A book that continues to spark my interest and philosophical contemplation is The Great Gatsby. At its core, Fitzgerald’s novel explores themes of materialism, the American Dream, and the tension between wealth and fulfillment. Each character serves as a symbol of a larger idea, revealing the complexities of class, ambition, and self-delusion. Jay Gatsby, the heart of the novel, embodies achievement without contentment. Despite building an empire of wealth and acquiring the luxuries he once only dreamed of, he remains emotionally shackled to his past, endlessly chasing an illusion. His fixation on Daisy Buchanan is not rooted in love but in what she represents old money, security, and an effortless existence he was never born into. Daisy herself is a symbol of both privilege and emptiness. As a product of old money, she is sheltered from consequences, floating through life without deep introspection. Throughout the novel, she functions as a trophy, an unattainable ideal Gatsby has placed on a pedestal. Yet, when confronted with the possibility of breaking away from the constraints of her social class, she recoils, choosing comfort over change. Her moment of doubt, followed by her immersion in a cold bath a metaphor for being forced back into reality demonstrates the grip of societal expectations. Meanwhile, Tom Buchanan represents the corruption of wealth, his arrogance and cruelty exposing the dark side of privilege. His mistress, Myrtle, serves as a tragic counterpart, a woman desperate to escape her lower-class existence but ultimately destroyed by her aspirations. Through these characters, Fitzgerald critiques a society obsessed with status, where money dictates one's worth, and happiness is often an afterthought. Between the worlds of old money and new money lies the "valley of ashes," a desolate area where the poor reside. Ironically, it is in this space that the novel’s most tragic events unfold. This bleak setting serves as a parallel to how the wealthy view those of lower status undeserving of justice, respect, or even acknowledgment. It is also where Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy reveal their true colors, highlighting the moral decay beneath their wealth. Tom, in particular, embodies the callousness of the elite; with just a few words, he can strip someone of everything they have worked for, much like how, in reality, a lifetime of effort can be erased in an instant. Fitzgerald masterfully captures this harsh reality, making it just as relevant today as it was in the 1920s. Gatsby’s death, occurring in a pool he never swam in, is a poignant symbol of wasted potential and the fleeting nature of dreams. He spent his life accumulating wealth in pursuit of an ideal that never truly existed, only to die before realizing the futility of his quest. Fitzgerald seems to suggest that fulfillment requires a balance between material success and spiritual awareness. Without that balance, one risks becoming like Gatsby, forever chasing a dream that dissolves upon closer inspection. This novel also makes me reflect on my own values. Having been born into a middle-class environment and attending public school, I am content with my life, but I also recognize that there is always room for growth. Life will never be perfect, but it is shaped by the choices we make and our mindset. The way we perceive our circumstances determines how fulfilled we feel. I consider myself someone who always finds a way to be comfortable while striving for more. I work, run my own bakery business, and am a full-time student. It’s a lot to balance, but I make a conscious effort not to overwork myself so I can actually enjoy the things I’ve worked hard for. The Great Gatsby makes me reflect on my own habits, pushing me to have an honest conversation with myself about my present and my future.

Growing up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, I’ve faced the challenge of limited access to STEM programs and mentors. However, I’ve never let that hold me back from pursuing my passion for science. Joining the Upward Bound Math and Science program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga opened doors I never expected. It was through their guidance that I discovered Project SEED, a program sponsored by the American Chemical Society. During my time with Project SEED, I had the fantastic opportunity to research Fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition linked to autism. Over eight weeks, my team and I completed two-thirds of our biochemical engineering research, yielding promising results. This experience culminated in my invitation to present our findings at the American Chemical Society Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, where I stood before accomplished scientists and peers, a moment that solidified my passion for neuroscience and STEM. My drive to study STEM began with my uncle's struggle with epilepsy. Witnessing how his condition impacted our family emotionally and practically ignited a deep curiosity in me to understand neurological conditions better. I wanted to uncover ways to treat such illnesses and prevent them from affecting other families as they did mine. Project SEED amplified this passion, providing hands-on experience and reinforcing my commitment to research in neuroscience, chemistry, and biology. Financially, I rely on FAFSA, income from my part-time job at the Boys and Girls Club, and scholarships I’ve worked hard to earn throughout my senior year. Despite these efforts, funding my education remains a significant challenge. This scholarship would ease the financial burden and allow me to focus entirely on my studies and research. With this support, I plan to immerse myself in undergraduate research in chemistry, biology, and engineering, all while working toward becoming a neuroscientist dedicated to improving lives through scientific discovery. This opportunity represents more than financial aid it’s a stepping stone toward realizing my dream of contributing to life-changing research and advocating for communities like mine, where resources are low, but the potential is endless.

My experience with teen motherhood has significantly shaped my career aspirations and influenced my determination to pursue a path in neuroscience. My mother, who gave birth to me at the age of 14, has always strived to provide me with a good life. She worked hard to ensure I had nice clothes, video games, and other things that brought me joy. Her sacrifices were a testament to her love and desire to give me opportunities she was not able to have. However, as I approached my teenage years, I began to notice changes in my mother's behavior. By the time I was 13, she started showing signs of emotional distress—talking to herself, crying in her room, and disappearing for hours on end. Her behavior became increasingly erratic and troubling. After a few medical consultations, she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Learning about her mental health issues was a pivotal moment in my life. Her diagnosis helped me understand the patterns of her behavior that had previously been confusing and distressing. It became clear that her struggles were not just random but were deeply rooted in her mental health conditions. This revelation had a profound impact on me and influenced my career choice. My desire to become a neuroscientist was born from this understanding. Neuroscience offers the potential to explore the complexities of the brain and the underlying mechanisms of mental health disorders. I became fascinated with the idea of studying the brain's functions and dysfunctions to gain insights into why disorders like those my mother experiences occur. I am driven by the hope that my research could contribute to the development of better treatments or even preventative measures for these conditions. The challenges my mother faced has given me a unique perspective on mental health. I have witnessed firsthand the impact of these disorders on both the individual and their family. This experience has deepened my empathy and fueled my commitment to making a difference in the field of neuroscience. I am motivated by the possibility of helping others who face similar struggles and improving their quality of life. In pursuing my goals, I have been actively involved in academic and extracurricular activities that align with my aspirations. My participation in the Project SEED research internship, where I studied Fragile X syndrome, has provided me with valuable research experience and a deeper understanding of genetic and neurological disorders. I am committed to raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating for those affected by them. I believe that understanding and addressing mental health is crucial for overall well-being and societal progress. By becoming a neuroscientist, I aim to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of mental health disorders and work towards effective solutions that can improve lives. Despite the difficulties my mother has faced, I appreciate her unwavering effort to provide me with a better life. Her struggles have been a driving force behind my desire to pursue a career in neuroscience. I am dedicated to using my knowledge and experiences to make a meaningful impact in the field and to support others who are navigating similar challenges. To conclude, my personal experiences with teen motherhood and mental health have profoundly influenced my career path. They have given me a unique perspective on the importance of understanding and addressing mental health disorders. Through my studies and research in neuroscience, I hope to contribute to advancements that can offer hope and relief to those affected by mental health conditions, ultimately making a positive difference in the world.

Growing up in a single-parent household with my father has taught me the value of perseverance. Despite his long work hours and constant fatigue, he has always found time to support me in my endeavors. Whether it was attending my band performances, encouraging my participation in the Project SEED research internship, or backing my current educational pursuits, his support has been unwavering. This experience has instilled in me a strong sense of determination and resilience. I plan to use my life experiences to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. I aspire to attend Vanderbilt University and major in neuroscience. With this knowledge, I aim to study diet and nutrition and educate people on how their dietary choices can lead to diseases. My goal is to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy diet and its impact on overall health. Currently, I am actively working towards my goals by engaging in various academic and extracurricular activities. I have participated in scientific research on Fragile X syndrome, which has deepened my understanding of how diet affects health. I am involved in leadership roles, such as being the Vice President of the Student Government Association and a member of the National Honor Society. These experiences have helped me develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue my aspirations. This scholarship will support my journey towards becoming a neuroscientist and enable me to contribute to improving public health through education on diet and nutrition. I am committed to using my background and experiences to make a meaningful difference in the world.