I am a determined high school student who will graduate with an associate degree in multidisciplinary studies. Throughout my high school years, I have faced significant challenges, but they have only strengthened and shaped my vision for the future. One of the most difficult experiences I encountered was during my junior year when my parents went through a divorce. This emotional turbulence was met by a house fire that forced me to live out of a suitcase and my school backpack for about eight months. Despite these hardships, I remained focused on my education and persevered through the toughest times, knowing that my future and my vision depended on the strength and determination I developed in those moments. As I look ahead, my vision is to make a lasting, positive impact on the world around me, specifically the environment. I am passionate about marine biology, which is why I plan to attend college for Marine Biology in Corpus Christi, Texas. The ocean has always fascinated me, and I want to dedicate my life to understanding and preserving the delicate ecosystem. One of my main goals is for future generations, including my own children, to experience and appreciate the incredible diversity of marine life that exists in our oceans today. I want them to see the vibrant, strong corals, the beautiful giant whales, the playful dolphins, and the countless species that inhabit the seas, even at the deepest of depths. I want to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to connect with nature that I have had and more. When I was a bright-eyed ten-year-old, my dad and I went to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and went on an excursion to swim with whale sharks and turtles, it was at this moment, that I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to the beautiful Oceans and their creatures. The urgency of preserving marine life is something that has deeply resonated with me, and I am determined to understand the causes of marine extinctions. The ocean is vast and mysterious, and yet, many species are disappearing at an alarming rate, some even from the deepest depths of the sea. I want to research why these extinctions happen and how we can limit or manage them. The loss of marine species affects not only the ocean’s ecosystems but also the delicate balance of life on Earth as a whole. By studying marine biology, I hope to contribute to efforts aimed at preventing mass extinctions and promoting sustainable practices that protect our oceans for future generations. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to teaching my future children- and hopefully others- how to respect and care for the world around them. I want them to understand the importance of leaving a positive impact on both society and the environment. Through my actions and the lessons I pass on, I hope to inspire them to live in harmony with nature, making choices that minimize harm and encourage environmental stewardship. I believe that by fostering a sense of responsibility for the Earth, we can work together to ensure a healthier planet for all living creatures. By combining my passion for marine biology with my dedication to environmental preservation, I am confident that I will make a meaningful difference in the world.

I am a determined high school student who will graduate with an associate degree in multidisciplinary studies. Throughout my high school years, I have faced significant challenges, but they have only strengthened and shaped my vision for the future. One of the most difficult experiences I encountered was during my junior year when my parents went through a divorce. This emotional turbulence was met by a house fire that forced me to live out of a suitcase and my school backpack for about eight months. Despite these hardships, I remained focused on my education and persevered through the toughest times, knowing that my future and my vision depended on the strength and determination I developed in those moments. As I look ahead, my vision is to make a lasting, positive impact on the world around me, specifically the environment. I am passionate about marine biology, which is why I plan to attend college for Marine Biology in Corpus Christi, Texas. The ocean has always fascinated me, and I want to dedicate my life to understanding and preserving the delicate ecosystem. One of my main goals is for future generations, including my own children, to experience and appreciate the incredible diversity of marine life that exists in our oceans today. I want them to see the vibrant, strong corals, the beautiful giant whales, the playful dolphins, and the countless species that inhabit the seas, even at the deepest of depths. I want to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to connect with nature that I have had and more. When I was a bright-eyed ten-year-old, my dad and I went to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and went on an excursion to swim with whale sharks and turtles, it was at this moment, that I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to the beautiful Oceans and their creatures. The urgency of preserving marine life is something that has deeply resonated with me, and I am determined to understand the causes of marine extinctions. The ocean is vast and mysterious, and yet, many species are disappearing at an alarming rate, some even from the deepest depths of the sea. I want to research why these extinctions happen and how we can limit or manage them. The loss of marine species affects not only the ocean’s ecosystems but also the delicate balance of life on Earth as a whole. By studying marine biology, I hope to contribute to efforts aimed at preventing mass extinctions and promoting sustainable practices that protect our oceans for future generations. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to teaching my future children- and hopefully others- how to respect and care for the world around them. I want them to understand the importance of leaving a positive impact on both society and the environment. Through my actions and the lessons I pass on, I hope to inspire them to live in harmony with nature, making choices that minimize harm and encourage environmental stewardship. I believe that by fostering a sense of responsibility for the Earth, we can work together to ensure a healthier planet for all living creatures. By combining my passion for marine biology with my dedication to environmental preservation, I dream that one day I will be able to make a meaningful difference in the world.

I am a determined high school student who will graduate with an associate degree in multidisciplinary studies. Throughout my high school years, I have faced significant challenges, but they have only strengthened and shaped my vision for the future. One of the most difficult experiences I encountered was during my junior year when my parents went through a divorce. This emotional turbulence was met by a house fire that forced me to live out of a suitcase and my school backpack for about eight months. Despite these hardships, I remained focused on my education and persevered through the toughest times, knowing that my future and my vision depended on the strength and determination I developed in those moments. As I look ahead, my vision is to make a lasting, positive impact on the world around me, specifically the environment. I am passionate about marine biology, which is why I plan to attend college for Marine Biology in Corpus Christi, Texas. The ocean has always fascinated me, and I want to dedicate my life to understanding and preserving the delicate ecosystem. One of my main goals is for future generations, including my own children, to experience and appreciate the incredible diversity of marine life that exists in our oceans today. I want them to see the vibrant, strong corals, the beautiful giant whales, the playful dolphins, and the countless species that inhabit the seas, even at the deepest of depths. I want to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to connect with nature that I have had and more. When I was a bright-eyed ten-year-old, my dad and I went to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and went on an excursion to swim with whale sharks and turtles, it was at this moment, that I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to the beautiful Oceans and their creatures. The urgency of preserving marine life is something that has deeply resonated with me, and I am determined to understand the causes of marine extinctions. The ocean is vast and mysterious, and yet, many species are disappearing at an alarming rate, some even from the deepest depths of the sea. I want to research why these extinctions happen and how we can limit or manage them. The loss of marine species affects not only the ocean’s ecosystems but also the delicate balance of life on Earth as a whole. By studying marine biology, I hope to contribute to efforts aimed at preventing mass extinctions and promoting sustainable practices that protect our oceans for future generations. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to teaching my future children- and hopefully others- how to respect and care for the world around them. I want them to understand the importance of leaving a positive impact on both society and the environment. Through my actions and the lessons I pass on, I hope to inspire them to live in harmony with nature, making choices that minimize harm and encourage environmental stewardship. I believe that by fostering a sense of responsibility for the Earth, we can work together to ensure a healthier planet for all living creatures. By combining my passion for marine biology with my dedication to environmental preservation, I am confident that I will be able to make a meaningful difference in the world.

I am a determined high school student who will graduate with an associate degree in multidisciplinary studies. Throughout my high school years, I have faced significant challenges, but they have only strengthened and shaped my vision for the future. One of the most difficult experiences I encountered was during my junior year when my parents went through a divorce. This emotional turbulence was met by a house fire that forced me to live out of a suitcase and my school backpack for about eight months. Despite these hardships, I remained focused on my education and persevered through the toughest times, knowing that my future and my vision depended on the strength and determination I developed in those moments. As I look ahead, my vision is to make a lasting, positive impact on the world around me, specifically the environment. I am passionate about marine biology, which is why I plan to attend college for Marine Biology in Corpus Christi, Texas. The ocean has always fascinated me, and I want to dedicate my life to understanding and preserving the delicate ecosystem. One of my main goals is for future generations, including my own children, to experience and appreciate the incredible diversity of marine life that exists in our oceans today. I want them to see the vibrant, strong corals, the beautiful giant whales, the playful dolphins, and the countless species that inhabit the seas, even at the deepest of depths. I want to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to connect with nature that I have had and more. When I was a bright-eyed ten-year-old, my dad and I went to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and went on an excursion to swim with whale sharks and turtles, it was at this moment, that I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to the beautiful Oceans and their creatures. The urgency of preserving marine life is something that has deeply resonated with me, and I am determined to understand the causes of marine extinctions. The ocean is vast and mysterious, and yet, many species are disappearing at an alarming rate, some even from the deepest depths of the sea. I want to research why these extinctions happen and how we can limit or manage them. The loss of marine species affects not only the ocean’s ecosystems but also the delicate balance of life on Earth as a whole. By studying marine biology, I hope to contribute to efforts aimed at preventing mass extinctions and promoting sustainable practices that protect our oceans for future generations. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to teaching my future children- and hopefully others- how to respect and care for the world around them. I want them to understand the importance of leaving a positive impact on both society and the environment. Through my actions and the lessons I pass on, I hope to inspire them to live in harmony with nature, making choices that minimize harm and encourage environmental stewardship. I believe that by fostering a sense of responsibility for the Earth, we can work together to ensure a healthier planet for all living creatures. By combining my passion for marine biology with my dedication to environmental preservation, I am confident that I will be able to make a meaningful difference in the world.

I am a determined high school student who will graduate with an associate degree in multidisciplinary studies. Throughout my high school years, I have faced significant challenges, but they have only strengthened and shaped my vision for the future. One of the most difficult experiences I encountered was during my junior year when my parents went through a divorce. This emotional turbulence was met by a house fire that forced me to live out of a suitcase and my school backpack for about eight months. Despite these hardships, I remained focused on my education and persevered through the toughest times, knowing that my future and my vision depended on the strength and determination I developed in those moments. Navigating the emotional turmoil of my parents’ divorce was difficult. It was a period of uncertainty, frustration, and sadness as I tried to make sense of my new reality. Divorce often disrupts not only family dynamics but also personal aspirations. However, I refused to let this major life change dictate my success. I realized that despite the instability in my personal life, my education was something I could control. It became my anchor, providing structure and hope for a better future. The challenge intensified when a house fire displaced me from the comforts of my home. Losing the place that had always been my safe space was overwhelming. For eight months, I lived out of a suitcase, carrying only the essentials I could fit into my school backpack. I learned to adapt, to be resourceful, and to focus on what truly mattered. My education remained my priority, and even though I lacked a stable home, I never allowed my circumstances to interfere with my academic goals. I completed my assignments, studied diligently, and worked towards my associate degree, proving to myself that resilience is a powerful tool in overcoming adversity. As I look ahead, my vision is to make a lasting, positive impact on the world around me, specifically the environment. I am passionate about marine biology, which is why I plan to attend college for Marine Biology in Corpus Christi, Texas. The ocean has always fascinated me, and I want to dedicate my life to understanding and preserving the delicate ecosystem. One of my main goals is for future generations, including my own children, to experience and appreciate the incredible diversity of marine life that exists in our oceans today. I want them to see the vibrant, strong corals, the beautiful giant whales, the playful dolphins, and the countless species that inhabit the seas, even at the deepest of depths. When I was a bright-eyed ten-year-old, my dad and I went to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and embarked on an excursion to swim with whale sharks and turtles. It was in this moment that I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to the beautiful oceans and their creatures. The experience of swimming beside such magnificent marine animals filled me with a sense of wonder and admiration that has only deepened over the years. The urgency of preserving marine life is something that has deeply resonated with me, and I am determined to understand the causes of marine extinctions. The ocean is vast and mysterious, and yet, many species are disappearing at an alarming rate, some even from the deepest depths of the sea. I want to research why these extinctions happen and how we can limit or manage them. The loss of marine species affects not only the ocean’s ecosystems but also the delicate balance of life on Earth as a whole. By studying marine biology, I hope to contribute to efforts aimed at preventing mass extinctions and promoting sustainable practices that protect our oceans for future generations. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to teaching my future children—and hopefully others—how to respect and care for the world around them. I want them to understand the importance of leaving a positive impact on both society and the environment. Through my actions and the lessons I pass on, I hope to inspire them to live in harmony with nature, making choices that minimize harm and encourage environmental stewardship. I believe that by fostering a sense of responsibility for the Earth, we can work together to ensure a healthier planet for all living creatures. As I prepare to embark on this next chapter of my life, I am motivated by the resilience I have developed through my personal struggles. The obstacles I have overcome have given me a profound appreciation for perseverance and have reinforced my passion for making a difference. I see my journey not as one defined by hardships but as one strengthened by them. Every challenge I have faced has shaped me into a person who is determined, adaptable, and unwavering in my aspirations. My commitment to marine biology is not just about personal fulfillment; it is about contributing to something greater than myself. The world’s oceans are in crisis due to pollution, climate change, and overfishing. Scientists and conservationists are working tirelessly to address these issues, and I want to be part of that movement. Whether through scientific research, conservation efforts, or education, I hope to make a tangible impact on the preservation of marine life. By combining my passion for marine biology with my dedication to environmental preservation, I am confident that I will be able to make a meaningful difference in the world. I envision a future where marine species thrive, where oceans remain a place of wonder and biodiversity, and where people recognize the importance of protecting our natural world. My journey has been shaped by resilience, passion, and a steadfast commitment to my dreams. No matter the challenges ahead, I will continue to push forward, knowing that my vision and purpose will guide me toward a future where I can make a lasting impact.

Identifying Personal Growth The major components of my identity are my confidence, ability to handle difficult situations, and commitment to academic challenges. In life, identities build you and help you grow in all aspects. I am always ready for another, useful component to come into play in my personal and academic identity. With my confidence, comes a past of insecurity. Before I realized my capability to learn and stay organized, I was super negative about myself and overlooked my abilities. I never asked questions, and would just allow myself to struggle to the point where I started failing classes. I would rather struggle alone than use my resources and the people around me to help. My parents played a big part in helping me rebuild my confidence during my sophomore year. They would tell me that I’m only at school to learn, so why does and should it matter what others in my class were saying or thinking about me? This made me realize my capability to communicate with my teachers was being blocked by my fear of others’ thoughts about me. With confidence in communicating, this has allowed me to overcome the challenge of 10th grade. In my sophomore year, I struggled to focus and follow along in class. Since I wasn’t comfortable communicating my problems with the teacher, I struggled until I wasn’t performing as I could have. I used what my parents told me that year to overcome my struggle. This gave me a sense of identity in my confidence after I stopped worrying about what others thought. Now that I can communicate with my peers and teachers, I am so much more willing to learn. I have been able to commit to taking rigorous courses in high school. My ability to confidently devote myself to such challenging things has been a big part of my identity and who I am as a student and as a person. Confidence and communication skills go hand in hand in life. In school, you need the confidence to communicate for your success. If there's anything I’ve learned through my few but meaningful 16 years of life, it’s that you have got to speak up for yourself. No boss, teacher, peer, or coworker is going to fight for your grades and success like you will and have to. Looking at setbacks in life can sometimes bring up a negative feeling for me, but I have to understand and appreciate how far I have grown mentally and academically. I was so hard on myself for no reason other than the sheer, painful fact that I truly felt as though I wasn’t “good enough,” but to think about being “enough” is just as painful. It took all of my 10th-grade year to truly learn who I am as a person, and learn how I can appreciate setbacks, rather than dwell on them. I call that trait of mine “handling hard better”, I watched a “Ted Talk” on how to handle hard better rather than to handle hard situations with the same “ I can’t” or “I don’t want to, ” mentality. Having an identity is needed to succeed, not only in school but in life. You need an identity to be you, and to understand you. Things that define my identity are my confidence, will to learn, and ability to commit to challenging things, willingly. My identity helps me grow mentally and academically every day.

I am a determined high school student who will graduate with an associate degree in multidisciplinary studies. Throughout my high school years, I have faced significant challenges, but they have only strengthened and shaped my vision for the future. One of the most difficult experiences I encountered was during my junior year when my parents went through a divorce. This emotional turbulence was met by a house fire that forced me to live out of a suitcase and my school backpack for about eight months. Despite these hardships, I remained focused on my education and persevered through the toughest times, knowing that my future and my vision depended on the strength and determination I developed in those moments. As I look ahead, my vision is to make a lasting, positive impact on the world around me, specifically the environment. I am passionate about marine biology, which is why I plan to attend college for Marine Biology in Corpus Christi, Texas. The ocean has always fascinated me, and I want to dedicate my life to understanding and preserving the delicate ecosystem. One of my main goals is for future generations, including my own children, to experience and appreciate the incredible diversity of marine life that exists in our oceans today. I want them to see the vibrant, strong corals, the beautiful giant whales, the playful dolphins, and the countless species that inhabit the seas, even at the deepest of depths. I want to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to connect with nature that I have had and more. When I was a bright-eyed ten-year-old, my dad and I went to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and went on an excursion to swim with whale sharks and turtles, it was at this moment, that I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to the beautiful Oceans and their creatures. The urgency of preserving marine life is something that has deeply resonated with me, and I am determined to understand the causes of marine extinctions. The ocean is vast and mysterious, and yet, many species are disappearing at an alarming rate, some even from the deepest depths of the sea. I want to research why these extinctions happen and how we can limit or manage them. The loss of marine species affects not only the ocean’s ecosystems but also the delicate balance of life on Earth as a whole. By studying marine biology, I hope to contribute to efforts aimed at preventing mass extinctions and promoting sustainable practices that protect our oceans for future generations. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to teaching my future children- and hopefully others- how to respect and care for the world around them. I want them to understand the importance of leaving a positive impact on both society and the environment. Through my actions and the lessons I pass on, I hope to inspire them to live in harmony with nature, making choices that minimize harm and encourage environmental stewardship. I believe that by fostering a sense of responsibility for the Earth, we can work together to ensure a healthier planet for all living creatures. By combining my passion for marine biology with my dedication to environmental preservation, I am confident that I will be able to make a meaningful difference in the world.

I am a determined high school student who will graduate with an associate degree in multidisciplinary studies. Throughout my high school years, I have faced significant challenges, but they have only strengthened and shaped my vision for the future. One of the most difficult experiences I encountered was during my junior year when my parents went through a divorce. This emotional turbulence was met by a house fire that forced me to live out of a suitcase and my school backpack for about eight months. Despite these hardships, I remained focused on my education and persevered through the toughest times, knowing that my future and my vision depended on the strength and determination I developed in those moments. As I look ahead, my vision is to make a lasting, positive impact on the world around me, specifically the environment. I am passionate about marine biology, which is why I plan to attend college for Marine Biology in Corpus Christi, Texas. The ocean has always fascinated me, and I want to dedicate my life to understanding and preserving the delicate ecosystem. One of my main goals is for future generations, including my own children, to experience and appreciate the incredible diversity of marine life that exists in our oceans today. I want them to see the vibrant, strong corals, the beautiful giant whales, the playful dolphins, and the countless species that inhabit the seas, even at the deepest of depths. I want to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to connect with nature that I have had and more. When I was a bright-eyed ten-year-old, my dad and I went to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and went on an excursion to swim with whale sharks and turtles, it was at this moment, that I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to the beautiful Oceans and their creatures. The urgency of preserving marine life is something that has deeply resonated with me, and I am determined to understand the causes of marine extinctions. The ocean is vast and mysterious, and yet, many species are disappearing at an alarming rate, some even from the deepest depths of the sea. I want to research why these extinctions happen and how we can limit or manage them. The loss of marine species affects not only the ocean’s ecosystems but also the delicate balance of life on Earth as a whole. By studying marine biology, I hope to contribute to efforts aimed at preventing mass extinctions and promoting sustainable practices that protect our oceans for future generations. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to teaching my future children how to respect and care for the world around them. I want them to understand the importance of leaving a positive impact on both society and the environment. Through my actions and the lessons I pass on, I hope to inspire them to live in harmony with nature, making choices that minimize harm and encourage environmental stewardship. I believe that by fostering a sense of responsibility for the Earth, we can work together to ensure a healthier planet for all living creatures. By combining my passion for marine biology with my dedication to environmental preservation, I am confident that I will be able to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Middle school and elementary, for me, lacked compliments and smiles from my peers. The easiest way to make someone's day, or even make them smile, is to compliment them. Every chance I have, I compliment someone. Something as simple as an "I like your outfit," could make someone's day better. At one point in my life, I was switching schools every other school year. This only made me despise moving homes and schools. With every school change, came an immense amount of anxiety towards meeting new people, and making new friends. When my reality didn't meet my hopes, I was very hard on myself, as making friends was not easy for me. I remember one morning I came to school, in maybe third or fourth grade, wearing a brand new shirt. I was so excited to wear it, however, another, more "popular" girl, was wearing the same shirt as me. She got the compliments, I got called a copycat. While looking at it now, something that small would simply make me laugh. But if I was asked how it made me feel, on a deeper level, that would be, left out and ignored. Each school change was like this, not this specific shirt scenario, but something like it. Around my freshman year in high school, when the two middle schools from the school district combined to make one freshman class at the high school, I realized that everyone was insecure in their ways. Even the most confident person you know, still struggles with how they see themselves. It was then, that I learned, that all some people need, is some reassurance. I often get called bossy, and loud, this causes me to spiral in my head. However, my best friend says I'm confident and have a strong will for anything and everything. The way that she can take something people have made me insecure about, and turn it into something I can be proud of, is something I greatly appreciate. When she says this, it makes me realize that I AM confident, and I DO have a strong will, especially when it comes to difficult things. Her telling me this, makes me feel confident and it makes me proud to be who I am. More recently, in my senior year, I noticed all the underclassmen scurrying to class, with their heads down. Seeing them be shy and uncertain with themselves, sparks something in me, that the best thing I can do, is to compliment them. With every compliment I give, I, truly believe is worthy of being complimented. I have a purpose when complimenting. My greatest gift is having the ability to see people past their outside, and truly see what people are like on the inside. Confidence, happiness, and true kindness are something I don't see often, especially at school, but, I always make sure to go out of my way to compliment and highlight those traits to those who carry themselves in a way they 'glow'. With so much negativity and darkness in society, I want to make sure to be as bright and positive as possible.