My name is Patrick, and I’m a cybersecurity major at Florida A&M University. I play on a football team here. I’ve always been passionate about technology and helping others. I started my own software company in high school, making websites and helping struggling companies. I chose cybersecurity as a career path because I can protect people and systems from online threats while making a difference. I plan to make a positive impact through my degree and future career in three main ways by First, I want to help schools, small businesses, and nonprofits from cyber threats by offering cheap and reliable security protection. These are the most essential and needed for this type of protection because without them, future generations and communities will be left at the mercy of the wolves. Second, I plan to create opportunities for young people, especially Black youth, by teaching tech and cybersecurity skills that can lead to strong careers that aren’t usually shown or encouraged in our spaces. I plan to host workshops, mentor students again, and eventually build a program introducing kids to cybersecurity early. I even found out about cybersecurity because of a black woman promoting and publicising her journey in the government tech space, and helping others achieve similar careers. Without it, I would probably not know what to do, but I clicked on this technology, and it could save many lives and open greater horizons. Third, I want to raise awareness about online safety to make the internet safer for everyone, especially those who do not know much about technology. In the future, this knowledge will help because of all the past events that have gone on, predicting that the future will have just as many advancements, if not more, and since everyone pretty much uses it, why not make sure people are using it safely, because many people on the internet are good. Still, some people will leverage the technology against others who don’t know better.

My name is Patrick, and I’m a cybersecurity major at Florida A&M University. I play on a football team here. I’ve always been passionate about technology and helping others. I started my own software company in high school, making websites and helping struggling companies. I chose cybersecurity as a career path because I can protect people and systems from online threats while making a difference. I was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, and from a young age, I saw how many young Black kids weren’t exposed to their full potential. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to leadership roles that allow me to make a real impact, not just academically, but personally and socially. As Vice President of my local NAACP Youth Chapter, I led initiatives that focused on uplifting and educating young people in my community, especially Black youth. I organized events that taught leadership, civic engagement, and self-worth. That experience helped me grow into my voice as a leader, not just someone who speaks up, but someone who takes action. At the Boys & Girls Club, I worked as a Youth Development Professional, mentoring kids every day and helping them with everything from schoolwork to personal struggles. I wasn’t just supervising them, I was guiding, encouraging, and being a consistent role model. I showed them that where you come from doesn’t define where you can go. That’s a lesson I live by and one I plan to carry with me at FAMU. I also served as a peer mentor for African American freshmen and sophomores who were close to being off track to graduate. I helped them academically, but more importantly, I listened. I reminded them that they mattered and that there were people who wanted to see them win. That’s what caring looks like. As a future cybersecurity analyst, my goal is not only to break barriers in the tech world but to open the door for others. I want to create a pipeline that exposes young Black students to tech careers they didn’t even know existed. Cybersecurity isn’t just a job for me, it’s a path I want to use to empower the community. By studying at FAMU, I’ll be surrounded by Black excellence, and I plan to carry that standard into everything I do, with integrity, pride, and a heart for service. FAMU’s legacy of excellence with caring already lives in me. I’m ready to carry it forward.

The score was 52-0. How? Well, Jesuit High was the reigning state champions. However, their old quarterback went to a new school, and the new quarterback was a kid I played with in Pop Warner back in the day. I expected some drop-off from them. I was ready, I was one of the top 4 D-Ends(2nd team) in Pinellas County as a 16-year-old junior. I played my heart out. I sped around, made tackles, and gave constant pressure to the offense, but the defensive backs didn’t play to the best of their abilities. It was a barrage of touchdowns attacking the secondary. I was a 6-foot-2 inch, 230-pound, but walking off the field I felt like a small child who just had my toy taken by a bully. It was the first winning season since 2018 at St. Petersburg Senior High we went 7-3. Jesuit ended it on November 11, 2022, like it didn’t even matter. My most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom is one most wouldn’t pick. You guessed it …football. Since I was 3, I have played many sports: soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. but they are different. Only in football do you look people in the eye play after play and know you must go through them. Football is something that I must show up for every day during the season, whether I feel like doing it or not. It requires me to take on leadership roles. Many people think football is simple, but when I play football, it's like a portrayal of life. Like a chess game, the quarterback is the king that must be taken down. My passion for football is glorious, I feel like a gladiator in the arena, hearing cheers from the crowd. I love the sensation of putting on my shoulder pads and helmet. Sometimes the sweat burns your eyes, and your vision is blurred like mace in your face. Sometimes, it’s grass and dirt in your mouth and in other places they shouldn’t be. Even with all of that, it’s a mental game, I use logic and reasoning to succeed. I have fun playing football, I love the challenge and I embrace the pain. Football has helped me get to know more people and how they operate during challenging situations. We came from different backgrounds and had to learn how to work together and mesh as a team within a few days. I have played football since I was four. Football helped me achieve many of my goals. For example, I had to participate in team workouts, change my diet, and commit to better health to stay in shape. Even with that, the mental aspect football has taught me is where I see the most progress. I have learned how to prioritize my time and give additional effort in the areas where I am the weakest. I’ve learned to accept constructive criticism. Football has humbled me too. Sometimes I get hurt, do not stay hydrated enough, or fail to make a play, but I get back up and keep going. Although I don’t succeed in every moment, football will essentially prepare me for college and life. It gives me, “GRIT”, that never give-up mentality when things get rough.

Hello, my name is Patrick Walker. I’m a student-athlete who has an interest in business and cybersecurity. I would like to have a career in these two fields when my playing days are over. Currently, I’m involved with junior achievement through 3DE. My interests going into high school were originally to make my own company or to make money. Ever since I was little, I always knew I had great ideas to produce. It’s kind of ironic how 3DE popped into my school that same year I started going to Saint Petersburg High School. Before I joined, I thought 3DE was just basic entrepreneurial skills and learning about companies. It took me going to a 3DE event with my friend at the end of sophomore year to learn about the reality of 3DE and ever since I was hooked. I didn’t start 3DE until my junior year. I’m bittersweet that I didn’t join earlier. In my first year with 3DE, the junior class had a yearlong assignment to make a product that would help our community solve a problem. This one was a little difficult at first because many of the ideas my group had weren’t designed to solve a whole community problem, just individual needs like athletic performance or locating items. Then I came up with a great idea. It sprouted from living in St. Pete surrounded by water. We are one of the cities that recycle the most in the state. But what if I told you doing the exact opposite could help too? Our product was called the Envirocup and the cool thing about the Envirocup is that it was made of 100% biodegradable corn plastic with endangered seeds in the bottom of the cup local to where the cup was sold so when people disposed of it would grow a plant out of the litter. Our group won the Most Innovative Company award. In my second year of 3DE, the senior class had to do a consultancy with local companies to solve their problems and present solutions. This was also a yearlong assignment. My class had to help Pinellas County schools figure out how we can help them utilize Artificial intelligence to make a better learning experience for the students. Out of all the groups, the county superintendent chooses our group to come back and help inform the whole county about AI use in a meeting.

The score was 52-0. How? Well, Jesuit High was the reigning state champions. However, their old quarterback went to a new school, and the new quarterback was a kid I played with in Pop Warner back in the day. I expected some drop-off from them. I was ready, I was one of the top 4 D-Ends(2nd team) in Pinellas County as a 16-year-old junior. I played my heart out. I sped around, made tackles, and gave constant pressure to the offense, but the defensive backs didn’t play to the best of their abilities. It was a barrage of touchdowns attacking the secondary. I was a 6-foot-2 inch, 230-pound, but walking off the field I felt like a small child who just had my toy taken by a bully. It was the first winning season since 2018 at St. Petersburg Senior High we went 7-3. Jesuit ended it on November 11, 2022, like it didn’t even matter. My most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom is one most wouldn’t pick. You guessed it …football. Since I was 3, I have played many sports: soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. but they are different. Only in football do you look people in the eye play after play and know you must go through them. Football is something that I must show up for every day during the season, whether I feel like doing it or not. It requires me to take on leadership roles. Many people think football is simple, but when I play football, it's like a portrayal of life. Like a chess game, the quarterback is the king that must be taken down. My passion for football is glorious, I feel like a gladiator in the arena, hearing cheers from the crowd. I love the sensation of putting on my shoulder pads and helmet. Sometimes the sweat burns your eyes, and your vision is blurred like mace in your face. Sometimes, it’s grass and dirt in your mouth and in other places they shouldn’t be. Even with all of that, it’s a mental game, I use logic and reasoning to succeed. I have fun playing football, I love the challenge and I embrace the pain. Football has helped me get to know more people and how they operate during challenging situations. We came from different backgrounds and had to learn how to work together and mesh as a team within a few days. I have played football since I was four. Football helped me achieve many of my goals. For example, I had to participate in team workouts, change my diet, and commit to better health to stay in shape. Even with that, the mental aspect football has taught me is where I see the most progress. I have learned how to prioritize my time and give additional effort in the areas where I am the weakest. I’ve learned to accept constructive criticism. Football has humbled me too. Sometimes I get hurt, do not stay hydrated enough, or fail to make a play, but I get back up and keep going. Although I don’t succeed in every moment, football will essentially prepare me for college and life. It gives me, “GRIT”, that never give-up mentality when things get rough.

I want to help schools, small businesses, and nonprofits from cyber threats by offering cheap and reliable security protection. I want to raise awareness about online safety to make the internet safer for everyone, especially those who do not know much about technology. In the future, this knowledge will help because of all the past events that have gone on, predicting that the future will have just as many advancements, if not more, and since everyone pretty much uses it, why not make sure people are using it safely, because many people on the internet are good. Still, some people will leverage the technology against others who don’t know better. As a future cybersecurity analyst, my goal is not only to break barriers in the tech world but to open the door for others. I want to create a pipeline that exposes young Black students to tech careers they didn’t even know existed. I plan to host workshops, mentor students again, and eventually build a program introducing kids to cybersecurity early. Cybersecurity isn’t just a job for me, it’s a path I want to use to empower the community. By studying at FAMU, I will be surrounded by Black excellence, and I plan to carry that standard into everything I do, with integrity, pride, and a heart for service. Being a purposeful, responsible, productive community member lives in me.

I’ve always been curious about how things work, especially technology. Whether taking apart random items around the house or junkyard cars with my dad, I enjoyed figuring out problems and finding solutions. One of the times I delighted others with my tinkering skills was during high school, when I helped bring dozens of broken school laptops back to life. My school had a room full of computers that weren’t being used because they had software issues or wouldn’t power on. Our tech coordinator was overwhelmed and didn’t have time to fix them. Over the summer, our school collaborated with Dell Tech. My teacher, who was running the program, told me about it, and I was hooked. I joined instantly, got certified, and got to work. I spent hours researching common issues, learning how to reset BIOS settings, update firmware, and replace bad charging ports or batteries. One by one, I started fixing them. I used my toolkit, created a system to track each device’s needs, and taught myself how to reimage the drives so the software would run smoothly. Over time, I fixed more than 50 Dell computers. The county could reuse them in classrooms, and students who didn’t have access to technology now had working laptops. I even got to fix my friend’s computer in front of them. Seeing how something I did with my hands and knowledge helped so many people felt amazing. Teachers thanked me, and struggling students now had a tool that made learning easier. It reminded me that even small tech skills can have a significant impact. Outside of school, I also enjoyed tinkering with my dad. I could recall and differentiate car brands and models ever since I could speak. It first started with Hot Wheels, then we would play with RC cars, fix them, and upgrade them when they got dull or broken. A few years later, my dad won a Roush Mustang in a car auction, and we knew that the quarter panel was broken, so it would be a project car that would need lots of work to be street legal. That moment stuck with me. Those experiences made me realize I wanted to do more than fix tech. Whether through hacking problems to find solutions or helping build things again, I love using my skills to make life a little easier for others. That’s the kind of impact I want to keep pushing.

My name is Patrick, and I’m a cybersecurity major at Florida A&M University. I play on a football team here. I’ve always been passionate about technology and helping others. I started my own software company in high school, making websites and helping struggling companies. I chose cybersecurity as a career path because I can protect people and systems from online threats while making a difference. I plan to make a positive impact through my degree and future career in three main ways by First, I want to help schools, small businesses, and nonprofits from cyber threats by offering cheap and reliable security protection. These are the most essential and needed for this type of protection because without them, future generations and communities will be left at the mercy of the wolves. Second, I plan to create opportunities for young people, especially Black youth, by teaching tech and cybersecurity skills that can lead to strong careers that aren’t usually shown or encouraged in our spaces. I plan to host workshops, mentor students again, and eventually build a program introducing kids to cybersecurity early. I even found out about cybersecurity because of a black woman promoting and publicising her journey in the government tech space, and helping others achieve similar careers. Without it, I would probably not know what to do, but I clicked on this technology, and it could save many lives and open greater horizons. Third, I want to raise awareness about online safety to make the internet safer for everyone, especially those who do not know much about technology. In the future, this knowledge will help because of all the past events that have gon on, predicting that the future will have just as many advancements, if not more, and since everyone pretty much uses it, why not make sure people are using it safely, because many people on the internet are good. Still, some people will leverage the technology against others who don’t know better. I’m already working toward these goals by serving in my community. I’m a vice president of the NAACP St. Petersburg chapter, spreading the word and advocating for equality and justice. I also work at the Boys & Girls Club, where I mentor young kids and help them build confidence and discipline. Both roles allow me to lead by example and invest in the next generation. And help fight to nurture and rewire the next generation from negative things to positive outcomes.

My name is Patrick, and I’m a cybersecurity major at Florida A&M University. I play on a football team here. I’ve always been passionate about technology and helping others. I started my own software company in high school, making websites and helping struggling companies. I chose cybersecurity as a career path because I can protect people and systems from online threats while making a difference. I plan to make a positive impact through my degree and future career in three main ways by First, I want to help schools, small businesses, and nonprofits from cyber threats by offering cheap and reliable security protection. These are the most essential and needed for this type of protection because without them, future generations and communities will be left at the mercy of the wolves. Second, I plan to create opportunities for young people, especially Black youth, by teaching tech and cybersecurity skills that can lead to strong careers that aren’t usually shown or encouraged in our spaces. I plan to host workshops, mentor students again, and eventually build a program introducing kids to cybersecurity early. I even found out about cybersecurity because of a black woman promoting and publicising her journey in the government tech space, and helping others achieve similar careers. Without it, I would probably not know what to do, but I clicked on this technology, and it could save many lives and open greater horizons. Third, I want to raise awareness about online safety to make the internet safer for everyone, especially those who do not know much about technology. In the future, this knowledge will help because of all the past events that have gon on, predicting that the future will have just as many advancements, if not more, and since everyone pretty much uses it, why not make sure people are using it safely, because many people on the internet are good. Still, some people will leverage the technology against others who don’t know better. I’m already working toward these goals by serving in my community. I’m a vice president of the NAACP St. Petersburg chapter, spreading the word and advocating for equality and justice. I also work at the Boys & Girls Club, where I mentor young kids and help them build confidence and discipline. Both roles allow me to lead by example and invest in the next generation. And help fight to nurture and rewire the next generation from negative things to positive outcomes.

To me, charity is needed and essential because I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of kindness can significantly impact. Growing up, I benefited from mentors, coaches, and community programs that believed in me, and that support helped shape who I am today. My parents instilled in me the idea of giving back to the community whenever possible. Giving back is not just something I want to do; it’s something I feel responsible for. In the future, I plan to give back by mentoring youth through programs like the Boys & Girls Club, where I already serve as a positive role model. I also want to use my cybersecurity knowledge to teach and protect underserved communities, helping people stay safe online and opening doors for others in tech. I also want to be around after playing at FAMU. I want to help through volunteering, coaching, or being a resource to those who need help. I’m committed to using my time and skills to uplift others just as others once did for me, because it takes a village to raise the youth.

Baseball has always been a part of my life, even before I really understood it. I first picked up a bat at three years old. I was great at hitting the ball but I’d cry when I couldn’t carry the bat with me as I ran the bases. I ended up stepping away from the sport and focused on football, soccer, and basketball instead. Even though I had success in those sports, I always regretted not sticking with baseball during that time. At 13, I decided to return to the game and joined a travel baseball team led by retired MLB pitcher Seth McClung. His team traveled the country playing in tournaments, and I got the chance to play on college fields like Marshall University, Savanah state university, and Glenville State. That experience opened my eyes. I wasn’t playing up like I did in other sports I was playing catch-up. The learning curve was steep, and I had to work harder than ever to compete. I realised to get good i need to train daily, I had to drive 45 minutes just to hit in a batting cage where 75 mph fastballs came at me constantly. My hands would blister, callous, and bleed. I struggled. But I didn’t quit. Baseball forced me to develop grit, patience, and a strong work ethic. It was the most mentally demanding sport I ever played. While I could easily pick up the pace and rhythm in other sports, baseball made me slow down and think. That shift taught me how much focus and discipline it takes to succeed, especially when things aren’t going your way. On the field, I played first base and outfield. I actually preferred games where the pitcher allowed a lot of hits. In a perfect world thats not what you want but it gave me more chances to make plays. My coach instilled in us the importance of character, teamwork, and leadership. We were expected to clean the dugout after games and carry ourselves with discipline on and off the field. He reminded us often that the energy of one player could impact the entire team. I carry those lessons with me today at Florida A&M University in the football team, in my role mentoring kids at the Boys & Girls Club. Whether it’s in the classroom, on campus, or in the community, I strive to lead by example and push those around me to be their best. Baseball didn’t just teach me how to play it taught me how to live life.

To me, “Purposeful, Responsible, and Productive Community member ” means using your strengths not just to succeed, but to lift others up along the way, Especially those who come from the same place you did. I was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, and from a young age, I saw how many young Black kids couldn’t see their hands in front of their faces. not because they lacked ability, but because they lacked a vision for the future. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to leadership roles that allow me to make a real impact, not just academically, but personally and socially. As the Vice President of my local NAACP Youth Chapter, I led enrollment and focused on uplifting and educating young people in my community, especially Black youth. I organized events that taught leadership, civic engagement, and self-worth. That experience helped me grow into my voice as a leader, not just someone who speaks up, but someone who takes action. At the Boys & Girls Club, I worked as a Youth Development Professional, mentoring kids every day and helping them with everything from schoolwork to personal struggles. I was not just supervising them, I was guiding, encouraging, and being a consistent role model. I showed them that where you come from does not define where you can go. That is a lesson I live by and one I plan to carry with me throughout my life. I also served as a peer mentor for African American freshmen and sophomores who were close to being off track to graduate. I helped them academically, but more importantly, I listened. I reminded them that they mattered and that there were people who wanted to see them win. That’s what purposeful looks like. As a future cybersecurity analyst, my goal is not only to break barriers in the tech world but to open the door for others. I want to create a pipeline that exposes young Black students to tech careers they didn’t even know existed. Cybersecurity isn’t just a job for me, it’s a path I want to use to empower the community. By studying at FAMU, I will be surrounded by Black excellence, and I plan to carry that standard into everything I do, with integrity, pride, and a heart for service. Being a purposeful, responsible, productive community member already lives in me. I’m ready to continue showing these qualities in the future.

My name is Patrick Walker, and my journey through high school has been a testament to the transformative power of diverse representation in STEM careers. As a student-athlete with a passion for business and cybersecurity, my experiences have shaped my understanding of the importance of inclusivity and its profound impact on innovation and societal progress. when I was younger careers in stem weren't as popular as they are now. where I live if you wanted to participate in these jobs or activities you would have to have lots of money or connections. but in my primary school local businesses wanted diversity so bad they started holding women-only STEM clubs, along with using the new technology early in our education to prepare us for the future. At my school it was a melting pot of people from different races and cultures that were all valued equally because everyone at school could learn from people who looked different and had unique point of views. I feel that going through that for 9 years really helped me when it came to transitioning into high school. During my time in high school, I had the opportunity to participate in programs like 3DE, where I discovered the connections of my interests and the potential, they hold for driving positive change. Through 3DE, I delved into entrepreneurial ventures and community-focused projects that broadened my perspective on the role of technology in addressing real-world problems. One such project was the development of the Envirocup—a biodegradable cup with endangered seeds in the bottom, designed to promote environmental sustainability. This endeavor not only showcased my team's innovative thinking but also underscored the value of diversity in problem-solving. By bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we were able to conceive and execute a solution that resonated with our community's needs. In addition to my experiences with 3DE, my journey into the world of cybersecurity further emphasized the importance of diversity in STEM. Through hands-on tech support and the establishment of my own software company, I gained insight into the intricacies of technology and the diverse challenges it presents. From optimizing system efficiency to enhancing data protection, I learned firsthand how inclusive perspectives drive meaningful innovation and ensure that technological solutions are accessible to all. Looking ahead, I am eager to continue my pursuit of excellence in STEM at Florida Atlantic University. With its comprehensive program in cybersecurity, FAU offers the perfect platform for me to expand my knowledge and skills in a field that merges my passion for problem-solving with my desire to make a tangible impact. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusive environments, institutions like FAU play a crucial role in shaping the future of STEM and empowering individuals from all walks of life to contribute to innovation and progress. To Conclude, my journey through high school has reinforced my belief in the power of diverse representation in STEM careers. From entrepreneurship to cybersecurity, I have witnessed firsthand how inclusivity drives innovation, fosters creativity, and ensures that technology serves the needs of all. As I start on the next chapter of my academic and professional journey, I am committed to championing diversity and making meaningful contributions to the STEM community and for those kids who don’t have access to stem yet.

Ever since I was little, I have been drawn to the world of business and entrepreneurship. My interest in these fields has only grown stronger over the years, leading me to pursue a career in Digital Marketing. The dynamic nature of Digital Marketing, with its constant evolution and innovation, excites me. I believe that this field offers endless opportunities for creativity and growth, allowing me to use my entrepreneurial skills and passion for technology. One example that inspired me is the success story of Neil Patel, a renowned Digital Marketing expert who has built a thriving career by leveraging the power of online marketing strategies. Neil Patel's showcases the immense potential of Digital Marketing in reaching a global audience and driving business success. By studying his strategies and techniques, I have gained valuable insights into the power of digital platforms in today's business landscape. The ability to connect with customers on a personal level through targeted campaigns and data-driven analytics is what sets Digital Marketing apart from traditional marketing methods. when I was in my sophomore year I started my shopify dropshipping business and I learned how to use paid ads and social media to make my reach for customers easier than other methods like emailing and Seo. it allowed me to be able to touch certain demographics In areas I wanted. I also used these skills in my software as a service company. For example, using Facebook ads I could target older women in a 15-mile radius for med spas and men in a 10-mile radius for hardware shops. As I continue to learn the field of Digital Marketing, I am constantly amazed by the innovative tools and technologies that are reshaping the industry. From AI-powered marketing automation to immersive virtual reality experiences, the possibilities are endless. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing new trends, I hope to carve out a niche for myself in this competitive field to help those who aren’t reached the most. Looking ahead, my ideal future role in Digital Marketing would involve leading strategic marketing campaigns for a cutting-edge tech company. I envision myself working closely with a teams to develop and execute innovative marketing strategies that drive customer engagement to the most needed communities that are not catered to already. One company that embodies the kind of innovative culture I aspire to be a part of is Google. Google's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity aligns with my own values and aspirations. By working for a company like Google, I would have the opportunity to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry and contribute to groundbreaking projects that shape the future of digital advertising. Furthermore, I see myself specializing in data analytics and consumer behavior research, leveraging insights to optimize marketing campaigns and drive measurable results. By combining my passion for technology with a deep understanding of consumer psychology, I aim to create impactful marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences and drive business growth. To build a successful career in Digital Marketing, I know the importance of continuous learning and professional development. One key aspect of my career development plan is to pursue certifications in digital marketing, such as Google Analytics and HubSpot Inbound Marketing. Additionally, I plan to attend networking events to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in Digital Marketing.

In high school, I earned a Dell Tech certificate and spent three years diving into tech support. Through facing diverse challenges directly, learning to solve issues efficiently, and seeing how fulfilling requirements with useful answers is key, those situations honed my abilities while demonstrating the value of a hands-on mindset. My aim to impact cybersecurity led me to start a software company in St. Petersburg; this venture allowed me to solve tech challenges for local businesses, from making systems run smoother to boosting data protection. At Florida Atlantic University, I look forward to diving deeper into cyber defense strategies and playing a part in protecting online spaces as they grow more connected. FAU's program stands out for its excellence and broad coverage of topics like network security and ethical hacking. From gaining certification in high school to creating my own software company—my dedication to technology, especially cybersecurity has only grown stronger. Florida Atlantic University is where I see myself next; there, I'll enhance my skills further toward a degree and career that merges my love for solving problems with the desire to make an impact.

Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah Jeremiah is nice yet, Conrad's side pulls me stronger. It's crucial to note first is Belly’s role as our lens. A classic case of an unreliable narrator she is noted widely across literary circles. We're pushed beyond her view to grasp the full picture. Even Han in the Amazon adaptation hints at layers some might miss. Now, onto why Jeremiah and Belly seem a match because Jeremiah's emotional trauma and need for attention repeatedly highlighted Jeremiah’s deep hurt from his dad’s favoritism towards Conrad as "the chosen one". His tactic? Outshine whatever holds Conrad's interest, seeking approval he lacks at home; a theme we revisit often - through his eyes too. His chase? To outdo Conrad by any means. In the narrative, Jeremiah's sunny disposition, like a golden retriever, mostly serves as a facade. This guise aids in fulfilling his deep-seated desire for attention and shields him from potential rejection. He possesses a chameleonic ability to dynamically alter his outward presentation through adeptly modifying his behavior, mannerisms, and conversations to fluidly accommodate whomever he transiently finds himself alongside at any particular point in time. Belly catches glimpses of the complexity beneath his easygoing exterior; yet, her youth and lack of experience prevent her from fully grasping these nuances. She perceives only the joy he brings her most times and believes she ought to reciprocate with love. Rarely does she ponder his true intentions behind these actions. Consequently, their bond proves far less stable than hers with Conrad. Conrad's genuine love and unreciprocated feelings for Belly's longstanding infatuation with Conrad since their younger years—are evident throughout the tale. Less obvious is Conrad’s own profound affection for Belly; recognizing her as an individual beyond superficial attractions amplified by summer transformations witnessed in TSITP (The Summer I Turned Pretty). Such physical changes merely added layers to an already complex dynamic between two individuals rooted deeply within a shared familial setting—and his being somewhat older didn't simplify matters either. This situation lends significant weight to the repeated emphasis on infinity symbolism within the series—an element not as pronounced in its written counterpart—to underscore that what seems like unreciprocated feelings from Belly’s perspective is indeed a misinterpretation on her part. Jeremiah comes across as more broken than one might initially suspect due to this intricate dance between portrayed confidence versus actual vulnerability—a truth potentially obscured until growth forces it into light. Conrad's sentiment towards Belly transcends mere adolescent whimsy or visual allure post-"glow up." His emotions are grounded in something much deeper—the essence of who she genuinely is—which remains constant regardless of time or external change: thus giving real substance to their intertwining fates hinted through symbolic threads far stronger than first apparent through youthful misunderstanding or wishful thinking. The known love story and Jeremiah's role truly, when one stops to mull over it, things get way more tangled. This depth of chaos often gets glossed over. Yet, the essence remains stark; an odd blend of reality and fiction marks the tale's core as profoundly messed up. At its heart lies a narrator whose words we can't trust; this unreliable guide pulls us through twists and turns that seem designed just to confuse.

My most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom is one most wouldn’t pick. You guessed it …football. Since I was 3, I have played many sports: soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. but they are different. Only in football do you look people in the eye play after play and know you must go through them. Football is something that I must show up for every day during the season, whether I feel like doing it or not. Football taught me commitment. It requires me to take on leadership roles and teaches me that I am bonded to my word, and I must stay disciplined no matter the circumstances during games, class, and my personal time. Many people think football is simple, but when I play football, it's like a portrayal of life. Like a chess game, the quarterback is the king that must be taken down. My passion for football is glorious, I feel like a gladiator in the arena, hearing cheers from the crowd. I love the sensation of putting on my shoulder pads and helmet. Feeling the hollow clicks of the cleats on concrete is like nothing else in the world. Football hurts. Sometimes the sweat burns your eyes, and your vision is blurred like mace in your face. Sometimes, it’s grass and dirt in your mouth, and in other places, they shouldn’t be. Even with all of that, it’s a mental game, I use logic and reasoning to succeed. I have fun playing football, I love the challenge and I embrace the pain. Football has helped me get to know more people and how they operate during challenging situations. We came from different backgrounds and had to learn how to work together and mesh as a team within a few days. I have played football since I was four. Football helped me achieve many of my goals. For example, I had to participate in team workouts, change my diet, and commit to better health to stay in shape. Even with that, the mental aspect football has taught me is where I see the most progress. I have learned how to prioritize my time and give additional effort in the areas where I am the weakest. I’ve learned to accept constructive criticism. Football has humbled me too. Sometimes I get hurt, do not stay hydrated enough, or fail to make a play, but I get back up and keep going. Although I don’t succeed in every moment, football will essentially prepare me for college and life. It gives me, “GRIT”, that never give up mentality when things get rough. The knowledge and mental strength from football will help me with my entrepreneurial goals for a business major.