I stood helplessly as three 6th graders tossed my friend's backpack between themselves like a game, mocking him while he cried. We were only in 4th grade and were targeted by a group of older kids every time we walked home from school. After weeks of consistent bullying, I took the initiative to report the bullies myself, as my friend was scared they would hurt him if he took action against them. The bullies were suspended for two weeks, and their parents were informed of their behavior. After that, they stopped bullying us, and ironically, they were scared of us. Since then, I've always been motivated to advocate for my fellow peers; whether that be against bullies, or through providing opportunities for students who haven't found themselves yet. As I've grown up and transitioned into high school, I've realized that bullying doesn't occur as much as it used to. However, that doesn't mean the issue has ceased to exist. Throughout my high school years, I've made many anti-bullying and anti-harassment infographics (i.e. hazing) that I've shared with my classmates and student body. As a member of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, I strive to use my voice to inform students of disparities in the world and teach them how to combat it. It is my goal to ensure that I leave my school's community with a lasting positive impact. Many students roam my school's hallway without a sense of community, or without a passion to pursue. Research shows that finding a sense of community in the classroom can lower bullying and facilitate healing for targeted students. Due to that and some personal reasons, I've made it my mission to create and participate in spaces that cater to the interests of the student body. As Vice-President of my school's biology club, I've planned and orchestrated hands-on experiments as well as field trips for students interested in biology. In my guitar class, I've helped and taught my classmates by giving them tips on how to play better. As Co-Ambassador of my school's Principal's Action Council, I've participated in videos and events that encourage students to stay focused in school and maintain a good academic standing. Through executive positions in my other extracurricular activities, I continue to advocate for students without a community. As senior year and college applications dawn on the horizon, I've faced many issues and problems regarding myself and my financial standing. I lawfully migrated to the United States at the age of eight. My family did this to get away from a corrupt political climate and anti-education terrorists such as Boko Haram who had targeted the private school I attended. While awaiting my citizenship, certain obstacles arise that may hinder me from pursuing a higher education. Despite living in America for about ten years, I'm an international student in the eyes of colleges, which drastically increases tuition costs. I continue to apply to scholarships and for grants to remedy that issue, but it's not enough. Due to strict requirements, I'm ineligible for most scholarships I come across. I simply want to seek a higher education in areas of Information Technology and Engineering so I can better the world. Standing up to bullying at a young age sparked my passion for advocacy and shaped the leader I'm today. I've carried that mission throughout high school by creating safe, inclusive spaces and educating others on the impact of bullying. I’m eager to continue this work in college, using my voice to support and uplift those who feel unseen.