I still remember the last real conversation I had with my brother Omar. It was one of those random conversations where he would share bits of wisdom, often philosophical, urging me to learn from his mistakes and never let life’s hardships define me. At the time, I nodded along, just waiting for him to finish and not at all fully grasping what he was actually saying. Nearly five years later, his voice still echoes in my mind, guiding me through my own challenges and shaping the person I have become. Losing him was devastating, but his lessons have remained with me. Growing up as the youngest of three siblings, I looked up to my older sister and brother, Omari and Omar, who were both about ten years older than me. Despite having different fathers, we grew up in the same household, with my dad playing a fatherly role for all of us. Omar had already moved out when I was still pretty young, but we did, for a time, share a room. He was always there to challenge me in smash bros, support me with school drama, and remind me to push forward, no matter what obstacles I faced. Omar’s passing changed my family forever. My mother lost a part of herself, and though she remains strong, I can see the pain in her eyes when the past is brought up. My father became more distant, and my sister threw herself into her future, trying to escape the grief that lingered in our circle. I did not attend Omar’s funeral as my parents wanted to protect me from the pain of seeing him like that, but that decision left me with an ache I still carry. His ashes rest in a vase in our house, and I often find myself talking to him, trying to bridge the gap between the then and now. Rather than allowing the weight of loss to hold me back, I have chosen to live by the very words Omar left me with: to become stronger through adversity. Throughout high school, I pushed myself beyond my limits, whether in academics, athletics, or my commitment to leadership and research. I have dedicated myself to my studies, maintaining high academic achievements while immersing myself in research and advocacy for underrepresented groups. My passion and drive grew out of the curiosity and competitiveness that Omar had helped nurture. Even in my personal life, I have embraced perseverance. I have balanced school, athletics, community service, and family responsibilities, knowing that every challenge I overcome is another step forward in becoming the person my brother believed I could be. His influence continues to shape my ambitions, and his absence has taught me the true meaning of resilience. Omar will always be my one and only big brother, and his legacy lives on in everything I do.