Absolutely, Nakari—here’s a 500+ word response based on what I know about you: ⸻ Furthering my education is about more than just earning a degree—it’s about positioning myself to make a real difference in the world and in the communities that shaped me. Growing up in a single-parent household with two siblings, I’ve seen firsthand how hard it is to navigate life without access to certain resources or opportunities. My mom did everything she could to provide for us and to keep us grounded, even while chasing her own goals. Watching her push through struggles with strength and persistence inspired me to do the same in my own journey. That’s why I’m so motivated to break generational cycles and create something better—not just for myself, but for those around me. I plan to major in computer science or computer engineering, with a focus on artificial intelligence. The world is changing fast, and AI is at the center of that change. I want to be part of building that future, but not just from a tech standpoint—I want to bring human impact into it. There are so many ways AI can be used to make life easier, safer, and more fair for people who’ve been left out of systems for too long. Whether it’s designing programs that improve education access, working on systems that help low-income communities navigate services, or even mentoring young people who want to get into tech but don’t know where to start—I see my education as the foundation for all of that. I’ve always believed that where you come from doesn’t have to determine where you end up. But I also know that the people who make it out have a responsibility to reach back and uplift others. That’s the kind of impact I want to have. I’ve already taken some steps in that direction—through volunteering with Kindness Cares, I’ve served as a guest speaker, a chaperone, and I’ve helped out with food and clothing drives. It made me realize how powerful it is just to show up for people, to give your time and energy without expecting anything in return. That’s the type of person I want to continue being, but on a bigger scale. I also see education as a tool for helping me express myself creatively and inspire others to do the same. I’ve always had a love for music, design, and storytelling, and I want to find ways to blend those creative passions with technology to build things that really speak to people. Whether it’s through digital art, AI-generated tools for musicians, or platforms that give young creators from underrepresented communities a voice, I want my work to reflect who I am and who I do it for. At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just to “make it”—it’s to give back, to create, and to build a life that reflects the values I grew up with: hard work, compassion, and resilience. My education is the next big step in that journey. It’ll give me the skills, the connections, and the platform to take what I’ve lived through and turn it into something that helps others rise.

Football has had a huge impact on the person I’ve become—not just from the game itself, but from everything I went through while playing it. One of the biggest things that shaped me was being completely given up on by all of my high school coaches. No matter how hard I worked, how much effort I gave, or how much I wanted it, it felt like they had already decided who they were going to invest in—and I wasn’t one of them. That was tough to deal with, especially when I knew I had something to offer. But looking back, that experience built me in ways that easy success never could. At first, it was frustrating. I gave my all during practices, I studied the game, and I did what I could to lead my teammates on and off the field. A few positions I’ve held were offensive line captain and defensive captain—roles I took seriously because I wanted to show my team what hard work and heart looked like. Even though I wasn’t getting much support from the coaching staff, I made sure my teammates knew I had their backs. I did my best to keep people motivated, hold others accountable, and set the tone by leading with effort. Not being recognized by my coaches taught me how to stay humble, patient, and mentally strong. It also taught me how to believe in myself even when nobody else did. There were times when I could’ve quit. I could’ve let the lack of recognition get to me. But instead, I kept pushing. I showed up every day, even when I knew I wouldn’t be the one starting or getting praise. I learned that doing the right thing doesn’t always come with a reward—but it still matters. Being passed over made me rely on internal motivation instead of outside validation. I had to remind myself why I started playing football in the first place—for the love of the game, for the bond with my teammates, and for the lessons it teaches you that apply far beyond the field. I grew to understand that leadership isn’t always about being chosen by a coach—it’s about how you carry yourself when no one’s watching and no one’s cheering you on. Football taught me discipline, sacrifice, and how to work through adversity. Being given up on by my coaches just added another layer—it made me tougher. It reminded me that life won’t always be fair, and sometimes you’ve got to earn respect in places where it won’t be handed to you. Those lessons stuck with me and made me more focused, more driven, and more confident in my ability to overcome anything that stands in my way.

Furthering my education is important to me because I want to break generational cycles and create a better future for myself and my family. I’ve seen the struggles that come from growing up in a single-parent household. My mother has worked incredibly hard to raise me and my siblings, and I’ve watched her sacrifice time, energy, and even her own dreams to make sure we had what we needed. Seeing that struggle gave me the motivation to aim higher—not just for me, but for her and everyone who believes in me. I know that education is the key to unlocking opportunities that weren’t available to those who came before me. It’s my way out,. I plan to major in computer science or engineering, with a focus on artificial intelligence. Technology has always fascinated me because it combines creativity with problem-solving. I want to be part of shaping the future—building tools, systems, or solutions that help people and communities. AI especially interests me because of how it’s changing the world across different fields, from healthcare to music. By gaining a degree, I want to open doors for myself that I can then hold open for others who come from places like mine. Education gives me a chance not only to elevate myself, but to come back and invest in my community—through mentoring, creating opportunities, or simply being someone young people can look up to. Outside of school, music plays a huge role in my life. It’s more than just a passion for me—it’s therapy. Writing and recording music helps me express emotions I can’t always put into words. There are times when I feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, and music helps me release that pressure. It brings me peace, helps me reflect, and gives me a sense of control when things feel chaotic. Whether I’m creating a track in my room or just writing lyrics in my notes app, I know I’m doing something meaningful for my mental health. Music has helped me cope with some of the hardest moments in my life. When I’m dealing with financial stress, family problems, or school pressure, I turn to music. It’s my outlet, my safe space. Some of my best songs have come from those moments when I felt the most broken. I like to say I turn pain into power through my music. That process keeps me grounded and reminds me of my strength. It also gives me a way to connect with others who might be going through the same struggles. It’s powerful to know that someone out there could hear my lyrics and feel less alone. Crime has also had a deep and personal impact on my life. My stepbrother was killed just a few months ago in a shooting outside his home. My cousin was shot and killed while sitting in his car. Another cousin had a bounty placed on him and was murdered on his way to work. And when I was just 10 years old, my uncle was shot and killed. These losses have been devastating. Grief has followed me into classrooms, late nights, and moments when I should have been focused on my future. It’s been hard to concentrate in school when you’re constantly worried about losing someone else. But these tragedies have also pushed me to go harder. They remind me that I don’t want to be another statistic I want to be a success story. I want to be living proof that even when life is full of pain and violence, it’s still possible to rise.

The biggest influence in my life has been my mother. Growing up in a single-parent household with two siblings, I watched her handle everything on her own. She worked long hours, stayed strong through every setback, and never let us see her quit. Her determination taught me how to stay focused, work hard, and push forward even when things don’t go as planned. She’s the reason I hold myself to a high standard and keep going, no matter what life throws at me. My main creative skill is music, but I also use graphic design to bring my ideas to life. I’ve been writing and recording music for a while now—it’s my favorite way to express my thoughts, emotions, and real-life experiences. But what really helps me take things to the next level is being able to design the visuals that go with it. Whether it’s cover art, promotional flyers, or content for social media, I use graphic design to make sure everything I put out reflects my vision. When I graduate, I plan to keep growing both of these skills. I want to use my music to speak on real-life topics and give people something they can relate to. At the same time, I want to use my graphic design skills to build a creative brand that stands out. I’ve already designed some of my own song covers and visual content, and I’ve seen how powerful visuals can be when they match the message. In the future, I hope to start my own creative business—something that combines music, design, and storytelling to help young artists like me find their voice and audience. What makes my artistic gift different is that it’s rooted in real experience and a desire to give back. I don’t just make music or designs to get attention. I create from a place of purpose. My work is honest, and it’s shaped by the things I’ve been through—balancing school, work, and family life while still chasing my goals. I want people to feel something when they see my designs or hear my lyrics. I want my work to motivate others to keep going and believe that their voice matters, too. I’ve also been involved with the Kindness Cares nonprofit organization, where I’ve had the chance to give back through service and leadership. I’ve served as a guest speaker, sharing my story with youth, and I’ve been a chaperone on a trip, helping younger students experience something new. I’ve also volunteered at food and clothing drives, giving my time to help families in need. Those experiences showed me the impact of being present for others, and they remind me why I want my future work—both creatively and professionally—to be rooted in community and purpose.

I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my educational and career journey by using technology to help real people—especially those in underserved communities like the one I grew up in. I’m passionate about computer science and artificial intelligence, and I want to use those skills to create tools and systems that solve everyday problems. Whether it’s developing apps that connect people to resources, improving how students learn through AI, or making tech more accessible, I want to be part of the solution. I’ve seen how a lack of access to technology and support can hold people back. That’s why I want my education to be about more than just getting a degree. I want to build a career that gives back. I believe that the best kind of success is the kind that helps lift others up, and my goal is to use what I learn to create opportunities for others—especially young people who need someone to believe in them and invest in their future. One way I’ve already started giving back is by working with kids and volunteering in my community. I’ve had the chance to mentor younger students and help out at local events, but one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had is through my work with the Kindness Cares nonprofit organization. I’ve served in several roles with them—including being a guest speaker, where I talked to youth about my experiences in school and staying focused on their goals. I’ve also been a chaperone on one of their trips, helping to guide and support students during an educational outing. On top of that, I’ve participated in several food and clothing drives that Kindness Cares organized, helping to collect and distribute donations to families in need. Those experiences taught me the value of showing up and being consistent. Whether I was helping pass out supplies or just having conversations with the kids, I could see how much it meant to them that someone cared enough to be there. It reminded me that you don’t always need money or a title to make a difference—just effort and a heart to serve. In the future, I hope to take what I’ve learned—both in and out of the classroom—and use it to create something bigger than myself. Whether that’s through starting my own tech nonprofit, mentoring students in STEM, or working on AI that solves real-world problems, I want to leave a mark. I want my journey to inspire others to keep pushing, no matter what life throws at them. At the end of the day, I believe real impact comes from staying grounded, staying involved, and never forgetting where you came from.

After my freshman year, my GPA was a 4.1. I came into high school focused and determined to do my best. I didn’t really have too many outside responsibilities at that point, so I could give school my full attention. I stayed on top of my assignments, studied hard, and made sure to ask questions when I needed help. That year, everything felt manageable, and I was proud of the way I started my high school journey. As the years went by, things started to change. My schedule got busier, and life outside of school got more demanding. I started working a part-time job, took on dual enrollment classes, and had more responsibilities at home. I was doing a lot more than just being a student, and it became harder to keep up with everything. There were days I’d come home completely drained—mentally and physically—and still had to find the energy to study or finish assignments. Even though I kept trying my best, the extra pressure took a toll on my grades. I couldn’t put as much time into my work as I used to, and I started to fall behind sometimes. My GPA dropped from a 4.1 to a 3.5. At first, I felt disappointed in myself because I had set high expectations. But over time, I realized that this change didn’t mean I was slacking off—it meant I was handling a lot and still managing to stay afloat. To deal with everything going on, I had to make some changes. I started managing my time more carefully, using a planner to keep track of assignments, test dates, and work shifts. I also broke down large tasks into smaller steps to make them less overwhelming. That helped me stay on track even when things got hectic. On top of that, I got more comfortable asking for help. Whether it was a teacher, a classmate, or even using online resources, I didn’t try to do everything on my own anymore. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that success isn’t just about grades. It’s about how you handle challenges and grow through them. My GPA might have dropped, but I’ve become more responsible, more independent, and better at staying calm under pressure. I know how to keep pushing even when things get hard—and that’s something I’ll take with me long after high school. In the end, I’m proud of the person I’ve become. My 3.5 GPA tells a story—not of failure, but of growth, responsibility, and resilience. I didn’t take the easy path, but I stayed committed. That mindset and work ethic will stay with me as I take on college and everything that comes next.