The song that has the most important message to me is Keep Ya Head Up - by Tupac. Yes, a rap song. Not the most appropriate music to use as an important message for a scholarship application. However, that's just it. The song is gritty and tells the reality of living in a complex world, and then at the end of every verse, he says, "Keep ya head up," as if he knows that we need that encouragement. The message that this song is to keep going through all the mess of life and continue to push forward. Music has always had a powerful message, and I appreciate encouraging songs. Tupac's theme is very poetic, filled with harsh scenarios, and then the hook steps in and says, "Oooh child, things are going to get easier" in a softer sample of the original song O-o-h Child - by Five Stairsteps. That song will always resonate with me being a woman of color. I have to worry about the way the world treats me as a woman. Navigating through the world as a woman is a real struggle and this songs message is a healing path and that is why it has the most important message to me.

My name is Yesenia, and I love to encourage others! I often love to write encouraging letters to my friends and family. However, it is not just with my friends and family; I also write to strangers. I write about how there is going to be a better future for all of us based on Bible scriptures. Letters, to me, are the best way to relate to someone on a personal level. Today, written letters are uncommon, and it is always appreciated when someone receives a letter of encouragement. I have always felt that the best words of encouragement are the words from the Bible. Everyone needs encouragement, and sometimes the best words are not the ones we make but the ones that come directly from God. It is imperative that I encourage others because it is a direct order from God. I also love to bring flowers to the elderly. I think that a note with flowers brings a lot of joy and life to the elderly. I also help the elderly by helping out with practical stuff like cooking or cleaning their house. Anything that may seem small to us may be a massive help for them. Writing small notes or letters, sending flowers, and helping out around the house are just a few things that I like to do to encourage people.