I never thought I'd wake up every day to my granny yelling at the top of her lungs, searching for the thief who took her clothes. When my grandma was diagnosed with dementia at 16, it hit us hard. At first, everything seemed normal, she was still the sweet grandma who only wanted to see her grandkids happy. But then things changed; she began hallucinating and accusing people of stealing from her. Initially, it was just harmless threats, but soon she turned violent, lashing out at those she accused. It was heartbreaking to witness her transform from loving to aggressive. Despite the challenges, caring for her taught me valuable lessons in patience and understanding. Even when it felt like I was losing her, I had to keep a smile on my face, pretending everything was okay. It was a tough journey for my family and me, trying to cope with the rapid changes and the fear of losing her prematurely. Providing care at home was draining and emotionally demanding and eventually we started to fade from her memory like a hazy dream. The forgetfulness initially started off as a bit 'quirky,' but it evolved into something much more emotionally complex. Misplaced items transitioned from being merely 'lost' to being perceived as 'stolen,' leading to hurtful accusations when all you were trying to do was help. As her dementia progressed, she began to feel violated without being able to articulate the reasons behind this sensation. Memories from decades past suddenly resurface vividly, while recent events fade into oblivion. The loss of recognition from her broke our hearts as we slowly started turning from familiar faces into strangers. Physical care also became a challenge as my grandma's condition worsened. Dressing herself became a puzzle, with clothing put on in unusual sequences or sometimes not at all. Some garments remained unchanged for days, blurring the lines of normal daily routines. Eventually, intimate tasks had to be shared with a caregiver, leading to awkward and uncomfortable situations for everyone involved. Incontinence became an unyielding battle that wore down our spirits. Infections crept in, becoming all too familiar, complicating matters and heightening the discomfort we all felt. Through it all, my dear Granny's illness taught us profound lessons in love and resilience. It showed us the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring every fleeting moment together. It was a journey of patience, a test of our capacity to extend grace to others, even in the face of adversity. Enduring the outbursts and violent acts was a heart-wrenching trial, yet we held onto the belief that it wasn't truly her actions but the shadows of her memories guiding her. Her fading recollections may escape her mind, but they eternally reside in our hearts, a testament to the enduring bond we share. We cling to the notion that she carries a piece of each of us within her, a comforting thought that binds us together even when her memory fails. In the midst of the chaos, we find solace in the unbreakable thread of love that connects us, transcending the boundaries of time and memory.

When 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' came out, there was a constant debate about which team everyone supported. I always wondered why it mattered until I started watching and delved into the dynamic of the show and I started to lean towards Jeremiah. I am team Jeremiah because Jeremiah is Belly's personal cheerleader. He uplifts her when she's feeling low, knows how to make her smile, and always makes sure she feels loved. While Jeremiah doesn't openly express his love with the words "I love you," his constant compliments and loving looks towards Belly say it all. He's not afraid to let loose in a dance class to ease Belly's nerves and bring a smile to her face. Whether he was caring for his ailing mother or expressing to Conrad that Belly's happiness mattered most to him, Jeremiah always prioritized others' needs over his own, portraying the ideal hero for a romantic TV series. Despite his own struggles, he concealed his pain to keep Belly happy. Even Susannah acknowledged his ability to mask his emotions, saying, "Sometimes I think you're a little too good at being fine." Despite his deep emotional wounds, Jeremiah never wanted to burden others with his suffering. When he lost his mother, he faced that grief alone, longing for someone like Belly to support him through his sorrow, a comfort he never received. Jeremiah's unwavering selflessness shines brightly in the flashback scenes of Season 2, where he dedicated his senior year of high school to caring for his sick mother, managing household expenses, and handling adult responsibilities instead of indulging in teenage pursuits. Even though Belly's mom also pitched in to help Susannah, most of the responsibility for Susannah's care fell on 17-year-old Jeremiah. His unwavering love and dedication to his mother, through all the ups and downs, were truly heartwarming. Even when faced with challenges, Jeremiah ensured his mother's comfort and maintained the household. Whenever Belly needed rescuing, Jeremiah was her steadfast support, like when Belly called him to pick her and Taylor up after they were ditched by the debs, leaving them stranded. In the season 2 finale, after a tense night at the motel, Belly makes her final decision clear in a poignant scene. When she realizes Jeremiah is missing, she frantically searches for him, only to find him returning with breakfast, showing his care and consideration for her well-being. There was a tense moment and Jeremiah immediately says : “ Before you say anything just know there won't be a repeat of last summer, “ I want you to be happy , you and I are good , we'll always be good”. Jeremiah was even willing to completely let Belly go should she choose Conrad instead of him . Her happiness came before his every time. Unlike Conrad's hurtful behavior, Jeremiah handled their disagreements with maturity and open communication anytime he was upset.

If you were to inquire about Taylor Swift from me, I would express how she filled a void in my life like the missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle. My journey with Taylor began at the tender age of 6, where I vividly recall blaring her music at maximum volume in my room, earning me the nickname Mrs. Swiftie from those around me. Her music captivated me instantly, leading me to indulge in countless videos delving into her life and passions, fostering in me a profound aspiration to become like her one day. Each musical era she unveiled felt like shedding a layer of my own skin, instilling in me a newfound confidence with every melody. Taylor's artistry empowered girls like me, emphasizing that we are just as capable as boys, a sentiment I carried with me through the years. As time progressed, the announcement of Taylor's tour for the new era filled me with unparalleled excitement. Despite knowing I couldn't attend in person, my dedication remained unwavering. Every morning, I eagerly tuned in to catch a recap of the tour's events, squealing with delight at surprise song reveals and shedding tears at the tour's conclusion, even though experiencing it through a screen couldn't replicate the live experience. However, one particular morning, as I watched Taylor perform "Never Grow Up," a flood of emotions overwhelmed me, releasing the burdens I had carried as the only girl in my family, burdened by unrealistic expectations. Since the age of 10, I had concealed my tears, compelled to set an example for my younger siblings. Taylor's heartfelt rendition of the song unearthed a wave of memories and emotions, allowing me to finally let go of the weight I had carried for so long. I never wanted to grow up so quickly, but circumstances compelled me to bear the responsibilities that weighed on my family. I often pondered if my parents wished for me to stay that little forever, shielded from the hastening years. Initially, I believed my heart harbored no grievances, yet following that performance, I came to realize the profound heaviness within me, a weight I had unknowingly carried. Engaging in a heartfelt conversation with my parents proved me right, as it lifted a significant burden from my shoulders. This sensation mirrors the solace Taylor Swift evokes within me, whether I witness her on a screen or in a grand arena, her essence remains constant – a source of healing and tranquility. My affection for Taylor transcends time; I loved her when I was a kid, I love Taylor in my present , and will continue to love her for the many years to come.

As a member of the Anti-Bullying committee at my school, I have shouldered the responsibility of providing support to those affected by bullying incidents. This role has not only honed my listening skills but has also deepened my empathy towards others, enabling me to connect with their struggles on a more profound level. By actively engaging with individuals facing challenges, I have cultivated a greater sense of understanding and patience, fostering a more compassionate outlook. Moreover, my commitment to maintaining confidentiality and offering a safe space for individuals to share their experiences has been instrumental in building trust and encouraging open communication. For instance, I vividly recall a case where a peer confided in me about experiencing sexual harassment. Through multiple conversations, I ensured her confidentiality, creating an environment where she felt secure in sharing her story. Continuing in this role has ignited a passion within me to advocate for the voices of others and prioritize their sense of belonging. This dedication has driven me to invest time in identifying and addressing hidden struggles within my community, underscoring my commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all. Through these experiences, I have not only developed a profound sense of compassion but have also become a pillar of support for those in need, advocating for justice and inclusivity within our school community. I became a shoulder for people to cry on and fought for justice for those who were wronged in the face of the school society, people slowly began to be more open about their experiences to me and became more confident in voicing out on what they had faced , this community raised money together to support women who has been sexually assaulted, bullied and etc , apart from that we sought local schools in our school community and educated them on bullying and the impacts of could have on people and we raised money for the school to implement a bullying committee and for students to have access to books and materials which were not in their reach. Apart from this we further gained a mental health partnership with our school where students would be counseled for free. This meant the world to me , to see people we've fought for get the help they deserved was truly amazing , I've seen more people built up their confidence and less students getting bullied as the days go by and nothing could beat that.