. Math's universality connects people across different cultures and languages, serving as a common language that transcends boundaries. This universality makes math a powerful tool for collaboration and innovation, driving progress in science, engineering, economics, and beyond. Ultimately, my love for math stems from its definitive nature, practical applications, and its ability to unlock the mysteries of the world.

One technology that profoundly inspires me about how it can make the world a better place is language translation technology. This innovation has revolutionized communication, effectively breaking down the barriers that have long separated people from different linguistic backgrounds. The convenience of pulling out a phone and using a translation app when faced with a language barrier is truly amazing!. This technology enables us to understand each other seamlessly, bridging gaps that once seemed to big. In a world where language differences often create obstacles, this innovation has fostered a new sense of connectivity and understanding. The fear of not being able to communicate because we don't speak the same language is rapidly diminishing, replaced by a confidence that we can always find a way to connect. This shift is transformative, opening up opportunities for collaboration, travel, and relationships that were once hindered by language limitations. Beyond just facilitating basic communication, this technology has the potential to create profound societal changes. It can help to integrate cultures in ways previously unimaginable. As people from different backgrounds interact more easily and frequently, they share more than just words—they exchange ideas, customs, and traditions. This exchange can lead to the blending of cultures, potentially creating entirely new cultural norms and practices. Imagine a world where cultural exchange is so fluid that it leads to the emergence of new, hybrid cultures that combine the best aspects of each. This could foster greater global understanding and cooperation, reducing conflicts and increasing harmony. In essence, language translation technology not only helps the world communicate but also serves as a catalyst for cultural integration and the creation of new, enriched cultures. Moreover, this technological advancement can promote empathy and reduce prejudice. When people can communicate directly, they are more likely to find common ground and appreciate each other’s perspectives. This can lead to a more inclusive and tolerant world where diversity is celebrated rather than feared. Thus, language translation technology is not just a tool for communication but a powerful instrument for fostering global unity and cultural evolution.

I can still remember the day it happened, as if it were yesterday. My whole family was enjoying a beautiful night at our cousin’s graduation party. Everyone was having fun; kids were running around, and adults were dancing and drinking. As I was getting ready to leave the party to make my one-hour drive home, he approached me and asked if I could drop his three kids off at our parents' house so he could enjoy the night with his wife. Who knew that later that night, I would receive a phone call that would devastate our family? Losing Shoua, my older brother, to suicide changed my family and me. We cried and questioned why. For two weeks, my family became dysfunctional and forced ourselves out of bed to prepare for his funeral according to the Hmong tradition. Days whizzed by like a blur, and I became numb to what was happening around me. Before I knew it, his funeral was over, and I had to return home to a different city, leaving me feeling all alone. I continued with life as if nothing had happened, but when I had moments to myself, tears would start streaming down. It was a continuous roller coaster of being numb and then being hit by a brick of emotions, which would open the floodgates of tears, only to go back to being numb. For a long time, I was angry. Angry at him for being so selfish that he chose death over us. He broke our family, and I didn’t think we could ever be repaired. Why didn’t he talk to anyone of us? Why didn’t he ask for help? The question “why” would run through my head repeatedly for years until I realized he had an unseen sickness, depression. After years of talking with my family and my wife and getting to know myself better, I’ve realized that his sickness couldn’t have been easily resolved by others. Perhaps all he needed was a friend to hold his hand as he fought his sickness. I’ve come to accept that, in his mind, the easiest option to rid himself of all his hurt was to choose death. I’ve yet to fully overcome my loss of Shoua, as the pain of losing him comes and goes in waves. To reach my current level of acceptance, I had to dig deep within myself and rediscover who I am. I listened to self-help podcasts and found what I enjoyed doing all over again. Most days are easier, and I can enjoy life knowing that he lives on through his children. I can love him still by loving his children and being there for them. From the loss of my brother, I’ve learned to be more empathetic and forgiving towards people, not knowing what sickness they may be battling. I want to be a reason for someone to smile and to wake up to another day alive. I want to be the person my brother didn’t have—someone who will extend their hand to help hold and walk with others as they continue their journey to battle their sickness.