Billie Eilish’s music has played a significant role in my life, and three of her songs—*Wildflower*, *Your Power*, and *ilomilo*—are especially meaningful to me. Each track resonates deeply, offering comfort, understanding, and reflection during pivotal moments. *Wildflower* is a song that speaks to the fragility and beauty of life, and its haunting melody feels like an emotional release. It reminds me that it’s okay to feel vulnerable and that there’s beauty in both the highs and lows of our experiences. The rawness of the lyrics speaks to my own struggles with mental health and the desire to find peace in an often chaotic world. *Your Power* is another powerful song, one that touches on the abuse of power and manipulation. Billie’s vulnerability in confronting such heavy themes has helped me process my own experiences with control and self-doubt. It’s a reminder of the importance of self-respect and the need to protect one’s mental well-being. *ilomilo* resonates with my feelings of isolation and anxiety. The eerie, yet comforting melody mirrors the uncertainty and emotional turbulence I’ve felt at times. It’s a song that makes me feel seen and understood. At one point, I even ran a fan account dedicated to Billie Eilish. Her music has been so important to me, helping me navigate both the highs and lows of life, and I continue to find strength and inspiration in her artistry.

I have always had a deep love for *Wicked*, from the original Broadway musical to the highly anticipated 2024 movie adaptation. The moment I first heard the powerful songs like "Defying Gravity" and "For Good," I was hooked. The story, the music, and the characters captivated me in a way few other musicals have. *Wicked*’s exploration of friendship, identity, and the complexities of good and evil resonated with me deeply, making it not just a show, but a meaningful experience. Over the years, my passion for *Wicked* has grown even more through my involvement in show choir. I’ve had the opportunity to perform several songs from the musical, including "Popular" and "For Good," which allowed me to bring the music to life in a whole new way. My personal favorite memory is getting to sing “For Good” during each year’s graduation ceremony as a farewell to the seniors of that year. I will be singing it this year for my own graduation, which makes it very bittersweet. Singing these iconic songs with my choir has been a rewarding experience, as it’s not only helped me improve my vocal skills but also deepened my emotional connection to the material. The energy and excitement of performing *Wicked* in front of an audience is something I cherish, and it’s a reminder of how powerful music can be in expressing emotions and connecting with others.

Sabrina Carpenter’s music has had a profound impact on my life and mental health, serving as a source of comfort, empowerment, and emotional release. Over the years, her songs have offered me solace during difficult times and helped me navigate the complexities of growing up. One of the most significant ways Sabrina's music has impacted me is through its authenticity. As I’ve gone through periods of self-doubt and confusion, her lyrics have resonated deeply with me. Songs like "Skin" and "Miracle" address themes of self-acceptance, personal growth, and resilience, which have been especially meaningful during moments of insecurity. Her vulnerability in these tracks reminds me that it's okay to feel lost sometimes and that growth often comes from challenging experiences. The way she expresses her struggles and triumphs in her music has normalized my own feelings, helping me realize that I’m not alone in my journey. Her music also offers a much-needed sense of empowerment. Tracks such as "Almost Love" and "Feather" speak to independence and strength, themes that have been vital for me as I’ve worked to develop my own sense of self-worth. Sabrina’s confidence in her voice and message encourages me to embrace my individuality and take pride in who I am, flaws and all. This has had a significant effect on my mental health, as it has bolstered my self-esteem and motivated me to focus on my personal growth rather than dwelling on external pressures or societal expectations. Moreover, Sabrina’s upbeat pop melodies and catchy hooks provide a welcome escape from everyday stress. In moments of anxiety or sadness, her music has acted as a form of therapy, allowing me to reset my emotions and gain perspective. Whether it’s dancing to her infectious beats or singing along to her empowering lyrics, her music brings me a sense of joy and release, helping me to shift my mood when I need it most. The combination of meaningful lyrics and vibrant melodies has made her albums a constant source of support. Ultimately, Sabrina Carpenter’s music has been a guiding light in my life. It has given me strength when I needed it most and helped me cope with emotional challenges. Through her songs, I’ve learned to embrace myself, face adversity with resilience, and find hope even in the darkest times. Her music has not only enriched my mental health but has become an essential soundtrack to my journey of personal growth.

Hello, my name is Victoria Weeks, and I am a high school senior with a deep passion for pursuing a career in medicine. My journey toward this path began at a very young age when I struggled with significant health issues. From birth to age four, I experienced 36 seizures, which caused immense stress and pain for my family. Witnessing the emotional and physical toll this took on my loved ones inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, particularly as a pediatrician. The experience of seeing my parents navigate the complexities of my health, while still remaining hopeful and resilient, fueled my desire to help children who face similar challenges. Becoming a pediatrician has been my dream job since elementary school. I have clung to this goal throughout my life, and with each passing year, I grow more determined to make it a reality. As I prepare to graduate high school, I am eager to take the next steps toward achieving my dream, but the financial obstacles in my way are significant. I come from a family that works hard to make ends meet, but we do not have the financial resources to easily fund my college education and medical school. This is why I am applying for scholarships—so that I can continue my education without being held back by financial constraints. My mom has been my biggest inspiration throughout my life. She is a strong, driven, and hardworking woman who has always demonstrated the importance of persistence and dedication. Though she and my dad are not in the medical field, my mom’s work ethic and unwavering support have shaped me into the person I am today. I often find myself reflecting on her example, especially when faced with challenges or doubts about my future. Her commitment to our family and her belief in my potential drive me to work harder every day to pursue my dreams. Looking ahead, I plan to attend a college in my home state of South Carolina, where I will major in biology or pre-medicine. I am fully committed to doing whatever it takes to succeed and to one day become a pediatrician. I am determined not only to succeed for myself but to make a meaningful impact in the field of medicine. My love for working with children and their families drives my desire to create a compassionate, patient-centered approach in my practice. I believe that by fostering strong relationships with both children and their parents, I can offer not only medical care but also emotional support during difficult times. With my unwavering determination, I aim to bring a fresh perspective to pediatrics, one that is rooted in empathy, communication, and a commitment to improving patient experiences. This scholarship will help me take the first step toward realizing that dream. With the opportunity to attend college and eventually medical school, I know I will be equipped to change the industry in meaningful ways—ensuring that children and families receive the care they deserve, with a focus on healing not just the body, but also the spirit.

Hello, my name is Victoria Weeks, and I am a high school senior with a deep passion for pursuing a career in medicine. My journey toward this path began at a very young age when I struggled with significant health issues. From birth to age four, I experienced 36 seizures, which caused immense stress and pain for my family. Witnessing the emotional and physical toll this took on my loved ones inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, particularly as a pediatrician. The experience of seeing my parents navigate the complexities of my health, while still remaining hopeful and resilient, fueled my desire to help children who face similar challenges. Becoming a pediatrician has been my dream job since elementary school. I have clung to this goal throughout my life, and with each passing year, I grow more determined to make it a reality. As I prepare to graduate high school, I am eager to take the next steps toward achieving my dream, but the financial obstacles in my way are significant. I come from a family that works hard to make ends meet, but we do not have the financial resources to easily fund my college education and medical school. This is why I am applying for scholarships—so that I can continue my education without being held back by financial constraints. My mom has been my biggest inspiration throughout my life. She is a strong, driven, and hardworking woman who has always demonstrated the importance of persistence and dedication. Though she and my dad are not in the medical field I have spoken to many about my future and how it won’t be easy. But I am determined due to my mom’s work ethic and unwavering support that has shaped me into the person I am today. I often find myself reflecting on her example, especially when faced with challenges or doubts about my future. Her commitment to our family and her belief in my potential drive me to work harder every day to pursue my dreams. Looking ahead, I plan to attend a college in my home state of South Carolina, where I will major in biology or pre-medicine. I am fully committed to doing whatever it takes to succeed and to one day become a pediatrician. I am determined to work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of children and their families, just as my pediatricians made a difference in mine. This scholarship will help me take the first step toward realizing that dream.