Growing up in a low-income household has shaped the way I view money and financial stability. I’ve learned early on that while money is important, it is not the source of true happiness. I don’t dream of owning the biggest house on the block or the shiniest car in the lot. Instead, I dream of being able to support myself, live comfortably, and help others—all while doing something I love. These values have been shaped not only by our financial limitations, but also by the generosity and sacrifices of my parents. My parents have always worked hard to make ends meet, and despite their financial struggles, they’ve consistently put my education first. My mom worked at the same company for nearly 30 years before it shut down, leaving her without a job and adding to the burden we already faced. Yet even during that difficult time, my parents never pressured me to get a job in high school. Instead, they encouraged me to focus on my studies so I could take full advantage of the opportunities they never had. I am incredibly grateful for their selflessness and support, and it motivates me every day to succeed—not just for myself, but for them. Because of our financial situation, I’ve always been mindful of the cost of education. That’s why I’ve taken as many AP and Dual Enrollment college courses as I can during high school—to earn college credit early, save money, and challenge myself academically. I’ve worked hard to maintain straight As and become Valedictorian, knowing that scholarships will be essential to helping me attend college without adding more financial strain on my family. I plan to apply for as many scholarships as possible, and I view each one as not only a form of support but also a recognition of the hard work my family and I have put in. My ultimate goal is to work in the dental field—a profession that will allow me to combine science, hands-on skill, and human connection. I want to be the kind of person who not only improves people’s health but also helps restore their confidence through their smiles. Pursuing a career in dentistry is my way of giving back—by using the opportunities I’ve been given to create joy for others. Financial education has also played an important role in how I plan for the future. I’ve learned to budget and save. I know the value of a dollar and the importance of making smart choices now that will benefit me later. I’ve seen the impact of financial hardship up close, and I’m determined to build a life where I can offer stability and security—not just for myself, but eventually for the family I hope to have. What I’ve learned from my personal financial experiences is that resilience, gratitude, and education can be more valuable than money itself. These lessons are the foundation of how I approach life, and they will continue to guide me as I pursue my education, career, and personal goals. I plan to take full advantage of every opportunity that comes my way and to never forget the sacrifices my parents made to get me here. With hard work, determination, and continued financial responsibility, I know I can build a better future—and help others smile along the way.

Watching Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero was a heartwarming and heartbreaking experience that left a lasting impact on my life. It wasn’t just a film about a dog or a war—it was a story of courage, loyalty, and the bond between humans and animals. As someone who owns a Boston Terrier just like Stubby, seeing a film about a brave dog like mine made the story feel incredibly personal. It made me realize the deep emotional strength of companionship and opened my eyes to the sacrifices of veterans and the lesser-known heroes of history. The movie followed the true story of Stubby, a stray dog who became the most decorated canine in American military history. I admired his loyalty from the very beginning—how he followed a soldier into training camp and refused to leave. That kind of devotion resonated with me because my own dog shows that same kind of fierce, unconditional love. To see a dog like mine do something so heroic made me look at my own dog in a new light—not just as a pet, but as a companion who would do anything to protect the people she loves. This made me feel proud of my dog and deepened my bond with her. I looked at her afterward and thought, “You’ve got a little Stubby in you too!” What struck me most was Stubby’s bravery during the darkest moments of World War I. He didn’t understand war, but he understood people. He sensed danger, protected fellow soldiers, and even helped save lives. His actions reminded me that courage doesn’t always come from understanding the risk—it comes from love. That kind of courage is rare and beautiful. It made me want to be braver in my own life by standing up for others, being kind in difficult situations, and showing up even when it’s hard. The film also gave me a new appreciation for veterans. Often, we honor soldiers in big, public ways, but this movie reminded me of the quiet pain, trauma, and strength that many carry silently. Stubby wasn’t just a mascot—he was family to the people he served with. Seeing the emotional toll of the war on both the soldiers and the dog was heartbreaking. It reminded me that behind every uniform is a story, a human being, and sometimes a four-legged friend who walked beside them through it all. Another thing that stuck with me was how much history lives in the small, overlooked moments. We learn about wars and battles in school, but we rarely learn about the Stubby stories—the ones that show heart, connection, and the real cost of conflict. This movie made me want to learn more about history, not just from textbooks but from personal stories that reveal the emotional truths of the past. I gained a deeper respect for the little-known heroes whose actions, though not always recognized on a grand scale, changed lives. Most of all, Sgt. Stubby made me realize the power of compassion. Stubby didn’t have to go to war—he wasn’t trained or ordered. He simply loved and followed the people who showed him kindness, and that love became his mission. This reminded me that compassion doesn’t require a reason—it’s something we choose every day. In the end, Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero didn’t just teach me about history—it reminded me of the value of courage, loyalty, and kindness in everyday life. It made me cry, smile, and reflect—and that’s the kind of story that stays with you forever.

One of the most meaningful community events I participated in was a bed-building day with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a nonprofit organization that provides beds for children in need. This event, hosted in partnership with my high school’s Interact Club and a local church, deeply impacted me and changed the way I view hidden struggles in my own community of Randolph County, North Carolina. Before volunteering with SHP, I had no idea that so many children in my area lacked something as basic and essential as a bed. Some were sleeping on blankets, trash bags, or even directly on the floor. Learning that there were 49 children in need of beds in Randolph County alone opened my eyes to a form of poverty I had never noticed before. It reminded me that just because we don’t see an issue, doesn’t mean it isn’t there—and that we all have the power to help. During the event, I helped sand the wooden components that would be used to build the beds. This step is crucial for ensuring the beds are safe, free from splinters, and visually pleasing. While sanding wood might seem like a small task, I realized that every smooth board would become part of a child’s safe space—a place where they could finally get the restful sleep they deserve. In the future, I plan to help deliver the beds and see firsthand the impact they have on the children who receive them. What made this event especially meaningful was knowing the broader impact of something as simple as a bed. SHP emphasizes the connection between quality sleep and mental health. A comfortable place to sleep not only helps children rest better, but also supports brain function, emotional regulation, academic performance, and overall well-being. Without proper sleep, a child’s ability to grow, learn, and interact with others is compromised. It affects every part of their day—from how they engage in the classroom to how they relate to their peers. Quality sleep sets the foundation for confidence, concentration, and emotional stability. When children can sleep well, they can wake up ready to succeed—and that small change can truly transform their futures. Looking forward, I hope SHP’s presence in our community continues to grow, and I would love to see more young people, especially students like me, get involved. Students can volunteer at build days, donate bedding or stuffed animals, or contribute financially to support the cost of materials. I believe that if more people were aware of the needs hidden right in our own neighborhoods, they would be inspired to take action too. It’s easy to think that big change requires big gestures, but SHP proves that a few hours of work, a few dollars donated, or a few conversations can make a real and lasting difference in a child’s life, and I am honored to be a part of that change. Ultimately, participating in this SHP event helped me realize how important it is to support children’s mental health through practical, hands-on efforts. It gave me a sense of purpose and showed me the difference we can make when we come together for a cause. Through continued support of Sleep in Heavenly Peace and similar initiatives, I hope we can create a future where no child in Randolph County—and beyond—has to sleep on the floor again.

Middle school was supposed to be a time of carefree discovery, but for me, it marked a brutal battle with anorexia. What started as a desire to “be healthy” quickly spiraled into an obsession with food, my body, and my self-worth. At an age when most kids were learning who they were, I was consumed by numbers: calories, pounds, portions, and clothing sizes. I didn’t recognize the severity of what I was going through until I realized how isolated and exhausted I had become. Food stopped being fuel and became the enemy. I would lie awake at night, stomach growling, too hungry to sleep but too afraid to eat. My thoughts were constantly wrapped around what I had eaten, what I hadn’t, and how to eat even less the next day. I lost a large percentage of my body weight in just a few months. I was constantly cold, weak, and lightheaded. My body was in survival mode, but I couldn’t see how sick I truly was. What hurt even more was how isolating it became. I avoided meals, social events, and even friends who cared about me—anything that might force me to eat or talk about how I was feeling. I was surrounded by people, but I felt completely alone. Eventually, I realized I was sick and needed a change, but I was shocked to find that recovery didn’t end when I gained the weight back. Mentally, I was still trapped. For over a year, I battled anxiety around food, scales, and any talk of calories or body image. With support from loved ones, I’ve learned that recovery isn’t straightforward—it’s a process of relearning how to be kind to yourself every single day. During that time, I distanced myself from friends, avoided family meals, and lied about my eating habits and mental health to those who cared most. Recovery forced me to rebuild trust—with others and myself. It taught me how to communicate openly and ask for help, even when it’s uncomfortable. Now, I value authenticity in my relationships above all. I seek out people who are honest, kind, and supportive, and I try to offer those same qualities in return. Anorexia also distorted my beliefs about success, perfection, and identity. I used to think being "enough" meant being flawless—thin, high-achieving, and always composed. But through recovery, I learned that strength comes from vulnerability and self-compassion. I now believe imperfections aren’t weaknesses, but signs of humanity. This shift has fostered empathy and determination to help others feel seen and supported. This experience shaped my dream of working in the dental field. At first glance, anorexia and dentistry might seem unrelated, but it gave me a deep appreciation for the mind-body connection and the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care. I want to help people find a smile that empowers them. I’ve seen how a confident smile can transform someone’s outlook on life, and I want to be part of that beautiful change. To me, it’s not just about teeth—it’s about restoring confidence and giving people the strength to face the world. Today, I carry my past with me—not as a burden, but as a source of purpose. Battling anorexia gave me a deeper understanding of resilience and a passion for helping others heal. It taught me that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about using your experiences to lift others up. As I pursue a career in dentistry, I bring empathy, commitment to health, and belief in the power of human connection. I’m not defined by my struggle, but I am shaped by it—and I’m proud of the person I’ve become.

Math has been my passion for many years. I’ve always found comfort in the patterns and logic of mathematics. While other subjects like English or history can be misinterpreted or viewed differently, math is based on exact calculations. Some might say that makes it boring, but I disagree. I find it fascinating that one problem can be solved so many different ways. The limitless approaches to solving a math equation are a testament to the individuality of each person. Math is a universal language that holds endless possibilities for everyone. It can be expressed through numbers, symbols, letters, graphs, and even the Greek alphabet! These elements are like the colors an artist uses to paint. Like an artist, one can take these various expressions of math to create something unique and exciting, showcasing creativity and individual skills. Beyond a form of self-expression, math is used infinitely in the real world. Whether it’s calculating how much you will spend at a grocery store, measuring out ingredients to bake a cake, or figuring out how many minutes you have to get ready for an event, you’re using math! Math also plays a critical role in fields such as technology, engineering, finance, and medicine. I am eager to use my math skills in these fields to further my education and obtain a degree so that I can help others. Helping others is my ultimate goal. My community has done so much to support me, so now I want to give back. Math gives me opportunities to learn and grow as a person, enabling me to help my community grow.