Being a gamer for so many years has caused me to find a career based on something that would make me an excellent individual through creation. At long last, being stuck in a void surrounded by vast nothingness has brought me into the world of technology. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the ongoing impact of technological advancements continues to rise and undoubtedly plays a key role in our modern society. So I, Ahren Manuel, had one goal in mind: to pursue a computer science degree and become a video game designer. Before I started pursuing my dream job, walking around a college fair with reputational colleges rendered me clueless, and I still determined where my journey would take me. Before I entered senior year, I worked part-time at a local McDonald’s during the school year. After graduation, I was 6 months in as a crew member and I realized that this job is something I shouldn’t take part in forever. I will move to Columbus, Ohio in August, thanks to my enrollment and acceptance at Ohio State University. My intentions of contributing to the tech and gaming industry started in my senior year of high school, after being enrolled in AP Computer Science Principles. Being captivated by creating new apps and practicing with chunks of code on a software program allowed me to reconsider my career hunting to the next level. As I stood on the precipice of my future, there were big plans ahead of me. However, my journey through high school was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially after being diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was hard for me, let alone a brain tumor survivor for 16 years–and those obstacles have never stood in my way of achieving my goals. As a worthy candidate for the John Young ‘Pursue Your Passion’ Scholarship, $1,000 would make a significant difference and contribute to my financial obligations. I seek not to squander its purpose for my financial gains, but to inspire me to chase my dream to impact the tech and gaming industry. Looking back, the fruits of my labor paid off and led me to the person that I am today. Four years from now, I find myself getting a bachelor's degree in computer science, and working in a reputational organization with hardworking peers. Ultimately, this scholarship will allow me to persevere and achieve my career aspirations. In honor of John Young’s military service, I will continue on his legacy by reaching greater heights and carrying his spirit on starting today, and beyond. His brave actions have urged me to persevere and continue to push through despite the circumstances. I am thankful for this opportunity to honor Young’s legacy alongside you, and most importantly, thank you for what you’ve done fighting for our country. Your service will not be forgotten. Special thanks to the Cochener Family for supporting my career aspirations and taking the time to consider my application.

I deeply resonate with those who are close to the Knorr family. Friends and relatives alike, I too have experienced the loss of one, but two high school students who could’ve profoundly impacted the world. In truth, I wasn’t close to them, but their memory continues to live on in both of their families; it's something that will last forever in their hearts. Like Treye, I aim to embody strong character and determination. My intentions have created roots for excellence and diligence, not for personal gains but to make a great impact on our future society. Aside from honor and legacy, I want to take this time to share the journey through the eyes of someone who underwent such pain. People won’t remember the time during the age of two, but my parents and I lived to tell the tale. In my perspective, when I was just two, I had a brain tumor. I needed some surgery that could’ve cost my life. People would be unable to see what I am truly made of. As a brain tumor survivor for 16 years, I am grateful for this opportunity to share my story with the Knorr Family and my fellow readers–and I present this as an honor and a privilege on my behalf. Being a gamer for so many years has caused me to become an excellent and diligent individual. At long last, being stuck in a void surrounded by vast nothingness has brought me into the world of technology. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the ongoing impact of technological advancements continues to rise and undoubtedly plays a key role in our modern society. So, I, Ahren Manuel, had one goal: to pursue a computer science degree and become a video game designer. Of course, becoming a video game designer takes a lot of work, and it is a challenging process. To begin with, I wasn’t into video games, and my 10-year-old self urged me to become the best firefighter there was. I couldn’t stop thinking about it after getting a toy firetruck on my tenth birthday. I felt like I was a step closer to becoming one–but that wasn’t the case. My career aspirations have prompted me to take an alternative approach–and I plan to use it to excel in the working industry. Turns out, life does change. I wished I could go back and tell my “firefighter-loving” ten-year-old self. My intentions of contributing to the tech and gaming industry started in my senior year of high school, after being enrolled in AP Computer Science Principles. As I stood on the precipice of my future, there were big plans ahead of me. However, my journey through high school was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially after being diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was hard for me, let alone a brain tumor survivor for 16 years–and those obstacles have never stood in my way of accomplishing my dreams. As someone who sympathizes with others of losing loved ones and close friends, I will honor Treye’s memory by becoming a role model of someone who embodies strong character, determination, and beyond–just like how Treye would’ve done in his first steps. If selected, my transition from high school life to a rising college freshman with the Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship will play a critical role in achieving my goals and making a difference in the world. The amount of $4,000 will contribute to my financial obligations, and I will use it not to squander its purpose, but to engage solely in my education. Ultimately, this scholarship will allow me to persevere and achieve my career aspirations. In honor of Treye Knorr’s comforting presence, I will continue on his legacy by reaching greater heights and carrying his spirit on starting today, and beyond. His strong character and determination have not only urged me to persevere but to continue to push through despite the circumstances. I am thankful for this opportunity to honor Treye’s legacy alongside you. Special thanks to the Knorr Family for supporting my career aspirations and taking the time to consider my application.

Being a gamer for so many years has caused me to find a career based on something that would make me an excellent individual through creation. At long last, being stuck in a void surrounded by vast nothingness has brought me into the world of technology. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the ongoing impact of technological advancements continues to rise and undoubtedly plays a key role in our modern society. So I, Ahren Manuel, had one goal in mind: to pursue a computer science degree and become a video game designer. Before I started pursuing my dream job, walking around a college fair with reputational colleges rendered me clueless, and I still determined where my journey would take me. Before I entered senior year, I worked part-time at a local McDonald’s during the school year. After graduation, I was 6 months in as a crew member and I realized that this job is something I shouldn’t take part in forever. I will move to Columbus, Ohio in August, thanks to my enrollment and acceptance at Ohio State University. My intentions of contributing to the tech and gaming industry started in my senior year of high school, after being enrolled in AP Computer Science Principles. Being captivated by creating new apps and practicing with chunks of code on a software program allowed me to reconsider my career hunting to the next level. As I stood on the precipice of my future, there were big plans ahead of me. However, my journey through high school was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially after being diagnosed with ADHD at an early age. Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was hard for me, let alone a brain tumor survivor for 16 years–and those obstacles have never stood in my way of achieving my goals. As a worthy candidate for the John Young ‘Pursue Your Passion’ Scholarship, $1,000 would make a significant difference and contribute to my financial obligations. I seek not to squander its purpose for my financial gains, but to inspire me to chase my dream to impact the tech and gaming industry. Looking back, the fruits of my labor paid off and led me to the person that I am today. Four years from now, I find myself getting a bachelor's degree in computer science, and working in a reputational organization with hardworking peers. Ultimately, this scholarship will allow me to persevere and achieve my career aspirations. In honor of John Young’s military service, I will continue on his legacy by reaching greater heights and carrying his spirit on starting today, and beyond. His brave actions have urged me to persevere and continue to push through despite the circumstances. I am thankful for this opportunity to honor Young’s legacy alongside you, and most importantly, thank you for what you’ve done fighting for our country. Your service will not be forgotten. Special thanks to the Cochener Family for supporting my career aspirations and taking the time to consider my application.

Most people would have a normal life after they are born on Earth. When people grow up, they do not recall memories during their youth, especially when it comes to being a two-year-old child. People won’t remember the time during the age of two, but my parents and I lived to tell the tale. When I was just two years old, I had a brain tumor. Can you imagine it? Think about it: Imagine a scenario where you had to undergo such pain. I thought my journey on this Earth was over. But now, I am striving here today, sharing my unexpected journey as a brain tumor survivor. I, Ahren Manuel, proudly present my story–and I present this scholarship as an honor and a privilege to share with my fellow readers. As a student from Avon, Ohio, I learned to grow up living in my new home after moving from my cousins in Minnesota. From there, I entered kindergarten and had to consult with a speech teacher. I’ve done this countless times, with no explanation. I acquired an IEP plan, a 504, and some extra accommodations. No wonder why I did so well on exams. I was completely unaware of why I felt like this, not until my parents revealed that I was diagnosed with ADHD. To prove my point, I had some crutches to treat those injuries; those injuries were my experience in school. My grades were slipping, and I hit rock bottom. Why was I like this? When my parents would ask me a school question, I would stutter, mumble, and even zone out. My learning capacity would reach the point where my brain stopped working. Every time I stalled, my parents’ patience would get the better of them and they would snap. I wanted to avoid those conversations like it was nothing, but all I encountered was an endless void, surrounded by shame and guilt. “Of all people, why do I have ADHD?” I thought to myself. “Why do I take so long to answer a simple question?” Until then, my parents told me one simple answer: all I needed was confidence. It turns out, having ADHD was also a good thing. I discovered that I could cope well with people outside of my family. I put the “hyperactivity” in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Instantly, I sat at a lunch table talking about hobbies, just with a flick of a switch. From that moment on, I discovered my extroverted personality and used it as a superpower. My confidence in interacting with people was through the roof. Whenever I roamed about the hallways in school, other students would say “hi” to me in the hallways. I’ve been stuck with this diagnosis for as long as I can remember, but I never forgot the fact that I could form friendships and relationships with others. Fast forwarding, it was May 21st, 2024: Graduation Day. I couldn’t believe it. My final days in high school were officially over, and this day became a reality. After countless days waking up early and staying up late working on loads of homework, I couldn’t believe I had gone this far. From being behind in a computer screen during the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a successful hybrid student, I accomplished many things: I graduated from speech lessons, got better grades, managed to wear a magna cum laude medal, and obtained a 3.8 GPA with excessive school credits. What stood against the rest of these accomplishments was most importantly getting accepted and admitted to The Ohio State University. As I stepped foot on the podium when my name was called, I was eager to receive my diploma. At Ohio State University, I intend to study for a computer science degree. With this degree, I can contribute to Ohio State University’s and the world’s reputation that will last in the tech industry for future generations. As a tumor-free human being for 16 years, I can say, without a doubt, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. From being a brain tumor survivor to a newly confident rising college freshman, I came to realize that I am the author of my own story, and all I ever see are blank pages that stood before me–the chapters of my story were not yet fully written. Overhearing someone receiving their diploma is but the beginning of one’s journey, and their story is far from over. In the future as a successful individual, I hope to look back upon my past experiences and the importance of mental health. Today I still carry my ADHD diagnosis to this day, and I pledge to myself each day that my diagnosis does not stand in the way of my goals. We all have different views on mental disorders. If someone asked me what to do if they had a disorder, I would channel my weaknesses into strengths, walking the lowest of valleys to climbing the highest of mountains. My experience with a brain tumor and an ADHD diagnosis never stopped me from applying to one of the most well-known colleges in the world. Four years from now, I am getting a bachelor's degree in computer science and working in a reputational organization with hardworking peers. Whether you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, I encourage you to get back up on your feet and start now. Fellow readers, I urge you to chase your dreams and never lose sight of them–you’ll never be able to catch them if it happens. Thank you for taking this journey with me and supporting my career aspirations, and I appreciate your time considering my application.

We’ve all heard the idiom, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. Did you ever think of making fun of someone based on their appearance? From my perspective, I did so multiple times but was blind to see the inside of their personality. Everyone should be proud of who they are. But most importantly, no one should live a life full of self-isolation just because of their looks. Each day, the number of bullying increases, and children are afraid to go to school due to feeling unaccepted by the people around them, especially those who have physical disabilities. Those people may be disfigured on the outside, but on the inside, they have a good heart–especially when they’re around others who praise them. The book, “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio provides a powerful lesson for those unaware of the world around us. Palacio’s book taught me that lesson when I was in 5th grade, and I continue to carry those morals to this day. The book revolves around a 10-year-old boy Auggie Pullman, whose face was disfigured and who needed medical assistance. The story itself was so captivating, and I felt solace, flipping through each page of the book. I still remember my 5th-grade self roaming around the hallways in elementary school, surrounded by bright orange T-shirts and anti-bullying posters. I completely resonated with those who were like Auggie–those who had physical disabilities, such as Down syndrome, and blindness. We all have our own “wonders,” and each of those “wonders” can be something that can be portrayed for good purposes. If a 5th-grade student were to ask me, I’d tell them to read “Wonder”. This book highlights the importance of embracing our differences. As our generation passes, people who come across this famous story should remember how Auggie felt when facing the challenges throughout his life. If you see someone who gets bullied or harassed, don’t be like Julian–who has a lack of empathy and discriminatory–but accept those “special” people around you and bring them back on their feet. The book’s morals of empathy and its enduring message of anti-bullying and self-acceptance continue to prevent a fire from burning out. R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder” displays these lessons without flaws. That said, no one should be isolated simply because of their appearance. Everyone has their differences, and no one should change who they are.

Math is the epitome of complexity and importance. Everywhere you go, math is everywhere. When you are looking at shapes, you’re thinking of geometry; and in those shapes contain angles and lines. Or you’re finding a missing variable on an equation–that’s algebra in a nutshell. What makes math my favorite subject is the surviving aspect. Although people may think that math is an “easy” topic to learn, it plays a pivotal role in one's survival. From counting money to calculating the distance from Point A to Point B, math is something that is present in our everyday lives–no matter how hard we work, our brains are constantly on the move, crunching numbers and calculating chunks of data for all eternity. Shakuntala Devi said, “Without mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.” Let’s face it: Without math, most of everything said in the beginning would cease to exist. Our brains would stop exercising, and we would all succumb to laziness. Can you imagine living in a world without numbers? Think about it: You won’t know the right temperature to make your favorite meal. How will you know whether you need a cup of milk or a teaspoon of baking soda? Most importantly, you wouldn’t tell time–the deadline of an exam, when to pay your taxes, and even remembering if it's your own birthday! Furthermore, a number of career paths require math. I intend to pursue a Computer Science degree in The Ohio State University, and math would be beneficial for topics such as calculus and algebra. Mathematics is a subject full of wonder, especially that people find satisfaction in solving real world problems. Math opens the door for many opportunities, especially those who are committed to use it for future generations to thrive. My love for math continues to fill the empty void, leaving a legacy for past mathematicians. Mathematics can be used to inspire future mathematicians, in hopes that people can continue to embrace its mesmerizing aspects. As people continue to immerse themselves in a world full of numbers and data, math will undoubtedly be utilized as a tool for unlocking our missing variables in life.

As a contributor of the Eras Tour Farewell Fan Scholarship, I am someone who was captivated by the hard-hitting lyrics of the iconic singer, Taylor Swift. Throughout history, Taylor Swift has stood out among other singers in the past decade. With Taylor Swift’s influential music, her concert tour, “The Eras Tour” was the highest-grossing tour of all time, gathering a global cultural impact–something no other musician would accomplish. Being a “Swiftie” myself, the one song that stood out would be Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” The song was so unforgettable despite hearing, dancing, and lip-syncing to the song multiple times. Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” would play during homecoming dances and even prom during my final days in high school. Most of the Taylor Swift songs, even outside the Eras Tour are packed in my Spotify playlist, and I have been listening to it for as long as I can remember. I have been listening to her songs for so long, it even led me to distractions–and that is what it was like listening to Taylor Swift music while being diagnosed with ADHD. All my life, I have been diagnosed with ADHD. I had to go on an IEP plan, alongside a 504. School was never easy for me, as I had difficulties with the pace of classes. As a result, C’s brought down the GPA in my report card. As a hardworking student who always tries to succeed, I sought for a consistent method of learning and eventually found a work ethic. From Taylor's perspective, she had gone through mental issues such as eating disorders, having insecurities, and her mother’s cancer. The truth is, everyone has something to face–especially their hardships. The Eras Tour pulled me apart from my educational predicaments and brought something far more important: the power of music. As someone who also takes part in playing music, listening to music taught me more self-confidence and acceptance in my life, starting with Taylor Swift’s song, “Shake It Off.” The lyrics, “Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play, and the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate” displayed the first experience of being negatively judged by the outside world. Overall, Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” portrayed most of its aspect of self-confidence with her infectious beats and catchy chorus, and I was able to push through and succeed. When one concert tour ends, another performance will do everything in its power to recapture the same magic it did before. Let's face it: Anything cannot last forever. Although a concert has to end, many “Swifties” find it hard to say farewell to one of the most iconic albums of this generation. People will often find it hard to transition, as I will with high school going to college. As a rising college freshman whose intention is to study Computer Science in The Ohio State University, I learned what it took to be successful by not distorting and diverting my mind and instead pursue a life of excellence. I share every “Swifties” passion with her music, and even though music will be a part of me throughout my journey, Taylor Swift and her iconic Eras Tour’s songs and catchy beats will be available, paving the way for recapturing past memories. Ultimately, Taylor Swift’s aspect of self-empowerment with her song, “Shake It Off” would leave a legacy for many generations to come, affording opportunities for future “Swifties” to make a positive impact in the world–just like how Taylor infected the world with her influential music albums.

Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” One of the most memorable quotes has appealed to many audiences. From encountering a tiny, eight-legged insect to becoming a figure that changes the fate of New York City, there is much to unpack–who is really the best portrayal of the classic wall-crawling superhero? Although I grew up on all the Sam Raimi, Marc Webb, and Jon Watts films, a superhero clad in a suit capable of web-slinging, fighting crime, and climbing walls has made this character iconic nonetheless. To sum up, Tom Holland’s Spider-Man set the stage, paving the way for Marvel fans–eager to see the next portrayal of this classic wall-crawler. As a Marvel fan, I fell in love with Tom Holland’s portrayal of the character, ever since his live-action debut in Captain America: Civil War back in 2016. People, even today, always wonder who played the masked vigilante better for multiple reasons due to its action sequences, acting skills, character arc, and storyline. Tom Holland’s youthful, teenage version of the character fit so well, that the directors and Marvel Studios decided to keep the actor for future movies. With his great acting, Holland played the titular superhero in Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers Infinity War, and Spider-Man: Far From Home, to name a few. However, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s depictions of Spider-Man were limited, especially when they concluded their movies respectively in a trilogy and a duology. For that reason, both Andrew’s and Tobey’s versions of the superhero were too dependent on its seriousness, tone, and maturity. Although the character has been rebooted three times, Marvel Studios decided to make more movies and add screen time to the character, spending more time on Tom Holland’s live-action adaptation, thus adding to his character arc not until making Spider-Man: No Way Home. Tom Holland’s adaptation of the superhero is one of the most accurately depicted castings of the character. Holland’s version of Peter Parker was cast as a teenager, and his performance of Spider-Man has captivated audiences due to his faithfulness to the source material, additionally gaining international attention from Marvel fans. Furthermore, Holland captures his humor by being awkward and frantic, alongside shifting from doing school work to being a masked vigilante, which I and other fans say his acting is what makes him so entertaining. To conclude, Holland’s remarkable performance has always gained the attention of Marvel fans, audiences, and even movie critics. Whenever it comes to fighting crime in the streets of New York City, Tom Holland highlights the emotional growth of Spider-Man’s journey on the big screen across the Marvel Cinematic Universe and embraces the title of the role–whether he’s inside the suit or not.

Instead of binge-watching other classic anime shows, such as Naruto or Dragon Ball, the Pokémon franchise stands above the rest. Pokémon was a global phenomenon that captured the hearts of millions of fans during the 1990’s, even to this day. With its iconic characters, the franchise expanded from a video game, eventually making its way to television. Even my younger self would not have a clue identifying the three main Pokémon from the Kanto Region. I admired the iconic, chubby-looking electrified Pikachu from a very young age, beginning my immersion in the world of Pokémon. Ever since Pikachu met Ash in Indigo League, their adventures were set in motion, paving the way for future adaptations, such as Pokémon XY, Pokémon XYZ, Pokémon Sun and Moon, and Pokémon Journeys, to name a few. Pokémon’s global success was its unique concept. Pokémon’s international attention with the portrayal of television started to become a part of my anime-loving personality, starting with Pokémon XY: The Series. As I watched more Pokémon series, I continued immersing myself by drawing pictures of Pokémon from a notebook-inspired Pokédex and slowly collecting Pokémon cards from cereal boxes. Besides binge-watching television, the continuous trend of customers buying packs of Pokémon-related products was off the charts. Turns out, the marketing of the franchise was super effective. Pokémon stood out with the bonds humans–known as Pokémon Trainers–make with the creatures in a vast world, filled with diverse species. Although it is true that other anime shows revolve around people connecting bonds with other people, the idea of partnering with a creature is what sets Pokémon apart from the others. Nintendo’s idea of creating Pokémon made the franchise more successful, originating from a video game. Its important values highlighted teamwork, friendship, and chasing one’s dreams. Each Pokémon Trainer and their Pokémon has a goal to accomplish together as a team: Whether you want to be a Pokémon Master like Ash Ketchum or a Pokémon Collector like Goh, teamwork is essential to reach those objectives. Nintendo’s strategic adaptation from video games to television recaptured audiences all over the world, whose goal, as their slogan suggests, was to “catch them all.” Their reflection of the Pokémon franchise explored the acclaimed Japanese cartoon tapped into the nostalgic hearts of the Pokémon community. Finally, the critically acclaimed franchise can be interpreted into their adaptation to other aspects besides television. It rapidly expanded into toys, trading cards, and video games. Nintendo’s idea of creating a bond with a creature and its trainer is what makes it stand out above all the other anime shows. It was the pivotal moment for Nintendo, as it allowed many fans to engage and become more involved in the Pokémon community–and I was a contributor to the cause. Nintendo’s Pokémon franchise had set the bars so high for decades, making it unique like no other show and other video game platform has done before. Pokémon, as a whole, is more than just a video game and a cartoon. The captivation glued many fans across the world, and its unique concept made it one of the most successful franchises in history. Nintendo’s constant adaptation and expansion across the Pokémon franchise ensured its continued popularity. From action-packed adventures to thought-provoking dramas, people’s joy of Pokémon will stay with them forever and the legacy of this franchise will be left unforgettable. As the Pokémon franchise evolves, their influence on popular culture will continue for many generations to come.

People all over the world should be proud of who they are. Most importantly, people in the U.S. should remember why we are proud of being Americans. Over the years, we have flourished–technology, freedom of speech, and independence–and being contemptuous of our lives in society helped us strive as time passed. Our nation aims for determination, one that we as people have accomplished throughout generations. America established the Bill of Rights, and we honor the privilege of living under a government that highlights each law and right to individuals. I, for one, am proud to call America my home. Being a citizen of America means so much to me. The U.S. has so much to offer–giving us an open door for opportunities to choose from. The U.S. is a destination where some consider that their dreams can be fulfilled just by living in a more welcoming environment. Other countries, such as Japan, the UK, or China, shelter and protect those who are mostly citizens who originate from said countries. The one aspect being an American is diversity–citizens of the United States are proud to welcome those who are different, or “special” in some way. Living in the U.S. provides many possibilities for people in the future–economy, education, culture, and personal growth, to name a few. From this day, I will thank myself of being an American, and it will be something I will never take for granted. Although the U.S. is practically known for its diversity, people’s minds wander off on their own and they have the tendency to treat others harshly. Racism, for example, has played an important part in our society. Looking back, I still remember when the American Minister, Martin Luther King Jr. fought for civil rights for African Americans. When he spoke out the “I Have A Dream Speech,” it was pivotal in the civil rights movement and was widely known as one of the most iconic speeches in American history. Politics, on the other hand, is a subject people do not take lightly. Their emotions can blind them, and captivity lies in propaganda, leading people to think about the true nature of our world. Why am I proud of being an American? Over history, the U.S. has freed hundreds of people from oppression than any other country in the globe. America is far from being a perfect society. No other country has created so much wealth and increased people’s well-being; not unlike America, our nation is a place where many people can continue to work towards their goals. If you asked a poor person from another country who experienced oppression where they would want to live, the majority of people would claim America to be their dream country. My story was still yet to be written, and I am excited to expose myself transitioning to college life at The Ohio State University. Being a church volunteer, interacting with computers immersed me in the world of technology, prompting me to pursue a Computer Science degree and to contribute to Ohio State’s reputation in the tech industry. As a rising college freshman, I intend to use technology for a greater purpose, raising people’s awareness and contributing to those who continue to protect America’s diversity. Diversity as a whole is crucial to one’s well-being, and people who plan to prevent equality do not see the bigger picture of the world they live in. Spreading equality is what makes the U.S. unique unlike any other country, but even if America is not a perfect nation, I continue to take pride and honor the privilege of being called an American.

All gamers know the classic cheat code, “Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start.” Also known as the Konami Code, players used this code, and it eventually found its way in popular culture for generations. Being an avid gamer myself, my overall experience playing video games has never ceased and it has been a part of my life–it was in my blood. One of the biggest crossovers known to date was Super Smash Bros Ultimate. Developed in 2018, Smash Bros Ultimate exceeded expectations–most particularly Nintendo fans across the globe–after succeeding from the previous installments. Overall, Smash Bros as a whole is quite anything the world has ever seen at the time of its release, changing the perspective of fighting-related video games, surpassing Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. Nintendo is always on the move, creating new games and captivating players worldwide with their outstanding and remarkable performances in the video game industry. Super Smash Bros Ultimate was where it all started–it marked my origins in becoming a member of competitive gaming. I always loved competition–whether you are depleting health bars or reaching the finish line first, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was a different game unlike any other, due to its graphics and gameplay. However, this installment was far from different. Unlike any other video game, their expanded character roster is what stands out among all other fighting games. If you wanted to be as strong as Bowser, why not? How about speed? Sonic the Hedgehog is your character. Taking flight? Meta Knight from the Kirby series is your best option. Or you can be like Link from Legends of Zelda, throwing bombs and shooting arrows to knock off opponents from the stage. From the Mario series to the Final Fantasy series, there are many characters to choose from, whether you want to be strong, fast, or agile. Even if I had to fight against my friend next to me, I had a simple objective: to mash buttons and my joystick to knock my opponents to the side and become the last man standing. Before it all began, I wasn’t fond of Smash Bros. Although I wasn’t a big fan of fighting games, but joining E-Sports contributed to my competitive nature. As generations passed, people have witnessed the evolution of gaming over time, and the industry was rising rapidly. With that being said, technology has evolved simultaneously, and people wouldn’t stop talking about the beauty of video games. Being a person who plays video games has led to the conclusion that I wanted to pursue a career in Computer Science. My passion for video games exposed me to the world of technology, and I wanted to find the science behind it. How were developers able to make this happen? The one answer I could find is this: Ambition. Nintendo’s release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with its gameplay and mechanics deserves its recognition as one of the best fighting video games of all time. The game has always been a place for me to connect with friends and my coaches, and I interpret this connection to the real world. Not only was Super Smash Bros. Ultimate the best installment in the Smash Bros. series, but it sparked a trend in the gaming industry, making Smash Bros more unique like no other fighting games have accomplished in past generations.

My goal is to follow a career where I can expand my creative roots and thinking. Whether it comes to building, editing, or storytelling, all of these are aspects of the career I plan to pursue in college are Video Game Designing in Computer Science. My great work ethic combined with a strong educational background can be used to achieve my future goals. First off, being a church volunteer helped me learn more about responsibility, friendships, and hard work. I also have always been an extrovert; my bond with other people says a lot about me. Building relationships is one of my strengths, allowing my social interaction to become an opportunity for me to help others. With that being said, I can apply my church volunteering experience from a high school environment to a college-based environment to continue to grow successfully every year. I am passionate about Computer Science and how it can be used to affect my future. In addition, my passion for gaming and creativity has exposed me to the world of technology, eventually tasking me to expand my thinking skills. Not only am I a hard-working student, but this scholarship will help me with my financial obligations and my future career goals. Furthermore, my part-time job does not fully cover all my financial burdens. I will be able to stay part-time so I can focus on my studies, which will pave the way towards success. Five to six years from now, I see myself as a member of a company with a high reputation, solving real-life problems, and crunching large chunks of code. Obtaining this scholarship will not only help me take one more step toward fulfilling my dream, but it will also prove that I have what it takes to be a successful student. I strongly believe that I am a worthy candidate for this scholarship. As a hard-working student who always aims towards success, I believe that my education and experience would contribute to the requirements. Acquiring this scholarship would make a significant difference and contribute to my financial obligations. Looking back, knowing that the fruits of my labor paying off led me to the person that I am today. I pushed myself to the limit with a cumulative 3.9 GPA, obtaining excess high school credits in the process. Moving forward, I plan to keep up my success by moving to a more complex environment. Growing up, transitioning from a young adult has taught me more than hard work, but to commit to professional backgrounds to fulfill my goals.

Have you ever felt like living in your own world while working on something more productive? I was one of those people. Sooner or later, class starts in two minutes, and you're fumbling to get there on time. All my life, for as long as I can remember, I am one of those "special" people diagnosed with ADHD. In school, I was one of the most recognizable students. Whenever I walked around the hallways, people would call me out, no matter what I did. As a part of my recognition, I loved to talk–and being an extrovert is what makes me who I am. As someone diagnosed with ADHD, it felt like my brain was constantly running on a treadmill. Being a church volunteer helped me learn more about responsibility, friendships, and hard work. I also have always been an extrovert; my bond with other people says a lot about me. Building relationships is one of my strengths, allowing my social interaction to become an opportunity for me to help others. With that being said, I can apply my church volunteering experience from a high school environment to a college-based environment to continue to grow successfully every year. As the years passed, I changed drastically, and my lust for constant attention slowly diminished. I worked on my time management by planning ahead to balance my obligations, I took initiative when asking for advice before doing assignments. Furthermore, I became more social with the people around me. With some help from my teachers, my perspective on education started expanding, taking another step toward success. Although I graduated from my IEP plan, I decided to go on a 504. Even though I still have this disadvantage, I created a path to success and a force of motivation to keep going. With these elements, I got straight A’s. I came out triumphant, overcoming my anxieties. I strongly believe that I am a worthy candidate for this scholarship. As a hard-working student who always aims for success, I believe my education and experience would contribute to the requirements. Acquiring this scholarship would make a significant difference and contribute to my financial obligations. Not only will it help me, but it will prove that I have what it takes to be a successful student. Looking back, knowing that the fruits of my labor paying off led me to the person that I am today. I pushed myself to the limit with a cumulative 3.9 GPA, obtaining excess high school credits. Moving forward, I plan to keep up my success by moving to a more complex environment. Growing up, transitioning from a dependent student to a mature young adult has taught me more than hard work, but to commit to professional backgrounds to fulfill my goals.

Have you ever felt like living in your own world while working on something more productive? I was one of those people. Sooner or later, class starts in two minutes, and you're fumbling to get there on time. All my life, for as long as I can remember, I am one of those "special" people diagnosed with ADHD. In school, I was one of the most recognizable students. Whenever I walked around the hallways, people would call me out, no matter what I did. As a part of my recognition, I loved to talk–and being an extrovert is what makes me who I am. As someone diagnosed with ADHD, it felt like my brain was constantly running on a treadmill. Aside from my extroverted personality, I had weaknesses. Maintaining high grades was my kryptonite. Every day, I always think of times when I was slow because I was not performing at the same level as other students. I was left behind, especially when my transition to high school worsened. Even if my parents knew I was smart, I didn't have anything to prove–even my constant B and C grades on my report card marked how inconsistent my performance was. My parents and my school agreed to put me on an IEP, where I can have most things at my disposal if necessary–whether if I had to copy notes or have extended time on exams. To this day, I remember answering questions on an IQ test, even trying to solve the simplest math problems. I was on the verge of giving up, and I was not believing in myself. Thomas Fuller said, “All things are difficult before they are easy.” Although people may not know what they are doing entirely, things in life will be eventually figured out. Life requires hard work and determination to achieve one’s goals. When I was two years old, I had a brain tumor. My confidence, self-advocating skills, independence, and constant attention were flawed. Those obstacles didn’t stop me. As the years passed, I changed drastically, and my lust for constant attention slowly diminished. I worked on my time management by planning ahead to balance my obligations, I took initiative when asking for advice before doing assignments. Furthermore, I became more social with the people around me. With some help from my teachers, my perspective on education started expanding, taking another step toward success. Although I graduated from my IEP plan, I decided to go on a 504. Even though I still have this disadvantage, I created a path to success and a force of motivation to keep going. With these elements, I got straight A’s. I came out triumphant, overcoming my anxieties. I strongly believe that I am a worthy candidate for this scholarship. As a hard-working student who always aims for success, I believe my education and experience would contribute to the requirements. Acquiring this scholarship would make a significant difference and contribute to my financial obligations. Not only will it help me, but it will prove that I have what it takes to be a successful student. Looking back, knowing that the fruits of my labor paying off led me to the person that I am today. I pushed myself to the limit with a cumulative 3.9 GPA, obtaining excess high school credits. Moving forward, I plan to keep up my success by moving to a more complex environment. Growing up, transitioning from a dependent student to a mature young adult has taught me more than hard work, but to commit to professional backgrounds to fulfill my goals.

My goal is to follow a career where I can expand my creative roots and thinking. Whether it comes to building, editing, or storytelling, all of these are aspects of the career I plan to pursue in college are Video Game Designing in Computer Science. Creating new things has always been a part of me since the beginning, and it was in my blood. My great work ethic combined with a strong educational background can be used to achieve my future goals. I am passionate about Computer Science and how it can be used to affect my future. In addition, my passion for gaming and creativity has exposed me to the world of technology, eventually tasking me to expand my thinking skills. Not only am I a hard-working student, but this scholarship will help me with my financial obligations and my future career goals. Furthermore, my part-time job does not fully cover all my financial burdens. I will be able to stay part-time so I can focus on my studies, which will pave the way towards success. Five to six years from now, I see myself as a member of a company with a high reputation, solving real-life problems, and crunching large chunks of code. Obtaining this scholarship will not only help me take one more step toward fulfilling my dream, but it will also prove that I have what it takes to be a successful student. I came across a Six Word Memoir excerpt, and six words kept repeating: “Struggling Before, But Striving Right NOW.” The thought struck me–it highlighted my struggles as a child and my improvement as a teenager. Real growth comes from the heart. The Six Word Memoir taught me that I’m a hard worker: I can take initiative and handle difficult obstacles waiting for me. These aspects of life taught me more about who I am than in the past. With an improved work ethic, I learned that I can be responsible, more independent, and more self-advocate of myself. From a dependent teenager to a mature young adult, my handicaps and crutches will be removed. As displayed, I will utilize my confidence to the fullest, continuing to grow from that moment forward. As a hard-working student who always aims towards success and taking risks, I believe that my education and experience would contribute to the requirements of this scholarship. Acquiring this scholarship would make a significant difference and contribute to my financial obligations. Looking back, knowing that the fruits of my labor paying off led me to the person that I am today. I pushed myself to the limit with a cumulative 3.9 GPA, obtaining excess high school credits in the process. Moving forward, I plan to keep up my success by moving to a more complex environment. Growing up, transitioning from a young adult has taught me more than hard work, but to commit to professional backgrounds to fulfill my goals. After all, this was just the beginning; the first steps of my journey aren’t over–yet.

Peter Docter’s Pixar film Inside Out, based on five emotions inside a human being’s mind, played an important role in my life. Often criticized as one of the most creative films and praised by audiences, the movie centers its plot on the human mind and explores more of what people do in the modern world with their emotions. Whether you’re feeling joyous, depressed, angry, fearful, or disgusted, these emotions highlight core memories and obstacles people experience in their everyday lives. Without emotions, people would not feel anything–most particularly the decisions we make, whether if its good or bad. Inside Out displays that all emotions aren’t good or bad. People experience emotions no matter what happens in their life. Our feelings and thoughts project outcomes, revealing paths we want to take. Although people may not know what they are doing entirely, things in life will be eventually figured out. In my personal experience, I felt something outside of these emotions–I felt doubtful and dependent throughout my life. There was no harm in that, but as tough as it was, I felt stranded. I felt whispers of poisonous phrases in my ear, saying, “You can’t do this” and “Hold on to your anxiety.” Whenever a student in school is taking a test or sitting on their desk doing homework, nervousness crawls in their mind–and it is a common emotion students experience. Overall, Inside Out displays the consequences of our actions when evoking our emotions to others, and could lead to negative or positive interactions. Inside Out teaches the audience that life is not just about one emotion. There are a plethora of emotions one experiences in their daily life. For example, in the film, from the moment Joy and Sadness meet, Joy feels uncomfortable when focusing too much on Riley staying happy. As the leader of Headquarters, she was the central part of Riley’s life, and she puts Sadness to the side like she never mattered, eventually starting a conflict between the two. Later in the climax of Inside Out, Joy learns that there is much more to being happy than boundless positivity. Moving from Minnesota to San Fransisco was a tough transition Riley and her family had to go through, but after an attempt to run away, Sadness took control, and Joy found a deeper sense of happiness by making room for more emotions. On the other hand, my continuous attitude of uncertainty and reliance blinded my goals for a greater purpose. I eventually advocated for myself and set my journey for success. To sum up, when people experience emotions that are not validated enough, mental issues can develop, making their lives even more complicated. Despite the film’s success, the movie Inside Out has much to unpack, especially for those who are having trouble navigating the world. In life, we can experience one or two emotions, but should make room for more emotions in the process. People would not be the same if they felt a single emotion. From being an emotionless person to feeling new again, Peter Docter’s Inside Out teaches a plethora of lessons to learn especially to younger audiences. Rather than looking for life lessons in a simple textbook, animated films like Inside Out can be a reliable source that can change perspectives on the world, even on a person’s well-being.

Games aren’t that fun when you lose—but losing to a game you used to play as a child? Whether it's Tag, Hopscotch, or Red Light Green Light, these examples are fun games every child used to enjoy back then. The Korean film director and producer, Hwang Dong-hyuk created the critically acclaimed Squid Game, a Korean action-thriller-themed television series based on survival. Squid Game drew millions of people onto their TV screens in just four weeks and gained international attention, eventually surpassing the horror film, Stranger Things, set in the 1980s. Despite these results, Squid Game’s rise to popularity did not just gain viewers glued to the Netflix platform, but it effectively displayed its storyline and the current face of today's society, ultimately gluing audiences to the Netflix platform far and wide. First and foremost, Squid Game has a unique, compelling storyline. In a dystopian South Korea, the main protagonist joins 455 other players in a hidden facility who are debt-ridden, risking their lives to play a series of children’s games for a chance to win a 45.6 billion dollar prize. The show hooks viewers from the first episode, as losing a game results in death. Because of this, players team up with each other to survive the games’ physical and psychological twists. As the show’s tagline “45.6 Billion Is Child’s Play” suggests, it ironically points out how “easy” it is to win the cash prize, but the players would also do anything to survive. With that being said, players can murder and threaten others, killing anyone who gets in their way and taking steps to fulfill their goal. Furthermore, Squid Game presents a significant visualization of desperation and greed. As the story progresses, the show shifts to different player’s perspectives, each discussing how winning the cash prize would affect them. When it comes to stealing money, withholding wages, or paying off debts, obtaining the 45.6 billion dollar prize was still in play—and players would murder others in the process. The fact that earning a prize so significant to one’s survival is what sets Squid Game apart from any other Netflix show. Finally, Squid Game’s shocking twists captivated viewers and the audience to the Netflix platform. Whether they watch the show between their fingers, Squid Game is known for the brutality of the games, and Hwang Dong-hyuk starts the show strong and ends with an unforgettable conclusion without any flaws. Although some people might say that Squid Game is similar to Suzanne Collin’s novel series The Hunger Games, Squid Game’s portrayal of society sets the bar high and exceeds the audience’s expectations, delivering in a more cruel, violent fashion. Hwang Dong-hyuk’s direction and portrayal of the Korean drama Squid Game deserve its place to be the best Netflix TV show of all time, bringing its thought-provoking plot, characters, and action sequences together without any mistakes. Not only was Squid Game Netflix’s most-watched series and program, but it sparked a new era in the genre of all action-thrillers, making the show more unique like no other action-thrillers have done before.

Mental health has an impact on many people's lives. Like most people, they continue to give in to depression and anxiety; I was one of those people, and my battle with mental health has impacted me in various ways. Thomas Fuller said, “All things are difficult before they are easy.” Although people may not know what they are doing entirely, things in life will be eventually figured out. Life requires hard work and determination to achieve one’s goals. When I was two years old, I had a brain tumor. My confidence, self-advocating skills, independence, and constant attention were flawed. Those obstacles didn’t stop me. Most people won’t remember being two years old, but in this case, I do. The brain tumor I experienced in 2007 was traumatic–I thought my journey was ending. In the end, I felt better. Despite the predicament I had to face, this pivotal moment of my life could've ended differently. Even to this day, I am emotionally scarred. Thinking about the pain made me feel unbearably weak. Mental health has become a common aspect of people's lives and society. As the eldest sibling, my parents would task me with greater responsibilities. Getting A’s on my report card was not my strength. I wasn’t up to the challenge. There were times when I hated being the eldest. I was the guinea pig in this scenario, feeling like a failure. Things like overthinking and anxiety affected me as a high school student. It felt like navigating through a storm: The rain pattering on my vessel, the harsh winds, the holes in my boat–it was a nightmare. Obstacles kept leaping at me out of nowhere, and I couldn’t shatter these brick walls. When life gave me lemons, I made lemonade. Starting from high school, I realized I needed to change my work ethic. Recalling my experience as a freshman, I was dependent and doubtful. As tough as it was, my mind clouded with intrusive thoughts, and I felt stranded. I felt whispers of poisonous phrases in my ear, saying, “You can’t do this” and “Hold on to your anxiety.” My emotions were getting the better of me. I was on the verge of giving up. Afraid and scared, I needed a therapist to heal my “wounds.” With my significant role as a high school student, I had one objective–a mission to improve myself and change my future. My mental health enabled me to connect and bond with others. As the years passed, I changed drastically, and my lust for constant attention slowly diminished. I worked on my time management by planning ahead to balance my obligations, I took initiative when asking for advice before doing assignments. Furthermore, I became more social with the people around me. With some help from my teachers, my perspective on education started expanding, taking another step toward success. My struggles were like a compass–they served me as a guide, showing me the path and a force of motivation to keep going. With these elements of success, I got straight A’s. I came out triumphant, overcoming my anxieties. I came across a Six Word Memoir excerpt, and six words kept repeating: “Struggling Before, But Striving Right NOW.” The thought struck me–it highlighted my struggles as a child and my improvement as a teenager. Real growth comes from the heart. The Six Word Memoir taught me that I’m a hard worker: I can take initiative and handle difficult obstacles waiting for me. These aspects of life taught me more about who I am than in the past. To conclude, the battle between myself and mental health continues to rage on, even to this day. Overall, my experience with mental health has shaped me into a person I never knew before; I felt brand new again. This aspect taught me more of what I should be doing in the future. With an improved work ethic, I learned that I can be responsible, more independent, and more self-advocate of myself. From a dependent teenager to a mature young adult, my handicaps and crutches will be removed. As displayed, I will utilize my confidence to the fullest, continuing to grow from that moment forward. After all, this was just the beginning; the first steps of my journey aren’t over–yet.

My goal is to follow a career where I can expand my creative roots and thinking. Whether it comes to building, editing, or storytelling, all of these are aspects of the career I plan to pursue in college are Video Game Designing in Computer Science. My great work ethic combined with a strong educational background can be used to achieve my future goals. First off, being a church volunteer helped me learn more about responsibility, friendships, and hard work. I also have always been an extrovert; my bond with other people says a lot about me. Building relationships is one of my strengths, allowing my social interaction to become an opportunity for me to help others. With that being said, I can apply my church volunteering experience from a high school environment to a college-based environment to continue to grow successfully every year. I am passionate about Computer Science and how it can be used to affect my future. In addition, my passion for gaming and creativity has exposed me to the world of technology, eventually tasking me to expand my thinking skills. Not only am I a hard-working student, but this scholarship will help me with my financial obligations and my future career goals. Furthermore, my part-time job does not fully cover all my financial burdens. I will be able to stay part-time so I can focus on my studies, which will pave the way towards success. Five to six years from now, I see myself as a member of a company with a high reputation, solving real-life problems, and crunching large chunks of code. Obtaining this scholarship will not only help me take one more step toward fulfilling my dream, but it will also prove that I have what it takes to be a successful student. I strongly believe that I am a worthy candidate for this scholarship. As a hard-working student who always aims towards success, I believe that my education and experience would contribute to the requirements. Acquiring this scholarship would make a significant difference and contribute to my financial obligations. Looking back, knowing that the fruits of my labor paying off led me to the person that I am today. I pushed myself to the limit with a cumulative 3.9 GPA, obtaining excess high school credits in the process. Moving forward, I plan to keep up my success by moving to a more complex environment. Growing up, transitioning from a young adult has taught me more than hard work, but to commit to professional backgrounds to fulfill my goals.

Minecraft is one of those video games where a player can expand their creative roots. As an avid gamer, I have been looking for games that match my interests, especially since I wanted to expand my creative side. I have been playing Minecraft for over 5 years thanks to Mojang’s improvement and its consistency of entertainment. I was entering my fifth year as a Minecraft player, in my senior year of high school. However, my love for the game and the idea of making new builds and adding blocks introduced me to the world of Computer Science–which is a topic I intend to pursue learning at Ohio State University. Minecraft, as a whole, is a video game where you can create and save one's memories--it was easy to learn and to pick up with just a flick of a lever. Even the cultural impact of the game caused me and my siblings to create fanart versions of our Minecraft avatars, including an origin story for each of them as if we were creating a new novel. What I saw and felt about our results was astonishing. I continued collaborating with my siblings on what to do next, making plans for our new build. All I ever saw was the excitement on their faces, ready and eager to take on upcoming challenges. From the smallest of dirt huts to the grandest of castles, my love and passion for Minecraft has never ceased. Throughout my experience as a Minecraft veteran, the aspect of creativity can not just affect myself, but others, to reach their full potential. To conclude, Minecraft can't be just used for fun, it can be used for people to educate themselves and eventually reach their future goals.