At the age of 10, I made my first dollar selling erasers from my pencil case, because as an overweight child, I was not allowed to consume chocolate from my elementary school vending machines despite the constant pleading my mother had to endure.I was the one kid in middle school who carried a five-pound bag of snacks every day during lunchtime selling everything she had for a dollar. I began making anywhere from $30 to $50 a day as an 11-year-old entrepreneur. Yet, the significance of what I did stretched beyond satisfying my chocolate cravings. I hadn't even known what the term entrepreneur meant but it felt like a natural calling, a distinct path that resonated with me on a deeper level. As I reached high school, I managed to build 4 e-commerce shops all centered around the principles of sustainable clothing and the fight against overconsumption. During this period of my life, I was passionate about reshaping the fashion industry into a more responsible and eco-conscious business entity. It's important to acknowledge how much damage businesses of all sorts contribute to the environment, and I knew I didn't want to be a part of that. We've all heard of the saying "Money makes the world go round," however, the purpose and social construct of the idea of money doesn't exist when the world's survival is at stake. Currently, as a sophomore at NYU, I attend Gallatin an individualized study school forming my concentration around business entrepreneurship, management, real estate, and sustainability. My academic path aligns with my passion to help create a more sustainable business world. Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, I discovered the transformative power of entrepreneurship as a vehicle for positive change. In addition, I understood the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and the connections that I make with customers that in turn, can lead me to new and greater opportunities for me. What excites me most about being an entrepreneur is how I get the power to be creative, and to engage and make changes within my community that can be beneficial for all. No one's controlling anything I do, and I have the freedom to make certain choices that fit within my own visions, in addition to taking calculated risks that can lead to greater success. Furthermore, being an entrepreneur also means testing my ambition and self-discipline in ways that continually push me to grow and evolve. It's a constant exercise in self-motivation and requires the willpower to embrace failure as a learning opportunity instead of just giving up.

@ro000ooo

My father, Wen Bun Chen, lived in China and had ALS. Even though we were not particularly close, his story of this condition made a profound impact on me. Most days he faces this incredibly challenging journey alone. I learned so much about the importance of having family support, especially when dealing with such a complex, rare, and debilitating illness. Back when I was in elementary school my parents had a divorce that led my father to return to China while my mother stayed in the United States with me and my younger brother. It wasn't until I got to high school, where my father had just turned 53, we found out he had lost all motor control in his right hand. Despite my parents not being together anymore, my mother would frequently travel back to China to help him out due to his ALS, leaving me alone at home during my high school years. We also dealt with financial struggles from living with a single mom along with the expenses of flights, medical bills, and living expenses. I was able to witness my mother's dedication and selflessness in caring for my father, despite the distance, emotional strain, and the hardships of juggling between working two jobs. She taught me not only about empathy, resilience, and the importance of family love but also about the sacrifices we make for those we care about deeply, My respect for her has grown tremendously as I reached college and look back at all the things she has sacrificed. I hope to create a closer bond with my father, but the distance, language barrier and even my time spent on my education has been challenging. I value my education a lot as I hope to pursue my path in the field of business management. Given the lessons I learned from my father's experience, my mother's sacrifices, and their dedication have stayed with me. They serve as constant reminders as to why the importance of compassion and human connection is so impactful. Through this, I've gained certain qualities such as empathy, resilience, and the understanding of the profound impact of human connection which are not only essential in my personal life but also in the professional world. These are impactful traits that can drive successful change in any organization. This scholarship would be an amazing financial opportunity that would give me the chance to acknowledge the sacrifices made by my parents. The financial support provided by this scholarship would offer me the freedom and resources to dedicate myself wholly to my studies, allowing me to explore internships and engage in impactful community initiatives that resonate with my vision as a future business leader. Moreover, it would allow me to continue building on the values that ALS has taught me through my parents' sacrifices, and their love instilled in me.

Losing my childhood best friend, Jin Yi Yang, to suicide at the age of 13 left an indelible mark on my life. Her vibrant spirit, infectious laughter, and the way she illuminated every room she entered are memories that will forever live in my head. It is through this heartbreaking experience and the subsequent challenges I have faced with my current best friend, who has been diagnosed with depression and has endured two stays in the psych ward, that my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations have been profoundly influenced. Jin Yi's tragic passing opened my eyes to the devastating consequences of mental health struggles and the importance of destigmatizing conversations surrounding mental well-being. Witnessing someone I loved dearly suffer in silence and ultimately lose their battle made me acutely aware of the desperate need for compassion, understanding, and support. It sparked a deep belief in the power of empathy and the significance of fostering a safe space for open dialogue about mental health. This experience has transformed my relationships, as I have become more attuned to the emotional well-being of those around me. I strive to be a source of comfort and support, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. I have learned the importance of checking in on loved ones, recognizing that even the brightest smiles can hide immense pain. I cherish every connection and prioritize creating an environment where vulnerability is embraced, allowing for genuine and meaningful connections to flourish. Moreover, my personal encounters with mental health challenges have solidified my determination to pursue a career dedicated to mental wellness. As a current NYU Gallatin student, I have been actively taking courses in psychology and children's mental studies, further deepening my understanding of the complexities of mental health and the specific needs of young individuals. The pain of losing Jin Yi and witnessing my current best friend's struggles has propelled me to become an advocate for mental health awareness. I have actively engaged in initiatives to raise awareness, destigmatize mental health, and promote self-care. Whether it's volunteering at mental health organizations, participating in awareness campaigns, or organizing events to spark meaningful conversations, I am committed to making a difference and ensuring that no one suffers in silence. While the experiences have tested my strength, they have also fostered resilience and an unwavering determination within me. They have reinforced my belief in the transformative power of compassion, the significance of authentic connections, and the dire need for a society that embraces and prioritizes mental well-being. In memory of Jin Yi and out of love for my current best friend, I will continue to strive for a world where mental health is treated with the same care and attention as physical health. I will work tirelessly to challenge societal norms, break down barriers, and ensure that individuals receive the support and understanding they deserve. Ultimately, it is my hope that by sharing my experiences and advocating for change, I can contribute to a future where no one has to suffer in silence and where mental well-being is prioritized and celebrated.

As the granddaughter of a fallen soldier who valiantly served in the Vietnam War, my grandfather's sacrifice has left an indelible mark on my family and me, inspiring a tireless work ethic, resilience, and determination to achieve ambitious goals. His selflessness and dedication were not only evident on the battlefield but also in his unwavering commitment to providing everything for my mother and our family. My grandfather, Wen Bun Chan, was a man of unwavering courage and dedication. His indomitable spirit and selflessness in the face of adversity have become a source of inspiration for me throughout my life. Growing up, I would listen to the stories from. my mother shared about his commitment and the sacrifices he made to support his children and family. My mother, his daughter, witnessed firsthand the sacrifices he made for our country and our family. Despite the pain of losing her father, she embodied his resilience and determination. She instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and ambition, knowing that my grandfather would have wanted us to embrace life fully and make the most of the opportunities he fought to protect. His legacy has fueled my ambition to make a lasting difference in the world. I have aspired to walk in his footsteps. Guided by his memory, I have pursued higher education, engaged in community service, and sought leadership roles where I can effect meaningful change. Whether it is advocating for veterans' rights or promoting peace and understanding, I strive to leave a positive impact on the lives of others, just as my grandfather did. Though I never had the chance to meet my grandfather, his presence looms large in my life. His sacrifice has molded my character, pushing me to work harder, be stronger, and reach for ambitious goals. By embracing the lessons learned from his service, I honor his memory every day and carry forward his legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to a cause greater than myself. My grandfather's sacrifice has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy and a profound sense of duty to honor his memory. Knowing that he fought for a cause greater than himself, I have embraced a work ethic that reflects his unwavering determination. I am driven to seize every opportunity, recognizing that my actions can pay homage to his sacrifice and the sacrifices of countless others who have fought for our nation.

Getting involved in my community has been a deeply rewarding experience, driven by my strong sense of empathy and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Inspired by the need for inclusivity and cultural celebration, I took the initiative to create an Asian American and Pacific Islander alliance club. This club serves as a platform for fostering understanding, promoting diversity, and providing support to individuals from these communities. The creation of the alliance club was a response to the unique challenges and experiences faced by Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals in our society. By organizing events, workshops, and discussions, we aim to educate our members and the wider community about the rich cultural heritage and contributions of these groups. We celebrate festivals, share traditional arts and crafts, and engage in meaningful dialogues that address topics such as identity, representation, and social issues affecting our communities. Through the alliance club, we have also sought to provide support to those in need. One organization that has been close to my heart is Michael, an autism awareness organization. Volunteering with Michael has given me the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of individuals with autism and their families. I have assisted in organizing events, raising awareness, and providing support to help create a more inclusive environment for those on the autism spectrum. In addition to my involvement with Luv Michael, I have actively sought out other avenues to influence change within my community. This includes participating in local initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness, poverty, and educational disparities. I have volunteered at shelters, organized donation drives, and tutored students from underprivileged backgrounds. By addressing these pressing issues, I believe we can create a more compassionate and equitable society. Working towards change in my community has not been without its challenges. However, the resilience and determination of individuals coming together for a common cause have been truly inspiring. I have witnessed firsthand the power of collective action and the profound impact that even small steps can have on individuals' lives. Ultimately, my involvement in the community is driven by a genuine desire to make a difference and leave a positive mark on the world around me. By creating spaces of support and understanding, and by actively engaging in initiatives that address social issues, I hope to inspire others to join in the effort to create a more inclusive, empathetic, and harmonious society.

Growing up, I've always dreamed of becoming a princess and I still do, adorned in elegant dresses, relishing in the life of living in a magical grand castle, married to a hot prince while enjoying exquisite meals every day. Another part of me, also dreams of achieving success in both my business and personal life, enjoying a beachfront home, a happy and healthy family, and the fulfillment of exploring the world, while collecting seashells along the way.

When I first pitched my photo series to my class and my teacher, they thought it was weird and implied that I should change it to something else. However, I still stuck with it cause the truth is I was obsessed with Draco Malfoy at the time and every potter head knows that Draco loves apples which is why I chose to do a series on something so lame like this. My photo series demonstrates my artistic visions because it represents me and my past experiences as a human being. I want my work to be relatable and emotional and yet awkward at the same time. Everyone goes through times where they feel alone and isolated. We explore thing outside of our comfort zone and end up feeling broken or betrayed by the people you have finally let into your life, and that is exactly what this apple goes through in his journey. In the future, I want to make a coming-of-age teenage rom-com film. I find a lot of teenage rom-com and coming-of-age films to be so cliche and unrealistic. I want to change that and make something actually relatable to the younger generation.

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who dreamed of having all the chocolate in the world to herself! However, this little girl’s family was financially struggling and so, she never bothered her parents to buy her chocolate. Since she’s not old enough to work, the little girl magically had a plan one day! She decided that she was going to sell her toys at her elementary school! This plan worked, and the little girl immediately fell in love with it. As she entered middle school, she sold snacks every day for the next three years of her life. During this time, she was able to help provide support for her family. As the little girl enters high school, she sold her clothes instead of candy and toys. She started multiple online eCommerce shops and she was finally able to afford all the chocolate that she desired using her own hard-earned money. The little girl in this story is me. My experience with entrepreneurship simply started out with this silly little dream of mine and my love for chocolate as a 9-year-old. It played as an open door for me to provide for my family. Growing up in an Asian household, it’s rare for my family to show our affection to each other through words. Phrases like “I love you” or “I care” are non-existent in my home. Instead, our actions are what bring us together to showcase the love that we have for one another. Selling my belongings throughout my years in school was my individual way of showing my family my love and is one of my approaches to give back to my immigrant parents. At first, my parents didn't really like the idea of me selling snacks in school, they thought i'd be too distracted from school work. However, I eventually convinced them to buy me a box of mixtures of candies at Bj's. The very next day, I went to school and asked half the cafeteria if they wanted to purchase anything from my box. Some people would laugh and scoff at me, but by the end of the day, I was all sold out. I walked home that afternoon feeling so proud of myself, I was filled with joy and couldn't wait to tell my family about it. My parents were very surprised. They became very supportive of this so called "snack business", and just like that, I grew from carrying a small box of candy, into carrying a 5-pound bag of snacks. I still had good grades and kids in my school seemed to connect with me more. Selling snacks became my addictive drug. And like every drug addict, their drug ultimately stops working. Carrying the 5 pound bag of snacks everysingle day eventually stopped making me happy and i got burnt out from it. I told my parents that i wanted to quit, they immediately were very supportive of the idea and even started giving me allowance. I saved up and started my own etsy shop, depop shop, mercari shop, and poshmark shop by the start of high school. Now, a junior in high school, I’ve developed a more dynamic way to balance out my school life and business life. I get to connect with people all around the world through my online shops, and I’ve acquired life-long skills and adaptations that will ultimately lead to my success. Evolving my ambition, networking skills, responsibility, and most importantly my confidence, through my experience has made me the unique person that I am today and I am eternally grateful for my parent's support.

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who dreamed of having all the chocolate in the world to herself! However, this little girl’s family was financially struggling and so, she never bothered her parents to buy her chocolate. Since she’s not old enough to work, the little girl magically had a plan one day! She decided that she was going to sell her toys at her elementary school! This plan worked, and the little girl immediately fell in love with it. As she entered middle school, she sold snacks every day for the next three years of her life. During this time, she was able to help provide support for her family. As the little girl enters high school, she sold her clothes instead of candy and toys. She started multiple online eCommerce shops and she was finally able to afford all the chocolate that she desired using her own hard-earned money. The little girl in this story is me. My experience with entrepreneurship simply started out with this silly little dream of mine and my love for chocolate as a 9-year-old. It played as an open door for me to provide for my family to the best of my abilities. Growing up in an Asian household, it’s rare for my family to show our affection to each other through words. Phrases like “I love you” or “I care” are non-existent in my home. Instead, our actions are what bring us together to showcase the love that we have for one another. Selling my belongings throughout my years in school was my individual way of showing my family my love and is one of my approaches to give back to my immigrant parents. During middle school, I was exhaustingly desperate to sell out the 5-pound bag of snacks that I carried around everywhere I walked. During lunch, I’d ask everyone in the cafeteria if they’d like to purchase whatever I had in my bag. I struggle with social anxiety and selling food/toys at school launched me out of my comfort zone to be the person who always makes the first move. I priced my snacks at $1 each and nothing more because at a certain point I realized that money stopped giving me any purpose or meaning. I had already struck my goal of obtaining whatever chocolate I desired, and my family was eventually at a better place. After all, money is just paper and numbers on a screen. However, even this realization never stopped me from selling, no matter how sick and drained I was with my so-called “snack business”. There was one point where I tried to quit. A random boy came up to me smiling, holding up a dollar, and asked for my snack bag. I told him, “sorry, I don’t have it today” His smile faded away, and replied with an “oh” and ran away. That ten-second interaction with a complete stranger left a hole in my chest. I had never realized how much of an impact I had around those who aren’t even within my bubble. Just right when I thought I had finally quit my snack business for good, I was right back in the loop of carrying my 5-pound snack bag. I finally acknowledged my passion for entrepreneurship, and my precious connections with people, which were my main drive for never quitting what I started, even if I’ve already met my initial goal. Now, at sixteen years old, I’ve developed a more dynamic way to balance out my school life and business life. I get to connect with people all around the world through my online shops, and I’ve acquired life-long skills and adaptations that will ultimately lead to my success. Evolving my valuable ambition, networking skills, responsibility, and most importantly my confidence, through my experience has made me the unique person that I am today and I am eternally grateful.

As a student who's born and raised in such a diverse and evolving environment, there are many things that I have taken for granted, and I have only realized that as I continue to grow older. For example, ever since I started high school, I would take the subway every day and there would be less fortunate people pleading to strangers for money and support. It made me felt terrible for what they go through as they share their stories throughout the whole cart to hear, only for them to be ignored. I have come to find that people fail to recognize them as actual human beings and will dismiss them at all costs. In the past, I am not afraid to admit that have found myself guilty of that at such a young age, and so do the majority of others! You are a product of your environment. Even a ten-minute train ride will determine how you act and think. After this realization and multiple more, I have been eager to seek ways to help me learn and grow and to be better as a human being. I want to gain empathy within every aspect of life. Since this realization, I've begun finding sympathy for every homeless man in the streets and I'd give them whatever I was able to offer. Things like "Thank you, you've made my day" or "may God bless you" have been said to me and it always warms my heart to know that I've made their lives just a bit easier. Knowing this feels remarkably beautiful. Imagine how beautiful the world would be if everyone just did a little more? Furthermore, I'd like to touch on another huge issue that has been an undervalued problem in my community. And this would be the xenophobia and sinophobia rooted in not only my city but American society as a whole. The causes of xenophobia and sinophobia come from not only the newfound Covid-19 virus rumors and stereotypes, but it has been too normalized ever since the beginning, dating back centuries. As of now, it has been finally brought to just a slim sliver of light from the fact that xenophobia has been very heavily depicted by our government leaders and modern western media. I believe that change and awareness would be very time-consuming and difficult with just a small amount of people. However, the best thing and most efficient way to approach this would be to change the education curriculum and give the younger generation more access and knowledge of real-life problems. There are many ways to motivate and inspired others to learn about xenophobia and sinophobia. I believe that the easiest and efficient way for a person to spread awareness is from social media. A simple Instagram post or story can reach hundreds, not even but thousands of people at once! Social media is the main source as to why I'm so passionate about this issue and many other issues that we face in this world, it can do the same for many others.

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who dreamed of having all the chocolate in the world to herself! However, this little girl’s family was financially struggling and so, she never bothered her parents to buy her chocolate. Since she’s not old enough to work, the little girl magically had a plan one day! She decided that she was going to sell her toys at her elementary school! This plan worked, and the little girl immediately fell in love with it. As she entered middle school, she sold snacks every day for the next three years of her life. During this time, she was able to help provide support for her family. As the little girl enters high school, she sold her clothes instead of candy and toys. She started multiple online eCommerce shops and she was finally able to afford all the chocolate that she desired using her own hard-earned money. The little girl in this story is me. My experience with entrepreneurship simply started out with this silly little dream of mine and my love for chocolate as a 9-year-old. It played as an open door for me to provide for my family to the best of my abilities. Growing up in an Asian household, it’s rare for my family to show our affection to each other through words. Phrases like “I love you” or “I care” are non-existent in my home. Instead, our actions are what bring us together to showcase the love that we have for one another. Selling my belongings throughout my years in school was my individual way of showing my family my love and is one of my approaches to give back to my immigrant parents. During middle school, I was exhaustingly desperate to sell out the 5-pound bag of snacks that I carried around everywhere I walked. During lunch, I’d ask everyone in the cafeteria if they’d like to purchase whatever I had in my bag. I struggle with social anxiety and selling food/toys at school launched me out of my comfort zone to be the person who always makes the first move. I priced my snacks at $1 each and nothing more because at a certain point I realized that money stopped giving me any purpose or meaning. I had already struck my goal of obtaining whatever chocolate I desired, and my family was eventually at a better place. After all, money is just paper and numbers on a screen. However, even this realization never stopped me from selling, no matter how sick and drained I was with my so-called “snack business”. There was one point where I tried to quit. A random boy came up to me smiling, holding up a dollar, and asked for my snack bag. I told him, “sorry, I don’t have it today” His smile faded away, and replied with an “oh” and ran away. That ten-second interaction with a complete stranger left a hole in my chest. I had never realized how much of an impact I had around those who aren’t even within my bubble. Just right when I thought I had finally quit my snack business for good, I was right back in the loop of carrying my 5-pound snack bag. I finally acknowledged my passion for entrepreneurship, and my precious connections with people, which were my main drive for never quitting what I started, even if I’ve already met my initial goal. Now, at sixteen years old, I’ve developed a more dynamic way to balance out my school life and business life. I get to connect with people all around the world through my online shops, and I’ve acquired life-long skills and adaptations that will ultimately lead to my success. Evolving my valuable ambition, networking skills, responsibility, and most importantly my confidence, through my experience has made me the unique person that I am today and I am eternally grateful.

In all of middle school, I sold snacks and toys at my school. And now as a high school student, I sell my clothes online. My experience with entrepreneurship as a first-generation American, simply started out as an open door for me to provide for my family to the best of my abilities. Growing up in an Asian household, it’s rare for my family to show our affection to each other through words. Phrases like “I love you” or “I care” are non-existent in my home. Instead, our actions are what bring us together to showcase the love that we have for one another. Selling my belongings throughout my years in school was my individual way of showing my family my love and is one of my approaches to give back to my immigrant parents. During middle school, I was exhaustingly desperate to sell out the 5-pound bag of snacks that I carried around everywhere I walked. During lunch, I’d ask everyone in the cafeteria if they’d like to purchase whatever I had in my bag. I struggle with social anxiety and selling food/toys at school launched me out of my comfort zone to be the person who always makes the first move. I priced my snacks at $1 each and nothing more because at a certain point I realized that money stopped giving me any purpose or meaning. I had already struck my goal of obtaining whatever chocolate I desired, and my family was eventually at a better place. After all, money is just paper and numbers on a screen. However, even this realization never stopped me from selling, no matter how sick and drained I was with my so-called “snack business”. There was one point where I tried to quit. A random boy came up to me smiling, holding up a dollar, and asked for my snack bag. I told him, “sorry, I don’t have it today” His smile faded away, and replied with an “oh” and ran away. That ten-second interaction with a complete stranger left a hole in my chest. I had never realized how much of an impact I had around those who aren’t even within my bubble. Just right when I thought I had finally quit my snack business for good, I was right back in the loop of carrying my 5-pound snack bag. I finally acknowledged my inspiration for entrepreneurship, and my precious connections with people, which were my main drive for never quitting what I started, even if I’ve already met my initial goal. Now, at sixteen years old, I’ve developed a more dynamic way to balance out my school life and business life. I get to connect with people all around the world through my online shops, and I’ve acquired life-long skills and adaptations that will ultimately lead to my success. Evolving my valuable ambition, networking skills, responsibility, and most importantly my confidence, through my experience has made me the unique person that I am today and I am eternally grateful.

In all of middle school, I sold snacks and toys at my school. And now as a high school student, I sell my clothes online. My experience with entrepreneurship simply started out as an open door for me to provide for my family to the best of my abilities. Growing up in an Asian household, it’s rare for my family to show our affection to each other through words. Phrases like “I love you” or “I care” are non-existent in my home. Instead, our actions are what bring us together to showcase the love that we have for one another. Selling my belongings throughout my years in school was my individual way of showing my family my love and is one of my approaches to give back to my immigrant parents. During middle school, I was exhaustingly desperate to sell out the 5-pound bag of snacks that I carried around everywhere I walked. During lunch, I’d ask everyone in the cafeteria if they’d like to purchase whatever I had in my bag. I struggle with social anxiety and selling food/toys at school launched me out of my comfort zone to be the person who always makes the first move. I priced my snacks at $1 each and nothing more because at a certain point I realized that money stopped giving me any purpose or meaning. I had already struck my goal of obtaining whatever chocolate I desired, and my family was eventually at a better place. After all, money is just paper and numbers on a screen. However, even this realization never stopped me from selling, no matter how sick and drained I was with my so-called “snack business”. There was one point where I tried to quit. A random boy came up to me smiling, holding up a dollar, and asked for my snack bag. I told him, “sorry, I don’t have it today” His smile faded away, and replied with an “oh” and ran away. That ten-second interaction with a complete stranger left a hole in my chest. I had never realized how much of an impact I had around those who aren’t even within my bubble. Just right when I thought I had finally quit my snack business for good, I was right back in the loop of carrying my 5-pound snack bag. I finally acknowledged my inspiration for entrepreneurship, and my precious connections with people, which were my main drive for never quitting what I started, even if I’ve already met my initial goal. Now, at sixteen years old, I’ve developed a more dynamic way to balance out my school life and business life. I get to connect with people all around the world through my online shops, and I’ve acquired life-long skills and adaptations that will ultimately lead to my success. Evolving my valuable ambition, networking skills, responsibility, and most importantly my confidence, through my experience has made me the unique person that I am today and I am eternally grateful.

As a student who's born and raised in such a diverse and evolving environment, there are many things that I have taken for granted, and I have only realized that as I continue to grow older. For example, ever since I started high school, I would take the subway every day and there would be less fortunate people pleading to strangers for money and support. It made me felt terrible for what they go through as they share their stories throughout the whole cart to hear, only for them to be ignored. I have come to find that people fail to recognize them as actual human beings and will dismiss them at all costs. In the past, I am not afraid to admit that have found myself guilty of that at such a young age, and so do the majority of others! You are a product of your environment. Even a ten-minute train ride will determine how you act and think. After this realization and multiple more, I have been eager to seek ways to help me learn and grow and to be better as a human being. I want to gain empathy within every aspect of life. Since this realization, I've begun finding sympathy for every homeless man in the streets and I'd give them whatever I was able to offer. Things like "Thank you, you've made my day" or "may God bless you" have been said to me and it always warms my heart to know that I've made their lives just a bit easier. Knowing this feels remarkably beautiful. Wouldn't the world would be beautiful if everyone just did a little more? Furthermore, I'd like to touch on another huge issue that has been an undervalued problem in my community. And this would be the xenophobia and sinophobia rooted in not only my city but American society as a whole. The causes of xenophobia and sinophobia come from not only the newfound Covid-19 virus rumors and stereotypes, but it has been too normalized ever since the beginning, dating back centuries. As of now, it has been finally brought to just a slim sliver of light from the fact that xenophobia has been very heavily depicted by our government leaders and modern western media. I believe that change and awareness would be very time-consuming and difficult with just a small amount of people. However, the best thing and most efficient way to approach this would be to change the education curriculum and give the younger generation more access and knowledge of real-life problems. There are many ways to motivate and inspired others to learn about xenophobia and sinophobia. I believe that the easiest and efficient way for a person to spread awareness is from social media. A simple Instagram post or story can reach hundreds, not even but thousands of people at once! Social media is the main source as to why I'm so passionate about this issue and many other issues that we face in this world, it can do the same for many others.

I've always loved the Shrek movie series! More specifically the movie Shrek 2, is my absolute all-time favorite. Ever since I was just a toddler, I would watch that movie almost every single day for the longest time I could remember and It is the only movie that I will never get bored of. I believe that Shrek 2 is the best movie ever in existence! Everything about this movie is just absolute perfection. It's got everything I'd want in a film and ultimately, im extremely convinced that the universe made this movie personally just for me. From the soundtrack of the movie to its storyline, visuals, characters, dialogue, and it all speaks to my soul. I remember watching it as a toddler and completely not understanding anything that was happening and yet I still enjoyed it so much that I've rewatched it around 100 times, and if not, maybe even more! My favorite part of the film was when Shrek is eating dinner with Fiona's parents at the dining table, and I specifically loved the part of how Shrek chewed his food, it was so satisfying to me for some reason and I'd rewind to that part over and over again. Not to mention the music in the films is absolutely golden and is so underrated. For example, the songs Accidentally in Love, I Need Some Sleep, and Changes are all songs that exceed and fit my music taste. Furthermore, in regards to the film's concept, I personally think that it's absolute genius! We follow along with the life of Shrek, an ogre, as he experiences self insecurities of his physical appearance, his love life and etc. All of which I can deeply personally relate to.

Entrepreneurship has always been my calling. For the longest time, I’ve always believed that money can genuinely bring people happiness, well for me at least. Growing up I was scared of pretty much everything you can think of, especially the fear of becoming homeless and poor. I had a weird childhood growing up, my dad wasn’t part of my life for a long time. He was always working trying to make money for my family but we were still struggling. I was definitely aware of this ever since at the age of 5 and it was a little scary, so in fifth grade, I started selling anything I had, from toys to school supplies at just 9 years old, and ever since then I had never stopped! Ater 5th grade, during all three years in middle school, I sold candy and snacks almost every single day, it was exhausting but I loved it. And now in high school, I have evolved into selling clothes and owning a small online business. Every penny I made, I worked hard for and it wasn’t an easy thing for me to do, especially at such an incredibly young age, which is why I value entrepreneurship, and it is a big part of my life. Furthermore, my experience with entrepreneurship taught me to value money, and how much work behind every dollar really is worth! Those who know me would know that I’m a very frugal person. Unfortunate for me to admit, but a piece of me always hurts inside whenever I spend too much money on something that I know I could’ve gotten way cheaper, due to the fact of how much I valued money as it is a symbolization for all the years of my hard work and ambition. However, I have recently realized that this mindset is made me miserable and will lead to my downfall, I didn't want that. I was brainwashed by society to think like that, so I took a step back and gave myself a break. I had finally worked up the courage to splurge on the things that would make me happy, a part of me felt guilty but in the end, I was very excited and proud of myself for doing so. Everything that I've said so far is only the beginning and I am committed to continuing pursuing entrepreneurship and helping inspire others to break and realize the capitalist society that we live in.

Entrepreneurship has always been my calling. For the longest time, I’ve always believed that money can genuinely bring people happiness, well for me at least. Growing up I was scared of pretty much everything you can think of, especially the fear of becoming homeless and poor. I had a weird childhood growing up, my dad wasn’t part of my life for a long time. He was always working trying to make money for my family but we were still struggling. I was definitely aware of this ever since at the age of 5 and it was a little scary, so in fifth grade, I started selling anything I had, from toys to school supplies at just 9 years old, and ever since then I had never stopped! Ater 5th grade, during all three years in middle school, I sold candy and snacks almost every single day, it was exhausting but I loved it. And now in high school, I have evolved into selling clothes and owning a small online business. Every penny I made, I worked hard for and it wasn’t an easy thing for me to do, especially at such an incredibly young age, which is why I value entrepreneurship, and it is a big part of my life. Furthermore, my experience with entrepreneurship taught me to value money, and how much work behind every dollar really is worth! Those who know me would know that I’m a very frugal person. Unfortunate for me to admit, but a piece of me always hurts inside whenever I spend too much money on something that I know I could’ve gotten way cheaper, due to the fact of how much I valued money as it is a symbolization for all the years of my hard work and ambition. However, I have recently realized that this mindset made me miserable and will lead to my downfall, I didn't want that. I was brainwashed by society to think like that, so I took a step back and gave myself a break. I had finally worked up the courage to splurge on the things that would make me happy, a part of me felt guilty but in the end, I was very excited and proud of myself for doing so. Everything that I've said so far is only the beginning and I am committed to continuing pursuing entrepreneurship and helping inspire others to break and realize the capitalist society that we live in.

Entrepreneurship has always been my calling. For the longest time, I’ve always believed that money can genuinely bring people happiness, well for me at least. Growing up I was scared of pretty much everything you can think of, especially the fear of becoming homeless and poor. I had a weird childhood growing up, my dad wasn’t part of my life for a long time. He was always working trying to make money for my family but we were still struggling. I was definitely aware of this ever since at the age of 5 and it was a little scary, so in fifth grade, I started selling anything I had, from toys to school supplies at just 9 years old, and ever since then I had never stopped! Ater 5th grade, during all three years in middle school, I sold candy and snacks almost every single day, it was exhausting but I loved it. And now in high school, I have evolved into selling clothes and owning a small online business. Every penny I made, I worked hard for and it wasn’t an easy thing for me to do, especially at such an incredibly young age, which is why I value entrepreneurship, and it is a big part of my life. Furthermore, my experience with entrepreneurship taught me to value money, and how much work behind every dollar really is worth! Those who know me would know that I’m a very frugal person. Unfortunate for me to admit, but a piece of me always hurts inside whenever I spend too much money on something that I know I could’ve gotten way cheaper, due to the fact of how much I valued money as it is a symbolization for all the years of my hard work and ambition. However, I have recently realized that this mindset is made me miserable and will lead to my downfall, I didn't want that. I was brainwashed by society to think like that, so I took a step back and gave myself a break. I had finally worked up the courage to splurge on the things that would make me happy, a part of me felt guilty but in the end, I was very excited and proud of myself for doing so. Everything that I've said so far is only the beginning and I am committed to continuing pursuing entrepreneurship and helping inspire others to break and realize the capitalist society that we live in.

I believe in selling candy. For the longest time, I’ve always believed that money can genuinely bring people happiness, well for me at least. Growing up I was scared of pretty much everything you can think of, especially the fear of becoming homeless and poor. I had a weird childhood growing up, my dad wasn’t part of my life for a long time. He was always working trying to make money for my family but we were in still debt for a long time. I was definitely aware of this ever since at the age of 5 and it was a little scary, we didn’t look broke at the time but we sure were and I definitely knew that, so in fifth grade, I started selling stuff, and ever since then I never stopped. Throughout middle school, I sold candy and snacks almost every day and made a couple of thousand dollars each year. And now in high school, I sell clothes instead. Every penny I made, I worked hard for and it wasn’t an easy thing for me to do, especially as a kid, which is why I value money. I had valued money so much to a point where I even stopped buying food for myself just to save a couple of bucks. Those who know me would know that I’m a very frugal person. A piece of me always hurts whenever I spend too much money on something that I know I could’ve gotten way cheaper. For example, I remember last year I started crying when I found out that my dad spent a whopping $500 on a plain black vest when he could’ve gotten a similar one at the thrift store for like $2! Anyway, as I said before, growing up, I was scared of pretty much everything you can think of, and to be honest, I still am, except now my biggest fear is college debt! If only I was rich, all my fears and problems would disappear, and I’ve thought about this a lot. For example, I hate homework! And if I had an excessive amount of money, I could just hire someone to do it for me! Heck, I would even drop out of school if I was rich cause then, what would be the point of going to school if I was already so successful with the amount of money I had? But, that’s certainly not going to happen anytime soon. Nevertheless, everything that I’ve been earning so far since the fifth grade Is going to go toward’s my college education since I’m planning on pursuing business I haven’t made much, to be honest, but throughout these years of doing business, at least it has made me the person that I am today. A cheapskate.

For the longest time, I’ve always believed that money can genuinely bring people happiness, well for me at least. Growing up I was scared of pretty much everything you can think of, especially the fear of becoming homeless and poor. I had a weird childhood growing up, my dad wasn’t part of my life for a long time. He was always working trying to make money for my family but we were in still debt for a long time. I was definitely aware of this ever since at the age of 5 and it was a little scary, we didn’t look broke at the time but we sure were and I definitely knew that, so in fifth grade, I started selling stuff, and ever since then I never stopped. Throughout middle school, I sold candy and snacks almost every day and made a couple of thousand dollars each year. And now in high school, I sell clothes instead. Every penny I made, I worked hard for and it wasn’t an easy thing for me to do, especially as a kid, which is why I value money. I had valued money so much to a point where I even stopped buying food for myself just to save a couple of bucks. Those who know me would know that I’m a very frugal person. A piece of me always hurts whenever I spend too much money on something that I know I could’ve gotten way cheaper. For example, I remember last year I started crying when I found out that my dad spent a whopping $500 on a plain black vest when he could’ve gotten a similar one at the thrift store for like $2! Anyway, as I said before, growing up, I was scared of pretty much everything you can think of, and to be honest, I still am, except now my biggest fear is college debt! If only I was rich, all my fears and problems would disappear, and I’ve thought about this a lot. For example, I hate homework! And if I had an excessive amount of money, I could just hire someone to do it for me! Heck, I would even drop out of school if I was rich cause then, what would be the point of going to school if I was already so successful with the amount of money I had? But, that’s certainly not going to happen anytime soon. Nevertheless, everything that I’ve been earning so far since the fifth grade Is going to go toward’s my college education since i want to pursue in business. I haven’t made much, to be honest, but throughout these years of doing business, at least it has made me the person that I am today. A cheapskate.

I am scared of people. I always have been. Unlike most, this pandemic has been amazing for me, which is definitely not something you'll hear from others. It's great not having to talk to people in person since I have social anxiety and it's mentally exhausting. During quarantine, I haven't spoken to anyone in months, and made me realize how lonely I was...until my friend had invited me to a Halloween zoom party! I decided to join and I took this screenshot. The upper left corner is me, terrified! But at the end of the day, I'm proud of myself.

I want to create anything that makes me happy. Im a photographer and have created a photo series that focuses on an apple and just this one fruit/object in every photo. It’s definitely different. I want people to know how photography isn’t limited to complex things for it to be expressive or creative. It can be anything you want it to be, even things as simple/random and lame as an apple. Which is exactly what I did. The apple in my series depicts a story of loneliness and betrayal. It is expressed through the journey of experiencing both disconnections and connections with himself and other inanimate objects and even human beings. I like to make art so I can be proud of something for doing something productive and enjoyable. It’s hard for me to be motivated to do something useful, so every time I manage to get done with a task it makes me feel more complete. For the most part, my goals and aspirations as an artist are to just enjoy it for myself. I have learned that humans are very close-minded beings, and it has helped me stop caring about what other people think. So, as long I enjoy my own work, it’s good enough for me. I am usually inspired by anything I see either online or in real life. For example, I love the sunset and I like to use the lighting during those times in my work. I also see a lot of posts online that have a very specific vibe that I wanted to include in my work as well. For my series, I definitely worked and focused a lot on lighting and getting specific sunlight during different times of the day, just because usually during the golden hour I want my work to have unique warm light. I also focus alot on my composition as well, I usually like to have my subject placed either right on the center of the frame or one of the thirds. My work is different and it’s based on my own style. It’s simplistic, straightforward, and usually, I like it to be colorful.