When my brother Jackson entered the world, he was already leaving it. His heart beat for only a few minutes, yet those brief moments altered the course of my life. Jackson was born with multiple brain defects, and although he never had the chance to grow, his life left me with a purpose. My youngest brother Jackson passed away a few years ago. Until October 13, 2015, I had never experienced or understood grief. That morning, we woke up early to go to the hospital, but instead of the excitement of meeting my brother, I was filled with worry and nerves. Jackson’s little life had not developed as it should, and though it was time to meet him, we already knew the heartbreak that awaited. The grief we felt wasn’t just about his passing, it stretched into the past and the future. We mourned not only his final breath but also the months leading up to that moment when we were told he wouldn’t develop properly. Along with that came the painful realization that all our dreams of park days, board games, and birthday celebrations would never come to be. It was an unbelievably hard day for me and my family. Although our time with him was brief it was full of love. Love for Jackson and also love for each other, from the comforting hug of my parents, to the support of my grandparents, and friends' condolence cards. In the embrace of those who cared for me, I found not only comfort but also the courage to continue forward. Although the pain is still present, all of these relationships helped me heal during the bereavement process. I want to be that love and comfort when others need support. Jackson's brief life instilled a passion for advocating for individuals with disabilities. Witnessing the challenges they face has ignited my desire to ensure all voices are heard and represented. I find meaning by volunteering with youth in programs like Special Stars and Create for Kids, which transformed my perspective on resilience and the importance of service. Special Stars engages children with special needs in developing soccer skills. I coached them through drills, offering guidance and encouragement. Watching these children experience the joy of learning new skills despite their challenges is humbling. I also enjoy thinking critically and constructing solid arguments, a skill I am working on in school. This passion aligns seamlessly with a career in law, where the ability to present clear, persuasive cases is crucial. I hope to use this skill to uplift and protect others. I plan to pursue a law degree, focusing on public interest law or civil rights, empowering myself with the knowledge to navigate and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. I will apply for internships and volunteer opportunities that provide practical experience in legal advocacy, especially in supporting children and families facing challenges. My choice to pursue a career in government and law is personal. I hope to challenge injustices, ensuring fairness, especially those facing the greatest challenges. Jackson’s memory and the lessons I’ve learned through Special Stars and other volunteer experiences inspire me to fight for a world where every child can thrive.

Tearing my ACL and meniscus during a soccer game was not just a physical setback; it was a significant mental challenge that reshaped how I approach my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. The long road to recovery was filled with physical therapy and a relentless focus on rebuilding my strength, but it also tested my mental resilience in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Each session pushed my limits, and as I progressed through small victories like improved knee movement and not needing crutches, I realized that my mental healtg was just as important as the physical work. This journey highlighted the power of perseverance, not just for reaching physical milestones, but for maintaining a positive and focused mindset during adversity. Mental health became a crucial aspect of my recovery. I had to learn patience and how to stay motivated, even when progress was slow. There were moments when frustration and self-doubt crept in, but I developed tools to manage these emotions, such as setting small, achievable goals and celebrating incremental successes. Taking care of my scar became a daily routine that represented my dedication to the healing process, reminding me that progress is gradual and requires consistent effort. This shift in perspective taught me that mental health is not just about overcoming obstacles for me it was also about finding strength in persistence. My injury also gave me the chance to build deeper relationships with those around me. Limited by my physical abilities, I was forced to rely more on my support system—family, friends, teammates, and coaches. This experience strengthened my connections and made me more empathetic. I understood firsthand the emotional challenges that come with setbacks and saw how important encouragement and support are during difficult times. As a result, my relationships have become more meaningful. Volunteering with Special Stars, a program for individuals with disabilities, became a turning point for me. While working through my own recovery, I realized that helping others overcome their own obstacles could be a powerful way to stay grounded and find purpose. Watching these athletes work through their challenges with determination and joy changed my view. It reinforced my belief that everyone has struggles—whether physical or mental—but it’s how we face them that defines us. This understanding has fueled my goals to not only overcome personal challenges but also to uplift others who face their own. My experience with mental health during my recovery has shaped my approach to life. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks but embracing the journey and recognizing that mental and emotional strength are just as critical as physical healing. These lessons have shaped my goals, strengthened my relationships, and deepened my empathy, ultimately driving me to pursue a future where I can help others overcome their own challenges and find strength through adversity