I am a freshman in college who is majoring in what I’m most passionate about: the law and the government. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I plan to become an immigration lawyer in the future. Even without the influence of my parents, I have always been fascinated by how the world works. Social sciences like sociology have always been so cool to me. The government influences how people will act and the law controls the safety of our country. Law has always been fascinating to me since without it, anarchy would occur. Even though the law field is extremely competitive, I do not plan on giving up. I plan to work and work until my dream is fulfilled. No matter how many times a company will reject me. I’ll just try another. I will try and try until I succeed. No matter the cost. No matter the obstacle and no matter the challenge, I will work to become the best lawyer I can be. With my career, the world will be a better place. I want to be an immigration lawyer to help people just like my parents achieve their “American Dream”. People are being locked in literal cages at the border right now, and I cannot stand for something like that. People need help, they need to be treated like they are humans. But to truly fulfill my dream, I need to give back to those less fortunate than me. Helping people will always be a passion of mine, but what I want to do as a lawyer is help families like mine. A lawyer’s services are always needed in the community. The world is a scary and unfair place, but with the help of kind souls, we can make it better for everyone. This scholarship would make it easier to pay for tuition in college. I will be attending Northeastern University which is extremely expensive. This scholarship would help me ease the burden of money and help me focus on what's important.

I am a freshman in college who is majoring in what I’m most passionate about: the law and the government. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I will become an immigration lawyer. Even without the influence of my parents, I have always been fascinated by how the world works. Social sciences like sociology have always been so cool to me. The government influences how people will act and the law controls the safety of our country. Law has always been fascinating to me since without it, anarchy would occur. Even though the law field is extremely competitive, I do not plan on giving up. I plan to work and work until my dream is fulfilled. No matter how many times a company will reject me. I’ll just try another. I will try and try until I succeed. No matter the cost. No matter the obstacle and no matter the challenge, I will work to become the best lawyer I can be. With my career, the world will be a better place. I want to be an immigration lawyer to help people just like my parents achieve their “American Dream”. Getting people out of bad situations will undoubtedly make the world a better place. But to truly fulfill my dream, I need to give back to those less fortunate than me. Helping people will always be a passion of mine, but what I want to do as a lawyer is help families like mine. Pro bono is a sure way to help people with their legal problems. Pro bono cases are voluntary and without payment. So to help people, I plan to support people by giving them a way into America, without the stress of money. A lawyer’s services are always needed in the community. The world is a scary and unfair place, but with the help of kind souls, we can make it better for everyone.

Domestic violence refers to violence and abuse that occur in a domestic setting like cohabitation or marriage. Domestic violence is not just physical but can be any kind of behavior that tries to gain power and control over the victim. It can affect people of all ages and it can be targeted towards a partner, spouse, or intimate family member. Often women and children are victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a gruesome crime that causes a large number of deaths. Some of the most common types of domestic violence are where a woman has complete dependence on the man, that being economic or emotional. The male-dominated society that we live in plays a key role in this problem. In many parts of the world, physically and mentally assaulting women is common. But, in more general terms, domestic violence is the result of mass irresponsible behavior that a section of society demonstrates. It is not solely the abuser that is responsible, but also those who allow it to happen and act as quiet spectators. In order to raise awareness for domestic violence, I plan to do a few things: speaking up, attending workshops, and supporting victims of domestic violence. Speaking up is arguably the easiest but the most important thing someone can do. Domestic and sexual violence are silent epidemics that thrive off of secrecy and shame. If you hear a joke that condones sexual harassment or violence, or a comment that downplays the impact of domestic violence: speak up! It's not a laughing matter and you should not allow others to think so. Hold others around you accountable. Domestic violence will never be taken seriously if people continue to joke about it. Workshops are meetings where a group of people engages in a discussion and activity on a specific subject or project. There are many workshops for domestic violence that spread awareness and help people around the community. Attending events like talks, fundraisers, and community service days gives you the opportunity to connect with others who also want to raise awareness about domestic violence. You can also meet survivors and professionals who can offer advice on how to get involved. Supporting people that have gone through this kind of trauma is never easy but there are multiple ways to do it. Volunteering at your local domestic violence shelter can give you the opportunity to gain some perspective from domestic violence victims and volunteer work can range from setting up an event, counseling for victims, or working as a hotline operator. Every little bit helps and it's important to give back to your community and help those you can. Donating to nonprofit organizations that raise money for domestic violence victims is also a great way to support people. Starting a fundraiser or setting up a monthly donation through your bank account can help local shelters offer more professional help to victims of domestic violence. Supporting domestic violence victims may seem impossible but there are people out there that need your help. These actions will hopefully allow victims of domestic abuse to live better lives and hopefully prevent domestic abuse from happening in the first place.

I have always had a passion for helping people in need. My mom would tell me stories about how when I was in elementary school, I would use up all my allowance on canned goods so I could donate them to our school food drive. When I was in middle school I would give away all my Halloween candy so the soldiers could have it instead. I always wanted to make a difference even from a young age. I volunteer at the Food Bank of Delaware and have over 90 hours of volunteer work from there. Food insecurity, poverty, and food deserts are huge problems in the U.S. and I want to help as much as I can. Giving back and setting an example is extremely important. In order to make the world a better place, all it takes is one action at a time. One action can impact so many people. Volunteering at the food bank had me making meals for the homeless, stocking the warehouse, preparing groceries for people that can’t afford to buy their own, and a lot of other tasks. Spending all that time at the food bank was really rewarding and it felt good to get involved in my community. Volunteering also provides me with different perspectives on life and showed me how to think outside my privileged box. I want to continue to help people throughout my adult life and to do that I’m going to become a lawyer. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I will become an immigration lawyer. Helping my community will always be important to me and that will never change, but the impact that I will have will. There is only so much I can do now as a high school student, but as I get my education and eventually get a job I’ll be able to help lots of people and give them more opportunities here in America. Community is everything, and one small change can make a big impact.

During the 1980s, Poland was facing an economic crisis due to the emergence of the mass movement of “Solidarnosc” where people challenged the rule of the Polish United Workers’ Party and the alignment with the Soviet Union. During this period, Poland was under the influence of communism where they adopted a Soviet model of accelerated industrialization and collectivization of agriculture. They attempted to enforce high rates of growth to achieve a high degree of self-sufficiency. But this economy only leads to the suffering of its citizens. This is why the movement “Solidarnosc” was created, to combat the treatment they faced. My great-uncle was an avid member of the Solidarnosc movement. He protested greatly and went to jail a few times before being deported from the country and banned from returning. He started life in America and grew a construction business with only one suitcase and his wife by his side. Eventually, his ban was lifted after 1991, when Poland officially became democratic. He was able to visit Poland again and see his family. My dad (his nephew) saw the life that he created in America and wanted that for himself. So he saved up money and took my mom to America and moved in with my great uncle. But the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. I relate to Malgorzata in the aspect of her heritage as well as her ambition. I relate to her and her hard work and bravery. I relate to her for never giving up no matter what. The American dream is a concept known all around the world. Each American dream is different; one aims for fame, power, money, and success, while another could aim for peace, love, and family. My parents came here to fulfill their American dream, and to make a better life for themselves and their families. Just like Malgorzata came to fulfill hers. My family back in Poland has never gone to college; instead, all of them have gone straight into the workforce and my parents are the first ones to travel outside the country in general. I will be the first person in my family to get a higher education and pursue a career in law. All that has taught me is that hard work and dedication are more important than everything else. Hard work can get you anywhere in life. As long as you have a will and a motive, you can do anything that you set your mind to. You cannot let people hold you back; you have to show your true potential and try as hard as you can.

It is important to have healthy eating habits because a healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. Eating healthy protects you against chronic non-communicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. A healthy diet consists of a combination of different foods such as different cereals (wheat, barley, rye, corn, or rice), starchy root vegetables (potatoes, yams, taro, cassava, etc), legumes (lentils and beans), fruits, vegetables, and meats. But it is important to not restrict yourself, if you want a cookie it is perfectly fine to eat a cookie. There is no such thing as “good” food or “junk” food, there is only nutrient-dense food and nutrient-empty foods. Neither is inherently good or bad, and both fit into your diet. It is important to keep a balance between these two types of food. Making sure to get all your essential nutrients but also eat what you like. Food should not be a punishment, it is nourishing and should be enjoyed. All food is good food, but it is still important to eat a wide variety mixed from all the different food groups. Incorporating all the food groups but not restricting them is a good eating habit. Having good eating habits is extremely important for staying healthy. Having good eating habits makes you live longer, supports your muscles, boosts immunity, strengthens bones, and helps your digestive system function. Back in 2019, I was severely overweight. I was in middle school and had a binge eating disorder ever since I was little, and honestly, I still have it but I'm able to deal with it a lot better. I would consume almost double the amount of calories needed, and I grew more and more unhealthy. But one day I had a realization that I had to change. I realized that I could no longer live like this, hating everything about myself and straining my relationship with food. So I went into a caloric deficit and lost 30 pounds. This was life-changing for me. For the first time in my life, I’m toned with muscle and able to do things like a pull-up. This was most influenced by changing my eating habits and building a healthy relationship with food. Because I changed my eating habits for the better, it caused me to be overall happier. I have struggled with depression my entire life, but using food as medicine was part of the answer. I have also noticed I am physically healthier. My cardiovascular health has never been better and I truly believe that this is the healthiest I have ever been. Food is not only fuel but medicine, and we have to nourish our bodies the best we can.

I am going to Northeastern University in the fall and I'm going to major in what I'm most passionate about, history and the way the law works. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I will become an immigration lawyer. Even without the influence of my parents, I have always been fascinated by how the world works. Social sciences like sociology have always been so cool to me. The government influences how people will act and the law controls the safety of our country. Law has always been fascinating to me since without it, anarchy would occur. That's why it's my passion to study the law and help people all across the country. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to completing my goal. During the 2022 year, my family’s situation changed. My mom lost her job because of problems she had with her heart. She is still continuously dealing with it and it's really hard for my family to stay afloat. We cannot financially support me going to college without more aid. With the price of college these days, it's extremely difficult which is why every penny helps. I am diagnosed with depression and an anxiety disorder. So I experience times of emotional weakness relatively frequently. My mental health has always been a huge challenge in my life and affects me daily. Depression is a huge obstacle for me, there are some days when I can’t get out of bed or even do basic things like brushing my teeth. I used to self-harm because of my depression. I would feel so hopeless and lost that I turned to cutting myself just to feel some sense of control over my life. Depression is not just being a little sad sometimes, it's an illness that affects me daily. But this emotional weakness does not define me. My mental health does not define me. I have gotten a therapist and been put on medication to help with my depression and anxiety. I have recently learned how to meditate in order to help with my mental illness. But I am actively overcoming my mental illness and I will become stronger in the end.

If I could have everyone in the world read one book, it’d be The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. The Hunger Games is a book set in a country called Panem where people are separated into 12 distinct communities called districts. Each district has a different aspect they focus on, one being textiles and another being agriculture, etc. But the one that controls and administers everyone is known as the Capitol. The Capitol is harsh and cruel to all the districts and forces them to send one boy and one girl from the ages of 12 to 18 to the annual Hunger Games, to fight to the death on live TV. I believe that everyone should read The Hunger Games as it's a commentary on the realities of modern day. This book reflects on the factors that spur wars and the true effects of violence. The Hunger Games ties in with political, social, racial, gender, cultural, and environmental questions. Collins creates the perfect allegory for war. She traces back historical roots and draws parallels between the Romans and their arena games. She links the past and future, showing that humanity had and always will have an impulse for war and destruction. But it's much more than just an anti-war book, it shows the use of entertainment to assert power over people, and the overuse of media in culture. There is also an underlying theme of social divide where class-color divides open the story up to racial interpretation. By reflecting on Panem’s political system, its socio-economic and racial divides, its media industry, and its environmental impact, Collins shows that the anti-war commentary is embedded in a large reflection of our modern-day society. Readers have to reflect on their own situation and present context in order to understand what made war and Panem possible, and how we need to prevent it from becoming a reality.

High school is one of the most difficult parts of growing up: changing bodies, stress, and social norms. But I never clicked with the social norms and practices. I have ADHD and autism so I was never good at making friends. I am extremely outgoing and I like talking to people and making jokes but I was considered annoying and no one wanted to be seen with me. Being neurodiverse means that I can never tell when it's appropriate to talk, laugh, cry, etc. I’ll info-dump to people that I only just met, effectively deterring them from ever talking to me again. As a student, I struggle with school and performance anxiety, and when I was younger I couldn’t focus on the “important” topics of academics. I am smart in my own right, but I much rather learn about the industrial revolution and the social impact of monopolies made by Carnegie or Rockefeller rather than the topics that were taught in school. My different interests often diffused and distracted me from simple tasks. My hobbies are a sort of haven in a world that doesn't seem to understand me. I have been able to overcome the obstacles of neurodivergence by finding my own grounding in the world and my own group of people that accepts me for who I am. But, my neurodivergence is not something that holds me back, it is the true thing that propels me forward and will allow me to succeed in life. To further my education I will be attending college in the fall. I will be attending Northeastern University and majoring in history and political science. This is what I’m most passionate about: the history of the world and law and the government. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I will become an immigration lawyer. Even without the influence of my parents, I have always been fascinated by how the world works. Social sciences like sociology have always been so cool to me. The government influences how people will act and the law controls the safety of our country. Law has always been fascinating to me since without it, anarchy would occur. Since I’m going to college about something I love, I’ll excel. I love learning new things, I will spend hours researching different governments and different periods in history just because I think it's fun. It is not despite my neurodivergence that I will excel, it is because of it.

I have always had a passion for helping people in need. My mom would tell me stories about how when I was in elementary school, I would use up all my allowance on canned goods so I could donate them to our school food drive. When I was in middle school I would give away all my Halloween candy so the soldiers could have it instead. I always wanted to make a difference even from a young age. I volunteer at the Food Bank of Delaware and have over 90 hours of volunteer work from there. Food insecurity, poverty, and food deserts are huge problems in the U.S. and I want to help as much as I can. Giving back and setting an example is extremely important. In order to make the world a better place, all it takes is one action at a time. One action can impact so many people. Volunteering at the food bank had me making meals for the homeless, stocking the warehouse, preparing groceries for people that can’t afford to buy their own, and a lot of other tasks. Spending all that time at the food bank was really rewarding and it felt good to get involved in my community. I have learned a lot about myself from volunteering, I learned that my true passion is helping people in need. Volunteering provided me with a different perspective on life and showed me how to think outside my privileged box. I want to continue to help people throughout my adult life and to do that I’m going to become a lawyer. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I will become an immigration lawyer. Helping my community will always be important to me and that will never change, but the impact that I will have will. There is only so much I can do now as a high school student, but as I get my education and eventually get a job I’ll be able to help lots of people and give them more opportunities here in America. Community is everything, and one small change can make a big impact.

Math is not for everyone, but it is the glue that holds all people together. Math is a universal language and I find that beautiful. It's the only language everyone speaks, regardless of their culture, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, or gender. The symbols and organization to form equations are the same in every country of the world. If you're using rupees, dollars, pesos, yen, or euros, adding up groceries is still the same mathematical process. With this global language, virtually everyone will reach the same answer when solving a problem. Since the beginning of history, humans have used numbers as a shared language to communicate with one another. What could an ordinary modern person have in common with an ancient scholar or a medieval merchant? The use of math. Math is the most important thing in our world. A world without math is a world without time, buildings, transportation, computers, phones, etc. To put it simply, all the comforts that make our lives what they are, would be no more. Without math, the world would look very different and we would most likely still be drawing pictures on cave walls. I believe math is important to the world not because it is useful or fun to do, but because it brings people together. I love learning math and I love the patterns and the stability of it. Math is something that is concert, something that is predictable. There is no place for speculation, there is only one definitive answer. This is why learning math is so fun, it always has the same outcome. Math is also extremely repetitive, when you learn new concepts you must utilize the old ones too. For example, you have to learn basic algebra before you learn calculus. This cycle will continue as you learn math, as you learn a new concept the old ones will be repeatedly referred to. This makes everything click into place, which makes learning a lot more interesting and engaging. Probably the biggest reason I love math is how math always gives me a new, fresh, and unique challenge. When you are solving a problem that initially you thought was impossible, and that rush you get when you are finally able to solve it is undeniably euphoric. Math constantly keeps me on my toes and never gets boring. Every day I learn something new, something that is unexpected and something that I can look forward to. Math is very important to me and I love learning new things. Without math, the world would look very different and I’m glad I get to live in the day and age of such innovation.

Math is not for everyone, but it still is the glue that holds all people together. Math is a universal language and I find that beautiful. It's the only language everyone speaks, regardless of their culture, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, or gender. The symbols and organization to form equations are the same in every country of the world. If you're using rupees, dollars, pesos, yen, or euros, adding up groceries is still the same mathematical process. With this global language, virtually everyone will reach the same answer when solving a problem. Since the beginning of history, humans have used numbers as a shared language to communicate with one another. What could an ordinary modern person have in common with an ancient scholar or a medieval merchant? The use of math. Math is the most important thing in our world. A world without math is a world without time, buildings, transportation, computers, phones, etc. To put it simply, all the comforts that make our lives what they are, would be no more. Without math, the world would look very different and we would most likely still be drawing pictures on cave walls. I love math not because it is useful or fun to do, but because it brings people together.

Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we act, feel, and think. It can determine how we interact with others, how we handle stress or the choices that we make. Mental health is important at every stage of life since it is the backbone of our thoughts. My mental health is extremely important to me. I grew up in an immigrant household, where mental health wasn’t taken seriously and as the firstborn, I was put under a lot of stress to be perfect. Everything had to be perfect, my appearance, my room, my grades, and my health. Everything was under the control of my mom constantly. So because of that, I developed an extreme anxiety disorder, as well as depression. I can’t remember the last day when I wasn’t anxious. Thoughts constantly flood my brain on how things can go wrong and how I will never live up to my mom's expectations. Feeling like a failure is a common thing for me when something is not 100% perfect. But I have been learning to cope with my mental illnesses and grow as a person. The ways I maintain my mental wellness are getting regular exercise, eating healthy foods, sleepings well, and focusing on positivity. Regular exercise is extremely important to one’s mental health as it can boost mood and improve overall health. Exercise releases endorphins, natural brain chemicals that enhance your sense of well-being. Regular exercise can ease depression and anxiety. I have been swimming all my life and it really helps ground me and keeps me up and moving. If I didn’t swim, I wouldn’t have the motivation to get out of bed. Exercise really helps my mental wellness. Eating disorders are really common for people with mental illness, they eat way too much, binge, or eat way too little. So eating healthy might seems like a challenge. But eating good food that is good for your body helps not only your physical well-being but your mental one. A well-balanced diet can help us think clearly and feel more alert as well as aid in concentration and improve our attention span, as you know: food is fuel. Sleep is something that everyone needs, but not everyone gets it. Sleep is important to maintain your mental wellness. Sticking to a sleep schedule and making sure you get enough sleep is one of the easiest ways to reduce depression. Feeling tired and fatigued is common for people with mental illness. That's why it's important to sleep well so that your brain gets the rest it deserves. Staying positive is something that is difficult with a mental illness, but identifying and challenging your negative and unhelpful thoughts is important to mental wellness. Grounding yourself is one of the first steps in dealing with our mental challenges, without grounding and staying connected, you cannot improve. To stay positive, you must make yourself a support system of family and friends that can provide emotional and practical support. Mental health is extremely important to be a good person and to live life to the fullest. You have to take care of yourself, or else you can spiral out of control. But with enough support, and enough work, everyone can achieve good mental wellness.

An immigration lawyer who helps families stay safe and secure and who prides themselves on giving back to the people.

I am a high school senior who wishes to major in what I’m most passionate about: the law and the government. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I will become an immigration lawyer. Even without the influence of my parents, I have always been fascinated by how the world works. Social sciences like sociology have always been so cool to me. The government influences how people will act and the law controls the safety of our country. Law has always been fascinating to me since without it, anarchy would occur. Even though the law field is extremely competitive, I do not plan on giving up. I plan to work and work until my dream is fulfilled. No matter how many times a company rejects me. I’ll try another. I will try and try until I succeed. No matter the cost. No matter the obstacle or challenge, I will work to become the best lawyer I can be. With my career, the world will be a better place. I want to be an immigration lawyer to help people just like my parents achieve their “American Dream”. Getting people out of bad situations will undoubtedly make the world a better place. But in order to truly fulfill my dream, I need to give back to those less fortunate than me. Helping people will always be a passion of mine, but what I really want to do as a lawyer is help families like mine. Pro bono is a sure way to help people with their legal problems. Pro bono cases are voluntary and without payment. So to help people, I plan to support people by giving them a way into America, without the stress of money. A lawyer’s services are always needed in the community. The world is a scary and unfair place, but with the help of kind souls, we can make it better for everyone.

I am a high school senior who wishes to major in what I’m most passionate about: the law and the government. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I will become an immigration lawyer. Even without the influence of my parents, I have always been fascinated by how the world works. Social sciences like sociology have always been so cool to me. The government influences how people will act and the law controls the safety of our country. Law has always been fascinating to me since without it, anarchy would occur. Even though the law field is extremely competitive, I do not plan on giving up. I plan to work and work until my dream is fulfilled. No matter how many times a company rejects me. I’ll try another. I will try and try until I succeed. No matter the cost. No matter the obstacle or challenge, I will work to become the best lawyer I can be. With my career, the world will be a better place. I want to be an immigration lawyer to help people just like my parents achieve their “American Dream”. Getting people out of bad situations will undoubtedly make the world a better place. But in order to truly fulfill my dream, I need to give back to those less fortunate than me. Helping people will always be a passion of mine, but what I really want to do as a lawyer is help families like mine. Pro bono is a sure way to help people with their legal problems. Pro bono cases are voluntary and without payment. So to help people, I plan to support people by giving them a way into America, without the stress of money. A lawyer’s services are always needed in the community. The world is a scary and unfair place, but with the help of kind souls, we can make it better for everyone.

My name is Claudia Kulon and I am a senior at Appoquinimink High School. I am of Polish descent with both my parents being immigrants from Poland. I identify as biromantic demisexual, with a strong preference for women, and I am in a long-term committed relationship with my amazing boyfriend. My identity is the most important thing to me. Life can change, situations can arise, and money can be lost, but one thing always stays the same: who you are inside. I am diagnosed with depression and an anxiety disorder. My mental health and my sexual identity have always been huge challenges in my life and affect me daily. Depression is a huge obstacle for me, there are some days when I can’t get out of bed or even do basic things like brushing my teeth. I used to self-harm because of my depression. I would feel so hopeless and lost that I turned to cutting myself just to feel some sense of control over my life. Depression is not just being a little sad sometimes, it's an illness that affects me daily. I have generalized anxiety disorder that honestly affects me more than depression does. Every single day without fail I will experience an anxiety attack where my thoughts will start spinning, my body will get weak, and I have to keep myself from throwing up. The reasons can vary from simply being in a social setting, insecurity, or my brain trying to tell me that I’m going to get hurt or get my loved ones hurt. The worst anxiety attack that I had recently was when the weather was really bad, the rain was pouring and the wind was extremely strong. It was almost midnight and my boyfriend and I were hanging out. I was supposed to drive him home, but all I had to do was look out the window and see our flag violently waving to trigger an anxiety attack. Instantly my brain was flooded with images of me behind the wheel of the car and crashing on the highway. The simple thought of potentially hurting the person that I love made me panic. But he was great and instantly held me and hummed in my ear to calm me down. He called his dad to pick him up and everything was good. If it wasn’t for my boyfriend to calm me down I would have for sure spiraled and fallen down a rabbit hole of bad thoughts. Instead of facing the world with fear, we should always be bold. I am a biromantic demisexual individual, which means I feel romantic attraction to all genders, with a preference for women, and no sexual attraction until I have a strong emotional bond with someone. There have been multiple instances where I have faced discrimination for my orientation. I have been called slurs and bullied on varying degrees, from verbal to physical. I even faced discrimination in my community, as the ace spectrum is not taken as seriously as other orientations. But I want that to change. I want to be the change, the start. Even though I have struggled, it does not mean that I cannot make a change in the world. I will eventually become a lawyer and help people around me. Helping people will always be a passion of mine, but what I want to do as a lawyer is helping families like mine. A lawyer’s services are always needed in the community, and I believe that I can truly make a change in the world.

Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we act, feels, and think. It can determine how we interact with others, how we handle stress, or the choices that we make. Mental health is important at every stage of life since it is the backbone of our thoughts. My mental health is extremely important to me. I grew up in an immigrant household, where mental health wasn’t taken seriously and as the firstborn, I was put under a lot of stress to be perfect. Everything had to be perfect, my appearance, my room, my grades, and my health. Everything was under the control of my mom constantly. So because of that, I am diagnosed with depression and an anxiety disorder. My mental health has always been a huge challenge in my life and affects me daily. I can’t remember the last day when I wasn’t anxious. Thoughts constantly flood my brain on how things can go wrong and how I will never live up to my mom's expectations. Feeling like a failure is a common thing for me when something is not 100% perfect. Depression is a huge obstacle for me, there are some days when I can’t get out of bed or even do basic things like brushing my teeth. I used to self-harm because of my depression. I would feel so hopeless and lost that I turned to cutting myself just to feel some sense of control over my life. Depression is not just being a little sad sometimes, it's an illness that affects me daily. I have generalized anxiety disorder that honestly affects me more than depression does. Every single day without fail I will experience an anxiety attack where my thoughts will start spinning, my body will get weak, and I have to keep myself from throwing up. The reasons can vary from simply being in a social setting, insecurity, or my brain trying to tell me that I’m going to get hurt or get my loved ones hurt. The worst anxiety attack that I had recently was when the weather was really bad, the rain was pouring and the wind was extremely strong. It was almost midnight and my boyfriend and I were hanging out. I was supposed to drive him home, but all I had to do was look out the window and see our flag violently waving to trigger an anxiety attack. Instantly my brain was flooded with images of me behind the wheel of the car and crashing on the highway. The simple thought of potentially hurting the person that I love made me panic. But he was great and instantly held me and hummed in my ear to calm me down. He called his dad to pick him up and everything was good. If it wasn’t for my boyfriend to calm me down I would have for sure spiraled and fallen down a rabbit hole of bad thoughts. Not a lot of people understand mental illness and how it affects people. There is so much stigma surrounding mental health and treatment that a lot of people go without help and only end up getting worse. Since stigma comes from a lack of understanding, fear, misleading information, etc, then the more we educate, the better it will be. My struggles with my mental health impact my view of the world and make me perceive it as a more dangerous and awful place. My anxiety makes it very hard for me to make new friendships and deal with stress, but I have learned many things in my time and I can control it to a certain extent. I am strong and my experiences only make me stronger.

This fall, many students will be leaving home for the first time and will begin college life. I will be one of those students. Some people will do well with managing their own money for the first time, while others will struggle. The increasing rise of tuition costs coupled with financially unprepared students creates financial setbacks. The total US student debt is increasing year after year, but I hope with the advice that I have received, I will be able to manage my money and be able to get out of debt in a couple of years. Some of the advice that I received includes: creating a budget, starting an emergency fund, taking advantage of student discounts, and building my credit. Setting a budget can usually have a negative association with restriction, but in reality, budgets are an incredible tool and are extremely easy to make. To make one you have to identify your income for the year, all your paychecks from jobs, grants, loans, and family contributions. This will give an idea of how much you can spend every month, and where you can make a plan to fit all your spending; groceries, transportation, phone plan, etc. Then whatever is left can be set aside for the future, or for simple pleasures. I have been using a budget for months to prepare for when I go off to college. It has really helped me and I think I am better prepared now for the future. It is difficult to prepare for unexpected events, but an emergency fund can turn what could have been a financial crisis into a small inconvenience. An emergency fund is a reserve that is set aside specifically for financial emergencies or unplanned expenses. Emergencies can include: losing a job, needing a car repair, a medical emergency, etc. It is recommended that your emergency fund is made up of about 3-6 months' worth of living expenses. Make sure to keep the funds somewhere easy to access, but also somewhere you won't be tempted to use them for non-emergency situations. Having this financial safety net gives peace of mind and helps protect people from having incurred debt. Using student discounts can save you a surprising amount of money. Vendors, local venues, restaurants, and services near college campuses pretty much always offer some sort of student discount that could save you a lot of money. Most student discounts give you 10%-15% off, and sometimes you can even find discounts for 50% off or higher. These are great deals that can really help college students. And, since you'll be actively looking for discounts, you'll also learn the value of a good discount or deal. Building your credit score is extremely important. A credit score is an indication of how “creditworthy” someone is, which is used to represent how likely you are to repay a loan on time. Your credit score is important because it can directly affect your ability to finance a large purchase (a house or a car), your ability to get lower interest rates, your ability to get housing and insurance discounts, etc. Credit scores range from 300-850, and the higher your score is, the better your chances of being approved for a loan become. There are many factors that can contribute to calculating your score which include: your bill-paying history, the amount of debt you have, and the amount of credit you're using. Repaying student loans and having a credit card you pay off on time every month are both really good ways to improve your credit score. But, failing to pay off your credit card bill on time will decrease your score, which can result in you being charged with extremely high-interest rates. I plan to utilize all of this advice throughout my time in college, in fact I have already started to use these practices in my daily life. Being in the least amount of debt at the end of my undergraduate is the ultimate goal I have before I go to law school. If I use this advice and create a plan and spend wisely, I will not only be able to get out of college debt-free but also be better prepared for the future ahead of me.

My name is Claudia Kulon, I am a senior at Appoquinimink High School. I am going to major in political science since what I am most passionate about are the law and our government. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I will become an immigration lawyer. With my career, the world will be a better place. I want to help people just like my parents achieve their “American Dream”. Getting people out of bad situations will undoubtedly make the world a better place. But to truly fulfill my dream, I need to give back to those less fortunate than me. Helping people will always be a passion of mine, Pro bono is a sure way to help people with their legal problems. Pro bono cases are voluntary and without payment. So to help people, I plan to support people by giving them a way into America, without the stress of money. A lawyer’s services are always needed in the community. The world is a scary and unfair place, but with the help of kind souls, we can make it better for everyone. With my leadership, I can make a positive change in the world. Change is not something that comes naturally, it's something that has to be worked towards. If change was natural, then leaders would not be needed. For change to happen, leaders need to direct their teams on which actions will have the most impact. By leading the charge, management can indicate why a change has to happen and what the next steps are. Becoming an immigration lawyer is my dream, and part of that is owning a firm. I want to lead my own firm and our goal will be to make the most positive change in our community. With my passion for helping people and my leadership skills, I believe that the world will truly be a better place for immigrants.

W.E.B. Dubois, full name William Edward Burghardt DuBois, was born on February 23, 1868 is Great Barrington Massachusetts. He was an American sociologist, historian, author, and activist. He was the most important Black protest leader in the United States during the early 20th century. He helped create the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909 and his collection of essays, The Souls of Black Folk, is a landmark in African American literature. W.E.B. Dubois is truly my role model as I really admire his work and impact in history. History is extremely important and I plan to pursue it in the future and use the lessons that history teaches use in my future career. The lessons of history help provide us with a sense of identity. Historians have been able to learn how countries, families, and groups were formed and how they developed and evolved. History is my all-time favorite topic and my special interest. It helps form morals and values and has shaped me to be the person I am today. I plan on making the world a better place with the lessons of history. I want to be an immigration lawyer to help people just like my parents achieve their “American Dream”. With the lessons of history, different atrocities can be avoided, even if I help only on a personal basis. Like the treatment of immigrants in ICE custody right now, I plan to stop. Getting people out of these bad situations will undoubtedly make the world a better place. We learn from past events against groups of people; genocides, wars, and attacks. Through this collective suffering, we have learned to pay attention to the warning signs leading up to such atrocities. Society has been able to take these warning signs and fight against them. Knowing what events led up to these various wars helps us better influence our future. Only the lessons of history can help improve our future and the future of our world. W.E.B. Dubois is my all time favorite historical figure. He fought passionately for full civil rights, increased political representation, and better education for Black Americans. His drive, determination, and moral compass are traits that I truly admire and I hope to be just like him in my career. When I eventually achieve my dream of becoming a lawyer, I plan to enact his principles and make the world a better place, one case at a time.

I am diagnosed with depression and an anxiety disorder. My mental health has always been a huge challenge in my life and affects me daily. Depression is a huge obstacle for me, there are some days where I can’t get out of bed or even do basic things like brushing my teeth. I used to self-harm because of my depression. I would feel so hopeless and lost that I turned to cutting myself just to feel some sense of control over my life. Depression is not just being a little sad sometimes, it's an illness that affects me daily. I have generalized anxiety disorder that honestly affects me more than depression does. Every single day without fail I will experience an anxiety attack where my thoughts will start spinning, my body will get weak, and I have to keep myself from throwing up. The reasons can vary from simply being in a social setting, insecurity, or my brain trying to tell me that I’m going to get hurt or get my loved ones hurt. The worst anxiety attack that I had recently was when the weather was really bad, the rain was pouring and the wind was extremely strong. It was almost midnight and my boyfriend and I were hanging out. I was supposed to drive him home, but all I had to do was look out the window and see our flag violently waving to trigger an anxiety attack. Instantly my brain was flooded with images of me behind the wheel of the car and crashing on the highway. The simple thought of potentially hurting the person that I love made me panic. But he was great and instantly held me and hummed in my ear to calm me down. He called his dad to pick him up and everything was good. If it wasn’t for my boyfriend to calm me down I would have for sure spiraled and fallen down a rabbit hole of bad thoughts. Not a lot of people understand mental illness and how it affects people. There is so much stigma surrounding mental health and treatment that a lot of people go without help and only end up getting worse. Since stigma comes from a lack of understanding, fear, misleading information, etc, then the more we educate, the better it will be. To make the world better for people with mental illness, we need to make it easier for people to get help without the fear of shame. My future career is an immigration lawyer, so I am passionate about helping people out of bad situations and implementing their “American Dream”. I hope by working in the law field I’ll be able to eventually take a position of power in the government where I hope to enact laws that will help the citizens of America. To help people with mental illness, I hope to propose a bill that will make it easier to get medication, therapy, and other kinds of treatment.

I am a high school senior who wishes to major in what I’m most passionate about: the law and the government. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I will become an immigration lawyer. Even without the influence of my parents, I have always been fascinated by how the world works. Social sciences like sociology have always been so cool to me. The government influences how people will act and the law controls the safety of our country. Law has always been fascinating to me since without it, anarchy would occur. Even though the law field is extremely competitive, I do not plan on giving up. I plan to work and work until my dream is fulfilled. No matter how many times a company will reject me. I’ll just try another. I will try and try until I succeed. No matter the cost. No matter the obstacle and no matter the challenge, I will work to become the best lawyer I can be. With my career, the world will be a better place. I want to be an immigration lawyer to help people just like my parents achieve their “American Dream”. Getting people out of bad situations will undoubtedly make the world a better place. But in order to truly fulfill my dream, I need to give back to those less fortunate than me. Helping people will always be a passion of mine, but what I really want to do as a lawyer is help families like mine. Pro bono is a sure way to help people with their legal problems. Pro bono cases are voluntary and without payment. So to help people, I plan to support people by giving them a way into America, without the stress of money. A lawyer’s services are always needed in the community. The world is a scary and unfair place, but with the help of kind souls, we can make it better for everyone.

During the 1980s, Poland was facing an economic crisis due to the emergence of the mass movement of “Solidarnosc” where people challenged the rule of the Polish United Workers’ Party and the alignment with the Soviet Union. During this period, Poland was under the influence of communism where they adopted a Soviet model of accelerated industrialization and collectivization of agriculture. They attempted to enforce high rates of growth to achieve a high degree of self-sufficiency. But this economy only leads to the suffering of its citizens. This is why the movement “Solidarnosc” was created, to combat the treatment they faced. My great-uncle was an avid member of the Solidarnosc movement. He protested wildly and went to jail a few times before being deported from the country and banned from returning. He started life in America and grew a construction business with only one suitcase and his wife by his side. Eventually, his ban was lifted after 1991, when Poland officially became democratic. He was able to visit Poland again and see his family. My dad (his nephew) saw the life that he created in America and wanted that for himself. So he saved up money and took my mom to America and moved in with my great uncle. But the way they came over to America was illegal, so after my sister was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. My father's incarceration was one of the worst periods of my life. During this time I was a young child and my sister was a newborn. It was only my mom taking care of us for about a month when we couldn’t afford basic necessities. It was to the point where my mom would feed us, but couldn’t spare to feed herself. She would go hungry in order to sustain us. My dad being incarcerated was the worst thing that my family could have experienced. We were all included, my mom would even take us to court to show the judge the family my father has here to try to convince the judge to let us stay. But eventually, it paid off and our lawyer helped us convince the judge and we were able to stay and grow a life here. Recently in 2021, my parents both received their American citizenship. After 25 years of living in the United States, they could finally call themselves proud American citizens.

High school is one of the most difficult parts of growing up: changing bodies, stress, and social norms. But I never clicked with the social norms and practices. I have ADHD and autism so I was never good at making friends. I am extremely outgoing and I like talking to people and making jokes but I was considered annoying and no one wanted to be seen with me. Being neurodiverse means that I can never tell when it's appropriate to talk, laugh, cry, etc. I’ll info-dump to people that I only just met, effectively deterring them from ever talking to me again. As a student, I struggle with school and performance anxiety, and when I was younger I couldn’t focus on the “important” topics of academics. I am smart in my own right, but I much rather learn about the industrial revolution and the social impact of monopolies made by Carnegie or Rockefeller rather than the topics that were taught in school. My different interests often diffused and distracted me from simple tasks. My hobbies are a sort of haven in a world that doesn't seem to understand me. But with my unique skill set, I will excel in college. I will be majoring in political science with a minor in history. This is what I’m most passionate about the law and the government. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I will become an immigration lawyer. Even without the influence of my parents, I have always been fascinated by how the world works. Social sciences like sociology have always been so cool to me. The government influences how people will act and the law controls the safety of our country. Law has always been fascinating to me since without it, anarchy would occur. Since I’m going to college about something I love, I’ll excel. I love learning new things, I will spend hours researching different governments and different periods in history just because I think it's fun. It is not despite my neurodivergence that I will excel, it is because of it.

The Platform is a thriller/horror movie released in 2019 by Netflix. The movie starts with our main character, Goreng, waking up in a concert cell marked with the number 48. His cellmate explains that they are in a "Vertical Self-Management Center", also known as “The Pit”. This is a tower-style prison where food is delivered on a platform that travels from the top down and stops on each floor for a short period of time. People on the lower levels can only eat what those above leave and are subjected to punishment if they keep the food. People get put on new floors every month at random, so there is no telling how much you will get to eat after the month is over. Each resident can bring one item into the prison with them. Goreng chooses a book, while his cellmate Trimagasi chose a self-sharpening knife. It is revealed that Goreng volunteered to spend six months in the facility in exchange for a diploma, while Trimagasi is serving a year-long sentence for manslaughter. Most people do not volunteer to go to prison. A lady named Miharu rides the platform in search of her daughter, but Goreng later finds out there are no children in the tower and Miharu registered alone. During the 5th month, Goreng is assigned to level 6 with his new cellmate, Baharat. He convinces him to ride the platform down with him and ration the food. They also sent a message to the Administration by leaving a single dish untouched. As they descend further, they hand out portions to the prisoners, attacking those who refuse to cooperate. They continue to descend and eventually reach level 333, where the platform stops. Goreng notices a child at the bottom, Miharu’s child, and feeds the girl the untouched dish. The girl becomes the message and she ascends to the top while Goreng steps off and stays at the bottom of the pit. The central metaphor of the movie mirrors the capitalistic conundrum that the modern world has entangled itself in. Through its metaphor, the movie argues that there are more than enough money, food, and resources to go around. but overconsumption inevitably leads to inequality, and the wealthy are not inclined to share. The movie perfectly reflects the trap that society has sprung on itself. The problem is the structure of power, where the people at the top are untouchable and the most powerful moment in the entire movie was when Baharat finds himself at level 6 and hopes to ascend to the top of the tower. But there is a flaw in this plan; it relies on the kindness of strangers. All it takes is one intolerant person to break the chain of cooperation. This movie changed my way of thinking about the world around me and society itself. It opened my eyes to how human nature truly is and how we are not kind to each other. We have the potential to help one another but choose not to. In order to be a better person, you have to evaluate your own situation and be willing to make someone else's better.

I have always had a passion for helping people in need. My mom would tell me stories about how when I was in elementary school, I would use up all my allowance on canned goods so I could donate them to our school food drive. When I was in middle school I would give away all my Halloween candy so the soldiers could have it instead. I always wanted to make a difference even from a young age. I volunteer at the Food Bank of Delaware and have over 90 hours of volunteer work from there. Food insecurity, poverty, and food deserts are huge problems in the U.S. and I want to help as much as I can. Giving back and setting an example is extremely important. In order to make the world a better place, all it takes is one action at a time. One action can impact so many people. Volunteering at the food bank had me making meals for the homeless, stocking the warehouse, preparing groceries for people that can’t afford to buy their own, and a lot of other tasks. Spending all that time at the food bank was really rewarding and it felt good to get involved in my community. Volunteering also provides me with different perspectives on life and showed me how to think outside my privileged box. I want to continue to help people throughout my adult life and to do that I’m going to become a lawyer. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I will become an immigration lawyer. Helping my community will always be important to me and that will never change, but the impact that I will have will. There is only so much I can do now as a high school student, but as I get my education and eventually get a job I’ll be able to help lots of people and give them more opportunities here in America. Community is everything, and one small change can make a big impact.

My imagination is the most important asset I own. From a young age, I have loved to read and write, and by the age of 9, I have already read all the Percy Jackson books and the heroes of Olympus books. I have always loved to get sucked into a story, get sucked into another world. I would spend hours, and I still do to some extent, just daydreaming and creating stories in my head. But eventually, I started to write these stories down. I would just sit and write about heroines with magical powers and animals with human minds. All these different stories I created helped me deal with the problems of the real world. My childhood consisted of the expectation of perfection. I always had to get the best grades, the cleanest room, and the most presentable look. There was a lot of pressure put on me from a young age. A lot of expectations that I couldn’t keep up with. But reading and writing were always something that didn’t have any expectations. Writing didn’t have rules that I had to live by, didn’t have to be a certain way. It could be whatever I wanted it to be. Writing is important to me to this day as I will still write poems and short stories whenever I need an escape. Writing also has a lot of practical benefits that will help my adult life, for example, communication, influence, respect, etc. Writing can help establish and improve your communication skills and is probably the most impactful reason why writing is important. Writing forces you to think about certain ideas and topics that most people don’t typically explore and improves your vocabulary and articulation. Writing is also the biggest influence in today's society. Journalists, bloggers, and speechwriters, all have an incredible influence on the way people think and act. Think about how propaganda works, someone will write, draw, or say something that will influence the way others perceive the world around them. Writers have incredible influence and are extremely important in our society. Writing also increases the respect that you earn, especially in a business setting. Memos, reports, emails, publications, presentations, and documentation all reflect the person who wrote them. Depending on if it was well written or not, can influence the amount of respect you get. Writing is, in my opinion, the most important thing in our society today. Everything today is in writing: stories, history, statistics, communication, etc. Without writing I would not have had the childhood I had, and become the person I am today. And society would not be what it is now without writing.

During the 1980s, Poland was facing an economic crisis due to the emergence of the mass movement of “Solidarnosc” where people challenged the rule of the Polish United Workers’ Party and the alignment with the Soviet Union. During this period, Poland was under the influence of communism where they adopted a Soviet model of accelerated industrialization and collectivization of agriculture. They attempted to enforce high rates of growth to achieve a high degree of self-sufficiency. But this economy only leads to the suffering of its citizens. This is why the movement “Solidarnosc” was created, to combat the treatment they faced. My great-uncle was an avid member of the Solidarnosc movement. He protested greatly and went to jail a few times before being deported from the country and banned from returning. He started life in America and grew a construction business with only one suitcase and his wife by his side. Eventually, his ban was lifted after 1991, when Poland officially became democratic. He was able to visit Poland again and see his family. My dad (his nephew) saw the life that he created in America and wanted that for himself. So he saved up money and took my mom to America and moved in with my great uncle. But the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. The lessons of history help provide us with a sense of identity. Historians have been able to learn how countries, families, and groups were formed and how they developed and evolved. History is my all-time favorite topic and my special interest. It helps form morals and values and has shaped me to be the person I am today. I plan on making the world a better place with the lessons of history. I want to be an immigration lawyer to help people just like my parents achieve their “American Dream”. With the lessons of history, different atrocities can be avoided, even if I help only on a personal basis. Like the treatment of immigrants in ICE custody right now, I plan to stop. Getting people out of these bad situations will undoubtedly make the world a better place. We learn from past events against groups of people; genocides, wars, and attacks. Through this collective suffering, we have learned to pay attention to the warning signs leading up to such atrocities. Society has been able to take these warning signs and fight against them. Knowing what events led up to these various wars helps us better influence our future. Only the lessons of history can help improve our future and the future of our world.

Feminism is the belief that men and women are equal, and that even though both sexes have different strengths, perspectives, roles, and opinions they are still equal and worthy of equal treatment and dignity. Even though there are biological differences, they are not significant and do not compromise gender equality. We live in a system of patriarchal ideas where the men rule and the mistreatment of women are intended to keep us in a place where men can control us. Men created this system so they could benefit from it, otherwise, they would be fighting to end it. Women have had enough to do without adding the task of lifting men up, who have more power than we do to affect change. Suggesting that women do implies that our demands for change are not valid unless men are involved, that we do not exist independently as humans and we rely on the sexist expectations of men. Women are expected to be caretakers, housekeepers, cooks, and worst of all, pawns for men. We are expected to do emotional labor for free, otherwise were selfish. Feminism is not only the belief that men and women are equal but the movement to end patriarchal ideals in society and make sure the next generation doesn’t have to suffer the same fate. An inspirational figure to me is Greta Thunburg. She is a Swedish climate activist whose climate speeches are heard worldwide and she's known for challenging international leaders to take immediate action for the planet. She held many protests like school strikes for climate, to pressure the government to lower their carbon emissions. Her campaign has had global impacts and has inspired many people worldwide to have their own strikes. Greta is also a big advocate for feminism and believes that we cannot sustain a society if only half of the population is included. Greta inspires me to try to make a change in my community and has changed my view on feminism itself. I always thought that as a child I can’t do anything to help the movement. That I am too young to make any real sort of change. But if Greta can do it, why can’t I? If she can hold protests and talk to international figures when she's 16, who’s to say that I can’t? Greta showed me that even though I am young, I can still make a change. In order to help further the feminist movement in my community I work to stay up to date on current events and constantly learn new things in order to say informed and stay alert. I use my voice to further the movement and help support other women in the fight against the patriarchy. I also attend protests and marches for women's rights, and I was especially keen on marching when roe v. wade was overturned. I have donated to movements and have tried my best to educate others and lead the way for the new generation.

Independence, is freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others. One of the most exciting parts of going to college is the independence you gain from moving away from your parents and finally starting to make your own decisions. Commuting to campus, picking your classes, buying your own groceries, and even getting a job is all brand new and you have to learn how to do these things alone, without the help of your parents. This most excites me. I grew up in a household where I did not have my own independence. My parents are immigrants from Poland, so my household is very traditionally eastern European. We follow most of the Slavic traditions and customs, like not being able to shake hands over a doorway, taking your shoes off before you enter a house, or being serious most of the time. Slavic people are extremely strict and my parents are no different. I always have to be home by a certain time, or else I get punished, I can only hang out with people on certain days, but never multiple days in a row, and most importantly, school is a priority over all else. That's why I’m excited to go to college to finally gain the freedom that I have been yearning for. School can be a stressful environment, so it's important to maintain a healthy mind, body, and soul. There are many ways to help yourself but the most important are as follows: drinking water, eating healthy food, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress. Drinking water is extremely important as the human body is made up of 60% water. Even slight dehydration can have detrimental effects on your mood, motivation, and mobility. Doctors recommend that adults drink around 2-3 liters of water per day. It is the easiest way to improve your overall health as it can boost your metabolism, increase your energy levels, and aid in digestion. So water is an extremely important component of maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul. Eating healthy food can be difficult in college since you are out of your parent's house, and learning how to cook is a skill not everyone can master. But eating real, healthy food can make our bodies feel amazing. Usually, a balanced plate can consist of half fruit or vegetables, a quarter of protein, and a quarter of starch. Listen to your body and eat the food that makes you feel good and gives your body energy. Sleep can be a vital part of a healthy mind, body, and soul. In college with all the assignments, tests, quizzes, and essays it seems impossible to get 8 hours of sleep. But a good sleep schedule is extremely important to your overall health. Sleep improves memory, problem-solving ability, mood, happiness, and motivation. To be healthy, sleep is something that needs to be prioritized. Stress is something that every college student faces. Stress has a lot of effects on your health from different physical problems from headaches and stomachaches to mental problems like depression or anxiety. Taking care of your body can help relieve stress but there are other strategies that you can use. Organizing your schedule, having a hobby, or even simple things like taking a walk can help you relieve stress. Dealing with one's stress is important to have a healthy mind body and soul. Having a healthy mind, body, and soul is easy, as long as you take care of yourself and make yourself a priority.

Hopelessness The water is rising. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The waves are crashing against the shore. .. .. .. .. .. I sink deeper and deeper, .. .. .. My lungs filled with water. .. .. .. .. .. The pressure is rising. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. I can’t breathe. I. Can’t. Breathe. I… Can’t… Breathe… ……………………….. ….I………………… ………….Can’t………… Breathe………… .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ….I break the surface. /-----------/----------/-----------/ I kick my feet up, trying to stay afloat /----/-------------/----/-----------/ The water is lapping against me /----/-------/------/----/------/-----/ My despair rises as I feel my arms and legs burn. /----/---/----/------/----/---/---/-----/ My arms are becoming too heavy /----/----/---/---/---/----/---/---/--/---/ It's getting hard to keep my head above the water /----/--/--/---/---/----/-/--/--/---/--/-/--/---/ Oh no…. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////// I’m sinking… /////////////////////////////////////////////////////// .. .. .. .. .. .. The water is taking me. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The air is escaping my lungs… .. .. .. .. My body is weak… .. .. .. .. So so weak .. .. .. .. The fight is over .. .. .. .. .. I’m finished. ………………………. ----------------------------

I am a high school senior who wishes to major in what I’m most passionate about the law and the government. My parents are both immigrants from Poland, but the way they came over to America was illegal, so after I was born my dad got sent to jail under the threat of being deported out of America. But my great-uncle got them a good lawyer and my parents were sent to court to plead their case. They were allowed to stay in the United States and this year they got their US citizenship after over 20 years. So I am passionate about helping people like my family and fulfilling their American dream, and to do that I will become an immigration lawyer. Even without the influence of my parents, I have always been fascinated by how the world works. Social sciences like sociology have always been so cool to me. The government influences how people will act and the law controls the safety of our country. Law has always been fascinating to me since without it, anarchy would occur. But there are many challenges I will have to face if I want to become a lawyer. Long hours and stress will be significant factors in my career. But for me personally, I like work. I like doing things. I get bored easily, but work is not boring. I don’t think working long hours or stress will be a real problem since it's more fulfilling than anything else. Another obstacle is how the legal field has become highly competitive. Technology and more people have made the field extremely difficult to get into. But I do not plan on giving up. I plan to work and work until my dream is fulfilled. No matter how many times a company will reject me. I’ll just try another. I will try and try until I succeed. No matter the cost. No matter the obstacle and no matter the challenge, I will work to become the best lawyer I can be. But in order to truly fulfill my dream, I need to give back to those less fortunate than me. Helping people will always be a passion of mine, but what I really want to do as a lawyer is helping families like mine. Pro bono is a sure way to help people with their legal problems. Pro bono cases are voluntary and without payment. So to help people, I plan to support people by giving them a way into America, without the stress of money. A lawyer’s services are always needed in the community.

No One Lives Forever by Oingo Boingo was released with the studio album “Dead Man’s Party” in 1985. The song encourages us to stop looking towards the future for our source of happiness, because, no matter how careful you are, and how well you take care of yourself, you will die. No one escapes the fate of death, so why should you worry about it? When I go home from school, I could potentially be hit by a bus. There's no way to know, so should I cower in the safety of my home? No! Go out and have fun. This is your only shot at life, so you need to make it count. All my life I have had an anxiety disorder and worried about everything. To me, life is a dangerous place where one mistake can ruin it all. So the song No One Lives Forever really resonates with me, as it's true. Why should I worry about one little mistake when I'll still die either way? Life is something that should not be feared, it is a gift that should be cherished.

Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we act, feel, and think. It can determine how we interact with others, how we handle stress, or the choices that we make. Mental health is important at every stage of life since it is the backbone of our thoughts. My mental health is extremely important to me. I grew up in an immigrant household, where mental health wasn’t taken seriously and as the firstborn, I was put under a lot of stress to be perfect. Everything had to be perfect, my appearance, my room, my grades, and my health. Everything was under the control of my mom constantly. So because of that, I developed an extreme anxiety disorder, as well as depression. I can’t remember the last day when I wasn’t anxious. Thoughts constantly flood my brain on how things can go wrong and how I will never live up to my mom's expectations. Feeling like a failure is a common thing for me when something is not 100% perfect. But I have been learning to cope with my mental illnesses and grow as a person. The ways I maintain my mental wellness are getting regular exercise, eating healthy foods, sleepings well, and focusing on positivity. Regular exercise is extremely important to one’s mental health as it can boost mood and improve overall health. Exercise releases endorphins, natural brain chemicals that enhance your sense of well-being. Regular exercise can ease depression and anxiety. I have been swimming all my life and it really helps ground me and keeps me up and moving. If I didn’t swim, I wouldn’t have the motivation to get out of bed. Exercise really helps my mental wellness. Eating disorders are really common for people with mental illness, they eat way too much, binge, or eat way too little. So eating healthy might seems like a challenge. But eating good food that is good for your body helps not only your physical well-being but your mental one. A well-balanced diet can help us think clearly and feel more alert as well as aid in concentration and improve our attention span, as you know: food is fuel. Sleep is something that everyone needs, but not everyone gets it. Sleep is important to maintain your mental wellness. Sticking to a sleep schedule and making sure you get enough sleep is one of the easiest ways to reducing depression. Feeling tired and fatigued is common for people with mental illness. That's why it's important to sleep well so that your brain gets the rest it deserves. Staying positive is something that is difficult with a mental illness, but identifying and challenging your negative and unhelpful thoughts is important to mental wellness. Grounding yourself is one of the first steps in dealing with our mental challenges, without grounding and staying connected, you cannot improve. To stay positive, you must make yourself a support system of family and friends that can provide emotional and practical support. Mental health is extremely important to be a good person and to live life to the fullest. You have to take care of yourself, or else you can spiral out of control. But with enough support, and enough work, everyone can achieve good mental wellness.

Independence, is freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others. One of the most exciting parts of going to college is the independence you gain from moving away from your parents and finally starting to make your own decisions. Commuting to campus, picking your classes, buying your own groceries, and even getting a job is all brand new and you have to learn how to do these things alone, without the help of your parents. This most excites me. I grew up in a household where I did not have my own independence. My parents are immigrants from Poland, so my household is very traditionally eastern European. We follow most of the Slavic traditions and customs, like not being able to shake hands over a doorway, taking your shoes off before you enter a house, or being serious most of the time. Slavic people are extremely strict and my parents are no different. I always have to be home by a certain time, or else I get punished, I can only hang out with people on certain days, but never multiple days in a row, and most importantly, school is a priority over all else. That's why I’m excited to go to college to finally gain the freedom that I have been yearning for. School can be a stressful environment, so it's important to maintain a healthy mind, body, and soul. There are many ways to help yourself but the most important are as follows: drinking water, eating healthy food, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress. Drinking water is extremely important as the human body is made up of 60% water. Even slight dehydration can have detrimental effects on your mood, motivation, and mobility. Doctors recommend that adults drink around 2-3 liters of water per day. It is the easiest way to improve your overall health as it can boost your metabolism, increase your energy levels, and aid in digestion. So water is an extremely important component of maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul. Eating healthy food can be difficult in college since you are out of your parent's house, and learning how to cook is a skill not everyone can master. But eating real, healthy food can make our bodies feel amazing. Usually, a balanced plate can consist of half fruit or vegetables, a quarter of protein, and a quarter of starch. Listen to your body and eat the food that makes you feel good and gives your body energy. Sleep can be a vital part of a healthy mind, body, and soul. In college with all the assignments, tests, quizzes, and essays it seems impossible to get 8 hours of sleep. But a good sleep schedule is extremely important to your overall health. Sleep improves memory, problem-solving ability, mood, happiness, and motivation. To be healthy, sleep is something that needs to be prioritized. Stress is something that every college student faces. Stress has a lot of effects on your health from different physical problems from headaches and stomachaches to mental problems like depression or anxiety. Taking care of your body can help relieve stress but there are other strategies that you can use. Organizing your schedule, having a hobby, or even simple things like taking a walk can help you relieve stress. Dealing with one's stress is important to have a healthy mind body and soul. Having a healthy mind, body, and soul is easy, as long as you take care of yourself and make yourself a priority.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”, so we need to set an example and implement the change that would make the world a better place. If we want to see a change in a place, we must first change ourselves. Change is indispensable, and we, as people, should learn to accept changes in life. People who learn to adapt to the change and bring the change themselves make history. I want to make history, I want to be the change in the world. Instead of facing the world with fear, we should always be bold. I am a biromantic demisexual individual, which means I feel romantic attraction to all genders, with a preference for women, and no sexual attraction until I have a strong emotional bond with someone. There have been multiple instances where I have faced discrimination for my orientation. I have been called slurs and bullied on varying degrees, from verbal to physical. I even faced discrimination in my community, as the ace spectrum is not taken as seriously as other orientations. But I want that to change. I want to be the change, the start. To see the world become more accepting is the change that I wish to see. But in order to see people be more accepting of different orientations, we must first reflect on ourselves and our local communities. I still have a very heteronormative view of the world and that's where the problem truly stems. With this, I still view straight as the “norm” and to truly become accepting of everyone, I need to change my thinking. To do this, I need to unravel what I was taught from a young age and instead listen to the people surrounding me. I am lucky since I am in a hetero-presenting relationship right now. I have a boyfriend who is a straight man and we look like a typical straight couple. But my friends who are in queer relationships have completely different experiences than we do and to truly unravel my heteronormative thinking, I need to listen to the experiences of others around me and work towards viewing all relationships as the norm instead of only straight presenting ones. But for the world to be more accepting, everyone needs to have that change in their thinking. I believe all people should be more empathetic and be taught empathy as children. If we are taught how to accept others from a young age, the world wouldn’t be such an awful place. It's important to me for the world to be more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, and that change is something that I believe is possible. I don’t want anyone else to feel the fear that I have felt. The hatred that has been put on me. And the violence that I have faced.