Throughout my pre-teen years, I struggled with acne, which made me feel insecure and self-conscious. It wasn’t just about how my face looked—it deeply affected how I viewed myself and how I thought others saw me. I often found myself avoiding social situations and hiding from photos, because I didn’t think I met the impossible standards set by social media. This pressure to appear flawless made me feel disconnected from those around me, and my self-esteem took a hit. Charli XCX’s music helped me challenge that mindset, especially with her song CRASH. In it, she sings, “I don’t really care, I just wanna crash,” and those words resonated with me. I realized that I didn’t need to live up to anyone’s expectations, and I didn’t have to be perfect. Like Charli, I began to understand that embracing imperfection and letting go of the need to be flawless allowed me to feel more authentic. Her lyrics made me realize that self-worth isn’t tied to perfection—it’s about being real with myself. This shift in perspective led me to focus on what truly mattered: my passion for a future in medicine. I’ve always wanted to help others, and realized I could do so by helping people feel confident in their own skin. Charli’s music taught me that embracing vulnerability and imperfection was empowering, and I wanted to pass that same feeling on to others who struggled with their appearance, just as I had. Charli’s career, from her early days in pop to becoming a bold, self-assured artist, has been a source of inspiration for me. She’s never shied away from reinventing herself and exploring raw, unfiltered emotions in her music. Songs like Good Ones show that being vulnerable doesn’t make us weaker—it makes us stronger. Charli’s ability to turn her struggles and growth into art taught me that it’s okay to be imperfect and that we don’t need to hide our flaws to be successful. In my journey toward becoming a dermatologist, I’ve been inspired by Charli’s authenticity and willingness to be unapologetically herself. Like Charli empowers her listeners to embrace who they are, I want to help people feel comfortable and confident in their skin—helping them understand that true beauty comes from within, flaws and all. Charli’s music has shaped the way I see self-acceptance, teaching me that it’s not about being flawless, but about being true to myself. Charli XCX’s influence has not only helped me accept myself but has also motivated me to pursue my dreams with confidence. Her career has shown me that it’s okay to make mistakes, to evolve, and to embrace imperfection. As I move forward in my journey to become a dermatologist, I know that the lessons I’ve learned from Charli—about embracing flaws and living authentically—will guide me in making a positive impact. Just as Charli uses her music to empower others to be unapologetically themselves, I hope to do the same by helping people feel confident in their skin, inside and out. And that is brat.

I have always been a fan of reality television—there’s something incredibly captivating about watching people step out of their comfort zones, tackle fierce competition, and navigate unexpected twists. From the strategic alliances of Big Brother to the mental and physical endurance of Survivor, to the heart-pounding races in The Amazing Race and the fear-inducing stunts in Fear Factor, every show has its unique appeal. But what if I could combine all the elements that make these reality shows so exciting into one epic challenge? What if I could create a competition that tests contestants in every possible way—physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially—while incorporating the drama, suspense, and alliances that fans of these shows (myself included) love? That’s where the Ultimate Island Gauntlet comes in—a challenge designed to push contestants to their limits in the most unpredictable, intense, and exhilarating way possible. In the Ultimate Island Gauntlet challenge, elements all of these shows are combined! It’s a multi-phase test of physical, mental, and emotional strength that forces contestants to face their greatest fears, outwit their competitors, and test the limits of their teamwork—all while navigating shifting alliances and a high-pressure environment. Phase 1: The Secret Task Contestants secretly receive a task they must complete without anyone knowing. Tasks could range from stealing an item (inspired by Room Raiders) to sabotaging a group task. Success earns an advantage for the contestant or their couple, while failure results in a penalty, such as sitting out a physical challenge or performing a humorous task. Phase 2: The Escape Room Race Next, contestants are paired up (either with their partner or randomly) and must solve puzzles and complete physical tasks spread across the island. Each checkpoint involves mental challenges (e.g., trivia on each other’s lives) and physical challenges (e.g., carrying heavy loads or navigating obstacle courses). To progress, they must complete these tasks correctly. Phase 3: Fear Factor Duel Mid-race, each pair is stopped and must face a fear-inducing stunt, such as eating gross foods, holding creepy crawlies, or completing high-risk activities (e.g., bungee jumping or skydiving). Contestants must either complete the task together or face elimination, depending on the difficulty. Phase 4: Survivor Island Contestants are dropped onto a remote part of the island to “survive” overnight. They must gather resources, form alliances, and strategize for survival. Social skills are key, as contestants who fail to bond risk being voted out during a “tribal council.” The remaining contestants move on to the final phase. Phase 5: The Love Island Revelation Contestants are separated from their partners and sent on a “hell date” with a randomly assigned contestant. They spend time in an isolated romantic setting, and viewers vote on their compatibility. The couple with the lowest score is eliminated. The remaining contestants are reunited with their original partners for the finale. Finally, in true Love Island fashion, the fans get a say and vote on the challenge winners. The winners then win what else? A romantic, overnight date without any money on the line. With challenges like this, who knows? Maybe I will apply to be on the show one day!

Transitioning to a new school, environment, and program can be overwhelming, especially when you feel isolated and alone. Mental health issues, particularly anxiety, paralyze many in my generation, and I found myself struggling with those same challenges. Instead of letting overwhelming uncertainty and fear consume me, I chose to be a force of positivity for others facing similar struggles. Before my freshman year, my mom and I moved to a new school district, leaving behind familiar school hallways, teachers, friends, and experiences. Suddenly, I was in a school where everyone already knew each other, and relationships were long established. The new district was less diverse, making the transition even more daunting. Despite the initial fear, what could have been an isolating experience became a journey of growth. I found my “tribe”—a group of people who embraced me and supported me through the challenges of starting over. Joining clubs and organizations aligned with my passions allowed me to connect with others and find a sense of belonging. By engaging in these groups, I discovered my strength and saw how resilience could be transformative—not just for me, but for others navigating their anxieties as well. One impactful role I took on was as a Titan School Ambassador. This role allowed me to be a bridge for incoming freshmen, helping them navigate unfamiliar high school hallways. I became a friend, mentor, and confidante for students who felt like I did when I first arrived. Guiding them to classrooms, sitting with them at lunch, or providing academic support, I became a source of comfort and encouragement. I made it my mission to be the person I needed during my school transition—someone who listens without judgment and offers kind advice. Most importantly, I worked to ease their anxiety about starting a new chapter so they could focus on their schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal growth. Through my work as a Titan Ambassador, I learned the power of service and leadership. Leadership isn’t just about holding a position; it’s about supporting and encouraging others to be their best selves. I became a model of empathy and connection, helping students feel comfortable and empowering them to embrace community and resilience. I’ve seen how positive influence inspires others to support their peers. Many students I mentored adopted the same mindset, reaching out with kindness and understanding, and even becoming Titan Ambassadors themselves. It’s rewarding to witness the ripple effect of understanding, support, and a willingness to help others in a community. This journey made me aware of the significance of creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen and valued and I have seen firsthand how this can incite change and inspire others to do the same. As I continue my journey, my goal is to carry this spirit of love, service, and resilience into everything I do. Whether mentoring, offering support, or leading by example, I am committed to creating spaces where others feel seen, valued, and supported. I aspire to continue fostering inclusivity and support—whether through a career in medicine or mentoring along the way and to continue to inspire others to do the same.