Throughout my life, helping others has given me a great deal of satisfaction. During my high school years, I understood how much difference doing volunteer work can make. I was not aware then, but this experience would influence my ambitions and passion for many years ahead. I became a dedicated volunteer when I became part of Codivate, a global organization founded in my high school focused on giving power to aspiring coders without many resources by teaching and guiding them at no cost. At first, I thought it was just a chance for me to help the coding community, but soon, I discovered how it would change my perspective completely. At Codivate, I began as a beginner Python tutor, teaching weekly to a crowd of 7 kids excited to start learning to code. I instantly fell in love with the role. Teaching those so passionate about a shared interest was an absolute joy. I saw myself in each kid. Their wide-eyed excitement brought back memories of my own beginnings in programming, making a bond that inspired me to support them in transforming their curiosity into a long-term journey. I developed my own passion: to assist others in becoming their greatest versions. At this point, I could connect with my students on a fundamental level, allowing me to communicate topics and ideas better. I could tell we were both learning simultaneously. Almost one year passed when I accepted the position of Curriculum Director on the board of directors. Although direct tutoring was not possible for me anymore, I kept influencing students by reorganizing and refreshing our syllabus. Even many years later, I have maintained a personal connection with them, witnessing their remarkable progress. Volunteering changed from just an extra activity to a central part of who I am. The abilities I learned went further than teaching and leading; they included understanding how other people feel, learning patience, being adaptable, and communicating well – these are essential abilities for work and getting along with others. Something I didn't like at first, but I gladly appreciate it, is that volunteer work made me leave my familiar spaces. It helped me meet and talk with people from many different cultures and places. My view of the world got wider, and I rectified any previous ideas or preconceptions. Volunteering has been a transformative journey for me, offering a platform for personal growth. It's not only helping others; it is also learning important things like empathy, communication, and adaptability. Stepping into diverse volunteer activities has pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me face challenges, and fostered a deep sense of purpose. Volunteering isn't just changing lives; it's shaping mine in ways I never imagined.

Throughout my life, helping others has given me a great deal of satisfaction. During my high school years, I understood how much difference doing volunteer work can make. I was not aware then, but this experience would influence my ambitions and passion for many years ahead. I became a dedicated volunteer when I became part of Codivate, a global organization founded in my high school focused on giving power to aspiring coders without many resources by teaching and guiding them at no cost. At first, I thought it was just a chance for me to help the coding community, but soon, I discovered how it would change my perspective completely. At Codivate, I began as a beginner Python tutor, teaching weekly to a crowd of 7 kids excited to start learning to code. I instantly fell in love with the role. Teaching those so passionate about a shared interest was an absolute joy. I saw myself in each kid. Their wide-eyed excitement brought back memories of my own beginnings in programming, making a bond that inspired me to support them in transforming their curiosity into a long-term journey. I developed my own passion: to assist others in becoming their greatest versions. At this point, I could connect with my students on a fundamental level, allowing me to communicate topics and ideas better. I could tell we were both learning simultaneously. Almost one year passed when I accepted the position of Curriculum Director on the board of directors. Although direct tutoring was not possible for me anymore, I kept influencing students by reorganizing and refreshing our syllabus. Even many years later, I have maintained a personal connection with them, witnessing their remarkable progress. Volunteering changed from just an extra activity to a central part of who I am. The abilities I learned went further than teaching and leading; they included understanding how other people feel, learning patience, being adaptable, and communicating well – these are essential abilities for work and getting along with others. Something I didn't like at first, but I gladly appreciate it, is that volunteer work made me leave my familiar spaces. It helped me meet and talk with people from many different cultures and places. My view of the world got wider, and I rectified any previous ideas or preconceptions. Volunteering has been a transformative journey for me, offering a platform for personal growth. It's not only helping others; it is also learning important things like empathy, communication, and adaptability. Stepping into diverse volunteer activities has pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me face challenges, and fostered a deep sense of purpose. Volunteering isn't just changing lives; it's shaping mine in ways I never imagined.

Throughout my life, helping others has given me a great deal of satisfaction. During my high school years, I understood how much difference doing volunteer work can make. I was not aware then, but this experience would influence my ambitions and passion for many years ahead. I became a dedicated volunteer when I became part of Codivate, a global non-profit organization founded in my high school focused on giving power to aspiring coders without many resources by teaching and guiding them at no cost. At first, I thought it was just a chance for me to help the coding community, but soon, I discovered how it would change my perspective completely. At Codivate, I began as a beginner Python tutor, teaching weekly to a crowd of 7 kids excited to start learning to code. I instantly fell in love with the role. Teaching those so passionate about a shared interest was an absolute joy. I saw myself in each kid. Their wide-eyed excitement brought back memories of my own beginnings in programming, making a bond that inspired me to support them in transforming their curiosity into a long-term journey. I developed my own passion: to assist others in becoming their greatest versions. At this point, I could connect with my students on a fundamental level, allowing me to communicate topics and ideas better. I could tell we were both learning simultaneously. Almost one year passed when I accepted the position of Curriculum Director on the board of directors. Although direct tutoring was not possible for me anymore, I kept influencing students by reorganizing and refreshing our syllabus. Even many years later, I have maintained a personal connection with them, witnessing their remarkable progress. Volunteering changed from just an extra activity to a central part of who I am. The abilities I learned went further than teaching and leading; they included understanding how other people feel, learning patience, being adaptable, and communicating well – these are essential abilities for work and getting along with others. Something I didn't like at first, but I gladly appreciate it, is that volunteer work made me leave my familiar spaces. It helped me meet and talk with people from many different cultures and places. My view of the world got wider, and I rectified any previous ideas or preconceptions. Volunteering has been a transformative journey for me, offering a platform for personal growth. It's not only helping others; it is also learning important things like empathy, communication, and adaptability. Stepping into diverse volunteer activities has pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me face challenges, and fostered a deep sense of purpose. Volunteering isn't just changing lives; it's shaping mine in ways I never imagined.

Throughout my life, helping others has given me a great deal of satisfaction. It was during my high school years that I really understood how much difference doing volunteer work can make. I was not aware at the time, but this experience would influence my ambitions and passion for many years ahead. I started becoming a dedicated volunteer when I became part of Codivate, a global organization founded in my high school that is focused on giving power to aspiring coders without many resources by teaching and guiding them at no cost. At first, I thought it was just a chance for me to help the coding community, but soon, I discovered how it would change my perspective compeletely. At Codivate, I began as a beginner Python tutor, teaching weekly to a crowd of 7 kids exited to start learning to code. I instantly fell in love with the role. It was an absolute joy to teach those so passionate about a shared interest. I saw myself in each kid. Their wide-eyed excitement brought back memories of my own beginnings in programming, making a bond that inspired me to support them in transforming their curiosity into a long-term journey. I developed my own passion: to assist others in becoming their greatest versions. At this point I was able to connect with my students on a fundamental level, allowing me to communicate topics and ideas better. I could tell we were both learning simultaneously. Almost one year passed when I accepted the position of Curriculum Director on the board of directors. Although direct tutoring was not possible for me anymore, I kept influencing students by reorganizing and refreshing our syllabus. Even many years later, I have maintained a personal connection with them, witnessing their remarkable progress. Volunteering changed from just an extra activity to a main part of who I am. The abilities I learned went further than teaching and leading; they included being able to understand how other people feel, learning patience, being adaptable, and communicating well – these are important abilities for work and for getting along with others. Something I didn't like at first, but I gladly appreciate it, is that volunteer work made me leave my familiar spaces. It helped me meet and talk with people from many different cultures and places. My view of the world got wider, and I rectified any ideas or preconceptions I had before. Volunteering has been a transformative journey for me, offering a platform for personal growth. It's not only helping others; it is also learning important things like empathy, communication, and adaptability. Stepping into diverse volunteer activities has pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me face challenges, and fostered a deep sense of purpose. Volunteering isn't just changing lives; it's shaping mine in ways I never imagined.

Throughout my life, helping others has given me a great deal of satisfaction. It was during my high school years that I really understood how much difference doing volunteer work can make. I was not aware at the time, but this experience would influence my ambitions and passion for many years ahead. I started becoming a dedicated volunteer when I became part of Codivate, a global organization founded in my high school that is focused on giving power to aspiring coders without many resources by teaching and guiding them at no cost. At first, I thought it was just a chance for me to help the coding community, but soon, I discovered how it would change my perspective compeletely. At Codivate, I began as a beginner Python tutor, teaching weekly to a crowd of 7 kids exited to start learning to code. I instantly fell in love with the role. It was an absolute joy to teach those so passionate about a shared interest. I saw myself in each kid. Their wide-eyed excitement brought back memories of my own beginnings in programming, making a bond that inspired me to support them in transforming their curiosity into a long-term journey. I developed my own passion: to assist others in becoming their greatest versions. At this point I was able to connect with my students on a fundamental level, allowing me to communicate topics and ideas better. I could tell we were both learning simultaneously. Almost one year passed when I accepted the position of Curriculum Director on the board of directors. Although direct tutoring was not possible for me anymore, I kept influencing students by reorganizing and refreshing our syllabus. Even many years later, I have maintained a personal connection with them, witnessing their remarkable progress. Volunteering changed from just an extra activity to a main part of who I am. The abilities I learned went further than teaching and leading; they included being able to understand how other people feel, learning patience, being adaptable, and communicating well – these are important abilities for work and for getting along with others. Something I didn't like at first, but I gladly appreciate it, is that volunteer work made me leave my familiar spaces. It helped me meet and talk with people from many different cultures and places. My view of the world got wider, and I rectified any ideas or preconceptions I had before. Volunteering has been a transformative journey for me, offering a platform for personal growth. It's not only helping others; it is also learning important things like empathy, communication, and adaptability. Stepping into diverse volunteer activities has pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me face challenges, and fostered a deep sense of purpose. Volunteering isn't just changing lives; it's shaping mine in ways I never imagined.

In a world brimming with countless literary gems, one book stands out as a diamond in the rough – "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman. This novel takes us on an unpredictable and heartwarming journey of one man. "A Man Called Ove" introduces us to the curmudgeonly yet endearing character of Ove, a man set in his ways and seemingly detached from the modern world. As a teenager, I found myself immediately drawn to Ove's uncompromising principles and unwavering sense of duty. Such traits resonate deeply with the youth of today, who often seek passion and purpose in their lives. I couldn't help but find solace in Ove's steadfastness and determination to uphold his values, even in the face of adversity. Perhaps the most captivating aspect of "A Man Called Ove" is the transformational power of unexpected relationships. Ove's interactions with his quirky neighbors – particularly Parvaneh and her family – highlight the profound impact that even the briefest encounters can have on our lives. Ove's gradual shift from a recluse to a pillar of support for those around him serves as a testament to the potential for human connection to heal wounds and inspire personal growth. "A Man Called Ove" serves as a reminder that age is just a number and that the most meaningful connections can transcend generations. Ove's unlikely friendship with young Parvaneh and her children emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness and the willingness to learn from one another, regardless of age or background. So if I could introduce everyone in the world to just one book, "A Man Called Ove" would undoubtedly be my choice. Every time I read this novel, I am offered a captivating blend of humor, warmth, and timeless life lessons - something I would love to share with the world. "A Man Called Ove" reminds us all that the most profound impact we can have on the world stems from the compassion and understanding we share with others, no matter our age or circumstances.

Mathematics has always fascinated me with its astonishing power to reveal the enduring truths at the core of existence. I marveled at its extraordinary capacity to reveal space-time mysteries with stunning simplicity; genuinely remarkable that such an elegant discipline could help untangle so many mysteries with such ease! Through its humble equations, math unveiled some fundamental laws governing our vast cosmic realm that held firm for billions of years and trillions of miles and revealed timeless truths which remain at its heart. Mathematics never ceases to amaze me with its exquisite beauty and grace. It seems as if its symbols and equations represent the universal language, waiting patiently for us to decode its profound significance. Through mathematics, we gain access to realms beyond everyday perceptions that allow us to observe intricate patterns and harmonies that weave themselves through reality itself. One of the most breathtaking aspects of mathematics is its capacity to shed light on space and time. Mathematical reasoning allows us to comprehend vast expanses of the cosmos spanning billions of light-years; similarly, laws of physics that govern celestial bodies' motion, as well as energy and matter behavior, are expressed elegantly through mathematical equations which allow us to grasp underlying order throughout creation. Mathematics also affords us insight into profound truths that have persisted throughout history. For example, equations that describe planet movements and particle behavior remain consistent throughout time and offer us a glimpse of ancient, eternal truths which have guided the universe since its inception. Likewise, mathematics stands as proof of nature's constant laws of nature - reminding us there remains an enduring order which we can discover and comprehend even during periods of extreme change. Conclusion My fascination with mathematics stems from its extraordinary capacity to unlock grand concepts such as space and time. This remarkable discipline illuminates the fundamental laws regulating our universe through simple equations, offering glimpses into eternal truths that lie at its heart. Math is a language of discovery that unlocks its secrets for us - offering a deeper knowledge of both itself and ourselves within it - providing an ongoing path of discovery, revealing all that beauty lies hidden within nature itself.

Hey there! My name is Varun Kota from beautiful West Windsor, New Jersey. I’m a senior at WWP High School South. Since I was little, I have been drawn to computers and spent countless hours tinkering with my dad’s old laptop or cleaning up his new one, learning as much as I could about how they worked. As I grew older, I was amazed to learn about programming’s expansive reach across the whole planet, present in everything from fitting rooms to toasters. As I delved deeper into the world of technology, I became more convinced of its ability to change everything. The more passionate I became about wielding its power for good such as solving complex problems, streamlining processes, and even bringing people closer together. Yet, the more I learned, the more I discovered technology’s ability to harm the environment and the more passionate I became about wielding its power for good. I believe computer science will be instrumental in solving the problems around us, and I want to be part of the solution. Throughout high school, I took every opportunity I could to learn more about technology and how I could use it to make a difference. I participated in coding clubs and hackathons, even creating my own coding projects and tutoring services. I worked on a summer internship project that optimized traffic flow at intersections using computer vision and also helped build an app, Vact, with friends to better facilitate social activism (it’s currently on the App Store with hundreds of downloads)!. I am also committed to giving back to my community through volunteer work with local organizations. For example, I have worked with a non-profit organization (Teens Teach Technology) that provides technology training to senior citizens, helping bridge the digital divide between generations and helping them become global citizens. I’m also the technology lead at a cancer-awareness organization. I utilize my skills to improve the website’s engagement and purpose. Since joining, traffic on the site has exploded, and it is a major node of the organization’s growth today, Through my aspirational career in computer science, I hope to make an impact by developing innovative technologies that can improve people’s lives. I am confident I will learn the technical skills necessary to bring my ideas to life and be a part of a vibrant community of innovators who are actively shaping the future. As I look ahead, I am excited to pursue a path in computer science. I genuinely believe that technology is a field where I can use my skills and knowledge to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether I’m working on faculty-led research projects or developing the next generation of AI, I am eager to do my part to make the world a better place, in and after college.

As a high school senior passionate about technology, I have developed a plan to solve the problem of limited access to coding and programming education for underprivileged students. With the necessary financial resources, I would create a mobile coding lab that would travel to disadvantaged communities, providing hands-on coding workshops and mentoring to empower young minds to pursue careers in technology. The mobile coding lab would be a fully-equipped vehicle, outfitted with computers and coding software. It would be staffed by a team of experienced mentors who are knowledgeable in programming languages and coding software. There are no limits to where the lab could go. For example, it could travel to schools, community centers, and libraries in underserved areas — where access to coding education is limited — and offer free coding to high school and middle school students. To implement this plan, I would first secure a suitable vehicle that can be transformed into this mobile coding lab. I would also need to purchase laptops, download coding software, and hire experienced mentors who are equally passionate about teaching coding to the next generation. Additionally, I would need to establish partnerships with schools, community centers, libraries, and other organizations to gain access to their facilities and students. Finally, I could create a website that not only allows a facility to schedule the mobile coding lab but also gain access to unique coding exercises. The mobile coding lab would offer a wide array of workshops catering to different skill levels and interests, from website development to database management. The workshops would be hands-on, interactive, and engaging, focusing on project-based learning and real-world applications of coding skills. Students would have the opportunity to work on coding projects, collaborate with their peers, and receive guidance from experienced mentors. In addition to coding workshops, the mobile coding lab would also provide mentoring and career guidance to help students explore the wide range of opportunities available in the field of technology and computer science. Mentors would share their own experiences, provide insight into career pathways, and help students build their professional networks. We would also facilitate interactions with industry professionals and organize field trips to local tech companies to expose students to real-world tech environments. To ensure that the mobile coding lab is accessible to students from all backgrounds, I would offer scholarships to cover the cost of workshops and resources for those who cannot afford them. These scholarships would be awarded based on financial need and a demonstrated passion for coding and technology. I would also seek partnerships with local businesses and tech organizations to secure these sponsorships and donations to support the lab and provide ongoing aid to underserved communities. The mobile coding lab would extend far beyond just providing an education. It would empower young students, who may not have had the opportunity otherwise, to explore the thrilling world of technology and unlock their potential to become the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. By equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this new digital age, the lab would help bridge the gap of educational inequality and empower students to pursue careers in technology, ultimately contributing to a better world.

Tennis is more than just a sport for me. Tennis has shaped my future by teaching me invaluable lessons. On the court, I faced numerous setbacks, from tough opponents who pushed me to my limits to training drills that tested my strength and endurance. But I quickly realized that giving up wasn't an option. I wanted to become better. Part of playing tennis is learning to bounce back from defeats, staying focused and determined even when the odds are stacked against me. This resilience that I developed on the court also translated into other areas of my life. In my academic pursuits, I faced countless challenges, but I approached them with the same tenacity that I had learned from playing tennis. I learned to stay focused on my goals and keep pushing forward even when things got tough. Tennis showed me that setbacks were not failures but rather an opportunity for growth. Adding to resilience and a strong work ethic, tennis taught me the value of sportsmanship and teamwork. Many people believe tennis is exclusively a solo game when in reality, it involves playing doubles and being part of a team. I learned the importance of mutual respect, communication, and cooperation required when playing doubles. I realized that success was not just about individual achievements but about supporting each other to perform at our best, yielding victory. Again this has rendered itself throughout my life as I have learned to work well with others, respect diverse perspectives, and foster a positive and collaborative environment. Lastly, tennis instilled in me the art of strategic thinking and quick decision-making. Tennis is not just about rallying the ball back and forth but necessitates analyzing the game: understanding the strengths and weaknesses of my opponents, and making rapid choices on how to approach each ball. As a result, I learned to think critically and strategically, adapt my game plan based on the situation, whether it's today's weather or my opponents' strengths and weaknesses, and make split-second decisions under pressure. In my classes, such as calculus and physics, I have found that my ability to think critically and strategically has improved immensely due to the lessons I learned on the court. I have been able to adapt my approach based on changing circumstances, whether it's solving complex differential equations or understanding mechanics problems. It's no understatement to say that tennis has profoundly impacted my life. The resilience, work ethic, sportsmanship, teamwork, and strategic thinking skills I developed on the tennis court have been instrumental in shaping my future. I am grateful for the lessons I learned from playing tennis, as they have not only made me a better athlete but also a better person. Tennis has granted me a mindset of perseverance, determination, and resilience, which has helped me thrive in and out of school. Whether I'm on the tennis court or facing challenges in other areas of my life, I know that the lessons I've learned from tennis will continue to guide me toward success. I am truly grateful for the gift that is tennis.

I'll keep it short and sweet. Get real. School not only offers the opportunity to learn but to socialize. All you have to do is be yourself. Try your best, and you will reinforce positive habits. Be real whether you are in middle school, high school or college. The past is in the past, and if you are worried about the future, always remember: if you want to make it in the future, you need to act in the present.

Mentoring is one of my proudest achievements. I love coding, but I had a difficult time learning it. So I’ve wanted to give aspiring coders guidance and resources to help them learn without overwhelming frustration. I’ve learned how to tailor my lessons for each child and picked up how to explain complicated topics simply. One of my most meaningful impacts is that I have been a mentor to kids in villages in Kenya, Africa, for over 3 years. I help underprivileged children in Africa gain literacy in English, learn the sciences, and much more. I also mentor disadvantaged students in my local county. I love to see my mentee when a tricky idea finally clicks, or a lightbulb lights up in their curious minds. I am a mentor to children in my daily life. I play basketball in the community with a diverse group of kids almost every evening. Some are from middle school, and some are from upper elementary. Some know the rules, some want to play games, and some just want to have fun. I take into account each kid’s goals. I organize mini-games for the little kids, full-court games for the big kids, and give referee positions to those who want to watch. Unfortunately, every so often someone gets hurt. I glimpse the hurt in their eyes. I help them relax, get band-aids, and walk them to their house. Their parents trust me: they always tell my mom they are thrilled to see me play with their children and be a role model. I choose to mentor children because I see myself in them, my adventurous, kind, silly self. I choose to mentor because I want to inspire the next generation of coders, scholars, and athletes.

I toss the translucent bottle into the trash. Mold, algae, and all other sorts were growing in and out of the bottle, corrupting the grass around it. Among it lay a KitKat wrapper, two paper lengths of tin foil, and an assortment of plastic bead necklaces. All left behind the silver bleachers of my school's football stadium. I spot unidentifiable pieces of trash right next to a trash can. I glimpse the rotting pizza in the recycle bin. It all made me uneasy on the bus ride home. I wondered why this was. Why is there trash scattered? Why fail to dispose appropriately in even the easiest cases? Why is trash in the recycle? These are questions I brought home. I settled before my computer and researched, eventually signing up for a few environmental organizations. While respecting their purpose and efforts, I found they were out of touch with technology - my strong suit. I love coding and I love nature, so I whisked them together like egg and butter. I began developing an app that motivates users to go green. "How so Varun?" you may ask. It's still in development, but reactions are positive. Users are intelligently notified to scan their shopping receipts in the app. The AI recognizes purchased products and rewards users for buying sustainable alternatives with gift cards and brand discounts. "But what about while shopping?" Well, a browser extension will rate each product out of 5 stars, 5 being the most sustainable. Again, motivating the user with gift cards and discounts. Although my ways of helping the climate are untraditional, they inform consumers to make better decisions, allow them to take matters into their own hands, and overall empower them to combat climate change.