I would like to start off by being completely transparent; if it weren't for my parents, I would not make these choices. So these choices are not completely intentional, but I have realized that when I’m away from home, I still follow these guidelines. Living sustainably means making choices and taking actions that minimize harm to the planet and the environment. The goal is to preserve natural resources for future generations. It is a way of life that involves conscious decisions and intentional choices to reduce our impact on the planet. In my daily life, I make several intentional choices to live sustainably, including recycling, eating organic and locally grown foods, limiting my use of electronics, and planning to purchase an electric car in the future. The first intentional choice I make to live sustainably is recycling. I make sure to properly sort and dispose of my waste materials, like plastic, paper, and glass. Recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and incinerators, which can harm the environment and contribute to air and water pollution. By recycling, these items are used to make new products. Although large corporations are the main contributors to our polluted Earth, I believe that every small effort counts in making a difference for our planet, and recycling is an easy way to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. Another intentional choice I make is to eat organic and locally grown foods. This means choosing foods that are grown without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides and are produced within our local community. Buying organic food also benefits my health. Locally grown foods require less transportation, which means fewer emissions from vehicles and a smaller carbon footprint. By supporting local farmers and purchasing organic foods, I am contributing to a better and more sustainable food system. In addition, I limit the amount of time I spend on electronics. I actually set a timer each time I'm on social media. This is not only to reduce my exposure to harmful electromagnetic radiation but also to save energy. Many electronic devices consume energy even when they are turned off or in standby mode, leading to unnecessary energy waste. I try my best to unplug devices that are not being used, or I make sure they are in power-saving mode. This will help reduce my energy consumption and contribute to a greener environment. As for transportation, my family is planning to purchase an electric car in the near future. This is a conscious decision to reduce our carbon footprint and lessen our dependence on fossil fuels. Electric cars do not emit harmful pollutants, making them much cleaner for the environment. I plan to continue this sustainable choice by purchasing an electric car when I am older, as transportation is a significant contributor to carbon emissions and global warming.

Although I’m pursuing a degree in biology, I ultimately want to become a dermatologist, so I’m being very bold in applying for this scholarship. I have, however, always been curious about the universe. I currently have a mini-garden in my room where I grow my own peppers because I’m curious about how plants flourish. I take seeds from the peppers my mom uses, germinate them, and then plant them and watch them grow. When they grow, they are not as tasty as the store-bought peppers, but I keep trying. I’ve done it with tomatoes, too. I tried germinating an avocado seed, but my parents threw it out, saying an avocado plant cannot thrive indoors. During my junior year of high school, I took a psychology class because I was curious about human behavior. I was not fortunate to take a physics class in school, but I did a class on my own through Khan Academy, with the help of my dad. My true passion is skincare. I’m extremely curious about how the largest organ in our body works. Something about taking care of my skin and teaching my friends and family around me about taking care of their skin makes me happy. I've loved doing this for a couple of years. My family would joke around, saying that since you love skincare so much, you should become a dermatologist. At first, I had no interest in dermatology, but then I did some research on the field and realized this is a career I would really like to pursue. My goal is to become an entrepreneur and develop my own skincare line that differentiates us by committing to scientific excellence, sustainable practices, and personalized product offerings. Skincare has become an integral part of our daily lives, with people increasingly seeking solutions catering to their skin type and unique issues. Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all, and for that reason, we will strive to personalize your skincare solution. I am in the beginning stages of this journey with NCZ Skinn, my brainchild. It will be a groundbreaking and innovative skincare line that will leave a lasting impression on the industry. It will celebrate and embrace diverse beauty. With a commitment to inclusivity, NCZ Skinn hopes to influence the skin and beauty industry, revolutionize existing practices, and stand out in a competitive market. I’ve started to share skincare tips online on my social media page, ncz_skinn. At NCZ Skinn, our selection of products will be supported by in-depth research. I will place a strong emphasis on efficacy, safety, and innovation. With my future medical degree coupled with cutting-edge scientific advancements, NCZ Skinn will ensure that its products deliver healthy, long-lasting results. This commitment to scientific excellence will set the brand apart from many competitors and build trust among consumers. Also, with a rising concern for the environment, customers are seeking brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices. NCZ Skinn will stand at the forefront of this movement by adopting sustainable packaging, reducing waste, and utilizing ethically sourced organic ingredients. This commitment to sustainability will further differentiate us from our competitors. Having a holistic approach to beauty aligns with the values of consumers, who prioritize not only their skincare needs but also the well-being of the planet and the community. My contribution to the universe would be to shatter the existing narrow beauty standards in the world. Only recently have major cosmetic brands tried to include people of color in their campaigns. NCZ Skinn's entry into the skincare industry represents a continuation of the shift that’s been taking place in recent years towards embracing diverse beauty and providing inclusive solutions. Through its commitment to scientific excellence, sustainable practices, and personalized product offerings, NCZ Skinn aims to disrupt the industry by prioritizing individual needs and empowering all women regardless of skin tone and complexion. As a black female dermatologist in a space where there are few, I am determined to break barriers and be an example for others. It is crucial to work towards a better understanding of the nature of our universe because not only does it satisfy our innate curiosity, but it also expands our knowledge and allows us to make advancements in various scientific fields, in my case, dermatology. Perhaps I can develop a serum to reverse the formation of wrinkles. By understanding the origins and laws governing our universe, we can gain a deeper understanding of our place in the world and how we can utilize this knowledge to improve our lives. In order to achieve such a lofty career goal, I know I will have to incur a great deal of financial debt. This scholarship will be helpful in subsidizing that cost.

Mental health is crucial because it affects our overall well-being and quality of life. It is just as important as physical health, yet it gets overlooked and stigmatized. As someone who has witnessed the effects of anxiety and panic attacks on a loved one, I understand the importance of taking care of ourselves. Personally, I believe that our mental health is the foundation of our overall health and should be given the same level of attention and care as our physical health. Good mental health leads to happiness. It allows us to cope with daily stresses. Neglecting our mental health can lead to disorders such as anxiety and depression, and can lead to bigger problems. These disorders can have a debilitating effect on our daily lives, making it difficult to function effectively, have normal interactions or be contributing members of society. Taking care of my mental health is crucial especially since the pandemic. A combination of self-care practices and professional help has been beneficial in maintaining my mental wellness. These are a few things I do to maintain my mental wellness; exercise, mediation, a hobby, therapy and self-care. Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that boost our mood and reduce stress levels. My exercise comes in the form of track and field. Right now is cross-country season, so I participate in a 5k race every weekend and during the week I train with my team. I also meditate. Meditation practices are helpful in managing racing thoughts and reducing anxiety and stress. My dad taught me how to meditate but now I use the internet for guided meditations or calming sounds to help relax my mind. Having a hobby and taking time to engage in activities that I enjoy has been beneficial. I draw and I enjoy reading young adult novels; right now I’m reading “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han. It’s a coming of age story about teenage love and family. It’s part of a trilogy, so I’m looking forward to reading them. In the middle of the pandemic when we transitioned to going outside, I had a really hard time adjusting. Therapy has provided me with a safe space to discuss my thoughts, fears, and emotions and has helped me develop healthy coping skills. I have also seen the benefits it has with loved ones. We go to the doctor when we feel sick physically, we should do the same when we feel our mental health is off. Self-love and self-care play a significant role in maintaining good mental health. Taking the time to care for oneself, whether it's through pampering, setting boundaries, or focusing on personal growth, helps in building resilience and self-compassion. I do my nails, I get facials and I take long hot showers while blasting music. In a society that often stigmatizes mental health, it is important to recognize the need to take care for our minds. No one should have to suffer in silence or feel ashamed for seeking help. Our mental health must be prioritized, just as we do our physical health. So because in the past, mental health was not given the attention it deserved, we need to work hard to break the stigma and promote mental health awareness. By taking care of our mental wellness, we can lead happier, more fulfilling lives and be better equipped to handle any challenges that come our way. I am grateful for the lessons I learned from my family member's struggles, and it has made me more aware of my own mental health and the importance of taking care of it.

Leadership can be defined as the ability to guide or direct a group towards a common goal. It requires a specific set of skills, including effective communication, problem-solving, decision-making, empathy, and adaptability. However, to me, leadership means much more than just a set of skills, it's a way to make a positive impact on the world. Leadership is important because of that person’s ability to bring about change. Leaders are visionaries who can see beyond the current circumstances and guide towards a better future. Good leaders have the courage and determination to take action. Great leaders are aware that change can be slow or non-existent, and people in society would have a hard time adapting to new situations. Good leaders look to the future and make decisions based on long term goals that will better a situation, a society and eventually the world. Moreover, leadership is critically important because it encourages innovation and creativity in business and in politics. A leader is not afraid to challenge the status quo and try new things. They inspire their team, as well as their constituents. They challenge us to think outside the box and come up with new and great ideas. Ideas that disrupt the status quo. In today's rapidly evolving world, innovation is essential for progress and growth, and leaders play a crucial role in driving this process forward. A good leader knows how to manage different personalities and bring out the best in each person. They foster a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute. As a result, teams, countries, schools, and organizations led by effective leaders should have better outcomes. Leadership is essential for personal and professional growth. A leader invests in the development of people by providing guidance, support, and critical feedback. They create a learning environment where individuals can improve their skills and knowledge. Additionally, leaders also serve as role models, people we can look up to and emulate. World leaders and presidents of nations have a vital job in navigating through uncertainty and adversity. A good leader does not shy away from difficult decisions. And a good leader puts its people first. They are resilient and able to keep the nation focused, motivated, and on track during tough times. When faced with a crisis, people look to leaders for guidance and direction. An effective leader can steer anyone through difficult situations and emerge stronger than ever. Leadership is important in setting an example to follow. It is a skill set that enables individuals to bring about positive change. It takes commitment and continuous improvement to become an effective leader, but the rewards are significant. Leadership allows us to become change-makers and create a better future for ourselves and the world around us. I hope to become such a leader in my future endeavors as an entrepreneur in the skincare space.

I'm passionate about skincare. Something about taking care of my skin and teaching my friends and family around me about taking care of their skin makes me happy. I've loved doing this for a couple of years. My family would joke around saying since you love skincare so much, you should become a Dermatologist. At first, I had no interest in dermatology but then I did some Googling and researched the field and realized this is a career I would really like to pursue. My goal is to become an entrepreneur and develop my own skincare line that differentiate ourselves by committing to scientific excellence, sustainable practices, and personalized product offerings. My range of products will be backed by extensive research. I will place a strong emphasis on efficacy, safety, and innovation. With my future medical degree coupled with cutting-edge scientific advancements, NCZ Skinn will ensure that its products deliver healthy, long-lasting results. This commitment to scientific excellence will set the brand apart from many competitors and build trust among consumers. Also, with a rising concern for the environment, customers are seeking brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices. NCZ Skinn will stand at the forefront of this movement by adopting sustainable packaging, reducing waste, and utilizing ethically sourced organic ingredients. This commitment to sustainability will further differentiate us from competitors. Having a holistic approach to beauty aligns with the values of consumers who prioritize not only their skincare needs but also the well-being of the planet. Skincare has become an integral part of our daily lives, with people increasingly seeking solutions catering to their skin type and unique issues. Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all and for that reason we will strive to personal your skincare solution. I am at the beginning stages of this journey with NCZ Skinn, my brainchild. It will be a groundbreaking and innovative skincare line that will leave a lasting impression on the industry. It will be celebrating and embracing diverse beauty. With a commitment to inclusivity, NCZ Skinn hopes to influence the skin and beauty industry, revolutionize existing practices, and stand out in a competitive market. We aim to shatter the existing narrow beauty standards in the world. Only recently have major cosmetic brands tried to include people of color in their campaigns. NCZ Skinn's entry into the skincare industry represents a continuation of the shift that’s been taking place in recent years towards embracing diverse beauty and providing inclusive solutions. Through its commitment to scientific excellence, sustainable practices, and personalized product offerings, NCZ Skinn aims to disrupt the industry by prioritizing individual needs and empowering all women regardless of skin tone and complexion. This scholarship will help towards the hefty cost of books.

Selflessness is the act of putting the needs and well-being of others before your own. It is a quality that is built upon empathy, kindness, and a strong desire to make a positive impact in the world. Through my experiences as a volunteer, I have embodied selflessness in various ways and it has greatly shaped my perspective on life. One of the ways I embody selflessness is through volunteering at soup kitchens. Every week, I dedicate a few hours of my time to help prepare and serve meals to those in need. I have seen firsthand the impact of hunger and poverty on individuals and families, and it breaks my heart. However, through volunteering, I have realized that I have the power to make a difference, even if it's just by serving a warm meal to someone who may not have had one otherwise. And sometimes it only takes sharing a smile and to experience the gratitude in their eyes reminded me of the impact that selflessness can have on someone's life. Apart from volunteering at soup kitchens, I have also embodied selflessness through my work with a non-profit organization that focuses on teaching financial literacy to kids from underprivileged communities. I see the importance of understanding finances and how it can impact one's future. I helped in developing and implementing a financial literacy game that teaches kids about budgeting, saving, and investing. Through this game, I have seen the a curiosity and eagerness to learn about managing money. The hope is to give kids a sense of control and empower them to make informed financial decisions. Being able to share my knowledge and skills has been a fulfilling experience. Eventhough I may not see these kids grow up, if they implement the teachings from the game, it will be a great tool for them. Selflessness is not something that can be learned overnight. It is a quality that is developed through experiences and a genuine desire to help others. It is also helpful to have siblings and live with one bathroom. I am a middle child and I often find myself “in the middle” of many a quarrel with my sisters. I don’t take sides and at times, I’m the arbitrator. I make sure that my little sister is heard and that my older sister isn’t heavy handed in her search for the truth. I serve as the go-between to make sure they hear each other. I put the needs of my sisters ahead of mine for the greater good of my household. In this case, peace. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to embody selflessness through volunteering and making a positive impact in my community. I will continue to strive to be selfless in my actions and use my skills and resources to help those in need.

For most of my freshman year I attended a Brooklyn high school remotely due to the pandemic, but as a tenth grader, I entered a new school, in Manhattan, with students who knew each other since sixth grade. I was scared. It’s a situation that not many people look forward to, and certainly, not something that I ever anticipated. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I found myself transferring schools in my sophomore year. This change not only disrupted my academic routine, but it also had a significant impact, both good and bad, on my social life and future goals. Switching schools in the middle of a pandemic and maintaining my grades has proved to me that I am resilient and can overcome any challenge. One of the biggest challenges I faced as the new kid was making friends. I didn’t want to put myself out there and make new connections. Even though I’m naturally shy, I’ve never struggled to fit in and make friends. This time, however, I felt lonely and isolated with so many unfamiliar faces. I missed my old friends and the comfort of hiding behind a computer screen. Moreover, being new meant having to start over and prove myself academically. Coming into a new school in the middle of the year, I was thrown into a completely different curriculum and learning environment. As someone who takes academics seriously, I was determined to catch up and excel in my new school. However, adapting to new teaching methods and expectations was challenging. This transition affected my grades and added to my already mounting stress and anxiety. In addition to the academic pressures, I also had to navigate through the social dynamics of my new school. I quickly realized that friendships had already been formed, and it was challenging to break into established social circles. Despite initial struggles, this transition also taught me some valuable lessons. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone. I started initiating conversations and participating in class discussions. Slowly but surely, I began to make new friends and build relationships. These experiences challenged me to become more confident and helped me become a more well-rounded student. Furthermore, I was given a fresh start, and I took this as an opportunity to reinvent myself. I joined new extracurricular activities and clubs, which allowed me to explore different interests and meet people. I started a fashion elective at my new school and invited students with this similar passion to join. This helped me form new connections and become a productive part of the school community. As a result, I discovered new talents and interests that I never knew I had, which helped me grow and develop as a person. Now, as I look back at my experience, I realize how it has influenced my future goals. I was able to take science courses that I wasn’t exposed to in my other school, and I am now set on becoming a dermatologist. I embrace change and adapt to new environments more easily. I have become more open-minded and accepting of different cultures and perspectives. I learned that stepping out of my comfort zone can lead to incredible growth. While it was initially daunting, this change shaped me into the person I am today. It made me more resilient, confident, and adaptable, which are qualities that will undoubtedly benefit me in the future.

Being the new kid at school can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. For me, it was a unique situation. For most of my freshman year I attended a Brooklyn high school remotely due to the pandemic, but as a tenth grader, I entered a new school, in Manhattan, with students who knew each other since sixth grade. I was scared. It’s a situation that not many people look forward to, and certainly, not something that I ever anticipated. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I found myself transferring schools in my sophomore year. This change not only disrupted my academic routine, but it also had a significant impact, both good and bad, on my social life and future goals. One of the biggest challenges I faced as the new kid was making friends. I didn’t want to put myself out there and make new connections. Even though I’m naturally shy, I’ve never struggled to fit in and make friends. This time, however, I felt lonely and isolated with so many unfamiliar faces. I missed my old friends and the comfort of hiding behind a computer screen. Moreover, being the new kid also meant having to start over and prove myself academically. Coming into a new school in the middle of the year, I was thrown into a completely different curriculum and learning environment. As someone who takes academics seriously, I was determined to catch up and excel in my new school. However, adapting to new teaching methods and expectations was challenging. This transition affected my grades and added to my already mounting stress and anxiety. In addition to the academic pressures, I also had to navigate through the social dynamics of my new school. I quickly realized that friendships had already been formed, and it was challenging to break into established social circles. Despite initial struggles, being the new kid also taught me some valuable lessons. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone. I started initiating conversations and participating in class discussions. Slowly but surely, I began to make new friends and build relationships. These experiences challenged me to become more confident and helped me become a more well-rounded student. Furthermore, being the new kid gave me a fresh start, and I took this as an opportunity to reinvent myself. I joined new extracurricular activities and clubs, which allowed me to explore different interests and meet people. I started a fashion elective at my new school and invited students with this similar passion to join. This helped me form new connections and become a productive part of the school community. As a result, I discovered new talents and interests that I never knew I had, which helped me grow and develop as a person. Now, as I look back at my experience as the new kid, I realize how it has influenced my future goals. I was able to take science courses that I wasn’t exposed to in my other school, and I am now set on becoming a dermatologist. I embrace change and adapt to new environments more easily. I have become more open-minded and accepting of different cultures and perspectives. By being the new kid, I learned that stepping out of my comfort zone can lead to incredible growth. While it was initially daunting, this change shaped me into the person I am today. It made me more resilient, confident, and adaptable, which are qualities that will undoubtedly benefit me in the future.

@babygirl_nai424

"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" is not just a reflection of the old days. It is an invitation to explore an alternate universe, a multi-verse if you will, and a fictional narrative grounded in the vibrant era that the phrase hints at. It calls us to immerse ourselves in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood from long ago. Imagine rubbing shoulders with iconic stars, having cocktails at glamorous parties, smoking long cigarettes, dressed in sequence, and experiencing the thrill of filmmaking on 16mm black and white cameras. I love a good story and Hollywood is a master storyteller. Some of the stories are so fantastic that it’s hard to believe that they are based on real-life events. Some stories told back then reflected the social, political, and cultural contexts of its time. Films like "Gone with the Wind" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" shed light on issues of race and discrimination. They challenged societal norms and sparked conversations that resonated beyond the silver screen. The phrase "Once upon a time in Hollywood" reminds me of these narratives and the lasting impact they have had on our collective consciousness. But as a person of color, thinking nostalgically about Hollywood, may not have the same fuzzy feelings that most may reflect on. But Hollywood is what we use to escape real life. Once upon a time is how most fairy tales begin and many of what is produced in Hollywood conjures up the vision of fairy tales. Stories from the imagination that transports us in time. Stories that captivate me and audiences worldwide, with unforgettable characters. For me, when I hear the phrase “once upon a time in Hollywood,” it symbolizes the golden age of cinema and it sparks a sense of vintage black and white movies and old-time glamour but also the Met Gala of today.  Hollywood is where I get all of my stories about society. These stories demonstrate the power and influence that the movie industry plays in shaping my worldview and the worldview of most young people. Film and television shows influence public opinion, reflect what’s going on in the culture, and provide a way for us to escape our everyday lives.  Personally, Hollywood has had a profound influence on my life. Today, with the popularity of streaming, I have access to old movies that debuted many years before I was born. I am captivated by the magic and allure of these movies. They transport me to different worlds and inspire me to see beyond my imagination. I’ve had late-night movie marathons, and debates with friends about old films and continue to compare movies from then and now. "Once upon a time in Hollywood" sparks a multitude of complex emotions in me. It represents the power of the film industry and the allure of a vibrant era long gone. It celebrates the magic of cinema, reminding me of its enduring influence on my life.