"The master looks at things but sees them as they are, without trying to control them. She lets them go their own way, and resides at the center of the circle." — Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (Chapter 23) In the ancient verses of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu presents a radical paradox that fundamentally challenges the foundational impulses of Western individualism, meritocracy, and modern ambition. For centuries, post-Industrial societal conditioning has drilled into the human psyche the mandate that success is a product of sheer force, relentless engineering, and the subjugation of our environment. Lao Tzu upends this entirely, challenging the deeply ingrained cultural assumption that true efficacy and internal peace are born from conquering our surroundings. Instead, he posits that true power is born from relinquishing control. This passage highlights the absolute core of Taoist philosophy: wu wei, often translated as effortless action, action-less action, or strategic non action. The underlying meaning of Lao Tzu’s text is that true mastery over life is not achieved through the aggressive manipulation of external circumstances that individuals cannot ultimately control, but through a profound internal alignment with reality that allows one to remain emotionally and spiritually undisturbed by the chaos of the world. By consciously choosing the stillness of the center of the circle over the violent turbulence of the perimeter, the individual undergoes a psychological transmutation, shifting from a helpless victim of erratic circumstances to an enlightened being bonded with cosmic harmony. To fully grasp the writer’s profound philosophical intent, one must first deconstruct the act of seeing things as they are. Human perception is rarely, if ever, neutral. It is almost permanently filtered through a distorting lens of personal desire, deep-seated fear, psychological projection, and rigid categorization. We do not see the world as it is. We see it as we are, mapping our anxieties onto an indifferent universe. When Lao Tzu asserts that the master looks at things without trying to alter or control them, he is advocating for the total dissolution of this egoic filter. Control, at its psychological roots, is fundamentally a trauma or anxiety response. It is a desperate, frantic attempt to force the harsh, fluid, and unpredictable nature of reality into straightforward, predictable boxes. The master recognizes that this pursuit is not only entirely futile, but is actually the primary, bleeding source of all human suffering (dukkha, as echoed in neighboring Eastern traditions). By voluntarily abstaining from the desire to shape outcomes to fit the ego's micro preferences, the master perceives reality in its original, untouched, and pristine state. In doing so, they gain a crystalline clarity of sight and a supreme strategic advantage that the chronically anxious, hyper-vigilant manipulator can never possess. Furthermore, the directive to let things go their own way must not be misunderstood as an endorsement of fatalistic apathy, laziness, or passive defeatism. Rather, it is a highly sophisticated acknowledgment of the organic, self-regulating order of the universe, the Tao. Everything in nature already possesses an inherent trajectory, an evolutionary momentum, and a perfect rhythm. Seasons change without human permission, great empires collapse under the weight of their own hubris, and patient rivers carve massive canyons through solid granite without a single moment of forced intervention. All of this cannot be stopped or accelerated by human will; it is natural, macrocosmic, and has operated this way for billions of years. When an individual finally ceases to oppose this monumental natural flow, they stop squandering their finite, vital life energy on impossible resistances. Letting go ceases to be an act of weakness and transforms into an act of supreme, courageous trust in these naturalistic processes. It is the ego's ultimate realization that we are not separate, isolated entities dropped into nature to fight against it, but are instead localized expressions of nature itself. We cannot change what has been, nor can we force the future to bend to our anxieties. When we try, we invariably drive ourselves mad, creating friction where there should be flow. The absolute climax of Lao Tzu's passage lies in the brilliant geometric metaphor of residing at the center of the circle. Consider the physics of a spinning wheel: the outermost perimeter undergoes violent, rapid, and dizzying motion. It is subjected to the harsh centrifugal forces of constant change, suffering the whiplash of dramatic highs and catastrophic lows. By its very nature, the perimeter is going to get banged up, weathered, and fractured by its contact with the gravel of the external road. That is just the structural reality of the wheel. Conversely, the exact center, the hub, remains entirely still, quiet, and unaffected, even as it perfectly facilitates and anchors the frantic rotation of the entire surrounding mechanism. It leaves the middle unscathed, even though the perimeter is taking a bruising. By positioning the master firmly at this central axis, Lao Tzu illustrates a state of absolute psychological and spiritual neutrality. The center is the place of infinite potential because it does not choose sides; it does not resist the spinning. From this unshakeable vantage point, the dualities of human existence such as success and failure, joy and grief, praise and blame, and life and death are no longer viewed as existential threats. Instead, they are seen merely as the alternating, temporary arcs of the very same spinning wheel. The master does not waste energy attempting to stop the wheel of life from turning. She simply, gracefully, refuses to be spun by it.

Topic 1: I strive to be a kind person every day, whether through a simple smile or meaningful community service. I believe small actions can make a big difference, and one experience in particular reinforced that belief. Through a volunteer organization I am part of, I had the opportunity to help an elderly couple whose backyard had become overrun with weeds, vines, and trash from a nearby high school. The husband was a disabled U.S. military veteran, and his condition made it difficult for him to help maintain their home. His wife had taken on the responsibility of caring for him, leaving her with little time or ability to manage the yard on her own. When they reached out for help, I immediately volunteered, eager to support members of my community. As I worked on clearing their yard, I spent time talking with the couple and learning about their situation. They expressed deep gratitude, sharing how long they had struggled to keep up with the work. In that moment, I realized that what seemed like a simple act of service to me had a much greater impact on their lives. It wasn’t just about cleaning a yard—it was about restoring a sense of comfort and relief. This experience taught me that kindness does not have to be grand to be meaningful. Even small acts can leave a lasting impression. It reminded me why I value service so deeply and continues to motivate me to look for opportunities to help others in my community. Topic 3: Being part of Youth Court, a volunteer-based diversion program for juveniles, has given me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in my community. Youth Court provides young individuals who have gotten in trouble with the law a second chance to learn from their mistakes without receiving a permanent record. Instead of entering the traditional juvenile justice system, they are guided toward accountability, growth, and positive change. Through my involvement, I have come to understand that many of these cases are not simply about poor decisions, but about deeper struggles. Many youth feel like they do not belong—whether due to loneliness, bullying, or difficult home environments. Youth Court creates a space where they are heard, supported, and given the chance to reconnect with their families and their community. By assigning constructive consequences such as community service, we help them rebuild trust and develop a sense of responsibility. One of the most rewarding aspects of this program is the opportunity for participants to return as volunteers after completing their cases. This allows them to build friendships, gain confidence, and find a place where they truly belong. I have witnessed families grow closer and individuals become more engaged and motivated after going through the program. Being part of Youth Court has shown me the importance of compassion, second chances, and community. It has been incredibly meaningful to contribute to an environment where individuals are supported rather than defined by their mistakes, and where lasting positive change is possible.

Tennis has been one of the most influential parts of my life, shaping both who I am today and who I hope to become in the future. While I do not plan to pursue tennis professionally, I intend to continue playing in college because of the lasting impact the sport has had on my physical abilities, mental strength, and overall outlook on life. The physical benefits of tennis are clear and immediate. Through years of practice and competition, I have developed strength, endurance, and agility. The sport demands constant movement—running, pivoting, and reacting within seconds—which has significantly improved my stamina and coordination. These physical changes have not only made me a stronger athlete but have also taught me the value of discipline and consistent effort. However, what many people overlook is how mentally demanding tennis truly is. Unlike team sports, tennis places you alone on the court, responsible for every decision, mistake, and success. There is no one else to rely on in the middle of a match. This aspect of the sport challenged me in ways I did not expect and ultimately led to some of my greatest personal growth. Before I began playing tennis, I often approached challenges with a negative mindset. I tended to focus on what could go wrong rather than what I could achieve, seeing situations as “glass half empty.” That mentality quickly became a barrier in tennis. During matches, frustration would build when I failed to meet the high expectations I set for myself. I would dwell on mistakes, which only made it harder to recover and perform well. Over time, tennis taught me the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and practicing constructive self-talk. I learned that success is not about perfection, but about resilience and effort. Instead of focusing on errors, I began to focus on improvement—one point at a time. I discovered that staying mentally composed, even in difficult moments, often made the difference between winning and losing. Perhaps the most valuable lesson tennis has taught me is how to handle failure. Losing a match can be discouraging, especially when you have worked hard to prepare. However, tennis showed me that losing does not define me; what matters is how I respond. I learned to evaluate my performance, recognize what I did well, and identify areas for growth. This shift in perspective has helped me not only in sports but also in academics and other areas of my life. Tennis has also played a role in shaping my future goals. It influenced the colleges I applied to, as I sought schools where I could continue to grow both academically and athletically. More importantly, it has shaped the mindset I will carry into my future—a mindset built on perseverance, self-discipline, and optimism. Overall, tennis has transformed me into a more confident, resilient, and positive individual. The lessons I have learned on the court will continue to guide me as I pursue my education and future career. While matches may end, the impact tennis has had on my life will last far beyond the court.

One of the most meaningful opportunities I have experienced is my involvement in youth court. Youth court is a diversion program that provides young people in Tooele County with a second chance to learn from their mistakes without receiving a permanent record. Instead of being defined by one poor decision, participants are given the opportunity to grow, reflect, and move forward in a positive direction. Being part of a program centered on accountability and growth has been incredibly impactful, both for those we serve and for me personally. I currently serve as an advisor in youth court, and through this role, I have encountered many situations that have shaped who I am today. At first, I joined hoping to make a difference in my community, but I quickly realized how much the experience would also challenge and develop me. One of the most significant areas of growth has been my ability to speak confidently in public. Early on, I struggled with presenting my thoughts clearly, especially in high-pressure settings. However, through preparing and delivering presentations for the Utah Youth Court Association, I was pushed outside of my comfort zone. Those experiences taught me how to organize my ideas, communicate effectively, and present myself with confidence. Public speaking, once a source of anxiety, has now become one of my strengths. Beyond communication skills, youth court has also taught me how to remain calm and compassionate in emotionally intense situations. There have been moments when defendants have shared deeply personal struggles, including thoughts of suicide. Sitting across from someone in that state is both humbling and challenging. I have had to learn how to listen without judgment, respond with empathy, and provide support in a way that is both appropriate and helpful. These experiences have given me a deeper understanding of mental health and the importance of kindness, patience, and awareness when interacting with others. While this work has been incredibly rewarding, it has not always been easy. There have been difficult days filled with emotional cases and disagreements among peers. At times, it would have been easier to step away. However, these challenges taught me resilience and perseverance. I learned the importance of staying committed, even when situations become uncomfortable or overwhelming. By working through these moments, I developed a stronger sense of motivation and responsibility—not only to myself but to the individuals and families who rely on youth court for support. Overall, my experience in youth court has had a lasting impact on my personal and academic growth. It has strengthened my communication skills, deepened my empathy, and taught me the value of persistence. Most importantly, it has shown me that even small efforts can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. As I continue my education and pursue future opportunities, I will carry these lessons with me, striving to create positive change in my community and beyond.