As a college scholar-athlete majoring in business administration with a passion for architecture, being an “upstander” is both my philosophy and my playbook. From lacrosse fields to drafting tables, I’m constantly building, both figuratively and literally. The game teaches me endurance and grit; architecture, precision and vision. But it’s in community service where these qualities intersect, allowing me to stand up for others and shape a positive future. My parents, both veterans, taught me that standing on the sidelines is not an option—whether in life or on the field. Their values of excellence, service, and accountability were instilled early, and I carry those principles with pride. Every week I’m reminded of this responsibility when I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and the Los Angeles Special Olympics. Through these organizations, I see firsthand how providing people with tools, support, and encouragement can transform their lives. By swinging a hammer or cheering from the sidelines, I aim to uplift others, contributing to a world where more people can reach their full potential. This is where my desire to stand up for my community was born, and it’s where I envision using my architectural career to make an even broader impact. Imagine a future where every building I design isn’t just four walls but a space that inspires connection and opportunity. I want to create community centers where everyone, from children to seniors, feels a sense of belonging, much like I do on the lacrosse team. A place where people from all walks of life can gather, dream, and feel empowered. My dream project? A learning center designed specifically for differently abled children, where spaces adapt to each child’s unique needs and sensory experiences. The Los Angeles Special Olympics introduced me to these incredible kids, and since then, I’ve wanted to create spaces where they can thrive. My voice—and my designs—can be tools for empathy, inclusion, and progress. As an upstander, I believe in using my voice both vocally and through my work. This means speaking up against injustices but also designing buildings that speak to equity and opportunity. In my future architecture projects, I’ll focus on sustainability and accessibility, because the environments we create should be accessible and sustainable for all. I will also use my talents to design homes for those less fortunate to become a solution to end homelessness. I believe everyone deserves a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call home. This approach is a form of silent upstanding—a way of advocating for the environment and those who come after us. I hope to lead by example, inspiring my peers and colleagues to see architecture as more than structures, but as a vehicle for social change. And on a smaller, daily level, I’ll continue leading with integrity. On the lacrosse field, this means encouraging my teammates, helping them through challenges, and leading with compassion and resilience. In the classroom, I’ll use my voice to elevate discussions around ethics and responsibility in business. When I walk into boardrooms as a business-minded architect, I’ll challenge norms, encourage innovation, and push for strategies that prioritize people over profits. An upstander is one who sees their strengths as a gift meant to uplift others. Through my words, my actions, and one day, through my blueprints, I am committed to designing a brighter, more equitable world. I’ll keep building—both in the literal sense and in the communities I care about—because to stand up for something is, to me, the foundation of greatness.

Selflessness, to me, is like designing a great structure—it’s built on a solid foundation of values and a desire to create something meaningful for others. It’s an attribute that goes beyond just words and takes the form of actions that are driven by purpose. I have learned the essence of selflessness from both my upbringing and the community around me, where my parents, military veterans, instilled a deep sense of responsibility, excellence, and service to others. These principles have shaped the way I view the world. I’ve learned that selflessness is about working not for personal glory, but for the success of the team. Lacrosse, particularly at the D-1 level, is intense and competitive, but the lessons go beyond winning games. It’s about showing up for my teammates, pushing myself to be better not just for my own gain, but so the team can thrive. Whether it’s making a crucial defensive play or supporting a teammate off the field, I’ve realized that success is best achieved when we uplift those around us through collaboration, sacrifice, and dedication. Selflessness also drives my commitment to give back to my community through organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Los Angeles Special Olympics. Building homes for those in need isn’t just a way to hone my love for architecture—it’s about creating spaces that can profoundly change lives. I remember fundraising for one build, where the family receiving the home shared their story of perseverance, and I realized that the work we were doing wasn’t just putting up walls and laying bricks—it was offering hope and security. Each hammer swing, every blueprint I’ve helped read, felt like a step toward creating a future where people have a place to call home. It’s not about being recognized for the effort but knowing that I am part of something that will impact generations to come. I also firmly believe that every deserves to feel safe, a roof over their head, and a place to call home. Similarly, volunteering at the Los Angeles Special Olympics has given me a perspective on life that’s hard to describe. The athletes I’ve met have shown me the true meaning of perseverance and joy, reminding me that every challenge can be faced with courage and enthusiasm. Whether I’m helping organize an event or cheering on an athlete, the joy I feel in those moments is indescribable, and it has nothing to do with me—it’s about supporting others in their moment of triumph. In both sports and service, I’ve faced my share of obstacles—balancing the demanding schedule of a student-athlete, maintaining academic excellence, and navigating the rigorous expectations I set for myself. However, perseverance has been my constant guide, whether it’s staying late to perfect a project or waking up before dawn to train. These experiences have taught me that selflessness is often about quiet, persistent effort. It’s about building a life that stands on principles that last—integrity, empathy, and the drive to create a better world for those who come after us. As I pursue my dream of becoming an architect, I plan to continue applying these lessons, designing spaces that not only stand tall but also serve the people within them. Selflessness is the blueprint for everything I aim to achieve, and I am committed to building a legacy that echoes the values instilled in me, both on the lacrosse field and in the communities I serve.

In the world of lacrosse, much like in business and architecture, every move is calculated. The angles of attack, the precision of a pass, and the teamwork required to reach a goal mirror the design of a well-constructed building or a successful business strategy. As a college junior majoring in business administration and a D-1 lacrosse player, I’ve learned that every play, every decision, and every collaboration contribute to something bigger. My education, paired with my passion for architecture, gives me the tools to not just build physical spaces, but to craft a legacy that opens doors for Black people in the business world. From the first time I picked up a lacrosse stick, my parents—both military veterans—have drilled into me the principles of excellence, service, and accountability. In the business world, those principles are essential. But for Black professionals, navigating that world often means overcoming systemic barriers, bias, and limited representation. My goal is to change that. I plan to leverage my business education to address these disparities by creating a firm that doesn’t just offer architectural services, but one that is committed to mentoring, empowering, and investing in the Black community. Picture this: a firm that not only designs sustainable, community-centered spaces, but also actively works to cultivate Black talent in business and architecture. Through partnerships with HBCUs and local community colleges, I’ll create internship programs and scholarships aimed specifically at underrepresented students, giving them the opportunities that are often out of reach. Additionally, I will use my platform as a scholar-athlete to lead initiatives that highlight the contributions of Black professionals in both fields. Representation matters, and visibility is a key factor in inspiring the next generation. Whether it’s hosting networking events, speaking on panels, or serving as a mentor, I plan to use every resource at my disposal to advocate for Black excellence in business and architecture. In the realm of business, I understand the importance of capital and access to resources. My plan includes the establishment of a venture capital arm within my firm, focused on providing funding and guidance to Black entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional financial institutions. By investing in Black-owned businesses and startups, I can help close the wealth gap and ensure that more Black professionals have the opportunity to thrive in the business world. In architecture, buildings shape lives. They provide the spaces where communities grow, where businesses are built, and where dreams are realized. As a future architect, I envision designing not only buildings, but entire communities that foster economic empowerment, provide access to quality education, and create environments where Black people can thrive both personally and professionally. These spaces will be designed with purpose—integrating affordable housing, co-working spaces, and educational facilities that directly benefit Black communities. Ultimately, I believe that the combination of my business education, athletic discipline, and architectural vision positions me to not only succeed, but to uplift others along the way. By building pathways—both literally and figuratively—I aim to create a business world that is more inclusive, equitable, and accessible for Black people. Whether it’s through mentorship, investment, or the spaces I design, my mission is clear: to use my education and talents to leave a lasting, positive impact on Black professionals and communities. That’s the legacy I intend to build.

As a college junior majoring in business administration with a deep passion for architecture, I see my journey as much more than just the pursuit of personal goals—it’s about making a tangible impact on the lives of others. As a Division 1 lacrosse player, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from individual efforts alone, but through teamwork, perseverance, and a commitment to lift others up. This ethos drives my vision for leveraging my degree to empower BIPOC women who face systemic challenges and disparities. Growing up with parents who are military veterans, I’ve been shaped by the values of service, accountability, and resilience. My parents taught me the importance of being responsible not only for myself but also for the well-being of those around me. These principles have been woven into every aspect of my life, whether it’s pushing my teammates on the field or excelling academically. Now, I’m ready to channel those lessons into advocating for real, meaningful change. My passion for architecture is deeply intertwined with my commitment to social justice. Architecture is more than just buildings—it’s a way to create spaces that foster community, provide safety, and give people a sense of dignity. I plan to use my business administration degree as a tool to spearhead architectural projects that empower BIPOC women in marginalized communities. By building affordable housing, sustainable community centers, and innovative spaces for entrepreneurship, I hope to provide these women with the resources and environments they need to thrive. Beyond the practicalities of architecture, my business background gives me the strategic skills to launch initiatives that address disparities in access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for BIPOC women. I envision starting a nonprofit that partners with local governments, corporations, and advocacy groups to design and implement programs aimed at dismantling the systemic barriers that limit opportunities for these women. Whether it’s mentoring young women to navigate the corporate world or creating scholarships for BIPOC women in architecture and business, I’m committed to using my platform to champion their success. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance the demands of academics, athletics, and personal commitments. Yet, as a scholar-athlete, I’ve also learned how to channel that pressure into fuel for growth and achievement. I want to pass that resilience and determination on to the next generation of BIPOC women. By actively engaging with communities, holding workshops on leadership, and creating networks of support, I plan to provide these women with the tools to succeed and rise above systemic challenges. Advocacy will be at the core of everything I do. Whether it’s speaking out against inequities in the workforce, calling for more representation in leadership roles, or advocating for better access to resources, I will use my voice to push for change. Through partnerships with advocacy organizations, policy influencers, and grassroots movements, I intend to contribute to the ongoing fight for social justice and equality for BIPOC women. At the end of the day, I believe that the combination of my experiences—my love for architecture, my business acumen, and my background as an athlete—will equip me to lead in a way that champions empowerment and social justice. My goal is not just to build structures, but to build futures where BIPOC women have the opportunity, support, and freedom to realize their potential.

In the game of lacrosse, as in life, there’s a constant rhythm—a delicate balance between power and precision. I’ve spent countless hours on the field perfecting my dodge, strategizing for the next goal, and working with my teammates to build an impenetrable defense. But behind the lacrosse stick and cleats, there’s another side to me. I’m not just a D-1 athlete; I’m a scholar, an aspiring architect, and the daughter of military veterans who taught me that accountability is the cornerstone of success. Accountability is a word that gets tossed around a lot, but to me, it’s as natural as lacing up my shoes before a game. Growing up in a family with military roots, I learned early on that every action has a ripple effect, much like the structure of a well-designed building. My parents, who served this country with honor, didn’t just talk about values—they lived them. Their example made it clear that accountability isn’t about watching your back; it’s about stepping forward, owning every decision, and being ready to adapt when things don’t go according to plan. Lacrosse has been one of my greatest teachers in this regard. You see, when you’re on the field, there’s no time to shift blame or look for excuses. If you miss a ground ball or leave your opponent unguarded, you own that mistake. And just like in life, it’s not about the error itself but how you respond. I hold myself accountable by constantly reviewing my performance—whether that’s studying game footage to improve my technique or reflecting on my academic achievements to ensure I’m staying on track. That discipline has led me to success, both as a student and as an athlete. As a business administration major with a passion for architecture, I also view accountability as the blueprint for success. Architecture, after all, is about vision—about designing structures that withstand the test of time. But those buildings wouldn’t stand if the foundation wasn’t sound. Accountability is my foundation. It’s what grounds me when the stress of balancing lacrosse, academics, and my dreams of being an architect feels overwhelming. I keep myself in check with a rigorous schedule, regular reflection, and constant feedback from mentors who help me stay focused on my goals. Accountability also fuels my ambition to use architecture to impact lives. I want to build more than just houses or skyscrapers. I want to create spaces that inspire, that serve communities, that foster growth and connection. My parents taught me the importance of serving others, and I carry that lesson into everything I do. Being accountable to myself means ensuring that my future designs are not just aesthetically pleasing but sustainable, functional, and above all, meaningful. As I move through college and the challenges of being a D-1 athlete, accountability has been my guide. It pushes me to wake up for 6 a.m. practices, to stay late at the studio perfecting my designs, and to always strive for excellence, whether on the field or in the classroom. It’s not just about personal responsibility; it’s about understanding the broader impact of my actions—on my team, my peers, and eventually, the communities I will serve as an architect. In short, accountability isn’t just a principle I follow; it’s the reason I’ve come this far. It’s the playbook I’ve relied on for success, and the blueprint I’ll use to build my future.

My passion lies in creation. From childhood sketches to intricate designs, my love for architecture blossomed under my parents' guidance. My dream? To become a licensed architect and build sustainable, affordable homes for people across the globe and ensure my passion and dedication to be a solution to ending homelessness. Every structure I design will be a battle won against homelessness and inequality. It's my way to leave a positive mark. As a rising Junior at the University of Southern California majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture, I plan to use my majors to learn everything I can to become licensed and own my own architectural firm. A community that I am passionate about impacting is the unhoused. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. As an architect, I will be serving the public by building sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. My commitment to ending homelessness has been best demonstrated with my commitment to Habitat for Humanity and my decision to become an architect. This is a lifelong passion and dedication for me because I will use my career as an architect to design and build sustainable and affordable housing for those in need and to aid with ending homelessness. The ever-changing environment and needs of the population are requiring future architects to adapt their designs to this new reality. As a future architect, I will build sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. After getting my architecture degree at the University of Southern California, I will use my knowledge to both impact people and the environment all in one. My professional path, although not a direct continuation of my family's military legacy, is a testament to the military background in my family legacy. The military forged the values that now shape me – hard work, resilience, and a desire to contribute. I carry my family’s military legacy with pride. The military shaped my parents, and through them, me. My goals and passions are fueled by the torch of service, passed down through generations. And with it, I embark on my own mission: to build a better world, one blueprint at a time. The weight I carry isn't just of responsibility, but of immense pride. My family's legacy pushes me forward, a constant reminder that service takes many forms – for me, it’s a way to give back to the world, one structure at a time.

As someone who loves both business administration and architecture, I see stories much like I see building projects—constructed layer by layer, with each character or element serving a unique purpose. So, when I think of the perfect ending to “The Bear,” I envision it as a well-crafted structure, where every character’s arc is completed in a way that honors the foundation of the story while building toward something meaningful. Let’s start with Carmy. He’s been the heart of the series, grappling with his personal demons while trying to create something beautiful out of the chaos. In the perfect ending, Carmy finally finds balance. His journey is one of healing, both from the grief of his brother’s death and the pressure of trying to live up to impossible standards. I see him transforming the restaurant into a Michelin-starred establishment, but not at the expense of his mental health or relationships. Instead, he learns to delegate, trusting his team to share the load. He remains hands-on in the kitchen but has found peace in knowing he doesn’t have to do everything alone. Carmy ends up thriving, not just professionally but personally, perhaps even opening more restaurants with a focus on mental health in the culinary world. Sydney, the talented sous chef who shares Carmy’s vision, gets the recognition she deserves. I see her being offered a partnership in the restaurant, truly becoming an equal to Carmy, not just in skill but in ownership. Her arc is one of growth, and she steps fully into her power as a chef and a leader. She might even start her own culinary empire one day, but in the perfect ending, she stays with Carmy for a while, knowing that their dynamic has created something special. Together, they revolutionize the food scene, pushing boundaries with creativity while keeping the soul of their original vision intact. Then there’s Richie, the wildcard. At first glance, it seems like he might never change, but in my ideal ending, Richie matures. He steps away from the chaos and finds his niche—perhaps managing the business side of the restaurant, using his street smarts and connections to keep things running smoothly. Richie becomes the grounding force of the group, still rough around the edges but dependable. He’s no longer lost or stuck in the past; he’s found purpose and pride in being part of something bigger than himself. Lastly, Marcus, the pastry chef with a heart of gold, gets his own little bakery—either in the restaurant or down the street. His creations become legendary, and he’s able to blend his creativity with his passion for technique. Marcus’s journey has been one of quiet dedication, and in the end, he’s recognized as a master of his craft. In the perfect ending, “The Bear” is not just a story of survival but one of growth, resilience, and finding balance. Every character builds something lasting, just like I plan to do as an architect—creating spaces, or in this case, stories, that impact lives and leave a legacy.

Here’s my architecturally inspired Connections puzzle! I’m combining my love for architecture and my business administration background to create a puzzle that blends both worlds. Here’s the 4x4 grid of words: 4x4 Grid of Words: 1. Skyscraper 2. Blueprint 3. Contract 4. Foundation 5. Profit 6. Marketing 7. Elevation 8. Revenue 9. Arch 10. Invoice 11. Client 12. Façade 13. Columns 14. Expenses 15. Drafting 16. Supplier Category 1: Architectural Elements • Skyscraper • Arch • Columns • Façade Reasoning: These words are all physical components of architectural design. Skyscrapers, arches, columns, and façades are essential elements that architects consider when designing structures. These are the actual materials or structural features that give form to a building. Category 2: Design Process • Blueprint • Drafting • Elevation • Foundation Reasoning: These are all stages or tools in the architectural design process. A blueprint is a technical drawing of a building, drafting is the act of creating these designs, elevation refers to the perspective drawings showing the exterior of a building, and a foundation is literally the base of any structure. Category 3: Business Transactions • Contract • Invoice • Supplier • Client Reasoning: This grouping is all about the business side of architecture. Contracts bind projects legally, invoices involve billing, suppliers provide materials, and clients are the people for whom the architect is designing. It reflects the transactional relationships that drive architecture projects. Category 4: Financial Terms • Profit • Marketing • Revenue • Expenses Reasoning: These terms represent the financial components involved in both architecture and business administration. Profit, revenue, marketing, and expenses are all essential aspects of running any project, whether in a construction firm or in a business in general. Summary: Through this puzzle, I wanted to highlight how architecture is not just about design but also involves a deep connection with business principles. From the conceptual drafting of a building to ensuring contracts, profits, and expenses are in line, both worlds intersect. This puzzle reflects my journey and ambition as a future architect who will build projects that are not only beautifully designed but also financially viable and sustainable. Each element of architecture ties into a broader framework that impacts lives, and I hope to bring these pieces together in my career.

My favorite Team USA athlete? That’s easy—Trinity Rodman. But not just because she’s a rising star in the world of soccer, though that’s impressive on its own. No, I admire her for reasons that connect deeply to my own journey as a scholar-athlete and aspiring architect. Let me explain. First, let’s talk versatility. As a D-1 lacrosse player, I understand the importance of agility, adaptability, and mental toughness, all qualities that Trinity Rodman exemplifies on the soccer field. Her ability to pivot, quite literally, in the midst of chaos to control the game reflects a mindset I strive to embody both on the field and in my academic life. Architecture is a field that requires constant adjustment and creativity—just like lacrosse. You have to be quick, think on your feet, and anticipate challenges before they arise. Trinity’s instinctual playstyle inspires me to bring that same adaptability into my designs and my future as an architect. Whether I'm facing a 1-1 on the field or solving a structural dilemma, I’m learning from her that calm under pressure makes all the difference. Second, Trinity Rodman understands legacy, but she’s also carving out her own. Sure, her father is the legendary Dennis Rodman, but Trinity is not just living in the shadow of her family’s name. She’s building her own empire, her own brand, much like I hope to do. Business administration and architecture may seem like two different worlds, but they both require a vision for the future, a drive to stand out, and the ability to make something that lasts. Trinity is constructing her future, goal by goal, game by game, with the kind of determination I admire. Similarly, I want to design spaces that don’t just function well but leave an emotional and lasting impact on the communities I serve. I want my work to speak to future generations, much like how Trinity is positioning herself as a future icon for young athletes. Finally, her resilience resonates with me. As an athlete, injuries and setbacks are part of the game. Yet, seeing Trinity push through her challenges motivates me. Architecture, like sports, can be full of obstacles. Blueprints might change, deadlines might tighten, and sometimes your best-laid plans don’t work out. But perseverance is key. Just as Trinity gets back up after every fall, I’m ready to face the hurdles that come my way, whether that’s on the lacrosse field, in my academic studies, or in the design studio. I see Trinity Rodman as more than just a soccer player—she’s a symbol of what it means to blend skill, creativity, and determination. I aspire to bring that same energy to my own life as I build a future in architecture that’s as bold, resilient, and impactful as her career in sports.

As an African-American female scholar-athlete, majoring in business administration and architecture, with the aspirations of becoming an architect – this pursuit comes with a unique blend of challenges and strengths. At the heart of it all is the drive to break through not one but several barriers: gender, race, and even athletic stereotypes. Growing up underrepresented in various spaces has done more than just inform my identity; it has shaped how I see the world and fueled the fire that pushes me toward success in all areas of my life. My journey as a lacrosse player is symbolic of what it's like to navigate these spaces. Lacrosse is traditionally a sport with a limited presence among African-American athletes, let alone women. To be on the field is to defy expectations every day. Playing at the D-1 level, I’ve learned that every game is both a battle and an opportunity—a battle to prove that I belong and an opportunity to rewrite the script. When I step onto the field, I'm not just playing for myself or my team; I’m playing for representation, for every young girl who thinks her love for sports, particularly lacrosse, doesn’t fit within society’s narrow boxes. Being an African-American woman in business and architecture, where representation is scarce, presents its own set of challenges. Walking into a room filled with people who don’t look like me, I feel the weight of expectations—both spoken and unspoken. I feel the pressure to overachieve, to prove myself worthy of spaces that historically haven’t welcomed people like me. But there’s strength in this too. The underestimation I face turns into motivation, and every success, no matter how small, is a victory for a community larger than myself. My love for architecture goes beyond blueprints and skyscrapers. I see architecture as a form of activism. How we design our cities and spaces affects lives in profound ways. As an underrepresented minority in this field, I want to bring my unique perspective to the table. Growing up in environments where certain neighborhoods were seen as “undesirable” or where homelessness was rampant, I’ve long been fascinated by how space can uplift or isolate. My mission is to design solutions that address homelessness, creating spaces that provide not only shelter but dignity. I believe that being an underrepresented minority doesn’t just define me; it equips me. It gives me the empathy to understand struggles that go unnoticed by others. It gives me the perspective to see solutions where others see problems. Whether it's designing low-income housing or tackling the broader issue of equitable urban planning, my path is about more than building structures; it’s about building bridges—between communities, between individuals, and between dreams and reality. I will continue to challenge norms, not just in lacrosse, not just in business, and not just in architecture, but in life. I am committed to using my experiences as a minority to drive change, to open doors for those who come after me, and to ensure that the future I help build is one where everyone has a place to call home.

Books have always been my compass, guiding me through challenges on the lacrosse field and in the classroom, while also shaping my vision for the future as an architect. Each story I’ve read has influenced the way I see the world, and the lessons I’ve learned have blended seamlessly into my life, helping me define who I want to become. Kobe Bryant’s, “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play,” has become my ultimate playbook for excellence. As a D-1 athlete, this book resonates with me on a profound level. Kobe’s philosophy on the relentless pursuit of greatness has taught me that success is not a single destination, but an everyday journey filled with hard work, sacrifice, and a laser-sharp focus. Lacrosse, much like architecture, requires precision and perseverance. It’s not enough to be good; you must strive to be exceptional. Kobe’s words remind me that when I’m running those last wind sprints or fine-tuning the smallest architectural detail, it’s my commitment to being the best that will separate me from the rest. This mindset has not only shaped how I play but how I approach everything—from academics and athletics to my architectural ambitions. Harry Potter and the magical world of Hogwarts made me believe in the impossible. But more than that, J.K. Rowling’s series taught me the importance of collaboration and creativity. Harry couldn’t defeat Voldemort alone; he needed Hermione’s intellect, Ron’s loyalty, and a team of unlikely heroes to stand by his side. Similarly, in both lacrosse and architecture, teamwork is essential. Whether I’m working with teammates to win a game or with designers to bring a concept to life, I’ve learned that great things are rarely accomplished in isolation. The magic of architecture, much like in Harry’s world, lies in the harmony of ideas coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Another of my favorites, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, was a story about reinvention, resilience, and, most of all, legacy. Evelyn’s journey through fame and personal transformation made me reflect on how I want to leave my mark. As an architect, I hope to create spaces that don’t just look beautiful but tell a story and serve a purpose— namely focusing on ending homelessness – a cause I am dedicated to. I will impact the lives of others, whether it’s a community center where people come together or an eco-friendly building that pushes the boundaries of sustainability, my commitment to helping others will be actualized. Evelyn’s determination to craft her narrative is something I carry into my vision of architecture, knowing that what I create can shape the future for generations to come. Finally, “Normal People,” by Sally Rooney explores the complex dynamics of relationships and self-discovery. Connell and Marianne’s struggles to understand themselves and each other highlighted for me the importance of emotional intelligence, a skill that’s equally crucial in both architecture and business. Understanding people’s needs, desires, and behaviors is key to creating spaces that not only function but inspire. This book reminded me that great architecture, like great relationships, is about balance and understanding the invisible connections that bind us. Together, these books have shaped my goals as an aspiring architect. They’ve taught me that the path to greatness requires relentless dedication, teamwork, reinvention, and emotional insight. Akin to Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality,” I approach my future with the belief that I will not just design buildings but shape experiences and leave behind a legacy that truly impacts the world.

As a future architect and a current business administration major, I often find myself straddling two worlds: one of creativity and design, and the other of practicality and strategy. But there's one pressing challenge that unites these two realms in a way that's impossible to ignore—the climate crisis. For me, the most urgent environmental challenge is the need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. And as someone who dreams of shaping skylines and crafting spaces that impact lives, I believe architecture plays a crucial role in addressing this global issue. Let's imagine, for a moment, that every building in our cityscape is a giant block in a game of Jenga. Each time we add a building without considering its environmental impact, we're pulling out a block, risking the collapse of the entire structure—our planet. The construction industry alone is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, a staggering statistic that feels like a gaping hole in the Jenga tower. But instead of despairing over the impending tumble, I see an opportunity to rebuild with intention. One way to contribute to solving this environmental challenge is by embracing sustainable design principles. This means going beyond the superficial aesthetics of a building and digging deep into its core. Using eco-friendly materials, incorporating renewable energy sources like solar and wind, and designing for energy efficiency are all crucial steps toward creating structures that reduce our carbon footprint. But sustainability isn't just about the materials we use or the energy we save; it's about the way we think. As an aspiring architect with a business administration background, I recognize the power of innovative thinking in driving change. I envision a future where we transform the very concept of buildings from static, resource-intensive structures into dynamic, living organisms that breathe, adapt, and even contribute to their environments. Imagine skyscrapers covered in greenery, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, or homes that harvest rainwater and generate their own electricity. Moreover, urban planning plays a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions. By designing cities that prioritize public transportation, cycling, and walking, we can significantly cut down on the pollution caused by cars. This is where my father's military precision and strategy come into play—it's about creating a blueprint for a city that's not only functional and beautiful but also sustainable and resilient. As we move forward, education and advocacy will be key to addressing the climate crisis. Just as my family moved three times, adapting to new environments and learning from each experience, we must all be willing to learn and evolve. Architects, builders, and consumers alike must be educated about the impact of their choices and encouraged to prioritize sustainability. The most pressing environmental challenge we face today is the need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. As a future architect, I am committed to designing buildings and communities that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also environmentally responsible. By embracing sustainable design, innovative thinking, and strategic urban planning, we can lay the foundation for a future that doesn't just survive but thrives—a world where the Jenga tower of our planet stands strong and stable for generations to come.

Growing up as a child in a military family was a lot like being an architect in training. It taught me to appreciate the beauty of structures, not just in the physical sense, but in the way life builds upon itself through experiences, challenges, and growth. Imagine living in a house where the walls are constantly shifting, the rooms rearranging, and the foundation never quite settling. That was my life, moving three times, learning to adapt, and understanding that every new place was an opportunity to rebuild. My mother, an Air Force veteran who courageously overcame epilepsy while on active duty, is the cornerstone of my inspiration. Watching her juggle the rigorous demands of military life while managing her health was like witnessing an architect masterfully balancing a challenging design. She taught me resilience, the kind that allows you to stand firm even when the ground beneath you is shaking. Her journey reminded me that in architecture, as in life, the strength of the structure is tested by its ability to withstand adversity. Then there’s my father, an Army man through and through, who taught me the importance of discipline and strategy. If my mother was the foundation, my father was the blueprint. He showed me that in every situation, whether it’s constructing a building or navigating a new school as the perpetual new kid, preparation is key. His military precision and attention to detail are traits I’ve carried into my passion for architecture. He would always say, "Measure twice, cut once," a lesson that applies just as much to laying out plans for a building as it does to planning one's life. Moving three times taught me flexibility in the most literal sense. Each move was like drafting a new floor plan for my life. With every relocation, I had to learn to blend into new environments, just like how an architect must design buildings that harmonize with their surroundings. Whether it was the wide expanse of Texas, the changing seasons of Georgia, or the heat and openness of the high desert in California, I found ways to adapt and thrive. Every new house became a blank canvas, every new school a blueprint for a fresh start. But perhaps the most profound lesson I learned as a military child was the importance of community. Just as architects design spaces that bring people together, my life as a military brat showed me the power of connection and support. In every new place, there were always other military families who understood the transient nature of our lives, who knew the challenges of starting over. This sense of camaraderie and shared experience was like the mortar that holds the bricks of a building together—it gave me strength and a sense of belonging, no matter where we were. As I continue my journey toward becoming an architect, I carry with me the lessons from my childhood in the military. The resilience of my mother, the discipline of my father, the flexibility of constant change, and the importance of community are all elements I intend to build into every structure I create. Just as my parents built a life of service and sacrifice, I aim to design buildings that not only stand the test of time but also shape and impact lives, providing shelter, inspiration, and a sense of home to those who need it most. In a way, my childhood experiences were the ultimate blueprint, laying the foundation for the architect I aspire to be.

When it comes to Charli XCX, choosing a favorite brat song is like trying to pick your favorite brick in the Great Wall of China—every piece is crucial, each one tells its own story, and together they create something truly monumental. But if I had to pinpoint just one track that resonates with my inner brat and my architectural aspirations, it would be "Vroom Vroom." Now, you might be thinking, "What does a business administration major with a passion for architecture have in common with a high-energy pop anthem about fast cars and living life in the fast lane?" Well, allow me to take you on a journey through my architectural imagination, fueled by the pulse of Charli XCX's beats and the rebellious spirit of "Vroom Vroom." Picture this: I'm standing at the edge of a sprawling cityscape, gazing up at a skyline that feels like it's in perpetual motion. The buildings sway and twist, their glass facades reflecting the vibrant energy of the city. It's a place where the structures aren't just static blocks of steel and concrete but dynamic forms that dance with the rhythm of the city—much like Charli XCX's music. And at the heart of this metropolis is my ultimate architectural dream: a building inspired by "Vroom Vroom." This building wouldn't just stand there. It would challenge the very concept of architecture, just as Charli challenges the norms of pop music. It would be sleek and aerodynamic, with sharp lines and bold angles that make it look like it's perpetually in motion, even when it's standing still. The exterior would be wrapped in a reflective surface that mirrors the world around it, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes that change with the time of day, much like the ever-evolving soundscapes of Charli's music. Inside, the building would be a celebration of speed, energy, and innovation. The floors would be open and flexible, allowing for constant reconfiguration—a nod to the adaptability and forward-thinking spirit that both architecture and Charli XCX embody. The walls would pulse with light, synchronized to the beat of "Vroom Vroom," creating an immersive experience that transports you to a world where anything is possible. But beyond its flashy exterior and high-energy vibe, this building would serve a deeper purpose. It would be a hub for creativity and collaboration, a space where people from all walks of life could come together to innovate, inspire, and create. Just as Charli XCX's music brings people together on the dance floor, my architectural masterpiece would bring people together to shape the future of our cities and our world. So, why is "Vroom Vroom" my favorite Charli XCX brat song? Because it captures the essence of what I aspire to be as an architect: bold, innovative, and unafraid to break the mold. It's a reminder that architecture, like music, is about more than just form and function—it's about creating spaces that inspire, energize, and transform the way we live. And if I can design buildings that make people feel the way "Vroom Vroom" makes me feel—alive, unstoppable, and ready to take on the world—then I'll know I've truly succeeded as an architect.

There are a few things that I am very passionate about – leadership, community service and working on ending problems that are very prominent in the place where I live. I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My great-grandfather was one of the first paratroopers in World War II, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference and looking outside of oneself. From a very early age, my sister and I understood the importance of serving and impacting communities. My commitment to ending homelessness, thus far, has been best demonstrated by my commitment to Habitat for Humanity and my decision to become an architect. This is a lifelong passion and dedication for me because I will use my career as an architect to design and build sustainable and affordable housing for those in need and to aid in ending homelessness. For now, I have dedicated my community involvement to Habitat for Humanity, whose mission I align with because Habitat helps families build and improve places to call home. I have volunteered my time to Habitat, participating in major special events, such as the Power Women, Power Tools Imagine Design Build, and the Virtual Builder’s Ball, which both raised funding and supports building homes for families in need. Being a part of the solution to end homelessness is one of the main reasons I have chosen to pursue a dual career in business and architecture. I am currently a junior at the University of Southern California (USC) majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture. As a future architect, I will build sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. To end homelessness, we must expand ideas, and programs, and invest in affordable homes and assistance for people with the lowest incomes. My career goal is to own my own architecture firm, building homes for people around the globe, but most importantly, align with my passion to become a part of the solution to end homelessness. I believe everyone deserves a roof over their head, safety, and a home to call their own. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness. My passion aligns with my dedication and service with Habitat for Humanity, whose commitment to housing the homeless provided me the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. I embody the attributes of being a pro-active, highly motivated leader, who believes in positive change and giving back to my community. I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference in the lives of others. I will achieve my dream of continuing my education to learn everything that I can to impact society and continue to change the world for the better, one blueprint at a time.

I am a rising Junior at the University of Southern California, majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture. My short-term academic career goals are to graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with STEM certification and Master’s in Architecture. I plan to learn everything I can to become a licensed Architect. My long-term professional goal is to build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. Another goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness. My passion aligned with my dedication and service with Habitat for Humanity, whose commitment to housing the homeless provided me the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. I also serve my community through the Special Olympics, where I work with disabled athletes to continue to compete in their sports. I have had the honor of raising funds for both nonprofits over the years that helped both these causes. I embody the attributes of being a pro-active, highly motivated leader, who believes in positive change and giving back to my community. I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference in the lives of others. I will achieve my dream of continuing my education to learn everything that I can to impact society and continue to change the world for the better. The area of STEAM that I am most passionate about is architecture. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. From an early age, my mom taught me that my love of drawing and designing, especially of homes, was an actual career – architecture. As a result, I will be pursuing a career in architecture. As an architect, I will build sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. In preparation for applying for architecture programs and to ensure this was the field for me, and with encouragement from my mom, I was able to attend two architecture summer programs at the collegiate level. I not only learned a great deal from these experiences, but it also solidified my career choice, and I learned that college was not only a definite yes for me, but the best way to pursue my dream of being a licensed architect. With degrees and business and architecture, I will become the most well-rounded licensed architect I can be. My career goal is to own my own architecture firm, building homes for people around the globe, but most importantly, align with my passion to become a part of the solution to end homelessness. I believe everyone deserves a roof over their head, safety, and a home to call their own. Winning this scholarship will allow me to continue to pursue my dreams of becoming a licensed architect without having a serious financial burden. My goal is to attend college with as minimal debt as possible, and winning this scholarship will help me achieve that goal. Thank you for helping me achieve my dream and change the world!

I am a rising Junior at the University of Southern California (USC), majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture. My short-term academic career goals are to graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with STEM certification and Master’s in Architecture. I plan to learn everything I can to become a licensed Architect. My long-term professional goal is to build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. Another goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness. My passion aligned with my dedication and service with Habitat for Humanity, whose commitment to housing the homeless provided me the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. I also serve my community through the Special Olympics, where I work with disabled athletes to continue to compete in their sports. I have had the honor of raising funds for both nonprofits over the years that helped both these causes. I embody the attributes of being a pro-active, highly motivated leader, who believes in positive change and giving back to my community. I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference in the lives of others. I will achieve my dream of continuing my education to learn everything that I can to impact society and continue to change the world for the better. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. From an early age, my parents taught me that my love of drawing and designing, especially of homes, was an actual career – architecture. As a result, I chose the majors I am currently pursuing. As an architect, I will build sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. With degrees and business and architecture, I will become the most well-rounded licensed architect I can be. My career goal is to own my own architecture firm, building homes for people around the globe, but most importantly, align with my passion to become a part of the solution to end homelessness. I believe everyone deserves a roof over their head, safety, and a home to call their own. I am excited about the opportunity to impact my community through public service, helping others through architecture, but most importantly, I am dedicated to impacting society in a positive way. Being awarded this scholarship will help ensure I can afford to attend USC to pursue my dream of changing the lives of others and defeating homelessness. I believe I am deserving of this scholarship, because I embody the attributes of being a pro-active, highly motivated, thoughtful, supportive ally and leader, who will benefit from this scholarship support in my studies and career. I believe in positive change and helping those around me and am inspiring, genuine, and love giving back to my community. I exemplify positive change, concern, goodwill, and benefitting all as I encourage and support others in my life. I do my best to impact others for the best in everything that I do. I will use this scholarship to continue my education and pursue my dreams to impact society and continue to change the world for the better.

I come from a family that fits the definition of great leadership. My great-grandfather was a paratrooper in World War II, my great-uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around leadership and making a difference. I believe that leadership begins with great communication. Leaders are people who are effective communicators and can motivate others. Great leaders clearly and concisely explain problems and solutions. Leaders know when to talk and when to listen. Communication is built on a steady flow of verbal and nonverbal exchanges of ideas and information, so the best leaders work on being approachable and involving people from different backgrounds. Strong leaders connect with people through clear and honest communication. Effective communication is vital to gain trust, align efforts in the pursuit of goals, and inspire positive change. Everyone goes through tough times and challenges that can cause them to doubt and not believe in themselves. Great leaders use communication to motivate people to keep going, believe in themselves, and do their absolute best, no matter the circumstance. I demonstrated this quality as a leader when my lacrosse team was playing in the quarter-finals of the playoffs against one of our arch-rivals who defeated us earlier in the season, ending our 18-game winning streak. We were on the road, down 5-1, and some of my teammates began to speak as if it was our last game. The confidence and energy surrounding the team was low. Everyone wanted to win for our seniors, so, as Captain of the team, I decided to remind each of us who we were and what we were capable of, win or lose. We stopped focusing on trying to win and focused on playing together and having fun. In the end, we pulled out an 8-6 victory, our biggest win in program history. I also demonstrate this quality as a great leader when allying with and being an advocate for the disability community through the Special Olympics. Awareness is important when it comes to understanding and respecting disability culture. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. Through my time volunteering, I have used leadership and communication to raise awareness for this community. Accepting and embracing others requires the ability to communicate with them. From my sign language course, I have learned how to interact, begin conversations, and understand social cues. Gaining this knowledge has allowed me to become a better ally. It has also allowed me to be more open and share what I have learned with others who are interested, in hopes that others will support this community with me. I have taken these leadership and communication lessons with me to college, where I am a scholar-athlete using these skills in my sport and on my campus. As a rising Junior at USC majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture, I plan to use my majors to learn everything I can to become a licensed Architect and own my own architectural firm. My professional goal is to build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. Another main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness. I intend to make a difference in the lives of others through my passions and the leadership skills I've learned and mastered.

My passion lies in creation. From childhood sketches to intricate designs, my love for architecture blossomed under my parents' guidance. My dream? To become a licensed architect and build sustainable, affordable homes for people across the globe and ensure my passion and dedication to be a solution to ending homelessness. Every structure I design will be a battle won against homelessness and inequality. It's my way to leave a positive mark. As a rising Junior at the University of Southern California majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture, I plan to use my majors to learn everything I can to become licensed and own my own architectural firm. A community that I am passionate about impacting is the homeless community. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. As an architect, I will be serving the public by building sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. My commitment to ending homelessness has been best demonstrated with my commitment to Habitat for Humanity and my decision to become an architect. This is a lifelong passion and dedication for me because I will use my career as an architect to design and build sustainable and affordable housing for those in need and to aid with ending homelessness. The ever-changing environment and needs of the population are requiring future architects to adapt their designs to this new reality. As a future architect, I will build sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. In these new homes, sustainable designs will be made to reduce energy consumption, reduce emissions into our atmosphere, and help minimize waste. It will be my job and immense responsibility to plan, design, and oversee the construction of these affordable and accessible homes. I will use things like solar panels to help garner and conserve clean energy, and high-performance windows to help with heat conservation. After getting my architecture degree at the University of Southern California, I will use my knowledge to both impact people and the environment all in one. In my dreams, I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness. My professional path, although not a direct continuation of my family's military legacy, is a testament to the military background in my family legacy. The military forged the values that now shape me – hard work, resilience, and a desire to contribute. I carry my family’s military legacy with pride. The military shaped my parents, and through them, me. My goals and passions are fueled by the torch of service, passed down through generations. And with it, I embark on my own mission: to build a better world, one blueprint at a time. The weight I carry isn't just of responsibility, but of immense pride. My family's legacy pushes me forward, a constant reminder that service takes many forms – for me, it’s a way to give back to the world, one structure at a time. Giving back to my community involves being more, doing more and has allowed me to find my voice, discover my strengths, and find the willingness to serve those in need. My volunteer experiences have shaped my passions and goals and have also influenced my career. A life of service, I believe, is growing from your experiences, but most of all, helping and changing the lives of others.

Embarking on my college journey, I often find myself juggling textbooks in one hand and sports gear in the other, all while nurturing my love for community, music, and drawing. As a female scholar-athlete, my days are a blend of rigorous academic challenges and the adrenaline of athletic pursuits. But, there's another crucial player in this intricate dance of college life - my mental health. It's the unseen force that profoundly influences both my academic achievements and personal experiences. When my mental health is in good shape, it feels like I'm gliding through my days with ease. Studying for exams feels less daunting, and I find myself more engaged and effective on the athletic field. There's a certain rhythm to my life, like a well-composed piece of music, where everything just flows seamlessly. My mind is clearer, my energy higher, and even drawing, which I do for the sheer love of it, becomes more than just a hobby; it's a sanctuary. However, the story isn't always so rosy. There are days when the pressure feels overwhelming. Balancing academics, athletics, and personal interests can sometimes feel like a never-ending marathon with no finish line in sight. On such days, my mental health takes a dip, and its impact is palpable. My focus in class starts to blur, and retaining information feels like trying to hold water in my hands. On the field, my usual zest and agility give way to a sense of lethargy. Even drawing, my beloved escape, starts to feel like a chore. Recognizing the pivotal role of mental health in shaping my college experience, I've adopted a proactive approach to prioritize it. Self-care is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. I've learned to listen to my body and mind, acknowledging when I need to step back and take a breather. Regular exercise, a staple for any athlete, doubles as my mental health booster. It's not just about staying physically fit; it's about clearing my mind and finding my center. I've also found solace in music and drawing. These aren't just hobbies; they're my forms of meditation. Whether I'm lost in the melodies of my favorite songs or immersed in the strokes of my paintbrush, these activities offer me a much-needed respite from the whirlwind of college life. Building a supportive community has been another cornerstone of maintaining my mental well-being. I am fortunate to be surrounded by friends, coaches, and professors who understand the pressures of college life. They are my sounding board, offering a listening ear and sage advice whenever the going gets tough. Perhaps most importantly, I've learned the power of self-compassion and forgiveness. Not every day will be perfect. There will be missed goals, both literally and metaphorically. On those days, I remind myself that it's okay to be a work in progress. I've learned to celebrate the small victories and forgive myself for the setbacks. Navigating college as a scholar-athlete is a multifaceted experience where mental health plays a crucial role. By embracing self-care, indulging in my passions for music and drawing, fostering a supportive community, and practicing self-compassion, I've learned to make my mental health a priority. It's these steps that enable me to thrive both academically and personally, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. I impact my community by sharing my lessons learned on my team and through my sport. I encourage my teammates to also practice these lessons I've learned. In team meetings, I also provide these lessons learned to ensure my teammates and coaches can benefit from taking care of their mental health as well.

My passion lies in creation. From childhood sketches to intricate designs, my love for architecture blossomed under my parents' guidance. My dream? To become a licensed architect and build sustainable, affordable homes for people across the globe and ensure my passion and dedication to be a solution to ending homelessness. Every structure I design will be a battle won against homelessness and inequality. It's my way to leave a positive mark. As a rising Junior majoring in Business Administration (STEM concentration) and minoring in Architecture, I plan to use my majors to learn everything I can to become licensed and own my own architectural firm. A community that I am passionate about impacting is the homeless community. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. As an architect, I will be serving the public by building sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. My commitment to ending homelessness has been best demonstrated with my commitment to Habitat for Humanity and my decision to become an architect. This is a lifelong passion and dedication for me because I will use my career as an architect to design and build sustainable and affordable housing for those in need and to aid with ending homelessness. The ever-changing environment and needs of the population are requiring future architects to adapt their designs to this new reality. As a future architect, I will build sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. In these new homes, sustainable designs will be made to reduce energy consumption, reduce emissions into our atmosphere, and help minimize waste. It will be my job and immense responsibility to plan, design, and oversee the construction of these affordable and accessible homes. I will use things like solar panels to help garner and conserve clean energy, and high-performance windows to help with heat conservation. After getting my architecture degree at the University of Southern California, I will use my knowledge to both impact people and the environment all in one. In my dreams, I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness. My professional path, although not a direct continuation of my family's military legacy, is a testament to the military background in my family legacy. The military forged the values that now shape me – hard work, resilience, and a desire to contribute. I carry my family’s military legacy with pride. The military shaped my parents, and through them, me. My goals and passions are fueled by the torch of service, passed down through generations. And with it, I embark on my own mission: to build a better world, one blueprint at a time. The weight I carry isn't just of responsibility, but of immense pride. My family's legacy, being a person of color in this career and a woman are important - it’s a way to give back to the world, one structure at a time. Giving back to my community involves being more, doing more and has allowed me to find my voice, discover my strengths, and find the willingness to serve those in need. My volunteer experiences have shaped my passions and goals and have also influenced my career. This career field has very few people of color and females; I plan to impact by being both and leave a lasting legacy - ending homelessness.

My passion lies in creation. From childhood sketches to intricate designs, my love for architecture blossomed under my parents' guidance. My dream? To become a licensed architect and build sustainable, affordable homes for people across the globe and ensure my passion and dedication to be a solution to ending homelessness. Every structure I design will be a battle won against homelessness and inequality. It's my way to leave a positive mark. As a rising Junior at the University of Southern California majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture, I plan to use my majors to learn everything I can to become licensed and own my own architectural firm. A community that I am passionate about impacting is the homeless community. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. As an architect, I will be serving the public by building sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. My commitment to ending homelessness has been best demonstrated with my commitment to Habitat for Humanity and my decision to become an architect. This is a lifelong passion and dedication for me because I will use my career as an architect to design and build sustainable and affordable housing for those in need and to aid with ending homelessness. The ever-changing environment and needs of the population are requiring future architects to adapt their designs to this new reality. As a future architect, I will build sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. In these new homes, sustainable designs will be made to reduce energy consumption, reduce emissions into our atmosphere, and help minimize waste. It will be my job and immense responsibility to plan, design, and oversee the construction of these affordable and accessible homes. I will use things like solar panels to help garner and conserve clean energy, and high-performance windows to help with heat conservation. After getting my architecture degree at the University of Southern California, I will use my knowledge to both impact people and the environment all in one. In my dreams, I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness. My professional path, although not a direct continuation of my family's military legacy, is a testament to the military background in my family legacy. The military forged the values that now shape me – hard work, resilience, and a desire to contribute. I carry my family’s military legacy with pride. The military shaped my parents, and through them, me. My goals and passions are fueled by the torch of service, passed down through generations. And with it, I embark on my own mission: to build a better world, one blueprint at a time. The weight I carry isn't just of responsibility, but of immense pride. My family's legacy pushes me forward, a constant reminder that service takes many forms – for me, it’s a way to give back to the world, one structure at a time. Giving back to my community involves being more, doing more and has allowed me to find my voice, discover my strengths, and find the willingness to serve those in need. My volunteer experiences have shaped my passions and goals and have also influenced my career. A life of service, I believe, is growing from your experiences, but most of all, helping and changing the lives of others.

I come from a family that fits the definition of great leadership. My great grandfather was a paratrooper in World War II, my great uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around leadership and making a difference. I believe that leadership begins with great communication. Leaders who are effective communicators and are able to motivate others. Great leaders are able to clearly and concisely explain problems and solutions. Leaders know when to talk and when to listen. The best leaders work on being approachable and involving people from different backgrounds. The strong leaders that I know are able to connect with people through clear and honest communication. I show leadership within my community when volunteering with the Special Olympics in the greater Los Angeles area, creating opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. I am proud of bringing awareness to the Special Olympics community. This past year I was a part of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. I am a rising Junior at the University of Southern California, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and STEM and minoring in Architecture. I plan to use my majors to learn everything I can to become a licensed Architect and own my own architectural firm. My professional goal is to build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. Another main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness. I intend to make a difference in the lives of others through my passions. Another community that I am passionate about impacting is the homeless community. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. As an architect, I will be serving the public by building sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. My commitment to ending homelessness has been best demonstrated with my commitment to Habitat for Humanity and my decision to become an architect. This is a lifelong passion and dedication for me because I will use my career as an architect to design and build sustainable and affordable housing for those in need and to aid with ending homelessness. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. Giving back to my community involves being more, doing more and has allowed me to find my voice, discover my strengths, and find the willingness to serve those in need. My volunteer experiences have shaped my passions and goals and have also influenced my career. A life of leadership, I believe, is growing from your experiences, but most of all, helping and changing the lives of others.

My passion lies in creation. From childhood sketches to intricate designs, my love for architecture blossomed under my parents' guidance. Now, at the University of Southern California, I'm pursuing a double major in business and architecture. My dream? To become a licensed architect and build sustainable, affordable homes for people across the globe and ensure my passion and dedication to be a solution to ending homelessness. Every structure I design will be a battle won against homelessness and inequality. It's my way to leave a positive mark, much like my family's military service. My professional path, although not a direct continuation of my family's military legacy, is a testament to the military background in my family legacy. The military forged the values that now shape me – hard work, resilience, and a desire to contribute. I carry my family’s military legacy with pride. The military shaped my parents, and through them, me. My goals and passions are fueled by the torch of service, passed down through generations. And with it, I embark on my own mission: to build a better world, one blueprint at a time. The weight I carry isn't just of responsibility, but of immense pride. My family's legacy pushes me forward, a constant reminder that service takes many forms. When I step into the world, armed with my degree and their unwavering support, I'll definitely be ready to build a future worthy of the sacrifices they made. My vision is to become a licensed architect, building sustainable and affordable homes – a way to give back to the world, one structure at a time. The ever-changing environment and needs of the population are requiring future architects to adapt their designs to this new reality. As a future architect, I will build sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. In these new homes, sustainable designs will be made to reduce energy consumption, reduce emissions into our atmosphere, and help minimize waste. It will be my job and immense responsibility to plan, design, and oversee the construction of these affordable and accessible homes. I will use things like solar panels to help garner and conserve clean energy, and high-performance windows to help with heat conservation. After getting my architecture degree at the University of Southern California, I will use my knowledge to both impact people and the environment all in one.

A book that has been a great inspiration to me and that I would have everyone read is the autobiography I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban. This book inspires me for a number of different reasons. First and foremost, it is about a female who had the courage to stand up and advocate for herself and others in a society that did everything to ensure she had none. Malala stood up for herself and millions of other young women, making sure that the world knows and understands that all girls have the right to the life they want for themselves, liberty, and education. Malala stood up for this no matter the consequences, even to the detriment of herself; she was shot by the Taliban in an attempt to silence her and her message, because her ideals went against what the country taught. Malala survived and continued to advocate for herself and other girls. She was always in danger for speaking out for her beliefs due to country she lived in - she spoke out anyway! She continued to advocate for young women in her country and abroad. Her belief that anything was possible and dedication to striving for what she knew to be true for her are always an inspiration to me. Reading this autobiography has inspired me to always speak up for what I believe in no matter the obstacles or challenges. This book has empowered me to use my voice to help and impact the things that I believe in. I believe these are qualities everyone should possess, which I why i would recommend this book.

My passion lies in creation. From childhood sketches to intricate designs, my love for architecture blossomed under my parents' guidance. Now, at the University of Southern California, I'm pursuing a double major in business and architecture. My dream? To become a licensed architect and build sustainable, affordable homes for people across the globe and ensure my passion and dedication to be a solution to ending homelessness. Every structure I design will be a battle won against homelessness and inequality. It's my way to leave a positive mark, much like my family's military service. My professional path, although not a direct continuation of my family's military legacy, is a testament to the military background in my family legacy. The military forged the values that now shape me – hard work, resilience, and a desire to contribute. I carry my family’s military legacy with pride. The military shaped my parents, and through them, me. My goals and passions are fueled by the torch of service, passed down through generations. And with it, I embark on my own mission: to build a better world, one blueprint at a time. The weight I carry isn't just of responsibility, but of immense pride. My family's legacy pushes me forward, a constant reminder that service takes many forms. When I step into the world, armed with my degree and their unwavering support, I'll definitely be ready to build a future worthy of the sacrifices they made. My vision is to become a licensed architect, building sustainable and affordable homes – a way to give back to the world, one structure at a time. The ever-changing environment and needs of the population are requiring future architects to adapt their designs to this new reality. As a future architect, I will build sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. In these new homes, sustainable designs will be made to reduce energy consumption, reduce emissions into our atmosphere, and help minimize waste. It will be my job and immense responsibility to plan, design, and oversee the construction of these affordable and accessible homes. I will use things like solar panels to help garner and conserve clean energy, and high-performance windows to help with heat conservation. After earning my architecture degree at the University of Southern California, I will use my knowledge to both impact people and the environment all in one.

My worn backpack holds a different weight now, not of textbooks, but of a legacy. My family's military history isn't just a story in dusty photo albums; it's the bedrock of who I am. My great-grandfather, a trailblazer as one of the first African American paratroopers in World War II, set the tone. The courage exemplified by my Purple Heart-wearing great uncle echoed. My grandfather served in Desert Storm, and both my parents, Air Force and Army veterans, carried the torch. Discipline, excellence, and helping others were the air we breathed at home. My mom's story is one of unwavering strength. Diagnosed with epilepsy while serving, she defied limitations, remaining on active duty and in the reserves for a decade. We stayed at Randolph AFB, but when she transitioned to reserves, my toddler memories blur across Tennessee and Georgia. Yet, in photos, I see the unwavering dedication etched on both my parents' faces. My mom's service didn't diminish her love – she juggled duty with raising us, teaching life lessons through her actions. Watching her navigate challenges has been an unmatched education. My dad, an Army veteran before I was born, used his military benefits to pursue a college degree. He championed my mom's career while raising us, his own work ethic forged by the military. His stories of rigorous training and ambition continue to inspire. He's a constant source of support and unflinching honesty, pushing me to be my best. These are lessons he attributes to his upbringing and military experience. My own passion lies in creation. From childhood sketches to intricate designs, my love for architecture blossomed under my parents' guidance. Now, at the University of Southern California, I'm pursuing a double major in business and architecture. My dream? To become a licensed architect and build sustainable, affordable homes for people across the globe and ensure my passion and dedication to be a solution to ending homelessness. My future may not be on the front lines, but the fight is just as real. Every structure I design is a battle won against homelessness and inequality. It's my way to leave a positive mark, much like my family's service. I carry this legacy with pride. The military shaped my parents, and through them, me. This worn backpack now holds not just my tools, but a torch – the torch of service, passed down through generations. And with it, I embark on my own mission: to build a better world, one blueprint at a time. The weight I carry isn't just of responsibility, but of immense pride. My family's legacy pushes me forward, a constant reminder that service takes many forms. When I step into the world, armed with my degree and their unwavering support, I'll definitely be ready to build a future worthy of the sacrifices they made.

Pursuing a career in STEM, particularly in engineering and architecture, is a decision that aligns deeply with my core values and aspirations. As a woman in this field, I am driven not only by my fascination with the intricate dance of logic and creativity that engineering and architecture embody but also by my commitment to making a significant impact in building sustainable homes. This journey is not just a career choice; it's a pathway to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world. From a young age, I was drawn to the intricacies of engineering and the aesthetic appeal of architecture. The idea of designing and creating structures that are not only functional but also beautiful captivated my imagination. As I delved deeper into these subjects, I realized that my passion could be harnessed to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: sustainable living. The increasing urgency of climate change and environmental degradation has made it clear that the way we build and inhabit our world needs a radical transformation. I chose to be at the forefront of this transformation. As a woman in STEM, I am acutely aware of the challenges and underrepresentation in this field. Women have historically been marginalized in engineering and architecture, their contributions often overlooked. However, this only fuels my determination to succeed and help pave the way for more women to enter and thrive in these fields. I believe that diverse perspectives are crucial in creating innovative solutions to complex problems. By bringing my unique viewpoint as a woman, I hope to contribute to a more holistic and inclusive approach to sustainable building. Sustainable homes are more than just energy-efficient buildings; they are the nexus of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. My goal is to design homes that not only minimize environmental impact but also enhance the quality of life for their inhabitants. This involves using eco-friendly materials, maximizing energy efficiency, and ensuring that the homes are accessible and affordable. I envision communities where sustainable living is not a luxury but a standard, accessible to all regardless of socio-economic status. In pursuing this path, I am also committed to being a mentor and role model for young girls interested in STEM. Representation matters, and seeing women succeed in these fields can inspire the next generation to pursue their passions, regardless of gender stereotypes. By sharing my experiences and encouraging young girls to explore STEM, I hope to contribute to a future where gender disparity in these fields is a thing of the past. My journey in STEM as a woman is not just about personal achievement; it's about contributing to a larger cause. Every sustainable home I design will be a testament to the possibility of living harmoniously with our environment. It will be proof that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, creating a better world for future generations. In conclusion, my choice to pursue a career in engineering and architecture is driven by my passion for sustainable living and my desire to make a difference as a woman in STEM. Through my work, I aim to create sustainable homes that are not only environmentally friendly but also socially equitable and economically viable. I am determined to break barriers and inspire others, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future. This is not just a career; it's my contribution to building a better world.

I am a very family-oriented, driven, Sophomore at the University of Southern California (USC), where I am a scholar-athlete majoring in Business Administration, minoring in Architecture and I play on the women’s lacrosse team. I plan to use my degrees to become a licensed Architect. My long-term professional goal is to build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society, by aligning with my passion to end homelessness. Winning this scholarship will help me further my education by allowing me to attend college without tremendous educational debt. The biggest challenge I have had to overcome in pursuing my degree is financial. Because college is expensive, I am working hard academically to earn scholarships to help defray costs and lessen the number of education loans I will have to take out and then be responsible for paying back. During the global pandemic, a profound sense of physical and emotional weakness gripped me, like many others around the world. The sudden disruption of daily routines, the cessation of school activities, and the isolation from friends brought about an unprecedented challenge. Sports, a vital outlet for my energy and a source of social interaction, were suddenly off-limits. The abrupt loss of these physical and emotional outlets left me feeling confined and powerless, trapped within the four walls of my home. As days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, the initial shock wore off, but a deep-seated emotional strain took its place. The continuous cycle of waking up, attending online classes, and spending the rest of the day indoors began to take a toll. The lack of physical activity and face-to-face interaction led to a decline in my mental health, manifesting as feelings of lethargy, sadness, and a persistent sense of loss. The journey to overcome this weakness was gradual and required a conscious effort to adapt to the new normal. Recognizing the need to maintain both my physical health and mental well-being, I started to explore new routines that could be integrated into my confined environment. I began with setting a daily schedule that included time for exercise at home. Using online videos and apps, I adapted workouts that did not require any special equipment or a lot of space, ensuring that I could stay active even within the limitations of my living room. To combat the emotional isolation, I turned to technology as a bridge to connect with friends and family. Virtual hangouts became a new ritual, and although they couldn’t completely replace in-person interactions, they provided a much-needed sense of connection and normalcy. These video calls helped alleviate the feeling of isolation, allowing us to share our experiences and support each other through those tough times. Furthermore, I invested time in hobbies that I had previously neglected due to a lack of time. Reading, painting, and playing music became sources of solace and expression. These activities not only helped pass the time but also allowed me to explore new aspects of my personality and interests, which was empowering. Ultimately, the global pandemic taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability. By establishing a new routine, staying connected with loved ones, and finding joy in solitary activities, I was able to overcome the feelings of physical and emotional weakness. This experience highlighted the capacity to find strength in adversity, a lesson that continues to resonate with me as I navigate through life's challenges.

Embarking on my college journey, I often find myself juggling textbooks in one hand and sports gear in the other, all while nurturing my love for community, music, and drawing. As a female scholar-athlete, my days are a blend of rigorous academic challenges and the adrenaline of athletic pursuits. But, there's another crucial player in this intricate dance of college life - my mental health. It's the unseen force that profoundly influences both my academic achievements and personal experiences. When my mental health is in good shape, it feels like I'm gliding through my days with ease. Studying for exams feels less daunting, and I find myself more engaged and effective on the athletic field. There's a certain rhythm to my life, like a well-composed piece of music, where everything just flows seamlessly. My mind is clearer, my energy higher, and even drawing, which I do for the sheer love of it, becomes more than just a hobby; it's a sanctuary. However, the story isn't always so rosy. There are days when the pressure feels overwhelming. Balancing academics, athletics, and personal interests can sometimes feel like a never-ending marathon with no finish line in sight. On such days, my mental health takes a dip, and its impact is palpable. My focus in class starts to blur, and retaining information feels like trying to hold water in my hands. On the field, my usual zest and agility give way to a sense of lethargy. Even drawing, my beloved escape, starts to feel like a chore. Recognizing the pivotal role of mental health in shaping my college experience, I've adopted a proactive approach to prioritize it. Self-care is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. I've learned to listen to my body and mind, acknowledging when I need to step back and take a breather. Regular exercise, a staple for any athlete, doubles as my mental health booster. It's not just about staying physically fit; it's about clearing my mind and finding my center. I've also found solace in music and drawing. These aren't just hobbies; they're my forms of meditation. Whether I'm lost in the melodies of my favorite songs or immersed in the strokes of my paintbrush, these activities offer me a much-needed respite from the whirlwind of college life. Building a supportive community has been another cornerstone of maintaining my mental well-being. I am fortunate to be surrounded by friends, coaches, and professors who understand the pressures of college life. They are my sounding board, offering a listening ear and sage advice whenever the going gets tough. Perhaps most importantly, I've learned the power of self-compassion and forgiveness. Not every day will be perfect. There will be missed goals, both literally and metaphorically. On those days, I remind myself that it's okay to be a work in progress. I've learned to celebrate the small victories and forgive myself for the setbacks. Navigating college as a scholar-athlete is a multifaceted experience where mental health plays a crucial role. By embracing self-care, indulging in my passions for music and drawing, fostering a supportive community, and practicing self-compassion, I've learned to make my mental health a priority. It's these steps that enable me to thrive both academically and personally, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

In the contemporary business landscape, implementing sustainable practices is not just a moral obligation but a strategic imperative. The growing awareness and concern over environmental issues have prompted consumers to favor businesses that prioritize sustainability. This shift is pushing companies to adopt greener practices to remain competitive and relevant. Below, I will outline why sustainable practices are essential for businesses, highlight three eco-friendly practices that can reduce carbon footprints, and discuss the impact these practices have on society and the environment. Sustainable Practices in Business The primary reason businesses should implement sustainable practices is to mitigate their environmental impact. Many industries produce significant amounts of waste and emissions, contributing to pollution and climate change. By adopting sustainable methods, businesses can decrease their environmental footprint, benefiting both the planet and their corporate image. Moreover, sustainable practices often lead to cost savings in the long run through efficient use of resources and energy, which can also result in improved profitability. Additionally, sustainability drives innovation by forcing businesses to rethink their processes and products to reduce environmental impact. This innovation not only leads to more sustainable business models but also often results in superior products that appeal to a growing demographic of environmentally-conscious consumers. Furthermore, companies that are seen as responsible are more likely to attract and retain talent, particularly among younger generations who highly value sustainability. Three Eco-Friendly Practices to Reduce Carbon Footprint 1. Renewable Energy Adoption: One of the most impactful ways businesses can reduce their carbon footprint is by switching to renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. This transition not only cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions but also decreases reliance on fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to global warming. Companies can install solar panels on their premises, purchase green energy from renewable sources, or invest in renewable energy projects. 2. Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiatives: Businesses generate a considerable amount of waste, much of which can be reduced, reused, or recycled. Implementing robust recycling programs and minimizing waste through better materials management can significantly decrease the environmental impact. For example, opting for biodegradable or recyclable packaging reduces waste in landfills, and encouraging digital documentation can cut down on paper use. 3. Energy Efficiency Measures: Improving energy efficiency is another crucial practice for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint. This can be achieved through simple steps like upgrading to LED lighting, which uses at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. More comprehensive measures could include enhancing building insulation or installing energy-efficient HVAC systems, which not only reduce energy consumption but also cut operational costs. Impact and Changes of Sustainable Practices The adoption of sustainable practices can lead to profound changes in society and the environment. Environmentally, the benefits include reduced pollution and conservation of natural resources, which help combat climate change and preserve biodiversity. Socially, these practices can enhance the quality of life by fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations. Economically, businesses that adopt green practices often see benefits like reduced operational costs, increased investor appeal, and enhanced customer loyalty. These companies are also less likely to face environmental compliance issues, which can be costly and damaging to a company’s reputation. In conclusion, the integration of sustainable practices in business operations is crucial for environmental conservation, social responsibility, and economic viability. By adopting measures such as renewable energy, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, businesses can lead the way towards a more sustainable future, benefiting both the planet and their bottom line. This paradigm shift not only reduces carbon footprints but also fosters a better world for future generations.

I come from a long line of family who have always aspired to greatness in anything we put our minds to; this is something that comes from my heritage. My parents both have a passion for higher education, both achieving master’s and Doctorate levels of education. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around the importance and value of education. From a very early age, my sister and I have been inspired by those who came before us and understood everything in life is a continuous learning opportunity. We were also taught that education is a privilege that supports the dreams we intend to pursue. I am very glad that my parents have encouraged and supported me by making a way to pursue higher education. Pursuing my education, particularly in business and architecture, is a decision that aligns deeply with my core values and aspirations. As a woman in these fields, I am driven not only by my fascination with the intricate dance of logic and creativity that business and architecture embody but also by my commitment to making a significant impact in building sustainable homes. This journey is not just a career choice; it's a pathway to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world. From a young age, I was drawn to the intricacies of business and the aesthetic appeal of architecture. The idea of designing and creating structures that are not only functional but also beautiful captivated my imagination. As I delved deeper into these subjects, I realized that my passion could be harnessed to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: sustainable living. The increasing urgency of climate change and environmental degradation has made it clear that the way we build and inhabit our world needs a radical transformation. I chose to be at the forefront of this transformation. I am acutely aware of the challenges and underrepresentation in these career fields, which continue to drive my passion to achieve my education goals in these areas. Women have historically been marginalized in business and architecture; their contributions often overlooked. However, this only fuels my determination to succeed and help pave the way for more women to enter and thrive in these fields. I believe that diverse perspectives are crucial in creating innovative solutions to complex problems. By bringing my unique viewpoint as a woman, I hope to contribute to a more holistic and inclusive approach to sustainable building. Sustainable homes are more than just energy-efficient buildings; they are the nexus of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. My goal is to design homes that not only minimize environmental impact but also enhance the quality of life for their inhabitants. This involves using eco-friendly materials, maximizing energy efficiency, and ensuring that the homes are accessible and affordable. I envision communities where sustainable living is not a luxury but a standard, accessible to all regardless of socio-economic status. My journey through education is not just about personal achievement; it's about contributing to a larger cause. Every sustainable home I design will be a testament to the possibility of living harmoniously with our environment. It will be proof that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, creating a better world for future generations. In conclusion, my choice to pursue a career in business and architecture is driven by my passion for sustainable living and my desire to make a difference as a woman in education and in these career fields.

My journey towards veganism began in my late teens. The decision to embrace a plant-based lifestyle was not made overnight but evolved from a blend of personal health, ethical considerations, and environmental awareness. This journey has profoundly shaped my perspectives on nutrition, compassion, and sustainable living. The initial impetus for my switch to veganism was rooted in health concerns. As an athlete, I was always seeking ways to optimize my performance and recovery. Research and discussions with nutritionists introduced me to the potential benefits of a plant-based diet in enhancing athletic performance, reducing recovery times, and decreasing the risk of chronic diseases. Intrigued by these prospects, I began experimenting with vegan meals, and soon, the changes were evident. I noticed improved energy levels, better recovery after intense workouts, and an overall sense of well-being. However, as I delved deeper into the vegan lifestyle, my motivations transcended personal health. I became increasingly aware of the ethical implications of animal agriculture. The plight of animals in factory farms, the inhumane practices, and the sheer scale of suffering inflicted upon sentient beings for food consumption struck a deep chord within me. This awareness ignited a sense of responsibility and a moral obligation to make choices that do not contribute to animal cruelty. Veganism, thus, became an expression of my compassion and a stand against animal exploitation. Equally compelling was the environmental aspect of veganism. Learning about the significant environmental impact of meat and dairy production – from greenhouse gas emissions to deforestation and water usage – was eye-opening. Embracing a vegan diet became a practical step I could take to reduce my carbon footprint and contribute positively to environmental conservation efforts. Veganism, for me, is more than just a dietary choice; it's a lifestyle that aligns with my values of compassion, sustainability, and health. It represents a conscious decision to live in a way that seeks to minimize harm to others and the planet. Looking ahead, I am passionate about using my education and experiences to further the vegan movement. Being a collegiate athlete, I am always reading and studying about nutrition, which gives me a unique platform to educate others, especially in the athletic community, about the benefits of plant-based diets. My dream is to become a positive resource on plant-based nutrition for athletes. I plan intern with sports teams and individual athletes, helping them transition to or optimize a vegan diet for peak performance and health. Additionally, I am keen on advocating for veganism through community outreach and social media. Sharing my journey, debunking myths about plant-based diets, and showcasing delicious vegan recipes can help inspire and empower others to consider making this life-changing switch. Finally, I envision collaborating with food companies and restaurants to expand vegan options, making plant-based eating more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. By influencing food choices at a systemic level, I believe we can make significant strides towards a more sustainable, ethical, and health-conscious world. My decision to become vegan was initially motivated by personal health benefits as an athlete but has since evolved into a deep commitment to ethical, environmental, and compassionate living. My education and experiences have fueled my ambition to be at the forefront of the vegan movement, advocating for change and inspiring others through my journey. Veganism is not just a diet; it's a powerful tool for positive change, and I am excited to be a part of this transformational movement.

Embarking on my college journey, I often find myself juggling textbooks in one hand and sports gear in the other, all while nurturing my love for community, music, and drawing. As a female scholar-athlete, my days are a blend of rigorous academic challenges and the adrenaline of athletic pursuits. But, there's another crucial player in this intricate dance of college life - my mental health. It's the unseen force that profoundly influences both my academic achievements and personal experiences. When my mental health is in good shape, it feels like I'm gliding through my days with ease. Studying for exams feels less daunting, and I find myself more engaged and effective on the athletic field. There's a certain rhythm to my life, like a well-composed piece of music, where everything just flows seamlessly. My mind is clearer, my energy higher, and even drawing, which I do for the sheer love of it, becomes more than just a hobby; it's a sanctuary. However, the story isn't always so rosy. There are days when the pressure feels overwhelming. Balancing academics, athletics, and personal interests can sometimes feel like a never-ending marathon with no finish line in sight. On such days, my mental health takes a dip, and its impact is palpable. My focus in class starts to blur, and retaining information feels like trying to hold water in my hands. On the field, my usual zest and agility give way to a sense of lethargy. Even drawing, my beloved escape, starts to feel like a chore. Recognizing the pivotal role of mental health in shaping my college experience, I've adopted a proactive approach to prioritize it. Self-care is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. I've learned to listen to my body and mind, acknowledging when I need to step back and take a breather. Regular exercise, a staple for any athlete, doubles as my mental health booster. It's not just about staying physically fit; it's about clearing my mind and finding my center. I've also found solace in music and drawing. These aren't just hobbies; they're my forms of meditation. Whether I'm lost in the melodies of my favorite songs or immersed in the strokes of my paintbrush, these activities offer me a much-needed respite from the whirlwind of college life. Building a supportive community has been another cornerstone of maintaining my mental well-being. I am fortunate to be surrounded by friends, coaches, and professors who understand the pressures of college life. They are my sounding board, offering a listening ear and sage advice whenever the going gets tough. Perhaps most importantly, I've learned the power of self-compassion and forgiveness. Not every day will be perfect. There will be missed goals, both literally and metaphorically. On those days, I remind myself that it's okay to be a work in progress. I've learned to celebrate the small victories and forgive myself for the setbacks. Navigating college as a scholar-athlete is a multifaceted experience where mental health plays a crucial role. By embracing self-care, indulging in my passions for music and drawing, fostering a supportive community, and practicing self-compassion, I've learned to make my mental health a priority. It's these steps that enable me to thrive both academically and personally, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Pursuing a career in STEM, particularly in engineering and architecture, is a decision that aligns deeply with my core values and aspirations. As a woman in this field, I am driven not only by my fascination with the intricate dance of logic and creativity that engineering and architecture embody but also by my commitment to making a significant impact in building sustainable homes. This journey is not just a career choice; it's a pathway to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world. From a young age, I was drawn to the intricacies of engineering and the aesthetic appeal of architecture. The idea of designing and creating structures that are not only functional but also beautiful captivated my imagination. As I delved deeper into these subjects, I realized that my passion could be harnessed to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: sustainable living. The increasing urgency of climate change and environmental degradation has made it clear that the way we build and inhabit our world needs a radical transformation. I chose to be at the forefront of this transformation. As a woman in STEM, I am acutely aware of the challenges and underrepresentation in this field. Women have historically been marginalized in engineering and architecture, their contributions often overlooked. However, this only fuels my determination to succeed and help pave the way for more women to enter and thrive in these fields. I believe that diverse perspectives are crucial in creating innovative solutions to complex problems. By bringing my unique viewpoint as a woman, I hope to contribute to a more holistic and inclusive approach to sustainable building. Sustainable homes are more than just energy-efficient buildings; they are the nexus of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. My goal is to design homes that not only minimize environmental impact but also enhance the quality of life for their inhabitants. This involves using eco-friendly materials, maximizing energy efficiency, and ensuring that the homes are accessible and affordable. I envision communities where sustainable living is not a luxury but a standard, accessible to all regardless of socio-economic status. In pursuing this path, I am also committed to being a mentor and role model for young girls interested in STEM. Representation matters, and seeing women succeed in these fields can inspire the next generation to pursue their passions, regardless of gender stereotypes. By sharing my experiences and encouraging young girls to explore STEM, I hope to contribute to a future where gender disparity in these fields is a thing of the past. My journey in STEM as a woman is not just about personal achievement; it's about contributing to a larger cause. Every sustainable home I design will be a testament to the possibility of living harmoniously with our environment. It will be proof that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, creating a better world for future generations. In conclusion, my choice to pursue a career in engineering and architecture is driven by my passion for sustainable living and my desire to make a difference as a woman in STEM. Through my work, I aim to create sustainable homes that are not only environmentally friendly but also socially equitable and economically viable. I am determined to break barriers and inspire others, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future. This is not just a career; it's my contribution to building a better world.

Someone who has made a significant impact in my life, and is my inspiration is my mom, both in the way she lives her life and definitely in regard to how she inspires me and others. My mom is an Air Force veteran who has epilepsy. She has shown me the essence of what it means to be strong, because she has continued to overcome her diagnosis. My mom works full time, takes care of our family, and continues to improve herself through education. She shows me strength, because no matter how her side effects from epilepsy may impact her, she still manages to encourage, provide for and care for our family. She has always taught me to make the most out of what you’ve been given, and I see her do that every day. My mom has also shown me the importance of education because she has completed three degrees and is pursuing her Doctorate. In spite of her diagnosis, my mom loves education and is an avid learner; she has instilled in me the desire and drive to pursue my own dreams by understanding the importance of education. Watching my mom on a daily basis has impacted me in several ways. For example, I was able to overcome the challenges associated with going to school online during the pandemic, by keeping up with every assignment and maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. In lacrosse, I was able to lead my team and help us bounce back after tough losses. Also, in my everyday life as a teenager, I never dwell on mistakes, but instead look at them as opportunities to get better. Most importantly, knowing the degrees my mom has earned and her pursuit of another degree has shown me the importance of education and continuing to learn in life, without ceasing. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. From an early age, my mom taught me that my love of drawing and designing, especially of homes, was an actual career – architecture. As a result, I will be pursuing a career in architecture. As an architect, I will build sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. In preparation for applying for architecture programs and to ensure this was the field for me, and with encouragement from my mom, I attended two architecture summer programs at the collegiate level. I not only learned a great deal from these experiences, it solidified my major choice, and I learned that college is not only a definite yes for me, it is the best way to pursue my dream of being a licensed architect. Most importantly, my dream was first inspired by and solidified with the encouragement and support received from my mother.

As a 19-year-old college student, my life is a vibrant tapestry of dreams, aspirations, and a deep-rooted passion for community service. My ultimate goal is to build sustainable homes for those in need, a vision that not only fuels my academic pursuits but also defines my personal identity. In this journey, I find my creative passion lies in envisioning a world where everyone has a safe, eco-friendly place to call home. When I ponder the concept of an extra 24 hours in a day, my mind dances with possibilities. With this gift of time, I would immerse myself in communities, understanding their needs, hopes, and dreams. It’s in these interactions that I find the heart of my work - connecting with people, understanding their stories, and translating these narratives into sustainable living solutions. My creativity blossoms in moments of quiet reflection, often late at night when the world is asleep, and my thoughts are loud and clear. It’s during these hours that I sketch out designs, each line a promise of stability and comfort for a family. I envision homes that are not just structures, but sanctuaries that resonate with the love and warmth of those who dwell within. The foundation of my passion lies in sustainability, a principle that I believe is key to building a better future. I dream of homes powered by renewable energy, structures that blend seamlessly with the environment, and spaces that foster communities. My vision extends beyond mere construction; it’s about creating a lifestyle that respects and nurtures the planet. But why stop at building homes? With an extra 24 hours, I would also dedicate time to educate communities about sustainable living. I imagine organizing workshops, creating awareness campaigns, and initiating local projects that empower people to make eco-friendly choices. At college, I often find myself in the library, my eyes devouring texts on sustainable architecture, environmental science, and community development. My academic journey is not just about earning a degree; it’s a quest for knowledge that I can apply in making tangible differences in people’s lives. Sometimes, I volunteer at local shelters, and it’s there that I feel my resolve strengthening. Seeing the impact of having a safe space reinforces my commitment to my future endeavors. It’s a reminder that my passion has the power to transform lives, and that realization is profoundly humbling. In my most creative state, I am a visionary, seeing a world where sustainable living is not just a choice but a norm. It’s a world where communities thrive in harmony with nature, where every home tells a story of resilience, hope, and a commitment to the Earth. In conclusion, my creative passion is more than just a career choice; it’s a life mission. It’s about building homes, yes, but it’s also about building a future - a sustainable, inclusive, and compassionate future. And if I had an extra 24 hours each day, I would spend every minute making this vision a reality, one sustainable home at a time.

As a 19-year-old college student with a passion for community and service, there's one fall-inspired drink from Starbucks that resonates deeply with me: the Pumpkin Spice Latte. This drink, synonymous with the coziness and warmth of autumn, has become a character in my own fall narrative, symbolizing my journey towards building sustainable homes and serving others. The first time I tried a Pumpkin Spice Latte, it was a chilly October morning during my first year of college. The leaves were turning golden, and the world seemed to be wrapped in a blanket of tranquility. I was feeling overwhelmed with my studies and uncertain about my future. As I took the first sip, the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, infused with the essence of pumpkin, enveloped my senses. It was more than just a drink; it was a moment of peace, a reassurance that everything would fall into place. That year, I began volunteering at local community centers, helping to build homes for those in need. The work was hard, but fulfilling. Each time I felt weary, I'd find myself drawn to the comforting embrace of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. It became my ritual, my small reward after a day of hard work. The warm spices and rich flavors mirrored the warmth I felt in my heart when I saw the impact of our work on the community. As autumn returned each year, so did the Pumpkin Spice Latte, marking the beginning of a season of giving and building. It reminded me of the importance of warmth, not just in the flavor of a drink, but in the homes and hearts of people. I realized that building sustainable homes wasn't just about construction; it was about creating spaces that nurtured warmth and community, much like the feelings evoked by my favorite fall drink. In my second year, I started a small project at college, organizing workshops on sustainable living. I'd often bring a thermos filled with Pumpkin Spice Latte to these sessions. It became a symbol of our group – a blend of different individuals, ideas, and inspirations, coming together to create something meaningful. We would sit, sipping our lattes, discussing ways to make sustainable housing accessible and affordable. Now, as I near the end of my college journey, the Pumpkin Spice Latte holds an even more special place in my heart. It's not just a seasonal treat; it's a reminder of my growth, my dreams, and the path I've chosen. It represents the blend of my passion for sustainability and community service. This drink, with its familiar and comforting taste, grounds me and reminds me of the importance of creating a warm, welcoming space for everyone. In essence, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is more than just a beverage to me. It's a companion on my journey, a symbol of my aspirations and the impact I hope to make in the world. As I continue to strive towards building sustainable homes, I know that the warmth and comfort of this fall-inspired drink will always be a part of my story, fueling my passion and reminding me of the joy in serving others.

As I reminisce about my high school days, the words from Olivia Rodrigo's ‘GUTS’ echo in my mind: “Fighting battles, big and small, finding where I fit in it all.” These words encapsulate the essence of my teenage journey, a time of relentless balancing between academics, athletics, and community service. My days began before sunrise, lacing up my running shoes for a morning jog. The crisp morning air was both a shock and a stimulant, waking me up for the challenges ahead. I was a scholar-athlete, a title that carried both prestige and pressure. In the classroom, my mind juggled algebra equations and historical dates, constantly pushing boundaries to maintain my academic standing. Yet, in the field of lacrosse, I was a different person: agile, fierce, and free. Lacrosse was not just a game; it was a metaphor for life's unpredictable nature. Each match was a new challenge, a new opportunity to strategize, to adapt, and to overcome. Just like the lyric, “Fighting battles, big and small,” every game was a battle, reflecting the struggles of adolescence. On the field, I learned resilience, teamwork, and leadership – skills that were invaluable off the field as well. But my journey was not confined to the boundaries of school and sports. I was also deeply involved in community service. This aspect of my life was less about competition and more about compassion. Volunteering at local shelters, organizing food drives, and participating in neighborhood cleanups, I discovered a sense of purpose beyond personal achievements. These experiences taught me empathy and humility, balancing the competitive edge I honed in sports and academics. In these varied roles, I was constantly “finding where I fit in it all.” There were moments of self-doubt and exhaustion, where the weight of expectations felt overwhelming. But amidst these challenges, adolescence was also a time of profound self-discovery. Each role I played – student, athlete, volunteer – was like a piece of a puzzle, gradually forming a picture of who I was and who I aspired to be. Rodrigo’s lyric speaks to the heart of adolescence – a tumultuous journey of exploring identities, pushing limits, and finding a balance. The battles I fought were not just on the lacrosse field or in academic decathlons; they were internal battles of self-identity and self-worth. As I look back, I realize how these experiences shaped me. The discipline of academics, the resilience from sports, and the empathy from community service were not just separate endeavors; they were interwoven threads creating a tapestry of my teenage years. In conclusion, Rodrigo's lyric “Fighting battles, big and small, finding where I fit in it all” resonates deeply with my teenage experience. It captures the essence of adolescence – a period marked by challenges, growth, and self-discovery. Just like a lacrosse game, life is unpredictable, but the skills and values we acquire during these formative years equip us to navigate it with confidence and grace. My high school journey was a testament to this – a balance of academia, athletics, and altruism, each teaching me invaluable lessons for life.

Discovering My Path Through Taylor Swift’s Music: An Eras Tour Epiphany Music has a unique way of shaping our lives, serving as a backdrop to our dreams and aspirations. For me, a 19-year-old college student with a burning passion for community service and a dream of building sustainable homes, it was Taylor Swift’s music, especially during her Eras Tour, that helped me uncover a deeper understanding of myself and my aspirations. Taylor Swift, an artist known for her storytelling and emotional depth, has been a constant companion in my journey. Her music has evolved over the years, mirroring the changes and growth in her own life. The Eras Tour, a celebration of her musical journey, was a mosaic of emotions, experiences, and stories that resonated with me on a profound level. Attending the Eras Tour was like walking through different chapters of someone’s life, each era marked by distinctive sounds, themes, and emotions. As I immersed myself in the electrifying atmosphere, surrounded by thousands of fans, I felt a deep connection with the music and the artist. Each song, from the youthful exuberance of “Love Story” to the introspective lyrics of “Folklore,” spoke to different facets of my own experiences and dreams. One particular moment that stood out was when Taylor performed “Change,” a song about hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics, “These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down,” struck a chord with me. It mirrored my ambition to break down barriers in housing affordability and sustainability. Her voice, powerful and unwavering, filled me with a sense of purpose and determination. It was a reminder that change is possible, and that my dreams, however daunting, were achievable. Another significant aspect of the concert was the sense of community. Taylor Swift’s ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds was inspiring. It reinforced my belief in the power of community and collaboration, essential elements in my aspiration to build sustainable homes. The Eras Tour was not just a musical experience; it was a lesson in unity and the strength that comes from being part of something larger than oneself. Moreover, Taylor’s evolution as an artist and her resilience in the face of challenges inspired me. Her journey from a country singer to a global pop star, while staying true to her artistry and values, taught me the importance of adaptability and authenticity. In my journey to becoming a builder of sustainable homes, these qualities are vital. They remind me to stay true to my vision while being open to learning and evolving. In conclusion, Taylor Swift’s music, particularly during the Eras Tour, was more than just a soundtrack to my life; it was a catalyst for self-discovery. It helped me understand the importance of resilience, community, and staying true to one’s values. As I move forward in my journey, the lessons learned from her music and her story will continue to inspire and guide me. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was not just a celebration of her musical journey; it was a stepping stone in mine, helping me discover new depths to my aspirations and how I can make a meaningful impact in the world.

As a 19-year-old college student with a burning passion for community service and a dream to build sustainable homes, I've found a source of inspiration and relaxation in a Netflix show that mirrors my aspirations and interests. I'm here to share with you my absolute favorite Netflix series - a show that is not just a series but a journey, a revelation, and a source of motivation. Clear your weekend, grab some popcorn, and get ready to binge-watch "Dream Home Makeover." "Dream Home Makeover" is more than just a home renovation show. It's a canvas of dreams, a testament to the power of transformation, and a reflection of the very essence of what I aspire to achieve in life. Each episode follows Shea and Syd McGee of Studio McGee as they transform ordinary homes into extraordinary living spaces. But it's not just about the aesthetics; it's about making homes that are sustainable, functional, and tailored to the needs of the homeowners. This show resonates with me deeply as it aligns with my passion for building sustainable homes. Watching Shea and Syd work, I am reminded of the importance of creating spaces that aren't just beautiful but are also environmentally friendly and sustainable. They often use recycled materials, focus on energy efficiency, and design with a purpose – principles that I am eager to incorporate into my future projects. Moreover, "Dream Home Makeover" is a celebration of diversity and individuality. Each project is unique, tailored to the homeowner's lifestyle and personality. This personal touch is what I admire the most. It's not just about following trends; it's about creating a space that tells a story, the homeowner's story. This approach has taught me the importance of listening and understanding people's needs, a skill crucial in my future endeavor to build homes for others. The show also educates viewers about the design process, from conceptualization to execution. It's a treasure trove of knowledge for someone like me, studying and aspiring to enter this field. The intricate details of choosing the right materials, the challenge of staying within budget, and the art of blending functionality with aesthetics are lessons that are invaluable. But perhaps, the most compelling reason to watch "Dream Home Makeover" is the emotional payoff. The joy and tears of the homeowners as they see their transformed space for the first time are heartwarming. It reinforces my belief in the impact that a well-designed home can have on a person's life. So, if you're looking for a show that's inspiring, educational, and heartwarming, "Dream Home Makeover" is it. It's not just a show; it's an experience that will leave you motivated, enlightened, and perhaps even a bit emotional. As a young individual who dreams of making a difference in the world, this show is a reminder of the beautiful possibilities that creativity and hard work can bring. Clear your weekend, because once you start watching, you won't be able to stop.

As a 19-year-old college student with a deep passion for community and service, I envision a future where I contribute to society by building sustainable homes. This ambition is a significant part of who I am, much like my love for anime. Among the many series and films in the anime world, there is one that I hold close to my heart, one I can watch repeatedly without ever growing tired of it: “Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.” “Spirited Away,” directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, is not just a film for me; it’s a journey into a world of wonder, imagination, and profound life lessons. Every time I watch it, I find myself immersed in its rich storytelling, breathtaking animation, and the deep emotional resonance it carries. What makes “Spirited Away” so captivating for me is its blend of fantasy and reality, which parallels my own journey of growth and discovery. The story follows Chihiro, a young girl who, much like myself at this age, is on the brink of a significant life transition. She finds herself in a magical world, working in a bathhouse for spirits to save her parents who have been turned into pigs. This narrative, while fantastical, mirrors the challenges and transformations I face as a young adult. Chihiro’s journey of courage, resilience, and self-discovery in an unknown world is something I relate to deeply as I navigate my college years and my aspirations for the future. The artistic brilliance of “Spirited Away” is another aspect that draws me back time and again. The animation is not just visually stunning; it’s a canvas that brings to life a world rich in detail and symbolism. The design of each character, from the enigmatic Haku to the humorous yet wise Kamaji, adds layers of depth to the story. The bathhouse itself, bustling with an array of spirits, reflects the diversity of the world around us, something I am passionate about in my community work. Moreover, the themes of “Spirited Away” resonate with my aspirations. The film explores environmentalism, a topic close to my heart, as I aim to build sustainable homes in the future. The respect shown for nature and the consequences of greed in the film serve as a constant reminder of the principles I want to uphold in my career. The soundtrack of “Spirited Away” also plays a significant role in its enduring appeal. Joe Hisaishi’s compositions are not just music to my ears; they are the emotional backbone of the film, evoking a sense of nostalgia, adventure, and hope. The music stirs something deep within me, aligning with my emotions and aspirations, and providing a source of inspiration and comfort. In conclusion, “Spirited Away” is more than just an anime film to me. It’s a masterpiece that reflects my journey, challenges, and dreams. It captivates me with its storytelling, visual artistry, thematic depth, and musical brilliance. As I work towards my goals of building sustainable homes and contributing to my community, “Spirited Away” remains a source of inspiration, reminding me of the magic of believing in oneself and the power of resilience.

As a 19-year-old college student with a passion for community service and a dream to build sustainable homes, I find myself drawn to the idea of forming a squad with characters from “Stranger Things” to face a new supernatural threat. The show’s unique blend of bravery, intelligence, and heart resonates deeply with me. Considering my choices, I’d pick Eleven, Dustin, and Hopper for their distinctive qualities that align with my values and objectives. First and foremost, Eleven is an obvious choice. Her telekinetic abilities are not only formidable but also symbolize the power of overcoming personal struggles – something I relate to in my journey. Eleven, often called ‘El’, represents resilience and the strength to fight against all odds. As someone who aims to build sustainable homes, I see a metaphor in Eleven’s character; she constantly rebuilds herself, much like I plan to rebuild communities. Her powers would be instrumental in defending against supernatural threats, but it’s her emotional strength that truly inspires me. Next, I’d choose Dustin. Dustin brings a blend of humor, intelligence, and loyalty to the table. His knowledge of science and technology mirrors my academic interests, especially in sustainable architecture. I admire his ability to think critically under pressure, a skill crucial in both confronting supernatural threats and in my future career. Dustin’s resourcefulness in the face of unknown phenomena is akin to innovating sustainable building practices in uncharted territories. Plus, his humor would be essential in keeping the squad’s morale high in dire situations. Lastly, I’d include Chief Jim Hopper. Hopper’s experience as a police chief provides a tactical edge. His leadership skills and ability to remain calm under pressure are qualities I aspire to embody as a future leader in community development. Hopper’s protective nature aligns with my goal of creating safe, sustainable homes. He symbolizes the strength and stability I wish to provide for communities through my work. Additionally, his journey of healing and growth mirrors the transformative impact I hope to have on the places and people I serve. This squad, comprising Eleven, Dustin, and Hopper, balances supernatural strength, scientific intellect, and experienced leadership – all vital for facing any unknown challenge. In our fight against the supernatural, Eleven would be our main line of defense, using her powers to protect us. Dustin, with his gadgets and knowledge, would be our strategist, finding ways to outsmart our adversaries. Hopper, with his experience and tactical skills, would ensure our operations are executed smoothly and safely. As we confront these threats, the lessons I’d learn from each of them would be invaluable. Eleven would teach me about inner strength, Dustin about the power of knowledge and innovation, and Hopper about leadership and resilience. These lessons would not only aid in our supernatural battles but also guide me in my journey to build sustainable homes and foster resilient communities. In conclusion, forming a squad with Eleven, Dustin, and Hopper from “Stranger Things” is not just about facing a supernatural threat; it’s about learning and embodying qualities that will aid me in my life’s mission. Their unique abilities and characteristics complement my goals, making them the perfect allies in any challenge, supernatural or otherwise.

As a 19-year-old college student deeply committed to community service and the dream of building sustainable homes post-graduation, my bookshelf is a reflection of these passions, shaped significantly by #BookTok recommendations. Each book resonates with my aspirations and has left a profound impact on the #BookTok community. The cornerstone of my collection is “The Overstory” by Richard Powers. This novel, a tapestry of stories about people and trees, intertwines human lives with the natural world, echoing my own belief in living harmoniously with nature. Its impact on #BookTok has been profound, sparking discussions about environmental consciousness and the beauty of our natural world. It reminds me daily that each sustainable home I dream of building should coexist peacefully with its natural surroundings. Next is “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This book blends indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge, teaching me the importance of gratitude and respect for the earth. It's a #BookTok favorite for its eloquent portrayal of what it means to live in reciprocity with nature. As I plan for sustainable living spaces, the lessons from this book guide my approach to ensure that each structure is not just environmentally friendly, but also culturally and spiritually respectful. “Educated” by Tara Westover is another must-have. It's a powerful memoir about the transformative power of education. On #BookTok, it has been celebrated for its inspiring message and Westover's resilience. It resonates with my college journey, reinforcing my belief in the power of education to change lives and communities. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens, beloved on #BookTok, finds its place on my shelf for its beautiful depiction of the natural world and the resilience of its protagonist. It's a reminder of the simplicity and beauty of nature, aspects I want to capture in my sustainable home designs. Paul Hawken’s “Drawdown” is a practical yet hopeful guide to combating climate change. Its popularity on #BookTok comes from its pragmatic solutions to a global issue. For someone like me, aspiring to build sustainable homes, this book is a roadmap and a source of innovative ideas. “The Little Book of Hygge” by Meik Wiking has influenced my thoughts on creating homes that are not just sustainable but also spaces of comfort and happiness. Its reception on #BookTok highlights the universal quest for well-being and contentment, themes central to my future projects. Finally, “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, a #BookTok favorite, is a tale of following one's dreams. It speaks to my heart, reinforcing my determination to achieve my goals and serve my community. Each book on my shelf has been a conversation starter on #BookTok, leading to meaningful discussions about sustainability, resilience, and the power of dreams. They have collectively shaped my perspective, not just as a student, but as a future creator of sustainable homes. They remind me daily that my journey is not just about buildings, but about nurturing communities and the environment. In this small collection lies the blueprint of my dreams and the reflection of a community that believes in making a difference, one book, one home, one life at a time.

As a 19-year-old college student deeply invested in community service and aspiring to build sustainable homes, I’ve found a unique joy and connection in the world of Nintendo games. Among the myriad of games that have graced my console, the one that stands out as my favorite for cooperative play is “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.” This game, with its vibrant tracks and competitive spirit, has not just been a source of entertainment, but a foundation for memorable moments with friends and family, reinforcing my beliefs in teamwork and perseverance. One particular session of “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” remains etched in my memory, symbolizing the essence of cooperative gameplay and the bond it fosters. It was a chilly winter evening during the semester break, and my dorm was unusually quiet with most students away for the holidays. Seeking to break the monotony, I invited a few friends who were also staying back for a Mario Kart tournament. The room was quickly filled with laughter, competitive banter, and the sound of controllers clicking. We decided to team up in pairs for a series of races, and I teamed up with Alex, a friend who, like me, wasn’t just playing for fun but to win. Our communication and strategies during the races mirrored our collaborative efforts in community projects; we were in sync, warning each other of incoming shells, timing our power-ups, and navigating through the tracks with a shared sense of purpose. The pinnacle of this session came during the final race at Rainbow Road, a track notorious for its difficulty and the ultimate test of teamwork. Alex and I were neck-and-neck with our rivals, Sarah and Mike, both formidable players. The atmosphere was tense, with everyone focused and determined. As we approached the final stretch, Sarah, in the lead, got hit by a blue shell, an unexpected twist that threw their team off balance. Seizing the opportunity, Alex and I maneuvered through the chaos, communicating quickly to avoid the same fate. Just when victory seemed certain, a red shell targeted us, but in a split-second decision, I used a Super Horn, neutralizing the threat. We crossed the finish line first, amidst cheers and high-fives. This moment, exhilarating and filled with camaraderie, solidified “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” as my top co-op game. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about how Alex and I worked together, adapting to challenges and supporting each other, much like how I envision my future endeavors in building sustainable homes. The game became a metaphor for my ambitions – it required planning, cooperation, and the ability to navigate challenges, all essential skills for my career goals. In retrospect, what makes “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” my favorite isn’t just the gameplay, but the memories it creates and the lessons it imparts. It’s a reminder that even in a competitive setting, cooperation and mutual support are invaluable. It resonates with my passion for community and serving others, teaching me that whether it’s in a virtual race or the real world, working together towards a common goal can lead to remarkable achievements. This game, in its essence, captures the spirit of cooperation and resilience, qualities that I cherish and strive to embody in my journey to build a better world.

My experiences resonate deeply with the themes and melodies of Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version).” This album, with its vibrant mix of introspection, resilience, and dreams, mirrors the emotional and aspirational landscape of my life. The opening track, “Welcome to New York,” is a fitting start to my soundtrack. Just like the song’s celebration of new beginnings and embracing change, my first year in college has been a whirlwind of new experiences and learning opportunities. The lyrics, “It’s a new soundtrack, I could dance to this beat forevermore,” encapsulate my excitement and readiness to dive into this new phase of my life, filled with hope and determination. “Blank Space” holds a special place in my playlist. This song, with its catchy beat and satirical lyrics about the unpredictability of relationships, parallels my journey of forming new friendships and connections in college. It reminds me of the thrilling, sometimes chaotic, nature of meeting new people and building relationships that could either last a lifetime or end abruptly, much like the ephemeral romances Swift sings about. “Style” is another song that resonates with me, especially when considering my passion for sustainability and community service. The song’s smooth melody and timeless feel reflect my own belief in the enduring value of sustainable living and the importance of building communities that stand the test of time. The lyric, “You got that long hair, slicked back, white t-shirt,” evokes a sense of classic, enduring style, much like my vision for sustainable homes that are both functional and aesthetically timeless. The energetic and uplifting “Shake It Off” is the anthem of my year. Its message of resilience in the face of criticism and negativity is a powerful reminder to stay true to myself and my goals, especially in the face of challenges and setbacks. Whether it’s dealing with academic pressures, navigating social dynamics, or facing doubts about my future plans, “Shake It Off” inspires me to rise above and keep moving forward with positivity. “All You Had To Do Was Stay” speaks to the theme of lost opportunities and the pain of seeing something slip away. This echoes my experiences with missed opportunities, whether in academics, extracurricular activities, or personal goals. The song’s emotive chorus, “All you had to do was stay,” serves as a poignant reminder to seize opportunities and cherish what I have before it’s gone. “I Know Places” is a track that I relate to on a personal level. Its theme of finding refuge and solace away from prying eyes and judgment aligns with my own need for personal space and quiet reflection amidst the hustle of college life. The lyrics, “I know places we can hide,” resonate with my quest for moments of solitude and introspection, which are crucial for my mental and emotional well-being. Lastly, “Clean,” the closing track of the album, beautifully symbolizes my journey towards self-discovery and healing. The song’s themes of renewal and overcoming past struggles reflect my own process of learning, growing, and evolving through my college experiences. Its calming melody and hopeful lyrics provide a sense of closure and optimism, reminding me that every challenge faced is a step towards a brighter, more fulfilling future. “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” is not just an album for me; it’s a reflection of my journey this year. Each song resonates with different aspects of my life as a college student, from embracing new beginnings and overcoming challenges to pursuing my passions and dreaming of a sustainable future. This soundtrack is a melodic representation of my growth, aspirations, and the lessons learned along the way.

As a 19-year-old college student deeply committed to community service and sustainability, I find inspiration in various forms of media, including movies. Among the many characters that have captivated my imagination, Spider-Man stands out, not just for his superhero antics but for the values he represents — responsibility, humility, and service to others. These are ideals I deeply connect with, especially as I aspire to build sustainable homes post-college. Over the years, several talented actors have donned the Spider-Man suit, each bringing a unique flavor to this iconic role. Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland have all portrayed Peter Parker on the big screen, captivating audiences worldwide. After much consideration, my favorite Spider-Man actor is Tom Holland. Tom Holland’s portrayal of Spider-Man resonates with me for several reasons. First, his youthful energy and authenticity make his Peter Parker the most relatable. As a young adult myself, I find Holland’s depiction of a high school student navigating the complexities of adolescence while juggling the responsibilities of a superhero incredibly compelling. His performance strikes a perfect balance between the awkward, nerdy high schooler and the confident, agile Spider-Man. Secondly, Holland’s Spider-Man is brilliantly integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). His interactions with other characters, such as Iron Man and Doctor Strange, add depth to his character and expand the narrative possibilities. This integration makes Holland’s Spider-Man more than just a standalone hero; he’s part of a larger, interconnected world, mirroring my belief in community and interconnectedness. Moreover, Holland brings a level of physicality to the role that is unmatched. His background in dance and gymnastics gives him a natural agility that makes the action sequences more realistic and thrilling. This physical prowess, combined with his acting skills, creates a Spider-Man that is both awe-inspiring and believable. The emotional depth Holland brings to the character is another aspect that sets him apart. His portrayal of Spider-Man’s struggles, be it the loss of a mentor or the moral dilemmas of using his powers, is done with a sincerity that makes the character’s journey more poignant and impactful. This emotional resonance is crucial, as it reflects the real-world complexities and challenges I face as a young individual passionate about making a difference. Finally, Tom Holland’s off-screen persona enhances my admiration for him. His involvement in various charitable activities and his humble, down-to-earth nature align with my values of service and community. In many ways, Holland embodies the spirit of Spider-Man both on and off the screen. In conclusion, while each actor has brought something unique to the Spider-Man role, Tom Holland stands out as my favorite. His portrayal is not only entertaining but also inspiring, reflecting the values I hold dear as a young adult. Holland’s Spider-Man is a symbol of resilience, humility, and service — qualities that I strive to embody in my journey towards building sustainable homes and contributing to my community.

“The Green Blueprint: A Wizards & Inventors Tale” Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve had two obsessions: “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.” I always imagined how cool it would be if these two worlds collided. Now, in my college dorm, I dream up a crossover episode where magic meets mischief, all in the name of community and sustainability, my greatest passions. The episode opens in the bustling lobby of the Tipton Hotel. Zack and Cody are planning a charity event to raise awareness about sustainable living. They want to transform the Tipton into an eco-friendly model for hotels everywhere. But, they need a big attraction to draw a crowd. That’s when Alex Russo, in town for a wizards’ convention, overhears their conversation. Intrigued, Alex approaches the twins with an offer they can’t refuse: she’ll use her magic to create the most incredible eco-friendly innovations the world has ever seen. The boys, though skeptical of magic, agree. After all, the cause is too important. And so, “The Green Blueprint” begins. As they brainstorm, Alex’s brother, Justin, joins in, cautioning them about the unpredictable nature of magic. He suggests consulting a wizard’s manual for spells that could safely promote environmental sustainability. The plan is set: use magic to create a sustainable showcase at the Tipton. The day of the event arrives, and the hotel is abuzz. Solar panels shimmer on the roof, courtesy of Alex’s spells. Inside, a magical garden grows in the lobby, featuring plants that clean the air more effectively than any machine. Justin, now fully on board, demonstrates a spell that recycles materials instantly. The crowd is amazed. However, things start to go awry when Zack, trying to impress a girl, asks Alex to show off her magic. Alex, always up for a challenge, agrees, but her spell backfires, turning the solar panels into giant sunflowers. The lobby garden begins to overgrow wildly, turning the Tipton into a jungle. Panic ensues. Mr. Moseby is furious, the twins are in over their heads, and Alex and Justin scramble to reverse the spells. Amidst the chaos, I see an opportunity to step in. Using my knowledge of sustainable building, I guide the group to integrate magic with practical, environmentally-friendly solutions. Together, we fix the overgrown garden, turning it into a beautiful vertical garden that adorns the hotel walls. The sunflower solar panels are transformed back, but with enhanced efficiency, thanks to a spell from Justin. The event becomes a huge success, showing how magic and science can work together for a sustainable future. As the episode ends, I reflect on the adventure. The chaos, the teamwork, the blend of magic and sustainability – it was all more exciting than anything I could’ve dreamed. The experience reinforces my belief that I, too, can make a real difference in the world through sustainable innovation. This crossover episode of “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” not only combines my favorite shows but also embodies my passions and dreams. It’s a reminder that with creativity, commitment, and a touch of magic, anything is possible.

As a 19-year-old college student passionate about community service and with aspirations to build sustainable homes, I find myself resonating deeply with the character of Jim Halpert from "The Office." This connection stems not just from Jim's more obvious humorous side, but also from his underlying values and aspirations, which reflect a desire for meaningful work and a better life, not just for himself but for those around him. Jim Halpert, portrayed by John Krasinski, is known for his witty pranks and his laid-back demeanor. However, beneath this facade of a carefree prankster, Jim is a character driven by a deep sense of loyalty and a desire for personal fulfillment. This aligns closely with my own values as someone committed to community service and sustainability. Jim's story arc throughout the series is a journey of self-discovery, where he transitions from a salesman who is unsatisfied with his job to someone who takes bold steps to follow his dreams, such as starting a sports marketing company in Philadelphia. This mirrors my own journey towards realizing my dream of building sustainable homes. Moreover, Jim's relationship dynamics, especially with Pam, demonstrate the importance of support and understanding in personal and professional growth. This aspect of Jim's character teaches the value of having a supportive community, which is crucial in my life, especially as I work towards my goals in sustainable housing. Jim's ability to balance his personal life with his professional aspirations, while maintaining a sense of humor, is something I strive to emulate. "The Office" has significantly shaped my sense of humor, especially in understanding the subtleties of workplace dynamics. The show, through its mockumentary format, presents a humorous yet realistic portrayal of office life, highlighting the quirks and eccentricities of different personalities. This has helped me develop a light-hearted approach to dealing with diverse personalities, a skill that is invaluable in community work and in collaborative environments. The show also offers a unique perspective on workplace dynamics. It highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and patience in dealing with colleagues. Characters like Michael Scott, despite their flaws, show the importance of caring for your team. This has influenced my approach towards teamwork and leadership, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in creating a positive and productive work environment. In conclusion, Jim Halpert from "The Office" is a character I deeply resonate with, not just for his sense of humor, but for his journey towards personal fulfillment and his values that emphasize community and support. The show has not only shaped my sense of humor, making me appreciate the lighter side of life and work, but it has also offered valuable insights into workplace dynamics. These lessons are particularly relevant to me as I pursue my passion for sustainable development and community service. "The Office" has been more than just a source of entertainment; it has been a guide in understanding and navigating the complexities of working with others towards a common goal.

As a 19-year-old college student deeply passionate about community service and aspiring to build sustainable homes, I find that Minecraft resonates with me on a profound level. This essay reflects on why the game's creative building and community-driven elements are my favorite aspects and how they mirror my real-life ambitions: Minecraft: A Personal Canvas for Creative and Community Building Minecraft, at its core, is about creation and survival. For someone like me, dedicated to community service and with aspirations in sustainable home-building, it becomes more than just a game. It's a personal canvas where my passions and dreams take a virtual form, allowing me to experiment with sustainable building designs and community development in a risk-free environment. My favorite aspect of Minecraft is undoubtedly its creative building component. The game offers an endless array of materials and an open-world environment where I can construct anything I imagine. This mirrors my real-life aspiration to build sustainable homes. In the game, I experiment with different materials and designs, learning about what works and what doesn’t in terms of sustainability. This virtual practice is not just a hobby but a creative outlet that allows me to explore and refine my future career aspirations. Moreover, Minecraft's emphasis on sustainability aligns perfectly with my goals. The game encourages players to think about using resources wisely, to farm sustainably, and to build eco-friendly structures. This virtual practice of sustainability is a small-scale simulation of what I aspire to do in the real world. It helps me understand the importance of resource management and ecological balance, which are crucial in sustainable housing. Another aspect of Minecraft that resonates with me is its community-driven environment. Minecraft is not just about individual creation; it's also about building and being part of a community. I can join servers where like-minded players collaborate on large-scale projects, share ideas, and support each other’s creations. This mirrors my real-life passion for community service. Just as I aspire to build homes and communities in the real world, in Minecraft, I become part of a virtual community, working together to build and create. Furthermore, Minecraft's educational value cannot be overlooked. As a college student, I am in a phase of life where learning and acquiring new skills are crucial. Minecraft, in its unique way, teaches me about geometry, architecture, and even urban planning. These skills are not just relevant to my gameplay but are directly applicable to my career aspirations in sustainable housing. In conclusion, my favorite aspects of Minecraft – the creative building and the community-driven environment – resonate with me because they mirror my real-life passions and aspirations. It’s a game that allows me to experiment with sustainable building designs, be part of a community, and learn valuable skills that are relevant to my future career. Minecraft is more than a game for me; it’s a virtual extension of my real-world dreams and passions.

Zendaya: A Beacon of Inspiration in a Multifaceted Career As a 19-year-old African American, female college student dedicated to community service and aspiring to build sustainable homes, I find profound inspiration in the multifaceted career of Zendaya. Among her diverse roles as an actress, singer, fashion icon, and activist, it is her activism that resonates with me the most. Zendaya’s dedication to social causes reflects a deep sense of responsibility and commitment, mirroring my aspirations to serve and uplift communities. Zendaya’s activism transcends traditional celebrity advocacy. She utilizes her platform to address critical issues, ranging from racial justice to women’s rights, embodying a spirit of activism that is both authentic and impactful. Her involvement in campaigns and public speaking engagements demonstrates a commitment to societal change, which aligns with my passion for community service. In a world where celebrities often engage in superficial activism, Zendaya stands out as a genuine advocate for change. This authenticity in her activism is not just inspiring but also instructive for someone like me, who aims to make a tangible difference in the world. Zendaya’s approach to activism shows that one can be both successful in their field and socially conscious. This balance is crucial in my journey to become a builder of sustainable homes. I envision creating spaces that are not only environmentally friendly but also accessible to underserved communities, much like Zendaya’s efforts to use her influence for the greater good. Moreover, Zendaya’s African American heritage and her success in various fields challenge the stereotypes and barriers often faced by people of color. Her achievements in a competitive industry serve as a powerful reminder that with talent, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose, one can overcome societal hurdles. This message is particularly poignant for me as an African American, female student navigating the complexities of higher education and aspiring to break into the field of sustainable architecture. Furthermore, Zendaya’s ability to wear multiple hats – from acting and singing to fashion and activism – demonstrates the power of versatility. In a world that often tries to box individuals into single identities, she shows that it is possible to explore various passions and excel in multiple arenas. This versatility is something I aspire to in my career, where I aim to combine technical skills in sustainable building with a deep understanding of community needs and social justice. In conclusion, while Zendaya’s multifaceted career is admirable in many aspects, it is her genuine and impactful activism that I admire the most. Her dedication to using her platform for social change not only inspires me but also guides me in how I want to shape my career and contribute to society. As I progress through college and towards my goal of building sustainable homes, I carry with me the lessons learned from Zendaya’s journey: the importance of authenticity, the power of versatility, and the impact one can make by being dedicated to the betterment of the community and the world.

As a fervent aspiring architect, I am deeply committed to shaping the future of our communities through sustainable design. My dedication to this cause is not just a career choice; it's a commitment to our planet and future generations. The Beyond the C.L.O.U.D. scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it is a gateway to achieving my dream of becoming an architect who influences the world, starting with Los Angeles. My journey towards becoming an architect is driven by a desire to blend creativity with sustainability. In a world grappling with climate change and environmental degradation, I believe architects have a crucial role to play. We are not just building structures; we are shaping habitats, communities, and the environment. My goal is to design buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible, conserving resources, and promoting a greener lifestyle. Los Angeles, a city known for its architectural diversity and innovation, is the ideal starting point for my career. It’s a city that constantly evolves, and I aspire to contribute to its transformation by creating sustainable structures that respect and enhance the local environment. My vision extends beyond Los Angeles to the global stage, where I hope to share and implement sustainable architectural practices that can make a substantial difference. The Beyond the C.L.O.U.D. scholarship is pivotal in this journey. Financial constraints are a significant hurdle in pursuing higher education, especially in a field as resource-intensive as architecture. This scholarship would alleviate these financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and hone the skills necessary to bring my vision to life. It would also enable me to access better resources, engage with leading professionals in the field, and participate in projects that align with my goals. I believe I am a deserving candidate for this scholarship because of my unwavering dedication and commitment to success. I understand that the path to becoming a leading architect is challenging, but I am prepared to face these challenges head-on. This scholarship would not just support my education; it would support the realization of my dreams and the positive impact I wish to make in the world. In conclusion, the Beyond the C.L.O.U.D. scholarship stands as a crucial support in my educational journey. It is an investment in a sustainable future, and I am committed to ensuring that this investment yields significant and positive returns for our communities and the environment. With this scholarship, I am one step closer to becoming an architect who will leave a lasting impact on Los Angeles and the world.

As a lover of engineering, I’m passionate about sustainable communities and structures, my journey is fueled by a deep commitment to positively impact the planet. This personal essay explores my inspiration and devotion to engineering, particularly focusing on sustainable solutions. At its heart, my love for engineering is about solving problems and enhancing lives. I am driven by the desire to make a real difference in the world, especially in the face of environmental challenges like climate change and resource depletion. My vision goes beyond just constructing buildings or infrastructures; it's about reimagining them as integrated, sustainable systems in harmony with nature. My inspiration comes from a combination of personal experiences, educational insights, and a keen awareness of our world's environmental issues. Whether it was the resilience of nature, the elegance of efficient design, or the potential for engineering to enact societal change, these experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective. My educational background, rich in sustainable design, renewable energy, and green technology, has not only honed my technical skills but deepened my understanding of the intricate relationship between human society and the environment. I am passionate about creating sustainable communities and structures that are more than just engineered spaces. My vision encompasses renewable energy sources, sustainable materials, and innovative design principles to craft environments that are eco-friendly and enhance inhabitants' quality of life. I believe sustainable engineering is a holistic approach, considering social, economic, and environmental factors. In my pursuit, I see engineering as a tool for environmental stewardship, with the potential to mitigate human impact on the planet and actively restore ecosystems. I am committed to developing solutions that are sustainable, resilient, and adaptable to our world's changing needs. My commitment extends beyond the technical realm; it's about inspiring a collective movement towards sustainability. Collaborating with engineers, architects, urban planners, and communities, I aim to foster a culture where environmental consciousness is integral to every design and construction aspect. In summary, my passion for engineering is deeply intertwined with my commitment to sustainable communities and structures. This path is more than a career; it's a calling to make a significant, positive impact on the planet. My vision for a sustainable future is not just a dream but a testament to engineering's power to create a better world. I can not wait to have the opportunity to be a future leader in this space and help others all over the world.

Gryffindor's Essence and My Journey of Self-Discovery In the magical world of Harry Potter, the legacy of Gryffindor House stands as a testament to the power of courage, determination, chivalry, and acceptance. As I navigate the labyrinth of my identity as a 19-year-old African American woman, the values of Gryffindor are not mere elements of fantasy, but vital cornerstones of my lived experience, shaping my aspirations and dreams. Bravery, for many, might mean audacious acts of heroism, but for me, its essence lies in everyday acts of resistance. Growing up African American, I've walked the tightrope between cultural pride and societal prejudice. There were moments that sought to shadow my spirit, from subtle microaggressions to blatant racial bias. But, as my grandmother often recounted stories of our ancestors - their struggles, their resilience, their indomitable spirit - I realized that the same courage that runs in Gryffindor's legacy flows in my veins too. Just as Gryffindor students rose against adversities threatening Hogwarts, I found my voice, advocating for justice, equity, and amplifying the voices of those marginalized. The road to self-discovery has been paved with determination. Striving for academic excellence, asserting my individuality, and shattering the glass ceilings set by societal norms have been a constant endeavor. It reminds me of Hermione Granger's relentless spirit. Despite her Muggle heritage, she emerged as one of the brightest witches of her age. Drawing parallels, my journey too has been about proving that one's background or color should never be a gauge for one's potential or worth. Chivalry, in the traditional sense, speaks of valor and courtesy. Yet, in the Gryffindor lexicon and my personal narrative, it expands to signify advocacy for those silenced. Deeply influenced by the sense of community from my African heritage, I have endeavored to give back. I've immersed myself in community outreach programs, mentoring younger African American girls, showing them that their dreams are valid and achievable. This spirit of lifting others, of ensuring that the path we tread becomes easier for those who follow, embodies the chivalrous spirit of Gryffindor. Yet, beyond these powerful virtues, it's Gryffindor's value of acceptance that resonates most profoundly. My journey as an African American woman has often been about seeking spaces of true belonging, battling stereotypes, and creating spaces of inclusivity. Much like Gryffindor, which embraced the bravery of Neville, the wisdom of Hermione, or the uniqueness of Luna during her brief alliance, I too have found strength in diversity, championing a world where differences are celebrated. But where does this alignment with Gryffindor lead me? My aspirations are both grand and grounded. I dream of a world where equality isn't just a buzzword, where every young African American can chase their dreams without the fetters of prejudice. I envision myself as a beacon of change, contributing to literature, politics, or social activism, ensuring that the narratives of marginalized communities are brought to the forefront. The indomitable spirit of Gryffindor, its unwavering belief in the power of good, fuels this vision, guiding me as I forge ahead. In conclusion, the realms of Hogwarts and my reality might seem disparate at first glance. Yet, when delved deeper, they merge in a dance of shared values and dreams. As a 19-year-old African American woman, my story, laced with challenges, hopes, and aspirations, finds a kindred spirit in the essence of Gryffindor. And as I continue to weave the tapestry of my life, this legacy, both magical and profoundly real, will always be an integral thread.

A challenge that I had to overcome was learning the importance of empathy and patience when communicating with my mom. Practicing empathy is something I have always done as I witnessed my mom's struggle with epilepsy. Understanding the importance of empathy has not only helped me grow as a person but has helped me relate to others on a deeper level. Being empathetic is not something I ever really thought about or set out to do. As I sit back and try to recall moments where I’ve been empathetic or how I even learned it, I realize it all leads back to my mom. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. For as long as I can remember, I’ve learned to practice and use empathy with my mom and her struggle. Along with her experiencing seizures, also came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t mean or could not communicate effectively. I had to learn to understand her limitations. As a child, I would become frustrated and upset. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. Overcoming this challenge has been a segue into a different way to live a life that has allowed me to relate to others in a rewarding and unique way. I have learned to use these skills in the classroom while working with my classmates, on the field when I’m playing with my teammates, and with my friends in my social life. Empathy has become as natural for me as breathing and is everywhere in my life, making me a more compassionate and considerate person who cares to understand others more easily. Overcoming this challenge has bettered my relationship with my mom for life and has empowered me to better understand and communicate with others freely. I have taken these lessons with me to college, where I am a Sophomore at the University of Southern California, majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture. I plan to learn everything I can to become a licensed Architect. My long-term professional goal is to build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. Another goal of my architecture career will align with my passion for ending homelessness. My passion aligned with my dedication and service to Habitat for Humanity, whose commitment to housing the homeless provided me the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. I embody the attributes of being a proactive, highly motivated leader, who believes in positive change and giving back to my community. I will achieve my dream of continuing my education to learn everything that I can to impact society and continue to change the world for the better.

I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My great-grandfather was one of the first African American paratroopers in World War II, my great-uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. From a very early age, my sister and I understood the importance of serving and impacting communities. After my parents completed their military service, they moved from Georgia to California and both accepted jobs as military civilians at Ft Irwin military post. From Kindergarten through fourth grade, I spent my early childhood education years there. During my five years at Ft Irwin, I saw my parents and others in the community work together to make sure everyone was supported, from families who had members who were deployed to creating opportunities for kids to have fun despite being stationed in the desert. At the time, I was a very observant young kid, learning about honor, respect, and leadership. Little did I know that this experience would lay the foundation for my love for serving others. As I got older, my family and I would serve our community together. I loved spending this time with them helping others and could not wait to find causes that mattered to me. With me being an athlete who loves design, the Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity were a perfect match. The most significant community service experience for me has been the work that I’ve done with the Special Olympics in the greater Los Angeles area, creating opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, allowing them to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to see Special Olympic athletes having fun and looking forward to being a part of their sports and teams. Through sports, I have learned, that these athletes begin to see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. As they grow and earn accomplishments Special Olympic athletes become empowered and have opportunities to get involved in decision-making, public speaking, and leadership roles. And, socially, athletes have many opportunities to make friends and discover they are not alone. Helping Special Olympic athletes on their journey is the impact I love making. As an athlete myself, I know how fulfilling and exciting sports can be. Sports have always been my creative outlet and my passion, and after working with Special Olympics I can see how sports positively affects others as well. So, helping children and adults be able to have the opportunity to play sports while developing themselves, is what means the most to me. I am also inspired by sharing my joy of sports and the overall effect that it has on these special athletes’ moods, growth and lives. Being able to impact and help others is extremely important to me. It comes naturally, and it is who I am. Most importantly, it’s a part of the legacy of those who came before me, and it’s my heritage.

Tenacity is the quality of being determined and persistent in the face of difficulty or opposition. It is the ability to keep going even when things are tough, to never give up on yourself and your goals, and to always strive for excellence. Tenacity is essential for success in all areas of life, from personal relationships to academics to careers. As Captain of my lacrosse team in high school, I faced many challenges. One of the biggest was getting my teammates to work together as a team. We had a lot of talented players, but we didn't always play well together. I had to learn how to motivate my teammates, resolve conflicts, and build team chemistry. It wasn't always easy, but I never gave up. I kept working hard, and eventually, we were able to come together as a team and make the quarter-finals during the playoffs, the furthest our team has ever achieved. Another challenge I faced was dealing with an injury. I got injured during my Senior year in high school and had to sit out at the start of the season to rehab to come back from my injury. It was very difficult missing the first few games of the season, especially as a Senior, and it took a lot of work to come back from my injury. But I never gave up. I always worked hard in rehab, and I came back stronger than before. In addition to the challenges I faced as a lacrosse leader, I also faced challenges in my academic career. One of the most difficult classes I took was Physics. I struggled a lot in this class. It was so bad that I was failing the class at midterm, and I didn't know what to do. I was so discouraged. I had always been an A student, but I was failing this class. But, I knew who I was as a student and I didn't give up. I knew that I needed to turn things around, so I started working even harder. I started going to tutoring twice a week and meeting with my instructor after school to get extra help. We went over every assignment and every quiz to make sure I was understanding each area of my course. I changed my study habits focusing more dedicated time on Physics and working hard on every assignment. It wasn't easy, but eventually, my hard work paid off. I started to understand the material better, and my grades started to improve. By the end of the semester, I had passed the class with a B+. It wasn’t an A, but it was very well-earned. I was so proud of myself for overcoming this challenge. I had never worked so hard in a class before, but it was worth it. I learned that I am capable of anything if I set my mind to it. I was able to overcome all of these challenges because of my tenacity. I never gave up on my goals, even when things were tough. I always kept working hard and striving for excellence. Tenacity is an essential quality for success in all areas of life. It is the ability to keep going even when things are tough, to never give up on your goals, and to always strive for excellence. I have learned that tenacity is the key to overcoming any challenge. I am grateful for the challenges I have faced in my life because they have made and taught me the importance of never giving up – being tenacious in all I do.

@thescholarqueen

The autobiography I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban is a book I think everyone should read. This book inspires me for several different reasons. First and foremost, it is about a female who dared to stand up and advocate for herself and others in a society that did everything to ensure she had none. Malala stood up for herself and millions of other young women, making sure that the world knows and understands that all girls have the right to the life they want for themselves, liberty, and education. Malala stood up for this no matter the consequences, even to the detriment of herself; she was shot by the Taliban in an attempt to silence her and her message because her ideals went against what the country taught. Malala survived and has continued to advocate for herself and other girls. She is always in danger for speaking out for her beliefs due to the country she lives in - she continues to speak out anyway! She continued to advocate for young women in her country and abroad. Her belief that anything is possible and dedication to striving for what she knew to be true for her are always an inspiration to me. Reading this autobiography has inspired me to always speak up for what I believe in no matter the obstacles or challenges. This book has empowered me to use my voice to help and impact the things that I believe in and it can empower others to do the same. For these reasons, I Am Malala is a book everyone should read!

"The Summer I Turned Pretty": In Defense of Team Conrad "The Summer I Turned Pretty," based on Jenny Han's best-selling trilogy, has captivated audiences with its touching exploration of young love, family dynamics, and the transformative power of summer vacations. At the heart of this narrative lies the romantic tug-of-war between brothers Conrad and Jeremiah, both vying for the affections of their lifelong friend, Belly. While Jeremiah has his own charming merits, there are distinct moments in the show that firmly place me in the Team Conrad camp. Conrad's Emotional Depth: Throughout the series, Conrad is often seen as the brooding and introspective counterpart to Jeremiah's outgoing nature. One of the most poignant moments illustrating Conrad's depth is when he copes with the loss of his mother. While it's easy to mistake his reticence for apathy, Conrad's silent grief showcases a vulnerability that adds layers to his character. This depth draws Belly (and us viewers) closer, making their connection more profound. Protective Instincts: One cannot overlook the time when Belly is bullied by Cam and his friends at the bonfire. Conrad's protective nature shines as he steps in to defend her, making it clear that he would do anything for her. This isn't mere chivalry or sibling-like protection but a sign of deeper feelings. His willingness to stand up against his friends for Belly demonstrates his genuine care and concern for her well-being. Unspoken Moments: Words often fall short in expressing deep emotions, and Conrad is a master of communicating through silences. Take, for example, the scene where Belly and Conrad sit on the beach under the stars. Their exchange is minimal, with more conveyed through glances and touches than through dialogue. This silent communication illustrates a connection that goes beyond words, hinting at a bond that has been fostered over many shared summers. His Struggle with Commitment: Conrad's hesitance to jump into a relationship with Belly is often misconstrued as disinterest. However, in scenes where he watches Belly from afar or appears pensive after their interactions, it's evident that his reservations stem from a fear of harming their longstanding friendship. Conrad's Sacrifices: There are instances where Conrad takes a step back, allowing Jeremiah and Belly to explore their relationship. While it's heartbreaking to watch, this selflessness showcases his love for both of them. He values their happiness over his own desires, even if it means nursing a broken heart in silence. The Dance: One of the series' most magical moments is the dance between Belly and Conrad. While Jeremiah is the more overtly expressive of the two brothers, Conrad's feelings for Belly burst forth during this dance. Their chemistry is palpable, and for a brief moment, all their past complications fade away. This scene underscores the depth of their feelings and the potential for a future together. To be fair, Jeremiah, with his cheerful demeanor and openness, brings a lot to the table, and his moments with Belly are undoubtedly heartwarming. However, the complexity of Conrad's character, combined with his deep emotional connection with Belly, makes for a more compelling romantic narrative. The highs and lows, the tension, and the unspoken emotions contribute to a love story that is as beautiful as it is tumultuous. In conclusion, while "The Summer I Turned Pretty" offers viewers a tantalizing love triangle that keeps us guessing, Team Conrad advocates will forever point to these key moments as evidence of a profound, once-in-a-lifetime connection between Belly and Conrad. Through his silent struggles, protective nature, and selfless sacrifices, Conrad offers a profound depiction of young love that is hard to resist.

BTS: A Phenomenal Force in Global Culture Over the past decade, the Korean Pop (K-Pop) industry has been graced by a number of talented groups, but perhaps none have made as monumental an impact as BTS. Originally debuting in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment, this seven-member ensemble quickly transcended the limitations of genre and language to become not just a dominant force in music, but a global cultural phenomenon. Unparalleled Musicality and Authenticity BTS, an acronym for ‘Bangtan Sonyeondan’ or ‘Bulletproof Boy Scouts’, consists of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Their music spans a multitude of genres, from hip-hop to pop, R&B, and beyond. What sets them apart is not just their versatility, but their authenticity. They're involved in the songwriting process, ensuring that their music resonates with their personal experiences and beliefs. Songs like “Spring Day” touch on the nuances of friendship and longing, while “Idol” and “Not Today” exude confidence and resilience. Social Impact and Advocacy BTS doesn't merely aim to entertain; they strive to inspire. Their "Love Yourself" campaign, in collaboration with UNICEF, has encouraged millions worldwide to embrace self-love and stand against violence. RM’s speech at the United Nations in 2018, representing BTS, emphasized the importance of having one's own voice and the power of youth, further solidifying their role as not just musicians, but global ambassadors of change. Bridging Cultural Gaps The global influence of BTS cannot be overstated. Their music and messages have bridged cultural divides, bringing fans from all corners of the world together, often referred to as the ‘ARMY’. These fans don't just adore the group for their music, but for the values and inclusivity BTS stands for. In doing so, BTS has defied the traditional notion that music in languages other than English cannot achieve global dominance. Through their art, they've shown that emotions and messages are universal, transcending linguistic barriers. Economic and Cultural Ripple Effect BTS’s impact is not limited to the music industry. Their influence can be seen in the surge of interest in Korean culture, known as the “Korean Wave” or “Hallyu”. From Korean food, fashion, language courses, to dramas, the ripple effect of BTS's popularity is evident. Economically, BTS contributes billions to the South Korean economy, with their concerts, merchandise, and albums drawing considerable revenue. Inspiring the Next Generation Beyond the tangible achievements and accolades, perhaps the most profound impact of BTS is on the lives of individual fans. Countless stories circulate of fans being inspired by BTS's messages to pursue their dreams, overcome personal challenges, or simply find solace during tough times. BTS's influence has catalyzed a movement where music becomes more than just entertainment – it’s a lifeline, a source of comfort, and an inspiration. Conclusion In an era where the world often feels fragmented, BTS serves as a unifying force. Their journey from being relatively unknown to global stardom is a testament to their talent, dedication, and the genuine connection they’ve fostered with fans worldwide. Their success story goes beyond the charts and sales; it's about making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals and influencing global culture in unprecedented ways. As BTS continues to break barriers and set new standards, they remain an embodiment of dreams realized, proving that with passion and authenticity, one can indeed touch the hearts of millions, regardless of borders and language.

I come from a family that fits the definition of great leadership. My great-grandfather was a paratrooper in World War II, my great-uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around leadership and making a difference. I believe that leadership begins with great communication. Leaders are people who are effective communicators and can motivate others. Great leaders clearly and concisely explain problems and solutions. Leaders know when to talk and when to listen. Communication is built on a steady flow of verbal and nonverbal exchanges of ideas and information, so the best leaders work on being approachable and involving people from different backgrounds. Strong leaders connect with people through clear and honest communication. Effective communication is vital to gain trust, align efforts in the pursuit of goals, and inspire positive change. Everyone goes through tough times and challenges that can cause them to doubt and not believe in themselves. Great leaders use communication to motivate people to keep going, believe in themselves, and do their absolute best, no matter the circumstance. I demonstrated this quality as a leader when my lacrosse team was playing in the quarter-finals of the playoffs against one of our arch-rivals who defeated us earlier in the season, ending our 18-game winning streak. We were on the road, down 5-1, and some of my teammates began to speak as if it was our last game. The confidence and energy surrounding the team was low. Everyone wanted to win for our seniors, so, as Captain of the team, I decided to remind each of us who we were and what we were capable of, win or lose. We stopped focusing on trying to win and focused on playing together and having fun. In the end, we pulled out an 8-6 victory, our biggest win in program history. I also demonstrate this quality as a great leader when allying with and being an advocate for the disability community through the Special Olympics. Awareness is important when it comes to understanding and respecting disability culture, because it is often the first step toward educating others regarding disabilities and it plays a critical role in overcoming negativity and stereotypes. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, I have used leadership and communication to raise awareness for this community. I take sign language courses to further my understanding of the disabled community. Accepting and embracing others requires the ability to communicate with them. From my course, I have learned how to interact, begin conversations, and understand social cues. Gaining this knowledge has allowed me to become a better ally and be more supportive to stand with them. It has also allowed me to be more open and share what I have learned with others who are interested, in hopes that others will support this community with me. I will take these leadership and communication lessons with me as I complete high school, attend college, and beyond.

My favorite song on Taylor Swift's '1989' album is "Out of the Woods." Released in 2014, this track highlights Taylor's growth as an artist and her ability to create captivating music that resonated with an audience that extended her fan base beyond country to pop. "Out of the Woods" stands out to me for several reasons, including its powerful harmonies, catchy lyrics, and its unforgettable bridge, which many consider one of Taylor's best songs. One of the most striking elements of "Out of the Woods" is its strong harmonies. From the moment the song begins, the layered vocals draw listeners in, creating a sense of depth and emotion that intensifies throughout the track. The harmonies give the song an immersive tone, providing an experience that complements the creative story-telling lyrics beautifully. Taylor's voice is expressive and raw, effortlessly conveying the emotions of the song's central theme – the turmoil of a complicated relationship. Moreover, the lyrics of "Out of the Woods" are captivating and relatable. Taylor Swift has an exceptional talent for storytelling through her music, and this song is a prime example of her lyrical genius. The track explores the vulnerability and uncertainty of love and relationships, using vivid imagery to describe the rollercoaster of emotions experienced in such situations. Lines like "The monsters turned out to be just trees" and "Remember when you hit the brakes too soon?/Twenty stitches in the hospital room" evoke powerful emotions, making the listener feel as if they are experiencing heartache and fear alongside Taylor. What truly elevates "Out of the Woods" to the next level is its breathtaking bridge. The bridge is a climactic moment in the song where the music intensifies, and Taylor's vocals soar to new heights. The bridge showcases Taylor's vocal range and emotional depth, and its lyrical composition is brilliant. The repetition of the phrase "Are we out of the woods yet?" perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of uncertainty and fear, unsure if the relationship will survive. The bridge builds tension and drama, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the emotional journey Taylor is taking them on. In addition to the powerful harmonies, catchy lyrics, and incredible bridge, the production of "Out of the Woods" is top-notch. The song combines elements of pop and rock, creating a sound that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. The use of electronic elements, combined with traditional instruments, gives the song a modern and fresh feel while still maintaining Taylor's signature style. As a whole, "Out of the Woods" captures the essence of Taylor Swift's growth as an artist and her ability to create songs that strike a chord with her audience. The song's powerful harmonies, catchy lyrics, and incredible bridge contribute to making it one of Taylor's standout tracks, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who listens to it. It has become an anthem of hope and resilience, reminding us that even in the most challenging times, we can find our way "Out of the Woods" and come out stronger on the other side. For these reasons, "Out of the Woods" will always hold a special place in my heart as my favorite song on Taylor Swift's '1989' album.

A healthy lifestyle is very important to me. As a plant-based student-athlete, I decided a long time ago to embrace a healthy lifestyle so that I could succeed both on the field and in the classroom. My healthy lifestyle journey is centered around nutrition, sleep, and exercise. These three areas are very important to me and are crucial to ensuring I am always at my best. Leading a healthy lifestyle, for me, is first based on nutrition. Eating healthy meals has successfully been linked to improved grades, better memory retention, longer attention spans, and faster processing of information – these are crucial to my success and long-term health. Through learning about eating a plant-based diet and its benefits, I have learned that certain foods are rich in protein, fiber, as well as acceptable fats such as yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, and apples that stay in the body for a more extended period – this is important to me for the energy I need as an athlete. Also, I use great nutrition to help me stay alert and focused throughout the day. Studies show that better nutrition leads to better attention spans, better class participation and higher test scores – these are all important to me as a student, so I ensure that I make nutrition my priority for my healthy lifestyle. I’m always busy practicing on the lacrosse field, training to develop, volunteering in my community, and studying. I have learned to listen to my body and know when to either go to bed early or take a nap. Sleep is also very important to my healthy lifestyle. Sleep promotes cognition and memory, facilitates learning, recharges our mental and physical batteries, and generally helps us make the most out of our days. With plentiful sleep, we improve our mental and physical health, reduce stress, and maintain the routine that is critical to healthy daily functioning. With my busy schedule, I was noticing that sleep was often the first thing to go when trying to squeeze in all of the academic, social, and extracurricular activities I wanted to take part in. But I also know the important part that sleep plays as a critical role in helping my body and mind recover and rejuvenate – so I recognized very quickly how important sleep is to a healthy lifestyle and my overall well-being. I’ve learned that getting a good night’s rest influences my decision-making, energy, emotions, and overall health. I’ve learned that being well-rested is crucial to my healthy lifestyle journey. Being a great athlete, I know the importance of exercise, and how it makes me feel and function. Studies show that exercise can control the emotional and physical feelings of stress, which is important to me. In addition, studies show people who add physical activity to their lives become more socially active, which boosts confidence and helps establish and maintain social connections. Exercise also optimizes your mindset to improve alertness, attention, and motivation. I use exercise to help make optimal decisions, whether in the classroom, on the field, or when helping others. Exercise helps to round out my healthy lifestyle to ensure I always perform at my peak. I believe that a healthy lifestyle helps me be the best that I can be. By focusing on my nutrition, sleep, and exercise, I help myself not only perform at my peak, but more importantly, I feel better mentally, physically, and emotionally – this is my health journey at its best!

I'm an avid learner who loves to explore and try new things, so I am most excited about the opportunity to learn from world-renowned professors and to be surrounded by like-minded students who are as passionate about learning as I am. I attend the University of Southern California, and I’m majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture. USC’s Marshall School of Business and the USC Architecture School are two of the highest-ranking programs in the US, so being able to learn from the top programs in my career field is exciting and a challenge I am enjoying tremendously! Thus far, I have already experienced the challenges of exploring new ideas and perspectives and am quickly gaining the skills and knowledge that I need to succeed in becoming a well-rounded, licensed architect. In addition to the academic opportunities, I have also enjoyed meeting new people from all over the world, getting involved in extracurricular activities, and experiencing my college’s atmosphere - thus far the words challenging and rewarding come to mind as I continue to learn and grow. As a scholar-athlete, I am also being challenged on the lacrosse field as I learn and acclimate to my sport at the collegiate level. Working with my team to become the best we can be is very fulfilling. With my transition to college, taking care of myself, spiritually, physically, and in all aspects of my life is more important than ever. I take care of myself by focusing on and practicing self-care, which is centered around focusing on my mental health, fitness, sleep, and my nutrition. One of the first things I do is to make sure to be open and honest with the people that I trust for my mental health. I feel comfortable to share what I am feeling with my family and friends. This impacts my life by just making me feel supported and heard. I know that I have people like my family and my best friends who are always going to be there for me, no matter the challenges I may face. Fitness is a huge part of my self-care. I love working out, playing lacrosse, and just keeping my body healthy. To ensure that I keep my strength and stamina up, I do push-ups, sprints, and other exercises to help in these areas. Exercise impacts my life by keeping me in tip-top shape when it comes to my physical health and helping me maintain a clear mind as I approach situations and make decisions. Sleep plays a vital role in my self-care. My parents have always helped me understand that it is very important for me to get a lot of sleep, not only because I am a growing person but also because to play sports and do well in my classes, I need a lot of energy. Making sure that I get in bed on time is very important so that I have enough sleep to do everything I need to do well and with high levels of energy and a clear mind. My self-care would not be complete without nutrition. I make sure to eat right daily, eating clean and healthy. Being plant-based has impacted how I feel when eating; I don’t feel stuffy, and it gives me more energy to face the day and any situation. Focusing on self-care keeps me in optimal health to tackle college and make it an amazing experience! Having my support system keeps me encouraged with any and everything I face, knowing I can accomplish anything.

My healthy eating habits are centered around three things, nutrition, understanding that food is fuel for my body, and providing my body with the food it needs. All three of these are crucial to my healthy eating habit success. These three areas are very important to me and are important to ensure I am always at my best. First, healthy eating habits, for me, are based on nutrition. Eating healthy meals has successfully been linked to improved grades, better memory retention, longer attention spans, and faster processing of information – these are crucial to my success and long-term health. Through eating a plant-based diet, I have learned that certain foods are rich in protein, fiber, as well as acceptable fats such as yogurt, oatmeal, egg replacements, and apples that stay in the body for a more extended period – this is important to me for the energy I need as an athlete. Also, I use great nutrition to help me stay alert and focused throughout the day. Studies show that better nutrition leads to better attention spans, better class participation and higher test scores – these are all important to me as a student, so I ensure that I eat well at all times. Second, I understand that food is fuel for my body, so eating all meals and snacks on time and consistently are crucial. Breakfast in particular has a strong link to educational outcomes—even more so than other meals—because of the way the brain responds to food after the short fast during sleep. An extensive body of research documents the ways that breakfast consumption positively influences students’ cognitive functioning, focus, attention and emotional well-being. Breakfast is my most important meal of the day. It allows me to get off to a great start. I usually bring along 3 healthy snacks for me to eat as well to ensure that I am never hungry and always have the energy I need to function. I make my nutrition my priority to ensure my healthy eating habits. Lastly, with my lifestyle, I know that I have to provide my body with the food it needs, without reservation. I’m always busy practicing on the lacrosse field, training to develop, volunteering in my community, and studying. I have learned to listen to my body and know when to eat as well as not to be afraid to eat more when my body tells me I need food. Food equals energy, so I make sure to be comfortable with eating healthy snacks between meals. I make sure my snacks are high in the vitamins I may need as an athlete and may be hard to maintain as a plant-based athlete. So, ensuring I eat a lot of green foods and nuts is helpful and gives me more energy as well. I believe that healthy eating habits help me be the best that I can be. I love the fact that having healthy eating habits is encouraged and supported and that this scholarship is promoting that while helping us achieve our dreams with your support. My friends and I are always sharing new health information and tips with one another, so we can continue to grow and learn what works for us. Having healthy eating habits is a way of life for me; it benefits me in all areas of my life and helps me perform optimally in all areas of my life.

I am a very family-oriented, driven, and focused Freshman at the University of Southern California, where I am majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture. I embody the attributes of being a pro-active, highly motivated leader, who believes in positive change and giving back to my community. I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference in the lives of others. I will achieve my dream of continuing my education to learn everything that I can to impact society and continue to change the world for the better. My parents taught me that what I loved to do; draw, design and build; was an actual career – architecture. With their support, I attended two collegiate summer architecture programs, which helped me to know how important college is to my career and to becoming a licensed architect. I am currently studying Business Administration with a minor in Architecture at the University of Southern California (USC), and within the next ten years, I will have achieved my goals of becoming a licensed architect, owing my own architecture firm and own my own architecture firm and changing the world for the better by being a solution to ending homelessness. USC’s Marshall School of Business and School of Architecture have two of the best business and architecture schools in the country, and they will provide me the best business and design educations I could ever dream of. I know that these programs will help me achieve my ultimate career goal of building sustainable homes around the globe to be a part of the solution to end homelessness. After graduating from USC with my Bachelors in Business Administration and Master’s and PhD in Architecture within the next ten years, I plan to work in my career field for while learning and mastering all that I can to eventually own my own architecture firm. Along with owning my own architecture firm, my professional goal is to build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. I intend to make a difference in the lives of others through my career. Another main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion and dedication to end homelessness. I am excited about the opportunity to impact my community through public service, helping others through architecture, but most importantly, I am dedicated to impacting society in a positive way. Being awarded this scholarship will help ensure I can afford to attend the University of Southern California to pursue my dream of changing the lives of others in all the ways I can.

I am a rising Sophomore at the University of Southern California, majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture. My short-term academic career goals are to graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with STEM certification and Master’s in Architecture. I plan to learn everything I can to become a licensed Architect. My long-term professional goal is to build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. Another goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness. My passion aligned with my dedication and service with Habitat for Humanity, whose commitment to housing the homeless provided me the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. I also serve my community through the Special Olympics, where I work with disabled athletes to continue to compete in their sports. I have had the honor of raising funds for both nonprofits over the years that helped both these causes. I embody the attributes of being a pro-active, highly motivated leader, who believes in positive change and giving back to my community. I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference in the lives of others. I will achieve my dream of continuing my education to learn everything that I can to impact society and continue to change the world for the better. The area of STEAM that I am most passionate about is architecture. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. From an early age, my mom taught me that my love of drawing and designing, especially of homes, was an actual career – architecture. As a result, I will be pursuing a career in architecture. As an architect, I will build sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. In preparation for applying for architecture programs and to ensure this was the field for me, and with encouragement from my mom, I was able to attend two architecture summer programs at the collegiate level. I not only learned a great deal from these experiences, but it also solidified my career choice, and I learned that college was not only a definite yes for me, but the best way to pursue my dream of being a licensed architect. With degrees and business and architecture, I will become the most well-rounded licensed architect I can be. My career goal is to own my own architecture firm, building homes for people around the globe, but most importantly, align with my passion to become a part of the solution to end homelessness. I believe everyone deserves a roof over their head, safety, and a home to call their own. Winning this scholarship will allow me to continue to pursue my dreams of becoming a licensed architect without having a serious financial burden. My goal is to attend college with as minimal debt as possible, and winning this scholarship will help me achieve that goal. Thank you for helping me achieve my dream and change the world!

Attending college can be a challenging and demanding phase in one's life, particularly for college athletes, like me, who must balance their academics, athletic commitments, and personal lives. To excel in such a dynamic environment, it is crucial to prioritize personal wellness. This essay explores various strategies for managing personal wellness while attending college and highlights how maintaining it can contribute to academic success. Since I am a student-athlete, regular exercise plays a pivotal role in maintaining physical wellness. As a college athlete, you already engage in physical activity through sports, but incorporating additional workouts tailored to your individual needs can be beneficial. Allocating time for fitness routines not only enhances my athletic performance but also improves my overall well-being. Regular exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress, and boosts concentration, ultimately contributing to academic success. Another important part is Mental Well-being. For me, music is a powerful tool for relaxation and stress reduction. Listening to my favorite tunes can improve my mood and reduce anxiety. Incorporating music into my daily routine, whether while studying, working out, or relaxing, has positively impacted my mental well-being. Moreover, reading is an excellent way to unwind and stimulate my mind. By immersing myself in captivating stories or thought-provoking literature, I enhance my creativity, and critical thinking, and expand my knowledge beyond my academic curriculum. Furthermore, socializing and maintaining a strong support system are crucial for mental well-being. Carving out time to spend with family and friends, engaging in meaningful conversations, and participating in activities that bring joy and laughter are all things that help with mental health. These connections provide emotional support, reduce stress, and contribute to a sense of belonging. Next, efficient time management is essential for maintaining personal wellness and academic success. Planning my schedule effectively has helped me balance academics, athletics, and personal activities. Creating a study schedule, prioritizing tasks, and allocating time for relaxation, exercise, and socializing have all helped my days run smoother. Finally, engaging in self-care activities is crucial for personal wellness. I’ve done things that include taking relaxing baths, practicing skincare routines, getting sufficient sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing mindfulness. Self-care enhances my self-esteem, reduces my stress levels, and helps maintain an overall positive outlook, leading to greater success in college. In conclusion, maintaining personal wellness while attending college is vital for achieving academic success. As a college athlete, incorporating regular exercise, listening to music, reading, spending time with family and friends, and practicing relaxation techniques have contributed to my overall well-being. By managing your time effectively and engaging in self-care activities, you can strike a balance between academics, athletics, and personal life, ensuring optimal performance and fulfillment during your college journey.

One challenge I have faced has been the COVID-19 pandemic. A lot happened during this time such as the whole world shut down, postponed family trips and celebrations, canceled movies and concerts, transition to online school, and not being able to hang out with friends and participate in sports, to name a few. Although this was a significant challenge, I learned a great deal, because I determined that great impact and interactions can be done virtually. For my family, I planned hangout nights so that we could enjoy each other virtually. Using programs like Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime, we stayed connected and shared movies and games online. It meant a great deal to me to spend time with my grandparents virtually to check in with them to make sure everyone was doing well, even though they live on the East Coast. From Disney movie night with my aunt in Atlanta to sharing my sister’s graduation virtually, this was a whole new way of having fun. For my friends, I made sure to check up on them as often as I could to ensure they were doing well. I also coordinated, planned, and held virtual events for them, such as Netflix watch parties and Zoom hangouts, to keep our relationships strong and to make sure everyone was mentally healthy and adjusting well. Seeing their faces on the screen made me excited in realizing how much their friendships mean to me. For my community, I discovered opportunities to continue serving others in the online environment. With Habitat for Humanity, I was able to complete a virtual online build that raised money for building homes for families. And, with the Special Olympics, I met and got to know many Special Olympic athletes through Zoom and continued to support them by raising funds for them to participate in their sports. This showed me that there is no limitation to the amount of support or time I can give in the service of others, whether in person or through online and virtual activities. What I learned the most was the importance of staying healthy - physically, mentally, and spiritually. I have always been an avid runner, from running 5Ks with Girls on the Run to running for lacrosse – running has always not only been something I have always loved but something that has been a challenge that I have taken head-on to become the best I can be. For lacrosse, I am required to run different variations of field distance running and sprints. Even throughout the pandemic, I continued to run to ensure I was prepared for my Senior high school season and to prepare for my college lacrosse team.

Someone who has inspired me deeply is my mother. She has made a significant impact in my life, both in the way she lives her life and regarding education. My mom is an Air Force veteran who has epilepsy. She has shown me the essence of what it means to be strong, because she has continued to overcome her diagnosis. My mom works full time, takes care of our family, and continues to improve herself through education. She shows me strength, because no matter how her side effects from epilepsy may impact her, she still manages to encourage, provide for and care for our family. She has always taught me to make the most out of what you’ve been given, and I see her do that every day. My mom has also shown me the importance of education because she has completed three degrees and is pursuing her Doctorate. Despite her diagnosis, my mom loves education and is an avid learner; she has instilled in me the desire and drive to pursue my own dreams by understanding the importance of education. Watching my mom daily has impacted me in several ways. For example, I was able to overcome the challenges associated with going to school online during the pandemic, by keeping up with every assignment and maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. In lacrosse, I was able to lead my team and help us bounce back after tough losses. Also, in my everyday life as a teenager, I never dwell on mistakes, but instead look at them as opportunities to get better. Most importantly, knowing the degrees my mom has earned and her pursuit of another degree has shown me the importance of education and continuing to learn in life, without ceasing. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. From an early age, my mom taught me that my love of drawing and designing, especially of homes, was an actual career – architecture. As a result, I will be pursuing a career in architecture. As an architect, I will build sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. My mother has had a significant influence on my life, and I have learned a great deal of things from watching her succeed despite her epilepsy in every area of her life, especially education. Inspiration is a feeling of enthusiasm you get from someone or something that gives you new and creative ideas. If you describe someone or something good as an inspiration, you mean that they make you or other people want to do or achieve something. My mother is my catalyst for doing my absolute best in the classroom, on the field, and within my community. She inspires me.

Playing sports, specifically women’s lacrosse has taught me a great deal, both on and off the field. Being a scholar-athlete has impacted every aspect of my life by teaching me commitment, teamwork, and discipline. What first comes to mind is what I have learned about the importance of teamwork, because I have truly learned the importance of being a great leader, in life and on the field through encouraging and supporting others. As Captain of my Varsity high school lacrosse team, I learned to encourage, motivate, lead, and bring my team together to get better and play the best that we could in practice and at games. I ensured my team was a family by instilling a welcoming culture and atmosphere of fun, excitement, and success both on and off the field for my teammates. Through lacrosse, this responsibility has taught me the importance of being a great leader, how to effectively lead a team, camaraderie, and teamwork. I have taken this understanding with me to college, where I participate freely in groups and on my college lacrosse team, without reservation or hesitation. Playing sports has also taught me commitment and discipline through setting goals, achieving those goals, and being tenacious about my dreams and the things I set my mind to achieve. This has helped thus far in college as I have learned to navigate taking more rigorous courses and balancing my time between playing sports and academics. This is also preparing me for my journey to become an architect and be a part of the solution to end homelessness. I am pursuing a career in architecture. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. As an architect, I plan to build sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. I also believe that we can end homelessness. Being a part of the solution to end homelessness is one of the main reasons I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. I currently attend the University of Southern California, and I will achieve my goals through the commitment, tenacity, and determination that I have learned through sports. Sports have also impacted my community service and serving others. The most significant impact that I have truly learned from sports has been the work that I’ve done with the Special Olympics, creating opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to see Special Olympic athletes having fun and looking forward to being a part of their sports and teams, helping them see themselves for their abilities, not their disabilities. As they grow and earn accomplishments, Special Olympic athletes become empowered and have opportunities to get involved in decision-making, public speaking, and leadership roles. And, socially, athletes have many opportunities to make friends and discover they are not alone. I have always loved playing lacrosse– it has always been my creative outlet and my passion. Most importantly, sports have helped me learn, grow, and understand a great deal about myself and others. I am further motivated by sharing this joy of sports and the overall effect that it has on life, both on and off the field.

I am a very family-oriented, driven, focused, Freshman attending the University of Southern California, where I am majoring in Business Administration, minoring in Architecture and am a scholar-athlete. I graduated from Redondo Union High School, Redondo Beach, CA, where I was also a scholar-athlete and Captain of my varsity lacrosse team. I was a member of the National Honor Society and I graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Although these are a few of my accomplishments, what truly makes me unique is my empathy and love for others. The core values of my family are centered on hard work, service to others and leadership. My mom, Air Force and dad, Army, believe in truly living a life of service before self and have raised us to understand the importance of empathy as we navigate life. Empathy is what drives my desire to serve others before myself and pursue my passion to end homelessness. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. I intend to use my professional career to help others and benefit society. My goal is to build sustainable homes and be a part of the solution to end homelessness. Majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture supports my plan to become a licensed architect, own my own business, and will allow me to give back through my career. I have gained a great deal of experience from working with Habitat for Humanity, whose mission I align with because Habitat helps families build and improve places to call home. Habitat and I have helped families defeat homelessness, find their new homes, and bring families together under one roof. I have participated in major special events, such as the Power Women, Power Tools Imagine Design Build, and the Virtual Builder’s Ball, which both raised funding and supports the building of homes for families in need. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. A proactive step I have taken toward achieving my goal is creating an actionable plan to end homelessness that can be shared with community leaders, service-based organizations, and social entrepreneurs. My plan addresses the fact that there is a shortage of affordable and available homes for low-income families. By building affordable homes, with government financial support, it will allow for fees charged to be aligned with what low-income families can afford. It will also provide the needed flexibility for low-income families and individuals to live safely and pay their other required bills and necessities. To end homelessness, we must expand ideas, and programs, and invest in affordable homes and assistance for people with the lowest incomes. I will succeed in achieving my goal, because of my education, my family’s support, my experience, and my plan. As a scholar-athlete, meeting overcoming challenges and obstacles to succeed and achieve goals is something that I am used to; I thrive in those settings, and I see solutions rather than problems. I am looking forward to changing the world and helping others through my career.

Climate change is becoming more and more relevant, daily. There are steps I take every day to ensure I am doing my part to positively impact climate change. The most significant impact I have on climate is that I am vegan. Being vegan provides many ways to benefit climate change, such as reducing my carbon footprint by up to 73%, according to an Oxford study. By eliminating meat and dairy, the greenhouse gas process is eliminated, which drastically benefits the environment. Moreover, according to the Harvard School of Public Health (2022), a study of plant-based diets showed healthy plant-based diets have lower greenhouse gas emissions and use of cropland, irrigation water, and nitrogenous fertilizer as compared to animal-based foods or unhealthy plant-based diets. This same study also pointed out that “human health ultimately depends on planetary health.” With my change to a healthy plant-based diet, I am positively impacting my environment. I also choose to do various things around my home to ensure safety for the environment. Some of these choices include using non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for the environment and using energy-efficient light bulbs, which also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Others include making sure to turn off lights when they aren’t being used, as well as, reducing water consumption. I reduce water consumption by shortening my shower time, along with turning off the tap when brushing my teeth or washing the dishes. Studies show that turning off the tap saves 8 gallons of water per day, equaling 200 gallons of water per month for one person. Think about the results of getting your whole family to do the same! From a practical perspective, I use plastic minimally and focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling. I reduce waste as much as possible, use reusable shopping bags rather than using plastic or even paper, and I recycle, including composting. By practicing these steps, I conserve natural resources and reduce my carbon footprint when it comes to climate. For my future, I plan to continue to impact climate with my career. As a future architect, I will build sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. In these new homes, my designs will be made to reduce energy consumption, reduce emissions into our atmosphere, and help minimize waste. It will be my immense responsibility to plan, design, and oversee the construction of greener homes. Using eco-friendly products will help protect the planet by lowering pollution levels, ensuring a healthier environment. Using eco-friendly sustainable materials will be a smart way to make a positive impact on the environment. Finally, I’ve learned that it is not enough to do this alone, so I also educate my family, friends, and others about the importance of reducing our environmental impact to create more sustainable lifestyles that are better for the planet and our climate. I’ve made these small, consistent changes that have become habits, so I know if I can do it, others can too!

My inspiration in life is my mother. She has made a significant impact in my life, both in the way she lives her life and definitely regarding education. My mom is an Air Force veteran who has epilepsy. She has shown me the essence of what it means to be strong because she has continued to overcome her diagnosis. My mom works full-time, takes care of our family, and continues to improve herself through education. She shows me strength because no matter how her side effects from epilepsy may impact her, she still manages to encourage, provide for and care for our family. She has always taught me to make the most out of what I’ve been given, and I see her do that every day. My mom has also shown me the importance of education because she has completed three degrees and is pursuing her Doctorate. Despite her diagnosis, my mom loves education and is an avid learner; she has instilled in me the desire and drive to pursue my dreams by understanding the importance of education. Watching my mom daily has impacted me in several ways. For example, I was able to overcome the challenges associated with going to school online during the pandemic, by keeping up with every assignment and maintaining a 4.0-grade point average. In lacrosse, I was able to lead my team and help us bounce back after tough losses. Also, in my everyday life as a teenager, I never dwell on mistakes, but instead, look at them as opportunities to get better. Most importantly, knowing the degrees my mom has earned and her pursuit of another degree has shown me the importance of education and continuing to learn in life, without ceasing. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. From an early age, my mom taught me that my love of drawing and designing, especially of homes, was an actual career – architecture. As a result, I will be pursuing a career in architecture. As an architect, I will build sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. One of the most important things I've learned from my mother is empathy. Looking back, I don’t see learning empathy via coping with my mom’s disability as a setback in any way. Instead, I realize it has been a segway into a different way to live a life that has allowed me to relate to others in a rewarding and unique way. I have learned to use these skills in the classroom while working with my classmates, on the field when I’m playing with my teammates, and with my friends in my social life. I realize empathy has become as natural for me as breathing and is everywhere in my life, making me a more compassionate and considerate person who cares to understand others more easily. Inspiration is a feeling of enthusiasm you get from someone or something, that gives you new and creative ideas. If you describe someone or something good as an inspiration, you mean that they make you or other people want to do or achieve something. My mother is my catalyst for doing my absolute best in the classroom, on the field, and within my community. She inspires me. I’m sure that my mother is going to keep inspiring me to do great things.

Sports have always been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have always enjoyed competing and the challenge that comes with being a part of my team, as well as, excelling at a sport individually. As a Senior in high school, I was Captain of my lacrosse team. I have also always excelled academically. Both academics and sports mean a great deal to me. I have learned a lot being a scholar-athlete. One of the benefits of balancing academics with my sport is that I have developed strong time management skills. Having to juggle practices, study groups, and homework has forced me to prioritize my calendar just to stay on track. This past summer, I stayed on the east coast for four weeks competing in tournaments and lacrosse events while simultaneously taking SAT study courses. I had to rely heavily on google calendar and time management applications on my phone to ensure I stayed on track. A second benefit is I have developed strong communication skills and accountability. Having to communicate with teachers when I am going to miss class or coaches when I am going to miss practice has helped me learn accountability. Last spring, I had an important playoff game coming up that conflicted with class and study sessions. I had to let my professor know in advance and request make-up dates and times for assignments - this communication and accountability have helped me grow immensely. Another benefit is developing a strong support system. From family to teachers, counselors, teammates and coaches who are there to ensure I have everything I need, both in the classroom and on the field. My parents are always helping ensure I have everything I need from equipment to meals, along with getting me where I need to be amid their busy work schedules. Being a student-athlete can be very challenging and hard at times. One of the challenges of balancing academics and sports participation is the very long days. My days are often early to rise and late to bed. Another challenge is having to sacrifice social activities and hanging out with friends due to studying, practice, training, and games. But the tradeoff is rewarding, so I make the sacrifices gladly. I love the game of lacrosse. I have been playing since the fifth grade. One of the things I love about my sport is the fact that I get to travel and play in different places I’ve never been to. Another thing I love is the history of the game of lacrosse. Lacrosse is the oldest organized sport in America and was first played by the Huron Natives in the 1600s. It is always great to meet people who played the game from different eras where they used wooden sticks and wore different uniforms. It’s an incredible feeling to be a part of the next generation of lacrosse players, adding our own story to the history of the game. I have found that being a student-athlete is fun, exciting, and worth it. For me, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Every year, I learn something new and grow as a person as I continue to learn how to balance academics and sports. I love the game of lacrosse and can’t wait to see what new experiences come from the game.

Empower Me I deserve to be happy and thrive in my career Not just working hard every day, worrying, and in constant fear. Will I be promoted fairly for the job that I do? I’m brilliant and talented - will they value me too? They all say that my ideas and concepts are great! Yet no one will support me starting my small business to date. Everywhere I go I’m constantly told you are not ready or no. Then they say have you ever tried home economics or learned to sew? Women empowerment is sometimes the buzzword of the day. Many don’t hear me when I say I need equal opportunities and pay. We are your sisters, your mothers, and your wives too! So, stop acting like nothing is happening or you have no clue. You say you are looking at the issues but often fail to see That I’m shouting and screaming in plain sight - Empower Me! _________________________________________________________________________________________________  Gratitude for Valor You answer the calls that no one else will Serving & scarifying no matter the deal Protecting us at home and far away Charging forward often with little to say You are our mothers, fathers, families, and friends Standing tall for us no matter the end We thank you. We honor you For all that you do Our heroes forever - wearing red, white, and blue. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Special Olympians You run, you jump as high as the sky Some may look and wonder how or why? Incredible athletes are all that I see No different than Lebron, Taurasi, or me. The ability to succeed no matter the odds Is a very rare trait Going above and beyond regardless of fate To win or lose is not the grand task These are special athletes There is no need to ask You are heroes competing, regardless of the game Champions and Olympians that’s your name

The quality/characteristic I most value in myself is my ability to actively listen to others. Listening is extremely important to me. I believe that listening, especially active listening, shows that you respect the other person and that you truly care about what they are saying. Active listening is when you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is speaking but the complete message that is being communicated. I actively listen to others around me by focusing on the other person’s perspective and not only focusing on my position or the point I am trying to make. I always pay close attention, make sure I’m acknowledging the person speaking and show signs that I’m listening, not interrupting them, and most importantly, I respond to them. I served as captain of my high school’s lacrosse team and learned communication is key. Being a great leader and teammate is not all about telling people what to do, but listening to my team. I’m always making sure that I am paying close attention to exactly what my teammates are trying to say. I do not interrupt them or make any judgments, but rather hear their perspective and respect it. This allows me to make the best decisions for our team to ensure they are decisions that are a reflection of what we, as a team, want as a whole. I’ve recently decided to take a sign language course at my local community college. I love to volunteer for the Special Olympics, and sign language is helping me learn to listen in a very different way. This is going to allow me to understand the needs of the disabled community better and be a stronger ally for them. Everyone deserves to be heard and respected. Active listening is the only way that we can begin to understand one another. I believe that practicing active listening will help me in every aspect of my life’s journey, whether in my personal relationships, professional career, or any other venture I choose to pursue. By truly understanding others, I will be able to effectively communicate and lead, because I will always have others' best interests at the forefront of my thoughts, intentions, and actions. Practicing active listening will also ensure that I am a more empathetic and considerate person, which will lead to healthier relationships. I realize that practicing active listening had led to a way to live a life that has allowed me to relate to others in a rewarding and unique way. I have learned to use these skills in the classroom while working with my classmates, on the field when I’m playing with my teammates, with my friends in my social life, with my family, and it has benefitted all my relationships. I know that carrying this characteristic with me into my life’s journey will ensure it is rewarding.

The veteran who has shaped me and influenced my aspirations is my mother. She has made a significant impact in my life, both in the way she lives her life and definitely regarding education. My mom is an Air Force veteran who has epilepsy. She has shown me the essence of what it means to be strong because she has continued to overcome her diagnosis. My mom works full-time, takes care of our family, and continues to improve herself through education. She shows me strength because no matter how her side effects from epilepsy may impact her, she still manages to encourage, provide for and care for our family. She has always taught me to make the most out of what you’ve been given, and I see her do that every day. My mom has also shown me the importance of education because she has completed three degrees and is pursuing her Doctorate. Despite her diagnosis, my mom loves education and is an avid learner; she has instilled in me the desire and drive to pursue my dreams by understanding the importance of education. Watching my mom daily has impacted me in several ways. For example, I was able to overcome the challenges associated with going to school online during the pandemic, by keeping up with every assignment and maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. In lacrosse, I was able to lead my team and help us bounce back after tough losses. Also, in my everyday life as a teenager, I never dwell on mistakes, but instead, look at them as opportunities to get better. Most importantly, knowing the degrees my mom has earned and her pursuit of another degree has shown me the importance of education and continuing to learn in life, without ceasing. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design and build. From an early age, my mom taught me that my love of drawing and designing, especially of homes, was an actual career – architecture. As a result, I will be pursuing a career in architecture. As an architect, I will build sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. My mother has had a significant influence on my life and helped to shape me into the person that I am today. I’m very grateful to have her in my life. Inspiration is a feeling of enthusiasm you get from someone or something that gives you new and creative ideas. If you describe someone or something good as an inspiration, you mean that they make you or other people want to do or achieve something. My mother has been one of my catalysts for doing my absolute best in the classroom, on the field, and within my community. She is the veteran that inspires me.

My favorite Disney character is Mirabel from Encanto! Although relatively new to Disney, Mirabel became my favorite after watching her journey with her family throughout the movie. What I love most about the story is how empathetic she was to everyone around her, from people in her community to her grandmother, even though their relationship was trying throughout the movie. Mirabel was the only person in her entire family who did not have special powers, but even this was amazing to me because through just being herself, Mirabel showed that was enough, which left a profound peace in me – being just yourself is always enough. But something else I loved is that Mirabel did not stop there, she impacted each person in her family with her love and empathy. She helped every character through their journey to loving themselves just for who they are. She loved, supported and was a cheerleader for every person in their family. She helped her sisters be honest with themselves to learn that they were more than they could do. She was a great listener and helped each person in her family through the pressures that had been placed on them to ultimately realize that just being who you are is enough, flaws and all. Mirabel also never received any special powers, instead, she shows us that caring, love, and empathy are true powers within themselves and that you live your life in love and with empathy for others, you become the best version of yourself and help others to become the best versions of themselves too. I have witnessed the importance of empathy in my own life when volunteering and helping others. Understanding love and empathy for others makes the world a better place. For these reasons, Mirabel of Encanto is my favorite Disney character!

I am a Freshman at the University of Southern California, where I am majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Architecture. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design and build. I plan to become a licensed Architect, own my own firm and build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. Another main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness. Leadership is the ability to encourage and motivate others. Everyone goes through tough times and challenges that can cause them to doubt themselves. Great leaders know how to motivate people to keep going, are resilient, unselfish, and do their absolute best through focused determination and a strong work ethic. I come from a family that fits the definition of great leadership. My great-grandfather was one of the first African American paratroopers in World War II, my great-uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around leading and making a difference. I value leadership because great leaders can clearly and concisely communicate. Leaders know when to talk and when to listen. The strong leaders that I know can connect with people because they care about them, are focused, determined, and know how to motivate them. Quality leaders are also unselfish, resilient, and have a strong work ethic, which they show through their actions, which others follow. I use these qualities of leadership in my everyday life, whether with my friends and family, on the lacrosse field or when I serve my community. I demonstrated these qualities as a leader when my lacrosse team was playing in the quarter-finals of the playoffs against one of our arch-rivals who defeated us earlier in the season, ending our 18-game winning streak. We were on the road, down 5-1, and some of my teammates began to speak as if it was our last game. The confidence and energy surrounding the team were low. Everyone wanted to win for our seniors, so, as Captain of the team, I decided to remind every one of us who we are and what we were capable of, win or lose, to remain resilient, and to stay focused and determined to reach the goals we set as a team. We stopped focusing on trying to win and focused on playing together and having fun. In the end, we pulled out an 8-6 victory, our biggest win in program history. I also show these qualities within my community when volunteering with the Special Olympics, creating opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise. This past year I was a part of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness for the disability community. Awareness is important when it comes to understanding and respecting disability culture because it is often the first step toward educating others regarding disabilities. Allyship allows leaders to be unselfish and resilient by doing for others what they may not be able to do for themselves. The greatest leaders have always been effective communicators and motivators, able to encourage others to work toward a common goal. Successful leaders combine the best traits – they communicate, are unselfish, resilient, focused, determined, work hard, and are trustworthy and make people better – I aspire to do the same daily!

A healthy lifestyle is very important to me. As a vegan student athlete, I decided a long time ago to embrace a healthy lifestyle so that I could succeed both on the field and in the classroom. My healthy lifestyle is centered around nutrition, sleep, and exercise. These three areas are very important to me and are crucial to ensuring I am always at my best. Leading a healthy lifestyle, for me, is first based on nutrition. Eating healthy meals has successfully been linked to improved grades, better memory retention, longer attention spans, and faster processing of information – these are crucial to my success and long-term health. Through being vegan, I have learned that certain foods are rich in protein, fiber, as well as acceptable fats such as yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, and apples that stay in the body for a more extended period – this is important to me for the energy I need as an athlete. Also, I use great nutrition to help me stay alert and focused throughout the day. Studies show that better nutrition leads to better attention spans, better class participation and higher test scores – these are all important to me as a student, so I ensure that I eat well and healthy at all times. Breakfast in particular has a strong link to educational outcomes—even more so than other meals—because of the way the brain responds to food after the short fast during sleep. An extensive body of research documents the ways that breakfast consumption positively influences students’ cognitive functioning, focus, attention and emotional well-being. Breakfast is my most important meal of the day. It allows me to get off to a great start. I usually bring along 3 healthy snacks for me to eat as well to ensure that I am never hungry and always have the energy I need to function. I make nutrition my priority for my healthy lifestyle. I’m always busy practicing on the lacrosse field, training to develop, volunteering in my community, and studying. I have learned to listen to my body and know when to either go to bed early or take a nap. Sleep is also very important to my heathy lifestyle. Sleep promotes cognition and memory, facilitates learning, recharges our mental and physical batteries, and generally helps us make the most out of our days. With plentiful sleep, we improve our mental and physical health, reduce stress, and maintain the routine that is critical to healthy daily functioning. I believe that a healthy lifestyle helps me be the best that I can be. I love the fact that having a healthy lifestyle is encouraged and supported and that this scholarship is promoting that, while helping us achieve our dreams with your support. My friends and I are always sharing new health information and tips with one another, so we can continue to grow and learn what works for us. A healthy lifestyle is definitely going to aid in my success in college, and I can’t wait to apply what I have learned in my new world to continue to succeed in all I do.

A healthy lifestyle is very important to me. As a vegan student athlete, I decided a long time ago to embrace a healthy lifestyle so that I could succeed both on the field and in the classroom. My healthy lifestyle is centered around nutrition, sleep, and exercise. These three areas are very important to me and are crucial to ensuring I am always at my best. Leading a healthy lifestyle, for me, is first based on nutrition. Eating healthy meals has successfully been linked to improved grades, better memory retention, longer attention spans, and faster processing of information – these are crucial to my success and long-term health. Through being vegan, I have learned that certain foods are rich in protein, fiber, as well as acceptable fats such as yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, and apples that stay in the body for a more extended period – this is important to me for the energy I need as an athlete. Also, I use great nutrition to help me stay alert and focused throughout the day. Studies show that better nutrition leads to better attention spans, better class participation and higher test scores – these are all important to me as a student, so I ensure that I eat well and healthy at all times. Breakfast in particular has a strong link to educational outcomes—even more so than other meals—because of the way the brain responds to food after the short fast during sleep. An extensive body of research documents the ways that breakfast consumption positively influences students’ cognitive functioning, focus, attention and emotional well-being. Breakfast is my most important meal of the day. It allows me to get off to a great start. I usually bring along 3 healthy snacks for me to eat as well to ensure that I am never hungry and always have the energy I need to function. I make nutrition my priority for my healthy lifestyle. I’m always busy practicing on the lacrosse field, training to develop, volunteering in my community, and studying. I have learned to listen to my body and know when to either go to bed early or take a nap. Sleep is also very important to my heathy lifestyle. Sleep promotes cognition and memory, facilitates learning, recharges our mental and physical batteries, and generally helps us make the most out of our days. With plentiful sleep, we improve our mental and physical health, reduce stress, and maintain the routine that is critical to healthy daily functioning. I believe that a healthy lifestyle helps me be the best that I can be. I love the fact that having a healthy lifestyle is encouraged and supported and that this scholarship is promoting that, while helping us achieve our dreams with your support. My friends and I are always sharing new health information and tips with one another, so we can continue to grow and learn what works for us. A healthy lifestyle is definitely going to aid in my success in college, and I can’t wait to apply what I have learned in my new world to continue to succeed in all I do.

I’m excited about the opportunity to learn grown and develop. I love my school and everything that comes with the University of Southern California. This is providing me the best education I could ever dream of. I know that these programs will help me achieve my ultimate career goal of building sustainable homes around the globe to be a part of the solution to end homelessness. A healthy lifestyle is very important to me. As a vegan student athlete, I decided a long time ago to embrace a healthy lifestyle so that I could succeed both on the field and in the classroom. My healthy lifestyle is centered around nutrition, sleep, and exercise. These three areas are very important to me and are crucial to ensuring I am always at my best. Leading a healthy lifestyle, for me, is first based on nutrition. Eating healthy meals has successfully been linked to improved grades, better memory retention, longer attention spans, and faster processing of information – these are crucial to my success and long-term health. Through being vegan, I have learned that certain foods are rich in protein, fiber, as well as acceptable fats such as yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, and apples that stay in the body for a more extended period – this is important to me for the energy I need as an athlete. Also, I use great nutrition to help me stay alert and focused throughout the day. Breakfast in particular has a strong link to educational outcomes—even more so than other meals—because of the way the brain responds to food after the short fast during sleep. An extensive body of research documents the ways that breakfast consumption positively influences students’ cognitive functioning, focus, attention and emotional well-being. I’m always busy practicing on the lacrosse field, training to develop, volunteering in my community, and studying. I have learned to listen to my body and know when to either go to bed early or take a nap. Sleep is also very important to my heathy lifestyle. Sleep promotes cognition and memory, facilitates learning, recharges our mental and physical batteries, and generally helps us make the most out of our days. With plentiful sleep, we improve our mental and physical health, reduce stress, and maintain the routine that is critical to healthy daily functioning. With my busy schedule, I was noticing that sleep was often the first thing to go when trying to squeeze in all of the academic, social, and extracurricular activities I wanted to take part in. Being a great athlete, I know the importance of exercise, and how it makes me feel and function on a daily basis. As a successful student-athletes, we often face enormous stress in the classroom and in our lives, including peer pressure, work overload, sports performance on the court or field, and high stakes testing. Exercise controls the emotional and physical feelings of stress, and it also works at the cellular level. I believe that a healthy lifestyle helps me be the best that I can be. I love the fact that having a healthy lifestyle is encouraged and supported and that this scholarship is promoting that, while helping us achieve our dreams with your support. My friends and I are always sharing new health information and tips with one another, so we can continue to grow and learn what works for us. A healthy lifestyle is definitely going to aid in my success in college, and I can’t wait to apply what I have learned in my new world to continue to succeed in all I do.

A healthy lifestyle is very important to me. As a vegan student athlete, I decided a long time ago to embrace a healthy lifestyle so that I could succeed both on the field and in the classroom. My healthy lifestyle is centered around nutrition, sleep, and exercise. These three areas are very important to me and are crucial to ensuring I am always at my best. Leading a healthy lifestyle, for me, is first based on nutrition. Eating healthy meals has successfully been linked to improved grades, better memory retention, longer attention spans, and faster processing of information – these are crucial to my success and long-term health. Through being vegan, I have learned that certain foods are rich in protein, fiber, as well as acceptable fats such as yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, and apples that stay in the body for a more extended period – this is important to me for the energy I need as an athlete. Breakfast in particular has a strong link to educational outcomes—even more so than other meals—because of the way the brain responds to food after the short fast during sleep. An extensive body of research documents the ways that breakfast consumption positively influences students’ cognitive functioning, focus, attention and emotional well-being. Breakfast is my most important meal of the day. It allows me to get off to a great start. I usually bring along 3 healthy snacks for me to eat as well to ensure that I am never hungry and always have the energy I need to function. I make nutrition my priority for my healthy lifestyle. I’m always busy practicing on the lacrosse field, training to develop, volunteering in my community, and studying. I have learned to listen to my body and know when to either go to bed early or take a nap. Sleep is also very important to my heathy lifestyle. Sleep promotes cognition and memory, facilitates learning, recharges our mental and physical batteries, and generally helps us make the most out of our days. With plentiful sleep, we improve our mental and physical health, reduce stress, and maintain the routine that is critical to healthy daily functioning. When I get the right amount of sleep, I can focus on what I need to do and have the right amount of energy to do it well. Being well rested is crucial to my healthy lifestyle. Being a great athlete, I know the importance of exercise, and how it makes me feel and function on a daily basis. As a successful student-athletes, we often face enormous stress in the classroom and in our lives, including peer pressure, work overload, sports performance on the court or field, and high stakes testing. Exercise controls the emotional and physical feelings of stress, and it also works at the cellular level. I believe that a healthy lifestyle helps me be the best that I can be. I love the fact that having a healthy lifestyle is encouraged and supported and that this scholarship is promoting that, while helping us achieve our dreams with your support. My friends and I are always sharing new health information and tips with one another, so we can continue to grow and learn what works for us. A healthy lifestyle is definitely going to aid in my success in college, and I can’t wait to apply what I have learned in my new world to continue to succeed in all I do.

One of the accomplishments that is the most meaningful to me is my support of the disabled community through my work with the Special Olympics. I am proud of bringing awareness to the Special Olympics community. This past year I was a part of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Awareness is important when it comes to understanding and respecting disability culture, because it is often the first step toward educating others regarding disabilities and it plays a critical role in overcoming negativity and stereotypes. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. I am also taking sign language courses through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. A huge part of accepting and embracing others centers around having the ability to communicate with them and challenging ourselves to see the world from new perspectives. Learning sign language has allowed me to value this culture even more. From my course, I have learned how to interact with, begin conversations with, and understand social cues for this disability community - the deaf community; I have also learned to immerse myself in this culture in order to truly understand a different perspective and way of life. By gaining knowledge about the disability community, it has allowed me to become a better ally and be more supportive to stand with them. It has also allowed me to be more open and share what I have learned with others who are interested, in hopes that others will support this community with me. Learning new information, seeing the world from different points of view, and practicing active listening skills are humbling and joyful acts that make me a more empathetic person. I love serving and helping others, it means the world to me.

Practicing self-care for me is centered around focusing on my mental health, fitness, rest/sleep and my nutrition. One of the things I do is to make sure to be open and honest with the people that I trust for my mental health. I feel comfortable to share what I am feeling with my family and friends. It impacts my life by just making me feel supported. I know that I have people like my family, my best friends, who are going to always going to be there for me. Fitness is a huge part of my self-care, I love working out and playing lacrosse and just keeping my body healthy. I just love running to making sure that I keep my strength up. I do push-ups, I do sprints, I do things like that. It impacts my life by making me healthy and keeping me in tip top shape when it comes to my physical health. Sleep plays a vital role in my self-care, my parents have always made it a very important thing for me to get a lot of sleep, not only just because I am a growing person but also because I play sports and I go to school and need a lot of energy. Making sure that I get in the bed on time is very important, so that I have enough sleep to do well with high levels of energy. My self-care would not be complete without nutrition. I make sure to eat right daily. My family is vegan. We pride ourselves on eating cleanly and healthy. Being a vegan has changed how I feel when I eat; I don’t feel stuffy when I eat any more and it just gives me more energy. This is my self-care practice, and It impacts my life daily.

A healthy lifestyle is very important to me. As a vegan student athlete, I decided a long time ago to embrace a healthy lifestyle so that I could succeed both on the field and in the classroom. My healthy lifestyle is centered around nutrition, sleep, and exercise. These three areas are very important to me and are crucial to ensuring I am always at my best. Leading a healthy lifestyle, for me, is first based on nutrition. Eating healthy meals has successfully been linked to improved grades, better memory retention, longer attention spans, and faster processing of information – these are crucial to my success and long-term health. Through being vegan, I have learned that certain foods are rich in protein, fiber, as well as acceptable fats such as yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, and apples that stay in the body for a more extended period – this is important to me for the energy I need as an athlete. Also, I use great nutrition to help me stay alert and focused throughout the day. Studies show that better nutrition leads to better attention spans, better class participation and higher test scores – these are all important to me as a student, so I ensure that I eat well and healthy at all times. Breakfast in particular has a strong link to educational outcomes—even more so than other meals—because of the way the brain responds to food after the short fast during sleep. An extensive body of research documents the ways that breakfast consumption positively influences students’ cognitive functioning, focus, attention and emotional well-being. Breakfast is my most important meal of the day. It allows me to get off to a great start. I usually bring along 3 healthy snacks for me to eat as well to ensure that I am never hungry and always have the energy I need to function. I make nutrition my priority for my healthy lifestyle. I’m always busy practicing on the lacrosse field, training to develop, volunteering in my community, and studying. I have learned to listen to my body and know when to either go to bed early or take a nap. Sleep is also very important to my heathy lifestyle. Sleep promotes cognition and memory, facilitates learning, recharges our mental and physical batteries, and generally helps us make the most out of our days. With plentiful sleep, we improve our mental and physical health, reduce stress, and maintain the routine that is critical to healthy daily functioning. With my busy schedule, I was noticing that sleep was often the first thing to go when trying to squeeze in all of the academic, social, and extracurricular activities I wanted to take part in. But I also know the important part that sleep plays as a critical role in helping my body and mind recover and rejuvenate – so I recognized very quickly how important sleep is to a healthy lifestyle and my overall well-being. I’ve learned that getting a good night’s rest influences my decision making, energy, emotions and overall health. When I get the right amount of sleep, I can focus on what I need to do and have the right amount of energy to do it well. Being well rested is crucial to my healthy lifestyle. Being a great athlete, I know the importance of exercise, and how it makes me feel and function on a daily basis. As a successful student-athletes, we often face enormous stress in the classroom and in our lives, including peer pressure, work overload, sports performance on the court or field, and high stakes testing. Exercise controls the emotional and physical feelings of stress, and it also works at the cellular level. Physical activity is a natural way to prevent the negative consequences of stress because it can ward off the ill effects of chronic stress and actually reverse them. In addition, studies show people who add physical activity to their lives become more socially active, which boosts confidence and helps establish and maintain social connections. Exercise also optimizes your mind-set to improve alertness, attention, and motivation; in short, not only does exercise help the brain get ready to learn but it actually makes retaining information easier. I use exercise to help make me optimal, whether in the classroom, on the field, or when helping others. Exercise helps to round out my healthy lifestyle to ensure I perform at my peak at all times. I believe that a healthy lifestyle helps me be the best that I can be. I love the fact that having a healthy lifestyle is encouraged and supported and that this scholarship is promoting that, while helping us achieve our dreams with your support. My friends and I are always sharing new health information and tips with one another, so we can continue to grow and learn what works for us. A healthy lifestyle is definitely going to aid in my success in college, and I can’t wait to apply what I have learned in my new world to continue to succeed in all I do.

My favorite art piece has always been Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” I remember being a little girl and falling in love with the colors, how the painting looked and all the vibrancy that flowed into each other, creating that masterpiece. I specifically recall using pages and pages of paper and boxes and boxes of markers and paint trying to recreate this painting. As I got older and continued to create, taking classes, and growing my talents and abilities, I truly began to appreciate the depth of this painting. I truly appreciate and enjoy its textures, the detail and definition that each level of this painting evokes. Most of all, I really love the nostalgia I feel recalling the joy trying to recreate this painting brought me as a kid. Most of all now, I find peace simply looking at this painting, whether online or another person’s recreation or interpretation of it, only imagining how amazing Vincent van Gogh’s legacy is as not only one of the greatest painters in our history, but how much the beauty of his creation has touched the world. “The Starry Night” will always hold a special place in my world as one of the greatest paintings I have ever seen.

In all actuality I don’t deserve this scholarship at all. I have not achieved anything outstanding to mention. As a matter of fact, if I made a list of my accomplishments that list would be completely blank. I am what many would call an underachiever at best. My career goal is to seek and understand knowledge by finding the answer that puzzles mankind to this day. How to stop the hiccups. It’s fascinating and hard to believe that I may be the first person in the history of the world to come up with a real answer to that age-old question. I just avoid obstacles. Why try to overcome them? For example, when my money from my paycheck flew out my hand after received from the ATM, I did not run and chase down bills in the wind like some wild person. I decided to just stand there and watch others run down the street after it. I chose not to participate in messing around with obstacles. No one should honestly. Thanks for wasting your time and not considering me.

Mental health is such a huge part of my life, I’m very aware of its impact on my life. Understanding it's importance to me helps me understand its importance for others. What is mental health? It’s the way your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect your life. Good mental health leads to positive self-image and in turn, satisfying relationships with friends and others. Having good mental health helps you make good decisions and deal with life’s challenges at home, work, or school. One practical solution for helping with mental health issues is to understand the importance of relationships, trusting others and communicating when help is needed, and being an advocate for those dealing with mental health issues. Personally, I feel comfortable to share what I am feeling with my family and friends. This impacts my life by just making me feel supported and heard. I know that I have people like my family and my best friends who are always going to be there for me. Relationships are another very important aspect that influence mental health. Positive relationships allow you to have a safe space to feel and share what you are feeling with those you trust. For me, this space is shared with my family and my closest friends. I love feeling free to share anything with them and feeling like I have a safe space without being judged or without feeling like maybe I shouldn’t say this, or maybe they won’t understand. Understanding the importance of trust, relationships and having support are key to advocating for mental health. Mental health is just as important as physical health. I believe that we must develop and embrace the awareness of mental health and the role it plays in our daily lives and the people in it.

One thing that I do to improve the lives of the elderly in my community is to spend quality time with them at their assisted living facility. I have learned such a great deal during my visits. The most important thing I have learned is the importance of providing an active listening ear. There are so many elderly people who just don’t have anyone to visit them, or sadly, have families that choose not to visit. So, spending time with them allows them time to share their stories, even with a stranger like me. On one visit, some of the stories I truly learned about were from a number of the older women at the facility, who taught me how amazing it is that I get to freely enjoy and participate in sports. During the times that they grew up, they were not allowed to participate in sports. Many of them were a part of the fight it took to ensure women had the right to participate in activities in the same manner men were able to in the past. I found it amazing to be able to get a first-hand account of things I was learning in history class. I also truly learned the importance of how spending time with someone can truly make a difference in not only their day, but it creates lasting memories. I also truly enjoy hearing back from the assisted living centers on how much the visits mean, as well as, how much they look forward to my visit. That is impact I love making.

A favorite book of mine is the autobiography I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban. This book inspires me for a number of different reasons. First and foremost, it is about a female who had the courage to stand up and advocate for herself and others in a society that did everything to ensure she had none. Malala stood up for herself and millions of other young women, making sure that the world knows and understands that all girls have the right to the life they want for themselves, liberty, and education. Malala stood up for this no matter the consequences, even to the detriment of herself; she was shot by the Taliban in an attempt to silence her and her message, because her ideals went against what the country taught. Malala survived and continued to advocate for herself and other girls. She was always in danger for speaking out for her beliefs due to country she lived in - she spoke out anyway! She continued to advocate for young women in her country and abroad. Her belief that anything was possible and dedication to striving for what she knew to be true for her are always an inspiration to me. Reading this autobiography has inspired me to always speak up for what I believe in no matter the obstacles or challenges. This book has empowered me to use my voice to help and impact the things that I believe in.

I come from a long line of family who have always believed in education; this is something that comes from my heritage. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around the importance and value of education. From a very early age, my sister and I have been inspired by those who came before us and understood everything in life is a continuous learning opportunity. We were also taught that education is a privilege that supports the dreams we intend to pursue. However, not everyone has access to education or can afford it. One change that I believe would make education better for future generations is to make technical and collegiate degrees free for all. Education empowers us to be anything we dare to dream. I have learned that success is often a direct reflection of the time invested in education. With that in mind, I think we first have to ensure that every person has access to not only an affordable education, but a free education – at least for the first chosen trade or college degree. I think this free access to education can come in a variety of forms, whether through junior college, four-year colleges, or even learning a trade – all of which will directly benefit the economy and ensure a productive work environment. Having access to a free, quality education will empower people to not only help them achieve their passions and dreams, but directly impact and benefit society as well. Access to education is very important to all and at this point, there are great divides in quality of education from the elementary level to the collegiate level, because education, unfortunately, is dictated by profit and affordability. Education is a key part of our society’s growth and progress. When people are educated and empowered, they can significantly contribute to their families and society in various aspects and fields, thus creating a stable and stimulating community. The higher their education and accomplishments, the better employment options and the better impact business are able to have, because their staff will all be properly trained and educated. Changing the access to education and understanding how valuable it is to live in a stable and secure community will help empower people to better lives and provide them the opportunity to change the world. This change will make education better for all future generations.

Someone that I admire from history is Jackie Robinson. Although best known for breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier, I admire Mr. Robinson's poise and strength in the face of adversity, both on and off the field. His contributions and accomplishments go far beyond the baseball diamond. Post baseball, Jackie Robinson focused on his business acumen and civil rights. After he retired from baseball, Robinson joined the civil rights movement. Having a different view on the movement, Jackie Robinson believed that business activity could bolster social activism. Robinson started to work with Dr. King, and when he became the first African American to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, Robinson donated the proceeds of a dinner in his honor to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s (SCLC) voter registration project. Robinson also wrote a syndicated newspaper column, focusing on matters like race relations, politics, and family life. His words led many other members of the African-American community to join the movement. Jackie Robinson’s other greatest accomplishments garnered around business. His business ventures created opportunities from creating jobs to improving quality of life and empowering African-American businessmen of the future in banking industry and construction. Jackie Robinson’s entrepreneurial zeal ended up leaving a historic legacy as well. Robinson’s transition from baseball to civil rights to business ownership successfully is a lesson that's still relevant for today's athletes and entertainers, more of whom are creating businesses, impacting their communities, and becoming wealthy outside of sports. Some would say that Jackie’s Robinson’s legacy off the field is just as great as his baseball accomplishments. He continued to break and shatter boundaries with numerous accomplishments, not just for baseball but for any career and person.

The most helpful piece of financial advice I have received has been from my parents, who have told me that there is nothing more important than saving and budgeting when it comes to money. My parents began teaching me this when I opened my savings and checking accounts. The first thing my parents taught me is the importance of always saving money first. So, whenever I receive my paycheck or money as a gift, I always put a portion of it in my savings account. Working with my parents, I have learned the importance of how to properly budget my money, which will be extremely important when I leave for college soon. I’ve learned that keeping a budget and spending plan helps me be responsible for my finances. Also, maintaining my budget helps me to understand how much money I have to spend and, most importantly, to save. I’ve also learned to control my spending. Who doesn’t want to buy anything they want, when they want it? However, I know that with a certain amount of money available that I can spend, I can be smarter with my spending choices. Thinking about things I want to do also helps me to set goals for purchases I want to make. I can make realistic projections for the things I have coming up, like if I want to buy a dress for a dance I have coming up or if a group of friends are to going to an amusement park, I know how to plan/budget my finances to be able to make these purchases without cutting into my savings. Managing and controlling my spending helps me feel confident that I will always have financial freedom.

The biggest problem facing the world right now is homelessness. The number of families and individuals who lack a safe place to call home is on the rise. In America alone, hundreds of thousands of people experience homelessness nightly, with even more than that living multiple families to a home or paying so much in rent that their other basic necessities, such as food or medical expenses, are lacking. Sadly, thousands of homeless people sleep in shelters, cars or on the street. Two main causes of homelessness are lack of affordable housing and unemployment. Currently, there is a shortage of affordable and available homes for low-income families, with only a few homes being available. Furthermore, lack of funding causes families to be turned away from needed housing benefits. There are many different ways that could be used to solve homelessness. One recommended solution is to build affordable homes using 3D printing and provide communities for the homeless. These homes are significantly affordable, because they decrease construction time, reduce overhead for crews, and the materials are affordable. Our government needs to work with private contractors to initiate and develop affordable 3D printed housing programs that will allow for the development of affordable homes for this much needed community. To end homelessness, we must expand ideas, programs, and invest in affordable homes. Being a part of the solution to end the homelessness problem is one of the main reasons why I feel that I can help and impact others through my career in architecture.

I have always been creative, loving to draw and design as well as express myself in various ways, whether through fashion in the clothing I wear or the art I create to decorate and design my room. Being able to create is something I truly enjoy. Creativity is also one of my passions that I plan to use in my career as an architect. I use my creative talents often, because drawing, painting and creating new designs are how I like to spend my time and impact my world. I also use my talents to bring others joy by making designs, paintings and drawings for my family and friends for different occasions. The most excitement I have had has been in summer architecture and art courses I’ve taken using my passions in what I have decided will be my future as an architect. From these experiences, I have used my creativity to create and design various drawings and designs in my courses, where I have been able to learn more about abstraction, precision, and the importance of detail in everything I create. Applying this knowledge, my work has become better, and my skills have grown. With my clothing, I have been able to design various shirts that I actually have fun wearing. Whether it is choosing a picture from online or creating a stencil from one of my drawings, I have been able to create a shirt to wear, which I take pride in, knowing it’s an original. Finding different ways to express myself, whether through my clothing, designs, painting, or drawing allows me to be me.

My inspiration in life is my mother. My mom is an Air Force veteran who has epilepsy. She has shown me the essence of what it means to be strong, because she has continued to overcome her diagnosis. My mom works full time, takes care of our family, and continues to show me strength, because no matter how her side effects from epilepsy may impact her, she still manages to encourage, provide for and care for our family. She has always taught me to make the most out of what you’ve been given, and I see her do that every day. I have learned a great deal of things from my mother. She continues to inspire me and help me grow as a person daily. As I sit back and recall times of disappointments and frustrations, I think of the early times of working with my mom in her struggle with epilepsy. Because my mom is a person with epilepsy, along with her experiencing seizures, also came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t really mean or could not communicate effectively. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions rather than her dialect. As a child, I would become frustrated disappointed and upset. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. She would often forget the things we had just spoken about early or not remember to do many of the things that she said that she would do. Looking back, I had no idea what she was going through or trying to overcome. I had unanswered questions that only my dad could comprehend. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. Being empathetic can sometimes feel like its own distinct language. Just like a sign language translator helps translate for people at speeches or seminars, I have often served as a translator for the rest of my family when it comes to my mother because I am often more readily able to convey what she means. Looking back, I don’t see learning empathy via coping with my mom’s disability as a setback in any way. Instead, I realize it has been a segway into a different way to live a life that has allowed me to relate to others in a rewarding and unique way. I have learned to use these skills in the classroom while working with my classmates, on the field when I’m playing with my teammates, and with my friends in my social life. I realize it’s become as natural for me as breathing and is everywhere in my life, making me a more compassionate and considerate person who cares to understand others more easily. Inspiration is a feeling of enthusiasm you get from someone or something, that gives you new and creative ideas. If you describe someone or something good as an inspiration, you mean that they make you or other people want to do or achieve something. My mother is my catalyst for doing my absolute best in the classroom, on the field, and within my community. She inspires me. As I prepare to head to college next fall, I’m sure that my mother is going to keep inspiring me to do great things there as well.

Generosity to me means the giving and sharing of something that can help others. One of the most meaningful things to me that I share is my time. I’m very generous with my time in support of the disabled community through my work with the Special Olympics. I am proud of bringing awareness to the Special Olympics community. This past year I was a part of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Awareness is important when it comes to understanding and respecting disability culture, because it is often the first step toward educating others regarding disabilities and it plays a critical role in overcoming negativity and stereotypes. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives. This can only happen when we accept and learn from one another.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. I plan to major in Architecture, learn everything I can, and become a licensed Architect. My professional goal is to build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. My intent is to make a difference in the lives of others through my career. Another main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion and dedication to end homelessness. I have dedicated my community involvement to Habitat for Humanity, whose mission I align with because Habitat helps families build and improve places to call home. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. I also believe that we can end homelessness. The impact of purposeful designs is not just limited to charity; architecture can bring communities together to enhance lives now and for future generations for the better. Another responsibility of my desire and goal is ensuring the homes developed are environmentally friendly and the best for the earth and our environment. The ever-changing environment and needs of the population are requiring future architects and interior designers to adapt their designs to this new reality. I’m very interested in building the new homes of the future. It will be my job and immense responsibility to plan, design, and oversee the construction of these affordable and accessible homes. I’m excited about the impact that these materials will have on our environment. I recognize the importance of staying environmentally conscious in all areas of architecture. Being accountable and using my talent to build and provide affordable, sustainable homes, for all community types, especially the homeless, will be a dream come true.

The wisest words I’ve ever heard are from Helen Keller. She said “we are never really happy until we try to brighten the lives of others and by doing so, the world will be a better place.” Her words are what inspire me to do more. One of the most important ways that I have gotten involved to support the disabled community and stand with them, is through my work with the Special Olympics. I am proud of bringing awareness and inclusion to this community. This past year I was excited to serve as a youth volunteer for two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, kindness, and inclusion. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I will always get in the way of and non-inclusive behavior and mistreatment of this special group any time, any day, and any place.

One of the challenges that I have experienced that shaped me is the relationship with my mom. Mom is an Air Force veteran who has epilepsy and it makes it very hard for her to function normally. Along with mom experiencing seizures, also came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t really mean or could not communicate effectively. As a child, I would become frustrated and upset. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. And, the more aware and knowledgeable I became, the better I came at living with a person with a disability. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions rather than her dialect. I also understand that it can be difficult for other people to sometimes understand my mom when they don’t know what she deals with, but I can successfully understand where she’s coming from and relay that to others. Looking back, I don’t see learning empathy via coping with my mom’s disability as a setback in any way. I have learned to use these skills in the classroom while working with my classmates, on the field when I’m playing with my teammates, and with my friends in my social life. This experience has made a better leader with the ability to have compassion, embrace others, and mostly importantly listen.

I’ve been working my bucket list quite some time. I have enjoyed traveling and seeing new places everywhere. I have managed to have some pretty incredible experiences over the past five years, many of them by traveling and playing the game of lacrosse. I have been to the GRAMMYS Award show and Red Carpet, I have walked on the field at a College Football Game, played a game beside the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, attended several shows in Las Vegas, enjoyed parades in the French Quarter in New Orleans, acted on a Disney television show, and surfed big waves in Manhattan Beach. Next on my bucket list is to go and tour New York City, see all the monuments in Washington, D.C, go to an Olympic Games, attend Coachella, attend a food festival in Hawaii, go to the Super Bowl, and at the top of my list is a trip to Paris to see all that it has to offer. I cannot wait to complete my bucket list and then begin to add more experiences to it.

I feel that having an attitude of gratitude is very important and something that is essential to me as a successful student athlete, because no matter what situations or circumstances I experience, living a life of gratitude allows me to always move forward. Several ways that I remain in gratitude include practicing mindfulness; being compassionate and staying away from negativity; and trusting myself while remaining in gratitude. Practicing mindfulness is important, because what my mind focuses on is what I receive and bring to myself. Gratitude is directly impacted by what I keep my mind focused on. Something I choose to keep my mind focused on is being compassionate and remaining positive at all times, regardless to what is happening around me. I choose to be kind to myself and others and nurture only those things that are positive. Being compassionate and nurturing positivity keeps me in gratitude. Paying close attention to where my mind is focused and ensuring it is positive and compassionate ensures that I remain focused on forward progress only. Staying focused on forward progress leads to success. Trusting myself is important, because trusting myself requires that I assess and make changes, when needed. A main way to build trust is learning to live in gratitude. Living a life of gratitude is one of the most effective and crucial ways to stay positive no matter what you face. When I choose to remain thankful at all times, I allow myself to receive answers and guidance for the things I’m are facing. Oftentimes, gratitude releases what I need to find peace and grow. These are several ways gratitude is important in my life.

Being confident means believing in myself at all times and knowing that I can handle anything through faith. It means being self-reliant, but also understanding and knowing when to seek or ask for help. Being confident has impacted me by showing me how important my decision-making is in many different situations, whether in school, in sports, or in my personal life. Being confident in myself has also prepared me for being away at college, where my confidence will be tested, since it will be my first time on my own making my own decisions about every aspect of my life, without anyone else’s input. Learning self-reliance and great decision making are extremely important, because doing these well helps boost self-confidence and self-esteem. High confidence means I have trust in my skills and capabilities to handle any situation – this directly impacts and builds my self-esteem, especially when decisions result in positive and right outcomes. Being confident also gives me the ability to not only care for myself but to care for others as well. Because I can rely on myself and make great decisions, others will be able to do the same. Helping others also has a great impact, because being able to care for myself and others also boosts confidence and self-esteem, which directly impact happiness and purpose. Having extreme confidence builds many positives in my life and directly impacts my own self-worth, happiness, and influence. Staying positive and knowing that I can rely on myself, take care of myself, and help others along the way helps me to know that I am not only ready for my next step in college, but for my life beyond as well.

The things that motivate me on a daily basis are my family, friends, sports and serving others. My family motivates me, because they have established an amazing standard of excellence and leadership for me to follow. My grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. From a very early age, I understood the importance of serving and impacting communities. Ensuring others have support motivates me. My passion for serving others motivated me. I enjoy volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, I have raised awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives of persons with disabilities. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. Being a scholar-athlete motivates me, because it is a fun and exciting challenge that helps me be the best version of myself. I constantly learn something new and grow as a person. I love the game of lacrosse and excelling in academics; I can’t wait to see what new experiences come from the game and as I transition to college. My friends motivate me. I have an amazing group of friends who challenge each other to always be our best, at all times. We also support each other during difficult times and are there for each other. Having this support system makes whatever I face manageable. Thankfully, I am motivated by a lot of areas in my life. My family, friends, sports and service provide motivation for me to be the best person I can be.

I have always been creative, loving to draw and design as well as express myself in various ways, whether through fashion in the clothing I wear or the art I create to decorate and design my room. Being able to create is something I truly enjoy. Creativity is also one of my passions that I plan to use in my career as an architect. I use my creative talents often, because drawing, painting and creating new designs are how I like to spend my time and impact my world. I also use my talents to bring others joy by making designs, paintings and drawings for my family and friends for different occasions. The most excitement I have had has been in summer architecture and art courses I’ve taken using my passions in what I have decided will be my future as an architect. From these experiences, I have used my creativity to create and design various drawings and designs in my courses, where I have been able to learn more about abstraction, precision, and the importance of detail in everything I create. Applying this knowledge, my work has become better, and my skills have grown. With my clothing, I have been able to design various shirts that I actually have fun wearing. Whether it is choosing a picture from online or creating a stencil from one of my drawings, I have been able to create a shirt to wear, which I take pride in, knowing it’s an original. Finding different ways to express myself, whether through my clothing, designs, painting, or drawing allows me to be me.

I love being selfless and serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. My experience in supporting the disabled community has helped me grow tremendously. I have gotten involved to support the disabled community and stand with them, through my work with the Special Olympics. This past year I was excited to serve as a youth volunteer for two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. I believe that awareness is a key weapon in fighting against the bullying of disabled individuals. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

I believe that communication and action are keys to encouraging others. I use words of affirmation to encourage those around me, if I notice that my family or friends need encouragement. I particularly enjoy encouraging the disabled athletes I work with volunteering with the Special Olympics. I use words of affirmation when encouraging these athletes to participate in their organized sports. During my time with this community, I have learned that awareness is important when it comes to understanding and respecting disability culture, because it is often the first step toward educating others regarding disabilities and it plays a critical role in overcoming negativity and stereotypes. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. Especially during times such as these, a word of encouragement letting them know they are cared for and important always makes a difference in their lives. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time encouraging these athletes to see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I also understand the importance of a well-placed word of encouragement when an athlete needs it; it can make the difference in pushing through versus giving up. I have used my words and running alongside or helping an athlete catch a ball, encouraging them to never give up, which has resulted in their success.

Understanding the importance of empathy has not only helped me grow as a person but has helped me relate to others. Practicing empathy is something I have always done as a result of witnessing my mom in her struggle with epilepsy. Along with her experiencing seizures, came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t really mean or could not communicate effectively. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions rather than her dialect. Being empathetic can sometimes feel like its own distinct language. I have often served as a translator for the rest of my family when it comes to my mother because I am often more readily able to convey what she means. Looking back, learning empathy via coping with my mom’s disability wasn’t a setback in any way. I’ve learned to use these skills while working with my classmates, while playing with my teammates and with friends, helping me to understand them more completely and them to feel heard. I am a more compassionate and considerate person who really cares to understand others.

I stay committed to speaking my mind by reminding myself that what I have to say is not only important, it is my truth, it has value, and it deserves to be heard. By expressing myself with my friends and family, I’ve learned that my voice, my opinions, my views and being able to share them matter! Because of this, I’ve grown personally and have worked really hard at sharing my thoughts, cultivating my voice, researching topics to understand myself better and to know where I stand, and then being confident when effectively communicating them with others. I also stay committed to speaking my mind, because I have learned that this is important as a leader and ensuring that what I value and have to share with others happens. I have learned that when I do not speak my mind, it could result in me following the opinion and mind of someone that I do not agree with. For example, when I have worked in groups at school, I have learned it is important to speak my mind and share my thoughts in the group or the project could go in a direction I do not agree with or that I know is incorrect. If I don’t share my thoughts, I am as much responsible for a failed grade, because I did not speak up on something I knew.

To me, joy means having fun and loving the things that I get to do that make me happy. I seek joy through my favorite things. Hanging with my friends and family gives me joy. Playing lacrosse and giving back to others gives me joy. Working with the Special Olympics in the greater Los Angeles area, creating opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day brings me joy. I love to see them happy. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings excites me, especially seeing Special Olympic athletes having fun and looking forward to being a part of their sports and teams. Through sports, I have learned that these athletes begin to see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. As they grow and earn accomplishments, Special Olympic athletes become empowered and have opportunities to get involved in decision making, public speaking, and leadership roles, which makes them happy. And, socially, these athletes have many opportunities to make friends and discover they are not alone. Helping Special Olympic athletes on their journey is something I love being a part of. As an athlete myself, I know how fulfilling sports can be. Sports have always been my creative outlet, my passion and have always brought me joy. Being able to work with Special Olympics athletes, I am able to see how sports positively affects others as well. I am further motivated by sharing this joy of sports and the overall effect that it has on these special athletes’ moods, growth and lives.

My best skill is drawing/design. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to draw and design. However, I’ve learned over the years that with effort, hard work, and taking classes, my skills get better developed and I can do a lot more. To grow, develop, and better my drawing skills, I have taken art courses and to enhance my design skills, I have taken summer architecture courses. From my summer architecture courses, I learned about the abstraction and precision of architectural designs. This has enhanced my design skills and my eye to be a lot more detailed and has provided the knowledge to design, with precision, that I did not have before. From my art courses, I learned how to use details to my advantage in creating different pieces of art. This has enhanced my drawing skills, because I learned a number of techniques I did not previously have, which improved my work and made my work the best it can be. Having skills and talent are a tremendous blessing. However, it is what we do with these skills and talents that truly makes a difference. I plan to use my skills to become an architect and help the world building sustainable homes around the globe for the homeless. I will use my skills to better the world, one person, drawing, and design at a time.

I believe that the meaning of life is to be happy and do what you love and enjoy doing. Finding something that I’m passionate about, is important to me. My grandmother always says life is about having purpose. I’m very passionate about the service of others. I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I am also taking sign language courses through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. A huge part of accepting and embracing others centers around having the ability to communicate with them and challenging ourselves to see the world from new perspectives. Learning new information and seeing the world from different points of view from this community has impacted me in many ways. I’m more grateful for all of the many opportunities in my life both on and off the field.

Relaxation and taking care of my mental health are vital and go hand in hand. To relax, I focus on doing things I enjoy like facials, massages, and getting a lot of rest/sleep. To take care of my mental health, I rely on my parents, family and friends that I trust to talk to and get advice from, when needed. One of the first things I do is to make sure to be open and honest with the people that I trust for my mental health. I feel comfortable to share what I am feeling with my family and friends. This impacts my life by just making me feel supported and heard. I know that I have people like my family and my best friends who are always going to be there for me. I also know that I can ask my parents for guidance and support should they determine I need anything more, such as professional help in any way. Sleep plays a vital role in my relaxation. My parents have always helped me understand that it is very important for me to get a lot of rest/sleep, not only because I am a growing person but also because to play sports and go to school, I need a lot of energy. Making sure that I get in the bed on time is very important, so that I have enough sleep to do everything I need to do well and with high levels of energy. All these things allow me to relax, while doing something I enjoy.

One of my favorite hobbies is drawing/design. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to draw and design. Creating something from scratch on a blank canvas or piece of paper has always intrigued and inspired me. I enjoy drawing and design, because I love to create. Whether my inspiration comes from other art I’ve seen, a dream, or a sunrise, being able to recreate it as a painting, drawing, or computer design is truly fun for me. I enjoy drawing and design, because it allows me to take a thought I have in my head and make it reality, whatever medium I choose. I love that with this hobby, I can use various different materials whose end result is its own unique art. I also enjoy the time it takes to develop a drawing or design. Each step has its own importance that results in the finished work. I love using a pencil to draw the base drawing and the beauty that I can leave that as the finished work. Or I can choose to then use charcoal to shade and make it a completely different piece. I could also use paint, instead – acrylics, watercolors, or oils that will give me a completely different outcome. I love the variety and significant detail of each that can result in a different finish, giving me so many different options from my initial thought. I plan to use my love for drawing/design to become an architect and help the world building sustainable homes around the globe for the homeless. I will use my hobby to better the world, one person, drawing, and design at a time.

Understanding the importance of empathy has not only helped me grow as a person but has helped me relate to others. Practicing empathy is something I have always done as a result of witnessing my mom in her struggle with epilepsy. Along with her experiencing seizures, came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t really mean or could not communicate effectively. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. Looking back, I don’t see learning empathy via coping with my mom’s disability as a setback in any way. Instead, I realize it has been a segway into a different way to live life that has allowed me to relate to others in a rewarding and unique way. I have learned to use these skills while working with my classmates, and while playing with my teammates and with my friends. I am a more compassionate and considerate person who cares to understand others more easily.

My academic and career goals are to graduate from college with my Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD in Architecture. I will become a licensed architect with the intent to make a difference in the lives of others through my career. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. A main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness, which is how I plan to leave my mark. The number of families and individuals who lack a safe place to call home is on the rise. In America, hundreds of thousands of people experience homelessness nightly. One of the main causes of homelessness is lack of affordable housing. Currently, there is a shortage of affordable and available homes for low-income families. My goal is to use my architecture career to design, build and provide affordable, sustainable homes for the homeless. By building these homes, it will allow for fees charged to be aligned with what low-income families can afford. Being a part of the solution to end homelessness is the legacy I choose to leave and is the main reason I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. By building affordable homes and providing rental and housing assistance, with government support, homelessness would be able to be solved, because families and individuals would be able to afford living spaces and their incomes would be able to be used for other basic needs. I’m passionate about the opportunity to impact my community through public service, helping others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness and the legacy I will leave.

Listening is extremely important to me, and it’s something I’ve found extremely valuable. I believe that listening, especially active listening, shows that you respect the other person and that you truly care about what they are saying. Active listening is when you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is speaking but the complete message that is being communicated. I actively listen to others around me by focusing on the other person’s perspective and not only focusing on my own position or the point I am trying to make. I always pay close attention, make sure I’m acknowledging the person speaking and show signs that I’m listening, not interrupting them, and most importantly, I respond to them. I’m captain of high school’s lacrosse team and communication is key. Being a great leader and teammate is not all about telling people what to do, but really listening to my team. I’m always making sure that I am paying close attention to exactly what they are trying to say. I do not interrupt them or make any judgments, but rather hear their perspective and respect it. This allows to make the best decisions for our team. Decisions that are a reflection of what they want as a whole. I’ve recently decided to take a sign language course at my local community college. I love to volunteer for the Special Olympics, and sign language is helping me learn to listen in a very different way. This is going to allow me to understand the needs of the disability community better and be a stronger ally for them. Everyone deserves to be heard and respected. Active listening the only way that we can begin to understand one another.

I support equality and diversity with my support of the disabled community through my work with the Special Olympics. I am proud of bringing awareness to the Special Olympics community. This past year I was a part of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. I am also taking sign language courses through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. From my course, I have learned how to interact with, begin conversations with, and understand social cues for this disability community - the deaf community; I have also learned to immerse myself in this culture in order to truly understand a different perspective and way of life. By gaining knowledge about the disability community, it has allowed me to become a better ally and be more supportive to stand with them. It has also allowed me to be more open and share what I have learned with others who are interested, in hopes that others will support this community with me. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives. This can only happen when we accept and learn from one another.

Giving back to my community makes me happy, but most importantly, the work I have done with the Special Olympics in the greater Los Angeles area, creating opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day has made the happiest of all. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings it excites me to see Special Olympic athletes having fun and looking forward to being a part of their sports and teams. Through sports, I have learned, that these athletes begin to see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. As they grow and earn accomplishments, Special Olympic athletes become empowered and have opportunities to get involved in decision making, public speaking, and leadership roles, which makes them happy. And, socially, these athletes have many opportunities to make friends and discover they are not alone. Helping Special Olympic athletes on their journey is something I love being a part of. As an athlete myself, I know how fulfilling and exciting sports can be. Sports have always been my creative outlet, my passion and have always made me happy. Being able to work with Special Olympics athletes, I am able to see how sports positively affects others as well. I am further motivated by sharing this joy of sports and the overall effect that it has on these special athletes’ moods, growth and lives.

A book that has been a great inspiration to me is the autobiography I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban. This book inspires me for a number of different reasons. First and foremost, it is about a female who had the courage to stand up and advocate for herself and others in a society that did everything to ensure she had none. Malala stood up for herself and millions of other young women, making sure that the world knows and understands that all girls have the right to the life they want for themselves, liberty, and education. Malala stood up for this no matter the consequences, even to the detriment of herself; she was shot by the Taliban in an attempt to silence her and her message, because her ideals went against what the country taught. Malala survived and continued to advocate for herself and other girls. She was always in danger for speaking out for her beliefs due to country she lived in - she spoke out anyway! She continued to advocate for young women in her country and abroad. Her belief that anything was possible and dedication to striving for what she knew to be true for her are always an inspiration to me. Reading this autobiography has inspired me to always speak up for what I believe in no matter the obstacles or challenges. This book has empowered me to use my voice to help and impact the things that I believe in.

Listening is extremely important to me. I believe that listening, especially active listening, shows that you respect the other person and that you truly care about what they are saying. Active listening is when you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is speaking but the complete message that is being communicated. I actively listen to others around me by focusing on the other person’s perspective and not only focusing on my own position or the point I am trying to make. I always pay close attention, make sure I’m acknowledging the person speaking and show signs that I’m listening, not interrupting them, and most importantly, I respond to them. I’m captain of high school’s lacrosse team and communication is key. Being a great leader and teammate is not all about telling people what to do, but really listening to my team. I’m always making sure that I am paying close attention to exactly what they are trying to say. I do not interrupt them or make any judgments, but rather hear their perspective and respect it. This allows to make the best decisions for our team. Decisions that are a reflection of what they want as a whole. I’ve recently decided to take a sign language course at my local community college. I love to volunteer for the Special Olympics, and sign language is helping me learn to listen in a very different way. This is going to allow me to understand the needs of the disability community better and be a stronger ally for them. Everyone deserves to be heard and respected. Active listening the only way that we can begin to understand one another.

I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. My experience in supporting the disabled community has helped me grow tremendously. I have gotten involved to support the disabled community and stand with them, through my work with the Special Olympics. This past year I was excited to serve as a youth volunteer for two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. I believe that awareness is a key weapon in fighting against the bullying of disabled individuals. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

One of my simple pleasures is that I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I am also taking sign language courses through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. A huge part of accepting and embracing others centers around having the ability to communicate with them and challenging ourselves to see the world from new perspectives. Learning new information and seeing the world from different points of view from this community has impacted me in many ways. I’m more grateful for all of the many opportunities in my life both on and off the field. I’m now practicing more active listening skills, which has created humbling experiences that have made me a more empathetic person. It makes me happy to meet new and interesting people and help them at the same time. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives. My simple pleasure allows me to learn, grow, help, and have full all at the same time.

I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. One of the most important ways that I have showed up for a community is by supporting the disabled community through my work with the Special Olympics. This past year I was a part of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. My campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I am also taking sign language courses through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. I have learned how to interact with, begin conversations with, and understand social cues for this disability community - the deaf community; I have also learned to immerse myself in this culture in order to become a better ally and be more supportive to stand with them. We can all make a difference, especially in the lives of others.

I’m very passionate about the service of others. I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I am also taking sign language courses through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. A huge part of accepting and embracing others centers around having the ability to communicate with them and challenging ourselves to see the world from new perspectives. Learning new information and seeing the world from different points of view from this community has impacted me in many ways. I’m more grateful for all of the many opportunities in my life both on and off the field. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives. My simple pleasure allows me to learn, grow, help, and have full all at the same time.

My academic and career goals are to graduate from college with my Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD in Architecture. I will become a licensed architect with the intent to make a difference in the lives of others through my career. A main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness. The number of families and individuals who lack a safe place to call home is on the rise. In America, hundreds of thousands of people experience homelessness nightly, with even more than that living multiple families to a home or paying so much in rent that their other basic necessities, such as food or medical expenses, are lacking. One of the main causes of homelessness is lack of affordable housing. Currently, there is a shortage of affordable and available homes for low-income families. My goal is to use my architecture career to design, build and provide affordable, sustainable homes for the homeless, in partnership with government programs and assistance. By building these homes, with government financial support, it will allow for fees charged to be aligned with what low-income families can afford. Being a part of the solution to end homelessness is one of the main reasons why I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. By building affordable homes and providing rental and housing assistance, with government support, homelessness would be able to be solved, because families and individuals would be able to afford living spaces and their incomes would be able to be used for other basic needs. I am excited about the opportunity to impact my community through public service, helping others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness.

My academic and career goals are to graduate from college with my Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD in Architecture. I will become a licensed architect with the intent to make a difference in the lives of others through my career. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. A main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness, which is how I plan to leave my mark. The number of families and individuals who lack a safe place to call home is on the rise. In America, hundreds of thousands of people experience homelessness nightly. One of the main causes of homelessness is lack of affordable housing. Currently, there is a shortage of affordable and available homes for low-income families. My goal is to use my architecture career to design, build and provide affordable, sustainable homes for the homeless. By building these homes, it will allow for fees charged to be aligned with what low-income families can afford. Being a part of the solution to end homelessness is one of the main reasons why I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. By building affordable homes and providing rental and housing assistance, with government support, homelessness would be able to be solved, because families and individuals would be able to afford living spaces and their incomes would be able to be used for other basic needs. I’m passionate about the opportunity to impact my community through public service, helping others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness.

A healthy lifestyle is very important to living a long healthy life. As a vegan student athlete, I decided a long time ago to embrace a healthy lifestyle so that I could succeed both on the field and in the classroom. My healthy lifestyle is centered around nutrition, sleep, and exercise. These three areas are very important to feeling good and achieving a long life. Leading a healthy lifestyle through nutrition, by eating healthy meals, has been successfully linked to improved health and well-being. The primary reason for such results is that certain foods are rich in protein, fiber, as well as acceptable fats such as yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, and apples; these foods aid with nutrition and stay in the body for an extended period, which energizes the body. Energy supports a long, healthy life. Sleep is very important to my heathy lifestyle and well-being. I have learned to listen to my body and know when to either go to bed early or take a nap. Sleep promotes cognition and memory, facilitates learning, recharges our mental and physical batteries, and generally helps the body recover. Recovery is essential to living a long, healthy life. Being a great athlete, I know the importance of exercise, and how it benefits the body. Exercise works at the cellular level to control the emotional and physical feelings of stress. Physical activity is a natural way to prevent the negative consequences of stress, because it wards off the ill effects of chronic stress and actually reverses them. Being active and reducing stress will ensure I live a long, healthy life. My healthy lifestyle is definitely going to aid me in living a long healthy life.

I’m a Senior at Redondo Union High School, Redondo Beach, CA, where I am a scholar-athlete and Captain of my varsity lacrosse team. I’m a member of the Key Club, student government, and I have a 4.0 GPA. I come from a family that believes in education, service, and that has been dedicated to living a life of leadership and service. My great grandfather was a paratrooper in World War II, my great uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. From a very early age, my sister and I understood the importance of serving and impacting communities. A recent challenge I have had to overcome is maintaining my GPA and extracurricular activities during the pandemic. It was difficult attending online school, practicing lacrosse and impacting my community during this time. I took this challenge as an opportunity to improve my time management, communication, and to grow as a leader. I believe that leadership begins with great communication. Leaders are effective communicators and are able to motivate others. My leadership skills consist of good communication, great motivator and the ability to show empathy. I use these leadership skills in my community through fundraising events, with my family showing empathy while helping my mom in her battle with epilepsy, and with my lacrosse team by keeping us motivated, encouraged and excited to do our best both in the classroom and on the field. For as long as I can remember I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. My future goals are to attend the University of Southern California and graduate with my Bachelor’s in Architecture. I’m going to become a licensed architect and start my own firm one day that will allow me to use my professional career to help others and benefit society. I’m going to build sustainable homes that help the environment and be a part of the solution to end homelessness. I am deserving of this scholarship, because I embody the attributes of being a great female leader, who will benefit from Robert Lee Sr. & Bernice Williams Memorial Scholarship to support my studies and career. I am proactive and highly motivated, inspiring, genuine, and give back to my community. I will use this scholarship to continue my education and pursue my dreams to impact society through architecture.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. My short-term academic career goals are to attend the University of Southern California. I plan to major in Architecture, learn everything I can so that I can build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. One of my passions is to end homelessness. Everyone deserves a roof over their head and a place to call home. The technology that I’m excited about actually benefits my future career and passion. Fabricating homes using massively scaled 3D printers is emerging around the globe. We are already seeing limited deployment in the U.S. and other developing nations. In the developing world, where limited infrastructure makes shipping materials a challenge, recent demonstrations using 3D printers takes a leap ahead by employing locally sourced materials, clay, sand and local fibers to print structures—eliminating roughly 95% of material requiring transport to a building site. This emerging technology could provide rugged shelters in remote regions, where housing needs are dire and no viable transport networks exist. The result could be a game changer for nations that are often otherwise left behind. 3D printed homes can be completed in just 12 hours, compared to four days using normal construction methods. Modest houses can be printed for under $10,000. The Vulcan 3D printer, which was recently named as one the world’s greatest inventions by TIME magazine, is the preferred tool when printing houses and other livable structures. Standing almost four meters tall and eight meters wide, this printer has the ability to churn out 7 inches of building material every second. Homes and schools constructed in a few hours, with carbon footprints reduced by 70%, are being rolled out across Africa as part of an innovative 3D printing program, cutting time and reliance on carbon-heavy resources. I’m excited about what this technology means to my future profession. Homes can now be built in a fraction of the time, at a reduced cost, not impact the climate, and move us closer toward ending homelessness.

One investment tip that I have embrace is to keep my costs low. You cannot always control how your investments perform, but you can control how much you pay for them. As an investor, it's very important to pay attention to the costs involved with an investment. As with anything you purchase, there are often fees associated with investing. These fees may seem small, but over time, they can have a major impact on your investment portfolio. Moreover, fees can be excessive, if you do not pay attention them and know how much they are. Asking questions like how much are you paying and what is the expense ratio will help you make sure you are not spending too high and keeping your costs low. I like to remember that the higher the fees, the better my investment would need to perform. Another thing I make sure to do is to read everything that comes with the investment expenses to ensure there are no hidden fees as well. There are options out there to keep costs low for teens, such as no fee investment accounts. This type of account is a benefit and falls in line with my investment tip, because there are no fees associated with opening an account. I get to invest and earn more without having any penalties or fees eating into my savings, which ensures I keep my costs low. Investing can be fun and fulfilling for setting up your future. I have learned that the best way to be successful is to monitor all expenses associated with your investments. The best way to be successful is to keep costs low so that your profits can be high.

One prominent problem I’ve created a potential and workable solution to defeat is homelessness. A proactive step I have taken toward achieving my goal is creating an actionable plan to end homelessness that can be shared with community leaders, service-based organizations, and social entrepreneurs. My plan addresses the fact that there is a shortage of affordable and available homes for low-income families. The number of families and individuals who lack a safe place to call home is on the rise. In America, hundreds of thousands of people experience homelessness nightly, with even more than that living multiple families to a home or paying so much in rent that their other basic necessities, such as food or medical expenses, are lacking. There is also a shortage of affordable rental homes for low-income families. Likewise, in the Los Angeles area where I live, there are tens of thousands of homeless people who sleep in shelters, cars or on the street. Two main causes of homelessness are lack of affordable housing and unemployment. Currently, there is a shortage of affordable and available homes for low-income families, with only a few homes being available. Furthermore, lack of funding causes families to be turned away from needed housing benefits. Lastly, unemployment and low-income jobs cause families to spend often more than half their income on housing, which becomes problematic when an emergency arises and can lead to eviction, or worse, homelessness. There are many different ways that could be used to solve homelessness. My recommended solutions are to use my professional career once I’m a licensed architect to work with local, state and federal government to: 1. Build affordable homes 2. Provide rental and housing assistance Affordable homes need to be built for low-income families, because there is currently a shortage. Our government needs to work with private contractors to initiate and develop affordable housing programs that will allow for the development of affordable homes for this much needed community. By building affordable homes, with government financial support, it will allow for fees charged to be aligned with what low-income families can afford. It will also provide the needed flexibility for low-income families and individuals to live safely and pay their other required bills and necessities. Rental and housing assistance is needed due to the current gap between wages and housing costs. Our government needs to expand housing assistance to meet the rising costs for living that is not covered due to wage shortages. With an increase in rental and housing assistance, wages that are earned would be able to be used for other living necessities such as food, medicine, and transportation, which are all required to effectively work. By building affordable homes and providing rental and housing assistance, with government support, homelessness would be able to be solved, because families and individuals would be able to afford living spaces and their incomes would be able to be used for other basic needs. To end homelessness, we must expand ideas, programs, and invest in affordable homes and assistance for people with the lowest incomes. Being a part of the solution to the homelessness problem is one of the main reasons why I feel that I can help and impact others through my career in architecture.

I’m a Senior at Redondo Union High School, where I am a scholar-athlete and Captain of my varsity lacrosse team. I’m a member of the Key Club, student government, and I have a 4.0 GPA. I come from a family that believes in education, service, and that has been dedicated to living a life of leadership and service. My great grandfather was one of the first paratroopers in World War II, my great uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, another great uncle was awarded two Bronze Stars in Vietnam, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference and I’ve always understood the importance of serving and impacting communities. For as long as I can remember I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. I plan to attend the University of Southern California and graduate with my Bachelor’s in Architecture so that I can become a licensed architect and be a part of the solution to end homelessness. I intend to use my professional career to help others and benefit society. My goal is to build sustainable homes to answer the homelessness and housing crisis. I have gained a great deal of experience from working with Habitat for Humanity, whose mission I align with because Habitat helps families build and improve places to call home. Habitat and I have helped families defeat homelessness, find their new homes, and bring families together under one roof. I have participated in major special events, which both raised funding and supports the building of homes for families in need. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. To end homelessness, we must expand ideas, programs, and invest in affordable homes and assistance for people with the lowest incomes. A proactive step I have taken toward achieving my goal is creating an actionable plan to end homelessness that can be shared with community leaders, service-based organizations, and social entrepreneurs. My plan addresses the fact that there is a shortage of affordable and available homes for low-income families. By building affordable homes, with government financial support, it will allow for fees charged to be aligned with what low-income families can afford. It will also provide the needed flexibility for low-income families and individuals to live safely and pay their other required bills and necessities. To end homelessness, we must expand ideas, programs, and invest in affordable homes and assistance for people with the lowest incomes. Being a part of the solution to end homelessness is one of the main reasons why I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. By building affordable homes and providing rental and housing assistance, with government support, homelessness would be able to be solved, because families and individuals would be able to afford living spaces and their incomes would be able to be used for other basic needs. I am excited about the opportunity to impact my community through public service, helping others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness. By pursuing my passion to end homelessness and working with others, the solution will come to fruition. Although this will be challenging, I know that I will meet the challenge and succeed.

Understanding the importance of patience has not only helped me grow as a person but has helped me relate to others. Practicing patience is something I have always done as a result of witnessing my mom in her struggle with epilepsy. Along with her experiencing seizures, came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t really mean or could not communicate effectively. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. Looking back, I don’t see learning patience via coping with my mom’s disability as a setback in any way. Instead, I realize it has been a segway into a different way to live a life that has allowed me to relate to others in a rewarding and unique way. I have learned to use these skills while working with my classmates, and while playing with my teammates and with my friends. I am a more compassionate and empathetic person who cares to understand others more easily as a result of recognizing the importance of patience.

I feel that having a growth mindset is very important and something that is essential to me as a successful student athlete, because no matter what situations or circumstances I experience, having a growth mindset allows me to always move forward. Several ways that I keep a growth mindset include practicing mindfulness; being compassionate and staying away from negativity; and trusting myself while remaining in gratitude. Practicing mindfulness is important, because what my mind focuses on is what I receive and bring to myself. My growth mindset is directly impacted by what I keep my mind focused on. Something I choose to keep my mind focused on is being compassionate and remaining positive at all times. I choose to be kind to myself and others and nurture only those things that are positive. Being compassionate and nurturing positivity keeps me in a growth mindset. Paying close attention to where my mind is focused and ensuring it is positive and compassionate ensures that I remain focused on forward progress only. Staying focused on forward progress leads to success. Trusting myself is important to maintaining a growth mindset, because trusting myself requires that I assess and make changes, when needed. A main way to build trust is learning to live in gratitude. Living a life of gratitude is one of the most effective and crucial ways to keep a growth mindset. When I choose to remain thankful at all times, I allow myself to receive answers and guidance for the things I’m are facing. Oftentimes, gratitude releases what I need to find peace and grow. These are several ways that I keep a growth mindset in my life.

Practicing self-care for me is centered around focusing on my mental health, fitness, rest/sleep and my nutrition. One of the first things I do is to make sure to be open and honest with the people that I trust for my mental health. I feel comfortable to share what I am feeling with my family and friends. This impacts my life by just making me feel supported and heard. I know that I have people like my family and my best friends who are always going to be there for me. Fitness is a huge part of my self-care. I love working out, playing lacrosse, and just keeping my body healthy. To ensure that I keep my strength and stamina up, I do push-ups, sprints, and other exercises to help in these areas. It impacts my life by keeping me in tip top shape when it comes to my physical health. Sleep plays a vital role in my self-care. My parents have always helped me understand that it is very important for me to get a lot of rest/sleep, not only because I am a growing person but also because to play sports and go to school, I need a lot of energy. Making sure that I get in the bed on time is very important, so that I have enough sleep to do everything I need to do well and with high levels of energy. My self-care would not be complete without nutrition. I make sure to eat right daily. My family is vegan. We pride ourselves on eating clean and healthy. Being a vegan has changed how I feel when I eat; I don’t feel stuffy, and it just gives me more energy. This is my self-care practice, and it impacts my life daily.

To me, friendship means a safe space to share and feel anything. It means a home with people that you trust and you love. Whenever I’m feeling anything about any topic, other than my family, often the first people that I think of going to are my friends. If I’m nervous for a test, I tell my friends. I know that they are going to encourage me and they’re just going to be really supportive and have my back. My friends have also been with me through everything; for example, throughout my lacrosse career, I’ve been playing with the same people since I was in the fifth grade. So if I miss a pass or if I don’t get a ground ball, or if I’m having an off day in practice, they know how to encourage me. My friends are always going to be there to lift me up and have my back and not just let me continue to be down. I love feeling free to share anything with them and feeling like I have a safe space without being judged or without feeling like maybe I shouldn’t say this, or maybe they won’t understand. For me, my friends are my peers, we are around the same age, and we all have similar senses of humor. We know the same ends and outs of pop culture references; we’re very relatable to each other and with that comes inside jokes. Knowing all this of and about each other makes you feel safe, and sense of belonging and home, and these are what friendship is about. This is what friendship means to me.

The main way I remain optimistic through tough times is to make sure I focus on others rather than myself or the challenge that has been presented. I’ve learned that despite uncertainty and challenges, when I choose to press forward and work toward accomplishing my goals doing the best that I can, regardless of circumstances, I can accomplish anything. So, I choose to stay positive and remain focused on the things that I can control. Things that I can control and that keep me optimistic are volunteering and helping others. Some of the most important things I focus on during hard times are staying organized, keeping a positive attitude, and visualizing my goals on a daily basis. An example of a time I just worked through has been the pandemic. With all events being cancelled, I had to figure out a way to still fundraise and support the Special Olympics. I was able to do this through virtual events and experiences. I volunteered for two incredible events that raised thousands of dollars and created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise. Although it was extremely difficult and challenging, I was still able to achieve my goals to make a difference and change the lives of others. I learned a great deal about myself during this experience. I learned that there is always a way forward, no matter the obstacle. I also learned that I am capable of achieving anything that I put my mind to. Most importantly, I learned that we can all make a difference, especially in the lives of others. One of my favorite quotes is by Conrad Hilton, which states “success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving, they make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” Understanding this, it’s easy to remain optimistic!

Something that I love about myself is my ability to listen to others. I believe that listening, especially active listening, shows that you respect the other person and that you truly care about what they are saying. Active listening is when you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is speaking but the complete message that is being communicated. I actively listen to others around me, focusing on the other person’s perspective and not only focusing on my own position or the point I am trying to make. I always pay close attention, make sure I’m acknowledging the person speaking and show signs that I’m listening, not interrupting them, and most importantly, I respond to them. I’m captain of high school’s lacrosse team and communication is key. Being a great leader and teammate is not all about telling people what to do, but really listening to my team. I’m always making sure that I am paying close attention to exactly what they are trying to say. I do not interrupt them or make any judgments, but rather hear their perspective and respect it. This allows to make the best decisions for our team. Decisions that are a reflection of what they want as a whole. I’ve recently decided to take a sign language course at my local community college. I love to volunteer for the Special Olympics, and sign language is helping me learn to listen in a very different way. This is going to allow me to understand the needs of the disability community better and be a stronger ally for them. Everyone deserves to be heard and respected. Active listening the only way that we can begin to understand one another, and this is something I do well and love about myself.

I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service. My grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and living my life in service of others are core elements of my upbringing and impact that I love making. My experience in supporting the disabled community has helped me grow tremendously. I have gotten involved to support the disabled community and stand with them, through my work with the Special Olympics. This past year I was excited to serve as a youth volunteer for two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. I believe that awareness is a key weapon in fighting against the bullying of disabled individuals. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

My favorite art piece has always been Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” I remember being a little girl and falling in love with the colors, how the painting looked and all the vibrancy that flowed into each other, creating that masterpiece. I specifically recall using pages and pages of paper and boxes and boxes of markers and paint trying to recreate this painting. As I got older and continued to create, taking classes, and growing my talents and abilities, I truly began to appreciate the depth of this painting. I truly appreciate and enjoy its textures, the detail and definition that each level of this painting evokes. Most of all, I really love the nostalgia I feel recalling the joy trying to recreate this painting brought me as a kid. Most of all now, I find peace simply looking at this painting, whether online or another person’s recreation or interpretation of it, only imagining how amazing Vincent van Gogh’s legacy is as not only one of the greatest painters in our history, but how much the beauty of his creation has touched the world. “The Starry Night” will always hold a special place in my world as one of the greatest paintings I have ever seen.

I dream about being a part of the solution to end homelessness, and that is one of the main reasons why I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. In my dreams, I am an architect who builds sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. My homes would be an answer to homelessness, because families and individuals would now have a safe place to live. In my dreams, my home designs also help the environment and climate change. They are developed to be environmentally friendly and what’s best for the earth. I get to build the new homes of the future. I use sustainable designs to reduce energy consumption, reduce emissions into our atmosphere, and help minimize waste. It is my job and immense responsibility to plan, design, and oversee the construction of these affordable and accessible homes. In my dreams, I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness. This scholarship would help me in my pursuit of higher education in order to achieve my career in architecture. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. I know that we can end homelessness. I dream about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture and ending homelessness.

Being independent means being able to provide for myself in any situation. It means being self-reliant, but also understanding and knowing when to seek or ask for help. Being independent has impacted me by showing me how important my decision-making is in many different situations, whether in school, in sports, or in my personal life. Being independent has also prepared me for being away at college, where my independence will be tested, since it will be my first time on my own making my own decisions about every aspect of my life, without anyone else’s input. Learning self-reliance and great decision making are extremely important for independence, because doing these well helps boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Being independent, I have trust in my skills and capabilities to handle any situation – this directly impacts and builds my self-esteem, especially when decisions result in positive and right outcomes. Being independent also gives me the ability to not only care for myself but to care for others as well. Because I can rely on myself and make great decisions, others will be able to do the same. Helping others also has a great impact on independence, because being able to care for myself and others also boosts confidence and self-esteem, which directly impact happiness and purpose. My independence builds many positives in my life and directly impacts my own self-worth, happiness, and influence. Staying positive and knowing that I can rely on myself, take care of myself, and help others along the way helps me to know that I am not only ready for my next step in college, but for my life beyond as well.

As a highly influential figure, the main thing I would stand for is feminism. As a woman, my rights, having a voice, and having it heard are very important to me, so this is an area I would love to influence. Feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights based on equality of the sexes; its foundation is basic human rights. I would stand for feminism, because although we have come a long way with regard to women’s rights, we still have a long way to go in many areas such as continuing to dismantle a patriarchal focused society that believes it can govern and control a woman’s body, resolving the wage pay gap, eliminating discrimination in the workplace, and eliminating violence against women, to name a few. The wage pay gap still exists, because white women only make 81 cents to every dollar a white man makes and this amount lessens even more, depending on the woman’s race. Women also face higher levels of violence based on sex, discrimination in the workplace, and continue to combat a never-ending battle about our own bodies, because laws are continuing to be made telling us what we can and cannot do with our own bodies. These are the sexist things women continue to face today that need to be eliminated. This is why I would continue to stand for feminism. Feminism continues to help bring to light the ways in which our society is still built to empower men and disempower women; however, I can continue to advocate in this area to grow to become better and truly equal. The true goal of feminism is to make all humans feel important, valued and equal.

My favorite scientific discovery is the discovery of the internet, because of all the amazing benefits we’ve had since its invention. The internet helps the unknown become known, provides immediate abundance of information, and gives us a never-ending education opportunity. Access to the internet has also provided instant information sharing and the stripping away of geographical barriers. Anyone with computer access has communication with ease, regardless to the distance that may exist with the internet. Communication is now instantaneous and easy, because the internet allows friends, families, and even strangers to contact each other through various means to remain in touch. Internet programs like Skype and Zoom even allow people to hold video conferences with anyone else in the world, even allowing people to see each other. This was especially useful during the pandemic when we couldn’t see each other in person. The internet provides everyone with abundant information and never-ending education opportunities. I really love how I can find the answer to any question I may. I have done searches for the fun of it on topics I once knew absolutely nothing about. However, after one to two seconds on the internet, I had all the information I could ever want about the topic. I also constantly expand my knowledge through education by using the internet to understand and help myself with my schoolwork too. The internet also provides a place for constant entertainment, business, and social networking. Immediate and constant access to hundreds of games, my favorite shows, shopping, email and social media keep me entertained and connected at all times. Although there can be some drawbacks with the internet, such as the potential for cybercrimes and addiction, there are tools we can use to protect ourselves from them, and ultimately, its positives far outweigh its drawbacks.

I stay true to myself by constantly reminding myself that who I am, what I believe, and what I value are not only important, they are also my truth, and if I do not honor these truths, I do not honor myself. By remaining true to myself with my family and friends, I’ve learned that my voice, my opinions, my views and being able to share them matter! Because of this, I’ve grown personally and have worked really hard at sharing my thoughts, cultivating my voice, researching topics to understand myself better and to know where I stand, and then being confident when effectively communicating them with others. I also stay committed to myself and my truth, because I have learned that this is important as a leader and ensures that what I value and have to share with others happens. I have learned that when I do not stay true to myself, it could result in me following the opinion and mind of someone that I do not agree with. For example, when I was younger, I could often be influenced by the thoughts of my family and friends. However, since I’ve become older, I have learned that there are beliefs, truths, and ways that I see things that are solely my own. As a result, I stay true to myself, especially when what I believe differs from my family and friends. I’ve learned to confidently speak with my others about my beliefs and learned that when I don’t share my thoughts and truths, I can be influenced by others, which is unacceptable. I’ve also experienced the benefit of sharing my truths and helping others grow, which is amazing. Staying true to myself honors me, while helping others.

One experience that has shaped me is my relationship with my mom, who is an Air Force veteran with epilepsy, which makes it very hard for her to function normally. Along with mom experiencing seizures, also comes mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often doesn’t really mean or sometimes cannot communicate effectively. As a child, I would become frustrated and upset. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an unrelated or disconnected answer. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I became more aware, knowledgeable and ultimately better at living with a person with a disability. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions rather than her dialect. Understanding the importance of empathy has not only helped me grow as a person but has helped me relate to others on a deeper level. Practicing empathy is something I’ve had to embrace as a result of challenging myself to learn patience witnessing and learning how to live life with my mom and our struggle with epilepsy. Looking back, I don’t see learning empathy via coping with my mom’s disability as a setback in any way. Instead, I realize it has allowed me to relate to others in a rewarding and unique way. I have learned to use these skills in the classroom while working with my classmates, on the field when I’m playing with my teammates, and with my friends in my social life. Everything that I have learned from this experience has made me a better person and will continue to help me achieve my future goals.

One personal finance lesson that I have found extremely important are saving and budgeting. My parents began teaching me this when I opened my savings and checking accounts. The first thing my parents taught me is the importance of always saving money first. So, whenever I receive my paycheck or money as a gift, I always put a portion of it in my savings account. Working with my parents, I have learned the importance of how to properly budget my money, which will be extremely important when I leave for college soon. I’ve learned that keeping a budget and spending plan helps me be responsible for my finances. Also, maintaining my budget helps me to understand how much money I have to spend and, most importantly, to save. I’ve also learned to control my spending. Who doesn’t want to buy anything they want, when they want it? However, I know that with a certain amount of money available that I can spend, I can be smarter with my spending choices. Thinking about things I want to do also helps me to set goals for purchases I want to make. I can make realistic projections for the things I have coming up, like if I want to buy a dress for a dance I have coming up or if a group of friends are to going to an amusement park, I know how to plan/budget my finances to be able to make these purchases without cutting into my savings. Managing and controlling my spending helps me feel confident that I will always have financial freedom.

I am a very hard worker, and I am very driven; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a very driven military family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My great grandfather was one of the first African American paratroopers in World War II, my great uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, hard work and a drive to succeed are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around is discipline. I’m using this discipline to attend college debt free and also ensure my parents do not have to create debt for me to attend college. I’m planning on being financial responsible when it comes to budgeting and saving, along with developing the right mindset for setting goals and assessing and making the right purchases to ensure I maximize save enough money from my part time job for college. I am accountable for my finances, whether that is, making a purchase, or adding to my savings. I’ve learned that keeping a budget or spending plan has really helped me with financial responsibility, because by keeping track of my finances, I am always aware of the money I have at all times, so that I know what I can do or what I should wait on, in regard to purchases. Because I budget, I have also learned to plan for expenses, control my spending making sure I never go to zero dollars, and I’ve learned to make smarter spending choices to meet my savings targets. I feel really proud and accomplished when I can see my college savings grow, along with knowing I made the best decisions regarding purchases. I am also choosing to apply to as many scholarships as possible in order to make this happen. The scholarship submission process takes discipline, focus, and planning to research, locate, gather all required materials, apply, and meet all deadlines. With this in mind, my family and I are working together to apply to every scholarship that fits with me and my background with the goal of attending college debt free. As a part of the process, my family and I have made our scholarship search enjoyable. What I’ve appreciated most is working together and spending time with my family. My family joins in the search to find scholarships that pertain to me. I love the fact that I get to see just how many different opportunities there are out there to help me go to college. It’s always exciting to discover a new one, it’s like a treasure hunt. I’m always interested in seeing what essay topics are required or special videos need to be made. I’m excited about saving money and winning scholarships to help me attend college debt free.

I am a very family-oriented, driven, and focused Senior at Redondo Union High School, Redondo Beach, CA, where I am a scholar-athlete and Captain of my varsity lacrosse team. I’m a member of the National Honor Society and I have a 4.0 GPA. The core values of my family are centered on hard work, service of others and leadership. My mom, Air Force and dad, Army, believe in preparing us to overcome all challenges and obstacles to be successful. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. I plan to attend the University of Southern California and major in Architecture. My academic and career goals are to a licensed architect with the intent to make a difference in the lives of others through my career. I intend to use my professional career to help others and benefit society. A main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness. I plan to build sustainable homes and be a part of the solution to end homelessness. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. As a scholar-athlete, meeting overcoming challenges and obstacles to succeed and achieve goals is something that I am used to, I thrive in those settings, and I see solutions rather than problems. One of the most challenging times that my family and I have had to face to date was the Covid-19 pandemic. Things were very challenging for my family, but we made the most of it. I had set goals prior to the pandemic to become a better advocate for the disabled community, fundraise to support their needs, and discover new ways to interact with the community. Things like getting together in person, having events and meetings became not only an obstacle but non-existent. But, the pandemic did not shut down me helping people. I decided to stay focused on the things that I could control. I figured out ways to fundraise and support the Special Olympics through virtual events. I volunteered for two incredible events that raised thousands of dollars for athletes that they may not have otherwise. They needed me and I was there. Although it was extremely difficult and challenging during these unprecedented times, I was still able to achieve my goals to make a difference and change the lives of others. I have learned from this experience that I will do whatever it takes to face challenges and overcome them. I plan to use the lessons I’ve learned as I continue to pursue my education and become a licensed architect. Being a part of the solution to end homelessness is one of the main reasons why I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. I am excited about the opportunity to impact my community through public service, helping others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness.

One of my favorite hobbies is drawing. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to draw and design. Creating something from scratch on a blank canvas or piece of paper has always intrigued and inspired me. I just love to create. Whether my inspiration comes from other art I’ve seen, a dream, or a sunrise, being able to recreate it as a painting, drawing, or computer design is truly fun for me. I enjoy drawing because it allows me to take a thought I have in my head and make it reality, whatever medium I choose. I love that with this hobby, I can use various different materials whose end result is its own unique art. I also enjoy the time it takes to develop a drawing or design. Each step has its own importance that results in the finished work. I love using a pencil to draw the base drawing and the beauty that I can leave that as the finished work. Or I can choose to then use charcoal to shade and make it a completely different piece. I could also use paint, instead – acrylics, watercolors, or oils that will give me a completely different outcome. I love the variety and significant detail of each that can result in a different finish, giving me so many different options from my initial thought. I plan to use my love for drawing/design to become an architect and help the world building sustainable homes around the globe for the homeless. I will use my hobby to better the world, one person, drawing, and design at a time.

My hope is my mentorship helps other grow and learn. Whether through leadership, motivation, inspiration, or believing in oneself, my goal is that those whose lives I touch are changed for the better. Lead, Motivate, & Inspire – I teach my mentees that these work together. I show them that leadership begins with great communication. Leaders know when to talk and when to listen. Effective communication is vital to gain trust, reach shared goals, and inspire positive change. Great leaders have the ability to use communication to motivate people to keep going, believe in themselves, and do their absolute best, no matter the circumstance. I share this with my mentees and help them to grow in their abilities to lead, motivate, and inspire themselves and one another. Belief in Self – I help them grow their belief in self through well-placed words of encouragement when needed; it can make the difference in pushing through versus giving up. I have used my words encouraging mentees to never give up, which has resulted in their success and taught them how to do the same for themselves. I practice mentorship now as Assistant Coach of the Redondo middle school lacrosse team. I teach my team to trust one another and learn from your mistakes. I empower my teams to be their best. I inspire young girls to believe in themselves, to work together, and I teach them skills to grow the game and prepare themselves to excel, both on and off the field.

The quality/characteristic I most value in myself is my ability to actively listen to others. Listening is extremely important to me. I believe that listening, especially active listening, shows that I respect the other person and that I truly care about what they are saying. Active listening is when I make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is speaking but the complete message that is being communicated. I actively listen to others around me by focusing on the other person’s perspective and not only focusing on my own position or the point I am trying to make. I always pay close attention, make sure I’m acknowledging the person speaking and show signs that I’m listening, not interrupting them, and most importantly, I respond to them. I’m captain of high school’s lacrosse team and communication is key. Being a great leader and teammate is not all about telling people what to do, but really listening to my team. I’m always making sure that I am paying close attention to exactly what my teammates are trying to say or what they need. I do not interrupt them or make any judgments, but rather hear their perspective and respect it. This allows me to make the best decisions for our team to ensure they are decisions that are a reflection of what we, as a team, want as a whole. I’ve recently decided to take a sign language course at my local community college. I love to volunteer for the Special Olympics, and sign language is helping me learn to listen in a very different way. This is going to allow me to understand the needs of the disability community better and be a stronger ally for them. Everyone deserves to be heard and respected. Active listening is the only way that I can begin to understand others. I believe that practicing active listening will help me in every aspect of my life’s journey, whether in my personal relationships, professional career, or any other venture I choose to pursue. By truly understanding others, I will be able to effectively communicate and lead, because I will always have others best interests in mind. Practicing active listening will also ensure that I am a more empathetic and considerate person, which will lead to healthier relationships. I realize that practicing active listening is going to allow me to better understand what others need and what is needed from me. I have learned to use these skills in the classroom while working with my classmates, on the field when I’m playing with my teammates, with my friends in my social life, with my family, and it has benefitted all my relationships. I know that carrying this characteristic with me into my life’s journey will ensure it is rewarding.

The biggest problem facing the world right now is homelessness. The number of families and individuals who lack a safe place to call home is on the rise. In America alone, hundreds of thousands of people experience homelessness nightly, with even more than that living multiple families to a home or paying so much in rent that their other basic necessities, such as food or medical expenses, are lacking. Sadly, thousands of homeless people sleep in shelters, cars or on the street. Two main causes of homelessness are lack of affordable housing and unemployment. Currently, there is a shortage of affordable and available homes for low-income families, with only a few homes being available. Furthermore, lack of funding causes families to be turned away from needed housing benefits. There are many different ways that could be used to solve homelessness. One recommended solution is to build affordable homes using 3D printing and provide communities for the homeless. These homes are significantly affordable, because they decrease construction time, reduce overhead for crews, and the materials are affordable. Our government needs to work with private contractors to initiate and develop affordable 3D printed housing programs that will allow for the development of affordable homes for this much needed community. To end homelessness, we must expand ideas, programs, and invest in affordable homes. Being a part of the solution to end the homelessness problem is one of the main reasons why I feel that I can help and impact others through my career in architecture.

One thing that I do to improve the lives of the elderly in my community is to spend quality time with them at their assisted living facility. I have learned such a great deal during my visits. The most important thing I have learned is the importance of just listening to their stories. There are so many elderly people who just don’t have anyone to visit them, or sadly, have families that choose not to visit. So, spending time with them allows them time to share their stories, even with a stranger like me. On one visit, some of the stories I truly learned about were from a number of the older women at the facility, who taught me how amazing it is that I get to freely enjoy and participate in sports. During the times that they grew up, they were not allowed to participate in sports. Many of them were a part of the fight it took to ensure women had the right to participate in activities in the same manner men were able to in the past. I found it amazing to be able to get a first-hand account of things I was learning in history class. I also truly learned the importance of how spending time with someone can truly make a difference in not only their day, but it creates lasting memories. I also truly enjoy hearing back from the assisted living centers on how much the visits mean, as well as, how much they look forward to my visit. That is impact I love making.

COVID-19 pandemic changed my perspective on the importance of relationships and connecting with people. I learned that even with the limitations of the pandemic, I was able to use the virtual environment to remain connected with others despite distance. For my family, I planned hangout nights so that we could enjoy each other virtually. Using programs like Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime, we stayed connected. It really meant a great deal to me to spend time with my grandparents virtually to check in with them to make sure everyone was doing well. For my friends, I made sure to check up on them as often to ensure they were doing well. I coordinated virtual events for them, such as Netflix watch parties and Zoom hang outs, to keep our relationships strong and to make sure everyone was mentally healthy and adjusting well. For my community, I discovered opportunities to continue serving others virtually. With Habitat for Humanity, I completed a virtual online build that raised money for building homes for families. And, with the Special Olympics, I met and got to know many Special Olympic athletes through Zoom and virtually raised funds for them to participate in their sports. This showed me that there is no limitation to the amount of support I can give, regardless to distance. With this experience, my perspective changed, because I discovered new virtual ways to remain creative when helping and connecting with others that I didn’t know before.

Climate change is becoming more and more relevant, daily. There are steps I take every day to ensure I am doing my part to positively impact climate. The most significant impact I have on climate is that I am vegan. Being vegan provides many ways to benefit climate, such reducing my carbon footprint by up to 73%, according to an Oxford study. By eliminating meat and dairy, the greenhouse gas process is eliminated, which drastically benefits the environment. I also choose to do various things around my home to ensure safety for the environment. Some of these choices include using non-toxic cleaning items that are safe for the environment, and using energy efficient light bulbs, which also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Others include making sure to turn off lights when they aren’t being used, as well as, reducing water consumption. From a practical perspective, I use plastic minimally and focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling. I reduce waste as much as possible, reuse shopping bags rather than using plastic or even paper, and I recycle, to include composting. By practicing these steps, I am able to conserve natural resources and reduce my carbon footprint when it comes to climate. Lastly, I plan to continue to impact climate with my career. As a future architect, I will build sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. In these new homes, my designs will be made to reduce energy consumption, reduce emissions into our atmosphere, and help minimize waste. It will be my immense responsibility to plan, design, and oversee the construction of greener homes. Using eco-friendly products will help protect the planet by lowering pollution levels, ensuring a healthier environment. Using eco-friendly sustainable materials will be a smart way to make a positive impact on the environment.

I come from a long line of family who have always believed in education; this is something that comes from my heritage. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around the importance and value of education. From a very early age, my sister and I have been inspired by those who came before us and understood everything in life is a continuous learning opportunity. We were also taught that education is a privilege that supports the dreams we intend to pursue. However, not everyone has access to education or can afford it. One change that I believe would make education better for future generations is to make technical and collegiate degrees free for all. Education empowers us to be anything we dare to dream. I have learned that success is often a direct reflection of the time invested in education. With that in mind, I think we first have to ensure that every person has access to not only an affordable education, but a free education – at least for the first chosen trade or college degree. I think this free access to education can come in a variety of forms, whether through junior college, four-year colleges, or even learning a trade – all of which will directly benefit the economy and ensure a productive work environment. Having access to a free, quality education will empower people to not only help them achieve their passions and dreams, but directly impact and benefit society as well. Access to education is very important to all and at this point, there are great divides in quality of education from the elementary level to the collegiate level, because some education opportunities, unfortunately, are dictated by profit and affordability. Education is a key part of our society’s growth and progress. When people are educated and empowered, they can significantly contribute to their families and society in various aspects and fields, thus creating a stable and stimulating community. The higher their education and accomplishments, the better employment options and the better impact business are able to have, because their staff will all be properly trained and educated. Changing the access to education and understanding how valuable it is to live in a stable and secure community will help empower people to better lives and provide them the opportunity to change the world. This change will make education better for all future generations.

I’m a fearless person in the classroom, on the field, and in my community. Each letter in the word Fearless describes me. F – Loves Family E – Very Empathetic A – Great Athlete R – Passionate about Reading L – Strong Leader E – I’m an Energetic S – I’m a loving Big Sister S – I Support Habitat for Humanity and The Special Olympics

Please see attached drawing, "Toons Take the Town" Thank you for your time and consideration.

Someone that I admire from history is Jackie Robinson. Although best known for breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier, I admire Mr. Robinson's poise and strength in the face of adversity, both on and off the field. His contributions and accomplishments go far beyond the baseball diamond. Post baseball, Jackie Robinson focused on his business acumen and civil rights. After he retired from baseball, Robinson joined the civil rights movement. Having a different view on the movement, Jackie Robinson believed that business activity could bolster social activism. Robinson started to work with Dr. King, and when he became the first African American to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, Robinson donated the proceeds of a dinner in his honor to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s (SCLC) voter registration project. Robinson also wrote a syndicated newspaper column, focusing on matters like race relations, politics, and family life. His words led many other members of the African-American community to join the movement. Jackie Robinson’s other greatest accomplishments garnered around business. His business ventures created opportunities from creating jobs to improving quality of life and empowering African-American businessmen of the future in banking industry and construction. Jackie Robinson’s entrepreneurial zeal ended up leaving a historic legacy as well. Robinson’s transition from baseball to civil rights to business ownership successfully is a lesson that's still relevant for today's athletes and entertainers, more of whom are creating businesses, impacting their communities, and becoming wealthy outside of sports. Some would say that Jackie’s Robinson’s legacy off the field is just as great as his baseball accomplishments. He continued to break and shatter boundaries with numerous accomplishments, not just for baseball but for any career and person.

The most helpful piece of financial advice I have received has been from my parents, who have told me that there is nothing more important than saving and budgeting when it comes to money. My parents began teaching me this when I opened my savings and checking accounts. The first thing my parents taught me is the importance of always saving money first. So, whenever I receive my paycheck or money as a gift, I always put a portion of it in my savings account. Working with my parents, I have learned the importance of how to properly budget my money, which will be extremely important when I leave for college soon. I’ve learned that keeping a budget and spending plan helps me be responsible for my finances. Also, maintaining my budget helps me to understand how much money I have to spend and, most importantly, to save. I’ve also learned to control my spending. Who doesn’t want to buy anything they want, when they want it? However, I know that with a certain amount of money available that I can spend, I can be smarter with my spending choices. Thinking about things I want to do also helps me to set goals for purchases I want to make. I can make realistic projections for the things I have coming up, like if I want to buy a dress for a dance I have coming up or if a group of friends are to going to an amusement park, I know how to plan/budget my finances to be able to make these purchases without cutting into my savings. Managing and controlling my spending helps me feel confident that I will always have financial freedom.

I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. My experience in supporting the disabled community has helped me grow tremendously. I have gotten involved to support the disabled community and stand with them, through my work with the Special Olympics. This past year I was excited to serve as a youth volunteer for two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. I believe that awareness is a key weapon in fighting against the bullying of disabled individuals. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

A favorite book of mine is the autobiography I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban. This book inspires me for a number of different reasons. First and foremost, it is about a female who had the courage to stand up and advocate for herself and others in a society that did everything to ensure she had none. Malala stood up for herself and millions of other young women, making sure that the world knows and understands that all girls have the right to the life they want for themselves, liberty, and education. Malala stood up for this no matter the consequences, even to the detriment of herself; she was shot by the Taliban in an attempt to silence her and her message, because her ideals went against what the country taught. Malala survived and continued to advocate for herself and other girls. She was always in danger for speaking out for her beliefs due to country she lived in - she spoke out anyway! She continued to advocate for young women in her country and abroad. Her belief that anything was possible and dedication to striving for what she knew to be true for her are always an inspiration to me. Reading this autobiography has inspired me to always speak up for what I believe in no matter the obstacles or challenges. This book has empowered me to use my voice to help and impact the things that I believe in.

I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My great grandfather was one of the first African American paratroopers in World War II, my great uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. From a very early age, my sister and I understood the importance of serving and impacting communities. My commitment to ending homelessness, thus far, has been best demonstrated with my commitment to Habitat for Humanity and my decision to become an architect. This is a lifelong passion and dedication for me because I will use my career as an architect to design and build sustainable and affordable housing for those in need and to aid with ending homelessness. For now, I have dedicated my community involvement to Habitat for Humanity, whose mission I align with because Habitat helps families build and improve places to call home. I have volunteered my time to Habitat, participating in major special events, such as the Power Women, Power Tools Imagine Design Build, and the Virtual Builder’s Ball, which both raised funding and supports the building of homes for families in need. Being a part of the solution to end homelessness is one of the main reasons why I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. As a future architect, I will build sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. By building affordable homes and providing rental and housing assistance, with government support, homelessness would be able to be solved, because families and individuals would be able to afford living spaces and their incomes would be able to be used for other basic needs. To end homelessness, we must expand ideas, programs, and invest in affordable homes and assistance for people with the lowest incomes. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness. My college plans will help me on this journey because I will be pursuing a career in architecture. This scholarship would help me in my pursuit of higher education to achieve my career in architecture. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. I know that we can end homelessness. I am most excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. I plan to major in Architecture, learn everything I can, and become a licensed Architect. My professional goal is to build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. My intent is to make a difference in the lives of others through my career. Another main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion and dedication to end homelessness. I use my talent to draw and design homes for others. I get to practice my skills by volunteering within my community. My commitment to ending homelessness, thus far, has been best demonstrated with my commitment to Habitat for Humanity and my decision to become an architect. This is a lifelong passion and dedication for me because I will use my career as an architect to design and build sustainable and affordable housing for those in need and to aid with ending homelessness. For now, I have dedicated my community involvement to Habitat for Humanity, whose mission I align with because Habitat helps families build and improve places to call home. I have volunteered my time to Habitat, participating in major special events, such as the Power Women, Power Tools Imagine Design Build, and the Virtual Builder’s Ball, which both raised funding and supports the building of homes for families in need.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. I plan to major in Architecture, learn everything I can, and become a licensed Architect. My professional goal is to build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. My intent is to make a difference in the lives of others through my career. Another main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion and dedication to end homelessness. I have dedicated my community involvement to Habitat for Humanity, whose mission I align with because Habitat helps families build and improve places to call home. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. I also believe that we can end homelessness. The impact of purposeful designs is not just limited to charity; architecture can bring communities together to enhance lives now and for future generations for the better. Another responsibility of my desire and goal is ensuring the homes developed are environmentally friendly and the best for the earth and our environment. The ever-changing environment and needs of the population are requiring future architects and interior designers to adapt their designs to this new reality. I’m very interested in building the new homes of the future. It will be my job and immense responsibility to plan, design, and oversee the construction of these affordable and accessible homes. I’m excited about the impact that these materials will have on our environment. I recognize the importance of staying environmentally conscious in all areas of architecture.Being accountable and using my talent to build and provide affordable, sustainable homes, for all community types, especially the homeless, will be a dream come true.

The wisest words I’ve ever heard are from Helen Keller. She said “we are never really happy until we try to brighten the lives of others and by doing so, the world will be a better place.” Her words are what inspire me to do more. One of the most important ways that I have gotten involved to support the disabled community and stand with them, is through my work with the Special Olympics. I am proud of bringing awareness and inclusion to this community. This past year I was excited to serve as a youth volunteer for two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. . Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, kindness, and inclusion. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I will always get in the way of and non-inclusive behavior and mistreatment of this special group any time, any day, and any place.

Generosity to me means the giving and sharing of something that can help others. One of the most meaningful things to me that I share is my time. I’m very generous with my time in support of the disabled community through my work with the Special Olympics. I am proud of bringing awareness to the Special Olympics community. This past year I was a part of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Awareness is important when it comes to understanding and respecting disability culture, because it is often the first step toward educating others regarding disabilities and it plays a critical role in overcoming negativity and stereotypes. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives. This can only happen when we accept and learn from one another.

I was inspired to create this piece based on Oprah’s character Mrs. Which from the movie A Wrinkle In Time. In the movie the main character Meg struggles to place her faith and trust in Mrs. Which, because she has a hard time understanding where she is coming from. Mrs. Which is there to guide and support Meg and show her the way. The life experience that modeled my vision was my relationship with my mom. Practicing empathy is something I had to learn as a result of witnessing my mom in her struggle with epilepsy. Along with her experiencing seizures, came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t really mean or could not communicate effectively. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. This allowed me to understand her and grow our relationship. Looking back, I don’t see learning empathy via coping with my mom’s disability as a setback in any way. Instead, I realize it has been a segway into a different way to live a life that has allowed me to relate to others in a rewarding and unique way. I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and paint. I plan to major in Architecture, learn everything I can, and become a licensed Architect. My professional goal is to build sustainable homes as a solution to homelessness and that benefit society. My intent is to make a difference in the lives of others through my career.

The one thing that gives me hope that the future will be better is the fact that people are still helping and serving others. There are a lot of people in this world that are dedicated to helping others. I’m very passionate about impacting the disabled community through my work with the Special Olympics. This past year I was a leader and responsible for the success of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through several fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. I was joined by many other people who volunteered and helped. Awareness is important when it comes to understanding and respecting disability culture, because it is often the first step toward educating others regarding disabilities, and it plays a critical role in overcoming negativity and stereotypes. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. I also decided to take a sign language course through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. A huge part of accepting and embracing others centers around having the ability to communicate with them and challenging ourselves to see the world from new perspectives. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives. I’m inspired by the Special Olympics and dedicated to help them even more. That is why I have hope that things will be better in the future.

One of the accomplishments that is the most meaningful to me is my support of the disabled community through my work with the Special Olympics. I am proud of bringing awareness to the Special Olympics community. This past year I was a part of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Awareness is important when it comes to understanding and respecting disability culture, because it is often the first step toward educating others regarding disabilities and it plays a critical role in overcoming negativity and stereotypes. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. I have completed 127 hours of service over the past 12 months. I am also taking sign language courses through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. A huge part of accepting and embracing others centers around having the ability to communicate with them and challenging ourselves to see the world from new perspectives. Learning sign language has allowed me to value this culture even more. From my course, I have learned how to interact with, begin conversations with, and understand social cues for this disability community - the deaf community; I have also learned to immerse myself in this culture in order to truly understand a different perspective and way of life. By gaining knowledge about the disability community, it has allowed me to become a better ally and be more supportive to stand with them. It has also allowed me to be more open and share what I have learned with others who are interested, in hopes that others will support this community with me. Learning new information, seeing the world from different points of view, and practicing active listening skills are humbling and joyful acts that make me a more empathetic person. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives. This can only happen when we accept and learn from one another.

One of the challenges that I have experienced that shaped me is the relationship with my mom. Mom is an Air Force veteran who has epilepsy and it makes it very hard for her to function normally. Along with mom experiencing seizures, also came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t really mean or could not communicate effectively. As a child, I would become frustrated and upset. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. And, the more aware and knowledgeable I became, the better I came at living with a person with a disability. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions rather than her dialect. I also understand that it can be difficult for other people to sometimes understand my mom when they don’t know what she deals with, but I can successfully understand where she’s coming from and relay that to others. Looking back, I don’t see learning empathy via coping with my mom’s disability as a setback in any way. I have learned to use these skills in the classroom while working with my classmates, on the field when I’m playing with my teammates, and with my friends in my social life. This experience has made a better leader with the ability to have compassion, embrace others, and mostly importantly listen.

I live with gratitude by taking note of the little things. I keep a journal with all the things that I am grateful for. This journal requires that I write down one to three special things that I’m grateful for from that particular day. I constantly have to remind myself that many other people in the world don’t have some of the things that I have. I’m very grateful for my family. My family has influenced me in many different ways to be the person that I am today. One family member who has made a significant impact and made incredible sacrifices for me has been my mom. My mom has been there for me every day of my life. I’m very grateful for my mom. She has gone out of her way to make sure that I was not only happy, safe, and well, but also to teach me valuable life lessons. I must admit that many of the best lessons that I have learned have come from simply watching her. She inspires me in the way she lives her life and what she does for me. Mom is an Air Force veteran who has epilepsy. She has shown me the essence of what it means to be strong, because she has continued to overcome her diagnosis. My mom works full time, takes care of our family, and continues to improve herself through education. She shows me strength, because no matter how her side effects from epilepsy may impact her, she still manages to encourage, provide for and care for our family. She has always taught me to make the most out of what you’ve been given, and I see her do that every day. I’m very grateful for the experience and journey.

I believe that the meaning of life is to be happy and do what you love and enjoy doing. Finding something that I’m passionate about, is important to me. My grandmother always says life is about having purpose. I’m very passionate about the service of others. I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I am also taking sign language courses through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. A huge part of accepting and embracing others centers around having the ability to communicate with them and challenging ourselves to see the world from new perspectives. Learning new information and seeing the world from different points of view from this community has impacted me in many ways. I’m more grateful for all of the many opportunities in my life both on and off the field.

I’m committed to helping others because it makes me happy, and it feels good to see other people happy. I was raised to always treat people nice and do what is right. When I see a friend in need or someone asks me for help, I’m always there for them no matter what. I help others at school, on my lacrosse team, in my family, and within my community. I am very proud of helping the Special Olympics community. This past year I was a part of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. I feel that in the world today, we all can help others and see that they are okay and taken care of. It’s something that I’m going to continue to do.

Confidence to me is when you can believe in yourself no matter what others are saying. Confidence helps me overcome obstacles and challenges at school and on the field. It’s having the ability to believe that I can do it no matter what. Whether it is giving a speech during class, or trying to score the game winning goal for my team. My confidence is always high when I remind myself that I’m good enough. I’m working on being more confident by helping others to work on their confidence. One of the most meaningful things to me is my support of the disabled community through my work with the Special Olympics. I am proud to help create opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, I have raised my confidence by helping this group of special athletes believe in themselves. Helping them believe that no matter what has happen, you can do anything. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to be more confident. Confidence helps us do anything that we can think of.

For as long as I can remember, I have been creative - loving to draw and design. I love to paint and even create Lego model homes and cities. All my life I have enjoyed creative arts and design. It’s my passion and it helps me relax. I’m always drawing or creating something at school, at practice, or at home. My plans are to attend college and major in Architecture so that I can help others as a licensed architect. I am a leader in my community who enjoys helping and impacting others. My goal is to design, build and provide affordable, sustainable homes for the homeless. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. One day my innovative ideas and concepts will impact others and make their dreams come true. This scholarship will help me to continue my education and pursue my dreams of using my gifts and talents to help and serve others. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I plan to attend the University of Southern California and major in Architecture. I intend to use my professional career to help others and benefit society. My goal is to build sustainable homes and be a part of the solution to end homelessness. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. In preparation for applying for architecture programs and to ensure this was the field for me, and with encouragement from my parents, I was able to attend two architecture summer programs at the collegiate level. I not only learned a great deal from these experiences, but it also solidified my major choice, and I learned that college is not only a definite yes for me, but the best way to pursue my dreams. I have gained a great deal of experience from working with Habitat for Humanity, whose mission I align with because Habitat helps families build and improve places to call home. Habitat and I have helped families defeat homelessness, find their new homes, and bring families together under one roof. I have participated in major special events, such as the Power Women, Power Tools Imagine Design Build, and the Virtual Builder’s Ball, which both raised funding and supports the building of homes for families in need. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. I will succeed in achieving my goal, because of my education, my family’s support, my experience, and my plan. As a scholar-athlete, meeting overcoming challenges and obstacles to succeed and achieve goals is something that I am used to, I thrive in those settings, and see solutions rather than problems. I am looking forward to helping others through my career.

I believe that communication and action are keys to encouraging others. I use words of affirmation to encourage those around me, if I notice that my family or friends need encouragement. I particularly enjoy encouraging the disabled athletes I work with volunteering with the Special Olympics. I use words of affirmation when encouraging these athletes to participate in their organized sports. During my time with this community, I have learned that awareness is important when it comes to understanding and respecting disability culture, because it is often the first step toward educating others regarding disabilities and it plays a critical role in overcoming negativity and stereotypes. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. Especially during times such as these, a word of encouragement letting them know they are cared for and important always makes a difference in their lives. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time encouraging these athletes to see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I also understand the importance of a well-placed word of encouragement when an athlete needs it; it can make the difference in pushing through versus giving up. I have used my words and running alongside or helping an athlete catch a ball, encouraging them to never give up, which has resulted in their success.

I’ve kept a bucket list for a few years now. I have a few items on it now, some of which I was just able to cross off! Here are some things I plan to do: Bucket List To Do: Spend a week in Europe touring architecture Swimming with Dolphins in the Caribbean Attending a Summer Olympic Games Walk the Runway at a Fashion Week Show Attend the Super Bowl Go to Coachella Spend a week in New York City Bucket List Achieved: Attended the GRAMMY Awards Played a Guest Role on a Disney TV Show Attended America’s Got Talent Saw the US Women’s Soccer Team Play a Game Went Surfing in the Pacific Ocean Went to the Hollywood Sign Saw Kobe Bryant play in a Laker Game Traveled to Washington D.C. I love experiences and to see new places with my friends. I will continue to add to this list as I think of new things that I want to do.

One of the challenges that I have experienced that shaped me is the relationship with my mom. Mom is an Air Force veteran who has epilepsy and it makes it very hard for her to function normally. Along with mom experiencing seizures, also came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t really mean or could not communicate effectively. As a child, I would become frustrated and upset. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. And, the more aware and knowledgeable I became, the better I came at living with a person with a disability. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions rather than her dialect. I also understand that it can be difficult for other people to sometimes understand my mom when they don’t know what she deals with, but I can successfully understand where she’s coming from and relay that to others. Understanding the importance of empathy has not only helped me grow as a person but has helped me relate to others on a deeper level. As I sit back and try to recall moments where I’ve been empathetic or how I even learned it, I realize it all leads back to my mom. Practicing empathy is something I’ve had to embrace as a result of challenging myself to learn patience witnessing and learning how to live life with my mom and our struggle with epilepsy. Looking back, I don’t see learning empathy via coping with my mom’s disability as a setback in any way. Instead, I realize it has been a segway into a different way to live a life that has allowed me to relate to others in a rewarding and unique way. I have learned to use these skills in the classroom while working with my classmates, on the field when I’m playing with my teammates, and with my friends in my social life. This experience has made be a better leader with the ability to have compassion, embrace others, and mostly importantly listen. This experience has taught me a lot about patience, communication, empathy, and teamwork. Everything that I have learned for overcoming this challenge will help me achieve my future goals. I plan on using these lessons to help me overcome obstacles and challenges in the future on my way to becoming a licensed architect.

The things that fuel my life are my family, sports and serving others. My family fuels me, because my heritage and great examples of leadership for me to follow. My grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. So, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. From a very early age, I understood the importance of serving and impacting communities. Ensuring others have support fuels me to be better and serve as much as I can. My passion for serving others also fuels me. I enjoy volunteering with the Special Olympics. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, I have raised awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives of persons with disabilities. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. Being a scholar-athlete fuels me. Being a scholar-athlete is a fun and exciting challenge that helps me be the best version of myself. Each and every year, I learn something new and grow as a person as I continue to learn how to balance academics and sports. I love the game of lacrosse and excelling in academics; I can’t wait to see what new experiences come from the game and as I transition to college. Thankfully, I am fueled by a lot of areas in my life. My family, sports and service provide motivation for me to be the best person I can be and give all I can to myself and the world.

I am a very family-oriented, driven scholar-athlete and Captain of my varsity lacrosse team. I’m a member of the National Honor Society and I have a 4.0 GPA. The core values of my family are centered on hard work, service of others and leadership. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. I plan to major in Architecture in college. My academic and career goals are to a licensed architect with the intent to make a difference in the lives of others through my career. I intend to use my professional career to help others and benefit society. A main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness. I plan to build sustainable homes and be a part of the solution to end homelessness. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. A proactive step I have taken toward achieving my goal is creating an actionable plan to end homelessness that can be shared with community leaders, service-based organizations, and social entrepreneurs. My plan addresses the fact that there is a shortage of affordable and available homes for low-income families. By building affordable homes, with government financial support, it will allow for fees charged to be aligned with what low-income families can afford. It will also provide the needed flexibility for low-income families and individuals to live safely and pay their other required bills and necessities. To end homelessness, we must expand ideas, programs, and invest in affordable homes and assistance for people with the lowest incomes. Being a part of the solution to end homelessness is one of the main reasons why I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. By building affordable homes and providing rental and housing assistance, with government support, homelessness would be able to be solved, because families and individuals would be able to afford living spaces and their incomes would be able to be used for other basic needs. I am excited about the opportunity to impact my community through public service, helping others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness.

I have always been creative, loving to draw and design as well as express myself in various ways, whether through fashion in the clothing I wear or the art I create to decorate and design my room. Being able to create is something I truly enjoy. Creativity is also one of my passions that I plan to use in my career as an architect. I use my creative talents often, because drawing, painting and creating new designs are how I like to spend my time and impact my world. I also use my talents to bring others joy by making designs, paintings and drawings for my family and friends for different occasions. The most excitement I have had has been in summer architecture and art courses I’ve taken using my passions in what I have decided will be my future as an architect. From these experiences, I have used my creativity to create and design various drawings and designs in my courses, where I have been able to learn more about abstraction, precision, and the importance of detail in everything I create. Applying this knowledge, my work has become better, and my skills have grown. With my clothing, I have been able to design various shirts that I actually have fun wearing. Whether it is choosing a picture from online or creating a stencil from one of my drawings, I have been able to create a shirt to wear, which I take pride in, knowing it’s an original. Finding different ways to express myself, whether through my clothing, designs, painting, or drawing allows me to be me.

Relaxation and taking care of my mental health are vital and go hand in hand. To relax, I focus on doing things I enjoy like facials, massages, and getting a lot of rest/sleep. To take care of my mental health, I rely on my parents, family and friends that I trust to talk to and get advice from, when needed. One of the first things I do is to make sure to be open and honest with the people that I trust for my mental health. I feel comfortable to share what I am feeling with my family and friends. This impacts my life by just making me feel supported and heard. I know that I have people like my family and my best friends who are always going to be there for me. I also know that I can ask my parents for guidance and support should they determine I need anything more, such as professional help in any way. Sleep plays a vital role in my relaxation. My parents have always helped me understand that it is very important for me to get a lot of rest/sleep, not only because I am a growing person but also because to play sports and go to school, I need a lot of energy. Making sure that I get in the bed on time is very important, so that I have enough sleep to do everything I need to do well and with high levels of energy. All these things allow me to relax, while doing something I enjoy.

Living in Southern California, being outside in nature is a huge part of our lives. Whether it’s simply being outdoors, watching a sunrise or sunset, or taking a walk along the beach, being outside in nature is something that I do daily and have appreciated all my life. Being an artist and designer, I love nature because of its scenery and beauty. Whether watching sunrises and sunsets, palm trees or beach scenes, I really appreciate the colorful landscapes that come along with being in nature. Also, being a lacrosse player, so many of our games, practices, and tournaments are outside in many different areas of the city; I enjoy the sun and fresh air that come along with being in nature’s environment. I try to get out and enjoy nature as much as I can, whether at picnics with my friends, going to the beach with my family, or practicing my lacrosse skills in local parks. Southern California has thousands of beautiful parks all over the area and within forty minutes in any direction, you can go from the beach to the desert to the snow without getting on a plane. I love and enjoy nature and can’t wait to experience more of it.

I stay committed to speaking my mind by reminding myself that what I have to say is not only important, it is my truth, it has value, and it deserves to be heard. By expressing myself with my friends and family, I’ve learned that my voice, my opinions, my views and being able to share them matter! Because of this, I’ve grown personally and have worked really hard at sharing my thoughts, cultivating my voice, researching topics to understand myself better and to know where I stand, and then being confident when effectively communicating them with others. I also stay committed to speaking my mind, because I have learned that this is important as a leader and ensuring that what I value and have to share with others happens. I have learned that when I do not speak my mind, it could result in me following the opinion and mind of someone that I do not agree with. For example, when I have worked in groups at school, I have learned it is important to speak my mind and share my thoughts in the group or the project could go in a direction I do not agree with or that I know is incorrect. If I don’t share my thoughts, I am as much responsible for a failed grade, because I did not speak up on something I knew.

For as long as I can remember I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. My future goals are to attend the University of Southern California and graduate with my Bachelor’s in Architecture. I’m going to become a licensed architect and start my own firm one day that will allow me to use my professional career to help others and benefit society. I’m going to build sustainable homes that help the environment and be a part of the solution to end homelessness. As a future architect, I will build sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture, and saving the planet is very important to me. The ever-changing environment and needs of the population are requiring future architects to adapt their designs to this new reality. In the homes of the future, sustainable design will be made to reduce energy consumption, reduce emissions into our atmosphere, and help minimize waste. It will be my job and immense responsibility to plan, design, and oversee the construction of these affordable and accessible homes. Another goal of my future career is to help families build and improve places to call home and defeat homelessness. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, and a place to call their own. My architecture firm will design, build and provide affordable, sustainable homes for the homeless, in partnership with government programs and assistance. Being a part of the solution to homelessness is one of the main purposes of my career and architecture firm.

I support equality and diversity with my support of the disabled community through my work with the Special Olympics. I am proud of bringing awareness to the Special Olympics community. This past year I was a part of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. I am also taking sign language courses through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. From my course, I have learned how to interact with, begin conversations with, and understand social cues for this disability community - the deaf community; I have also learned to immerse myself in this culture in order to truly understand a different perspective and way of life. By gaining knowledge about the disability community, it has allowed me to become a better ally and be more supportive to stand with them. It has also allowed me to be more open and share what I have learned with others who are interested, in hopes that others will support this community with me. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives. This can only happen when we accept and learn from one another.

I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My great grandfather was a paratrooper in World War II, my great uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. From a very early age, my sister and I understood the importance of serving and impacting communities. I am a very family-oriented, driven, and focused Senior at Redondo Union High School, Redondo Beach, CA, where I am a scholar-athlete and Captain of my varsity lacrosse team. I’m a member of the National Honor Society and I have a 4.0 GPA. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. My short-term academic career goals are to attend the University of Southern California and major in architecture. Being a part of the solution to end homelessness is one of the main reasons why I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. My life has been about service and helping others. I intend to make a difference in the lives of others through my passion. I will use my career in the future as an architect to design and build sustainable and affordable housing for those in need and to aid with ending homelessness.

I use words of affirmation to show my friends, family, and others that I love them. I always tell them how great they are and how much they mean to me. I also like to listen to them when they are speaking so that feel like someone is there for them and that their voices matter and are being heard. I feel that listening goes a long way to showing people that you love them. Most people not only want to speak their mind, but want others to listen. I provide that outlet for my family and friends. So, this is a way that I show love. I also make sure to spend quality time with my family and friends. I carve out time in my day to just hang out and have fun to do what they want to do, making memories. This adds to me staying relevant in their lives and ensuring they know I am always there for them. Knowing that I am there for them and make time for them is another way that I show people I love them. Making my family, friends and others feel loved is very important to me. I am glad that I get to show them that I love them through my actions every day.

To me, joy means having fun and loving the things that I get to do that make me happy. I seek joy through my favorite things. Hanging with my friends and family gives me joy. Playing lacrosse and giving back to others gives me joy. Working with the Special Olympics in the greater Los Angeles area, creating opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day brings me joy. I love to see them happy. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings excites me, especially seeing Special Olympic athletes having fun and looking forward to being a part of their sports and teams. Through sports, I have learned that these athletes begin to see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. As they grow and earn accomplishments, Special Olympic athletes become empowered and have opportunities to get involved in decision making, public speaking, and leadership roles, which makes them happy. And, socially, these athletes have many opportunities to make friends and discover they are not alone. Helping Special Olympic athletes on their journey is something I love being a part of. As an athlete myself, I know how fulfilling sports can be. Sports have always been my creative outlet, my passion and have always brought me joy. Being able to work with Special Olympics athletes, I am able to see how sports positively affects others as well. I am further motivated by sharing this joy of sports and the overall effect that it has on these special athletes’ moods, growth and lives.

I come from a family that fits the definition of great leadership. My great grandfather was a paratrooper in World War II, my great uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. Being a leader to me is motivating others and helping them achieve a goal. Everyone goes through tough times and challenges that can cause them to doubt and not believe in themselves. I think that leaders have the ability to use communication to motivate people to keep going, believe in themselves, and do their absolute best, no matter the circumstance. I demonstrated this quality as a leader when my lacrosse team was playing in the quarter finals of the playoffs against one of our archrivals who defeated us earlier in the season, ending our 18-game winning streak. We were on the road, down 5-1, and some of my teammates began to speak as if it was our last game. The confidence and energy surrounding the team was low. Everyone wanted to win for our seniors, so, as Captain of the team, I decided to remind each and every one of us who we are and what we were capable of, win or lose. We stopped focusing on trying to win and focused on playing together and having fun. In the end, we pulled out an 8-6 victory, our biggest win in program history. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, I have used leadership and communication to raise awareness for this community. Awareness is important when it comes to understanding and respecting disability culture, because it is often the first step toward educating others regarding disabilities and it plays a critical role in overcoming negativity and stereotypes. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. By taking the lead and planning events within my community and speaking on behalf of the disability community it has allowed me to become a better ally and be more supportive to stand with them. It has also allowed me to be more open and share what I have learned with others who are interested, in hopes that others will support this community with me. I will take these leadership and communication lessons with me as I complete high school, attend college, and beyond.

I use a few different study strategies to achieve academic success. Staying organized is very key to me staying on track and planning properly. I write key todo’s and very important due dates on my calendar and then save it in my phone. This helps me set realistic goals to have my work completed well ahead of schedule, so that I don’t feel rushed. I usually try to study in groups with my friends whenever possible. My study groups help me remember things that I forgot from class, or allow me to see things differently. This is also a great way for me to be quizzed by my classmates without being in class. One of the most important strategies that helps me is taking really good notes and making index cards. When I take great notes during class, it helps me study better for exams and tests. I always make sure to highlight key points and details to review later. I also make sure that I attend any special study groups after school, and review all special study materials. Studying can be hard, especially when I have a big test or paper due. I always make sure that I take a break in between studying. I usually watch a movie, or play games with my family to relax and then I go back to studying. These strategies have worked for me and allowed me to be successful all throughout high school.

Understanding the importance of empathy has not only helped me grow as a person but has helped me relate to others. Practicing empathy is something I have always done as a result of witnessing my mom in her struggle with epilepsy. Along with her experiencing seizures, came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t really mean or could not communicate effectively. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions rather than her dialect. Being empathetic can sometimes feel like its own distinct language. I have often served as a translator for the rest of my family when it comes to my mother because I am often more readily able to convey what she means. Looking back, learning empathy via coping with my mom’s disability wasn’t a setback in any way. I’ve learned to use these skills while working with my classmates, while playing with my teammates and with friends, helping me to understand them more completely and them to feel heard. I am a more compassionate and considerate person who really cares to understand others.

Giving back to my community makes me happy, but most importantly, the work I have done with the Special Olympics in the greater Los Angeles area, creating opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day has made the happiest of all. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings it excites me to see Special Olympic athletes having fun and looking forward to being a part of their sports and teams. Through sports, I have learned, that these athletes begin to see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. As they grow and earn accomplishments, Special Olympic athletes become empowered and have opportunities to get involved in decision making, public speaking, and leadership roles, which makes them happy. And, socially, these athletes have many opportunities to make friends and discover they are not alone. Helping Special Olympic athletes on their journey is something I love being a part of. As an athlete myself, I know how fulfilling and exciting sports can be. Sports have always been my creative outlet, my passion and have always made me happy. Being able to work with Special Olympics athletes, I am able to see how sports positively affects others as well. I am further motivated by sharing this joy of sports and the overall effect that it has on these special athletes’ moods, growth and lives.

My best skill is drawing/design. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to draw and design. However, I’ve learned over the years that with effort, hard work, and taking classes, my skills get better developed and I can do a lot more. To grow, develop, and better my drawing skills, I have taken art courses and to enhance my design skills, I have taken summer architecture courses. From my summer architecture courses, I learned about the abstraction and precision of architectural designs. This has enhanced my design skills and my eye to be a lot more detailed and has provided the knowledge to design, with precision, that I did not have before. From my art courses, I learned how to use details to my advantage in creating different pieces of art. This has enhanced my drawing skills, because I learned a number of techniques I did not previously have, which improved my work and made my work the best it can be. Having skills and talent are a tremendous blessing. However, it is what we do with these skills and talents that truly makes a difference. I plan to use my skills to become an architect and help the world building sustainable homes around the globe for the homeless. I will use my skills to better the world, one person, drawing, and design at a time.

Practicing empathy is something I have learned as a result of witnessing my mom in her struggle with epilepsy. For as long as I can remember, I’ve learned to practice and use empathy towards my mom. She is a person with epilepsy, and along with her experiencing seizures, also came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t really mean or could not communicate effectively. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions rather than her dialect. As a child, I would become frustrated and upset. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. Looking back, I don’t see learning empathy via coping with my mom’s disability as a setback in any way. Instead, I realize it has been a segway into a different way to live life that has allowed me to relate to others in a rewarding and unique way. I have learned to use these skills in the classroom while working with my classmates, on the field when I’m playing with my teammates, and with my friends in my social life. These skills will help me achieve my goals in the future.

My sentence would be “we are never really happy until we try to brighten the lives of others,” ~ a quote from Heller Keller. My time serving and supporting the disabled community has taught me a great deal over the years. Everyone deserves to be happy and cared for and we all must do our part to brighten the lives of others. The Special Olympics allowed me to see just how important it is to brighten the lives of others. I love providing opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. By gaining knowledge about the disability community, it has allowed me to become a better ally and be more supportive to stand with them. It has also allowed me to be more open and share my light and positivity with them. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from helping one another no matter our differences. One word or simple act of kindness can change the life of another person. We have no idea what people are going through or just how we can make a huge difference in the lives of others. I have learned that by making others happy, you actually make yourself happy at the same time. This is why the sentence above is the one sentence I would share with the world.

A book that has been a great inspiration to me is the autobiography I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban. This book inspires me for a number of different reasons. First and foremost, it is about a female who had the courage to stand up and advocate for herself and others in a society that did everything to ensure she had none. Malala stood up for herself and millions of other young women, making sure that the world knows and understands that all girls have the right to the life they want for themselves, liberty, and education. Malala stood up for this no matter the consequences, even to the detriment of herself; she was shot by the Taliban in an attempt to silence her and her message, because her ideals went against what the country taught. Malala survived and continued to advocate for herself and other girls. She was always in danger for speaking out for her beliefs due to country she lived in - she spoke out anyway! She continued to advocate for young women in her country and abroad. Her belief that anything was possible and dedication to striving for what she knew to be true for her are always an inspiration to me. Reading this autobiography has inspired me to always speak up for what I believe in no matter the obstacles or challenges. This book has empowered me to use my voice to help and impact the things that I believe in.

One obstacle that I had to overcome was my lack of patience and empathy toward my mom’s diagnosis. Being empathetic is not something I ever really thought about or set out to do. I don’t remember ever a time where I’ve had to force myself to be empathetic towards someone or a certain situation. My mom has epilepsy, and along with her experiencing seizures, also came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t really mean or could not communicate effectively. As a child, I would become frustrated and upset. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. I had unanswered questions that only my dad could comprehend. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. Looking back, I don’t see learning empathy via coping with my mom’s disability as a setback in any way. I have learned to use these skills in the classroom while working with my classmates, on the field when I’m playing with my teammates, and with my friends in my social life. Understanding the importance of empathy has not only helped me grow as a person but has helped me relate to others on a deeper level. Practicing empathy is something I do now as a result of witnessing my mom in her struggle with epilepsy. I’m glad that I was able to overcome this obstacle, and learn how to be patient and empathetic. I’m going to need both of these skills in order to be successful and achieve my goals.

I am a driven, focused and motivated Senior at Redondo Union High School, Redondo Beach, CA, where I am a scholar-athlete and Captain of my varsity lacrosse team. I’m a member of the National Honor Society and I have a 4.0 GPA. My motivation comes from my heritage and my family. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My great grandfather was a paratrooper in World War II, my great uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, hard work and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around is making a difference. My family has influenced me in many different ways to be the person that I am today. They motivate me to give my best in everything that I do. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. My short-term academic career goals are to attend the University of Southern California. I plan to major in architecture and build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. Another main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness. I intend to make a difference in the lives of others through my passion. My heritage and my family motivate me to achieve my goals through hard work, service of others, and maximum effort.

My favorite way to help people is through serving my community. I’m very passionate about impacting the disabled community through my work with the Special Olympics. This past year I was a leader and responsible for the success of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through several fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Awareness is important when it comes to understanding and respecting disability culture, because it is often the first step toward educating others regarding disabilities, and it plays a critical role in overcoming negativity and stereotypes. Many people bully and abuse this community simply due to failure to respect and understand others. They may look or sound different, but they deserve respect, peace of mind, and kindness. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. I also decided to take a sign language course through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. A huge part of accepting and embracing others centers around having the ability to communicate with them and challenging ourselves to see the world from new perspectives. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives. I’m inspired by the Special Olympics and dedicated to help them even more.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. My short-term academic career goals are to attend the University of Southern California. I plan to major in Architecture, learn everything I can so that I can build sustainable homes and other structures that benefit society. One of my passions is to end homelessness. Everyone deserves a roof over their head and a place to call home. The technology that I’m excited about actually benefits my future career and passion. Fabricating homes using massively scaled 3D printers is emerging around the globe. We are already seeing limited deployment in the U.S. and other developing nations. In the developing world, where limited infrastructure makes shipping materials a challenge, recent demonstrations using 3D printers takes a leap ahead by employing locally sourced materials, clay, sand and local fibers to print structures—eliminating roughly 95% of material requiring transport to a building site. This emerging technology could provide rugged shelters in remote regions, where housing needs are dire and no viable transport networks exist. The result could be a game changer for nations that are often otherwise left behind. 3D printed homes can be completed in just 12 hours, compared to four days using normal construction methods. Modest houses can be printed for under $10,000. The Vulcan 3D printer, which was recently named as one the world’s greatest inventions by TIME magazine, is the preferred tool when printing houses and other livable structures. Standing almost four meters tall and eight meters wide, this printer has the ability to churn out 7 inches of building material every second. Homes and schools constructed in a few hours, with carbon footprints reduced by 70%, are being rolled out across Africa as part of an innovative 3D printing program, cutting time and reliance on carbon-heavy resources. I’m excited about what this technology means to my future profession. Homes can now be built in a fraction of the time, at a reduced cost, not impact the climate, and move us closer toward ending homelessness.

One investment tip that I have embraced is to keep my costs low. You cannot always control how your investments perform, but you can control how much you pay for them. As an investor, it's very important to pay attention to the costs involved with an investment. As with anything you purchase, there are often fees associated with investing. These fees may seem small, but over time, they can have a major impact on your investment portfolio. Moreover, fees can be excessive, if you do not pay attention them and know how much they are. Asking questions like how much are you paying and what is the expense ratio will help you make sure you are not spending too high and keeping your costs low. I like to remember that the higher the fees, the better my investment would need to perform. Another thing I make sure to do is to read everything that comes with the investment expenses to ensure there are no hidden fees as well. There are options out there to keep costs low for teens, such as no fee investment accounts. This type of account is a benefit and falls in line with my investment tip, because there are no fees associated with opening an account. I get to invest and earn more without having any penalties or fees eating into my savings, which ensures I keep my costs low. Investing can be fun and fulfilling for setting up your future. I have learned that the best way to be successful is to monitor all expenses associated with your investments. The best way to be successful is to keep costs low so that your profits can be high.

A healthy lifestyle is very important to living a long healthy life. As a vegan student athlete, I decided a long time ago to embrace a healthy lifestyle so that I could succeed both on the field and in the classroom. My healthy lifestyle is centered around nutrition, sleep, and exercise. These three areas are very important to feeling good and achieving a long life. Leading a healthy lifestyle through nutrition, by eating healthy meals, has been successfully linked to improved health and well-being. The primary reason for such results is that certain foods are rich in protein, fiber, as well as acceptable fats such as yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, and apples; these foods aid with nutrition and stay in the body for an extended period, which energizes the body. Energy supports a long, healthy life. Sleep is very important to my heathy lifestyle and well-being. I have learned to listen to my body and know when to either go to bed early or take a nap. Sleep promotes cognition and memory, facilitates learning, recharges our mental and physical batteries, and generally helps the body recover. Recovery is essential to living a long, healthy life. Being a great athlete, I know the importance of exercise, and how it benefits the body. Exercise works at the cellular level to control the emotional and physical feelings of stress. Physical activity is a natural way to prevent the negative consequences of stress, because it wards off the ill effects of chronic stress and actually reverses them. Being active and reducing stress will ensure I live a long, healthy life. My healthy lifestyle is definitely going to aid me in living a long healthy life.

Financial freedom means many things to different people. Defining financial freedom is different for everyone. For me it means working in my career or dream job regardless of money. It also means having the ability to own things and not be in debt. I see financial freedom as the ability to travel, buy the things that I like, help my family and give money to help others through charity. To achieve financial freedom, I believe that I will need to learn financial responsibility. My parents have been working with me to achieve essential life skills like budgeting and savings, along with developing the right mindset for assessing purchases. Understanding that money is a positive tool to be managed, I will need to have a healthy mindset and attitude towards spending and saving. Financial literacy and responsibility are very key to me achieving financial freedom. Keeping a budget and maintaining a spending plan are effective ways to become financially responsible. Using a budget and spending plan, I learn to plan for expenses, control my spending, make smarter spending choices, and meet savings targets. I also can learn about allocating fixed amounts for things like fun and entertainment as well as savings. My parents have been teaching me to make accurate and realistic projections, tracking expenses, and savings. I’ve also learned that I will have to set aside a percentage of my income or pocket money for savings. Using budgeting tools like apps, spreadsheets, or paper notebooks to track everything is essential and will assist me with keeping everything on track. Achieving my goal of financial freedom will require setting goals. I’m going to set my goals and track my savings with a savings account, whether I’m saving money for an emergency, a new phone, computer, or other item. Understanding the value of money will allow me to make wiser spending choices. For example, instead of spending $500 on a single designer item that I likely do not need, I have to remember how many hours I need to work to earn that money, think about what else that amount of money could be used for, and truly determine whether that is the best way to spend that $500. Also, real-life situations like being in college on my own will offer great opportunities to learn about financial responsibility and to manage how I spend the money that I have. When you achieve financial freedom, you are able to comfortably afford not only your necessities, but also your wants. Financial freedom does not mean you have to be rich. Instead, what it takes to reach financial freedom depends on your income, debt, savings, spending patterns and values. It's important, though, to meet goals, such as paying all bills on time and having enough saved for emergencies, before you can truly live without financial worry. I’m excited about learning more on my way toward financial freedom.

Listening is extremely important to me. I believe that listening, especially active listening, shows that you respect the other person and that you truly care about what they are saying. Active listening is when you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is speaking but the complete message that is being communicated. I actively listen to others around me by focusing on the other person’s perspective and not only focusing on my own position or the point I am trying to make. I always pay close attention, make sure I’m acknowledging the person speaking and show signs that I’m listening, not interrupting them, and most importantly, I respond to them. I’m captain of high school’s lacrosse team and communication is key. Being a great leader and teammate is not all about telling people what to do, but really listening to my team. I’m always making sure that I am paying close attention to exactly what they are trying to say. I do not interrupt them or make any judgments, but rather hear their perspective and respect it. This allows to make the best decisions for our team. Decisions that are a reflection of what they want as a whole. I’ve recently decided to take a sign language course at my local community college. I love to volunteer for the Special Olympics, and sign language is helping me learn to listen in a very different way. This is going to allow me to understand the needs of the disability community better and be a stronger ally for them. Everyone deserves to be heard and respected. Active listening the only way that we can begin to understand one another.

My academic and career goals are to graduate from college with my Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD in Architecture. I will become a licensed architect with the intent to make a difference in the lives of others through my career. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. A main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness, which is how I plan to leave my mark. The number of families and individuals who lack a safe place to call home is on the rise. In America, hundreds of thousands of people experience homelessness nightly. One of the main causes of homelessness is lack of affordable housing. Currently, there is a shortage of affordable and available homes for low-income families. My goal is to use my architecture career to design, build and provide affordable, sustainable homes for the homeless. By building these homes, it will allow for fees charged to be aligned with what low-income families can afford. Being a part of the solution to end homelessness is one of the main reasons why I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. By building affordable homes and providing rental and housing assistance, with government support, homelessness would be able to be solved, because families and individuals would be able to afford living spaces and their incomes would be able to be used for other basic needs. I’m passionate about the opportunity to impact my community through public service, helping others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness.

I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. My experience in supporting the disabled community has helped me grow tremendously. I have gotten involved to support the disabled community and stand with them, through my work with the Special Olympics. This past year I was excited to serve as a youth volunteer for two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created nationwide awareness through the Plane Pull and Summer Extravaganza fundraising events, which created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. I believe that awareness is a key weapon in fighting against the bullying of disabled individuals. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

I come from a long line of family who have always aspired to greatness in anything we put our minds to; this is something that comes from my heritage. My parents both have a passion for higher education, both achieving master’s and Doctorate levels of education. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around the importance and value of education. From a very early age, my sister and I have been inspired by those who came before us and understood everything in life is a continuous learning opportunity. We were also taught that education is a privilege that supports the dreams we intend to pursue. I am very glad that my parents have encouraged and supported me by making a way to pursue higher education. Unfortunately, this is not the same for everyone with regard to education. Often time, inequity in education is the norm. An equitable education system helps all students, provides the financial means needed to ensure students can not only attend school, but thrive while doing so. An equitable education system provides financial needs as well as helps all students to develop their knowledge and skills to ensure life success. Giving all individuals an equitable start would lead to better economic and social advancement and success for students. Everyone should stand up for equity in education because it ensures that every student receives the resources needed acquire all skills needed to be successful in society.

One of my simple pleasures is that I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I am also taking sign language courses through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. A huge part of accepting and embracing others centers around having the ability to communicate with them and challenging ourselves to see the world from new perspectives. Learning new information and seeing the world from different points of view from this community has impacted me in many ways. I’m more grateful for all of the many opportunities in my life both on and off the field. I’m now practicing more active listening skills, which has created humbling experiences that have made me a more empathetic person. It makes me happy to meet new and interesting people and help them at the same time. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives. My simple pleasure allows me to learn, grow, help, and have full all at the same time.

I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. One of the most important ways that I have showed up for a community is by supporting the disabled community through my work with the Special Olympics. This past year I was a part of two incredible events for the Special Olympics that raised thousands of dollars and created opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. My campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I am also taking sign language courses through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. I have learned how to interact with, begin conversations with, and understand social cues for this disability community - the deaf community; I have also learned to immerse myself in this culture in order to become a better ally and be more supportive to stand with them. We can all make a difference, especially in the lives of others.

I’m very passionate about the service of others. I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. Through my time volunteering with the Special Olympics, my campaigns were responsible for raising awareness for different types of disabilities and how they impact lives for several reasons; disability awareness campaigns highlight what life is like for persons with disabilities. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to volunteer my time to help these athletes see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. I am also taking sign language courses through my local community college to further my understanding of the disabled community. A huge part of accepting and embracing others centers around having the ability to communicate with them and challenging ourselves to see the world from new perspectives. Learning new information and seeing the world from different points of view from this community has impacted me in many ways. I’m more grateful for all of the many opportunities in my life both on and off the field. I feel that in the world today, we all can benefit from learning to accept the unique differences in one another, recognizing our gifts and talents to celebrate our individuality and enjoy each other’s perspectives. My simple pleasure allows me to learn, grow, help, and have full all at the same time.

My academic and career goals are to graduate from college with my Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD in Architecture. I will become a licensed architect with the intent to make a difference in the lives of others through my career. A main goal of my architecture career will align with my passion to end homelessness. The number of families and individuals who lack a safe place to call home is on the rise. In America, hundreds of thousands of people experience homelessness nightly, with even more than that living multiple families to a home or paying so much in rent that their other basic necessities, such as food or medical expenses, are lacking. One of the main causes of homelessness is lack of affordable housing. Currently, there is a shortage of affordable and available homes for low-income families. My goal is to use my architecture career to design, build and provide affordable, sustainable homes for the homeless, in partnership with government programs and assistance. By building these homes, with government financial support, it will allow for fees charged to be aligned with what low-income families can afford. Being a part of the solution to end homelessness is one of the main reasons why I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. By building affordable homes and providing rental and housing assistance, with government support, homelessness would be able to be solved, because families and individuals would be able to afford living spaces and their incomes would be able to be used for other basic needs. I am excited about the opportunity to impact my community through public service, helping others through architecture, but most importantly, I am excited about pursuing my passion to end homelessness.

Women account for half of the world’s population, but do not fully participate in the global economy. For societies to thrive, women must have the ability to fulfill their potential. Expanding for women only improves the lives of women around the world, but it also benefits households and communities. I come from a long line of incredible and empowered women whose contributions have not only benefited my family, but our society as a whole. My grandmothers and great grandmothers were educators, hospital administrators, scholars, and community builders. My mother was a Captain in the United States Airforce serving as a JAG, with a bachelor’s degree, a law degree, an MBA, and is currently working on her Ph.D. Women empowerment is something that I have understood my entire life; it is my heritage. One of the first places that society can start to effectively empower women is though societal awareness. We must begin to challenge and change existing norms, messaging as they relate to women in society. One way to do this is though prominent messaging and imagery shown in the mainstream media and entertainment. This shift can begin to help strengthen women’s social relations and their positions in social structures, showcasing them and their true value outside of the home. Promoting empowering messaging and awareness instead of the “traditional and patriarchal taboos and social obligations” and will ensure women go beyond what’s expected of them in today’s current society. Education is a crucial part of growing and developing, but there are still places in the world that deny education to girls. Obtaining knowledge can boost self-confidence, self-esteem, and make girls self-sufficient. Educational opportunities for women should be not only encouraged across the board as the standard but must be an organized effort on all levels, city, state, and federal. Women should be hired based on their qualifications to the same positions as their counterparts, with the same pay. Many of the today’s best small business and innovative ideas and concepts come from women. There needs to be a review of hiring and promotion practices to ensure that companies and organizations are not discriminating against women in these areas. Having a voice in politics can be substantial in letting women’s views be pushed into the light of mainstream media. The political involvement of women will allow for political influence to be established that would not only give a voice to women who haven’t had a voice in how things are governed, but it would also allow the possibility of policies and programs being put into place that would work to benefit women and combat discrimination against women. It is past time for people of all genders to make a stand and demand change for their mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters everywhere. In order to change the way people, think, believe, and act: we must identify discrimination on all levels, call it out, and work to eliminate it across the board. Women's empowerment is about all of us realizing that women are equal and valued and that every voice deserves to be heard, supported, and empowered. As this change begins to take place, I hope that all women can begin to truly feel and experience empowerment like the women who came before me in my family. True empowerment is a feeling; a feeling of freedom, an appropriate feeling that has no boundaries, no limits and, most of all, means being able to do, to make things happen, to dream, to act, to be able to challenge oneself and achieve it. Women everywhere deserve to know, have, and live this feeling!

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted my life in many different ways. My experience has been positive and taught me so much. For my family, I planned hangout nights so that we could enjoy each other virtually and stay connected. It was special to spend time with my grandparents virtually to check in with them. For my community, I discovered opportunities to continue serving others in the online environment. The Special Olympics allowed me to get to know many athletes and support them virtually by raising funds for them to participate in their sports. This showed me that there is no limitation to the amount of support or time I can give in the service of others. For myself, I would never have imagined that I would attend virtual tours to look at prospective college campuses. These experiences helped me tremendously in the selection of my future college to major in architecture. I discovered new ways to be creative when it comes to helping and connecting with others that I didn’t know before. I am excited, because this new way is here to stay. This makes me curious and excited about new methods and ideas to come with the virtual environment.

Mental health is such a huge part of my life; I’m very aware of its impact on my life. Mental health. It’s the way your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect your life. Good mental health leads to positive self-image and in turn, satisfying relationships with friends and others. Having good mental health helps you make good decisions and deal with life’s challenges at home, work, or school. My experience with practicing good mental health has changed my beliefs a lot. I now believe that it is very important to take the time for yourself, speaking up and sharing what you feel with others, having fun and staying positive, especially with your inner self talk, and most importantly, asking for and getting help from others when you need it. One of the first things I do is to make sure to be open and honest with the people that I trust for my mental health. I feel comfortable to share what I am feeling with my family and friends. This impacts my life by just making me feel supported and heard. I know that I have people like my family and my best friends who are always going to be there for me. Relationships are another very important aspect that influenced by mental health. Positive relationships allow you to have a safe space to feel and share what you are feeling with those you trust. For me, this space is shared with my family and my closest friends. I love feeling free to share anything with them and feeling like I have a safe space without being judged or without feeling like maybe I shouldn’t say this, or maybe they won’t understand. One of my career aspirations is to be a part of the solution to end homelessness is one of the main reasons why I have chosen to pursue my career in architecture. As a future architect, I will build sustainable homes for people to live in around the globe. I believe that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live. I believe that everyone deserves a home, a roof over their head, safety, a place to call their own, and most importantly, the peace of mind that comes with having all these things. With helping to fight against homelessness for others, I will be able to bring a small peace of mind to those I am able to assist and impact their mental health through peace and a home. Often times, those who are homeless have a direct connection and are impacted with and by mental health issues. The number of families and individuals who lack a safe place to call home is on the rise. In America, hundreds of thousands of people experience homelessness nightly, with even more than that living multiple families to a home or paying so much in rent that their other basic necessities, such as food or medical expenses, are lacking. This amount of stress causes mental health issues or makes them worse. There is also a shortage of affordable rental homes for low-income families. Likewise, in the Los Angeles area, there are tens of thousands of homeless people who sleep in shelters, cars or on the street. Many of these individuals do not have access to the mental help and support that they need. I’m excited about being a part of the solution. Mental health is just as important as physical health. I believe that we must develop and embrace the awareness of mental health and the role it plays in our daily lives and the people in it.

Understanding the importance of patience has not only helped me grow as a person but has helped me relate to others. Practicing patience is something I have always done as a result of witnessing my mom in her struggle with epilepsy. Along with her experiencing seizures, came mixed-up sentences and jumbled words that she often didn’t really mean or could not communicate effectively. I had to learn to understand her limitations, which taught me the importance of understanding her by tapping into her emotions. I did not understand how her brain functioned differently from mine. I would ask her questions about school or my social life, and she would respond with an answer that could be unrelated to what I was asking. I wasn’t always so understanding, but through time and practice, I came to be more patient with her, changing my frustration into awareness. Looking back, I don’t see learning patience via coping with my mom’s disability as a setback in any way. Instead, I realize it has been a segway into a different way to live a life that has allowed me to relate to others in a rewarding and unique way. I have learned to use these skills while working with my classmates, and while playing with my teammates and with my friends. I am a more compassionate and empathetic person who cares to understand others more easily as a result of recognizing the importance of patience.

I feel that having a growth mindset is very important and something that is essential to me as a successful student athlete, because no matter what situations or circumstances I experience, having a growth mindset allows me to always move forward. Several ways that I keep a growth mindset include practicing mindfulness; being compassionate and staying away from negativity; and trusting myself while remaining in gratitude. Practicing mindfulness is important, because what my mind focuses on is what I receive and bring to myself. My growth mindset is directly impacted by what I keep my mind focused on. Something I choose to keep my mind focused on is being compassionate and remaining positive at all times. I choose to be kind to myself and others and nurture only those things that are positive. Being compassionate and nurturing positivity keeps me in a growth mindset. Paying close attention to where my mind is focused and ensuring it is positive and compassionate ensures that I remain focused on forward progress only. Staying focused on forward progress leads to success. Trusting myself is important to maintaining a growth mindset, because trusting myself requires that I assess and make changes, when needed. A main way to build trust is learning to live in gratitude. Living a life of gratitude is one of the most effective and crucial ways to keep a growth mindset. When I choose to remain thankful at all times, I allow myself to receive answers and guidance for the things I’m are facing. Oftentimes, gratitude releases what I need to find peace and grow. These are several ways that I keep a growth mindset in my life.

My why is being in the service of others. I love serving and helping others within the community; this is something that comes from my heritage. I come from a family that has been dedicated to living a life of service to our country. My great grandfather was one of the first African American paratroopers in World War II, my great uncle was a Purple Heart recipient in World War II, my grandfather served during Operation Desert Storm, and my mom, Air Force, and dad, Army, are both Veterans. Needless to say, leadership and service before self are core elements of my upbringing. One of the core values of my family has always been centered around making a difference. As an athlete myself, I know how fulfilling and exciting sports can be. One challenge I have faced was earning a team leadership position as an underclassman. As a younger player it can be very uncomfortable having to lead juniors and seniors who are much older than me. Through this experience, I learned to find my voice as a leader, determine my leadership style, and learn effective ways to lead my teammates. To overcome this challenge, I first looked to my parents both having served in the armed forces. They taught me that the most important quality of a successful leader is the ability to motivate others. Secondly, I discovered several books on leadership such as John Wooden’s, Pyramid of Success and Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality to truly learn from individuals who mastered the ability to lead. I was able to establish great chemistry with my teammates, determining my voice as a leader and my leadership style. My team had the best season in the history of our program with included a 15-game winning streak and making it to the CIF SS Final Four. The most significant community service experience for me has been the work that I’ve done with the Special Olympics in the greater Los Angeles area, creating opportunities for athletes that they may not have otherwise, giving them the opportunity to participate in organized sports and something to look forward to in their day. Being an athlete myself and knowing the joy that playing sports brings, I am happy to see Special Olympic athletes having fun and looking forward to being a part of their sports and teams. Through sports, I have learned, that these athletes begin to see themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. As they grow and earn accomplishments Special Olympic athletes become empowered and have opportunities to get involved in decision making, public speaking, and leadership roles. And, socially, athletes have many opportunities to make friends and discover they are not alone. Helping Special Olympic athletes on their journey is the impact I love making. Sports have always been my creative outlet and my passion, and after working with Special Olympics I am able to see how sports positively affects others as well. So, helping children and adults be able to have the opportunity to play sports, while developing themselves, is what means the most me. I am also inspired by sharing my joy of sports and the overall effect that it has on these special athletes’ moods, growth and lives. Being able to impact and help others is extremely important to me. It comes naturally, and it is who I am. Most importantly, it’s a part of the legacy of those who came before me, and it’s my heritage.

Someone who has made a significant impact in my life is my mom, both in the way she lives her life and definitely in regard to education. My mom is an Air Force veteran who has epilepsy. She has shown me the essence of what it means to be strong, because she has continued to overcome her diagnosis. My mom works full time, takes care of our family, and continues to improve herself through education. She shows me strength, because no matter how her side effects from epilepsy may impact her, she still manages to encourage, provide for and care for our family. She has always taught me to make the most out of what you’ve been given, and I see her do that every day. My mom has also shown me the importance of education because she has completed three degrees and is pursuing her Doctorate. In spite of her diagnosis, my mom loves education and is an avid learner; she has instilled in me the desire and drive to pursue my own dreams by understanding the importance of education. Watching my mom on a daily basis has impacted me in several ways. For example, I was able to overcome the challenges associated with going to school online during the pandemic, by keeping up with every assignment and maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. In lacrosse, I was able to lead my team and help us bounce back after tough losses. Also, in my everyday life as a teenager, I never dwell on mistakes, but instead look at them as opportunities to get better. Most importantly, knowing the degrees my mom has earned and her pursuit of another degree has shown me the importance of education and continuing to learn in life, without ceasing. For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. I love to draw, design, and build. From and early age, my mom taught me that my love of drawing and designing, especially of homes, was an actual career – architecture. As a result, I will be pursuing a career in architecture. As an architect, I will build sustainable, affordable homes for people to live in around the globe. I am excited about the opportunity to impact the world and help others through architecture. In preparation for applying for architecture programs and to ensure this was the field for me, and with encouragement from my mom, I attended two architecture summer programs at the collegiate level. I not only learned a great deal from these experiences, it solidified my major choice, and I learned that college is not only a definite yes for me, it is the best way to pursue my dream of being a licensed architect. And, this dream was first solidified with the encouragement and support received from my mother.

The biggest accomplishment that has sparked my personal growth has been learning more about myself, my opinions, and being true to and sure about my voice. During the whole pandemic, I’ve seen a range of things from the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests and calls for getting rid of systemic racism to the growing number of COVID-19 cases to witnessing one of the most crucial elections of my generation. I’ve been asked many questions on lots of things, and I’ve realized and am very proud that my understanding, opinions and beliefs on issues, and therefore, my voice, have developed and gotten stronger. I’ve learned to voice my opinions and not be afraid to share them, whether with my friends or my family. My parents have asked me questions regarding COVID-19 like, “do you feel comfortable doing this/going out” or “what do you think about this,” and before, I’d hesitate and think about what I should say as my answer to questions like those, but now I’m able to speak clearly and effectively to get my point across. I’ve also discovered that with finding my voice, I am better with effectively articulating my thoughts. This discovery was crucial and helped me during my recruiting process for women’s lacrosse. I gratefully committed to play at USC this past fall, and I can confidently say that learning to use my voice was key when speaking with coaches. During my recruitment process, I realized that coaches want people in their programs who can voice their opinions and aren’t afraid to state what they believe in. When speaking with college coaches and having them ask me questions like “why would you be a good fit for our program” or “what can you add to this team,” it can be a bit intimidating and overwhelming if you aren’t sure of yourself or don’t know what you believe; however, when you know who you are and are confident in yourself and your opinions, those questions, and communicating your beliefs become easier! Most importantly, throughout my recruitment process, and during my pandemic experience, I’ve learned that my voice, my opinions, my views and being able to share them matter! Because of this, I’ve grown personally and have worked really hard at cultivating my voice, researching topics to understand myself better and to know where I stand, and then being confident when effectively communicating them with others.

The biggest accomplishment that has sparked my personal growth has been learning more about myself, my opinions, and being true to and sure about my voice. During the whole pandemic, I’ve seen a range of things from the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests and calls for getting rid of systemic racism to the growing number of COVID-19 cases to witnessing one of the most crucial elections of my generation. I’ve been asked many questions on lots of things, and I’ve realized and am very proud that my understanding, opinions and beliefs on issues, and therefore, my voice, have developed and gotten stronger. I’ve learned to voice my opinions and not be afraid to share them, whether with my friends or my family. My parents have asked me questions regarding COVID-19 like, “do you feel comfortable doing this/going out” or “what do you think about this,” and before, I’d hesitate and think about what I should say as my answer to questions like those, but now I’m able to speak clearly and effectively to get my point across. I’ve also discovered that with finding my voice, I am better with effectively articulating my thoughts. This discovery was crucial and helped me during my recruiting process for women’s lacrosse. I gratefully committed to play at USC this past fall, and I can confidently say that learning to use my voice was key when speaking with coaches. During my recruitment process, I realized that coaches want people in their programs who can voice their opinions and aren’t afraid to state what they believe in. When speaking with college coaches and having them ask me questions like “why would you be a good fit for our program” or “what can you add to this team,” it can be a bit intimidating and overwhelming if you aren’t sure of yourself or don’t know what you believe; however, when you know who you are and are confident in yourself and your opinions, those questions, and communicating your beliefs become easier! Most importantly, throughout my recruitment process, and during my pandemic experience, I’ve learned that my voice, my opinions, my views and being able to share them matter! Because of this, I’ve grown personally and have worked really hard at cultivating my voice, researching topics to understand myself better and to know where I stand, and then being confident when effectively communicating them with others.

Although one problem was requested, passionately, I offer two prominent problems that need solving, which include homelessness and hunger. Sadly, although overlooked, there are reasonably easy ways these can be resolved with a little compassion, ingenuity, and through the art of repurposing. I see these being resolved through people coming together and donating time, funds, and the willingness to re-purpose leftover food from restaurants at the end of the night and abandoned buildings. Why should anyone go hungry when restaurants throw away tons of food on any given night? And, why should anyone be homeless, when blocks of abandoned buildings sit empty in various cities throughout the US. Sadly, a lack of compassion and government red-tape stand in the way, often times, from this much needed assistance. To this end, I offer these possibilities - one business whose purpose is to repurpose restaurant leftovers at the end of the evening, gathering all leftovers packaged by restaurants and providing them as meals to coordinated homeless shelters or buildings that have been repurposed to house the homeless in each locality, town, city, and state. At the same time, have government infrastructure repurpose abandoned buildings into homeless living centers, which will generate jobs and places to live, ending homelessness. Turn that abandoned building into a fully functioning location for those who need a home. Truly put taxpayer dollars to work, providing assistance to those in need. These problems are worth solving, because at its most basic form of existence are food and shelter. Without them, very little can happen to reach being a productive individual, family, or society. By ensuring these basic needs, it will allow people to essentially have the bare minimum necessity so that the true focus can be on developing the self to become or get back to being everything needed to succeed. Most often, people only need a bit of assistance to get back on track to then do for themselves. Project Repurpose will allow for another excellent opportunity as well; society will not waste or throw away useful food or property! With this repurposing idea, businesses bottom lines will no longer be impacted by wasting any of its commodities, while simultaneously creating social good with donating food to those in need. At the same time, governments will provide useful opportunities for abandoned properties that were once going to waste. With partnerships with local corporations, social good can be achieved by both companies and the government with a joint project helping the homeless by providing use of buildings that would otherwise go to waste or end up being condemned rather than meeting this crucial need! From a financial perspective, in the long run, funds are being saved, because no waste is occurring and needs are being met! Society, as a whole, wins! Most governments and companies know that homelessness and hunger are an issue; this project will solve that issue and benefit both those in need as well as meet the need of government resolving its issues and other partner organizations having the opportunity to provide social good! Thank you for your time and consideration!