My career goals are to become a successful lawyer and politician, with the ultimate aim of returning to Puerto Rico to help my hometown recover from years of neglect by corrupt politicians. These politicians have prioritized their own financial gain over the well-being of the people they were meant to serve. For me, the journey to achieving these goals is akin to a complex game of chess—a game that requires strategic thinking, careful planning, and the ability to anticipate challenges before they arise. In chess, every piece on the board has a distinct role and purpose. The queen, with her ability to move in any direction, represents my ambition and capacity to lead with both strength and grace. In my career, I will need to be versatile, using all my skills to navigate the intricate world of law and politics. The pawns, often underestimated, symbolize the smaller, everyday decisions I’ll need to make to build a solid foundation for my success—decisions like committing to continuous learning, networking effectively, managing my time wisely, upholding ethical standards, prioritizing self-care, communicating clearly, and staying actively involved in my community. Just as in chess, these seemingly minor moves can accumulate and create a powerful position from which I can make a meaningful impact.. Just as in chess, these seemingly minor moves can accumulate and create a powerful position from which I can make a meaningful impact. One of the key lessons I've learned from chess is the importance of thinking several moves ahead. In both law and politics, it’s crucial to anticipate the consequences of each action and to be prepared for unexpected obstacles. Chess has taught me the value of patience and the understanding that not every victory can be achieved immediately. Sometimes, it's about positioning yourself strategically and waiting for the right moment to act. In my career, I recognize that I may need to make sacrifices—whether it’s giving up short-term gains or investing time in difficult battles—to protect the greater good. Just as a chess player sacrifices pieces to protect the king, I may have to make tough decisions to ensure the long-term well-being of my community. Ultimately, my journey toward becoming a lawyer and politician is much like a chess game. It requires skill, foresight, and a deep understanding of the challenges I’ll face. But with every move I make, I edge closer to my goal of restoring integrity and justice to Puerto Rico, ensuring that the final outcome is a victory not just for myself, but for everyone in my hometown.

In the busy city of Metropolis, there existed a tiny bookstore in between two skyscrapers. The store was named "The Book Nook," and it was owned by an elderly man named Mr. Thompson. The Book Nook was not exactly a normal bookstore; it was a haven for the dreamers, the seekers, and the adventurers of the mind. Its shelves were lined with books that whispered secrets, promised adventures, and held the mysteries of the universe within their pages. One rainy afternoon, a young woman named Clara wandered into The Book Nook. She was new to the city, having moved there for a job that, in her heart, she knew wasn’t for her. She was searching for something, though she wasn’t quite sure what. As she browsed the shelves, a particular book caught her eye. It was an old, leather-bound tome with the title in faded gold: "The Book of What Could Go Wrong." Curiosity spiked, Clara carefully pulled the book from the shelf. The moment she touched it, the rain outside seemed to get harder and thicker while also a chill ran down her spine. She hesitated for a moment, but then reasoned that it was just a book—what harm could come from reading it? She took it to the counter, where Mr. Thompson gave her a knowing look. "Are you sure you want this one, dear?" he asked, his voice gentle yet somehow foreboding. Clara nodded, more determined than ever. "Yes, I’m sure." Mr. Thompson sighed, wrapped the book in brown paper, and handed it to her. "Just remember," he said softly, "Some things are better left unread." Clara smiled politely, not fully understanding his warning, and quickly walked back to her apartment. The rain hadn’t let up, and her tiny apartment felt colder than usual. She made a cup of tea, layed on her couch, and unwrapped the book. The cover was even more worn than she had first noticed, and the pages were yellowed with age. She opened the book to the first page, which read, "This is the Book of What Could Go Wrong. Beware, for once you begin, the possibilities are endless."Clara laughed to herself. It sounded like a cheesy horror movie line, but she loved a good thrill. She turned the page, and the words seemed to jump off the paper: "If you read this, your life will be changed. Every decision you make will lead to the worst possible outcome. What could go wrong, will go wrong. Turn back now, or face the consequences." Clara hesitated, but only for a moment. She was a skeptic, not one to believe in curses or magical books. She shrugged off the warning and continued reading. The book was filled with stories of people who had made simple decisions—choosing a job, crossing the street, falling in love—only to have their lives spiral into chaos. The deeper she read, the more she felt a sense of unease, but she couldn’t stop. It was as if the book had a hold on her, compelling her to keep going. By the time she finished, the rain had stopped, and the apartment was eerily silent. Clara closed the book, feeling a strange mix of fear and relief. She was about to laugh at herself for getting so worked up over a silly book when her phone rang. It was her boss. "Clara, I’m sorry, but we have to let you go," her boss said, his voice heavy with regret. "What? But why?" Clara stammered, shocked. "There’s been some restructuring. It’s nothing you did, just bad timing." Clara hung up, numb. As she sat there, her mind raced. Was it the book? She shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought. But over the next few days, everything seemed to go wrong. Her car broke down, she lost her keys, and she spilled coffee on a stranger’s expensive suit. Each mishap was minor on its own, but they kept piling up, one after another. It wasn’t long before Clara was convinced that the book had cursed her. Desperate to break the cycle, she returned to The Book Nook, only to find the shop closed and a "For Lease" sign in the window. Mr. Thompson was nowhere to be found. Panicked, Clara rushed home and tore through her apartment, searching for the book. When she found it, she tried to burn it, tear it, anything to destroy it—but nothing worked. The book remained intact, its pages pristine. And so, Clara did the only thing she could think of. She wrapped the book in brown paper, just as Mr. Thompson had done, and placed it on a park bench with a note that read, "Free to a good home." As she walked away, the sun broke through the clouds, and for the first time in days, Clara felt a sense of peace. But deep down, she knew the truth: The book would find its next reader, and the cycle would begin again. What could go wrong? Everything.

Since I was a child, I always felt that my life was pointing me towards a career where I could help others. It took me some time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do, but once I discovered Political Science, I knew it was one of the paths that would lead me to achieve my goals as an adult. When I say "getting what I want," I mean that I knew that in order to live a fulfilling life, I needed a job that would satisfy me and bring good to the world. After living in Argentina and Puerto Rico, I understand what it's like to be at a disadvantage. I was the new kid in schools throughout my life, and I often wished I had someone to guide me through those transitions. However, the reason I chose a career in the political field is rooted in the suffering and poverty I witnessed firsthand in both of these countries. From a young age, my family and I have hosted a toy drive every Christmas. We would later take the collected toys to neighborhoods that needed them the most or had recently been affected by some sort of catastrophe. Floods were common in the more rural areas of Argentina, while in Puerto Rico, it was hurricanes and earthquakes that wreaked havoc. I saw how both of these countries mismanaged their emergency funds, often with corrupt politicians pocketing money and neglecting the people they were supposed to serve. This was incomprehensible to me at that age, but I knew I had to do something about it. This realization led me to believe that I needed to be involved in managing these situations to ensure that funds were allocated correctly to the people who needed them the most. As I grew older, this thought evolved into a broader idea: "This country needs real help." I believe that a young, charismatic, and intelligent leader could change these countries for the better by enforcing stricter laws against insider trading and other practices that give politicians an unfair advantage over ordinary citizens. I am convinced that change starts with one person at a time, and in order to create a better world for all of us and for future generations, we need to take care of our people and call out those who are causing harm. Whether through stealing, taking money from lobbyists, or promoting unhealthy lifestyles, the reality is that things won’t change unless we all take action and hold those responsible accountable. In summary, my experiences in Argentina and Puerto Rico, combined with my passion for Political Science, have driven me to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful difference. I want to be the change that these countries, and the world, so desperately need. By working in the political field, I hope to bring integrity, fairness, and genuine concern for the well-being of the people into the decision-making processes that affect our lives.

My name is Mateo Carrasco, and I am currently a sophomore attending Florida State College. I have faced numerous challenges in my life, but each one has shaped me into the resilient, persistent, and compassionate person I am today. In September 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, my home. The aftermath was harrowing: we endured four months without electricity and three months without running water. Basic necessities became luxuries, and daily life was a struggle for survival. The devastation forced my family to relocate from Puerto Rico to Florida, uprooting us from everything familiar. Despite these hardships, I was determined not to let them define me. Relocating to a new place meant starting over, but I embraced the opportunity. I continued my education with unwavering dedication, often studying by candlelight in the early months post-hurricane. My experiences have instilled in me a relentless work ethic and a refusal to be defeated by circumstances. I learned to adapt quickly, remain hopeful, and keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. Agape love, characterized by selflessness and unconditional care, has been a guiding principle in my life. Raised by a single mother after my father’s absence, I have always understood the importance of compassion and support. Unconditional love has been a big part of my life as I have had many situations where I have had to resort to inner peace to avoid being consumed by stress. Unconditional love and care in your heart help you blossom as a person and, in my opinion, make a noticeable difference in a person's energy. I hold no grudges against the challenges life has presented. Instead, I live in peace with my past and strive to excel in everything I do, bringing those around me up with me. My goal has always been to create a positive impact, no matter the situation. Giving back to the community is a cornerstone of my values. In Florida, I became actively involved in local volunteer work, assisting in hurricane relief efforts and helping families who faced similar struggles. My family and I handed out more than one thousand meals directly after the hurricane, also providing first aid and transportation for people needing relocation. I have also mentored younger students, sharing my experiences and encouraging them to persevere through their hardships. Most importantly, I have taught them how to stay calm and loving when it seems like the world is not loving them. My journey has taught me that true strength lies in lifting others up and fostering a sense of community and support.