Free speech, an essential cornerstone of democratic societies, is crucial to the intellectual and personal development of American college students. It fosters an atmosphere of learning, development, and innovation by fostering the expression, exploration, and critical evaluation of diverse ideas. Fundamentally, free speech functions as a catalyst for intellectual growth. It enables students to share, debate, and refine their ideas, thereby transforming colleges into incubators of critical thought and innovation. In addition, it promotes personal development by enabling students to articulate their beliefs and values and engage with contrasting viewpoints, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of self and society. Preserving this right in an academic context is crucial because it underpins the pursuit of knowledge, the central mission of higher education. Without the freedom to express and examine ideas, we run the risk of creating echo chambers that stifle intellectual development and hinder our capacity to address complex societal issues. As an incoming double major in Public Health and Public Policy, I have witnessed firsthand how free speech promotes diversity of thought and critical reasoning. These disciplines are intrinsically interdisciplinary, drawing on perspectives from sociology, economics, biology, politics, and other disciplines. The ability to scrutinize existing systems, challenge public policy, and advocate for improved health outcomes is made possible by free speech, making it indispensable for progressive thought and policymaking. In addition, my extracurricular activities demonstrate my dedication to free expression. As the General Director of the Model United Nations club, I have had the opportunity to facilitate discussions on global issues. This position necessitates a profound appreciation for the diversity of thought, a fundamental tenet of free speech, as I am responsible for ensuring that all viewpoints are heard and respected, regardless of whether they accord with the prevailing opinion. My involvement with the Nassau County Youth Council further illustrates my dedication to free expression. As Chair, I lead youth in advocating for local policy changes in which they believe, in a completely nonpartisan and unbiased manner. This position has highlighted the significance of free speech in shaping public policy and advancing social justice. In conclusion, freedom of expression is essential to the intellectual and personal development of college students in the United States. It fosters a dynamic, inclusive environment that encourages the exchange of ideas, promotes critical thinking, and fosters personal development. As a student and advocate, I am dedicated to preserving and advancing this fundamental freedom, fostering an inclusive campus environment in which all voices can be heard and all ideas can be freely and critically examined.

My identity as an Indian-American has been critical in forming my perspective of the world and directing the path that I chose to take. The cosmopolitan ethos of the United States, shaped by the rich heritage of Kerala, India has always been a crucial part in shaping my worldview. My experience as a member of a minority group that is underrepresented has required me to negotiate the intersections of a variety of cultures while also addressing the specific difficulties that my community encounters. My life experiences have not only contributed to the formation of my own identity, but they have also galvanized my dedication to fighting for social justice and equal healthcare provision. A unique dual perspective has been bestowed to me as a result of my upbringing in a family that takes great care to maintain our Keralite traditions while also encouraging a respect for American principles. My outlook is broader as a result of this cultural dualism, and my comprehension of the complexities of cultural differences has been strengthened. Being a member of an underrepresented minority has exposed me to the harsh realities of social disparities, notably with regard to healthcare, despite the richness of the cultural experiences it has afforded me. This experience has been a strong factor that has driven me to pursue opportunities in the field of public health. Because of this, I was motivated to launch the Youth Leaders of Public Health and Medicine initiative, which is a program with the goal of reducing health disparities. This is a representation of my determination to confront and change the status quo. In addition, the influence of my diverse cultural upbringing has helped me appreciate the significance of cultural competency in the medical field. In light of the fact that providing successful medical care is not just dependent on having a biological understanding but is also profoundly influenced by cultural circumstances, I have made it a personal mission to incorporate this understanding into my medical career. In the years to come, my identity as an Indian American will leave me more lessons, allowing me to achieve my goals. I am going into the Upstate Medical Scholars BS/MD program this fall, and I am committed to use the unique viewpoint that I bring to the table to advocate for healthcare that is sensitive to cultural differences. My goal is to eliminate inequities in the healthcare system by focusing attention on the significance of gaining a knowledge of the factors that influence people's social environments and how they affect their health. In conclusion, the tremendous influence that my identification as a member of an underrepresented minority population, more specifically as an Indian-American, has had on molding my destiny cannot be overstated. Because of this, I now have a more in-depth awareness of the healthcare inequities that my community experiences, and it has sparked an insatiable desire to start making positive changes. This essential component of who I am will continue to shape the direction of my life and direct the efforts I put towards working toward a more equitable distribution of healthcare resources.

In the face of adversity, a person's true worth is revealed. My voyage, which has been fraught with obstacles and difficulties, has been one that exemplifies my determination, respect, innovation, versatility, equality, and nurturing nature. My interest in public health and medicine was inspired by my personal struggle with panic disorder. This mental illness frequently left me feeling powerless and out of control. Rather than allowing this disorder to define me, I used it as motivation to found the Youth Leaders of Public Health and Medicine (YLPHM). It required innumerable hours of planning, organization, and recruitment to launch the organization. However, I never wavered in my resolve. Today, YLPHM has more than a thousand members and thirty chapters worldwide. In my position as chairperson of the Nassau County Youth Council, reverence for diverse perspectives and experiences is essential. I have endeavored to cultivate an inclusive environment by engaging youths from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Our mutual respect strengthens our advocacy for policy and legislative changes that directly affect minors. I researched the impact of public open spaces on health, the potential benefits of aquaponics for incarcerated individuals, and the implications of social media addiction using innovative methods. My inventive character has been recognized by numerous organizations for my novel approaches. My experiences have demanded adaptability and versatility from me. As an optometric technician and receptionist at Iris Eyes Optometry, I must adapt to a variety of duties, from technical work to interacting with the public. Similarly, my participation in numerous lead roles in school productions demonstrates my adaptability to different characters and situations. As an advocate for public health and social justice, I am governed by the principle of equality in my actions. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare and opportunities, irrespective of socioeconomic status, race, or nationality. The work of YLPHM, which focuses on educating communities about health disparities, has been guided by this principle. Nurture is a fundamental principle of my personal philosophy. Whether I am leading the Youth Leaders of Public Health and Medicine, advocating for youths' rights, or assisting customers at Iris Eyes Optometry, I endeavor to consistently support and assist those around me. I am excited to continue making a positive impact at the University of Albany as a student. Through my Public Health and Public Policy double major and the Upstate Medical Scholars BS/MD program, I intend to investigate the intersections of healthcare, policy, and social justice in greater depth. My aspiration is to become a doctor who performs humanitarian work and travels internationally, utilizing my experiences to drive systemic change and improve society. My journey may have been shaped by obstacles, but I will continue to be guided by my determination, respect, innovation, versatility, equality, and nurturing spirit.