My name is Priya Parikh, and I am a senior in college who plans to pursue graduate studies in developmental cognitive neuroscience. I’m fascinated by how the brain supports learning, memory, curiosity, and behavior throughout our lifetime, and I hope to specialize in topics like substance use disorders and the genetics of brain diseases. These subjects are growing but are often overlooked, and I hope to develop interventions that can help future generations. Down the road, I aspire to become a professor or mentor who not only teaches but also learns alongside others. I want to help others find that same sense of purpose and joy in their education that I’ve been fortunate enough to experience. To fund my education, I plan to apply for grants, fellowships, and other academic funding opportunities available to graduate students. I’m also preparing to work in a related full-time position, such as in research labs or social work, to support myself while gaining hands-on experience in helping others. During my freshman year of college, I overheard my friends talking about TXT while playing an intense game of badminton. I was completely clueless about who they were talking about, having little exposure to K-pop. My friends’ eyes had lit up, and they sent me home with multiple song recommendations. I didn’t expect much, but suddenly something clicked. In a week’s time, I excitedly told them that I had listened to their whole discography and binged various TOxDO episodes. Initially, I was drawn to their stunning visuals and catchy songs, but I stayed because their music spoke to me immensely. For a long time, I was afraid of growing up, having found comfort in my youth. I chased that nostalgia of adventure and fantasy that’s so present in TXT’s lore. Their music helped me see that growing up doesn’t mean losing that magic; it’s about carrying it with you into adulthood to cherish. The five members bring this message to life beautifully. With TXT, I can’t see anyone else carry this story like they have. I especially connect with Beomgyu, whose personality balances joyfulness and vulnerability, emotions he draws from to create songs like Panic and Take My Half. When listening to them, I feel proud of how far he’s come. I have two songs that hold a special place in my heart. The first is Maze in the Mirror, a song that feels like pure comfort. It captures the struggles of self-doubt, and it was deeply relatable as I transitioned into college and dealt with anxiety. I loved it so much that I bought a guitar to learn it, and hearing it live recently was a full-circle moment that left me sobbing. I also love Blue Orangeade for its bright tone and its theme of opposites coexisting. This song inspired me to explore beyond my comfort zone and write my first poem about the insecurities I faced. I often felt pressured to stay positive and had an irrational fear that once people see me unhappy, they would leave. However, this song encouraged me to explore the relationship between opposites coexisting to create something beautiful. In this case, it allowed me to connect with the less confident parts of myself. TXT’s music doesn’t just comfort me, but it also inspires me to create and reflect on myself. In sophomore year, I remember questioning my career choice and being conflicted between following a more lucrative path that didn’t excite me or pursuing a PhD in psychology, which I loved but demanded years of commitment with no immediate pay-off. Just when I needed it, Taehyun, in a New Year’s Weverse post, wrote about the uncomfortable feelings that occur when hard work is not instantly rewarded, but reassured us that effort doesn’t go wasted even if recognition is delayed. This message inspired me then and fuels my desire to pursue graduate school, especially with the current funding cuts in research. Despite uncertainties, I am dedicated to understanding how our brains support and cognitively process growth, learning, and curiosity. Taehyun’s encouragement has inspired me to embrace the long path of research, knowing that perseverance and passion can create a meaningful impact in my own life and the lives of others.