"Self care is giving the world the best of you not what is left of you" We have a 24/7 society that often relegates self care to a luxury rather than a necessity. We are often asked to neglect our needs in order to keep up with external demands on our time. Self care in an investment in being the best version of ourselves. It starts with meeting basic physical needs such as nutrition, shelter and sleep. It then progresses to emotional needs such as mindfulness and stress management. Carving out time for strengthening social connections is a form of self care as well. I maintain a rigorous academic schedule with honors and AP level courses as well as a variety of extracurricular activities and a part time job. The demands on my time are significant but I schedule self care in the same manner that I do sports practice and homework time. Dedicated time to engage in hobbies I enjoy such fishing, mountain biking and weightlifting fill my tank and prepare me to face the challenges ahead. A strategy I utilize is combining self care needs such as inviting a friend to fish with me so I get the hobby and the socialization. Recognizing the signs of stress is a critical skill to be able to implement management strategies. I practice mindfulness to bring intention and awareness to the moment. I actively work on developing a growth mindset to challenge my perfectionist tendencies. A shift in perspective viewing an obstacle as an opportunity can help to clear my mind. Breathing techniques can be utilized on demand and serve as an effective reset. I utilize physical exercise as a way to clear my mind and move forward. I also relish time in nature to get back to the beauty of this life and quiet the stressors. I have worked on developing my comfort level in solitude. It has always been helpful to talk through my woes with trusted individuals but I find the solution usually comes when I take alone time to process their wisdom and marry it with my own goals. Connecting with others is an important way that I clear my mind. I believe the single most effective way to show someone they are loved is to be present. I demonstrate love by showing up for the people in my life that I want to feel my love. If my friend is in the school play I ask them about rehearsals and show up on opening night. I visit my grandparents regularly not simply on special occasions and holidays. I attend my brother's sporting events and actively watch the game. I am present physically, socially and emotionally engaged in the moment and investing in the people I love to strengthen these connections and they do the same for me. These connections are an investment and a resource for me anytime I need to clear my mind. Practicing self care can reduce anxiety, depression, improve productivity and increase overall satisfaction. It has been said that you can not care for others if you do not care for yourself. In addition to self care being an investment in myself , I view it as an opportunity to be better for the important people in my life. I model for others the importance of prioritizing self care and give them permission to do the same. It is critical for any level of success in life.

"Self care is giving the world the best of you not what is left of you" We have a 24/7 society that often relegates self care to a luxury rather than a necessity. We are often asked to neglect our needs in order to keep up with external demands on our time. Self care in an investment in being the best version of ourselves. It starts with meeting basic physical needs such as nutrition, shelter and sleep. It then progresses to emotional needs such as mindfulness and stress management. Carving out time for strengthening social connections is a form of self care as well. Living a healthy lifestyle is critical to my success. I maintain a rigorous academic schedule with honors and AP level courses as well as a variety of extracurricular activities and a part time job. The demands on my time are significant but I schedule self care in the same manner that I do sports practice and homework time. Dedicated time to engage in hobbies I enjoy such fishing, mountain biking and weightlifting fill my tank and prepare me to face the challenges ahead. A strategy I utilize is combining self care needs such as inviting a friend to fish with me so I get the hobby and the socialization. A healthy lifestyle including practicing self care can reduce anxiety, depression, improve productivity and increase overall satisfaction. It has been said that you can not care for others if you do not care for yourself. In addition to self care being an investment in myself , I view it as an opportunity to be better for the important people in my life In addition, I model for others the importance of prioritizing self care. I believe the single most effective way to show someone they are loved and cared for is to be present. I demonstrate love by showing up for the people in my life that I want to feel my love. If my friend is in the school play I ask them about rehearsals and show up on opening night. I visit my grandparents regularly not simply on special occasions and holidays. I attend my brother's sporting events and actively watch the game. I am present physically, socially and emotionally engaged in the moment and investing in the people I love. I could not do this if I was not living a healthy lifestyle myself. I can not care for others if I am not caring for myself first. I am so fortunate that this mindset was modeled for me. I felt the love so it is easy to demonstrate it to others. My mom was homeroom mom, field trip chaperone and happily fed anyone I brought through the door. My dad was my coach, practice partner and life skills instructor teaching me to drive, change a tire and balance a check book. They learned these expressions of love from their family and I am fortunate to have four grandparents who are very involved in my life even in these teenage years. This demonstration of love was rooted in a healthy lifestyle. In order for my parents and grandparents to be available and present in my life they must first take care of themselves by living a healthy lifestyle. I do not take for granted this legacy of love and lessons on a healthy lifestyle as I know not everyone is so fortunate. My family has loved and supported me unconditionally making me open and receptive to doing the same in my own life. It is a priceless gift that has shaped who I am and the relationships I share with others. A healthy lifestyle is an investment in yourself that allows you to invest in others.

I love how utterly unconditionally dogs love us. I am imperfect, prone to stress, anxiety and pesky teenage mood swings but to my dog I am perfect. Oakley came into my life when pre-teen insecurities were in full swing. He makes me laugh with his human like behaviors and silly antics. He is known to stick his face in his water bowl to blow bubbles while we are at the dinner table. If someone leaves a chair out he will join us at the table, sitting tall holding out hope someone will share a nibble. Whether I am gone for five days or five minutes, Oakley greets me with the same joyous elation at my return; hopping on his hind legs to smother me in kisses. He is the ultimate foot warmer setting up residence on top of my feet anytime they slow their pace and provides comfort with a gentle lean or nudging his head under my hand. Truth be told my dog inspires me to be a better person. He is thankful for every tennis ball tossed, treat given and walk taken. Gratitude is something all humans could work on cultivating and dogs have it mastered. Oakley truly relishes the simple pleasures in life such as a belly scratch or his head out the window on a car ride. Mindfulness and being intentionally present is something we could all take note of from our canine companions. He embraces all conditions frolicking through the snow, finding rest in a patch of shade or tearing through the rain with reckless abandon. He shows me the power of not worrying about the things I can not control such as the weather. Oakley also models acceptance. People of all shapes, age, size and color are fair game for his attention and affection. If only humans did a better job of modeling dogs inclusiveness. I have been unable to play with my dog due to a busy schedule or homework load and accidentally stepped on his tail racing out the door. His forgiveness is instant and he is ready with is loyalty and affection when I return. He does not hold a grudge or withhold his affection. He is loyal and generous. He intuitively seems to know if I am having a bad day and sits close by gently nuzzling to offer his comfort. Oakley has positively impacted my life by reminding me to play daily, catch a nap, accept affection, and delight in the simple joy of a walk. I am reminded of the story of the little boy explaining why dogs don't live as long as humans. He explained we as humans need to learn to live a good life and how to treat people kindly. However, dogs already know all that so they don't need to stay as long. Reflecting on the lessons Oakley has taught me I believe our young sage was certainly onto something with his insightful observation. "It came to me that every time I lose a dog, they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog that comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all of the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and as loving as they are." – Anonymous

I love how utterly unconditionally dogs love us. I am imperfect, prone to stress, anxiety and pesky teenage mood swings but to my dog I am perfect. Oakley came into my life when pre-teen insecurities were in full swing. He makes me laugh with his human like behaviors and silly antics. He is known to stick his face in his water bowl to blow bubbles while we are at the dinner table. If someone leaves a chair out he will join us at the table, sitting tall holding out hope someone will share a nibble. Whether I am gone for five days or five minutes, Oakley greets me with the same joyous elation at my return; hopping on his hind legs to smother me in kisses. He is the ultimate foot warmer setting up residence on top of my feet anytime they slow their pace and provides comfort with a gentle lean or nudging his head under my hand. Truth be told my dog inspires me to be a better person. He is thankful for every tennis ball tossed, treat given and walk taken. Gratitude is something all humans could work on cultivating and dogs have it mastered. Oakley truly relishes the simple pleasures in life such as a belly scratch or his head out the window on a car ride. Mindfulness and being intentionally present is something we could all take note of from our canine companions. He embraces all conditions frolicking through the snow, finding rest in a patch of shade or tearing through the rain with reckless abandon. He shows me the power of not worrying about the things I can not control such as the weather. Oakley also models acceptance. People of all shapes, age, size and color are fair game for his attention and affection. If only humans did a better job of modeling dogs inclusiveness. I have been unable to play with my dog due to a busy schedule or homework load and accidentally stepped on his tail racing out the door. His forgiveness is instant and he is ready with his loyalty and affection when I return. He does not hold a grudge or withhold his affection. He is loyal and generous. He intuitively seems to know if I am having a bad day and sits close by gently nuzzling to offer his comfort. Oakley has positively impacted my life by reminding me to play daily, catch a nap, accept affection, and delight in the simple joy of a walk. I am reminded of the story of the little boy explaining why dogs don't live as long as humans. He explained we as humans need to learn to live a good life and how to treat people kindly. However, dogs already know all that so they don't need to stay as long. Reflecting on the lessons Oakley has taught me I believe our young sage was certainly onto something with his insightful observation. "It came to me that every time I lose a dog, they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog that comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all of the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and as loving as they are." – Anonymous

Our friends have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and their bodies are failing them. They have lost the ability to walk and need assistance with even the simplest daily tasks. Elliott and I are both on the college hunt and grappling with what to do with our lives. Elliott intends to pursue a degree in musical production and I am focusing on engineering. I was struck by the similarities in our process but heartbroken by the differences. Elliott will require a full time aide with him to attend college. His choices are limited to an accessible campus close to home for medical emergencies. My choices are wide open. As I gain independence moving to this next stage, Elliott’s dependencies grow. My family has supported the Johnson family planning Run for Our Son’s 5K races and Coach to Cure events for over a decade raising nearly one million dollars for research. I served as race organizer and team captain recruiting runners and soliciting donations. Funds raised allowed Happy to be Home to modify their house to be more accessible for maneuvering, eating, showering and many other tasks we take for granted, Elliott is currently learning to drive on a specially formatted wheelchair accessible van that will return some autonomy. Driving is a teenager’s right of passage, once they tackle parallel parking, but that wasn’t guaranteed for Elliott without these funds. Progress is frustratingly slow as Duchenne is a rare disease affecting only one in 3,500 male births. Our experience with these fundraising efforts influenced my future career choice. I want to be an engineer to solve real world problems to improve quality of life for individuals and ensure equal access to all that life has to offer. I hope to use my education to make a positive impact in my community.

I believe the power in art is that it can speak to people and provoke thought, challenge misperceptions, and evoke compassion. One of my favorite sculptors is The Thinker by Auguste Rodin. It serves as a reminder of the importance of contemplating our actions and taking the time to think before we act. Society thrives on instant gratification. Students demand professors upload test scores as soon as the last question is answered, we would like to be at the top of the pay scale upon graduation and entering the work force and one work out should equate to a ten pound weight loss are just a few examples of this mentality. The artistic marvel The Thinker presents a glorious, bronze beauty to challenge this mindset. Rodin successfully captures raw, human emotion while the subject is in deep contemplation and meditation. Every aspect of the facial expression and body language reflect the deep thought. The entire being is consumed by the act of thinking and the viewer can feel the investment. The Thinker serves to remind me of the importance of slowing down and considering the power of my words and actions. It is a powerful reminder in an instant gratification society.

Financial literacy is a key component to future success. This skill must be developed and doesn’t occur automatically. Individuals need to invest in their financial security and revisit their plan regularly. Setting financial goals can help keep objectives in mind and ensure stability and growth. The importance of setting a budget by examining income and consider all expenses. A concept I believe most people struggle with in developing financial literacy is needs versus wants. It is suggested to use the 50-30-20 rule for needs, wants and savings to reach your financial goals. Individuals often mistake wants for needs and this principle can help create boundaries and delay unnecessary purchases until they are within the budget. This skill will be critical for managing my finances in college while focusing on my studies with limited time to work. I have implemented this skill in my work as a class officer managing our finances and planning events. My focus to graduate debt free is on developing healthy habits that allow me to live confidently and debt free. This is accomplished by setting a budget that accounts for income compared to expenses. Emergency savings are developed that will allow security and ultimately retirement. Revisiting earning potential, reducing expenses and consolidating debt can help achieve financial success. Financial literacy is the foundation for a relationship with money and is a lifelong investment in accomplishing goals and dreams. It is not guaranteed and some never develop this skill. Starting early and continuing to develop will be essential to success. I have earned admission to prestigious universities through my hard work and academic record and earned merit scholarships as I don't qualify for needs based. I must carefully weigh the offers and examine the financial burden to attend these universities with the cost of tuition sky high.

“It darn near ruined my day” Pop said, describing the return of his terminal cancer to his brother as I eavesdropped from the other room. “But then I grabbed my fishing rod and got back to living” he continued, as they progressed to a detailed conversation on bait, leukemia now a distant thought. Pop transformed 57 acres of barren land in the mountains. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each trail and built the house with his own two hands. My earliest memories are of Pop hooking a bluegill in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that Pop’s joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. When I am faced with adversity I simply need to reflect on one of the most influential relationships I have had in my life. Time spent with my grandfather gave me all the tools I need to deal with an obstacle head on. He taught me the importance of perspective and optimism. I hope to be the force in someone’s life that Pop has been in mine. I hope to bring his lessons on hard work and enjoying simple pleasures to this next chapter. My grandfather didn’t tell me these lessons, he showed me by living them every single day.

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday was given to me after a fractured back simultaneously ended my wrestling and baseball career. It is based on the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor who faced constant war, plagues, betrayals and attempts on his life. It outlines a formula for thriving because of negative situations rather than in spite of them. “We can accommodate and adapt. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Historians report Marcus Aurelius viewed each challenge as an opportunity to develop a virtue such as patience, humility, courage or creativity. Setbacks are always expected but are never permanent. Obstacles can evoke fear, frustration, helplessness, anger and blame. This book challenges individuals to respond differently. The book teaches one to view every obstacle as an opportunity to improve.Presented with a crisis, will you be destroyed, merely survive or thrive? Admittedly, reading this book required more than one attempt because I was consumed by my injury standing in the way. My mind wasn’t open to changing that perspective. There is no magic formula hidden in the pages. However, it encourages you to view a situation through a new lens. With a new perspective an obstacle can be turned into an opportunity and open the window to progress. The Obstacle is the Way allowed me to examine the feelings of anger and resentment towards my wrestling injury. Cycling through what if scenarios was impeding any forward progress keeping the negativity in the forefront of my brain. This mindset made me seek out facts and information that supported the negativity. This book forced me to examine my injury in a new light. It is another resource to tap into to help me achieve my goals and illustrates the critical importance of perspective.

I was very fortunate to have a senior captain invest in me as a freshman soccer player. He watched my games and offered insightful feedback. I was deeply impacted by how generously he gave of his time, attention and expertise; expecting nothing in return. My soccer experience came full circle when this individual's younger brother was a freshman and I was now the senior captain. I took the responsibility of mentoring him and developing a relationship with him very seriously. It was a highlight of my soccer experience and it all came down to relationships not goals scored or winning games. I hope to take this lesson forward with me in my life and not lose focus of the power of one caring individual to shape and influence others. I was selected for the Octorara Heroes Mentor Program by teacher recommendation and academic accomplishments. Heroes take a pledge to stay drug and alcohol free. We mentor elementary school students and plan programs to build relationships and guide them towards healthy choices for their future. I believe the most impactful way I have been a mentor in my school and community is through my daily actions. I have a strong work ethic and apply myself to the task at hand whether it is academic, athletic or community service. My reputation and character are important to me and I hold high standards for behavior which I believe can positively influence others to do the same. St. Anthony of Padua told us “Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak.” Living this motto can help me be a leader every single day and make a difference for my school and community. A mentor has the power to change a course with support and guidance; the impact is limitless.

Weekends with my grandfather were my earliest engineering classroom. We spent glorious afternoons problem solving and creating with what we could find in his garage. It felt like play time but now I reflect on how much analysis and creativity went into these projects. Working with limited resources we had to be flexible, innovative and apply decision making skills at each step. Each project necessitated a vision that we were then able to execute into reality. One weekend, a storm blew a large tree onto the roof , and I soon found myself up there as well with a 45 year old saw and a rope hooked to my grandfather’s truck. My grandfather helped to show me the value of forging your own path. He helped me develop the ability to think outside the box that will be essential to my success as an engineer. I was selected for our gifted program providing an outlet for my curiosity. We were challenged daily to explore a problem from multiple angles to achieve innovation. We relished the exquisite failure on hundreds of attempts with our Rube Goldberg, attempting to accomplish a simple task through complex design, as it fueled our creativity and exaltation when it was finally a success. The classroom was full of excitement as we developed persistence through exploring STEM concepts. This forward thinking and collaboration will be crucial components of my engineering career. In my spare time I like to channel my creativity with music and painting. I taught myself to play guitar as a pandemic goal. I follow painting tutorials online as a creative outlet as well as a way to spend time with my grandmother who enjoys painting as a past time. Carving out time for creativity can relieve the stress of a busy day.

Financial literacy is key for future success. This skill must be developed and doesn’t occur automatically. Individuals need to invest in their financial security and revisit their plan regularly. Setting financial goals can help keep objectives in mind and ensure stability and growth. A key component is the importance of setting a budget. It is essential to examine income and consider all expenses. A concept I believe most people struggle with in developing financial literacy is needs versus wants. It is suggested to use the 50-30-20 rule for needs, wants and savings to reach your financial goals. Individuals often mistake wants for needs and this principle can help create boundaries and delay unnecessary purchases until they are within the budget. This skill will be critical for managing my finances in college while focusing on my studies with limited time to work. Concrete guidelines assist with goal setting and make it possible to achieve financial freedom. My parents have guided us with savings since our earliest birthday and holiday presents. We were allowed to spend half and save half. We have been encouraged to focus is on developing healthy habits that will allow us to live confidently and debt free. This is accomplished by setting a budget that accounts for income compared to expenses. Emergency savings are developed that will allow security and ultimately retirement. Revisiting earning potential, reducing expenses and consolidating debt can help achieve financial success. Financial literacy is the foundation for a relationship with money and is a lifelong investment in accomplishing goals and dreams. It is not guaranteed and some never develop this skill. Starting early and continuing to develop will be essential to my success. Mastering these principles will serve as an investment in my financial future. Scholarships can lighten the financial burden of school.

“It darn near ruined my day” Pop said, describing the return of his terminal cancer to his brother as I eavesdropped from the other room. “But then I grabbed my fishing rod and got back to living” he continued, as they progressed to a detailed conversation on bait, leukemia now a distant thought. Pop transformed 57 acres of barren land in the mountains. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each trail and built the house with his own two hands. My earliest memories are of Pop hooking a bluegill in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that Pop’s joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. Weekends with my grandfather included lots of projects but never the right materials. We spent glorious afternoons problem solving and creating with what we could find in his garage. We made deer blinds and docks out of scrap wood and instruments out of bamboo found in his backyard. It felt like play time but as I have aged I reflect on how much analysis and creativity went into these fun projects. Working with limited resources we had to be flexible, innovative and apply decision making skills at each step. Each project necessitated a vision that we were then able to execute into reality. One weekend, a storm blew a large tree onto the roof , and I soon found myself up there as well with a 45 year old saw and a rope hooked to my grandfather’s truck. I tended to favor doing things by the book, but my grandfather helped to show me the value of forging your own path as well. Days spent with my grandfather were my earliest classroom for a future engineering career. I hope to be the force in someone’s life that Pop has been in mine. I hope to bring his lessons on hard work and enjoying simple pleasures to this next chapter at Penn State. My grandfather didn’t tell me these lessons, he showed me by living them every single day. My grandfather is my motivation for pressing on. He has shown me how to live life to the fullest despite facing adversity. He prioritizes relationships, family time and connecting with nature. He is one of the most significant relationships in my life and has served as a source of inspiration and always an attentive ear for advice. I am so grateful to have his influence in my life. I am truly sorry for the loss of your son Juquel and can't imagine the heartache you must feel losing him so young and with so much potential. Like my grandfather, you are turning a tragedy into an opportunity for students like me. I admire your ability to persevere and thank you for your time and consideration of my application.

“It darn near ruined my day” Pop said, describing the return of his terminal cancer to his brother as I eavesdropped from the other room. “But then I grabbed my fishing rod and got back to living” he continued, as they progressed to a detailed conversation on bait, leukemia now a distant thought. Pop transformed 57 acres of barren land in the mountains. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each trail and built the house with his own hands. My earliest memories are of Pop hooking a bluegill in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that Pop’s joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced euphoric thrills and epic failures fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. Weekends with my grandfather included many projects but never the right materials. We spent glorious afternoons problem solving and creating with what we could find in his garage. I tended to favor doing things by the book, but my grandfather helped to show me the value of forging your own path as well. My relationship with Pop has allowed me to be a positive force for the elderly in my community. He broke down stereotypes associated with aging and helped me forge special relationships with the elderly. We talk about cars, I shovel their driveways, and they bake cookies for me. I credit my grandfather for encouraging these meaningful connections in my life. Getting to know people as individuals regardless of age is a gift both parties benefit from.

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday was given to me by my father after a fractured back simultaneously ended my wrestling and baseball career. It is based on the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor who faced constant war, plagues, betrayals and attempts on his life. It outlines a formula for thriving because of negative situations rather than in spite of them. Historians report Marcus Aurelius viewed each challenge as an opportunity to develop a virtue such as patience, humility, courage or creativity. Setbacks are always expected but are never permanent. Obstacles can evoke fear, frustration, helplessness, anger and blame. This book challenges individuals to respond differently. Presented with a crisis, will you be destroyed, merely survive or thrive? The book teaches one to view every obstacle as an opportunity to improve. All great accomplishments can be traced back to a problem that was met with daring creativity, focus and determination. Admittedly, reading this book required more than one attempt because I was consumed by my injury standing in my way. My mind wasn’t open to changing that perspective. The book encourages you to view a situation through a new lens. With a new perspective an obstacle can be turned into an opportunity and open the window to progress. The Obstacle is the Way allowed me to examine the feelings of anger and resentment towards my wrestling injury. Cycling through what if scenarios was impeding any forward progress keeping the negativity in the forefront of my brain. This mindset made me seek out facts and information that supported the negativity. This is one of my favorite books to this day because it illustrates the critical importance of perspective and the power that can be found in the pages of a book.

1. I deserve this scholarship because I was crowned Mr. Octorara at a male beauty pageant Four Diamonds fundraiser. My stellar hula hooping skills and stand out dance moves during the "It's Raining Men" opening number set the stage for victory. The costume segment had me monkeying around bribing the judges with bananas but surely my talent of beach ball ballet sealed the honor. Abject humiliation endured for a good cause. 2. I'm looking to have a successful career in something unique like mattress tester, travel critic, dog food taster or online dating profile ghostwriter. My career goals involve doing the bare minimum for the maximum pay. I plan to vacation more than I work, arrive late and leave early. I hope to ultimately be independently wealthy so I can retire early and support a scholarship for students like myself. 3. I have tried sports, hobbies, friendships, relationships and work. I have faced insurmountable obstacles as they all require time, dedication, sacrifice and effort. I have chosen the path of least resistance so I walk alone; judged a slacker, parasite and slug. However, I will not stop. The obstacle will be the way to true learning and life experience. I will continue my relentless pursuit to overcome.

Elliott and Henry Johnson have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. They are unable to make the protein dystrophin and their bodies are failing them. They have lost the ability to walk and need assistance with even the simplest daily tasks. I met them through my mom’s community service club at her school. She learned of their story and saw a picture of them in the same pajamas my brother and I have. Since then we have been determined to support them in any way we could. We have planned Run For Our Son’s 5K races and family fun day. I have served as organizer, securing sponsors and team captain. We have supported Coach to Cure a partnership with the NFL to raise awareness and generate funds. These events have raised nearly one million dollars for research over the course of a decade. Funds also went to Happy 2 Be Home to support a home remodel that would make their house more accessible for maneuvering, eating, showering and many other tasks we take for granted. Elliott is currently learning to drive on a specially formatted wheelchair accessible van that will return some autonomy. Driving is a teenager’s right of passage, once they tackle parallel parking, but that wasn’t guaranteed for Elliott. I am proud of these financial accomplishments. Duchenne is a rare disease affecting only 1 in 3,500 live male births which results in frustratingly slow research progress. However, I am most proud of the connection we have built with the family. I have known Elliott and Henry since we were all toddlers doing our summer science camp and swimming in their pool. Elliott is an avid reader and Star Wars fan who still holds onto a love of legos. Henry is a passionate Patriots and Red Sox fan with eclectic musical tastes and a savvy sense of humor. They are so much more than their disease and our friendship transcends their disease. Elliott and I are both on the college hunt and grappling with what to do with our lives. Elliott intends to pursue a degree in musical production and I am focusing on engineering.I was struck by the similarities in our process but heartbroken at the differences. Elliott will require a full time aide with him to attend college. His choices are limited to an accessible campus close to home for medical emergencies. My choices are wide open. As I gain independence moving to this next stage, Elliott’s dependencies grow. It is through these fundraising efforts and my relationship with this family that my future career aspirations grew. What started with legos, curiosity and and backyard science experiments was coming into a much sharper focus. As Duchenne relentlessly progressed, STEM inventions allowed them to continue their daily activities. When we go out to a restaurant Elliott is connected to his “T-REX arms” as he calls them to be able to eat his meal independently. Robotic Orthosis uses electromyography signals to activate the motor when assistance is needed. This STEM invention returns dignity and independence to my friend and I hope to be able to make this sort of contribution in my future career endeavors. I am inspired to make a positive impact by solving real world problems that provide practical solutions to enhance quality of life. A career in STEM will provide daily challenges that utilize critical thinking to create solutions. It allows the opportunity to take an idea and transform it into an invention that can change lives. Lifelong friendship and my dreams of inciting change in my community are the greatest gifts I received from being an ally.

When you picture a face with glasses, wrinkles and a studious expression most would think of their grandparents. A favorite family picture depicts me wearing my grandfather’s glasses with a studious expression on my wrinkled newborn face and earned me the nickname old soul. I have a tendency to analyze situations carefully rather than impulsively decide. I often wondered if being an old soul was a compliment or a curse. My high school friends call me dad as a teenage nod to my old soul persona. I acknowledge the title proudly knowing that being an old soul has served me well. I have learned that an old soul can mean thoughtful, respectful, empathetic, possess wisdom beyond your years and appreciation of connections and the little things in life. I have grown in confidence and comfort in my own skin. I have learned to allow myself time to reflect and be comfortable in the choices I make. I may not be the most boisterous person in the room but I can be counted on to work hard and treat others with kindness. I am deeply motivated to make a positive changes in this world. I have achieved a balance with what I believe and how I act. I have worked through pressure to conform to others vision of how a teenager should act and embraced my old soul tendencies. I am most proud of my character and integrity. My intuition is strong and I trust myself to make wise choices for myself, my family and my community. I develop my talents and interests even if they are not typical for my peers. I am willing to take risks and try new things. I prioritize family and connections in my daily life and carve out time to enjoy simple pleasures and connect with nature. My mother would often tell me a story of a small child moving down the beach tossing stranded starfish back into the ocean. A cynical adult admonishes the child, noting the abundance of starfish. He questions how it could possibly make a difference.The child undeterred tosses another starfish and declares “It makes a difference to this one.” The needs of the world can feel overwhelming but I have always been encouraged to apply myself to making a difference in small and big ways. I have been encouraged me to strive to positively impact everyone I saw in a day. This could result from kindness, a listening ear or humor offered. We have opportunities every single day to make a difference. I am highly motivated to make positive changes for those in need and solve real world problems. I will strive to make a positive impact in my career by providing practical solutions to enhance quality of life. A career in biomedical engineering will provide daily challenges that utilize critical thinking to create solutions. It allows the opportunity to take an idea and transform it into an invention that can change lives. It will satisfy my desire to be a lifelong learner and the gratification of knowing I have left the world a better place. My analytical, old soul personality will serve me well in this career. It will help me keep balance between work, home and contributing to my community. I have included one of my favorite quotes below that inspires me to take action to make a difference. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

I love how utterly unconditionally dogs love us. I am imperfect, prone to stress, anxiety and pesky teenage mood swings but to my dog I am perfect. Oakley came into my life when pre-teen insecurities were in full swing. He makes me laugh with his human like behaviors and silly antics. He is known to stick his face in his water bowl to blow bubbles while we are at the dinner table. If someone leaves a chair out he will join us at the table, sitting tall holding out hope someone will share a nibble. Whether I am gone for five days or five minutes, Oakley greets me with the same joyous elation at my return; hopping on his hind legs to smother me in kisses. He is the ultimate foot warmer setting up residence on top of my feet anytime they slow their pace and provides comfort with a gentle lean or nudging his head under my hand. Truth be told my dog inspires me to be a better person. He is thankful for every tennis ball tossed, treat given and walk taken. Gratitude is something all humans could work on cultivating and dogs have it mastered. Oakley truly relishes the simple pleasures in life such as a belly scratch or his head out the window on a car ride. Mindfulness and being intentionally present is something we could all take note of from our canine companions. He embraces all conditions frolicking through the snow, finding rest in a patch of shade or tearing through the rain with reckless abandon. He shows me the power of not worrying about the things I can not control such as the weather. Oakley also models acceptance. People of all shapes, age, size and color are fair game for his attention and affection. If only humans did a better job of modeling dogs inclusiveness. I have been unable to play with my dog due to a busy schedule or homework load and accidentally stepped on his tail racing out the door. His forgiveness is instant and he is ready with is loyalty and affection when I return. he does not hold a grudge or withhold his affection. He is loyal and generous. He intuitively seems to know if I am having a bad day and sits close by gently nuzzling to offer his comfort. Oakley has positively impacted my life by reminding me to play daily, catch a nap, accept affection, and delight in the simple joy of a walk. I am reminded of the story of the little boy explaining why dogs don't live as long as humans. He explained we as humans need to learn to live a good life and how to treat people kindly. However, dogs already know all that so they don't need to stay as long. Reflecting on the lessons Oakley has taught me I believe our young sage was certainly onto something with his insightful observation. "It came to me that every time I lose a dog, they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog that comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all of the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and as loving as they are." – Anonymous

I would immediately deposit the money into my savings account for college expenses. I was born into a family of teachers leaving a college education as a foregone conclusion. I spent my formative years exploring museums and science factories. Educational toys were under the Christmas tree and books filled our stockings. Each night we chose from the overflowing bookshelves to read together or discuss and analyze once I could read independently. When your parents are teachers your home is your classroom and every experience is a teachable moment. Lessons were built in on vacation, at the holiday dinner table and on car rides with no escape. However, this upbringing fosters a love of learning and exploration. My parents affectionately describe my incessant questioning on how things work. I was encouraged to dig deeper to truly understand. I still have The Big Book of Tell Me Why on my bookshelf. If you ask your teacher parents a question, be prepared for a question to be returned to you. They have taught me to work hard and not shy away from a challenge. However, the challenge of financing my college education is proving to be a formidable obstacle. Rising costs of tuition and high interest loans are a significant stressor. I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship to lessen the financial burden of attending college.

The power of a book can not be underestimated. They comfort loneliness, ignite imagination, encourage empathy and inspire careers. They also spark outrage, prompt action, shape global perspective and expose injustice. A book is the gift that keeps on giving as true meaning and impact of some works can only be discovered through repeat readings. Books help us understand and relate to the world we live in. A love for books was fostered from a young age; reading was a constant presence in my life. It was part of our bedtime routine from birth and we had regular “no electronics” time spent cozied up by the fire escaping into a good book. I devoured The Magic Tree House series, learning history as I followed Jack and Annie on their adventures. Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson ignited my imagination and an obsession with Greek mythology as I flew through his novels. It even inspired my Halloween costume and Christmas ornaments. It is a treasure looking back at the books of my childhood and the warm comfort they provided. Reading was about pleasure and escaping into an imaginary world in my early years. As I developed, so did my reading. Later selections reflect my growth and maturity as they were more thought provoking and challenging. Wonder taught me the importance of empathy and the value of a supportive family. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas introduced me to the horrors of the Holocaust but also the innocence of children and the power of friendship. Shmuel and Bruno’s death had me reflect on human nature and the senseless loss of life. As I grew books did not always have happy endings, the hero was no longer guaranteed to triumph. Unbroken illustrated the unbelievable resilience of the human spirit. I was awed and inspired by the true events of Louis Zamperini’s life and his time at sea and as a prisoner of war. A Thousand Splendid Suns challenged me to examine power dynamics. Song of Solomon reminded me of the importance of our past. Yet we have to be careful to avoid letting it define us. The Great Gatsby drove the point home about the hazards of living in the past. Their Eyes Were Watching God caused further reflection on the importance of moving forward and not allowing yourself to cease to progress in life. The Stranger had me grappling with the meaning of life while simultaneously acknowledging that I will never find a worldly meaning. Equitable access to books from an early age will improve education for future generations. The economic divide repeats the cycle of disadvantage in schools and books have the power to break it. Voracious readers can expand their minds, access accurate information and have limitless potential as they escape into the pages of a good book. "A book should serve as the ax for the frozen sea within us." –Franz Kafka, Letter to Oskar Pollak, 27 January 1904

I believe one of the biggest problems facing our world today is the reliance on technology. I am reminded of a photography project that depicted events throughout the world pre and post cell phones. Side by side images illustrated Walt Disney World and Major League Baseball games. . Pre cell phones spectators were engaging with one another and strangers were sharing travel stories in line for Space Mountain. Post cell phone photos of the same locations looked eerily similar to my high school classrooms. Heads were down and fingers were scrolling. Opportunities to connect with a family from Tucson, Arizona or discover that your line mate was also a dental hygienist were lost on the screen. We can address this issue by heeding the reports of isolation, anxiety and depression experienced while “connecting” with “friends” on social media and challenging the carefully crafted highlight reel in favor of genuine connections. We can refuse to be content with traveling the world wearing virtual reality goggles and relish the vivid, real life adventure that awaits embracing airport delays and grumpy travelers where the unexpected experience just may become the highlight of the trip. We can fight against the documented technology addiction to meet our human need for connection and by recognizing it is sitting in our classrooms and at our dinner table.We will discern that the stimulation of the pleasure center of the brain by technology mirrors the addiction of drugs. We will embrace that no amount of followers replaces a person who shows up to celebrate your accomplishments and pick you up after your failures. I have never had an experience with a person online that can rival hiking through the woods, fishing at the ponds, or the adrenaline rush of our bikes racing down the mountain.

I believe a practical solution to support people struggling with mental health is to actively work to break down the stigma. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 18-24 year olds and one in three people will struggle with a mental illness. Pandemic isolation has only exacerbated the numbers and decreased access to qualified professionals. There are so many misperceptions regarding mental health that unintentionally contribute to the problem. Studies show people would rather tell their boss that they in rehab or in jail for a crime rather than share that they are receiving treatment for a mental illness. However, left untreated mental illness can lead to suicide. The negative stigma associated with mental health causes prejudice, disrespect, and labeling. It impedes recovery and denies support for individuals struggling. It perpetuates the myth that people can recover if the just try harder or focus on the positive. It portrays those that suffer from mental illness as violent and dangerous. The reality is they are much more likely to become the victim of a crime than perpetuate one. They have no desire to hurt another person but see self harm or suicide as a way to end their own pain. Having the conversation early and often can make great strides to eliminate the negative stigma associated with mental health and increase the likelihood of getting support and qualified help to move towards recovery. There is hope and people are able to live, work and learn while participating fully in their communities. Knowledge is power and education can change attitudes toward mental health. Personal stories are a compelling tool is the battle to reduce stigma as you are able to connect with an individual and their struggles as well as learn about their road to recovery.

“It darn near ruined my day” Pop said, describing the return of his terminal cancer to his brother as I eavesdropped from the other room. “But then I grabbed my fishing rod and got back to living” he continued, as they progressed to a detailed conversation on bait, leukemia now a distant thought. Pop transformed 57 acres of barren land in the mountains. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each trail and built the house with his own two hands. My earliest memories are of Pop hooking a bluegill in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that Pop’s joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. Weekends with my grandfather included lots of projects but never the right materials. We spent glorious afternoons problem solving and creating with what we could find in his garage. We made deer blinds and docks out of scrap wood and instruments out of bamboo found in his backyard. It felt like play time but as I have aged I reflect on how much analysis and creativity went into these fun projects. Working with limited resources we had to be flexible, innovative and apply decision making skills at each step. Days spent with my grandfather were my earliest classroom for a future engineering career. He taught me many life skills but the most important was to live life to the fullest and never say no to an adventure.

My mother would often tell me a story of a small child moving down the beach tossing stranded starfish back into the ocean. A cynical adult admonishes the child, noting the abundance of starfish. He questions how it could possibly make a difference.The child undeterred tosses another starfish and declares “It makes a difference to this one.” The needs of the world can feel overwhelming but I have always been encouraged to apply myself to making a difference in small and big ways. My mother encouraged me to strive to positively impact everyone I saw in a day. This could result from kindness, a listening ear or humor offered. We have opportunities every single day to make a difference. My mom is a middle school teacher and speaks of "invisible backpacks" that all students carry with their worries, insecurities and burdens in addition to their tangible books and belongings. She would often question if my interactions with people had left them better or worse for having run into me during the day. This insight has shaped my idea of generosity. Fundraising and tangible items will always be necessary to address needs. However, generosity can come from being present for others. Celebrating their successes and comforting them through failures. Generosity can involve giving of our time rather than just our finances to be emotionally available for another person. It can involve blocking other distractions such as work, school and electronics to be fully present and engaged. We all have the capability to be generous with our time and actions. We can choose kindness, patience and offer an encouraging smile to lighten the load in the invisible backpack. Generosity like this can truly change the course of an individuals day and make all the difference.

“It darn near ruined my day” Pop said, describing the return of his terminal cancer to his brother as I eavesdropped from the other room. “But then I grabbed my fishing rod and got back to living” he continued, as they progressed to a detailed conversation on bait, leukemia now a distant thought. Pop transformed 57 acres of barren land in the mountains. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each trail and built the house with his own two hands. My earliest memories are of Pop hooking a bluegill in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that Pop’s joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. Weekends with my grandfather included lots of projects but never the right materials. We spent glorious afternoons problem solving and creating with what we could find in his garage. We made deer blinds and docks out of scrap wood and instruments out of bamboo found in his backyard. It felt like play time but as I have aged I reflect on how much analysis and creativity went into these fun projects. Working with limited resources we had to be flexible, innovative and apply decision making skills at each step. Each project necessitated a vision that we were then able to execute into reality. One weekend, a storm blew a large tree onto the roof , and I soon found myself up there as well with a 45 year old saw and a rope hooked to my grandfather’s truck. I tended to favor doing things by the book, but my grandfather helped to show me the value of forging your own path as well. Days spent with my grandfather were my earliest classroom for a future engineering career. My grandfather taught me the importance of relationships and investing in people. He was present physically, socially and emotionally for all aspects of my life at each stage. From pee wee soccer to starting varsity captain; Pop was there to cheer me on. In 8th grade physical education we watched a presentation to recruit new wrestlers. Weighing in at less than 100 pounds, with no experience, I decided to sign up. My mom could barely watch with two eyes open but Pop threw himself into understanding the sport and strategizing techniques. He had a limitless supply of stories and his ability to remember names and details are unmatched. I know know his stories were words of wisdom gained from 81 years of experience wrapped up in an engaging tale rather than a lecture. I aspire to be the force in someone’s life that Pop has been in mine. I hope to bring his lessons on hard work and enjoying simple pleasures to this next chapter. My grandfather didn’t tell me these lessons, he showed me by living them every single day. I honor his legacy with my work ethic, dedication, caring for others and fearless pursuits of new adventures.

In 8th grade physical education we watched a presentation to recruit new wrestlers. Weighing in at less than 100 pounds, with no experience, I decided to sign up. This decision was a game changer for me. I was born with severe acid reflux causing apnea and extreme food selectivity. I was ultimately diagnosed with a sensory integration disorder and treated in food clinics, early intervention and occupational therapy. My parents begged, bartered and bribed to entice me to try new foods. I made more progress within one season of wrestling than six years of interventions. In order to make weight yet perform in competition required a selection of nutritionally dense meals. The cause and effect of nutrition and the data generated appeals to my analytical brain. The pandemic presented a unique opportunity to develop this interest with remote school allowing me to prepare high quality food and train consistently. I am motivated to learn more about fueling my body for the healthiest results. Wrestling empowered me to help myself and discover a passion for weightlifting and nutrition. It is a form of self care that prioritizes my well being, facilitates confidence, and provides me with a strong mind and body. I am motivated on a daily basis to make decisions that support the best version of me. My early health struggles have helped encouraged me to let go of the things I can not control and focus my energy on the things in my control. It is an empowering mindset and helps direct my energy and resources in a way that maximizes outcomes for success. It also helped reframe my outlook on struggles and view them as an opportunity for growth. Investing in self care fuels my life, keeps me healthy and allows me to care for others.

I am reminded of a photography project that depicted events throughout the world pre and post cell phones. Side by side images illustrated Walt Disney World, Major League Baseball games and a day at the beach. Pre cell phones spectators were engaging with one another and strangers were sharing travel stories in line for Space Mountain. Post cell phone photos of the same locations looked eerily similar to my high school classrooms. Heads were down and fingers were scrolling. Opportunities to connect with a family from Tucson, Arizona or discover that your line mate was also a dental hygienist were lost on the screen. I am the rare teenager who doesn't tiktok or keep snapchat streaks alive. My friends call me dad as a nod to my lack of social media presence. I am hopeful that our current society will be the one that began to question the technology takeover of our lives. We can respect and appreciate the resource it provides but recognize it can never truly replace human connection and interaction. We will discern that the stimulation of the pleasure center of the brain by technology mirrors the addiction of drugs. We will embrace that no amount of followers replaces a true friend or family member who shows up to celebrate your accomplishments and pick you up after your failures. I have never had an experience with a person online that can rival hiking through the woods, fishing at the ponds, playing cards at the table or the adrenaline rush of our bikes racing down the mountain. Our society can be the one that prioritized true human connection over technology to improve quality of life not just quantity. This is an unpopular opinion among teenagers but I am committed to speaking my mind.

Legacies are often defined with hindsight. The ability to see what came before and after allows defining characteristics to come into focus. Technology enables us to access remote parts of the world with the stroke of a key and deliver photos to our relatives' picture frames the moment they are snapped. We can also network through a multitude of social media platforms. All of these were designed with the intent to promote human connection. But are these tools bringing us closer together? My mother is a middle school teacher and full of words of wisdom and cautionary tales for our future. One that has remained constant is the idea that my brother and I need to strive to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Life is full of challenges and new experiences. Unfamiliar territory can break out the pounding heart and sweaty palms. However, for my generation it also breaks out the crutch of technology. My mom entered her homeroom on the first day of high school and was alphabetically assigned her seat. Mutually nervous chatter with the student next to her sparked a lifelong friendship. A relationship was formed by embracing being uncomfortable. My first days of high school were marked with heads tilted down into phones and filtered social media posts. I believe our generation will be remembered as the turning point for technology. We will heed the reports of isolation, anxiety and depression experienced while “connecting” with “friends” on social media and we will challenge the carefully crafted highlight reel in favor of genuine connections. We will refuse to be content with traveling the world wearing virtual reality goggles preferring to relish the vivid, real life adventure that awaits embracing airport delays and grumpy travelers where the unexpected experience just may become the highlight of the trip.We will recognize the documented technology addiction to meet our human need for stimulation, connection and socialization and we will we recognize that connection is sitting in our classrooms, at our dinner table and beside us in line at the store. I am hopeful that our generation will be the one that began to question the technology takeover of our lives. We will respect and appreciate the resource it provides but recognize it can never truly replace human connection and interaction. We will discern that the stimulation of the pleasure center of the brain by technology mirrors the addiction of drugs. We will embrace that no amount of followers replaces a true friend or family member who shows up to celebrate your accomplishments and pick you up after your failures. I have never had an experience with a person online that can rival hiking through the woods, fishing at the ponds, playing cards at the table or the adrenaline rush of our bikes racing down the mountain. Our society can be the one that prioritized true human connection over technology to improve quality of life not just quantity. This belief gives me hope that our future is bright and fueled by relationships.

The most important gift soccer has provided me is the ability to run towards a challenge rather than run scared from it. Soccer has taught me to embrace opportunities for growth and enjoy being challenged. I have learned to analyze and reflect to promote growth. Soccer has instilled in me the habit of being disciplined and consistent with workouts. I have learned to develop an effective plan to be accountable and monitor progress. I learned to find meaning in the journey and small victories while continuing to strive for improvement. Competition by comparison is the recipe for failure. I am in competition only with myself and can continue to strive toward raising my own personal bar. My classmates got varsity playing minutes before me which could have been discouraging. In hindsight, the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and confidence as a contributing member of the junior varsity squad was a defining moment in my soccer career. I slowly became more comfortable in my own skin and trusted my body and abilities on the field. Soccer has empowered me with confidence to assess a situation and make my own decision since there are constant adjustments on the field. In conclusion, as Pele eloquently said, “Success is not an accident”. Soccer has taught me the value of work ethic and growth mindset but most importantly to love what I am doing. I have loved every second of my soccer experience. The memories and skills that I learned here will last a lifetime. This gift will no doubt be a key ingredient in my recipe for success in all of my future endeavors.

In 8th grade physical education we watched a presentation to recruit new wrestlers. Weighing in at less than 100 pounds, with no experience, I decided to sign up. This decision was a game changer for me. I was born with severe acid reflux causing apnea and extreme food selectivity. I was ultimately diagnosed with a sensory integration disorder and treated in food clinics, early intervention and occupational therapy. My parents begged, bartered and bribed to entice me to try new foods. I made more progress within one season of wrestling than six years of interventions. In order to make weight yet perform in competition required a selection of nutritionally dense meals. The cause and effect of nutrition and the data generated appeals to my analytical brain. The pandemic presented a unique opportunity to develop this interest with remote school allowing me to prepare high quality food and train consistently. I am motivated to learn more about fueling my body for the healthiest results. Wrestling empowered me to help myself and discover a passion for weightlifting and nutrition. It is a form of self care that prioritizes my well being, facilitates confidence, and provides me with a strong mind and body. I am motivated on a daily basis to make decisions that support the best version of me. My early health struggles have helped encouraged me to let go of the things I can not control and focus my energy on the things in my control. It is an empowering mindset and helps direct my energy and resources in a way that maximizes outcomes for success. It also helped reframe my outlook on struggles and view them as an opportunity for growth.

I believe the single most effective way to show someone they are loved is to be present. I demonstrate love by showing up for the people in my life that I want to feel my love. If my friend is in the school play I ask them about rehearsals and show up on opening night. I visit my grandparents regularly not simply on special occasions and holidays. I attend my brother's sporting events and actively watch the game. I am present physically, socially and emotionally engaged in the moment and investing in the people I love. I am so fortunate that this mindset was modeled for me. I felt the love so it is easy to demonstrate it to others. My mom was homeroom mom, field trip chaperone and happily fed anyone I brought through the door. My dad was my coach, practice partner and life skills instructor teaching me to drive, change a tire and balance a check book. They learned these expressions of love from their family and I am fortunate to have four grandparents who are very involved in my life even in these teenage years. I do not take for granted this legacy of love as I know not everyone is so fortunate. My family has loved and supported me unconditionally making me open and receptive to doing the same in my own life. It is a priceless gift that has shaped who I am and the relationships I share with others.

I believe the power in art is that it can speak to people and provoke thought, challenge misperceptions, and evoke compassion. One of my favorite sculptors is The Thinker by Auguste Rodin. It serves as a reminder of the importance of contemplating our actions and taking the time to think before we act. Society thrives on instant gratification. Students demand professors upload test scores as soon as the last question is answered, we would like to be at the top of the pay scale upon graduation and entering the work force and one work out should equate a ten pound weight loss are just a few examples of this mentality. The artistic marvel The Thinker presents a glorious, bronze beauty to challenge this mindset. Rodin successfully captures raw, human emotion while the subject is in deep contemplation and meditation. Every aspect of the facial expression and body language reflect the deep thought. The entire being is consumed by the act of thinking and the viewer can feel the investment. The Thinker serves to remind me of the importance of slowing down and considering the power of my words and actions. It is a powerful reminder in an instant gratification society. Teenagers have a reputation for making spontaneous decisions ruled by emotions. We are frequently reminded that our frontal lobe isn’t fully developed and that we can’t analyze or anticipate consequences. I seem to be an exception, carefully weighing the pros and cons to make the most logical choice. The Thinker embodies my analytical personality and reinforces the power that lies in truly grappling with our thoughts and ideas. The exertion captured in the sculpture reinforces that thinking can be hard work but is truly an investment in deeper understanding.

My earliest memories are of my grandfather hooking a bluegill and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that his joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with my grandfather deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. Weekends with my grandfather include countless projects yet never the right materials. We spent glorious afternoons problem solving and creating with what we could find in his garage. We made deer blinds and docks out of scrap wood and instruments out of bamboo found in his backyard. It felt like play time, but as I have aged I’ve reflected on how much analysis and creativity went into these fun projects. Working with limited resources we had to be flexible, innovative and apply decision making skills at each step. Each project required a vision that we were then able to execute into reality. One weekend, a storm blew a large tree onto the roof , and I soon found myself up there as well, a 35 year old saw in hand, attaching a rope to pull the tree off of the roof. I tended to favor doing things by the book, but my grandfather helped to show me the value of forging your own path as well. I find joy by honoring my grandfather's legacy and embracing the lessons he lived by. I work hard, accept a challenge, value connections and relish my time in nature. These are the gifts my grandfather gave me that help me seek and create joy.

Picture a wrinkled, studious face with glasses and most would think of their grandparents. A favorite family picture depicts a pensive expression on my wrinkled newborn face beneath my grandfather’s glasses. It earned me the nickname old soul. Teenagers have a reputation for making spontaneous decisions ruled by emotions. We are frequently reminded that our frontal lobe isn’t fully developed and that we can’t analyze or anticipate consequences. I seem to be an exception, carefully weighing the pros and cons to make the most logical choice. My high school friends call me dad as a teenage nod to my old soul persona. I often wondered if being an old soul was a compliment or a curse. I now acknowledge the title of old soul proudly knowing that it has served me well. I have learned that an old soul can mean thoughtful, respectful, empathetic, and wisdom beyond your years. Old souls have an appreciation of connections and the little things in life and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I have learned to embrace my old soul tendencies and accept the gifts it allows. I’m reminded of the saying, “if the shoe fits, wear it.” The old soul shoe fits me well and I hope it will help me walk confidently into this next chapter.

“Your skin looks like hot chocolate,” I naively said, and was promptly launched across the bathroom floor as my preschool classmate stormed out. In the current climate I often reflect back on this experience from my formative years. A seemingly innocent comment resulted from a lack of exposure to anyone who looked different than me. The greatest lesson I learned from that experience is to challenge my own bias. It is critical to be self reflective and curious, to engage in difficult conversations that broaden perspective. We all have bias and the first step toward change is to eliminate defensiveness, the primary obstacle to growth. It can be uncomfortable to acknowledge our bias and fear can prevent accepting the truth. The next step is challenging the biases we have by listening and letting go of assumptions. Relationships developed with people are essential to eliminating bias. The most powerful lesson I have learned is the importance of empathy. As I lay stunned and confused on the bathroom floor I could have slipped into outrage and hurt. However, working to understand my classmate's reaction turned a potentially negative experience into an opportunity to learn and grow. I work each day to challenge by own bias in an effort to support equality and diversity. This involves challenging stereotypes and being willing to get to know people as individuals. It involves educating myself and being willing to be a constant learner to continue to develop practices that support equality and diversity.

"Be happy with what you have. Be excited with what you want." Alan Cohen This simple quote sums up what makes me happy. I have a loving, supportive family. My parents are both teachers and I spent my formative years exploring museums and science factories. Educational toys were under the Christmas tree and books filled our stockings. Each night we chose from the overflowing bookshelves to read together or discuss and analyze once I could read independently. This upbringing fosters a love of learning and exploration. My parents affectionately describe my incessant questioning on how things work. I was encouraged to dig deeper to truly understand. I still have The Big Book of Tell Me Why on my bookshelf. If you ask your teacher parents a question, be prepared for a question to be returned to you. They have taught me to work hard and not shy away from a challenge. I am proud of what I have and what I have accomplished. I am graduating second in my class with a close knit group of friends. I treasure these relationships and the experiences we have had. However, my happiness also comes from my future goals and aspirations. I am inspired to make a positive impact by solving real world problems that provide practical solutions to enhance quality of life. An engineering career will provide daily challenges that utilize critical thinking to create solutions. It allows the opportunity to take an idea and transform it into an invention that can change lives. It will satisfy my desire to be a lifelong learner and the gratification of knowing I have left the world a better place. The combination of my past accomplishments and future goals create my happiness. I value where I have been with eyes on where I am going.

I am involved in my school's Student Council and the National Honor Society and serve in a leadership capacity as an officer. I am also the soccer captain. These experiences have taught me important skills that will benefit as a leader. My success will be dependent on more than academic achievements. My involvement in these organizations have provided opportunities to develop leadership skills that I wouldn’t otherwise learn. They will help me make the transition from a capable student to a desirable employee. I have learned to work well with others, navigate conflicting opinions, the value of hard work, and developed empathy. As soccer captain, I immediately had my leadership tested. In a game, our goalie was pushed and spit on. He retaliated with a shove, subsequently earning a yellow card. Our coach prioritizes conduct and sportsmanship and imposed his own three game suspension. Outraged, our goalie demanded the captains address the coach to get him back on the field. My co-captain impulsively agreed and made a promise I wasn’t ready to keep. Both players have been teammates of mine for over a decade and the situation was difficult to navigate. I attempted to see both points of view and analyze the facts rather than letting emotions rule the course of action. I had to convince our goalie that we were not betraying him with inaction and persuade him to speak to the coach directly. This situation also required me to assure my co-captain that restraint was warranted here. In addition, I needed to address the team as this was causing tension and unrest among players choosing sides. This experience taught me the value of relationships, communication and integrity in a leadership role. Trust was a deciding factor for the coach and team to believe I had their best interests in mind. A great leader earns respect and gives it as well. They are constantly willing to self reflect to promote growth. They are effective communicators and able to influence others. Being a leader involves developing a vision and motivating people towards the vision becoming a reality. I am inspired to make a positive impact by solving real world problems that provide practical solutions to enhance quality of life. An engineering career will provide daily challenges that utilize critical thinking to create solutions. It allows the opportunity to take an idea and transform it into an invention that can change lives. It will satisfy my desire to be a lifelong learner and the gratification of knowing I have left the world a better place. None of these dreams would be possible without leadership. The number one way a leader can inspire is through the power of their own actions.

The pandemic has limited many activities and opportunities but STEM thrived. The top inventions in 2020 included a Virtual Reality medical training device and a 3D printed respirator. With the skills acquired through a STEM education these individuals were able to change the narrative of a global pandemic. I want to achieve this in my future career. An engineering degree allows for hands-on experiences and individualized attention from the professors. I am very attracted studying engineering with a broader liberal arts curriculum as I believe this will ultimately enhance my skill set and ability to achieve my goals of making a difference. I am inspired to make a positive impact by solving real world problems that provide practical solutions to enhance quality of life. A career in biomedical engineering will provide daily challenges that utilize critical thinking to create solutions. It allows the opportunity to take an idea and transform it into an invention that can change lives. It will satisfy my desire to be a lifelong learner and the gratification of knowing I have left the world a better place. The continuing education to keep up with ever changing skills required will keep me fresh and motivated. I have always been curious, a problem solver and enjoy analyzing data. I am driven to help others and appreciate the multiple job opportunities in a variety of settings that engineering will allow. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship to continue my education and I thank you for your time and attention to my application.

“It darn near ruined my day” Pop said, describing the return of his terminal cancer to his brother as I eavesdropped from the other room. “But then I grabbed my fishing rod and got back to living” he continued, as they progressed to a detailed conversation on bait, leukemia now a distant thought. Pop transformed 57 acres of barren land in the mountains. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each trail and built the house with his own two hands. My earliest memories are of Pop hooking a bluegill in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that Pop’s joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. My grandfather didn’t tell me these lessons, he showed me by living them every single day. I believe my relationship with. my grandfather showed me the best way to live a long, healthy life. He worked hard and played hard. He treasured the relationships in his life and never said no to a new adventure. He was a curious and a life long learner who gave of his many talents to improve the lives of those around him. He enjoyed many hobbies and was happiest in the great outdoors. He was generous with his finances but more importantly with his time and attention. He achieved what I aspire to accomplish. He lived life to the fullest and with no regrets. I was lucky to have his influence.

Financial literacy is a key component to future success. This skill must be developed and doesn’t occur automatically. Individuals need to invest in their financial security and revisit their plan regularly. Setting financial goals can help keep objectives in mind and ensure stability and growth. A key component is the importance of setting a budget. It is essential to examine income and consider all expenses. A concept I believe most people struggle with in developing financial literacy is needs versus wants. It is suggested to use the 50-30-20 rule for needs, wants and savings to reach your financial goals. Individuals often mistake wants for needs and this principle can help create boundaries and delay unnecessary purchases until they are within the budget. This skill will be critical for managing my finances in college while focusing on my studies with limited time to work. Concrete guidelines assist with goal setting and make it possible to achieve financial freedom. My parents have guided us with savings since our earliest birthday and holiday presents. We were allowed to spend half and save half. We have been encouraged to focus is on developing healthy habits that will allow us to live confidently and debt free. This is accomplished by setting a budget that accounts for income compared to expenses. Emergency savings are developed that will allow security and ultimately retirement. Revisiting earning potential, reducing expenses and consolidating debt can help achieve financial success. Financial literacy is the foundation for a relationship with money and is a lifelong investment in accomplishing goals and dreams. It is not guaranteed and some never develop this skill. Starting early and continuing to develop will be essential to my success. Mastering these principles will serve as an investment in my financial future.

"Good things come to those who wait" This popular quote falls on deaf ears in a society driven by immediate gratification. Students expect grades to populate power school the moment they finish the last questions, one visit to the gym should warrant an immediate weight loss and delicious meals should require no preparation on our end. We have lost the ability to revel in the journey. Patience is important to me because the process is an important as the product. If we can learn to cultivate patience we will find contentment and satisfaction in every day not simply when goals are achieved only to be replaced by new goals. Patience helps improve our physical and mental health. Being present in the process helps strengthen our mindfulness which manages stress. It cultivates perseverance and resiliency with setbacks. It also opens up opportunities. Patience allows an individual to foster deeper connections with those around us because relationships are formed over time rather than an "instant connection" formed through a filtered, highlights reel on social media. Patience allows us to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Life is full of challenges and new experiences. Unfamiliar territory can break out the pounding heart and sweaty palms. However, for my generation it also breaks out the crutch of technology. My mom entered her homeroom on the first day of high school and was alphabetically assigned her seat. Mutually nervous chatter with the student next to her sparked a lifelong friendship. A relationship was formed by embracing being uncomfortable. My first days of high school were marked with heads tilted down into phones and filtered social media posts. Patience and understanding can ease discomfort and pave the way to more enriched experiences.

Four lifelong friends waited for our meal to arrive as we competed in a spirited game of chess. Our waiter arrived with our meals and as we prepared to dive in Elliott’s parents hooked up his “TRex arms” and adjusted Henry’s wheelchair tray to make the meal more accessible. “TRex arms” are Robotic Orthosis that send electric signals to assist his muscles.Elliott and Henry have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and their bodies are failing them. They have lost the ability to walk and need assistance with even the simplest daily tasks. Elliott and I are both on the college hunt and grappling with what to do with our lives. I was struck by the similarities in our process but heartbroken at the differences. Elliott will require a full time aide with him to attend college. His choices are limited to an accessible campus close to home for medical emergencies. My choices are wide open. As I gain independence moving to this next stage, Elliott’s dependencies grow. My family has supported the Johnson family planning Run for Our Son’s 5K races and Coach to Cure events for over a decade raising nearly one million dollars for research. Results are frustratingly slow as Duchenne is a rare disease. Elliott is currently learning to drive on a specially formatted wheelchair accessible van that will return some of his autonomy. Driving, a teenager’s right of passage, once they tackle parallel parking of course, wasn't guaranteed for him. As Duchenne relentlessly progresses, engineering has returned dignity and independence to my friend. I am inspired to make a positive change by solving real world problems to give people practical solutions to increase their quality of life. I can make these dreams a reality by continuing my dedication and work ethic in my academics. I have a mission to build a global perspective with civic engagement driven by integrity to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering. I am very attracted to the idea to study engineering with a broader liberal arts curriculum as I believe this will ultimately enhance my skill set and ability to achieve my goals of making a difference. I am inspired to make a positive impact by solving real world problems that provide practical solutions to enhance quality of life. A career in biomedical engineering will provide daily challenges that utilize critical thinking to create solutions. It allows the opportunity to take an idea and transform it into an invention that can change lives. It will satisfy my desire to be a lifelong learner and the gratification of knowing I have left the world a better place. The pandemic has limited many activities and opportunities but STEM thrived. The top inventions in 2020 included a Virtual Reality medical training device and a 3D printed respirator. With the skills acquired through a STEM education these individuals were able to change the narrative of a global pandemic. I want to achieve this in my future career. I have the dreams, determination and work ethic to achieve my goals. This scholarship would help alleviate the financial burden to make my goals a reality. I thank you for considering my application.

If I were a highly influential figure I would stand for kindness. Kindness changes everything and is immediately accessible to everyone. I work aim to influence others to be inspired by my actions and create a ripple of kindness. Kindness costs nothing yet has the power to create priceless change. My mother would often tell me a story of a small child moving down the beach tossing stranded starfish back into the ocean. A cynical adult admonishes the child, noting the abundance of starfish. He questions how it could possibly make a difference.The child undeterred tosses another starfish and declares “It makes a difference to this one.” The needs of the world can feel overwhelming but I have always been encouraged to apply myself to making a difference in small and big ways. My mother encouraged me to strive to positively impact everyone I saw in a day. This could result from kindness, a listening ear or humor offered. We have opportunities every single day to make a difference. I strive to leave a a positive impact through my actions and words. My mother would often ask if people were left better or worse from having interacted with me in a day. This simple question encouraged great reflection on how my actions had the power to impact others. It discouraged neutrality and forced me to examine my impact and strive to make it a positive one each and every day.

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday was given to me by my father after a fractured back simultaneously ended my wrestling and baseball career. It is based on the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor who faced constant war, plagues, betrayals and attempts on his life. It outlines a formula for thriving because of negative situations rather than in spite of them. “We can accommodate and adapt. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Historians report Marcus Aurelius viewed each challenge as an opportunity to develop a virtue such as patience, humility, courage or creativity. Setbacks are always expected but are never permanent. Obstacles can evoke fear, frustration, helplessness, anger and blame. This book challenges individuals to respond differently. Presented with a crisis, will you be destroyed, merely survive or thrive? The book teaches that obstacle are an opportunity to improve. All great accomplishments can be traced back to a problem that was met with daring creativity, focus and determination. Admittedly, reading this book required more than one attempt because I was consumed by my injury standing in the way. My mind wasn’t open to changing that perspective. The Obstacle is the Way allowed me to examine the feelings of anger and resentment towards my wrestling injury. Cycling through what if scenarios was impeding progress, keeping the negativity in the forefront of my brain. This mindset made me seek out facts and information that supported the negativity. This book forced me to examine my injury in a new light. The ability to see my injury as an opportunity allowed me to develop a new passion of weightlifting and nutrition. An optimistic mindset in the face of adversity increased my confidence in my ability to face obstacles in the future.

My mother would often tell me a story of a small child moving down the beach tossing stranded starfish back into the ocean. A cynical adult admonishes the child, noting the abundance of starfish. He questions how it could possibly make a difference.The child undeterred tosses another starfish and declares “It makes a difference to this one.” The needs of the world can feel overwhelming but I have always been encouraged to apply myself to making a difference in small and big ways. My mother encouraged me to strive to positively impact everyone I saw in a day. This could result from kindness, a listening ear or humor offered. We have opportunities every single day to make a difference. We have participated in wishlist drives for the Ronald McDonald House, Holiday Hope Chest supporting local families in need, and providing essential items bags for the homeless. We fundraise for a 5K race and family fun day for a local family who has two children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The desire to give back and make a difference has been ingrained in our family for as long as I can remember. My parents are both teachers and run community service clubs at their school inspiring generations of students to get involved and modeling what they believe in. In addition to tangible, financial ways to impart change I strive to leave a a positive impact through my actions and words. My mother would often ask if people were left better or worse from having interacted with me in a day. This simple question encouraged great reflection on how my actions had the power to impact others. It discouraged neutrality and forced me to examine my impact and strive to make it a positive one each and every day.

Our friends have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and their bodies are failing them. They lack the ability to create the protein dystrophin and have severe, progressive muscle wasting. They have lost the ability to walk and need assistance with even the simplest daily tasks. Elliott and I are both on the college hunt and grappling with what to do with our lives. Elliott intends to pursue a degree in musical production and I am focusing on biomedical engineering. I was struck by the similarities in our process but heartbroken by the differences. Elliott will require a full time aide with him to attend college. His choices are limited to an accessible campus close to home for medical emergencies. My choices are wide open. As I gain independence moving to this next stage, Elliott’s dependencies grow. As Duchenne relentlessly progressed, scientific inventions allowed them to continue their daily activities. When we go out to a restaurant Elliott is connected to his “T-REX arms” as he calls them to be able to eat his meal independently. Robotic Orthosis uses electromyography signals to activate the motor when assistance is needed. This invention returns dignity and independence to my friend and I hope to be able to make this sort of contribution in my future career endeavors. My dream is to use scientific principles to solve real world problems to improve quality of life for people and truly make a difference. I imagine the opportunity to take an idea and transform it into an invention that can change lives. I dream of being a lifelong learner and the gratification of knowing I have left the world a better place. The needs of the world are many but I dream of each individual sharing their gifts to bring positive change.

Our friends have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and their bodies are failing them. They lack the ability to create the protein dystrophin and have severe, progressive muscle wasting. They have lost the ability to walk and need assistance with even the simplest daily tasks. I have known Elliott and Henry since we were all toddlers doing our summer science camp and swimming in their pool. Elliott is an avid reader and Star Wars fan who still holds onto a love of legos. Henry is a passionate Patriots and Red Sox fan with eclectic musical tastes and a savvy sense of humor. They are so much more than their disease. Elliott and I are both on the college hunt and grappling with what to do with our lives. Elliott intends to pursue a degree in musical production and I am focusing on biomedical engineering. I was struck by the similarities in our process but heartbroken by the differences. Elliott will require a full time aide with him to attend college. His choices are limited to an accessible campus close to home for medical emergencies. My choices are wide open. As I gain independence moving to this next stage, Elliott’s dependencies grow. As Duchenne relentlessly progressed, scientific inventions allowed them to continue their daily activities. When we go out to a restaurant Elliott is connected to his “T-REX arms” as he calls them to be able to eat his meal independently. Robotic Orthosis uses electromyography signals to activate the motor when assistance is needed. This invention returns dignity and independence to my friend and I hope to be able to make this sort of contribution in my future career endeavors. I aspire to use scientific principles to solve real world problems to improve quality of life for people.

“It darn near ruined my day” Pop said, describing the return of his terminal cancer to his brother as I eavesdropped from the other room. “But then I grabbed my fishing rod and got back to living” he continued, as they progressed to a detailed conversation on bait, leukemia now a distant thought. Pop transformed 57 acres of barren land in the mountains. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each trail and built the house with his own two hands. My earliest memories are of Pop hooking a bluegill in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that Pop’s joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. Weekends with my grandfather included lots of projects but never the right materials. We spent glorious afternoons problem solving and creating with what we could find in his garage. We made deer blinds and docks out of scrap wood and instruments out of bamboo found in his backyard. It felt like play time but as I have aged I reflect on how much analysis and creativity went into these fun projects. Working with limited resources we had to be flexible, innovative and apply decision making skills at each step. Each project necessitated a vision that we were then able to execute into reality. One weekend, a storm blew a large tree onto the roof , and I soon found myself up there as well with a 45 year old saw and a rope hooked to my grandfather’s truck. I tended to favor doing things by the book, but my grandfather helped to show me the value of forging your own path as well. Days spent with my grandfather were my earliest classroom for a future engineering career. I hope to be the force in someone’s life that Pop has been in mine. I hope to bring his lessons on hard work and enjoying simple pleasures to this next chapter. My grandfather didn’t tell me these lessons, he showed me by living them every single day. I honor his legacy each time I pic up a fishing rod, focus on connecting with nature, forming connections and being present in the moment. These life lessons were his invaluable gift to all who were fortunate to know him.

Financial literacy is a key component to future success. This skill must be developed and doesn’t occur automatically. Individuals need to invest in their financial security and revisit their plan regularly. Setting financial goals can help keep objectives in mind and ensure stability and growth. The importance of setting a budget by examining income and consider all expenses. A concept I believe most people struggle with in developing financial literacy is needs versus wants. It is suggested to use the 50-30-20 rule for needs, wants and savings to reach your financial goals. Individuals often mistake wants for needs and this principle can help create boundaries and delay unnecessary purchases until they are within the budget. This skill will be critical for managing my finances in college while focusing on my studies with limited time to work. I have implemented this skill in my work as a class officer managing our finances and planning events. Credit cards are a way of life in American culture encouraging buy now, pay later mentality. Eighty-three percent of adults have at least one credit card. They offer convenience, delayed payment, cash advances, rewards and can help build credit scores. However, they hold many inherent risks with fees, interest and overspending. I can practice responsible credit card use by paying the balance in full each month by the due date. Luckily, this behavior has been modeled by my parents and reinforced as I started working. Financial advice encourages creating an emergency fund by saving a 3-6 months worth of salary. Although this can be a challenge for those new to the workforce, prioritizing this mentality early will set up success. Making saving as a habit that is established early and prioritized often can avoid debt. Concrete guidelines assist with goal setting and make it possible to achieve financial freedom. My parents have guided us with savings since our earliest birthday and holiday presents. We were allowed to spend half and save half. There are laws established by the government for truth in lending that ensure transparency. However, a loan is a binding contract and it is critical to understand what the true cost to attend university will be for me and the time I have for repayment. The ability to take loans can be determined by an individual's credit score. It is imperative to actively monitor one’s credit score by checking it at least once a year and understanding what impacts the number. Payment history affects scores the most so learning to prioritize paying bills on time and not utilizing all credit made available is essential for my financial future. My focus to graduate debt free is on developing healthy habits that allow me to live confidently and debt free. This is accomplished by setting a budget that accounts for income compared to expenses. Emergency savings are developed that will allow security and ultimately retirement. Revisiting earning potential, reducing expenses and consolidating debt can help achieve financial success. Financial literacy is the foundation for a relationship with money and is a lifelong investment in accomplishing goals and dreams. It is not guaranteed and some never develop this skill. Starting early and continuing to develop will be essential to success. I have earned admission to prestigious universities through my har work and academic record and earned merit scholarships as I don't qualify for needs based. However, the next step is critical to avoid college debt. I must carefully weigh the offers and examine the financial burden to attend these universities with the cost of tuition sky high.

The number one strategy that has contributed to my academic success is time management. I was a three sport athlete in high school with a rigorous honors and AP course load as well as many extracurricular activities and a part time job. Time management was essential to manage my commitments and stress. I would map out my week on a Sunday including time estimates for task completion. I included several work sessions throughout the week for long term projects. Planning with intention allowed me to have a clear picture of what my week would like and help me monitor if I was on track for success. Connections with my teachers were another key component to my academic success. I was fortunate to have teachers that invested in my success. They were approachable and available for assistance on a regular basis. They fostered an environment in their classrooms that encouraged participation and allowed risk taking to increase learning. My academic experience also helped me realize I am a mix of independent and collaborative for optimal success. I thrive in a group bouncing ideas off of one another and brainstorming as well as exploring concepts. However, I require time to wrestle with the concepts independently as well to ensure understanding and retention. This knowledge helps me map out my week allotting time for both independent and collaborative study time. The time, energy and attention I have put into developing study strategies to achieve academic success is an investment in my future and will be a key element in my success in this next chapter. Time management will be crucial living on my own in college with many competing interests, fostering connections with my professors and leaving time for independent work as well as group work will be essential to my success.

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday was given to me by my father after a fractured back simultaneously ended my wrestling and baseball career. It is based on the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor who faced constant war, plagues, betrayals and attempts on his life. It outlines a formula for thriving because of negative situations rather than in spite of them. “We can accommodate and adapt. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Historians report Marcus Aurelius viewed each challenge as an opportunity to develop a virtue such as patience, humility, courage or creativity. Setbacks are always expected but are never permanent. Obstacles can evoke fear, frustration, helplessness, anger and blame. This book challenges individuals to respond differently. Presented with a crisis, will you be destroyed, merely survive or thrive? The book teaches one to view every obstacle as an opportunity to improve. All great accomplishments can be traced back to a problem that was met with daring creativity, focus and determination. Admittedly, reading this book required more than one attempt because I was consumed by my injury standing in my way. My mind wasn’t open to changing that perspective. This book forced me to examine my injury in a new light. It illustrates the critical importance of perspective. I admire people through history like Marcus Aurelius who have faced great adversity and accomplished great things. Accomplishments seem impossible until someone paves the path. Witnessing others achieve in the face of adversity can increase our self-efficacy and belief in our own ability to do the same. Thriving in spite of my injury and developing a passion for weightlifting and nutrition has increased my belief in my ability to do so again in the future.

“It darn near ruined my day” Pop said, describing the return of his terminal cancer to his brother as I eavesdropped from the other room. “But then I grabbed my fishing rod and got back to living” he continued, as they progressed to a detailed conversation on bait, leukemia now a distant thought. Pop transformed 57 acres of barren land in the mountains. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each trail and built the house with his own two hands. My earliest memories are of Pop hooking a bluegill in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that Pop’s joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. Weekends with my grandfather included lots of projects but never the right materials. We spent glorious afternoons problem solving and creating with what we could find in his garage. We made deer blinds and docks out of scrap wood and instruments out of bamboo found in his backyard. It felt like play time but as I have aged I reflect on how much analysis and creativity went into these fun projects. Working with limited resources we had to be flexible, innovative and apply decision making skills at each step. Each project necessitated a vision that we were then able to execute into reality. Pop taught me to slow down, appreciate the little things and spend time in nature every single day in all seasons.

Holiday music blasts over the loudspeaker, colorful lights twinkle and the energy and excitement in the room is palpable. Toys, sports equipment, bikes and clothing are covering every available surface in the gymnasium, cafeteria and auditorium. The doors are about to open and the line is wrapped around the corner. The Holiday Hope Chest is about to begin and I am filled with awe at the magnitude of the event each season. We serve Chester County families in need and help make their holiday dreams a reality. Personal shoppers help families select gifts and clothing items and cashiers check them out using paper money vouchers to complete the shopping experience. There is hot chocolate, cookies and holiday crafts and games. The families are polite, respectful and overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation. Deals are quietly made for a family struggling to decide between toys for the children or winter jackets that are desperately needed. Despite many years participating in this event it always forces me to take stock of the many blessings I have in my own life. It feeds my desire to continue to make a difference in the lives of those around me who struggle but in a way that allows for dignity and respect. I am inspired to make a positive change by solving real world problems in engineering to give people practical solutions to increase their quality of life. The work I put in will be returned many times over knowing I have made a difference. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. ..." Margaret Mead

The pandemic has limited many activities and opportunities but STEM thrived. The top inventions in 2020 included a Virtual Reality medical training device and a 3D printed respirator. With the skills acquired through a STEM education these individuals were able to change the narrative of a global pandemic. I want to achieve this in my future career. I am motivated to pursue my college degree in engineering. The state of the art equipment that allows for hands-on experiences with a project based curriculum allows for individualized attention from the professors. I am very attracted to the idea to study STEM with a broader liberal arts curriculum as I believe this will ultimately enhance my skill set and ability to achieve my goals of making a difference. I am inspired to make a positive impact by solving real world problems that provide practical solutions to enhance quality of life. A career in STEM will provide daily challenges that utilize critical thinking to create solutions. It allows the opportunity to take an idea and transform it into an invention that can change lives. It will satisfy my desire to be a lifelong learner and the gratification of knowing I have left the world a better place. The continuing education to keep up with ever changing skills required will keep me fresh and motivated. I have always been curious, a problem solver and enjoy analyzing data. I am driven to help others and appreciate the multiple job opportunities in a variety of settings that STEM will allow. I plan to accomplish my goal with my work ethic, dedication and motivation to achieve my goals. I will rely on the support of my family and dedicated professors for support.

I am the rare teenager you won't find scrolling tik tok or keeping my snapchat streaks alive. I was impacted by a photography project that depicted events throughout the world pre and post cell phones. Side by side images illustrated Walt Disney World, Major League Baseball games and a simple day at the beach. Pre cell phones spectators were engaging with one another and strangers were sharing travel stories in line for Space Mountain. Post cell phone photos of the same locations looked eerily similar to my high school classrooms. Heads were down and fingers were scrolling. Opportunities to connect with a family from Tucson, Arizona or discover that your line mate was also a dental hygienist were lost on the screen. My hope is my generation will be remembered as the turning point for technology. We will heed the reports of isolation, anxiety and depression experienced while “connecting” with “friends” on social media and challenge the carefully crafted highlight reel to forge genuine connections. We will recognize the documented technology addiction and work to meet our human need for stimulation, connection and socialization with true connections rather than on the screen. We will discern that the stimulation of the pleasure center of the brain by technology mirrors the addiction of drugs. We will embrace that no amount of followers replaces a true friend or family member who shows up to celebrate your accomplishments and pick you up after your failures. I have never had an experience with a person online that can rival hiking through the woods, fishing at the ponds, playing cards at the table or the adrenaline rush of our bikes racing down the mountain. My hope for the future prioritized true human connection over technology and significantly improve our quality of life and meaningful experiences.

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Simple Man My mom has sung and played this song for me since I was a baby. It is the first song I learned to play on the guitar and I have the lyrics framed in my bedroom. It has an inspirational message that grounds me and helps me keep my focus. It reminds listeners not to live their life to fast and although troubles will come, they will always pass. It serves as a reminder about chasing financial success over internal satisfaction. The lyrics can be thought of as a priority list, finding love and trusting a higher power. The song also serves as a powerful reminder of the love a parent has for the child. It is told from the perspective of the mother making these wishes for her child. I am blessed with incredibly involved, selfless parents who have shown me how to be a simple man since I was very young. They have taught by example, not lecture. This song always calms and reassures me and I can use it as guidance when I get lost or overwhelmed.

Four lifelong friends waited for our meal to arrive as we competed in a spirited game of chess. Our waiter arrived with our meals and as we prepared to dive in Elliott’s parents hooked up his “TRex arms” and adjusted Henry’s wheelchair tray to make the meal more accessible. Elliott and Henry have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and their bodies are failing them. They have lost the ability to walk and need assistance with even the simplest daily tasks. Elliott and I are both on the college hunt and grappling with what to do with our lives. I was struck by the similarities in our process but heartbroken at the differences. Elliott will require a full time aide with him to attend college. His choices are limited to an accessible campus close to home for medical emergencies. My choices are wide open. As I gain independence moving to this next stage, Elliott’s dependencies grow. My family has supported the Johnson family planning Run for Our Son’s 5K races and Coach to Cure events for over a decade raising nearly one million dollars for research. Results are frustratingly slow as Duchenne is a rare disease. Elliott’s “TRex arms” are Robotic Orthosis that send electric signals to assist his muscles. He is currently learning to drive on a specially formatted wheelchair accessible van that will return some of his autonomy. Driving, a teenager’s right of passage, once they tackle parallel parking of course, wasn't guaranteed for him. As Duchenne relentlessly progresses, engineering has returned dignity and independence to my friend. I am inspired to make a positive change by solving real world problems to give people practical solutions to increase their quality of life. My dreams for my career involve taking an idea and transforming it into reality to improve quality of life.

As my feet left the ground I became acutely aware of my chest bearing all of my weight against my opponent’s shoulder and I realized this was not going to end well. He dropped his shoulder and we came crashing down onto the mat and I cried out in pain as he slammed into my stomach. Immediately I knew something was wrong and was reinforced by the collective gasp from the spectators. It turned out those were the final seconds of my wrestling career. In the biggest tournament of the season, I had been on my way to the first place spot on the podium. Unable to wrestle the final match, I received the second place medal with a bitter taste in my mouth. After a year of so much growth and success, it seemed impossible to believe this was the end. What if I had sprawled sooner or freed myself with a cross face? Thoughts of what had gone wrong consumed me and I was crushed by the implications of the fracture in my back and being unable to return to this sport that I love and has taught me so much. Moments like these present opportunities for true growth. I allowed myself time to mourn wrestling and work through the “what if” scenarios to get closure. Then I was able to move forward and dive into a new passion of weightlifting and nutrition. I learned the importance of embracing change. Challenge can be an opportunity to develop a virtue such as patience, humility, courage or creativity. Setbacks are always expected but are never permanent. Obstacles can evoke fear, frustration, helplessness, anger and blame. A perspective change allows obstacles to be viewed as an opportunity. I am most proud of this turn around in thinking regarding my fractured back.

Weekends with my grandfather include countless projects yet never the right materials. We spent glorious afternoons problem solving and creating with what we could find in his garage. We made deer blinds and docks out of scrap wood and instruments out of bamboo found in his backyard. It felt like play time, but as I have aged I’ve reflected on how much analysis and creativity went into these fun projects. Working with limited resources we had to be flexible, innovative and apply decision making skills at each step. Each project required a vision that we were then able to execute into reality. One weekend, a storm blew a large tree onto the roof , and I soon found myself up there as well, a 35 year old saw in hand, attaching a rope to pull the tree off of the roof. I tended to favor doing things by the book, but my grandfather helped to show me the value of forging your own path as well. My earliest memories are of my grandfather hooking a bluegill and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that his joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with my grandfather deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. The experiences I had and the relationship I shared with my grandfather have profoundly impacted the person I am today. I honor his legacy by carrying on his values.

Soccer has taught me the importance of relationships where teammates are friends, supporters, and competitors on the field. The impact of these relationships cannot be underestimated. Working together, their success became my success. We need to communicate and work together on the field to accomplish our goals. I was fortunate to play for many years with my teammates and share a supportive environment where we celebrated with each other rather than compete against one another. This invaluable lesson will be taken forward to enhance my future. I was very fortunate to have a senior captain invest in me as a freshman. He watched my games and offered insightful feedback. I was deeply impacted by how generously he gave of his time, attention and expertise; expecting nothing in return. My soccer experience came full circle when this individual's younger brother was a freshman and I was now the senior captain. I took the responsibility of mentoring him and developing a relationship with him very seriously. It was a highlight of my soccer experience and it all came down to relationships not goals scored or winning games. Encouraging others can involve helping them recall a time they had success or have seen others succeed at similar goal. Honest feedback and coaching from a trusted individual who is invested in their success can make all the difference. Guide the person through imagining success so they have a vision of what they are trying to achieve. It can also be important to help them learn how to read body and emotions by practicing mindfulness to maximize success. Encouragement can counter criticism and help an individual build confidence and self esteem to achieve their goals.

My parents sometimes say I have more hobbies than there are hours in the day. I enjoy trying new things, staying active and being outdoors. Outside you can find me mountain biking, hiking, fishing or a combination of them on a good day. I love the challenge of mountain biking and pushing my endurance and developing my skills. My mom does not love the gray hairs the GoPro footage gives her. I have always felt most relaxed in nature and enjoy the physical exertion of a challenging hike and the relaxation that follows taking in the views. My grandfather transformed 57 acres of barren land in the mountains. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each trail and built the house with his own two hands. My earliest memories are of Pop hooking a bluegill in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that Pop’s joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. Inside I am motivated by music and always have it playing in the background. During the pandemic I taught myself how to play guitar. I also have to get a workout in every day to help hit the reset button and manage my stress. Time at the gym is an important hobby and an investment in self care that helps keep me on track.

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday was given to me after a fractured back simultaneously ended my wrestling and baseball career. It is based on the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor who faced constant war, plagues, betrayals and attempts on his life. It outlines a formula for thriving because of negative situations rather than in spite of them. “We can accommodate and adapt. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Historians report Marcus Aurelius viewed each challenge as an opportunity to develop a virtue such as patience, humility, courage or creativity. Setbacks are always expected but are never permanent. Obstacles can evoke fear, frustration, helplessness, anger and blame. This book challenges individuals to respond differently. Presented with a crisis, will you be destroyed, merely survive or thrive? The book teaches one to view every obstacle as an opportunity to improve. All great accomplishments can be traced back to a problem that was met with daring creativity, focus and determination. Admittedly, reading this book required more than one attempt because I was consumed by my injury. My mind wasn’t open to change. There is no magic formula hidden in the pages. However, it encourages you to view a situation through a new lens. With a new perspective an obstacle can be turned into an opportunity. The book allowed me to examine the feelings of resentment towards my injury. Cycling through what if scenarios was impeding any forward progress keeping the negativity in the forefront of my brain. This mindset made me seek out facts that supported the negativity. Changing my perspective helped me achieve my goals and illustrates the critical importance of mindset and the power of a book. I channeled my back rehabilitation into a passion for weightlifting and nutrition.

I think a crucial personal finance lesson for all to master is setting a budget. An effective budget will examine income versus expenses. It will accurately depict all expenses including rent, car payment, parking, food, gym memberships etc. It will be revisited on a regular basis to make adjustments. A critical error in creating a budget is a poor understanding of wants versus needs. The 50-30-20 rule can help set boundaries with 50% of the budget going towards needs, 30% to wants and 20% going to savings. However, many individuals mistakenly label wants as needs which disrupts their budget. An effective budget can help begin an emergency fund with three to six months worth of savings. Having these funds available can eliminate stress and allow peace of mind. It will help avoid debt when unexpected expenses arise. Setting a budget helps increase financial independence and makes saving a habit established early and prioritized often. It allows me to live debt free, cover my expenses and build up my credit score. My payment history has the biggest impact on my credit score so it is imperative to pay bills on time. I can monitor my scores by requesting a report once a year. This score will impact my ability to secure a car loan and get a mortgage so it is important to protect the number. Financial lessons can seem hopeless when just starting out and making a modest salary with many expenses. However, prioritizing an effective budge that tracks income compared to expenses will maximize success by avoiding interest charges and late fees. A budget must be revisited often to eliminate unnecessary expenses, explore potential income and set realistic goals.

I have been coming to the Lodge since I was born. It is 57 acres in the Pocono mountains that started as barren land purchased by my great, great grandfather. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each beautiful trail and built the house with his own two hands. The lodge is a place to step back into a simpler time. There is no wifi so electronics are stored away in our luggage. We play cards, board games and eat home cooked meals off of my great grandmother’s china. We watch VHS movies on an old television that you have to get up to turn off as their is no remote control. And we fish. My earliest memories are of my grandfather landing a fish in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt captured in countless photographs. It wasn’t until years later that I realized Pop’s joy in these moment’s surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. I hike the trails and work with my hands. My brother and I head out on an adventure and see where the woods take us. Time at the lodge refills my tank and better prepares me to face the often hectic schedule of our typical daily schedule of school, sports and work. The walls are filled with photographs of generations enjoying this idyllic property and a decal that reads; life is better at the lodge. I would certainly agree.

“If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” – Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person and is often poorly understood. One of my favorite novels says it best as Atticus Finch explains to Scout how to embody another to experience empathy. It is an active attempt to understand another person’s perspective and emotions. It is a key component to strengthen our relationships. In order to demonstrate empathy I must actively think beyond myself and my concerns. It takes an intentional observation of others, and asking questions. I don’t need to agree to understand and express empathy. The goal of an empathic response is validating the other person’s feelings, and inviting them to talk about their feelings. Avoid rushing to solve the other person’s problems which may make them feel as if their feelings are being dismissed. I also avoid offering advice if it hasn't been requested and focus my energy on listening to foster empathy. Do not judge another person's emotions or explain why they shouldn't feel the way they do. Empathy is a two way street and can strengthen connections. It can also be a vulnerable spot as it requires connecting with an individual's struggle in order to treat them with empathy. It helps reassure an individual that they are not alone in their struggles and they have support.

Holiday music blasts over the loudspeaker, colorful lights twinkle and the energy and excitement in the room is palpable. Toys, sports equipment, bikes and clothing are covering every available surface in the gymnasium, cafeteria and auditorium. The doors are about to open and the line is wrapped around the corner. The Holiday Hope Chest is about to begin and I am filled with awe at the magnitude of the event each season. We serve Chester County families in need and help make their holiday dreams a reality. Personal shoppers help families select gifts and clothing items and cashiers check them out using paper money vouchers to complete the shopping experience. There is hot chocolate, cookies and holiday crafts and games. The families are polite, respectful and overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation. Deals are quietly made for a family struggling to decide between toys for the children or winter jackets that are desperately needed. Despite many years participating in this event it always forces me to take stock of the many blessings I have in my own life. It feeds my desire to continue to make a difference in the lives of those around me who struggle but in a way that allows for dignity and respect. I am inspired to make a positive change by solving real world problems in engineering to give people practical solutions to increase their quality of life. The work I put in will be returned many times over knowing I have made a difference. Participating in these events help me make a difference in my local community and help remind me of all that I have to be grateful for.

I am highly motivated to make positive changes for those in need and solve real world problems. Our friends have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and their bodies are failing them. They have lost the ability to walk and need assistance with even the simplest daily tasks. Elliott and I are both on the college hunt and grappling with what to do with our lives. Elliott intends to pursue musical production and I am focusing on engineering. I was struck by the similarities in our process but heartbroken by the differences. Elliott will require a full time aide with him to attend college. His choices are limited to an accessible campus close to home for medical emergencies. My choices are wide open. As I gain independence moving to this next stage, Elliott’s dependencies grow. As Duchenne relentlessly progressed, STEM inventions allowed them to continue their daily activities. When we go out to a restaurant Elliott is connected to his “T-REX arms” as he calls them to be able to eat his meal independently. Robotic Orthosis uses electromyography signals to activate the motor when assistance is needed. This STEM invention returns dignity and independence to my friend and I hope to be able to make this sort of contribution in my future career endeavors. I am inspired to make a positive impact by solving real world problems that provide practical solutions to enhance quality of life. A career in STEM will provide daily challenges that utilize critical thinking to create solutions. It allows the opportunity to take an idea and transform it into an invention that can change lives. It will satisfy my desire to be a lifelong learner and the gratification of knowing I have left the world a better place.

The power of a book can not be underestimated. They comfort loneliness, ignite imagination, encourage empathy and inspire careers. They also spark outrage, prompt action, shape global perspective and expose injustice. A book is the gift that keeps on giving as true meaning and impact of some works can only be discovered through repeat readings. Books help us understand and relate to the world we live in. I was born into a family of teachers and spent my formative years exploring museums and science factories. Educational toys were under the Christmas tree and books filled our stockings. Each night we chose from the overflowing bookshelves to read together or discuss and analyze once I could read independently. My mother patiently read the entire Harry Potter series to my brother and I. We were too young to read them on our own but were desperate to escape to Hogwarts like my cousins. A love for books was fostered from a young age; reading was a constant presence in my life. It was part of our bedtime routine from birth and we had regular “no electronics” time spent cozied up by the fire escaping into a good book. I devoured The Magic Tree House series, learning history as I followed Jack and Annie on their adventures. Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson ignited my imagination and an obsession with Greek mythology as I flew through his novels. It is a treasure looking back at the books of my childhood and the warm comfort they provided. Reading was about pleasure and escaping into an imaginary world in my early years. As I developed, so did my reading. Later selections reflect my growth and maturity as they were more thought provoking and challenging. A good book is still one of life's simple pleasures that promote happiness.

Conversational Competence is one of the most overlooked skills. We are taught unnecessary strategies like smile, nod, make eye contact to show we are listening. We don’t need to pretend we are listening if we are in fact listening. We have lost the balance between talking and listening and most "conversations" happen via text rather than face to face. My best advice for active listening is give the person your undivided attention. Eliminate distractions and listen with the intent to understand what is being said rather than listening with the intent to reply. This type of listening takes effort and energy and is a shift from what most people are doing. Do not attempt to multi task as you will fail at both. In an effort to be an active listener, avoid pontificating and repeating. Ask open ended questions and allow the conversation to flow naturally. Be prepared to admit if there is something you don't understand rather than pretend that you do know. A successful listener will not try to equate their experience with the speaker. Allow them to tell their story without the need to interject. Finally, the best tip for successful active listening is prepare to be amazed. Approach every conversation with the expectation and excitement that you have something to learn from the speaker. Active listening is a skill worth investing in and gets better with practice. It will deepen relationships, knowledge and overall satisfaction.

Confidence is feeling sure of yourself and your abilities in a realistic and secure way rather than in an arrogant way. I work on being more confident by accepting myself and not taking myself too seriously. As soccer captain, I immediately had my confidence tested. In a game, our goalie was pushed and spit on. He retaliated with a shove, subsequently earning a yellow card. Our coach prioritizes conduct and sportsmanship and imposed his own three game suspension. Outraged, our goalie demanded the captains address the coach to get him back on the field. My co-captain impulsively agreed and made a promise I wasn’t ready to keep. Both players have been teammates of mine for over a decade and the situation was difficult to navigate. I attempted to see both points of view and analyze the facts rather than letting emotions rule the course of action. I had to convince our goalie that we were not betraying him with inaction and persuade him to speak to the coach directly. This situation also required me to assure my co-captain that restraint was warranted here. In addition, I needed to address the team as this was causing tension and unrest among players choosing sides. This experience taught me the value of relationships, communication and integrity in a leadership role. Trust was a deciding factor for the coach and team to believe I had their best interests in mind. It developed my confidence in my abilities to navigate emotionally charged situations and apply my strengths toward a successful resolution. The more we face adversity the more our confidence and resiliency develop and we can trust ourselves to handle it in the future. Obstacles can make us stronger and more skilled if we believe in ourselves.

Holiday music blasts over the loudspeaker, colorful lights twinkle and the energy and excitement in the room is palpable. Toys, sports equipment, bikes and clothing are covering every available surface in the gymnasium, cafeteria and auditorium. The doors are about to open and the line is wrapped around the corner. The Holiday Hope Chest is about to begin and I am filled with awe at the magnitude of the event each season. We serve Chester County families in need and help make their holiday dreams a reality. Personal shoppers help families select gifts and clothing items and cashiers check them out using paper money vouchers to complete the shopping experience. There is hot chocolate, cookies and holiday crafts and games. The families are polite, respectful and overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation. Deals are quietly made for a family struggling to decide between toys for the children or winter jackets that are desperately needed. Despite many years participating in this event it always forces me to take stock of the many blessings I have in my own life. It feeds my desire to continue to make a difference in the lives of those around me who struggle but in a way that allows for dignity and respect. I am inspired to make a positive change by solving real world problems in engineering to give people practical solutions to increase their quality of life. The work I put in will be returned many times over knowing I have made a difference. Participating in events like these keep gratitude in the forefront of my brain and remind me to appreciate all that I have.

“It darn near ruined my day” Pop said, describing the return of his terminal cancer to his brother as I eavesdropped from the other room. “But then I grabbed my fishing rod and got back to living” he continued, as they progressed to a detailed conversation on bait, leukemia now a distant thought. Pop transformed 57 acres of barren land in the mountains. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each trail and built the house with his own two hands. My earliest memories are of Pop hooking a bluegill in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that Pop’s joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. I honor Pop's legacy and create my own by carrying on his values. I hope to be the force in someone’s life that Pop has been in mine. I hope to bring his lessons on hard work and enjoying simple pleasures to this next chapter. My grandfather didn’t tell me these lessons, he showed me by living them every single day. I hope my legacy is the relationships I shared with people; investing in connections, listening, supporting, respecting and caring about them. It is impossible to put a price tag on relationships and they are what make the journey meaningful. The power of relationships is the legacy continues long after we are gone.

Picture a wrinkled, studious face with glasses and most would think of their grandparents. A favorite family picture depicts a pensive expression on my wrinkled newborn face beneath my grandfather’s glasses. It earned me the nickname old soul. Teenagers have a reputation for making spontaneous decisions ruled by emotions. We are frequently reminded that our frontal lobe isn’t fully developed and that we can’t analyze or anticipate consequences. I seem to be an exception, carefully weighing the pros and cons to make the most logical choice. My high school friends call me dad as a teenage nod to my old soul persona. They cite my lack of social media presence and failure to chase fashion trends favoring conservative, traditional clothes instead. I often wondered if being an old soul was a compliment or a curse. I now acknowledge the title of old soul proudly knowing that it has served me well. I have learned that an old soul can mean thoughtful, respectful, empathetic, and wisdom beyond your years. Old souls have an appreciation of connections and the little things in life and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.The old soul shoe fits me well and I hope it will help me walk into this next chapter. I have embraced this part of my personality and celebrate staying true to myself.

An independent person is described as free from the influence of others. I personally believe we are all influenced by others. They can mold us, inspire us and motivate us. Everything is impossible until someone makes it possible. I believe independence lies in prioritizing knowing myself and trusting myself to make sound decisions. I can seek advice from others who have had similar experiences but ultimately the responsibility lies with me to make the choice. Self awareness is an important component of independence. Developing competencies foster independence. Instead of relying on others I am able to conduct my own independent research to make an informed decision. Caring for myself by cooking, paying bills and navigating transportation are all ways to be independent. Financial independence is being able to set up a budget considering income versus expenses. A sign of independence is a comfortableness with being alone. The impact of independence is confidence. I am able to navigate my world confidently and improve my self esteem. It reduces stress because I have developed skills and strategies to overcome obstacles. It decreases my reliance on others and increases my ability to assist others. The satisfaction that comes from accomplishing a task independently can not be matched. An independent individual is able to regulate emotions, problem solve and make informed decisions to maximize success.

Four lifelong friends waited for our meal to arrive as we competed in a spirited game of chess. Our waiter arrived with our meals and as we prepared to dive in Elliott’s parents hooked up his “TRex arms” and adjusted Henry’s wheelchair tray to make the meal more accessible. Elliott and Henry have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and their bodies are failing them. They have lost the ability to walk and need assistance with even the simplest daily tasks. Elliott and I are both on the college hunt and grappling with what to do with our lives. I was struck by the similarities in our process but heartbroken at the differences. Elliott will require a full time aide with him to attend college. His choices are limited to an accessible campus close to home for medical emergencies. My choices are wide open. As I gain independence moving to this next stage, Elliott’s dependencies grow. My family has supported the Johnson family planning Run for Our Son’s 5K races and Coach to Cure events for over a decade raising nearly one million dollars for research. Results are frustratingly slow as Duchenne is a rare disease. Elliott’s “TRex arms” are Robotic Orthosis that send electric signals to assist his muscles. He is currently learning to drive on a specially formatted wheelchair accessible van that will return some of his autonomy. Driving, a teenager’s right of passage, once they tackle parallel parking of course, wasn't guaranteed for him. As Duchenne relentlessly progresses, engineering has returned dignity and independence to my friend. I am inspired to make a positive change by solving real world problems to give people practical solutions to increase their quality of life. I am passionate about giving back to my community for the many gifts I have received in my life.

I believe the power in art is that it can speak to people and provoke thought, challenge misperceptions, and evoke compassion. One of my favorite sculptors is The Thinker by Auguste Rodin. It serves as a reminder of the importance of contemplating our actions and taking the time to think before we act. Society thrives on instant gratification. Students demand professors upload test scores as soon as the last question is answered, we would like to be at the top of the pay scale upon graduation and entering the work force and one work out should equate a ten pound weight loss are just a few examples of this mentality. The artistic marvel The Thinker presents a glorious, bronze beauty to challenge this mindset. Rodin successfully captures raw, human emotion while the subject is in deep contemplation and meditation. Every aspect of the facial expression and body language reflect the deep thought. The entire being is consumed by the act of thinking and the viewer can feel the investment. The Thinker serves to remind me of the importance of slowing down and considering the power of my words and actions. It is a powerful reminder in an instant gratification society.

“It darn near ruined my day” Pop said, describing the return of his terminal cancer to his brother as I eavesdropped from the other room. “But then I grabbed my fishing rod and got back to living” he continued, as they progressed to a detailed conversation on bait, leukemia now a distant thought. Pop transformed 57 acres of barren land in the mountains. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each trail and built the house with his own two hands. My earliest memories are of Pop hooking a bluegill in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that Pop’s joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. I hope to be the force in someone’s life that Pop has been in mine. I hope to bring his lessons on hard work and enjoying simple pleasures to this next chapter. My grandfather didn’t tell me these lessons, he showed me by living them every single day. He showed me the meaning of life is simple; relationships. Invest in people, connect with them, respect nature, forgive quickly, love deeply and don't forget to get out in nature and enjoy. I honor his legacy by keeping these lessons a priority in my own life. Pop gets to continue his adventures through the next generation he selflessly shared his wisdom with.

“Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” — Michael Josephson I chose this for my yearbook quote and use it as an inspirational motto. It stresses the importance of goal setting to keep us moving in a forward direction. However, it reminds us of the importance of enjoying the journey. I can sometimes fall into the pressure trap of demanding perfection from myself. I can view tasks in front of me as obstacles to achieving my end game. If we move through life only waiting until our goals are accomplished to relax and enjoy our life will pass us by in a blur. I can not wait until I am graduated, married or have a set amount in my bank account to enjoy. I must realize that obstacles create opportunities for growth. Strategies I utilize to enjoy the journey are focusing on staying present in the moment. An optimistic positive outlook helps to ground me. A way that I achieve this is working through worst case scenarios and imagining how I would deal with them. I avoid multi tasking which creates frustration and poor completion of both jobs. In addition to taking stock of my goals to keep forward momentum I prioritize unplugging and relaxation. Technology breaks help me decompress and manage my stress levels. Exercise also helps to reset my mind and body for future tasks. Time invested here helps me recharge to face the next obstacle. Each time I face adversity my confidence in my ability to handle future challenges increases. Believing in oneself is crucial for developing grit and resiliency that will cultivate faith in how far dreams can reach.

Our friends have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and their bodies are failing them. They have lost the ability to walk and need assistance with even the simplest daily tasks. Elliott and I are both on the college hunt and grappling with what to do with our lives. Elliott intends to pursue a degree in musical production and I am focusing on engineering. I was struck by the similarities in our process but heartbroken by the differences. Elliott will require a full time aide with him to attend college. His choices are limited to an accessible campus close to home for medical emergencies. My choices are wide open. As I gain independence moving to this next stage, Elliott’s dependencies grow. My family has supported the Johnson family planning Run for Our Son’s 5K races and Coach to Cure events for over a decade raising nearly one million dollars for research. I served as race organizer and team captain recruiting runners and soliciting donations. Funds raised allowed Happy to be Home to modify their house to be more accessible for maneuvering, eating, showering and many other tasks we take for granted, Elliott is currently learning to drive on a specially formatted wheelchair accessible van that will return some autonomy. Driving is a teenager’s right of passage, once they tackle parallel parking, but that wasn’t guaranteed for Elliott without these funds. Progress is frustratingly slow as Duchenne is a rare disease affecting only one in 3,500 male births. It is through these fundraising efforts and my relationship with this family that my future career aspirations grew. What started with legos, curiosity and an old soul nickname was coming into a much sharper focus.

Bucket list items I have accomplished are teaching myself to play guitar, become soccer captain and win the title of Mr. Octorara at my high school. In addition to a deep desire to travel, future bucket list would include an apprenticeship with a master chef. I love food and eating but am limited in the kitchen to a ham and cheese omelet that would make Alain Ducasse cringe. Twenty-one Michelin Stars, the most prestigious culinary award, undoubtedly denote a qualified teacher. While learning how to make the famed Cappon Magro, Ducasse’s signature dish, he may also share stories about growing up on a farm in the south of France and growing to love cooking from the smell of his grandmother’s dishes. I am drawn to the family connection of his craft that is highlighted in his work even after all of his success. He might also share some business tips as he runs thirty-four successful restaurants across the world without sacrificing his impeccable technique and craftsmanship. Ducasse takes traditional heavy French cuisine and reinvents it with an innovative, modern flare. In addition to helping me escape my ham and cheese omelets, time with this master chef will certainly fuel my creative desire and reinforce work ethic and pride in a job well done. I was born with severe acid reflux that caused me to stop breathing as the acid regurgitated into my esophagus. I developed a sensory integration dysfunction due to the constant pain stimulus that manifested as oral defensiveness and extreme food selectivity. After years of food clinics, occupational therapy, medications and good old fashioned trial and error there are very few foods that I will not eat today. I relish the opportunity to learn to cook from a skilled master chef and taste the fruits of my labor.

My mother is a middle school teacher and full of words of wisdom and cautionary tales for our friendships. She stresses that my brother and I need to strive to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Life is full of challenges and new experiences. Unfamiliar territory can break out the pounding heart and sweaty palms. However, for my generation it also breaks out the crutch of technology. My mom entered her homeroom on the first day of high school and was alphabetically assigned her seat. Mutually nervous chatter with the student next to her sparked a lifelong friendship. A relationship was formed by embracing being uncomfortable. My first days of high school were marked with heads tilted down into phones and filtered social media posts. The pandemic increased our reliance on technology exponentially and there was genuine fear associated with human interaction. In a world fueled by likes, comments and shares I hope my peers can learn to appreciate the resource technology provides but recognize it can never truly replace human connection and interaction. We will discern that the stimulation of the pleasure center of the brain by technology mirrors the addiction of drugs. We will embrace that no amount of followers replaces a true friend who shows up to celebrate your accomplishments and pick you up after your failures. I have never had an experience with a person online that can rival hiking through the woods, fishing at the ponds, playing cards at the table or the adrenaline rush of our bikes racing down the mountain. Friendship to me means prioritizing true human connection over technology to improve quality of life not just quantity. Friendship is showing up and supporting each other through the highs and lows not just the carefully crafted highlights reel.

"Self care is giving the world the best of you not what is left of you" We have a 24/7 society that often relegates self care to a luxury rather than a necessity. We are often asked to neglect our needs in order to keep up with external demands on our time. Self care in an investment in being the best version of ourselves. It starts with meeting basic physical needs such as nutrition, shelter and sleep. It then progresses to emotional needs such as mindfulness and stress management. Carving out time for strengthening social connections is a form of self care as well. I maintain a rigorous academic schedule with honors and AP level courses as well as a variety of extracurricular activities and a part time job. The demands on my time are significant but I schedule self care in the same manner that I do sports practice and homework time. Dedicated time to engage in hobbies I enjoy such fishing, mountain biking and weightlifting fill my tank and prepare me to face the challenges ahead. A strategy I utilize is combining self care needs such as inviting a friend to fish with me so I get the hobby and the socialization. Practicing self care can reduce anxiety, depression, improve productivity and increase overall satisfaction. It has been said that you can not care for others if you do not care for yourself. In addition to self care being an investment in myself , I view it as an opportunity to be better for the important people in my life In addition, I model for others the importance of prioritizing self care.

My mother would often tell me a story of a small child moving down the beach tossing stranded starfish back into the ocean. A cynical adult admonishes the child, noting the abundance of starfish. He questions how it could possibly make a difference.The child undeterred tosses another starfish and declares “It makes a difference to this one.” The needs of the world can feel overwhelming but I have always been encouraged to apply myself to making a difference in small and big ways. I have been encouraged me to strive to positively impact everyone I saw in a day. This could result from kindness, a listening ear or humor offered. We have opportunities every single day to make a difference. In preschool my brother had a tumor that required surgery and a stay at DuPont Hospital. We realized how many families had prolonged stays and the service Ronald McDonald houses provided. Our family organizes a wishlist drive each year. Our cousins assembled bags for the homeless shelter in lieu of gift exchange at the holidays. We volunteer at Holiday Hope Chest for local families in need as cashiers and personal shoppers. The desire to give back and make a difference has been ingrained in our family for as long as I can remember. My parents are both teachers and run community service clubs at their school inspiring generations of students to get involved and modeling what they believe in. I am a part of the HERO program at my school mentoring younger students. My favorite way to help others is to just get started helping. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

As my feet left the ground I became acutely aware of my chest bearing all of my weight against my opponent’s shoulder and I realized this was not going to end well. He dropped his shoulder and we came crashing down onto the mat and I cried out in pain as he slammed into my stomach. Immediately I knew something was wrong and was reinforced by the collective gasp from the spectators. It turned out those were the final seconds of my wrestling career. In the biggest tournament of the season, I had been on my way to the first place spot on the podium. Unable to wrestle the final match, I received the second place medal with a bitter taste in my mouth. After a year of so much growth and success, it seemed impossible to believe this was the end. What if I had sprawled sooner or freed myself with a cross face? Thoughts of what had gone wrong consumed me and I was crushed by the implications of the fracture in my back and being unable to return to this sport that I love and has taught me so much. Moments like these present opportunities for true growth. I allowed myself time to mourn wrestling and work through the “what if” scenarios to get closure. Then I was able to move forward and dive into a new passion of weightlifting and nutrition. I learned the importance of embracing change.

When you picture a face with glasses, wrinkles and a studious expression most would think of their grandparents. A favorite family picture depicts me wearing my grandfather’s glasses with a studious expression on my wrinkled newborn face and earned me the nickname old soul. I have a tendency to analyze situations carefully rather than impulsively decide. I often wondered if being an old soul was a compliment or a curse. My high school friends call me dad as a teenage nod to my old soul persona. I acknowledge the title proudly knowing that being an old soul has served me well. I have learned that an old soul can mean thoughtful, respectful, empathetic, possess wisdom beyond your years and appreciation of connections and the little things in life. I have grown in confidence and comfort in my own skin. I have learned to allow myself time to reflect and be comfortable in the choices I make. I may not be the most boisterous person in the room but I can be counted on to work hard and treat others with kindness. I am deeply motivated to make a positive changes in this world. I have achieved a balance with what I believe and how I act. I have worked through pressure to conform to others vision of how a teenager should act and embraced my old soul tendencies. I am most proud of my character and integrity. My intuition is strong and I trust myself to make wise choices for myself, my family and my community. I develop my talents and interests even if they are not typical for my peers. I am willing to take risks and try new things. I prioritize family and connections in my daily life and carve out time to enjoy simple pleasures.

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday was a gift after a fractured back simultaneously ended my wrestling and baseball career. It is based on the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor who faced constant war, plagues, betrayals and attempts on his life. It outlines a formula for thriving because of negative situations rather than in spite of them. “We can accommodate and adapt. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Historians report Marcus Aurelius viewed each challenge as an opportunity to develop a virtue such as patience, humility, courage or creativity. Setbacks are always expected but are never permanent. Obstacles can evoke fear, frustration, helplessness, anger and blame. This book challenges individuals to respond differently. Presented with a crisis, will you be destroyed, merely survive or thrive? The book teaches one to view every obstacle as an opportunity to improve. All great accomplishments can be traced back to a problem that was met with daring creativity, focus and determination. Admittedly, reading this book required more than one attempt because I was consumed by my injury standing in the way. My mind wasn’t open to changing that perspective. There is no magic formula hidden in the pages. However, it encourages you to view a situation through a new lens. With a growth mindset an obstacle can be turned into an opportunity and open the window to progress. The book allowed me to examine the feelings of resentment towards my injury. Cycling through what if scenarios was impeding any forward progress keeping the negativity in the forefront of my brain. This fixed mindset made me seek out facts and information that supported the negativity. Practicing a growth mindset is another resource to help achieve my goals and illustrates the importance of perspective.

“It darn near ruined my day” Pop said, describing the return of his terminal cancer to his brother as I eavesdropped from the other room. “But then I grabbed my fishing rod and got back to living” he continued, as they progressed to a detailed conversation on bait, leukemia now a distant thought. Pop transformed 57 acres of barren land in the mountains. He planted every tree, dug three ponds, carved each trail and built the house with his own two hands. My earliest memories are of Pop hooking a bluegill in these ponds and handing me his rod to reel it in. The excitement I felt is captured in countless photographs. Only years later did I realize that Pop’s joy in these moments surpassed my own. As I grew in independence as a fisherman my relationship with Pop deepened as we “solved the world’s problems” over the tackle box. I faced the euphoric thrills and epic failures of fishing while learning to face life’s adversity and be present in the current moment. My grandfather has inspired me to live boldly and practice bravery. In the face of a terminal illness he led by example and I hope to be the influence in someone's life that he has been in mine. I can honor him by embracing opportunities and being fearless in pursuit of my passions and interests. Change happens when we experience discomfort so I work every day to get comfortable being uncomfortable. In honor of Pop, I say yes to new adventures, carve out time for my hobbies, conquer fears and trust myself to handle hard things. I am quick to forgive and don't waste energy holding a grudge. When I live this way I honor his legacy and am open to opportunities and forming meaningful connections.

I believe the seeds for a future engineering career were planted from the beginning. A favorite family picture depicts me wearing my grandfather’s glasses with a studious expression on my wrinkled newborn face and earned me the nickname old soul. My parents affectionately described my incessant questioning on how things work throughout my childhood. I still have the Big Book of Tell Me Why on my bookshelf. I like to explore, understand, and question how things could be improved. Weekends with my grandfather were my earliest engineering classroom. We spent glorious afternoons problem solving and creating with what we could find in his garage. It felt like play time but now I reflect on how much analysis and creativity went into these projects. Working with limited resources we had to be flexible, innovative and apply decision making skills at each step. I have a deep desire to be a continuous learner. The pandemic has limited many activities and opportunities but STEM thrived. The top inventions in 2020 included a Virtual Reality medical training device and a 3D printed respirator. With the skills acquired through a STEM education these individuals were able to change the narrative of a global pandemic. I want to achieve this in my future career. A career in engineering will provide daily challenges that utilize critical thinking to create solutions. It allows the opportunity to take an idea and transform it into an invention that can change lives. It will satisfy my desire to be a lifelong learner and the gratification of knowing I have left the world a better place. I am inspired to make a positive impact by solving real world problems that provide practical solutions to enhance quality of life. I will achieve this with work ethic, dedication and continual goal setting.

Soccer taught me to embrace opportunities for growth and enjoy being challenged. Reflection promotes growth and creates positive change. I was a very reserved player. My teammates got varsity playing minutes before me which could have been discouraging. In hindsight, the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and confidence as a captain and contributing member of the junior varsity squad was a defining moment in my soccer career. I became more poised and trusted my abilities on the field. Soccer has empowered me with the ability to assess a situation and make my own decision due to constant adjustments on the field. Competition by comparison is the recipe for failure. I am in competition with myself and can strive toward continually raising my personal bar. I was fortunate to have a senior captain invest in me as a freshman. He watched my games and offered insightful feedback. I was deeply impacted by how generously he gave of his time, attention and expertise; expecting nothing in return. Senior year I was voted Captain by my peers. My soccer experience came full circle when this individual's younger brother was a freshman and I was now the senior captain. I took the responsibility of mentoring him and developing a relationship with him very seriously. It was a highlight of my soccer experience and it all came down to relationships, not goals scored or winning games. At our end of season banquet I was named Academic All Star, First Team All League. I also received the BRAVES trophy for the player exemplifies Bold, Responsible, Ambitious, Virtuous, Energetic, and Selfless. This award meant the most to me because it wasn’t based on my grades or athletic performance. It spoke to my character and I was proud to have this recognized in such a meaningful way.

As my feet left the ground I became acutely aware of my chest bearing all of my weight against my opponent’s shoulder and I realized this was not going to end well. He dropped his shoulder and we came crashing down onto the mat and I cried out in pain as he slammed into my stomach. Immediately I knew something was wrong and was reinforced by the collective gasp from the spectators. It turned out those were the final seconds of my wrestling career. In the biggest tournament of the season, I had been on my way to the first place spot on the podium. Unable to wrestle the final match, I received the second place medal with a bitter taste in my mouth. After a year of so much growth and success, it seemed impossible to believe this was the end. What if I had sprawled sooner or freed myself with a cross face? Thoughts of what had gone wrong consumed me and I was crushed by the implications of the fracture in my back and being unable to return to this sport that I love and has taught me so much. Moments like these present opportunities for true growth. I allowed myself time to mourn wrestling and work through the “what if” scenarios to get closure. Then I was able to move forward and dive into a new passion of weightlifting and nutrition. I learned the importance of embracing change.

As my feet left the ground I became acutely aware of my chest bearing all of my weight against my opponent’s shoulder and I realized this was not going to end well. He dropped his shoulder and we came crashing down onto the mat and I cried out in pain as he slammed into my stomach. Immediately I knew something was wrong and was reinforced by the collective gasp from the spectators. It turned out those were the final seconds of my wrestling career. In the biggest tournament of the season, I had been on my way to the first place spot on the podium. Unable to wrestle the final match, I received the second place medal with a bitter taste in my mouth. After a year of so much growth and success, it seemed impossible to believe this was the end. What if I had sprawled sooner or freed myself with a cross face? Thoughts of what had gone wrong consumed me and I was crushed by the implications of the fracture in my back and being unable to return to this sport that I love and has taught me so much. The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday was given to me by my father after the fracture in my back simultaneously ended my wrestling and baseball career. It is based on the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor who faced constant war, plagues, betrayals and attempts on his life. It outlines a formula for thriving because of negative situations rather than in spite of them. “We can accommodate and adapt. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Historians report Marcus Aurelius viewed each challenge as an opportunity to develop a virtue such as patience, humility, courage or creativity. Setbacks are always expected but are never permanent. Obstacles can evoke fear, frustration, helplessness, anger and blame. This book challenges individuals to respond differently. Presented with a crisis, will you be destroyed, merely survive or thrive? The book teaches one to view every obstacle as an opportunity to improve. All great accomplishments can be traced back to a problem that was met with daring creativity, focus and determination. Admittedly, reading this book required more than one attempt because I was consumed by my injury standing in my way. My mind wasn’t open to changing that perspective. There is no magic formula hidden in the pages. However, it encourages you to view a situation through a new lens. With a new perspective, an obstacle can be turned into an opportunity and open the window to progress. The Obstacle is the Way allowed me to examine the feelings of anger and resentment towards my injury. Cycling through what if scenarios was impeding any forward progress keeping the negativity in the forefront of my brain. This mindset made me seek out facts and information that supported the negativity. The book resource was a catalyst to help me achieve my goals and illustrates the critical importance of perspective. Moments like these present opportunities for true growth. I allowed myself time to mourn sports and work through the “what if” scenarios to get closure. Then I was able to move forward and dive into a new passion of weightlifting and nutrition. I learned the importance of embracing change. One of the biggest challenges I have faced facilitated a perspective change that will serve me well in all facets of my life. I have achieved closure on my injury with support from family, friends and work put in to achieve this outlook.

I believe the seeds for a future engineering career were planted from the very beginning. A favorite family picture depicts me wearing my grandfather’s glasses with a studious expression on my wrinkled newborn face and earned me the nickname old soul. I have always had a tendency to scrutinize situations carefully rather than impulsively act. I often wondered if being an old soul was a compliment or a curse. Teenagers have a reputation for making spontaneous decisions ruled by emotions. We are frequently reminded that our frontal lobe isn’t fully developed and that we can’t analyze or anticipate consequences. I seemed to be the exception, carefully weighing the pros and cons to make the most logical choice. My high school friends have jokingly called me dad as a teenage nod to my old soul persona. I now acknowledge the title proudly knowing that being an old soul has served me well. I have learned that an old soul can mean thoughtful, respectful and empathetic. An old soul is often described as possessing wisdom beyond their years, appreciation of connections and the little things in life. I have grown in confidence and comfort in my own skin. I have learned to allow myself time to reflect, digest and grapple with decisions to be comfortable in the choices I make. These characteristics make me well suited for a career in STEM. On a personal level I am highly motivated to make positive changes for those in need and solve real world problems. Our friends have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and their bodies are failing them. They lack the ability to create the protein dystrophin and have severe, progressive muscle wasting. They have lost the ability to walk and need assistance with even the simplest daily tasks. I have known Elliott and Henry since we were all toddlers doing our summer science camp and swimming in their pool. Elliott is an avid reader and Star Wars fan who still holds onto a love of legos. Henry is a passionate Patriots and Red Sox fan with eclectic musical tastes and a savvy sense of humor. They are so much more than their disease. Elliott and I are both on the college hunt and grappling with what to do with our lives. Elliott intends to pursue a degree in musical production and I am focusing on engineering. I was struck by the similarities in our process but heartbroken by the differences. Elliott will require a full time aide with him to attend college. His choices are limited to an accessible campus close to home for medical emergencies. My choices are wide open. As I gain independence moving to this next stage, Elliott’s dependencies grow. As my family laments me moving out, Elliott’s family prays it can actually happen. As Duchenne relentlessly progressed, STEM inventions allowed them to continue their daily activities. When we go out to a restaurant Elliott is connected to his “T-REX arms” as he calls them to be able to eat his meal independently. Robotic Orthosis uses electromyography signals to activate the motor when assistance is needed. This STEM invention returns dignity and independence to my friend and I hope to be able to make this sort of contribution in my future career endeavors. An engineering career will provide daily challenges that utilize critical thinking to create solutions. It allows the opportunity to take an idea and transform it into an invention that can change lives. It will satisfy my desire to be a lifelong learner and the gratification of knowing I have left the world a better place.