My junior year of college was one of the most pivotal periods when I prioritized my health. Academically, emotionally, and physically, I had reached a breaking point. I was balancing a lot of coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal difficulties like a difficult breakup and family tension. I felt like I was trying to "push through" psychologically; I wasn't getting enough sleep, and I was either missing meals or eating poorly. I finally reached my breaking point; I was worried, burned out, and no longer felt like myself. It was at that low moment that I realized something had to change. I made the conscious decision to prioritize my mental, emotional, and physical health, even if it meant stepping back in some areas. I started by reaching out to a campus counselor, which was a big step for me. Talking to someone helped me understand that my feelings were valid and that mental health is just as important as physical health. I also opened up to a few close friends who became a strong support system during that time. Physically, I committed to taking better care of my body. I started going on regular walks, exercising more intentionally, and setting consistent sleep and meal schedules. I also practiced mindfulness for the first time, incorporating breathing exercises, journaling, and taking 10 minutes a day to disconnect from screens and reflect. These small habits, over time, brought huge results. I felt more in control, more energized, and more focused. From this experience, I learned that success isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter and taking care of yourself along the way. I learned to listen to my body and mind, rather than ignoring signs of stress or exhaustion. I also realized that asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. We don’t have to go through hard seasons alone, and taking the first step toward healing is often the bravest thing we can do. I now keep those teachings in mind as I prepare for my future, both in life and in my professional and academic pursuits. I consider balance in addition to productivity when I make my calendar. I establish limits to safeguard my energy and schedule downtime, as well as time for introspection and social interaction. Additionally, I am better equipped to manage high-pressure situations because I am able to identify when I need to take a break, regroup, and care for myself. For me, everything changed when I put my health first. It gave me a renewed sense of delight in the small things, gave me the drive I needed to face obstacles head-on, and gave me a stronger spirit. I will carry this lesson with me throughout my life, and it continues to influence how I approach each day with self-awareness, resilience, and intention.

Social media has transformed how we communicate with others and perceive the world. While it has brought undeniable benefits like global connectivity and access to information, its impact on mental health and self-esteem has become a growing concern, especially among my generation. One of the most significant effects of social media is the constant pressure it creates to compare ourselves to others. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are filled with curated highlight reels, with unrealistic photos that give glimpses of “perfect” lifestyles. When users, especially teenagers and young adults, scroll through these idealized images, they may start to question their own worth. This comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and even depression. Over time, constantly measuring one’s value against others can erode self-esteem. Additionally, the addictive nature of social media can contribute to poor mental health. The endless scrolling, notifications, and desire for likes or validation can create a cycle of dependency. Users may begin to tie their self-worth to the number of followers or reactions they receive, which fosters a fragile sense of identity. The fear of missing out (FOMO) also plays a significant role. Seeing friends or influencers attending events, traveling, or achieving milestones can make users feel excluded or behind in life, even if they are doing perfectly well. Another issue is cyberbullying. Social media provides people with the ability to comment anonymously or from a distance, which, unfortunately, can lead to harsh criticism, bullying, or online harassment. These experiences can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being, often more severe than in-person bullying due to the public and permanent nature of online content. To address these impacts, a multifaceted approach is needed. First, education is key. Schools and parents should teach digital literacy and emotional resilience, helping students understand the difference between online appearance and reality. Young users should be taught how to critically evaluate the content they see on social media and how to establish healthy boundaries for their screen time. Second, platforms themselves have a responsibility. Social media companies should invest in mental health tools, such as usage reminders, content warnings, or features that promote positive interactions. Some platforms have already started hiding “like” counts or promoting time management features, which is a step in the right direction. Ultimately, fostering a culture of authenticity and kindness online is essential. Influencers, celebrities, and everyday users should feel empowered to share genuine, unfiltered moments and discuss mental health openly. Creating supportive communities where people can be honest about their struggles helps reduce stigma and encourages others to seek help when needed. In conclusion, while social media offers many advantages, it also presents serious risks to mental health and self-esteem. By educating users, holding platforms accountable, and encouraging real, positive engagement, we can create a healthier online environment where individuals feel valued for who they are, not just how they appear.

I've always been interested in people, particularly in understanding how they think, what influences their choices, and how significant connections can be formed through dialogue. My first interest in sales and marketing stemmed from that innate desire to connect with others. That curiosity eventually developed into a stronger desire to comprehend not only people but also how goods, services, and brands can affect behavior, address issues, and leave a lasting impression. My ambition to work at the heart of strategy and storytelling is what motivated me to seek a career in sales and marketing. Every good or service, in my opinion, has a backstory that, when communicated effectively, has the power to transform lives, spur sales, and create enduring devotion. Finding a customer's need, connecting it with the ideal solution, and communicating that message in a genuine and engaging way are what continue to pull me into the profession. Additionally, performance and outcomes greatly inspire me. Sales, in particular, provides a special setting where results are immediately impacted by skill, effort, and flexibility. I am actually excited about the prospect of waking up every day with the chance to improve upon yesterday's performance, hone my strategy, and add meaningful value for the client and the business. It's a field where tenacity, preparedness, and confidence are crucial, and I have worked hard to develop and maintain those traits. My passion stems from my own experiences as well. Working under pressure, networking, and presenting ideas have always been enjoyable to me. Whether it was giving presentations in class, making pitches in student organizations, or forming connections during internships, I've always noticed that I'm drawn to positions that call for excellent communication, a lot of energy, and the capacity to influence people. Those qualities seem to naturally flow into sales and marketing, which allows me to advance professionally while doing what I genuinely like. Understanding consumer psychology, branding, content, and positioning are some of the creative aspects of marketing that most appeal to me. I enjoy figuring out what makes a campaign work and how minor changes to the medium or message may have a big impact on engagement. My personality and strengths are ideally suited to the field's requirement for both creativity and critical thought. Ultimately, I believe that marketing and sales are about more than just business operations; they are about fostering relationships, finding practical solutions to problems, and helping people make informed choices that will enhance their lives. That goal, together with the field's lively atmosphere, is precisely the kind of profession I want. Whether I'm completing a sale, launching a campaign, or building a lasting client relationship, I strive to bring vitality, wisdom, and honesty to every role I undertake. To put it briefly, I'm pursuing sales and marketing because it challenges me to develop, lead, and make an impact while still allowing me to be who I am, which is driven, people-oriented, and solution-focused.

As a kid, I was pretty much born with a bat or a ball in my hand. With the game being my dad’s favorite sport, I think I was destined to feel the same way and grow attached to the game. As young as four years old, I was heading to the ball fields to work on my swing or play a game of long toss with my dad. Looking back on my childhood, some of my best friends and greatest mentors came through the game of baseball. From memories created at barbecues with the Double-A Little League teams to long trips later on with my travel ball teammates, these are some of the best times of my childhood. Looking back on how these experiences have shaped me today, it is hard not to recall the coaches who instilled a strong work ethic in me. The phrase "The harder you work, the better you play" is continuing to ring in my head. This phrase, matched with my hunger for success, is what motivated me to hit daily and consistently work on form. If I did not work hard, someone else would be working and outperforming me. Outside of baseball, I have applied this lesson to most of what I do in life. If I am going to study for a difficult test, I will study longer and harder than others. If I am going to work out, I am going to work harder than those around me, pushing the limits of my strength. One day, after graduation, I plan to apply the knowledge and experiences I gained in school and work harder than those around me to make a difference in the business. This is just one way baseball has shaped my life. Another way baseball has influenced me is by showing me the impact that one coach or teacher can have on somebody. I still fondly remember some of my childhood coaches and still even talk to some from my later years. However, the greatest impact baseball has had on me was how it allowed my youngest brother and me to bond over a sport unlike any other. In the same way I looked up to my coaches and felt a connection with them, I have been able to create a similar relationship with him. From feeding him tee work, to going to his games and giving him pointers from the stands, to staying up late and analyzing every pitch thrown during late-night MLB games. It has given me a great appreciation for the game, and I look forward to coaching and teaching it to my own children one day.