I want to share my passions through storytelling. I aspire to have a career in the field of filmmaking because if I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. Going to college is important to me in pursuing my dream of becoming a filmmaker. Creating an original story that people can enjoy or learn from is gratifying. I believe this is a way I can bring my passion together with helping people. Watching my aunt battle through and survive breast cancer has had a profound impact on my choices. Life is too precious to allow mental health to hold me back from my dreams. My struggles with mental health in the past have held me back. I have a condition called ARFID, Avoidance Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It impacts my daily life in many ways. It not only negatively affects my overall health but also greatly devastates my mental health. I avoid all social situations and have great anxiety because of my fear of food. It came to the point where my world became so small that I needed help. I remembered how my aunt didn't give up on life even when she was so close to death. Today I am in intensive treatment for my eating disorder and my anxiety, and little by little I take opportunities even if I'm afraid, like auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. I participated in the Early College Program, leaving high school for four periods to take college classes. I left my home last summer to learn Media Production at Champlain College. I traveled to Europe with my AP Government class. In the past ARFID would have stolen these experiences from me. My aunt’s example of courage has taught me to step out of my comfort zone. The rewards for these adventures are rich. Pain is the path to progress. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light on those who suffer from mental health issues. I want to give a voice not only to those who are suffering but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story, you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. If we know better, then we do better. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study culture and film and learn who we are and how we can improve and evolve as a global community. I also hope to discover what is universal. What binds humanity together?

I am a promotions manager for my community's professional baseball team. Since I was a Little League player, I've loved everything about baseball. It is the greatest job and the best work atmosphere. It's heartwarming to see the families enjoying a day at the ballpark. It isn't easy to manage two jobs with my classwork, but this is the valuable lesson being involved in sports at an early age has taught me: time management and perseverance. I am a freshman at SUNY New Paltz studying digital media production. I take opportunities even if I'm afraid, such as auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. So when I was offered the chance to host a sports talk radio spot on our college's radio station, I was terrified but did it anyway. I've never felt so simultaneously prepared and unprepared. I spend 40 hours a week watching games and researching player and team stats, yet after a short training period, my cohost and I were flying solo. We prepared questions to ask each other about NFL, NBA, and MLB teams and players, but navigating seamless transitions between public service announcements and the station identification was nerve-racking at first. Our goal is to engage and inform our listeners while maintaining our casual rapport. To our delight, we have on-air chemistry, and even though our show is for an hour weekly, we have enough material to host a daily show. I am proud to say we've gotten positive feedback from our audience. In a time when the country is so divided, watching sports transcends politics and creates an atmosphere of excitement and escape. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history, but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. The pandemic and the political arena, my generation and I have had a front-row seat to witness as we enter adulthood, has been a call to action. I hope to unite people through a shared love of sports, regardless of their background or differences. Ultimately, my passion for sports broadcasting stems from the joy a crowd of happy fans shares, and I aspire to communicate and share that positivity as widely as possible. Sports broadcasting has helped me find my voice and my calling. I ask not what a situation can do for me, but what I can bring to it to improve conditions. That is what being a team player means to me. If I were granted this scholarship, that is the attitude I would bring to my college career and into my professional career. I hope to make the world a better place.

I want to share my passions through storytelling. I aspire to have a career in the field of filmmaking because if I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. Going to college is important to me in pursuing my dream of becoming a filmmaker. Creating an original story that people can enjoy or learn from is gratifying. I believe this is a way I can bring my passion together with helping people. Watching my aunt battle through and survive breast cancer has had a profound impact on my choices. Life is too precious to allow mental health to hold me back from my dreams. My struggles with mental health in the past have held me back. I have a condition called ARFID, Avoidance Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It impacts my daily life in many ways. It not only negatively affects my overall health but also greatly devastates my mental health. I avoid all social situations and have great anxiety because of my fear of food. It came to the point where my world became so small that I needed help. I remembered how my aunt didn't give up on life even when she was so close to death. Today I am in intensive treatment for my eating disorder and my anxiety, and little by little I take opportunities even if I'm afraid, like auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. I participated in the Early College Program, leaving high school for four periods to take college classes. I left my home last summer to learn Media Production at Champlain College. I traveled to Europe with my AP Government class. In the past ARFID would have stolen these experiences from me. My aunt’s example of courage has taught me to step out of my comfort zone. The rewards for these adventures are rich. Pain is the path to progress. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light on those who suffer from mental health issues. I want to give a voice not only to those who are suffering but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story, you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. If we know better, then we do better. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study culture and film and learn who we are and how we can improve and evolve as a global community. I also hope to discover what is universal. What binds humanity together?

I have a 3.67 GPA in college and have made the Dean's List every semester. In high school, I took IB, AP, and I applied and was accepted to the Early College Program, where I earned 19 credits with a 3.5 GPA. I'm involved in many extracurricular activities, but I'm most dedicated to the drama club. I've performed in 14 productions and I'm a member International Thespian Society. I'm also an avid hiker, so I'm passionate about keeping our planet clean. I'm a member of many environmental groups, including Keep Islip Clean, Love My Parks, American Littoral Society, Seatuck, and Keep America Beautiful, where I regularly participate in community clean-up events. My strength is my kindness and caring for others. Watching my aunt battle through and survive breast cancer has had a profound impact on my choices. Life is too precious to allow self-doubt to hold me back from my dreams. I take opportunities even if I'm afraid, like auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. Today, I host a radio show and write, perform, and film original sketches. My aunt’s example of courage has taught me to step out of my comfort zone. The rewards for these adventures are rich. I want to be a filmmaker. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. Telling stories is a process, and I can get so absorbed that I stay up all night making the final product match my vision. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I enjoy. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history, but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and raise awareness on these issues. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story, you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. My strengths are commitment, loyalty, and humility. In high school, I auditioned for every play and never landed a part, which meant I was part of the chorus with the younger students. Of course, I was dejected each time, for I had been a loyal member of the drama club since 4th grade. For years, I dreamed of the day I would have the lead like the high schoolers I looked up to, but year after year, I failed. People told me to quit, that it was unjust and humiliating, yet each year I poured my heart and countless hours into being the best member of the chorus so the shows would succeed. I learned that self-esteem comes from good character and not from outside acknowledgment.

My father inspires me in so many ways. He is a multi-talented person. He sang in a rock band, starred in an off-Broadway show, and taught me how to sketch artistically. He also inspired me to perform in over 14 musicals, sing in choirs, play drums, and piano, and pursue my passions. My house was always filled with music, honestly, I took it for granted; I thought everyone's house was that way. When my father performs, people always ask, "Does he play all the time at home, and do you love it?" The answer is yes and yes. I agree with Longfellow, music is innate in the human psyche. It transcends languages, cultures and brings joy and camaraderie. In a time when the world is so divided, listening to music transcends politics and creates an atmosphere of excitement and escape. As soon as I was old enough, I joined the choir and band at school, and I found an indescribable satisfaction creating beautiful music with a group. Ten years later, I am still a member of the choir, but now at my college. Singing brings a release as if part of my soul fills my lungs, leaves my body, and intermingles with the other voices. That is the feeling harmonizing with others brings; my day is not complete without it. In high school, I played the drums, but since coming to college, I am studying piano to enhance my music studies. I am thoroughly enjoying playing the piano and even learning to compose my own music, although I am still a novice, I plan to continue playing through all my years in college and beyond. In the future, I will continue performing in choirs and musicals. My ultimate goal would be to compose original music for my movies. Today, I host a radio show and write, perform, and film original sketches. Winning this scholarship will help me pursue my dreams while living away at school and being independent. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. Telling stories through music and film is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I enjoy. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history, but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and raise awareness on these issues. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story, you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling.

I have demonstrated the actions of an upstander with my kindness and support of the members of the drama club. We have uniquely talented individuals in this club, yet many of them struggle to find acceptance despite their gift for acting and singing. They all have a friend in me, one who not only respects their individuality but also their humanity. Not only would I never participate in teasing or gossip but in my quiet way I reveal their humanity by enabling them to share their gifts with others. I have been in more than 15 plays and musicals and only had a lead role in four of them. As a member of the ensemble, I do my best to make the show a success and allow the leads to shine. I ask not what a situation can do for me but what I can bring to the situation to improve conditions. That is what being an upstander means to me. If I was granted this scholarship, that is the attitude I would bring to my college career and into my professional career. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study media, culture, and film and use these mediums as the lens to learn about who we are as a culture and in what ways we can improve and evolve as a global community. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I am an upstander because I use the power of communication for positive change. A social issue that I am interested in being an upstander for is implementing a code of ethics for the use of artificial intelligence. Recent media has cast a tone of suspicion about the use of AI. The current writers' strike is just one example that, perhaps justifiably, begs the question of what role should AI play in our future. I believe AI has great potential to usher in an age of increased social justice. I recently watched a recording of this topic being discussed at a UN event entitled, Artificial Intelligence for Social Justice, recorded on April 14, 2023. The discussion convened a panel of UN Ambassadors, AI scholars, the CEO of AI for Good Foundation, and a representative from the UN’s International Telecommunication Union. The message I gleaned was hopeful. AI has tremendous potential to help the world reach the 17 Sustainability Development Goals of the UN. Goals such as no poverty, zero hunger, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, climate action, peace, justice, and strong institutions. There are also potential risks of an AI future. AI relies on the quality of the data it uses. This is an opportunity to correct immortal practices and even the scales of justice. This can be done if thoughtful and explicit policies are made now. I can be part of this positive change. I am eager to have the opportunity to study this issue in depth and use my craft to effect change in the world. I aspire to have a career in communications because if I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. This is a way I can bring my passion together with helping people.

Climate change is an existential crisis affecting all of humanity and the quality of life on Earth. Storms and natural disasters' impacts are felt globally, and environmental policies enacted in one country affect all countries. We're at the tipping point. The time to act is now. It must be a worldwide effort. I am passionate about keeping our planet clean. I am a member of many environmental groups, including Keep Islip Clean, Love My Parks, American Littoral Society, and Keep America Beautiful. I regularly participate in community clean-up events. I am an avid hiker. I've hiked hundreds of beautiful trails in my home state of New York. Words don't do justice to the sights I've beheld. One summer I traveled from Awosting Falls in the east to Niagara Falls in the west and hiked 15 falls in between. Each was more powerfully magical than the next. From chasms to glens, I've seen double rainbows, insects that twinkle like fairies, salamanders, lizards, snakes, timid deer, and oblivious bears. I've visited the Big Five National Parks in Utah. I've gazed across the Grand Canyon. Every trail I travel becomes a part of me, fills my senses, and leaves a mark on my soul. The feeling of standing at the apex of Angels Landing in Zion National Park has touched me in a way no other vista has impacted me. That is the spot where I would leave the message: "You are one with all, everything is connected, you matter, and your choices matter. Choose Earth! To live my message I participate in environmental clean-ups and reduce my carbon footprint. I have spent most of my vacation time camping and hiking, so I am familiar with the concept of leaving no trace. But that doesn't go far enough I leave the space cleaner than when I arrived. As someone who spends time in nature, I find it impossible not to notice how tiny plastic pieces are everywhere. I could spend an hour in one square foot of sand at the beach and pick up hundreds of plastic pieces. This is why I never use single-use plastic bottles. I pack my lunch in a cloth sack and wrap my sandwiches in reusable wax paper. This may be a small gesture but if every person on the planet participated it would have a huge impact. Another way I intend to help the earth is to showcase its majestic beauty as a filmmaker. Movies have always evoked deep emotions and moved me into action. My earliest memory is shedding a tear while watching Wallie which came out when I was two. The movie has a powerful warning about the importance of caring for our planet a message that stays with me. If I can stir passion in others I can change the world. Telling the story of the planet, its beauty, and its fragility can inspire others to work toward sustainability. My vision is an advertising campaign, "Humanity for sustainability, we are the solution." The campaign is a film montage of people being empowered to reduce their carbon footprint by buying electric cars, eating plant-based diets, having solar panels on homes, planting trees, and replacing cattle ranches with farms. This is a way to bring my passion for filming and the environment together with helping people.

Going to college is important to me to pursue my dream of becoming a filmmaker. I've studied film for many years and take any opportunity to learn more about the craft. Acting, dancing, and singing since the age of five, I've performed in over 15 musical productions. Being an actor has given me the experience to become a director. I often also write the screenplay, set up the shots, and edit the film. In high school, I took a two-year IB film class. In my junior year, I spent the summer learning more about media production at Champlain College where I filmed a commercial for an organic popcorn vendor at a farmers' market. I am a freshman at SUNY New Paltz majoring in Digital Media Production. This semester, I am polishing an original screenplay about an eclectic group of employees who find their lives intertwined one summer while working at a public pool. I am also enhancing my directing skills by taking a class in acting and directing. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. Creating an original story that people can enjoy or learn from is gratifying. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I enjoy. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history, but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and raise awareness on these issues. The pandemic and the political arena, my generation and I have had a front-row seat to witness as we enter adulthood, has been a call to action. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story, you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. If we know better, then we do better. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study culture and film and learn who we are and how we can improve and evolve as a global community. I also hope to discover what is universal. What binds humanity together?

I want to be a filmmaker. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. It’s important for me to feel creative. Telling stories through any method: writing, filming, drawing, or even digital design excites me. It’s a process, and I can get so absorbed in the process that I know it is a career in which I can stay committed. I can stay up all night editing to make the final product match my vision. I would continue polishing my films if I had an extra 24 hours in the day. It’s gratifying to create an original story that people can enjoy or learn from. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I will never get tired of doing. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history, but I couldn’t be filled with more hope for our society. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, gender bias, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and raise awareness on these issues. The pandemic and the political arena, my generation and I have had a front-row seat to witness as we enter adulthood, has been a call to action. I accept the challenge. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. If we know better then we do better. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study media, culture, and film and use these mediums as the lens to learn about who we are as a culture and in what ways we can improve and evolve as a global community. I also hope to discover what is universal. What binds humanity together? What themes will resonate with a global audience?

The message I heard in church is "God is Love." This is the truth, and because I have the spark of the divine in me, recognition of truth is innate. This is a feeling, not a thought. I know this to my core, and from this knowing, I found myself questioning the dogma of the church. If God IS Love, as 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 says, Love "keeps no record of wrongs," then I am not judged by my Higher Power. From an early age, this began my personal journey with God. Going to church has helped me learn the Bible, and listening to the context and interpretation from others is enlightening and fills my spirit. I never doubted God until one time I witnessed the near-death of my father. He was in a coma for days, and when he awoke, the nightmare began. His mind was not right, he was hallucinating scenes from Hell. The doctors told us it was his brain chemistry. Driving home from the hospital that night was my "Dark Night of the Soul", the night I hung from the cross and had to ask myself if I have nothing else, is the Love of God enough? For the first time, I was having an existential crisis, I wondered if the doctors were right. Is our consciousness the result of chemicals in our brains? Does anything exist? Do I see what you see? Is there a God? Then I looked at the gray January sky, and what I saw was inexplicitly beautiful. My next thought was, God is truth. If all you have in this moment is the Love of God, is that enough to sustain you? The answer was yes! God gave me the Grace I needed in that moment, as He does in every moment. God is strength, so I am lifted when I am weak. God is truth, so I am shown the clarity of the situation when I dwell in darkness or uncertainty. I knew in that moment God was with me, and of myself I was nothing; the Father doeth the works. My life felt out of control, and I felt utterly unable to accept my father's illness and the pain of losing him or him losing his mind. The truth is my life is connected to a greater whole. That I have "A Life or My Life", that I am separate from, is a lie; the truth is God is the center, and we are all connected. I knew the truth in that moment was to trust God and have faith that I would have the strength to face the outcome, but only through God. This was the turning point of my life. It did not magically change the circumstances of my father's slow recovery, and I am grateful to report he did make a full recovery, which is an incredible gift. But again, during the painfully slow path of his recovery, God's grace was with us in every step. That January night in the car, I turned on the car's radio and heard: Isaiah 43:1-4 "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you. For I, the Lord, am your (personal) God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior.... Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you," It brought me to tears...

I am passionate about keeping our planet clean. I am a member of many environmental groups, including Keep Islip Clean, Love My Parks, American Littoral Society, Seatuck, and Keep America Beautiful. I regularly participate in community clean-up events. I am an avid hiker. I've hiked hundreds of beautiful trails in my home state of New York. Words don't do justice to the sights I've beheld. One summer, I traveled from Awosting Falls in the east to Niagara Falls in the west and hiked 15 falls in between. Each was more powerfully magical than the next. From chasms to glens, I've seen double rainbows, insects that twinkle like fairies, salamanders, lizards, snakes, timid deer, and oblivious bears. I've visited the Big Five National Parks in Utah. I've gazed across the Grand Canyon. Every trail I travel becomes a part of me, fills my senses, and leaves a mark on my soul. The feeling of standing at the apex of Angels Landing in Zion National Park has touched me in a way no other vista has impacted me. That is the spot where I would leave the message: "You are one with all; everything is connected; you matter, and your choices matter. Choose Earth! In order to live my message, not only do I participate in environmental clean-ups I also try to reduce my carbon footprint. I have spent the majority of my vacation time camping and hiking, so I am very familiar with the concept of leave no trace. But that doesn't go far enough. I also leave the space cleaner than when I arrive. As someone who spends a lot of time in nature, I find it impossible not to notice how tiny plastic pieces are everywhere. I could spend an hour in one square foot of sand at the beach and pick up hundreds of plastic pieces. This is why I never use single-use plastic bottles. I pack my lunch in a cloth sack, and I wrap my sandwiches in reusable wax paper. This may be a small gesture, but if every person on the planet participated, it would have a huge impact. Another way I intend to help the earth is to showcase its majestic beauty as a filmmaker. I am a passionate moviegoer. For as long as I can remember, movies have evoked deep emotions in me and have moved me to action or compassion. My earliest movie memory is shedding a tear while watching Wallie, which came out when I was two. I am too young to have seen Wallie in theaters, but I watched that DVD until it wore out. The movie has a powerful warning about the importance of caring for our planet, and that message stays with me today. I aspire to have a career in the field of communication because if I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. It’s important for me to feel creative. Telling the story of the planet, its beauty, and its fragility can influence environmental change and inspire others to work toward sustainability. I believe this is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I will never get tired of doing. I aspire to go to a private college in New York with industry-standard equipment, but the tuition is well beyond my family's budget. This scholarship would help me make my dream college a reality. I am grateful for the chance to apply for the Charlene K. Howard Chogo Scholarship.

Watching my aunt battle through and survive breast cancer has had a profound impact on my choices. Life is too precious to allow self-doubt to hold me back from my dreams. I take opportunities even if I'm afraid, like auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. I participated in the Early College Program, leaving high school for four periods to take college classes. I traveled to Europe with my AP Government class. Today, I host a radio show and write, perform, and film original sketches. My aunt’s example of courage has taught me to step out of my comfort zone. The rewards for these adventures are rich. Winning this scholarship will help me pursue my dreams while living away at school and being independent. I want to be a filmmaker. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. Telling stories is a process and I can get so absorbed that I stay up all night making the final product match my vision. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I enjoy. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the healthcare system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and awareness on these issues. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. I also spend my free time volunteering and helping my grandmother, who suffered a stroke. I help out in my church, making lunches for the homeless. Before my grandmother had her stroke, I was her trusty champion, volunteering at numerous Lion's Club Events. We still help out during holidays, but her health concerns made her give up her leadership role so I help her after school and on weekends by taking her to appointments and taking care of her pets. My strengths are commitment, loyalty, and humility. In high school, I auditioned for every play and never landed a part, which meant I was part of the chorus with the younger students. Of course, I was dejected each time, for I had been a loyal member of the drama club since 4th grade. For years, I dreamed of the day I would have the lead like the high schoolers I looked up to, but year after year, I failed. People told me to quit, that it was unjust and humiliating, yet each year, I poured my heart and countless hours into being the best member of the chorus so the shows would succeed. I learned that self-esteem comes from good character and not from outside acknowledgment.

I recently saw an inspirational quote by Jac Vanek: "You are the books you read, the films you watch. You are a collective of every experience you have had in your life." I think everyone should read "The Life of Pi" because if humanity kept its message in its hearts, we would have peace on earth. This story of survival is so fantastic that I was moved by the hero’s resilience. But what I found surprising was the delightfully simple message that a story with God is the better story. The character, Pi, was on fire with his love of God. When Pi is confronted by the men with whom he has been studying religion, a priest, an imam, and a pandit. The holy men are arguing and pointing out faults in each other’s faith, and Pi says, “I just want to love God.” Then his father settles the argument by saying, “I suppose that’s what we’re all trying to do, love God.” Reading this book has broadened my perspective. It has reframed the way I look at the world. As I listen to the sad news of war in Gaza, I think not which side is right or wrong but I think of the simple wisdom of the parable of The Life of Pi and I pray for peace and I pray for the hearts of people filled with hate to be healed, and for the ones in power to be blessed divine wisdom. This is the loving spirit of my faith that I will use to create a better world. I want to be a filmmaker. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. It’s gratifying to create an original story that people can enjoy or learn from. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people. People have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the healthcare system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, gender bias, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and awareness on these issues. The pandemic and the political arena my generation has had a front-row seat to witness as we enter adulthood have been a call to action. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is essential to increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. If we know better then we do better. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study media, culture, and film and use these mediums as the lens to learn about who we are as a culture and in what ways we can improve and evolve as a global community. I hope to discover what is universal. What binds humanity together? What themes will resonate with a global audience?

Climate change is an existential crisis affecting all of humanity and the quality of life on Earth. Storms and natural disasters' impacts are felt globally, and environmental policies enacted in one country affect all countries. We're at the tipping point. The time to act is now. It must be a worldwide effort. I am passionate about keeping our planet clean. I am a member of many environmental groups, including Keep Islip Clean, Love My Parks, American Littoral Society, and Keep America Beautiful. I regularly participate in community clean-up events. I am an avid hiker. I've hiked hundreds of beautiful trails in my home state of New York. Words don't do justice to the sights I've beheld. One summer I traveled from Awosting Falls in the east to Niagara Falls in the west and hiked 15 falls in between. Each was more powerfully magical than the next. From chasms to glens, I've seen double rainbows, insects that twinkle like fairies, salamanders, lizards, snakes, timid deer, and oblivious bears. I've visited the Big Five National Parks in Utah. I've gazed across the Grand Canyon. Every trail I travel becomes a part of me, fills my senses, and leaves a mark on my soul. The feeling of standing at the apex of Angels Landing in Zion National Park has touched me in a way no other vista has impacted me. That is the spot where I would leave the message: "You are one with all, everything is connected; you matter, and your choices matter. Choose Earth! To live my message I participate in environmental clean-ups and reduce my carbon footprint. I have spent most of my vacation time camping and hiking, so I am familiar with the concept of leaving no trace. But that doesn't go far enough I leave the space cleaner than when I arrived. As someone who spends time in nature, I find it impossible not to notice how tiny plastic pieces are everywhere. I could spend an hour in one square foot of sand at the beach and pick up hundreds of plastic pieces. This is why I never use single-use plastic bottles. I pack my lunch in a cloth sack and wrap my sandwiches in reusable wax paper. This may be a small gesture, but if every person on the planet participated, it would have a huge impact. Another way I intend to help the earth is to showcase its majestic beauty as a filmmaker. Movies have always evoked deep emotions and moved me into action. My earliest memory is shedding a tear while watching Wallie which came out when I was two. The movie has a powerful warning about the importance of caring for our planet, a message that has stayed with me. If I can stir passion in others, I can change the world. Telling the story of the planet, its beauty, and its fragility can inspire others to work toward sustainability. My vision is an advertising campaign, "Humanity for sustainability, we are the solution." The campaign is a film montage of people being empowered to reduce their carbon footprint by buying electric cars, eating plant-based diets, having solar panels on their homes, planting trees, and replacing cattle ranches with farms. This is a way to bring my passion for filming and the environment together with helping people.

My father is my inspiration in so many ways. He is a multi-talented person. He was the singer in a rock band, he starred in an off-Broadway show, and he showed me how to sketch artistically. He inspired me to perform in over 14 musicals, to sing in choirs, to play drums and piano, and to pursue my biggest passion media production. An experience that has impacted my life choices the most was witnessing the near-death of my father. He was in a coma for days, and when he awoke, the nightmare began. His mind was not right, he was hallucinating scenes of Hell. The doctors told us it was his brain chemistry. This caused me to have an existential crisis, I wondered if the doctors were right. Is our consciousness the result of chemicals in our brains? Does anything exist? Do I see what you see? Is there a God? Then, I looked at the gray January sky, and what I saw was inexplicitly beautiful. My next thought was, God is truth. If all you have in this moment is the Love of God is that enough to sustain you? The answer was yes! God gave me the Grace I needed at that moment. My life felt out of control, and I felt utterly unable to accept my father's illness and the pain of losing him or him losing his mind. The truth at that moment was to trust God and have faith that I would have the strength to face the outcome, but only through God. This was the turning point of my life. It did not magically change the circumstances of my father's slow recovery, and I am grateful to report he did make a full recovery, which is an incredible gift. But again, during the painfully slow path of his recovery, God's grace was with us in every step. I use my faith to confront my own struggles. I have a condition called ARFID, Avoidance Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It impacts my daily life in many ways. It not only negatively affects my overall health but also greatly devastates my mental health. I avoid all social situations and have great anxiety because of my fear of food. It came to the point where my world became so small that I needed help. I remembered how my father didn't give up on life even when he was so close to death. Today, I am in intensive treatment for my eating disorder and my anxiety, and little by little, I take opportunities even if I'm afraid, like auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. I participated in the Early College Program, leaving high school for four periods to take college classes. I left my home as a high school junior to learn Media Production at Champlain College. Last year, I had the great fortune to travel to London, Paris, and Rome with my AP Government class. In the past ARFID would have stolen these experiences from me. Seeing the works of DaVinci, VanVogh, Monet, Degas, and many other artists, including the ancient Romans in person, made it evident that as long as humans have populated the earth, art has had a positive impact on the collective psyche. Art nourishes the spirit just as food and water sustain the body, and societies could not flourish without it. Humans have an innate need to express their stories. I want to be a filmmaker. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. It’s important for me to feel creative. Telling stories is a process, and I can get so absorbed that I know it is a career to which I can stay committed. I can stay up all night editing to make the final product match my vision. Creating an original story that people can enjoy or learn from is gratifying. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I enjoy. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the healthcare system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and awareness on these issues. The pandemic and the political arena that my generation and I have had a front-row seat to witness as we enter adulthood have been a call to action. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. If we know better then we do better. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study culture and film and learn who we are and how we can improve and evolve as a global community. I also hope to discover what is universal. What binds humanity together? Life is too precious to allow self-doubt to hold me back from my dreams. My father's example of courage has taught me to step out of my comfort zone. The rewards for these adventures are rich.

The message I heard in church is "God is Love." This is the truth, and because I have the spark of the divine in me, recognition of truth is innate. This is a feeling, not a thought. I know this to my core and from this knowing I found myself questioning the dogma of the church. If God IS Love as 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 says, Love "keeps no record of wrongs" then I am not judged by my Higher Power. From an early age, this began my personal journey with God. Going to church has helped me learn the Bible and listening to the context and interpretation from others is enlightening and fills my spirit. I never doubted God until one time I witnessed the near death of my father. He was in a coma for days and when he awoke the nightmare began. His mind was not right, he was hallucinating scenes from Hell. The doctors told us it was his brain chemistry. Driving home from the hospital that night was my "Dark Night of the Soul", the night I hung from the cross and had to ask myself if I have nothing else is the Love of God enough? For the first time, I was having an existential crisis, I wondered if the doctors were right. Is our consciousness the result of chemicals in our brains? Does anything exist? Do I see what you see? Is there a God? Then I looked at the gray January sky and what I saw was inexplicitly beautiful. My next thought was, God is truth. If all you have in this moment is the Love of God is that enough to sustain you? The answer was yes! God gave me the Grace I needed in that moment as He does in every moment. God is strength so I am lifted when I am weak. God is truth so I am shown the clarity of the situation when I dwell in darkness or uncertainty. I knew in that moment God was with me and of myself I was nothing the Father doeth the works. My life felt out of control and I felt utterly unable to accept my father's illness and the pain of losing him or him losing his mind. The truth is my life is connected to a greater whole. That I have "A Life or My Life", that I am separate from, is a lie, the truth is God is the center and we are all connected. I knew the truth in that moment was to trust God and have faith that I would have the strength to face the outcome but only through God. This was the turning point of my life. It did not magically change the circumstances of my father's slow recovery and I am grateful to report he did make a full recovery which is an incredible gift. But again during the painfully slow path of his recovery, God's grace was with us in every step. That January night in the car I turned on the car's radio and heard: Isiah 43:1-4 "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; You are mine... When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you. For I, the Lord, am your (personal) God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior.... Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you," This experience and my connection with God have inspired me to live my life and do things when I am afraid because I have faith that I never experience anything alone. Life is too precious to allow self-doubt to hold me back from my dreams. Today, I am a freshman at SUNY New Paltz studying digital media production. I take opportunities even if I'm afraid, such as auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. So when I was offered the chance to host a sports talk radio spot on our college's radio station I was terrified but did it anyway. After a short training period my cohost and I were flying solo. We prepared questions to ask each other about NFL, NBA, and MLB teams and players but navigating transitions between public service announcements and the station identification was nerve-racking. To our delight, we have on-air chemistry and even though our show is an hour weekly, we have enough material to host a daily show. So far we've gotten positive feedback from our audience.

I want to direct films. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. It’s important for me to feel creative. Telling stories is a process and I can get so absorbed that I know it is a career in which I can stay committed. I can stay up all night editing to make the final product match my vision, which is a form of directing. It’s gratifying to create an original story that entertains people. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I enjoy. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, gender bias, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and awareness on these issues. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is the essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. If we know better then we do better. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. My portfolio includes "Under the Light," a horror film I directed. I've studied film for many years and take any opportunity to learn more about the craft. Acting, dancing, and singing since the age of five, I've performed in over 15 musical productions. Being an actor has given me the experience to become a director. I often also write the screenplay, set up the shots, and edit the film.

I feel excited to be alive at this time. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in history but I am hopeful for the future. Pain is the path to progress. Some people are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, gender bias, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. The pandemic and the political arena that my generation and I have had a front-row seat to witness as we enter adulthood has been a call to action. I accept the challenge. The social issue that would be the focus of my efforts to effect change would be implementing a code of ethics for the use of artificial intelligence. Recent media has cast a tone of suspicion about the use of AI. The current writers' strike is just one example that, perhaps justifiably, begs the question of what role should AI play in our future. I believe AI has great potential to usher in an age of increased social justice. I recently watched a recording of this topic being discussed at a UN event entitled, Artificial Intelligence for Social Justice, recorded on April 14, 2023. The discussion convened a panel of UN Ambassadors, AI scholars, the CEO of AI for Good Foundation, and a representative from the UN’s International Telecommunication Union. The message I gleaned was hopeful. AI has tremendous potential to help the world reach the 17 Sustainability Development Goals of the UN. Goals such as no poverty, zero hunger, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, climate action, peace, justice, and strong institutions. There are also potential risks of an AI future. AI relies on the quality of the data it uses. This is an opportunity to correct immortal practices and even the scales of justice. This can be done if thoughtful and explicit policies are made now. I can be part of this positive change. I am eager to have the opportunity to study this issue in depth at college and use my craft to effect change in the world. I am a promotions manager for my community's professional baseball team. It is the greatest job and the best work atmosphere. It's heartwarming to see the families enjoying a day at the ballpark. I also work full-time in the summer at the community pool in my town. It isn't easy to manage two jobs with my classwork, but working has taught me time management and perseverance.

I want to be a filmmaker. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. Telling stories is a process and I can get so absorbed that I stay up all night making the final product match my vision. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I enjoy. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history, but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and awareness on these issues. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story, you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. The social issue that would be the focus of my efforts to effect change would be implementing a code of ethics for the use of artificial intelligence. Recent media has cast a tone of suspicion and fear about the future use of AI. The writers' strike is just one example that perhaps justifiably begs the question of what role should AI play in our future. I believe AI has great potential to usher in an age of increased social justice. I recently watched a recording of this very topic being discussed at a UN special event entitled, Artificial Intelligence for Social Justice, recorded on April 14, 2023. The discussion convened a panel of experts such as UN Ambassadors from India and Singapore, an AI scholar from Johns Hopkins, the CEO of AI for Good Foundation, a representative from the W.H.O., and a representative from the UN’s International Telecommunication Union. The message I gleaned from these distinguished public servants was a hopeful one. AI has tremendous potential to help the world reach the 17 Sustainability Development Goals of the UN. Goals such as no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities, climate action, peace, justice, and strong institutions. This is the potential legacy of my generation. It could be the last time a child dies of hunger. We can stop climate change. There are also potential risks of an AI future. AI relies on the quality of the data it uses. This is a true crossroad. The precipice of an opportunity to correct immortal practices, even the scales of justice, and share resources equitably. This can be done if thoughtful, deliberate, and explicit policies are made now. I can be part of this vehicle of positive change. I am fascinated to have the opportunity to study this issue in depth and use my craft to effect change in the world.

My father is my inspiration in many ways. He is a singer, starred in an off-Broadway show, and showed me how to draw. He inspired me to perform in 14 musicals, sing in choirs, play drums and piano, and pursue my passion, media production. I want to be a filmmaker. If I can stir deep emotions in others, I can change the world. Creating a story that people can enjoy is gratifying. This is a way to combine my desire to help people with my passion. An experience that has impacted my life choices was witnessing my father's near-death. He was in a coma for days, and when he awoke, the nightmare began. His mind was not right. The doctors told us it was due to his brain chemistry. This led to an existential crisis; I wondered if the doctors were correct. Is our consciousness merely the result of chemicals in our brains? Does anything truly exist? Is there a God? Then I looked at the sky, and what I saw was beautiful. I asked myself if all you have in this moment is the Love of God, is that enough? Yes! God gave me the grace I needed at that moment. God is my strength, and I am uplifted when I am weak. I knew in that moment that God was with me. My life felt out of control, and I found myself utterly unable to accept my father's illness and the pain of losing him or him losing his mind. The truth is my life is connected to a greater whole. That I'm separate from others, is a lie. God is the center and we are all connected. The truth was to trust God that I would have the strength to face the outcome, but only through God. This was the turning point of my life. It did not instantly change the circumstances of my father's recovery. I'm grateful to report he did make a full recovery, an incredible gift. This experience has had a profound impact on my choices. Life is too precious to allow anything to hold me back. Unfortunately, I have ARFID. It impacts my life in many ways. It not only negatively affects my overall health but greatly devastates my mental health. I avoid social situations and have anxiety because of my fear of food. My world became small, I needed help. I remembered how my father didn't give up. Today I'm in intensive treatment for my eating disorder and my anxiety. I take opportunities even if I'm afraid, like auditioning for plays and taking challenging classes. I traveled to Europe with my AP Government class. In the past ARFID would have stolen these experiences from me. The rewards for these adventures are rich. I want to experience many cultures and see the world. People around the world are suffering from injustices. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light on these issues. The political arena my generation has had a front-row seat to has been a call to action. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved communication is essential to increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I will use communication for change. I hope to make the world a better place.

I am a promotions manager for my community's professional baseball team. Since I was a Little League player, I've loved everything about baseball. It is the greatest job and the best work atmosphere. It's heartwarming to see the families enjoying a day at the ballpark. It isn't easy to manage two jobs with my classwork, but this is the valuable lesson being involved in sports at an early age has taught me: time management and perseverance. I am a freshman at SUNY New Paltz studying digital media production. I take opportunities even if I'm afraid, such as auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. So when I was offered the chance to host a sports talk radio spot on our college's radio station I was terrified but did it anyway. I've never felt so simultaneously prepared and unprepared. I spend 40 hours a week watching games and researching player and team stats yet after a short training period my cohost and I were flying solo. We prepare questions to ask each other about NFL, NBA, and MLB teams and players but navigating seamless transitions between public service announcements and the station identification was nerve-racking at first. Our goal is to engage and inform our listeners while maintaining our casual rapport. To our delight, we have on-air chemistry and even though our show is for an hour weekly, we have enough material to host a daily show. I am proud to say we've gotten positive feedback from our audience. In a time where the country is so divided watching sports transcends politics and creates an atmosphere of excitement and escape. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. The pandemic and the political arena my generation and I have had a front-row seat to witness as we enter adulthood has been a call to action. I hope to unite people through a shared love of sports, regardless of their background or differences. Ultimately, my passion for sports broadcasting stems from the joy a crowd of happy fans share and I aspire to communicate and share that positivity as widely as possible. Sports broadcasting has helped me find my voice and my calling. I ask not what a situation can do for me but what I can bring to it to improve conditions. That is what being a team player means to me. If I were granted this scholarship that is the attitude I would bring to my college career and into my professional career. I hope to make the world a better place.

I am a freshman at SUNY New Paltz majoring in Digital Media Production. This semester, I am polishing an original screenplay about an eclectic group of employees who find their lives intertwined one summer while working at a public pool. I am also enhancing my photography skills by taking a digital storytelling class using a Canon with a Digital Single-Lens Reflex. I use Photoshop to touch up photos and Premiere Pro to edit my films. Watching my aunt battle through and survive breast cancer has had a profound impact on my choices. Life is too precious to allow self-doubt to hold me back from my dreams. I take opportunities even if I'm afraid like auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. I participated in the Early College Program, leaving high school for four periods to take college classes. I traveled to Europe with my AP Government class. Today I host a radio show and write, perform, and film original sketches. My aunt’s example of courage has taught me to step out of my comfort zone. The rewards for these adventures are rich. Winning this scholarship will help me pursue my dreams while living away at school and being independent. I want to be a filmmaker. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others I can change the world. It’s important for me to feel creative. Telling stories is a process and I can get so absorbed that I know it is a career in which I can stay committed. I can stay up all night editing to make the final product match my vision. Creating an original story that people can enjoy or learn from is gratifying. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I enjoy. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and awareness on these issues. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is essential to increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling.

My aunt is the most courageous person I know. She is also my Godmother and the week before my First Holy Communion she was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. It was terrifying to hear that word. Even at that age, I knew it was serious. She had to start treatments immediately so all the plans for my Communion changed. That was a minor inconvenience eclipsed by the fear of losing her to breast cancer. Chemo was the hardest part of her slow journey to recovery. That summer my family spent much time living at Aunt Helena’s house helping her by taking care of my younger cousin, shopping, and cleaning. There was a serious tone in her house but Aunt Helena didn’t let that last. Whenever she felt well enough to join us in the living room she would put everyone at ease with her humor. It was her way of saying that it was okay to smile and laugh. Thankfully, 18 months three surgeries later, she was declared cancer-free. That was ten years ago and we have enjoyed a decade of holidays and family fun where we cherish her cheerful presence. I don’t even want to imagine those years without her. Our special times when we just the two of us go out together. She is my biggest fan. Her face lights up every time I visit. She wants to know all about my life. She delights in all my accomplishments and travels two hours to see all my plays. She makes me feel like the most important person in the world. I’m so grateful to have her on my side and I look forward to her seeing me graduate from high school and college. Our story is hopeful, and its impact on my outlook and choices in life is profound. Life is too precious to allow self-doubt to hold me back from my dreams. I take opportunities even if I fear I’m not knowledgeable or strong enough. I do things even though I am afraid. For instance, auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking classes I know will be a challenge. I participated in the Early College Program which was a leap of faith to leave the comfort zone of high school for four periods every day and sit with college students. I went away from my home this summer to learn Media Production at Champlain College in Vermont. Next month I will travel to Europe with my AP Comparative Government class. My aunt’s example of courage in the face of fear has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and experience life even when it’s uncomfortable or the outcome is uncertain. The rewards for these adventures are rich. My next endeavor will be going to college to study communications. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study media, journalism, and film and use these mediums as the lens to learn about who we are as a culture and in what ways we can improve and evolve as a global community. It’s gratifying to create a story that people can enjoy or learn from. It’s a way to bring my passion together with helping people. The world’s atrocities were the product of dehumanizing groups of people through propaganda and misinformation. Conversely, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity and leads to empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I aspire to have a career in communications because if I can stir deep emotions in others, I can change the world.

Watching my aunt battle through and survive breast cancer has had a profound impact on my choices. Life is too precious to allow mental health to hold me back from my dreams. My struggles with mental health in the past have held me back. I have a condition called ARFID, Avoidance Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It impacts my daily life in many ways. It not only negatively affects my overall health but greatly devastates my mental health. I avoid all social social situations and have great anxiety because of my fear of food. It came to the point where my world became so small I needed help. I remembered how my aunt didn't give up on life even when she was so close to death. Today I am in intensive treatment for my eating disorder and my anxiety and little by little I take opportunities even if I'm afraid like auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. I participated in the Early College Program, leaving high school for four periods to take college classes. I left my home last summer to learn Media Production at Champlain College. I traveled to Europe with my AP Government class. I host a radio show at my college. In the past ARFID would have stolen these experiences from me. My aunt’s example of courage has taught me to step out of my comfort zone. The rewards for these adventures are rich. My future dream is to start a film production company. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others I can change the world. Creating an original story that people can enjoy or learn from is gratifying. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I enjoy. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and awareness on these issues. The pandemic and the political arena my generation and I have had a front-row seat to witness as we enter adulthood has been a call to action. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is essential to increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. If we know better then we do better. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study culture and film and learn who we are and how we can improve and evolve as a global community. I also hope to discover what is universal. What binds humanity together?

Leadership not only means charging the way it also means being passionate, dedicated, and engaged. I am a freshman studying Digital Media Production at SUNY New Paltz. I take opportunities even if I'm afraid like auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. I participated in the Early College Program, leaving high school for four periods to take college classes. I traveled to Europe with my AP Government class. Today I host a radio show and write, perform, and film original sketches. I also spend my free time volunteering and helping my grandmother who suffered a stroke. I help out in my church making lunches for the homeless. Before my grandmother had her stroke, I was her trusty champion volunteering at numerous Lion's Club Events. We still help out during holidays but her health concerns made her give up her leadership role so I help her after school and on weekends by taking her to appointments and taking care of her pets. My strengths are commitment, loyalty, and humility. In high school, I auditioned for every play and never landed a part which meant I was part of the chorus with the younger students. Of course, I was dejected each time for I had been a loyal member of the drama club since 4th grade. For years I dreamed of the day I would have the lead like the high schoolers I looked up to, but year after year I failed. People told me to quit, that it was unjust and humiliating, yet each year I poured my heart and countless hours into being the best member of the chorus so the shows would succeed. I learned that self-esteem comes from good character and not from outside acknowledgment. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. Studying media teaches me who we are as a culture and how we can improve and evolve as a global community. I am a passionate moviegoer. As long as I can remember movies have evoked deep emotions in me and have moved me into action. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. It’s gratifying to create a story that people can enjoy. This is a way I can bring my passion together with helping people. I am proud of being passionate, dedicated, and engaged. I have always challenged myself to take the most rigorous courses offered by my school. In my first semester of college, I earned a 3.73 GPA. In high school, I took IB, AP, and Honors classes. In my junior year, I applied and was accepted to the Early College Program where I earned 19 credits with a 3.5 GPA. I am a member of the school newspaper, esports, and robotics club. But I am most dedicated to drama club. I have had lead and supporting roles in 14 productions. I have gained membership in the International Thespian Society. I received The Director's Choice Award for my role in Les Miserable and Best Actor in a minor role for A Chorus Line. I am also passionate about participating in community clean-up events. I am kind and I care for others. The award I treasure most is my Citizenship Award. It is important for me to do service with my talents. I may not lead in the usual sense of the word by being in charge of the organizations to which I belong but I can be counted on to show up and do the work and leadership also needs membership.

My experience in the LGTBTQ+ community is in support of the members of the drama club. We have uniquely talented individuals in this club, yet many of them struggle to find acceptance despite their gift for acting and singing. They all have a friend in me, one who not only respects their individuality but also their humanity. Not only would I never participate in teasing or gossip but in my quiet way I reveal their humanity by enabling them to share their gifts with others. I have been in more than 15 plays and musicals and only had a lead role in four of them. As a member of the ensemble, I do my best to make the show a success and allow the leads to shine. I ask not what a situation can do for me but what I can bring to the situation to improve conditions. That is what being an upstander means to me. If I was granted this scholarship that is the attitude I would bring to my college career and into my professional career. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study media, culture, and film and use these mediums as the lens to learn about who we are as a culture and in what ways we can improve and evolve as a global community. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I am an upstander because I use the power of communication for positive change. A social issue that I am interested in being an upstander for is implementing a code of ethics for the use of artificial intelligence. Recent media has cast a tone of suspicion about the use of AI. The current writers' strike is just one example that, perhaps justifiably, begs the question of what role should AI play in our future. I believe AI has great potential to usher in an age of increased social justice. I recently watched a recording of this topic being discussed at a UN event entitled, Artificial Intelligence for Social Justice, recorded on April 14, 2023. The discussion convened a panel of UN Ambassadors, AI scholars, the CEO of AI for Good Foundation, and a representative from the UN’s International Telecommunication Union. The message I gleaned was hopeful. AI has tremendous potential to help the world reach the 17 Sustainability Development Goals of the UN. Goals such as no poverty, zero hunger, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, climate action, peace, justice, and strong institutions. There are also potential risks of an AI future. AI relies on the quality of the data it uses. This is an opportunity to correct immortal practices and even the scales of justice. This can be done if thoughtful and explicit policies are made now. I can be part of this positive change. I am eager to have the opportunity to study this issue in depth and use my craft to effect change in the world. I aspire to have a career in communications because if I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. This is a way I can bring my passion together with helping people.

When the world shut down in March 2020 I was well prepared for studying online. Using platforms such as Google Meet or Zoom was second nature as most of my friendships are long-distance and I use Discord to connect with them. I was able to improve my grades that quarter and become a straight-A student. I continued to maintain an A-average using other apps in the Google Suite such as Google Classroom, Jamboard, and Lumio. There are many features of Google Classroom that are helpful in staying organized and productive. First of all having all my notes, readings, and assignments in digital form is not only eco-friendly but also more efficient. I saved time because I didn't have to flip through various notebooks and folders searching for papers. Google Classroom has a, "To Do List." I can click and have a list of the upcoming assignments and know exactly when they are due. If I have any missing assignments that information is also a click away. I found it convenient to use Kami to type answers directly into my teacher's pdf's. Attaching files to turn in was also a simple process. The quality and promptness of my assignments were greatly improved. Jamboard is another helpful communication tool. This was especially useful in the subject of math. A Jamboard can be opened on a Google Meet and everyone can write on or add to the board at once. My teacher could use a stylus to handwrite a solution to model a math problem and I could show my work and get immediate feedback. It was more efficient than the traditional way of solving problems and the teacher collecting and grading papers because any misconceptions I was having were immediately corrected. Other platforms like Lumio, Kahoot, and Blooket make studying fun. My teacher would use these game-style platforms to increase student engagement and friendly competition. I soon realized these were full of information and a great way to build math fluency or memorize definitions or concepts for a test. We students soon began asking teachers to post these games in our Google Classroom so we could use them to study. When I have a test to study for I can often find games on my own or sometimes I make an original Blooket. Quizlet is a similar app that helps me study definitions or learn vocabulary in a foreign language. Online tools and resources save time and keep me organized. The time I spend on a task is one hundred percent learning instead of fifty percent moving papers around. I will continue to embrace technology. This is a time of innovation and being open-minded and flexible is more important than ever before.

One of my favorite memories was when my parents took me to their college reunion at Fordham University—the day started on Eddie's Parade in front of Keating Hall. I could feel the positive energy. The adults were joyfully hugging, almost giddy. Chatting happily and introducing us to their friends' children. At first, I felt shy but those feelings melted away as we played games and picnicked with the other families. It was a warm feeling to see my parents enveloped in this second family. The day continued with a tour of the campus and their favorite off-campus haunts like Pugsley's Pizza and the Bronx Zoo. The adults enthusiastically reminisced about each cherished spot. It was that day I knew that college was an experience not to be missed. I hoped someday I could go to Fordham but unfortunately, since both my parents are teachers and we live on Long Island private colleges like Fordham are out of reach for my family. I am grateful though that my family has not struggled as much as many families have. I grew up in a small but cozy home and my basic needs were met. But I have seen many families struggling. As public servants, my parents have instilled in me the responsibility to help those in need. The pandemic and the political arena my generation has witnessed have been a call to action. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and gender bias. Many have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in history but I couldn’t be filled with more hope for our society. Pain is the path to progress. That is why I want to be a filmmaker. If I can stir passion in others I can change the world. It’s important for me to feel creative. Telling stories through any method: writing, filming, or digital design excites me. It’s a process and I can get so absorbed in the process that I know it is a career in which I can stay committed. I can stay up all night editing to make the final product match my vision. It’s gratifying to create an original story that people can enjoy or learn from. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I will never get tired of doing. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. If we know better then we do better. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study media, culture, and film and use these mediums as the lens to learn about who we are as a culture and in what ways we can improve and evolve as a global community. I also hope to discover what is universal. What binds humanity together? What themes will resonate with a global audience?

Watching my aunt battle through and survive breast cancer has had a profound impact on my choices. Life is too precious to allow mental health to hold me back from my dreams. My struggles with mental health in the past have held me back. I have a condition called ARFID, Avoidance Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It impacts my daily life in many ways. It not only negatively affects my overall health but greatly devastates my mental health. I avoid all social social situations and have great anxiety because of my fear of food. It came to the point where my world became so small I needed help. I remembered how my aunt didn't give up on life even when she was so close to death. Today I am in intensive treatment for my eating disorder and my anxiety and little by little I take opportunities even if I'm afraid like auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. I participated in the Early College Program, leaving high school for four periods to take college classes. I left my home last summer to learn Media Production at Champlain College. I traveled to Europe with my AP Government class. Now, I am a freshman in college living away from home and successfully handling my class load. I have a 3.7 GPA. In the past ARFID would have stolen these experiences from me. My aunt’s example of courage has taught me to step out of my comfort zone. The rewards for these adventures are rich. Going to college is important to me so I can pursue my dream of becoming a filmmaker. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others I can change the world. Creating an original story that people can enjoy or learn from is gratifying. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I enjoy. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and awareness on these issues. The pandemic and the political arena my generation and I have had a front-row seat to witness as we enter adulthood has been a call to action. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. If we know better then we do better. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study culture and film and learn who we are and how we can improve and evolve as a global community. I also hope to discover what is universal. What binds humanity together?

Watching my aunt battle through and survive breast cancer has had a profound impact on my choices. Life is too precious to allow self-doubt to hold me back from my dreams. I take opportunities even if I'm afraid like auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. I participated in the Early College Program, leaving high school for four periods to take college classes. I traveled to Europe with my AP Government class. I am a member of the school newspaper, esports, and robotics club. But I am most dedicated to drama club. I have had lead and supporting roles in 14 productions. I have gained membership in the International Thespian Society. I received The Director's Choice Award for my role in Les Miserable and Best Actor in a minor role for A Chorus Line. I am also an avid hiker, my favorite trail is Angels Landing in Zion National Park. I am also passionate about keeping our planet clean. I am a member of many environmental groups, including Keep Islip Clean, Love My Parks, American Littoral Society, Seatuck, and Keep America Beautiful where I regularly participate in community clean-up events. My strength is my kindness and caring for others. It is important for me to do service with my talents. Today I host a radio show and write, perform, and film original sketches. My aunt’s example of courage has taught me to step out of my comfort zone. The rewards for these adventures are rich. Winning this scholarship will help me pursue my dreams while living away at school and being independent. I want to be a filmmaker. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others I can change the world. Telling stories is a process and I can get so absorbed that I stay up all night making the final product match my vision. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I enjoy. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and awareness on these issues. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling.

To say video games are an integral part of my life is an understate. Video gaming is my life and I am not embarrassed to say it! They have made me social, communicative, empathic, charitable, goal-oriented, and successful. They have created a realm for my personal growth, social connection, and creative expression. By far the most profound impact of video gaming is the deep friendships I have made. The nights spent laughing and connecting through online multiplayer games have created bonds that extend beyond the virtual realm. These connections have provided a sense of belonging and support, particularly during times of loneliness or isolation. Some people don’t understand that these are real friendships. I have friends from five states in every corner of the country. In 2021 we planned an in-person meet-up. It was the most rich and gratifying experience of my life. These truly are my best friends we have comfort and joy in each other’s company. Now, we gather as much as is economically feasible. For those who can afford it, we all chip in and pay their way. We function as a cohesive group. The time spent virtually working together on a common goal easily translates into helping each other. We have perfected the art of communication and crowd-sourcing, a skill the generations that preceded us continue to struggle to achieve. Beyond social connections, video games have also offered a sense of purpose and motivation. The challenges presented within games, whether overcoming a difficult battle or completing a complex puzzle, have instilled a sense of accomplishment and motivation. I bring these skills into real-life situations. I learned life-long character traits such as perseverance and the importance of setting and achieving goals. Video games have also honed my hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. The fast-paced action and strategic thinking required in many games have sharpened my reflexes and analytical abilities. I use these skills to multitask, meet deadlines, and accomplish tasks efficiently. One of the greatest attributes of playing video games creative and immersive nature of the games. The open-ended nature of many games allows for boundless imagination and self-expression. Whether it's designing intricate structures in a building game or crafting unique stories within a role-playing game, video games have provided a canvas for my creativity to flourish. My "why" is storytelling. I want to be a storyteller. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others I can change the world. Telling stories through digital design excites me. It’s a process and I can get so absorbed in the process that I know it is a career in which I can stay committed. I can stay up all night editing to make the final product match my vision. Creating an original story that people can enjoy or learn from is gratifying. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I will never tire of doing. Video games have transformed my life. I would not be the person I am today without them and for that I am grateful. They have given me a social life, instilled a sense of purpose, sharpened my skills, and sparked my creativity. The positive impact of video games on my life is a testament to their power to entertain, educate, and inspire. The positive impact on the future of communication and achieving collective goals have yet to be appreciated but is certain to materialize.

Climate change is an existential crisis affecting all of humanity and the quality of life on Earth. Storms and natural disasters' impacts are felt globally, and environmental policies enacted in one country affect all countries. We're at the tipping point. The time to act is now. It must be a worldwide effort. I am passionate about keeping our planet clean. I am a member of many environmental groups, including Keep Islip Clean, Love My Parks, American Littoral Society, and Keep America Beautiful. I regularly participate in community clean-up events. I am an avid hiker. I've hiked hundreds of beautiful trails in my home state of New York. Words don't do justice to the sights I've beheld. One summer I traveled from Awosting Falls in the east to Niagara Falls in the west and hiked 15 falls in between. Each was more powerfully magical than the next. From chasms to glens, I've seen double rainbows, insects that twinkle like fairies, salamanders, lizards, snakes, timid deer, and oblivious bears. I've visited the Big Five National Parks in Utah. I've gazed across the Grand Canyon. Every trail I travel becomes a part of me, fills my senses, and leaves a mark on my soul. The feeling of standing at the apex of Angels Landing in Zion National Park has touched me in a way no other vista has impacted me. That is the spot where I would leave the message: "You are one with all, everything is connected, you matter, and your choices matter. Choose Earth! To live my message I participate in environmental clean-ups and reduce my carbon footprint. I have spent most of my vacation time camping and hiking, so I am familiar with the concept of leaving no trace. But that doesn't go far enough I leave the space cleaner than when I arrived. As someone who spends time in nature, I find it impossible not to notice how tiny plastic pieces are everywhere. I could spend an hour in one square foot of sand at the beach and pick up hundreds of plastic pieces. This is why I never use single-use plastic bottles. I pack my lunch in a cloth sack and wrap my sandwiches in reusable wax paper. This may be a small gesture but if every person on the planet participated it would have a huge impact. Another way I intend to help the earth is to showcase its majestic beauty as a filmmaker. Movies have always evoked deep emotions and moved me into action. My earliest memory is shedding a tear while watching Wallie which came out when I was two. The movie has a powerful warning about the importance of caring for our planet a message that stays with me. If I can stir passion in others I can change the world. Telling the story of the planet, its beauty, and its fragility can inspire others to work toward sustainability. My vision is an advertising campaign, "Humanity for sustainability, we are the solution." The campaign is a film montage of people being empowered to reduce their carbon footprint by buying electric cars, eating plant-based diets, having solar panels on homes, planting trees, and replacing cattle ranches with farms. This is a way to bring my passion for filming and the environment together with helping people.

Watching my aunt battle through and survive breast cancer has had a profound impact on my choices. Life is too precious to allow mental health to hold me back from my dreams. My struggles with mental health in the past have held me back. I have a condition called ARFID, Avoidance Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It impacts my daily life in many ways. It not only negatively affects my overall health but greatly devastates my mental health. I avoid all social social situations and have great anxiety because of my fear of food. It came to the point where my world became so small I needed help. I remembered how my aunt didn't give up on life even when she was so close to death. Today I am in intensive treatment for my eating disorder and my anxiety and little by little I take opportunities even if I'm afraid like auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. I participated in the Early College Program, leaving high school for four periods to take college classes. I left my home last summer to learn Media Production at Champlain College. I traveled to Europe with my AP Government class. In the past ARFID would have stolen these experiences from me. My aunt’s example of courage has taught me to step out of my comfort zone. The rewards for these adventures are rich. My future dream is to start a film production company. I am working hard to support myself and pay off my student loans so I can use my gifts to help others. If I can stir deep emotions or passion in others I can change the world. It’s gratifying to create an original story that people can enjoy or learn from. This is a way to bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I enjoy. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and awareness on these issues. The pandemic and the political arena my generation and I have had a front-row seat to witness as we enter adulthood has been a call to action. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. If we know better then we do better. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study culture and film and learn who we are and how we can improve and evolve as a global community. I also hope to discover what is universal. What binds humanity together?

Watching my aunt battle breast cancer has had a profound impact on my choices. Life is too precious to allow mental health to hold me back from my dreams. My struggles with mental health in the past have held me back. I have a condition called ARFID, Avoidance Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It impacts my daily life in many ways. It not only negatively affects my overall health but greatly devastates my mental health. I avoid all social social situations and have great anxiety because of my fear of food. It came to the point where my world became so small I needed help. I remembered how my aunt didn't give up on life even when she was so close to death. Today, I am in intensive treatment for my eating disorder and my anxiety, and little by little I take opportunities even if I'm afraid like auditioning for plays, going on job interviews, and taking challenging classes. I participated in the Early College Program, leaving high school for four periods to take college classes. I left my home last summer to learn Media Production at Champlain College. I traveled to Europe with my AP Government class. In the past ARFID would have stolen these experiences from me. My aunt’s example of courage has taught me to step out of my comfort zone. The rewards for these adventures are rich. Going to college is important to me to pursue my dream of becoming a filmmaker. Creating an original story that people can enjoy or learn from is gratifying. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history but I couldn’t be filled with more hope. Pain is the path to progress. People around the world are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. My films can shed light and awareness on these issues. The pandemic and the political arena my generation and I have had a front-row seat to witness as we enter adulthood has been a call to action. I want to give a voice not only to those who are marginalized but also to those who are helping others. Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I want to use the power of communication for positive change. There are so many inspiring stories to be told. Once you hear someone else's story you can identify with them. You realize we are all doing our best with what we are given. If we know better then we do better. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study culture and film and learn who we are and how we can improve and evolve as a global community. I also hope to discover what is universal. What binds humanity together?

Improved global communication is an essential means of increasing inclusion, equity, and justice. History’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people. This is achieved through propaganda and misinformation. Whereas, learning about marginalized groups unveils their humanity. This leads to increased empathy. Communication is at the core of these interactions. I will use the power of communication for positive change. One social issue that would be the focus of my efforts to effect change would be implementing a code of ethics for the use of artificial intelligence. Recent media has cast a tone of suspicion about the use of AI. The current writers' strike is just one example that, perhaps justifiably, begs the question of what role should AI play in our future. I believe AI has great potential to usher in an age of increased social justice. I recently watched a recording of this topic being discussed at a UN event entitled, Artificial Intelligence for Social Justice, recorded on April 14, 2023. The discussion convened a panel of UN Ambassadors, AI scholars, the CEO of AI for Good Foundation, and a representative from the UN’s International Telecommunication Union. The message I gleaned was hopeful. AI has tremendous potential to help the world reach the 17 Sustainability Development Goals of the UN. Goals such as no poverty, zero hunger, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, climate action, peace, justice, and strong institutions. There are also potential risks of an AI future. AI relies on the quality of the data it uses. This is an opportunity to correct immortal practices and even the scales of justice. This can be done if thoughtful and explicit policies are made now. I can be part of this positive change. I am eager to have the opportunity to study this issue in depth and use my craft to effect change in the world. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. That is why I want to study media, culture, and film and use these mediums as the lens to learn about who we are as a culture and in what ways we can improve and evolve as a global community. I aspire to have a career in communications because if I can stir deep emotions or passion in others, I can change the world. This is a way I can bring my passion together with helping people. I am so excited to have the opportunity to study Communications.

Stranger Things will make you nostalgic for the 80’s whether you lived through them or not. You’ll become obsessed with the irrepressible group of teens and tweens who use their quirky collective genius to save the oblivious citizens of Hawkins, Indiana from a dark multiverse of mystifying monsters spawning just beneath their feet. Season one opens with a scene in Mike’s basement. We see Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas erupting exuberantly over the climax of their role-playing game of Dungeons &Dragons. During the game, Will makes the self-sacrificing fatal decision to fight the Demogorgon, and in this moment you’re hooked on the dynamics of the show's complex, flawed, and realistic main characters; Will’s quiet bravery, Mike’s passionate leadership, Dustin’s fevered genius, and Lucus’ buoyant companionship, with most of their flaws tethered to the inexperience of their youth. The traits as they are revealed in the RPG game, are soon tested in the real world as the boys confront the complication to the series' main conflict: Will is abducted by the Demogorgon. The battle is on. Now they’ll have to enlist any available open-mind/ desperate adults to stage a two-fronted attack against the evils of the Upsidedown. Make that a three-fronted as Eleven enters the stage. Head shaved clothed in a hospital gown, a nine-year-old girl materializes in the woods of Hawkins just as Will disappears. Is there a connection and who is this strange girl? Why are government officials searching for her? She escapes from the armed officials and scientists from Hawkins National Laboratory but how? Is she dangerous? Let’s hope not because Mike, Dustin, and Lucas find her and take her in. They soon discover she has telekinetic powers and a mysterious connection to Will. There’s just one problem, she barely speaks. Using the Dungeon and Dragons characters she’s able to tell the boys that Will is hiding in the Upsidedown and being threatened by the Demogorgon. Eleven is not the only one connected to Will and the Upsidedown. Will’s mother Joyce desperate to find her son is receiving disturbing phone calls and illuminating messages from the Upsidedown. Her neighbors think she is crazy but stranger things are happening if you’re paying attention. She’ll enlist the help of the town’s sheriff, Jim Hopper, who is certainly paying attention; as are Will’s brother, Jonathan, and Mike’s sister, Nancy. Now the unlikely team of monster hunters are assembled. Sheer grit, supernatural powers, and MacGyver-like genius are the ingredients that will keep you watching until Will comes home and for the three seasons, as well.

What beast slouches towards the underside of the unsuspecting town of Hawkins, Indiana to be born?1(“The Second Coming,” by W.B. Yeats) It’s El’s multiverse alter-ego, confident, unfaltering, and unscrupulous; unbeatable? Not for my dream team of Dustin, Hopper, and Eleven, who will have to battle inner demons, interpersonal connections, and the evil forces of the upside-down. How do you fight yourself, your friend, and your daughter? It will take awareness, acceptance, and action to fight Nevele, as Dustin calls, her. Awareness is Dustin’s strength, he will put all the pieces together and hash up the battle plan. Can Hopper accept himself, never mind a plan that spells the demise of his daughter’s doppelganger? And what about El? Can she fight her insecurities and reclaim the powers Nevele is draining from her? I will work with this team to heal their traumas and gently guide them to break from their chrysalises as transformed versions of themselves. El must merge with the demon facing her greatest fear that she is the demon. Hopper must be willing to do something he has never done before surrender; surrender El to the Upsidedown and abandon the fight. His struggle will be to sit on his hand and do absolutely nothing. We begin to wonder which side is the Upsidedown in this world of paradoxes. What makes me qualified to join this dream team? I’ve had experience surrendering to win and leading my team to acceptance. I have a condition called ARFID, Avoidant/ Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It’s an eating disorder I’ve had practically all my life. My parents tried to help in their way but they only made it worse. My father is very much like Hopper. He is strong and courageous mentally and physically. But ARFID can’t be overpowered by someone’s else strong will. My mother is like Dustin. She wants to figure things out, make a million phone calls, and hash up a plan. But with ARFID understanding it is overrated. Surrender, acceptance, and action are the solutions. And the solution had to come from me. It was my journey of transformation and recovery. It has been a slow journey but I’m going in the right direction. The first step was recognizing that I was powerless over my abnormal reaction to food and willpower alone was not going to make me a normal eater. It was from this awareness I could move forward and accept the tools of recovery. Today I am in counseling and feeding therapy on an intensive schedule. It is not easy to balance this schedule with all my homework and extracurricular activities but it’s necessary. It is a paradox that recovery starts with surrender and although facing our inner demons is an inside job we never do it alone. For me, my dream team is my loving family and supportive therapists and counselors. To save Hawkins, my dream team would be El, Hopper, and Dustin because they remind me of myself and my family. My vision for my future is a healthy, confident version of myself. My vision of the future El is a well-rounded, confident, powerful person who knows they are moral and kind and doesn’t have to be afraid of their past or true nature. Hopper too, will not have to fear his past, he is no longer a person with nothing to lose yet, it doesn’t terrify him to be in a relationship. And Dustin can be Dustin. 1. reference to “The Second Coming,” by W.B. Yeats

My favorite actor to portray Spider-Man would have to be Tobey Maguire. He was the first actor to portray Spider-Man in a feature film so he brings out all the classic characteristics of Spider-Man from the original comics. You see him go through all the struggles and the changes in his life throughout the three films he was in and Maguire is able to use his exquisite acting skills to give a performance that is entertaining but also deeply emotional and true to the character of Peter Parker. Not to mention the many one-liners that he spews while acting as Spider-Man are entertaining as well. Maguire showcases his range as he will go from calm and Nerdy to erratic and aggressive in a short time span. While Tom Holland and Andrew Garfield both betray the character faithfully, as well, McGuire also shows the bad side of Peter Parker and his own internal struggles in a more convincing fashion. I also appreciate how you see the character essentially grow up over the course of the three movies. He matures and learns from his actions, treatment of people, and mistakes. These include his relationships with his best friend, Mary Jane, and Aunt May. Throughout the movie, he loses so much of what is important to him but through it all he's able to keep his composure and battle through his external and internal struggles. This is why I believe that McGuire is the quintessential Spider-Man.

I would be in Hufflepuff because I embody the characteristics of humility, perseverance, loyalty, and a sense of justice. I have always challenged myself to take the most rigorous courses offered by my school even when it didn't come easily for me. I am a member of the school newspaper, esports, and robotics club. But I am most dedicated to drama club. I have had lead and supporting roles in 14 school productions. I have gained membership in the International Thespian Society. I received The Director's Choice Award for my role in Les Miserable. I spend my free time volunteering and helping my grandmother who suffered a stroke. I help in my church during August and Easter with school supply drives and Easter Baskets. Before my grandmother had her stroke, I was her champion volunteering at Lion's Club Events. We still help out during holidays but her health concerns made her give up her leadership role so I help her after school and on weekends by taking her to appointments and taking care of her pets. I am passionate about the planet. I am a member of environmental groups, including Keep Islip Clean, Love My Parks, American Littoral Society, Seatuck, and Keep America Beautiful. I regularly participate in community clean-up events. I've hiked hundreds of beautiful trails in my home state. Words don't do justice to the sights I've beheld. I've traveled from Awosting Falls in the east to Niagara Falls in the west and hiked 15 falls in between. Each was more magical than the next. From chasms to glens, I've seen rainbows, insects that twinkle like fairies, lizards, snakes, timid deer, and oblivious bears. I've visited the Big Five National Parks in Utah. I've gazed across the Grand Canyon. Every trail I travel becomes a part of me, fills my senses, and leaves a mark on my soul. The feeling of standing at the apex of Angels Landing in Zion National Park has touched me in a way no other vista has impacted me. That is the spot where I would leave the message: "You are one with all, everything is connected, you matter, and your choices matter. Choose Earth!" It is important for me to do service with my talents. I hope to make the world a better place through storytelling. I am a passionate moviegoer. As long as I can remember movies have evoked deep emotions in me and have moved me into action or compassion. My earliest movie memory is shedding a tear while watching Wallie which came out when I was two. I am too young to have seen Wallie in theaters but I watched that DVD until it wore out. The movie has a powerful warning about the importance of taking care of our planet and that message stays with me today. I aspire to have a career in the field of communication because if I can stir deep emotions or passion in others I can change the world. It’s important for me to feel creative. Telling stories is a process and I can get so absorbed in the process that I know it is a career in which I can stay committed. I can stay up all night editing to see if the final product matches my vision. It’s gratifying to create an original story that people can enjoy or learn from. I believe this is a way I can bring my passion together with helping people and doing something I will never get tired of doing.

The character from “The Office” that resonates most with me is Jim. He has an easy-going personality and generally goes with the flow. I think Jim is a kind, moral, and intelligent person but the lack of intellectually challenging work at the office leads him to behave immaturely. The way Jim looks at the camera crew, and thus the audience, makes you feel like you are his friend and you understand him but his coworkers don’t entirely get him. At first, you think Jim is unfulfilled in this job and it is not his passion but as time goes by you realize the people are his passion. Obviously, he loves Pam but he cares for the other characters, too. He feels responsibility for them in a sense. His role is to witness the absurdity and raise an eyebrow or shrug, yet accept each character for who they are. He is the quiet patriarch of the office. My family and I have bonded watching “The Office.” The characters and jokes have become part of our family’s lexicon. The premise of people working in a fairly meaningless and unfulfilling office job followed by the camera crew debriefing them as if their work was so meaningful it needed explaining is brilliant. Michael Scott’s interaction with the crew is comedic genius. The characters and their performances delight me. As a younger person watching a show about adults working in an office, I did gain insight into workplace dynamics. I would want to work at a job I felt passionate about; however, the show has shown me no matter how diverse or quirky your coworkers are when you spend enough time together they could become like a second family. It is important to accept people for who they are and learn to celebrate their diverse personalities. “The Office,” would be pretty boring if all the workers were the same. There can be much joy and laughter in our differences.

I feel excited to be a member of Gen Z. Many people have a pessimistic view of this crossroads in America’s history but I couldn’t be filled with any more hope for our society. Pain is the path to progress. In many ways, some Americans are suffering from social injustices like inequity in the health care system, economic insecurity, food insecurity, racial discrimination, gender bias, and political polarization. Nothing that grows in the dark can be changed. The pandemic and the political arena that my generation and I have had a front-row seat to witness as we enter adulthood has been a call to action. I accept the challenge. The social issue that would be the focus of my efforts to effect change would be implementing a code of ethics for the use of artificial intelligence. Recent media has cast a tone of suspicion and fear about the future use of AI. The current writers' strike is just one example that perhaps justifiably begs the question of what role should AI play in our future. Gen Zers should be critically examining this question. I believe AI has great potential to usher in an age of increased social justice. I recently watched a recording of this very topic being discussed at a UN special event entitled, Artificial Intelligence for Social Justice, recorded on April 14, 2023. The discussion convened a panel of experts such as UN Ambassadors from India and Singapore, an AI scholar from Johns Hopkins, the CEO of AI for Good Foundation, a representative from the W.H.O., and a representative from the UN’s International Telecommunication Union. The message I gleaned from these distinguished public servants was a hopeful one. AI has tremendous potential to help the world reach the 17 Sustainability Development Goals of the UN. Goals such as no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities, climate action, and peace, justice, and strong institutions. This is the potential legacy of Gen Z. Z-not end of the line, but rather, the last time a child dies of hunger or our last chance to slow down climate change. There are also potential risks of an AI future. AI relies on the quality of the data it uses. This is a true crossroad. The precipice of an opportunity to correct immortal practices, even the scales of justice, and share resources equitably. This can be done if thoughtful, deliberate, and explicit policies are made now. I can be part of this vehicle of positive change. I am fascinated to have the opportunity to study this issue in depth and use my craft to effect change in the world.