The New York Times game Connections is one of my favorite daily challenges because it pushes me to think critically and recognize patterns. Inspired by this game, I created my own puzzle, tailoring the categories to reflect my personal interests and experiences. One of my favorite topics is Greek mythology, a subject I find fascinating for its rich characters and complex stories. Another category comes from my enjoyment of the game Clue, which I have played countless times and even brought to life by performing in a play inspired by the movie. My passion for French, a language I’ve been studying in high school, also influenced my puzzle. These categories allowed me to craft a game that feels both fun and meaningful to me while presenting a diverse set of connections for players to solve. My puzzle includes the categories: (Yellow Category) Rooms found in the game Clue: (Hall, Lounge, Study, Library) (Green Category) Methods to procure in advance: (Book, Charter, Reserve, Secure) (Blue Category) Figures from Greek myths: (Atlas, Pan, Echo, Helen) (Purple Category) French words: (Pain, Adieu, Belle, Temps) Designing this puzzle was a creative process that required careful thought and attention to detail, much like the Connections game itself. It was a rewarding way to blend strategy with my personal interests while challenging myself to create something both logical and engaging.

As a high school senior, I am at an exciting crossroads in my life, looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. One of my primary educational goals is to finish this year strong by achieving straight A’s. This is particularly important to me because it symbolizes not just academic achievement but also my determination to overcome obstacles from my past. In the past, I’ve struggled with managing my time and staying consistently motivated. However, I’ve learned to set clear goals, prioritize my responsibilities, and rely on my own resilience to push through challenges. After graduating high school, I plan to attend Brigham Young University-Idaho to pursue a degree in graphic design. This field excites me because it allows for the perfect combination of creativity and practicality. I’ve always enjoyed art and design, and studying graphic design will provide me with the technical skills and industry knowledge I need to turn my passion into a career. My ultimate goal is to create impactful and meaningful designs that communicate messages effectively, whether it’s for a company, a cause, or a personal project. In addition to my academic aspirations, I have set professional goals to grow as an individual. One area I am focusing on is improving my communication skills. By participating more in class discussions, I hope to become more confident in expressing my ideas and opinions. I also aim to be more open and friendly with those around me, building stronger relationships with classmates, professors, and future colleagues. These skills are essential not only in the field of graphic design but also in life, as collaboration and connection are key to success. Ultimately, my goals reflect my commitment to personal growth and making the most of the opportunities ahead. I am determined to work hard, overcome challenges, and develop the skills I need to succeed in my education and career.