Growing up as the child of two parents in the Marine Corps was an experience like no other. With both of my parents committed to serving their country and dedicated to the values and lifestyle of the military, our household was a unique and dynamic environment. One of the standout aspects of being a military child was the frequent relocations. We moved every few years due to my parents being stationed at different bases around the country and even overseas. While this meant constantly adapting to new environments, schools, and friends, it also instilled in me a sense of resilience and adaptability. I learned to be open-minded, flexible, and able to quickly adjust to new situations. These skills have served me well throughout my life, helping me navigate various challenges and changes with grace and confidence. Another significant aspect of being the child of two Marine parents was the strict discipline and structure that permeated our household. Both of my parents upheld the values of the military in their parenting style, instilling in me a strong sense of responsibility, respect, and self-discipline. There were clear expectations and rules to follow, and consequences for not meeting them were swift and consistent. While it could be tough at times, I am grateful for the firm foundation of values and principles that my parents instilled in me. It has helped shape me into the person I am today, guiding my decisions and actions with integrity and perseverance. Living in a military family also meant dealing with the challenges of deployment. Both of my parents were deployed at various points in my childhood, with one or sometimes both being away for months at a time. It was a difficult and emotional experience, feeling the absence of my parents and the uncertainty of their safety while they were serving overseas. However, it also taught me valuable lessons in resilience, independence, and the importance of family support. I learned to rely on my siblings, extended family members, and friends for emotional support and strength during those challenging times, and it reinforced the importance of staying connected and maintaining strong relationships with loved ones, even when miles apart. Despite the challenges that came with being the child of two Marine parents, there were also many unique and rewarding experiences that enriched my childhood. I was able to visit and live in different parts of the country and world, experiencing diverse cultures and expanding my perspective on the world. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with people from all walks of life, forming friendships that transcended borders and boundaries. I also developed a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the sacrifices and service of my parents and all those who serve in the military, experiencing firsthand the impact and importance of their dedication to our country. In conclusion, being the child of two parents in the Marine Corps was a challenging yet fulfilling experience that shaped me in profound ways. It taught me valuable lessons in resilience, discipline, and family bonds, and instilled in me a strong sense of patriotism and gratitude for the sacrifices of our military members. While there were hardships and sacrifices along the way, I am grateful for the unique upbringing and opportunities that being a military child provided me, and I carry those lessons and experiences with me as I navigate through life.

My ideal bookshelf inspired by #BookTok recommendations would be a diverse and eclectic collection of books that have captivated readers and gained immense popularity on the platform. #BookTok, the book-loving side of TikTok, has become a hub for book recommendations, reviews, and discussions, where users share their favorite reads and engage in literary conversations. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming romances, and thought-provoking non-fiction, the recommendations on #BookTok cover a wide range of genres and themes, appealing to a broad audience of readers. One of the must-have titles that would adorn my ideal bookshelf is "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller. This beautifully reimagined retelling of the Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus has captured the hearts of readers on #BookTok with its lyrical prose and poignant storytelling. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and sacrifice, resonating with readers who have been moved by its emotional depth and rich character development. Through its exploration of Achilles' legendary tale, "The Song of Achilles" has sparked meaningful conversations on #BookTok about the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of classic myths on contemporary literature. Another essential title that would find a place on my bookshelf is "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This gripping and glamorous novel follows the tumultuous life of Evelyn Hugo, a fictional Hollywood icon whose seven marriages are shrouded in scandal and mystery. On #BookTok, readers have been drawn to the complex and captivating character of Evelyn Hugo, whose narrative unfolds in a series of revealing interviews that explore themes of identity, ambition, and the price of fame. "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" has gained a devoted following on #BookTok, sparking discussions about the nature of celebrity culture and the enduring allure of old Hollywood glamour. In addition to fiction, my ideal bookshelf would also feature impactful non-fiction titles that have resonated with readers on #BookTok. One such title is "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk, a groundbreaking work that explores the ways in which trauma impacts the mind and body. This influential book has sparked important conversations on #BookTok about mental health, healing, and the power of resilience. Readers have been inspired by van der Kolk's research and insights on trauma, prompting discussions about the importance of understanding and addressing the effects of trauma in individuals and communities. Overall, the titles on my ideal #BookTok-inspired bookshelf reflect the diverse and dynamic range of recommendations that have captured the imagination of readers on the platform. From timeless classics to contemporary bestsellers, these books have made a lasting impact on the #BookTok community, sparking meaningful conversations and fostering a shared love of reading and storytelling. As I gaze upon my bookshelf filled with these captivating titles, I am reminded of the power of literature to connect us, inspire us, and enrich our lives in ways that transcend boundaries and genres.

There are many reasons someone may choose to join the US Army, from a desire to serve their country to a sense of duty and honor. For me, however, the decision to join the military is deeply personal and rooted in a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. One of my main reasons I want to join the military is because both of my parents served. They served in the Marine Corps and both retired after 20+ years. My parents taught me the importance of discipline, hard work, and perseverance. I learned to adapt to new situations quickly and to be resilient in the face of challenges. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices that military families make in service to their country. Another one of the main reasons I want to join the military is that I have always felt a strong connection to my country and a desire to serve and protect it. I believe that the United States is a beacon of freedom and democracy in the world, and I want to do my part to ensure that it remains a safe and prosperous place for future generations. I have always been deeply grateful for the opportunities and freedoms that being an American citizen affords me, and I feel a deep sense of responsibility to give back to my country in any way that I can. I also want to join the military because I believe in the importance of serving something greater than oneself. The military is a place where individuals come together to work towards a common goal, putting aside their personal interests for the good of the team and the mission. This sense of camaraderie and unity is something that I have always admired, and I believe that being a part of the Army would allow me to contribute to something larger than myself and make a real difference in the world. Additionally, I am drawn to the military because of the opportunities for growth and development that it provides. The military offers a wide range of training and educational opportunities, from learning new skills to earning college credits and certifications. I believe that by joining the military, I would have the chance to challenge myself both physically and mentally, push myself beyond my limits, and become a stronger, more capable person in the process. In conclusion, the reasons I want to join the US military are deeply personal and reflect my values, beliefs, and aspirations. I believe that by serving in the military, I can make a meaningful impact on the world, contribute to something greater than myself, and grow and develop as a person in ways that I never thought possible. I am excited about the prospect of joining the military and am proud to have the opportunity to serve my country in this way.

When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of being a doctor. I always wanted the doctor toy kits and the fake scrub costumes. The thought of helping people get better made me happy. It always has. As time started to fly and the future became the present, I have now started to make my dream a reality. As a military child of two marine parents, I knew the risks my parents were taking each day. I knew that there was a possibility that they could get hurt or not come home. I am very blessed that they did. Despite the risks my parents took, they learned and taught me so much. I learned about discipline and how to get things done. I learned about time management, duty, and service. They taught me everything I know. After lots of thought on the kind of nurse I want to be, I figured out that I have a huge love for children and that I want to specialize in pediatrics. As a pediatric nurse, one of my main goals to help make a difference is to provide preventative care and education to parents and children. Way too often nowadays are we seeing children with diseases that America had gotten rid of. One reason is that parents are afraid to vaccinate. Vaccinations are a big part of staying healthy and help prevent a person from getting a certain disease. If more people are educated on the benefits of vaccinations, I believe fewer children will suffer. I also plan on making a difference in my community by volunteering my time and expertise to help children in need. I believe that every child deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their status or background. I hope to volunteer in underserved communities, providing care and support to children who may not have access to healthcare services. Another big goal of mine to make an impact on the community is to always have empathy and kindness toward all who walk in. As a teen, I was in and out of the hospital for knee appointments for knock-knees. I had to have surgery two times and even though it was only knee surgery, it was very scary for me. The nurses all did an amazing job with telling me all the information, and keeping me calm and feeling safe. Those kinds nurses helped me to feel confident and ready to go into surgery. I want that for all my patients. I want my patients to always feel informed, comfortable, and safe when they are with me. In pediatrics, it is even more critical as you tneed to make the patient feel good as well as the parents. While I plan on being in pediatrics, I also plan on serving in the United States Army. I think that the Army will help me be a better healthcare worker, help to broaden my horizons, and to help me achieve the goals I want to achieve. I also will be able to work with the children of those who are serving. I am so glad that my dreams are becoming my reality. I am ready to make a difference in lives all around the community.

From a small age, I always loved to read. Anytime I had to opportunity to grab a book, I took it. While some books inform you of the world, others take you to a new one. These books take you on an adventure, teach you life lessons you did not know you needed, and keep your brain active. In a book I read called The Missing Pieces of Me by Jean Van Leeuwen, I learned that not all children have great home lives. Children all over the world are struggling with their home lives. Their father is a drunk, their mother left, their sister died, or they are homeless. As a kid growing up with an amazing home life, I never stopped to think about how other kids may be feeling. It never occurred to me that someone could be lashing out because their sibling died or that someone would sleep in class because they did not have a home to sleep in. This book opened my eyes to the way other children's home lives differ from mine. Another book I read that I have learned from is the old classic " How to Kill a Mockingbird". While most schools require this reading, I read this book beforehand. As an African-American child, this book really showed me how people see others. In middle school, I would get bullied without even saying anything. I never knew why. It never occurred to me that it could be the color of my skin or the fact that my parents are different races and had a child like me. When I read this book my body hurt for the African- Americans. My heart longed for the wrongly accused and wrongly killed. I never knew that the color of a person's skin could cause so much hatred in the world. After reading this book, I started to realize why people would act a certain way around me. Why I got looked at funny when me and my family walked into a restaurant, why I would sometimes get made fun of even if I did not know those people. This book taught me to always remember to treat people kindly regardless of race. I also read a book called Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. This book was a harder read but this book was so impactful. It showed me the importance of individual expression and how words and books should not be censored. This book talks about burning books and getting rid of all books in the world. I could not imagine a world without books. I would go crazy with nothing to escape to. I have read many books in my years and I always give a five star even if the book wasn't my favorite. I do this because I know that somewhere out there this book was liked and helped someone express their feelings, even if not verbally. Books everywhere make an impact on the world and the people in it. One day I want to be a surgeon and I want to leave the impact to save lives. I want someone, someday, to make a story of me and the impact I made on the world. I want someone to read my story and be impacted to make their own and so on and so on. Books will forever teach and make an impact on my life.