I used to always hate math; it was always my weakest subject, and most of the time nothing ever stuck with me. The numbers made no sense, the class was moving too fast, and I didn't know where to start most of the time, to the point that I wanted to give up on math altogether. It wasn’t until senior year of high school and freshman year of college that I started to enjoy mathematics. Oddly enough, it was taking calculus-level courses that made me realize how much I enjoyed plugging in formulas and getting the right answers. There’s always something satisfying about knowing you got it right after putting in so much time and effort. Looking back on it now, I think it’s the professor that makes or breaks it for students. I was never confident in my skills, and it showed on exams, but I was tired of failing. I wanted to succeed; I wanted to do better and be better than I was before, so I started to study math from its roots up until reaching my course-level work, and for once it paid off. My scores went from a low F and shot up to a B; nothing too crazy, but then on the next exam, they shot up to an A, and on the final, they shot up to an A+. I realized I never hated math; I hated that I never understood anything. But once I was taught properly and took the time to truly devote myself to studying math, it became one of the best decisions I’ve made. In conclusion, I love math. I hope to experience more of it throughout my academic journey, and no matter what challenges I face, I know there’s always guidance for me. Once everything starts falling into place, I know right there and then that I got it.

Who knew one of the most impactful people in my life would come from a random day in high school? My relationship with my girlfriend has shaped my life in more ways than one, and it’s something that has changed me for the better. Even to this day, I strive to be a better person for her. I was always quiet by nature, never did anything too bold, and always played it safe, but when I saw her, I felt captivated like never before. Making the first move, I opened up to talk to her, and she did the same, and later we just kept talking back and forth nonstop day and night. Coincidentally, this opened a new door of opportunities. However, being introverted and socially inept was apparent, and it showed during my relationship. She was something else, something special. She could freely talk to anyone and make conversation flow smoothly, like butter. It was admirable, and every day we would practice communication for my sake. I was practicing how to hold conversations, how to approach people, and improving my social skills as a whole, and it showed. Around the same time, I was able to create deeper connections with my friends because I was able to talk to them on a deeper level. I really got to know them, and they really got to know me. It transpired from there; I was able to meet new people, and instead of shying away, I was able to talk comfortably. Slowly, I was stepping out of my shell, piece by piece building my self-confidence. It’s something that has only been tested and reinforced since those days. At work, I’m able to create positive relationships with my coworkers despite the age gap. I never thought I would be friends with people 20+ years older than me, but it turns out we share a lot of the same interests and goals. We’re all just here working to provide for ourselves, and we share the same dreams of a better life, which helped me realize that we’re all alike in a way; we’re all people. Despite being strangers, we’re just a conversation away from becoming close friends. This was also true during my freshman year of college. I was mortified knowing I’d be going to a college not knowing anyone. The first day on campus, I couldn’t help but stay in my dorm, nervous about what was to come. But, confiding in my girlfriend, she provided words of comfort and advice. She told me how I should approach people and that they’re new students just like me. Within the first week, I was able to approach several people, some of whom I still talk very closely with now, and I was able to build meaningful relationships. For the time that we spent together, it felt like it all went by too fast. I don’t think I had enough time to appreciate the people I met and the relationships I made. But having that relationship with my partner spiraled down to having multiple meaningful connections and rooting myself deeper into their lives.

I will always love my mom and my family despite any shortcomings we have. I view my mom to be one of the strongest women in my life, and in terms of hard work and determination, she is my role model. My mother immigrated here from Mexico to the United States before I was born, for the sole purpose of giving me a better future. But growing up with a single mother did impact my life in more than one way. One of the things you may often hear about kids with single mothers is the isolation they face since she was at work and received no financial support from anyone, not her family or my deadbeat dad; she would often be stuck working double shifts at the mall every day from sunrise to sunset. As a result of this, I grew up lonely. I wasn't allowed outside the apartment because I was always warned that it’s dangerous outside and to not trust strangers, so I would always be cooped up inside, growing up on whatever was playing on the TV. I would eat whatever was in the fridge, and it went like that for most of my life. The real escape I got was school. It was a time where I got to have fun with my friends and associate with other kids around my age, probably the most fun I would have, and I would stay in after school because my mom would be working so late, and I would always be the last kid there waiting for my ride to come. I remember all those rides home and asking my mom how work was and how she felt. She would always give that tired smile of, "It was busy, but it’s okay.” She would rest for thirty minutes and then leave to clock back in. Growing up in a system like that caused me to have poor social skills, and I struggled a lot during middle school and high school making friends. I was awkward and quiet by nature, but all’s not bad; I found an amazing group of friends, and I was able to build my self-esteem and confidence. Over time I was able to truly find myself and express myself freely and in a more sociable manner, and I developed a special appreciation for my mom and swore that I would achieve the education she could never get and provide a better life for her and for my family. In conclusion, growing up with a single mother did impact me heavily. As a person, I grew up introverted and kept to myself often. I was nervous around other people, and I struggled to maintain a healthy relationship with my mother for the longest time because I couldn't understand why she was never home and why we could never afford anything. But once I grew old enough to understand, I became remorseful and appreciative. We were never rich by nature but rich in the sense that we loved each other dearly. That's why I do my best in academics and try to be an honest and disciplined person. I feel like I carry the weight of my family's future, and I wish for better days up ahead.

It was late into the afternoon after a game of pickleball when my friends and I all agreed to go to Buc-ee's. As I was driving, the mood was cheerful and full of jokes, except I noticed one of my friends on the passenger side's window seemed to be bummed out, almost on the verge of tears. You could tell he didn't want to be there; he was dissociating from everyone and being unusually quiet, which gave off that something wasn't right. At first, I didn't want to pry into his personal life since we weren't all that close, but it became harder to ignore. After the trip, eventually I asked if everything was okay. He seemed hesitant, but that one question really made him open up, explaining that he was going through a breakup from his serious relationship of six years, with the cherry on top being that he was dealing with false accusations that affected how others saw him. This part matters a lot because everyone became distant towards him; every time he would say something, they would blatantly ignore him or tell him to shut up, which heavily impacted his confidence. Not only that, but his academic performance dropped because he couldn't help but think about her instead of his actual work, and his overall mental and physical health declined. Expectedly after any breakup, it takes a toll on people; they go through a rough time emotionally, and it shows. I could tell he didn't know how to handle his emotions properly and was constantly thinking about her and couldn't seem to accept the reality that it was over; repeatedly he asked many times if he should contact her or try again, to the point that he started skipping out on classes because he didn't feel motivated to do so, and I couldn't help but feel empathy for what he was experiencing. After hearing what he was going through, I realized he needed someone he could rely on, offering reassurance, and that I was always available to talk whenever he needed to let something out. I knew how something like this felt because once before I was in a similar place emotionally, and it was my best friend who offered emotional support until I got over it. However, I knew I couldn't resolve everything, but over time, I was able to convince him to open up more, which allowed for him to explain the whole situation. From there, I was able to gain both perspectives, and I realized how villainized he was portrayed despite not doing anything harmful. From there, I started explaining both sides to our friends, which helped clear the air. They realized that he didn't do anything regarding the accusations and it was a result of poor storytelling. In the end, he was able to improve upon himself, and I'm always glad to see that he's doing better himself now and is taking relationships and college more seriously now. I'm grateful that I've grown to be the bigger person and step up when something is wrong rather than choosing to ignore it. Not only that, but offering support, free from judgment, and I realized how much of an impact I can have on someone's life, even with the small things.

The thing I most want for the world is the creation of a world where people can live openly without fear—where identity will not hold any of us back from opportunity, from safety, from belonging. As a person who has always been queer myself, I know from firsthand experience just how difficult it can be for spaces that did not design with our thought and body and identity in mind. From assumed stigma and blatant discrimination, LGBTQ+ people have always been the ones who bear others’ assumptions as weights before any of us would ever have the opportunity of showing up and being who we are. The transformation that I see for the future is one where that weight disappears, where acceptance has no terms and young people like myself do not have our futures determined for us due to who we are. For this change to be achievable, representation and education are essential. LGBTQ+ opinion is much too often dismissed or wiped out, and so queer pupils have no role models to emulate and no examples of resilience from which to draw. My hope is for classrooms, workplaces, and communities wherein queer pupils do not have to conceal part of themselves and are accepted. When LGBTQ+ young people are able to look at somebody who is them and accomplish something—whether it's in commerce, medicine, the arts, or any other area—they internalize that their aspirations are legitimate and attainable. This movement resonates with me on a personal note: I have experienced the hurt of not being seen and the joy of being in spaces where I can simply exist. Those moments of acceptance have kindled passion for me. They verify every morning that the more seen and fearless of ourselves we are, the more accepted for the next generation. My wish for the world is that no student ever believes that who they are will hold them back from their highest potential, and instead will be their best asset. It will take more than tolerance to construct this future—it will take education, empathy, and the bravery of those allies who will confront hate, of educators who will make inclusivity their priority, and of leaders who will show the fortitude to bring down walls. My job will be doing education boldly, keeping raising LGBTQ+ voices wherever i have the opportunity, and being an example that queer and ambitious are not synonymous. I would like the world to be a world of identity celebration and not of identity concealment. A world which will never stop inviting its learners to dream with no limit. That is the ideal which drives me, and that is why this scholarship means so much—not as money, of course, but as part of constructing the future of which all our societies deserve.

My name is Yael Delgado, and I am currently a Freshman at Texas A&M University of Commerce. As a first-generation college student in my family, I've always pursued a higher education for more opportunities in life. And I wish to leave an impact everywhere I go by exploring every new opportunity I come across. Coming from an immigrant family, having an education is a privilege. And to pursue it to a higher degree is more than just a personal goal for me; it is for others, my family, and a more promising future. That is why I chose to major in financial planning. Almost everyone faces financial issues at some point, yet not everyone knows what to do in those situations. I want to be the type of person who understands the stress of financial hardship. This extends beyond family members to friends, peers, and anyone struggling. Through my education, I seek to offer support to those who require it. I aspire to be a role model to others, someone people can visit for advice. I wish to apply my knowledge and share what I have learned through mentorship, volunteering, or direct intervention. The reason is simple: being a person from financial struggle, I know many people are never taught about credit, taxes, budgeting, and investing. These life skills are commonly overlooked in both low-income and middle-class families. For that singular reason, their lack of financial education can lead to missed opportunities and potentially increased debt. By sharing my knowledge, I can entrust others to make informed choices with their finances and develop healthy money habits. When citizens have money within their reserves, having that security makes them more willing to save, spend, or invest their money, stimulating the economy. Financial stability allows citizens to shift their attention elsewhere and focus on productivity, allowing them to do their best, such as conceiving new concepts. I hope to assist the country by advocating for effective tax policies and enhancing social security programs to aid the underprivileged. By promoting financial systems, I aim to create a flourishing economy in which everyone gets a fair opportunity to thrive. Ultimately, education has the power to transform lives, and it is a fact worth acknowledging as it changes mine daily. Whether I collaborate with individuals, communities, or companies, I intend to share my knowledge, as it should not be withheld from those who cannot afford it. My goal is to eliminate financial illiteracy within my community and create a supportive society, one that can emanate a positive chain reaction. It takes one person to make a difference.

Preparing for the SAT has been quite a journey, and I’ve employed a multi-faceted approach to ensure I'm as ready as possible for the test. Here’s a detailed look at how I’ve been preparing and my goals for the SAT. To start, I invested in several reputable SAT prep courses. These courses have been incredibly beneficial, providing structured lessons, practice questions, and strategies tailored to different sections of the test. They offer a comprehensive review of the material, with detailed explanations and tips for tackling tricky questions. I made sure to take thorough notes during these lessons, which has helped reinforce the concepts and made revisiting topics easier as I progress through my studies. In addition to the courses, I’ve leveraged an array of free resources available online, particularly on YouTube. Educational channels on YouTube provide tutorials, test-taking strategies, and full-length practice tests. These videos are a great supplement to the prep courses, offering different perspectives and methods for understanding and approaching the questions. Watching these videos has been invaluable for clarifying difficult concepts and learning new tips and tricks to apply during the test. For hands-on practice, I’ve been using Bluebook, the official SAT practice app, which offers realistic practice tests that simulate the actual exam environment. Taking these practice tests regularly has been crucial in familiarizing myself with the test format, timing, and types of questions. They help me identify my strengths and weaknesses, allowing me to focus my efforts on areas that need improvement. I can track my progress over time and adapt my study plan accordingly. Moreover, I’ve explored other external websites that offer additional practice questions and interactive exercises. Websites like Khan Academy provide personalized practice plans based on my performance, ensuring that I’m focusing on my weaker areas while continuing to build on my strengths. This targeted practice is essential for making efficient use of my study time and achieving a well-rounded preparation. My goals for the SAT extend beyond just achieving a high score. I aim to thoroughly understand the material and improve my overall test-taking skills. This involves mastering the content, developing effective strategies, and building the confidence to tackle the test with ease. I want to ensure that I’m well-prepared not only for the SAT but also for future academic challenges. Through this comprehensive and varied approach, I’m working towards mastering the SAT and achieving my best possible score. Investing time in structured courses, leveraging free online resources, using practice tests, and seeking personalized practice plans have all contributed to a robust preparation strategy. I aim to feel confident and prepared on test day, knowing that all my hard work and dedication have set me up for success. In summary, my preparation for the SAT involves a combination of structured courses, video tutorials, hands-on practice tests, and additional online resources. My goal is not only to achieve a high score but also to enhance my understanding and test-taking abilities. With this approach, I’m confident in my ability to excel on the SAT and make the most of the opportunities that follow.

Simone Biles is my favorite athlete to cheer for on Team USA, and it's not just because of her incredible gymnastics skills. Her journey, resilience, and influence both on and off the mat make her a true inspiration. Simone's story is truly motivating. She was born in 1997 in Columbus, Ohio, and encountered significant challenges during her early life. She was adopted by her grandparents, but even going through that process, she was able to keep moving forward. Fortunately, at the young age of 6, she discovered gymnastics on a daycare field trip. Her talent shone, and she realized that she could make a future with her talents and dedication. Her relentless drive to succeed in gymnastics highlights not just her remarkable work ethic but also serves as an inspiration for many to chase their dreams, even in the face of challenges. Observing her performances is a true reflection of her resilience and passion, and it's hard not to appreciate how she leverages her platform to champion significant social causes. Her path from a difficult childhood to becoming a globally recognized athlete illustrates the strength of perseverance, making her a genuine role model for fans like me. Simone's burning passion and dedication to sports and gymnastics are evident. She honed her talents and skills, and her rise was a result of her combined strength, agility, and precision. What stands out most to me is her ability to perform moves I haven't seen anyone else do, such as the Biles and Biles II. These moves have raised the bar for others and pushed the limits of what humanity can achieve, making her a part of gymnastics history. Watching her feels like witnessing something that has never been done before—a true original experience. Her accomplishments are simply remarkable. It's important to mention her collection of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, asserting her dominance in the sport. But it's not just about the medals. Her bravery and openness about her mental health have had a significant impact. Beyond her personal struggles, Simone uses her platform to advocate for justice and equality. She has been a strong supporter of survivors of abuse within the sport, drawing attention to the systemic issues that need to be addressed. Her advocacy has led to significant changes and increased awareness about the importance of athlete safety and support. Simone Biles embodies the essence of a true champion. When I cheer for her, I'm cheering for someone who represents resilience, strength, and integrity. She reminds us that greatness isn't just about winning medals; it's about overcoming challenges, being true to oneself, and using one's platform to make a positive difference. Simone Biles is a beacon of hope and inspiration, and she embodies the best of what it means to be an athlete and a person. That's why Simone Biles is my all-time favorite. She is a shining example of how one person can impact the world through dedication, bravery, and unwavering principles.

Writing and I have always had a funny relationship. It’s been a way for me to express my thoughts, emotions, and ideas freely. When I was younger, I didn’t really like writing because it seemed like a lot of work and the words were boring. But now, I see that I didn’t appreciate it for what it really is. Writing lets me create and be creative. One of my favorite things about writing is that there are no limits; the only limit is the one you put in your own mind. I love that I can write in different styles or about anything I want. My love for writing grew during tough times, like the pandemic when I was depressed. I read online that writing can be therapeutic. At first, I didn’t want to try it, but since I had nothing else to do, I started writing down my thoughts and feelings. The more I wrote, the more I enjoyed it. With every word, another one came, another thought, another way to express myself. Even if my writing was messy and hard to read, I wrote for the emotion, not the grammar. The passion I felt for these words stayed with me. Even though my mental health has improved, I still love writing and want to keep doing it in the future. I’m not exactly sure how I’ll keep writing in college. I know I’ll have to write for assignments, but I think I’ll join a writing club or take a course that shows me different genres and styles. This would also help with any essays, journals, or articles I have to write. Writing is something that will always be with me, and I don’t see it going away anytime soon. I know college can be tough, but I believe that with some effort, I can get through it because I love writing and see it as a time to grow and learn. I will strive to make this interest in writing last beyond college. This will entail joining writing clubs, since the atmosphere is there, and it's also a place where different methods and genres of writing are brainstormed. Workshops and guest lectures by authors will also go a long way in giving insight and inspirations. This will mean taking up creative writing, journalism, and literature electives. Writing for college newspaper or magazine-I really feel enthusiastic about that. I will have the possibility of sharing my opinions on matters that mean so much to me, and they will be read by more people. This is hard, but a balancing schoolwork with my passion for writing, and I really believe my love toward writing is going to keep me going. In conclusion I see college as a place where i can continue growing, i look forward to every opportunity i may face and i believe that no matter what i go through i can get through it.

Not only does Sabrina Carpenter have multiple talents, both as a singer and actress, but she has grown to be an inspiring figure to many people worldwide, including me. I've admired her since she came into the limelight; having watched her grow through the years, I have learned from her relentless work ethic, her versatile talents, and how she so expressively communicates herself with her art. From being a Disney Channel star to becoming a successful recording artist and actress, her ways have greatly influenced me to this date and taught me lessons about growing maturity, persistence, and self-expression. I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter due to several reasons, but the major one is because she's really versatile. She first came into the limelight when she starred as the role of Maya Hart in Girl Meets World, where she played a bold, witty character with much depth. From that point onward, it became apparent that Sabrina was not some Disney star but one with potential in tranposing the limitations within her early career. The role on the show allowed her to develop deep acting while sustaining an image relatable and down-to-earth. Witnessing her take up these varied roles has shown me that it is possible to have diverse passions and be successful in many of them without being pigeonholed into a particular path. Adding to all of this, Sabrina's music has undoubtedly been the greatest reason why I admire her. In songs, she reflects personal growth, love relationships, self-discovery, and strength-features universally conveyed to me. The albums EVOLution and Singular: Act I & II reveal an evolution related not just to a professional performer but also to a human being. Songs like "Eyes Wide Open" talk about being aware of your value and your liberty from external expectations. With Sabrina's music, I have learned to stay true to myself and be intact, even when the world tries forcing me into becoming something I am not. Her lyricism is actually so delicate yet honest and empowering; therefore it has etched a permanent change in my personal ways of approaching life's ups and downs. Sabrina Carpenter's career path has also been teaching me not to give up. Like many other young stars, she's been under heavy criticism, but she has faced many trials put against her in the industry. Despite all this, she continues to reinvent herself and test her artistry-in whatever way, either through experiments with new music or challenging herself with more profound roles, like those in films The Hate U Give or Emergency. Her ability to move on, no matter how many setbacks she went through, reminds one that growth is often uncomfortable yet realizable, and thus a core method of achieving personal success. What impresses me most is how authentic Sabrina really is. Unlike many other young celebrities, she has remained remarkably earthy and relatable amidst heavy pressures of fame. From interviews to social media, she has been open and vulnerable ways that still inspire many fans, including myself. She can stay true to herself as a successful artist that is no easy thing to do. What Sabrina Carpenter has done with her career at the end made all the difference to my life. Through acting, music, and as a person, she led me to appreciate following one's passion, the power of vulnerability, and the fight through to the end. Her story of success still reminds me that it's possible for growth, evolution, and even achieving my dreams while staying true to myself. For that, I am a fan always.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself grappling with a mental health struggle that I hadn’t even realized I had. Those years were marked by profound isolation and introspection. I often sat alone in my room, feeling a despair that was both unfamiliar and overwhelming. I had never felt so lost before, and I was unprepared for how deeply this mental turmoil would affect my physical health. Gradually, I began to gain weight and withdrew from my friends. The social connections that once brought me joy and comfort started to fade away, and I lost some friends along the way. My social skills deteriorated, and I found it increasingly difficult to reintegrate into society when I eventually returned to school. However, not everything was bleak. This challenging experience became a catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth. At a certain point, I realized that I needed to focus on myself. I began to pursue physical fitness, which not only helped me regain my physical health but also became a crucial part of my mental well-being. Exercise became a form of therapy, a way to channel my emotions and regain control over my life. Building stronger connections with my friends and family also became a priority. I started to appreciate the value of meaningful relationships and the support they provide. I reached out to old friends, mended broken relationships, and made an effort to be more present and engaged with my loved ones. These connections became a source of strength and comfort, helping me navigate the challenges I faced. Through this journey, I also set meaningful goals for myself. I realized the importance of having a purpose and direction in life. I started to set both short-term and long-term goals, focusing on personal development, academic achievements, and career aspirations. These goals gave me a sense of purpose and motivation, helping me stay focused and driven. My understanding of the world also changed significantly. I became more empathetic and compassionate, realizing that everyone has their own struggles and challenges. I learned to be kinder to myself and others, understanding that mental health is just as important as physical health. This experience taught me the value of self-care and the importance of seeking help when needed. In conclusion, my experience with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. It was a difficult and challenging time, but it also became a period of significant growth and self-discovery. I emerged from this experience stronger, more resilient, and with a deeper appreciation for the importance of mental health and meaningful connections. This journey has shaped who I am today and continues to influence my goals and relationships as I move forward in life.