Anxiety has had a major impact on my life since middle school. Balancing my personal life, academics, and other responsibilities creates an overwhelming amount of stress at times. This mental health struggle, while difficult, has also taught me the importance of self-awareness and self-care that allow me to manage my stress in healthy ways. By prioritizing my mental health, I have found ways to keep the negative effects of anxiety at bay, helping me succeed academically and maintain meaningful relationships in my personal life. Academically, anxiety can be a driving force and a hinderance. I tend to procrastinate on some assignments by not giving myself enough time to do them. My anxiety kicks in as I thrive under the pressure of procrastination, yet too much hinders my efforts by increasing the time needed to do the assignment. I find myself unable to concentrate fully, as my mind races with worries about failing or not measuring up. I can become so fixated on the outcome that I struggle to break down tasks into manageable steps, which leads me to procrastinate. Learning this about myself has allowed me to schedule when I work on each assignment farther in advance than needed so that my anxiety cannot take over and create unnecessary stress. In my personal life, anxiety can cause me to withdraw from others or become overly self-critical. I tend to isolate myself when I feel overwhelmed, thinking I will be a burden to my friends or family. While I do enjoy some alone time, too much isolation can lead me to feel lonely. I have realized that avoiding social interaction is counterproductive, and I now make sure I have time with friends daily, even when I feel anxious. There are several coping strategies I use when my anxiety comes crawling back, including time with trusted friends, exercise, and my faith. While social interactions can bring anxiety, there are a select few friends I can count on to relieve my anxious thoughts. I have found that simple activities, such as grabbing coffee, taking walks, or watching a movie together, help me shift my focus away from stress and provide a sense of comfort. Socializing with friends provides a sense of relief and reminds me that I am not alone. Another way I cope with anxiety is by going to the gym. After a day of stressful classes, I can release that pent up energy through weightlifting. Exercise not only improves my mood but also clears my mind. This allows me to think more clearly and approach my academic work with a fresh start. The endorphin boost I get from physical activity relieves stress, and I have found that regular workouts are essential to maintaining both my mental and physical health. The most important way I cope with anxiety is through my faith. As a Christian, my faith is my rock. When feeling overwhelmed, I remember my favorite verse, Matthew 6:34: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own". This verse reminds me to only focus on one day at a time. Slowing down and realizing what I can and cannot control has significantly helped me manage my anxiety. These coping strategies allow me to maintain focus on my academic goals, nurture my relationships, and prioritize my mental health.

Growing up in a Christian household, I was always taught that faith is not just something you profess but something you live out through your actions. As a child, I experienced the power of faith through my family, church, and missions' trips, and these teachings instilled in me a deep desire to serve others. Today, I am deeply committed to living out that faith by serving people in need. I have surrounded myself with others that are passionate about their faith through my university, summer job, and future career goals. My faith has been a constant and unwavering guide in both the triumphs and challenges of my life. Throughout my childhood, I attended a Christian summer camp. The uplifting, God-honoring atmosphere allowed me to further understand my relationship with God. Now that I am older, I decided to work at the same camp to contribute to the loving Christian environment I experienced as a camper. However, my true understanding of faith's power to guide and transform became clear to me during a difficult period in my life. Since middle school, I have struggled with anxiety. The pressure to meet academic expectations, combined with social and personal challenges, left me feeling overwhelmed. I found it difficult to see beyond the immediate stress and worry that anxiety brought into my life. Dealing with these challenges was a test of my faith. I was confused on why God would let me feel such a terrible thing. I turned to Scripture for comfort and guidance and discovered my favorite verse. Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” In moments when anxiety felt unbearable, I held onto the belief that God was with me and that He would provide peace and direction. The support of my friends at youth group and the lessons I had learned from my involvement in ministry helped me navigate those tough years. With prayer, self-care, and the encouragement of others, I began to manage my anxiety more effectively. This experience strengthened my faith, reminding me that God’s peace and presence can bring healing. A more recent challenge I faced was applying for an internship. I have always dreamed of working for Samaritan's Purse and decided to apply for a disaster relief internship. I prayed about the opportunity and laid it all in God’s hands. I did not end up getting the internship position, but instead realized it is not the time for me to be in that position. The internship would have disrupted my college path and it is clear that I am meant to finish my degree on time. Looking to the future, I know that my faith will continue to be the driving force behind my journey. Whether serving with a non-profit organization, like Samaritan’s Purse, or going on missions' trips, I am committed to using my experiences, skills, and compassion to reach greater heights in service to others. I will continue to rely on God’s guidance and trust that He will lead me toward the right opportunities and give me the strength to overcome any obstacles. My faith is not just a part of my journey; it is the foundation on which I will build a life of service, outreach, and love.

As a child, I was certain that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I had a deep love for animals and a natural inclination to help those in need, so the idea of caring for animals seemed like the perfect combination of my passions. I loved playing with my family dog and observing all the different animals in my yard. However, as I grew older and gained more exposure to different career paths and life experiences, my understanding of my purpose evolved. Today, I am pursuing a career in emergency management, a field that combines my passion for helping others with my desire to make a lasting impact in times of crisis. When I was younger, animals were my primary focus. I was drawn to the idea of making a difference in their lives, ensuring they received the care and love they deserved. However, as I grew older, I realized that my interests and goals began to shift. I became more aware of the challenges faced by people in my community, particularly in times of natural disasters, accidents, and emergencies. One defining experience that altered my perspective was volunteering with my local fire department. I began training to be a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) to help those in need during critical moments. As I became more involved in emergency services, I realized that my skills and passions aligned more with helping people in distress than with caring for animals. The transition from wanting to be a veterinarian to pursuing emergency management may seem like a leap, but for me, it felt like a natural progression. While my childhood dream of being a vet stemmed from my desire to help others, my calling is to help communities during times of crisis and uncertainty. I am drawn to the strategic, behind-the-scenes work of emergency management, where I can help coordinate resources, plan responses, and mitigate the impact of disasters on people’s lives. The ability to provide aid, reassurance, and direction in chaotic situations suits me well. In emergency management, I can combine my skills in leadership, problem-solving, and quick thinking to make a significant impact on the lives of others. Whether it is planning for natural disasters, coordinating first responders, or managing crisis communications, emergency management allows me to use my strengths to help people in need, just as I had once hoped to help animals. I now see that my desire to care for others is not limited to animals, but extends to people as well, especially when they are most vulnerable. Though my career path has changed, my core desire to help those in need has remained constant. Becoming a veterinarian was about offering care and love, and now, my pursuit of a career in emergency management is about ensuring people’s safety, providing critical resources, and making a meaningful difference in the face of adversity. In both fields, my goal has always been to improve others' well-being, whether they walk on two legs or four.

Volunteering with my local fire department has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life, shaping both my personal growth and my commitment to helping others. When I first joined the department, I began training as a junior firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT), I knew I wanted to serve my community, but I did not realize how much this role would teach me about teamwork, resilience, and the true meaning of support. Over time, I have developed both technical and interpersonal skills that have helped me better serve others in times of crisis. Growing up, my dad, a volunteer firefighter, would take me to the firehouse, where I became inspired by the sense of teamwork and dedication within the department. Their passion for serving others left a lasting impression on me. After years of observing the impact they had on the community, I was eager to join the fire department myself. I enrolled in the EMT course and quickly began riding along with the ambulance team, learning how to provide medical care in high-pressure situations. I soon realized that being an effective firefighter and EMT is not just about knowing how to handle emergency equipment or respond to calls—it is about cultivating qualities like empathy, calmness under pressure, and the ability to motivate others when they need it most. One of the most important lessons I learned early on was the power of teamwork. In emergencies, everyone plays a role, and we are only as strong as the team working together. Whether responding to a house fire, a car accident, or a medical emergency, I quickly learned that success in these situations relies on clear communication and trust. Through this experience, I realized that true teamwork is not about being in charge; it is about empowering and supporting others. My role as an EMT also expanded my ability to offer emotional support and medical care. Many of the people we serve are experiencing some of the most traumatic and difficult moments of their lives. I have learned that sometimes the best way to help someone is simply by offering a reassuring presence and showing empathy. I recall a particularly difficult call where we responded to a patient dead on arrival. On that call, I realized that my role was not just to provide medical assistance, but to calm the family, offering comfort and reassurance in a way that would allow them to feel a sense of control amid chaos. Through volunteering, I have developed my ability to remain calm, think critically under pressure, and support people in moments of crisis. I continue to use these skills in college as I pursue a bachelor's degree in emergency, disaster, and crisis management. Every time I provide guidance, I am reminded that helping others feel capable, confident, and supported is just as important as offering physical help.

Throughout my life, I’ve embraced a deep sense of responsibility to make meaningful contributions to the world around me. Whether it’s through volunteering, supporting my peers, or engaging with local initiatives, I believe positive change starts with individual actions. The values of empathy, collaboration, and service have shaped not only my character but also the way I approach challenges. One experience that stands out in my journey of giving back is when I volunteered with my local fire department on ambulance calls. This experience allowed me to directly impact those in need and strengthened my understanding of the power of collective action and the importance of supporting others during tough times. My desire to join the fire department came from my dad, a volunteer firefighter who would often take me to the firehouse. Inspired by his example, I joined the fire department as soon as I could and enrolled in the EMT course. Part of the course requirement was to gain hands-on experience of ambulance rides, which exposed me to the urgent needs of different populations within my community. It was life-changing to witness the challenges people faced and realize how high the demand for medical assistance was. The sound of pagers going off at all hours of the night was a constant reminder of how much we take for granted. For some, even a peaceful night’s sleep is not guaranteed. What struck me most during this experience was the power of kindness. I was fortunate to work with a team of dedicated, well-trained professionals who remained kind and compassionate in every situation. It was not just about providing medical care; it was about offering warmth and reassurance in some of the most vulnerable moments of people’s lives. Whether it was calming a patient during a medical emergency or offering support to their families, every call was a humbling and eye-opening experience. These ambulance calls were a defining moment for me, reinforcing the idea that small actions can create meaningful change. I am now more committed than ever to using my skills, time, and resources to continue serving my community, whether through EMS services or other areas of need. I have brought this perspective with me to college and hope to pass it on to others. The calls I have been on serve as a reminder that, even in challenging times, kindness and collaboration can make a world of difference.

Winning this scholarship will help me pursue my future career goals by keeping financial stress from affecting me. There are many experiences I have had that have shaped me into the team player and community member that I am today. Throughout my middle and high school years, I played field hockey. Being a part of the team for such a long time has instilled core values that I still hold today. I played for three years in middle school and my junior and senior years of high school. I chose not to play my first two years of high school for mental health reasons, which I regret to this day. Being a part of the team was a great experience that allowed me to gain communication skills and friendships I still have today. I was anxious about rejoining the team after two years, but the other girls were very inviting and great peers throughout the rest of high school. Around the same time I rejoined the field hockey team, I began volunteering at my local fire department. At the time, I wanted to become an EMT. I started by taking the necessary courses to become an EMT and had been going on ambulance calls. Going on ambulance calls, no matter the circumstance, brought me a great sense of wholeness, as if I was made to help others. It was then I decided to pursue a career in emergency management. Earning my bachelor's degree in emergency management will allow me many opportunities to help others. The path I am currently looking to take is joining Samaritan's Purse's disaster relief program. Working in this field will allow me to help others across the country and possibly the world affected by disasters. There is an internship I plan to apply for to get more familiar with the program. Attending college in a different state has given me a different community to adjust to. While I am unable to volunteer with my fire department, I have been giving back to my new community in other ways. Along with my on-campus jobs, I have been babysitting for a local family. While this does not affect the whole community, I am honored to be a part of raising a member of the community healthily and responsibly. To give back to the community as a whole, my college holds a community action day once a semester. On this day, students can serve the community in various locations and ways. Through these service days, I have helped assemble care packages at a hospital and cleaned up a community center, which included picking up trash and cutting vines down from their fences. While these acts are small, the school has made a big difference in the lives of many community members. Other service acts involve cleaning up individual properties, painting buildings, picking up trash, and many other acts of service.

There are many ways in which I strive to help others. My passion for helping others be their best began at a young age when I started babysitting and helping out at the daycare my mother worked at. Spending time with all of the children opened my eyes as I was able to guide them through the day. However, I did not fully understand how important my babysitting experiences would be until I began volunteering at my local fire department. Babysitting helped me mature and learn responsibility, which was crucial in the fire department setting. I started by taking the necessary courses to become an EMT and had been going on ambulance calls. Going on ambulance calls, no matter the circumstance, brought me a great sense of wholeness, as if I was made to help others. It was then I decided to pursue a career in emergency management. Earning my bachelor's degree in emergency management will allow me many opportunities to help others. The path I am currently looking to take is joining Samaritan's Purse's disaster relief program. Working in this field will allow me to help others across the country and possibly the world affected by disasters. There is an internship I plan to apply for to get more familiar with the program. As I pursue my degree, there are several ways in which I help others in the meantime. The most prominent way is through my position as a resident assistant. As an RA, I am responsible for sixteen first-year students. There have been many instances throughout the past semester in which I have had to help residents be their best. These instances include resolving roommate conflicts, discussing rules, holding residents responsible for their actions, providing transportation, and even taking residents to the hospital. While I am only responsible for my residents, I have handled multiple issues involving other residents. I am willing and grateful that I was chosen for the position to guide and lead these residents through their first year of college. While being a resident assistant is my main responsibility, there are two other roles that I fill. On campus, I am a student security worker. This role allows me to care for students having security-related issues. There is a lot of trust required for this job. I am responsible for the safety of those on campus and the campus itself while on duty. I have also picked up a babysitting job for a local family. Getting to babysit is a blessing as I can help guide and correct his behaviors at an early age, thus preparing him to be the best version of himself. Through babysitting, volunteering at my local fire department, and the roles I fill at college have all equipped me with the skills and passion I need to help others be the best version of themselves. I have learned patience, the ability to adapt to the situation presented to me, and many other vital skills to better the lives of others.

@emma_darazsdi

Recently, I have taken advantage of multiple leadership opportunities. I have been a wilderness camp counselor for the past two months. Over this time, I have learned a lot about leadership. Each week, I get seven or eight campers I care for in multiple ways. To begin a typical day, my co-counselor and I cook breakfast for our girls over a fire. As the day goes on, I lead activities for my girls and get them to scheduled events on time. Events include meals, tent activities, and retreat center activities. Our wilderness campsite is connected to the retreat center by various trails. Each day, we take our campers to the retreat center for activities such as the pool, snack shop, or gift shop. Caring for these children and getting them safely and efficiently to and from events has strengthened my leadership abilities. While there is a lot of fun in running activities for my campers, there are also serious times that require good leadership skills. Many campers, especially the younger ones, can suffer from homesickness. Homesickness can be difficult to deal with since there is no cure I can provide. Campers will often open up to their counselors about issues at home which takes on a whole new level of responsibility. Handling issues like homesickness, illness, emotional, and behavioral problems takes patience and creative thinking. These skills are crucial to leadership. Another leadership opportunity I took advantage of was becoming a resident assistant at my college. As an incoming sophomore, this will be my first year as an RA. This leadership position is slightly different from my summer job. As an RA, I will have much older residents. I will be in the freshman girls dorms, which means this will be my resident's first college experience. Many issues may arise as an RA. I will be available for my residents no matter what they need. If they need to talk, need a ride, or have a more serious issue, I am there to help them. Guiding my residents through tough times is part of my job. I am also in charge of planning monthly events for my hall and the well-being of the girls. Being able to lead them through tough times or lend a hand when needed is what my job is all about. I am part of my school's security team as well. Security is a whole different level of leadership. I assist my chief with patrolling the campus and executing fire drills. On the weekends, I am one of two student workers in charge of the whole campus. Working for security has been a tedious yet exciting job. I am thankful that I get to help my campers, peers, and staff with their issues.

Ideally, I want myself to be known as a kind and compassionate person that always puts others over herself.

My favorite song is The Gospel is Rest by Elias Dummer, featuring Land of Color. This song has a Christianity view that talks about the stress and troubles we as humans deal with. The song proceeds to talk about asking God for help with these troubles. A big struggle for me is anxiety. Listening to this song allows me to place my burdens down and give it all to God because he is much stronger than I am. I know that he is in control and that if I put my faith in him, he will prosper me. This message never ceases to calm me down and restore my faith in God. One of my favorite lines from the song is, "I've heard it said: the Gospel is rest. Oh, how I need it." Applying this mentality has helped me numerous times as it reminds me how much I need God. I always feel the most peace and comfort after reading my Bible, praying, or listening to this song. The Gospel truly is rest.

Recently, I lost my Papap. He was the first in my family to pass away during my lifetime. He passed away this past July on my nephew's third birthday, which was an unfortunate coincidence. Before his death, he developed memory issues and would ask me the same questions every time I talked to him. He would ask me how college was going and if I liked it, but I did not move in until August. With this being my first time going away for college, he could not be confused with a past move-in. The last time I saw him alive, he was in a coma. I was planning on visiting him that weekend, but my parents advised he may not make it that far, so I went to see him that night. They were going to take him off life support that night since he had been in that state for over a week. I was given some alone time to talk to him, and even though he could not talk back, I knew he could hear me. I told him I had two weeks left until I moved into college since he was so excited about it. He had not moved in a week, but as soon as I updated him on my college, he picked his head up and turned it towards me, eyes still closed. This was the last time he moved before passing away. At first, I was considering going for my associate's degree or just into the workforce, but Papap's interest and excitement towards me going to college motivates me to graduate with my bachelor's degree.

A healthy lifestyle is important to me because of the many benefits it brings to my life. Not only does it keep my body fit, but it provides increased energy levels, a healthy heart, good digestion, and better sleep - just to name a few. And a healthy lifestyle is about so much more than just eating right. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, I also include exercise on a regular basis, stay hydrated with plenty of water, try to go to bed at a decent hour each night, and take time for self care each day. By adding these habits into my daily routine, it not only keeps me looking healthy on the outside, it makes me feel healthy on the inside; and that’s very important to me. Since I’ve started taking more time to focus on my health over the past few years, I feel like I’m glowing inside and out. I also know that as I get older, it becomes more vital to make time to care for my body. I know that by adding in and practicing these healthy habits now, I’m setting myself up for success as I age, truly turning these healthy habits into a natural way of life.

I embody selflessness by volunteering at my local fire department. I have been an official member of the Milford Fire Department since December 2020. Before I was old enough to become a member, I would go to the firehouse with my dad, a past volunteer firefighter, and current ambulance driver, to help run Saturday night bingo. My dad introduced me to different emergency services, and I immediately took great interest. As soon as I turned sixteen, I joined my local fire department. I recently completed a six-month-long EMT training course and will take the national exam soon. While working my way to this point of my career, I have been on many calls for various life-threatening reasons. My first call was a cardiac arrest, which became a dead-on-arrival (DOA). This experience was surreal and nerve-racking since it was my first time going on a call, and I knew the family personally. After experiencing that on my first call, I knew I was ready for a career in the EMT field. A more recent call of mine took place on the opposite end of the spectrum with a pregnant woman. She was extremely nervous; knowing that the child was going to be born soon, and a vaginal birth was not possible. When I first heard the call, I was filled with all sorts of emotions: happiness, excitement, confusion, and fear. Nevertheless, I was ready and put myself aside to focus on the comfort and well-being of the patient; keeping her calm and collected despite not knowing how she or the baby would end up. Thankfully, we safely made it to the hospital before the baby was born. Although I was not there when the child was born, it was an extremely meaningful experience that has further prepared me for the wide variety of calls I may experience while pursuing my career. While EMT is my focal service, I have also taken a junior firefighter class and plan to take more classes to continue my training in the fire service. In college, I will major in Emergency and Disaster Management. With my chosen major, I can provide emergency medical treatment for community members in need and help fight forest fires. Volunteering at my local fire department is the most selfless thing I have done thus far in my life to make a positive impact on my community and others. I am fortunate that, through my dad's interests, I was able to find the career that I was meant to be doing; especially at such a young age. I am looking forward to completing my education and continuing my career in a field defined by service to others as that, in and of itself, provides the greatest meaning to my life.

It was the most nerve-racking experience of my life, the day I took another step towards adulthood, the moment I realized that part of my child-like innocence had left me for good. It was a cold, winter night when that fateful call came in. “Unresponsive” the pager screeched. My dad and I rushed down to the firehouse as soon as possible, making it to the scene soon thereafter. Upon arrival, two older teens were frantically screaming for help, trying to tell us what was happening. I was friends with one of them. I know now what I did not know then: a first responder’s worst nightmare is knowing the patient or their family. We ran inside to continue compressions; sadly, the patient had already passed. I stood in that room amongst the patient's family, who had seemingly lost hope in our resuscitation attempt. I will never forget the look on his wife's face as she watched the love of her life slip away right in front of her eyes, without so much as a goodbye. My eyes widened. Is he really dead? Why is he so blue? I thought as the chilling realization of death rushed through my body. That day, I fathomed that this is what it means to be an EMT and that I may endure similar or far worse calls than this. Through this experience, I gained a new understanding of a career path, knowing full well that it was for me. And a greater appreciation for the joy and happiness I have in my life; knowing that, at a moment's notice, a loved one's life, or perhaps my own, could be taken away. Living with this understanding has shifted my perspective to appreciate the little things in life and show compassion and happiness to others.

I volunteer at my local fire department to help others in need. I have been an official member of the Milford Fire Department since December 2020. Before I was old enough to become a member, I would go to the firehouse with my dad, a past volunteer firefighter and current ambulance driver, to help run Saturday night bingo. My dad introduced me to different emergency services, and I immediately took great interest. As soon as I turned sixteen, I joined my local fire department. I recently completed a six-month-long EMT training course and will take the national exam soon. While working my way to this point of my career, I have been on many calls for various life-threatening reasons. My first call was a cardiac arrest, which became a dead-on-arrival (DOA). This experience was surreal and nerve-racking since it was my first time going on a call, and I knew the family personally. After experiencing that on my first call, I knew I was ready for a career in the EMT field. While EMT is my focal service, I have also taken a junior firefighter class and plan to take more classes to continue my training in the fire service. In college, I will major in Emergency and Disaster Management. With my chosen major, I can provide emergency medical treatment for community members in need and help fight forest fires. Volunteering at my local fire department is the most rewarding thing I have done thus far in my life to make a positive impact on my community and helping others. However, my dream career in the EMT and fire service fields are focused on helping other in need and affecting positive change in the community. I cannot wait to complete my education and begin this rewarding career.

If I had 1000 dollars right now, I would put it towards buying a car. In February, I drove on a slush-covered road and slid onto a tree stump, which led to a bent frame and a totaled car. Since then, I have been looking for a used car to buy for college. Used cars are expensive, and prices will only go up. As a seventeen-year-old working part-time, I do not have the income to buy a sustainable vehicle, gas, insurance, and maintenance. The costs of vehicles and college attendance are rising rapidly. To afford both, I plan on working while I am in school. Having a safe, reliable vehicle to transport me to and from work will help me pay off my student loans as I earn a higher education. I will attend Ohio Christian University nine hours from my hometown in August. While having a car in college is not necessary, it will help my family and me. It will be easier to bring my belongings to and from college since my mom, dad, and brother will travel with me along with their luggage. Another major plus of having a car and being so far from home is that I can drive myself home during breaks. My family will not have to waste time and gas picking me up. The money my family and I will save on travel expenses will help pay off student loans and minimize my student debt.

Superfoods are a great way to include a large variety of nutrients into your diet, without having to eat large quantities of food. When some people hear the word “superfood”, they may immediately think of exotic foods that might not be readily available at the local supermarket; foods such as jackfruit, rambutan, and maca powder. But the truth is, many of the foods you see on a regular basis, some of which you have been eating your whole life, are considered some of the best superfoods nature has to offer. Foods such as blueberries, kale, avocado, chia seeds, turmeric, and beets are extremely nutritious, readily available, affordable, and can be consumed in a variety of ways. One of the reasons I love superfoods is because they pack a nutritional punch, even in small quantities. By simply adding a sprinkle of chia seeds into your daily bowl of oatmeal, or slicing up an avocado to use as a taco topping, you’re giving your body a nutritional boost while still eating the foods you love. Another reason I enjoy adding superfoods to my diet is that it provides a variety of colors, flavors, and textures that add a little something special to each meal. Think of adding a handful of berries to a bowl of greek yogurt; adding turmeric to a smoothie and creating a rich, yellow color; sprinkling some cacao nibs into a bowl of ice cream. There are so many ways to add these foods into your diet, and ensure that you’re giving your body all the benefits they have to offer. Personally, my top two favorite superfoods are kale and avocados. Kale is great because it can be eaten cooked or raw. I’ve used it in stir-frys, soups, salads, and smoothies. But my favorite way to eat kale is by making kale chips. By simply washing the kale, rubbing it with olive oil, and sprinkling with seasoning of your choice, after a few minutes in a low temperature oven you have a delicious, satisfying, and healthy snack. Avocados are wonderful because they have a very mild taste, so they can be used in almost anything. I put avocado on toast, in my grilled cheese, as a salad topping, and in an omelet. The most interesting way I’ve ever used an avocado was in a brownie recipe. I was skeptical at first but they turned out to be some of the best brownies I’ve ever eaten. They were so creamy and rich, and because of their mild taste you couldn’t even taste the avocado. It was a surprise for sure. Whether you are adventurous and like the bold flavors of turmeric and golden berries, or are more conservative and would rather stick to the basic berries, nuts, and dark leafy greens, there are many ways to incorporate these foods into your diet. I love the versatility, the flavors, and the numerous health benefits that come with adding superfoods to everyday meals.

I became a volunteer EMT to help others in need. Whether the person who calls 911 needs a ride to the hospital or they are in critical condition, I want to be there for them and do everything in my power to help them. I have been an official member of the Milford Fire Department for the past year. Before I was old enough to become a member, I would come to the firehouse with my dad, a past volunteer firefighter now ambulance driver, and help out with Saturday night bingo. My dad introduced me to a life surrounded by the different kinds of emergency services, and I immediately took great interest. As soon as I turned sixteen, I joined my local fire department. My dad and I recently completed our six-month long EMT training course and are waiting for our chances to take the national exam. While working my way to this point of my career, I have been on many calls for many reasons. My first call was a cardiac arrest, which ended up becoming a dead-on-arrival (DOA). This experience was surreal and nerve-racking since it was my first time going on a call, and I knew the family personally. After my experience with that call, I knew I was ready for a career in the EMT field. While EMT is my focal service, I have also taken a junior firefighter class and plan to take firefighter one and two in the future, along with other courses once I am old enough to take them. During the firefighter class, I learned how to operate the radio, climbed into windows, practiced with the hoses, and crawled through buildings in the dark. Unfortunately, I could not complete the course due to being out of the state with family, but I plan to continue my training in the fire service. This upcoming fall, I will attend Ohio Christian University and major in Emergency and Disaster Management. This education will help me pursue my career as a fire line EMT. With my chosen major, I can provide medical treatment for patients and help fight forest fires. Volunteering at my local fire department is easily the most crucial step toward helping others that I have ever completed. I cannot wait to continue my education in the EMS world and work hard to positively impact and help others through my volunteerism and future career. Without my passion and love for helping others, I never would have followed this path to EMS.

I have been an official member of the Milford Fire Department for the past year. Before I was old enough to become a member, I would come to the firehouse with my dad, a past volunteer firefighter now ambulance driver, and help out with Saturday night bingo. My dad introduced me to the different kinds of emergency services, and I immediately took great interest. As soon as I turned sixteen, I joined my local fire department. I recently completed the six-month-long EMT training course and will be taking the national exam this Monday. While working my way to this point of my career, I have been on many calls for many reasons. My first call was a cardiac arrest, which ended up becoming a dead-on-arrival (DOA). This experience was surreal and nerve-racking since it was my first time going on a call, and I knew the family personally. After my experience with that call, I knew I was ready for a career in the EMT field. While EMT is my focal service, I have also taken a junior firefighter class and plan to take firefighter one and two in the future, along with other courses once I am old enough to take them. During the firefighter class, I learned how to operate the radio, climbed into windows, practiced with the hoses, and crawled through buildings in the dark. Unfortunately, I could not complete the course due to being out of the state with family, but I plan to continue my training in the fire service. This upcoming fall, I will attend Ohio Christian University and major in Emergency and Disaster Management. This education will help me pursue my career as a fire line EMT. With my chosen major, I can provide medical treatment for patients and help fight forest fires.

I became a volunteer EMT to help others in need. Whether the person who calls 911 needs a ride to the hospital or they are in critical condition, I want to be there for them and do everything in my power to help them. I have been an official member of the Milford Fire Department for the past year. Before I was old enough to become a member, I would come to the firehouse with my dad, a past volunteer firefighter now ambulance driver, and help out with Saturday night bingo. My dad introduced me to a life surrounded by the different kinds of emergency services, and I immediately took great interest. As soon as I turned sixteen, I joined my local fire department. My dad and I recently completed our six-month long EMT training course and are waiting for our chances to take the national exam. While working my way to this point of my career, I have been on many calls for many reasons. My first call was a cardiac arrest, which ended up becoming a dead-on-arrival (DOA). This experience was surreal and nerve-racking since it was my first time going on a call, and I knew the family personally. After my experience with that call, I knew I was ready for a career in the EMT field. While EMT is my focal service, I have also taken a junior firefighter class and plan to take firefighter one and two in the future, along with other courses once I am old enough to take them. During the firefighter class, I learned how to operate the radio, climbed into windows, practiced with the hoses, and crawled through buildings in the dark. Unfortunately, I could not complete the course due to being out of the state with family, but I plan to continue my training in the fire service. This upcoming fall, I will attend Ohio Christian University and major in Emergency and Disaster Management. This education will help me pursue my career as a fire line EMT. With my chosen major, I can provide medical treatment for patients and help fight forest fires. Volunteering at my local fire department is easily the most crucial step toward helping others that I have ever completed. I cannot wait to continue my education in the EMS world and work hard to positively impact and help others through my volunteerism and future career.

To me, happiness is found among the little things in life. I mostly find joy in nature and when I am with my friends. I love the serenity of being out in nature and how happy it makes me. Where I live, there is plenty to do outdoors. My friends and I will often go for a hike up to the knob (top of the mountain), swim in the creek, or spend the day rafting down the Delaware River. When I think of how joy makes me feel, it reminds me of the first warm day of spring when crisp, cool air blows calmly and the sun shines through the trees. Sometimes, I will go by myself to nap in my hammock, relax by the lake, go for a walk, or bike ride. As long as I am outside, I am joyous. Nature is my happy place, which never fails to bring me true joy.

One of my favorite hobbies is crafting. I most commonly latch hook. When my sister began to have kids, I made all of her children latch-hooks and turned them into pillows. I have made a soccer ball, Rainbow and sunshine, tiger, and dog. I used a soft towel for the back and sewed the pieces together to form a pillow. While my grandmother gave me her older sewing machine, I prefer to sew them together by hand. All four of the latch-hooks have been twelve by twelve inches. Recently I have made a bigger latch-hook for my boyfriend's birthday. It is a twenty by thirty-inch latch-hook of a buck with mountains and trees in the background. I used a green gingham fabric for the back of the pillow. With the leftover fabric, I made a smaller pillow. I added a zipper to the side of this pillow to allow the stuffing to be changed or added. Along with latch-hook, I also cross-stitch. I made smaller pieces such as a red and black gingham buck and a pineapple. Before my youngest nephew was born, I found a birthday cross-stitch at a yard sale. It had little woodland animal decorations, a spot for a birthdate, and a name in the middle. I am currently working on a red truck with a wreath on the grill as my cross-stitch project. At school, I am currently enrolled in a Ceramics 2 class. In this class, and in Ceramics 1, I have created many pieces. Some of those pieces include a vase decorated with grapevines and a container. We have recently been working on a juxtaposition project and another vase. We will soon be advancing to the pottery wheel. Ceramics is by far my favorite class of the day. I always look forward to it and am always wishing the class period was longer. I hope to continue ceramics as a hobby after I complete school and have the money to buy the necessary supplies.

Where I live, there is plenty to do outdoors. My friends and I will often go for a hike up to the knob (top of the mountain), swim in the creek, or spend the day rafting down the Delaware River. When I think of how joy makes me feel, it reminds me of the first warm day of spring when crisp, cool air blows calmly and the sun shines through the trees. Sometimes, I will go by myself to nap in my hammock, relax by the lake, go for a walk, or bike ride. Next year my goal is to major in Emergency and Disaster Management at a four-year college in hopes of becoming a fireline EMT. As a fireline EMT, I will be deployed for two weeks at a time to facilitate help with natural disasters across the country, possibly even the world. The natural disasters I could get sent to may include forest fires, hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes. I love nature and cannot wait to spend my career protecting it.

To me, joy means complete peace and happiness. I mostly find joy in nature and when I am with my friends. I love the serenity of being out in nature and how happy it makes me. Where I live, there is plenty to do outdoors. My friends and I will often go for a hike up to the knob (top of the mountain), swim in the creek, or spend the day rafting down the Delaware River. When I think of how joy makes me feel, it reminds me of the first warm day of spring when crisp, cool air blows calmly and the sun shines through the trees. Sometimes, I will go by myself to nap in my hammock, relax by the lake, go for a walk, or bike ride. As long as I am outside, I am joyous. Nature is my happy place, which never fails to bring me true joy.

I have been an official member of the Milford Fire Department for the past year. Before I was old enough to become a member, I would come to the firehouse with my dad, a past volunteer firefighter now ambulance driver, and help out with Saturday night bingo. My dad introduced me to a life surrounded by the different kinds of emergency services, and I immediately took great interest. As soon as I turned sixteen, I joined my local fire department. My dad and I recently completed our six-month-long EMT training course and are waiting for our chances to take the national exam. While working my way to this point of my career, I have been on many calls for many reasons. My first call was a cardiac arrest, which ended up becoming a dead-on-arrival (DOA). This experience was surreal and nerve-racking since it was my first time going on a call, and I knew the family personally. After my experience with that call, I knew I was ready for a career in the EMT field. While EMT is my focal service, I have also taken a junior firefighter class and plan to take firefighter one and two in the future, along with other courses once I am old enough to take them. During the firefighter class, I learned many focal firefighting skills. Unfortunately, I could not complete the course due to being out of the state with family, but I plan to continue my training in the fire service. When I go to college, I plan to major in disaster management and response and minor in fire science. This education will help me pursue my career as a fire line EMT. With my chosen major and minor, I can provide medical treatment for patients and help fight forest fires.

I have been an official member of the Milford Fire Department for the past year. Before I was old enough to become a member, I would come to the firehouse with my dad, a past volunteer firefighter now ambulance driver, and help out with Saturday night bingo. My dad introduced me to a life surrounded by the different kinds of emergency services, and I immediately took great interest. As soon as I turned sixteen, I joined my local fire department. My dad and I recently completed our six-month-long EMT training course and are waiting for our chances to take the national exam. While working my way to this point of my career, I have been on many calls for many reasons. My first call was a cardiac arrest, which ended up becoming a dead-on-arrival (DOA). This experience was surreal and nerve-racking since it was my first time going on a call, and I knew the family personally. After my experience with that call, I knew I was ready for a career in the EMT field. While EMT is my focal service, I have also taken a junior firefighter class and plan to take firefighter one and two in the future, along with other courses once I am old enough to take them. During the firefighter class, I learned many focal firefighting skills. Unfortunately, I could not complete the course due to being out of the state with family, but I plan to continue my training in the fire service. When I go to college, I plan to major in disaster management and response and minor in fire science. This education will help me pursue my career as a fire line EMT. With my chosen major and minor, I can provide medical treatment for patients and help fight forest fires.

It was the most nerve racking experience of my life, the day I took another step towards adulthood, the moment I realized that part of my child-like innocence had left me, only this time, for good. It was a cold, winter night, or should I say morning, since the incident occurred around three a.m., the time when that fateful call came in. “Unresponsive” the pager screeched, later to be recalled as CPR in progress. My dad and I rushed down to the firehouse as soon as possible, making it to the scene soon thereafter. Upon arrival, two older teens were frantically screaming for help, trying to tell us what was going on. I was friends with one of them, acquaintances really. I felt horrible seeing him this way, knowing that what we were called for was a life or death situation. I know now what I did not know then: a first responder’s worst nightmare is knowing the patient or their family. The EMT on call with my dad and I ran inside to continue compressions; sadly, the patient had already passed. I stood in that room amongst the patient's family, who had seemingly lost hope in our resuscitation attempt. I will never forget the look on his wife's face as she watched the love of her life slip away right in front of her eyes, without so much as a goodbye. My eyes widened. Oh my gosh is he really dead? Why is he so blue? I thought, as the chilling realization of death rushed through my body. That day, I fathomed that this is what it means to be an EMT, and that I may endure similar or far worse calls than this. By this experience, I gained a new understanding of a career path, knowing full well that it was for me. The thrilling, yet chilling experiences have since confirmed that this career is where I belong. I would be able to help others by saving lives and doing my best to keep the tragic result of my first ambulance call from happening again. This is not to say that every day on-call forebodes tragedy. A more recent call of mine took place on the opposite end of the circle of life in regards to a pregnant woman. She was extremely nervous, seeing as this child was definitely going to be born soon, and a vaginal birth was not possible for her in the moment. When I first heard the call, I was filled with all sorts of emotions: happiness, excitement, confusion, and fear. Nevertheless, I was ready. The accompanying EMT in the back of the ambulance had delivered a baby once before and seemed just as scared as the mother at the thought of doing it again. Thankfully, we safely made it to the hospital before the baby was born. Although I was not there when the child was birthed, it was still an extremely meaningful experience that has further prepared me for the wide variety of calls I may experience while pursuing my career. While becoming a fireline EMT takes hard work and dedication, I am making strides towards achieving my goal one call at a time. These past experiences have given me a new understanding of my strengths and weaknesses so that I am able to learn and grow as I advance toward my dream career.

I became a volunteer EMT to help others in need. Whether the person who calls 911 needs a ride to the hospital or they are in critical condition, I want to be there for them and do everything in my power to help them. I have been an official member of the Milford Fire Department for the past year. Before I was old enough to become a member, I would come to the firehouse with my dad, a past volunteer firefighter now ambulance driver, and help out with Saturday night bingo. My dad introduced me to a life surrounded by the different kinds of emergency services, and I immediately took great interest. As soon as I turned sixteen, I joined my local fire department. My dad and I recently completed our six-month-long EMT training course and are waiting for our chances to take the national exam. While working my way to this point of my career, I have been on many calls for many reasons. My first call was a cardiac arrest, which ended up becoming a dead-on-arrival (DOA). This experience was surreal and nerve-racking since it was my first time going on a call, and I knew the family personally. After my experience with that call, I knew I was ready for a career in the EMT field. While EMT is my focal service, I have also taken a junior firefighter class and plan to take firefighter one and two in the future, along with other courses once I am old enough to take them. During the firefighter class, I learned how to operate the radio, climbed into windows, practiced with the hoses, and crawled through buildings in the dark. Unfortunately, I could not complete the course due to being out of the state with family, but I plan to continue my training in the fire service. When I go to college, I plan to major in disaster management and response and minor in fire science. This education will help me pursue my career as a fire line EMT. With my chosen major and minor, I can provide medical treatment for patients and help fight forest fires. Volunteering at my local fire department is easily the most crucial step toward helping others that I have ever completed. I cannot wait to continue my career in the EMS world and work hard to help others with my dream career.

Although the dictionary definition of friendship is a relationship of mutual affection between people, it is much more complex than that. Friendship includes mutual emotions, trust, and love for a person. My best friend and I have been friends since elementary school. Through thick and thin, we have always been there for each other. Two years ago, she sadly moved ten hours away from our hometown. Although we can not see each other every day, we still have a great connection and continue to make memories with each other. We take turns flying between Kentucky and Pennsylvania to visit each other over the summer. Even though we do not talk every day, we do not need to. When we do FaceTime, call, or text, it feels like she never left. To me, friendship is more than just a relationship or seeing someone at school every day. Friendship is the stupid jokes shared, silly games played, and most importantly, the never-ending connection of trust and love that you will forever share.

Patience is a virtue that I cherish deeply. I was born and raised in a Christian home and was taught a lot about patience. Many Bible verses show just how important patience is. "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention" Proverbs 15:18. This verse is an example of how patience has brought peace into situations and helped resolve conflicts. I demonstrate patience to those around me in all kinds of situations. Whether it is letting someone who has been waiting at an intersection go in front of me or listening to a friend's problems, I do not hesitate to be patient. When my friends are not patient, it is upsetting. I could be extremely happy or upset, but if they are not patient enough to listen to me, I feel insignificant to them. There is no downside to having patience. The world would be a much better place if everyone showed the virtue of patience to others in their everyday life.

As a high school senior, I have a lot to think about this year. I must make many decisions that will set the course for the rest of my life. To achieve my career goal of becoming a fire line emergency medical technician (EMT), I volunteer at my local fire department as an EMT in training. I plan to attend a four-year college with a major in disaster management and a minor in fire science. After completing my schooling, I plan to be debt-free and buy a house of my own. Sadly, all the education I need to advance in my career costs a lot of money, too much money. Aside from my major, finances are the main component of my college search. I plan to compare college prices, apply for scholarships, and review federal aid to avoid as much college debt as possible. The first step I took to eliminate my future college debt was to complete my FAFSA. As I apply to colleges and begin to get acceptance letters, I compare the price of the schools with aid. To weigh the differences in the school's prices, I look at the starting price, scholarships from the school, financial assistance from the government, and other scholarships and grants that I earn to determine the best financially fitting school for me. While scholarships are a great way to eliminate college debt, they are not enough. Bold.org has been a truly great resource for me where I have had access to the scholarships I will need to be debt-free. I have attempted to use other scholarship websites. They can be very confusing and a waste of time. I have had countless experiences with other websites that show me scholarships that are already closed or that I do not qualify for, despite requesting those scholarships specifically. I have yet to win a scholarship on Bold.org, seeing as I am pretty new to it, but I hope to win and will not stop applying to scholarships until I am free of college debt. While scholarships are a great way to eliminate college debt, they are not enough. I began working at a local restaurant and saving as much money as possible to help me pay my future debt. I have only been working for the past six months but, I plan to continue working when I am home for summer break. By combining the money I earn from colleges, scholarships, grants, federal aid, and my job, I will avoid carrying college debt into my future.

One practical solution for helping those who struggle with mental health is by showing kindness and understanding. These are simple solutions that you do not need medicine or a degree in psychology to do. Whether you are there for someone while they are recovering from a panic attack or simply smiling at someone you pass on the street, you can change someone's day or even life with such a simple act of kindness. A recent occurrence where I used this practical solution was at work. One of the newer employees at my work has been diagnosed with anxiety. Some days she forgets to take her anxiety medication which results in her having anxiety attacks. Whenever this happens, a few of my coworkers and I have her take a break from working, get her some water, try to make her laugh, and most importantly, are kind and understanding. While none of us know how she is personally affected by anxiety, we understand that she struggles with it and show her nothing but kindness as a result. I have personally struggled with my mental health and was luckily able to get help from a therapist. The most important lessons I learned at therapy were how to control my breathing and mindset when I felt anxious. While the lessons I learned in therapy helped me immensely. I will not forget the patience, kindness, and understanding that my therapist had when helping me. Although my therapist showed me kindness through my struggles, a Ph.D. in psychology is not needed to show kindness and compassion to those with mental health issues.

The most prominent way I affect positive change for my community is by volunteering at my local fire department. I began helping out at the firehouse for Saturday night bingo. I would work in the kitchen to provide food and drinks for the bingo players. Once I was old enough to become a member of the department, I applied immediately. Shortly after I became a member, my dad and I took the EMT training class. With the skills that I have learned and the calls that I have been on, I have been able to help countless people in my community with circumstances ranging from a patient's first breath to a patient's last. The reason I am working to become an EMT is to help others. By doing so I positively affect my community. There is nothing more rewarding than helping others in need and experiencing the positive change that you helped create in their life.

My dream life begins with helping others. Since every dream life needs a dream job, I am working to become a fire line EMT. As a fire line EMT, I will be deployed for about two-week periods to provide medical attention to those affected by natural disasters. When I am not working, I dream of relaxing with my children, husband, and pets in our lovely home. I am not quite sure what my dream house will be like, but I know I want it to be in the woods with many acres. As for my family, I would like to have a few biological children and either adopt or foster teenagers. I feel that teenagers in the foster care system get the least amount of attention from adopting parents. As a teenager myself, I can not even imagine growing up without the loving family that I have now, much less no family at all.

I was born and raised in a Christian home by religiously influential parents. They taught me from a very young age Psalms 139: 13-14. "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." This bible verse demonstrates the fact that life begins at conception and that everyone's life is planned before they are even born. As I grew up and began to form my own views, I stuck with these beliefs and will always support pro-life movements. My personal experience with abortion was when my older sister was sixteen. She accidentally got pregnant and thought about getting an abortion because she was scared, confused, and ashamed. Fortunately, she had an overwhelming amount of support from friends and family to keep her baby. My nephew Trace is now thirteen years old and has already impacted the lives of so many people. If my sister had gone through with the abortion, she would have not only taken Trace's life but also ended his potential before it even began. His younger siblings would not have an older brother to look up to, his friends would not have him to play or hang out with, his teachers would have one less straight-A student, and so many more accomplishments that Trace has would have never happened. From his achievements thus far, I can see that he will do great things in the future. My sister has four children in total. Four years after having her second child she got pregnant with Henry. This pregnancy was rough for her from the start. She ended up having a miscarriage after two months. Our family was devastated. I cannot even comprehend how women who get abortions are not utterly devastated by the loss of their child after I experienced the loss of my future nephew and saw my sister and her family grieving. Another example of abortion has to do with my best friend's mom. When she was pregnant with her first child the doctors told her to abort her daughter because she may or may not be born with down syndrome. Thankfully, she did not listen to the doctors and later gave birth to a beautiful daughter without down syndrome. Having a disability does not make a person any less human or less worthy of life than you and me. To promote the value and dignity of the unborn I participate with my church in donating to our tri-state pregnancy center. Before the pandemic hit, my family and I were going to travel from our home in Pennsylvania to Washington D.C. for the Pro-life march. We plan to attend the next march to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

My favorite way to help others is through volunteer work and pursuing my future career. I have been involved in volunteer work since I was seven years old. My first volunteer experience was going on a missions trip to Minot, North Dakota. Every morning I would collect eggs from the chickens so that everyone could have breakfast. I would also play with the local children. This missions trip lead to other opportunities, like going to Webster Springs, West Virginia on missions trips. When I first started going on this trip, I would help out at the basketball camps for the local schools. I helped out here from age eight to eleven. I eventually became the assistant chef for our church group and locals that wanted to eat with us. My most recent volunteer work involves my future career. I became a junior member of my local fire department last year and since then, have taken the EMT training course. This course required students to go on calls. My call experiences allowed me to help others in need by providing medical attention and support. My volunteer work has helped others with all different types of needs.

The most important way that I improve the lives of elderly people in my community is by being a volunteer EMT. The majority of calls that I have been on have had elderly patients. While every call is different, I treat all patients will the love and respect they deserve as I care for them. Volunteering with my local fire department has opened up more doors for me to help the elderly. Before the pandemic, our firehouse would host bingo every Saturday night. I would work in the kitchen making food and drinks for the elderly players and cater to any assistance they may have needed. During the Holidays, we would host events at the retirement homes and spend time with the residents. For the past three years of high school, I have been in a combo class. Combo is a combination of English and Social Studies involved in projects and community outreach events. Every year we have fund raised crossword books, hats, scarves, glasses, socks, money, food, and more to donate to the senior homes in our area. During Christmas, we would go to the homes and sing Christmas songs to the residents as well. Throughout my time helping the elderly, I hope that I have made a positive impact on their lives.

Throughout my time reading, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, I have been inspired to not take my education and freedom for granted. My grammy passed this book down to my mom, who introduced me to it. The book takes place in Munich, Germany during World War Two, one of my favorite time periods to learn about. The narrator of the book is death who tells the story of a little girl named Liesel. Liesel experiences so much loss and destruction throughout her life, all told from death's perspective, yet she finds happiness in her troubles through books. To begin the book, Liesel and her brother are sent by their mother to live with a foster family. On the way to the foster family her brother suddenly dies on the train and they bury him at the next stop. His funeral is where Liesel finds her first book, a hand guide that fell from the grave diggers pocket. While she can barely read, she is still fascinated by books and wants to learn how to read them. Throughout the novel Leisel steals books from a bonfire, and even the mayor's wife. Her desire to learn gets her in trouble, yet to her it is always worth it. Leisel's foster father, whom she calls Papa, notices her love for books and her inability to read them. He begins to teacher her the alphabet and how to read. The basement walls of their house are covered in letters and words that she is learning. This book is filled with so many emotionally wrenching details that made me fall more and more in love with every page that I read. Leisel has a fire in her heart for the education and freedom she does not have that so many others take for granted.

My favorite book of all time is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. This book was passed down to me from my mom who received it from my Grammy. The book takes place in Munich, Germany during World War Two, one of my favorite time periods to learn about. The narrator of the book is death who tells the story of a little girl named Liesel. Liesel experiences so much loss and destruction throughout her life, all told from death's perspective, yet she finds happiness in her troubles through books. To begin the book, Liesel and her brother are sent by their mother to live with a foster family. On the way to the foster family her brother suddenly dies on the train and they bury him at the next stop. His funeral is where Liesel finds her first book, a hand guide that fell from the grave diggers pocket. While she can barely read, she is still fascinated by books and wants to learn how to read them. Throughout the novel Leisel steals books from a bonfire, and even the mayor's wife. Her desire to learn gets her in trouble, yet to her it is always worth it. Leisel's foster father, whom she calls Papa, notices her love for books and her inability to read them. He begins to teacher her the alphabet and how to read. The basement walls of their house are covered in letters and words that she is learning. This book is filled with so many emotionally wrenching details that made me fall more and more in love with every page that I read. I hope that my experience and love for The Book Thief interests you enough to read it yourself.

I believe that educational inequality is caused by three main factors, gender, race, and geographical location. Everyone should stand and fight against educational inequality because each human being has a different and special purpose that is meant to positively effect the world. Educational inequality is preventing so many people from reaching their potential and helping to make the world a better place. A personal form of educational inequality that I have been experiencing lately is due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that some schools are requiring that all students and staff must be vaccinated to even step foot on campus, those who stand firm in their beliefs against it cannot attend. This strips students, like myself, from attending certain higher learning institutions to further their education. There are quite a few colleges that I want to attend, but cannot even visit due to the fact that I am not vaccinated.

The biggest problem facing the world right now is the evil and selfish nature of mankind. All the problems in our world, past, present, and future, stem from the actions of mankind. Every problem from Adam and Eve to the COVID-19 pandemic is all caused by man's evil and selfish desires. We, as humans, are all born with a sinful nature. This sinful nature leads to choosing self over what is right. Any problem facing our world right now can be explained by man's actions towards others for their own personal gain out of greed and selfish desire, or coveting what others posses. One way we, the human race, can work on the evil and selfish nature of our kind is simple. Do your personal best every day to treat others with respect, love, and equality. Putting other's needs before your own is an amazing way to bring about a change in our sinful world. Imagine how much more wonderful the world would be if every human on the planet was helping one another and taking a stand for what is right. In the Bible, Jesus states it perfectly, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12. If we, the human race, were to listen to this word and take it to heart, so many worldly problems would be solved. The evil and selfishness that has been in our world since day one can be diminished by kind and selfless acts towards others.

One of the most recent and important steps that I have taken towards bettering my finances, other than applying for scholarships, is enrolling in the Personal Budget and Finance class offered at my high school. In the class I am learning how to manage my personal money, save for retirement, file taxes, credit, insurance options, and how the stock market works. From this class, the most helpful piece of financial advice that I have received is to create a working budget and not to stray from it. I am still in the process of adjusting my budget to make sure that it suits my needs perfectly. While doing so I am following this advice to the best of my ability with the money that I recently began earning at my new job. On average, I have worked about 3 days a week for the past five months, earning me a satisfactory amount of money for a seventeen year old. While this amount of money is enough for my current personal spending, it is not nearly enough money to pay for college. I do have the urge to spend my hard earned money on what I want, as does everyone, but instead, I am focusing it on my needs first. My top spending priorities are gas and college savings. With the budgeting tips that I am learning in Personal Budget and Finance class, I now know how to ensure that I am being smart with my money and putting the highest percentage I can towards my college savings.

One of the most recent and important steps that I have taken towards bettering my finances, other than applying for scholarships, is enrolling in the Personal Budget and Finance class offered at my high school. In the class, I am learning how to manage my personal money, save for retirement, file taxes, credit, insurance options, and how the stock market works. From this class, the most helpful piece of financial advice that I have received is to create a working budget and not to stray from it. I am still in the process of adjusting my budget to make sure that it suits my needs perfectly. While doing so, I am following the advice given to me to the best of my ability with the money that I recently began earning at my new job. On average, I have worked about 3 days a week for the past five months, earning me a satisfactory amount of money for a seventeen-year-old. While this amount of money is enough for my current personal spending, it is not nearly enough money to pay for college. I do have the urge to spend my hard earned money on what I want, as does everyone, but instead, I am focusing it on my needs first. My top spending priorities are gas and college savings. With the budgeting tips that I am learning in Personal Budget and Finance class, I now know how to ensure that I am being smart with my money and putting the highest percentage I can towards my college savings.

I try to have a positive impact on the world by staying kind and respectful to those around me. I am polite to others regardless of whether I know them or not, because I do not know what is going on in their lives. The last thing I want to do to someone is make their bad day worse. Whether they failed a test, lost a love one, or simply woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning, I do not want to be a factor in worsening their day. While in school, at work, or around others in general, I do not return bad attitudes or emotions that are projected towards me. I do my best to treat others the way that I would like to be treated. While everyone makes mistakes, like being disrespectful to others, we can all hold ourselves accountable for our actions and attitudes towards others to make the world a brighter, better place.