When I was a freshman in high school, I wanted to become a radiologist. Now, I’m graduating in four months, and am committed to the University of South Florida on track to graduate with a degree in computer science. While it may seem like a crazy switch from my original plans, I believe choosing computer science was the best possible decision for me. My interest in computers and other software started at a very young age. I heard stories from my mom about her deployments and all of her experiences, and I found myself intrigued by how ship technology worked, such as radar. Ironically, after my mother had served her contract in the US Navy, she became a secretary at an air traffic control center in Michigan. I remember being just four years old and tugging on my dads’ sleeves to move up the stairs faster so I could see all the cool lights and machines at the top of the tower. Aside from “cool lights,” video game technology drew me in as well. I was an extremely sheltered child, and I didn’t have much access to video games, but anytime I heard my classmates talking about a new Nintendo DS game it blew me away. As time went on, I attended a medical middle/high school called Darnell Cookman, where I found my interest in helping people. I knew that when I grew up, I wanted to have the opportunity to make others feel better. Of course, this started a long process of figuring myself out. During middle school, my parents went through a gruesome divorce, and I turned to video games and online platforms to cope. At the time I didn’t think much of this, but I believe these moments in my life changed my career path for the better. Finally, in my freshman year of high school, I settled on radiology. I thought being able to sit in a dark room all day and analyze images on a computer was perfect for me. The 10–12-year degree was daunting, but I believed getting the chance to learn about such an interesting software while also having the opportunity to help others was well worth the wait. Last year, my junior year, however, I explored more options for my future. I knew I wanted to experience the wonder of Computer Software, but I wasn’t quite sure how. During this time, I made more goals for my future. I wanted to find a career that would allow me to advocate for others. Female work rights are an extremely prevalent issue in any STEM field. Recently, multiple large-name companies have been sued for underpaying female workers compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, I wanted to be able to share technology in a more personal way to me. I started exploring the option of Computer Science more, as well as software engineering, and this immediately drew me in. By going into this field, I could help others through the same software that helped me get through my darkest times, and the idea of this healed a piece of me. Overall, my journey to computer science has been an extremely long one, and there's no way these almost 600 words can describe every step. At the end of the day, I have so many goals for my future, and I don’t think I could have found a career as personal and perfect for me as computer science.

Math is its own art. The idea of math juxtaposes with traditional art. Drawing and painting are very fluid, with no restrictions, while math has pretty cut-and-dry rules. But there's something fascinating about how different numbers and letters combined can create solutions and advancements that never could have even been considered before. Last year, during my junior year of high school, I took a course called 'AICE Math 1'. It's a Cambridge course, which much resembles the pace of IB. The class went over pre-calculus, trigonometry, probability and statistics, and a bit of calculus. Let's just say, this class is the reason my GPA is 3.6 and not 4.0. I could have switched out at the beginning of the year, and avoided hours of crying and staying up till midnight studying, but there was something so captivating about how the numbers fell into place. Knowing how to solve a problem felt like all the puzzle pieces were clicking into place. That class helped me feel an amazing sense of achievement. Math has given me comfort. Unlike standard art, math has rules, and these rules lead to equations and answers. Knowing that there was always a clear finish and path to get there made it feel safe- in some kind of larger, metaphorical way. Math has been the cause of most of my school stress, and yet it has given me the biggest drive. I never had an issue getting the motivation to study for a test or quiz. I'd fall asleep on top of my papers after hours of trying to figure out what K was equal to, but I went right back to it the next day. Mathematics has given me a reason to keep going and to even go so far as to pursue a degree that is primarily made up of math-computer science.

Since middle school, I romanticized the entire idea of college. I would stay up for hours coming up with dorm recipe ideas, saving dorm decor to my wishlist, and making up how my dream college life would go. Now, as a senior, I can't say much has changed; instead of searching up 'top 100 ways to cook ramen', now I'm searching up, 'is my cat allowed in USF dorm rooms'. In all seriousness, I'm excited about the future, getting to meet new people, join new clubs, and be as involved as I can be. In college, I plan to pursue a degree in Computer Science. I've always been fascinated with computers, and how they work. As a woman, I grew to realize it was also the perfect opportunity to advocate for others scared to jump into a field so dominated by men. When it comes to on-campus life, I've loved the entire idea of dorm and student hall living. Unfortunately, it may stay an idea. I come from a low-income household, and the cost of tuition alone is daunting. Regardless, I still love watching dorm move-in videos, searching for information on campus clubs/teams, and learning everything I can about attending college- especially USF. As it is my senior year it's especially important now to keep calm and focused with all the pressure being put on me. I just finished my JROTC sports season (Raiders), and as of right now I've achieved my AICE Cambridge Diploma. Along with this, I'm part of the Science National Honor Society, and my high school's Esports team manager. I've submitted and am waiting on a response from the National Honor Society too. Outside of school, I work at a local Winn Dixie as a cashier near my house. This year, it's been especially difficult to manage everything, as applying for scholarships turns into a part-time job itself it seems. Regardless, I push through by keeping routines and allowing myself to have rest days. I practice morning and night skincare routines, and recently I've added hair care to that list as well. Self-care is extremely important to me, and if I don't have both a clean workspace and body, I can't work very well. I also like to take some time now and then for yoga. Stretching out the body, even just for a few minutes can greatly increase how well you focus. Somehow, I also fit in time for my hobbies. I like to draw, write, read, and currently, I'm learning how to play the guitar. Overall, just giving yourself a balance of work and time in a safe space is a great way to maintain healthy physical and mental health. If it isn't already clear, picking up healthy habits and keeping to routines doesn't come immediately. Even still, I find myself laying around with no motivation to do anything. At the end of the day, however, progress isn't just an uphill slope. Just getting to the next day is something to congratulate yourself on. I look forward to my future and cherish the journey it takes to get me there.

Released in March of 2017, the Nintendo switch was a ground-breaking 7th addition to the Nintendo console family. With it's distinctive original red and blue design, slide out controllers, and ability to switch from a handheld device to one connected to a TV, it's clear why almost 3 million were shipped out in the first month of release. Amazing reviews came pouring in. Not long after in 2019, the original Nintendo Switch Lite was produced. This addition was similar to the original in many ways, however no longer had the slide out Joy-Con's and remained solely handheld. Essentially, it was more compact and meant to travel. With the rise of the Coronavirus in 2019, demand for both the standard Nintendo Switch and Switch lite skyrocketed. It became one of the few fun ways family and friends could be together without physically being-together. It allowed for people to connect through fun, challenging experiences, or even just by logging into Netflix on the console and watching a movie together. The Switch became one of the top items on Christmas Wish-lists, and has remained that way to the present. Special editions of the Switch came out, such as the Splatoon 2 edition and the Animal Crossing New Horizons edition. It's extraordinary how such a simple (yet so internally complicated) device could impact peoples lives so much. Now, the Nintendo Switch isn't some crazy advancement in radiology, or amazing new step in cancer treatment- or even the new device that reads glucose levels simply with the touch of a phone, eliminating the need for finger sticks. Yet it is a device that has impacted arguably more homes than those advancements in technology. It isn't a "cheap" item, however it is much more attainable, and when it comes to the cost to demand analytics, many users deem it "worth it". The Nintendo Switch is an inspiring device, that brings families closer through games and stories. It has the ability to make someone's day just a bit brighter. The Switch even offers exercise experiences, with games such as ring fit adventure and Nintendo Switch Sports Not only does technology have the means to bring people together, get people moving, and keep people happy and healthy, it also is made by massive communities of people that come together for a greater cause.

Representation is more than just a political statement. Too many times, the idea of being queer, or the trend "women in STEM", isn't taken seriously, and is viewed more as a political statement than what it's meant for; advocacy. At the end of the day, my body isn't a political statement. I plan on studying in college for a major in computer science, simply because it's what I'm interested in. Without diversity in workplaces, women and other minorities are left to explain themselves to rude and immature people. Computer science is a field that is steadily opening more opportunities to women, however, fields such as automotive and construction are heavily restricted. The bottom line is, diversity is important in every situation, and it helps us all to be more educated, and improve as people. I feel this shouldn't even need to be explained, however, diversity in the workplace is important for several reasons. One, it allows you to meet like-minded people, along with others with different views and opinions. Secondly, it creates a more welcoming and less hostile environment for everyone. As I said, experiencing others' differences is a gateway to becoming a more well-educated person. People will always have different sexualities, political affiliations, ethnic backgrounds, work experiences, cultures, and so much more. in most cases, it takes more effort to fight it, than to welcome diversity in the workplace. Currently, I'm working as a cashier associate at a local Winn Dixie to me, however, I applied as a stocker. Still happy to get hired, I accepted cashier, but to no surprise found that the stock team was only made up of men. I pressed the subject, of course, only to find out from the workers that because I was a woman they wouldn't ever let me be a part of the stock crew. Of course, I went to the managers about this, and their response was, "oh there have been girls on stock though", with no real acknowledgment of what I was asking. women and other minorities should not be confined to specific fields, simply because they aren't viewed as "fit". Back to what I'm pursuing, I'm aiming for a degree in computer science at USF, to then continue as a software engineer. Gaming systems such as the Nintendo Switch, Wii, Xbox, Playstation, and so many more, brighten people's days. They help people feel less lonely and help people get through tough times. Through game creation, there are also means of advocation and representation. By being a software engineer, I can put myself directly into the heart of video game creation. Not only will I be a woman in an underrepresented field, but I will also be an avid and impactful voice when it comes to diversity in video games. My concluding statement is simple. Don't exclude yourself from being a voice of advocacy. Diversity is something that keeps everyone from being cookie-cutter. It helps others feel welcome-especially for me. It makes me feel less excluded. It makes environments happier, and it's people more educated.

Released in March of 2017, the Nintendo switch was a ground-breaking 7th addition to the Nintendo console family. With it's distinctive original red and blue design, slide out controllers, and ability to switch from a handheld device to one connected to a TV, it's clear why almost 3 million were shipped out in the first month of release. Amazing reviews came pouring in. Not long after in 2019, the original Nintendo Switch Lite was produced. This addition was similar to the original in many ways, however no longer had the slide out Joy-Con's and remained solely handheld. Essentially, it was more compact and meant to travel. With the rise of the Coronavirus in 2019, demand for both the standard Nintendo Switch and Switch lite skyrocketed. It became one of the few fun ways family and friends could be together without physically being-together. It allowed for people to connect through fun, challenging experiences, or even just by logging into Netflix on the console and watching a movie together. The Switch became one of the top items on Christmas Wish-lists, and has remained that way to the present. Special editions of the Switch came out, such as the Splatoon 2 edition and the Animal Crossing New Horizons edition. It's extraordinary how such a simple (yet so internally complicated) device could impact peoples lives so much. Now, the Nintendo Switch isn't some crazy advancement in radiology, or amazing new step in cancer treatment- or even the new device that reads glucose levels simply with the touch of a phone, eliminating the need for finger sticks. Yet it is a device that has impacted arguably more homes than those advancements in technology. It isn't a "cheap" item, however it is much more attainable, and when it comes to the cost to demand analytics, many users deem it "worth it". The Nintendo Switch is an inspiring device, that brings families closer through games and stories. It has the ability to make someone's day just a bit brighter. The Switch even offers exercise experiences, with games such as ring fit adventure and Nintendo Switch Sports Not only does technology have the means to bring people together, get people moving, and keep people happy and healthy, it also is made by massive communities of people that come together for a greater cause.

Diets. Top-of-the-line produce. Working out twice a day, every day. Going on morning walks. All the things we collectively hear about, and usually all set our new year's resolutions to look like. With the rise of ‘clean beauty,’ and the minimalistic icon of the ‘it girl,’ when do the lines of a healthy lifestyle get blurred? To maintain a healthy lifestyle, many websites recommend watching your weight, daily calorie intake, taking vitamins, exercising, limiting phone use, etc. To maintain a ‘healthy’ lifestyle, however, involves more than just physical precautions. Many times, teens and adults who excessively watch their daily intake, form an unhealthy relationship with food, resulting in eating disorders. This causes obsession over body weight, shape, and size. Overall, it’s still healthy to watch what you eat, but allow yourself to have that extra cookie, and don’t limit yourself to strictly “healthy” foods. Enough of what not to do, let's talk about what you can (and should) do. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle not only has to be realistic but fun. For example, go on a 10-minute walk every morning, or when you get home from daily activities. If walking isn’t your thing but you enjoy the gym, try to go a few times a week. Experiment with diverse ways to get your body moving. There're unlimited possibilities, ranging from Zumba to cycling, to taking classes, yoga, etc. However, make sure to listen to your body. You know it best after all. If you think it’s important to take a rest day, so be it. It's equally as important to let your body rest, so never beat yourself up for missing a gym run now and then. Skin and body care is another essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Often, it gets overlooked, as it’s seen as ‘too feminine.’ Take care of your body, regardless of gender. As soon as you look up the words “skincare routine,” on YouTube, your feed becomes flooded with videos of people doing 10-step extensive routines. While those are amazing for those people, it’s important to find products that work for you. If this means only using one face wash, that’s perfectly fine. Much like with working out, if you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up over it. Allow yourself to talk to friends you trust. Bottling up any negative emotions is never a promising idea. Allow yourself to call that friend and go on an hour-long rant, or if it works better for you, schedule a coffee shop date with them to talk. Another option? Therapy. Still, in 2022, there remains a lingering negative stigma when it comes to going to therapy. In no way is this bad. It allows you to talk about what’s on your mind and relieves some overwhelming pressure off your chest. Moreover, therapists can get you the help you need if a big problem arises. An easy part of healthy living that is easily forgotten, is to surround yourself with things you love. Decorating your home is a way to do this, and it allows you to simultaneously create a safe space for yourself. At the end of the day, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is less about watching food or weight, and more about creating the best version of yourself. So many people get lost in negative health due to chasing an unrealistic lifestyle, one without balance and moderation. Always stop and ask for help if you need it. Make changes in your routine for you, and never anyone else. Your body has given you life, so love it.

The world of computer science is endless. When majoring in it, you're required to take way too many high-level math courses, when in reality, you use pretty basic math in the field. The most basic is learning binary code. Now that step one is out of the way, it allows you to realize just how large a platform computer science and related fields are. For me, it's comparable to how I feel about space. It's terrifying- but yet there's a vaguely comforting feeling to it. To continue, I love video games. The work that goes into them, and the way they're able to make someone's day better or help distract or uplift them from an otherwise tragic point in life. Video games gave me a creative outlet when I was at my worst; even if they were cheaply made online games. Since they allowed me an opportunity to grow and heal, I'd like to give others that chance as well. Currently, I'm entering my senior year of high school, and I've been in an all-out mental boxing match over which field I'd like to study in college. It was either Radiology or Computer Science, and comp sci won. Not that a radiologist doesn't have a positive impact on lives, but computer science has a more recognizable impact on me, and, affects others more. For example, computer science made radiology possible. On top of my personal feelings, Software Engineering allows me to use codes as a form of advocacy for women in related fields. Unfortunately, most STEM fields are heavily male-dominated, and Computer Science is no different. Recently, google just settled a lawsuit, where women claimed to be severely underpaid compared to their male counterparts. When you search, "Computer Science", on YouTube, primarily men show up in the results. To explain, computer science is a very gender-biased field, and this obstacle can keep many women too worried to take the plunge. Frankly, my opinion on this is: What can this man at a computer do that I, a woman, can't? Nothing. As long as I study to be the best I can be, there is no way I will let myself be undermined just because of my physical attributes. Besides gender discrimination, the main obstacle in my way to becoming a software engineer at Nintendo is math. I love how mysterious math is, and getting a question right always makes my day, but regardless- I'm not the best at it. I recently took a college-level course called, "AICE Math 1", which is a mix of pre-calculus, calculus, trigonometry, and probability/statistics. While I passed the class with one semester C and one semester A, I failed the University of Cambridge provided assessment. Although you could count how many students passed on your fingers (with an E-the lowest level), it's still slightly discouraging when soon having to pay for college tuition on these topics. During the past year, I spent countless hours studying, only to receive D's and C's on tests for the class. For years I associated math with tears. However, even so, math has the same vaguely comforting feeling that computer science does. With that said, if math and hours upon hours of studying are what is between me and my dream job, then it isn't much of an obstacle at all.

I have never been good at math. While filling out an application for a math-related scholarship, that seems like a terrible thing to admit. However, it's true. For the past two years, math has been the only thing holding my GPA down. This past year (junior year), I took a course called, "AICE Math 1", known to be the hardest math class in school (Yes, even harder than AP Calculus). I thought to myself, "that can't be true that's just what everyone is saying". Well 'everybody', was right. The course was a mix of trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, and probability/statistics. I spent HOURS every night studying for upcoming tests, only most of the time to be handed a 65-curved. With this in mind, math has been a source of many tears, and long nights. There is one thing that draws me to keep pushing forward, and even want to pursue computer science- a very heavily math-related field. When I study, I usually fill out the study guide by following the teacher's answers, which gives me a basic understanding of how the problem works. Being able to see how the numbers and letters flow and come out with a clean answer is one of the most accomplishing feelings I've felt in academics. After I do this, I do the same study guide, another two times, without the teacher's guide. After this, I study even more with quizzes or practice problems, until eventually, I end up falling asleep on top of papers. On test days, there's no such thing as feeling prepared. The entire day before the class is spent reviewing over and over again, regardless of other work. Once test time comes, it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Pencils up, and-oh no-I don't know the first problem. After countless times of this cycle repeating, it would seem only reasonable to assume that I just wouldn't get the hang of it. Trying so hard each time, however, has taught me very valuable lessons. As a student following a highly accelerated and difficult graduation plan (for high school), most things come pretty easily. Work becomes tedious but usually is simple (in a simple-but complicated way). Math has been the only exception. It became a challenge. Almost like a taunting. This made me want to push even more. Seeing everyone around me succeed so easily made me feel upset at times, however, it also made me want to strive to improve. After all my hard work, I went from a C first semester to an A second semester. Regardless of the academic improvement, I learned that as long as I tried as hard as I could, I shouldn't get mad at myself. Computer science is a heavily male-dominated field, but my experience with math has taught me to not let my surroundings discourage me. The world of mathematics is endless, and there's so much that even I won't know in my lifetime. However, it made me grow and be more comfortable with myself. It helped me gain confidence. For that, I will never again say the words, "I hate math."

Finances have been somewhat of a 'taboo' subject in my household. When I was in 6th grade, my life became a whirl of repossession, eviction, and living from paycheck to paycheck. My father made many financial mistakes, and it left my mother, brother, and I nearly homeless if it weren't for a family friend. Regardless, six years later, my mom has rebounded amazingly, and my past experiences have grown my financial literacy. In Florida, my graduating class had no access to a financial education course, which, unfortunately, has left learning factors such as credit, bank accounts, etc., to myself. Through other resources, however, such as videos, and learning from prior experience, I feel confident in my financial future. I've learned that budgeting is one of the most beneficial steps toward great finances, however, micromanaging can be severely damaging. It is incredibly important to build a healthy relationship with money, and to comfortably know where each portion of your paycheck is headed, however, breaking down exact percentages for health, fun, and bills isn't necessarily healthy. For example, you have no way of knowing if exactly 50% of your income is going towards bills and only 10% for eating out. Things happen, and you might spend a little extra on food one month. The important thing to remember is to not live your life according to percentages. Have a rough estimate of what money is going where. Avoiding micromanaging is key to a stress-free financial life. Another thing I learned was banking. While this is still a work in progress, knowing the basics of depositing checks, account fees, and interest has benefited me when planning out where my money will be. I love organization. When it comes to money, the previous statement is still true. The organization can't be done however, if there isn't at the very least a basic understanding of how finances flow. Knowledge of these has proved to lead to a more stress-free environment with money personally. Perhaps the biggest thing I have learned for my future is to NEVER let others use my card or account unless it is necessary. This may seem like a basic thing to know, and almost deserving of a, "well duh", reaction, however after seeing what had happened to my mom-caused by someone she had complete trust in-no less, I will never take the risk of letting my card fall into the wrong hands.

Budgeting is an incredibly important skill, and one that can impact your ability to live financially comfortably, however: Micromanaging every single dollar is extremely unhealthy. It goes without saying, have a set amount for savings, necessities, and wants, which is more commonly distributed as 20%, 50%, and 30%, in that respective order. This was introduced by Elizabeth Warren, in her book 'All your Worth'. While this is a great rule of thumb, never let exact percentages overwhelm you. For example, it's impossible to know whether bills and other needs will match exactly 50% of your income, or that you'll spend all 30% on wants. Instead, be avid in knowing where your money is flowing. Don't limit yourself to $5 in movie theater food(I doubt that would buy anything), and allow yourself to splurge(IN MODERATION). Budgeting is one of my favorite hobbies, even though I'm still only searching for a part-time job. I love planning out where my money is going to go and breaking down my savings into different groups. For example car funds, school funds, and insurance. However, even in a budget frenzy, one of the main things I keep in mind is to not get TOO crazy. Micromanaging can lead to extremely unhealthy behaviors, with some of the most drastic being sacrificing necessities for wants, and vice versa. It usually results in negative mental health and builds a negative relationship with money, which, is the opposite of what budgeting is meant for. Money obviously isn't everything in life, but it is also extremely important to be financially literate.

You've heard it a million times before, and you'll hear it again, but the climate crisis is a rapidly evolving issue humanity faces on a daily, that all of us (well, most of us) have learned to acknowledge, and yet, few take action. 'Climate Clock' posts about how there are only about 7 years left until climate change is completely irreversible, you like it, and move on. And unfortunately, this "scroll effect", is caused by marketing. Climate change is caused by human actions such as industrialization, over-consumption, and consumerism. Now, it's impossible to live without consuming, whether from man-made resources, or nature around you, but, in no way does someone need to own an entire closet full of make-up. Don't throw everything away though! Products across the world are mass-produced (thank you industrialization), so it's a safe bet that had you not bought the product, someone else would have. So, use what you have. It's fun to splurge now and then, but always in moderation. To avoid corporations harming the environment, advocating for environmentally friendly products instead of harmful ones, is the safest bet. Now, I know what you're thinking. "But those products cost so much." Well, so does your gas, and you still buy it. The way many organizations go about marketing climate change leads to only a specific demographic listening and caring. Families, and workers often time can't fully commit time to a cause, thanks to busy schedules. But what organizations can do more, they can advocate for buying clean products to lessen the impact of the crisis, which seems like it isn't doing much, but if enough people do it, it can make a big difference. I like to watch out for Eco-friendly, and cruelty-free products to lessen my impact on the global climate crisis.

When I was little, I used to think that $5 made me a millionaire. To think of having $1000 then was like- 10 million cheeseburgers-or even better, my parent's entire salaries combined. Even now, I still believe it's a lot of money. To answer the question, however, I would save it. That seems so boring, and yet it's what I would do. Going into my senior year, I have numerous expenses heading my way. A car, sending in test scores, gas, insurance, and way too much more. Hopefully, I'll have a part-time job by the end of the summer, in which 90% of the money I earn there would also go to the same pool of savings. After calculations, that would leave me about $90 a month for personal use, which would still go towards things like food/toys/etc. for my cat, and getting ready for my transition to college life. "You don't have to pay for all that, you're in high school, just ask your mom." While this statement isn't necessarily false, it also isn't true. I come from a background of financial struggle, and it's helped me understand just how much money means. I want to never have to depend on my mom to financially support me because she needs that extra money for bills, food, and being able to have flexibility. My #1 Goal is to never have to take out student or financial loans of any kind-which is why that $1000 would go towards savings.

1. I deserve this scholarship because I like canned tomato soup. From the moment you open the can, the fresh aroma of juicy tomato concentrate fills your senses. Use a bit of cheese while it's in the pot, and mix it with milk, it becomes the perfect concoction of scholarship losing fuel. For this reason, I don't deserve this scholarship. (But you think otherwise) 2. My biggest academic goal is to drop out, as soon as I (never) win my first scholarship (hey free money). I don't like doing work for school, it honestly drives me crazy. My biggest achievement is being able to wait ten minutes before an assignment is due to submit it. As for my future? I'd like to invest in canned tomato soup stocks. 3. I went to the kitchen one day, and it was a nightmare. The pantry was full of everything, except tomato soup. That liquid gold, and there was none. Instead, I had to make do with canned ravioli. I separated the sauce from the ravioli to create my own tomato soup. My persistence made my dream (of tomato soup for dinner), come true, and ultimately it beat my biggest obstacle.

Persistence has given me a chance to thrive. When I was in 6th grade, my parents got divorced. Many kids deal with separated parents, but it's a different experience when you go nearly homeless. My dad left, moving in with a girlfriend, but then soon left the state altogether. Thankfully, my mom's friend from college took us in. While things started to become a new normal, my grades started to drop, and I couldn't keep up with all the chores I was given. Struggling with the weight of raising my brother and taking care of the house, so my mom could afford to pay her share of rent, assignment after assignment was marked 'missing', or 'zero'. I would get woken up at dawn on weekends to clean, and then wouldn't be allowed to go to bed without finishing the dishes, overwhelmed that if I didn't, we would get kicked out. As I kept pushing through this, my grades continued to fall. I had low self-esteem and blamed myself for the situation I was in. Then, the same night my mom found out about my grades, I started feeling terrible. I couldn't stay in any position for longer than a minute, and I couldn't sleep. Finally, after a few days, my mom rushed me to the hospital, where I was diagnosed with appendicitis, and had a (literally) life-saving surgery...which happened to take place on my mom's birthday(What a present!). Now, going into my senior year, I'm confident, working towards many scholarships, have my whole future planned out, and look forward to every new day. My senior plans are filled, with a part-time job in mind, and keeping up my now 4.083 weighted GPA. My family moved, and I visit my dad regularly and even have a new half-sibling named Liliana(She's adorable).