I never once witnessed my parents ever get a day off work. Not when they were ill, not when they were tired, not even when the world outside ceased to function. My parents were Ethiopian immigrants who instilled in me that dreams do not come easily, and that you’ll need to battle for them through discipline, humility, and through the kind of persistence that is not boisterous but relentless. It’s from that foundation that I’ve shaped both my academic goals and my sense of responsibility to my community. I aspire to become a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs. That dream may sound ambitious, but it's not merely finding a job at a blue-chip company. It's learning the language of systems and finance so that I can come back and translate it for the people who have been left out of the discussion long enough. I've grown up with a fascination with finance because I've watched my own family struggle to navigate the American system without a translator. I want to build a future where immigrant families, like mine, don’t have to learn financial literacy through trial and error. To reach this goal, I’ve pushed myself academically and personally. I’ve taken rigorous courses while working two jobs to help support my college plans. But more than grades or money, I’ve focused on impact. At school, I am an active member of the Black Student Union and work to make spaces for students of color to be heard, seen, and celebrated. We host cultural events, open forums, and struggle for equity and representation. It's hard, but it's always worth it—because I know what it's like to sit in a room and question if anyone receives your story. A weekend job away from school, volunteering at my Ethiopian Orthodox Church teaching Afaan Oromo to kids, and other activities all keep me occupied. With every lesson, I am reminded that culture is not something to be hidden, but something to be proud of. Witnessing my workrate grow has been one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. Giving back has always kind of been something that never quite felt like it was a necessity. It's always kind of felt like a calling. The more that I serve, the more I realize the power of community. I've watched how an hour or two of tutoring, a chat about college, or just a simple language lesson can just ripple through a person's life. And I've learned that change isn't always something huge—sometimes it starts with just being present. That realization ignited my long-term ambition: I want to open a nonprofit that gives first-generation students the tools to thrive—academically, economically, and emotionally. It would offer mentorship, financial education courses, college readiness, and community programs specifically for low-income and immigrant families. It would be the support system my parents never had when they came here. And it would also allow students not just to excel, but to come back and teach the next generation—because the best thing you can offer anyone is confidence in their own potential. Every act of service I’ve been part of has left a mark on me. It’s shown me that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about listening. It’s about being present. It’s about turning your own struggles into stepping stones for someone else. That’s what drives me to make a difference—not just in my community, but in the world.

There are two languages that make up my earliest memories: Afaan Oromo and sacrifice. I was born in Virginia to Ethiopian immigrants who sacrificed everything they had ever known for a chance at something they could not yet name. They did not immigrate to America with degrees or wealth. They immigrated with faith, an unshakable work ethic, and the hope that their children would get to live the life that they could only dream of. I've clung to that hope like a beacon ever since. At high school, I've worked hard—not just for grades, but for influence. As a committed leader in our Black Student Union, I've planned cultural events and difficult but necessary conversations of race, identity, and empowerment. I've become a master of leading with empathy and purpose. Outside of the classroom, I volunteer at my church, teaching children Afaan Oromo. Every class I don't teach words, but imply the importance of its preservation. It's a way of keeping alive the idea that even in a country thousands of miles from where we grew up, our culture still breathes. I do two jobs, not because I have to prove my determination, but because I won't let money determine the potential of my future. My dream is to work as a financial analyst for Goldman Sachs, not only because I am fascinated by the power of financial systems, but because I want to put that power in the hands of others—most specifically, those, like me, whose families never had the luxury of knowing financial literacy. My hope is to ultimately create programs that allow immigrant and low-income families to build wealth that lasts across generations. We've endured for too long. It's time to flourish. If I had my own charity, I'd call it “Roots to Rise”. Its mission: to support first-generation students—those whose stories begin in humble apartments where parents practice broken English and children learn to decode dreams. Roots to Rise would offer financial education, tutoring, college readiness, and most crucially—mentorship. We would match students with mentors who've walked the same path, so no child has to struggle along theirs alone. Volunteers—accountants, teachers, first-gen college alumni—would serve as tutors, career guides, and guides to cultural navigation. Parents themselves would be included, so the home is a site of shared progress, rather than isolation. The Roots to Rise vision is easy: if you remind a person where they came from, you give them the power to go anywhere. For example, my roots are filled with humility, hard work, and the unwavering aspirations of immigrant parents. And out of those roots, I'm rising—to a college degree, a career in finance, and a life devoted to serving others. This scholarship would not just fund my education—it would assist in perpetuating a mission that's been fostered in me since I was born: to honor where I'm from by building a future where others can ascend alongside me.

Life creates its own symphony: one which ripples to sound the sweet victory of life and infallibility along high and low notes. Throughout most of my life, I was trying to sweeten the music by always waiting for the trumpet to sound the grand crescendo of success, only to be disturbed by the discord it creates with failure. In those moments when again, all everything would go my way; however, silence prevailed between the notes when it didn't. One such silence was when I didn't make the top state soccer team my junior year. No matter how I practiced, trained, and obsessed over my footwork, when they posted the roster, I wasn't on it. That night I sat in my room replaying the missed steps, every bad pass, as if sheer willpower would rewrite the past. Soccer had always been part of me, and at that moment, I lost a part of myself. But life has a strange way of filling those gaps usually without your notice. Here I was a year later, standing before a full auditorium, mic in hand, ready to sing "American Wedding," by Frank Ocean. An expectant silence buzzed around. My heart was racing. I took in a big breath and let the first note glide from my lips. Nothing needed proving to anyone by entering the talent show. Music proved private, a personal haven in moments of doubt. It was a freedom that hadn't been felt in a long time when she sang. As before, the last remnants of fear associated with failure, judgment, and being inadequate melted away. For the first time, she sang not to impress someone but just to be present, breathing into the music. And when the last note had gone, the roaring applause was not validation-it was a reminder that life was not measured in titles, trophies, or by being the "best" team. Those two moments showed that the victories and defeats you have are meant to teach that life is not keeping the idealized model of what success could be, but to enjoy every moment good and bad. These moments helped shape my future aspirations. I visualize myself becoming a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs-which was no longer the kind of prestige vision that came with it but because finance, like life, gives order for disarray; organizes chaos-yet embraces the high and the low. Those who succeed and those who suffer in this world possible like this, in which markets rise and fall chaotically, and fortunes are made or lost in the blink of an eye, are distinguished by their grounding that makes it possible to appreciate both. No longer am I that zero and endpoints of success. I learned that each has his own struggles, invisible to the world outside, so thanks are not because of waiting for the perfect time, but because of recognizing that imperfect times also count.

All through my life, I have weighted hope against my very being as a first-generation American and the child of Ethiopian immigrants. My journey has been a deep reflection of the growing strength of my community in Nokesville, Virginia; hard work, resilience, and a particular guiding principle were instilled in me there: "Give and take." My parents worked hard to give me a better life, but they also taught me that education is the key to paving one into opportunities. Pursuing business will take me closer to realizing my dreams and enable me to help others. Since high school, my realization of the plight many youngsters, especially minorities, find themselves in here in Nokesville has grown increasingly sharper. Most of my peers are groomed for success, yet they stand to lose everything that propels them towards success because they have no access to what matters: the resources, guidance, networking, and internship/job opportunities for the career success trajectory. I would like to fill those gaps and mentor those who are going through the same hazy experiences that I once walked through. In empowering them, just as I had been empowered, we can foster a mindset of "giving back" as a shared responsibility to strengthen the support and generosity cycle within my community. However, my altruism is sown not only from my family's teachings, but out of a genuine interest in nurturing thriving communities. For me, college means a wealth of earlier arenas for holding each other accountable that my colleagues will also have to pick up. People go to college not because they want to learn, but because that is where I will start initiatives to effect positive change in my community as partnering with nonprofits that serve the youth community This will help me well since I will be working with peers who share the same vision, and their motivation will lift me to uncharted heights in finding innovative solutions to drive change. My pursuit of business will equally lead to the acquisition of requisite soft skills that will one day be an instrument for making real change in people's lives, notwithstanding the journey of leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility that I must work through to realize change. In realizing this journey, I feel that many students have their hopes crushed regarding their future, albeit seldom without a guide along their paths. I wish to show them that dedication, with a little help, can make their dreams a solid reality. I learned that the true merit of success is, by all means, not body-counted but essentially, the heritage that we convey as we help the next." Indeed, school is where I will be taught how to correlate my success with that of others, then lay down pathways for students to feel that they are not alone in theirs, and every young one gets a chance to walk through. Eventually, I would not just be graduating from college but returning to Nokesville with great knowledge and a rekindled spirit to take myself and my community through transformation. I believe that changing education via mentorship with the purpose to serve will guarantee tides of transformation and progress. One valuable lesson I took from my community is, "We rise by lifting others." In pursuit of my own dreams, I will make it my responsibility to fully equip those around me to pursue theirs; an unbreakable bond between education and community upliftment I hold dear.

As I prepare to graduate from high school, I sit back and consider not only what I want out of my life but also the type of part I wish to have in the world. Enjoying math and intending to study accounting, my vision for the future is of myself as an agent of change—either as a force helping to empower the marginalized or by helping people grasp financial opportunities that may otherwise be beyond them. I believe that with each decision we make, with each skill we acquire, there is the possibility to help others and that I'm dedicated to making my education a force for good. Today, I envision myself as a bridge builder, connecting knowledge and action. During my secondary years, I worked with local organizations that give back to low-income families. I've been surprised at how little everyone appears to know about their money, yet how powerful this information might be. Through these experiences, I witnessed firsthand the power of education as a force for empowerment. Pondering about my prospective career in accounting, I realize that social norms play a significant part in shaping how financial services are viewed and accessible or not. In a world where the conversation around money and wealth appears to be elitist, I want to subvert that. Financial prosperity is not a privilege; it is something that should be granted to all. This aligns with the movements of today advocating for financial inclusion, where opening up finance becomes a need rather than a want. Whereas cultural messages sometimes portray money management as an exception made for the select few, I hope to be among those who change this, so that monetary training pervades every level of society. And, as a member of a generation that has grown up in an evolving social landscape, I am especially attuned to the part played by technology in finance. The evolution of fintech creates never-before-seen opportunities to fill monetary knowledge gaps. I envision using technology as a part of my approach, perhaps developing simple platforms or applications for educating individuals on saving, investing, and budgeting. The intersection of finance and technology is a subset of a greater cultural movement, in which empowering the individual with access to information needs to transcend the old constraints which have determined who can utilize financial systems. In addition to my technical accounting skills, I also aspire to promote a culture of empathy and accessibility. In my professional and academic life, I will prioritize outreach programs in pursuing broader access to financial education among disadvantaged groups. By working directly with young individuals and offering chances to venture down paths to success, I aim to create a generation of young individuals who feel they have the right to pursue financial education and accounting professions. In the end, my devotion to becoming an instrument for good in society comes from my firm conviction that money literacy and intelligence are catalysts for empowerment and equality. I am aware that the type of contribution that I make will shift with society as it grows, and I am excited to adapt, to innovate, and to inspire. As I start on this journey of learning, I take with me the conviction that through compassion, grit, and dissemination of knowledge, we can make the world a place where every individual has the potential to achieve financial stability and success. With hope and possibility, I wish to leave behind an enduring impact greater than myself—an impact that points to the profound interconnectedness of our human journeys.

I envision the potential of having deep thoughts, dreaming, and thinking of life-changing things in society as I graduate from high school. It is about starting a lucrative business career. However, I prefer to focus on creating foundations on which people find thousands of possibilities and reap all they have to offer. The sizeable project will be solo in my mind, on which I will build the course of lane changing that would run for our brothers and sisters in the manner of their goals. To ensure that numerous hard works over real opportunities among the youth need to be conducted, I'm looking to offer opportunities. Placements and internships for beginner occupations have to be entirely concentrated on local youths. I plan to lead them through their early journey with professional but very pragmatic steps. I need to allow some of the youth some space to catch onto these life skills and learn to believe in themselves that, yes, their dreams are so much more than just some abstract theoretical aspirations floating about to be realized; rather, they are tangible dreams for them to achieve. Thus, undercover should be designed for a culture of continuous growth rooted in my future business so that it is always ablaze with the passion for lifelong learning and self-improvement. The workplace has to resemble a desirable destination for exploration, such as with training sessions and fun workshops, besides 'business as usual' activities. To include things like financial literacy and effective communication, I would empower my members to not just perform their job well, but also forge their own destinies. Creativity and perseverance should be also free to roam so that everyone can have fun with the trials of life. Community relations should also be included among the core elements of my vision. Programs that collaborate with the local schools and community businesses in order to build an entrepreneurship culture would definitely enhance the perception that it is possible for one to be successful from diverse backgrounds. I would prefer to bring together some of the local entrepreneurs and engage them to tell their success stories and failure stories and disprove the overall myth that entrepreneurship success belongs to very few. I trust that this will rub off on the next-generation innovators and prompt them to take what is currently considered actual opportunities for success risks. I have also come to know that I must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with families in my society because their stability is the bedrock of a successful society. In particular, empowerment workshops for parents, personal finance education, and holistic career development training would do much to make families resilient. It is precisely that resilience and enthusiasm that parents give children when equipped and empowered to handle life's obstacles. The coming generation will demand that kind of circular support. I would love each service and community-based value to be embedded in the culture of my future company. I would love to create a legacy where people will help each other to grow and succeed together. True success is not the least in my own success, but that of others around me. And so, the journey begins on this bare path, where I have promised to listen most intently to the voice of the people and serve through actions that instill hope and energize development. Such is not only my personal definition of success, but also the building of a successful society where dreams take hold, and every spirit has a chance to leave its legacy.

Introducing, Heartbeat Battle! This game has all indications of being very exciting and adrenaline-pumping and indeed, it would test the Islander's physical endurance alongside their emotional bonds. There is teamwork, a bit of strategy, along with a little pinch of competition, all added fun by partying music and blaring visual effects. Challenge Setup: Couples will fight for their very heartbeats in a series of challenging obstacle courses simulating the trials of love in the Heartbeat Battle arena. Each course consists of obstacles that embody relationship dynamics: trust falls, mirror maze (in which Islanders must navigate based on their partner's guidance), and balance beams, which speak of stability in relationships. Rounds: The whole challenge comprises of three rounds that depict the three distinct "heartbeats" of a relationship: the pulse of attraction, followed by the emotional bond, and finally, overcoming hurdles. Round One: Beat of Attraction Filling in with inflatable hearts and all things romantic, couples would race through the colorful, obstacle-filled course together to the end, collecting heart-shaped tokens of special moments they shared in the villa. The couple that collects the most tokens will take home the prize for this round. Round Two: Pulse of Connection This round includes partner trivia, one tied to a 'lie detector' (i.e., the heart-rate monitor is attached to the partner). The partner answers personal questions posed by the interviewer regarding friendship and therefore must remain below a heart-rate peak indicating the couple is strongly bonded. Should their heart-rate exceed the limit, it is indicative of a hidden element that they harbor. The round, thus, subjects couples to vulnerability and honesty and connects them emotionally on a larger scale. Round Three: Overcoming Obstacles The final round challenges the team challenges the pairs: blindfolded drag racing through a maze with the guiding verbal instructions of one partner, partner lifts for support, and pulling up for lifting each other up in times of trouble. The challenge will be won by the couple that journeys through the obstacles in the least time Scoring will be based on criteria ranging from timing, teamwork, and creativity. Besides that, winning the Heartbeat Battle will grant a couple respect from peers, but most importantly: a night date where they will be having dinner and pristine private time away from the villa. Heartbeat Battle is more than brute strength; it provides a platform for Islanders to unwind and have fun together and build bonds. In every challenge presented to them physically and emotionally, couples learn about each other's strengths and weaknesses in the details of love. Who will take the cake and build their bond, and who will crack? Viewers will be glued to their screens as the intensity of thrill and introspection controls the action of this emotional roller-coaster ride in-action.

Fondest memories of officiating; lots of bitter whistles thwacked on well-struck balls yet mostly those great feelings of being under cold stone stadiums. One of those individualistically bright afternoons where the U-11 Recreational Championship saw souls come to pitch in with competitive spirit. I was playing, not just watching. It was a 'battle' between both teams, quite a match, I must say, but it was beautiful in every account. I saw it keenly and witnessed the players and what they cherished about this beautiful game. Out of all the memories contained in that whole experience, one easily stands alone. I walked towards a little girl lying on the ground with an injury; she was sobbing and from the sound of it, she was hurt. Her face had swollen up with tears. She was definitely not going to let anything stop her getting back into that game. I don't know why exactly but an opponent came behind and consoled her. The girl knelt beside her and said "It's okay; you'll be alright," as she assisted her. There was also embedded faith found in the girl who brought help to the injured girl. The encouraging words truly lightened a rather heavy situation. The thought that ran through my mind, to see the little girl who played on the opposite team set aside her competition, if only momentarily, and extend a hand to another player warmed me. For me, this is small selflessness. It was really empathy and compassion magnified. These are the lessons taught to players through their games: sportsmanship, teamwork, but most importantly empathy and kindness. This gives me a clue as to what the game means to all those involved. I cherish that memory in all its real value; that is my memory; within it lies the very power of sport in stirring competition, yet it fosters camaraderie and sympathy. Refereeing has shaped my character within me somehow. I have learned to call it when I see it. I have learned how to handle a few players. I learned to keep calm whenever under pressure and communicate thoroughly. Composure is important to show whether it is about managing anger or exuding a calm presence in the most harrowing of times. This has been most integrally my contact with the game. Now I turn from the spectral truths of this whole sentimental and in a very practical sense usable plan by which I refereed. The college really stands to gain from this because, to put someone on debts, it is real big. All these expenses would be taken care of through this, along with my further training and practice regarding refereeing. Refereeing means a lot to me. The lessons learned and experiences lived shall always remain precious to me. Perhaps, one day, a deserving soul will pay back to me the same compassion that the young girl gave her opponent.

As in everything new, certain things are never going to be easy; the soccer high school season was fun and over. I sat in the bleachers, rising and falling on the roller-coaster of my confidence, with a few moments of pride where I questioned everything and just wanted to leave. Stay humble, but confident; believe always in what has to be done. All those lessons learned are still attached to the memories of everything; those are somewhat haunting me now. To judge, or for that matter, to even perceive, not to be judging-that is the humility within me and the confidence that governs me. The second-most valuable is teamwork. If not for yourself, then make room to appreciate how much effort goes in between one individual and the team members to carry on. Be humble; be confident, but never give up. I got to learn a lot from such instances. I was really low after being cut from the high school soccer teams-not me. But I should still go on. I took a lot of lessons from there, some of which made me a better, stronger person. I learned enough to judge my sense of said humility. Not a star on the field, but confident in improvement; never quitting-working hard with an attitude priceless in that practice will mold my life-changing experiences. Then came the struggle. Lesson one: never quit. Hard work, humility, and confidence must be learned next. From that struggle came the realization that nothing can stand against sheer determination; humble but confident. That has made me tough and resilient; it brought me humility. I worked hard to become a better soccer player. That toughness helped me work for my teammates on the soccer field. It is about pushing through the limits and learning how to solve different problems, all intertwined with growing into a better human being. Becoming a student-athlete is no easy task. Tough and worth every second. It is soccer, more than anything, that has humbled me, instilled confidence in me, and taught me never to quit. The most basic lesson learned is of teamwork. These life experiences make me and help me grow into who I am becoming. So I do carry these lessons to the field as a reminder that I want to keep being a better player and person every single day. These lessons began a transformational journey. Humility, confidence, and always persevering through challenging times. I have gone through those tough times, and I'm ready for college soccer now.

So, while waiting to develop such an exciting future, there is a man standing on the threshold of high school, where the field of accounting more or less serves for me as a lock-and-key situation. For all the interesting applications of accounting-up on debits, credits, balance sheets-something else dangles my heart. To me, accounting is not merely a profession; rather, it's a channel through which you could make a real change in the lives of youth who are understandably afraid of the so peculiar complications of business and finance. Accounting is not merely for me a definition of number-crunching, but there would be a constructive engagement toward building the opportunities around what I learn in helping to give hope and aspirations to people otherwise put off or intimidated by the repulsion of business. People go into accounting as a career mainly for good money, but in my case, it is mostly for the love that I have for empowering others. I have seen how dreams can easily be shattered because of sheer ignorance, and I want to change all that. A flow of steady, strong opportunities is in the offing for students of accounting gaining this opportunity for upward progress. Building their confidence to showcase this on the new front desk of their projects, earning and pursuing their dreams as future leaders and not mere weavings of the principles of accounting. I will, in due season, execute this through several ways. I want to establish mentorship programs aimed at guiding and lifting up students from all walks of life by passing down to them my collective knowledge and experience. I have envisioned workshops and seminars that are specifically designed for demystifying intricate financial concepts and making them appealing. Most importantly, I intend to build an encouragement environment where young people will know they can accomplish those dreams, irrespective of their backgrounds. My final touch on the canvas will be to prove to them that the business world has no gated doors but is a field of possibilities for anyone interested in learning and working hard. I think of their individual self-discovery in which they would trace the language of business around that and find a place for them within it to pursue careers of their dreams. I want to help them understand that potential and believe in it. I want to fight against self-doubt, inadequacy that so often prevents youth from taking risks needed to chase their dreams. I want to challenge the status quo and start building a future generation of ethical, innovative leaders committed to bringing about positive change. My aspirations are not for my glory-they are bigger, and at the heart of being an agent for change in mentoring others to unlock that potential. Perhaps I can show the students what they can really do if they put their minds to it. I see instructional materials in the form of online tutorials or easily accessible guidebooks. This will help make financial literacy a skill that everyone acquires. I will try to get schools and community organizations involved in making these efforts far-reaching and able to last. It's my hope that with all these, I may help forge a more just and prosperous future for all, creating one student, one lesson, one dream at a time. My studies in accounting should not be seen mainly as a pathway to a career but be consolidated as the foundation for a future wherein I can genuinely impact change in the lives of people around me.

Now, in retrospect, I MUST remember the vibrant colors of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where first my family and I called home at the young stage of my life. The bustling streets; hot markets; joyful gatherings carved a draught of cultural identity into my being. I cocked as a child to leave when my parents finally left. The memories of our land continue to live in my spirit. Now, I am a senior in high school, constantly fighting to live with the fierce urge to contribute to this world. It gives pride to my life when I share my experience with individuals who have been subjected to the condition we call resilience in immigrants. Having grown in Nokesville, Virginia, my life was then full of many new realities as I travelled with cultural roots from home to the United States of America. However, the reality is that the greatest sacrifices made by my parents are the ones that etched a purpose into me and a strong work ethic. I was soon filled with resolve to make something of my life, long before I had the ability to understand what that meant, inspired by my father's tales of childhood struggles in Ethiopia. His mantra, "You may lack tools, but you have the strength to create your own path," became my guiding principle. It helped me tell myself that my fight is not for me alone but for countless others who have fought before me. When I entered high school, I also had to face a lot of new challenges. One additional challenge that drained me, however, was the much-demanded rigorous life in work. I finally also had to think profoundly about whether I would be really interested in pursuing my passion for accounting or buckle under the pressure of financial instability. But the drive could not let me lose it. I threw myself into business classes and activities outside of the classroom, spurred on by support from family, friends, and academic advisors. For all that, though, the education came with financial burdens that nearly derailed me. I knew, though, that there was no way financial concerns could halt my journey toward complete realization. That's where this scholarship comes along because it's truly more than financial help for me; it is a lighthouse shining its beam on the road ahead. With this scholarship, I could pursue my learning without caring for heavy debts, which would allow me to fully indulge in my academic studies, activities, and complete professional development. Then I would be able to take on internships, volunteer positions, and leadership roles, which would all propel me toward my dreams. I see myself, someday in the accounting profession, as a forerunner who channels all my learned skills and knowledge through this program to better peoples' lives and inspire others to follow. This scholarship would represent not only the academic endeavors I would undertake but also the sweat and strength defined with the immigrant experience. For me, this scholarship would be a marker, denoting the contribution of my family and the struggles we faced while moving to this new home. It would be the pride of being between cultures, and this scholarship would help to construct a future celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and opportunity for everyone. Nelson Mandela taught us many things. One such is where he said: "Success lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall". My life was not an express train from beginning to end; it was marked with problems. It has, rather, been torturous with struggle, endurance, and the unwavering belief of the few voices who still believe in me. This scholarship shall turn out highly significant in future, as it would grant one capacity to rise above coming challenges and leave a mark upon the face of the world.

With graduation projected and preparations for college in full swing, I have been drawn into thoughts of a true choice concerning an institution that will occupy a pivotal space in the puzzle of my life. In my mind, choosing a college is less about the academic relevance of that institution and more about who I am and whom I want to spend time with. For this reason, I am irresistibly drawn to an HBCU. Some contenders in the running for my heart are Howard University and North Carolina A&T State University (NCAT), both with longstanding histories in Black education and empowerment. I see my time at an HBCU expanding my academic experience while creating an avenue for growth and meaningful personal development. As a Black kid going through the motions in a predominantly white school, I felt myself an outsider, an observer in a society that often rejected my culture and my voice. The struggle with representation greatly figures into my life narrative. While so many of my classmates have gained affirmation within the majority narratives, I sought space that celebrated my heritage. An HBCU would serve as that healing space—one where my identity would be honored and elevated. With its distinct history and colorful community, Howard University becomes that vision for me; NCAT shines equally for its development of leaders and instilling pride in themselves. By attending either school, I look forward to being a part of a culture that recognizes my narrative and those with similar storylines. What sets HBCUs apart is that they teach everything from a holistic point of view. Such an environment would ideally be the one that acknowledges the culture I am bringing with me as well as the unique challenges and triumphs that accompany being a Black student. Both Howard University and NCAT offer mentoring relationships that extend well beyond the confines of classroom instruction, fostering student initiative with professors deeply invested in their success. I want to build lasting relationships with professors who engage me in the classroom and in the pursuit of my dreams and growth. That sense of togetherness that comes with being a member of an HBCU speaks volumes to me. In this world that seems to thrive on individualism, the community spirit found in schools such as Howard and NCAT promotes togetherness and causes. These schools' legacies encompass everything from academic acumen to social justice and community advocacy. I want to contribute to service initiatives as well as advocacy work for causes that are dear to my heart and uplift our communities. I dream about an interlinked society that prioritizes one another's upliftment, where others' success weighs on mine. It is my commitment as I begin this next chapter to serve as an example for long-distance travelers and a beacon of hope for thousands of kids like me who grew up in predominantly white settings and experienced the weight of invisibility. I want them to see that their stories matter and that greatness is just on the other side of hardship. The kind of person I want to become is a Black woman who uplifts herself while carrying on her shoulders the needs and desires of young people yearning to see themselves represented. As I traverse my own path, I hope to light a spark for so many who feel unnoticed and unseen. The road ahead reenacts the promise of transformation, and I am just as ready.

A prospective college student genuinely passionate about the betterment of the African-American community, I look at college as further enabling me in harnessing education toward effective social change. Accomplishing the work to acquire this degree affords an important pathway of relevant knowledge, acquisition of useful skillsets, and valuable networking contacts necessary in such core community challenges as educational disparity, economic disparity, and issues related to simple social justice. The very reason that draws me towards an HBCU is that they have been a profound motivating factor for constructing a vision to create improvement in the lives of those around me. I have applied to several highly respectable HBCUs, including Howard University, Virginia State University, which students refer to as VSU, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, also referred to as NCAT. Each of these institutions has a rich history for the advancement and fostering of African-American students in academic and professional life. Going to an HBCU will put me in an environment that celebrates my culture, fosters a sense of empowerment, and inspires me to connect with my community in meaningful ways. While I have not committed to any school at this time, each option is a different avenue of opportunity for growth and contribution to the African-American legacy. My degree will be earned with a concentration in community development and social advocacy. I will concentrate on course studies within the area of sociology or public policy to understand how systemic issues impact our community. Equipped with this education, I want to work either with grassroots organizations or policy-making bodies concerned with inequities in education that affect African-American students disproportionately. This commitment emanates from personal experiences and observations—many of my peers have been limited by a lack of resources or opportunities, and I want to change that narrative. Besides the educational problems, I am deeply focused on economic empowerment in the African-American community. This also means a special emphasis on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and investment in one's own community. Attending workshops and partnerships with local businesses prove very useful in sharing such knowledge and resources with willing young entrepreneurs. Economic empowerment is key to effecting sustainable change and upgrading entire societies. Also, I would wish to use my education to effect a culture of mentorship. I feel that mentorship is one of the most viable development tools, more so among the young African-American generations who are in dire need of mentorship on how to navigate through and overcome systemic obstacles. By mentoring and promoting programs of mentorship, I desire to impact another generation of leadership by helping young people realize their potential while emphasizing the importance of giving back to our communities. Essentially, to me, the reason I should attend an HBCU is not only to pursue an education but to pledge myself to community service. Earning a degree and applying learned knowledge in helping to solve issues plaguing the African-American community will make for a better future for all of us. I do look forward to the transformation that awaits me at Howard, VSU, or NCAT and further remain excited by the connections I am going to make in making an impact.

In the somnolent Dreamsville, the charismatic Leo-an arrogant self-called "Loverboy"-had only one passion: to run off with Claire's heart, the mesmerizer of every fellow student and senior prom queen-the unattainable prize for every Shakespearean daydream he brightens everything with by means of her sparkling smile and entrancing laugh. He would smooth out the flowery lines every evening in front of the bathroom mirror, practicing everything from pickup lines to Shakespearean sonnets. He went out with many girls during his high school career but found just one true love for Claire within his hollow heart. "To be or not to be. irresistible," he said to himself this fateful Tuesday evening as he skipped that part where the Bard wittily mocked the follies of love. One night, he fell asleep grasping his defeated prom invitation with visions of Claire dancing in his head. This dream started as a romance of sorts: an enchanted disco ball spinning, swaying lights overhead, and across the room from him, an entire buffet table full of mini hot dogs, cupcakes, overflowing. Then suddenly, he had appeared before Claire, dressed correctly for a contemporary prince in this mismatched tuxedo. He opened his mouth to speak, and instead of sweet serenades that would make even opera singers weep, he blurted out, "Hey Claire, do you like raisins? How do you feel about a date? Claire raised an eyebrow toward the buffet of dollar-store snacks, as if weighing whether the mini hot dogs were a better prospect than this hopeless suitor. "Do I like raisins? I guess it depends. Do you like normal conversations?" she said, quipping, while Leo's heart hit the bottom of the potato chips. Desperate to redeem himself, Leo panicked and called upon his most poetic muses. "My love for you is like a roast chicken—juicy and… ummm… always better with gravy?" Claire smirked and took one backward step; a shadow cast upon his attempts. Leo suddenly realized this was going sour. He needed to think fast. "Wait! You're like the sun! "Okay, what's that supposed to mean?" she shot back, pushing her perfectly coiffed hair behind her ear. Leo stammered, "You make everything brighter!" "Leo, you know your metaphors are as flat as a deflated beach ball, right?" she teased, her laughter tinkling through the surreal dreamscape. The trumpet blared at that moment, and a marching band, dressed up as cupcakes, marched by. Leo panicked. He flailed his arms wildly against the powerful current to hold on to the dream. Instead, he found himself in his uncomfortable dream-matching pajamas with spaghetti sauce stains that could classify as abstract art. The sunlight was pouring into his window, and he stirred in his bed. His alarm clock was shrieking like some clown horn blasting him with a reminder of his epic failures to get it through to Claire: he was not confident as a cucumber would be in a salad, but on the next day, he'd just simply tell her the truth. At school, Leo strode up to Claire with all the bravado of a knight but all the grace of a drunken giraffe. "Hey, I'd like to take you to prom. But just so you know, if you say no, I might just end up dreaming about it again." Claire laughed, "Aren't you sweet? But I already have a date". Leo's heart sank, then bobbed back up like that deflated beach ball, as he replied, "Well, at least I can eat mini hot dogs and practice more Shakespearean insults!"

Wake up. Train. Rest. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. That's how my story has been for the past ten years, a life full of ups and downs sparked by dedication and determination to make a name for myself on and off the field. Growing up, I have always dreamed of becoming an athlete, and I made it my everyday goal. I would try to be like the pros by watching their film, practicing their movement, and even imitating their character. Unfortunately, I was struggling with confidence throughout my early years of high school. I was having bad games to the point where I would be in tears, and it got to the point where I was constantly getting ridiculed by the opponents or even my own coach. I barely got playing time, and it hurt me mentally. I knew I had skill and talent, so why can't I show it? It really hurt my head when I saw my teammates having the performances of their lives, whilst I was out trying to figure out my own problem. Was it my cleats? Was it my socks? Was it my pregame routine? I tried everything to bring back my confidence, but it never really worked. I was hoping the placebo would kick in someday and save me from the one thing that haunted me at night. My breaking point finally hit when I would be woken up to bad news on May 27th,2023, at 9:08am. The notification on my phone read "Congratulations! Sifan Teressa has been accepted to the PWSI B team! Register now to secure your spot!". I was demoted to the second team, and I had no idea I was even in talk of getting removed. My coach never warned me personally, and I thought I was going to get away with having a mediocre season. So there I was, my dreams feeling lost, and long gone, that I could never get back. As I was scrambling to find a new team, I emailed Coach Steve, who helped get me a tryout with VSA. I was in a new environment, new area, and better teammates. Because of all these factors, my performance was top notch and I became a pivotal factor to my team's success. My 2024 season motivated me a lot to continue working hard in the summer. According to my friends, "I would never be seen inside the house." I spent my time at the gym, or playing in tournaments with people who were twice my age. The dedication I showed last summer made me a great player, but I know I have a long way to go. After my playing career is finished, I'm looking to inspire the next generation to never be satisfied with their performance. That's exactly how you become better.

When you have passion, you make great innovations. That’s a quote my parents have said to me throughout my childhood, as I find out my purpose in this world. In my seventeen years of living, I have found Business and Finance as my field of interest. I have chosen that because I have seen how influential these companies are to either benefiting or harming a community, and I want to make sure there’s more benefit. It’s clear to see that most bosses prioritize wealth over well-being, even though they try to portray otherwise. My goal as a boss is to develop the area of my business. I strongly believe that fostering a good connection between your customers is a great way to inspire people of all ages, to help themselves progress as citizens. When I say the word “inspire”, I mean for them to truly go out and achieve their dreams. We all have aspirations we set, and if a first generation kid like me can succeed in life, it will set a standard for a growing future. I know that creating a business is hard work, so I will have to dig deep in my academics to understand the ins and outs. Once I master that, I will make a product that brings people together. No competition, no conflict, just joy from citizens using my work. I want my community smiling, because I know how important that is for us to develop as a society. If we can all lift each other up, the sky is the limit. Maybe one day we will see the flying cars that we all imagine in the future. That’s the difference I will bring to this world.

"Blocked by James!" No one has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit, until a little boy from Akron, Ohio was born. LeBron has a well-rounded case as the GOAT. His physicality is peak, and as few players of his ability possess the combination of size, strength and speed to blow past defenders and do something out of this world at the basket. His court vision feels as if it comes from some superhero movie, dishing passes directly on the money by threading a needle to an open teammate. It was long overdue for him to have his own "Space Jam" movie, which where he played the role better than Jordan. On top of all the individual brilliance he has achieved throughout the year, LeBron is a winner. Four NBA championships and finals appearances with three different teams is no accident. Even if Jordan has more, Lebron has won by being the team, not a part of it. But crowning a single player as the "greatest" is a different matter. Basketball is changing as we grow, and comparing two guys from different eras on the same board despite playing under different conditions and rules isn't beneficial. Basketball only had an overwhelming influence on how the game was played and what was coached as it does today. Michael Jordan dominated an old town era with a need for on isolation and extreme for a shooting guard with clutch abilities. LeBron currently is playing in an era where a basketball player needs to be very well-rounded in both scoring and playmaking and able to shoot the three-ball well. Lastly, as I wrap this up, we have to understand that everyone has different opinions. Whether or not he is the "GOAT," appreciate LeBron James' dedication to the game of basketball and to the community. He is a four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP and ultimately known as a basketball legend, who will inspire generations for years and decades to pass on. Lebron? No. The King.