After high school, I plan to pursue a career as a pediatric psychologist. I want to major in psychology and follow a pre-med or clinical track so I can fully understand both the science behind the brain and how to support patients emotionally. My goal is to work with children and adolescents, helping them navigate challenges related to mental health, behavior, and development. I’m especially interested in how early experiences shape a person’s mindset and how early support can make a long-term difference. The courses I’ve taken in high school have really helped prepare me for this path. Psychology has been one of the most important fields because it introduced me to concepts like behavior, development, and mental health, which confirmed my interest in this field. My science classes, especially biology and my health science courses, have also helped me understand how the body and brain work together. Being part of a health-focused program at my school has strengthened my critical thinking skills and taught me how to approach situations with both logic and empathy, which I know will be important in my future career. Technology has been a big part of my experience in NISD and has made learning more interactive and efficient. I’ve used different digital platforms for research, projects, and collaboration, which has helped me become more independent and organized. For example, I’ve used online databases and resources to dig deeper into topics for assignments and presentations, especially in my health and science classes. Technology has also helped me communicate and work with others more effectively, whether through shared documents, presentations, or virtual collaboration tools. These experiences have made me more adaptable and comfortable with using technology in different settings. This will definitely help me in the future, especially since technology plays such a big role in psychology today through research, data collection, and even telehealth. Throughout high school, I’ve tried to stay involved in activities that challenge me and help me grow. Being part of the Health Career program has allowed me to explore real-world medical and psychological concepts and apply what I’ve learned in class to more hands-on situations. My involvement in HOSA, especially in epidemiology, has helped me develop skills in data analysis, pattern recognition, and critical thinking about real-world health issues. Outside of academics, I’ve also been involved in band and karate, both of which have shaped me in different ways. As a French horn player in the varsity band, I’ve learned how to work as part of a team, stay disciplined, and consistently improve. Karate has been a huge part of my life as well, and earning my black belt has taught me leadership, perseverance, and self-discipline. Overall, these experiences have helped me grow not just academically, but as a person. They’ve taught me how to stay committed, think creatively, and push myself to improve, which I believe reflects the kind of innovation and dedication that Kelly Smith stood for.