Zendaya is such an inspiration. Especially for young women of color. She's truly a multi-talented superstar. Personally, I admire her acting career the most. She's incredibly versatile and brings so much depth to her roles. It's amazing to seen her talent shine on the big screen! From Rocky on Shake It Up to KC from KC Undercover, to Rue on Euphoria, MJ in the Spiderverse, Marie in Malcolm and Marie, her role in her newest tennis based movie...she's BRILLIANT! I love following her fashion statements that come back to her discussing activism. Made me more confident to wear my natural hair when she made a statement and wore an afro and people told her it wasn't formal, or that she wasn't black enough, but I'm tired of being shamed for my hair, and she is as well. In the Spider_man movies, Zendaya portrays the character MJ, short for Michelle Jones. MJ is a smart, witty, and independent character who adds a lot of depth to the story. Zendaya's potrayal of MJ brings a modern and relatable twist to the character, making her a fan favorite. Her chemistry with her costar and now boyfriend, Tom Holland, who plays Peter Parker, is also a highlight of the movies. Together they create a captivating dynamic that keeps audiences hooked. She makes everything she's involved in very inspirational, and adds depth and significance to it all.

As I embark on my educational journey, I am filled with excitement and determination to utilize my degree in forensuc pyschology, which combines sociology and criminal justice, to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need within our community. With a clear vision of pursuing a master's degree and majoring in forensic psychology, my ultimate goal is to become a forensic psychologist or and FBI profiler, enabling me to contribute to the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. One of the primary ways I plan to help those in the community who are in need is by using my expertise in forensic psychology to unveil the truth and provide justice. Through psychological evaluations, assessments, and investigative techniques, I am to assist law enforcement angencies and legal professionals in solving crimes and ensuring that the guilty are held accountable for their actions. By working directly with victims and their families, I hope to bring closure and healing those affected by crime. In addition to my focus on solving crimes, I am also passionate about supporting and rehabilitating individuals who have been impacted by traumatic experiences. As a forensic psychologist, I will strive to provide counseling, therapy, and support to victims, witnesses, and even offenders. By addressing the underlying psychological factors that contribute to criminal behavior, I hope to promote rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and foster a safer and more compassionate community. Beyond my direct involvement in criminal investigations and rehabilitation, I believe in the power of advocacy and education to effect lasting change. I plan to use my knowledge and expertise to raise awareness about mental health issues, the impact of trauma, and the importance of early intervention. By collaborating with community organizations, schools, and other stakeholders, I aim the develop and implement educational programs that empower individuals to seek help, understand the consequences of their actions, and make positive choices for themselves and their community. In conclusion, my passion for forensic psychology and my commitment to helping those in need drive my future career plans. Through obtaining a master's degree, majoring in forensic psychology, and pursuing a career as a forensic psychologist or an FBI profiler, I apsire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the community altogether as one. By seeking truth, supporting rehabilitation, and advocating for those going through hardships and suffering with the difficulties of mental health, I will give back to my community, and hopefully, society as a whole.

Growing up in a household where finances were tight, even when I still had both parents contributing, made me quickly realize the importance of financial education and its impact on shaping my future. As a child if a single mother of four, I witnessed firsthand the struggles and sacrifices made to make ends meet. There were multiple occasions where my mother would wake up at 6:00 am to prepare my siblings for school, go to her office job from 8:00-5:00 or 6:00 typically, pick us up from school, prepare dinner, and then leave for a second job she had to get, cleaning buildings until 12 or 1, then coming home and doing it all over again. It's taken a major toll of her physical and mental health. From giving money back to the household, to loaning money from my own savings, to living in apartments and sharing bedrooms and clothes throughout my life, these experiences have shaped my perspective on finances and inspired me to seek knowledge in this crucial area. One of the earliest financial lessons I learned was the concept of giving money back to the household. As a family, there were multiple occasions where we had to pool our resources and contribute to cover essential expenses, or even dinner for the night. It makes it harder when your the only child at home who has a job. I often would bring home food from my job, lucky if someone canceled and order and coworkers didn't want it. This taught me the value of teamwork and the importance of sharing financial responsibilites. It also instilled in me a sense of accountability and the understanding that every contribution, no matter how big or small, can make a difference. Being raised by a single mother further emphasized the significance of financial education. My mother worked tirelessly to provide for our family, jugglung multiple jobs and making financial decisions with limited resources. Doesn't make it better that the reason she has a poor credit score and financial struggles heavily stem from the man she had to leave after being in a mentally and emotionally, even occasionally, physically abusive relationship. Witnessing her determination and resilience inspired me to take control of my own financial future. I realized that financial independence and stability were essential not only for myself, but also for supporting my loved ones. Living in apartments for my life has been a consistent aspect of my financial journey. Especially when your friends all have houses with both parents and their own bedroom. I am very grateful for even having a roof over my head and food in my stomach, but you realize those who you call your friend can be so blessed yet so blindly ignorant to other kids like you. When they discuss what they got for Christmas, or you hear them gossip about other kids who rewear clothes...it makes you miserable. I've experienced the challenges of affordable housing, managing rent payments, and dealing with unexpected expenses. These experiences have taught me the importance of budgeting, saving, and being prepared for financial emergencies. I've learned to prioritize my spending, differentiate between needs and wants, and make conscious decisions to ensure a secure financial future. My personal experiences with finances have shaped my perspective and motivated me to seek knowledge in this area. Moving forward, I plan to utilize the lessons I've learned to better my future. By continuing to educate myself, practicing prudent financial habits, and making informed decisions, I aim to achieve financial stability, independence, and the ability to support and uplift those around me.

My ideal bookshelf inspired by #BookTok recommendations would definitely have some amazing titles. Some must-haves that have made a big impact on the #BookTok community include "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller (which I now own), "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black, and "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo. These books have captured the hearts of readers, me included, with their compelling stories, diverse characters, and immersive worlds. They've sparked passionate discussions, fan art, and even inspired people to create their own BookTok content. It's incredible tp see how these titles have brought people together through their love of reading! "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller is a powerful retelling of the Trojan War through the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles' companion. This book has resonated with readers on #BookTok due to its emotional depth, beautiful prose, and exploration of love and sacrifice. Many readers have been moved by the portrayal of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, and it has sparked discussions about LGBTQ+ respresentation in literature. "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black is a captivating fantasy novel set in the world of Faerie. It has gained popularity on #BookTok for its morally complex characters, intricate plot twists, and lush world-building. Readets have been drawn in by the feisty protagonist, Jude, and her struggle to navigate the treacherous fae court. The book has sparked many debates and theories, with fans everywhere eagerly anticipating the next installment in the newly popular series. "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo is a thrilling heist story set in the Grishaverse. This book has captured the hearts of many #BookTok readers with its diverse cast of characters, intricate plot, and clever twists. The book's morally gray characters and their complex relationships have sparked intense discussions and fan theories all over #BookTok. It has also inspired creative fan art, cosplay, and even TikTok reenactments of iconic scenes. These titles, among many others, have truly made a significant impact on the #BookTok and even the reading community itself by fostering a sense of community, sparking engaging conversations, and inspiring creativity. They have brought readers together, encouraging them all to share their love for these books and connect with one another who share their passion for reading, making readers everywhere feel seen. I think it is truly an amazing thing to see the power of storytelling and how it can create a vibrant and supportive community like #BookTok!

The day we stepped foot into the world, people asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As five-year-olds, we had answers like “princess” or “ninja.” Some even answered with achievable careers like “teacher” or “firefighter.” Few children truly knew what they wanted, but a majority of us have changed that answer a million times before we finished elementary school. Now, we've reached the point where people actually want an answer. In reality, who knows? We'll be exposed to the real world and have opportunities handed to us where we change our minds again, and again, and once more. Growing up as an African American girl in America has its challenges, whether big or small. I've heard “Morgan, you speak so well” and “You have a broad vocabulary” which, of course, are amazing compliments. When you cannot tell if it's being said to you because of your age or your race is when an issue arises. There have been a multitude of times where people are shocked by my achievements, which drove me to want more. I ran for student council, homecoming, tried out for sports, etc. Yes, because I had interest in these activities, but also to prove that I don't fit into the typical stereotype of the loud-mouthed black girl with no goals. I have dreams and passions to be something that has an impact on lives, whether a small impact on plenty or a strong impact on few, I plan to get there. What drives me? My stubbornness, the power-hungry side of me who enjoys respected positions, but the real inspiration…my mother. My mother is my life force…literally. She drives me to try my hardest in everything I have attempted in life. I've watched her face the hardships of relationships, single motherhood, financial difficulties, and every time she made sure that my sisters and I were the number one priority. It would be a waste of her sacrifice and amazing work if I didn't go out into this world and show it that I can do amazing things. It took me a while, but I have concluded that I want to spend my life studying human behavior. I've always had the “why?” questions behind everything humans do. If we took the time to understand one another better, things could be completely different. Mental health has been a topic that has recently skyrocketed onr media platforms, reaching every corner of the world. Misinformation finds its way around and there are misconceptions on how mental and emotional states and events can profoundly affect people. I want a full understanding of how we function in order to help others understand one another, and themselves. Understanding humans goes beyond emotions and traumatic events. I want to dig deeper. I want to understand even the darkest sides. I plan to attend school to major in Criminology/Forensic Psychology. Even the most twisted people have reasoning behind their behavior. I've been a big believer in justice, which is another drive behind my career choice. People who fall victim to the crimes deserve an explanation or justice behind what happened to them or their loved ones. Goes back to that constant internal “why?” question inside of me. Making the world a better place by understanding those who walk it is the first step to bringing peace to those around us, and ourselves. Something I'm still learning is that we will never be able to answer every question we have, but finding a way to bring closure to most of those open-ended questions and the people affected by them is the goal.