The one particular fall-inspired drink I wait for every fall to be released is a pumpkin-spiced iced latte. My order is a venti iced latte that is pumpkin spiced flavored, with cream, light ice, two pumps of caramel, and cold brew foam on top. There is a special place in my heart for this delectable order. I understand the temperatures are usually falling during this season. But there is something magical about having this drink iced cold. As a hot latte, it does not bring me the same excitement or do it justice. This drink has helped me embody the fall spirit by returning me to when I was younger. During the holiday of Thanksgiving, my mother baked many pumpkin pies spiced with cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Hot and fresh out of the oven, then topped with homemade whipped cream and drizzled with caramel. Sweets that were so rich and flavorful made by my mom. A treat I looked forward to every single holiday. I love this drink from Starbucks as it brings up immense nostalgia with every sip I take. Many unforgettable moments surrounded by family are highlighted in my mind as well. Familiarity, love, joy, and laughter circulate throughout the air. Powerful feelings that make my day more enjoyable. I can go back in time and think about when everything was going right for me, not a thing that would delay or mess up my day. The memories unlocked are very electrifying. I sometimes wait till the end of the week to enjoy an iced latte. My spirits are then lifted marvelously from the hard week I endured. When something important is approaching, this is my absolute go-to. What a way to indulge in the fall season. Enjoying an iced latte completes my seasonal narrative. As the fall semester gets closer, I know the long nights of studying ahead of me won't seem as hard. During this time, I will get an iced latte when I need a pick-me-up or want to be cozy. Frankly, everyone should try this drink out and be mesmerized by its great taste. I wouldn't be me if I were without it. Birds flying down south through the cloudy days to get away. The anticipation of the sunsetting earlier day by day and leaves changing color as the cooler weather creeps in brings me major elation. I feel the warmth as fall slowly approaches.

I was recently a DSP (Direct Support Professional). My day-to-day routine entailed caring for and helping others who couldn't do so for themselves. Many residents had mental health challenges that I had to cater to and be patient with. Depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia were a few disorders that some of the residents had. It was a new experience for me, acquiring knowledge on how to give support and comfort. I acknowledged the residents by allowing them to express themselves individually about how they were feeling, lending my ear. I could see in their faces the relief of being heard entirely. Honestly, it was also the best part of my day. I learned that not everyone gets treated the same, so doing your best and being there for even one soul can genuinely change the entire outlook they possess. Tremendously attentive to minor details, I understand what you mean even if you don't say it. I have taken all the wisdom from being a DSP and am now transferring it toward my future career as a police officer. Police officers aren't at all times shown in the brightest light. But, my most powerful tool is being a neutral party and a phenomenal listener. I understand how to hear from both sides and be unbiased. It is vital to understand in times of crisis, I will have to observe the situation and decompress it. So, it's paramount that I am aware of my own emotional and mental health. Keeping myself steady and present will be the key to success. I can communicate with perspicuous amounts of empathy and compassion when I don't allow high-stress situations to overcome me. I have to be authentic in the best way possible with the many people I will encounter. The awareness I have attained will be my guiding support for others. I am the hope someone is looking for.

The foreordained destiny to get into the field of criminal justice was unavoidable. Watching my cousin Bernard start as a police officer and then graduate as a detective was inspiring. My desire to become a detective was confirmed by watching him go through his journey of dreams to reality. I am driven with a sense of purpose to create a positive impact. The vision at the forefront of my mind is knowing that, as a detective, I can offer compassion, trust, and safety. I have chosen law enforcement as a future career path to proactively engage with society and build more unified interactions with citizens. Protecting and serving is my ultimate goal as I pave my way to becoming a detective. Nothing matters more to me than being a pillar of support and protection for others. Bernard's gracious footsteps have led me towards endorsing the law. My ambitions and resoluteness will radiate and display as an inspiration for others. Everyone can follow any dream they have and attain it. The responsibility of a police officer then transitioning towards detective is upholding yourself to a very high standard while doing an arduous job. I will solve problems within the community while exuding fortitude for those who cannot do so for themselves. Also while pouring my heart and soul into every person that I come into contact with. The passion I hold is the motivation I make use of to keep going. Commitment, sacrifice, and always wanting to do the right thing are lessons of wisdom that stuck with me. The goal is to enjoy the same process I watched him accomplish.

As an amine connoisseur, one series I can watch over and over is Death Note. Every watch brings up different emotions and thoughts I did not think of before. It is a tremendously underrated anime that stands in the top 10. Yagami Light is an ordinary high school student preparing to go to college. A notebook coincidentally falls into his lap, dramatically changing his life and giving him god-like powers. The first time I watched Death Note, if I am being honest, I laughed through it. Many moments made me chuckle and giggle, lightening the mood of the dreary show. The uncanny presence of the Shinigami was also somewhat likable. He was not as scary as he came off to be, stationed in the shadowy corner of Light’s bedroom. Lots of frivolity kept me on the edge of wanting to know what was coming next. I decided to watch for a second time, laughing less and showing more curiosity. I made sure to examine the minor details. I was laser-focused on Light’s mischievous moves and L’s clear perception. L saw right through every move Kira made. Overall, Light wasn't as clever as he thought he was somewhat, giving off an arrogant attitude. It seemed as if Light wanted to get caught. L knew precisely who he was from the beginning, like when you cannot put a name to a face or vice versa. How ironic. Yet, Kira stayed under the nose of L most of the time, bringing Light an intense feeling of superiority. Grabbing my attention as I watched Death Note once more was the clear childish game of tit for tat who is smarter than the other? Light and L seemed different, but they were relatable with their actions. Light’s intentions spiraled into him taking innocent lives to catch one person. On the other hand, L did whatever it took to take Kira down, putting many in harm's way. Very amoral, but was he any different than Light? Both were very inconsiderate. Light seemingly enjoyed having someone breathe down his neck to make the world greater. However, was the world better off after Kira carried out his sense of justice? Owning a Death Note with the power to end the majority does not make you as powerful as you think. You eventually will be led to your demise. As you can see, the series from my point of view emphasized that familiar fairytale. Recalling the story of finding a lamp, rubbing it and a genie appears to give you three wishes. What an opportunity we could not pass up. Incredible possibilities to do either good or bad. Now, what would we do if we had the powers of the death note in our own hands? Could we do better than Kira?

I can personally attest to travel being a transformative dive experiencing other cultures. This type of exposure turns your mind in various ways when you're able to take in the lessons. It may come as a shock to some but ultimately it's a great way to expand your consciousness. Fulfilling my need to learn and travel is a big part of my defining moments. I traveled to Jamaica as a child but never remembered much besides the heat and being surrounded by family. I recently went back last year, old enough to see, take in, and soak up what I saw. Montego Bay's vibrant culture, cuisine, music, language, and breathtaking landscape. It was a wondrous time. All of my senses were feeling, and buzzing. An experience of a lifetime to greatly appreciate. A diversity of people from all walks of life, waking up to the beautiful coastline, needing and wanting for nothing. Care at every step and way. Jamaica's traditions are one of a kind. I had the chance to stay by the countryside in Savanna-la-Mar. An eye opening and lovely visit, one to never forget. In that environment, I showered with only cold water which relieved not being able to cool down with on demand central air. I had the chance to pick my dinner off of a tree. Traveling into town for ingredients grown by the locals that made my meals for many days. Truthfully, the best food in my opinion that i've ever consumed. A neighbor showed me their garden. A mango tree, elegant and massive but dormant since it was not in season. Another tree had ripe bananas hanging from it. Ripe bananas that you cook with. The surprising part was the size of it. Tiny, lanky, and slim. Their carrots carry the same characteristics. Also, ginger that was smaller than my palm. Given the opportunity to eat their fresh produce, I am now aware of the vast difference. In America, visually our produce is nearly 2 to 3 times that size. We honestly don't know anything different, because that is our normal. We can benefit from integrating those agricultural beliefs, to grow with the same care and attention. The dirt and unpaved road traveled on for hours to get to our destination. Locals taking their own initiative to concrete parts that have been ignored by their town, strangers driving by and tipping out of their own pockets to show support. An example of how strong their community is, I might even say unbreakable. Knowing that so many have each other's back when whoever's in charge doesn't do the same. I came back with a sense of having to weave that same appreciation into my own life. Rose colored glasses completely shattered. Recognizing that having a community that you can lean on and give support to, while receiving it is key. I am thankful to indulge in Jamaica from both ends.

My biggest goal is to one day become a detective, to show my commitment to making a positive impact within the community. I am dedicated to progressing my knowledge and skills in this field. My proactive approach to continuing my education reflects the resilience, ambition, and readiness to overcome all challenges I have faced so far. I have a very unique perspective, also an abundance of life experiences that have enhanced my journey towards my future career. My background has been influenced by watching my cousin flourish as he became a police officer to then be promoted to a detective. As a returning student, I will show my determination to achieve all my educational and professional goals. Contributing meaningfully to the criminal justice system. I admired his bravery to go out there and rebuild the community. The ripple effect of his efforts did not go unnoticed. Rewarded for his dedication was support from the community he served. That was very inspiring to me, demanding but incredibly meaningful work. I am grateful I had the opportunity to see his career come to fruition. It was an eye opening experience that showed me what I want to do in life. I have chosen law enforcement for a future career path to proactively engage with society and build more unified interactions with citizens. Protecting and serving is my ultimate goal as I forge my path towards becoming a detective. Nothing matters more to me than being a pillar of support and protection. I also believe the justice system is more than consequences, but rebuilding the public while also giving second chances. I personally believe that when you are an example for trust and integrity, decisions that are made will positively impact those around you. I would like my actions to show others you can achieve anything you put your mind to. The passion I had did not die out but instead kept burning and growing, ultimately I knew I had to follow in those same footsteps. Dedication fostered lessons that stuck with me to this day. So I aspire to soon enjoy the same process I watched him go through. Nevertheless, it took a few years to remember what my true passions and goals were but I have finally made it back to my original path. You win some, you lose some. I lost some time but gained a bright outlook. When you persevere and keep going you are virtually unstoppable. The sky's the limit.