My experience with mental health, particularly living with ADHD, has deeply influenced my outlook on life, the way I navigate relationships, and my career aspirations. Managing my mental health is an ongoing process—one that has challenged me in profound ways but has also given me a deeper sense of empathy, resilience, and purpose. Struggling with ADHD has taught me that success is not always about working harder, but about working smarter and advocating for my needs. I have had to develop structured strategies—recording lectures, utilizing multiple study environments, seeking disability services, and attending therapy—to stay focused and avoid burnout. This journey has reinforced my belief that **everyone deserves support and accommodations to thrive, whether in school, the workplace, or personal life. It has also made me more compassionate toward others who face their own invisible battles, strengthening my commitment to inclusivity and advocacy. My mental health has also shaped my relationships by teaching me the importance of open communication and mutual understanding. Navigating ADHD means sometimes struggling with time management, focus, and emotional regulation, which can affect personal and professional interactions. However, through therapy and self-awareness, I have learned how to express my challenges honestly and foster relationships built on patience, trust, and genuine support. This has made me deeply value those who take the time to understand me, and in turn, I strive to offer the same level of understanding to others. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my career aspiration in Human Resource Management. Having experienced firsthand the difference that support systems and accommodations make, I want to be in a position where I can advocate for fair and inclusive workplace policies, ensure employees receive the resources they need, and create environments where people can succeed regardless of their mental health challenges. My struggles have given me the drive to help others feel valued, respected, and supported in their professional lives because I know what it feels like to fight for that respect and understanding. Ultimately, my experience with mental health has strengthened my resilience, deepened my empathy, and solidified my purpose. It has shaped me into someone who not only wants to succeed but also wants to pave the way for others to succeed alongside me. Living with ADHD has also heightened my awareness of the importance of flexibility and adaptability in both my personal and professional life. I’ve come to understand that while structure and routine are vital for me to stay on track, being open to adjusting my methods when necessary is equally crucial. This ability to adapt has helped me stay resilient in the face of setbacks and maintain a sense of control over my journey. It’s also shaped how I approach problem-solving—recognizing that solutions are not one-size-fits-all, and sometimes creativity is needed to find the most effective approach. As I work towards my goal of becoming a Human Resource Director, I am driven by the desire to create workplaces where diversity in all its forms—whether in mental health, background, or personal experience—is recognized as a strength. I believe that fostering an inclusive environment where individuals feel supported and valued leads to greater innovation, collaboration, and overall success. I want to be the kind of leader who not only listens but also empowers others, helping them feel confident in their abilities and secure in their place within the organization. In my pursuit of this goal, I recognize the importance of continuing to learn, grow, and reflect on my own experiences. By doing so, I can become a stronger advocate for others and ensure that the support systems we create are meaningful, effective, and truly life-changing.

Here's a well-structured response incorporating your experiences, aspirations, and passion for Human Resource Management: --- ### **My Journey and Passion for Human Resource Management** My identity as a transgender person has deeply shaped my personal growth, beliefs, and aspirations. Living authentically in a world that often struggles to understand and accept differences has given me a profound appreciation for inclusivity, empathy, and advocacy—values that directly influence my approach to relationships and my career ambitions. My journey has taught me the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued, which is why I have chosen Human Resource Management as my career path. Being transgender has given me firsthand experience with the impact that workplace culture, policies, and leadership have on individuals. I understand what it feels like to navigate professional spaces while seeking fairness, respect, and belonging. This perspective fuels my desire to work in Human Resources—not just as an administrator, but as a champion for inclusive practices that empower all employees. Helping people thrive in their work environment and ensuring they feel supported is what drives me. The decision to pursue this career is influenced by both personal experiences and those who have inspired me along the way in a positive and negative manner. I have encountered HR professionals who made a real difference in people’s lives by advocating for fairness and fostering an inclusive culture. Their dedication has motivated me to follow a similar dedicated career path one where I can help employees feel valued, resolve workplace challenges, and build environments that celebrate diversity rather than suppress it. To achieve my goal, I am pursuing a degree in Communication Studies, which will strengthen my ability to navigate workplace interactions, resolve conflicts, and create effective policies. Additionally, I utilize my organizational and administrative skills, honed through my time in the Marine Corps, to build a strong foundation in leadership and problem-solving. I plan to gain hands-on experience in HR roles, seek mentorship, and continuously educate myself on best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ultimately, I want to use my career to ensure that no one feels overlooked or undervalued in the workplace. Human Resources is not just about policies and procedures—it’s about people. My lived experiences have given me the insight and passion to make a meaningful impact in this field, and I am excited to embark on this journey toward fostering better workplaces for all.

Deciphering the Meaning Behind "Veni, Vidi, Vici" Julius Caesar’s phrase “Veni, Vidi, Vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered) is one of history’s most famous declarations of victory. At first glance, it appears to be a simple, direct statement of military triumph. However, beneath its brevity lies a complex interplay of rhetoric, psychological dominance, and political assertion. This essay will argue that Caesar’s phrase was not merely a factual account of his swift victory at the Battle of Zela but a deliberate assertion of his political supremacy, a demonstration of military efficiency, and a carefully crafted piece of propaganda aimed at consolidating his power in Rome. The underlying meaning of "Veni, Vidi, Vici" is rooted in its ability to project an image of invincibility, reinforce Caesar’s personal authority, and redefine the Roman understanding of leadership and conquest. To fully appreciate the weight of “Veni, Vidi, Vici,” one must examine its rhetorical structure. The phrase consists of three short, alliterative words, each a verb in the first-person singular perfect tense. This construction conveys not only the completion of an action but an air of personal immediacy. The use of three parallel verbs, all equally weighted, removes any sense of struggle or uncertainty. There is no mention of obstacles, no reference to strategy or hardship—only a swift and decisive triumph. This rhetorical choice serves to frame Caesar as an unstoppable force, a man for whom victory is as natural as existence itself. By eliminating details, he enhances the perception of his own efficiency and near-mythical prowess. Caesar’s audience, the Roman Senate and people, were accustomed to detailed war reports filled with accounts of prolonged sieges, strategic maneuvers, and challenges overcome. By contrast, “Veni, Vidi, Vici” offered no such details, breaking from tradition and setting a new precedent. This rhetorical sharpness was deliberate, as it minimized the role of chance or hardship in war, presenting Caesar’s leadership as the defining factor of victory. The implication was clear: where others struggle, Caesar simply wins. Beyond its rhetorical brilliance, “Veni, Vidi, Vici” functioned as a bold political statement. When Caesar sent this message to the Senate, Rome was in a state of turmoil. The recent civil war between Caesar and Pompey had left the Republic fragile, and many in the Senate remained wary of Caesar’s growing power. By presenting his victory in Pontus as effortless, Caesar reinforced the idea that his leadership was both inevitable and unmatched. The phrase also subtly undermined the Senate itself. In Roman tradition, generals returning from campaigns would seek approval from the Senate before celebrating a triumph, and victories were often presented as collective achievements of Rome rather than personal feats. By bypassing these formalities and framing his success in purely personal terms, Caesar sent a clear message: he did not answer to the Senate; the Senate answered to him. “Veni, Vidi, Vici” was not just a recounting of battle—it was a declaration of supremacy. While the phrase itself does not provide tactical details, it subtly communicates a key principle of Caesar’s military genius: speed. The Battle of Zela, fought in 47 BCE against Pharnaces II of Pontus, was won in a matter of days. Caesar’s ability to mobilize quickly, strike decisively, and conclude campaigns with remarkable efficiency set him apart from other Roman commanders. “Veni, Vidi, Vici” encapsulated this strategic advantage in just three words, reinforcing his reputation as a general who did not merely wage war but ended it swiftly. The psychological impact of such a phrase on both allies and enemies cannot be overstated. To Caesar’s supporters, it reaffirmed their faith in his invincibility. To his enemies, it was a warning—resistance was futile. The brevity of the statement itself contributed to its intimidation factor. Unlike a lengthy report that might invite scrutiny or debate, “Veni, Vidi, Vici” left no room for doubt or discussion. It was an assertion, not an argument. Caesar’s use of “Veni, Vidi, Vici” also signified a shift in the Roman concept of leadership. Traditionally, Roman commanders emphasized the collective effort of the Republic, attributing success to the virtues of Roman citizens and the will of the gods. By contrast, Caesar positioned himself as the central figure of victory, with no mention of Rome, the Senate, or his soldiers. This shift reflected the changing nature of power in Rome, as the Republic transitioned toward autocracy. The phrase foreshadowed the imperial model that would define Rome for centuries. Later emperors, including Augustus, would follow Caesar’s lead in crafting concise, authoritative statements that projected personal control over the state. In this way, “Veni, Vidi, Vici” was not just a record of one battle—it was a preview of the political future of Rome. The power of “Veni, Vidi, Vici” lies in its adaptability and timelessness. It has transcended its original context to become a universal expression of swift and decisive success. Its influence can be seen in political rhetoric, business strategy, and even popular culture. Leaders throughout history have echoed its sentiment, using similar structures to project authority and confidence. The phrase’s endurance speaks to its effectiveness as both propaganda and personal branding. Caesar understood that in politics and war, perception often matters as much as reality. By distilling his conquest into three simple words, he ensured that his victory and his legacy would be remembered not just in Rome, but throughout history. “Veni, Vidi, Vici” is far more than a boastful remark about a military victory. It is a masterful exercise in rhetoric, a political power move, and a statement of military philosophy. Through its brevity, it eliminates any suggestion of struggle, instead presenting triumph as an inevitable outcome of Caesar’s leadership. By framing his success as purely personal, it challenges traditional Roman notions of collective governance, paving the way for the autocratic rule that would define the Empire. And by conveying an air of invincibility, it reinforces Caesar’s place not just as a conqueror of lands, but as a shaper of history. In just three words, Julius Caesar encapsulated the essence of absolute power leaving a message that still resonates over two millennia later. Works Cited • Suetonius, Gaius. The Twelve Caesars. Translated by Robert Graves, Penguin Classics, 2003. • Plutarch. Parallel Lives: The Life of Julius Caesar. Translated by Bernadotte Perrin, Harvard University Press, 1919. • Goldsworthy, Adrian. Caesar: Life of a Colossus. Yale University Press, 2006. • Shotter, David. Julius Caesar and Rome. Routledge, 2005. • Everitt, Anthony. The Rise of Rome: The Making of the World's Greatest Empire. Random House, 2012.

I have always believed that immersing yourself in a new culture is the best way to learn a language. But during my trip to Costa Rica, I learned that sometimes, just one word can lead to life-altering consequences—like being thrown a surprise baby shower for a baby that didn’t exist. It all started when I was trying to explain how embarrassed I felt after tripping on the sidewalk in front of our family friends. With full confidence, I declared, “¡Estoy tan embarazado!” Their eyes widened, and then a flurry of excitement broke out. I didn’t understand why they suddenly looked so happy—until 24 hours later, when I walked into the house and found a full-blown baby shower in my honor. Pink and blue balloons hung from the ceiling, gifts wrapped in pastel paper were stacked on a table, and someone had even made a cake that read, “¡Felicidades, mamá!” That was the moment I realized my mistake. **“Embarazado” doesn’t mean embarrassed—it means pregnant.** In my broken Spanish, I had unknowingly announced to an entire Costa Rican household that I was expecting. I spent the next hour awkwardly explaining, in the simplest Spanish I could manage, that there was no baby, just my poor vocabulary. Laughter filled the room, and despite the misunderstanding, everyone insisted on keeping the party going. We ate cake, played baby shower games (for a very hypothetical baby), and turned the whole thing into a celebration of language mishaps and cultural exchange. That day, I learned an important lesson—not just about Spanish vocabulary, but about the kindness and humor of others when faced with an honest mistake. It was a moment of pure connection, proving that sometimes, the best way to bridge cultures is through laughter.

Managing my mental health while attending school has been both a challenge and a learning experience, particularly as a student with ADHD. My condition affects my ability to maintain focus, manage time effectively, and stay organized, which can make academic responsibilities feel overwhelming. However, I have developed a structured approach to minimize these challenges and ensure that I remain successful in both my studies and personal life. One of the most effective strategies I use is recording my lectures and listening to my notes. This method allows me to reinforce key information and engage with the material in a way that suits my learning style. Additionally, I leave my home 30 minutes early to prevent procrastination and ensure I arrive on time, which helps reduce unnecessary stress and last-minute rushing. I also make use of multiple study locations to keep my environment stimulating and avoid distractions that come from staying in one place too long. This strategy helps me maintain focus and productivity throughout my study sessions. Furthermore, I take prescribed Adderall as part of my treatment plan, which assists in regulating my attention and impulse control. Another key step I take is utilizing student disability services provided by my school. These resources offer essential accommodations that help level the playing field, such as extended test time and structured support, allowing me to perform at my full potential. Seeking out these services has been instrumental in managing my coursework and maintaining a balanced academic life. Beyond academics, my mental health also plays a significant role in my personal life. Maintaining a structured routine, staying physically active, and ensuring I have downtime to recharge are all crucial elements of my self-care. I prioritize my mental well-being by setting realistic goals, practicing self-compassion, and seeking support when needed. By taking proactive steps to manage my ADHD and prioritize my mental health, I have been able to navigate the demands of school while maintaining a sense of balance in my personal life. These strategies not only help me succeed academically but also prepare me for a future career where structure, adaptability, and resilience are essential. In addition to these strategies, I also attend therapy to continue learning how to manage my symptoms effectively and avoid burnout. Therapy provides me with coping techniques, emotional support, and strategies for maintaining motivation and productivity without overextending myself. This ongoing support has been invaluable in helping me build resilience and maintain a sustainable work-life balance.