Music has always been a powerful outlet for me, but when it comes to working out, it becomes an essential companion. Whether I'm lifting weights, running, or doing yoga, music has a profound impact on my performance, mindset, and overall experience. It's the energy I need to push through those tough moments, the rhythm that keeps me in sync with my movements, and the motivation that helps me stay focused on my goals. One of the main reasons I use music during workouts is its ability to elevate my mood and boost my energy. There's something about a great song—whether it's an upbeat track with a fast tempo or an empowering anthem—that gets my blood pumping and sets a positive tone for the session. When I'm facing a challenging set or pushing myself to run that extra mile, the right music serves as a mental boost, helping me block out the discomfort and keep moving forward. It’s as if the beats of the music take over, shifting my focus away from fatigue and making me feel unstoppable. Music also helps me maintain a steady rhythm during exercise. In activities like running or cycling, having a playlist with consistent tempos can help regulate my pace. It’s like having a personal metronome—each beat guiding my steps and helping me stay on track. For weightlifting, music with heavy bass and a driving beat motivates me to power through those last few reps. It’s almost like having an invisible coach by my side, encouraging me to lift that extra weight or complete one more set. Beyond the physical benefits, music is a mental escape. During a workout, I can immerse myself in the rhythm and lyrics, leaving behind the stress and distractions of daily life. A well-chosen playlist acts as a form of mindfulness, helping me stay present in the moment. I can forget about work, responsibilities, and worries, and just focus on my body, the music, and the task at hand. It allows me to be fully immersed in the workout, not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. Ultimately, music is a catalyst that pushes me to be my best. It fuels my determination, enhances my focus, and provides me with the mental clarity I need to crush my workouts. Whether I’m lifting weights, running, or doing yoga, the soundtrack I choose transforms the experience, helping me go further and work harder than I would without it. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about creating an atmosphere that energizes me and amplifies my motivation, turning every workout into an opportunity.

Benchwarmer: “A player who is not among the best players on a team and does not often play; a reserve player who is usually on the bench.” The number of times I heard this noun associated with myself during my junior year basketball season was mind-blowing. Throughout my experience of playing basketball, I was always on the court. As a point guard, I almost always had the ball in my hands, directing plays, attacking on my own, and creating for my teammates. Whenever I heard my name called into the game as a starter, a rush of adrenaline always came. I’d look up and see my number eleven on the big Lane Tech logo and remember why I was playing: for a culture and brotherhood bigger than myself. When I arrived on varsity, buying into a brotherhood when not actively helping as a player became increasingly difficult. As a junior, it would be very difficult for me to get any minutes. I knew this, but it did not make the reality of the situation any easier. At the beginning of the season, the thrill of finally being a varsity athlete made up for the lack of minutes. After about a month, the wear of sitting on the bench all season caught up to me. Even though I was not playing in the games, it did not mean I was not participating and attending every practice or event we had. As the season wore on, all of my work and training felt useless and pointless. So many nights, I came home and complained- sometimes tearfully- to my parents about my individual problems. In hindsight, it was an extremely selfish yet natural reaction. When the holiday season rolled around, there was a two-day break before we resumed playing again. My family had planned a trip to Florida to visit my uncle, but basketball conflicted. The emotions built up from the past two months peaked when we canceled the trip because of this holiday tournament. It was the rock bottom of my season, and I was ready for it to end. However, my mindset completely changed after this tournament. After losing a dogfight of a game against Maine South, I did my usual routine: I shuffled into the locker room and got ready to go home. But I heard a voice in the corner of the locker room, away from everyone, so I walked over to investigate. It was a senior, Jackson, a leader and starting point guard on the team, who had taken me under his wing. I noticed the tears streaming down his eyes and sensed his shaky breath. I felt my stomach drop and immediately slumped on a locker next to him. At this moment, when I saw someone who felt like an older brother on the ground sobbing, all of my problems regarding playing time seemed to evaporate. While I was crying about my own individual performance, Jackson and my teammates felt the same way, but about the team’s success. Following this moment, I made it my mission to push my fellow guards in practice and give it my all. I was a monster on defense, and once I was mentally locked in, I only improved. The real improvement came in my personal development as a teammate. My voice became one of the loudest on the bench, as I would always lead chants, communicate with the players on the floor, and encourage them at all times. At the end of the day, being at the bottom of the food chain helped create a better basketball player and young man.

After reading chapter the book and certain aspects of Interpersonal skills in real estate, I can connect these interpersonal skills to be crucial for success in business as they help build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and enable effective communication. These skills include communication, empathy, active listening, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution, all of which are fundamental to creating a positive and productive work environment. Effective communication allows individuals to convey their ideas clearly and ensure that expectations are met. Whether in meetings, emails, or presentations, being able to express thoughts concisely helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps projects on track. Active listening, on the other hand, ensures that people feel heard, promoting mutual respect and understanding. It enables problem-solving and decision-making by providing insight into others’ perspectives. Empathy is another essential skill that allows individuals to connect with colleagues, clients, or customers on an emotional level. Understanding the needs, challenges, and emotions of others helps build trust, foster loyalty, and enhance teamwork. People who demonstrate empathy can motivate and inspire others, creating an environment of mutual respect. Conflict resolution is also critical in business. Conflicts are inevitable, but strong interpersonal skills help resolve disagreements amicably and constructively, preventing negative impacts on morale and productivity. Finally, emotional intelligence allows individuals to manage their emotions and respond to the emotions of others in a balanced way, which helps maintain composure in challenging situations. In short, interpersonal skills are essential for navigating the complexities of the business world. They facilitate clear communication, promote collaboration, build trust, and help resolve conflicts, all of which are necessary for career and organizational success.

Music was a constant presence in my high school years, shaping my emotions, experiences, and personal growth in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time. It wasn’t just something I listened to—it was a soundtrack to my life, helping me navigate stress, motivation, and connection with others. One of the biggest ways music affected me was through its ability to set the tone for any moment. Whether I was hyping myself up before a basketball game, trying to focus on a late-night study session, or unwinding after a long day, music played a key role in managing my mindset. Upbeat tracks helped me push through workouts and stay energized on the court, while slower, more reflective songs provided comfort when I needed to process emotions or just escape for a little while. Music also helped me cope with stress. High school came with plenty of challenges—academic pressure, social dynamics, and the uncertainty of figuring out the future. During tough times, certain songs became anthems that reminded me I wasn’t alone. Lyrics had a way of expressing feelings I couldn’t always put into words, making it easier to process what I was going through. Whether I was frustrated, anxious, or just exhausted, I could always find a song that matched my mood and made things feel a little more manageable. Beyond personal experiences, music was also a way to connect with others. Some of my best friendships were built on shared playlists, debates over the best artists, and the excitement of discovering new music together. Music brought people together at school dances, sports events, and even just during casual hangouts. There was something special about hearing a song and knowing that everyone around you was feeling the same energy in that moment. Looking back, I realize that music was more than just entertainment—it was a form of self-expression and a tool for navigating the ups and downs of high school. The songs I listened to then still bring back memories, reminding me of how I felt, what I went through, and how much I’ve grown. Even as life continues to change, music remains a constant, always there to provide motivation, comfort, and connection when I need it most. It shaped my identity in ways I didn’t expect, helping me understand my emotions, express myself, and even discover new perspectives through different genres and artists. Music wasn’t just something I loved—it became part of who I am.

Seasonal pollen and dust allergies have always been a frustrating challenge for me, affecting my daily life in ways both big and small. Every spring and summer, as the weather warms up and nature comes alive, I brace myself for the sneezing, itchy eyes, and constant congestion that come with allergy season. While others welcome the fresh air and blooming trees, I have to be extra cautious, knowing that just stepping outside could trigger a wave of discomfort. One of the worst experiences has always been at baseball games, where the presence of cottonwood trees made everything worse. I remember being excited to go watch a game, only to find myself sneezing uncontrollably as soon as I stepped into the stadium. The fluffy white cotton drifting through the air at Winnemac Park looked harmless to most people, but for me, it was a sure sign that I was in for a miserable time. My eyes would water, my throat would itch, and no matter how much allergy medicine I took, I could never fully escape the effects. The worst part was that these allergies didn’t just make me uncomfortable, but that they also affected my ability to enjoy experiences fully. I would struggle to focus on the game, constantly rubbing my eyes and trying to clear my sinuses. I could never perform to the best of my ability when the pollen was affecting me. It was frustrating to feel like something as simple as trees and pollen could take away from moments I wanted to enjoy. I would watch others cheer, eat their snacks, and soak in the atmosphere while I sat there trying not to sneeze every few seconds. Outdoor activities that should be fun, like picnics, hikes, or even just sitting on a patio, can quickly become unbearable if the pollen count is high. Dust is another challenge, making indoor spaces just as tricky if they aren’t well-maintained. Even with air purifiers and allergy medications, there are days when the symptoms are relentless. Over time, I’ve learned to manage my allergies as best as I can—checking pollen forecasts, carrying antihistamines, and choosing my outdoor activities wisely. Still, it’s an ongoing struggle, especially during the worst seasons. While I won’t let allergies stop me from doing the things I love, I’ve had to adapt and find ways to work around them. Even if I still have to battle cottonwood trees at baseball games, at least I know what to expect and how to prepare. I aspire to be an entrepreneur and create a unique brand for athletes like myself, but it will take more than raw ambition. It will require a solid foundation of financial training in a wide range of business skills and connections with like-minded individuals. These connections can be created in many ways in college, both on campus and through studying abroad. Studying internationally can help me develop global awareness to succeed in the future.

Very early in my freshman year, I realized that Geometry would be a struggle for me. Until seventh grade, I was extremely proficient in my math courses. In hopes of preparing for the competitive Chicago high school application process, I was accepted and later transferred to a gifted academic program for the last two years of middle school. What this transfer meant for my math learning experience was that I would completely skip Pre-Algebra. I was placed into an Algebra I course, where I struggled mightily to catch up with my classmates on algebraic concepts. Due to the pandemic, my class was excused from taking the Algebra exit exam. I left my seventh-grade year with incomplete knowledge of the subject and began Geometry in eighth grade, my final (virtual) year of middle school. This course was to be taken at my own pace, and as I had no real background in the applicable algebraic skills, I moved at an extremely slow pace and barely progressed all year. I enrolled in Geometry once again during my freshman year of high school. It was strange–the new, seemingly more difficult, concepts introduced to the class with no application of basic algebraic skills were the times I found the most success in Geometry. However, the lingering problem of my lack of foundational knowledge weighed heavily, and my grades reflected this. In addition to my shaky foundation in Algebra, a teacher change midyear due to maternity leave made me feel like I was starting from scratch at multiple points throughout the year. I found myself struggling to maintain a C at certain points. It was not until I began attending weekly tutoring sessions with my teacher that I was able to bring my grade back up to a B. This problem continued in Algebra II with Trigonometry. I continued to attend extra tutoring sessions during this course, and the work paid off. By the time I reached Pre-Calculus, I was caught up, and my grades since then reflect the effort and time that I dedicated to filling in the gaps in my math foundation.

Being lucky enough to grow up in Chicago, a city full of vibrant energy, beautiful architecture, and a melting pot of cultures, shaped me in ways I never expected. From playing basketball to simply wandering about on my bike as a middle-schooler, growing up here has shaped me into a more complete and well rounded man. Basketball was more than just a hobby. It was a way for me to connect with people from all areas, in Chicago's area, and even expanded further from my AAU Circuit and travel teams. On any given day, I could find myself playing pickup games with kids from different backgrounds, each bringing their own style and passion to the court. While I pride myself in my competitive nature, those moments weren’t just about winning; they were about self expression. Exploring the city, I found myself immersed in a true cultural melting pot. One day, I’d be eating deep-dish pizza in the Loop; the next, I’d be walking through Roscoe Village checking out local stores. Meeting new people from different backgrounds broadened my understanding of the world. It taught me that while we all have unique stories, we share common hopes, struggles, and dreams. Chicago isn’t just where I grew up, it is home and a place that taught me so much. Now, Chicago was not the only place to shape who I am. Between my freshman and sophomore year, I took a trip to Sicily with my family. Traveling to Sicily was an eye-opening experience for me. It reshaped my perspective on the way people connect to their roots. As I am Filipino, I have always appreciated this side of my background, yet never have visited the actual Philippines. When I landed with my dad, we met up with our family friends who were Sicilian. Seeing how they bonded so effortlessly with the land made me realize that culture is something to embrace. Sicily expanded my worldview by showing me how history, tradition, and daily life are deeply intertwined. It reminded me that every place has layers waiting to be explored and that there’s always something to learn from the way others live, celebrate, and remember their past. I aspire to be an entrepreneur and create a unique brand for athletes like myself, but it will take more than raw ambition. It will require a solid foundation of financial training in a wide range of business skills and connections with like-minded individuals. These connections can be created in many ways at the University I will attend next year, both on campus and through studying abroad. Studying internationally can help me develop global awareness to succeed in the future, just as how the memories I made in Sicily contributed heavily to my worldview.

Sotomayor’s Spiritual Speech Sonia Sotomayor, prior to becoming a Supreme Court Justice in 2009, delivered a speech named “A Latina Judge’s Voice,” at the University of California Berkeley when she was still an appeals-court judge. During a time in the early 2000s where immigrant rates were increasing, Sotomayor utilizes emotional appeals along with intentional sentence and speakiing structure in order to convey her own personal story as a successful Latina woman and describe how the United States should celebrate different cultures and identities. Sotomayor details how “wonderful and magical it is to have a Latina soul,” and captures the American people and her audience at Berkeley with her personal story. Throughout the speech, Sonia Sotomayor relies on personal and impactful emotional appeals in order to push her message of recognizing the importance of the Latina identity. One way Sotomayor utilizes pathological appeals is through her recollection of her childhood years and memories. For instance, early on in her speech, Sotomayor remembers how “being a Latina child was watching the adults playing dominos on Saturday night and us kids playing loteria, bingo, with my grandmother,” and creates a sense of nostalgia with her audience at Berkeley. By describing earlier moments in her life, Sotomayor is able to captivate the audience with an imagination of a young girl and family enjoying themselves. Creating this joyful image significantly builds a positive connotation towards her past and thus her identity as a Latina woman, along with the Latina culture as a whole. Sotomayor’s own story may help these students at Berkeley in attendance of the speech to recollect some of their own memories, building an empathy and relation to Sotomayor, which is effective in pushing forward her message of celebrating the variety of identities and culture in America. In addition to her use of personal experience and stories, Sotomayor also utilizes forced teaming in her description of American society. Towards the end of the speech, when speaking on the American image, Sotomayor says how “We are a nation that takes pride in our ethnic diversity, recognizing its importance in shaping our society,” and later challenges this statement recognizing that “Yet, we simultaneously insist that we can and must function and live in a race and color-blind way,” attacking her opinion that identity should be celebrated speech in a more head-on fashion. By using pronouns such as “we” and “our,” Sotomayor builds a sense of togetherness and community within the audience. Building a sense of togetherness is crucial when taking into account her purpose of the American society recognizing and celebrating different cultures, as her goal will only be fulfilled if the entire nation and society buys in and commits to this celebration. In her speech, Sotomayor utilizes meaningful sentence structure in order to help strengthen the argument that different cultures should be celebrated. In the very beginning of her speech, she asks “Who am I?” creating a vulnerability with the audience, allowing her dive right into a personal story. The use of the rhetorical question to start gives the audience an intrigue and hook to her own experiences, and allows for them to be curious about her identity. Asking a rhetorical question about her own identity is especially effective when considering the purpose of celebrating identity, as this introduces the topic right away to the audience in a subtle fashion. Again, when referencing her youthful experiences, Sotomayor utilizes a rhetorical question when asking “does any of these one things make a latina?” and follows up this question with again, a statement confirming her purpose, that communities have their own food and traditions which are unique to those cultures. Additionally, Sotomayor utilizes intentional sentence structure, with short and concise answers to rhetorical questions. As mentioned, Sotomayor questions who she is, to which she replies to herself “I am a Newyorkrican,” a very quick and impactful statement. This answer allows for Sotomayor to elaborate and define what a Newyorkrican is after adding dramatic effect with the short answer. Sotomayor employs many meaningful tactics throughout his article, yet none stand out more than in the final paragraph when she employs extremely impactful and vivid language, stating how “wonderful” and “vibrant” being Latina is, creating once again a positive connotation and honor to celebrating different cultures. With this as the final message she leaves to the audience, Sotomayor successfully brings together and calls the American people to pay homage and respect different cultures and celebrations of life in society. Even before being in the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor challenged society to better itself with her fierce determination and grit.Overall "5" :)

Chicago Category Literature Group Basketball group Famous Brothers Lake Michigan Outsiders Jordan Wright Bears Lord of Flies Doncic Warner Bean Midnight Library Curry Kelce Water Tower Gatsby LeBron Hemsworth Each of these categories can represent how my identity has been cultivated. Chicago has been my home and a great place to grow up, as Chicago might has introduced me to a wide array of cultures and different kinds of people, as it is a melting pot. I find lots of joy in reading, and I am super inspired by all four of the works that I provided in the literature group. As far as the basketball group goes, the players which are in this all have special meaning to me, as they have changed the game of basketball and have expanded its popularity so that average kids like me can play. And lastly, but I believe most importantly, is the brothers category. My little brother has pushed me to be better than my past self as I have always wanted to set a good example for him. He has done so much for me and I believe that when you have a great brother as a built in best friend, they deserve lots of love and care.

Ever since I participated in the state math competition at Northwestern in 5th grade, math has been the subject which I enjoyed the most. I love math because there is always a correct answer. It has complex equations to be solved and I like the structured nature of it. The process can feel really satisfying when everything clicks into place after going at it for a while solving a question. What I think the most unique part about math is the ability to cross barriers and transcend different cultures. Further, the classes which I have elected to take such as AP Statistics and AP Calculus have pushed me to learn and challenge myself more rather than slacking off and taking easier classes. I also have been blessed with amazing teachers who taught me very well and have been super valuable in implementing good habits. My great teachers have been able to make difficult topics more understandable by slowing down and teaching in a way that makes sense and being equitable to everybody. Solving problems in math has created a fearless sense of self, as every mistake I have made can just be erased and I can start from scratch and improve.

From sophomore to senior year, I participated in the international days festivities and dance performances at Lane Tech. During international days, I met classmates from diverse backgrounds who I may not have otherwise met. Participating in the Ukrainian, Lithuanian, and Polynesian clubs helped me branch out from my small group of teammates who I spent time with prior to the clubs. In a school of 4,800 students, international days provide an opportunity for students in different clubs to connect and build meaningful relationships, similar to the networking process in business. For example, I met a member of the Israeli club who I am working with to create a power washing business during the spring months. International days have been a small-scale introduction to the global business world, and the tight knit bonds created by Lane’s dancing clubs sparked my interest in traveling and helping others abroad. This experience has greatly contributed to my desire to major in business as the networking and by choosing to study business at Gies, there are various pathways to achieve my career goal of creative entrepreneurship which can be traced back to my former experiences in highschool and specifically through large student organizations which I hope to continue in college.

As I enter college education, my financial need revolves mainly around tuition and associated fees, such as housing which contribute to the majority of the overall cost. Additionally, I require financial support for textbooks, supplies, and technology necessary for my coursework. While I aim to manage part of these costs through part-time employment, any amount of scholarships, or grants can help lift part of this financial burden off of my and my family's shoulders and allow me to focus more on learning and maximizing the college experience with extracurricular activities, while having a lessened stress on finances for college. When it comes to keeping the youth safe, I pride myself in being able to say that I was a lifeguard this past summer and a camp counselor the previous two summers. The biggest thing I have forced myself to remember is that you have no clue young kids can be going through at home and to treat everybody with relentless kindness so that they feel as safe and welcome as possible. Even as some kids may take some pride in bending the rules at the pool or at camps, they are still at the end of the day there just to have fun, so I bring a positive attitude to add to this. Specifically, as a camp counselor, there were several kids who did not have rides home after the 9-3 scheduled camp-time, and as they watched their friends leave with smiling parents, I remember making sure that all the others felt entertained and would play basketball with them to pass the time. Some days would be longer than others, but it felt more than rewarding to try my best to help. As far as cyber-bullying comes, with several little cousins, I have tried my hardest to limit them from being obsessed over social media. Whenever I babysat, I would always take their phones so that we can play games and not be distracted by social media and what people are posting. I have countless times expressed the distaste I have for Snapchat and media which can cause harm mentally for young people. I have also expressed the fact that if they are ever bullied or treated unfairly, to be sure to let a trusted adult know, and even me if need be. I know how cyber bullying can lead to feelings of isolation and do not want any body to feel that way.