Reflecting upon my personal journey with endometriosis, I am compelled to advocate for the significance of healthy eating habits. The optimal functioning of our bodies relies on the consumption of nutrient-dense foods, providing vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants crucial for organ function, immune system support, and hormonal balance. For individuals coping with endometriosis, achieving and maintaining hormonal equilibrium becomes a huge priority in managing the associated symptoms. Thus, healthy eating becomes an invaluable tool to regulate hormones and restore harmony within the body. For years, my journey with endometriosis has been characterized by the relentless onslaught of severe physical pain, constant vomiting, and debilitating migraines. These symptoms have consistently disrupted my daily life, leaving me feeling helpless and overwhelmed. There have been countless instances where the intensity of my symptoms has been so unbearable that I contemplated seeking emergency medical care. The toll that endometriosis has taken on my physical and emotional well-being cannot be overstated. However, amidst the despair, I discovered a glimmer of hope and relief through the transformative power of healthy eating habits. In the pursuit of hormonal balance, proper nutrition emerges as an indispensable factor. A diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and abundant fruits and vegetables plays a vital role in regulating estrogen levels, a significant factor in endometriosis. By incorporating nutrient-rich foods into my daily diet, I have witnessed the transformative impact of hormonal equilibrium, not only alleviating physical discomfort but also enhancing my emotional stability and mental clarity. Endometriosis manifests as chronic inflammation within the body, leading to debilitating pain and discomfort. However, by embracing an anti-inflammatory diet that includes fatty fish, leafy greens, and berries, I have experienced a significant reduction in inflammation. This dietary shift has translated into decreased pain levels, increased mobility, and an overall improved sense of well-being, liberating me from the constraints of the condition. Endometriosis can compromise the immune system, rendering individuals more susceptible to infections and other health issues. Nonetheless, prioritizing healthy eating habits has facilitated a remarkable improvement in my immune function. By fueling my body with a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, I have fortified my immune system, enabling it to better combat potential illnesses and support my overall health. This enhancement in immune resilience has proven invaluable in my journey with endometriosis, contributing to a heightened sense of empowerment. Healthy eating habits are not only instrumental for general well-being but assume immeasurable significance for individuals contending with the challenges of endometriosis. By nourishing our bodies with nutrient-dense foods, we regain control over our health and empower ourselves in the face of this complex condition. Personally, I have experienced the transformative effects of healthy eating firsthand, surpassing the benefits of conventional medication on my journey with endometriosis.

Since I was young, my love for art and design has been a constant source of inspiration in my life. I have always been fascinated by the beauty of cityscapes, continually seeking to understand and appreciate the diverse aesthetics they offer. However, my aspirations are not limited to my personal life. As a young woman of color, I am acutely aware of the underrepresentation in STEM fields, particularly in architecture. Less than 1% of all architects are women of color, and I am determined to change that statistic. By pursuing a career in architecture, I aim to become a beacon of representation and a role model for young girls who share my background and dreams. Additionally, I am driven by a deep desire to utilize my platform to make a positive impact on marginalized communities. Through my work and influence, I hope to uplift and empower those who have been historically underserved, using architecture as a tool for equitable change. I consider myself to be an ambitious individual who constantly seeks personal growth. As a devoted and determined student, I have continually pushed the boundaries of my capabilities, which has resulted in consistently excellent academic achievements. Over the years I confronted numerous obstacles that highlighted social disparities and exposed me to the inequities in society. These challenges served as a personal catalyst and field my want for change. Guided by a distinctive blend of creativity, curiosity, and analytical thinking, I am excited to begin obtaining my architecture degree and work within the STEAM industry. I truly believe that education has the power to change the trajectory of one's life, and I plan to use my education and my platform to make a profound impact within the architecture field. By leveraging my knowledge and the skills I learned during my time at school, I aim to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges, such as healthcare disparities, and social inequities. By embracing innovation and collaboration within the realms of STEAM, I am committed to developing sustainable solutions that improve the lives of individuals worldwide. What truly fascinates me about STEAM is its ability to bridge the gap between different disciplines, fostering a holistic approach to problem-solving. The synergy between fields such as science and art, opens up boundless opportunities for innovation. By combining analytical thinking with creativity, STEAM empowers individuals to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and develop comprehensive solutions. Within the expansive realm of STEAM, I am intrigued by the fields of art and sociology. The fusion of these disciplines presents an opportunity for me to explore the connections between creativity and human society. Through art, I am able to convey profound messages and provoke emotions. Art also allows the artist to serve as a catalyst for social change and raise awareness about pertinent societal issues. By blending artistic expression with sociological insights, I seek to learn about the deep connections of human behavior, cultural dynamics, and social structures. My passion for learning, my desire to make a meaningful impact, and my deep interest in STEAM drive me to pursue an education that combines these elements. Through STEAM, I believe I can contribute to shaping a brighter future by developing innovative solutions, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and championing positive change. This scholarship opportunity would not only enable me to realize my educational aspirations but also provide me with the necessary resources and support to amplify my impact on the world. With the scholarship's assistance, I will continue to strive for excellence, embracing the transformative power of education and STEAM to create a better tomorrow for all.

As an avid reader, I firmly believe that literature possesses the power to revolutionize one's thinking. Through reading, I have had the opportunity to dive into diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences, gaining a profound understanding of the world around me. Moreover, literature has enabled me to empathize with characters from varied backgrounds and comprehend their struggles. With each book, I uncover a wealth of knowledge about different cultures, historical eras, and the effects of external influences. In particular, two books that have left a profound impression on me are Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart." "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is a powerful autobiography that explores Angelou's journey from childhood to adulthood, and the authenticity of her storytelling left an immense impact on me. Throughout the book, Angelou addresses themes of racism, discrimination, and self-acceptance as she details the story of a Black girl growing up in the segregated South. Through Angelou’s storytelling, I gained a deeper appreciation for the general resilience of the human spirit and learned about the power language has to heal. This book not only inspired me to be more empathic and compassionate towards others but also taught me about the power I have to uplift others in the face of injustice “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” has taught me that one person’s story can have a profound impact on the world and has motivated me to share my own experiences. "Things Fall Apart" is a novel that tells the story of Okonkwo, a proud and respected leader in a Nigerian village. It is a profound piece of literature that delves into the complexities of cultural clash, societal change, and individual identity. The book taught me that the world is not a homogenous entity, and different cultures have their unique ways of life, beliefs, and practices that should be respected and understood. Through Okonkwo’s story, the novel also highlights the destructive consequences of colonialism, imperialism, and ethnocentrism on traditional societies. Reading this book has made me more empathetic and understanding of different cultures, and it has influenced me to strive for a more inclusive and equitable world. As I enter this new chapter of my life, I hope to use every opportunity I have to promote cultural diversity, social justice, and advocate for the rights of marginalized groups. As I continue to move and learn how I fit into the world, I often reflect on the lessons I have gained from reading these books. While I wish to work towards an equitable society where everyone has the opportunity and the tools to succeed regardless of their background, I hope to use my skills and talents to promote education and literacy. I believe that education is necessary to unlocking a multitude of opportunities and that these opportunities will be an efficient way to ignite positive changes in the world. The books I have read have had a profound impact on as well as the way I think and have inspired me to work towards creating a more just society.

Like any situation, growing up in a military family has its pros and cons. While my father was active in the Marine Corps, living on base allowed my parents to start their family with the financial aid that a lot of your adults don't have access to. Free housing and insurance allowed my parents to start saving early and help them work towards financial freedom. On the other hand, my father was often deployed and had to miss out on the first few years of my life. Milestones that are often celebrated such as a baby's first steps or words had to be described over the phone. My father used what he learned in the military to implement routine and discipline in my upbringing. I was raised to be respectful, hard-working, and to take responsibility for my actions. I was taught that no matter my age I could always be finding a way to help those around me whether that be my friends, my family, and even strangers around me. I believe the way my father raised me shaped me into the person I am today and fostered my love for helping those around me and setting a good example.

“It’s Me versus Me”. This quote is so meaningful to me and I desire for everyone to understand the depth of it. So many of us spend a considerable amount of time comparing ourselves to others. We base our contentment and satisfaction on how our successes compare to others. We don't take into consideration our past and how our impediments may differ from others. I think we need to start comparing ourselves to our past selves instead of others. The more we do, we realize how much we have progressed as people. If we honestly looked within we would admire how hard we have worked. Our achievements wouldn't be lessened in comparison to others and we would overall feel better about our sacrifices and the effort we put in.

Whenever I’m down I can always count on The Office to make me happy. I now It may seem stupid that a show from the early 2000s makes me happy, but there are so many elements that cheer me up. When I’m struggling with a tough situation I can look at the struggles of the characters and how they manage to push on while staying grateful for everything that they have. When I’m having a tough day I can rely on characters like Michael Scott and Dwight to make me laugh with all the trouble they get into. The Office has also given me a connection with so many people. There are so many inside jokes from the show that when someone quotes one there is an instant connection. The Office has truly gotten me through some tough times and even given me some of the friends I have today.

One way I support equality and diversity is at my job. I enjoy conversing with my colleagues to gain a deeper awareness of their backgrounds and understand ways I can make our environment more welcoming. I do my best to integrate their culture and practices into company events such as our parties and spirit weeks. I discuss current events with my coworkers as well as spread awareness about how those events are affecting groups of people and their communities. I am currently in the process of organizing a spirit week at my job in honor of pride month. With the help of my coworkers who are members of the LGBTQ community, we are working on creating events that bring awareness to issues surrounding the LGBTQ community as well as breaking down barriers and biased views.

My favorite way to help others is to be a confidant and allow whomever to feel supported emotionally no matter their situation. I believe that having an individual you can confide in can help a great deal with the emotional distress certain situations can induce on an individual. As humans, we yearn for community, and our desire to connect with others is displayed through our behavior. Having a person that recognizes your dilemmas and listens to your concerns judgment-free not only dilutes the emotional burdens of the difficulties but also enables that person to feel seen and understand that they are not alone. Being in that community for others brings me an immense amount of joy as I am extremely grateful when others do the same for me.

One piece of art that inspires me is Monica Ahanonu’s “Strong Black Girls”. There are so many components that truly showcase the beauty of Black women, one thing I feel has been left out of the art world for so many centuries. With Europe being the place of origin for so many artistic revolutions, many other divers cultures were left out and denied the opportunity to showcase their important works and noteworthy artists. The different hairstyles worn by each women is so powerful in depicting the culture of African American women and the use of hairstyles as a tool for self expression. The differences in facial structure of the women such as their noses and cheekbones standout while also working with the facial structures each women has in common. This difference in appearance is useful in conveying a deeper message that while as black women we originate from a similar region our roles in history have determined the paths we take, the people we have connected with and the different cultures that make up our genealogy today. The bold colors incorporated into the image showcase the beauty of African American skin as its complements every tone used. This piece inspires me everyday as it showcases the beauty of Black women while incorporating elements that help display the significance of our culture. With this work I am reminded of our beautiful history, everything we have had to endure and how our past experiences have shaped us into who we are today.