"Ms. Mehta is currently in critical condition, fighting for her life after a devastating bicycle accident." The news of her accident spread through social media within our family circles. Everyone's reaction was, "How could this happen in a town like ours?" Plano is such a quiet suburban town. Ms. Mehta was hit from behind by a large SUV while cycling early on a Saturday morning. The incident occurred at a neighborhood bike crossing on higher ground with low visibility, making it difficult for our friend to be seen by oncoming traffic on the busier street. As an avid cycling enthusiast, I have gained a newfound appreciation for defensive driving and road safety. My family and I ride for more than 10 hours a week, and her situation has made me more aware of my surroundings. Cycling has always been a source of joy for me since I received my first mountain bike as a child, and I rode it every day for my 4.5-minute "commute" from home to the neighborhood elementary school. Over the years, I have made tons of cycling buddies, acquired tracking gadgets and gears. However, Ms. Mehta's accident has reminded me of the need to be vigilant while cycling and to prioritize safety above all else. FYI, I have upgraded to a carbon hybrid road bike since then. During middle school, I participated in volunteer activities that allowed me to use my bike even more. I even started selling girl scout cookies and popcorn door-to-door just so that I could bike in nearby neighborhoods. But for me, cycling is more than just a hobby. I believe it should be a way of life. Some folks sit in their cars and believe they become part of the machine. That's how I feel on my bike. It's me and the machine. Unlike cars, bikes have this magical nature of bringing people together. A hand wave to a fellow cyclist within the neighborhood, chatting about new trails, and discussing biking gear. When my family goes on vacation, my dad gets a rental car, and I'm the one insisting on getting a rental bike. Even today, I try to become involved in my local cycling community every few months. I participate in group rides and try to bring awareness whenever I can to what happened to Ms. Mehta. I was recently admitted to the University of Michigan, and I'm eager to explore the charming college town of Ann Arbor, which is reputedly more bike-friendly than my hometown. I plan to use my bike as a social vehicle (pardon the pun) to meet new people as well. While Ms. Mehta's accident was a sobering reminder of the importance of safety, I'm hopeful for the future of cycling. By promoting bike-friendly communities, we can create a much happier and healthier world for everyone. At the end of the day, there's nothing like being on a bike with the wind in your hair. Nothing comes close to giving someone that level of freedom and oneness with nature.

"There is no gene for the human spirit", that's the tagline for a very underrated 1997 science-fiction movie, Gattaca. The very phrase has etched itself into my psyche ever since I first watched the film with my dad. As a high school senior about to start college, I'm not entirely sure where my future will take me, possibly finance and banking for now, but I know that I want to live my life with that same indomitable spirit that Vincent, the Non-GMO hero of the movie displayed. FYI, I've watched the movie 7 more times since my first viewing. Vincent's story in Gattaca taught me that I don't need to be a genetically-engineered superhuman to achieve my dreams. Instead, I just need to have the determination and courage to pursue them. Vincent refused to let his limitations define him, and he showed me that I don't need to either. If he can achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut, then who's to say that I can't achieve mine, no matter how far-fetched they may seem? "Anton, I never saved anything for the swim back." those were Vincent's words to his genetically superior brother. Daring steps Vincent takes to achieve his dream and prove society wrong. I know that in my own future, whether it be in finance, investment banking, or something entirely different, I will need to be willing to take calculated risks and make bold moves in order to succeed. Every character in Gattaca has a story that contributes to the movie's "human spirit" tagline. Irene, Vincent's love interest, is searching for a genetic match, which leads her to challenge societal expectations and question the value of genetic perfection. Jerome, a former athlete, represents the human spirit's resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. Despite being paralyzed, he uses his intelligence and knowledge to help Vincent achieve his dreams. Anton, Vincent's genetically "inferior" brother, embodies the negative effects of genetic discrimination and societal pressure to conform to genetic standards. Josef, the director of Gattaca Corporation, represents the dark side of genetic engineering and the potentially harmful effects of genetic discrimination. Lamar, Vincent's boss, tells Vincent "Did I ever tell you about my son, Jerome? He's a big fan of yours". Lamar knows that Vincent gives hope to his "in-valid" son. I could talk about this movie for hours and write essays about each character ad nauseum. The characters of Gattaca demonstrate the power of the human spirit to overcome limitations and achieve success despite societal expectations and genetic makeup. The movie inspires viewers to reject societal norms that limit their potential and embrace their individuality and inner strength. Ultimately, the movie reminds us that we are not defined by our genetics, but rather by our actions and the strength of our character.

As a High school student, I am constantly witnessing how 3D printing is one of the coolest technology like no other! The sheer potential of this tech to make a positive difference in the world is nothing short of mind-blowing. During my early years of high school, I listened to an NPR program on the market for used prosthetics. This was before 3D printing. Now Imagine, if we can use 3D printing to quickly print prosthetic limbs that can custom fit an amputee. That's the kind of innovation that could truly change lives. 3D printing can be used to create all kinds of personalized medical devices and implants, from hearing aids to dental crowns. The possibilities are endless! But it's not just about medicine - 3D printing has the potential to transform so many different industries. For example, in manufacturing, 3D printing can enable rapid prototyping and customized production, without the need for expensive tooling or large-scale facilities. This can level the playing field for small businesses and entrepreneurs, opening up new opportunities for innovation and creativity. And let's not forget the art world! 3D printing has already been used to create some truly stunning sculptures and installations, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in terms of form and design. It's an exciting time to be an artist, and 3D printing is a big part of that. Of course, 3D printing is not without its challenges. As with any new technology, there are questions about safety, sustainability, and equity that need to be addressed. But I firmly believe that the potential benefits of 3D printing far outweigh the risks, and I'm excited to see how this technology will continue to evolve and make a positive impact on the world. So there you go, my passionate take on 3D printing. It's a technology that inspires me to dream big and think outside the box, and I can't wait to see what the future holds!