I want to be confident in who I am, and I want to be able to help others find their sense of purpose.

Non-traditional students can be defined as individuals who do not fit the traditional mold of a college student. I do not fit the mold of a traditional student. As part of my high school program, I take community college courses during my years of high school. I plan to finish my GED requirements while in high school. Not only will I finish my GED requirements, but I will graduate a year early, in my junior year. Non-traditional students often have unique challenges compared to traditional students, such as balancing work and family responsibilities while attending classes, or adjusting to the academic environment after being out of school for a period of time. I have had to readjust the way I balance my home life with all my classes. Even with all my classes, I make sure I have time to spend with my parents and four siblings. I cook dinner at least once a week and make sure my siblings all get what they need. What drives non-traditional students to pursue further education or personal growth can vary. Some may be seeking to advance in their careers or gain new skills to enter a different field. Others may be pursuing a lifelong passion or interest, or seeking personal fulfillment and growth. Whatever the motivation, non-traditional students often have a strong drive and determination to succeed, despite the challenges they may face. I am driven by my desire to get a good education so that I may one day provide for a family of my own. I want to show my future kids that anything is possible. I also want to be able to help those in need. I plan to be active in donating money to various organizations that help people not as lucky as me. It is important to note that being a non-traditional student is not a disadvantage, but rather a unique perspective and set of experiences that can bring valuable insights to the classroom. Non-traditional students often have a wealth of life experience and knowledge that can enrich discussions and contribute to a diverse learning environment. I am glad that I have decided to go against tradition and forge my own path for my life.

As an individual, I believe that it is my responsibility to make the world a better place. There are many ways to make a positive impact on the world, and I plan to do my part by focusing on three key areas: environmental sustainability, social justice, and education. First and foremost, I believe that environmental sustainability is critical to the future of our planet. Climate change, pollution, and deforestation are just a few of the issues that threaten our environment. To make a positive impact, I plan to reduce my carbon footprint by using renewable energy, reducing waste, and supporting companies that prioritize sustainability. I also plan to get involved in local environmental organizations and volunteer my time to help protect the environment in my community. Secondly, social justice is an area that I am passionate about. Injustice and inequality exist in many forms, including racism, sexism, and economic inequality. To make a positive impact, I plan to educate myself about these issues and use my voice to advocate for change. This may involve participating in peaceful protests, writing letters to elected officials, or supporting organizations that work towards social justice. I also plan to be an ally to marginalized groups and listen to their experiences and perspectives. Finally, education is an area that I believe has the power to change the world. Education can empower individuals and communities, and it can also lead to greater understanding and empathy for others. To make a positive impact, I plan to support education initiatives in my community and around the world. This may involve volunteering at local schools, donating to organizations that provide educational resources to underprivileged communities, or advocating for policies that prioritize education. I also am going to prioritize my education in my life. If I can get a good education, there are so many things I can do to benefit others and truly improve our world. In conclusion, there are many ways to make a positive impact on the world, and I plan to do my part by focusing on environmental sustainability, social justice, and education. I believe that by taking action in these areas, I can create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for ourselves and future generations. It is important for each of us to do our part, no matter how small, in order to make a positive impact on the world. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.

President Franklin Roosevelt, in his famous declaration, spoke of a destiny that our generation must fulfill. As we navigate a world that is grappling with economic and environmental crises, we have the unique opportunity to rise to the occasion and become the greatest generation yet. The challenges that we face are significant, but we are determined to overcome them. Despite high unemployment rates and low incomes, many young people are optimistic about the future and ready to tackle whatever comes our way. We hear the call of duty and are eager to fulfill our destiny. With open arms and a steadfast determination, we can rise to the challenge and become "The Greatest Generation 2.0." Together, we can create a better world for ourselves and future generations through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. However, we can only do this if the majority puts in an effort to truly better society. We will face many challenges, but if we work together we can overcome everything. If each person does there best to better the world, our world will be unrecognizable. Our destiny awaits, and we are ready to seize it with both hands.Let us work hard and become a better community!

As humans, we have always been curious about the universe and the mysteries that lie beyond our planet. It is important that we continue to explore and better understand the nature of our universe, as it can help us answer some of the biggest questions in life, such as the existence of life beyond Earth, the origin of the universe, and the ultimate fate of it. One of the most intriguing concepts that we have discovered in our exploration of the universe is the idea of dark matter. Scientists believe that dark matter makes up around 85% of the matter in the universe, yet we cannot observe it directly. The reason for this is that dark matter does not interact with light or any other type of electromagnetic radiation, making it invisible to telescopes and other instruments that rely on detecting such radiation. Despite the fact that we cannot observe dark matter directly, we are able to study its effects on the visible matter in the universe. One way in which we do this is by observing its gravitational effects. Dark matter has a gravitational pull that affects the motion of visible matter, such as stars and galaxies, in the universe. By studying these effects, we can learn more about the properties of dark matter and potentially even discover new particles that make up the mysterious substance. Another concept that I find intriguing is the idea of a multiverse. The multiverse theory suggests that there are multiple universes, each with its own set of physical laws and constants. While the idea of a multiverse may seem far-fetched, it has gained a lot of attention in the scientific community in recent years. There are several different theories about how a multiverse could exist, including the idea that our universe is just one of many bubbles in a larger "multiverse" space. By studying the properties of our own universe and comparing them to theoretical predictions, we can gain insight into the possibility of a multiverse and potentially even detect evidence of other universes. For example, some scientists believe that the cosmic microwave background radiation, which is the leftover heat from the Big Bang, could contain evidence of other universes. Overall, the exploration and understanding of our universe can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in science and technology. It is important that we continue to push the boundaries of our knowledge and explore the mysteries that lie beyond our planet. Whether it is through the study of dark matter, the search for evidence of a multiverse, or other avenues of exploration, the pursuit of knowledge about our universe will undoubtedly lead to new and exciting discoveries in the years to come.

For starters, the Bible is considered to be one of the most influential books of all time. It has shaped the lives of millions of people all over the world, and its teachings have been the foundation for many religions. By reading the Bible, people can gain a better understanding of the history of religion and the values that have shaped our society. Moreover, the Bible is a rich source of inspiration and guidance. It offers comfort and hope to those who are going through difficult times and provides wisdom and advice for navigating life's challenges. The Bible teaches us about forgiveness, compassion, and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. By reading it, people can learn how to be more empathetic, understanding, and loving individuals. Another reason why I choose to encourage the reading of the Bible is because it promotes critical thinking and self-reflection. The Bible is full of complex ideas and challenging concepts that require careful consideration and contemplation. By engaging with these ideas, people can develop their analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of their own beliefs and values. Finally, the Bible is a powerful tool for building community and fostering a sense of belonging. It provides a shared language and a common set of values that can bring people together and help them form meaningful connections. By reading the Bible, people can find a sense of purpose and belonging that is often difficult to achieve in today's fragmented and disconnected world. In conclusion, there are many reasons why I encourage everyone in the world to read the Bible. It is a source of inspiration, guidance, and wisdom that can help people lead more fulfilling lives and build stronger communities. Whether you are a believer or not, there is much to be gained from engaging with the Bible's teachings and ideas.

The song that has the most important message to me is "On My Own" by Ross Lynch. He sings about his doubts and fears. He questions his ability to live his life successfully alone. This song speaks to a challenge I have faced in the past year. Last year my great-grandma passed away from cancer. I was close to her and took her death pretty hard. Ross Lynch sings about his "memories of you and me" and how. I have several memories of sitting with her and talking all about her childhood. Over the past year, I have remembered several special memories such as drinking tea together and talking about sewing. I have questioned my ability to live life without her and now realize that I can. I will always have memories of her and eventually, I will see her again. As Ross Lynch sings, "now I know that I am gonna make it, brave enough to take this road out on my own".

Higher education is important to me because it leads to higher wages, to increase my chances of getting a job. Higher education leads to my ability to become a more active citizen and furthers my personal growth and independence. Those who do not have a higher education do not earn as much as those with a college degree. I want to eventually be able to buy my own house and start a family. Family is very important to me. I know that to provide for my future children, I need to start saving and then get a well-paying job. I want to have money to pay for my wedding. I need a good job to pay for my children's education. I want to help my kids pay for college and remain financially secure. Higher education such as college is the only way I can secure a good job that I enjoy and remain able to provide for my future family. Higher education also will further my chances of securing a good job. Many companies prefer employees who have well-rounded educations. Many employers want employees that can communicate and write well. Companies want employees that have a diverse array of knowledge to better suit the company's needs. A college education is a way to build and strengthen this necessary array of knowledge. As I want to be an active citizen, I want to be able to think for myself and make decisions that will benefit my country. During my college education, I will be able to learn how to engage in critical thinking and be able to stretch my mind and imagination. I want to be able to problem solve and analyze not just by myself but with others. I want to learn how to communicate my ideas and problems concisely but thoroughly. The only way for me to maximize this skill is to receive higher education. Higher education is important to me because I want to further my personal growth and independence and find my true passions. As I go through college I will face problems and obstacles. Yet as I overcome these obstacles, I will increase my self-confidence and increase my independence. I do not have a clear idea of what I want to do for my career. Higher education will give me insight into what type of job I want to pursue and what my passions are. As I grow older, I hope to further my education with a college degree so that I can find my true passions and be able to provide for my future family.

Learning is important to me as I find it applicable throughout life. There are so many practical applications to learning. Having a mentality of craving knowledge has helped me do basic things that contribute to an efficient but pleasant lifestyle. One specific memory I have was during my first year of kindergarten, my teacher told me that if I wanted to be successful, I needed to work hard on my homework and act diligently. Throughout the past nine years, I have strived to put her words into practice. Her words have helped me patiently work through lots of difficult homework and exams. Today I have a 4.0 GPA and am constantly putting in the effort to keep it at 4.0. I learned important skills from working hard. As a teenager, I have learned that my parents' guidance is very helpful as they have gone through everything I am presently going through. I am new to high school and college and applying for scholarships. Even though rejected applications for scholarships, I have learned to be patient and continue to apply. And I have developed better writing skills and techniques. Another reason why learning is important to me is that learning has boosted my self-confidence and happiness. I feel invigorated and excited when I succeed in learning new things and practically applying my knowledge to my work and lifestyle. Learning also fuels my creative spark. I love coming up with ideas to contribute to class discussions; however, only when I am looking for ways to learn am I able to contribute successfully. I am happy knowing that I am improving my chances of success and increasing my knowledge through learning. Learning provides means for me to achieve my goals. One of my goals last year was to maintain A's in all my classes. I worked hard, learning a diverse variety of subjects throughout my classes, and got all A's. I have found learning to benefit my work ethic and achieve my goals. Throughout the next stages of life, I will face, I plan to continue learning all that I can. I will seek advice from my parents, my school counselors, my church leaders, my college professors, and all that seek to teach me more about the amazing world around me. I plan to apply for scholarships like this one so that I can further my education, develop my career, and one day provide for a future family. Continuous learning is vital to my life, my success, and my happiness.

I am only fourteen and am just starting out on the long path of highschool and college. I eventually want to get married and have lots of kids. My parents have told me many times that if I work hard and get a good education I will be able to provide and bless my children and even my grandchildren. Generational wealth for me, means that I will be able to settle myself with a good nest egg, be able to pay for a nice wedding, help my kids through college, provide for my parents as they get older, and even be able to spoil my future grandchildren. With the wealth that a good education and good job bring, I will be able to benefit my parents, and my kids and grandchildren. Even my great grandchildren and their great grandchildren can benefit from the work and energy I put into my education and work life.When I think of my kids and my grandkids in the future, I want to see them thriving, living successful and blessed lives. I plan to achieve this goal by working hard in my education, applying for scholarships, and eventually finding a good job. I plan to study hard and get good grades in order to get into nursing school. Nursing school is very competitive so I would need to work even harder to get achieve a better chance of getting in. However nursing school can be very expensive so I plan to apply for lots of scholarships. I do not want to go into debt as this would backtrack my goals and could cause financial problems. I also plan to get a summer job or two this upcoming summer. I want to start working early so that I can jumpstart my education and start saving now. I want to attend college debt-free because I have seen the effects it has had on my parents. Debt makes overspending very easy and the future is very unpredictable. One can never know when gas and grocery prices will go up or drop, especially during the tumultuous times today. My parents have suffered from debt and now are on a budget to help them pay off their debt. They have had to cut back on spending and have to carefully plan out what they can and cannot spend on. I can specifically remember when I was in fourth grade, my parents were on a very tight budget and I remember how we couldn't afford very many Christmas presents. I was sad; because I was so little I did not understand why I couldn't get everything I asked for. I don't want to cause my future kids to have to suffer and be deprived because of my lack of wisdom and aforethought. I want to be able to give my future kids all they could ever need; I want them to be happy and blessed.

Two years ago, one of the main pastors in my church passed away. He was young. His youngest daughter was in the class above me. He passed away suddenly and I do not know what he died from. He had been healthy the day before. This hit my whole church and me very hard. He had been a strong pillar in our lives and he was now gone. I struggled with my grief. I could never had imagined anything like this could happen to me. I did not know my pastor on a very personal level as I was in 7th grade, but he preached almost every other Sunday. His words always spoke to my heart and helped me change for the better. However, I prayed to God for help and he filled me with peace. My dad gave me some scripture verses to think about. These helped me see God's plan is always better than my one. This sad experiance helped me draw closer to my family and my friends. But most importantly it drew me closer to God. He is the one who works for the good of all. It was a very severe trial he gave me and my church. However, it knit us closer together and we are serving God together today. Last year, my best friend moved away. Her parents did not want to follow the Covid vaccine mandate that California had put down. They did not listen to those who counseled them not to leave. They did not listen and moved away. They cut off all ties with my church and took their kids, including my best friend, out of school till they moved. I did not get to say goodbye. This, besides the death previously stated, was one of the hardest things that I had ever felt. I cried for a long time. I was lost for a little while. I could not understand why my friend's parents would leave. How could I live without her? I was not the only one who suffered from them leaving. Two of my other close friends were also affected by my best friend leaving. However, this event brought us closer together. We drew closer together and spent more time with each other. These past events severely affected me. I had to overcome intense grief and sadness. Despite the sadness these hardships gave me, I have developed closer friendships and relationships with my family.

My favorite Disney character when I was little was Abu, Aladdin’s little monkey sidekick. I was always jealous that Aladdin had a pet monkey. Monkeys used to be my favorite animal. I especially liked Abu because he was mischievous and funny. When I was little I would crack up when he stole some jewels. I thought he was so hilarious.

There once was a dog named Joe, Ready to spread fearful woe. If anyone crossed his invisible line, he became a ferocious canine. He had a chloric snap, worse than the snow’s cold slap. His evil eye that was malignant, caused the other dogs to be indignant. Joe was a dog with an evil bite, as evil as the darkest night. His hard heart was a heap of coal, he always happened to have no soul. Joe was always terribly sour, with an attitude that was all but dour. He was loyal to the grave, then he drowned, a faithful slave. This poem was written describing the dog Joe from Jack Landon’s Call of the Wild.