I want to build a broadcasting career, using media to inform, unite, and inspire. Whether I’m behind the mic hosting a radio show or working behind the scenes to help a production run smoothly, I’ve learned that engaging, authentic communication is the heart of meaningful sports coverage. I want to use the power of sports storytelling to bring people together, highlight the humanity behind the games, and create moments of connection that transcend differences. My path began with a deep love for baseball. professional baseball team, I’ve experienced firsthand how a ballpark can turn strangers into one cheering community. My media experience includes hosting Tim’s Tunes and co-hosting a weekly sports talk segment. This has given me hands-on experience in both technical production and on-air performance. Learning to navigate station IDs, public service announcements, live transitions, and audience engagement taught me how to think on my feet all while remaining composed. My cohost and I spend countless hours researching teams, players, and statistics so we can bring accurate, insightful content to our listeners. The positive feedback we’ve received reassures me that I’m on the right path. To succeed in sports information, I believe the most important skills are communication, research, creativity, and collaboration. My plan is to continue seeking internships, expanding my technical skills, and gaining as much on-air experience as possible. Just as important as technical skill, though, is the character behind the work. Sports journalism has the power to influence how people see each other. Growing up, I learned the importance of kindness and service from my family. I supported my grandmother through her health challenges when she had a stroke. And she taught me that showing up consistently, even quietly, is a form of leadership. That lesson guides how I try to live every day. Service has always been a central part of my life. I’ve been deeply involved in community programs from environmental cleanups with Keep Islip Clean and the American Littoral Society, to volunteering at church to prepare lunches for the homeless, to supporting civic engagement events like Take Back the Night. Also, working for the Town of Islip strengthened my belief in giving back, and my participation in the Claire Friedlander Upstander Program at the Holocaust Museum taught me the power of communication to build empathy and combat misinformation. These experiences remind me that the stories we tell and how we tell them can shape how people see the world and one another. In everything I do, I ask not what a situation can give me, but what I can contribute. That mindset guides both my service and my career ambitions. Sports broadcasting has helped me find my voice, and I hope to use that voice to uplift others, create community, and inspire hope. This scholarship would support me in advancing my education and continuing to build the skills that will allow me to serve others through sports information, storytelling, and communication.

I am a junior at SUNY New Paltz, where I lean into discomfort, whether that means auditioning for plays despite nerves, facing tough interviews, or enrolling in challenging classes. In high school, I joined the Early College Program, where I left my high school half the day to take college courses. I also broadened my horizons by traveling to Europe with my AP Government class. Beyond academics, I give back to my community assisting at local events like the Take Back the Night. I'm a dedicated member of organizations, including the American Littoral Society, and Keep America Beautiful. I participate in clean-up events regularly. Another moving experience was participating in a program at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center as an essayist in the Claire Friedlander Upstander Foundation. This taught me that history’s greatest atrocities were the product of dehumanizing a particular group of people, which 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. These opportunities allowed me to be hands-on in improving my hometown, giving me a deeper appreciation for public service and the importance of taking care of shared spaces. That same persistence drives my dream of using storytelling to inspire change. Movies have always stirred something deep within me. I want to create stories that evoke those same emotions in others and encourage them to think, reflect, and act. My volunteering experiences help me explore who we are as a society and who we could become. Through storytelling, I hope to bridge gaps, build empathy, and spark transformation. My academic journey reflects my drive and curiosity. I’ve always sought out the most rigorous courses available: taking IB, AP, and Honors classes. In high school, I earned 19 college credits with a 3.5 GPA. In college, I have a 3.7 GPA. I stay involved on campus, too. Yet, what means most to me isn’t recognition, it’s the opportunity to serve through my talents. Whether it’s helping my community or quietly supporting my family. I believe in leading with kindness because it reflects my values: show up, care deeply, and contribute with humility. I have always been passionate about creating and performing, and a career in media production allows me to combine both. Since starting college, I’ve been involved with WFNP, The Edge, SUNY New Paltz’s radio station, which has sparked a strong interest in pursuing a future in radio broadcasting. Hosting my own show called “Tim’s Tunes” has given me hands-on experience both behind the mic and behind the scenes. I’ve learned how to manage my playlist, play the station identification, and the public service announcements, all while staying engaged with my audience on-air. This experience has shown me that I love both the technical and creative sides of broadcasting. Whether it’s connecting with listeners as an on-air personality or ensuring the production runs smoothly as a technician, I find purpose in using media to inform, entertain, and inspire. I’m particularly interested in radio because of its unique ability to tell stories, create community, and deliver powerful content through sound alone. My ultimate goal is to build a career in broadcast media, working in radio production or on-air hosting. I plan to continue developing my skills through internships, campus opportunities, and specialized coursework. Receiving this scholarship would help me further my education and training in this field, allowing me to pursue my passion full-time and make meaningful contributions to the media landscape.

My career goal is to work in sports information and broadcasting, using media to inform, unite, and inspire. Whether I’m behind the mic hosting a radio show or working behind the scenes to help a production run smoothly, I’ve learned that engaging, authentic communication is the heart of meaningful sports coverage. I want to use the power of sports storytelling to bring people together, highlight the humanity behind the games, and create moments of connection that transcend differences. My path began with a deep love for baseball. As a promotions manager for my community’s professional baseball team, I’ve experienced firsthand how a ballpark can turn complete strangers into one cheering community. Managing two jobs alongside my coursework hasn’t been easy, but it has taught me time management, perseverance, and the importance of being dependable. These are skills essential in sports information, where preparation and adaptability are everything. At SUNY New Paltz, I’ve expanded my media experience through WFNP, The Edge. Hosting Tim’s Tunes and co-hosting a weekly sports talk segment has given me hands-on experience in both technical production and on-air performance. Learning to navigate station IDs, public service announcements, live transitions, and audience engagement taught me how to think on my feet all while remaining composed. My cohost and I spend countless hours researching teams, players, and statistics so we can bring accurate, insightful content to our listeners. The positive feedback we’ve received reassures me that I’m on the right path. To succeed in sports information, I believe the most important skills are communication, research, creativity, and collaboration. I actively work to strengthen these by taking challenging coursework in digital media production, pushing myself to audition for plays to improve my confidence, and accepting opportunities that once scared me. My plan is to continue seeking internships, expanding my technical skills, and gaining as much on-air experience as possible. Just as important as technical skill, though, is the character behind the work. Sports journalism has the power to influence how people see each other. Growing up, I learned the importance of kindness and service from my family. I supported my grandmother through her health challenges when she had a stroke. And she taught me that showing up consistently, even quietly, is a form of leadership. That lesson guides how I try to live every day. Service has always been a central part of my life. I’ve been deeply involved in community programs from environmental cleanups with Keep Islip Clean and the American Littoral Society, to volunteering at church to prepare lunches for the homeless, to supporting civic engagement events like Take Back the Night. Also, working for the Town of Islip strengthened my belief in giving back, and my participation in the Claire Friedlander Upstander Program at the Holocaust Museum taught me the power of communication to build empathy and combat misinformation. These experiences remind me that the stories we tell and how we tell them can shape how people see the world and one another. In everything I do, I ask not what a situation can give me, but what I can contribute. That mindset guides both my service and my career ambitions. Sports broadcasting has helped me find my voice, and I hope to use that voice to uplift others, create community, and inspire hope. This scholarship would support me in advancing my education and continuing to build the skills that will allow me to serve others through sports information, storytelling, and communication.

My career goal is to work in sports information and broadcasting, using media to inform, unite, and inspire. Whether I’m behind the mic hosting a radio show or working behind the scenes to help a production run smoothly, I’ve learned that engaging, authentic communication is the heart of meaningful sports coverage. I want to use the power of sports storytelling to bring people together, highlight the humanity behind the games, and create moments of connection that transcend differences. My path began with a deep love for baseball. As a promotions manager for my community’s professional baseball team, I’ve experienced firsthand how a ballpark can turn strangers into one cheering community. Managing two jobs alongside my coursework hasn’t been easy, but it has taught me time management, perseverance, and the importance of being dependable. These are skills essential in sports information, where preparation and adaptability are everything. At college, I’ve expanded my media experience through volunteering at WFNP Radio Station. Hosting Tim’s Tunes and co-hosting a weekly sports talk segment has given me hands-on experience in both technical production and on-air performance. Learning to navigate station IDs, public service announcements, live transitions, and audience engagement taught me how to think on my feet all while remaining composed. My cohost and I spend countless hours researching teams, players, and statistics so we can bring accurate, insightful content to our listeners. The positive feedback we’ve received reassures me that I’m on the right path. To succeed in sports information, I believe the most important skills are communication, research, creativity, and collaboration. I actively work to strengthen these by taking challenging coursework in digital media production and accepting opportunities that once scared me. I plan to continue seeking internships, expanding my technical skills, and gaining as much on-air experience as possible. Just as important as technical skill, though, is the character behind the work. Sports journalism has the power to influence how people see each other. Growing up, I learned the importance of kindness and service from my family. I supported my grandmother through her health challenges when she had a stroke. And she taught me that showing up consistently, even quietly, is a form of leadership. That lesson guides how I try to live every day. Service has always been a central part of my life. I’ve been involved in community programs from environmental cleanups to volunteering at church to prepare lunches for the homeless. But it was my participation in the Claire Friedlander Upstander Program at the Holocaust Museum that taught me the power of communication to build empathy and combat misinformation. These experiences remind me that the stories we tell and how we tell them can shape how people see the world and one another. In everything I do, I ask not what a situation can give me, but what I can contribute. That mindset guides both my service and my career ambitions. Sports broadcasting has helped me find my voice, and I hope to use that voice to uplift others, create community, and inspire hope. In a time where the country is so divided, watching sports transcends politics and creates an atmosphere of excitement and escape. 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. This scholarship would support me in advancing my education and continuing to build the skills that will allow me to serve others through sports information, storytelling, and communication.

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.

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.

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.