Mental health has shaped who I am, and how I show up for the world. After the COVID-19 lockdown, my anxiety became so severe that even walking into school felt impossible. Alongside anxiety, I also struggled with periods of depression, feeling weighed down and unsure of how to move forward. Each day required patience, resilience, and self-reflection, but therapy and support helped me learn to understand my anxiety and depression instead of hiding from it. I began learning coping strategies, challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone, and finding my voice again. These experiences pushed me to grow, both academically and personally, and gave me deep empathy for others who struggle in silence. Writing has been one of my most important tools throughout this journey. When I write in a diary or journal, I am able to put all my thoughts and worries onto paper, which allows me to live more fully in the present moment. Writing has helped me organize my emotions, process difficult experiences, and reflect on my personal growth. Revisiting old entries is also meaningful because it allows me to see how far I have come and provides a sense of nostalgia, preserving moments and emotions that shaped who I am today. Beyond journaling, I enjoy creative writing and poetry because they allow me to explore imagination while remaining grounded in real experiences. Stories give me the opportunity to step outside my own life, yet there is always a part of me reflected in the characters, emotions, or themes. Poetry, in particular resonates with me because, like music, it relies on rhythm and emotion rather than a strict structure, giving me space to let feelings flow freely. Music has been another powerful outlet in my journey with mental health. Singing, or simply listening to music helps me express emotions I sometimes cannot put into words. It offers a sense of comfort, focus, and release, and it has been particularly helpful during moments of intense anxiety or depression. Music provides a way to be present, process emotions, and connect with others, making it an essential part of my recovery and personal growth. Through these experiences, I have learned resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of support systems. I have remained committed to my education despite challenges with mental health, maintaining strong academic performance and exploring personal interests such as writing, music, and community service. Volunteering with Jewish Family and Children's Services, participating in mental health awareness events, and supporting peers has reinforced my belief that helping others emotionally is as important as meeting their physical needs. Looking forward, I plan to continue managing my recovery by maintaining therapy, using creative outlets like writing and music, and staying connected to supportive communities. I have learned that recovery is an ongoing process, and building habits that prioritize mental and emotional well-being is essential for long-term health. I also hope to use my experiences to help others, especially children and teens, navigate their own mental health struggles. My goal is to pursue a career in psychology, specifically as a child therapist, so that I can provide the same compassion, tools, and guidance that helped me along my journey. Ultimately, my experiences with anxiety, depression, and personal growth have prepared me to face the challenges of higher education and life beyond. By combining academic focus, creative expression, and a commitment to mental health, I aim to continue learning, healing, and supporting others. Writing, music, and service have not only helped me manage my recovery, but they have also shaped my purpose and will remain central to how I live, learn, and give back to my community.

The journey that has prepared me most for higher education is my experience navigating anxiety and learning how to grow beyond it. After the COVID-19 lockdown, my anxiety became so severe that even walking into school felt impossible. Each day required effort, resilience, and patience, but through therapy and support, I learned how to understand my anxiety instead of hiding from it. These challenges pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and reflect deeply on who I am. Despite these obstacles, I remained committed to my education and worked hard to maintain strong academic performance. Balancing my mental health while staying focused on school taught me discipline, perseverance, and self-awareness, which are all skills I know will help me succeed academically in college. Alongside academic growth, I experienced significant personal and social development. For a long time, anxiety affected my confidence and the ability to connect with others, but high school became a turning point. I challenged myself to join clubs, participate in community service, and explore activities such as music and writing. Over time, I became more comfortable forming friendships and expressing myself. This growth showed me that progress does not happen overnight, but with consistency and support, it is possible. As I prepare for college, I feel confident that I will continue to grow socially and emotionally while embracing new opportunities and independence. I plan to major in psychology, a field that is deeply important to me because of my own experiences with mental health. It took me a long time to understand my anxiety and learn how to cope with it, and I know how isolating that process can feel, especially for children and teenagers. Psychology offers the opportunity to help people better understand themselves, their emotions, and their behaviors. I hope to pursue a career as a child therapist so I can support young people as they navigate challenges similar to those I once faced. With guidance from the right people, healing and growth are possible, and I want to be someone who helps make that process less overwhelming for others. Beyond my academic goals, I hope to make an impact through kindness, advocacy, and community involvement. Volunteering with Jewish Family and Children's Services exposed me to the many challenges people face, including mental health struggles, hunger, and financial instability. These experiences reinforced my belief that helping others is not only about providing resources, but also about restoring dignity and hope. Whether through my future career in psychology, continued community service, or everyday acts of compassion, I want to support others emotionally and create spaces where people feel seen and valued. Overall, my experiences have prepared me for higher education by teaching me resilience, empathy, and determination. College represents the next step in my journey of growth, learning, and service. Through studying psychology and remaining committed to helping others, I hope to make a meaningful impact both on my community and in the lives of those who need support the most.

Writing has always been one of the most meaningful ways I understand myself and process the world around me. Writing is important to me because it is a way to express my emotions. It is a space where my thoughts feel manageable and my emotions can exist without judgement. When I write in a diary or journal, I am able to put my personal thoughts and worries onto paper, which allows me to live more fully in the present moment. Writing has been one of my most consistent coping mechanisms, especially during periods of anxiety, and it helps with mental health to write by keeping my thoughts and emotions organized. One of the aspects of writing I value the most is the ability to look back on old journals. Revisiting past entries allows me to see how much I have grown and how challenges that once felt overwhelming no longer hold the same power. There is also a sense of nostalgia in reading old entries, as they preserve moments and emotions that shaped who I am today. Writing has taught me that personal growth often happens gradually, even when it is difficult to recognize in the moment. In addition to journaling, I enjoy creative writing because it allows me to explore imagination while remaining grounded in real experiences. Writing stories gives me the opportunity to step outside of my own life for a while, yet there is always a part of me reflected in the characters, emotions, or themes. I enjoy combining my personal perspective with research and imagination to create stories that feel thoughtful, authentic, and meaningful. Poetry is another form of writing that deeply resonates with me. I am drawn to poetry because of its freedom; it is similar to music in that it relies on rhythm and emotion, yet it does not require a strict structure. As long as the words flow, poetry allows emotion to lead, making it a powerful outlet for expression. Although writing is something I do for myself, I also hope to use it to support others. I want to write about my experiences with mental health and other life challenges so that people can relate and feel less alone. Writing can exist alongside any career and interest, because stories and emotions are universal, and I plan to carry writing with me no matter where my future leads. As I move into college, I plan to continue writing because I know life will bring new and different challenges. Writing has always helped me cope, whether through typing or handwriting, and simply getting my thoughts out has been essential to my well-being. No matter where college takes me, writing will remain a constant tool for reflection, healing, and connection-with both myself and others.

Mental health has shaped who I am and how I am able to show up for others. After the COVID-19 lockdown, my anxiety became so severe that even walking into school felt impossible. Therapy helped me understand my anxiety instead of hiding from it, and I began learning coping strategies, challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone, and finding my voice again. That experience gave me deep empathy for others who struggle in silence, especially children and teens. Because of what I have been through, I make a conscious effort to emotionally support those around me. In school, I lead with kindness- offering compliments, listening without judgement, and always making space for students who feel overlooked, including my classmates with special needs. From a young age, I have stood up for others and chosen inclusion, even when it was uncomfortable. I know how much a small act of kindness can matter, because sometimes it was the only thing that helped me get through the day. I also support mental health through community service. Volunteering with Jewish Family and Children's Services exposed me to the many challenges that people face, including hunger, financial instability, abuse, and mental health struggles. Helping with food collections, administrative work, and neighborhood drives taught me that service is not just about meeting physical needs, but also restoring dignity and hope. I also participated in the Lace Up Against Stigma Walk for Mental Health, supporting awareness and recovery while standing with others who understand these challenges. Music and writing have been powerful tools in my own healing, and I use them to support others as well. Singing has helped me overcome anxiety and express emotions I could not put into words. Writing allows me to share stories that make people feel seen and less alone. Whether performing, writing, or simply being present, I try to create moments where people feel understood. In college, I plan to major in psychology and pursue a career as a child therapist. I want to provide children and teens with the same compassion, tools, and support that changed my life. Through my studies, career, hobbies, and continued service, my goal is simple: to help others find their voice, feel supported, and believe that happiness is possible- even during their hardest moments.

Looking at the crowd, I am astonished by how many people are waiting to hear my voice. Behind me, my bandmates prepare their instruments. The whispers mix into a loud buzz, and I squint into the bright lights, searching for my family. But I am not nervous. Years ago, I never imagined that music would help me overcome anxiety and discover my true voice — both literally and figuratively. Wanting to make a change in my life began long before this moment, during a time when even walking into school felt impossible. When the COVID-19 lockdown began, I was excited for the chance to stay home and spend more time with my family. But when school reopened, I was shocked to find that I couldn't even walk through the doors without panic taking over. Every morning was filled with anxiety, and simply making it into the school building was an accomplishment. I spent a lot of time in the counseling office, crying over worries that now seem small. Therapy helped me to understand my anxiety and challenge it instead of hiding from it. I began learning coping mechanisms and taking steps out of my comfort zone, and gradually, I started to make progress. High school became a crucial growth period for me, and I am extremely proud of the progress I see in myself. I want to continue to make a change in myself with my anxiety as I have and become a better version of myself. Music was a turning point for me. After struggling with post-pandemic anxiety, I expected to panic on stage. Instead, I felt exhilarated. On stage, the anxiety vanished — my breath steady, my mind focused, my body at ease. It wasn’t just about singing; it was about finally letting people see who I was. I eventually auditioned for the HouseBand, and every time I stepped onto that stage, I felt myself reclaiming a piece of my true self. These experiences taught me resilience and empathy for those who struggle with mental health and showed me the rewarding feeling that comes from stepping outside my comfort zone. As I move toward college, I hope to pursue goals that will help me grow as a person both academically and personally. Academically, I plan to major in psychology and eventually become a child therapist. I’ve always been compassionate when it comes to people’s mental health challenges, especially because of my own experiences with managing my anxiety. Through a future in a mental health field, I want to provide others with the same hope I found. This scholarship will help me get to college so I can keep working to reach my goals and fund my education. Being able to continue my studies is the next step toward becoming someone who makes a positive difference in the world. Beyond my academic goals, I want to continue being involved in community service. I have come to crave the feeling I get after helping others, and to pay it forward, I will help others through continued volunteering, community service, and donations. Overall, the future I see for myself is one filled with personal growth, service to those in need, and meaningful connections with those around me. Moving forward, I want to help others find their own voice, just as I found mine. Once someone finds their voice, they feel unstoppable.

My “pie in the sky” is to make a difference in the world through community service, music, and psychology. I want my college experience to be something that helps me better understand who I am and who I strive to become as I enter the “real world”. During my education, I hope to pursue goals that will help me grow as a person both academically and personally. High school has already been a crucial growth period for me, especially as I have worked to overcome my anxiety, and I am extremely proud of the progress I see in myself. When the COVID-19 lock-down began, I was excited for the chance to stay home and spend more time with my family. But when school reopened, I was shocked to find that I couldn't even walk through the doors without panic taking over. Every morning was filled with anxiety, and simply making it into the school building was an accomplishment. Therapy helped me to understand my anxiety and challenge it instead of hiding from it. I began learning coping mechanisms and taking steps out of my comfort zone. Freshman year of high school brought new challenges, but also more progress, and by sophomore year, I was back in gym class, completing group projects with excitement instead of dread. Music was a turning point for me. Looking at the crowd, I'm astonished by how many people are waiting to hear my voice. Years ago, I never imagined I'd be here, having overcome my anxiety and discovered my true voice — both literally and figuratively. On stage, the anxiety vanished — my breath steady, my mind focused, my body at ease. It wasn’t just about singing; it was about finally letting people see who I was. I eventually auditioned for the House Band and performed several times a month. Every time I stepped onto that stage, I felt myself reclaiming a piece of my true self. Music was a turning point for me. It gave me joy, confidence, and a way to express myself. One major goal I hope to achieve is to become involved in many different activities related to my passions and values. Community service is something that I have always taken seriously, and I plan to continue being a part of it. I have come to crave the feeling I get after helping others. Making an impact on the world through service is something I want to be a consistent part of my life, whether it’s volunteering, participating in service clubs, or joining programs that support movements I believe in. Academically, I plan to major in psychology and eventually become a child therapist. I’ve always been compassionate when it comes to people’s mental health challenges, especially because of my own experiences with managing my anxiety. These experiences taught me resilience and empathy for those who struggle with mental health. Through a future in a mental health field, I want to provide others with the same hope I found. Being able to guide children through difficult times in their life, like people so generously did for me, is something that I would be proud to be a part of. Overall, the future I see for myself is one filled with personal growth, service to those in need, and meaningful connections with those around me. Moving forward, I want to help others find their own voice, just as I found mine.

During my education, I hope to pursue goals that will help me grow as a person both academically and personally. One of my top priorities is to explore my interests on a deeper level, whether that is socially, intellectually, or emotionally. I want my college experience to be something that helps me better understand who I am and who I strive to become as I enter the “real world”. High school has already been a crucial growth period for me, especially as I have worked to overcome my anxiety, and I am extremely proud of the progress I see in myself. As I move forward, I plan to keep challenging myself by trying things outside of my comfort zone to continue that personal growth. One major goal I hope to achieve is to become involved in many different activities related to my passions and values. Community service is something that I have always taken seriously, and I plan to continue being a part of it. I have come to crave the feeling I get after helping others. Making an impact on the world through service is something I want to be a consistent part of my life, whether it’s volunteering, participating in service clubs, or joining programs that support movements I believe in. Academically, I plan to major in psychology and eventually become a child therapist. I’ve always been compassionate when it comes to people’s mental health challenges, especially because of my own experiences with managing my anxiety. I feel that children and teens need continued support, and someone who listens to and understands their struggles even when those close to them don’t. As a therapist, I want to help kids overcome the difficult times they face, as well as build confidence within themselves so they can face future challenges independently. Being able to guide children through difficult times in their life, like people so generously did for me, is something that I would be proud to be a part of. Beyond my academic and future career goals, I also want to continue becoming a better person overall. Music, specifically singing, is something I plan to keep in my life as a hobby. It brings me joy, which is something I believe is important, especially since, as a counselor, I will be urging others to do things that make them happy. I am especially drawn to the idea of using my love for music to brighten other people’s days as well as my own. At the same time, I want to expand socially by meeting new people, forming friendships, and learning from the different perspectives people have, while still keeping a healthy balance with my studies. Maintaining that balance between my social life and my academic responsibilities is extremely important to me, and it’s something I worked hard on throughout high school. As I begin the next stage of my education, I hold on to the determination I have developed over the past few years. Overall, the future I see for myself is one filled with personal growth, service to those in need, and meaningful connections with those around me. I want my education to help me become someone who makes a positive difference in the world, through psychology, community service, and the small choices I make each day. Most importantly, I plan to continue striving toward becoming the best version of myself.

Looking at the crowd, I'm astonished by how many people are waiting to hear my voice. Behind me, my bandmates prepare their instruments. The whispers mix into a loud buzz, and I squint into the bright lights, searching for my family. But I am not nervous. Years ago, I never imagined I'd be here, having overcome my anxiety and discovered my true voice — both literally and figuratively. After struggling with post-pandemic anxiety, I expected to panic on stage. Instead, I felt exhilarated. On stage, the anxiety vanished — my breath steady, my mind focused, my body at ease. It wasn’t just about singing; it was about finally letting people see who I was. When the COVID-19 lockdown began, I was excited for the chance to stay home and spend more time with my family. But when school reopened, I was shocked to find that I couldn't even walk through the doors without panic taking over. I was in eighth grade, the oldest in my school, yet every day felt like survival. I constantly felt like something bad was going to happen. Every morning was filled with anxiety, and simply making it into the school building was an accomplishment. I spent a lot of time in the counseling office, crying over worries that now seem small. Therapy helped me to understand my anxiety and challenge it instead of hiding from it. I began learning coping mechanisms and taking steps out of my comfort zone. At first, even attending gym class without having a panic attack felt impossible. But, gradually, I started to make progress. Freshman year of high school brought new challenges, but also more progress. I joined clubs, found interest in community service, and most importantly, was able to work through the school day without constant fear. By sophomore year, I was back in gym class, completing group projects with excitement instead of dread, and even joined a music program called School of Rock, where I performed on stage with a band. Music was a turning point for me. It gave me joy, confidence, and a way to express myself. I eventually auditioned for the House Band and performed several times a month. Every time I stepped onto that stage, I felt myself reclaiming a piece of my true self. Therapy helped me learn to manage my thoughts instead of letting anxiety dictate my life. I discovered the rewarding feeling that comes from stepping outside my comfort zone, and I realized that perfection isn't necessary to be proud of myself. These experiences taught me resilience and empathy for those who struggle with mental health. Now, when I face challenges, I remind myself how far I've come. I now know that speaking openly about mental health can help make others feel less alone. Because of what I have been through, I approach others with compassion and understanding. Moving forward, I want to help others find their own voice, just as I found mine. Therapy changed my life, and I hope to make that kind of difference for others who struggle with mental health. Through a future in a mental health field, I want to provide others with the same hope I found. Once someone finds their voice, they feel unstoppable.

Looking at the crowd, I'm astonished by how many people are waiting to hear my voice. Behind me, my bandmates prepare their instruments. The whispers mix into a loud buzz, and I squint into the bright lights, searching for my family. But I am not nervous. Years ago, I never imagined I'd be here, having overcome my anxiety and discovered my true voice — both literally and figuratively. After struggling with post-pandemic anxiety, I expected to panic on stage. Instead, I felt exhilarated. On stage, the anxiety vanished — my breath steady, my mind focused, my body at ease. It wasn’t just about singing; it was about finally letting people see who I was. When the COVID-19 lockdown began, I was excited for the chance to stay home and spend more time with my family. But when school reopened, I was shocked to find that I couldn't even walk through the doors without panic taking over. I was in eighth grade, the oldest in my school, yet every day felt like survival. I constantly felt like something bad was going to happen. Every morning was filled with anxiety, and simply making it into the school building was an accomplishment. I spent a lot of time in the counseling office, crying over worries that now seem small. Therapy helped me to understand my anxiety and challenge it instead of hiding from it. I began learning coping mechanisms and taking steps out of my comfort zone. At first, even attending gym class without having a panic attack felt impossible. But, gradually, I started to make progress. Freshman year of high school brought new challenges, but also more progress. I joined clubs, found interest in community service, and most importantly, was able to work through the school day without constant fear. By sophomore year, I was back in gym class, completing group projects with excitement instead of dread, and even joined a music program called School of Rock, where I performed on stage with a band. Music was a turning point for me. It gave me joy, confidence, and a way to express myself. I eventually auditioned for the House Band and performed several times a month. Every time I stepped onto that stage, I felt myself reclaiming a piece of my true self. Therapy helped me learn to manage my thoughts instead of letting anxiety dictate my life. I discovered the rewarding feeling that comes from stepping outside my comfort zone, and I realized that perfection isn't necessary to be proud of myself. These experiences taught me resilience and empathy for those who struggle with mental health. Now, when I face challenges, I remind myself how far I've come. I now know that speaking openly about mental health can help make others feel less alone. Because of what I have been through, I approach others with compassion and understanding. Moving forward, I want to help others find their own voice, just as I found mine. Therapy changed my life, and I hope to make that kind of difference for others who struggle with mental health. Through a future in a mental health field, I want to provide others with the same hope I found. Once someone finds their voice, they feel unstoppable.

Looking at the crowd, I'm astonished by how many people are waiting to hear my voice. Behind me, my bandmates prepare their instruments. The whispers mix into a loud buzz, and I squint into the bright lights, searching for my family. But I am not nervous. Years ago, I never imagined I'd be here, having overcome my anxiety and discovered my true voice — both literally and figuratively. After struggling with post-pandemic anxiety, I expected to panic on stage. Instead, I felt exhilarated. On stage, the anxiety vanished — my breath steady, my mind focused, my body at ease. It wasn’t just about singing; it was about finally letting people see who I was. When the COVID-19 lockdown began, I was excited for the chance to stay home and spend more time with my family. But when school reopened, I was shocked to find that I couldn't even walk through the doors without panic taking over. I was in eighth grade, the oldest in my school, yet every day felt like survival. I constantly felt like something bad was going to happen. Every morning was filled with anxiety, and simply making it into the school building was an accomplishment. I spent a lot of time in the counseling office, crying over worries that now seem small. Therapy helped me to understand my anxiety and challenge it instead of hiding from it. I began learning coping mechanisms and taking steps out of my comfort zone. At first, even attending gym class without having a panic attack felt impossible. But, gradually, I started to make progress. Freshman year of high school brought new challenges, but also more progress. I joined clubs, found interest in community service, and most importantly, was able to work through the school day without constant fear. By sophomore year, I was back in gym class, completing group projects with excitement instead of dread, and even joined a music program called School of Rock, where I performed on stage with a band. Music was a turning point for me. It gave me joy, confidence, and a way to express myself. I eventually auditioned for the House Band and performed several times a month. Every time I stepped onto that stage, I felt myself reclaiming a piece of my true self. Therapy helped me learn to manage my thoughts instead of letting anxiety dictate my life. I discovered the rewarding feeling that comes from stepping outside my comfort zone, and I realized that perfection isn't necessary to be proud of myself. These experiences taught me resilience and empathy for those who struggle with mental health. Now, when I face challenges, I remind myself how far I've come. I now know that speaking openly about mental health can help make others feel less alone. Because of what I have been through, I approach others with compassion and understanding. Moving forward, I want to help others find their own voice, just as I found mine. Therapy changed my life, and I hope to make that kind of difference for others who struggle with mental health. Through a future in a mental health field, I want to provide others with the same hope I found. Once someone finds their voice, they feel unstoppable.

Looking at the crowd, I'm astonished by how many people are waiting to hear my voice. Behind me, my bandmates prepare their instruments. The whispers mix into a loud buzz, and I squint into the bright lights, searching for my family. But I am not nervous. Years ago, I never imagined I'd be here, having overcome my anxiety and discovered my true voice — both literally and figuratively. After struggling with post-pandemic anxiety, I expected to panic on stage. Instead, I felt exhilarated. On stage, the anxiety vanished — my breath steady, my mind focused, my body at ease. It wasn’t just about singing; it was about finally letting people see who I was. When the COVID-19 lockdown began, I was excited for the chance to stay home and spend more time with my family. But when school reopened, I was shocked to find that I couldn't even walk through the doors without panic taking over. I was in eighth grade, the oldest in my school, yet every day felt like survival. I constantly felt like something bad was going to happen. Every morning was filled with anxiety, and simply making it into the school building was an accomplishment. I spent a lot of time in the counseling office, crying over worries that now seem small. Therapy helped me to understand my anxiety and challenge it instead of hiding from it. I began learning coping mechanisms and taking steps out of my comfort zone. At first, even attending gym class without having a panic attack felt impossible. But, gradually, I started to make progress. Freshman year of high school brought new challenges, but also more progress. I joined clubs, found interest in community service, and most importantly, was able to work through the school day without constant fear. By sophomore year, I was back in gym class, completing group projects with excitement instead of dread, and even joined a music program called School of Rock, where I performed on stage with a band. Music was a turning point for me. It gave me joy, confidence, and a way to express myself. I eventually auditioned for the House Band and performed several times a month. Every time I stepped onto that stage, I felt myself reclaiming a piece of my true self. Therapy helped me learn to manage my thoughts instead of letting anxiety dictate my life. I discovered the rewarding feeling that comes from stepping outside my comfort zone, and I realized that perfection isn't necessary to be proud of myself. These experiences taught me resilience and empathy for those who struggle with mental health. Now, when I face challenges, I remind myself how far I've come. I now know that speaking openly about mental health can help make others feel less alone. Because of what I have been through, I approach others with compassion and understanding. Moving forward, I want to help others find their own voice, just as I found mine. Therapy changed my life, and I hope to make that kind of difference for others who struggle with mental health. Through a future in a mental health field, I want to provide others with the same hope I found. Perusing a degree in Psychology is the first step I believe is important for me to take to get there. Once someone finds their voice, they feel unstoppable.

Looking at the crowd, I'm astonished by how many people are waiting to hear my voice. Behind me, my bandmates prepare their instruments. The whispers mix into a loud buzz, and I squint into the bright lights, searching for my family. But I am not nervous. Years ago, I never imagined I'd be here, having overcome my anxiety and discovered my true voice — both literally and figuratively. After struggling with post-pandemic anxiety, I expected to panic on stage. Instead, I felt exhilarated. On stage, the anxiety vanished — my breath steady, my mind focused, my body at ease. It wasn’t just about singing; it was about finally letting people see who I was. When the COVID-19 lock-down began, I was excited for the chance to stay home and spend more time with my family. But when school reopened, I was shocked to find that I couldn't even walk through the doors without panic taking over. I was in eighth grade, the oldest in my school, yet every day felt like survival. I constantly felt like something bad was going to happen. Every morning was filled with anxiety, and simply making it into the school building was an accomplishment. I spent a lot of time in the counseling office, crying over worries that now seem small. Therapy helped me to understand my anxiety and challenge it instead of hiding from it. I began learning coping mechanisms and taking steps out of my comfort zone. At first, even attending gym class without having a panic attack felt impossible. But, gradually, I started to make progress. Freshman year of high school brought new challenges, but also more progress. I joined clubs, found interest in community service, and most importantly, was able to work through the school day without constant fear. By sophomore year, I was back in gym class, completing group projects with excitement instead of dread, and even joined a music program called School of Rock, where I performed on stage with a band. Music was a turning point for me. It gave me joy, confidence, and a way to express myself. I eventually auditioned for the House Band and performed several times a month. Every time I stepped onto that stage, I felt myself reclaiming a piece of my true self. Therapy helped me learn to manage my thoughts instead of letting anxiety dictate my life. I discovered the rewarding feeling that comes from stepping outside my comfort zone, and I realized that perfection isn't necessary to be proud of myself. These experiences taught me resilience and empathy for those who struggle with mental health. Now, when I face challenges, I remind myself how far I've come. I now know that speaking openly about mental health can help make others feel less alone. Because of what I have been through, I approach others with compassion and understanding. Moving forward, I want to help others find their own voice, just as I found mine. Therapy changed my life, and I hope to make that kind of difference for others who struggle with mental health. Through a future in a mental health field, I want to provide others with the same hope I found. Once someone finds their voice, they feel unstoppable.

There are just too many people in this world who are hurting. If my life has a purpose, I want it to be helping people. If I were to leave this Earth tomorrow, I want to know that I did something good for the world, even if I just made one person smile. My involvement in community service mainly started when my mom got a job with Jewish Family and Children's Services, an organization that helps the community. JFCS has changed my perspective on life, and ever since, I have been doing volunteer work as much as possible. Every time I would participate in community service work for JFCS, it was like a light inside of me was finally shining. Now that I am a freshman in high school, I am involved in clubs, some of which are solely based on volunteering. I have participated in almost all of the service opportunities, including bringing in books for a retirement community, food donations, and Christmas stocking stuffers for a struggling family. These things not only help others, but they help me. The feeling I get after knowing I did something good for the community is unlike any other. I have struggled with anxiety so extreme that doing simple things like going to school became impossible. The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. Even attending gym class triggered my panic attacks, and eventually, it affected me so much that I had to stop going. After starting high school, things changed completely. I began to enjoy going to school, I spent time with friends more and still maintained good grades. I still have anxiety, but I have learned ways to cope. I have many hobbies, and I love trying new things, but the two that stand out the most are writing and singing. When I began experiencing struggles with anxiety, writing was something that helped me to express my emotions, and through something that I enjoyed. In addition to writing my feelings in a journal, often through poetry, I also became interested in creative writing. It helped me to get out of my head, and I could make up a story, about anything, anything at all! The words I wrote were mine, nonetheless, and nobody could take that from me. I may be shy, but my words are powerful. Music also helped a lot when I first started struggling with mental health. I listened to songs, sang along, and recorded myself. Soon, I was posting videos of myself singing on my mom's Facebook page. Friends and family commented on how amazing my voice was, and how shocked they were that it came from such a shy, quiet girl. I may be quiet, but my voice is loud when it's used for singing. In the future, I plan to spread awareness about different topics through my writing, as well as singing. I want to write stories and songs to inspire people and convince people to do good for the world. Writing and singing are activities that have helped me tremendously, so if it helps people to read what I write and listen to what I sing, I want to make it count. There are too many people in need, and even if all they need is a smile, I want to give it to them. I want to be part of making happiness possible for everybody.

Music tells stories. Music toys with your emotions. Music makes you feel. Music does this, not only through the melodies the song possesses but also through the lyrics. Two interests of mine since I was a child are singing and writing. Both of these things bring out people's emotions. When I write, I can make my own story, and create my own happily ever after. When I sing, I can reach someone's heart and soul, simply just with the melodies. But recently, with much inspiration from the well-known pop artist Taylor Swift, I have begun to think about songwriting. I like being in charge, which can be an unflattering quality at times, but it also means that I may be more likely to succeed as my own boss. The thought of writing my own words, creating my own music and being able to sing it in front of crowds, all while sharing a meaningful story written to help people... well, that would just be a dream come true. I have enjoyed community service for most of my life, and seeing a smile on someone's face can light up my week. It's not necessarily the act that I enjoy, but the feeling after. Knowing I did something good for at least one person in the world is extremely important to me, and my main goal in life. Now that I have pondered over the possibility of changing people's lives through music, I can't get the thought out of my mind. Something that I have recently thought about helping people with in the future is mental health struggles. I have struggled with anxiety for the past few years, and listening to other people's stories of how they could overcome their difficulties has been a tremendous help for me to be able to push through the challenges I've faced. To me, music especially is something that helps me cope with my anxiety. Whether it's Shawn Mendes' "In My Blood" or Ariana Grande's "Breathin'", being able to relate to something filled with so much emotion, yet so beautifully implemented into a song is incredibly meaningful to me. I have a lot of plans for my future, but one thing I know is I want to spend the majority of it making the world a better place, and if I can write and sing songs while doing that, my purpose will be fulfilled. Below is a link to my TikTok page where I have two videos of myself singing. One is from a recent show I performed in for the School of Rock Classic Soul Music Mid-Season Show". Being in School of Rock has increased my passion for music, and made me think a lot about my future with singing. https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolette123_g/video/7261074878420340010?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7261076328450115114

I was eight years old when I lost someone for the first time. It was around nine-thirty at night, already past my bedtime, and my dad and I were watching "The Boy In The Bubble". My sister was in her bedroom, and my mom was at the hospital with my grandfather, who had dementia. I was at the hospital earlier in the day, and my grandfather was supposed to be released within the next few days. Still, my concern increased as time went by and my mom still wasn't home. My dad got a call and I muted the TV as he answered it. The tone of his voice was frightening. After, he told me it was my mom, informing him the doctors didn't think my grandfather would make it through the night. Instantly, tears flowed down my face. I was shocked, yet my dad didn’t seem surprised by the news at all. Should I have been expecting this? Did the rest of my family see it coming? My dad focused his eyes on his phone. Peeking at his phone screen, I wasn’t surprised that it was just on the home page. “But… he was doing so good earlier today. Mom got him to eat,” I told my dad, breaking the silence. Was I trying to convince him that this wasn’t happening? My dad mumbled a few words to comfort me, but I wasn't listening. I didn’t want to believe it. Pinching myself, it hit me that I wasn’t dreaming. I was there, slouched on the couch, staring at the TV, tears blurring my vision. I found my sister Jackie on her bed doing homework. Binders and papers covered her bed as she listened to music. I sat next to her and she removed her earbuds. I took a deep breath and got right to the point, doing my best to keep it together. “Mommy said Pop won’t make it through the night.” Raising her eyebrows, she replied, “Why aren’t you crying? Aren't you sad?” “I was,” I said to her in a squeaky voice. Then I started to cry again. “You’re going to make me cry,” she said, and we both cried together. Jackie got a text from my older cousin, Maria, saying that she was on her way to the hospital with her parents. She showed me the text and I bit my lip nervously. With a silent understanding, we left the room. We arrived and were greeted by a group of our sad family around my sleeping grandfather. Like statues, we stood uncomfortably. I could barely breathe and my crying was loud, probably disturbing people. My mom, a tissue in hand, made her way over to us. “Why don’t you girls sit in the lobby?” She whispered as she handed my sister a few dollars. “You can get something from the vending machine.” For hours, Jackie and Maria talked, and I pitched in every once in a while. I wasn’t listening to them. It was like I was trapped in my bubble of thoughts and emotions. Thoughts were floating around in my head, but I was not able to sort it all out. Was I the only one who was not expecting this so soon? I pondered over everything that would be different. For months I was hopeful, joining my mom at the hospital waiting for the day my grandfather would come home. A little before midnight, my uncle and my dad came to the lobby. I read the news on their faces before it left their lips. Pop was gone forever. Though it felt like years, it was only a few minutes later when we all dragged ourselves out of the hospital like zombies, exhausted. In the elevator, my Uncle Shawn half smiled and said, “He’s playing bingo with the angels now.” Attempting not to make eye contact with anyone, my red puffy eyes stayed glued to the floor. How did it happen so fast? Questions and guilt still haunt us. Would he have lived if we addressed the problem earlier? How were we so clueless? How were the doctors so clueless? I have not stepped foot in a hospital since it all happened. "The Boy In The Bubble" still waits patiently for our DVR to be finished. But looking back now, I realize the significance of that incredibly painful day. I learned to make the most of life and to appreciate the people around me because they won’t always be there. I know now that it is key to acknowledge life’s changes and make the most of it, as it may not be the same tomorrow. I understand that living trapped in a bubble won’t do me any good, because then I can’t experience all parts of life, changes included.

The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health has increased greatly. I can relate to this mental health struggle caused by COVID-19, but I wouldn't change anything now that I know who I have become after finally finding my way to happiness. The lockdown started when I was only in the sixth grade, a young girl trying to find her way around middle school. For a very long time, I would look back on Friday, March 13, 2020, and feel anger and sadness, knowing that was the day my life completely fell apart under my feet. At first, doing school online was fun for me, since I was, and still am, an introverted person. In fact, the first day of remote learning was my birthday-March 16. It felt like a blessing to be able to spend my birthday at home with my family, but later I would see it as a curse. Through the rest of sixth grade and all of seventh, I went to school online. My emotional growth was brought to a halt in the most important developmental years of my young life. Then, the next school year rolled around, and it was time for me to go back to school in person. I could have never predicted the struggles that lie ahead. The anxiety began on the very first day of eighth grade. I spent every night of the first week worrying. It was like a shock to be back in school with these people who used to wear rainbows and play games, and see them with crop tops and gossiping in the halls. It felt like I had missed out on something everybody else understood. The year was rocky and full of difficulties, but eventually, I was able to find ways to get through it, one day at a time. I was constantly contacting the school asking for accommodations that I knew were needed but didn't want. It felt as if I needed help getting through the most simple tasks in school without worrying. By the end of the year, I had completely stopped even attending gym class because of the stress and anxiety it caused me every single day. And finally, summer came around, and I cried like I had so many times that year, but now it was tears of joy. Summer was lonely, as I found it difficult to keep in touch with friends and spent most of my days inside, reading a book or writing stories in my notebook. I thought summer would never end, and then, to my dislike, it was time for me to go back to school. The first week of high school was nerve-racking, just as it was for every other freshman. Though I had started going to therapy and had talked to the school, I worried eighth grade would just repeat itself. To my surprise, I ended up enjoying the independence and ability to make decisions about my education. Before I knew it, I had joined three different clubs and had a group of friends who I spent time with outside of school. It was then when things started going right for me, that I decided I would stop letting my mind hold me back from what I wanted to do. All the characters in the books that I've read were able to find the light at the end of the tunnel, why am I any different? Now, I am controlling the direction my life is headed, not anxiety.

Oh no! The supernatural has invaded, and we have to figure out a way to save our town. Well, I know exactly who will be up for the challenge. Eleven: Eleven never backs down from a fight, and she will do anything to save her friends. This along with her telekinesis abilities makes it impossible to lose a fight with her. Her past trauma that she has overcome is what drives her power, and her ability to form connections with the people around her makes it impossible not to love her! She is so incredibly determined, and doesn't give up when it comes to protecting the people she cares about. Her willingness to sacrifice herself for others is a trait that not a lot of people possess, and her loyalty is unmatched. Her strength and resilience are ultimately why Eleven would be my first choice to help me fight the supernatural. Erica: Erica may not have been present in the first two seasons of the show, but things would be completely different if it wasn't for her in season three. Erica's knowledge and intelligence saved the group so many times when they were all certain they were done for. Erica is pushy, but in a way that makes the rest of them want to work harder. She knows what needs to be done, and she knows how to get people to do it. Erica's boldness and intelligence is why I would choose her to help me fight the supernatural. Hopper: The final person I would choose to help me fight the supernatural is Hopper. Hopper is tough, yet compassionate, and his experience in being a police chief is something that immensely affects his ability to help out the rest of their group in their quest. He is willing to do anything to protect the people he loves, and he is a natural leader. When things start to crumble, Hopper takes matters into his own hands with a determined attitude. Hopper's loyalty, attitude, and experience are why I would choose him to help me in my fight against a supernatural force. Yay! We did it. Between me, Eleven, Erica, and Hopper, we saved our town. I undoubtedly chose the right people to help me out! Now that we are all safe and not worrying about monsters taking over our town, we can finally go back to playing D&D!

Out of all the amazing shows and movies on Netflix, my favorite would have to be "The Good Place". This show includes everything from romance to humor to suspense, and it is all put together in a way that keeps the person watching so intrigued that they can't help but binge the whole season at once. Not only this but "The Good Place" gave me a completely new perspective on the afterlife and what "heaven" and "hell" really are. The show follows the journey of Eleanor Shellstrop, portrayed by the wonderful Kristen Bell, as she navigates the afterlife. She finds herself in a seemingly perfect world and quickly realizes she was wrongly placed in the "good place", and is meant to be in the "bad place". She makes three friends and eventually finds out that they have also been misplaced. They all stick together as they do their best to be good people so that when they are caught, they get to stay where they are. In a later season, Eleanor finds out that she is not at all where she thinks she is, and the viewer is hit with the biggest plot twist yet! Telling you what happens would spoil it, but, seriously, I've never been so shocked by a plot twist in my life! Absolutely remarkable. That is the only way I can think to describe the fantasy aspects of the show. There is flying, human computers that appear out of nowhere, and each person's house is their dream house! It is truly marvelous seeing all these things depicted in the show in such a fun, quirky way. The characters in the show are all funny in their own way, and there is something about each one of them that kept me interested while watching. The viewer gets to see each of their storylines throughout the show, not only Eleanor, which makes it a lot more interesting to see them all interact with each other. The character development that exists from the first to the last season of the show is almost inspiring. Being in the "Good Place" changed each of them in a way nobody could have ever expected, but it is an amazing thing to see. The show is incredibly entertaining to viewers of almost all types of interests, whether that is comedy, plot twists, romance, or even mystery. The show makes us reflect on what it means to be a good person, or better yet, what the criteria are for getting into heaven if there are any. As I watched, I found myself questioning my morals and values, and contemplating what a sin really is. Though you may think this show is solely based on religion, it isn't at all. People of all religions end up in "The Good Place", and in the end, the lesson has nothing to do with religion, only what it means to be a good person with morals. The characters struggle to make the right decisions, and as the viewer, we feel their stress and anxiety as they make their choices and wait for the consequences. Overall, "The Good Place" is a wonderful Netflix show that successfully blends all genres of entertainment, and its thought-provoking themes will leave you pondering for hours. Get ready to binge this show to the end, because once you start, you won't want to stop watching! Be warned: You may end up in the "bad place" if you don't watch this show!

Zendaya is one of the most talented artists, juggling her career between acting, singing, and dancing. One aspect of her career that I admire the most is her ability to transition between these things. She is so talented in everything she does, it's almost unbelievable all that she has accomplished at such a young age. She does all of this so effortlessly, leaving fans with impeccable performances that they will remember forever. To begin, Zendaya is such a beautiful actress, and her ability to switch between portraying humor and excitement in Spider-Man to showcasing vulnerability and despair in Euphoria demonstrates an incredible level of expertise that so many of us aspire to possess at some point in our lives. She has done so many different types of acting and has grown so much from her teen years on Disney Channel. I strongly believe that there is something to be said about the actors on Disney Channel who were able to expand their careers because often they are sadly "forgotten about" after their show ends. I have watched Zedaya on TV since she starred in "Shake It Off" where she also displayed her talents in singing and dancing. I went on to watch her on "K.C. Undercover", as well as "Spider-Man" and "Euphoria". It is mind-blowing how much she has improved in her acting, and how she was able to explore so many different types of acting already. It is clear that Zendaya has put a tremendous effort into her acting career, and has shown immense success. I can't wait to see what she works on next! Along with her success in acting, Zendaya has an impressive talent for singing and dancing. She has many catchy songs, including "Replay" and "Something New", both of which are on my Spotify playlist. She has a powerful voice and her songs are always a joy to listen to. In addition to this, she is a fantastic dancer, which has been shown on "Shake It Off", music videos, as well as live performances. She performed on season 16 of "Dancing With The Stars", and she made it to the finals! Her talent in singing and dancing only adds to my astonishment at how much she can do. Above all this, something that truly stands out about Zendaya is her confidence. This is shown through everything she does, including her interviews and her fashion. Her outfits are always bold and unique, and she embraces her true self always. The way she radiates independence and individuality inspires others to do the same, and this is something that I greatly respect about her. Beyond her expression through fashion, Zendaya takes on challenging and complex roles in shows, and the emotional scenes captivate the audience in such a way that not many actors can make possible. All of this, and more, shows her confidence and determination in everything she does. The fact that she has done all of this so early in her career is astounding and makes me excited to see what more she goes on to do. Her ability to excel in multiple areas of art is inspiring to me, and the way she expresses herself so fearlessly influences me to have that amount of confidence in myself. Overall, Zendaya is an astonishingly talented and amazing person, and I will continue to take an interest in her career in the future.

Taylor Swift has always been someone I admired, for her style, songwriting, and overall amazing musical talents. Ever since I was young, I remember singing all her songs with my family and scream-singing her songs in the car. "Welcome To New York" was the song we would blast on our way to visit my aunt and uncle in New York, and even though it doesn't seem like it was the "wildest dream", those small moments felt like wonderland. Thinking back, Taylor Swift was a part of my childhood from the start. I have recently become a huge fan of Taylor, especially after watching her documentary on Netflix, "Miss Americana". While I have always loved her music, learning more about her life and personality has given me a chance to gain a new respect for her as a person, not only as a singer/songwriter. The obstacles that she has overcome at such a young age is so motivating to teenagers all around the world. She has been able to "shake off" the hate and continue to come back with more hit songs and fun concerts, even when it may have felt like she would never be as popular as she was in the beginning. The album '1989' is one that really shows Taylor's music style, and while most of the songs include her experiences with dating, really listening to the lyrics provided me with deeper meanings for many of the songs in this album. Overall, the songs show how much of a strong and independent woman she is able to be, even when receiving so much hate from the world. When I listened to the album all the way through, I was surprised to find out that I knew every song on it, and I could have listened to any of them on repeat without getting bored. Choosing a favorite from this wonderful album is near impossible, but after much thought, the one I like the most would have to be "Shake It Off". I have known every lyric of this song since I was a kid, and I have chosen it as my favorite for more reasons than just the catchiness. "Shake It Off" shows how much grit Taylor has, and how she is able to make a comeback when people judge her. The lyrics talk about "shaking off" the mean words people say, behind your back or to your face. The lyrics are clever, using dancing as a metaphor for making your way through life without dwelling on the opinions of others. In the song, Taylor sings that she is "dancing on her own" and "making the moves up as she goes" but the people around her don't see the hard work she puts into her success, they only see her flaws. But through it all, your mindset is what sets a person up to succeed. Taylor Swift has "music in her mind saying it's gonna be alright" and that attitude is what keeps her going in her career. Strangers can't see the hard work being put in behind the scenes, and remembering this is one of the most important things a person needs to succeed. Taylor Swift is a huge inspiration to me as an aspiring singer and made me begin to think about my songwriting. She is someone who "never misses a beat" with her music and has worked hard to get where she is today. Everybody who is a fan of Taylor Swift or is interested in pursuing music in the future is lucky to have such an incredible role model to help get them there.

If I could have everyone in the world read just one book, I would choose "The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot". This book can give readers of any age an entirely new perspective on life. The novel reminisces on the many wonderful years of Margot’s life, from childhood to adulthood, as well as discusses Lenni’s experiences in her young life, which sadly ended far too soon. The story provides the readers with a myriad of lessons that will undoubtedly leave the reader thinking about many aspects of life. After reading The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot, I was left pondering life in general. Lenni and Margot’s situations not only changed my perspectives, but it also made me think about what I want my life to be like. I realized that the life I yearn for is not solely based on success, but I would like to see myself leading a life full of adventure and interesting events, just like Margot. Margot’s stories about her life are not the only part of the book that left me with a different perspective, Lenni’s story did too. Lenni’s time on Earth was much shorter than what she deserved, but with her positive attitude toward life, she was able to make it as enjoyable as possible. Lenni made more friends in the hospital than some people make in a lifetime, and never had a negative view of life. Through it all, while her body was rapidly declining, she was still as strong as ever. Lenni was able to turn to those she cared about, and who cared about her, to cope with her horrible situation. It taught me that the best friendships are often made later in life, and sometimes they last the shortest amount of time. The book The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot completely changed my views on not only my life but life in general. The story included themes like friendship, struggle and hardships, and perseverance. While I was aware from the beginning that the characters were sick and not in stable condition, Lenni’s death was sad and shocking to me. The connections that not only the characters have with one another, but that the reader has with the characters are unique from any other story I have read.

nicoletteguil_16

There are just too many people in this world who are hurting. If my life has a purpose, I want it to be helping people. If I were to leave this Earth tomorrow, I want to know that I did something good for the world, even if I just made one person smile. My involvement in community service mainly started when my mom got a job with Jewish Family and Children's Services, an organization that helps the community. JFCS has changed my perspective on life, and ever since, I have been doing volunteer work as much as possible. Every time I would participate in community service work for JFCS, it was like a light inside of me was finally shining. Now that I have been through my freshman year of high school, I have seen how much involvement in clubs, some of which are solely based on volunteering, can help people through their struggles. I have participated in almost all of the service opportunities, including bringing in books for a retirement community, food donations, and Christmas stocking stuffers for a struggling family. These things not only help others, but they help me. The feeling I get after knowing I did something good for the community is unlike any other. I have struggled with anxiety so extreme that doing simple things like going to school became impossible. The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. Even attending gym class triggered my panic attacks, and eventually, it affected me so much that I had to stop going. After starting high school, things changed completely. I began to enjoy going to school, I spent time with friends more and still maintained good grades. I still have anxiety, but I have learned ways to cope. I have many hobbies, and I love trying new things, but the two that stand out the most are writing and singing. When I began experiencing struggles with anxiety, writing was something that helped me to express my emotions, and through something that I enjoyed. In addition to writing my feelings in a journal, often through poetry, I also became interested in creative writing. It helped me to get out of my head, and I could make up a story, about anything, anything at all! The words I wrote were mine, nonetheless, and nobody could take that from me. I may be shy, but my words are powerful. Music also helped a lot when I first started struggling with mental health. I listened to songs, sang along, and recorded myself. Soon, I was posting videos of myself singing on my mom's Facebook page. Friends and family commented on how amazing my voice was, and how shocked they were that it came from such a shy, quiet girl. I may be quiet, but my voice is loud when it's used for singing. In the future, I plan to spread awareness about different topics through my writing, as well as singing. I want to write stories and songs to inspire people and convince people to do good for the world. Writing and singing are activities that have helped me tremendously, so if it helps people to read what I write and listen to what I sing, I want to make it count. There are too many people in need, and even if all they need is a smile, I want to give it to them. I want to be part of making happiness possible for everybody.

The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. I can relate to this mental health struggle caused by Covid, but I wouldn't change anything now that I know who I have become after finally finding my way to happiness. The lockdown started when I was only in the sixth grade, a young girl trying to find her way around middle school. For a very long time, I would look back on Friday, March 13, 2020, and feel anger and sadness, knowing that was the day my life completely fell apart under my feet. At first, doing school online was fun for me, since I was, and still am, an introverted person. In fact, the first day of remote learning was my birthday-March 16. It felt like a blessing to be able to spend my birthday at home with my family, but later I would see it as a curse. Through the rest of sixth grade and all of seventh, I went to school online. My emotional growth was brought to a halt in the most important developmental years of my young life. Then, the next school year rolled around, and it was time for me to go back to school in person. I could have never predicted the struggles that lie ahead. The anxiety began on the very first day of eighth grade. I spent every night of the first week worrying. It was like a shock to be back in school with these people who used to wear rainbows and play games, and see them with crop tops and gossiping in the halls. It felt like I had missed out on something everybody else understood. The year was rocky and full of difficulties, but eventually, I was able to find ways to get through it, one day at a time. I was constantly contacting the school asking for accommodations that I knew were needed but didn't want. It felt as if I needed help getting through the most simple tasks in school without worrying. By the end of the year, I had completely stopped even attending gym class because of the stress and anxiety it caused me every single day. And finally, summer came around, and I cried like I had so many times that year, but now it was tears of joy. Summer was lonely, as I found it difficult to keep in touch with friends and spent most of my days inside, reading a book or writing stories in my notebook. I thought summer would never end, and then, to my dislike, it was time for me to go back to school.

There are just too many people in this world who are hurting. If my life has a purpose, I want it to be helping people. If I were to leave this Earth tomorrow, I want to know that I did something good for the world, even if I just made one person smile. My involvement in community service mainly started when my mom got a job with Jewish Family and Children's Services, an organization that helps the community. JFCS has changed my perspective on life, and ever since, I have been doing volunteer work as much as possible. Every time I would participate in community service work for JFCS, it was like a light inside of me was finally shining. Now that I am a freshman in high school, I am involved in clubs, some of which are solely based on volunteering. I have participated in almost all of the service opportunities, including bringing in books for a retirement community, food donations, and Christmas stocking stuffers for a struggling family. These things not only help others, but they help me. The feeling I get after knowing I did something good for the community is unlike any other. I have struggled with anxiety so extreme that doing simple things like going to school became impossible. The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. Even attending gym class triggered my panic attacks, and eventually, it affected me so much that I had to stop going. After starting high school, things changed completely. I began to enjoy going to school, I spent time with friends more and still maintained good grades. I still have anxiety, but I have learned ways to cope. I have many hobbies, and I love trying new things, but the two that stand out the most are writing and singing. When I began experiencing struggles with anxiety, writing was something that helped me to express my emotions, and through something that I enjoyed. In addition to writing my feelings in a journal, often through poetry, I also became interested in creative writing. It helped me to get out of my head, and I could make up a story, about anything, anything at all! The words I wrote were mine, nonetheless, and nobody could take that from me. I may be shy, but my words are powerful. Music also helped a lot when I first started struggling with mental health. I listened to songs, sang along, and recorded myself. Soon, I was posting videos of myself singing on my mom's Facebook page. Friends and family commented on how amazing my voice was, and how shocked they were that it came from such a shy, quiet girl. I may be quiet, but my voice is loud when it's used for singing. In the future, I plan to spread awareness about different topics through my writing, as well as singing. I want to write stories and songs to inspire people and convince people to do good for the world. Writing and singing are activities that have helped me tremendously, so if it helps people to read what I write and listen to what I sing, I want to make it count. There are too many people in need, and even if all they need is a smile, I want to give it to them. I want to be part of making happiness possible for everybody.

Taylor Swift has always been someone I admired, for her style, songwriting, and overall amazing musical talents. Ever since I was young, I remember singing all her songs with my family and scream-singing her songs in the car. "Welcome To New York" was the song we would blast on our way to visit my aunt and uncle in New York, and even though it doesn't seem like it was the "wildest dream", those small moments felt like a wonderland. Thinking back, Taylor Swift was a part of my childhood from the start. I have recently become a huge fan of Taylor, especially after watching her documentary on Netflix, "Miss Americana". While I have always loved her music, learning more about her life and personality has given me a chance to gain a new respect for her as a person, not only as a singer/songwriter. The obstacles that she has overcome at such a young age are so motivating to teenagers all around the world. She has been able to "shake off" the hate and continue to come back with more hit songs and fun concerts, even when it may have felt like she would never be as popular as she was in the beginning. The album '1989' is one that really shows Taylor's music style, and while most of the songs include her experiences with dating, really listening to the lyrics provided me with deeper meanings for many of the songs in this album. Overall, the songs show how much of a strong and independent woman she can be, even when receiving so much hate from the world. When I listened to the album all the way through, I was surprised to find out that I knew every song on it, and I could have listened to any of them on repeat without getting bored. Taylor's 1989 album is by far my favorite of her albums, and the song I like the most would have to be "Shake It Off". I have known every lyric of this song since I was a kid, and I have chosen it as my favorite for more reasons than just the catchiness. "Shake It Off" shows how much grit Taylor has, and how she is able to make a comeback when people judge her. The lyrics talk about "shaking off" the mean words people say, behind your back or to your face. The lyrics are clever, using dancing as a metaphor for making your way through life without dwelling on the opinions of others. In the song, Taylor sings that she is "dancing on her own" and "making the moves up as she goes" but the people around her don't see the hard work she puts into her success, they only see her flaws. But through it all, your mindset is what sets a person up to succeed. Taylor Swift has "music in her mind saying it's gonna be alright" and that attitude is what keeps her going in her career. Strangers can't see the hard work being put in behind the scenes, and remember this is one of the most important things a person needs to succeed. Taylor Swift is a huge inspiration to me as an aspiring singer and made me begin to think about my own songwriting. She is someone who "never misses a beat" with her music and has worked hard to get where she is today. Everybody who is a fan of Taylor Swift or is interested in pursuing music in the future is lucky to have such an incredible role model to help get them there.

There are just too many people in this world who are hurting. If my life has a purpose, I want it to be helping people. If I were to leave this Earth tomorrow, I want to know that I did something good for the world, even if I just made one person smile. My involvement in community service mainly started when my mom got a job with Jewish Family and Children's Services, an organization that helps the community. JFCS has changed my perspective on life, and ever since, I have been doing volunteer work as much as possible. Every time I would participate in community service work for JFCS, it was like a light inside of me was finally shining. Now that I am a freshman in high school, I am involved in clubs, some of which are solely based on volunteering. I have participated in almost all of the service opportunities, including bringing in books for a retirement community, food donations, and Christmas stocking stuffers for a struggling family. These things not only help others, but they help me. The feeling I get after knowing I did something good for the community is unlike any other. I have struggled with anxiety so extreme that doing simple things like going to school became impossible. The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. Even attending gym class triggered my panic attacks, and eventually, it affected me so much that I had to stop going. After starting high school, things changed completely. I began to enjoy going to school, I spent time with friends more and still maintained good grades. I still have anxiety, but I have learned ways to cope. I have many hobbies, and I love trying new things, but the two that stand out the most are writing and singing. When I began experiencing struggles with anxiety, writing was something that helped me to express my emotions, and through something that I enjoyed. In addition to writing my feelings in a journal, often through poetry, I also became interested in creative writing. It helped me to get out of my head, and I could make up a story, about anything, anything at all! The words I wrote were mine, nonetheless, and nobody could take that from me. I may be shy, but my words are powerful. Music also helped a lot when I first started struggling with mental health. I listened to songs, sang along, and recorded myself. Soon, I was posting videos of myself singing on my mom's Facebook page. Friends and family commented on how amazing my voice was, and how shocked they were that it came from such a shy, quiet girl. I may be quiet, but my voice is loud when it's used for singing. In the future, I plan to spread awareness about different topics through my writing, as well as singing. I want to write stories and songs to inspire people and convince people to do good for the world. Writing and singing are activities that have helped me tremendously, so if it helps people to read what I write and listen to what I sing, I want to make it count. There are too many people in need, and even if all they need is a smile, I want to give it to them. I want to be part of making happiness possible for everybody.

Music tells stories. Music toys with your emotions. Music makes you feel. Music does this, not only through the melodies the song possesses but also through the lyrics. Two interests of mine since I was a child are singing and writing. Both of these things bring out people's emotions. When I write, I can make my own story, and create my own happily ever after. When I sing, I can reach someone's heart and soul, simply just with the melodies. But recently, with much inspiration from the well-known pop artist Taylor Swift, I have begun to think about songwriting. I like being in charge, which can be an unflattering quality at times, but it also means that I may be more likely to succeed as my own boss. The thought of writing my own words, creating my own music and being able to sing it in front of crowds, all while sharing a meaningful story written to help people... well, that would be a dream come true. I have enjoyed community service for most of my life, and seeing a smile on someone's face can light up my week. It's not necessarily the act that I enjoy, but the feeling after. Knowing I did something good for at least one person in the world is extremely important to me, and my main goal in life. Now that I have pondered over the possibility of changing people's lives through music, I can't get the thought out of my mind. Something that I have recently thought about helping people with in the future is mental health struggles. I have struggled with anxiety for the past few years, and listening to other people's stories of how they could overcome their difficulties has been a tremendous help for me to be able to push through the challenges I've faced. To me, music especially is something that helps me cope with my anxiety. Whether it's Shawn Mendes' "In My Blood" or Ariana Grande's "Breathin'", being able to relate to something filled with so much emotion, yet so beautifully implemented into a song is incredibly meaningful to me. I have a lot of plans for my future, but one thing I know is I want to spend the majority of it making the world a better place, and if I can write and sing songs while doing that, my purpose will be fulfilled.

The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. I can relate to this mental health struggle caused by Covid, but I wouldn't change anything now that I know who I have become after finally finding my way to happiness. The lockdown started when I was only in the sixth grade, a young girl trying to find her way around middle school. For a very long time, I would look back on Friday, March 13, 2020, and feel anger and sadness, knowing that was the day my life completely fell apart under my feet. At first, doing school online was fun for me, since I was, and still am, an introverted person. In fact, the first day of remote learning was my birthday-March 16. It felt like a blessing to be able to spend my birthday at home with my family, but later I would see it as a curse. Through the rest of sixth grade and all of seventh, I went to school online. My emotional growth was brought to a halt in the most important developmental years of my young life. Then, the next school year rolled around, and it was time for me to go back to school in person. I could have never predicted the struggles that lie ahead. The anxiety began on the very first day of eighth grade. I spent every night of the first week worrying. It was like a shock to be back in school with these people who used to wear rainbows and play games, and see them wearing crop tops and gossiping in the halls. It felt like I had missed out on something everybody else understood. The year was rocky and full of difficulties, but eventually, I was able to find ways to get through it, one day at a time. I was constantly contacting the school asking for accommodations that I knew were needed but didn't want. It felt as if I needed help getting through the most simple tasks in school without worrying. By the end of the year, I had completely stopped even attending gym class because of the stress and anxiety it caused me every single day. And finally, summer came around, and I cried like I had so many times that year, but now it was tears of joy. Summer was lonely, as I found it difficult to keep in touch with friends and spent most of my days inside, reading a book or writing stories in my notebook. I thought summer would never end, and then, to my dislike, it was time for me to go back to school. The first week of high school was nerve-racking, just as it was for every other freshman. Though I had started going to therapy and had talked to the school, I worried eighth grade would just repeat itself. To my surprise, I ended up enjoying the independence and ability to make decisions about my education. Before I knew it, I had joined three different clubs and had a group of friends who I spend time with the outside of school. It was then that I started to turn things around, and I decided I would stop letting my mind hold me back from what I wanted to do. All the characters in the books that I've read were able to find the light at the end of the tunnel, why am I any different? Now, I am controlling the direction my life is headed, not anxiety. Before I began having difficulties with my mental health, I didn't pay attention to the accommodations that so many people needed during school due to their mental illness. While I am so grateful for all the wonderful staff in my schools who helped me through these struggles, anxiety in school children/teens is incredibly overlooked. Something as simple as a "fun" group project could send a student spiraling. With mental health struggles in school being so much more apparent to me after my experiences, I have gained strong opinions on the topic. Every day in school, my brain told me the students were against me, the teachers were against me, the counselor didn't care about me, and the work was just too hard for me. Not knowing why I was feeling this way, I was left to suffer in silence for much of my eighth-grade year until I was able to get help toward the end of the school year. If the school had provided resources for me earlier, I may have been able to enjoy my time in school and focus on learning and socializing with friends. Though I am no longer struggling as much, the memories are always with me, creeping in like a nightmare that won't go away. Now that I am in high school, I feel like I am behind the rest of my classmates because of the social skills I was never able to develop in middle school. I have to work harder in every aspect I missed out on when all I could focus on was anxiety. The way I see it, mental health struggles are on the rise, especially for teenagers, and since school is a big part of our lives, schools should be prepared to handle these situations and be able to assist students who need it. I never want anyone to have to suffer their way through the day because the school isn't providing them with the help that they need. The organization that I occasionally volunteer for, Jewish Family and Children's Services, has so many resources for people struggling with their mental health, and my hope for the future, is that schools can partner with organizations like this to give students the opportunities they deserve, even if they have a disability that holds them back.

There are just too many people in this world who are hurting. If my life has a purpose, I want it to be helping people. If I were to leave this Earth tomorrow, I want to know that I did something good for the world, even if I just made one person smile. My involvement in community service mainly started when my mom got a job with Jewish Family and Children's Services, an organization that helps the community. JFCS has changed my perspective on life, and ever since, I have been doing volunteer work as much as possible. Every time I would participate in community service work for JFCS, it was like a light inside of me was finally shining. Now that I am a freshman in high school, I am involved in clubs, some of which are solely based on volunteering. I have participated in almost all of the service opportunities, including bringing in books for a retirement community, food donations, and Christmas stocking stuffers for a struggling family. These things not only help others, but they help me. The feeling I get after knowing I did something good for the community is unlike any other. I have struggled with anxiety so extreme that doing simple things like going to school became impossible. The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. Even attending gym class triggered my panic attacks, and eventually, it affected me so much that I had to stop going. After starting high school, things changed completely. I began to enjoy going to school, I spent time with friends more and still maintained good grades. I still have anxiety, but I have learned ways to cope. I have many hobbies, and I love trying new things, but the two that stand out the most are writing and singing. When I began experiencing struggles with anxiety, writing was something that helped me to express my emotions, and through something that I enjoyed. In addition to writing my feelings in a journal, often through poetry, I also became interested in creative writing. It helped me to get out of my head, and I could make up a story, about anything, anything at all! The words I wrote were mine, nonetheless, and nobody could take that from me. I may be shy, but my words are powerful. Music also helped a lot when I first started struggling with mental health. I listened to songs, sang along, and recorded myself. Soon, I was posting videos of myself singing on my mom's Facebook page. Friends and family commented on how amazing my voice was, and how shocked they were that it came from such a shy, quiet girl. I may be quiet, but my voice is loud when it's used for singing. In the future, I plan to spread awareness about different topics through my writing, as well as singing. I want to write stories and songs to inspire people and convince people to do good for the world. Writing and singing are activities that have helped me tremendously, so if it helps people to read what I write and listen to what I sing, I want to make it count. There are too many people in need, and even if all they need is a smile, I want to give it to them. I want to be part of making happiness possible for everybody.

There are just too many people in this world who are hurting. If my life has a purpose, I want it to be helping people. If I were to leave this Earth tomorrow, I want to know that I did something good for the world, even if I just made one person smile. My involvement in community service mainly started when my mom got a job with Jewish Family and Children's Services, an organization that helps the community. JFCS has changed my perspective on life, and ever since, I have been doing volunteer work as much as possible. Every time I would participate in community service work for JFCS, it was like a light inside of me was finally shining. Now that I am a freshman in high school, I am involved in clubs, some of which are solely based on volunteering. I have participated in almost all of the service opportunities, including bringing in books for a retirement community, food donations, and Christmas stocking stuffers for a struggling family. These things not only help others, but they help me. The feeling I get after knowing I did something good for the community is unlike any other. I have struggled with anxiety so extreme that doing simple things like going to school became impossible. The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. Even attending gym class triggered my panic attacks, and eventually, it affected me so much that I had to stop going. After starting high school, things changed completely. I began to enjoy going to school, I spent time with friends more and still maintained good grades. I still have anxiety, but I have learned ways to cope. I have many hobbies, and I love trying new things, but the two that stand out the most are writing and singing. When I began experiencing struggles with anxiety, writing was something that helped me to express my emotions, and through something that I enjoyed. In addition to writing my feelings in a journal, often through poetry, I also became interested in creative writing. It helped me to get out of my head, and I could make up a story, about anything, anything at all! The words I wrote were mine, nonetheless, and nobody could take that from me. I may be shy, but my words are powerful. Music also helped a lot when I first started struggling with mental health. I listened to songs, sang along, and recorded myself. Soon, I was posting videos of myself singing on my mom's Facebook page. Friends and family commented on how amazing my voice was, and how shocked they were that it came from such a shy, quiet girl. I may be quiet, but my voice is loud when it's used for singing. In the future, I plan to spread awareness about different topics through my writing, as well as singing. I want to write stories and songs to inspire people and convince people to do good for the world. Writing and singing are activities that have helped me tremendously, so if it helps people to read what I write and listen to what I sing, I want to make it count. There are too many people in need, and even if all they need is a smile, I want to give it to them. I want to be part of making happiness possible for everybody.

There are just too many people in this world who are hurting. If my life has a purpose, I want it to be helping people. If I were to leave this Earth tomorrow, I want to know that I did something good for the world, even if I just made one person smile. My involvement in community service mainly started when my mom got a job with Jewish Family and Children's Services, an organization that helps the community. JFCS has changed my perspective on life, and ever since, I have been doing volunteer work as much as possible. Every time I would participate in community service work for JFCS, it was like a light inside of me was finally shining. Now that I am a freshman in high school, I am involved in clubs, some of which are solely based on volunteering. I have participated in almost all of the service opportunities, including bringing in books for a retirement community, food donations, and Christmas stocking stuffers for a struggling family. These things not only help others, but they help me. The feeling I get after knowing I did something good for the community is unlike any other. I have struggled with anxiety so extreme that doing simple things like going to school became impossible. The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. Even attending gym class triggered my panic attacks, and eventually, it affected me so much that I had to stop going. After starting high school, things changed completely. I began to enjoy going to school, I spent time with friends more and still maintained good grades. I still have anxiety, but I have learned ways to cope. I have many hobbies, and I love trying new things, but the two that stand out the most are writing and singing. When I began experiencing struggles with anxiety, writing was something that helped me to express my emotions, and through something that I enjoyed. In addition to writing my feelings in a journal, often through poetry, I also became interested in creative writing. It helped me to get out of my head, and I could make up a story, about anything, anything at all! The words I wrote were mine, nonetheless, and nobody could take that from me. I may be shy, but my words are powerful. Music also helped a lot when I first started struggling with mental health. I listened to songs, sang along, and recorded myself. Soon, I was posting videos of myself singing on my mom's Facebook page. Friends and family commented on how amazing my voice was, and how shocked they were that it came from such a shy, quiet girl. I may be quiet, but my voice is loud when it's used for singing. In the future, I plan to spread awareness about different topics through my writing, as well as singing. I want to write stories and songs to inspire people and convince people to do good for the world. Writing and singing are activities that have helped me tremendously, so if it helps people to read what I write and listen to what I sing, I want to make it count. There are too many people in need, and even if all they need is a smile, I want to give it to them. I want to be part of making happiness possible for everybody.

Taylor Swift has always been someone I admired, for her style, songwriting, and overall amazing musical talents. Ever since I was young, I remember singing all her songs with my family and scream-singing her songs in the car. "Welcome To New York" was the song we would blast on our way to visit my aunt and uncle in New York, and even though it doesn't seem like it's the "wildest dream", those small moments felt like wonderland. Thinking back, Taylor Swift was a part of my childhood from the start. I have recently become a huge fan of Taylor, especially after watching her documentary on Netflix, "Miss Americana". While I have always loved her music, learning more about her life and personality has given me a chance to gain a new respect for her as a person, not only as a singer/songwriter. The obstacles that she has overcome at such a young age is so motivating to teenagers all around the world. She has been able to "shake off" the hate and continue to come back with more hit songs and fun concerts, even when it may have felt like she would never be as popular as she was in the beginning. The album '1989' is one that really shows Taylor's music style, and while most of the songs include her experiences with dating, really listening to the lyrics provided me with deeper meanings for many of the songs in this album. Overall, the songs show how much of a strong and independent woman she is able to be, even when receiving so much hate from the world. When I listened to the album all the way through, I was surprised to find out that I knew every song on it, and I could have listened to any of them on repeat without getting bored. Choosing a favorite from this wonderful album is near impossible, but after much thought, the one I like the most would have to be "Shake It Off". I have known every lyric of this song since I was a kid, and I have chosen it as my favorite for more reasons than just the catchiness. "Shake It Off" shows how much grit Taylor has, and how she is able to make a comeback when people judge her. The lyrics talk about "shaking off" the mean words people say, behind your back or to your face. The lyrics are clever, using dancing as a metaphor for making your way through life without dwelling on the opinions of others. In the song, Taylor sings that she is "dancing on her own" and "making the moves up as she goes" but the people around her don't see the hard work she puts into her success, they only see her flaws. But through it all, your mindset is what sets a person up to succeed. Taylor Swift has "music in her mind saying it's gonna be alright" and that attitude is what keeps her going in her career. Strangers can't see the hard work being put in behind the scenes, and remembering this is one of the most important things a person needs to succeed. Taylor Swift is a huge inspiration to me as an aspiring singer, and made me begin to think about my own songwriting. She is someone who "never misses a beat" with her music, and has worked hard to get where she is today. Everybody who is a fan of Taylor Swift or is interested in pursuing music in the future is lucky to have such an incredible role model to help get them there.

There are just too many people in this world who are hurting. If my life has a purpose, I want it to be helping people. If I were to leave this Earth tomorrow, I want to know that I did something good for the world, even if I just made one person smile. I have been doing community service ever since I was young, but it mainly started when my mom got a job with Jewish Family and Children's Services, which is an organization that helps the community in a variety of different ways. JFCS has changed my perspective on life in many ways, and ever since, I have been doing volunteer work as much as possible. I would often help my mom with administrative work, such as putting labels on envelopes, organizing papers, and other similar tasks. Soon, I realized how good it felt knowing that I was involved in an organization that helps so many people. It was a feeling I have never felt before, like finally finding the part of my life that was missing. Every time I would participate in community service work for JFCS, it was like a light inside of me was finally shining. Now that I am a freshman in high school, I am involved in clubs, some of which are solely based on volunteering. I have participated in almost all of the service opportunities, including bringing in books for a retirement community, food donations, and Christmas stocking stuffers for a struggling family. These things not only help others, but they help me. The feeling I get after knowing I did something good for the community is unlike any other. I have many hobbies, and I love trying new things, but the two that stand out the most are writing and singing. Writing has been a hobby of mine since I was young, always writing stories and poems in my journal. When I began experiencing struggles with anxiety, writing was something that helped me to express my emotions, and through something that I enjoyed. In addition to writing my feelings in a journal, often through poetry, I also became interested in creative writing. It helped me to get out of my head, and I could make up a story, about anything, anything at all! I could write about things that are familiar to me or something that has nothing to do with me. But the words I wrote were mine, nonetheless, and nobody could take that from me. I may be shy, but my words are powerful. Music also helped a lot when I first started struggling with mental health. I listened to songs, sang along, and recorded myself. Soon, I was posting videos of myself singing on my mom's Facebook page. Friends and family commented on how amazing my voice was, and how shocked they were that it came from such a shy, quiet girl. I may be quiet, but my voice is loud when it's used for singing. In the future, I plan to spread awareness about different topics through my writing, as well as singing. I want to write stories and songs to inspire people and convince people to do good for the world. Writing and singing are activities that have helped me tremendously, so if it helps people to read what I write and listen to what I sing, I want to make it count. There are too many people in need, and even if all they need is a smile, I want to give it to them. I want to be part of making happiness possible for everybody.

There are too many people in this world who don't have food to eat, too many people who haven't had the opportunity for the education they deserve, too many people who are unable to receive proper health care The list goes on and on. There are just too many people in this world who are hurting. If my life has a purpose, I want it to be helping people. If I were to leave this Earth tomorrow, I want to know that I did something good for the world, even if I just made one person smile. I have been doing community service ever since I was young, but it mainly started when my mom got a job with Jewish Family and Children's Services, which is an organization that helps the community in a variety of different ways, with programs including a food pantry, groups for Holocaust survivors, help escaping abusive relationships, services for special needs young adults, etc. JFCS has changed my perspective on life in so many ways, and ever since, I have been doing volunteer work as much as possible. Starting in middle school, I would often help my mom with administrative work, such as putting labels on envelopes, organizing papers, and other similar tasks. Soon, I realized how good it felt to know I am involved in a community that helps so many people every day. It was a feeling I have never felt before, like finally finding the part of my life that was missing. Every time I would participate in community service work for JFCS, it was like a light inside of me was finally shining. There weren't too many opportunities for community service in elementary and middle school. Occasionally, there would be a food collection or a toy collection for kids, but I looked forward to high school, which I knew from my older sister had so many different service opportunities through a myriad of clubs. Now that I am a freshman, I am involved in 4 clubs, two of which are solely based on service to our community. I have participated in almost all of the service opportunities, including bringing in books for a retirement community, food donations, and Christmas stocking stuffers for a struggling family. This resonated with me because I have been so fortunate as a child to be able to receive gifts each Christmas morning and enjoy the holidays with my family, so I can only imagine how enthusiastic those kids were when they saw the gifts under the tree and the stockings full of toys and candy. While I wish I could see their reactions, it is a wonderful feeling to imagine their excitement, and it brings upon a calling to make other people happy who may be in a similar situation. These things not only help others, but they help me. The feeling I get after knowing I did something good for the community is unlike any other. In the future, I plan to spread awareness about different topics through my writing, as well as singing. I want to write stories and songs to inspire people and convince people to do good for the world. Writing and singing are activities that have always helped me tremendously, so if it helps people to read what I write and listen to what I sing, I want to make it count. There are too many people in this world who are in need, and even if all they need is a smile, I want to give it to them. I want to be part of making happiness possible for everybody.

For the past couple of years, I have been volunteering with JFCS (Jewish Family and Children Services) which is an organization helping and supporting those in the community who have experienced challenges such as abuse, financial difficulties, hunger, mental struggles, etc. I have helped with things like donating food, sorting food donations, and more. I have always loved helping people, but doing community service through this organization has taught me so much about myself that has altered what I want my path in life to be. Having empathy for people is one thing, but JFCS goes above and beyond with the services they provide. Through volunteering with this organization, I have learned about all the struggles people deal with every day, and my knowledge of people's difficulties throughout our community has grown. JFCS has increased my understanding of the things that so many people struggle with, which may typically be overlooked. I have seen all the possibilities to help, and how many opportunities are available for me to volunteer. My love for community service has only grown through volunteering with this wonderful organization. In today's society, there is one thing that motivates people more than anything: money. And how do we earn money? From success, hard work, and determination. Though, lots of people look past what it takes to get there and instead keep trying to jump to the end, the prize, the money. People dream about what they will do with money, like go on a vacation, buy a big house, or purchase gifts for their loved ones. While these things are great and fun, all I would be thinking about are all the people who are unable to go on vacations, and people who don't have money to spend on these types of activities. How do they feel? What are they thinking about, while I am here looking at the sunset, not a worry in mind? I will never be satisfied with my personal success in life if I know there are people out there who require help, or who would do anything for even one day without having to worry about where their next meal is coming from. JFCS has completely altered what motivates me to work harder each day, and that's something that has changed how I think about so many other things in my life. Now, when I think about my future, I think about the differences that I will make in people's lives, rather than only the things I will accomplish in my personal life. I think about what I will do with my success, instead of only how happy it will make me in my own life. My future now is based on how to make other people happy, whether that is through singing, writing, or simply doing community service, and JFCS is the reason I have found my purpose.

Since I was a young child, I was always willing to make new friends. I did my best to stand up for people, even though my shyness held me back from doing so often. My memories of elementary school aren't the most detailed, but there's one person who I know I'll never forget. I remember one instance, my 5th-grade class sat in the morning meeting circle, and the special education class came to join us, as they did every day. Students in my class scooted closer to each other as if to try not to make space for them to sit. I moved back to make the circle bigger, and the person I'll never forget sat down in the space next to me. "Hi Nicolette," he said to me. I responded with a smile. I wanted to say hi and ask how he was doing, but I worried I'd get in trouble for talking. The morning meeting began and we started by going around high-fiving the person next to us and saying "good morning (insert name)". When it came to be the turn of the person I'll never forget, the student on the other side of him grimaced as they touched his hand to high five. I know the teacher noticed, so why wasn't she doing anything? Some of the other students around the circle giggled or glanced at their friends, but some just didn't react. This happened every day; it wasn't unusual. I hadn't quite built up the courage to say anything, but I squinted my eyes at the student sitting next to the person I'll never forget. I made it obvious I didn't approve of the behavior. The person I'll never forget put his hand up to give me a high five. "Good morning, Nicolette!" he said to me, without fully making eye contact. I smiled and said good morning back. Another time that sticks out to me was during recess one afternoon. It had been raining outside, so we stayed in the classroom for indoor recess. The person I'll never forget came in with the other special education students and asked if I wanted to play mini-bolling like he did almost every day. I said yes like I did almost every day, despite knowing my friend would be mad at me for not playing with her instead. It was my own decision, and it wasn't like I didn't want to play with him. I thought his mini-bolling set was awesome, and he was fun to hang out with. I remember having a good time that day, laughing about how bad I was at bolling, when the ball fell on the floor and we began to look around for it. A group of boys came over and one of them picked it up, trapping it in his hand. They did this every day, and it made me mad. "Can we have that back, please?" I asked nicely like I always did. When he refused, I said, "Give it back or I'm going to tell on you." That was the first time I can remember that I stood up for someone, and it felt good. But it didn't end there! The boy gave me back the ball, annoyed, and asked, "Are you friends with him?" I squinted like it was a stupid question and said, "Yes, we are friends." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the person I'll never forget smile. If I never do another kind deed ever again in my life, at least I know I made the person I'll never forget smile.

The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. I can relate to this mental health struggle caused by Covid, as I have struggled with anxiety because of it. My eighth-grade year was rocky and full of difficulties, but eventually, I was able to find ways to get through it, one day at a time. I was constantly contacting the school asking for accommodations that I knew were needed but didn't want. It felt as if I needed help getting through the most simple tasks in school without worrying. By the end of the year, I had completely stopped even attending gym class because of the stress and anxiety it caused me every single day. And finally, summer came around, and I cried like I had so many times that year, but now it was tears of joy. Summer was lonely, as I found it difficult to keep in touch with friends and spent most of my days inside, reading a book or writing stories in my notebook. I thought summer would never end, and then, to my dislike, it was time for me to go back to school. The first week of high school was nerve-racking, just as it was for every other freshman. Though I had started going to therapy and had talked to the school, I worried eighth grade would repeat itself. To my surprise, I ended up enjoying the independence and ability to make decisions about my education. Before I knew it, I had joined three different clubs and had a group of friends who I spend time with the outside of school. It was then, when things started going right for me, that I decided I would stop letting my mind hold me back from what I wanted to do. All the characters in the books that I've read were able to find the light at the end of the tunnel, why am I any different? Now, I am controlling the direction my life is headed, not anxiety. Before I began having difficulties with my mental health, I didn't pay attention to how many people struggle with their mental health. While I am so grateful for all the wonderful staff in my schools who helped me through these struggles, anxiety in school children/teens is incredibly overlooked. With mental health struggles in school so much more apparent to me after my experiences, have gained strong opinions on the topic. Every day in school, my brain told me the students were against me, the teachers were against me, the counselor didn't care about me, and the work was just too hard for me. Not knowing why I was feeling this way, I was left to suffer in silence. If the school had provided resources for me earlier, I may have been able to enjoy my time in school, and focus on learning and socializing with friends. Now, I have a completely changed mindset on things in everyday life, like talking to friends, going to a class, or doing schoolwork. I have started taking opportunities when I see them, even if it is out of my comfort zone. I have been putting myself first, and not saying yes to everything anyone asks me to do, even if I feel obligated to do so. My biggest goal is to make a lie for myself where anxiety can't hold me back anymore, I can be successful in the things I enjoy, and I can have fun.

The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. I can relate to this mental health struggle caused by Covid, but I wouldn't change anything now that I know who I have become after finally finding my way to happiness. The lockdown started when I was only in the sixth grade, a young girl trying to find her way around middle school. For a very long time, I would look back at Friday, March 13, 2020, and feel anger and sadness, knowing that was the day my life completely fell apart under my feet. At first, doing school online was fun for me, since I was, and still am, an introverted person. In fact, the first day of remote learning was my birthday-March 16. It felt like a blessing to be able to spend my birthday at home with my family, but later I would see it as a curse. Through the rest of sixth grade and all of seventh, I went to school online. My emotional growth was brought to a halt in the most important developmental years of my young life. Then, the next school year rolled around, and it was time for me to go back to school in person. I could have never predicted the struggles that lie ahead. The anxiety began on the very first day of eighth grade. I spent every night of the first week worrying. It was like a shock to be back in school with these people who used to wear rainbows and play games, and see them with crop tops and gossiping in the halls. It felt like I had missed out on something everybody else understood. The year was rocky and full of difficulties, but eventually, I was able to find ways to get through it, one day at a time. I was constantly contacting the school asking for accommodations that I knew were needed but didn't want. It felt as if I needed help getting through the most simple tasks in school without worrying. By the end of the year, I had completely stopped even attending gym class because of the stress and anxiety it caused me every single day. And finally, summer came around, and I cried like I had so many times that year, but now it was tears of joy. Summer was lonely, as I found it difficult to keep in touch with friends and spent most of my days inside, reading a book or writing stories in my notebook. I thought summer would never end, and then, to my dislike, it was time for me to go back to school. The first week of high school was nerve-racking, just as it was for every other freshman. Though I had started going to therapy and had talked to the school, I worried eighth grade would just repeat itself. To my surprise, I ended up enjoying the independence and ability to make decisions about my education. Before I knew it, I had joined three different clubs and had a group of friends who I spend time with the outside of school. It was then, when things started going right for me, that I decided I would stop letting my mind hold me back from what I wanted to do. All the characters in the books that I've read were able to find the light at the end of the tunnel, why am I any different? Now, I am controlling the direction my life is headed, not anxiety. Before I began having difficulties with my mental health, I didn't pay attention to the accommodations that so many people needed during school due to their mental illness. While I am so grateful for all the wonderful staff in my schools who helped me through these struggles, anxiety in school children/teens is incredibly overlooked. Something as simple as a "fun" group project could send a student into a loop of worry, that could go on for weeks and weeks. With mental health struggles in school so much more apparent to me after my experiences, have gained strong opinions on the topic. Every day in school, my brain told me the students were against me, the teachers were against me, the counselor didn't care about me, and the work was just too hard for me. Not knowing why I was feeling this way, I was left to suffer in silence for much of my eighth-grade year until I was able to get help toward the end of the school year. If the school had provided resources for me earlier, I may have been able to enjoy my time in school, and focus on learning and socializing with friends. Though I am no longer struggling as much, the memories are always with me, creeping in like a nightmare that won't go away. Now that I am in high school, I feel like I am behind the rest of my classmates because of the social skills I was never able to develop in middle school. I have to work harder in every aspect I missed out on when all I could focus on was anxiety. The way I see it, mental health struggles are on the rise, especially for teenagers, and since school is a big part of our lives, schools should be prepared to handle these situations and be able to assist students who need it. I never want anyone to have to suffer their way through the school day because the school isn't providing them with the help that they need. The organization that I occasionally volunteer for, Jewish Family and Children's Services, has so many resources for people struggling with their mental health, and my hope for the future, is that schools can partner with organizations like this to give students the opportunities they deserve, even if they have a disability that holds them back.

Below is a reverse poem I wrote titled "Pointless Meaning". It can be read starting at the top and ending at the bottom, or it can be read from the bottom to the top. If it is read from top to bottom, it is from the perspective of someone who does not like school. If it is read from the bottom to the top, it is from the perspective of someone who thinks school is important. Pointless Meaning School is pointless So please don’t try to tell me School actually means something In reality, the truth is I know what school is for Yeah, right… It’s a lie School is a scam That is what some people will say School is a chance to learn and grow That’s what they keep telling you! It’s not that bad Is what most people say It’s torture. That is exactly what I think It helps you create a successful future Nope The million-dollar question “Is school pointless?” I have my own opinions on it Below is an additional poem I wrote titled "Impossible". It is written from the perspective of a robot from the future, who meets a human who has time traveled and is asking him questions. It is inspired by Dr. Seuss books, which I always enjoyed reading as a child. IMPOSSIBLE Hot air balloons belong in the sea. Eyes? I have three! I look up and see fish in the sky. Oh yeah, they’re up there really high! Cars, you ask, are driven by cats. Yep, and they are truly good at that! Do you know the old saying, ‘When pigs fly’? Well, that’s impossible! It’s a lie! Fish are the ones that soar up above. Therefore, pigs can find something else to love! Because the fish would be angry. And possibly cranky! If pigs could fly. They might even cry! Pigs swim. And go to the gym! Pigs are actually really fit It’s true, believe it! It is not bizarre, That cats drive cars! And it is not crazy, That pigs are not lazy! What, it’s not a lie. Fish can fly! Birds? They stink. By the way, they went extinct Ugh, more questions for me? Come on, I have to pee! Food? Oh, yes, we have a lifetime supply. We do, we do, don’t deny! Dogs? They live on clouds in the sky. No, no, no, they can’t fly

The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. I can relate to this mental health struggle caused by Covid, but I wouldn't change anything now that I know who I have become after finally finding my way to happiness. The lockdown started when I was only in the sixth grade, a young girl trying to find her way around middle school. For a very long time, I would look back at Friday, March 13, 2020, and feel anger and sadness, knowing that was the day my life completely fell apart under my feet. At first, doing school online was fun for me, since I was, and still am, an introverted person. In fact, the first day of remote learning was my birthday-March 16. It felt like a blessing to be able to spend my birthday at home with my family, but later I would see it as a curse. Through the rest of sixth grade and all of seventh, I went to school online. My emotional growth was brought to a halt in the most important developmental years of my young life. Then, the next school year rolled around, and it was time for me to go back to school in person. I could have never predicted the struggles that lie ahead. The anxiety began on the very first day of eighth grade. I spent every night of the first week worrying. It was like a shock to be back in school with these people who used to wear rainbows and play games, and see them with crop tops and gossiping in the halls. It felt like I had missed out on something everybody else understood. The year was rocky and full of difficulties, but eventually, I was able to find ways to get through it, one day at a time. I was constantly contacting the school asking for accommodations that I knew were needed but didn't want. It felt as if I needed help getting through the most simple tasks in school without worrying. By the end of the year, I had completely stopped even attending gym class because of the stress and anxiety it caused me every single day. And finally, summer came around, and I cried like I had so many times that year, but now it was tears of joy. Summer was lonely, as I found it difficult to keep in touch with friends and spent most of my days inside, reading a book or writing stories in my notebook. I thought summer would never end, and then, to my dislike, it was time for me to go back to school. The first week of high school was nerve-racking, just as it was for every other freshman. Though I had started going to therapy and had talked to the school, I worried eighth grade would just repeat itself. To my surprise, I ended up enjoying the independence and ability to make decisions about my education. Before I knew it, I had joined three different clubs and had a group of friends who I spend time with outside of school. It was then, when things started going right for me, that I decided I would stop letting my mind hold me back from what I wanted to do. All the characters in the books that I've read were able to find the light at the end of the tunnel, why am I any different? Now, I am controlling the direction my life is headed, not anxiety.

The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for everybody because of the pandemic, and it is clear that people struggling with mental health have increased greatly. I can relate to this mental health struggle caused by Covid, but I wouldn't change anything now that I know who I have become after finally finding my way to happiness. The lockdown started when I was only in the sixth grade, a young girl trying to find her way around middle school. For a very long time, I would look back at Friday, March 13, 2020, and feel anger and sadness, knowing that was the day my life completely fell apart under my feet. At first, doing school online was fun for me, since I was, and still am, an introverted person. In fact, the first day of remote learning was my birthday-March 16. It felt like a blessing to be able to spend my birthday at home with my family, but later I would see it as a curse. Through the rest of sixth grade and all of seventh, I went to school online. My emotional growth was brought to a halt in the most important developmental years of my young life. Then, the next school year rolled around, and it was time for me to go back to school in person. I could have never predicted the struggles that lie ahead. The anxiety began on the very first day of eighth grade. I spent every night of the first week worrying. It was like a shock to be back in school with these people who used to wear rainbows and play games, and see them with crop tops and gossiping in the halls. It felt like I had missed out on something everybody else understood. The year was rocky and full of difficulties, but eventually, I was able to find ways to get through it, one day at a time. I was constantly contacting the school asking for accommodations that I knew were needed but didn't want. It felt as if I needed help getting through the most simple tasks in school without worrying. By the end of the year, I had completely stopped even attending gym class because of the stress and anxiety it caused me every single day. And finally, summer came around, and I cried like I had so many times that year, but now it was tears of joy. Summer was lonely, as I found it difficult to keep in touch with friends and spent most of my days inside, reading a book or writing stories in my notebook. I thought summer would never end, and then, to my dislike, it was time for me to go back to school. The first week of high school was nerve-racking, just as it was for every other freshman. Though I had started going to therapy and had talked to the school, I worried eighth grade would just repeat itself. To my surprise, I ended up enjoying the independence and ability to make decisions about my education. Before I knew it, I had joined three different clubs and had a group of friends who I spend time with outside of school. It was then, when things started going right for me, that I decided I would stop letting my mind hold me back from what I wanted to do. All the characters in the books that I've read were able to find the light at the end of the tunnel, why am I any different? Now, I am controlling the direction my life is headed, not anxiety.

That Girl We all know that girl. The perfect girl. Fashion like a celebrity. Wears no makeup, but has no integrity. Her natural beauty is unable to shine through because of the expensive products stuck to her face like glue. So there go all the beauty marks; to the freckles, say goodbye covered up with foundation, for she has an endless supply. We all know that girl the girl is who pretends. She makes you feel less than You were scared of her even before the school year began. You follow her on all social media, but she won’t follow you back. Maybe she’s scared that if she does, the quiet girl will finally crack. You pray not to be her partner in school to check the homework from the night before because you know that if you don’t give her all the answers right away, there will be a war. You may know that girl. The secretly insecure girl. She is jealous of those around her and craves attention, but feels she never gets enough. She searches for more; she wants to be seen; she needs more clout. Can you guess who I’m talking about? The perfect girl. The girl who pretends. That girl whose fashion is like a celebrity. And who makes you feel less than. On the inside, she’s the same as me and you.

If I could have everyone in the world read just one book, I would choose "The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot". This book can give readers of any age an entirely new perspective on life. The novel reminisces on the many wonderful years of Margot’s life, from childhood to adulthood, as well as discusses Lenni’s experiences in her young life, which sadly ended far too soon. The story provides the readers with a myriad of lessons that will undoubtedly leave the reader thinking about many aspects of life. After reading The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot, I was left pondering life in general. Lenni and Margot’s situations not only changed my perspectives, but it also made me think about what I want my life to be like. I realized that the life I yearn for is not solely based on success, but I would like to see myself leading a life full of adventure and interesting events, just like Margot. Margot’s stories about her life are not the only part of the book that left me with a different perspective, Lenni’s story did too. Lenni’s time on Earth was much shorter than what she deserved, but with her positive attitude toward life, she was able to make it as enjoyable as possible. Lenni made more friends in the hospital than some people make in a lifetime, and never had a negative view of life. Through it all, while her body was rapidly declining, she was still strong as ever. Lenni was able to turn to those she cared about, and who cared about her, to cope with her horrible situation. It taught me that the best friendships are often made later in life, and sometimes they last the shortest amount of time. The book The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot completely changed my views on not only my life, but life in general. The story included themes like friendship, struggle and hardships, and perseverance. While I was aware from the beginning that the characters were sick and not in stable condition, Lenni’s death was sad and shocking to me. The connections that not only the characters have with one another, but that the reader has with the characters are unique from any other story I have read.