Leadership isn’t just about holding titles; it’s a mix of experiences, qualities, and actions shaped by life’s ups and downs. Further, it's about how we navigate life's twists and turns and how we influence and inspire others along the way. From being senior class president to juggling responsibilities at home, I've come to see leadership as a blend of empathy, responsibility, and resilience. Growing up as the only daughter in a bustling household, I quickly learned the importance of empathy and taking responsibility. With my dad working long hours and my mom managing everything at home, I became the go-to person for my siblings and a support for my parents. Balancing family duties alongside school commitments taught me the significance of understanding and caring for others’ needs. Life has thrown its fair share of curveballs my way. Whether it be financial strains or academic hurdles, I never let them define me. Instead, I see each challenge as an opportunity to grow and lead. When money was tight, I definitely thought about sitting around feeling sorry for myself. However, I instead did everything in my power to hustle. I took on extra work, hunted for scholarships, and saved any penny I could because that's what I actually needed to do to pull myself out of that situation. Similarly, academic hurdles easily overwhelm me, yet I refuse to let them overshadow my potential. I embrace the difficulty of my studies, recognizing that each challenge is an opportunity. Looking at the bigger picture, I realize these struggles teach me resilience and resourcefulness, things that I can't learn in a textbook. Beyond my personal struggles, I find opportunities to lead and make a difference in the lives of others. As senior class president and student council vice president, I leveraged my positions to amplify the voices of my peers and address their concerns present. Whether it was helping fellow classmates through tough times or fundraising money for student activities, I stepped up to the plate. Through collaborative efforts and effective communication, we were able to enact positive change within our school community. I learned I must strive to make the most out of any opportunity I can. But true leadership isn't simply just about taking charge in times of crisis or out of necessity; it's about resilience and empowering others to do the same. I've always strived to inspire those around me to face their challenges with courage and determination because it's the best way for someone to grow. With this mindset, we forge a supportive community where everyone feels valued and encouraged to strive for their goals. Ultimately, leadership is about embracing challenges, uplifting others, and shaping a better tomorrow for all. In the future, I aspire to use my leadership to make meaningful contributions in both professional and personal instances. Professionally, I aim to lead with empathy, while fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone feels empowered to contribute their best. I envision myself driving positive change in society. On a personal level, I strive to be a source of support and inspiration for those around me. Whether it's within my family, community, or even my future kids, I want to cultivate an atmosphere of encouragement and growth. I aim to lead by example, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and encouraging others to do the same. Ultimately, I hope to leave a lasting impact by empowering individuals to embrace their strengths, overcome obstacles, and create positive change in their own lives and the lives of others.

Leadership isn’t just about holding titles; it’s a mix of experiences, qualities, and actions shaped by life’s ups and downs. Further, it's about how we navigate life's twists and turns and how we influence and inspire others along the way. From being senior class president to juggling responsibilities at home, I've come to see leadership as a blend of empathy, responsibility, and resilience. Growing up as the only daughter in a bustling household, I quickly learned the importance of empathy and taking responsibility. With my dad working long hours and my mom managing everything at home, I became the go-to person for my siblings and a support for my parents. Balancing family duties alongside school commitments taught me the significance of understanding and caring for others’ needs. Life has thrown its fair share of curveballs my way. Whether it be financial strains or academic hurdles, I never let them define me. Instead, I see each challenge as an opportunity to grow and lead. When money was tight, I definitely thought about sitting around feeling sorry for myself. However, I instead did everything in my power to hustle. I took on extra work, hunted for scholarships, and saved any penny I could because thats what I actually needed to do to pull myself out of that situation. Similarly, academic hurdles easily overwhelm me, yet I refuse to let them overshadow my potential. I embrace the difficulty of my studies, recognizing that each challenge is an opportunity. Looking at the bigger picture, I realize these struggles teach me resilience and resourcefulness, things that I can't learn in a textbook. Beyond my personal struggles, I find opportunities to lead and make a difference in the lives of others. As senior class president and student council vice president, I leveraged my positions to amplify the voices of my peers and address their concerns present. Whether it was helping fellow classmates through tough times or fundraising money for student activities, I stepped up to the plate. Through collaborative efforts and effective communication, we were able to enact positive change within our school community. I learned I must strive to make the most out of any opportunity I can. But true leadership isn't simply just about taking charge in times of crisis or out of necessity; it's about resilience and empowering others to do the same. I've always strived to inspire those around me to face their challenges with courage and determination because it's the best way for someone to grow. With this mindset, we forge a supportive community where everyone feels valued and encouraged to strive for their goals. Ultimately, leadership is about embracing challenges, uplifting others, and shaping a better tomorrow for all.

Driving under the influence is a careless and irresponsible choice that has become way too common. The repercussions that occur from this split-second decision are life-altering and heart-shattering. Drunk driving snatches loved ones and leaves families torn. There have been too many instances in which you hear spouses become widowed or children become orphans from the effects of driving under the influence. If not fatal, victims of drunk driving are often left injured with life-long effects that will forever impact the quality of life. Essentially, every time an individual under the influence steps behind the wheel, the lives of everyone on the road are at risk. Society needs to raise more awareness of the severity of this problem. If people were more educated on how detrimental the effects of driving under the influence are, maybe more people would think twice before getting behind the wheel. If more people acknowledged the severity of issues that come with the carelessness of unsober driving, even a small amount of change would save lives. Most people don't understand how disastrous it could be until their own lives are affected. For this reason, we should start implementing more awareness around the importance of responsible drinking, especially after individuals become of drinking age. When people reach the drinking age, there should be some sort of educational module compulsed to be able to obtain drinks. For instance, the module would teach the importance of responsible drinking and proper habits. And then, there could be some sort of certificate or license offered at the completion of the module, and the proof of completion could be shown at bars or wherever alcohol is being purchased. I know this might sound extreme, and maybe everyone would not participate, but a minor difference is still a difference to me. In school, we hear the occasional "don't do drugs" or "don't drink and drive", but is this enough? We hear these phrases so much, sometimes it just goes in one ear and comes out of the other. I believe that there should be a class offered to middle and high schoolers dedicated to teaching students about the effects of drunk driving. It would make more of a difference than the usual, bare minimum, "preventative" phrases. Driving under the influence can inflict extreme damage on lives. The amount of damage that occurs from drunk driving is simply not worth any reason one may have to be behind the wheel while unsober. When a person under the influence makes the choice to drive, they are immediately forcing other drivers on the road to potentially face life-altering consequences, while also affecting everyone directly related to that driver. Furthermore, driving under the influence affects multiple people. Changes needs to be made.

The man who left his home country to create a better future for his wife and kids, my father. Though I know there are many like my father, I remain in awe when I think about the sacrifices he made for my siblings and me. My father never had much when he was a child, therefore, he made it his life’s goal to make sure we would have everything he was never able to have. He’d work a multitude of minimum-wage jobs just to make ends meet. No matter how tired or overworked he was, my father would never let us feel his sorrows or hardships. He managed to always keep his arms open with a wide smile on his face. And because of him, I have learned life’s greatest lesson: to be eternally grateful while paying it forward. My dad was an only child and very close to his parents. Yet, he still made the heart-wrenching decision to leave home and come to the United States at the age of 19. When my father left his friends and family, he was thinking of the future of his kids who weren't even born yet. Additionally, my father has always emphasized the importance of being the most selfless version of myself possible, and he is always first in line to help if he knows someone needs it. My dad has always told us, “You can never lose by giving”, and these words have stuck with me by my side forever. Whether it’s as simple as giving someone a ride or donating items to those in need, I adore having a role model like my father for his kind heart and eagerness to always find ways to help others. By watching him, I've learned that nothing is lost by trying to be the light in someone else's life. Because I had a role model like my father, I've always had a warm spot in my heart for others. Whether someone is being harsh or even outright mean to me, I've always found myself giving them the benefit of the doubt because I don't know what they may be going through. My dad taught me that we are in control of who we are, and that simple kindness can go so far. Truly, my father taught me not only the importance of selflessness, but he taught me how far compassion can go. My father is my main source of motivation to do well in school. Though he never had a chance to finish his own schooling, my father has always emphasized the importance of a good education. Because he made a plethora of sacrifices for me, I owe it to my father to pursue a college degree because he paved the way for me to have the opportunity. I want to give him the chance to be proud of me and prove his sacrifices to be worthwhile. I aspire to follow in his footsteps and pave the way for my future children the way he did for my siblings and me. Lastly, I want to enter this world following in his footsteps; going out of my way to constantly help others the way my dad always did.