Mental health is incredibly important to me as a student because I’ve seen firsthand how it can impact not only our emotions and mindset but also our physical health and academic performance. As students, we are often under a lot of pressure—balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social expectations. When mental health is neglected, it can affect all aspects of our lives, from our physical health to our ability to succeed academically. I’ve noticed that when students experience mental health struggles, whether it’s anxiety, depression, or stress, it can significantly affect their performance in school. Mental health issues can cause sleep disturbances, fatigue, and even physical ailments like headaches or stomachaches. These physical symptoms often make it difficult to concentrate or stay motivated in class, leading to a cycle of poor performance and frustration. When students are mentally overwhelmed, it can feel like there’s no way out, and academic setbacks become harder to overcome. This can have a lasting effect on a student's self-esteem and overall well-being. For me, advocating for mental health within my community has become a priority. I believe that raising awareness and providing support to others is crucial. In my school community, I make it a point to check in on my friends and peers, especially when I notice they seem overwhelmed or stressed. If someone expresses that they’re struggling, I encourage them to reach out for help, whether it’s talking to a counselor, a trusted teacher, or even a family member. I’ve also made it a habit to promote the importance of self-care practices, like taking breaks when studying, engaging in physical activities, and getting enough sleep. At home, I encourage open conversations about mental health, where my family can discuss their feelings without fear of judgment. I’ve learned that mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health, and it’s essential to create an environment where it’s okay to talk about struggles. I also share resources, such as helplines and wellness apps, with those who might need additional support, knowing that having a network of support can make all the difference. Advocating for mental health and understanding its effects on students is important because it helps create a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone. When students’ mental well-being is prioritized, they are more likely to thrive academically and personally. I am committed to continuing this advocacy, helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and ensuring that others have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Growing up with a single mother has shaped the person I am today. My mother's journey has had many obstacles and achievements. As a little girl I always wished for things I could not have. At a young age, I was aware of the financial instability my mom faced. Looking back, I wish “little me” could see how much I truly had in my life. I had an amazing and loving mother, food always at the dinner table, and a warm home. Even though my house was not as “big” or as “nice” as everyone else's homes, or I did not have the “coolest” shoes or clothes as other kids; I did have an amazing and loving mother. I wish I could have been more thankful for my mom and everything she provided. My mom has been there for me through everything. She has always found the energy to help me with school projects and homework after long work days. She has always been there for me when I feel like I’m not good enough, or when I'm having a hard time with school or sports. She always makes sure I have everything I need and more. She has done an amazing job without a partner to help her share the weight of all the overwhelming tasks and schedules for me. The countless hours she has spent driving me to work, friend's houses, shopping, and picking me up after after-school activities will never be forgotten. She has made countless sacrifices for me, often putting my needs and wants before hers and I could not thank her enough. Despite these challenges, my mom's strength can shine through anything. With it just being the two of us, we can always make the time we have the best together. We go on vacations together and have fun with the two of us. She can always make any situation the best it can be. The bond between my mother and me is inviolable, shaped through hardships and achievements. I could never ask for a better mother to care for me the way my mom does. With this essay, I want to spread awareness of how hard it is being a single mother, yet so many women succeed and go beyond caring for their children. Women have power, beauty, and determination, and I am proud to be my mother's daughter because she is all of that and more. In reflection of my journey having a single mother, I am filled with gratitude and pride. The unwavering support, love, and care my mother has shown me has shaped who I am today. She has taught me the art of love, the rewards of being kind, the power of independence, and how to love others. She has shown me one's strength is not defined by their situation but by how one embraces their circumstances with grace and intelligence. As I continue my journey of life, I do so with every lesson she has taught me and the knowledge she has prepared me with.

Since I was 14, I’ve been working multiple jobs to support myself . I started off with part-time roles in babysitting, then I got into commercial businesses. I gradually worked my way up to more responsibility in various positions. Over the years, I’ve learned so much about the value of money, budgeting, and managing my finances. My first big accomplishment was saving up enough money to buy my car, something that not only gave me independence but also taught me a lot about the importance of saving and planning for significant expenses. Having to work while balancing school, sports, and other responsibilities has given me a strong sense of financial responsibility. Through my jobs, I learned how to budget my earnings, avoid unnecessary spending, and prioritize my financial needs. I quickly realized that every dollar I earned needed to be used wisely if I wanted to meet both my immediate needs and long-term goals. For example, when I was saving for my car, I carefully tracked my spending, cut out unnecessary purchases, and stuck to a strict savings plan to reach my goal. However, as I approach college, my perspective on finances has changed. While I have always been good at managing my income from part-time jobs, the reality of financing an expensive college education is a different challenge altogether. I’m pursuing a major that is not only time-consuming but also costly. The tuition and fees for my flight program have left me feeling anxious about the financial burden. I know that obtaining a degree in my chosen field is important for my future, but the weight of how to afford it and what kind of debt I may incur is daunting. The thought of student loans and the potential for long-term financial strain worries me, especially because I’ve always been independent and worked hard to avoid accumulating debt. While I’ve always been cautious with my finances, I’m now faced with a much larger scale of financial decisions. I plan to use everything I’ve learned about budgeting and saving to manage the costs of my college education. I know that financial education will be essential in helping me navigate the world of student loans, scholarships, and other funding opportunities. I’ve already started researching scholarships and grants that might be available to me and am looking into potential work-study programs to help ease the financial load. I also plan on continuing to work part-time while in college to maintain some financial independence and lessen my reliance on loans. Ultimately, my experiences with finances have taught me the importance of being proactive and seeking out resources to help manage money. I’ve learned that financial education is crucial to making informed decisions, and I’m determined to continue educating myself on how to handle my finances responsibly as I move forward. By staying informed, managing my spending, and taking advantage of every opportunity for financial support, I hope to minimize the stress surrounding my major’s cost and ensure that I’m making sound decisions for my future.

Aviation has always been a dream of mine. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been fascinated by airplanes and the idea of flying. I remember watching planes soar across the sky and wondering how they stayed up there, defying gravity. It wasn’t just the way they looked or moved through the air that caught my attention, though. It was the idea of control—of being able to navigate something so large and powerful through the sky with skill and precision. Over time, my interest in flying only grew stronger, and it eventually led me to choose aviation as my major. Becoming a commercial pilot is my ultimate goal because it combines my passion for flying with the opportunity to work in a career that requires both responsibility and skill. I chose aviation as my major because I want to understand more about how airplanes work and how pilots can safely navigate them through the sky. Aviation is not just about flying; it’s about understanding the science behind it. I’m learning about aerodynamics, weather patterns, flight controls, and all the things that make flying safe and efficient. To be a pilot, you have to know how the plane operates, how to read weather reports, and how to make decisions quickly in case something goes wrong. The more I learn, the more I realize how important it is to have a solid foundation in these areas. By choosing aviation, I’m setting myself up to become a skilled and responsible pilot. As a first-generation student, I’ve worked incredibly hard to prepare myself for college. Throughout high school, I maintained a 4.2 GPA and earned straight A’s for all four years. Achieving this was no easy feat, but I was determined to push myself and make the most of my education. I knew that my future depended on the effort I put in, and I was ready to give it my all. In addition to academics, I was involved in both school and club volleyball, which required a significant amount of time and dedication. Balancing practice, games, and travel with my schoolwork wasn’t always easy, but I managed to stay focused and on top of everything. I learned how to manage my time effectively and prioritize tasks, which became essential for my success. On top of my academic and athletic commitments, I also worked multiple jobs throughout high school to support myself and my family. Working while going to school taught me valuable life skills such as responsibility, time management, and financial independence. It wasn’t always easy juggling work with school and volleyball, but it helped me build a strong work ethic and develop a sense of resilience. Preparing for college as a first-generation student hasn’t been without its challenges, but I’ve never backed down from hard work. The combination of my academic success, athletic involvement, and job experience has equipped me with the skills and determination I need to succeed in college. I’m excited to continue working hard and achieving my goals, knowing that my efforts will pave the way for a successful future.

My story is one of resilience, hard work, and determination in the face of adversity. Growing up in a low-income home, I always felt different compared to my friends. While they didn’t have to worry about money, I knew from an early age that I would need to work harder than most to achieve my goals. My mom did the best she could, but we often struggled to make ends meet. I quickly realized that if I wanted the same opportunities as my friends, I would need to find a way to make things happen on my own. At the age of 14, I decided to enter the workforce. While many of my friends focused on school and extracurricular activities, I began working part-time jobs to help support myself. My first job was as a babysitter, and I worked weekends and evenings. Balancing schoolwork and a job was tough, but I quickly learned how to manage my time and responsibilities. I often felt isolated because my friends couldn’t understand why I couldn’t hang out as much, but I didn’t let that discourage me. I knew that my future was bigger than the temporary discomfort of missing social events. As I entered high school, I increased my work hours. I took on different jobs after school and during the summer. Some days, I was exhausted, but I stayed focused on my long-term goals. Every paycheck, no matter how small, brought me one step closer to the future I wanted. The day I saved enough money to buy my first car was a huge milestone. It symbolized my independence and the rewards of my hard work. It also gave me the freedom to commute to work and school on my own, which felt empowering. Despite all the challenges, I never gave up on my education. I knew how important it was to maintain a balance between work and school. It wasn’t always easy, but I managed to keep my grades up while juggling my job. My persistence paid off when I graduated high school, already having a job lined up at a well-established company. By then, I had saved enough money to contribute to my college tuition, which was a huge relief. Looking back, I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished. Growing up in a low-income home presented obstacles that many of my friends couldn’t relate to. But rather than letting those circumstances define me, I used them as motivation to work harder. My story is a reminder that with determination, hard work, and a clear vision, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. I didn’t just survive my challenges—I thrived.

Aviation has always been a dream of mine. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been fascinated by airplanes and the idea of flying. I remember watching planes soar across the sky and wondering how they stayed up there, defying gravity. It wasn’t just the way they looked or moved through the air that caught my attention, though. It was the idea of control—of being able to navigate something so large and powerful through the sky with skill and precision. Over time, my interest in flying only grew stronger, and it eventually led me to choose aviation as my major. Becoming a commercial pilot is my ultimate goal because it combines my passion for flying with the opportunity to work in a career that requires both responsibility and skill. I chose aviation as my major because I want to understand more about how airplanes work and how pilots can safely navigate them through the sky. Aviation is not just about flying; it’s about understanding the science behind it. I’m learning about aerodynamics, weather patterns, flight controls, and all the things that make flying safe and efficient. To be a pilot, you have to know how the plane operates, how to read weather reports, and how to make decisions quickly in case something goes wrong. The more I learn, the more I realize how important it is to have a solid foundation in these areas. By choosing aviation, I’m setting myself up to become a skilled and responsible pilot. My college career coach inspired me to pursue aviation. After months of researching various careers, I realized I’ve always had a passion for flying. However, I was too scared of failing to fully embrace it. But with encouragement and guidance, I started to believe in my potential and decided to pursue a path in aviation. It’s been a challenging yet exciting journey, and I’m grateful for the push I needed to follow my dreams. Beyond my career aspirations, I believe that giving back to my community is essential. One way I’ve been able to make a difference is by volunteering at the boys’ and girls’ soccer games, where I help run the concession stand. This role allows me to contribute in a hands-on way, ensuring everything runs smoothly for both spectators and athletes. It’s rewarding to be part of an event that not only supports local sports teams but also brings people together. Whether I’m serving food or assisting with setup, I know my efforts are helping create a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Volunteering has shown me the value of giving back, and it continues to inspire me to seek ways to help others and be an active participant in my community.

Growing up without a father can be challenging at times. I never truly realized how much it affected me until I started spending more time with my friends and noticed the difference. Most of my friends came from households with two parents, and that always made me feel a little out of place. I often found myself wishing for what they had—a full family with both a mom and a dad. I didn’t fully understand what I was missing, but there was always this feeling that something was incomplete. One of my closest friends was Skyla. We did everything together—camps, swimming, trips to the lake, and simply hanging out. We were inseparable, and our bond only grew stronger as the years passed. Even though we don’t hang out as often as we did when we were younger, I still cherish every moment we spend together. Something about Skyla’s family was different, though. It wasn’t just the typical "friend’s family" vibe. Her family welcomed me with open arms, and they made me feel like I was part of the family, too. There was always room at their table, and they never hesitated to invite me over for dinner, family outings, or just a quiet evening at home. Skyla’s dad was the most significant part of that feeling. It was as though he had a natural ability to make everyone feel safe and loved. He was one of the best father figures I had ever encountered, even though he wasn’t my father. Sometimes, he could be a little hard on me—nothing out of the ordinary, just the kind of tough love you expect from a father who cares. I appreciated that, though. It was clear he wanted me to be my best, and I respected him for that. Skyla’s dad always took care of us. Whether it was making sure we were safe when we went out or offering advice when we needed it, he was there. His guidance and support were things I had longed for but never had, and I came to look up to him like I would my own father. The way he treated me made me feel as though I was one of his children. He didn’t just see me as a friend of his daughter—he treated me like I belonged there, like I was part of the family. He would always joke around with me. I felt seen. I felt valued. It was hard to put into words, but every time I was at their house, I felt like I was home. When I didn’t have a dad around, Skyla’s family filled that void. They gave me the love, security, and care that I needed, even though it wasn’t their responsibility. Skylas dad taught me lessons that I still carry with me to this day. Some of the most valuable things I’ve learned in life came from the wisdom he shared, even in passing conversations. Looking back, I can honestly say that Skyla’s family helped shape me into who I am today. Through them, I learned what it meant to have strong, reliable role models in my life and to feel cared for by people who weren’t bound to me by blood but by love and respect. Her dad may not have been my father, but in many ways, he filled that role for me in a way that I could never have imagined. I will always be thankful for that and for the comfort and guidance he provided during some of my toughest times.

I plan on making a positive impact through my business degree by using my knowledge to uplift and support communities wherever my job takes me. I want to focus on working with products and businesses that serve our communities by helping and creating more sustainable products and ways. For example, working in healthcare or education, I could help support businesses that want to serve these communities and institutions. By championing diversity and inclusion initiatives, I hope to create more equitable workplaces that value different perspectives and backgrounds. I also want to use my degree to help create more equitable workplaces for others with different backgrounds. I want to contribute to economic growth and development, whether by starting my own business or helping build an already-established business. I feel I would be good at seeking areas that need business growth and can help them succeed. Choosing a major is a significant decision that shapes not only one's career but also their contribution to society. For me, pursuing business as a major is more than just a casual choice; it is a passion driven by a desire to understand the complexities of the world and to create a meaningful impact within it. Business, as a field of study, offers a unique intersection of creativity, strategy, and social influence, and it is this dynamic combination that fuels my enthusiasm and commitment to pursuing it as a major. Business is, at its core, about problem-solving. Every day, businesses face challenges, from navigating economic fluctuations to managing complex organizational structures. The analytical and strategic thinking required to solve these problems is something I find incredibly stimulating. I enjoy the process of breaking down complex issues, analyzing data, and developing strategic plans to overcome obstacles. Learning and becoming better at these scenarios is exciting to me and I'm excited for my college career. This intellectual challenge is one of the main reasons I am passionate about studying business. Finally, my passion for business is driven by a desire for lifelong learning and growth. The business world is constantly evolving, with new trends, technologies, and market dynamics emerging all the time. This ever-changing landscape means that a business career is never stagnant; there is always something new to learn and new challenges to tackle. I am passionate about the idea of continuous growth—both personally and professionally—and I believe that a business degree will provide the foundation for a lifelong journey of learning. I see myself striving for greatness in the field of business.