As someone who often struggles to make friends, I truly believe that Kalia and I would have formed a meaningful connection. After learning about her legacy—her dedication and her commitment to both academic and athletic excellence—I see so many ways in which we are alike. Yet, at the same time, our differences would have complemented each other perfectly. To start, both Kalia and I share a love for track. There’s something special about being part of a track team—if you’ve ever been on one, you know exactly what I mean. It’s not just a team; it’s a family that celebrates each other’s victories, big or small. During the 2024 track season, I genuinely struggled. It had been months since I achieved a personal record in the 400-meter dash. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't beat my best. I let frustration take over. But the thing about track is that someone is always there to lift you up. For me, that person was Omarion. No matter how much I fell short, he never let me believe I wasn’t good enough. He’d tell me I was the fastest guy he’d ever met and invite me to train with him. He pushed me to be better. Eventually, I did break my PR, and I credit it all to Omarion. From everything I’ve learned about Kalia, she reminds me of Omarion—someone who uplifted those around her, not just hoping they would improve, but by actively helping them get there. If I had the honor of meeting Kalia today, the first thing I’d ask her is, “What’s your secret?” I consider myself a hardworking, determined individual, but some days, it’s tough to keep going. Kalia’s achievements are a testament to the kind of drive I aspire to have. Like Kalia, my aspirations are huge! For years, I’ve been fascinated by genetic engineering and biotechnology. However, my interest in genetics is personal. My father, and many men in my family, have always struggled with male-pattern baldness. For me, I love my hair, and I’ve become determined to find ways to slow, or even reverse, hair loss at a genetic level. The idea that my future research could help others is what excites me. With a commitment to advancing our understanding of genetics, I hope to make real contributions to this field in college and beyond. But what truly makes me believe Kalia and I would have complemented each other isn’t just our similarities, but rather our differences. As a board member of the Black Student Union, I would have loved the opportunity to learn from Kalia, to better understand how I can go beyond words and take meaningful action toward justice and equality. It’s an area where I still have much to learn, and I know Kalia’s leadership would’ve been an incredible guide. At the same time, I wish she could have come with me to volunteer at the local Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis, where we help to cook and serve meals to the families staying there. I genuinely believe she would have loved the conversations and connections that come from listening to, and supporting, those families. And maybe, just maybe, she could have even taught me how to dance! Despite everything, I’m committed to living each day by Kalia’s core values: determination, resilience, exploration, and grit. To Kalia—you are an inspiration. Whether I am awarded this or not, I will continue to run fast like you, continue to uplift others like you, and most importantly, continue to smile while doing it.