Sabrina Carpenter has been one of my favorite artists for years—it's not just her music that I love, but also the vibrant personality and versatility she brings to her craft. From the very start, I was captivated by her incredibly catchy songs, but as time went on, I grew to admire her for so much more than just her sound. Whether she’s delivering a fun pop anthem or a touching ballad, her music has a remarkable way of sticking with me. On those tough days, I often find myself playing her tracks on repeat because they uplift me, motivate me, and boost my confidence. What I admire most about Sabrina is her knack for evolving as an artist while remaining true to herself. She kicked off her career as an actress on the Disney Channel, then smoothly moved into music, where she’s continued to grow her artistic range. She's genuinely multi-talented, excelling in both singing and acting. I love that she hasn't confined herself to just one area but has thrown herself wholeheartedly into her passions. This really inspires me to believe that I can also explore different paths in my life and career without being restricted to just one role. Her latest albums, Short n’ Sweet and Man’s Best Friend, really showcase how she’s attracted a broader audience and reached new heights of success. I enjoy all her albums—from her earlier works to this new project—because each one reveals a different facet of her growth and creativity. Watching her evolution over the years feels like a shared journey, reminding me that change and reinvention are not just possible but empowering. Sabrina also stands out to me because of her bubbly and humorous personality. She doesn’t try to come off as distant or untouchable. Instead, she connects with her fans through her humor and authenticity, whether during interviews, live shows, or those light-hearted moments on stage. In a world where many, especially young women, feel the pressure to be “perfect,” Sabrina shows that it’s okay to embrace quirks, imperfections, and the funny side of life. Seeing her has encouraged me to view my individuality as a strength rather than something to hide away. Her career journey has taught me some important lessons as well. She shows that success isn’t always a straight path and that it often takes resilience and reinvention. Her willingness to branch out into new opportunities inspires me to stay adaptable in my own life and career aspirations. I’m aiming for a career as a financial analyst, and I know it won’t be an easy ride. But Sabrina’s determination to keep moving forward serves as a reminder for me to face any challenges with creativity and resilience. Above all, Sabrina’s music brings me joy and confidence. Tracks like “Nonsense,” “Feather,” and “Taste” not only put a smile on my face but also encourage me to embrace humor, independence, and self-expression. They create a soundtrack for those moments when I need a boost, some comfort, or just a reason to dance. I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter not just because she is an entertainer, but also because she is a role model who shows that talent, authenticity, and determination can open so many doors. Her albums, her personality, and her growth as an artist continually motivate me to embrace my passions, seize opportunities without fear, and celebrate who I truly am.

Reflecting upon my formative years, I realize that my relationship with my childhood physician extended far beyond the typical boundaries of medical care. From the age of two, she was a consistent presence, guiding me not only through physical ailments but also through the myriad emotional and psychological challenges that accompany growing up. The environment she cultivated within her practice was remarkably nurturing—her office did not resemble the impersonal clinical spaces one might expect, but rather operated as a haven, fostering trust and comfort. Her attentiveness and empathy marked her as a significant role model, one whose influence has persisted long after my final appointment at age twenty, which, incidentally, felt like a defining transition in my personal development. Although my professional ambitions do not lie within the healthcare sector, the core values I absorbed from her remain profoundly relevant. Her approach demonstrated the transformative power of genuinely listening, of treating every individual with dignity, and of offering support in moments of vulnerability. These principles, far from being exclusive to medicine, are universally applicable; they form the foundation for ethical and impactful practice across disciplines—be it in business, education, public policy, or any other field. The cultivation of empathy and respect is, in my view, indispensable for anyone aspiring to make a meaningful difference in society. As I contemplate my impending entry into the workforce, I am acutely aware of how women in healthcare, like my physician, have historically navigated and reshaped professional landscapes. Their ability to integrate scientific rigor with authentic compassion sets a high standard—one I aspire to emulate, even outside the confines of clinical medicine. The resilience and adaptability these women display, often while contending with systemic challenges and biases, underscore the unique strengths women bring to any environment. I am inspired by their capacity for balancing multiple demands without sacrificing the quality of their interpersonal relationships or the integrity of their work. Moreover, my physician’s example illuminated the profound and lasting impact of seemingly minor gestures. A reassuring word, sustained eye contact, or a moment of genuine attention can foster resilience and hope in others, often when it is most needed. This awareness has shaped my own professional ethos: I strive to approach each interaction, regardless of context, with kindness and determination. Such values, I believe, are not merely aspirational but essential for leadership and for fostering environments where others can thrive. Looking ahead, I aspire to become a professional whose reliability and support are as unwavering as those I received from my physician. I seek to cultivate a career marked not only by personal achievement but also by a commitment to uplifting those around me. My definition of success has evolved to encompass not just the attainment of goals or accolades, but the positive influence I can exert within my community and workplace. In honoring the legacy of compassionate mentorship that shaped my early life, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the lives and aspirations of others—demonstrating, as my physician did, that the true measure of one’s career lies in the enduring impact made on the well-being of those we serve.

Adversity has been a persistent force throughout my life—at times, unwelcome, but undeniably formative. Rather than viewing challenges as barriers, I have come to see them as opportunities to test and develop my own resolve. Each difficulty, whether mental or physical, has reinforced the idea that incremental progress still counts. Even small steps forward matter. A particularly significant challenge arose during my junior year of high school, when the pandemic abruptly shifted all learning online. Like many of my peers, I struggled to adapt to the loss of in-person instruction and the isolation of remote education. The transition was far from easy; I missed the routine of the classroom and the direct support of my teachers. Yet, instead of succumbing to these obstacles, I established a disciplined daily schedule and approached online classes with the same seriousness as if I were physically present. I took initiative in my learning—seeking clarification when confused and supplementing class materials with independent research. This period instilled in me a deep sense of self-discipline and motivation that continues to inform my academic and professional pursuits. Balancing academic responsibilities with personal challenges has also tested my resilience. There were periods when the weight of my obligations felt overwhelming. To manage this, I broke down larger goals into manageable tasks, maintaining momentum through consistent effort. The college application process, for example, brought significant pressure and tight deadlines. By organizing my priorities with calendars and checklists, I maintained focus and completed my work efficiently. The satisfaction of meeting these goals affirmed the value of structure and perseverance. Faith has also played a crucial role in my approach to uncertainty. In difficult moments, I rely on prayer for guidance and clarity, and my sense of hope propels me forward, even when outcomes are unpredictable. I have learned to interpret setbacks not as failures, but as learning experiences. Each misstep provides insight and fosters personal growth. These experiences have shaped my aspirations in finance—a field that demands critical thinking, resilience, and composure under pressure. The lessons gained from adversity have prepared me to remain focused and solutions-oriented, rather than discouraged by difficulties. I am confident that this mindset will enable me to thrive in a demanding professional environment and contribute meaningfully to my future workplace. Ultimately, I believe success is not defined by the absence of obstacles, but by the willingness to confront and overcome them. My commitment to perseverance, discipline, and hope continues to motivate me, and I am determined to pursue my goals with these principles as my foundation.

Establishing credit at an early stage is, in my view, a critical element in securing long-term financial health and autonomy. I obtained my initial credit card in February 2025 and began utilizing it the following month. From the outset, I resolved to adopt responsible credit management practices, specifically by consistently paying the full balance on each statement rather than settling for minimum payments. This approach has allowed me to avoid interest charges, maintain a positive credit history, and steadily improve my credit score. The significance of these habits became clear to me during a high school financial literacy course, where I learned how credit can serve as either a gateway to opportunities or a source of difficulty if mishandled. One of the most prudent financial decisions I have made is to establish a routine of paying off my credit card balance in its entirety each month. Although this may appear straightforward, it actually reflects a deeper commitment to discipline and consistency—qualities that are fundamental to sound financial management. Many individuals fall into the pattern of making only minimum payments, often resulting in the accumulation of debt and excessive interest charges. By applying the lessons from my financial education, I recognized early on that it was essential to avoid unnecessary debt in order to safeguard my future. This proactive strategy not only supports the growth of my credit score but also enhances my confidence when approaching larger financial decisions, such as applying for loans or renting an apartment. Furthermore, I have come to understand that credit is not merely a matter of borrowing funds; it is a demonstration of personal responsibility and reliability. Credit scores have a broad influence, affecting not only lending but also employment, housing, and insurance opportunities. Recognizing this broader impact underscored the importance of building credit early rather than delaying until adulthood. By cultivating good financial habits now, I am actively preparing for greater flexibility and fewer barriers in the future. My primary motivation stems from a desire for control over my financial circumstances. I am determined to manage my financial trajectory rather than be constrained by it. Throughout my upbringing, I witnessed the adverse effects that financial stress can have on individuals’ lives and choices. Wishing to avoid similar hardships, I make intentional decisions today with my future well-being in mind. Simple actions such as tracking expenses, paying bills punctually, and establishing credit early are foundational steps toward future stability and independence. As I continue on my financial journey, I intend to expand my knowledge and refine my skills, with the goal of not only achieving personal financial security but also empowering others in my community to make informed decisions. Financial literacy is a transformative tool, and I believe that sharing knowledge about credit building and money management can inspire others to take control of their own futures. In sum, building credit early is significant to me because it embodies preparation, discipline, and accountability. By consistently paying my credit card balance in full and avoiding unnecessary debt, I am taking deliberate steps to secure my financial foundation. My ongoing objective is to make judicious financial decisions and remain motivated by the prospect of a stable and independent future. Each responsible choice I make is an investment in future opportunities and peace of mind.

From a young age, I have recognized the critical role that supportive communities play in fostering the growth and development of young people. While I have not directly participated in organized athletics, I have always appreciated the valuable lessons embedded within sports—namely, teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and mutual respect. These attributes transcend the realm of competition and are integral to shaping individuals who are well-equipped for life’s challenges. Throughout my upbringing, I was actively involved in community programs where sports served as a central means of engagement and connection for youth. Observing the positive impact of athletic activities, I saw firsthand how these spaces provided children with opportunities to form friendships and build self-confidence in a safe environment. Although my own contributions did not take the form of athletic participation, I found meaningful ways to support these initiatives, such as volunteering at youth events, assisting with organization, and encouraging my peers who were athletes. These experiences heightened my awareness of sports’ unique ability to unite diverse groups and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect. Education has also been a cornerstone of my personal journey. I have come to see parallels between the skills required for academic success and those cultivated through youth sports. Both spheres demand dedication, resilience, and a commitment to overcoming obstacles. As I continue to pursue my own education, I am determined to leverage my knowledge and skills to contribute positively to my community—particularly by serving as a mentor and advocate for young people. It is important to demonstrate that one does not need to be a direct participant in sports to contribute meaningfully; support can also be provided by encouraging inclusion and facilitating opportunities for engagement. Looking ahead, I aspire to be actively involved in youth sports programs, serving as a mentor and role model. I intend to volunteer with organizations that support young athletes, especially in underserved communities. By assisting with event organization, raising awareness, or tutoring students who balance academics and athletics, I hope to promote the holistic development of youth. Furthermore, I am committed to advancing inclusivity in sports by advocating for greater opportunities for girls, children from diverse backgrounds, and those who may not initially identify as athletes. In summary, my objective is to integrate my educational pursuits with my passion for community service, thereby supporting the growth and well-being of young people through sports-based programs. Although I may not participate directly as an athlete, I recognize the significance of those who work behind the scenes to ensure collective success. Through these efforts, I aim to encourage youth participation, foster inclusion, and contribute to the development of essential life skills—ultimately strengthening my community and upholding the values of leadership and service.

While I have not personally grappled with addiction, I have witnessed its profound effects on those around me, and these observations have informed the decisions I make in my own life. From an early age, I saw firsthand how substance abuse—whether alcohol or drugs—could quietly destabilize families and disrupt communities. I rarely consume alcohol myself, fully aware of how easily casual use can morph into dependency. These experiences have shaped my perspective, underscoring the critical importance of education, robust support systems, and sound decision-making. What has struck me most is the way addiction impacts not only the individual but also everyone in their orbit. Friends who grew up in households marked by addiction often faced instability, financial hardships, and emotional challenges, all of which made academic success more difficult. Listening to their stories has fostered empathy in me and strengthened my resolve to create stability in my own life. I realized that education could serve as a foundation for a better future—not just for myself, but also for those who lack strong support networks. Though I cannot speak to recovery from personal experience, I am keenly aware of the importance of prevention and awareness. My choice to limit alcohol consumption is a deliberate one, rooted in my desire to remain focused on my academic and personal goals. By staying mindful about substances, I am better able to maintain clarity, prioritize my studies, and move steadily towards financial independence. This approach has already influenced my educational journey by instilling in me a sense of responsibility and self-discipline. Looking ahead, I aspire to use my education to assist individuals facing challenges like addiction, financial stress, or limited access to resources. My career goal is to work in finance, where I can help families and individuals build more stable, secure futures. I believe that financial literacy and stability can reduce some of the stressors that contribute to substance abuse. By helping people learn to budget, save, and plan for the long term, I aim to provide tools that facilitate breaking cycles of hardship. Financially, pursuing higher education has not been easy. I depend on scholarships and financial aid to minimize student loans. Without this support, covering tuition and living expenses would be a significant obstacle. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also reinforce my commitment to staying focused and purposeful in my academic pursuits. It would enable me to dedicate more time to my studies and volunteering, rather than constantly worrying about how to afford my education. Although I have not endured addiction myself, I have great respect for those who have overcome it. Their resilience inspires me to remain committed to my goals and to use my education as a means of contributing positively to society. I hope to provide guidance, stability, and encouragement to others—just as mentors and role models have done for me.

Although I have not experienced the specific challenge of having a parent with ALS, my educational journey has been profoundly shaped by personal and financial obstacles. Perseverance, responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to higher education have defined my path. Despite the differences in our circumstances, I share the same spirit of resilience and hope that this scholarship seeks to recognize. From an early age, I understood that education represents the most reliable pathway to independence and opportunity. While my family has always valued hard work, financial security has remained elusive. Pursuing a degree has required ongoing sacrifice; I have consistently balanced academic responsibilities with part-time employment to help cover expenses. These experiences have fostered discipline, time management, and a strong focus on my long-term goals, even in the face of adversity. Although my home life was not directly affected by ALS, I am intimately familiar with the burden of family struggles and the uncertainty that comes with financial instability. My time in college has required me to become adaptable and resilient. There have been many occasions when I worried about affording tuition, textbooks, or even basic living costs. These concerns have, at times, made it difficult to concentrate on my studies, but they have also served as motivation to persist. I am determined to build a future in which I can support myself and also help others who face barriers to accessing education. To me, this scholarship represents much more than financial assistance; it is an opportunity to continue my education without the constant stress of economic insecurity. The support it provides would enable me to dedicate myself more fully to my coursework, internships, and the professional experiences that will prepare me for my chosen field. My aspiration is not only to graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary for a meaningful career, but also to use my experiences to inspire others who may doubt their own potential in the face of adversity. Every applicant undoubtedly brings a unique story—whether shaped by illness, financial hardship, or personal challenges. What unites us all is the determination to persevere, to improve our circumstances, and to ensure that our struggles become sources of strength rather than limitation. My experiences have reinforced my belief in the transformative power of resilience, hope, and education. Receiving this scholarship would provide the stability needed to continue my academic journey. By alleviating the burden of tuition and related expenses, I would be able to remain focused on my educational and professional goals and continue building the future for which I have worked so diligently. While I am not the child of a parent with ALS, I am well acquainted with overcoming obstacles and striving for opportunities that may sometimes seem out of reach. With your support, I am confident in my ability to continue growing, achieving my goals, and ultimately making a positive impact on the world around me.

My pro-life perspective did not emerge in isolation—it is the outcome of years spent actually listening to women, absorbing their stories, and grappling with the complicated realities that shape pregnancy and reproductive choices. The slogan “our bodies, our choice” resonates with me on a serious level. It captures a fundamental truth: women are the ones who bear both the physical and emotional consequences of pregnancy, and their voices absolutely matter in these discussions. Frankly, it’s frustrating how often decisions about women’s bodies are dominated by those who do not experience these realities themselves. My pro-life stance is rooted in genuine concern for both women and unborn children. I am also keenly aware that pregnancy is not always a cause for celebration. It can be the result of trauma, sexual assault, or simply unintended circumstances. These situations reveal just how complex and emotionally loaded the question of life really is. I don’t believe in ignoring the suffering or struggles of mothers; if anything, my commitment to the unborn actually pushes me to advocate for the well-being of both the mother and the child. Both deserve compassion, support, and a chance at dignity. My involvement in community service has fundamentally shaped this outlook. Whether I was collecting diapers for new mothers, helping out at fundraising events for pregnancy resource centers, or just listening to women share their experiences, I saw firsthand the impact of a supportive community. In these contexts, the idea of “choice” expands. With adequate support, women are empowered to choose hope and life, not because they’re forced to, but because they have the resources and encouragement they need. On my campus and in my community, I’ve participated in pro-life organizations and events that prioritize empathy alongside advocacy. For me, being pro-life isn’t just about opposing abortion; it’s about fostering a culture where every individual—mother, father, child, elderly, or disabled—is treated with inherent dignity. That includes providing practical assistance, emotional support, and a nonjudgmental space for women who might otherwise feel isolated. My commitment to affirming the value of life is reflected in concrete actions, such as participating in peaceful demonstrations, raising awareness about available resources for expectant mothers, and volunteering to ensure families in crisis receive necessary support. Above all, I strive to approach every conversation on this issue with empathy rather than condemnation. At the heart of the pro-life movement, in my view, is a call to compassion—acknowledging the dignity and worth of both women and their unborn children, even in the most difficult circumstances. Ultimately, my pro-life convictions are not about political posturing or exerting control. They are about affirming the value of every human life and insisting that women deserve more than fear or isolation as their only options. By supporting women and advocating for the unborn, I aim to embody a belief in the dignity of all people, especially in times of pain and vulnerability.

Taylor Swift’s performance of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” during the Red (Taylor’s Version) release concert stands as a particularly compelling illustration of her evolving artistry. In this moment, Swift’s choice to perform alone at the piano, stripped of background dancers and extravagant effects, underscores the emotional gravity of the song itself. The simplicity of the staging directs the audience’s focus toward the narrative and the authenticity of her delivery, evident in the occasional crack in her voice—an audible reflection of genuine emotion rather than technical imperfection. As someone familiar with both the Red and 1989 albums, it becomes apparent that this performance acts as a bridge between the unguarded storytelling of Red and the more polished, self-assured tone that characterizes 1989. The ten-minute version of “All Too Well” extends the narrative, offering new verses and additional context that deepen the listener’s understanding of the story. Swift’s delivery is marked by a sense of reflection and emotional maturity; instead of returning to the original bitterness, she approaches the lyrics with a nuanced perspective that suggests personal growth. This performance illustrates Swift’s capacity to transform deeply personal experiences into narratives with universal resonance. The concert functions as an emotional time capsule, connecting fans to both the vulnerability of past heartbreak and the resilience that follows. For those who have engaged with both the melancholy of Red and the triumphant spirit of 1989, the performance is a vivid reminder that experiences of sadness and strength often coexist. Ultimately, Swift’s presentation of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” is more than a tribute to a beloved song; it symbolizes the trajectory of her career and her willingness to share her continued evolution with her audience. It encapsulates her life in the spotlight and her ongoing commitment to authenticity and emotional candor on stage.

As a first-generation Indonesian American and a second-generation college student, I am currently entering my final year of undergraduate studies. I am pursuing a degree in finance with a minor in French, a combination that underscores both my analytical approach and my keen interest in global perspectives. Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently challenged myself, sought out growth opportunities, and strived to develop skills that will allow me to make a meaningful contribution in my future career. My ultimate objective is to become a financial analyst—a role in which I can leverage data analysis, problem-solving, and strategic thinking to assist organizations in making well-informed decisions. From January to July 2025, I served as a Continuous Improvement Training (CIT) Analyst at United States Cold Storage. This co-op experience became one of the most formative periods in my personal and professional development. The team was not only welcoming and supportive but also genuinely encouraged my curiosity and professional growth. Through collaboration and active participation, I was able to develop new skills and contribute innovative ideas to address workplace challenges. This sense of inclusion and the positive organizational culture heightened my appreciation for workplaces that prioritize teamwork and shared values. As a result, I am eager to return to United States Cold Storage after graduation. My Indonesian background has played a significant role in shaping my worldview and work ethic. Navigating the intersection of my family’s heritage and the broader American context instilled in me adaptability, perseverance, and a deep respect for diverse perspectives. Although I am naturally introverted, these experiences have developed my empathy and my capacity to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds—qualities that are increasingly valuable in the global financial sector. Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I am passionate about travel and cross-cultural exploration. I hope to further broaden my horizons, both personally and professionally, through international experiences. Achieving fluency in multiple languages, including French, will enable me to engage effectively in international markets and foster stronger cross-border business relationships. I firmly believe that exposure to different cultures not only broadens one’s thinking but also encourages innovation and builds important bridges between people. Looking ahead to my final undergraduate year, I am focused on acquiring the skills and experiences necessary to excel as a financial analyst. My time at United States Cold Storage reinforced the value of a supportive and collaborative work environment and demonstrated the fulfillment that comes from aligning one’s values with those of an organization. My journey as a first-generation Indonesian American, coupled with my academic preparation in finance and French and my co-op experience, has equipped me to approach future challenges with confidence, dedication, and a strong motivation to make a positive impact.

"Men seek retreats for themselves, houses in the country, sea-shores, and mountains; and you too are wont to desire such things very much. But this is altogether a mark of the most common sort of men, for it is in your power whenever you shall choose to retire into yourself." In this passage, Marcus Aurelius highlights that genuine tranquility isn’t found by seeking external retreats or physical escapes, but rather by developing discipline within one’s mind. He underscores the importance of self-reliance and the ability to govern one’s thoughts through rational order. Essentially, Aurelius articulates a principle that remains relevant: attaining inner peace is not contingent upon outside conditions, but hinges on an individual’s capacity to master their perspective. Marcus Aurelius stands out as an exemplar of Stoic philosophy, not merely as a Roman emperor but as a thinker whose private reflections—his Meditations—continue to resonate across centuries. Composed in Greek during periods of military strife, these writings were never intended for public scrutiny, yet they endure as a remarkably candid account of his philosophical struggles and commitments. In the passage under discussion, Aurelius astutely critiques the common human tendency to seek tranquility through external escapes—country estates, seaside retreats, or mountain hideaways. This observation is strikingly relevant today, as contemporary society frequently equates well-being with physical relocation or sensory novelty. By describing this impulse as characteristic of “the most common sort of men,” Aurelius implicitly questions whether such outward retreats genuinely address internal unrest. His argument is clear: seeking peace through external means is ultimately futile, as such changes do not resolve the deeper causes of discontent. Aurelius proposes an alternative: to “retire into yourself.” Importantly, this is not an advocacy for social withdrawal or ascetic isolation. Instead, it reflects the Stoic emphasis on introspection and the deliberate regulation of one’s thoughts. For the Stoics, the rational mind represented the locus of human autonomy and freedom. Mastery over one’s judgments and perceptions, they argued, allows an individual to maintain equanimity even amidst external chaos. This view stands in stark contrast to the notion that peace is contingent on favorable circumstances. Further, Aurelius defines tranquility as “the good ordering of the mind,” a phrase that encapsulates the essence of Stoic doctrine. According to this tradition, the mind must be trained to align its judgments with reason and virtue. Disordered thinking—manifested as resentment over uncontrollable events or fixation on ephemeral pleasures—inevitably leads to agitation. Conversely, when the mind is ordered, when values are clear and focus is directed toward what is within one’s control, it serves as a refuge from life’s inevitable disruptions. Aurelius’s counsel to “constantly give to yourself this retreat” underscores the necessity of ongoing practice. He does not describe a singular act of reflection, but rather a discipline to be repeated continually. Life’s adversities are persistent, and so must be the renewal of one’s mental clarity. His advice to keep one’s principles “brief and fundamental” further suggests that effective self-governance rests on internalizing simple, memorable truths—such as Epictetus’s maxim, “It is not things that disturb me, but my judgment about them”—which can be summoned in moments of stress. By returning to these principles, Aurelius claims, one can “cleanse the soul completely,” emerging “free from all discontent.” This cleansing is not mystical; it is practical. It involves discarding false beliefs, moderating irrational desires, and restoring a balanced perspective so that external misfortunes lose their destabilizing power. In effect, it is akin to resetting the mind, enabling one to confront new challenges without the residue of prior frustrations. The historical context of Aurelius’s writing further amplifies the significance of his insights. Unlike philosophers removed from worldly concerns, Aurelius governed an empire, directed armies, and endured personal tragedies, including the loss of several children. His commitment to inner retreat rather than physical escape testifies to the practical utility of Stoic philosophy: even the most powerful individual could not evade external pressures, but could determine his response to them. In the contemporary context, Aurelius’s message remains acutely pertinent. Modern individuals are often beset by relentless schedules and digital distractions, prone to believing that fulfillment lies in a change of environment or circumstance. Aurelius’s wisdom challenges this assumption, insisting that genuine peace is cultivated internally. This is not a rejection of leisure or travel, but a reminder that such pursuits are complements, not substitutes, for inner composure. From a philosophical perspective, Marcus Aurelius’s reflections serve as a pointed critique of reliance on external conditions for personal tranquility. If one’s sense of peace is contingent upon external events, one’s autonomy remains precarious. In contrast, cultivating inner order—developing a mind anchored in reason and self-discipline—grants a form of resilience that is largely immune to the vagaries of fortune. This is a central tenet of Stoic philosophy: true freedom is rooted in internal governance rather than in the unpredictable world outside. Practically, these ideas translate into habits such as journaling, meditation, or daily reflection. Individuals might begin the day by reaffirming core ethical principles or conclude it by evaluating whether their reactions aligned with reason. Such practices facilitate the creation of an “inner retreat,” a mental space accessible regardless of external turmoil or location. Aurelius’s message, then, is fundamentally one of empowerment. By rejecting dependence on external retreats and embracing the discipline of the mind, he articulates a vision of peace available to all, irrespective of wealth, status, or circumstance. This democratization of tranquility is, arguably, one of the most radical aspects of his thought: both emperor and common citizen possess the same essential capacity for ordering their thoughts and, in turn, attaining serenity. In summary, the selected passage from Meditations asserts that tranquility is achieved through internal discipline rather than external escape. Aurelius’s exhortation to “retire into yourself” challenges the instinct to seek external solutions for internal unrest. By maintaining clarity of principle, practicing regular self-renewal, and focusing on what lies within our control, we cultivate a state of mind that remains undisturbed by the inevitable trials of life. This Stoic ideal, formulated in antiquity, continues to offer a timeless framework for pursuing freedom from the unpredictability of circumstance.

From a financial perspective, my primary contribution toward increasing the affordability and accessibility of mental health care would focus on dismantling the systemic barriers that currently limit access. The current landscape, where variables such as socioeconomic status or geographic location dictate the availability of mental health services, is both inequitable and unsustainable. Leveraging my background in finance, I would work to design and implement sustainable funding models that support the ongoing provision of mental health services at reduced or no cost for those most in need. This would involve fostering strategic partnerships among private sector organizations, governmental bodies, and community-based nonprofits to pool resources and direct funds more efficiently toward direct care rather than administrative overhead. Additionally, I would advocate for the integration of comprehensive mental health benefits within standard employee compensation packages across various industries. By normalizing access to mental health services as a basic workplace necessity rather than an optional benefit, we could significantly broaden the reach and impact of these services. In summary, by combining financial expertise with a focus on advocacy and inter-organizational collaboration, I aim to help eliminate the economic and structural obstacles that impede access to critical mental health care.

My involvement in the disabled community has significantly shaped my worldview, even though my disability is not immediately apparent. I am autistic, and this aspect of my identity profoundly influences my daily experiences, my approach to relationships, and my interpretation of the broader world. Because my disability is not visible, many people do not initially recognize the challenges I encounter. This invisibility has underscored for me that disability is not always obvious and has heightened my appreciation for compassion, patience, and inclusivity. Engagement within the disabled community has illustrated that resilience often stems from persistence and self-advocacy. I have observed that individuals with disabilities—both visible and invisible—navigate environments and systems that were not created with their needs in mind. This realization has fundamentally altered my perspective, making me more conscious of existing barriers and the critical need to dismantle them. I have learned that genuine inclusion extends beyond mere presence; it entails ensuring active, comfortable participation for all. Living with autism has shaped my cognitive and social interactions. Social situations can often be overwhelming, and forming connections is not always straightforward, particularly in contexts that prioritize superficial qualities over authenticity. As a result, I have learned to look beyond appearances and to value individuals for their deeper attributes. This approach has fostered an appreciation for diversity of thought, background, and personality. I am convinced that recognizing and valuing differences is crucial, not only in personal relationships but also in professional environments. As I approach graduation, majoring in finance and minoring in French, I am committed to bringing these values into my professional life. While finance may seem unrelated to disability advocacy, I believe that every field offers opportunities to advance inclusivity. For instance, I can leverage my role in the financial sector to support organizations prioritizing accessibility and equity. Additionally, I can advocate for workplace policies that accommodate diverse needs, ensuring that employees have the necessary resources to succeed. Participation in the disabled community has also instilled a sense of responsibility to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked. Having experienced being underestimated or misunderstood, I am motivated to ensure that others do not encounter similar obstacles alone. In my future pursuits, I intend to use my skills to help build systems that serve everyone, not just those who align with the majority. Whether through financial planning, organizational management, or community engagement, my aim is to foster environments where all individuals have equitable opportunities to thrive. In conclusion, my experiences as a member of the disabled community have endowed me with empathy, resilience, and determination. These qualities will continue to guide my efforts as I strive for a future where inclusivity is a standard practice. My objective is to integrate my professional expertise with my values to create a lasting, positive impact in both my field and my community.

Living with autism has profoundly informed my understanding of mental health, shaping not only my worldview but also the relationships I cultivate and my professional aspirations. Throughout my life, I have generally preferred solitude over the complexities of large social environments. While meaningful human connection is important to me, I have often found it challenging to build rapport with individuals whose interests or values seem superficial or self-interested. These experiences have reinforced my conviction that empathy, patience, and genuine understanding are foundational for any thriving community. As I approach my senior year of college, my academic focus is finance, with a minor in French. Although I am not directly studying mental health, my personal experiences have provided me with a distinctive perspective on the significance of emotional well-being. Mental health, I have found, is not confined to specific professions; rather, it constitutes a universal foundation that influences how people think, interact, and work. In finance, for instance, the ability to regulate emotions and manage stress is essential for sound decision-making and ethical conduct. I intend to integrate my financial expertise with the insights I have gained from navigating mental health challenges, thereby promoting greater awareness of mental well-being within professional environments. My perspective on mental health emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance alongside traditional forms of treatment. Society frequently overlooks the internal struggles of individuals who may appear to be functioning well outwardly but are contending with significant challenges beneath the surface. My lived experience with autism has demonstrated how easily others may misinterpret outward behavior, failing to recognize the substantial effort required to navigate environments that are not always accommodating. As a result, I value authenticity and strive to foster spaces in which individuals feel safe expressing their true selves. My relationships tend to be few but deeply rooted in trust and mutual respect. I prioritize depth over breadth, seeking connections with individuals who are open to listening, learning, and sharing honestly. Although it can be difficult to establish close bonds in environments where social status and appearances are prioritized, I continue to seek out relationships built on shared values. By candidly discussing my own experiences, I hope to help others feel less isolated in theirs. Looking ahead, I am committed to leveraging my background in finance to support organizations with positive social missions, particularly those dedicated to mental health advocacy. Financial expertise is a crucial resource for nonprofits and socially conscious enterprises; I aspire to help such organizations manage their resources effectively so they can focus on their core mission. In this way, I hope to bridge my analytical skills with my commitment to mental health awareness, ensuring that financial decisions serve to support, rather than undermine, well-being. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to a culture—whether in educational or professional settings—that values both productivity and psychological safety. It is my belief that mental health advocacy belongs in every field, provided individuals are committed to empathy and respect. My goal is to demonstrate that even in finance—an area often associated primarily with numbers and markets—there remains ample space for compassion and meaningful human connection.

Recovery is a concept I deeply respect, though I have not personally undergone the experience myself. I do not smoke, and I rarely consume alcohol; similarly, my family avoids both smoking and excessive drinking. We prioritize maintaining a sense of balance in our lives, aiming to prevent circumstances that might necessitate counseling or more intensive intervention. In this context, recovery represents a significant journey that many individuals embark upon in order to regain control over their health and overall well-being after encountering challenges such as addiction or related difficulties. Although I have not personally needed recovery, I recognize its critical importance for those who do. Recovery is not merely about abstaining from harmful behaviors; it is a comprehensive process of healing, personal growth, and learning to live in a healthier manner. This process demands significant strength, patience, and support from others. It also requires making deliberate choices to avoid behaviors that could be detrimental to one’s physical or mental health, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Furthermore, I believe that prevention and self-awareness are essential in reducing the likelihood of requiring recovery. By consciously choosing a lifestyle that emphasizes health, emotional stability, and moderation, I seek to minimize the risks that can lead to more serious issues. Ultimately, recovery is not solely about overcoming past struggles; it is also about embracing the possibility of a better future. It serves as a powerful reminder that change is attainable and that support is available for anyone who seeks it.

Challenge Name: “Truth in the Mix” Overview: “Truth in the Mix” is a social dynamics challenge constructed to examine honesty, perception, and emotional acuity among Love Island contestants. Prior to the commencement of the challenge, each participant completes a confidential questionnaire, which includes inquiries ranging from the playful to the intensely introspective. Prompts such as “Who do you secretly find most attractive?” or “Who is playing a game?” are intended to elicit candid responses. The answers remain anonymous and are curated onto cards, subsequently placed in color-coded boxes for the challenge itself. Game Mechanics: Contestants are organized into pairs, which may consist of romantic partners or randomly assigned duos. Each pair selects a mystery box, reads the contained prompt aloud, and jointly determines which contestant the statement most accurately describes. Once their decision is finalized, the host reveals the correct answer and identifies the original respondent. Correct guesses earn points; incorrect ones still result in the revelation of the truth to the group. This structure incentivizes both strategic collaboration and attentiveness to group dynamics. Purpose and Implications: The primary objective of “Truth in the Mix” is to catalyze authentic interactions and critical reflection within the group. By compelling contestants to confront their perceptions of one another, the challenge produces moments of tension and revelation, thereby fostering both personal and collective growth. The exercise is likely to strengthen some relationships through validation, while simultaneously introducing doubt or conflict in others due to unexpected disclosures. Additional Incentives: To augment engagement, the pair with the highest score receives a private date or exclusive villa experience, whereas the lowest-scoring pair must sleep in separate beds and avoid private conversations for a full day. This reward mechanism introduces both positive reinforcement and a mild punitive element, further motivating active participation and thoughtful decision-making. Significance: “Truth in the Mix” successfully combines entertainment and emotional depth. The challenge is adaptable, capable of serving as either an introductory icebreaker or a late-stage test of established relationships. It underscores themes central to Love Island—trust, perception, and vulnerability—while also generating content that is compelling for both participants and viewers. Conclusion: In sum, “Truth in the Mix” is an effective vehicle for exploring the complexities of interpersonal relationships within the Love Island villa. Through its structured yet unpredictable format, the challenge encourages honesty, reflection, and engagement, ultimately enriching the social fabric of the show.

My experiences with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly influenced my personal goals, relationships, and overall worldview. Like many individuals, I underwent a period marked by heightened stress and uncertainty. The abrupt isolation, interruption of daily routines, and limited access to communal spaces made it increasingly challenging to maintain stability. These obstacles impacted my well-being, strained social connections, and transformed my self-perception as well as my understanding of others. Yet, this period of adversity ultimately prompted meaningful personal growth, reinforcing the value of connection, resilience, and empathy in ways I had not previously considered. At the onset of the pandemic, I encountered a level of stress that was unprecedented in my life. The rapid pace of change—schools and public spaces closing, social interaction becoming largely virtual—brought a sense of disconnection I had not anticipated. While communication via digital platforms was technically possible, it often failed to provide the emotional fulfillment of in-person connection. My support systems seemed distant, and prolonged isolation led to increased anxiety and difficulty concentrating. Routine activities became burdensome, and I noticed a decline in motivation even for basic tasks. Additionally, my physical health suffered during this time. Like many others, I experienced notable weight gain, which compounded my existing stress. The closure of gyms and the restriction of outdoor activities made it difficult to remain physically active. Simultaneously, rising costs for essential goods strained my family’s financial situation. These combined factors deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and financial health, and illustrated how disruptions in one area can rapidly influence others. Despite these challenges, the experience compelled me to reflect on my values and long-term objectives. I realized the importance of in-person connection and community engagement, and the absence of these aspects underscored their significance in my life. As pandemic conditions gradually improved after 2021, I set a personal goal to rebuild and strengthen my relationships. I made a concerted effort to reconnect with friends, establish new connections, and participate more actively in my local community. This period taught me to be more deliberate and appreciative in my interactions with others. Furthermore, my understanding of the broader societal impact of mental health was transformed. I became more aware of how individuals often struggle in silence, particularly during collective crises. This awareness has increased my empathy and patience, motivating me to check in on others and consider their emotional well-being, even when they do not openly express their struggles. I now recognize that small acts of kindness and understanding can have a significant and lasting impact, especially during challenging times. My long-term aspirations have evolved as well. While I continue to pursue a degree in finance, I am now equally motivated to contribute to societal well-being, particularly for those facing economic or mental health challenges. I wish to help create systems that are equitable, sustainable, and holistic—prioritizing not just financial security but overall quality of life. In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic presented considerable emotional, social, and physical challenges. Yet, it also provided some of the most valuable lessons I have learned to date. I now appreciate that mental health is as crucial as academic or professional achievement, and that nurturing relationships requires intentional effort. Above all, I have learned that personal growth is possible, even in periods of profound uncertainty.

Character, in my view, is not defined by grand gestures or rare, spotlight moments. Instead, it emerges in the daily routines—the choices I make when no one’s watching. The five traits I value most—leadership, resilience, unselfishness, focus, and work ethic—aren’t abstract ideals for me; they’re woven into my life as a finance major and French minor, and as a first-generation Indonesian immigrant. Each of these qualities has shaped my academic trajectory and my sense of purpose. Leadership, for me, means more than holding a title or dominating a conversation. As a student on the autism spectrum, I have had to learn how to advocate for myself and for others, often by fostering inclusion in group work and openly discussing challenges that are easy to overlook. I believe leadership begins with listening and continues by creating space for marginalized voices, even if that means addressing topics some might find uncomfortable—like LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, or immigration policy. These conversations matter, and I refuse to let convenience eclipse the need for understanding. Resilience is a necessity in my experience, not just an aspiration. Navigating the complexities of multiple cultures, managing sensory sensitivities, and overcoming communication barriers have demanded persistence and adaptability. Through these obstacles, I have developed practical coping mechanisms and relied on strong support systems, refusing to let setbacks define my path. Unselfishness, to me, means prioritizing the well-being of others, even when it requires personal sacrifice. I dedicate significant time to student organizations and community initiatives focused on equity. When I see classmates struggling, I do my best to offer support, motivated by my understanding of what it feels like to be overlooked or underestimated. Focus and determination are central to my academic and personal progress. I set clear, achievable goals, manage my time with intention, and approach each task with discipline. Whether preparing for exams or researching economic policies, I remain committed to delivering my best effort, even amid competing responsibilities. Work ethic is the foundation of all my endeavors. I meet deadlines, strive to exceed expectations, and hold myself accountable to high standards. My dedication is not simply a matter of personal ambition—it is rooted in my responsibility to my family, mentors, and community, who have invested in my journey. My decision to pursue finance is driven by the belief that financial systems hold the power to either perpetuate inequality or foster opportunity. I aim to use my education to support underserved communities in building wealth and overcoming systemic barriers. My minor in French reflects a passion for language and cross-cultural understanding, which I hope to apply in a global context. Ultimately, I see leadership as the responsibility to use one’s influence for the greater good—to challenge injustice, uphold core values, and empower others to do the same. These principles guide my daily actions, and I intend to carry them forward in my pursuit of a meaningful, equitable, and impactful life.

Resilience in my experience is less about grand gestures and more about a persistent determination to move forward, even when the path ahead is unclear or uncomfortable. Rather than sidestepping challenges, I have learned to address them head-on, albeit sometimes quietly and without fanfare. Living with autism, resilience does not always manifest in dramatic ways; often, it means consistently showing up, learning to advocate for myself, and developing practical strategies to navigate a world that frequently overlooks neurodivergent perspectives. Autism is frequently misunderstood. It shouldn’t be viewed as a deficit or limitation, but as an alternative way of experiencing and processing the world. As a college student, this difference brings unique challenges. Social interactions, communication, executive functioning, and sensory environments can all become overwhelming at times. While many of my peers seem to adapt to college life with relative ease, I often find myself expending twice as much effort to manage everyday tasks—whether that’s keeping track of assignments, participating in group projects, or simply attending crowded lectures. Despite these obstacles, I have not only managed to persevere but have grown significantly. I developed personalized systems: detailed planners, visual schedules, quiet study spaces, and structured routines like time-blocking. These tools have been instrumental in my academic and social success. Additionally, I have become more comfortable communicating my needs and advocating for accommodations that support my learning. By being more open about my diagnosis, I have been able to educate others and contribute to a more inclusive campus environment. Resilience also involves recognizing when to seek assistance. For a long time, I believed I had to be entirely self-sufficient. College, however, has demonstrated the importance of community. Through disability services, student organizations, and supportive faculty, I have built a network that encourages and empowers me. This support system has not only contributed to my academic achievements but also reminded me that resilience is as much about connection as it is about personal strength. Approaching my senior year, I reflect on the sense of uncertainty and anxiety I felt as a first-year student. I once doubted my ability to belong. Today, I am confident in my identity and proud of my progress. Autism is an integral part of who I am, but it does not define my limitations. My resilience is evident in my continued efforts to engage, adapt, and advocate—authentically and with purpose. I hope my experiences encourage others to embrace their differences and discover strength in their own narratives.

I am compelled to apply for this scholarship not only out of necessity, but because my approach to education and life is marked by perseverance, responsibility, and intentionality—qualities I have refined through lived experience. The trajectory of my personal and academic journey has been shaped by significant challenges: growing up in a low-income immigrant household, navigating the complexities of autism, and bearing the weighty expectations associated with academic and financial achievement. These factors, far from impeding my progress, have instilled a sense of determination that pushes me not simply to succeed, but to thrive with purpose and integrity. My upbringing in a family of immigrants, constrained by financial limitations, provided an early education in resilience and resourcefulness. Observing my family’s relentless dedication—witnessing sacrifices, large and small, made for my advancement—instilled in me a profound respect for hard work and the value of opportunity. From a young age, I was acutely aware that higher education was not guaranteed for someone of my background; rather, it was an aspiration that demanded extraordinary commitment and strategic action. This realization fueled my persistent efforts to secure scholarships and navigate the labyrinthine financial aid system. Despite our modest household income, I discovered that my Expected Family Contribution (EFC) was unexpectedly high, which presented additional barriers to accessing adequate financial support. As a result, my family and I have frequently engaged in appeals processes and sought alternative means to fund my education. In parallel to these financial challenges, I have learned to adapt to life with autism. Rather than perceiving my neurodivergence as an obstacle, I have come to recognize it as a distinctive aspect of my identity that informs my approach to learning and personal development. Autism has fostered in me a heightened sense of focus, discipline, and self-awareness. I am meticulous about organization, attuned to the management of sensory experiences, and conscientious in my work ethic. My differences have not hindered my progress; on the contrary, they have cultivated a quiet resilience and a unique perspective that I consistently bring to my academic pursuits and interpersonal interactions. This experience has enabled me to navigate academic challenges with a level of adaptability and insight that I believe enriches both my individual growth and my contributions to the academic community. While contending with these personal and academic demands, I have also assumed substantial financial responsibility. I take care to manage my finances judiciously—using credit responsibly and ensuring that I meet my obligations in a timely manner. The reality of student loans and the long-term commitment they entail is not lost on me; I am acutely aware of the financial weight I carry and the importance of maintaining a disciplined budget. The constraints of my financial situation necessitate careful prioritization, often precluding opportunities that may be more accessible to peers with greater resources. Nevertheless, I remain committed to seeking out educational and personal growth experiences, even within the boundaries of my means. A particularly significant aspiration of mine is to study abroad in France in order to complete my minor. This opportunity is not simply a curricular requirement, but a transformative experience that promises to broaden my cultural perspective, enhance my language proficiency, and facilitate personal growth that extends far beyond the classroom. The financial demands of such a program—including airfare, housing, tuition, and living expenses—are considerable. I am actively engaged in efforts to save money and secure additional funding, yet without the support of scholarships, this goal may ultimately remain unattainable. What distinguishes me from other applicants is a consistent record of accountability and an unwavering determination to overcome adversity. I neither take educational opportunities for granted nor view scholarships as mere handouts; rather, I regard them as investments in individuals who possess both the passion and the resilience to transform adversity into meaningful achievement. My journey has been marked by hard work, gratitude, and a vision that extends beyond personal success to encompass a broader commitment to community and future generations. In summary, I may not benefit from material privilege, but I bring to the table a strong work ethic, a deep sense of gratitude, and a clear vision for my future. I understand the reality of struggle and have demonstrated the capacity to persist in the face of significant challenges. This scholarship represents not only a means to alleviate the financial burdens that I contend with daily, but also a critical step toward fulfilling my academic and personal aspirations. Ultimately, I hope to leverage my educational experiences—including the opportunity to study abroad—not only for personal advancement, but also to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others who share similar journeys. Thank you for considering my application.

Growing up in a low-income household has fundamentally shaped my worldview, priorities, and drive—a reality that continues to influence my daily life. Rather than simply absorbing abstract lessons about resilience and resourcefulness, I have been compelled to embody them. Hope, for me, is not a platitude but a necessary force in the face of daunting odds. Navigating the college financial aid process has underscored these challenges. While many students secure scholarships and grants, my own experience was complicated by an unexpectedly high Expected Family Contribution (EFC) generated by the FAFSA. This figure did not reflect our actual financial circumstances and significantly limited my eligibility for need-based assistance. My family and I have had to advocate persistently for any financial support. We devoted considerable time to composing appeal letters to financial aid offices, carefully explaining our situation and requesting reconsiderations of the cost of attendance. These appeals met with mixed success, yet we persisted, recognizing that we had no alternative. I applied to numerous scholarships, remaining as optimistic as possible despite frequent rejections. Each setback was discouraging, but I have learned that perseverance holds intrinsic value, even in the absence of immediate results. This process has developed my character and affirmed my commitment to improving my future. These experiences have deeply influenced my values. I have learned humility and the importance of appreciating every opportunity. I now recognize the true cost of education—not just financially, but in terms of time, energy, and emotional investment. Witnessing my family’s tireless efforts with limited resources has fostered in me a strong work ethic. I value education as the most viable path toward altering my circumstances. Moreover, I value empathy, having personally experienced the uncertainty of needing help and not knowing if—or when—it would arrive. Looking ahead, I hope that scholarships available through Bold.org will ease my financial burden, allowing me to concentrate more fully on my studies. Any awards I receive will go directly toward tuition, which continues to rise each year. Beyond meeting basic educational expenses, I aspire to participate in a study abroad program in France. This experience would not only broaden my academic and cultural horizons but also enable personal growth that extends beyond the classroom. Given my financial background, such opportunities have always seemed remote, but with the support of scholarships, they might become attainable. There is much of the world I have yet to experience, and I am eager to change that. I want to encounter new cultures, engage with diverse perspectives, and learn by immersion rather than solely through textbooks. Although my background has presented significant obstacles, it has also instilled in me a strong motivation to pursue more. The journey is challenging, but ultimately worthwhile. With diligence, a clear sense of purpose, and the support of organizations like Bold.org, I am determined to build a future that both honors my origins and expands the range of possibilities available to me.

The concept of being a “You Got It Girl” encompasses resilience, self-advocacy, and the ability to persevere in the face of uncertainty. It is not about possessing all the answers or achieving perfection; rather, it is about the willingness to try, to persist, and to maintain faith in oneself when outcomes remain unknown. While I am not a collegiate athlete, movement has been an integral part of my life from an early age. My early experiences in gymnastics and basketball—although not leading to professional success—instilled in me habits of discipline and a strong work ethic that have persisted to this day. Life circumstances eventually led me away from formal sports, but those formative experiences continued to shape my approach to challenges and personal growth. Upon entering college, I rekindled my passion for movement through dance. This path was unconventional and, at times, fraught with discomfort and self-doubt. Nonetheless, the decision to audition for the college dance team during my freshman year stands out as a pivotal moment. Despite not making the team due to my relatively limited training, I refused to interpret this setback as a final verdict on my abilities. Instead, I sought out alternative opportunities—attending dance classes, engaging with online tutorials, and practicing at open studios. This period of self-guided learning reinforced my understanding that persistence and enthusiasm can outweigh technical perfection. Each time I practice, I reclaim the sense of confidence and fulfillment that movement brings, reminding myself that growth is often nonlinear. Throughout this journey, I have drawn significant inspiration from athletes such as Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas. Their achievements, particularly as trailblazing Black women in gymnastics, have demonstrated the power of excellence and resilience under public scrutiny. Observing their poise and determination during high-pressure moments, such as the Olympic Games, has deeply influenced my own pursuit of personal excellence. Additionally, my engagement with dance was shaped by cultural influences, including television programs like Dance Moms. I was especially captivated by Maddie Ziegler and her peers, whose discipline and expressive artistry motivated me to explore dance in my own way, even if only in the privacy of my living room. Their performances exemplified the transformative potential of movement, regardless of formal training or recognition. Receiving this scholarship would provide essential support for my continued development as a dancer. Financial assistance would enable me to access formal training, acquire appropriate equipment, and participate in workshops that are currently beyond my financial means as a full-time student. More than that, this opportunity would validate my nontraditional path and affirm the value of persistence outside the conventional realm of collegiate athletics. Although my achievements may not include championship titles or athletic scholarships, the lessons I have gained from dance—resilience, focus, and self-expression—are equally meaningful. Dance has become my primary medium for personal growth and empowerment. I strive to approach each day with intention and pride in my efforts, regardless of external recognition. To represent “You Got It Girl” would be an honor. I believe this distinction belongs not only to those celebrated on podiums but also to those who persist through adversity, who return after disappointment, and who continue to learn and evolve. My journey may be unconventional, but it is marked by authenticity, growth, and a steadfast commitment to self-discovery through movement.

Cybersecurity has become an essential concern for local communities, particularly for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. These entities frequently lack the technical infrastructure and financial resources that larger corporations take for granted. The result? They are left exposed to a growing array of cyber threats—phishing, ransomware, data breaches, you name it. Many organizations are simply unprepared, and the consequences of a single cyber incident can be catastrophic, both financially and reputationally. With this in mind, my primary objective is to leverage my cybersecurity expertise to bridge that glaring gap. I propose a multi-faceted approach, beginning with the development and delivery of practical, accessible workshops. Rather than focusing on jargon-heavy or overly technical sessions, the workshops would be tailored to the real-world needs of these organizations, emphasizing actionable steps and cost-effective strategies. The goal is to demystify cybersecurity, making it approachable and manageable, regardless of an organization’s size or budget. Additionally, I believe strongly in the necessity of fostering digital literacy across all age groups. Digital threats do not discriminate by age, and both young people and older adults can be particularly vulnerable—albeit for different reasons. By offering targeted educational programs, we can help ensure that everyone in the community, regardless of their background or prior experience, is equipped with the foundational knowledge necessary to navigate the digital world safely. It is also worth noting the broader societal benefits of this approach. By empowering local organizations and individuals with cybersecurity knowledge, we contribute to building a more resilient digital ecosystem overall. When community members feel confident in their ability to protect themselves and their data, they are better positioned to participate in the digital economy and civic life. In summary, through education, advocacy, and practical support, there is significant potential to create a safer, more inclusive digital environment for all members of the community.

My name is Valkyrie Jade Tirtakusuma, and I am currently a senior majoring in Finance with a minor in French. As I approach graduation, I am deeply committed to excelling academically, preparing for a career as a financial analyst, and maximizing the educational opportunities available to me. Yet, the financial demands of higher education have become increasingly challenging. Receiving scholarships from Bold.org is not merely helpful—it is crucial. Financial support would allow me to complete my degree, participate in a study abroad program, and graduate with significantly less debt. Prior to college, I was actively involved in sports and community service. These experiences were instrumental in developing my leadership abilities, time management skills, and sense of commitment to others. They also fostered a strong sense of discipline and service. Although the responsibilities of college life made it difficult to continue these activities, I found an important outlet in dance. Returning to dance during my freshman year provided me with a vital means of self-expression and stress relief, helping me maintain balance and mental well-being throughout demanding semesters. Throughout my time in college, I have managed my finances with great care. I pay off my credit card balances in full each month and make every effort to avoid accumulating additional debt beyond my current student loans. Despite these efforts, tuition and living expenses have placed considerable strain on my budget. Scholarships from Bold.org are an essential component of my plan to graduate with minimal financial burden. Such support would allow me to cover necessary expenses and avoid making choices that could negatively impact my academic progress. One of my primary goals is to study abroad in France. As a French minor, I understand that true language proficiency and personal growth come through cultural immersion. Spending a semester in France would not only improve my communication skills, but also provide valuable international experience relevant to a career in finance. I aspire to work with international clients and markets, and studying abroad would prepare me to engage with diverse perspectives. However, the costs associated with international programs—such as airfare, housing, and required documentation—are significant, and without external assistance, this opportunity may not be feasible. A Bold.org scholarship would make this goal attainable. I am passionate about pursuing a career as a financial analyst, using my education to help individuals and organizations make ethical and informed financial decisions. I am particularly interested in sustainable finance, where long-term, globally conscious strategies are increasingly important. With the support of Bold.org, I will be able to graduate with confidence, serve others, and enter the workforce as a responsible, globally minded professional. In conclusion, I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to apply for support through Bold.org. This scholarship would alleviate the financial pressures I currently face, enable me to pursue transformative academic experiences, and allow me to move forward toward my goals unhindered by financial obstacles. Thank you for considering my application.

My name is Valkyrie Jade Tirtakusuma, and I am currently pursuing a major in Finance with a minor in French. As I approach my final year of undergraduate study, I find myself reflecting on both the academic milestones I have achieved and the challenges that still lie ahead—particularly those of a financial nature. Receiving this scholarship would substantially alleviate the financial strain associated with completing my education. I have managed my expenses through a combination of student loans, financial aid, and careful personal budgeting. Despite my best efforts, the increasing costs of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses continue to be a significant concern. Furthermore, I am conscious of the responsibility that comes with repaying my student loans after graduation. Support from this scholarship would enable me to better focus on my academic and professional goals during this pivotal year. A key objective for my final year is to participate in a study abroad program in France. As a French minor, I firmly believe that language immersion is vital for achieving fluency and deepening cultural understanding. Spending a semester in France would allow me to apply my language skills in authentic contexts, broaden my global perspective, and gain insights that are invaluable for my intended career. I aspire to become a financial analyst, a role that increasingly demands strong communication abilities, cross-cultural awareness, and an understanding of global economic trends. The international experience gained through studying abroad will be highly relevant as I seek to contribute to the financial sector in an interconnected world. The combination of my academic background in finance and firsthand international exposure will enable me to offer thoughtful, ethical, and globally informed analysis as I move forward in my career. It is important to note that studying abroad entails additional financial commitments—including travel, accommodation, meals, and the necessary documentation. While I have made every effort to save for these expenses, external support remains essential for making this opportunity a reality. This scholarship would directly support my ability to participate in the program, thereby enhancing both my academic and professional development. Looking ahead, I hope to leverage my education to help individuals and organizations make sound, sustainable financial decisions. I am particularly interested in the field of sustainability-focused financial analysis and aspire to promote responsible practices within the industry. I am convinced that a comprehensive education—one that integrates financial expertise, cultural competency, and global awareness—is fundamental to achieving these goals. In summary, this scholarship would provide more than just financial assistance; it would empower me to complete my degree, pursue valuable international experience, and enter my chosen profession with confidence and preparation. I am deeply committed to my studies and to making a positive impact, and I am grateful for your consideration and support.

Although I am neither Filipino-American nor a student of STEM or History, I have been informed that I meet this scholarship’s eligibility requirements. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to apply and share my perspective. My academic background is rooted in Finance, and as an Indonesian-American, I recognize the importance of navigating underrepresentation. These experiences have shaped my values and align with the principles this scholarship seeks to promote. The 2025 World Happiness Report provided several insights that challenged my previous assumptions regarding global well-being. Notably, the report underscored the significance of daily human interactions in shaping overall happiness. Previously, I assumed that national wealth or individual career success were the primary drivers of happiness. Yet, the data revealed that simple, everyday actions—such as sharing meals or cultivating trust among neighbors—are equally impactful. This led me to reconsider the importance of social and emotional support systems, which may be as vital as economic security in determining overall life satisfaction. Upon reviewing the countries ranking highest for “Positive Emotions,” I was struck by the presence of nations such as Costa Rica, Panama, and the Philippines—countries not typically associated with the highest income levels. These places demonstrated that strong community ties, cultural values, and supportive social environments can foster emotional wellbeing, even without substantial financial resources. Conversely, some wealthier nations did not perform as well in this area, suggesting that emotional happiness is not always correlated with economic prosperity. The countries ranking highest for “Negative Emotions”—including Zimbabwe, Greece, and Syria—face challenges such as political instability, economic hardship, and limited access to essential services. Elevated levels of stress, worry, and sadness in these regions reinforce the idea that secure and supportive environments are crucial for emotional wellbeing. The report also highlighted the impact of institutional trust, financial stability, and community connections on emotional distress. If I were to select a single parameter from the report to prioritize, it would be social support. Defined as having someone to rely on in times of need, social support emerged as one of the most significant predictors of happiness. Recent trends show an increase in feelings of isolation, particularly among young adults. By enhancing social support within both local and global communities, societies can foster greater emotional resilience, even in the face of economic or occupational uncertainty. From the perspective of a Finance major, the report offered meaningful insights into the value of work-life balance. The financial sector is often associated with long hours and high stress, which can result in the neglect of personal wellbeing. I now recognize that utilizing available paid time off is not indicative of weakness but is essential for sustained performance and mental health. These findings are particularly relevant in light of current discussions surrounding higher education. Rising tuition costs have led many to question the necessity of college, with some opting for trade schools, direct entry into the workforce, or community colleges. While these alternatives may provide practical and affordable options, the key determinant of long-term happiness may not be the career outcome alone, but rather the quality of support systems established through education, work, or community involvement. In conclusion, the 2025 World Happiness Report reinforced the complexity and personal nature of happiness. While financial success is important, emotional wellbeing, strong relationships, and supportive environments are equally vital in building a fulfilling life.

As an Indonesian-American, I have often encountered the assumption that I am Filipino, a common experience among Southeast Asians in the United States due to shared physical traits and overlapping cultural elements. When I discovered my eligibility for the Filipino-American scholarship, I was initially taken aback but ultimately grateful for the opportunity to be recognized within a broader context of Southeast Asian identity. Despite distinct differences between Indonesian and Filipino cultures—their languages, histories, and traditions—there exists a significant intersection in the challenges we face as children of immigrants. In academic and social settings, both communities frequently experience underrepresentation and misidentification. The need to repeatedly clarify one’s background can be both exhausting and isolating, underscoring the importance of initiatives that acknowledge and support our shared experiences. Navigating dual cultural identities presents its own set of complexities. Many of us grapple with the sensation of being “not American enough” in one setting and “not Asian enough” in another. This tension is compounded by the responsibility we feel to honor our parents’ aspirations while forging our own paths. These are not simply abstract struggles; they are lived realities that shape our academic and personal journeys. If artificial intelligence were to be utilized in representing the Filipino-American experience, I believe it should be capable of recognizing the nuances and diversity within Southeast Asian communities. AI should not only catalog traditions and values—such as respect for elders, the importance of community, and the emotional resonance of language and cuisine—but also seek to understand the emotional significance behind these practices. The lived experience of carrying generational expectations and the emotional weight of cultural duality are aspects that algorithms cannot fully encapsulate. AI Usage Statement: I utilized artificial intelligence to assist in organizing and clarifying the structure of this essay. I provided the necessary context and personal details, then carefully reviewed and revised the AI-generated draft to ensure it accurately reflected my experiences and perspective. While AI can be a valuable resource—especially for those who find writing essays challenging—the authenticity and substance of this narrative remain entirely my own.

As a Finance major at Saint Joseph’s University, I’ve come to recognize the powerful ways financial systems intersect with major global challenges—think climate change, inequality, and social justice. While I haven’t participated in formal volunteer programs during college, I have devoted considerable effort to understanding the real-life complexities that underpin these issues, especially how economic decisions ripple through both local and global communities. Over the next five years, my intention is to leverage my finance education to drive a positive environmental impact by promoting informed, responsible, and inclusive financial practices. It is clear that climate change is not just an environmental dilemma but also an economic one. Through my coursework, I’ve gained insight into the pivotal role finance plays in either worsening or alleviating environmental harm. Investment choices, budgeting, and business strategies all determine whether resources are used wisely or squandered. In my career, I hope to focus on environmentally conscious financial planning, helping organizations and individuals make sustainable decisions that are also financially prudent. Recent political and social events have highlighted deep divisions within society, both in the U.S. and worldwide. As someone from an underrepresented minority background, I have experienced the impact of racism, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. These experiences have shaped my understanding of inequality and reinforced my belief that environmental solutions must account for social and economic justice. It’s vital that sustainability efforts are accessible to all, not just those with wealth or connections. In my future work, I aim to promote financial practices that are both environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. One practical approach I plan to pursue is sustainable and ethical investing. Supporting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment strategies is crucial; by guiding clients and companies to invest in businesses committed to environmental responsibility, ethical labor practices, and diversity, I can help redirect capital for the greater good. By raising awareness of how financial decisions affect both the planet and society, I hope to empower others to support lasting, positive change. Rising prices and inflation have made sustainable choices more difficult for many families. I believe that financial literacy is an essential tool for overcoming these challenges. In the future, I hope to develop or support community programs that teach practical financial skills—such as budgeting for energy-efficient home improvements or making environmentally conscious purchases without overspending. These efforts don’t require large-scale volunteering but can still offer real support and knowledge to those who need it. In summary, I may not have a traditional volunteering record, but I am deeply committed to making a difference through finance. My education and personal experiences have taught me that environmental impact and economic justice are inextricably linked. Over the next five years, I plan to promote responsible investing, boost financial literacy, and advocate for sustainable practices that are truly inclusive. This, I believe, is how I can help create a more just and environmentally conscious future.

Upon graduation, I intend to pursue a career as a financial analyst, though I am also considering returning to United States Cold Storage, where I previously gained valuable experience. While the company does not currently offer finance-specific roles, the exposure to business operations and the experience I accumulated in the supply chain department—where I worked until July 3—significantly strengthened my skills in communication, logistics, and problem-solving. These competencies are crucial in both business and finance sectors. My academic journey at Saint Joseph’s University is centered on a Finance major and a French minor. I aspire to combine these interests by working in international finance, ideally with the opportunity to study or work in France. Pursuing a master’s degree abroad, particularly in France, is under serious consideration, as I believe immersion in a different culture would be transformative both personally and professionally. Gaining international perspectives is pivotal for my personal and career development. As a first-generation Indonesian-American and a member of an underrepresented minority group, my higher education experience has presented both unique challenges and meaningful rewards. My parents, born and raised in Indonesia, immigrated to the United States, where I was born. At Saint Joseph’s University, I quickly became aware of the limited diversity on campus, which at times led to feelings of isolation. Nevertheless, these experiences have motivated me to embrace my unique identity and develop resilience. I have learned the importance of self-advocacy and maintaining focus on my academic and professional objectives despite occasionally being one of the few minority students. Financial constraints are a significant factor in my education. I am responsible for funding my own tuition, and my family’s low-to-middle income status means that resources are limited. In addition to working while in school, I have taken out student loans, which I will need to repay after graduation. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate some of the financial burden, reduce my future debt, and improve my financial stability. More importantly, scholarship support would facilitate my goal of studying abroad. Participating in an international academic program would not only enhance my language proficiency and cultural understanding but also increase my competitiveness in the global job market. Financial assistance could be the determining factor that enables me to pursue these opportunities rather than being constrained by financial limitations. My long-term objectives include achieving both financial and mental independence. I aim to become self-sufficient, support my parents as they approach retirement in the coming decade, and ultimately give back to the family that has supported me. Mental independence is equally significant; growing up as a minority in a predominantly white environment has instilled in me the values of resilience, identity, and purpose—qualities I plan to carry into my career. In summary, receiving this scholarship would substantially support my academic journey, ease financial pressures, and help me realize my aspirations. I am committed to maximizing every opportunity afforded to me and to using my success to uplift others, particularly those who share similar backgrounds.

My name is Valkyrie Jade Tirtakusuma, and I am currently entering my senior year at Saint Joseph’s University. I am pursuing a major in Finance, complemented by a minor in French. One of my core objectives is to demonstrate that individuals with disabilities can excel in both academic and professional spheres. I aim to challenge prevailing stereotypes and assumptions by serving as an example of what is possible when opportunity and determination intersect. I am committed to fostering inclusivity and advocating for broader representation, especially for those whose abilities are often underestimated. From a practical standpoint, I am independently financing my education. This has necessitated a persistent search for scholarship opportunities to alleviate the financial pressures associated with higher education and to enable further academic pursuits. A significant ambition of mine is to study abroad in France, as I believe immersion in the language and culture would significantly enhance both my personal development and career prospects. Ideally, I would like to pursue a master’s degree in France, which I see as a pivotal step toward a future in international finance. While I was not initially drawn to K-pop, my interest in TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) was sparked after hearing their collaboration with the Jonas Brothers on “Do It Like That.” Since I grew up listening to Western pop music, this particular song resonated with me and provided an unexpected source of encouragement during a period of personal uncertainty. This experience motivated me to engage more deeply with TXT’s music and message. Through exploring their discography and live performances, I began to understand their widespread appeal. TXT’s artistry extends beyond catchy melodies; they craft narratives that are emotionally resonant and universally relevant. Their music addresses complex themes such as identity, growth, and self-discovery—challenges I frequently encounter as a college student navigating both academic and personal aspirations. A particularly impactful moment for me was witnessing TXT’s genuine engagement with their fans, known as MOAs (Moments of Alwaysness), during a live performance. Their authenticity and commitment to uplifting others left a lasting impression. It underscored the importance of integrity and support, values I strive to embody in my own journey. Although I did not originally consider myself a fan of K-pop, TXT’s messages have meaningfully influenced my perspective. Their work has reinforced my belief in perseverance and self-confidence, particularly in the face of unique challenges. They serve as a reminder that adversity is universal, but it can be overcome with resilience and a positive outlook. While TXT did not directly influence my academic focus in finance, they have shaped the way I approach my goals and aspirations. Their emphasis on connection, perseverance, and representation has inspired me to pursue similar values in my future career. Just as they use their platform to inspire and empower, I hope to leverage my education and experiences to encourage others—particularly those who may not see themselves reflected in traditional business or leadership roles. In conclusion, I am committed to advancing the cause of inclusion and demonstrating that disability does not limit potential. I will continue to work diligently, seek scholarship opportunities, and embrace every chance for academic and personal growth. The inspiration I have drawn from TXT’s music will remain with me as I strive to achieve my goals and make a meaningful impact.

“Secrets in the Suitcase” is a mid-season Love Island challenge constructed to generate intrigue, assess interpersonal loyalty, and facilitate the unveiling of concealed information through an interactive group exercise. The format introduces Islanders to a set of vintage-inspired suitcases, each bearing a contestant’s name but packed by producers with curated items, props, and written disclosures—these submissions are gathered anonymously from the group prior to the event. The structure of the challenge requires each participant to select and open a suitcase at random, excluding their own. Upon unlocking the suitcase, the contents—ranging from fabricated correspondence to symbolic objects or written confessions such as “This Islander once admitted they are not physically attracted to their current partner”—are revealed to the group. The Islander must then hypothesize regarding the owner of the secret. Once a guess is made, the actual subject of the secret is expected to confirm and elaborate on its context, prompting group discussion and, frequently, emotional or humorous reactions. The challenge proceeds until all suitcases are opened. Correct guesses accrue points, and the individual with the highest score earns a private reward, such as an exclusive date or special activity. Nevertheless, the primary function of the challenge is to stimulate both candid dialogue and the natural development of group dynamics, fostering an environment where emotional transparency is encouraged. Crucially, the production team ensures all submitted secrets are vetted to maintain a tone of lightheartedness, thereby avoiding potentially hurtful disclosures. The challenge is enhanced through the use of dynamic filming techniques, such as dramatic pauses and reaction shots, to maximize viewer engagement. In sum, “Secrets in the Suitcase” serves as a strategic catalyst for emotional honesty and relationship development at a pivotal point in the series. Whether the outcome is increased relational cohesion or heightened tension, the challenge is designed to be memorable and to provoke continued viewer interest.

I am currently pursuing a Finance major with a French minor at Saint Joseph’s University. While my primary focus has been finance, my academic journey has gradually sparked a strong interest in sales and marketing as well. Through coursework and exposure to various facets of business, it has become increasingly clear to me how deeply interconnected these disciplines are. Finance is not just about quantitative analysis; it also requires effective communication, the ability to present information persuasively, and a strategic mindset—all of which are emphasized in sales and marketing. I am not driven by aspirations to become an entrepreneur, but rather by a genuine desire to strengthen my communication, interpersonal, and strategic thinking abilities. These skills are essential not only in finance, but across the broader business landscape. Observing successful professionals, I have noticed how critical it is to convey complex financial information in a clear and engaging way, whether to clients, colleagues, or stakeholders. Sales and marketing training, I believe, can further enhance my capacity to understand client needs, articulate ideas effectively, and contribute to organizational growth. During my undergraduate studies, I have been fortunate to receive scholarships in both my freshman and sophomore years. These awards have alleviated financial pressures, enabling me to concentrate on my academic and professional development. Looking ahead, I am considering pursuing a sales certificate or additional marketing coursework to broaden my skillset and become a more competitive candidate in the business world. Although I do not intend to launch my own enterprise, I recognize the value these additional credentials can bring to my future career. Simultaneously, I am seriously considering pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. I am fully aware of the rigor and commitment required to pass the CFA exams, but I am motivated by the opportunity to deepen my analytical expertise and demonstrate my dedication to high professional and ethical standards. Achieving the CFA credential would enable me to pursue advanced roles in finance, particularly in investment management and financial planning. In summary, my interest in sales and marketing is not a departure from my finance goals, but rather an enhancement of them. By integrating both analytical and human-centered skills, I hope to become a more effective communicator, problem-solver, and leader. Whether I ultimately work in financial services, corporate strategy, or client relations, my aim is to explain complex ideas with clarity and empathy. I am committed to expanding my expertise through continued education and training, confident that these efforts will help me make a meaningful impact in the finance industry.

My name is Valkyrie Jade Tirtakusuma, and I am currently an undergraduate at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. I am majoring in Finance and minoring in French, with an anticipated graduation date of May 15, 2026. Throughout my academic career, I have pursued various opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge. For example, from January 2025 through July 2025, I will be participating in a co-op focused on Continuous Improvement, where I will gain hands-on experience in supply chain efficiency and business operations. Prior to this, I worked with the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support between January 2023 and December 2024, an experience that significantly broadened my perspective. Additionally, I participated in the WorkReady program during the summers of 2021 and 2022, and earlier, in the summer of 2018, I worked at the FUMO Library. In the short term, my primary objective is to graduate on schedule and continue developing practical experience within the business and finance sectors. Once I have achieved financial stability and paid off my student loans, I hope to pursue graduate studies in France. This would allow me to further my understanding of international business while immersing myself in the French language and culture, which I believe is essential for navigating today’s interconnected financial markets. My particular area of interest is alternative investments. I am drawn to this field due to its dynamic and innovative nature. Unlike traditional investments, alternative investments involve a diverse set of strategies and asset classes, providing professionals with the opportunity to think creatively and adapt to evolving markets. As someone from a low-income background, I find it encouraging that a career in this sector can be both financially responsible and intellectually stimulating. To promote greater equity in the industry, I believe there must be more comprehensive structural support for aspiring asset managers from all backgrounds. While Pell Grants are helpful, many individuals who do not quite meet the eligibility criteria still face significant financial challenges. Expanding access to scholarships, grants, and paid internships for students with demonstrated need would foster a more inclusive environment. Additionally, mentorship and fellowship programs directed at underrepresented groups would contribute to both financial support and professional development. If given the opportunity, I would choose to shadow an investor who has successfully operated in both traditional and alternative markets, and who prioritizes diversity and education. I am still determining the right individual, but I hope to learn from someone who excels at risk assessment, adapts to market shifts, and builds sustainable, ethical value. Although I ultimately chose finance, I was initially undecided about my academic path. What guided me was my affinity for quantitative reasoning, structure, and problem-solving, as well as a desire to achieve meaningful outcomes through my work. These core values—curiosity, responsibility, and long-term impact—would guide me in any professional setting, with a particular focus on community stability and service. I am deeply appreciative of the educational and professional experiences I have had thus far. With continued support, such as scholarships like this one, I hope to develop further as a finance professional who is globally informed, conscientious, and dedicated to fostering a more inclusive financial industry.

My name is Valkyrie Jade Tirtakusuma, and I am preparing to enter my senior year at Saint Joseph’s University, where I am majoring in Finance with a minor in French. I am an Indonesian-American student, the child of immigrant parents who moved to the United States from Indonesia. While both of my parents completed their degrees in Indonesia, I am the first in my family to pursue higher education in the United States. Growing up in a low-income household, I have developed resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of gratitude as I navigate academic and professional opportunities. Initially, I was uncertain about my field of study. Through careful reflection on my academic strengths and personal interests, I ultimately chose to major in Finance prior to applying to college. I have always been drawn to working with numbers, analyzing patterns, and solving complex problems, making Finance a natural fit. The field provides the logical structure I appreciate, while also offering tangible opportunities to create meaningful impact. I am motivated by the prospect of helping individuals and organizations make informed financial decisions that can contribute to long-term stability and growth. Beyond my coursework, I am currently completing a co-op in Continuous Improvement, which centers on supply chain operations. This experience, concluding in early July, has been an invaluable part of my education. I have learned how cross-functional teams collaborate to enhance processes, minimize inefficiencies, and leverage data for strategic decision-making. Although the role is not strictly within the realm of finance, it has broadened my understanding of business operations and provided me with valuable, transferable skills that will support my future ambitions in finance or corporate strategy. Having experienced financial challenges firsthand, I understand the profound impact that financial stress can have on daily life. These experiences have shaped my aspiration to pursue a career in finance—not only to achieve stability for myself, but also to serve others, particularly those in underserved communities. I strongly believe that financial literacy should be accessible and approachable. My goal is to help create a more inclusive financial system, one that empowers individuals to make confident, informed decisions about their futures. Additionally, I am passionate about global learning and cross-cultural engagement. Pursuing a French minor has allowed me to immerse myself in another language and culture, and I hope to study abroad in France during the coming year. This opportunity would enable me to complete my minor and gain international experience, enriching both my personal growth and professional development. Support from this scholarship would make it possible for me to allocate funds toward tuition and study abroad expenses, making these goals attainable. As the first member of my family to navigate higher education in the United States, I take great pride in the path I am forging. My ambition is to build a meaningful career that leverages my skills to empower others, improve systems, and promote financial literacy. Receiving this scholarship would enable me to pursue these goals with focus, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

The U.S. women’s gymnastics team has consistently exemplified excellence and athletic prowess, with athletes such as Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and Suni Lee standing out as paragons of dedication and achievement in the sport. Their performances not only challenge the boundaries of physical capability but also serve as enduring sources of inspiration for countless individuals, myself included. In my early childhood, I harbored aspirations of joining their ranks. I enrolled in gymnastics classes and practiced diligently at home, often envisioning myself competing on an international stage. The sport was a source of immense joy and personal confidence, fostering a sense of discipline that extended beyond athletic endeavors. As I matured, I experienced a significant growth spurt and eventually reached a height of 5’10”. While height is by no means an absolute barrier to success in gymnastics, the sport at the elite level typically favors athletes with smaller statures, which allow for greater control and rotational speed. Recognizing the physical realities of elite gymnastics, I made the difficult decision to discontinue formal training as I entered middle school. Despite stepping away from active participation, my enthusiasm for the sport remained undiminished. I continue to follow Team USA’s gymnasts closely, finding inspiration in their accomplishments and resilience. Gabby Douglas’s historic 2012 victory demonstrated the transformative power of confidence and perseverance. Aly Raisman’s leadership and Simone Biles’s ongoing redefinition of athletic excellence, including her advocacy for mental health, have had a profound influence on my personal outlook. Suni Lee’s achievements, alongside the contributions of Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Madison Kocian, underscore the importance of determination and adaptability under pressure. For me, these athletes serve as role models whose impact extends beyond the confines of gymnastics. Their journeys illustrate that while personal ambitions may evolve or take new forms, the values instilled through dedicated pursuit—such as commitment, self-belief, and resilience—remain enduring assets. Supporting Team USA thus represents a meaningful way for me to remain connected to a formative passion and to continually draw inspiration from the athletes who exemplify the very best of the sport.

My experience with mental health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has left a profound and lasting mark on my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. In 2020, much like countless others, I entered a period full of uncertainty and disruption that deeply affected my academic journey, personal growth, and emotional well-being. The early days of the pandemic brought with them intense anxiety and isolation, but as time moved forward, this period transformed into a journey of reflection, resilience, and rediscovery. The lessons I gained throughout continue to shape my goals as a finance and French student at Saint Joseph’s University and as an aspiring professional. When the pandemic began, my life changed almost overnight. In-person classes disappeared, extracurricular interests faded into the background, and time with friends became limited in ways I had never experienced before. I missed out on concerts, social events, and other important milestones that young people typically look forward to. Like many students, I struggled with the abrupt transition to remote learning. My focus and motivation declined, and the lack of structure made it challenging to stay on track both academically and personally. I also experienced weight gain during this period, which led to my clothes no longer fitting and brought on feelings of self-consciousness and diminished confidence. These physical changes mirrored the deeper emotional strain I was experiencing. Additionally, my family and I were unable to frequent restaurants or stores, activities that had always brought us together and allowed us to connect. I tested positive for COVID-19 on a few occasions—thankfully, my symptoms were never severe—but the experience of wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and continually worrying about the safety of others made social interactions feel strange and tense. The psychological impact of distancing from loved ones, losing routines, and facing daily uncertainty weighed heavily on me. I came to understand, in a deeply personal way, that mental health is not a luxury, but essential to overall well-being. As restrictions gradually lifted, I began to reconnect with life. I attended my prom, started college in person, and could once again participate in social gatherings. These experiences reminded me of the importance of human connection and deepened my appreciation for seemingly ordinary moments—walking around campus, studying in the library, or spending time with classmates. These moments, once taken for granted, became powerful reminders of hope and healing. My beliefs have evolved considerably. I now recognize that mental health is a vital component of overall wellness and am acutely aware of how stress, isolation, and uncertainty can impact motivation, relationships, and even physical health. I have developed greater compassion towards others, recognizing that many people quietly face significant challenges, and I have also learned to extend more kindness to myself. Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, I now see them as integral to a larger process of growth. My relationships have deepened as well. I reach out to friends with greater intention, listen more openly, and strive to create space for honest conversations. My connection with my family has also grown stronger, as we supported one another through a period of shared hardship. Even when we could not participate in our usual activities, we discovered new ways to remain close and care for each other. As a finance major with a French minor at Saint Joseph’s University, I am entering my senior year with a renewed sense of purpose. My mental health experiences have inspired me to pursue a career where I can use my skills in finance to make a meaningful impact. Whether through financial planning, corporate responsibility, or international business, I hope to help individuals and communities make confident and informed decisions about their futures. I also intend to incorporate my background in French to work with diverse populations, and possibly to study or work in France—a country whose language and culture I deeply admire. This journey has also prompted me to reflect on the connection between financial stress and mental health. In the future, I aspire to advocate for greater mental health awareness in the workplace and to help foster environments where people feel safe, respected, and empowered. I believe that true leadership involves understanding the human side of business—a lesson I learned not from textbooks, but from living through a global crisis and emerging stronger. In sum, my mental health experiences during the pandemic have shaped my identity in profound and unexpected ways. They have challenged and strengthened me, clarifying the kind of student, leader, and professional I wish to become. As I prepare to enter my final year of college and move toward my career, I carry with me the resilience, empathy, and determination I developed during these challenging years, with a commitment not only to better myself but also to help others thrive.

Over the years, I have followed basketball quite closely, witnessing numerous exceptional players make their mark and eventually step aside. While I do not count myself among LeBron James’s admirers, I can certainly grasp why he commands such widespread respect. For a considerable period, my impression was that LeBron was rather overhyped—the relentless media narratives, the perpetual comparisons to Michael Jordan, all seemed a bit excessive. Yet, with time, it became increasingly apparent that, irrespective of personal preference for his style or public persona, his career accomplishments are undeniably remarkable. Perhaps the most striking aspect is that LeBron James, now nearing 41 years of age, continues to perform at an elite level. In a league dominated by younger, more athletic competitors, such longevity and consistency are extraordinarily rare. His capacity to maintain physical fitness, adapt his skills, and sustain relevance year after year is genuinely impressive. Few athletes in any discipline manage to enjoy such enduring and successful careers. Additionally, the fact that LeBron is now playing alongside his son is historically significant within the NBA. Even without personal enthusiasm for either individual, one must acknowledge the sheer rarity—and achievement—of competing professionally for long enough to share the court with one’s child. This feat speaks volumes about LeBron’s durability and commitment over the years. Comparisons between LeBron James and Tom Brady are frequent and in many respects, both have secured multiple championships, sustained extraordinary careers, and are consistently listed among the greatest in their respective sports. Admittedly, I am not particularly fond of Tom Brady either, but it is impossible to dismiss the excellence and longevity that both athletes represent. Whether LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time remains a matter of personal criteria. Those who prioritize championships and clutch performances may prefer Michael Jordan, while those who value versatility, statistical accumulation, and career longevity might lean towards LeBron. Personally, I would not rank him as the greatest, but his durability and consistency unquestionably place him among the sport’s elite. In conclusion, even without personal allegiance to LeBron James, one cannot ignore his profound influence on basketball. He has fundamentally altered perceptions of athletic longevity and leadership within the NBA. Such contributions merit recognition—even from those who do not count themselves as fans.

Alright, let’s get real—if a show’s gonna stick the landing, I need those villains to actually pay for their mess. None of that “Karma Houdini” nonsense where the bad guy just vanishes into the sunset, sipping a piña colada. Nope! if they were jerks, made people suffer, or just plain ruined lives, I wanna see them get busted. Jail, public humiliation, maybe a dramatic fall off a metaphorical (or literal) cliff—whatever fits. Justice, plain and simple. It is almost like therapy for viewers when that happens, you know? All that pent-up frustration finally gets released. Now, for the good guys—please, let them catch a break. I am talking about those who actually kept their morals, did not sell out their friends, and somehow survived the chaos. Let them hang out, crack a beer, maybe go on a little vacation. Some might wanna travel, some start families, some just nap for a decade. Whatever floats their boat, as long as it feels earned. Their stories should wrap up with actual warmth, not some forced misery because “life is hard.” Give me hope, give me a little sappy happiness, I am not ashamed to admit it. And those wallflower characters? The ones always in the background, holding everyone together without ever getting the spotlight? They better get their moment. Maybe it is a new friend, love interest, or just a killer speech at the final dinner. If someone spent the whole series doubting themselves, let them finally believe they belong. I mean, come on, we’ve been rooting for these weirdos since episode one. Oh, and you need to have that one last group scene. Maybe it is a party or just everyone chilling around a table, taking in how far they have come. I want to see all the scars, all the hugs, maybe a few inside jokes. It doesn’t have to be cheesy, just real. Like, “Hey, we survived and we’re here together.” Bottom line? Villains get what’s coming, heroes get to breathe, and it all feels fair. Give me a finale that actually respects my emotional investment and I’ll walk away happy. That’s not too much to ask, right?

Reflecting on my academic journey, group projects consistently provided a platform to develop and demonstrate leadership skills. The reality is, group work can be a minefield—uneven participation, clashing perspectives, you name it. But instead of letting those challenges get under my skin, I tried to see them as opportunities to step up, support my peers, and foster real collaboration. I made it a priority to maintain accuracy in our work, encourage honest dialogue, and create an environment where everyone felt respected and included. Naturally, I found myself organizing our workflow and tracking our progress. I worked to divide responsibilities fairly, matching tasks with each member’s strengths. Before submitting anything, I’d always double-check for completeness and clarity. If something didn’t sit right or seemed off, I’d bring it up so we could improve it as a team. My attention to detail became a real asset, helping us raise the quality of our results. I never tried to dominate the group—my goal was to guide us toward a shared objective and make sure everyone contributed. Throughout my studies, I looked up to the high-achieving students in my classes. Their focus, motivation, and work ethic impressed me, and instead of feeling discouraged, I saw them as examples to learn from. I paid close attention to how they managed their time, prepared for exams, and led classroom discussions. Their approach motivated me to raise my own standards and bring greater discipline to my leadership style. For me, effective leadership is about creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere. I recognize that many students feel hesitant to contribute in group settings, so I always made an effort to listen to each member, invite their input, and ensure that every idea was treated with respect. Encouraging quieter students to share their perspectives helped build trust and improved our group dynamics. These experiences have shaped my future ambitions. I am actively considering pursuing graduate studies in France, believing that such an environment would challenge me both academically and personally. Studying in France would offer the chance to collaborate with international peers, experience a different academic culture, and further develop my leadership and communication skills in a global context. I am genuinely excited by the prospect of applying what I have learned—teamwork, organization, and positivity—in an environment that pushes me to grow beyond my comfort zone. Looking forward, I aim to lead by example, support those around me, and create spaces where collaboration and respect are the norm. Whether I am working with a team, managing a project, or pursuing graduate studies abroad, I intend to continue building on the leadership skills I have developed throughout my academic journey.

My favorite song from Charli XCX’s album "brat" is “Apple.” This track stands out to me because of its energy, rhythm, and the way it makes me feel when I hear it. I first listened to “Apple” during a dance warmup. From that moment on, I felt a special connection to it. The beat is upbeat and exciting; it instantly makes me want to move. It has a fun, trendy sound that is perfect for dancing, working out, or just lifting my mood. What I like most about “Apple” is how it creates an atmosphere. As soon as the song starts, it sets a playful and lively tone. It has a strong rhythm that is easy to follow in a dance routine. When I used it for a warmup, it made me feel more energized and ready to go. The song turned the warmup into more of a party than a workout. I did not feel bored or tired—I felt motivated. Not every song can do that. The style of “Apple” feels very current. It has that trendy electronic-pop sound Charli XCX is known for, but it also feels fresh and new. Charli XCX excels at staying ahead of pop music trends, and this song shows that. It sounds like something I would hear at a dance class, in a club, or on a playlist of popular songs right now. It blends creativity with a sound that is easy to enjoy. Even though “Apple” isn't the longest or most emotional song on the album, it is one of the most fun. Sometimes, that is exactly what I need. I love that it isn’t overly complicated—it just makes me want to move, dance, and enjoy myself. It helps me shake off stress and focus on the present. For me, a favorite song doesn't always have to be deep or dramatic. Sometimes the best songs are the ones that make you feel good in your body and mind. “Apple” is that kind of song. It reminds me why I love music in the first place—it can change my mood, give me energy, and make ordinary moments feel more exciting. That is why “Apple” is my favorite song on "brat." It is dancy, trendy, and unforgettable.

I am a fan of Wicked because it combines many things I love. First, I have always enjoyed singing. Music helps me express feelings that are hard to put into words, and the songs in Wicked are powerful, emotional, and fun to sing. Whether it’s the dramatic energy of “Defying Gravity” or the heartfelt meaning in “For Good,” the music makes me feel connected to the story and its characters. Singing these songs makes me feel strong, creative, and inspired. I also became interested in Wicked because I have seen The Wizard of Oz. I was already familiar with the world of Oz, especially the characters Glinda and Elphaba. It was exciting to see a different side of the story. I got to learn how Elphaba became the “Wicked Witch” and how Glinda was not just a perfect good witch, but a real person with flaws and feelings. It made me think about how people are judged by their appearance or by rumors, without anyone taking the time to understand their truth. Wicked reminds me that everyone has a story, even those who seem different or misunderstood. Another reason I love Wicked is that Ariana Grande is going to play Glinda in the upcoming movie adaptation. I have been a fan of Ariana Grande for a long time. I love her music, her voice, and her style. She is one of my favorite singers, and seeing her take on a role I already love makes me even more excited about Wicked. Ariana’s strong vocals and passion for musical theater make her a great choice for Glinda. Knowing she is involved makes the story feel even more special to me. Wicked brings all these elements together—singing, storytelling, and strong characters. It also teaches important lessons about friendship, identity, and staying true to yourself. Elphaba’s journey shows how powerful it is to stand up for what you believe in, even when the world misunderstands you. Glinda’s character shows how people can grow and change, even when they start off focused on popularity or appearances. In the end, I love Wicked because it resonates with me on many levels. It inspires me through music, reminds me of stories I grew up with, and now includes one of my favorite artists. It is more than just a show; it is something I can sing along to, learn from, and feel proud to love.

One lyric from Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS that resonates deeply with me is: “Each time I step outside, it’s social suicide. Social suicide, wanna curl up and die, it’s social suicide. I laughed at the wrong time, sat with the wrong guy. Searchin’, ‘How to start a conversation?’ on a website (how to flirt?)” This lyric captures the intense pressure, anxiety, and emotional weight that come with being a teenager. This is especially true for someone like me, who has autism and a history of being bullied and taken advantage of. Olivia Rodrigo gives voice to feelings I have experienced for years. These feelings are difficult to explain to others who do not see the world the way I do. For me, the fear of social rejection is not just about being shy. It is about living in a world that often feels confusing, unpredictable, and harsh. Because I have autism, things like small talk, eye contact, tone of voice, and even knowing when to laugh can be tough. I have made mistakes—laughed at the wrong time, sat in the wrong place, spoken too much or too little—and those mistakes have led to teasing, judgment, or complete rejection. Each misstep affects my confidence. The lyric “Each time I step outside, it’s social suicide” speaks to that exact feeling. Leaving the safety of my room or my comfort zone means stepping into a world where I constantly feel like I am walking through a minefield. I am always afraid of saying something wrong, looking awkward, or being misunderstood. Sometimes I search online for how to start conversations or how to flirt, hoping there is a kind of rulebook I can follow—some guide that will help me feel like I belong. But even when I try to use those tips in real life, things do not always turn out as I hope. Because I was taken advantage of in the past, I now find it hard to trust new people. When I try to open up, part of me always wonders, “Will they use this against me later?” That fear never fully goes away. Rodrigo’s line “wanna curl up and die” might sound dramatic to someone who has never felt this kind of anxiety, but for me, it perfectly captures the emotional exhaustion of social situations. The desire to simply disappear rather than deal with the stress is real. Adolescence is already tough, but living it with autism and the trauma of bullying makes it even more isolating. This lyric reminds me that I am not the only one who feels lost in social settings, who has tried to learn how to be “normal,” and who still feels like an outsider. Rodrigo’s honesty gives me a sense of comfort and validation. It reminds me that I am not broken. I am not alone. I am simply navigating a world that was not made for people like me, and that in itself takes courage every single day.

Chappell Roan’s music has impacted me in a way that feels both empowering and freeing. Her songs are bold, unapologetic, and full of energy; that kind of confidence is contagious. I have found myself not just listening to her music, but actually trying to learn how to dance to it. The beat, the rhythm, and her fearless attitude make me want to move. Whether it’s a bedroom freestyle or following choreography online, dancing to her songs feels like claiming space and owning who I am. She is not just an artist with catchy pop songs; Chappell Roan stands for something meaningful. She embodies Pride—not just the celebration, but the deeper purpose behind it. Her music celebrates queerness in every form, from joy and vulnerability to strength and rebellion. It is playful, dramatic, emotional, and sometimes outrageous; but it is always honest. That honesty matters. As someone who values authenticity and expression, seeing her succeed while being completely herself gives me hope. She does not dilute who she is for anyone, and that makes me want to support her even more. Her visuals, her style, her lyrics—they all push boundaries in a way that feels exciting instead of intimidating. She is redefining what a pop star can look and sound like while creating space for people who have not always seen themselves in music. That is why her songs feel like more than just entertainment. They feel like freedom. They feel like community. Supporting Chappell Roan is not just about liking her music. It is about backing an artist who is actively creating a more inclusive and expressive world. She reminds me that pop music does not have to be polished or perfect to be powerful—it just has to be real. And that is exactly what she is.

Billie Eilish has a special way of capturing emotion with her haunting melodies and simple production. Out of all her songs, my top three are “lovely,” “What Was I Made For?” and “ocean eyes.” Each one resonates with me differently, whether through movement, meaning, or even a sense of longing. “lovely,” featuring Khalid, stands out to me as a perfect song for contemporary dance. Its sad tone, slow rhythm, and vulnerable lyrics create a great atmosphere for expressing deep feelings through movement. Whenever I hear it, I can visualize fluid choreography—long extensions, controlled falls, and emotional gestures. The song feels like it was meant to be interpreted physically, which is truly special. It’s both sad and beautiful, much like many of the best dances. “What Was I Made For?” is another favorite. Its connection to the Barbie movie has made it even more impactful. The song is slow and delicate, like a quiet question whispered into the void. It captures the feeling of not knowing your place in the world or what purpose you’re meant to fulfill—something most people experience at times, especially during moments of change or uncertainty. The simple piano and Billie’s soft voice create an intimate atmosphere, as if you are being let in on a secret. It is the kind of song you listen to while lying in bed and letting your thoughts drift. Lastly, “ocean eyes” holds a unique, personal connection for me. It’s not just that the song is beautiful—dreamy and wistful with a hint of longing—it is also about the imagery it brings to mind. I’ve always wished I had really light eyes since my eyes are really dark brown. There is something striking about eyes that look like the ocean, and the song makes them feel magical, almost otherworldly. That desire for something you do not have makes “ocean eyes” resonate deeply with me. It is about more than just a person; it reflects the qualities we admire in others and quietly wish we had for ourselves. Each of these songs shows a different aspect of Billie Eilish’s artistry—movement, meaning, and mood—which is why they stay with me. They evoke real feelings, and that’s all I really want from music.

Dreams are not just wishful thinking. They are a glimpse into the life we think we can live—shaped by our goals, passions, and the hard work we put in. The dreams I have are not just about convenience or daydreaming; they come from reflecting on what's important to me, bouncing back from challenges, and wanting to make a real difference in the world. I know I deserve the dreams I go after because I have built the character, motivation, and values to support them. First off, my dreams are true to who I am. They show not just what I want to achieve but who I want to be. I don’t chase after goals just for praise or validation; I go after them because they resonate with my true self. Whether it is making a difference in my community, leading with honesty, or creating something lasting, my dreams reflect a promise to grow and help others. I’ve taken the time to figure out why I want these things, and that understanding gives my goals direction. Secondly, I know I can pursue these dreams because I put in the work and have faced my fair share of challenges. I have dealt with setbacks and doubts, but I chose to keep going. Every struggle has built my foundation. I learned how to put in the effort—not just when things are smooth but especially when they get tough. The discipline I found during hard times makes me capable and deserving of reaching my dreams. I know that success does not just come to anyone; it takes hard work, patience, and a refusal to quit. Also, I am not dreaming alone. My goals are connected to the people around me. I aim for success, not just for myself, but to lift others up along the way—to be a source of support and positive change. My worth grows when I give back, mentor, and collaborate with others. I believe that being worthy isn’t just about personal achievements; it is also about how we can use our success to help those around us. Finally, I am worthy of my dreams because I'm still growing. I am focused on learning and getting better each day. I do not need to be perfect and I do not need to have everything figured out. Being worthy means being open to find the answers, learning along the way. I see my flaws and choose to move forward instead of staying in my comfort zone. This way of thinking helps me approach my dreams with both confidence and curiosity. In a world where it is easy to doubt ourselves, I choose to believe in my abilities—not blindly, but with conviction. I trust in my hard work, the person I have become, and the future I envision. I am not waiting for someone else to tell me I am worthy, living, learning, and demonstrating that worthiness to myself every day. So yes, I am worth the dreams I chase. Not because they are easy or guaranteed, but because I am ready to tackle them with strength and heart.

My major goals are attending graduate school in France, paying off my loans without financially burdening myself, and buying a house while renting during my foreign stay. These are the things that require well-planned strategies that range from financial management to keen research and considered action. My primary goal involves attending graduate school in France. It involves research into the universities offering the best programs in my area of study. I shall be applying to those institutions that have academic excellence reputations and are offering scholarship or financial aid provisions to international students. The application process will involve assembling academic transcripts, securing letters of recommendation, writing a personal statement, and, where necessary, proof of language proficiency in either French or English. I will have to apply for a student visa, search for housing, and make sure I have enough money to cover my living expenses once I get admitted. Another important part of this process is to look for scholarships or working opportunities that could lighten the economic load of studying abroad. The estimated cost for university applications, including application fees, language tests, and travel, could be in the range of $2,500 to $3,600. With frugal budgeting, I can be certain that the financial burden of studying in France will not get in the way of my long-term plans. Meanwhile, I also have to take into consideration my existing undergraduate loans. I must pay these off, absent any undue financial burden. The way I plan to do this is through refinancing my loan to achieve a lower interest rate that would lower monthly payments. I will also be using what's called the debt avalanche, paying down the loans with higher interest rates first, while making minimum payments to others. One other thing that I can do is automate monthly payments, making it easier to track and avoid penalty charges. Though this might be tolerable, saving for graduate school must be an option, too; thus I remain optimistic that with consistent payment, within the next couple of years, I can be able to rid myself of a portion of the loan balance. I expect to pay between $300 and $500 a month, depending on the loan terms, in addition to an added $100 to $500 to cover the refinancing fees. This payment plan, if stuck to, enables me to pay off my loans well before I have completed graduate school. Long range, my financial goals are to own my own home. While sorting out the financial realities of living abroad, I intend to save for a down payment on a house. This may be accomplished in a number of ways by continuing to build my savings, I will set aside a fixed percentage of my income each month. Further, I will be exploring the avenue of developing passive income off of rental properties. Meanwhile, renting it out would provide me with some financial security and an opportunity to build equity. In this manner, studying in France, consolidating finances, and subsequently becoming a house owner can be achieved by focusing on structured repayments of debt, savings for graduate studies, and income generation from house rentals. Being abroad in France for a couple months, I will consider renting out my main house in the United States to help offset some of the living expenses abroad and bring in some additional income, which I could save for any future investment needs, including buying a home. I can only expect it to take around 3 to 5 years, depending on market conditions, to save for a down payment and acquire a mortgage.

Success, for me, is not a static destination but a dynamic journey characterized by continuous growth, meaningful impact, and profound fulfillment. It embodies a balance between personal achievements, professional milestones, and a positive contribution to the broader community. My understanding of success is rooted in the pursuit of goals that resonate with my values and aspirations, as well as in making a tangible difference in the world around me. On a personal level, success represents a commitment to lifelong learning and self-improvement. It involves setting and reaching milestones that stretch my capabilities and enrich my understanding. Personal success is not merely about achieving specific objectives but about embracing a mindset of curiosity and resilience. This means consistently seeking new knowledge, developing new skills, and overcoming challenges. Every step in this journey—whether it’s mastering a new discipline, tackling a complex problem, or gaining new insights—contributes to a deeper sense of personal fulfillment. For me, success is intertwined with the idea of becoming a more capable and well-rounded individual who is always evolving and expanding. In the professional realm, success takes on a different but equally significant dimension. It is about making meaningful contributions to my field and achieving recognition for my work. This involves not only performing my job effectively but also driving innovation and leading change. Professional success means actively seeking opportunities to influence and advance my industry, whether through pioneering research, leading impactful projects, or developing new strategies. It is about leaving a legacy of work that is both innovative and influential and that contributes positively to the field. This sense of accomplishment comes from knowing that my work has made a significant impact, inspired others, and advanced the industry in meaningful ways. The opportunity before me is a critical step toward realizing this vision of success. It provides a platform to leverage my existing skills and knowledge while also expanding them in new and exciting ways. Engaging with this opportunity means embracing new challenges and taking on responsibilities that will push me to grow both personally and professionally. It offers a chance to tackle complex problems, collaborate with talented individuals, and explore innovative solutions—all of which are essential for my development. This experience will help me refine my skills, broaden my perspective, and advance my career in ways that align with my goals. Moreover, this opportunity aligns closely with my personal values and passions. It is not just a career advancement but also a chance to engage in work that I find deeply meaningful. When my professional endeavors reflect my personal beliefs and interests, it enhances my motivation and satisfaction. The alignment of personal values with professional activities is crucial for achieving a sense of purpose and fulfillment. By contributing to a cause or project that I am passionate about, I will find greater joy and satisfaction in my work. This synergy between personal fulfillment and professional achievement is a cornerstone of my vision of success. In essence, the opportunity before me represents a convergence of personal growth, professional advancement, and meaningful impact. It offers the potential to expand my horizons, tackle new challenges, and make a significant contribution to my field. By embracing this opportunity, I will be able to move closer to achieving my vision of success—one that encompasses continuous learning, professional excellence, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. This journey will not only help me achieve my goals but will also enrich my understanding, enhance my skills, and ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and impactful career.

"Sailor Moon" is a classic among anime enthusiasts, celebrated for its magical girl themes, compelling characters, and enduring messages of friendship, love, and justice. What makes "Sailor Moon" endlessly captivating for many fans, including yourself, likely stems from several key elements that define its charm and lasting impact. First and foremost, the series excels in character development. Usagi Tsukino, the protagonist who transforms into Sailor Moon, initially appears as a clumsy and carefree schoolgirl. However, as the series progresses, she evolves into a courageous leader who learns the importance of responsibility and selflessness. Her journey resonates deeply as she faces various challenges and grows stronger both emotionally and spiritually. The supporting cast of "Sailor Moon" is equally compelling. Each Sailor Guardian—Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Venus—brings unique strengths, personalities, and backgrounds to the team. Their camaraderie and unwavering support for one another showcase the power of friendship and teamwork, which are central themes throughout the series. Moreover, "Sailor Moon" is renowned for its intricate storytelling and mythology. The narrative weaves together elements of romance, fantasy, and adventure, with overarching plotlines that explore themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil. The presence of Tuxedo Mask, Usagi's love interest who aids the Sailor Guardians, adds a romantic subplot that enhances the emotional depth of the series. Another captivating aspect of "Sailor Moon" is its memorable villains, such as Queen Beryl, the Dark Kingdom, and the enigmatic Queen Nehelenia. These antagonists pose significant threats to both the Sailor Guardians and the world they protect, adding suspense and drama to the storyline. The art style and animation of "Sailor Moon" also contribute to its enduring popularity. Naoko Takeuchi's original manga artwork is beautifully translated into the anime, with vibrant colors, fluid motion, and iconic transformation sequences that captivate viewers. The blend of magical elements with everyday life in Tokyo creates a compelling contrast that enhances the fantasy appeal of the series. Furthermore, the soundtrack of "Sailor Moon," featuring memorable opening and ending themes, complements the emotional tone of each episode and reinforces its nostalgic charm. Beyond its aesthetic and narrative elements, "Sailor Moon" holds a special place in the hearts of fans because of its positive messages. It promotes themes of courage, compassion, and empowerment, particularly through its depiction of strong female characters who inspire viewers to believe in themselves and stand up for what is right. In conclusion, "Sailor Moon" continues to captivate audiences worldwide due to its compelling characters, intricate storytelling, memorable villains, beautiful animation, and positive themes. Whether you're drawn to its magical transformations, heartfelt friendships, or timeless messages of love and justice, "Sailor Moon" remains a beloved classic that resonates with fans of all ages, making it a series you can return to time and again with joy and nostalgia.

Zendaya's journey from her roots on Disney Channel to becoming one of the most successful and influential figures in entertainment today is a testament to her exceptional talent, hard work, and dedication. Starting with her breakout role on "Shake It Up," Zendaya quickly captured the hearts of audiences with her charisma and natural acting ability. However, what sets Zendaya apart from her peers is not just her initial success, but her remarkable trajectory beyond the confines of child stardom. Transitioning from Disney Channel to broader roles in film and television, Zendaya has proven her versatility as an actress. Her role as Rue Bennett in the critically acclaimed series "Euphoria" showcased her depth and range, earning her widespread acclaim and industry recognition, including an Emmy Award. This achievement not only solidified her status as a serious actress but also highlighted her ability to tackle complex and challenging roles with maturity and skill. Beyond acting, Zendaya has made significant strides in the world of fashion. Her impeccable sense of style and effortless elegance have made her a fashion icon, gracing the covers of top magazines and becoming a muse for renowned designers. Zendaya's influence extends beyond the red carpet; she actively collaborates with fashion houses to create collections that celebrate diversity and inclusivity, further cementing her impact on the industry. Moreover, Zendaya's success as a singer and performer adds another dimension to her multifaceted career. Her musical talents have been showcased through various projects, demonstrating her ability to captivate audiences with her soulful voice and stage presence. Whether through her solo endeavors or collaborations, Zendaya continues to explore and evolve as an artist, showcasing her passion for music alongside her acting and fashion endeavors. What makes Zendaya's success even more remarkable is her ability to maintain authenticity and grace in an industry known for its challenges and pressures. She has consistently used her platform to advocate for important causes, including representation, equality, and social justice. Zendaya's commitment to activism and advocacy reflects her understanding of the impact she can have beyond entertainment, inspiring fans and peers alike to use their voices for positive change. In essence, Zendaya's journey from Disney Channel star to global icon is a testament to her talent, resilience, and commitment to excellence. She has not only achieved incredible success across multiple fields but has also paved the way for future generations of artists to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Zendaya's impact on popular culture transcends boundaries, making her a role model and inspiration to millions around the world. As she continues to evolve and redefine success on her own terms, Zendaya remains a shining example of what is possible when talent, determination, and passion converge in pursuit of one's dreams.

Losing my maternal grandmother earlier this year was a pivotal moment that reshaped my perspective on life, resilience, and personal growth. Her passing in February marked not only the end of a profound chapter in my life but also ignited a journey of introspection and determination. My grandmother was not just a family member; she was a beacon of wisdom and encouragement who instilled in me a deep-seated belief in the power of education and the pursuit of excellence. From a young age, my grandmother emphasized the importance of education as a gateway to opportunity and personal fulfillment. She was my cheerleader, celebrating every academic achievement with unwavering pride and enthusiasm. Her belief in my potential fueled my ambition and shaped my academic journey. Her sudden absence left a void that was both heartbreaking and profoundly motivating. Navigating the aftermath of her passing was a tumultuous experience, compounded by the logistical and emotional challenges it presented. My mother, devastated by the loss of her own mother, had to travel to Indonesia for the funeral. The financial strain and the need for me to remain in school created a complex dynamic within our family. I grappled with feelings of guilt for not being able to accompany my mother and say a final goodbye in person. Despite these challenges, the experience deepened my appreciation for the resilience and strength inherent in my family. We rallied together, supporting one another through our grief and finding solace in cherished memories of my grandmother. My mother's courage in handling the logistics of the funeral while managing our family's financial responsibilities was a testament to her strength and determination. In the wake of my grandmother's passing, I found myself reflecting on the values she instilled in me and the impact she had on my aspirations. Her belief in education as a catalyst for personal and professional growth inspired me to redouble my efforts in school. I immersed myself in my studies not only as a tribute to her legacy but also as a means to honor her unwavering support and encouragement throughout my academic journey. Beyond academic pursuits, my grandmother's passing prompted a deeper introspection into what truly matters in life. Her absence underscored the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones, nurturing relationships, and living a life of purpose and integrity. I realized that true success is not solely defined by external achievements but by the meaningful connections we forge and the positive impact we make on others. As I navigate the complexities of grief and healing, I am driven by a renewed determination to fight for my future. My grandmother's passing has imbued me with a sense of purpose and urgency to seize every opportunity and make the most of my potential. I am committed to pursuing my academic and career goals with diligence and passion, guided by the values of perseverance, compassion, and resilience that she exemplified throughout her life. Her memory serves as a constant reminder of the transformative power of love, resilience, and the enduring impact of those who believe in us. I carry her legacy with me as I embark on this next chapter of my life, striving to honor her memory through my actions and choices. The lessons she imparted and the love she shared continue to shape my journey, inspiring me to embrace challenges with courage, to embrace opportunities with gratitude, and to make a meaningful difference in the world. In conclusion, my grandmother's passing has been a profound catalyst for personal growth and reflection. It has strengthened my resolve to pursue my dreams with passion and determination, to embody the values she instilled in me, and to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. Her legacy lives on through me, guiding my path as I strive for academic excellence, personal fulfillment, and a future that honors her memory with every achievement and every step forward.

I have watched Sabrina Carpenter on Disney Channel when I was 10-12 years old and she is the most successful out of her Girl Meets World co-stars. Now, I have been listening to her music when she got out of Disney Channel and she has been thriving with her music career by opening for Taylor Swift in the Eras Tour and producing more hits that make people like and follow her on Instagram. As a fan of Sabrina Carpenter, her impact on my life likely stems from a combination of her musical talent, personality, and the meaningful content she delivers through her songs. Sabrina's ability to weave relatable narratives into her music creates a powerful connection with her listeners. Her lyrics often touch on themes of self-discovery, relationships, and personal growth, resonating with those navigating similar experiences. This relatability can make her music feel like a companion during my times of introspection or emotional turbulence, offering solace and a sense of understanding. Moreover, Sabrina Carpenter's journey as an artist can be inspiring. Watching her evolve from her early career in acting to becoming a respected singer-songwriter showcases resilience and determination. Her willingness to explore different musical genres and push creative boundaries encourages fans to embrace their own individuality and pursue their passions fearlessly. This aspect of her career can serve as a source of motivation, reminding me of the importance of perseverance and growth in my endeavors. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Sabrina Carpenter's positive presence in the public eye contributes to her appeal. Her genuine interactions with fans and advocacy for important causes demonstrate a commitment to using her platform for good. This aspect of her personality can make you feel proud to support an artist who not only creates great music but also strives to make a positive impact on the world around her. In essence, being a fan of Sabrina Carpenter means more than just enjoying her music; it means finding a connection to her artistry, finding inspiration in her journey, and being uplifted by her positive influence. Her career has likely impacted you by providing a soundtrack to moments in your life, offering encouragement during challenges, and serving as a reminder of the power of authenticity and perseverance in achieving your goals. Whether through her melodies or her message, Sabrina Carpenter has left a meaningful imprint on my life, shaping my perspective and enriching my experiences along the way. In conclusion, I wanted to go to her concert (taking place in October 8 at the Wells Fargo Center), but ticket prices are so high and now her concert is sold out, but hopefully if she has a concert in the future and when I have enough money, I can finally see her as I never been to her concert.

Even though I am a finance major, sales and marketing are part of this major. The fields of sales and marketing offer opportunities to engage with people directly, understand their needs, and develop creative strategies to promote products or services effectively. For individuals who thrive on interpersonal interactions and enjoy building relationships, sales and marketing provide a platform to connect with diverse audiences and make a tangible impact on business growth. The dynamic nature of these roles also appeals to those who appreciate the constant challenge of adapting to market trends, consumer behavior shifts, and competitive landscapes. Moreover, careers in sales and marketing can be deeply rewarding for individuals with a passion for communication and storytelling. Crafting compelling narratives that resonate with customers, and seeing the direct results of successful campaigns can be immensely satisfying. The ability to innovate and experiment with different marketing techniques, from digital strategies to traditional advertising, allows professionals to continuously refine their skills and stay at the forefront of industry trends. Conversely, pursuing a career as a financial analyst appeals to individuals with a strong analytical mindset and a keen interest in the world of finance. Financial analysts play a crucial role in examining financial data, assessing investment opportunities, and providing valuable insights that guide strategic decisions within organizations. For those who enjoy delving into numbers, deciphering trends, and forecasting financial outcomes, this career path offers both intellectual challenge and practical application. Additionally, I am a numbers person and I find myself pursuing a career in the finance field after graduating college, and I explored the majors and careers during my high school years, I chose finance because I found it the easiest out of nursing, psychology, and criminology even though every major has its difficulties, but I have to keep working hard. Financial analysts are often motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the financial health and success of businesses. By conducting thorough research, performing complex financial modeling, and presenting data-driven recommendations, analysts help stakeholders make informed decisions that can impact the company's profitability and growth trajectory. This responsibility fosters a sense of professional accomplishment and the satisfaction of knowing that their expertise directly influences business outcomes. Furthermore, the field of financial analysis offers continuous learning and growth opportunities. As global markets evolve and financial instruments become more complex, analysts must stay abreast of industry developments, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. This ongoing learning process appeals to individuals who value intellectual curiosity and seek to expand their knowledge base throughout their careers. In summary, whether I am drawn to the dynamic, people-oriented nature of sales and marketing or the analytical rigor and strategic impact of financial analysis, both career paths offer distinct avenues for professional growth, fulfillment, and making a meaningful contribution to organizations and industries.

The iPad (which has its new and old versions) is an excellent example of how technology can significantly enhance our lives and contribute to making the world a better place. Since its introduction in 2010, the iPad has evolved into a versatile device that has revolutionized various aspects of our daily routines, education, healthcare, and beyond. I use it a lot not only for watching non-school videos, but for studying, reading, and applying for scholarships too. To begin, The iPad has transformed the way students learn, offering interactive textbooks, educational apps, and access to a vast array of online resources. It provides a more engaging and personalized learning experience, catering to diverse learning styles. Additionally, it has improved accessibility for students with disabilities, offering features like voiceover and dictation. Additionally, in the healthcare sector, iPads have been integrated into various aspects of patient care. They are used for electronic health records, enabling healthcare professionals to access patient information securely and efficiently. iPads are also utilized for telemedicine, allowing remote consultations and monitoring of patients in real-time, particularly beneficial for those in rural or underserved areas. Furthermore, Apple has been at the forefront of accessibility features, and the iPad is no exception. With features like VoiceOver, Magnifier, and AssistiveTouch, individuals with disabilities can use iPads to navigate, communicate, and engage with digital content more effectively, promoting inclusivity and independence. Equally, with the transition to digital content; the iPad has contributed to reducing paper consumption and environmental waste. E-books, digital magazines, and online newspapers have become increasingly popular on the iPad, leading to fewer trees being cut down for paper production and less energy being consumed in printing and distribution. Overall, the iPad exemplifies how technology can empower individuals, transform industries, and create positive societal impact. Its versatility, accessibility, and innovative features continue to inspire the development of new technologies aimed at improving our world.

“You will never know if you will get a scholarship.” My mom always tells me. To begin, with the college tuition increasing; a scholarship will immensely support my pursuit of future career goals in several ways by providing me with financial assistance, giving me access to opportunities, getting recognition and validation in a positive way, along with flexibility and freedom, and convincing me to invest in my future success after college. Although pursuing higher education often comes with significant financial burdens, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, and study materials. A scholarship would alleviate some of these financial pressures, allowing me to focus more on my studies and professional development without the added stress of financial constraints. Additionally, scholarships often come with additional perks such as access to exclusive networking events, mentorship programs, internships, or study abroad opportunities. These experiences can be invaluable for building connections, gaining practical skills, and broadening my perspective within the finance industry. In fact, I have been awarded scholarships during my senior year of high school, along with my freshman and sophomore year of college, which served as recognition of my academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to my field of study. This validation not only boosts my confidence but also enhances my credibility as I pursue future career opportunities. For this reason, even though I come from a low-income family, we always do our best to appeal to the financial aid office with financial support from scholarships and/or grants. With these types of financial aid, I may have more flexibility to explore diverse learning experiences, such as participating in extracurricular activities, conducting research, or taking on internships that align with my career aspirations. This flexibility can enrich my educational journey and provide me with a well-rounded skill set. I always do my best and work hard to keep my high GPA, so I can maintain my scholarships until I graduate. Furthermore, by investing in my education through a scholarship, sponsors are essentially investing in my future success. As I progress in my career, I aim to make meaningful contributions to the finance industry and society at large. The support provided by the scholarship enables me to realize my potential and fulfill my aspirations, benefiting not only myself but also the broader community. By applying to scholarships as well as getting some in the past, I feel very confident that I could get one because I work very hard during my college years and even though there are times where I fail, I get back up by having higher grades at the end of each semester. In summary, a scholarship would serve as a catalyst for achieving my future career goals by providing financial assistance, access to opportunities, validation of my achievements, flexibility in my educational pursuits, and an investment in my long-term success. After I make a decent amount of money during and after college, I hope to be more independent by doing things on my own, take initiative, and have a successful career as a financial analyst because I know that my parents are not always going to be there for me and help me as they are 11-12 years from the retirement age and I will be about 31-32 years old when they retire.

Empowering women in the realm of finance is crucial for societal progress and economic stability and I plan to leverage my education to contribute to this movement and empower women in my community by research and innovation, promoting education and awareness, representing and advocating for females in the business field, engaging in the community and supporting entrepreneurship. To begin, I will utilize my knowledge to educate women about financial literacy, including budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding financial products. By conducting workshops, seminars, or online courses tailored to women's needs, I can equip them with the necessary skills to make informed financial decisions. I took a financial literacy course in high school and will be taking one in the fall and what I learned from the course is to be wise when spending the money by spending it on needs rather than wants. As a woman and college student majoring in finance, I aim to be a visible advocate for gender diversity and inclusion within the industry. I will actively promote the representation of women in leadership positions and advocate for equal opportunities and pay. By being a vocal advocate, I can challenge existing biases and stereotypes in the financial sector. Additionally, I will offer mentorship opportunities for aspiring women in finance, providing guidance, support, and networking connections to help them advance their careers. Mentorship can play a significant role in building confidence and fostering professional growth, ultimately empowering women to succeed in the financial industry. I engage with local communities through outreach programs, volunteer work, or partnerships with women-focused organizations where this is a priority for me now and in the future. By understanding the specific challenges and needs of women in different communities, I can tailor financial empowerment initiatives to address these issues effectively. I take initiative in doing studies and my work since now I do not have to keep asking my parents for help with work as I did before college. Many women are entrepreneurs or aspiring business owners. I will provide support and resources to help women entrepreneurs navigate the financial aspects of starting and growing their businesses. This may include access to funding, business planning assistance, and financial management guidance. I will also be looking for jobs when I come back for my fall semester because I am doing the co-op program and the director of co-op told me that there are many autism-friendly companies, but I will have to do well on my interview, so I hope I can do well and secure a job during the spring and summer semesters, so I can earn my income Continuously staying informed about the latest trends, research, and innovations in finance will enable me to develop tailored solutions and strategies that cater to the unique needs and preferences of women. This might involve exploring new financial products, services, or technologies that empower women to take control of their finances. To conclude, by combining education, advocacy, mentorship, community engagement, entrepreneurship support, and innovation, I believe we can create a more inclusive and empowering financial landscape for women, ultimately driving positive change in both the industry and society as a whole. Women can do anything that men can do and we are all equal.

In my 2023 year, I still did not hang out with a lot of people and there are haters everywhere. I thought that the people who were my friends had deceived me as I thought they had good intentions since college people were deemed as more mature than high school students, but they did not include me. I think if my 2023 year had a soundtrack, the songs from 1989 (Taylor's Version) would be 'Bad Blood' and 'Shake it Off' because I have difficulties forgiving the ones who deceive me and I do my best to ignore the haters since they are everywhere no matter where we go. I cannot socialize with other people (which results in me not wanting to live on-campus) due to bullying in my past years and people labeling me as a chatterbox and telling me that I talk too much. I have heard Taylor Swift sing near my backyard for five years since I live near the Lincoln Financial Field (where she performs when she tours in Philadelphia). My parents opened the backyard door, so they can listen to Taylor Swift's songs and singalong to them in their head as well as having a memorable moment of her songs. As we all know this year, there was a Ticketmaster frenzy over going to her concert and not many Swifties were able to go to the concert, which resulted in people feeling disappointed and not wanting to buy the tickets since they were very expensive. My mom also wanted to go to the concert too, but could not get the tickets since the tickets for the seating to see Taylor Swift at the venue were so expensive. I think the Swifties that were not able to go to the concert are now able to shake off the feeling that they could not go to the concert as they may have other favorite artists who they want to see in concert. As a result, the bad blood between the concertgoers and the ones who did not go has decreased since there were many Swifties who saw the Eras tour movie in theaters and it felt like being at the concert mentally and all over again. To add on, even though people felt like being at the concert by singing in the movie theaters, it has received backlash since we are supposed to be quiet in the theaters, so we learned that whoever’s concert film we watch we will have to stay quiet. I have never thought about going to a Taylor Swift concert, but I would go if my mom or friend(s) invited me, but it would be difficult to find a seat since the seat next to my friend may be taken by a stranger, while the seat next to my mom will be reserved for me. I am down to go to any concert that my friends invite me to.

As an Indonesian-American born to Indonesian immigrants, immigration is one of the topics I deeply care about because many immigrants have faced deportation and detainment, which results in family members not being able to see each other, so the children are persuaded to have to find a legal guardian. I am grateful that my parents are here with me and care about me by helping me with my college fund, buying me food, and working very hard to get the pay that they need to afford necessities. Like many employed people, they have worked different jobs before I was born so they can have a good work-life balance and earn more money. With me being a student who has been going to school and my parents working, I have passed every grade then and now with the effort I demonstrate through my hard work, determination, and dedication. Unlike all of my family members, I have autism which impacts the ability for me to interact with others and express what I want to say to people I want to have conversations with, but this did not stop me from being successful. Now being a college sophomore, I was able to become a positive role model at Saint Joseph's University by considering being involved in a sorority as well as helping individuals with autism become more independent and the autism community at the campus is very strong since I am not the only student with autism there—I was the only student with autism before I started college which did not make me feel included as I am more included at college now. My parents' work has influenced me to work very hard and earn passing grades because I want to show them and everyone around me that people with autism are successful as well as equal as people without disabilities. I aspire to be a financial analyst after I graduate college and hope to get the high pay I need in order to be independent to live on my own. My parents and the ones closest to me are very proud of me because I show that I work very hard with me earning a GPA higher than 2.0 (despite the difficulties of the college classes) and they have always told me that it is fine if I do not make the dean's list as long as I pass every class and my GPA is higher than 2.0.

Currently, I am giving back by giving away my clothes that do not fit me anymore and donating money to the poor and homeless. When we see and think of the homeless people, we see that it is very important to be generous by giving them money, food, and drinks so they can live a longer life. For example, when my dad sees a homeless person during his drive, he always does his best to give them money, food, and drinks he has in his car which is where I learn to show kindness from my dad when people cannot afford necessities. When I was in high school, we always cleaned up parks for our community services as well as considered giving out blankets for the homeless. Now since the weather is very cold, we must give the poor and homeless necessities like food and drinks. This shows that we make a positive impact by showing that we care for everyone in the world. Recently, when I dropped a coin on the ground, I left it there and decided not to leave it to me, so someone could take and use it. This was where my mom labeled my action as generous and I felt selfless because I know that I do not need a lot of money now, and some people are suffering. I am considering joining a sorority at Saint Joseph's University and I am deciding between Alpha Phi and Alpha Gamma Delta due to raising funds for their philanthropy. Alpha Phi's philanthropy is women's heart health while Alpha Gamma Delta's philanthropy is feeding hunger. This results in me leaning towards joining the latter (Alpha Gamma Delta) because I think the sisters in this sorority were very welcoming and humble when I met them, seemed to be very positive role models for others, and their philanthropy is not only for women, it is for the people who need food regardless of gender. Most of the sisters there are also involved with the Kinney Center, so I felt like I had a stronger connection with the sisters in Alpha Gamma Delta compared to the sisters in Alpha Phi when I attended the Meet the sisters event for their sororities. I am an only child, so I think joining a sorority could give me the sisterly bond and strong connection that I always dreamed about. Other than considering being involved in a sorority, I went to the yearly activities fair that Saint Joseph’s has during the beginning of the fall semester and grabbed flyers of the activities that interested me. Even though I could not be involved in many campus activities due to not living on campus, I also donate to the sororities because their way of raising funds also involves smashing a pie in their face. As said in the beginning, I plan to make a positive impact by recycling, donating shoes and clothes, helping others who are struggling with their work, advocating for people with disabilities, and not littering.

A majority of people have been struggling with mental health, which can lead to suicide, but my loved ones have told me that if I or any of my close friends are struggling, they can talk to an adult that they trust. I have cried almost every day since almost everyone at the Saint Joseph's University campus perceives me as a stranger which is the same experience I had before starting college. I have since still spent all of my time alone due to the lack of response from people I want to strike up a conversation with. Good mental health is linked to having a positive self-perception and satisfying relationships with friends and other people. When I was about to start college, I chose to attend Saint Joseph’s University because I was very confident that I was able to make a lot of new friends there, but it took a toll and did not turn out as I expected. I reached out to a lot of people, but they have never responded to me which resulted in me being hurt and when I speak to people, I can only say limited words since they will bully me for my awkwardness. I am a very kind person, but people do not see that in me as they have negative thoughts towards me and I am easy to be bullied. Dealing with mental health challenges has forced me to challenge societal stigmas surrounding mental illnesses. Experiencing the profound impact of mental health on my well-being has made me acutely aware of the importance of destigmatizing mental health. Through my struggles, I have come to believe that mental health should be treated with the same level of priority as physical health by doing activities that interest me like exercise and dance. This belief has shaped my stance on mental health awareness and my commitment to spreading empathy and understanding. I have been bullied throughout my life and I will never forgive and forget the ones who have wronged me. My journey with mental health has deepened my connections with others. Throughout my challenges, I have encountered individuals who understood my experiences and effectively supported me. These relationships have taught me the power of empathy and how it can positively impact someone's mental well-being. Consequently, I have developed a sincere desire to provide emotional support and understanding to others, fostering stronger, more meaningful relationships. I learned that there are people who accept me for who I am and I will have strong connections in the future. When I have a true desire to make friendships, people always mistake my desire for obsession which results in me not having the courage to ask people to hang out with me. I always feel awkward and embarrassed after I have conversations with them. My only friends are the people who I work with at the Kinney Center since they are more kind, mature, and accepting towards me compared to people who are not involved with the Kinney Center. I always have fun conversations with them since they do not see me as a stranger or outsider compared to everyone on campus so I am less hesitant to ask them to hang out with me. My experiences with mental health have significantly influenced my career aspirations by witnessing the essential role mental health professionals play throughout my journey has influenced me to have a high-paying job and be more independent after I graduate college. I am motivated to become a financial analyst who can build strong connections with new people. My connection to mental health challenges will serve as a source of kindness, compassion, and understanding, allowing me to connect with others by having conversations I will never forget. Furthermore, my encounters with mental health issues have also led me to recognize the broader implications mental health has on society, particularly within marginalized communities. This has directed my career aspirations towards advocacy work, striving to help others in need, and working towards social change and improved mental health policies for people regardless of race, gender identity, and sexuality. My experiences with mental health have undoubtedly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. The challenges I have faced have instilled a deep understanding and compassion for those living with mental health conditions. By challenging stereotypes about people with autism, building stronger relationships, and pursuing a career in the business field, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive, empathetic society where mental well-being is prioritized and surround myself with the therapists who will care for my problems and not underestimate my ability to communicate. Through my journey, I have learned that our struggles with mental health do not define us, but rather, they create an opportunity for growth, resilience, and a chance to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I am still very hesitant to approach new people, but that is who I am and I do not have to change myself to make friends.

I have been applying for scholarships since my senior year of high school since my parents and college counselor convinced me to apply for them to lower the cost of college and be able to pay my tuition on time, but I have not won all of the scholarships I applied to before I started college and now, so I always do my best to apply to the scholarships that I am eligible for since this can help me lower the cost of college every year, be able to afford the said amount on the bill every year and not be in debt during and after college. Before my first year of college, I received two scholarships with one going to my college fund and the other going through my financial aid package, but luckily, I was able to afford the bill that my university sends me once it is available since my family transferred money to me so I will not be in trouble by having a registration hold when I pay my bill. I also received two scholarships during my first year of college, one which went toward my college fund and the other going through my financial aid package for my second year of college. Currently, I still have ups and downs with my classes, but I always hope the final grade gets better so I can get on the Dean's List for most of the semester which can be advantageous for companies looking to hire someone with experience. When it comes to my education, before college I always explored careers and majors such as thinking of majoring in psychology, then nursing, and finally I chose finance. I thought finance was my best fit because I am a math person and I am good with numbers. Although college material is harder than high school, I always do my best to succeed by getting a GPA higher than 2.0 by earning A's and B's in all of my classes, and during my first year of college in the Fall of 2022 semester, I made the Dean's List with a 3.62 GPA. I did not make the Dean's List in the Spring of 2023 semester since my GPA was lower than 3.5, but I passed all of my classes with a 3.13 GPA, which made my overall GPA 3.38. My family and friends always tell me that it is fine if I am not on the Dean's List because not everyone has to be perfect to succeed. To tie everything together, I believe I deserve this scholarship because not only am I serious about my schoolwork and exams, but I also demonstrate kindness, helpfulness, and confidence by helping people with Autism being kind to everyone around me, and always telling myself that I am good and enough. Everyone always tells me that I am smart and I will succeed which shows that I proved that Autism will not stop me from doing what I do now, and I hope I can become a financial analyst by working with major companies in the business field after I earn my bachelor's. My work at the Kinney Center and winning scholarships will make me continue to pursue my education because this helped me aspire to be a positive role model and all of the reasons above are how I will contribute to the business community by also being professional and positive when I talk with others. This will help me when I work with different people.

I have a lot of favorite Disney Channel shows such as Girl Meets World, Liv and Maddie, Jessie, Austin and Ally, Andi Mack, Dog With a Blog, Wizards of Waverly Place, Shake It Up, Good Luck Charlie, etc. These are most of the shows I watched on Disney Channel and Andi Mack was the last show I watched on Disney Channel since the shows now are not my taste. I think if I had to make a crossover, it would have to be between Jessie and Girl Meets World because it is a crossover we have never seen on Disney Channel since these shows did crossovers with other shows, so I thought of this crossover, so the audience who have watched these shows can see what the crossover between Jessie and Girl Meets World would be like. Also, both of these shows take place in New York, so I think it would have been the perfect crossover to happen since they can take a train to each other's house or apartment. I was waiting for a crossover between Girl Meets World and Jessie, but it never happened since these shows ended. If this crossover had happened, this episode would summarize that the Rosses' apartment floods after a storm, and Riley and her friends let them stay at the Matthews' apartment. During this episode, a storm happens throughout the day and now all of the Ross family and Jessie have to get out of the house, when they get out of the house, Riley, her parents Topanga and Cory, brother Auggie, and friends Maya, Lucas, and Farkle find them on the streets and ask Jessie and the Ross children "what happened?" Jessie tells them "There is a storm and it is very rainy". After she tells them, they all take a van together to go to the Matthews' apartment to stay there for a while until the weather gets better. The Ross kids and Riley, Farkle, Lucas, and Maya all become friends, but Luke develops a crush on Maya which makes Farkle jealous. As a result, Maya takes time to choose between Luke or Farkle, but later she chooses Luke to become her boyfriend and this makes the siblings and Jessie awe them. Jessie and the Rosses' parents approve of their relationship so Farkle develops a crush on Zuri, but she does not seem to be interested in him being her boyfriend, so she tells him that they should stay friends and he is fine with the decision. Riley and her friends and family had a strong connection with the Ross kids since they rarely got angry with each other. Weeks later, everything is back to normal, Riley along with her friends and family says goodbye to the Rosses, the Rosses' parents get back to pick them up and they are finally able to live in their newly fixed home after the weather gets better. It was a happily ever after story. The end.

My volunteer experience in high school and college has impacted my core values of kindness, positivity, and confidence, and improved my résumé on LinkedIn because these traits can help me be accepted by others for who I am as well as getting jobs picked out for me. Recently, I worked as a camp counselor at the Saint Joseph's University campus where I helped and interacted with mostly nonverbal clients on the autism spectrum who have difficulty expressing themselves, behaving the right way and understanding the difference between right and wrong, so as they get older, they will learn from their mistakes like I did when I was their age. When I did "Camp Kinney" over the summer, I was able to foster stronger connections with other students despite majoring in different fields and our aspirations of not wanting to be in the education field by being a teacher or counselor for individuals with autism. Although I and the other students had different majors, we wanted to be involved with the Kinney Center because we wanted to be positive role models, adapt to neurodivergent individuals, and strengthen our skills of patience, kindness, being a friend, and lending a helping hand towards the campers. Even though I am a finance major (which is in the business field), I volunteered in the educational and community field because I want to show that people with autism or any other disabilities can be positive role models and do what people without disabilities can do. For example, I am not the only individual with autism involved at the Kinney Center since there is also one other person who I was able to talk to with autism and he was able to adjust to college life independently, make friends by getting along with his roommates, and be respected and admired by everyone around him. Even though I do not live on campus, I am doing my best to independently adjust to college life, choose the right friends, be very kind to everyone around me, and be involved in extracurriculars where people accept and welcome me for who I am. I will always continue to be involved with the Kinney Center because as a person with autism, I can help, understand, and advocate for the individuals with autism, and I can get paid every two weeks when I work there, which will help my college fund for the upcoming academic years and until I graduate, so I do not have to worry about being in debt during and after my college years. Furthermore, I have been applying to the scholarships that I am eligible for, so I can use the scholarship fund(s) that I receive from any organization towards my financial aid package and/or my college fund for the upcoming academic years (my junior and senior year).

I think a lyric from Olivia Rodrigo's 'GUTS' album that resonates with my experience is "Cat got my tongue and I don't think I get along with anyone. Blood runnin' cold, I'm on the outside of the greatest inside joke." This still resonates with me as a college student because I am still a loner in college as people find me weird and they do not want me as their friend despite my kindness towards them. I always think that if I hang out with people or make friends with them, they would say they rather kill themselves (which relates to social suicide) than be surrounded by me along with me being the target of bullying due to my naivety and not understanding the terms people around me use, which results in me getting mocked and laughing awkwardly. In general, almost all of the lyrics in her song 'Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl' relate to my whole life wherever I go because she says "Each time I step outside, it's social suicide. It's social suicide, wanna curl up and die. It's social suicide" and "I laughed at the wrong time, sat with the wrong guy (Uh-huh). Sеarchin' "how to start a conversation?" on a website." These lyrics capture the essence of adolescence and life in general because before college life started, we always wanted to be popular and accepted by others, but the people who convince you to sit with them take advantage of you and make you look bad in front of a crowd. I always sat with the wrong people at lunch and I have trouble initiating conversations due to my autism which impacts my ability to converse and make friends. To continue from the previous paragraph, the lyrics above also relate to the movie Mean Girls as Cady (Lindsay Lohan) wanted to be accepted and join a group called "The Plastics", which had Regina, Gretchen, and Karen (Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, Lacey Chabert). When she joined that crowd, it was revealed that Regina used people to her advantage as she used Karen because she was not that bright and Gretchen for being very nice. When I took modeling classes at John Robert Powers before COVID along with when I almost finished high school, It caused me not to talk much and be extroverted because I was afraid that I was too talkative as everyone around me said I was a chatterbox and they would say shut up. Due to my change in personality from wanting to be accepted and perfect to not caring about being accepted, I did not have lasting friendships, but I learned that not all friendships last and I will potentially find new friends in the future. After graduating high school, I was glad to get out of there because of the bullying and I would never forget and forgive the ones who bullied me, if I saw them, I would sing hate songs to them to show that I want the people who hurt me out of my life and to give them a taste of their own medicine because they are/were rotten to the core.

If I had to choose one favorite K-Pop group, it would have to be Blackpink because of their catchy and dancy songs. I remember when I was in high school, I would talk about K-pop groups with my classmates and the groups I would talk about are BTS, TXT, and Blackpink. I would listen to most Blackpink songs and see people dance to their songs during the showcases at my school. The performance was very good as it caught my eye and watching dance performances catch my eye all the time. As a result, K-pop is one of the main factors that got me interested in dancing again, so this illustrates that K-pop made an impact on my life as I practice dance every day by using YouTube videos when I am at home and I take drop-in classes at a dance studio, so I can get better at it. Almost all K-pop groups have become very popular all over the world because their music videos have been shown on TV many times as well as the videos getting millions of views quickly. Even though I have never been to the concerts, I could tell they will get very crowded and the meet and greet lines are very long due to the fan base of the group(s). They have also collaborated with big music artists from all around the world and I am a fan of the artists that they collaborate with such as Blackpink having a song with Dua Lipa and then Selena Gomez as well as TXT having a song with the Jonas Brothers. The songs that the K-pop groups released with these artists have become very catchy and I have listened to these songs 24/7. To continue, I discovered K-pop when I was eleven years old by watching a video of reactions from YouTubers and the first K-pop group I heard about before BTS was named EXO, but I only listened to a few of their songs as I am not too familiar with them and I did not end up becoming a big fan of them as I found out K-pop is not my type of music like American or Latin pop. Now, I rarely listen to K-pop music because I talk about it most of the time with my family and friends as they are more a big fan of the music compared to me. To summarize, listening to K-pop music in the past and present made an impact because I was still dancing when K-pop came out, the groups dance almost all the time in their music videos where the dance is advanced, and watching dance videos from them and others made me very interested in dancing again, so I dance everyday by learning choreography step-by-step so I can get better at it and know what movements I am supposed to be doing.

In general, my favorite Starbucks drinks are the green tea frappuccino, caramel frappuccino, and vanilla bean frappuccino, but if I had to choose a fall-inspired drink from Starbucks, it would have to be the iced chai latte. I have drank hot chai tea for breakfast and it always had a good taste, so I wondered why not try the iced version of it. I have never been to Starbucks in a while, but the iced chai latte from Starbucks for the fall season is the most good-tasting drink to me as I enjoy the scent and taste of it. Fall is my favorite season and I cannot wait for it to come next month because it is not too hot and/or not too cold. Even though I do not like when the weather gets colder, I still eat a mix of hot and cold foods and beverages because we all have personal choices about what we want to eat and drink. I am not a big fan of pumpkin-flavored drinks, but for Thanksgiving, I sometimes eat pumpkin pie because it is a traditional food for Thanksgiving and the holiday takes place in the fall. When I was in elementary school, I would always say I am thankful for cupcakes, but I never had a pumpkin cupcake, so I had pie at my school because I like the taste of pumpkin pie too. As a result, I do not order pumpkin-flavored lattes and hot drinks at Starbucks because I would not finish the drink, so instead the iced chai latte is my best choice to order as I am more comfortable with the scent and taste of it. This holds a special place in my heart because it is a sweet drink and it makes me very calm, which also makes me more sweet towards the people I care about. I like Starbucks more than Dunkin because the drinks are not too sweet and there are more options at Starbucks during every season. I am also torn and cannot choose when it comes to tea and coffee because I drink both during all four seasons and I like both drinks since I cannot live without coffee if I did not have it throughout the day. I always drink my coffee and tea sweet because I am not a fan of bitter tastes in foods and drinks. A quote and joke I found today questioned "When is the first day of Fall?" "Honey, everyone knows it's when Starbucks starts serving Pumpkin Spice Lattes." Although I am a little sad that summer is coming to an end, I cannot wait until the fall season starts because it is when I get to experience new things like maybe even trying new fall-inspired drinks from Starbucks when I have time or when I go there with my parents.

I am an American born to Indonesian immigrants and a first-generation Indonesian American. In Indonesia, many houses have been torn down and the environment is very poor and sad as many people live in very small houses like my grandparents and there are a lot of homeless people there, which is similar to living in America due to the house being destroyed by fires, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. I always show respect to my family, friends, and teachers when I have questions about my school material, so I understand the material better, can succeed, and be a positive influence on everyone around me. This has made me overcome the obstacle of my irrational fear of failing a class despite my grades not being as perfect as before. My friends, parents, loved ones, and physician have told me that it is fine if there is a time that I do not end up being on the dean's list as long as my GPA stays in the 3.0 and higher range. I am very determined and passionate about my academics now because academics are the most important if I want to succeed and become a financial analyst after graduating from college. I was always determined in high school as I have always earned A's and B's in my courses and my GPA was a 3.5 and higher. I am continuing to work very hard in college by studying and keeping track of deadlines, so I can graduate on time and make myself a strong candidate for the scholarships I apply to. I have shown innovation by learning new skills whenever I join a new activity such as when I began to become a scholar at the Kinney Center as I have to be very patient and friendly with the client that I am supporting, and this helps me build up my socialization skills as well since every scholar at the Kinney Center gets a new client every semester and summer camp. I have been developing my social skills here and this can help me overcome my shyness when I meet new people because when I did Camp Kinney in the summer, I talked with my client along with other scholars and their clients. I became more versatile now as I tried things I did in the past and became interested in them again. For example, I played violin along with modeling, acting, and dancing, but now I do not have an interest in modeling and acting since I am more into singing and dancing despite me being a novice at dancing as it takes a lot of time to get better at every new thing we try. Throughout my life, I have faced assumptions such as me being Chinese when I am not and not being able to be liked by others, but during my college years, I have accepted and cared about people who are understanding and kind towards me. I also care for my dog as I walk him and cuddle with him, so I do my best to be friendly towards everyone and I will let my guard down because not everyone will hurt me. I plan to make an impact on the world with all of these skills, so I can be popular in a positive way and admire that even though I have autism, I can learn any skills people without disabilities can learn and earn scholarships to show the positive impact that people with disabilities can earn scholarships no matter what it takes.

Were you always a nonverbal kid when you were younger? Did you have trouble expressing yourself? Were you left out in social situations? If you have been, then you are not alone. When I was a little girl, I was very mousy, and lonely, and had more meltdowns compared to the usual kids around my class because younger individuals with autism need more time to be verbal as well as behave better. When I did Camp Kinney over the summer, I visited all of the groups and the first two groups required more patience because the campers could run on their own, not listen, grab others, throw stuff, and have more meltdowns. Additionally, when I had meltdowns in the classroom, I would have my TSS (Therapeutic Staff Support) and my BSC (Behavioral Specialist) take me out of the classroom to calm me down, so I do not draw attention to myself from my classmates and I understand what is right and what is wrong. This happened when I supported groups one and two at my summer job because the campers have to remain calm and safe at all times. Furthermore, I came from a low-income family, so besides not knowing what Camp Kinney was in the very past years, the cost of going there every week was very expensive when I discussed the high cost with my mom, she told me that the children's parents pay the director at the Kinney Center and the directors pay the SCHOLARS. I and my family also did not have enough money for someone to babysit me when I was younger, so I went to summer camp with individuals who did not have disabilities because it was cheaper, but when I was there, people found me weird and rejected me. I always wanted to be included because everyone around me had a best friend as well as characters that I have seen in movies and shows. I have been developing better connections and friendships in college compared to the past because the people in college are more mature, but my parents and doctor have told me that it always takes time to make friends and I have to be myself when I am around other people because they will be more appreciative of me when I am sincere. When I moved up from grade to grade when I was younger, I realized that this is a challenge I overcame because not many people with autism can read, do math problems, earn high grades, and eventually go to college. Also, I earned scholarships and became a finalist for one during my freshman year of college, so I hope I can earn more scholarships for my sophomore year and going forward, so I can pay my tuition on time and have the amount on my financial aid package to be lower, so it will be a burden to me and my family.

Throughout my life, I have lived in very small houses due to my family income being low to middle and my family is not big because I do not have brothers and sisters. I currently live in a very small house in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; so I have very limited things I can do at my house because I hit stuff with my legs when I dance and when I exercise, I do part of the movement on the workout video I use so I do not bump into objects in the room that I learn to dance in such as my parents' bedroom and the living room. Whenever I did gymnastics during my elementary to middle school years, I always hit my legs on something and not fully doing the movement and the dance studios have a much bigger space for me to dance, so I can fully do the movements in the choreography and warmups. As a result, for my very own Barbie Dream House, which is located in Florida, I wish to have a mansion with a big backyard and pool outside, so I can invite a lot of my friends over to have fun, a dance studio, two big bedrooms and one bathroom as well as my house being very modern and clean because almost everyone wants to visit clean houses. I also want the wall colors to be pink, white, and red, a view of the city when I visit the rooftop and a fully renovated basement. To conclude, the fabulous features of my house are the dance studio, the pool, the walls that are painted pink, red, and white, the big bedrooms, so I can dance in another room when I feel like it, and the closet which I can put all of my fancy clothing and shoes there. I am ready to have fun and dance the night away as Dua Lipa said.

Even though I am not a huge Taylor Swift fan nor ever been to her concerts, her music has helped me understand something new about myself because in one of her songs 'Anti-Hero', she talks about her height insecurity by saying "Sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby and I'm a monster on the hill. Too big to hang out slowly lurching to your favorite city." This relates to me when I was insecure about being the tallest girl in the school, but I overcame my fear by loving being a tall girl at 5'9"-5'10" as Taylor herself is a tall woman at 5'10"-5'11". Being a tall girl, I have the same situations as Taylor Swift and other tall people such as bumping my head on shorter objects, my leg room not fitting that much on buses, being very tall compared to the majority of my classmates, and people being very impressed with how tall I am since they want to be as tall as me. I have appreciated my height ever since because I have had tall friends/classmates at high school and college, and we also crack jokes with each other as well as shorter people to be friendly and funny with each other. Taylor Swift is very creative and could write her own music and her music results in many people appreciating and wanting to listen to it many times, which is something I can understand and relate to because I can try my best with writing my own essay with being creative as well as singing, dancing, and doing makeup. Even though Taylor Swift does not have autism, she is very talented, likable, intelligent, and during this year, almost a lot of people wanted to go to her concert, but did not get tickets due to the Ticketmaster crisis as well as the tickets being very expensive and quickly sold out. Furthermore, I was a big fan of her in my elementary to middle school years and I almost always sang her songs for the talent show at my schools because they were very catchy and her songs became hits. When I sang her songs at the talent shows everyone cheered for me after my performance no matter if they were mistakes, which relates to when I am dancing now because even though my dancing skills are not that perfect, people still cheer for me no matter what and I cheer for other people no matter what. To summarize, she was a positive role model for everyone and she has made me a kind, intelligent, sweet, bubbly, and hardworking individual that I am today. Like her, I also work hard to succeed and have a successful career after my education. I hope that I can win this scholarship because I have worked hard to earn passing grades, showed my passion to graduate college on time, and become a positive role model to everyone around me by helping others, giving back, and being kind and soft-spoken.

I represent the Autistic and Asian communities, and I have been involved in many activities in my high school years, such as DIVAs (Developing Independent Virtuous Adults), the National Honor Society, the student council, and my college counselor's senior committee. Now, in college, I am involved with Kinney SCHOLARS, where we help individuals on the Autism Spectrum and the Asian Student Association, being a participant by attending events they host, and outside of school, I dance in my free time or take dance lessons, so I have activities in and outside of college. Throughout my elementary through high school years, I was involved in basketball, gymnastics, dance, and karate. Unfortunately, I did not pursue them because I found an interest in modeling, which I am not doing at the moment. I am focusing on my studies because they are my priority and I hope to graduate college on time. Winning this scholarship will mean a lot to me and I will use this scholarship to pay off all of my college expenses for all four years since scholarships are for all college years. This will also help me contribute to my academic goals because higher education level is not cheap. That is why as a start, scholarships are becoming necessary for me throughout my four years of college and I know that going forward Saint Joseph's University offers internships and temporary jobs, and these will help me to continue to earn my bachelor's degree in finance and become a financial analyst in the future. This can work both ways where I can start saving to continue my education and also have work opportunities to gain experience because companies require job experience. Recently, I did a financial aid appeal with the financial aid office at Saint Joseph's University after the financial aid package was sent out and luckily, they were able to give me additional funding by giving me a grant and qualifying me for federal work study, so I can lower my college expenses in the future and this will help me and my family's financial situation as the first time we appealed was for the death of my maternal grandfather and my mom being unemployed for six months. I hope that I would be a strong candidate for this scholarship because I want to show that I am determined, passionate, and hardworking by maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher and trying my best to make the dean's list. I am serious about getting my degree, joining successful work companies, and giving back to my community when it is needed. I pray every day to win scholarships because I want to make my parents proud so we can afford college. I learned that we have to keep trying no matter what it takes and we can get through the difficulties that come to us when we work hard and pass every college class.

Throughout my elementary through high school years, I was peer pressured in a negative way, I overcame it because my peers stood up for me and/or told me that those people are not my friends and they were taking advantage of me. As a result, I joined D.I.V.As (Developing Independent Virtuous Adults), which was extracurricular for people who wanted to be positive role models. In college, I had much better connections with other people compared to when I was in high school because the people in college are more mature and friendly. Since I am not involved in a lot of extracurriculars, one way I became a leader in college is by joining the Kinney Center by helping individuals with autism. Even though my major does not align with becoming a Kinney SCHOLAR, I joined because I wanted to build up my social skills as well as being a leader for the autism community and my friends and parents tell me that joining this could help with socializing. As someone with autism, I have difficulty initiating conversations, so when I walk to clients at Kinney, I start by saying hi to them as well as asking what they like. I think my work at Kinney can help me when I compete at the Miss USA and (possibly) Miss Universe pageant because as Lu Sierra once said "Miss USA/Miss Universe does not model, she speaks." This statement demonstrates that Miss USA and Miss Universe's mission is to be a positive role model for everyone around them and with this, if I were to win Miss USA and Miss Universe, I would use it to be a transformational leader as well as show everyone that people with disabilities also have success stories. In 2022, there was a teen with epilepsy and autism who won a Miss Dallas pageant and she showed everyone that she fought through her disability as well as being a leader by raising money for cancer patients while also competing in pageants to raise awareness. When I become a leader, I donate money to sick people as well as give food and money to the homeless, so they can stay healthy because food is one of the needs along with clothes and housing, and when Miss Universe travels to different countries during their reign, they always help children in need and advocate for themselves and everyone around them to show that they are more than just beautiful. To build up from everything, what makes me a leader is that I show determination, kindness, loyalty, and passion when I work hard at school as well as helping others who need it. I hope that having this scholarship will help me continue to become a leader in the autism community as well as strengthen my leadership skills when I become a financial analyst at companies.

I am a finance major, which is part of the business field and my motivation in pursuing a career in the business field is that I am good with numbers and have an interest in math. There are many careers I can do with a bachelor's degree in finance such as a financial analyst, sales agent and representative, foreign exchange trader, financial manager, and many more. I am considering doing the co-op at Saint Joseph's University during my sophomore year and going forward since co-ops are temporary jobs as well as having job experience, many people start with being a sales associate or a cashier at companies because not everyone has the advanced experience to work as the career they want to pursue after graduating college. Additionally, I have a LinkedIn profile where there are many skills required for a job other than sales like communication, and being able to speak many languages, and I want employers to know where I worked and how my skills from my previous job and volunteer experiences can make me a strong candidate for future jobs. I am highly interested in work-study programs because there is a way to get job experience, lower my tuition expenses, and be able to afford college with my family’s help, other than applying for and getting scholarships and/or grants. English and Indonesian are my native/bilingual proficiency languages, while French and Spanish are my limited working proficiency languages. Taking higher-level French courses after French 101 and 102 and me considering studying abroad in France might move me to a professional working proficiency level or full professional proficiency in French, along with getting my master’s degree in Spain, resulting in being fluent in Spanish. Being fluent in three foreign languages can be very advantageous, so I can help people who have limited English proficiency at schools and shopping places (Target, Walmart, Forever 21, etc.). In conclusion, I still need to build up my analytical, critical thinking, organizational skills, and patience when doing work and writing essays or reports since these skills are required to become a financial analyst or other careers, so I can be calmer during tense situations, doing tasks that require a lot of work, and resulting in positive and correct outcomes. Also, if I want to be certified or chartered in the finance field, I will have to study intensively with breaks in between, focus on financial concepts, take practice exams, be wise about spending my money because the exams cost money, and other than spending money wisely on the exam, I hope to use it wisely to rent, then eventually buy a house when I become independent, and use it on necessities (food, clothing, housing, transportation).

I will be a rising college sophomore finance major at Saint Joseph's University during the 2023-2024 academic year. I made the dean's list in the fall 2022 semester with a 3.62 GPA. This was my biggest accomplishment during college life since the coursework in college is more complex compared to high school, and I managed to work through the assignments by the deadlines. When I started college, I did my best to make friends by reaching out to students from my college, but they did not reach out to me, so this is one moment when I experienced weakness since I always thought college years will be perfect and I learned from other students that not all four years are perfect since we have our ups and downs. Before college I always wanted everything to be perfect such as having a best friend because characters I watched on TV had best friends and everyone around me had best friends. As said in the previous paragraph, I did my very best to overcome my problems with making friends by approaching and reaching out to others, but they rarely responded to me, so I was a bit of a loner throughout. Even though I was a bit of a loner, I looked at many clubs that interested me, but I could only get involved in a few and/or attended a few events because I do not live on campus and the events required me to wait very long hours. As a person diagnosed with high-functioning autism, it is very difficult for me to start conversations and I have an awkward approach toward new people. As a result, when I wanted to make friends in college I acted like a different person since I am not a very bubbly person and I tried to change myself a little bit because, before college, I always expected others to approach me, but now I do my best to approach others. I have learned from my experiences that not everyone will approach me and I have to put myself out there. I also learned that we do not always get what we expected such as when we apply for jobs, and scholarships, and get the person we want to be our friend to become our friend since it is almost like a math problem where it takes time to get the results we are hoping for. In this instant, I am hoping to win scholarships because it will help me and my family financially to afford college since my goal is to graduate in four years without being in debt, get my bachelor's degree in finance, become a financial analyst, go to graduate school abroad and work in a successful company after working temporary jobs. This scholarship will make a difference because it will show that I am strong, confident, and passionate about pursuing my career to become a financial analyst and maintaining a high GPA throughout college by completing complex courses with getting an A or B in the class when I do my best to participate in class, do my assignments on time, and earn high grades on my final exams or projects.

I always dreamed bout going to Disney when I was a little girl because everyone around me had been to Disney World once or more than once. I went to Disney World (in Florida) during winter break in 2013 with my parents and cousin, and since I had a very fun time there, I thought about going again, but it is very expensive to go there. During my preschool to elementary school years, I would dress up as Disney princesses like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Jasmine despite my favorite Disney princess is Rapunzel, not only due to what she could do with her hair but because of her brave and kind personality. When I was at Disney World, I took a lot of pictures with many Disney princesses because to me, going to Disney represents happiness, animation, cheerfulness, and fun times despite it being an audience for children, many grown-ups still go there for vacation. I used to watch Disney Channel a lot from when I was in preschool to my freshman year of high school because the shows and movies were very interesting to me and my parents. Although I do not watch Disney Channel anymore, I would still go to Disneyland or Disney World, so I can have a fun and happy break if I can and my mom would still be happy to go there again. Other than going to Disney, I still enjoy Disney Channel movies from my childhood despite the target audience being adolescents because it brings back happy memories and I hope I can be happier throughout my life with many strong friendships in college since Disney is about happiness and positively inspiring people by being kind towards one another. I have never been to Disneyland, but I hope to go there with friends or family if I can because I have never been to California and I would like to go to Disney World again due to going there one time and I want to experience happiness again since I have not been on vacations due to plane tickets being very high in price and my parents working. I hope I can win this scholarship because I want to show that people with disabilities can have success stories and strive for success and become positive role models for everyone. With this scholarship, I hope to use it towards my financial aid package, so I can lower the cost of my financial aid package for the 2023-24 academic year, pay the bill on time once I have received it and not worry about having to take loans. Since I do not have any scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year, I will keep applying to the ones I am eligible for to show my determination and passion about winning scholarships since the ones I applied for are only for one year, so getting scholarships going through my financial aid package will help me and my family financially since our financial situation is categorized as low to middle income.

My greatest achievement was making the dean's list for the fall 2022 semester. This experience taught me that I would continue to work hard during my college years and I hope to end every semester with a GPA higher than 2.0. Unfortunately, in the spring 2023 semester, I did not make the dean's list because my GPA was lower than 3.5. Even though I did not make it, my family and friends encouraged me that it was fine, and they also had the same situation as me when they missed a semester to be on the dean's list. Before the 2022-2023 academic year started, I was eligible to receive additional aid from most of my top colleges after my mom and I appealed because, besides the death of her father, we also showed the awards I got in my high school years along with my report cards. With tuition increasing every year, the amount on my financial aid package will get higher, so we have to appeal to the financial aid office to make sure we can afford college without student loans, and coming from a low to middle-income family, my parents always work hard to make sure that they can pay for my college funds. I also work part-time at Saint Joseph's University when I help a client with Autism and I get paid for working, which increases my funding for the following years. In November 2022, my mom lost her job because her office closed down due to the hurricane (her office was headquartered in Florida), so she worked very hard to find new jobs and I pray for her to get a new job as soon as possible, but she did not get her new job until May 2023. Her unemployment lasted for five months, which impacted our financial situation and we could use this reason for the 2023-2024 academic year to appeal the financial aid package I will receive on June 20, so we do not have to owe the university money or take loans. Other than coming from a low to middle-income family, when we apply for the PHEAA grant, they would tell me I am not eligible for it due to the Expected Family Contribution on the FAFSA being very high, so without housing expenses being on my financial aid package, this made it very expensive and when we appealed, Saint Joseph's University would give me additional grants, which made it easier for me to afford college and pay the bill on time. I always try my best to apply to as many scholarships as I can and hope the scholarships that I get will be added to my financial aid package, so this will lower the cost of college every year since the scholarships I have received were only for one year. After I get my bachelor's degree in finance, I hope to get my master's degree in another institution or abroad, so I hope to save money and spend it wisely so I can afford graduate school and live on my own. I will still keep applying for scholarships and I pray and hope that I get the scholarships I apply for every day, so I make my parents proud to show that I am smart, bold, brave, and passionate about getting scholarships because it will help us financially.

As someone coming from a low to middle-income family, I have always tried my best to succeed in school, so I can get the financial aid I need and my family can be able to afford college without taking loans. Throughout my school years, I have always wondered what I wanted to be when I grew up with me considering to become an actress, dancer, gymnast, basketball player, and model. I tried these activities, but later, I did not feel too serious about pursuing my career in either one of these. I am focused on academics now since academics are the most important factor in succeeding. I did karate and basketball in my middle school years along with a little bit of dance, but I did not get fully interested in these activities as I was more interested in becoming a model. When it came to my volunteering experience, after my middle school years were over and when I started high school, I was involved in the National Honor Society, D.I.V.As (Developing Independent Virtuous Adults), student council, and my senior committee since I wanted these to be on my résumé when applying to colleges. When I graduated high school, I graduated with a 3.79 GPA and with this, I hope to continue to maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher in college. Before I decided on what college I wanted to go to, me and my parents had to appeal to the financial aid offices, so we could afford college better and I made my decision couple days later after decision day since I was waiting to hear back from Drexel to see if they could give me additional funding. When Drexel got back to me they step that they could not give me additional funding, so I chose Saint Joseph's University due to the additional funding they gave me and the safety despite the university being a little far from my home. Although Saint Joseph's University is a little far from my home, I decided to be a commuter because the living costs are high and I do not really feel comfortable having a roommate since I have difficulties making friends. To build off from making friends, I tried to overcome my problems making friends when I started college, but I have realized that not all four years of college is perfect. For example, I did not make the dean's list for the spring 2023 semester and there are other people who did not make it for the fall 2022 semester. With the tuition increasing and financial aid package changing amounts yearly, winning this scholarship will mean everything to me and my family because college is not cheap and I hope to get scholarships every year since they are not necessary for one year, so I hope to lower the cost of college with scholarships and grants, thus I can graduate college without being in debt and being able to afford graduate school abroad and having my own house.

When I was younger, I was a huge fan of Taylor Swift even though I never went to any of her concerts, but even though now I am not a big fan of hers, I still listen to her music because it is catchy and very good. I like her older music better since I find them better than the newer ones. If I had to choose my favorite song on her '1989' album it would be 'Bad Blood' because it is very catchy and has a very deep meaning since it represents my experience with others as I did not have many friends like other people around me since people would misunderstand and make fun of me, which caused me to despise them and I did not think of having them as my friend that I dreamed of. The song 'Bad Blood' makes me move around a lot and I express myself with this song when I am alone. Also, this song represents real-life situations as well as situations in movies where people develop a grudge against another because of something immoral they did to them, which causes them to feel enraged. People have wronged me in the past years as they were always manipulative towards me such as asking me to get their stuff, get lunch for them, and make me do something inappropriate in front of everyone. As a result, I shut down everyone around me because either they already have their group of friends or they just wanted to humiliate me. These experiences made me a loner and I could not help myself to make friends since if I were to act very kind towards others, they would use me for my kindness and mistake it for weakness. I always complied with their requests because I wanted to be accepted and I was afraid to say no because I know that if I said no, they would not accept me. That is why my parents and other peers who noticed this type of behavior have told me not to do it, which resulted in me being torn about the decision and realizing that I should have listened to them because they know that they are using me and not being a good friend to me. Other than taking advantage of me by asking me to do something for them, when I try to talk when necessary, they tell me to shut up by using profanity and saying prohibited things towards me, which causes me to ignore them if they try to talk to me. As for people who treated me badly, this song happens to be my number one favorite on the album as I do not want the people who treat me badly in my life and I want to avoid them at all costs now. Other than this song, I dedicated a song called 'I hope ur miserable until ur dead' which is not by Taylor Swift (it is by Nessa Barrett) because I would like to express my feelings towards them on how badly they treated me, it illustrates a song about hate, and it will realize that people have chosen the wrong friends which can cause bad blood between them and cut the person out of their life.

When it comes to my health journey, I learned about the amounts of food I should eat, increasing physical activity, and sleeping for seven to nine hours since these are ways that can help me lose or maintain my weight. One of my favorite foods to eat is meat and when I cook two or more slices of it, I eat one or two depending on the size of the meat, I also eat it with mashed potatoes and kale chips sometimes. When I finish the meat (steak, chicken, lamb, pork) with mashed potatoes, I save the kale chips for my post-workout snack because I do not want to become too full after my dinner and healthy snacks are very important to eat after workouts and when you are not working out. Even though I do not have a big house where I can do many physical activities as well as not many places for activities near my house, I do my best to dance and exercise so I am not laying in bed all day, which can make me more prone to weight gain. When my body feels tense, I stretch to make myself comfortable and I exercise when my body is ready to. Besides what I eat and do since I have been diagnosed with Autism at around two years old, it is hard for me to find a friend that understands me as when I tried to make friends quickly, they would take advantage of me and bully me. This resulted in me becoming a loner and not approaching too many people because I do not want to repeat the same negative experiences I had and I realized that not everyone has to fit in. When my first year of college started, I tried to be involved in as many activities as I could and one of them was being part of the Saint Joseph's University dance team, but unfortunately, I could not be a member of the team since now I have little to no experience of dancing and I could not have the strong connection that I wanted to have. This caused me to feel a little upset and down because I always thought to myself that I will have stronger bonds in college, but I talked with other people who were not part of the team when I had lunch in the dining hall. When I attended a diversity, inclusion, and equity event at my university, some upperclassmen state that not all four years of college are perfect and ways we can cope with that are by talking to mental health services and adults we trust. This session was very helpful to me because everyone is not perfect or does not meet their goal(s) during college like making the Dean's List with a 3.5 GPA or higher since the minimum GPA to pass is a 2.0. I will continue to do be productive by reading, writing, studying, dancing, looking for scholarships, cooking, doing my assignments before the deadline, and eating healthily. I am confident that in my future years of college, I will have stronger connections with my classmates and professors.

I have just finished my freshman year of college and I am going to be an incoming sophomore in the Fall 2023 semester. When I did an early arrival program at Saint Joseph's University, I met some new acquaintances and I made connections with some of them as well on the first day of college when everyone was getting to know each other. Even though I have problems making friends, I do my best to build connections with others by joining them since I do not want to be lonely all the time and reach out to a lot of people because I want to make friends. Even though I reach out to people, they rarely respond to me, which causes me to feel broken because they would always say "Feel free to reach out" and when I do, nothing happens, which causes me to feel anxious because I thought making friends in college would be easier. It is always the opposite since there is almost no response when I reach out to people who attend my college, but I would respond to incoming students who attend my college because I want to make friends. Everywhere I go, I have difficulties making friends because as a victim of bullying, it made me become a loner. After all, I do not want to feel ashamed and misunderstood when I join a group of people. Since I have high-functioning Autism, I chose not to live on campus because not only is it very expensive, but I sense feelings of awkwardness if I had a roommate and/or suitemates. I also have difficulties expressing myself and how I should say something because I would always get judged and made fun of by others, which causes me to feel embarrassed and not want to talk to people. As a result, the ways I keep my mind, body, and soul healthy are exercising, reading, dancing, listening to music, learning and trying new things, and watching my favorite shows and movies, as well as funny videos since these activities calm me down and help me relieve stress and anxiety. Living in a very small house, there are not many activities I can do there due to limited space, I also do outside activities like dancing at Koresh Dance Company and I will be doing Camp Kinney at Saint Joseph's University in June, where I will do different activities and help individuals with Autism. Overall, I have to be my authentic self when I meet new people since they look for honest friends and I demonstrate kindness towards others because I treat people the way I want to be treated and being kind to everyone can help me make friends quickly and this can make me live a healthier life mentally and physically, so I am not stressed and I can also talk to my parents if I have problems with school and going forward, I hope that I make friends easily as I am starting to be familiar with the students and some acknowledge me because I am kind.

Since I am a finance major, the four careers that interest me are financial analyst, financial planner, certified public accountant, and foreign exchange trader. These careers interest me because I am currently working on building up my analytical, detail-oriented, creative, and innovative skills. I can keep track of deadlines, plan, get experience in foreign languages, and be persistent in my work. Before applying to colleges, I was very undecided on my major such as thinking about majoring in nursing for the first time, then changing to psychology, and finally being committed to being a finance major because I like math, am good with numbers, can remember the past, and can train to have a job in the finance field when it comes to being in the workforce. Also, I chose finance because of my MBTI. I believe I am an ISTJ (Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judging), and this personality type states that people with this personality can be financial analysts, accountants, engineers, managers, etc. Being an ISTJ, my strengths are being honest, direct, loyal, determined, and I like having things structured, so it does not go all over the place, and I will be less frustrated. My weaknesses are that I am resistant to change, being overwhelmed in large crowds, tending to come off as overconfident (thinking I am always right), and currently, I am easily impatient and anxious (rushing) when it comes to big tests and exams, because I worry that I will not get it done on time and think that the answers are wrong since they may not seem concrete to me, which results in grades that I am not satisfied with and me being irrationally afraid of failing the course and repeating. My areas of growth and development for being an ISTJ are to approach other people when necessary since I am slow to make friends, find the right people to talk with, not doubt myself very easily, be less frustrated with people who disagree with me, come up with innovative and bright ideas when I need to prepare, so I know what is going on in the session, be less rigid when dealing with conflicting situations, be more involved with groups, and seek help when needed. Developing these skills can make me successful inside and outside of the work environment. Other than the MBTI test, I also took the RIASEC test to determine my personality type and the career(s) I should have after I graduate from college. My RIASEC is conventional, which is almost like being an ISTJ; I like to follow routines, prefer clear directions over abstract, try my best to manage my time well, be task-oriented, like things to go smoothly, and have strengths in data and numbers. The conventional personality type states that these types of people are interested in math, accounting, concrete tasks, organizing and collecting data, etc. It also states the same careers that are best for ISTJs, such as working as accountants, financial analysts and advisors, business managers, and insurance agents. Finally, I still need to build up my analytical, critical thinking, organizational skills, and patience when doing work and writing essays or reports, so I can be calmer during tense situations, doing tasks that require a lot of work, and result in positive and correct outcomes. If I want to be certified or chartered in the finance field, I have to be wise about spending my money because the exams cost money, and I hope to use the money wisely to rent, then eventually buy a house when I become independent, and use it on necessities.

Some ways I manage my wellness while in my college years are controlling what I eat, exercising, and studying constantly, so I pass. Although the outcomes after I study are not what I expected them to be, my parents tell me it is fine as long as I study for the exams. I have just finished my final exams, but some of my grades were not efficient enough to be on the Dean's List as the GPA to be on that is 3.5 or higher at Saint Joseph's University, so my parents and friends encourage me that it is fine and I understand because everyone has their ups and downs with college life. After all, it is much different than high school with more advanced material no matter what major. My freshman year was just an adjustment through college life because even though I did not get perfect scores, I still managed to pass my classes with a 3.0 GPA or higher and overall I may have a 3.31 GPA once my final grades go in as the minimum GPA to pass is a 2.0. I also talk with some friends at college as well as trusted adults and go to the gym, as well as the library when I have a lot of time to relax or study to relieve myself from distractions. Even though I may procrastinate most of the time, I always pay attention to deadlines to submit my assignments, so I can get graded and worry less about my other necessities. When I do not understand the class materials, I would go to my professors for office hours as well as peer tutors to get help as much as I can, so I can succeed and understand the materials better. My strongest subject during my first year of college was French and the most difficult was economics, accounting, and English for the spring 2023 semester. I think it may depend on the professors' teaching style and grading system since during the fall 2022 semester, I had some professors who would drop the lowest grade(s), considered homework towards the grade, curve grade(s) by many points, and would easily grade me by giving me a B+ or A. While in the spring 2023 semester, I had professors who graded toughly despite the hard work I put in, curved by little points or did not curve at all, but a few dropped the lowest grade I received. As a result for the spring 2023 semester, I managed to get an A or B, but in some classes, I received Cs due to the grade I got on the exam(s) and the tough grading. Despite this, the grades I got were higher than 2.0 even though they did not put me on the Dean's List. As my parents and friends say it is fine to not make the Dean's List for the whole year as not everyone is perfect, but I hope to be on the Dean's List going forward because I put in my best effort, strive to get A's along with some B's no matter how difficult the material is, I registered for professors with high ratings, so I hope I have a 3.5 GPA or higher for the 2023-2024 academic year with the professors I sign up for.

I believe that it is important to have healthy eating habits, so we have more energy to keep us active throughout the day and prevent sicknesses like cancer and obesity. I have noticed that I have lost a little bit of weight and I exercised almost every day, as well as limiting the portions of food. My parents have always advised me to eat little by little food without starving myself and/or becoming bulimic or anorexic. I only ate the food if I was hungry, so I will not notice a massive weight gain and this shows that I am controlling what I eat, which will make my parents proud. Mentally, I still have difficulty making friends because every time I wanted to join a group of friends, they would reject or shun me, so this caused me to be quiet around new people because I do not want to repeat negative experiences in the past. As a person who has autism, I perceive and react to things differently, as well as having difficulties to approach people. Physically, I am still considered normal with my height and weight of 5'10" and 150 to 152 pounds as my peers, parents, and doctors tell me because I am tall and the people closest to me do not want me to starve myself, but I am controlling my eating habits by eating smaller portions of food. For example, when I eat meats, rice, and eggs, along with other foods, I do not eat all of the foods on the table because I know that the foods can be saved for the next day. Mentally and physically, I am happy and healthy despite the difficulties in college, so practicing healthy eating habits makes me pass all of my college classes as well as having a GPA higher than 2.0 even though I am not on the Dean's List. My parents always encourage me it is fine if I am not on the Dean's List as long as I have a high GPA as many people experience this when they apply for a job or scholarship, but they are not selected. I always hope for success by maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher as well as winning a scholarship because I want to represent the autism community by showing everyone that people with autism and any other disabilities have success stories. Winning this scholarship will mean everything to me and my family because my mom lost her job almost 6 months ago, so this impacts my financial aid for the 2023-2024 academic year and as a result, scholarships and grants are necessary for me to pay my tuition as the tuition increases yearly.

I think math is important because it helps us become wiser with finances and make ethical financial decisions, and whatever pathway we go to, math is always part of the general education program and math is always involved when we go shopping, buying clothes, food, housing, rent, etc. Math was always one of my favorite subjects before college even though the classes were always boring, I managed to overcome the boredom by getting A's and/or B's because I participated constantly, worked hard during the tests, and asked for help when the instructions are not clear. The math classes that I took in high school were pre-algebra, algebra 1, geometry, and algebra 2. These subjects require a lot of attention to detail, which is helpful in mathematical and non-mathematical situations. Last semester, I took music and math to fulfill my math beauty requirement, and this math class involved a lot of numbers being associated with music notes, analyzing musical compositions, determining if pitch or sound will increase, consonance scales, pitch classes, interval ratios, and many other musical terms that are abstract. Although I do not understand abstract concepts, I managed to pass the class because I worked hard, seek tutoring when I did not understand what was being taught, and tried my best to remember what my tutor taught me in the sessions. Now as a college freshman, I am currently taking general education courses like English and even though I already fulfilled my math beauty requirement for the fall semester, I have to take a differential calculus course because it is required for all finance majors. I do not have courses in my finance major until my sophomore or junior year because when I started my freshman year of college, shadowed a college student during my senior year, and attended a campus tour, students and professors state that general education classes like science, math, history, and English are mandatory to take and these subjects are taught differently in colleges compared to high school because college coursework is more complex than high school. As a finance major, the majority of my courses are math-based, so this is important when I become a financial analyst. As a financial analyst, I need to have a strong understanding, gather financial data, monitor metrics of the company, provide strategic recommendations for clients, and make sure the financial reporting is correct and accurate because, in accounting, the debit and credit sides have to balance. Although I tend to lose interest when something gets theoretical and get panicked when something takes a lot of work, I have to work through it alone or my group members can help everyone get through it, and book an appointment for office hours with my professors, so I understand the material and pass the class with an A or a B.

I am an American born to Indonesian immigrants and a first-generation Indonesian-American, currently, a freshman at Saint Joseph’s University, majoring in Finance and considering a minor in French because I want to study abroad in France and I adore the French language. I represent the Autistic and Asian communities, and I have been involved in many activities throughout my high school years, such as DIVAs (Developing Independent Virtuous Adults), the National Honor Society, the student council, and my college counselor's senior committee. Now, in college, I am involved with Kinney SCHOLARS, where we help individuals on the Autism Spectrum and the Asian Student Association, being a participant by attending events they host, and outside of school, I dance in my free time or take dance lessons, so I have activities in and outside of college. Throughout my elementary through high school years, I was very active in sports like basketball, gymnastics, dance, and karate. But unfortunately, I did not pursue them because I found an interest in modeling, which I am not doing at the moment. After all, I want to focus on my studies because they are more important than my modeling career and I hope to graduate college on time. Winning this scholarship will mean a lot to me and I will use this scholarship to pay off all of my college expenses for all four years since scholarships are not one-time only. This will also help me contribute to my academic goals because higher education level is not cheap and it is not easy for me because I didn't work during my high school years. That is why as a start, scholarships are becoming necessary for me throughout my four years of college and I know that going forward Saint Joseph's University offers internships and temporary jobs, and these will help me to continue to earn my bachelor's degree in finance and become a financial analyst in the future. This can work both ways where I can start saving to continue my education and also have work opportunities to gain experience because companies do not only require a degree, they need job experience from all of the candidates applying for the job. I hope that I would be a strong candidate for this scholarship, only for my Indonesian background, but because I want to show that I am determined, passionate, and hardworking by maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher and trying my best to make the dean's list. I have worked hard throughout my high school years and I continue to work hard in college, getting my degree, joining successful work companies, and giving back to my community when it is needed. As a result, I pray every day to win scholarships because I want to make my parents proud so we can afford college. After graduating from Saint Joseph's University, I am thinking about getting my master's degree in France or Spain, so scholarships will be necessary for me to go to graduate school across the country, be an independent adult, make wise decisions about my budget when I look for a house in France or Spain, and I hope to improve my foreign language skills because foreign languages are significant in the workplace.

The passing of my maternal grandfather on March 23, 2019 “derailed” my family’s planning. As a result, both of my parents had to visit Indonesia to attend and cover the funeral cost of my grandfather. That was a very unexpected and un-avoided event where we needed to readjust our family saving(s) plan, in this case that would be my college fund. Coming from a low to middle income family, my parents work hard to save and put aside some funds for me to go to college, so I can achieve my dream with very minimum or no loans/debt which I am very grateful for that. I understand that my parents would like to help me as much as they can, so I can be more focused on finishing my education without worrying too much on student loans and be independent. I am committed to pursuing my education and I can prove it by getting awards and acknowledgements from my high school and college years. Throughout my high school years, I was able to be on the honor roll by having “Distinguished Honors” with a 3.75 GPA and up, and now in college, I made the dean’s list for the fall semester with a 3.62 GPA, which I hope to maintain all four years. Ever since it has been almost four years since my maternal grandfather has passed away, me and my mom have been talking with my grandmother by checking up on how we are doing and when we tell her that we are doing well, we ask her if she is also doing well, in which she responds yes. She tells me to keep doing well in school, so I can be successful within my goals in the future by working very hard no matter how hard the coursework is.

Although I am not a math major nor is it my favorite subject, I still love math because I am strong with numbers and it is very important throughout the years. No matter what school we go to, math is always in the classroom even though many people find the class boring. One reason why I love math is that it convinces me to think about the smart choices I should make when I go everywhere. For example, when we go to the store, the cashier would always scan the items and tell us how much each item cost. If we don't have enough cash for the said amount, we would use a card because if the cash is not enough, we would have to owe them money. If we do have cash for the said amount, we would pay the exact amount or more than the said amount. Another reason why I love math is that I am passionate about solving math problems, which can help me during my career as a financial analyst and it is related to how we cook something. For example, if we were baking a cake, it can state that we need one egg, two cups of sugar, two cups of flour, and one cup of milk. This illustrates that math can help us do something correctly. The final reason why I love math is that it is also involved in other subjects like science and accounting, and it will help us with our analytical, critical thinking, detail-oriented, and big-picture skills by showing us models of graphs to see if the budget is increasing or decreasing, as well as if we were to buy or rent a house under or over budget. These are essential skills to think about as you get older. All in all, I was able to earn A's and/or B's in my math class during my elementary to high school years. Hence, this will help me how to solve my problems that might not be math-related and make the right decision when I look for a house or go to graduate school abroad. I hope to get my master's degree in France or Spain, so scholarships and/or grants are very important to me so I am able to afford graduate school, make the right budget for my housing, and choose the house that is under or on budget.

I am an American born to Indonesian immigrants and a first-generation Indonesian-American, currently attending Saint Joseph’s University, and majoring in Finance with a minor in French. I am an only child, so my parents are like my brother and sisters, and they are also the biggest supporters of my success. My dad was a bass player years before I was born, but my mom never played any musical instruments. Having a parent who was a musician, I played a musical instrument and sang during my elementary to high school years. During elementary and middle school, I was involved in my school's orchestra and choir, but in high school, I was only involved with the orchestra. As a result, I follow in my mom and dad's footsteps by doing music and being successful because my parents earned their college degrees during their college years in Indonesia. They have raised me to do well in school by working hard and studying. Although I was not on the honor roll during my elementary school years at A.S. Jenks, I still managed to move up to the next grades because my grades were satisfactory enough for the school to pass me since I had A's, B's, and C's, as well my next school (Mastery Charter Thomas Elementary) since they were less strict than Mastery Charter Thomas Campus about grades and summer school. In the 1st report period of 5th grade, I had a C in my reading and writing classes since I transferred to Mastery Charter Thomas Elementary in October. Not only did I have a grade I despised, I also had to read at a very elementary proficiency level (Kindergarten to 1st grade) since I failed to summarize the story during my Fountas and Pinnell testing that happens monthly. I was at a level E for books, while other students were at a much higher reading level than me. I felt inferior to them and kept doubting myself that I would never pass this class. Couple months after I transferred, I started getting A’s and B’s in my reading and writing classes and my reading level continued to get higher because I summarized the story thoroughly. I went from level E to level K for reading, so My fifth grade literacy teacher named Ms. Reichold set a goal for me and told me “You are at level K and your goal is to be at level O.” Ms. Reichold was strict, but very kind and helpful to everyone. Also, my writing teacher Ms. Ford helped me do better in her class. As a result, I would describe Ms. Reichold and Ms. Ford as amazing and helpful teachers. Furthermore, when Ms. Ford met with my parents during report card conferences, she told them that “Jade is very eager to learn and finds my class fun.” As a result of her help, my grade for her class increased to a B. I also passed my Fountas and Pinnell reading tests, but I failed to reach level O (I was at level N), so they convinced me to go to summer school, but I did not attend because no one was there to drop me off, but luckily, they did not repeat me as they understood the conflict(s). Three months later: 6th grade came. I was not at school in late August because I was still on vacation in Indonesia (where my parents are from) with my mom. My feeling of being jet lagged was long-term, but I still went to school since I am a hardworking student who is passionate about schoolwork.

I took Tang Soo Do (a Korean martial art) classes from 2016 to 2018 and I took them, so I know what to do when I get attacked. The lessons that I have learned from martial arts that I have been able to apply to my life is that I am being cautious towards my surroundings. Currently, everywhere we go is not safe since crimes are happening everywhere. If I was robbed and asked for money, I would give it to them because money is replaceable while humans are not. Also, I carry pepper spray with me so if the attacker is too close or strong for me to punch or kick, I can use my spray to protect myself and others. When I apply martial arts to my academics, I learned that everything is achievable, improvements can always give you positive results, we can have the courage to do anything, surround ourselves with positive influences, and overcome difficulties and without ambition or risks, there are no rewards. Long story short, my parents took martial arts classes when they were younger and they have persuaded me to take classes, so I can get better at self-defense I followed their footsteps by taking martial arts classes for a while and working hard in school by trying my best to pass my classes with A's and/or B's.

I am the type of person who loves to read and write. I read so many books when I was in middle and high school and I even have some favorite books, such as The Hunger Games series, Paper Towns, The Outsiders, Pretty Little Liars, Romeo and Juliet, Beloved, etc. Although I have a lot of favorite books, the book I would recommend everyone to read is Beloved by Toni Morrison because it illustrates the unfair treatment that people of African-American descent have faced in current and past events, we can learn a lot from the novel and movie even though the scenes are different, and it can lead you to become strong and do good deeds. The scenes in Beloved were disturbing to readers, but since I and my class read the novel in my senior year of high school, we handled the scenes calmly and we always had group discussions for each chapter and analyzed the scenes in a complex way since the characters were complex too. Beloved portrays the horrors of slavery very well because Toni Morrison's purpose in writing this novel was to strengthen the history of what happened to African-American women in slavery and she was recognized for her study of African-Americans with her main focus on black women. Consequently, when I and my group summarized each chapter, we always took turns on who will present to the whole class and other groups provided feedback on the main points that happened in each chapter and we got positive feedback from others. To summarize, when I did a writing section of my exam, I chose to summarize Beloved because this novel was very interesting compared to the other novels I read in the past years, I think this novel was very informative about black history, it portrays good vs. evil very well, the scenes are very intense, and readers can go through the same situations that the characters are in such as their troubled past haunting and/or getting back to them.

As a financial analyst, the required skills I need to have are attention to detail, math, communication, analytical, and critical thinking. The work I did in all of my classes over the past can help me in my future career of becoming a financial analyst because when I was writing my essays, I always planned, analyzed, and asked how I should write my papers. I also understood the importance of revision, communication, time management, and teamwork, so I succeed in college. To get a job as a financial analyst, I must get my bachelor’s degree and do temporary jobs since companies look for experienced candidates. Financial analysts are. As a finance major, I have taken courses where I have to use Excel sheets, such as in accounting and decision systems & data science, where we analyze the data of the problems given to us. This relates to how I write my essays as I try to gather information and quotes from outside sources, poems, or TED talks. In addition, during my English class, we worked on revising our essays. Revision is important in accounting and finance careers because we always need to ensure no errors. It is also especially important to double-check the numbers in the spreadsheet because the debits and credits need to balance. I built my communication and teamwork skills in this class by working with my classmates on peer reviews and group discussions. I also participate in class by writing on the discussion board posts and answering questions to build my communication skills. I think that these skills will help me to overcome difficulties I have in social situations, such as anxiety and introversion. Even though I like to work alone, I think I would need to work in groups if I want to be successful and stay at the job because currently, whenever I work alone, I tend to get frustrated and anxious since I am afraid that everything I put on the document is wrong and unnecessary, but my group members can edit the mistakes. For example, my teachers and peers give me feedback if I need to fix something, other than my English class, in my accounting class, I and my group members always try to find times that we are available, so we can get the project done before the due date, as well as in my management class, we always update each other and plan on how we would do the presentation. These skills can help me become a financial analyst because I have experience talking in front of people and I always make sure that I am punctual. Consequently, I also used my time management skills when I needed to write my essays and I always plan what to do, so I would not feel overwhelmed near the due date of the assignment. This skill can help me when I am a financial analyst because they always need to complete the paperwork on time as well as show up to their job on time. To summarize, this can help me when I become a financial analyst, so I know how I am doing at my job and I can find ways how I can do better at this job when listening to my boss and the experienced employees and the skills of revision, time management, communication, teamwork, analyzing, planning, critical thinking, and attention to detail that I learned in college can help because there are times when I need to be a leader and be independent when doing work, so I can be successful throughout my career.

In the current and past years, politicians and citizens have been debating whether climate change is real (exists) or not (does not exist), but climate change proves to be existing because many people have been convinced to speak out about climate change and answer questions relating to climate change, and the majority knows what climate change is and they have noticed it. Climate change is the long-term effect of the Earth's temperature changes and these effects can be natural occurrences. However, since the 1800s, human activities have played a significant role in today's society by burning fossil fuels as well as other factors. The whole world is deteriorating by having droughts, a massive increase and decrease in temperatures each day, warmer oceans, melting glaciers, etc. As a result, if we want to help the environment to be more green and fresh for our lives at stake, some ways we can prevent climate change are convincing people to do surveys and signing petitions. Having both of these actions can help provide the insight of one's thoughts and also make the community come together to work the issue out. During my final group project in high school, we have stated that the possible solutions from people who have completed the survey and signed the petition are to build more bike lanes, put recycling bins in every block since this can decrease household waste, use food waste as nutrients for soil, save energy at home, and do a community clean-up every week. To summarize, the solutions me, my group, and my teacher(s) came up with are to use chicken instead of beef, replace usual light bulbs with compacting fluorescent light bulbs, use electric cars, use less hot water, plant a tree, turn off electronic devices when we are not using them, and avoid products with a lot of packaging because driving less will decrease carbon footprint, using less hot water will reduce the amount of energy it takes to heat, and trees collect carbon dioxide and gives oxygen to the world. Finally, a small change can make an impact on the world and everyone can help limit climate change because the health of the Earth is equally as important of the health of all living things on the planet. That way, we are all in this together and all for one. Stop climate change and as stated in the picture above “Fight today for a better tomorrow.”

Mental health effects the way we think, feel, and act. It also determines how we handle stress, make strong connections, and make wise decisions. Throughout the years, I have always made sure that me and my family were healthy, made the right decisions, and I always opened up to them when I had conflicts. As a person with autism and was bullied before college, I have problems making friends. As a result, I was a loner for most of the time and I always kept my guard up around new people because I am worried about how they would treat me. Before college, people were immature and forced me to do things that were not appropriate, but I followed what they said because I did not have the courage to say no since I wanted to be accepted and I am a female (females usually cannot respond in a firm way). Other than that, people have labeled me “weird” and I was easy to get to probably because for them, I talk too much, I never understood words they have said and what they meant, so they made fun of me for that. Now, I am a freshman in college and the students are more mature, kind, and we respect each other. The interactions and connections that I have in college are better than I have in high school because no one in college labels me “weird” and “strange”. None of the students in Saint Joseph’s University are bullies as they are very welcoming and accepting of me. Also, my mom has told me that college students are more mature than high school students. Furthermore, when I was involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, and DIVAs and MGD, I have built my confidence and communication skills. I hope I can use these skills in college when I join the Asian Student Association (ASA), the Kinney SCHOLAR program, and possibly a sorority. To add on, I have been exercising, eating the right amounts of food, building relationships with others, and working in the summer to maintain my mental health. Although my parents want me to be involved in WorkReady during the summer when I have nothing to do, in the summer of 2023, I might go to vacation in Indonesia to see my family because my parents do not want me to stress myself out by taking classes in the summer. In conclusion, my main goal is to have a high GPA all year, so I can graduate on time and am eligible to participate in co-ops. I can see myself as a leader in the future and can help others when needed. Doing co-ops for my sophomore and junior year can develop my communication, critical thinking, leadership, professionalism, technology, and teamwork skills when I graduate college with honor roll and job experience from my college and high school years, and I hope I can get paid well in my co-ops and/or internships, so I can complete my other goal of being able to afford graduate school to get my master’s degree in international business. Also, the work in college is different and harder than high school, so I am adjusting to the work and I hope will not have to repeat a class since that will be waste money and I hope my grades can improve by studying and booking tutoring sessions when needed.

My favorite Disney character is Rapunzel because she is brave, strong, kind, diligent, smart, etc. I have watched Tangled many times when I was a child and I always loved how Rapunzel acted in the movie. She was very innovative when she used her hair as a to let the prince Flynn up her castle and as a weapon. I always dreamed of how to be like Rapunzel since I want to be proficient in many things like her. Even though her Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an ENFP and I am an ISTJ, I still aspire to be like her and admire her because of her bravery and independence. Other than having very opposite personalities, I think that she is the type to act very patient when getting to know others and listen to others' ideas. If I were to meet her, I would be attracted to her sweet, energetic, helpful, and optimistic personality. To be more wise in the future and after I graduate college, I hope I can invest my finances wisely, so I can buy my own house and save money for graduate school to get my master's degree in international business abroad (Spain or France) or in America. Furthermore, I think Rapunzel is the Disney character and princess that everyone wants as their best friend because she can motivate others, build strong connections, very good at communicating, and she is a leader in a very positive way. In conclusion, like Rapunzel, I am very passionate about becoming a fierce and independent person, and I can see myself as a leader and positive role model in the future by working well with my peers, competing in the Miss USA and/or Miss Universe pageant by advocating for many important issues and helping others who need it, so in my college years, I plan on being involved with the Kinney SCHOLARS at Saint Joseph’s University, where I get to help low-functioning individuals with Autism because I want to be an advocate for the Autism community at Saint Joseph's University and spread positivity around the community.

I love dogs because they're so cute, cuddly, funny, and like my best friend and brother or sister, etc. I've had my dog for 5 years and he's a Shiba Inu named Coconut. If I were to describe Coconut, I would describe him as quiet, affectionate, loyal, alert, bold- there are so many words to describe him. I like to take him for walks, play, hug, and cuddle with him when I can. Me and my family love him so much that when he gets sick or hurt, we take him to the hospital, take the vet's advice, act carefully, and help him, to show our love, affection, and kindness to him. Coconut (my dog) has impacted my life in a positive way because he makes me happy, we have each other's backs, calms me down when I’m stressed, etc. I also let him play with my neighbor's dogs, so he can have friends to play with. Like me, he's also anxious when he meets other dogs, so me and my parents teach him to be calm when he's around other dogs and I separate him, so the other dogs won't hurt him. I've been a dog lover since I was in elementary to middle school, I always begged my parents for a dog, but they didn't let me have one in elementary school because we rented a house from August 2010 to early July 2016- I had a rabbit during 2010, so we had to give it away to a friend, since the landlord doesn’t allow their tenants to have pets in the house. I was patient about not having a dog since me and my parents haven't trained them and never really owned one. Furthermore, my dog, along with my friend’s and neighbor’s dogs impact the person I am now because the pets surrounding me made me have higher self-esteem, learn nurturing and caring skills, being more empathetic, having an upbeat attitude, kind personality, etc. In conclusion, my dad gave me a dog (Shiba Inu) as a present on February 2017 (two months before my 13th birthday), he said that was a present for me, and that’s where I named him Coconut, even though my mom didn’t agree with the decision at first, they compromised. Also, when my dog was very little, he made messes in the house, so me and my parents disciplined and trained him where and what the right things to do are. After he outgrew his puppy years, he caused less problems and now he knows how to make the right decisions. My dog changed my life because I am an only child and I do not have too many bonding with other people, so my parents consider our dog Coconut as their son and I consider him my best friend and brother.

In the past few years before college, I was always asked “What do you want major in?” or “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I thought about majoring in nursing or psychology, but after that I switched to finance. Now, my answer of majoring in finance is permanent. I am very passionate about my college education because I want to be a financial analyst or advisor, so I can give financial advice to people and/or assess the data growth of my company. In order to become a financial analyst, I have to work temporary jobs, along with doing internships or co-ops, so I can gain work experience and can put it on my résumé and set up a LinkedIn profile because companies will not only look at the a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, they also need work experience from candidates in order to hire them. As a result, higher education is very important to me because it helps me look for employment in big companies when I have my degree and complete a financial analyst or advisor exam. I can earn a lot of money with a college education. I hope I can pursue my Master’s degree if I have enough money to go back to graduate school. Other than becoming a financial analyst or advisor, I have always dreamed about competing in Miss USA and Miss Universe when I was in elementary school. With competing in Miss USA and Miss Universe, I can make a positive impact because it is very important for Miss USA and Miss Universe to have another career besides being a contestant since they have to be beautifully confident, educated, and intelligent role models, etc. For becoming a financial analyst or advisor, are to come up with innovative ideas, communicate well with my coworkers, have math skills, along with critical thinking, leadership, etc. People always thought that being diagnosed with Autism, I could not be successful by earning honor roll, going to a 4-year college, and earning scholarships I applied for, but I proved them wrong because I proved that Autism is not my barrier and it is a strength, as I have been advocating for myself when doing my own work, meeting deadlines, and asking questions if I have difficulties with an assignment. In conclusion, during my school years, when there are big tests, I was always in a small group and got extended time, so I can finish and pass the class with no distractions.

It was in the spring 2020, where I gained a lot of weight. The cause of my weight gain was due to the beginning of the pandemic, where almost everything closed down and we had to be stuck at home almost everyday. I could not even have fun during my spring and summer break. I was supposed to go with my DIVAs and MGD group to North Carolina for our 2020 spring break trip in early April, but it was canceled a week before due to the high rise in COVID-19 cases (which resulted in places temporarily or permanently closing down) and during the summer break, me and my family did not go to the beach or pool because of many people vacationing getting tested positive for COVID-19 and every vacation spot was packed. Other than concerts and in-person events getting canceled, benchmark testing for me got canceled (due to not being in school), my mom worked from home, and my dad had to stay home to because all schools closed down in spring 2020. In the fall of 2020, I (along with everyone else did virtual learning), my mom still worked from home, and my dad worked at school. I did virtual learning for the 2020 to 2021 school year because my family did not want me to get sick and we were not vaccinated at that time. I was very stressed about not going out, as I would lay down almost all the time and now I have been gaining 10 pounds every year. As a result, almost all of my clothes did not fit me and me and my family had to go shopping to buy new clothes because clothes are one of everyone's needs. Even with my weight gain, I still ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is important in a healthy life, so we feel energized and we will not die of starvation. My doctors and parents have told me I still have a healthy weight, and I don’t need medication to lose weight, they told me to eat healthy and not overeat. Therefore, I always kept a goal to lose 20 to 30 pounds because I want to go back to my weight before the COVID-19 Pandemic happened. Also, I kept that goal because I was very serious about my modeling career, but I put my modeling career aside because education is more important to me. Currently, I am eating fruits, vegetables, protein, and yogurt to prevent being overweight and obese. In this current situation, I try my best to stay healthy by going out often, exercising, eating as much as I can, and not going to close to people, etc. because no one knows if people who are vaccinated or not have the COVID-19 virus or not since almost all of them are not showing symptoms. On July 27, 2022, I tested positive for COVID-19 even though I am fully vaccinated and have no severe symptoms (I had mild coughs), so I isolated myself for 5 days and could not attend my summer program since I did not want to make anybody sick. After testing positive, 5 days later, I retook the test and it came back negative. When I got back to work, I distanced myself since that is the right thing to do with this current situation.

Fruits? check. Vegetables? check. Health and wellness. These are very important in our everyday lives. Exercise is essential in staying healthy, and fruits and vegetables are too. I am a food enthusiast and I also cook too, but that’s mostly on weekdays and the day after I eat out. Eating vegetables is very rare for me since I am not used to the taste of raw vegetables, I only eat cooked veggies- the cooked veggies I almost always eat are kale chips, sautéed broccoli, sautéed spinach, and carrots in soup. I use this in my lunch and/or dinner when I or my mom prepares the food for the family. Other than the superfoods of the vegetables mentioned above, besides kale, my favorite superfoods include eggs, avocado, sunflower seeds, nuts, seaweed, tea, fish, berries, yogurt, etc. I love superfoods because they prevent me from gaining weight and prevent diseases. Additionally, my parents advise me to eat smaller portions of unhealthy foods and focus more on vegetables and fruits. When we run out of fruits and vegetables, we go grocery shopping, so it will fulfill our needs of living and having a healthy life. For superfoods, most of the places me and my parents buy them at are GIANT, Acme, Target, Walmart, Trader Joe's, and Sprouts. After I am finished exercising, I always eat fruits and/or yogurt topped with honey and (sometimes) seeds since healthy snacks are recommended after finishing exercising, and to add on to my post-exercise, I stay away from unhealthy foods, like cupcakes, iced tea, chips, and frappucinos. Currently, I do not have a strict diet and I eat what my parents buy or cook whether it is healthy or not, but this is to prevent death from starvation and we are not trying to gain a lot of weight. We eat to live and we have to eat any type of food to prevent dizziness or eating disorders like anorexia and/or bulimia. When I was around 10 years old, I learned about kale chips. My mom bought kale from a store that was near our block and when she made them, I got fascinated and addicted to them. As a result, I have not been bored with eating them after she made them. From my mom making them, I have been learning how to make them as well even though one of my teachers told me that kale chips are a lot of work, they are really good. What most intrigues me about superfoods, is not just how it looks, but the benefits of eating them. It is through nutrition and tips on maintaining a healthy body. I do not eat them every day because I do not want to get bored with eating the same food(s) and I want to work on being more adventurous by trying new foods. Health and success will come to us. With this scholarship, I will use it for continuing my studies in finance and (possibly) French at Saint Joseph's University, instead of having unsubsidized loans for the rest of the year and having to pay them after graduating from college. It will be a miracle for me and my family, and I want to make them proud by winning scholarships.

When I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout the time, I was a very nonverbal person and quiet as a mouse when I was a toddler (I was only two years old). I would also fidget, scream, cry, and have difficulties expressing myself before I was diagnosed with Autism. As a result, my parents and everyone else around me could not fully understand me, so we went to the doctor. In the blink of an eye, they told my parents, “I think your daughter has been diagnosed with Autism. ”That made everyone around me understand why I was quiet and why I fidgeted almost all the time. Autism is a condition that affects the ability to communicate with others and express oneself. Currently, I am very talkative with most people I already know and quiet with people I don’t know. Luckily, I was able to receive support from my mentors and parents. They would talk to me when I had problems and make the right decisions. When my classmates at school saw a few adults walking around with me, they would wonder to me, “Who are those people? Why do they follow you around?” I would tell them, “They are my TSS (Therapeutic Staff Support) and BSC (Behavioral Specialist).” “Okay.” my classmates said. I was very naive from elementary to freshman year. I always wanted to join a crowd and become the most popular student at the schools I went to since I wanted to be similar to everyone else around me, but I fell for the wrong crowd because they would force me to make poor decisions and hurt me physically, verbally, and emotionally. The people around me took advantage of me and even threw stuff at me, and made me lose my mind- I always acted like a lunatic with the demonic voices in my head. When I realized that wasn’t the right thing to do, I just stayed calm and ignored them. After freshman year, I did not care too much about being accepted and a popular student. That made me realize that I do not have to join a crowd and that I always have to be true to myself, a change that made my parents and teachers proud of me. Also, a lot of my peers would ask me almost all the time, “Do you have Autism?” I felt a little embarrassed about it and pressured to tell them, yes, but I told them I have Autism, so my peers would understand me better. I started to become braver and open about my condition because not only did I want people to understand me, but to educate them on what having Autism is like and what it is. Little did I know that even with my disability, I earned passing grades at school and even became involved in extracurriculars. Now, I’m on the student council and the DIVAs and MGD organization (Diligent Independent Virtuous Adults and Molding Gentlemen of Distinction), A brotherhood/sisterhood activity associated with the Inspiring Minds Organization. Also, during the summer break, I was involved in an incentive-based program that my mom’s friend recommended to us. Moments that will guide my way after I graduate from high school. These activities will help improve my verbal communication skills and college resume, so colleges I apply to can see that I work hard with my academics and am active with extracurricular activities. I want to show everyone that having a disability doesn’t change who you are and you can do stuff that people without disabilities can do. For example, Greta Thunberg, an 18-year-old Swedish activist with Aspergers’ Syndrome, became a positive role model for everyone in the world by speaking out about climate change. I also would like to travel around the world because I want to learn and try new things, educate people, and I can see myself becoming a leader. I am very passionate about becoming a fierce and independent person. With me being a shy and quiet person who does not have a huge group of friends, I realize I do not have to fit in, I have to stand out because standing out is more important since people will respect and admire you if you stand out. Not everyone has to fit in to make people respect and admire them.

As a person who has Autism and was bullied in the past, I had suicidal thoughts and feel very paranoid when I met new people because I am afraid that they would harm or take advantage of me. Luckily, I was able to receive support from my mentors and parents. They would talk to me when I had problems and make the right decisions. During my elementary and middle school years, I was always excluded and used by my peers, and since I was very naïve, I would do what they told me to do, not knowing their intentions until my other peers and parents inform me that he or she is using me. This made me lose my mind since I always acted like a lunatic with the demonic voices in my head. When I realized that wasn’t the right thing to do, I just stayed calm and ignored them, so as I got older, this made me realize that I do not have to be perfect, as well as other people. After freshman year, I didn’t care too much about being accepted and a popular student. That made me realize that I don’t have to join a crowd and that I always have to be true to myself, a change that made my parents and teachers proud of me. Also, a lot of my peers would ask me almost all the time, “Do you have Autism?” I felt a little embarrassed about it and pressured to tell them, yes, but I told them I have Autism, so my peers would understand me better. I started to become braver and open about my condition because not only did I want people to understand me, but to educate them on what having Autism is like and what it is. Little did I know that even with my disability, I earned passing grades at school and even became involved in extracurriculars. Now, I’m on the student council and the DIVAs and MGD organization (Diligent Independent Virtuous Adults and Molding Gentlemen of Distinction), A brotherhood/sisterhood activity associated with the Inspiring Minds Organization. Also, during the summer break, I was involved in an incentive-based program that my mom’s friend recommended to us. Moments that will guide my way after I graduate from high school. These activities will help improve my verbal communication skills and college resume, so colleges I apply to can see that I work hard with my academics and am active with extracurricular activities. I want to show everyone that having a disability doesn’t change who you are and you can do stuff that people without disabilities can do. For example, Greta Thunberg, an 18-year-old Swedish activist with Aspergers’ Syndrome, became a positive role model for everyone in the world by speaking out about climate change. I also would like to travel around the world because I want to learn and try new things, educate people, and I can see myself becoming a leader. This illustrates that I am passionate about becoming a fierce and independent person. Even with my difficulties, I have many successful moments, such as earning honor roll every year, getting accepted to most of the colleges I applied to, earning scholarships and grants outside and from my college (Saint Joseph’s University), thinking about my future career and major, etc. I hope I can be successful after I graduate from college by making a lot of money from becoming a financial analyst and also competing in the Miss USA or Miss Universe pageant.

In the past few years before college, I was always asked “What do you want major in?” or “What do you want to be when you grow up? I thought about majoring in nursing or psychology, but after that I switched to finance. Now, my answer of majoring in finance is permanent. I am very passionate about my college education because I want to be a financial analyst or advisor, so I can give financial advice to people and/or assess the data growth of my company. In order to become a financial analyst, I have to work temporary jobs, along with doing internships or co-ops, so I can gain experience and put it on my résumé before earning my Bachelor’s in Finance because companies will not only look at the type of degree you have, they also need experience from candidates in order to hire them. Other than becoming a financial analyst or advisor, I have always dreamed about competing in Miss USA and Miss Universe when I was in elementary school. With competing in Miss USA and Miss Universe, I can make a positive impact because it is very important for Miss USAs and Miss Universe to have another career besides being a contestant since they have to be beautifully confident, educated, and intelligent role models because Lu Sierra once said “Miss Universe does not model, she speaks.” For becoming a financial analyst or advisor, are to come up with innovative ideas, communicate well with my coworkers, have math skills, along with critical thinking, leadership, etc. People always thought that being diagnosed with Autism, I could not be successful by earning honor roll, going to a 4-year college, and earning scholarships I applied for, but I proved them wrong because I proved that Autism is not my barrier and it is a strength, as I have been advocating for myself when doing my own work, meeting deadlines, and asking questions if I have difficulties with an assignment. Receiving this scholarship would mean a lot to me, so I can use it for either my sophomore, junior, or senior year of college because my parents convince me to keep applying for financial aid for every year we are still in college because financial aid is not a one and done thing, and I will not have to pay with unsubsidized loans in the future. I will keep working very hard to prove that all of the scholarships I have applied to will take me to my ultimate success in the future, especially in the business or finance field.

Breakfast? Check. Lunch? Check. Dinner? Check. Exercise? Check. Eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner is very important in my life, so I do not get dizzy and pass out when I stand up. I also plan my exercise routine(s), so I can lose weight too, but there are times where I am not exercising because my body is not in the mood for it. Around 2 to 3 years ago, I went to the gym with my teacher(s) most of the time to have a fun time with them. With me not having many activities in the summer of 2019, I went to the gym and took modeling classes in September, where I maintained my active personality and prevented boredom. I stopped going to the gym to focus on my schoolwork. Other than my schoolwork and being in the process of DIVAs, I also took modeling classes that sort of conflicted with my DIVAs and MGD activities because I was still passionate about modeling. As a result, I did both (modeling classes and DIVAs and MGD activities) at the same time. After my modeling class was over, I finally got to spend time with my school friends, or “brothers and sisters”, as they state in DIVAs and MGD. I got to go to cotillion with them and we all got nicknames, and we got to planned workshops, trips, and other fun events as well, but all were canceled due to the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. We had to do our meeting virtually, as our school closed and we were stuck at home (quarantined) all month until our supposed last day of school. Being stuck at home all the time made me feel depressed and my body started to change a lot compared to when I was always in-person all day. I got so surprised when I weighed myself because my weight range was in the 130s, but when COVID-19 happened, I went up to the 140s range, and a year later, it was in the 150s range, so I tried my best to eat as many healthy foods as possible, so I would not keep gaining weight. Through my weight gain, I realized that I had a normal BMI (Body Mass Index). My parents and doctors told me I had a healthy weight, not fat. I was still maintaining and eating the right amounts of food. This made me realize that we are all beautiful in every way. My weight gain was not a problem, but it led me to find new activities and I should not starve myself to lose weight. Last summer, my mom's friend recommended a summer program that her son was involved in. I was a student in a photography group, where he was in a graffiti group. I learned a lot from the program and I am joining it again this coming summer to stay active. From the way my parents and teachers motivate me to be active. I learned that going out is necessary for having a healthy lifestyle, so I can be less depressed in future years. In college, I hope to make new friends and (possibly) go to the gym because this will make my lifestyle better, as I did not socialize too much in my high school, middle school, and elementary school years because of being rejected by others. I hope that maintaining this healthy lifestyle in the present and future years will help me become successful by earning my Bachelor’s degree and working as a financial analyst or advisor, so I can make a good amount of money and afford all my needs, such as food, clothes, house, shoes, transportation, etc.

It was in the spring 2020, where I gained a lot of weight. The cause of my weight gain was due to the beginning of the pandemic, where almost everything closed down and we had to be stuck at home almost everyday. I could not even have fun during my spring and summer break. I was supposed to go with my DIVAs and MGD group to North Carolina for our spring break trip, but it was canceled due to the high rise in COVID-19 cases and during the summer break, me and my family did not go to the beach or pool because of many people vacationing getting tested positive for COVID-19 and we did not want to get sick because every vacation spot was packed. Other than every in-person events getting canceled, benchmark testing for me got canceled (due to not being in school), my mom worked from home, and my dad had to stay home to because all schools closed down in spring 2020. In the fall of 2020, I (along with everyone else did virtual learning), my mom still worked from home, and my dad worked at school. I did virtual learning for the 2020 to 2021 school year because my family did not want me to get sick and we were not vaccinated at that time. I was very stressed about not going out, as I would lay down almost all the time and now I have been gaining 10 pounds every year. As a result, almost all of my clothes did not fit me and me and my family had to go shopping to buy new clothes because clothes are one of everyone's needs. Even with my weight gain, I still ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is important in a healthy life, so we feel energized and we will not die of starvation. My doctors and parents have told me I still have a healthy weight (I am 5'10” and now 152 to 154 pounds). I always kept a goal to lose 20 to 30 pounds because I want to go back to my weight before the COVID-19 Pandemic happened. Also, I kept that goal because I was very serious about my modeling career, but I put that aside because education is more of a need, while my modeling career is more of a want. In this current situation, I try my best to stay healthy by going out often, exercising, eating as much as I can, and not going to close to people, etc. because no one knows if people who are vaccinated or not have the COVID-19 virus or not since almost all of them are not showing symptoms. To add on to staying healthy, my mom advised me to eat smaller portions of food, so I will not gain weight in the future, feel more self-conscious about my appearance, and not face body-shamers, etc. I still feel very confident in my body and all bodies are bikini bodies no matter what shape women are. Other than my physical health, when I have rough times and I am not feeling happy, I always talk to someone I trust and am close with because no one is alone. We are all human.

My parents and loved ones have always convinced me to do something positive and be influenced by those who do the right things. During my elementary to middle school years, I have been taken advantage of by my peers, so when they always convinced me to do stuff for them, I always did what they said because I always thought I was being nice to them, but my parents and friends told me that the people convincing me to do stuff for them are not my friends and they are using me. Although I was showing kindness, I need to learn how to stand up for myself and say no to the people who take advantage of me if they boss me around. As a result, there are many impacts I hope to leave on the world, but the impacts I hope to leave on the world is to stand up for ourselves and be kind to one another. I plan on doing that by learning from my past and present experiences, find the right crowd/friends for me, give back to the community, etc. Doing these positive and active actions make my loved ones proud of me. Although I have Autism, I earned passing grades, joined extracurriculars (DIVAs, Student Council, National Honor Society, my counselor's senior committee, and the string orchestra). To add on to my school extracurriculars, during my summer break in 2021, I was involved in an incentive-based program called WorkReady that my mom’s friend recommended to us. These are moments that will guide my way after I graduate from high school, as my school and extracurricular activities will help improve my verbal communication skills and college resume, so colleges I apply to can see that I work hard with my academics and am active with extracurricular activities.

With my DIVAs (Developing Independent Virtuous Adults) group/sisterhood, we come up with as many community services as we can. In the past, when me and my friends were in the process of becoming DIVAs and MGD (Molding Gentlemen of Distinction, the male counterpart of DIVAs, and brotherhood), we cleaned parks and gave assistance to preschoolers. In order to stay committed, we would always have to take pictures of our community service(s), so we can move on to the next phase. As a shy, anxious, and quiet person. I always try my best to be kind to everyone around me. I donate money to the sick people when I can and I learned to be more social and involved as much as I can and becoming a positive role model by advocating for many issues in the world by starting with our smaller community and then going bigger from there. I want to prove to people that having a disability does not change who they are and people with disabilities can do stuff that people without disabilities can do. That said, disabilities won’t stop me from achieving my goals, being bold, and contributing by giving my service to others like the St. Ignatius Loyola’s principles and missions. When I am not involved with my DIVAs and MGD group, me and my dad also give back to the homeless when we pass by them. We give them food, drink(s), and money. That said, giving back is important to me because I want to show everyone that I can be a positive role model, make myself and everyone happy, create a sense of belonging, etc.

At two years old, I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), so besides having difficulties expressing myself, I would also fidget, scream, and cry before I was diagnosed with Autism. As a result, my parents and everyone else around me couldn’t fully understand me, so we went to the doctor. In the blink of an eye, they told my parents, “I think your daughter has been diagnosed with Autism.” That made everyone around me understand why I was quiet and why I fidgeted almost all the time. When my classmates at school saw a few adults walking around with me, they would wonder to me, “Who are those people? Why do they follow you around?” I would tell them, “They are my TSS (Therapeutic Staff Support) and BSC. (Behavioral Specialist)” “Okay.” my classmates said. I was naive from elementary to freshman year. I always wanted to join a crowd and become the most popular student at the schools I went to since I wanted to be similar to everyone else around me, but I fell for the wrong crowd because they would force me to make poor decisions and hurt me physically, verbally, and emotionally. The people around me took advantage of me and even threw stuff at me, and made me lose my mind- I always acted like a lunatic with the demonic voices in my head. When I realized that wasn’t the right thing to do, I just stayed calm and ignored them. After freshman year, I did not care too much about being accepted and a popular student. That made me realize that I don’t have to join a crowd and that I always have to be true to myself, a change that made my parents and teachers proud of me. Also, a lot of my peers would ask me almost all the time, “Do you have Autism?” I felt a little embarrassed about it and pressured to tell them, yes, but I told them I have Autism, so my peers would understand me better. I started to become braver and open about my condition because not only did I want people to understand me, but to educate them on what having Autism is like and what it is. Little did I know that even with my disability, I earned passing grades at school and even became involved in extracurriculars. Now, I’m on the student council and the DIVAs and MGD organization (Diligent Independent Virtuous Adults and Molding Gentlemen of Distinction), A brotherhood/sisterhood activity associated with the Inspiring Minds Organization. Also, during the summer break, I was involved in an incentive-based program that my mom’s friend recommended to us. Moments that will guide my way after I graduate from high school. These activities will help improve my verbal communication skills and college resume, so the colleges I have applied to can see that I work hard with my academics and am active with extracurricular activities. If I win Miss USA and/or Miss Universe, I would like to travel around the world because I want to learn and try new things, educate people, and I can see myself becoming a leader to others. Having support from my mentors, teachers, parents, and friend group made me passionate about becoming a fierce and independent person. The support will help me when I start college, so I can be successful like those around me.

I was nonverbal and quiet as a mouse when I was very young, so my parents got very concerned about what was wrong with me. As a result, me and my parents went to the doctors, and it was at two years old when me and my parents found out that I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism is a condition that affects the ability to communicate with others and express oneself. For that reason, from past and present experiences, I struggle with social interactions when I meet new people and am more communicative with most people I already have familiarity with. Luckily, I would always have support from people to calm me down and make the right decisions. In my view, when people think having Autism is a weakness, I see it as my strength, as I found out many positive things can happen to people with Autism, such as having a good photographic memory, challenging themselves, becoming a positive role model by advocating for issues in the world, getting into good colleges, improving their public speaking skills, etc. I am comfortable doing public speaking in front of a big crowd. In fact, I want to prove to people that having a disability does not change who they are and people with disabilities can do stuff that people without disabilities can do. That said, disabilities won’t stop me to achieve my goals. Furthermore, in the future, I want to be a successful financial analyst or advisor, so I can use my degree to educate others on how to be more wise with their financial decisions. In conclusion, I already planned my college major and future career. I’m working on getting scholarships and/or grants to pursue my bachelor’s degree and hoping this effort will help me tremendously.

I have had difficulties in my life and have been pessimistic about them at times, but luckily I always had the time to talk to my mentors and they have helped me get rid of the negativity I had. As a person who has been rejected and taken advantage of by their peers, it has been very difficult for me to make friends everywhere I go (which results in me being a loner) because I get easily anxious as well. Although there are always many people who don’t treat me the right way, come college it will get better because college is the time to make new friends, they will be more kind to you, and there are many people who don't have their best friend(s) until college. There are many ways to live a long and healthy life. Other than trying to make new friends, I also try my best to stay mentally and physically healthy, so I find activities that will make me physically active and watch what I eat, so I maintain a healthy body.

At school, I earned awards for being a hardworking student, participating, and honor roll, and outside of school, I was chosen as Miss IMTA (International Modeling & Talent Association) at my modeling school during my advanced modeling class at John Robert Powers Philadelphia. I was also given a chance to compete in New York in the same year, but when the pandemic hit, the event was canceled. If I was given the same chance under different circumstances, maybe I would do that. Out of those recognitions and awards that I have, I'm most proud of my journey at school because I know that will take me to the next level of my education and achieve my goals. Also, doing modeling at the same time as my schools years show that I can balance my time between activities and this can help me achieve my goal of becoming a financial analyst, along with doing modeling. I would really like people to see me as a hardworking, genuine, and persistent person to achieve something that I always dreamt of. Even though a lot of people think that having a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is a weakness, but I consider my Autism as a strength when I earned passing grades above average than other people without disabilities. My ability to memorize numbers and information usually becomes the utmost strength that I can use to do my academic work and bring good results. I try to surround myself with good influences and I learned from them to make the right decisions and I always try to push myself to go above and beyond sometimes outside of my comfort zone. I always challenge myself to do harder classes and do other things that will strengthen my character and push the boundaries, so people won't stereotype me as a person with a disability. I really want to change people's perspectives and their treatment of others that do not have the same thinking like themselves. With the first step of finishing up my 4-year college degree, I am hoping that I can keep advancing my part-time job becoming a full-time job, and saving money to go to a 4-year college as my ultimate goal. I understand this path would not be easy to do, but with persistence and hard work, I am confident that I can achieve that. If I have to go to an evening school, that's what I would do because you cannot give up your dreams just because something is in your way. That said, I believe with a combination of part-time or full-time job with the evening school could be awarding and after I save enough money, I can be a full-time student and support myself at the end of the day.

A few of the lessons in life that I learned from other people are to not easily give up even though the road ahead of us is always bumpy and challenging. I have learned that positive things can happen to people with disabilities, such as challenging themselves, becoming a positive role model for others, getting into the best college(s), etc. At school, I always look up to the people who are well-behaved, earn honor roll, and make the right decisions, rather than being discouraged when others act ignorant and never pay attention to their surroundings. It is up to us how to decide which crowd to surround ourselves with. With our smart decisions and strong personality, we can maintain our moral reputation and be a positive influence on the people around us. Basically, I learned a lot from the people around me and choose what's the best for me by not giving up easily and I'll pass the torch to others by becoming a positive role model to others in achieving our dream(s) no matter how challenging our situation(s) are. Every individual has their own uniqueness and specialty, I consider myself as a hard worker and I want to change people's perspectives on how they think about people with disabilities that they can't do anything, but actually, people with disabilities like me can do what people without disabilities can do and even succeed.

Being financially literate is important because it teaches us on how to use our money properly and wisely, be aware of our credit score, which helps us to get the best offer(s)in most of the financial inquiries, show responsibility by getting things done on time (managing our payments on time). Doing these things can prevent debt and higher interest rates. With this current global economic situation, people are expected to act smart and responsible with their financial decisions, so they can live comfortably in the long run. Without good financial knowledge, people often make poor decisions in their financial situations. If people don't think wisely about their financial decisions, it would lead to a more stressful life and they would live uncomfortably when they reach their retirement age. In the financial business, I would like to be able to help the company grow its businesses and its profits by presenting financial stats and data that support management decisions to advance their position(s) compared to their competitors. As a finance major, I would like to be a financial analyst in the future and I would like to change and educate others on how to make wise decisions with their financial situations, so they can give a much better life for their generations in years to come and create a healthy company. The global economy will have better qualities and eventually, it will diminish poverty for good. As a result, a personal finance lesson that I find important is to spend money wisely by spending it on what is necessary for you.

For the past 2 years, I have been involved in one of my school’s extracurricular club called DIVAs and MGD (Developing Independent Virtuous Adults and Molding Gentlemen of Distinction)- DIVAs is the sorority and MGD is the fraternity that high schoolers can join if they want. As a group, we always plan to do community services during the process and when we already become part of the family. The community services I did with my group were offering a helping hand with the homeless, cleaning parks, giving assistance to preschoolers when we visited a daycare, and organize events for the community. We put our integrity and give love to others when it’s needed. We learn from each other and give each other hope to create a better world to live in. In my view, when people think having Autism is a weakness, I see it as my strength, as I found out many positive things can happen to people with Autism, as I learned to be more social and involved as much as I can and becoming a positive role model by advocating for many issues in the world by starting with our smaller community and then going bigger from there. I want to prove to people that having a disability does not change who they are and people with disabilities can do stuff that people without disabilities can do. That said, disabilities won’t stop me from achieving my goals, being bold, and contributing by giving my service to others. Other than doing community services with my group, when I am by myself and/or with my parents, when we were in the highway, road, or to-go places, we give food and drinks, along with money to the homeless when we can, to show our sympathy with those in need.

I was very naive from elementary to freshman year. I always wanted to join a crowd and become the most popular student at the schools I went to since I wanted to be similar to everyone else around me, but I fell for the wrong crowd because they would force me to make poor decisions and hurt me physically, verbally, and emotionally. The people around me took advantage of me and I did what they told me to do because I did not want them to reject me. Other than taking advantage of me, they even threw stuff at me, and made me lose my mind- I always acted like a lunatic with the demonic voices in my head. When I realized that wasn’t the right thing to do, I just stayed calm and ignored them. After freshman year, I did not care too much about being accepted and a popular student. That made me realize that I don’t have to join a crowd and that I always have to be true to myself, a change that made my parents and teachers proud of me. Also, a lot of my peers would ask me almost all the time, “Do you have Autism?” I felt a little embarrassed about it and pressured to tell them, yes, but I told them I have Autism, so my peers would understand me better. I started to become more brave and open about my condition because not only did I want people to understand me, but to educate them on what having Autism is like and what it is. As a result, I have learned to be myself and it’s always be genuine to everyone around me because we are our own person and if we are true to ourselves, others will respect us.

Climate change/global warming is one of the most significant topics everywhere in the world. Over the past years, students have been protesting to save their schools and convincing the society that they are the future. Currently, in my government and economics class, me and my group are doing a project on climate change, and we came up with tips to prevent climate change. The tips are to reduce gas, install natural energy, have commuter transportation, and build bigger lanes for bikes. Also, we would replace gas cars with electric cars and replace fossil fuels with natural energy resources. As a result, the topic of climate change needs to be urgently addressed because our lives are on the line and the issue also impacts the environment, such as having hot weather for one day and having colder weather for the next day(s) or week(s). What I do to have a positive impact on climate is recycling more, cleaning up the environment, and using public transportation when I have to. Other than doing those actions, other ways we can positively impact the climate are promoting the issue of climate change, making surveys on YouTube and social media, bettering the health of our environment, and spreading the word by doing advertisements.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I have gained a lot of weight. Possible factors of my weight gain were stress and physical inactivity. As a result, my parents told me to limit portions of the food and watch what I eat. Also, I am currently exercising to lose weight. Although I have gained weight over the pandemic, I am still confident with my body, along with my face (my face got wider during the pandemic), and I always appreciate myself with whatever features I have, since my mom and friends encourage me to be grateful for what God gives us, convince me that my features are fine, and weight gain during the pandemic is normal. My weight range was in the 120s to 130s before the pandemic, but during it, my weight range became in the 150s to 160s (I gained around 20 to 30 pounds). When I gained weight, I had to fit some of my clothes to see if I can wear them and I could not wear some of them, so me and my mom went shopping to buy new clothes. I donated a few of my clothes, but saved some of them in case I lose weight in the future. Besides exercising, watching what I eat, and limiting portions on the food, I eat more vegetables, protein, and fruits, compared to junk and fast food. I eat what I can, so I do not overeat, since overeating can cause massive weight gain (more than 30 pounds). To add on to my weight gain, I have not been body shamed by people around me because they see that my weight is healthy/normal (I am 5’10” and my weight is around the 150s range) and I also do not want to be too skinny or too big. I will maintain the change of limiting portions of the food, exercising, finding new physical activities, etc. by doing it everyday, until I am back to normal. Although I want to lose weight, I avoid starving myself and fasting everyday because food is a need in our daily lives, since it boosts our energy, get building blocks for our body, and the substances help control the body processes. My goal is to lose 20 to 30 pounds and I will exercise when I can. I plan my workout routine and I do not follow my exact routine because it depends on if my body feels tired or not. My usual workout routine consists of workouts on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, while my rest days are on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays; since I need a break. I do not go to the gym anymore since I am currently in school, they have late times, and I do not usually get up very early (On school days, I wake up around 6 AM to 7 AM, but on the weekends, summertime, spring and winter break, I wake up at 8 AM). I am proud of my body image today and will not stop being proud of it, even if I gain or lose weight. I hope this scholarship can help me because it shows that I am passionate about body image and I want to convince people to love their body no matter what.

There are many ways I do to improve the lives of elderly people in my community, such as participating in mental and physical activity with them, forming connections, checking up on them to see how they are doing, and telling them that they are needed. Me and my parents always check up on their family via phone calls or Skype because they (my grandparents, great aunts and great uncles, and cousins) live in Indonesia. We check up on each other to see how we are doing and if we are healthy. They also wish me success for my future. As you may know, my grandfather unexpectedly passed away in 2019, so this caused a change in my family’s financial circumstances. As a result, both of my parents had to visit Indonesia to attend and cover the funeral cost of my grandfather. That was a very unexpected and un-avoided event where we needed to readjust our family saving(s) plan, in this case that would be my college fund. I hope this scholarship will help me, not only because I lost my grandfather, but to show my kindness, helpfulness, and caring personality to everyone in my community. We should always be thankful for our loved ones who wish us to have a healthy and successful future.

A change that I think would make education better is by increasing innovation, along with ethic skills, critical thinking, using our money wisely, emotional and interpersonal intelligence, etc. because these skills are requirements for some of the jobs that people apply for. In current events, we have teacher shortages because they state that they are not getting paid as much and are not respected by society. To prevent teacher shortages, some of the ways we can prevent it are increasing the funding for them and the schools, improve teachers' working conditions, convince them to do surveys, and increase teacher compensation. Another reason why I believe that increasing innovation would make education better is that it will make people who graduate high school choose where they want to go. As one of my teachers said postsecondary does not always and automatically mean going to a 4-year college. There are many postsecondary pathways, such as 2-year college, trade school/workforce, and the military. To add on, there are many people who want to go to a 4-year college after graduating high school, but do not have the ability to afford it, due to the tuition increasing every year, so in order for people to achieve their goals, they would need to be determined, ambitious, hardworking, work together with the school, and apply for scholarships because we are all one, we should make good and moral choices, and our postsecondary choice will stop us from working hard and being successful after graduating from our pathway. As a low to middle-income student, I have been attending public and charter schools because me and my family do not want to be in debt for the rest of our lives and we are currently saving money for my college funds. I plan to pay for college via financial aid and at least 50% scholarships and grants. I have already planned my future career (financial analyst) and major (finance), and I hope that I can be a strong candidate and win this scholarship because it will help me contribute to my academic goals because the higher education level is not cheap and it is not easy for me because I didn't work during my high school years. That is why scholarships are becoming necessary for me to enter college. This can work both ways where I can start saving to continue my education and also have work opportunities to gain experience because companies don't only require a degree, they need job experience from all of the candidates applying for the job.

Someone I admire from history is Greta Thunberg because even though she has Asperger's Syndrome (a mild form of Autism), she can do stuff that people without disabilities can do, such as speaking out about climate change and making her own campaign that motivated thousands of people around the world to peacefully protest about climate change and organize their own strikes. Also, she was the youngest protester, since she was only fifteen years old when she protested about climate change (the protests/strikes started in 2018 and students left early from school to protest about the issue). Another reason that I admire Greta Thunberg is because she symbolizes female empowerment by showing bravery, courage, and is open to new challenges. With her courageous personality and public speaking skills (like her, I am comfortable doing public speaking in front of a big crowd), I aspire to be like her and these skills can help me prepare for Miss USA and/or Miss Universe, since a Miss Universe contestant (Sofia Aragon from Mexico) said during an interview with Steve Harvey “They (The Miss Universe Organization) are not looking for a model, they are looking for a role model.” In conclusion, I hope that I can be a strong candidate for this scholarship, not only because of my autism, but I am determined and passionate about winning scholarships, so I will not have to worry about having loans/debt in the future. Also, I can see myself competing in the Miss USA and/ or Miss Universe (if I win Miss USA), so I can be a positive role model to the people watching the pageant, along with doing advocacies and community services, so I can make a positive impact in the world.

Although I have many favorite books, if I had to pick one, it would be The Hunger Games series because it is full of suspense, thrill, and catches my attention. In actuality, I prefer the books more than the movies, since reading books make me have a creative mind and strengthens my analyzing, vocabulary, and summarizing skills. Even though I thought I was too young to watch the movie and/or read the books, I have seen people under the age of 13 who have watched the movie and read the books, and so as a result, it does not matter how old you are to watch the movie (in the theaters) or read the books. I have read the books multiple times when I was in middle school (around 5th to 7th grade) and have watched all the movies as well. The emotions of the characters are very strong, the scenes are involve a lot of action, and it involves female empowerment as well. Katniss's sister Primrose gets chosen as a tribute for District 12 to compete in The Hunger Games, but she is scared, so Katniss sacrifices herself takes her sister's place to compete. That said, The Hunger Games series is my favorite book because the main character (Katniss) motivates women to be strong and independent. Although the portrayals of the characters are fictional, the main character (Katniss) does everything she can for herself, others, and her loved ones. She is loyal, selfless, possesses inner strength, kindness, compassion, etc. With her personality being described in many positive ways, she humbles everyone and protects the people that have a disadvantage in the games, which would be her ally Rue.

A Miss Universe contestant (Julia Gama from Brazil) once said “Mental health is still a very stigmatizing topic. It It keeps us from giving the right assistance to those in need, but we should always remember to normalize conversations about anxiety or depression. Because we all hurt sometimes but we don't need to face it alone. Let's support each other and share empathy.” In current events, many people are struggling with mental health and they end up committing suicide. To prevent suicidal thoughts, we should always talk to someone we trust about what is happening to us, so we can feel more confident in ourselves, along with staying active, getting enough sleep, and eating well, etc. To add on, practical solutions to help people who are struggling with mental health is to show care and patience, along with not being judgmental of their thoughts, actions, and troubles, we should not disregard people's feelings, be involved in support groups if we want to, and encourage them to talk with a mental health provider and/or doctor if they feel comfortable. Furthermore, there are many practical solutions to help more people who are struggling with mental health other than talking to our doctor, mental health provider, and primary care provider, such as challenging our negative thoughts, educate ourself, get involved in activities or services, ask how we can provide support, choose our words carefully, along with empowerment, and give someone space, etc. We are not alone and we should be a community, family, and help each other if we are struggling with something other than mental health.

Although there are many issues in the world that are very important to talk about, but the issues I would like to discuss here are weapons laws and racial inequality, by speaking out about this issue, we are getting into “good and necessary trouble” as also mentioned by John Lewis. My purpose is to make the world a safer place, and I want everyone to accept people for who they are and not get hurt by those around them. In past and present years, there are and were many colored people who got killed unnecessarily by the police, and now there are people on the deceased victims' side and the cops' side. If this issue was addressed correctly, without taking sides, the country will benefit from this because they have the rights that are necessary to them and it can decrease the hatred within American society. To add on, the police are taking advantage of people by using guns and/or tear gas because they think “they are taking care of themselves” and everyone is fighting to stop this. This matters to us because there will be a decrease in the mortality rate and this can benefit the governed since there will be less violence with guns or tear gas and another way to solve violence is by peaceful protests. In conclusion, there are many ways that we can work on these problems other than protesting, such as petitioning, doing advertisements, educating ourselves and others, requiring background checks, get involved in the community, use the weapons only for protection, accept people for who they are, etc. If we do these actions, we can be positive role models for those around us and we will not be segregated or discriminated anymore.

My personal experience with finances is that I have to spend them on things that are very important, there are always taxes when we buy food, and higher credit score means we pay with lower interest rates. This will be important when I hit adulthood, so I will know how to use my money wisely and not be in debt after college. I am an American born to Indonesian immigrant parents that both work very hard to be able to send me to pursue my higher education in college. My parents' income is mostly just enough to cover basic necessities, such as food, housing, utilities, clothes, transportation, and daily expenses, but we are trying to put aside our extra funds when possible. Sometimes there is not enough to put in the savings account, but my parents are very determined to send me to college, so I can fulfill my dreams and graduate. Therefore, we are hoping to get as much financial aid from scholarships, grants, and work-study, so I do not have to carry heavy student loans and I still have the ability to afford my college tuition yearly until I graduate. To add on, there was a time where I had to deal with a trade-off decision. The decisions were either go to IMTA (International Modeling Talent Association) over the summer or save the money. I chose to save the money because my education (which will be college) is more important to me and I will not have to worry about going into debt during and after my college years. Going to IMTA costs the same amount as most college tuitions, so I chose not to do it and my parents agreed with my decision, since we think that education is more important than going to special events. The reason why I am submitting this is because I would really like to be a part of either the Penn State, Saint Joseph's, Drexel, La Salle, and/or Temple family, but as my family is facing financial burden due to an unexpected event (the passing of my grandfather), our financial standing is not sufficient to cover the cost of attendance at the given package from my top five colleges (listed above) without taking a large amount of loans. That said, I hope that my top five colleges can grant me additional financial assistance (scholarships and grants), so I can pursue my bachelor's degree. This would be a tremendous help to me and my family, so I can conclude and commit to the college of my choice, prior to May 1. I am committed to doing my best to keep my grades up, along with my GPA per the college's standard(s).

I am currently a high school senior (of Indonesian descent and born to immigrant parents) who will be attending a 4-year college during the 2022-2023 academic year and as mentioned in my profile, my FAFSA told me that I am not eligible for a federal pell grant and I'm only eligible for loans, so I hope to win scholarships because winning a scholarship will mean a lot to me because of my unique background and I also worked really hard during my school years and I won't stop working hard when I start college life, getting my degree, joining successful work companies, and giving back to my community when it's needed. We have completed our FAFSA application very early, but there is some information that you might need to know on what happened in our family that we cannot put into the form, such as the passing of my grandfather in 2019 that “derailed” my family’s planning. Both of my parents had to visit Indonesia to attend and cover the funeral cost of my grandfather. That was a very unexpected and un-avoided event where we needed to readjust our family saving(s) plan, in this case that would be my college fund. Coming from a low to middle income family, my parents have worked really hard to save and put aside some funds for me to go to college, so I can achieve my dream with very minimum or no loans/debt, which I am very grateful for that. I understand that my parents would like to help me as much as they can, so I can be more focused on finishing my education without worrying too much on student loans and be independent. I am committed to pursuing my education and I can prove it by getting awards and acknowledgements from my high school, along with having a 3.9 GPA on my report card, and finish strong during my high school years. I will continue to do that if I am given a chance to be a part of the family from the college that I will commit too. Currently, I am writing appeal letters to my top colleges, which are Penn State University, Saint Joseph's University, Drexel University, La Salle University, and Temple University. I am hoping that whichever college gives me the most financial assistance, I will and can conclude my decision to that college prior to May 1. In conclusion, I hope this scholarship can help me and my family because I proved to them that I can be independent by doing my assignments on my own, already have prepared myself for college life, and continuing the same missions from high school that I can carry into my college life.

Being financially literate is important because it teaches us on how to use our money properly and wisely, be aware of our credit score, which helps us to get the best offer(s)in most of the financial inquiries, show responsibility by getting things done on time (managing our payments on time). Doing these things can prevent debt and higher interest rates. With this current global economic situation, people are expected to act smart and responsible with their financial decisions, so they can live comfortably in the long run. Without good financial knowledge, people often make poor decisions in their financial situations. If people don't think wisely about their financial decisions, it would lead to a more stressful life and they would live uncomfortably when they reach their retirement age. In the financial business, I would like to be able to help the company grow its businesses and its profits by presenting financial stats and data that support management decisions to advance their position(s) compared to their competitors. As a finance major, I would like to be a financial analyst in the future and I would like to change and educate others on how to make wise decisions with their financial situations, so they can give a much better life for their generations in years to come and create a healthy company. The global economy will have better qualities and eventually, it will diminish poverty for good. In conclusion, a personal finance lesson that I find important is how to plan and manage our money well, along with not buying something what we cannot afford.

Some of the study strategies I use to achieve academic success are looking over at study guides, taking notes, setting goals, developing a positive and confident attitude, attending class, and managing my time. Whenever I have a big assignment coming up, I look over the materials from the class, at patient as possible, not acting cocky during the test, take deep breaths, and ask for help when I don’t understand the questions on the assignment, along with how I should do it, so I can get a passing grade. Furthermore, there are times where I wish the assignment and don’t get a good grade, so I try to take the adult’s advice on not to panic and they give me time to do the assignment again, so I can get the grade that I’m satisfied with. My goal is to get A’s and/or B’s for my classes to show that my grades are high and maintain my GPA for the school year. To add on, after I come back from school, I take a break for a little while to calm myself down and go on my electronics and watch TV for a while. To avoid procrastinating, after hours of preventing stress, I’ll look over the materials and answer samples for the subjects I have a test on. In conclusion, I hope I can be a strong candidate for this scholarship because I want to show that I’m resilient, hardworking, determined, passionate, etc. I hope that I can continue working hard starting college life, earn my bachelor’s degree in finance, joining successful work companies, and want to be a successful financial analyst or advisor, so I can use my degree to educate others and give back on how to be more wise with their financial decisions.

At school, I am currently involved in DIVAs (Diligent Independent Virtuous Adults), where we do community services, such as offering a helping hand with the homeless, clean parks, give assistance to preschoolers when we visit a daycare, and organize events for the community. We put our integrity and give love to others when it’s needed. We learn from each other and give each other hope to create a better world to live in. To add on, I love nature because it relieves my stress and I try to appreciate it by making the environment a clean and safe place to live in. In current events, they’re many people who litter and leave animal waste on the streets, so that’s why people are protesting for a change and convincing people to clean up after their pet and not litter. Furthermore, nature satisfies my instincts, makes me more active and involved, maintains my mental and physical health, etc., so another way I appreciate it is by walking my dog around the block and the park, do activities with family and friends, acting carefully with my stuff, reducing pollution, etc. In conclusion, we should love nature because of its calming sounds and connecting with nature benefits our well-being and self-esteem. Other ways that we could appreciate it by volunteering, planting gardens, save electricity, water, natural resources, and using reusable bags.

I was nonverbal and quiet as a mouse when I was very young, so my parents got very concerned about what was wrong with me. As a result, me and my parents went to the doctors, and it was at two years old when me and my parents found out that I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism is a condition that affects the ability to communicate with others and express oneself. For that reason, from past and present experiences, I struggle with social interactions when I meet new people and am more communicative with most people I already have familiarity with. Luckily, I would always have support from people to calm me down and make the right decisions. Although my disability can’t be cured like cancer, I always try my best to get involved in extracurriculars, improve my verbal communication skills, and earn honor roll (with A’s and B’s) for the rest of the year, so I can get into the colleges of my choosing. Even though I always try my best to stay positive, there were times where I would doubt myself by thinking I was going to fail and/or repeat a great, but I found a way to improve my confidence. I would attend office hours for the class I had difficulties with and ask for help from my teachers. Therefore, I became more optimistic and I had higher confidence. In my view and in conclusion, when people think having Autism is a weakness, but I see it as my strength, as I found out many positive things can happen to people with Autism, such as having a good photographic memory, challenging themselves, becoming a positive role model by advocating for issues in the world, getting into good colleges, improving their public speaking skills, etc.

I'm a low income high school senior, my FAFSA told me I’m not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, they told me I’m eligible for subsidized and unsubsidized loans, which I want to avoid, so I don’t have to worry about paying off my student loans after I graduate college. Education is very important to me because it motivates me to fulfill my determination goals, determination, and ambition, builds confidence, improves knowledge and skills, helps me overcome challenges, etc. When I hit college, I think of doing work study to lower college expenses, do co-ops to gain job experience, and take summer classes during my 1st year of college, so I can graduate college in 3 years. Winning this scholarship will mean a lot to me and I will use this scholarship to pay off all of my college expenses (tuition, room and board, and books) all 4 years since scholarships aren't one time only. This will also help me contribute to my academic goals because higher education level is not cheap and it is not easy for me because I didn't work during my high school years. That's why as a start, scholarships are becoming necessary for me to enter college, which I know that going forward, almost all of the colleges I've applied to, offer internships and temporary jobs, and these will help me to continue to earn my bachelor's degree in finance and become a financial analyst or advisor in the future, so I can use my degree to educate others and give back on how to be more wise with their financial decisions.. This can work both ways where I can start saving to continue my education and also have work opportunities to gain experience because companies don't only require a degree, they need job experience from all of the candidates applying for the job. I hope that I would be a strong candidate for this scholarship because I worked really hard during my school years and I won't stop working hard when I start college life, getting my degree, joining successful work companies, giving back to my community when it's needed, and I want to show that I'm determined, passionate, and hardworking. In conclusion, I already planned my college major and my future career. I’m hoping that I can be a great candidate to get this scholarship because that means a lot to me and my family, so I can continue the same missions that I can carry to my college life.

I love dogs because they're so cute, cuddly, funny, and like my best friend and brother or sister, etc, I've had my dog for 5 years and he's a Shiba Inu named Coconut. If I were to describe Coconut, I would describe him as quiet, affectionate, loyal, alert, bold- there are so many words to describe him. I like to take him for walks, play, hug, and cuddle with him when I can. Me and my family love him so much that when he gets sick or hurt, we take him to the hospital, take the vet's advice, act careful, and help him, to show our love, affection, and kindness to him. Coconut (my dog) has impacted my life in a positive way because he makes me happy, we have each other's back's, calms me down when I’m stressed, etc. I also let him play with my neighbor's dogs, so he can have friends to play with. Like me, he's also anxious when he meets other dogs, so me and my parents teach him to be calm when he's around other dogs and I separate him, so the other dogs won't hurt him. I've been a dog lover since I was in elementary to middle school, I always begged my parents for a dog, but they didn't let me have one in elementary school because we rented a house from August 2010 to early July 2016- I had a rabbit during 2010, so we had to give it away to a friend, and the landlord doesn’t allow their tenants to have pets in the house. I was patient about not having a dog since me and my parents haven't trained them and never really owned one. In conclusion, my dad gave me a dog (Shiba Inu) as a present on February 2017 (two months before my 13th birthday), he said that was a present for me, and that’s where I named him Coconut, even though my mom didn’t agree with the decision at first, they compromised. Also, my dog made messes in the house, so me and my parents disciplined and trained him where and what the right things to do are. After, he outgrew his puppy years, he caused less problems and now he knows how to make the right decisions. I'm an only child, so my parents considered our dog Coconut it’s their son and I consider him my best friend and brother.

I always try my best to get involved in extracurriculars, social services, improve my verbal communication skills, and earn honor roll, so I can get into the colleges of my choosing. I became more optimistic and I had higher confidence. At school, I am currently involved in DIVAs (Diligent Independent Virtuous Adults), where we do community services, such as offering a helping hand with the homeless, clean parks, give assistance to preschoolers when we visit a daycare, and organize events for the community. We put our integrity and give love to others when it’s needed. We learn from each other and give each other hope to create a better world to live in. In my view, when people think having Autism is a weakness, I see it as my strength, as I found out many positive things can happen to people with Autism, as I learned to be more social and involved as much as I can and becoming a positive role model by advocating for many issues in the world by starting with our smaller community and then going bigger from there. I want to prove to people that having a disability does not change who they are and people with disabilities can do stuff that people without disabilities can do. That said, disabilities won’t stop me from achieving my goals, being bold, and contributing by giving my service to others. In conclusion, I already planned my college major and future career of being a financial analyst, and I’m hoping that I can be a great candidate to get this scholarship because that means a lot to me and my family, so I can continue the same missions that I can carry to my college life.

Winning this scholarship will mean a lot to me and I will use this scholarship to pay off all of my college expenses (tuition, room and board, and books) all 4 years since scholarships aren't one time only. This will also help me contribute to my academic goals because higher education level is not cheap and it is not easy for me because I didn't work during my high school years. That's why as a start, scholarships are becoming necessary for me to enter college, which I know that going forward, almost all of the colleges I've applied to, offer internships and temporary jobs, and these will help me to continue to earn my bachelor's degree in finance and become a financial analyst in the future. This can work both ways where I can start saving to continue my education and also have work opportunities to gain experience because companies don't only require a degree, they need job experience from all of the candidates applying for the job. Other than being a financial analyst, I also want to be a runway and print model, I took modeling classes when I was 13 years old and that’s how I became passionate about becoming a model. However, I focus on being a financial analyst because academics are more important to me, but I’m confident that I can manage my time by working these jobs on different days. I hope that I would be a strong candidate for this scholarship because I worked really hard during my school years and I won't stop working hard when I start college life, getting my degree, joining successful work companies, and giving back to my community when it's needed.

I have a lot of favorite hobbies, but the hobbies that are more productive for me are listening to music, studying by looking over the material, learning new languages, along with business-related stuff, acting, runway and print modeling, having confidence that I can become a positive role model, reading, etc. In the morning and every time I come back from school, I go on my electronics for a while to ease my stress and after a while, I'll find something to do that makes me productive, so I don’t procrastinate and miss out on very important assignments and opportunities. I also multitask a lot with my favorite hobbies such as doing my assignments, while listening to music because it can help me calm down. In conclusion, the hobbies I listed above can help me in the future because those skills can help me with my career as a financial analyst and model, so when I study abroad and go to fashion shows in different countries, I can be fluent and if I become Miss USA or Miss Universe, I'll visit different countries too, not only too learn new languages, but become a positive role model for everyone.

 I love listening to music a lot and I have a lot of favorite songs, but the song that inspires me the most is “breathin” by Ariana Grande. This song inspires me the most because it represents fighting through tough situations. I always deal with tough situations, so I ask for help from trusted adults and I listen to this song almost everyday to make me feel motivated and less anxious. Come college, I’ll be a little anxious because I’ll meet a lot of new people and the assignments are much different and harder compared to high school. In conclusion, music fuels productivity and energy. I've listened and heard this song for years and not only does Ariana Grande have a nice voice and good songs, but her song “breathin” represents the situations I have during school, calm me down when I’m frustrated, and make me feel relaxed after coming back from school, etc. This song has helped me become the determined and passionate person I am today.

Being a person of color, I support equality and diversity by accepting people for who they are and forming relationships with people from different backgrounds. Equality and diversity are important in a college because we should always treat others the way we want to be treated and respect our differences. Other ways I support equality and diversity are being aware of discrimination and racism, developing a positive attitude at all times, attending grade team meetings about the ethnic events that happen in months, such as Black History month, Hispanic Heritage month, and Asian Pacific Islander month. Also, being a person of color/minority race(s), I’ve faced stereotypes and assumptions about me, so when our month happens, we always inform people of what it is and what the different types of Asians they are. Now, it's Black History month and students are educating everyone (including people their own race) about African-American figures and the historic events that happened to African-Americans. At school, everyone of different backgrounds are respecting each other and are aware not to call each other by racial slurs.

There are many times where I had difficult situations, but one difficult situation was when I went on a trip with the DIVAs and MGD group (Developing Independent Virtuous Adults and Molding Gentlemen of Distinction), we did many activities like playing games and zip-lining. As a person who has a fear of heights, I took long to go down the zip line. When I took long, one of the employees/counselors helped me go down, so I can stay with my group later. After me and my friends went down the zip line, we had fun. To add on, I try my best not to show my negative attitude during difficult situations and I learned that I should always ask for help from trusted adults to help me with the difficult situations I'm in. Another difficult situation I was in was when I had a C, D, and/or F on my assignment(s) and the class, and I persevered through this difficult situation by talking with my teacher(s), along with doing the assignment(s) again and resubmitting them.

1. I deserve this scholarship because my FAFSA told me I’m only eligible for student loans and my financial aid packages told me I have to pay unsubsidized loans. 2. My academic and career goals are to graduate high school with honor roll, double major in finance and French, become a financial analyst and model, with being successful in both. 3. I overcame an obstacle when I had a grade I wasn’t satisfied with in the beginning of the report period and did the assignment again, and got a higher grade.

I've been part of the DIVAs (Diligent Independent Virtuous Adults) organization at my school since 10th grade and during the process, me and my friends did community services such as assisting and reading to preschoolers, cleaning parks, and donating to the people in need. Now, we're also planning to make a bench for people at our school who've passed away and plant flowers. Doing these acts of services help others because being part of this organization helps us become leaders and positive role models by being kind to one another. I also think of competing in Miss USA and Miss Universe (if I win Miss USA) because I want to show people that people with disabilities can become positive role models and Miss USA and Miss Universe always help other people from different countries they visit, along with having positive advocacies. Winning this scholarship will mean a lot to me because I can see myself as a leader in the future, show that I’m active, and I’ll use this scholarship to pay off all college expenses (tuition, room and board, and books).

There are many simple pleasures in my life such as exercising, listening to music, reading, playing and cuddling with my dog, etc. These things make me happy because doing these things make me feel less stressed and it makes me forget about stuff that makes me angry. When I do my simple pleasures it makes me express laughter and I procrastinate less. I try to stay clean, healthy, and calm as possible because this can help me with my life in the future. If I live on-campus I will start to be independent by waking myself up, putting on a little makeup, and prepare myself food. I also cook at home most of the time and I’m currently learning how to put a little makeup to look presentable to everyone. The simple pleasures I do will make my future successful and stress-free because we always need to stay active by finding new activities we can do and staying positive at all times no matter the situation we're in.

They're many things that I'm passionate about, but the things that I’m passionate about the most are modeling, health and fitness, becoming a financial analyst, issues in the world, helping others, etc. I'm passionate about these things because I always think about my future, staying, healthy, doing advocacies, becoming a positive role model to those around me, and becoming a leader. My lifelong dream is competing in the Miss USA and/or Miss Universe pageant because a past Miss Universe contestant once said “Miss Universe doesn’t look for models, they look for role models.” By competing in Miss USA and/or Miss Universe (if I win Miss USA), I want to show everyone that Autism is my strength and people with disabilities can do stuff that normal people can do. In conclusion, out of all the things I listed, health and fitness, along with helping others is something to be passionate about because we want everyone to stay healthy and clean, and if I win Miss Universe, I would use my reign to travel around the world by helping others who need it and get involved in many services as I can.

My goals for the future are to graduate high school with honor roll, get scholarships and/or grants, choose the college I want to go to, stay healthy, etc. Getting scholarships and grants is very important to me, so I don’t have to worry about paying my student loans in the future. I try my best to find scholarships (even full-ride) and grants because I’m pursuing need-based and merit-based aid for college. Also, my counselors and parents convince me to find merit scholarships as well because of my high GPA. These are my academic goals for the future. For my personal life and career, my goals are to be healthy and successful. To stay active, I exercise; find scholarships I qualify for; and think about my future career and major. I want to become a financial analyst, along with a model as my side job because academics are more important to me. In order to be a financial analyst, I have to do temporary jobs at first because companies need job experience and not only the degree. Also, I want to become a model too because I’m passionate about it and I took classes when I was 13 years old.

I used persistence when I earn something that I didn't expect, like a grade that I wasn't satisfied with, so I asked my teachers for help and I looked over other materials for that class. Also, whenever I had difficulties with something, I look over my mistakes, and when the other attempt(s) is better than the 1st, it resulted in my grade becoming higher and I've achieved my goal(s). My goal is to have A's or B's in all classes, so I can get honor roll and I feel more confident in myself. There was a time when my assignments had low grades, so I asked my teacher if I can do it again, and he allowed me to, so my grade can be better and he gave me a better grade for the assignment. At the beginning of every report period at school, I always start with a low grade but always finish up with a passing grade at the end. This is where I use my persistence the most.

To me, confidence means acknowledging your achievements and thinking that everything will have a positive outcome. I'm also working to be more confident in myself by asking for help from my teachers and parents when I don't understand something, after they've helped me, I felt more confident about what I have to do. Although confidence is a positive trait, it can be negative as well because people can describe you as being too cocky, and being overconfident can lead to negative outcomes, as we overlook the fact that we're wrong too. People have described me as overconfident because when I try to show them my achievements, they got annoyed and when this happened, my parents gave me the advice to be less open about my achievements. In conclusion, being confident means always making the right decision(s), thinking about others in a positive way, making sure others are equal to you, etc.

I try my best to treat others with empathy by acting like a leader, following positive influences/examples, helping and supporting others when they need it, etc. Me, along with my peers, parents, and the staff at school help each other when we have difficulties doing something. Empathy is one of the key factors in a person because people will respect you if you always show empathy towards others. We should understand and respect the positive things people say. Also, we shouldn't be afraid to open up about our troubles to one another because we can support each other and give helpful advice. If we're empathetic towards each other, we can live a happy life and feel better about ourselves after we talk about what happened. In conclusion, even though I don’t approach people because of my Autism, I always show empathy to them by telling people about similar experiences I had with them and telling them it's normal to feel a certain way. I also talk about my troubles with my social worker/counselor and she tells me that it's normal and fine.

I practice bravery and living boldly by taking risks, doing something I’ve never tried before, and listening to motivating advice from those around me. There was a time that I was scared to go down the zip line because I'm afraid of heights. When that happened, the staff convinced me to go down with her. This made me feel calmer and I had fun throughout the trip. My peers, teachers, and parents convince me to do something that I may find I challenging because it shows that I’m a hardworking and determined person. I listen to motivating advice from people around me and whenever I felt scared to do something, my teachers told me it's fine if I asked them for help. Also, when I did parkour with another program, I was scared at first, but overcame my fear. When my peers were scared to do it, me and my counselor told them to not be scared. We always encouraged each other positively. In conclusion, I practice bravery and living boldly by talking with trusted adults, confronting my fear(s), participating in mindfulness activities, finding something that makes me comfortable, etc.

My dreams after high school are to go to the college that gives me good financial assistance, do temporary jobs during my college years, get my bachelor's degree in finance and french, and become a financial analyst with a model as my side job because academics are more important to me. To become a financial analyst, I have to do temporary jobs first because the companies I’m applying to don’t only require a degree, but they need job experience from candidates, so the candidates can do well in the company after the jobs they did before. To become a model, I don’t need to go to college for it, but I have a strong interest in becoming a model and I took modeling classes years ago. Also, I don’t have to apply for a modeling job, the modeling agencies will choose the candidates that will have a contract with them. In conclusion, I feel like I can be a financial analyst and model at the same time because I have good time management and I can do these jobs on different days.

I stay committed to speaking my mind by always being brave when I speak out about my honest opinion(s) on something. Although, people may feel that someone is tearing them down when that person is speaking their mind, it's not a bad or good thing because honesty is very important in a person. People have told me I speak my mind too much because I open up to everyone about their information and my honesty can be mistaken for rudeness. With my brutal honesty, I stay committed to speaking my mind and I also learned that I can't be brutally honest all the time because it can lead to my downfall(s) and people not wanting to hang out with me, so I’ll try to keep quiet if I have a negative opinion on a certain person. In conclusion, speaking your mind is very important because this will be a factor if you have to write an argumentative essay, are debating on a topic, having an opinion on something, opening up to others about yourself, etc.

Whenever I have big tests coming up, I look over the material months or weeks before the real test in order to achieve academic success. My parents and teachers always tell me to study days before the test, so I understand the questions and get a passing grade on the test. If I don’t do well on the test, I go to office hours to ask my teacher(s) for help and after I’ve asked for help, I’ve received a passing grade of an A or B. During the whole report period at my school, I always pass every class and end up getting honor roll. Also, whenever I have benchmarks at the end of every report period, my teachers always curve (add more points) on my benchmark, so I get a higher grade. In conclusion, my other study strategies to achieve academic success are paying attention to class, review everything I learned, taking notes, focusing on one topic at a time, so I don’t fluster myself, etc.

I relax and take care of myself by watching TV and playing with electronics for a while after I come back from school to calm myself down, so I don't get to stress about my schoolwork. I also have pretty good time management, as if I don't have anything to do, I either read a book or search for some scholarships I qualify for, so I don't procrastinate and miss out on opportunities. Mental health is very important to us in the present because we want to be physically, socially, environmentally, and emotionally healthy. A few years ago, I did community service with my peers by cleaning up a playground, so we keep our environment and surroundings safe, for my physical health, I exercise for most days, so I can keep myself active and healthy, I try my best to have positive emotions, so I can have a successful life in the future, and socializing will be very important because college is the time to make friends and people will be kind and understanding towards you. In conclusion, I take care of my mental health by connecting with others, eating and sleeping healthily, trying new things, keeping myself active, etc.

When I encourage others around me, I always tell them something positive and never let them down. My teachers, parents, and peers encourage each other by helping, giving positive advice, celebrating everyone, acknowledging and thinking about one another, etc. I encourage those around me by talking about our futures and supporting one another when we go our separate ways because when starting college life, everyone will make new friends- parents also encourage their children to make new friends. In college, I hope to find a friend that's kind, helpful and encourages me in a positive way, so to encourage people around me I'll smile, have easygoing conversations with them, acknowledge them, etc. This is to focus on our future and reach our goals. In conclusion, encouraging others is important because people will respect and admire your personality, and it boosts their confidence when they're going through tough situations. This is to be mindful of our achievements and believe in what we can do.

I listen to people around me by participating in activities and engaging in conversations with them. Even though my Autism impacts the ability to interact with others, I always try my best to interact with people with who I'm not too familiar. It's important to listen to those around us because situations can be better if we consider taking helpful advice from others. To me, listening means paying attention to very important details and information. Like when my teachers and parents tell me to apply for scholarships, I actively listen to them and continue to find which scholarships I qualify for, so I don't have to worry about financial problems that could arise with me and my family. In conclusion, I actively listen to those around me by finding the adults' advice helpful and motivating, along with participating in my peers' activities, conversations, and projects, so it eases and changes my stress. To me, listening is hearing positive things people can say about us.

Even though I'm not 100% excited about a new technology, I’m excited about IPhones and IPads. Even though electronics aren't needs, we still use them in order to reach out to workplaces and are co-workers. Technologies to be excited about are battery advancements, authentication, connectivity and 3D and 4D printing, etc. We need battery advancements, authentication, and connectivity the most for our devices, so our devices don't shut down and break easily. These methods can also prevent hackers, so our personal information won't be put out by them and we don't get caught in any wrongdoings. Also, we can contact the police immediately if we're in trouble because of our information and find a way to solve our problems. This illustrates cybersecurity, as we need to have a resourceful method when creating accounts and not letting other people see our account information. To add on to what technologies we should be excited about, Artificial Intelligence is the main trend in the year, since the computerized system can do an imitation of human behavior and intelligence to demonstrate tasks like image recognition and speech with decision making and finding patterns. If this is one's future career, this could help them, so after they do temporary jobs during college, they can add this to their résumé and show that to the big companies they want to work for since companies don’t only need a degree in a specific major, they also need job experience from candidates applying. Other trends besides Artificial Intelligence are Cybersecurity, Augmented Reality, Predictive & Personalized Medicine, and Internet of Things, etc. These technologies can connected to the internet, make people receive data about their lifestyle or health through smartwatches, and make you adapt to strengthen securities to protect yourself from hackers. This is to make sure we don't have anything bad happening to us, thus these technologies are very important when we are using computers, IPads, IPhones, along with other smart devices.

To me, friendship means bonding with one another, helping each other with conflicting situations, and making sure we're safe. When I was younger, I was taken advantage of by others, I always did what they said because I was so naive and I wanted to be accepted, but one of my friends stood up for me and now I know who are the right people to be friends with and the wrong people to be friends with. I always thought about being popular and joining a crowd at school too because I wanted to be alike with the people around me and on TV, but I realized I have to be myself and as I got older, I didn’t care about being accepted. Also, I spent time alone and was didn't make a big deal about it. Even though I don’t care about being accepted anymore, I’ll make new friends in college because college is the time where we form relationships with strangers and people are nicer to you. Also, my parents made their best friends in college and have been motivating me to talk to new people too, so I can build up my verbal communication skills.

I practice self-care by staying healthy and clean as possible. Good hygiene is key when you're going everywhere and around people. I also put a little bit of makeup, so I don’t look sick and pale- like my mom always told me, it's to look presentable when people see you. Self-care impacts my life, so I’m not too stressed throughout my life and I can be happy. I also do a lot of exercising, drinking water, and take a bath or shower, etc. These are necessary because we want people to see us like others (good hygiene) and we can be engaged in other activities outside of school and home. Self-care reduces stress, depression, and anxiety. Even though I have anxiety when meeting very new people, I’ll try to see which friends are right for me because come college, everyone will make new friends from other schools. In conclusion, self-care impacts me positively by improving focus, minimizing anger, and strengthen relationships, etc.

Being patient is important to me because we always need to wait for our opportunities and it's better to wait than to rush through everything. I tend to act impatient when taking big tests because I feel like I just needed it to be done and I always thought I was right, but if we're impatient, it can lead to bad results. Being patient can lead to positive situations where we can be satisfied with the results. If we have big tests coming up, it's better to double check our work than to rush, (be impatient) so teachers will give you a passing score or grade. Now with my college acceptances, I'm patiently waiting for my financial aid awards and acceptance letters from each school, so I can make my decision in middle to late April or early May. I’m conclusion, it's better to be patient, so we know how to accept problems and deal with what we have to do.

I had a grade that I didn’t like and expected in a class, so I asked for help from my teacher(s) and they explained what I had to do in order to fix my grade. I always do this before grades are finalized during each report period. In the beginning, I start with a low grade and don't have familiarity with the material(s), but my teacher(s) advised me to watch videos and look at some samples and by looking at the videos and samples, my grade was higher than my previous one I had. At the end, I finish up with my expected grade and pass the class with honor roll, so me and my parents are satisfied with the result and my hard work I did in the class that is difficult for others.

I was diagnosed with Autism (a condition that impacts the ability to express oneself) at the age of two years old and I kept thinking I was different than others without disabilities, but as I got older I realized that people with disabilities can do stuff normal people can do. For example, Greta Thunberg has Autism, but she made a positive impact on the world by speaking out about climate change and convincing others to take part in the issue. My goals are to be a financial analyst with a model as my side job. My post-secondary goal is to go to a 4-year college and I plan on double majoring in Finance and French. I plan on joining extracurriculars in college as well, so I can make new friends even though my Autism impacts that ability. Furthermore, I think of competing in the Miss USA and/or Miss Universe pageant in the future to prove that having a disability doesn’t change who you are and people with disabilities can have success stories. I can see myself as a leader by helping others who need it and by becoming positive role models for people around the world, so I can educate myself and others in a kind way.

My life has been filled with difficult times because of the pandemic, but I always have a confident personality and have been working hard to get A's and B's on my report card. My life has shaped my hopes for the future because I’ve been preparing myself for college, along with my teachers. Come college, there will be more difficult assignments than high school, but I've discussed my post secondary goals with my college counselor and have strong letters of recommendation from my other teachers. Although I have Autism and I’m very quiet with people I’ve never met before, I'll try my best to overcome my difficulties because college is the time to make new friends and I hope I can join extracurriculars in order to build up my verbal communication skills. I have pretty good time management skills, so I feel confident that I can manage my time between work and extracurriculars. I want to become a financial analyst with a model as my side job in the future, but in order to become a financial analyst, I have to do temporary job(s) first because companies don't only need the degree, but they need job experience too. With these two jobs, I feel this would shape my hopes and success for the future because of the high payment, so I can use this to donate and buy necessities for people in need.

I always treat others with respect and how they would like to be treated. We are a society who wants everyone, regardless of race to be equal to one another. In current and past events, people of color have been treated unfairly and have been called racial slurs by others. There were a lot of riots and looting in the past because the victims were people of color, but that doesn't solve the problem. Another way I support equality and diversity is create a safe space for everyone, educate others and myself, and being careful about what I say and do towards others. In conclusion, I keep an open mind and follow the equality policy.

My goals for the future are to make my decision for college, graduate from high school with honor roll, and stay active and hardworking as possible. I plan to join extracurriculars in college. I'm planning on double majoring in Finance and French for college and my goal is to get my Bachelor's degree in order to become a financial analyst, but companies not only care about the degree, but they need job experience because they can tell and/or ask if you have experience in your occupation or not. Other than becoming a financial analyst, my other goal is to become a model as well. I started taking modeling classes when I was 13 years old and I started to get interested in modeling. With having two jobs, this is a way on how I plan to achieve success because it shows I can manage my time between my careers and get paid a lot. Furthermore, I would like to compete in the Miss USA or Miss Universe pageant to show that people with disabilities can be successful like people without disabilities. For example, Greta Thunberg, a 19-year-old activist with Autism, convinced people to take action in climate change. This shows that everyone has their own success stories and has their plan to achieve success.

I'm a high school senior going to college next year. I would describe myself as hardworking, determined, and introverted. At 2 years old, I was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). I always thought that having a disability was a weakness, but I found out it was my strength because I noticed I can do stuff people without disabilities can do. Over the summer, I was pretty active by working on weekdays and applying myself to colleges. Me having a job made me boost my college resume and I'm pretty excited for college because I’ll see many opportunities and I'll try my best to make new friends.