Faith plays an important role in my life as a source of grounding, strength, and guidance during both difficult and uncertain times. It helps me stay centered when life feels overwhelming and reminds me that I am not facing challenges alone. In moments of stress, loss, or doubt, my faith has given me a sense of hope and perspective that allows me to keep moving forward instead of feeling stuck in what I am going through. My faith has also shaped the way I view my academic journey and future goals. It has taught me the importance of perseverance, discipline, and trusting the process even when results are not immediate. School is not always easy, and there have been times when I have felt overwhelmed or uncertain about my path. However, my faith encourages me to stay committed and believe that my effort has purpose. It reminds me that my education is not just for me, but also connected to something bigger—building a future where I can support myself, give back to my family, and use my experiences to help others in meaningful ways. Beyond faith, my family has been one of the biggest influences pushing me to pursue higher education. Growing up, I saw my mom work two jobs to provide for us, while my grandmother played a major role in helping raise me and my siblings. Watching their sacrifices made me realize how important it is to take advantage of opportunities they worked so hard to give me. Their determination motivates me to continue my education so I can create a more stable and successful future, not only for myself but also in honor of what they have done for me. I have also been influenced by personal experiences of loss and responsibility, which have pushed me to think more seriously about my future. Going through challenges has shown me that education is one of the most powerful tools I can use to build stability and create opportunities that may not have been easily available otherwise. It has also encouraged me to be more focused, responsible, and intentional with my goals. Additionally, I have been inspired by people who have overcome adversity and still managed to build meaningful lives for themselves. Whether through artists, educators, or individuals in my own community, seeing others succeed despite challenges has helped me believe that my circumstances do not define my future. Overall, my faith, my family, and my personal experiences have all worked together to push me toward higher education. They have shaped my mindset, strengthened my determination, and reminded me that my goals are achievable if I stay committed and continue working toward them. Instagram: Morris.mapa

I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter because of her growth as an artist, her confidence, and the way she has built her career through persistence and authenticity. What stands out to me most is how she has evolved over time without losing her identity, constantly refining her sound, her style, and her voice as an artist. Watching her journey has shown me that success is not immediate, but something that develops through consistency, resilience, and self-belief. Her career has impacted me by showing that it is possible to grow through different stages of life and still come out stronger and more defined. She started at a young age in the entertainment industry, and instead of being limited by that, she used it as a foundation to expand into music and develop her own creative direction. That inspires me because it reflects the idea that where you start does not determine where you end up. I also admire how she expresses herself through her music in a way that feels honest and relatable. A lot of her songs reflect emotions like self-reflection, heartbreak, confidence, and independence. Even though her experiences may not be identical to mine, the emotions behind her work feel universal. Her music has helped me reflect on my own experiences and emotions in a healthier way, especially during moments when I needed motivation or emotional clarity. Beyond her music, I respect how she carries herself publicly with confidence and creativity. She embraces her individuality and continues to grow without trying to fit into one fixed version of who she “should” be. That has influenced how I think about my own future and personal goals, reminding me that it is okay to evolve, change direction, and still stay true to who I am. Overall, Sabrina Carpenter represents growth, confidence, and creative independence to me. Her career has taught me that success comes from persistence, self-expression, and the courage to keep improving, even when the path is not straightforward.

My family has been deeply affected by cancer through the loss of my grandmother, who passed away from breast cancer. At the time, I did not fully understand what cancer meant or the seriousness of what she was facing, but as I grew older, I came to better understand the weight of that experience and how deeply it shaped my family. My grandmother played a central role in our lives—she helped raise my siblings and me while my mom worked two jobs just to provide food on the table and keep our household going. Her illness was especially painful for our family because she was not only someone we loved deeply, but also a constant source of stability in our daily lives. She was always present in our home, offering care, comfort, and guidance. In many ways, she helped carry the emotional and physical responsibility of raising us during a time when my mother was focused on working and providing for us. Her presence created a sense of balance and security in our home that we did not fully appreciate until it was threatened. As her health declined, our family slowly had to adjust to changes that were difficult to accept. It was painful watching someone who had such an important role in our lives become weaker over time. During this period, we experienced a wide range of emotions—sadness, fear, stress, and helplessness—but also a deep sense of unity. Even in the middle of uncertainty, we tried to support one another and remain present with her. We made a conscious effort to cherish the time we still had, even while quietly preparing for a loss we were not ready to face. One of my strongest memories of her is her rocking chair. My siblings and I would sit beside her while she read to us, and it became a comforting part of our childhood routine. After she passed, we were given the chair, and it remained in our home for years until it eventually became too worn to keep. Even now, I still have a small piece of it, and every time I see a rocking chair, I am reminded of her presence, her voice, and the sense of safety she created for us. When she passed away, the impact was felt in every part of our family. Beyond the emotional grief, there was also a shift in our daily structure and responsibilities. The absence of her presence created a space that could never truly be filled, and we had to learn how to continue forward while carrying that loss with us. Through this experience, I learned how important family support systems are, and how much strength it takes to hold a household together during difficult times. I also learned to appreciate the people I love more intentionally, recognizing how quickly life can change. Most importantly, I learned that resilience is not about pretending everything is okay, but about continuing forward even when things feel heavy and overwhelming. My grandmother’s role in my life continues to shape who I am today. She taught me, through both her care and her example, the value of family, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Her memory continues to influence how I show up for others and how deeply I value the time I have with the people I love.

My story has been shaped by both loss and growth, and by learning how to keep moving forward even when life feels uncertain. Experiencing the passing of my parent(s) was one of the most defining moments of my life. It changed the way I see the world, my responsibilities, and my understanding of strength. In the time following their passing, I went through a wide range of emotions. At first, I felt shock and disbelief, followed by deep sadness and moments of anger and confusion. There were also times of numbness, when it was difficult to fully process what had happened. Over time, I learned how to sit with these emotions rather than avoid them. I began to understand that grief is not something you “get over,” but something you learn to carry in a way that allows you to still move forward. Through this experience, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve realized that I am more resilient than I initially believed. I’ve also learned the importance of self-awareness and emotional honesty—being able to acknowledge what I feel instead of pushing it aside. Most importantly, I’ve learned that growth often comes from discomfort, and that even painful experiences can shape you into someone more compassionate and grounded. I have explored practices like meditation and journaling as ways to cope and reflect. Meditation has helped me slow down my thoughts and find moments of calm when everything feels overwhelming. Journaling has given me a space to process my emotions more clearly, track my growth, and make sense of experiences that are difficult to put into words. Both practices have helped me feel more centered and intentional in my daily life. I want to continue my education because I see it as a path toward building a stable and meaningful future. College represents more than academics to me—it is an opportunity to develop my skills, expand my perspective, and create possibilities for myself that honor both my goals and the experiences that have shaped me. I am motivated to succeed not only for myself, but also in recognition of the sacrifices and challenges that have brought me to this point. The biggest influences in my life include my family, who have shaped my values of perseverance and responsibility, as well as mentors and educators who have encouraged me to keep going even when things were difficult. I also find inspiration in people who have overcome adversity and used their experiences to help others, as they remind me that hardship can become a source of purpose and strength.

Option 2: The Future of Human Connection In a world increasingly shaped by technology, authentic human connection is not disappearing—it is being redefined. The challenge of our time is not whether we will remain connected, but whether those connections will remain meaningful. As communication becomes faster, more global, and more digital, we are being asked to reconsider what it truly means to know, understand, and support one another. Technology has made connection more accessible than at any point in history. We can communicate instantly across countries, maintain relationships regardless of distance, and access communities that share our interests and identities. For many people, digital spaces have also created opportunities for belonging that may not have existed in their immediate environments. This is one of the most powerful achievements of the modern era: the ability to connect beyond physical, social, and cultural boundaries. However, this constant accessibility also comes with challenges. When communication becomes immediate and frequent, it can begin to lose depth. Conversations are often reduced to short messages, reactions, or images, rather than sustained dialogue. Social media can create the illusion of closeness while still lacking emotional presence. In many cases, we are more connected than ever before, yet still experience moments of isolation or disconnection. I believe the future of human connection depends on how intentionally we choose to use technology. It should function as a bridge between people, not a substitute for genuine presence. Real connection requires time, attention, and emotional investment—qualities that cannot be fully replaced by digital interaction. We preserve authenticity when we choose to listen deeply, respond thoughtfully, and engage without distraction, whether in person or online. At the same time, technology does not have to diminish connection; it can also enhance it when used with purpose. It allows creative expression, collaboration, and storytelling on a global scale. In fields like fashion and design, for example, digital platforms can be used to share the meaning behind creative work, highlight cultural influences, and connect audiences to the stories behind garments. This creates a deeper layer of understanding between creator and audience, extending connection beyond physical spaces. In my own perspective as an emerging fashion designer, I see human connection as central to creative work. Clothing is not only material—it carries identity, memory, and emotion. When shared through both physical and digital spaces, it has the power to communicate stories across cultures and communities. Technology can support this by making design more accessible, transparent, and inclusive, allowing people to engage with creativity in ways that feel personal and meaningful. Still, it is important to recognize that not everything can or should be digitized. Human connection is rooted in presence: shared experiences, conversations, and moments that are felt rather than viewed through a screen. A message can maintain a relationship, but it cannot fully replace sitting with someone, listening to their voice, or experiencing life together in real time. These moments create depth, empathy, and understanding in ways technology alone cannot replicate. To preserve authentic connection in the future, we must learn to be intentional. This means setting boundaries with technology, prioritizing meaningful conversations over constant communication, and creating space for real-world interaction. It also means designing digital environments that encourage reflection, empathy, and creativity rather than distraction or comparison. Ultimately, the future of human connection will not be determined by technology itself, but by how we choose to engage with it. If used thoughtfully, it can strengthen relationships, expand communities, and deepen understanding across distance. But it is our responsibility to ensure that in a world of constant connectivity, we do not lose the essence of connection itself: presence, empathy, and genuine human understanding.

I believe a life of service begins with recognizing the responsibility we have to contribute positively to the lives of others. For me, service means using my creativity, skills, and opportunities not only for personal success, but to create meaningful impact within my community and industry. As an emerging fashion designer, I aim to embody service through sustainability, education, and accessibility. Fashion is often viewed as an exclusive industry focused on luxury and consumption, but I believe it can also be a powerful tool for connection, empowerment, and social change. One of the ways I hope to serve others is by promoting a more sustainable and thoughtful approach to fashion. The environmental impact of overconsumption and textile waste has motivated me to pursue a design philosophy centered on longevity, craftsmanship, and care. I want to encourage people to value their clothing, repair garments rather than discard them, and reconnect with the artistry behind fashion. My long-term goal is to establish a design and tailoring space that serves both creative and community-centered purposes. In addition to designing refined garments and couture-inspired pieces, I hope to offer workshops that teach mending and tailoring skills to individuals who may not otherwise have access to this knowledge. I also aspire to provide affordable or free alterations and repairs for members of the community, helping extend the life of clothing while making these services more accessible. Through this work, I want to create an environment where fashion becomes less about exclusivity and more about empowerment, education, and sustainability. Being accepted into Istituto Marangoni is an important step toward achieving these goals. My education will allow me to strengthen my technical abilities, expand my understanding of design, and gain exposure to global perspectives within the fashion industry. More importantly, it will help me develop the skills and confidence necessary to build a platform that combines creativity with social responsibility. I want to use the knowledge I gain not only to grow as a designer, but also to inspire others to think differently about fashion and its role within society. I am especially inspired by designers such as Giorgio Armani, whose work demonstrates timeless elegance and craftsmanship. I hope to merge this level of refinement with a commitment to sustainability and community impact. Ultimately, I want my career to reflect the idea that service can exist within every aspect of creative work. Whether through teaching practical skills, creating opportunities for others, or encouraging more responsible consumption, I hope to use fashion as a way to contribute positively to the world around me.

I believe leadership is about creating meaningful change through vision, resilience, and service to others. To me, a leader is someone who not only pursues their own goals, but also uses their knowledge, creativity, and determination to uplift the people and communities around them. As an emerging fashion designer, I strive to lead through both my work and the values that shape it. Fashion has always been more than clothing to me—it is a form of storytelling, identity, and connection. However, I also recognize the environmental and social challenges within the industry, particularly the culture of overconsumption and waste. This awareness has inspired me to pursue a path focused on sustainability, craftsmanship, and accessibility. My long-term goal is to create a fashion and tailoring space that not only produces refined garments, but also serves as a resource for the community. I hope to offer workshops that teach mending and repair skills, as well as affordable or free alterations for those who may not otherwise have access to these services. I want to help people reconnect with the value of caring for their clothing rather than discarding it. What makes me a leader is my ability to combine ambition with empathy. I am deeply motivated to succeed creatively and professionally, but I also believe success should create opportunities for others. I value collaboration, openness, and the exchange of ideas, and I believe strong leadership comes from listening as much as guiding. I hope to inspire others by showing that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible, and that creativity can be used as a tool for positive social impact. I also believe leadership requires resilience. Pursuing a career in fashion is highly competitive, and reaching goals often demands persistence, adaptability, and self-discipline. Throughout my journey, I have continued to push myself creatively while remaining committed to my larger vision. Being accepted into Istituto Marangoni represents an important step in my development as a designer and future leader within the industry. It will allow me to refine my skills, expand my perspective, and learn within an international environment that values innovation and creativity. Inspired by designers such as Giorgio Armani, I aspire to create timeless and elegant designs that merge craftsmanship with sustainability. Ultimately, I want my career to demonstrate that leadership in fashion is not only about creating trends, but about creating lasting impact. Through my work, I hope to encourage more thoughtful consumption, celebrate craftsmanship, and build spaces where creativity, education, and community can thrive together.