Growing up with a disabled veteran as a father and a sister with Down Syndrome, my family experience has significantly shaped my dedication to creating inclusive spaces and driving change. As someone who is a part of both the disabled and Asian communities, I've learned to balance these identities within the context of accessibility, which has helped me develop a deep understanding of intersectionality. This unique perspective has not only solidified the understanding of my own identity, but has also fuelled my desire and commitment to advocacy for other underserved individuals like myself. My dedication to this service is evident in my volunteer work, where I focus on promoting equitable opportunities and amplifying disabled voices. Whether I'm funding local disability resource centres or raising awareness on global human rights issues, I draw on my personal experiences. I firmly believe that inclusion benefits all, and I am eager to bring this mindset to my higher education and career endeavours. I hope to contribute to a community that appreciates diverse lived experience, especially those who overlap within the disabled and Asian communities. My background allows me to address the join of culture, identity, and accessibility, which enables discussions that challenge stereotypes and encourage intersectional collaboration. This scholarship will relieve me of financial burdens, allowing me to focus on studies and continue my volunteer work. As a member of a low-income family, I hope to address the systemic inequalities in the Asian and disabled communities throughout my career in psychology. By continuing my volunteer efforts and education in psychology, I aim to cultivate a more inclusive local community environment that empowers every individual to have equal opportunity and access to treatment for the best possible quality of life.

Growing up with a disabled veteran as a father and a sister with Down Syndrome, my family experience has significantly shaped my dedication to creating inclusive spaces and driving change. As someone who is a part of both the disabled and Asian communities, I've learned to balance these identities within the context of accessibility, which has helped me develop a deep understanding of intersectionality. This unique perspective has not only solidified the understanding of my own identity, but has also fuelled my desire and commitment to advocacy for other underserved individuals like myself. My dedication to this service is evident in my volunteer work, where I focus on promoting equitable opportunities and amplifying disabled voices. Whether I'm funding local disability resource centres or raising awareness on global human rights issues, I draw on my personal experiences. I firmly believe that inclusion benefits all, and I am eager to bring this mindset to my higher education and career endeavours. I hope to contribute to a community that appreciates diverse lived experience, especially those who overlap within the disabled and Asian communities. My background allows me to address the join of culture, identity, and accessibility, which enables discussions that challenge stereotypes and encourage intersectional collaboration. This scholarship will relieve me of financial burdens, allowing me to focus on studies and continue my volunteer work. As a member of a low-income family, I hope to address the systemic inequalities in the Asian and disabled communities throughout my career in psychology. By continuing my volunteer efforts and education in psychology, I aim to cultivate a more inclusive local community environment that empowers every individual to have equal opportunity and access to treatment for the best possible quality of life.

Erin Morgenstern’s debut novel The Night Circus is a magical fantasy story set at a travelling circus in late Victorian-era London. It follows two illusionists, Celia and Marco, who are bound to a duel that leaves only one victor left alive. Over the course of the book the two fall in love and must face the consequences, as the fates of both their lives and the circus are at stake. The author contrasts imagery of colour and fire to represent relationships between opposites and the connections within them. By doing so, she illustrates the endurance of the need for human companionship and capacity to love in the face of conflict. From the beginning, we are introduced to the circus as a colourless entity, and it is consistently referenced throughout the story. The author adds these details to show the connection and make us think more deeply about conflicting dynamics in life. “The towering tents are striped in white and black, no golds and crimsons to be seen. No color at all” (Morgenstern 1). Several interludes of circus acts in the book that aren’t within the realm of the plot further this emphasis. Unmoving figures dressed in black and whites, “The woman wears a dress something akin to a bridal gown constructed for a ballerina, white and frothy laced with black ribbons … Her companion is a handsome man … in an impeccably tailored black pinstripe suit. His shirt is a crisp white, his tie black” (Morgenstern 297). A pair of snakes that fight, “… [The snakes] are no longer stark white but a perfect ebony black” (Morgenstern 430). The fact that these small, nameless characters are only mentioned with a precise description of their colour schemes gives further evidence of the author’s intent. Twins Poppet and Widget are described as colourful in contrast to the rest of the circus, a personification of a rainbow after the storm. These differences establish a distinct role for the characters, highlighting their significance to the story. “The space kept by the Murray twins is particularly vivid. A kaleidoscope of color, blazing with carmine and coral and canary” (Morgenstern 223). They are both unique and key elements to the story, giving the circus a burst of colour and lightheartedness amidst the chaos of the challenge and issues with the leadership in the circus. In a time skip at the end of the novel, Poppet and Widget have become head of the circus along with Bailey. The twins serve as a reminder and success story of the positives of having distinct character. The Bonfire is what keeps the Circus going. The concept of Yin and Yang can be obviously applied to the use of colour symbolism, but I think the blinding white of the Bonfire, “The flames are not yellow or orange, but white as snow as they dance” (Morgenstern 108) and the darkness of night (the only time the circus is open) is also applicable. Celia and Marco are bound to the challenge by a ring that burns into their finger, branding them for life. This branding is another instance of fire as a symbol of passion and commitment, especially in combination with the rings. “Celia twists the ring, sliding it down her finger so he can see the matching scar” (Morgenstern 348) “[T]he ring continues to close around her finger, the metal burning into her skin … the ring thins and fades, leaving only a bright red scar around Celia's finger” (Morgenstern 21). We learn about the outcomes of the previous game and its relation to this fire symbolism. As told by the surviving member, who also had a fling with her rival, “My opponent is now a pillar of ash standing in a field in Kyoto” (Morgenstern 408). Near the end of the book, we discover that without the light of the Bonfire the circus will disappear. By sacrificing their corporeal bodies and handing off ownership to Bailey, Celia and Marco’s spirits function as the burning light which fuels the circus instead of succumbing to the ashy demise of the previous loser. From the start they are bound to be enemies, opposites, being prepared for the challenge their whole lives, and yet they found a way past this. “It is a matter of perspective, the difference between opponent and partner” (Morgenstern 407). Essentially, the author tells us that you are what you make of your circumstances, even fate can be circumvented. The intertwining themes of colour and fire symbolism illuminate the complexities of relationships in The Night Circus. Through the symbolic contrast of black and white, Morgenstern crafts interplay between opposing forces and how they interact and come together. The recurring imagery of the Bonfire which not only sustains the circus, but also symbolizes the fiery passion and commitment binding Celia and Marco. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that their sacrifices for the circus mirror the burning intensity of the connection between opponents in the challenge. Morgenstern's use of symbolism deepens our understanding of the circus and its characters and their place within the story, as well as placing meaning with allegorical commentary on the perseverance of love. Morgenstern, Erin. The Night Circus. Doubleday, 2011.

I first heard of Chappell Roan in late 2023 from a friend of mine. I remember seeing a video of her performing "Femininomenon" on Instagram and being encapsulated by her stage presence, even in such a small and intimate venue. I listened to her album and was struck by her powerful vocals, versatility, and poignant lyricism. I had never heard an artist sing about suggestive content in a creative and elegant way, let alone be it about two women. Lesbian artists are no diamond in the rough, we have Tracy Chapman and Lesley Gore, but Chappell brought something new to the table. She had the type of star factor to rival that of Madonna or Britney Spears, but was so authentically creative and relatable. When you listen to Britney, it's enjoyable, of course, but more often than not the song isn't written by the artist, or isn't at all relatable. Chappell's lyrics are from the heart, and through her drag persona she brings an eccentricity while telling her story. As her career skyrocketed, I felt so joyful. Growing up in a similarly rural small town, Chappell's rise to fame makes me feel hopeful that progress is happening and possible for anyone who dreams it.

skimm1lks

If you told me in middle school that in the future I would be a fan of BTS and other K-pop groups, I would have laughed in your face. Little did I know that their music would become a huge part of my life, leading me not only to discover other remarkable K-pop artists but also to meet other K-pop stans who have turned into great friends. The year that I started listening to BTS was a difficult one. I have struggled with depression for most of my adolescence, and finding BTS during this time became a real source of comfort for me. Their songs felt like they were telling me everything was going to be okay. And even if the song had sadder lyrics, it let me see that I wasn’t alone. It’s so encouraging to see how open BTS is, and how that they have gone through similar things, considering where they are today. They helped me see that anyone can grow from adversity and be successful. Through BTS, I not only found music that helped me to cope, but was also reminded that I wasn't facing depression by myself. The authenticity of BTS shines through in their interviews and behind-the-scenes videos. They openly share their struggles and insecurities, making them relatable despite their fame. Their candid interactions make them feel like friends. Seeing their genuine bond with each other and their fans is a reminder that they're not just performers, but real people navigating life's ups and downs just like us. BTS's impact on me wasn’t just their music. They led me into the K-pop genre as a whole, where I discovered an array of other groups who have become some of my favourites (such as TXT, NCT, TWICE, and more). My interest in BTS and K-pop in general led me to connect with other fans through social media, who have become genuine friends. In conclusion, the impact of BTS on my life, and those of other fans, cannot be understated. Their music served as a lifeline during a difficult year for me, offering support when I needed it most. Through them, I discovered the world of K-pop, which introduced me to an array of talented artists. Oftentimes K-pop communities are criticized for being toxic, but I have had massively positive experiences and interactions with other K-pop stans. BTS's journey from young trainees to global stardom is incredibly inspiring. They have taught me that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

One of the tracks that has left a lasting impression on me from "1989" is undoubtedly "Style." It holds a special place in my heart because it, along with “Red”, came out during my childhood. I have many memories of watching Taylor Swift music videos on a clunky 2008 MacBook. Taylor’s music has been a constant in my life. Regardless of my ever-changing music preferences, I find myself drawn back to her music, particularly the albums that were released when I was a kid. Even when “1989” first came out, “Style” was my favorite song. It may be attributable to my being a One Direction fangirl. But in all seriousness, I think it is because of Taylor's remarkable lyricism. The way she weaves the narrative of her relationship in the song, maintaining emotional depth without sacrificing musicality, is breathtaking. The charm of "Style" lies in Taylor’s ability to write about the casual nature of her real-life relationship, making it relatable to the average person. As a musician and songwriter myself, I can't help but take inspiration from her writing style and incorporate it into my own. Some people consider her music overrated and don’t understand the popularity of it. However, I believe her fame is well-deserved and not a product of overhype. I might not consider myself an overzealous fan nowadays, but those who dismiss her talent need to calm down. The music video for "Style" only emphasizes the meaning of the lyrics. The recurring mirrors hint at nostalgia and contemplation, taking on the literal meaning of “reflection”. The use of light and dark enhance the video's meaning, alluding to the complexities of both good and bad in her relationship. As I’ve grown older, "Style" has resonated with me on a personal level. Going through multiple relationships where the decision to part ways was difficult despite recognizing the flaws and the positive aspects. The song's portrayal of a past romance reminds me of my own experiences. It’s a beautiful song that speaks of the bittersweet ending of a relationship, making it all the more meaningful to me. Ultimately, "Style" holds great significance for me, not only because of my admiration for Taylor during my younger years but also due to its timeless appeal and lyrical genius. I am grateful for the inspiration and impact her music has given me. With all of her recent rerecordings, as well as newer music, it’s clear her songwriting skills have stayed consistent throughout the years. As I continue to listen to and admire “1989”, I can’t wait to see and hear what she creates in the future.