I didn't lose a sibling in the traditional sense many people think of. I never got to meet them because my mother miscarried during her first pregnancy. I was born over a decade after their untimely passing, never finding out about them until much later in life when my mother felt brave enough to tell me. Although I never got to meet them, their budding legacy gives me the strength to perservere no matter what. My mother's first official pregnancy was a tumultuous time. She had newly come to America and was still finding her footing in a foreign land. Her family was thousands of miles away in Nigeria, so the only support she had was her husband at the time. They barely made ends meet and rarely had enough food to support themselves, let alone an unborn child. Unfortunately, the child didn't make it to full term and my mother had to suffer the loss of her first child. The story of how I came to be was similar in a way to my lost sibling. The majority of my pregnancy was relatively normal and healthy. According to doctors, I was supposedly my parents first son. However, the moment my mother went into labor is when complications occurred. The doctors warned my mother that delivering me could potentially take her life. She prayed and asked God for a miracle so she wouldn't suffer losing another baby. Miraculously, my mother and I both survived and I became her fifth and last baby girl. I often feel that surviving a hard pregnancy gave me that chance to live the life that my sibling didn't. The universe gave me the opportunity to keep living no matter what gets in my way. Knowing that many children never get to grow up gives me the strength to keep growing in numerous ways for me and my siblings sake. I'll never know how they would've looked, or how they'd sound, or if they were my sister or brother. What I do know is that where ever I go, I try to carry their legacy with me always. Through my education, I can honor them by pursuing a career in health science with a concentration in women's health where the life of a mother and her child can be of the utmost importance.

For the majority of my high school career, practically all of my energy was placed into academics. I stayed on top of my grades and earned many awards for my hard work. Though I am proud of my academic success, I did not leave much room for extracurriculars. I didn't see the importance of them and none of the meeting times worked with my mother's busy schedule. So, during my senior year, I decided that I'd join at least one club to at least say I did something in high school, but what I got in return was so much more. After two years of online school, social interaction became less of an important skill for me. When I did eventually return to face-to-face instruction, I was shocked by just how terrible my communication became with others. I avoided conversation like clockwork and involuntarily became a wallflower. I had always been a quiet observer but was never so self-aware of just how alone I could be in a sea of people. When college applications opened up, I figured I'd join at least one club to increase my chances of acceptance and perhaps make a friend or two. I managed to go the entire school year without making a single strong connection with any of the members. I felt like a failure for not being able to keep up with my peers. It seemed like everyone around me had friends except for me. I never felt more alone when I was in the art club. A place that was supposed to serve as a community was sometimes a nightmare for me. Becoming socially inept also meant that I developed negative self-talk. I was constantly talking down on myself about the way I spoke, how I looked and so on. I had to take a moment to examine why I felt this way and learned that I was struggling with social anxiety. For the longest time, I was confusing anxiety with introversion. Reaching out more to my family and reconnecting with old friends helped me learn to control my thoughts and emotions. I even began practicing conversations before speaking so that I didn't worry about tripping over my words or forgetting what I wanted to say. Learning more about my mental health is what inspired me to pursue my major: neuroscience. My hope in obtaining this degree is to learn about how the brain responds to stress and what can be done to help people like me whose brains work a little bit differently.

My mother has never let a day go by without reminding me of my great potential. She lets it be known to everyone she meets that Nigerians are more than the stereotypes portrayed in the media. We are often labeled scammers and criminals just by our names alone. The corruption of the Nigerian government often overshadows the achievements of its people. My mother is one of those people. Her original purpose for coming to America was for marriage, but what she ended up with was so much more. Already a nurse in Nigeria, she used this as an opportunity to make a better life for herself. In doing so, she had to sacrifice being on her own without her family by her side. In her years of adjusting to American life, her marriage slowly deteriorated. By her third child, she was solely depending on herself to get by. Though her husband became abusive and unsupportive, she never let that get in the way of her independence. Every penny that was brought home was from her hard work and no one could take that from her. She went on to have five children which she raised and supported on her blank. She eventually got divorced after 20 years of marriage. Even through this time, she managed to finance her way through school and receive a master's degree. She continued to be an example of how to persevere through hard times. Even today, she still sacrifices herself to make my life better. My mother's journey to America has inspired me to achieve the best no matter what. She has given me the courage and opportunity to want better for myself and to make the lives of others even greater.

"The Poet X" by Elizabeth Acevedo is a must-read book that has the power to resonate with readers from all walks of life. With its lyrical prose, powerful themes, and relatable protagonist, this novel deserves a place on everyone's reading list. One of the most compelling aspects of "The Poet X" is its unique format. The story is told through the captivating and expressive poetry of the main character, Xiomara. As readers, we are immersed in her raw and honest emotions, as she navigates the challenges of adolescence, self-discovery, and finding her voice. The poetry adds a dynamic and intimate layer to the narrative, making it a truly immersive reading experience. The novel explores themes of identity, family, religion, and the power of self-expression. Xiomara's journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with societal expectations, cultural barriers, and her own desires. Through her poetry, she finds solace, strength, and a means to reclaim her voice in a world that often tries to silence her. Her struggles and triumphs will resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us of the importance of self-acceptance and the power of embracing our true selves. "The Poet X" also addresses important social issues, including gender roles, sexism, and the intersection of race and identity. It sheds light on the complexities of growing up as a young woman of color in a society that imposes limitations and stereotypes. Through Xiomara's perspective, readers gain insight into the experiences of marginalized communities and are encouraged to challenge societal norms and foster empathy and understanding. Additionally, the novel celebrates the transformative power of literature and the arts. It highlights the impact that storytelling and creative expression can have in helping individuals navigate life's challenges, find their purpose, and create change. "The Poet X" reminds us of the significance of literature as a tool for personal growth and social transformation. This compelling and thought-provoking novel can touch the hearts and minds of people everywhere. Its unique format, powerful themes, and relatable protagonist make it a truly unforgettable literary experience. Through Xiomara's journey, readers are invited to reflect on their own identities, embrace their true selves, and challenge societal expectations. This novel serves as a reminder of the importance of self-expression, empathy, and the potential for literature to ignite change.

For as long as I could remember, I have always been a unique person. I have multiple identities, including but not limited to being Nigerian, American, bisexual and female. Having these intersectionalities has allowed me to embrace myself for who I am despite what people in these communities might have to say about me. Being black and queer still carries some stigma, and being too American has somehow washed away my Africaness. However, I do not allow these opinions to sway the way I decide to carry myself. Growing up, I had always enjoyed school and loved to come home and tell my parents everything I had learned. Unfortunately, when I entered the third grade, learning became difficult, particularly in math. I was consistently getting failing grades and felt like I was stupid for not knowing how to do basic division like everyone else. The most frustrating part was at the end of the year award ceremony, I was one of the few children to receive the most improved award. Though my mother was disappointed, she was gentle and encouraged me to try harder and ask for help when necessary. Her advice showed me that dedicating time to self-improvement could yield results as I would find myself taking high school level courses in the seventh-grade years later. Pursuing a degree in anything outside of STEM is often frowned upon in the African community. My mother being a nurse often pushed me to go into the medical field despite my having a passion for the arts. After discovering my own interests, I learned that I also enjoyed science as well. I eventually found a career that could bridge the gap between my two passions and that would be neuroscience. Not only is it a creative field for seeing how unique each person's brain is but I get to join the proud but few 4.6% of African Americans in neuroscience. Living in a Nigerian household has taught me the importance of education. In my culture, achieving an education is seen as a guarantee of a successful life in adulthood. With constant changes in the job market, more employers seek out those with degrees than those who do not. Having at least an associate's degree makes a person stand out in the competitive labor force. Achieving the knowledge and tools needed to perform specific skill sets is what keeps me driven to continue my education beyond high school. Using a degree in neuroscience can help me give back to the community by helping to further research into neurological disorders that black the African American community. This can also further my goal of creating compassion and acceptance of mental health and cognitive issues within the black community that is often misunderstood and stigmatized.

For as long as I could remember, learning has always been an integral part of my way of life. I have always enjoyed learning new things and improving what I have learned. The road to education has not always been easy though. Having my family by my side to get me through learning hurdles has helped me to become the strong student I am now and the lifelong learner I will continue to be. My motivations for pursuing education have been self-improvement, the examples of people in my life and the benefits that obtaining an education has for my future. Growing up, I had always enjoyed school and loved to come home and tell my parents everything I had learned. Unfortunately, when I entered the third grade, learning became difficult, particularly in math. I was consistently getting failing grades and felt like I was stupid for not knowing how to do basic division like everyone else. The most frustrating part was at the end of the year award ceremony, I was one of the few children to receive the most improved award. Though my mother was disappointed, she was gentle and encouraged me to try harder and ask for help when necessary. Her advice showed me that dedicating time to self-improvement could yield results as I would find myself taking high school level courses in the seventh-grade years later. As I got older, the realities of my upbringing helped me understand more than ever how important education is. My parents divorced when I was 10 years old, which put a strain on the household income. It was up to my mother to provide for her five children with only one source of income. Although she was a registered nurse, her salary was not nearly enough to provide for the needs of herself and multiple children. After 15 years of working for the same hospital and receiving the same pay, she decided to go back to school and increase her monetary gains. Obtaining a higher education allowed her to expand her career prospects by giving her the flexibility to enter fields of her choosing. Living in a Nigerian household has taught me the importance of education. In my culture, achieving an education is seen as a guarantee of a successful life in adulthood. With constant changes in the job market, more employers seek out those with degrees than those who do not. Having a degree in neuroscience would help me stand out in this competitive labor force. Helping those with neurological disorders and nervous system issues could alleviate the pain they feel and create breakthroughs in the science and medicine that goes into treating these conditions. Achieving the knowledge and tools needed to perform specific skill sets is what keeps me driven to continue my education beyond high school. Although the primary goal of attending a four-year university is to receive a degree so that I can work after school, I also hope to have the opportunity to learn more about myself and the world. I hope to gain new experiences and find new perspectives as I navigate adulthood and be on my own for the first time.

For as long as I could remember, learning has always been an integral part of my way of life. I have always enjoyed learning new things and improving what I have learned. The road to education has not always been easy though. Having my family by my side to get me through learning hurdles has helped me to become the strong student I am now and the lifelong learner I will continue to be. My motivations for pursuing education have been self-improvement, the examples of people in my life and the benefits that obtaining an education has for my future. Growing up, I had always enjoyed school and loved to come home and tell my parents everything I had learned. Unfortunately, when I entered the third grade, learning became difficult, particularly in math. I was consistently getting failing grades and felt like I was stupid for not knowing how to do basic division like everyone else. The most frustrating part was at the end of the year award ceremony, I was one of the few children to receive the most improved award. Though my mother was disappointed, she was gentle and encouraged me to try harder and ask for help when necessary. Her advice showed me that dedicating time to self-improvement could yield results as I would find myself taking high school level courses in the seventh-grade years later. As I got older, the realities of my upbringing helped me understand more than ever how important education is. My parents divorced when I was 10 years old, which put a strain on the household income. It was up to my mother to provide for her five children with only one source of income. Although she was a registered nurse, her salary was not nearly enough to provide for the needs of herself and multiple children. After 15 years of working for the same hospital and receiving the same pay, she decided to go back to school and increase her monetary gains. Obtaining a higher education allowed her to expand her career prospects by giving her the flexibility to enter fields of her choosing. Living in a Nigerian household has taught me the importance of education. In my culture, achieving an education is seen as a guarantee of a successful life in adulthood. With constant changes in the job market, more employers seek out those with degrees than those who do not. Having at least an associate's degree makes a person stand out in the competitive labor force. Achieving the knowledge and tools needed to perform specific skill sets is what keeps me driven to continue my education beyond high school. Although the primary goal of attending a four-year university is to receive a degree so that I can work after school, I also hope to have the opportunity to learn more about myself and the world. I hope to gain new experiences and find new perspectives as I navigate adulthood and be on my own for the first time.

I dream that in the future, I am unafraid to try new things, a woman who embraces all of her imperfections and no longer allows her environment and the voices in her head to control how she operates in her life.

In my 18 long years of life, I've watched many movies. Some good, some bad and some more memorable than others. What draws me to a movie is when the character or characters go through such drastic changes and become transformed in some way. Comparing how they were from the very beginning to the end they become different people. The story starts on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving some years ago. My sister and I reheat leftovers and are deciding on what movie to watch. Sifting through DVDs, we settle on Last Holiday and the messages from this movie have stuck with me ever since. The movie opens with the main protagonist Georgia Bryd. She's a hard-working woman with a passion for cooking working at a dead-end job. Her main characteristics are being quiet, patient, and careful. Though she has so much to say and so much she wants to do with her life, none of it becomes reality. They stay safely contained in her scrapbook titled "Book of Possibilities". That is until a work-related accident turns her world upside down. After getting examined for her injury, Georgia is diagnosed with a rare but fatal illness: Lampington's disease. She is also given the heartwrenching news that she only has three weeks to live. Her impending death is the wake-up call she needs to finally start living her life to the fullest instead of sitting out on the sidelines. She quits her job, takes out her life savings, and spends it on her dream vacation in the Czech Republic. During her stay at the Grandhotel Pupp, she creates an impact on the lives of different characters she meets along the way and they do the same in return. The new friends she makes teach her to enjoy life more while she teaches them to be more humble and honest. During her trip, she is no longer the shy, meek woman she used to be. She becomes loud, active, and carefree. She goes skiing, base jumping, wears extravagant clothes, orders an entire menu for herself, cooks with a world-renowned chef, and wins almost $100,000 in casino bets. She asks God why all this good fortune is happening in such an untimely manner. Her years of selflessness coupled with hiding away in the shadows gives her every reason to be self-indulgent. As it turns out, the machine used to examine Georgia was faulty, meaning that she is going to live. Had she not made the risky choices she did, her life couldn't have changed for the better, resulting in her Book of Possibilities becoming a Book of Realities. Georgia's story has taught me the importance of pursuing your dreams and making things happen instead of waiting for them to happen. She inspired me to never be afraid of taking up space and having a voice. The movie also reminds me to remember where I come from and to show gratitude for all I have and what I have yet to gain. She showed me how anyone from any background can do amazing things in this life only if they allow themselves to.