No single goal gives an individual's life meaning. Every day, it seems we strive for a perfect something that should grant complete fulfillment - a point of termination for efforts to self-satisfy on this journey called life. As a compassionate, family-oriented, growing leader and Believer, I have questioned my purpose. I love serving for hours, having my heart melt repeatedly at the joy of a child I help. I appreciate moments I share with a stranger at a nursing home celebration, who shares a valuable piece of wisdom that I still carry. Every conversation, laugh, and consolation with a loved one lights my spirit. I spend each day striving to be a positive light, thinking I find meaning in connection. On another day, the overachiever within weighs in on the matter. I strive to earn the highest grades, skip ahead, and challenge my mind, hoping to make an impact that will eventually give back to the community that built me. I'll advocate with my mind. I see myself striving for new goals, thinking that I find meaning in my work. Yet, as I question further, I understand these things are only parts of my journey. The needle will perpetually rise if I focus on impermanent accomplishments and relationships. I find life's meaning hides in the journey. Personal satisfaction is found in fostering understanding and appreciation for the experiences we are blessed to have. The frustration of trusting that each step is going to get us somewhere is followed by retrospective relief that the step was taken once we do reach that spot. Value is created through reflection, understanding that life is a confusing mess that just makes sense. As I have strived to do, one must simply take time to consider how daily setbacks and achievements give this journey meaning.

"In a world where you get to begin anew each day, pursue endless possibilities, and face down the pressure of making decisions that impact a legacy, do not allow yourself to forget that the only person you have to live with at the end of the day is yourself." Strength. Beauty. Integrity. Leadership. According to Pew Research, these are some of the top characteristics expected of individuals in America. All youth progress through life trying to contend with especially harsh and diverse expectations from family, friends, teachers, and superiors. More often than in generations past are they faced with moral crises and early life decisions to make. Many youth crack under this pressure too early, resulting in a country that is rampaged with youth suicides, mental health deficits, insecurity, and hopelessness. On the other end of the spectrum, youth may become arrogant, overworked adults with extreme complexes. Neither of these outcomes hold much hope for a great, improved future of America. Our generation needs more than ever to have people who are present in their lives with unconditional support and love. Young people, including myself, need to know that their lives will not fall apart if they stop trying to be the embodiment of their ancestors' hopes. Quite frankly, we can never become great if we never take time to discover for what it is we have been destined. For this reason, my piece of wisdom is not cut from my usual cloth of optimism and dedication. I don't send a message guaranteeing love or success with proper preparations and higher goals. With my sentence, I give a voice to the silent void within every youth that wishes to be filled. I simply express my unconditional love and permit everyone who reads my sentence to discover their own dream.

From my earliest memory of tree climbing with friends, I have always been a proponent for diversity. I maintain a general curiosity never limited to a lens of race and culture. I love discovering lifestyles, traditions, hobbies, interests, and quirks that make people individuals. This passion has graced my life with innumerable intriguing conversations with both people I know well and those simply passing through my path. Supporting and embracing equality and diversity has become a personal journey for me. A Black American youth, my interest in US, Caribbean, and African Black cultures and history has peaked. From this foundation, I eagerly explore other cultures, understanding similarities and variations. I cook multicultural dishes with my family, discovering uses and significance of various ingredients. My personal love of languages fuels five-and-counting years of Spanish studies. I work through French, Swahili, and Hindi, with many other languages and countries on my futures list. These investigations, although intriguing and valuable, serve as avenues for connection to others. I refuse to make anyone around me feel misunderstood. Taking greater strides to convert these beliefs into action, I collaborated with teachers to lead our campus' first Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Despite doubt from several, 180 families came. I was overwhelmed with the unity and appreciation as I watched people of all ages listen to poetry and join dances around volunteers proudly representing their roots. Months later, we broke through again with the first Black History Celebration. Students and their families shined with the understanding that their voices matter and their cultures are significant. Since then, several students have approached with their own cultural traditions, hoping for similar programs in the years to come. I will continue expanding these stories into an International Cultural Exposition. I intend to advocate for diversity and equality throughout my life.

At this moment, I type under the comforting shade of a Florida oak in vibrant grass, listening to uplifting tunes. A few minutes ago, I enjoyed a peaceful lunch hearing about my mini me's day. Yesterday, I had a heartfelt conversation with a friend who was moving on to another stage in her life. Last night, I had a serious talk with my parents, their unending care and involvement in my life yet another sign of their love. I am happy. I am usually the joyful, optimistic individual in every group. I always naturally drift to the brighter side. As I continue to self-reflect, I refine the source of that infectious happiness. It is not the absence of problems that makes me happy, although I always maintain a knack for problem-solving. In reality, I find light in purposely seeking good in everything and everyone I engage during this beautiful journey, especially when during difficult times in my life. Identifying positive characteristics in the worst everyday experiences is a challenge. When I was younger, I used to seek perfect, movie-like moments, those amazing times with friends and family that appear picture-perfect in Disney’s promotions. As I think now upon every grandmother summertime cooking session, scavenger hunt with cousins, and hilarious but always enlightening family retreat across nearby states, the happiness I feel comes from funny remarks of loving family, selfless devotion and sacrifices, and perseverance I see exemplified in those around me. Today, as I prepare to enter this world commonly labeled as cruel and competitive, I go understanding that even though circumstances are not ideal, I have the power to create positive change by adopting a positive outlook on life. I am happy, not by materialistic or promoted fads, but by the challenge of finding beauty in today's “broken” world.

Sometimes, the greatest inspiration comes from the most arduous situations. In Thomas Keneally’s “Schindler’s List,” I found this truth quite apparent. A true Holocaust story, the heartbreaking novel followed a business savvy, compassionate German man who risked his life to save thousands of Jews under his assignment. Oscar Schindler’s factory became a rare refuge within Hitler's antisemitic land. This book successfully captured valuable leadership lessons while sharing the light of one man’s contribution during dark times. It began with naive, young Schindler celebrating a promotion to German factory manager. As Schindler gradually registered his counterparts’ wrongdoing and chose morality, I freshly viewed history’s hated Nazis as inexperienced youth. Despite pressure from associates, imprisonment, and multiple threats of death by concentration camp, Schindler embodied true leadership by refusing to demean anyone. Even as Germany’s defeat progressed, Schindler ignored temptation to flee with Nazi leaders to ensure that his factory remained untouched. Schindler demonstrated great levels of integrity, courage, and compassion. In several imprisoned Jews’ lives, individuals initially shown unperturbed by German censuses were later imprisoned with heavy regrets regarding career and relationship decisions. Although I pray history avoids another genocide, the book clearly illustrates the value of taking time, within this fast world, to savour every moment and relationship. The Jews demonstrated powerful unity, remaining supportive and faithful to their beliefs despite conflict. As they remained authentic in misery, I firmly believe that I can persevere through my challenges without conforming to limiting expectations. Although several novels depict great people and events, this book uniquely captured the hope and dignity one person can initiate despite impositions. Oscar Schindler’s list of workers, or Schindler’s List, remains a symbol of hope, perseverance, and integrity to history. For me, it will perpetually inspire effort to make a positive impact at every stage of life.

Growing up, I held firm to my family’s core values. They taught me to actively look for opportunities to remain selfless and give back. As I grow older, I want to make a difference in the world. I have embraced a passion to fight for children and civil rights as an advocacy attorney. I will enjoy a future involved in foreign services, utilizing my enthusiasm for languages and cultures to address international human rights concerns. The lack of collaboration and effort to build interpersonal understanding today is dangerous. However, I found that community service helps bring people from all walks of life together. In middle school, I volunteered at community events with local organizations including the Police Department, Fire Department, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.), and the State Highway Patrol. Once, I assisted at a community baby shower, where information and supplies were distributed to struggling pregnant women. I gained unforgettable memories and encountered amazing personalities in other kids, organization representatives, and emergency responders. Around the room, people from all stages of life shared advice, joked, danced, and found joy and support while collaborating with others. I emphasized the value of unity through leadership positions in several service-based organizations. As NJHS president for two years, I led holiday toy and book drives, appreciation projects for less appreciated school faculty members, annual days of reading to kindergarten students, and projects writing cards to veterans, elderly members, and hospitalized children. I have seen firsthand that service connects individuals and allows them to become more socially confident and aware. My parents raise me to be humble and grateful for the opportunities I am afforded. At a Soul Santa function, less fortunate families enjoyed turkey giveaways, toys, and holiday cheer. I felt ashamed for fretting over dinner and shopping. During this particular service, I saw volunteering deeply impact struggling families. At my volunteer table, I gave free toys to children, feeling uplifted as they grabbed the largest plushies. One young girl came up to the table and quickly passed the largest and most alluring toys. Tentatively, she reached forward and selected a tiny doll. My heart melted at the visible happiness on the girl’s face. She expressed a level of joy I would not have exhibited had our roles been reversed. I was filled with humility. The simple things I often overlook overjoyed many of these families. My service is a strong reminder to myself to remain thankful for the blessings I may take for granted. It was also a reminder that there are still several children who are suffering in poverty. The following year, I had the opportunity to make a small difference in some of these kids’ lives with my family. COVID made it even harder for parents in impoverished areas to purchase holiday gifts. Together, we packaged dolls with notes of encouragement from fictional characters, leaving an email address to continue conversations with the children who received the surprises. I hope to continue helping less fortunate individuals in my community. Furthermore, I understand that prejudice is extremely detrimental. As a young woman of color, I work hard to represent myself well and motivate other minority children. I have devoted time to tutor younger students in Mathematics, Spanish, and English. As one of my school's most active National Spanish Honor Society members, I became the highest fundraiser after selling 30 Ayuda Bands in two weeks to support a Guatemalan child’s education. I will continue this project annually as my school’s new chapter president. This year, I dedicated two weeks of my summer to work with younger children. I tried to be a role model for the kindergarten students, implementing life tips and questions about their future aspirations into camp activities. I want them to believe they can do great things, regardless of their background. To directly address some of the world’s issues, I collaborated with my sister on a project entitled, “Perspectives from Around the World: Many Cultures, One Human Race.” We created engaging videos to be shared during the schoolwide Advisory period. Likewise, when I volunteer, the unconscious biases I hold are recognized and challenged. My organization, the AKA’s Ivy Roses, volunteered at the Miracle Villages elderly center. Before my arrival, I felt nervous about serving elderly people. Although I loved grandparents, part of me wondered if they would be strict, irritable, and “bingo-focused” elderly people I’ve heard about. I was paired with a man named Howard. He said I reminded him of his daughter, cracked jokes, and shared stories. Everyone was sweet. After spending time the with elderly residents, I can walk away knowing I was partly right. They do love their bingo! Community service connects people by discrediting the negative preconceptions that keep us from helping each other. I will forever remember that experience as a reminder to never prejudge someone and to fight for those facing unjust discrimination. I remain optimistic toward life. My teachers say I add light to the classroom, making time for others as well as my schoolwork. I have completed 138 service hours since sixth grade, volunteering around campus and the community. At home, I create unique greeting cards, choreograph dance performances, and write personalized poems for family. I enjoy serving as an acolyte at church and hope to go on a mission trip. As an attorney, I will give pro-bono hours to disenfranchised individuals. I will mentor youth in technology applications. Through foreign outreach and missions, I would educate less fortunate children worldwide. I don’t have to look beyond my time helping the community around me to discover the value of service. While volunteerism brings people together, spreads joy, and creates understanding, it helps me become confident when meeting new people, appreciate my blessings, and reject stereotypes. These are lessons I will carry throughout every stage of life and demonstrate for others. As I enter my future, I plan to make a positive impact. Mohandas Gandhi was right, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

I want to dedicate my life to serving others. At five years old, I decided to become a teacher, figuring that I could reach youth before they got into trouble. As I aged and my interests grew, I embraced a passion to fight for children and civil rights as an advocacy attorney. I will enjoy a future in foreign services, utilizing my enthusiasm for languages and world cultures to address international human rights concerns. As a computer lover, I will implement information technology. I am committed to strengthening my academic, social, and leadership capabilities. I aspire to succeed academically. My parents always emphasized education, encouraging me to be “at least two grades ahead”. I developed a diligent work ethic and hunger for learning. I enjoy completing brain challenges, solving puzzles, producing digital flyers and presentations, and reading. In seventh grade, I was inducted into the National Spanish Honor Society (NSHS), National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), and Mu Alpha Theta as the youngest member, and participated in my school's first Middle School S.G.A. I earned a Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in 8th Grade and an Adobe Photoshop Certification in 9th. I intend to take two additional Adobe Program Certification classes to expand my digital and professional skills. I will get the Biliteracy State Seal, study abroad in Latin America, and become a polyglot. I will begin Dual Enrollment courses at 15 towards an Associates degree by high school graduation, an undergraduate degree in International Affairs, and a Juris Doctor degree. I remain optimistic toward life, determined to make positive differences for others. My teachers say I add light to the classroom, making time for others as well as my schoolwork. I was the first sixth grade Student of the Month and Principal’s Honor awardee in seventh. I completed 138 service hours since sixth grade, volunteering around campus, serving at an elderly home, donating to charities, tutoring younger students, and participating in events with M.A.D.D., the Police and Fire Departments, and the Highway Patrol. At home, I create unique greeting cards, choreograph dance performances, and write personalized poems for family. I enjoy serving as an acolyte at church and hope to go on a mission trip. As an attorney, I will give pro-bono hours to disenfranchised individuals. I will mentor youth in technology applications. Through foreign outreach and missions, I would educate less fortunate children worldwide. I want to be a servant leader, inspiring and influencing others to make change in this broken world. This year, as a Student Council member, FBLA secretary, SNHS vice president, and NJHS president for a second term, I lead service projects to impact my school and community. I will always give my best and encourage others to do the same. I will fight for by beliefs because I am tired of seeing people judged and suffering. I continue to strive for excellence. As I advance in my pursuits, I am dedicated to reaching my full potential and achieving my purpose of helping others become their best.

During the first months of 2020, I was on Cloud 9 - or at least, that was what I'd believed. I looked forward to Middle School graduation. I already started discussing carpool summers, high school classes, bigger club service projects, and other intricate details of freshman year with my classmates. I left for Spring Break on March 13th, eager to transition to high school upon my return to campus. Then, COVID happened. School was cancelled for the remainder of the semester and I would begin freshman year as a distance learner for the entirety of the 2020-2021 school year. It was hard to miss a year of firsts - my first dance, awkwardness at lunch, locker time, and more memories. I saw sophomores, juniors, and seniors disappointed by lost trips, prom nights, grad bashes, and other once-in-a-lifetime events. I told myself that this year was a waste and felt terrible. However, someone dear to me shared a valuable lesson. My English teacher had her class study a poem entitled, "The Rose that Grew From Concrete" by Tupac. It described a rose's perseverance and victory over a seemingly impossible circumstance. She introduced to us an important key to life: Your mindset determines your attitude and your success. It was hard initially, but I returned to my optimistic nature. It was true that I could not interact with my peers as easily. Yet, the Digital Age was made for connecting with the surrounding world. Not only did I grow closer to my loved ones, but I repaired relationships with old family friends and classmates from previous schools. I also joined a leadership platform for youth, the Tallo Community, and became one of its most influential members. I "met" other teens from around the world who were going through similar challenges. I used the opportunity to share lessons and encouragement from my experiences. The new digital format for school wasn't ideal, but distance studies gave me more time to focus on my individual development. Although community involvement and academic success were commendable accomplishments, I realized that I was wearing myself out by not including time for myself between these activities. The pandemic gave me time to reflect, identify this problem, and make corrections. Now, I have experienced greater self-growth. I researched and found several scholarship and internship opportunities for high school students, many of which I would never have uncovered with my busy schedule at school. I won the 8th Grade Best and Brightest Essay Contest and the Dr. Martin D. Jenkins Award for Highly Gifted Black Scholars, achievements I could have never imagined pre-COVID. I arranged more solid career plans with my parents and meet with my guidance counselors about career options. Consequently, I prepared a three-year plan to earn my Associates of Arts degree by high school graduation and will be an official Dual Enrollment student at the age of 15 this Fall. I am working towards an undergraduate degree in International Affairs and a Juris Doctor degree. I have clarified my career plans and am an aspiring advocacy attorney. I intend to fight for international human rights, with emphasis on those of children. I believe that if I can impact children, I can help change the world's future. Without the pandemic, I would not have the focused plans that I currently use to guide my future. This time enabled me to focus and deepen my spiritual life. On July 29th, 2020, I rededicated my life to Christ. It was one month before I started high school. I have felt so much peace since that day and experienced even more success in my academics and community activities. Although the pandemic brought several challenges and family loss for me, I will forever remember this time as a period of spiritual rebirth. The pandemic reminded me that although the troubles of this world appear drastic and impossible to overcome, my friend Jesus is just as faithful as He is loving and kind (John 16:33). I never dreamed of being where I am today. Jesus marked me as His own and shared unselfish grace daily. I look forward to serving as a beacon of light for others as I learn to follow His steady, loving guidance. I now consider life from a new paradigm, remembering the lesson that was practically thrown in my face throughout 2020: Everything around me may change, but I control how I react. I can spend time wallowing in the misery of everything I missed, or I can take advantage of the perceived losses to create personal wins. I decided to try the latter option during the pandemic and it pushed me onto a greater stage of success in my life. Although it came with a high, painful price, the pandemic brought me clarity and a renewed passion for life.

Growing up, I held firm to my family’s core values. However, as I progress through high school, I strive to better understand myself. As I grow older, I want to make a difference in the world. I soon discovered that the process of finding my identity greatly involves my community. Community service brings people from all walks of life together. I completed 72 service hours in middle school, volunteering with various local organizations at community events. One memorable service was a community baby shower, where information and supplies were distributed to struggling pregnant women. When the crowds came, I was surprisingly not shy. I gained unforgettable memories and encountered amazing personalities in other kids, organization representatives, and emergency responders. Around the room, people shared advice, joked, danced, and found joy and support while collaborating with others. Service not only connects individuals. It has helped me become more socially confident. My parents raise me to be humble and grateful for the opportunities I am afforded. At a Soul Santa function, less fortunate families enjoyed turkey give-aways, toys, and holiday cheer. I felt ashamed for fretting over holiday dinner and shopping plans. I saw volunteering deeply impact struggling families. At my table, I gave free toys to children, feeling uplifted as they grabbed the largest plushies. One young girl came and quickly passed the largest, most alluring toys. Tentatively, she reached forward and selected a tiny doll. My heart melted at the visible happiness on her face. She expressed a level of joy I would not have exhibited had our roles been reversed. I was filled with humility. The simple things I often overlook overjoyed many of these families. My service is a strong reminder to myself to remain thankful for the blessings I may take for granted. When I volunteer, unconscious biases I hold are recognized and challenged. My organization, the AKA’s Ivy Roses, volunteered at the Miracle Villages elderly center. Before my arrival, I felt nervous about serving elderly people. Although I loved grandparents, part of me wondered if they would be strict, irritable, and “bingo-focused” elderly people I’ve heard about. I was paired with a man named Howard. He said I reminded him of his daughter, cracked jokes, and shared stories. Everyone was sweet. After spending time the with elderly residents, I can walk away knowing I was partly right. They do love their bingo! Community service connects people by discrediting the negative preconceptions that keep us from helping each other. I will forever remember that experience as a reminder to never prejudge someone. I want to be a servant leader, inspiring and influencing others to create change. As a Student Council member and NJHS president, I lead service projects to impact my school and community. As National Spanish Honor Society vice president, I organize activities to raise awareness for diverse cultures. I serve on my local library's Teen Advisory Board to plan programs for local youth and volunteer at Teen Court to offer rehabilitation alternatives to juvenile offenders. I enjoy serving as an acolyte at my church and hope to go on a mission trip. As an aspiring children and international human rights attorney, I will spend my life encouraging individuals living below their potential to greater by donating pro bono hours to disenfranchised members of my community. I will mentor youth in technology applications. Through foreign outreach, I would educate less fortunate children worldwide. Community service connects, empowers, and fosters understanding between people, while building confidence, appreciation, and acceptance. I am dedicated to reaching my full potential and helping others in my community be their best.

I want to dedicate my life to serving others. At five years old, I wanted to become a teacher. As I aged and my interests grew, I researched different careers. I embraced a passion to fight for children and civil rights as an advocacy attorney. As a computer lover, I hope to implement information technology into my work. I would enjoy a future involved in foreign services, utilizing my enthusiasm for languages and world cultures to address international human rights concerns. I am committed to strengthening my academic, social, and leadership capabilities to reach my goals. I aspire to succeed academically. My parents always emphasized education, encouraging me to be “at least two grades ahead”. I developed a diligent work ethic and a hunger for learning. I enjoy completing brain challenges, solving puzzles, producing graphics using Microsoft applications, and reading. In seventh grade, I was inducted into the National Spanish Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta, becoming the youngest member of these high school organizations. I participated as a founding member in my school's first Middle School S.G.A as well. I earned a Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in 8th grade by demonstrating proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel. I was the only person in my class who completed the coursework for all four programs by the end of the school year. This year, I received my Adobe Photoshop Certification. I intend to continue my studies in two additional Adobe Program Certification classes to expand my digital and professional skills. I will begin Dual Enrollment courses as a sophomore next semester to earn an Associates of Arts degree by my high school graduation, towards an undergraduate degree in International Affairs and my Juris Doctor degree. I hope my drive for personal success will accelerate me to my dream schools of Harvard, Stanford, and Yale University. As a language and culture enthusiast, I want to reach people around the world. I devoted myself to the study of Spanish, attempting to connect with Latinx individuals in my community. I am learning French, Swahili, and Chinese vocabulary to communicate with other locals often overlooked. I joined Model United Nations to gain perspective on world conflicts nd develop my public speaking skills. As a member and, currently, vice president of the National Spanish Honor Society, I participated in several activities to raise awareness and support for language studies and the Hispanic culture. I helped organize a schoolwide Hispanic Heritage Month Lunch Celebration, which showcased traditional dishes, dances, and clothing from Latin America. I became our highest fundraiser by selling 30 Ayuda Bands in two weeks to support a Guatemalan child’s education. At the Modern Language Exposition (MLE), I earned Superior Rankings in the high school poem recitation and impromptu speaking categories as a 7th and 8th grade student, respectively. I diligently studied for the annual National Spanish Exam to earn my school’s only Gold Medal in 7th grade and Silver Medal freshman year, one of only two medals earned during the pandemic. Next year, I will have completed all requirements for the Biliteracy State Seal. I hope to study abroad in Latin America as an undergraduate student and become fluent in additional foreign languages. I remain optimistic towards life, determined to make positive differences for others. My teachers say I add light to the classroom, making time for others as well as my schoolwork. During middle school, I completed 72 community hours, volunteering around campus, serving at an elderly home, donating to charities, and tutoring younger students in Math, English, and Spanish. I dedicated weekends to serve with M.A.D.D., the Police and Fire Departments, and the Highway Patrol at community events. I joined my library’s Teen Advisory Board and serve as a juror in the Teen Court Program, a rehabilitation alternative for juvenile offenders. At home, I create unique greeting cards, choreograph dance performances, and write personalized poems for family members, who tell me that the surprises always produce a smile. These experiences enable me to understand and appreciate the value of losing myself in the service of others. I intend to continue to humbly serve my peers, attempting to touch at least one person's life each day. As a Christian, I wish to spread light and hope at every stage of my life. I participated in my church’s youth choir, witnessing to others through music. I currently enjoy serving as an acolyte at my church and hope to go on a mission trip abroad. As an attorney, I will give pro-bono hours to disenfranchised individuals. I plan to mentor youth in technology applications. Through foreign outreach and missions, I will educate less fortunate children worldwide and advocate for their rights. I will work hard to fight for my beliefs in my future career. Through my service, I hope to demonstrate the love of God to as many people as I can reach. I aspire to become a servant leader, inspiring and influencing others to help improve the community. As a Student Council representative, I challenged myself to find ways to motivate my peers to remain actively involved in their education and participate in distanced morale-increasing events during the pandemic. Serving as the National Junior Honor Society president for a second year, I had the privilege of leading service projects to impact my school and community. In addition to the society's annual activities, I initiated gratitude projects for underappreciated faculty members, organized a service day of reading to kindergarten students to commemorate Dr. Seuss Day, hosted schoolwide holiday toy and book drives, started a birthday grams fundraiser, and sent cards to veterans, hospitalized children, and elderly citizens in nursing homes. I will always give my best and encourage others to do the same. I strive for academic, social, and leadership excellence. As I advance in my academic pursuits toward my future, I will not waste my opportunities. I am dedicated to reaching my full potential and achieving my purpose of helping others be their best.

I am blessed to be raised surrounded by a family that thanks Jesus daily for His miracles. We are not poor, but my family made sure that I knew we are not rich either. Relatives constantly remind my siblings and I to appreciate God's blessings and never to take His love for granted. I grew up toting a book and my children's Bible everywhere I went. I remember once begging my father to even let me bring my little Bible to a day summer camp, but much to my dismay he would not, for fear that it would be ruined as we played outside. As a compromise, I read on the car ride to and from camp each day. Maintaining this same level of dedication to my spiritual relationship, I thrived in a childhood safe in the arms of Jesus, sheltered from the evils of the world which affected my classmates. Throughout my elementary school years, I maintained my optimistic and eager pursuit of life. I loved telling my classmates about the Bible stories I read and the "great big God" watching over all of us. Despite bullies and insecurity as the labelled "teacher's pet", I kept a habit of praying for hours in my bed after my parents tucked me in each night. These prayers simply consisted of me recounting every aspect of my days to Jesus, thanking Him for the little things, and asking Him to help my family and friends. I would even send my gratitude for the angels He always kept nearby. Jesus never missed a prayer, and I am grateful for those nights of peaceful conversation. Little did I know that my faithfulness for these years would result in God moving me to one of the greatest levels of my life thus far. I was an African American girl at a D-rated school. Two weeks into my first year of middle school, Jesus moved me into one of the hardest charter schools to gain acceptance to in my region. My entire life changed. I was given opportunities to excel in accelerated classes grades ahead, join high school societies from middle school, and plan my future. The world was opened to me, and I was grateful to God and my forever best friend, Jesus. I continued sharing the message of salvation, love, hope, and acceptance with my peers. I looked for every opportunity to serve my community. I volunteered at the library before school, helped my teachers, planned school activities for students, visited an elderly center, walked in awareness marches for breast cancer and drunk driving, and served with several school and local organizations. I served at church and continued studying my Bible as before. I gave of myself for the sole purpose of helping others. Nevertheless, God rewarded me. I received several honors that connected me to mentors and organizations that are helping me prepare for college and my future. Over the last year, my faith in Jesus was tested more than ever. During the first few months of quarantine, my family started listening to online sermons from various preachers, with physical church no longer an option. Eventually, Sunday became "Sermon Day", all of us gathering in the front room to enjoy the Word and one another's company. During this time, I started to really understand the significance of faith in God. I knew I was only touching the surface of my relationship. I wanted to go deeper and strengthen my connection with Jesus. On July 29th, 2020, I rededicated my life to Christ. It was one month before I started high school. I have felt so much peace since that day and experienced even more success in my academics and community activities. Although the pandemic brought several challenges and losses for me, I will forever remember this time as a period of spiritual rebirth. The pandemic reminded me that although the troubles of this world appear drastic and impossible to overcome, my friend Jesus is just as faithful as He is loving and kind (John 16:33). In 3 months, I will be celebrating my first anniversary of fully living with and for Jesus. I never dreamed of being where I am today. Jesus changed my life from the day I was born, marking me as His own and sharing unselfish love and grace each day. I look forward to my future with Jesus, serving as a beacon of light for others as I learn to follow His steady, loving guidance.

I believe none have addressed the topic of legacy quite as well as Cal Ripken, Jr., a baseball legend from the 2000s. He stated, "To be remembered at all is pretty special." I am not implying that I will not achieve exemplary things during my lifetime. Rather, I hope the impact of the blood, sweat, and tears I dedicate to every aspect of my personal growth, career, and those around me extends beyond my name. I will be dissatisfied if my legacy simply consists of heart-warming ceremonies and honorary statues placed in my hometown. My legacy will not be limited to tangible objects that are quickly forgotten. Neither will it be easily categorized and ignored. Regardless of my future path, I intend to create widespread impact that will direct people away from me, and closer to my Heavenly Father and the suffering people of the world who need attention much more than my ego. Legacy is not simply the way others celebrate one's life. It is determined by events that dominated an individual's life and, consequently, how others remember her. Some people are documented in history for extraordinary professional lives. Singers, athletes, entrepreneurs, and world leaders typically fall into this category. Others leave more personally meaningful legacies, honored for their devoted, selfless servitude to ensure the success of those in their lives. Many of us carry legacies of these individuals in our hearts. They are mothers, teachers, first responders, and others who make daily sacrifices for the greater good. Finally, there are individuals who are infamously remembered for the things they lacked. These people include dictators, disgruntled neighbors, arrogant people, and several referenced as "those who shall not be named", who made little effort to seek out the good of this world or give back to their communities. They are remembered, in essence, for wasting life and forever remain examples of "what not to do." I want my legacy to be graced with qualities from every category, even the final one. My life will be dedicated to the pursuit of self-development and a love of helping others. Professionally, I am preparing to become an advocacy attorney, fighting to make heard those who are often silenced and ignored. I am blessed with the academic and personal success I currently experience. I plan to spend my life encouraging individuals living below their potential to return to the right path with achievements I know are possible. I will defend the innocent and guilty, advocating for civil rights and true justice. I will impact as many lives as I can reach. My legacy in the courtroom will be one of integrity, efficiency, faith, and diligence. Personally, I am an optimistic, Christian young lady who wants to leave a legacy of enjoying each minute, while spreading the light of salvation. I use my academic excellence not to boast, but as an opportunity to gain my classmates’ trust to tutor and mentor them. My faith is not support for a superiority mentality. I work to live out the lessons I learn in church about qualities including unconditional love, acceptance, forgiveness, and trust. I have led some of my classmates to Christ and simply been a friend to others enduring difficulties at home. Beyond school, I volunteer with various members of my community. These experiences are humbling, reminding me that there is far more to legacy than fame. It is a privilege to make connections and live in a way that permits one to even be remembered. Regarding the perceived negative aspect of my legacy, I hope that people understand that I am human. Several individuals become enveloped in legends' perfect biographies, idolize them, and miss the significance of their stories. I never intend to conceal my mistakes, regardless of possible embarrassment. I know nothing is wrong with making mistakes if I learn and grow from them. I want my lifestyle of perseverance and drive to serve as evidence that success is possible for people who feel constrained by memories of their past mistakes. John Maxwell once commented, "A wise person learns from their mistakes; a wiser person learns from the mistakes of others." I hope to exemplify this principle through my legacy. Legacy is not a single, intangible concept. For me, it is a lifestyle. I will never stop striving for personal success and that of those around me until my time on Earth ends. I will not waste my only opportunity to leave an example of higher living for others to follow, my legacy.