I love playing, creating, or just listening to music. My best memories involve music, and the best part? I can return to those memories by playing those old summer hits, TV show themes, or movie scores. "Hey Soul Sister" by train for leaving McDonald's play places, the theme song to Frasier reminds me of watching my dad's shows with him, and the score to Bolt reminds me of the early morning's honeyed-light when I'd play my favorite DVD until it was time to start the day. My favorite things to do while listening to music are arts & crafts—clay, crochet, or just doodling. I love to create in my spare time, even if it results in a lack of space for creations after too many drawings/little handmade trinkets. Someone in my life shares that very same love of music: my youngest brother. I was 9 years old when I received the gift of a second little brother. I was a helping hand wherever my parents needed me, and by the time he was nine months old, I was his favorite person. I'd brag about it to everyone, albeit annoyed I couldn't ever get a moment to myself. When my brother was three, he had been using my tablet to play games, so he knew my old password, "family," which he typed into everything: computer, mom's phone, and every search bar available. One day, he typed it into Spotify to find a song called "Family." The first song he fell in love with. Also, one of his first words was "Family" when he'd scream/sing the song. That was until he lost all of his developed words. Just before 2020, my youngest brother was diagnosed with autism, which explained why his speech would develop and then disappear. We helped push him to ask for things verbally, "I want to go to the playground," "I'm hungry," and "I want mom". But as quarantine hit, we had to somehow keep his attention to his speech lessons on Zoom calls. But when he got back his first word, we were overjoyed. He could say, "No," his eyes lit up when he realized we understood him. That change made him pay more attention to lessons and excited to learn the next word. That happiness is the sort of change, this spark, the power of speech, and the realization that your voice matters, which is the change I want to create. I'm going to college to better my future career as a Pediatric Speech Pathologist & Sign Language Instructor for children eight and under. I want to give kids, deaf or speech-delayed, the ability to converse. To say what they feel and have it be understood. I want to help kids find their voices like a speech pathologist helped my youngest brother find his.

My Mimi once ran a summer camp for my cousins and me when I was young. The six of us will carry the memories of snow cone syrup stinging our tounges, the inflatable swimming pool’s smell of summer-sun-heated plastic and chlorine, and fighting off bathroom water bugs. She was a fantastic grandparent. Years after, Mimi was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December of 2021; she was 53. She moved an hour away from her home into ours. My parents scrambled together money to pay for nurses, ambulances, and hospital visits. Her chemo treatment turned into hospice care on my 15th birthday. I looked after my little brothers and the house, and I had to quit band since my parents had no time to drive me to practice. She sadly passed in late April 2022; not to our surprise, we had already brought the family over to say goodbye. After her passing, my parents had to deal with selling her house. When this happened, I was becoming a better caretaker for my brothers and a more disciplined worker. Between Mimi’s passing, my younger brother’s college education, starting in two years, and taking care of my youngest brother, who has special needs, my family has decided that I will pay for college on my own. I plan to take care of my youngest brother in later years and make room in my home as my parents did for my Mimi. This scholarship will be a significant change for me. With your help, I’ll be just a little farther out of the tunnel of college debt. And be better able to care for my family when needed.

I love playing, creating, or just listening to music. My best memories involve music, and the best part? I can return to those memories by playing those old summer hits, TV show themes, or movie scores. "Hey Soul Sister" by train for leaving McDonald's play places, the theme song to Frasier reminds me of watching my dad's shows with him, and the score to Bolt reminds me of the early morning's honeyed-light when I'd play my favorite DVD until it was time to start the day. My favorite things to do while listening to music are arts & crafts—clay, crochet, or just doodling. I love to create in my spare time, even if it results in a lack of space for creations after too many drawings/little handmade trinkets. Someone in my life shares that very same love of music: my youngest brother. I was 9 years old when I received the gift of a second little brother. I was a helping hand wherever my parents needed me, and by the time he was nine months old, I was his favorite person. I'd brag about it to everyone, albeit annoyed I couldn't ever get a moment to myself. When my brother was three, he had been using my tablet to play games, so he knew my old password, "family," which he typed into everything: computer, mom's phone, and every search bar available. One day, he typed it into Spotify to find a song called "Family." The first song he fell in love with. Also, one of his first words was "Family" when he'd scream/sing the song. That was until he lost all of his developed words. Just before 2020, my youngest brother was diagnosed with autism, which explained why his speech would develop and then disappear. We helped push him to ask for things verbally, "I want to go to the playground," "I'm hungry," and "I want mom". But as quarantine hit, we had to somehow keep his attention to his speech lessons on Zoom calls. But when he got back his first word, we were overjoyed. He could say, "No," his eyes lit up when he realized we understood him. That change made him pay more attention to lessons excited to learn the next word. That happiness is the sort of change, this spark, the power of speech, and the realization that your voice matters, which is the change I want to create. I'm going to college to better my future career as a Pediatric Speech Pathologist & Sign Language Instructor for children eight and under. I want to give kids, deaf or speech-delayed, the ability to converse. To say what they feel and have it be understood. I want to help kids find their voices like a speech pathologist helped my youngest brother find his.

I love playing, creating, or just listening to music. My best memories involve music, and the best part? I can return to those memories by playing those old summer hits, TV show themes, or movie scores. "Hey Soul Sister" by train for leaving McDonald's play places, the theme song to Frasier reminds me of watching my dad's shows with him, and the score to Bolt reminds me of the early morning's honeyed-light when I'd play my favorite DVD until it was time to start the day. My favorite things to do while listening to music are arts & crafts—clay, crochet, or just doodling. I love to create in my spare time, even if it results in a lack of space for creations after too many drawings/little handmade trinkets. And the person who sparked that love for crafts was my Mimi. My Mimi (Grandma) once ran a summer camp for my cousins and me when I was young. The six of us will carry the memories of snow cone syrup stinging our tounges, the inflatable swimming pool's smell of summer-sun-heated plastic and chlorine, and fighting off bathroom water bugs. She had us paint cement sandals one day, decorate glass bowls the next, and make windchimes the day after. Years after, Mimi was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December of 2021; she was 53. She moved an hour away from her home into ours. My parents scrambled together money to pay for nurses, ambulances, and hospital visits. Her chemo treatment turned into hospice care on the exact day of my 15th birthday. I looked after my little brothers and the house, and I had to quit band since my parents had no time to drive me to practice. She passed in late April 2022; not to our surprise, we had already brought the family over to say goodbye. After her passing, my parents had to deal with selling her house. My Mimi's passing, combined with my younger brother's college education, starting in two years, and taking care of my youngest brother, who has special needs, my family has decided that I will pay for college on my own. I plan to take care of my youngest brother in later years and make room in my home as my parents did for my Mimi. But before I primarily care for him, I will go to college. In college, I want to gain community with people who like me for me and whom I can depend on. Find my 90s sitcom group of friends. I also would like to gain enough experience to be successful in my future career as a Pediatric Speech Pathologist & Sign Language Instructor for children eight and under. I want to help kids find their voices like a speech pathologist helped my youngest brother find his.

There are numerous ways to assist others, from volunteering in a soup kitchen to being prepared to help others in an emergency. However, the most impactful way for me to help someone is to teach them. When you teach another person a new skill, perspective, or value, you create the change you want to see in the world. In this instance, someone helped me learn always to choose kindness. Those lessons are why community involvement isn’t just crucial, but it begins the change for good we yearn to see in the world. It was a hot, heavy summer morning that had a dawn of 80°F. I, seven years old, visited Walmart with my mom and younger brother for our weekly grocery shopping trip. After checking out, Mom took us to the subway to break a $20, and as she tried to entertain my hungry brother, I heard a heavy scattering of coins falling from a young mother’s bag. Since I was nearby, I went over without thinking to help pick up the mountain of coins. But, just when I was about to put the second set of handfuls into the woman’s bag, she stopped my hands, with a grateful expression saying I could keep what I had picked up. I was confused but smiled and said my “thank you(s)” before proudly walking over to my mom holding up the coins. Even though I was the one to help her in this example, she taught me that there were rewards to assisting others, albeit not always tangible rewards. While I got the coins, she saw how her kindness impacted me. Beyond that, she was the first adult outside my family I had supported. Looking back, I realize she’s one of my favorite people, even though I never saw her again. She gave me a passion for helping others, seeing that warm, grateful expression on others’ faces because of my aid. I want to teach people, too. I will partake in my second annual Royse City Chamber Emerging Youth Leaders’ Kids’ Entrepreneur Fair & Neon Night Fun Run this April. To give kids a taste of what being an independent vendor is like—teaching them money skills and how to sell themselves & their products. I’m going to college to pursue a career in pediatric speech pathology and sign language instruction to help kids find their voice. I aim to be like that young mother to the young students and patients I will mentor. I want to inspire a fire in them to help others like I will help them communicate. Maybe they’ll keep something from me like I did the young mother. I still have one of the quarters from that day; I keep it in a bag on my corkboard. I’m purchasing a frame for the coin to have it on my college desk.

There are numerous ways to assist others, from volunteering in a soup kitchen to being prepared to help others in an emergency. However, the most impactful way for me to help someone is to teach them. When you teach another person a new skill, perspective, or value, you create the change you want to see in the world. In this instance, someone helped me learn always to choose kindness. Those lessons are why community involvement isn’t just crucial, but it begins the change for good we yearn to see in the world. It was a hot, heavy summer morning that had a dawn of 80°F. I, seven years old, visited Walmart with my mom and younger brother for our weekly grocery shopping trip. After checking out, Mom took us to the subway to break a $20, and as she tried to entertain my hungry brother, I heard a heavy scattering of coins falling from a young mother’s bag. Since I was nearby, I went over without thinking to help pick up the mountain of coins. But, just when I was about to put the second set of handfuls into the woman’s bag, she stopped my hands, with a grateful expression saying I could keep what I had picked up. I was confused but smiled and said my “thank you(s)” before proudly walking over to my mom holding up the coins. Even though I was the one to help her in this example, she taught me that there were rewards to assisting others, albeit not always tangible rewards. While I got the coins, she saw how her kindness impacted me. Beyond that, she was the first adult outside my family I had supported. Looking back, I realize she’s one of my favorite people, even though I never saw her again. She gave me a passion for helping others, seeing that warm, grateful expression on others’ faces because of my aid. I want to teach people, too. I will partake in my second annual Royse City Chamber Emerging Youth Leaders’ Kids’ Entrepreneur Fair & Neon Night Fun Run this April. To give kids a taste of what being an independent vendor is like—teaching them money skills and how to sell themselves & their products. I’m going to college to pursue a career in pediatric speech pathology and sign language instruction to help kids find their voice. I aim to be like that young mother to the young students and patients I will mentor. I want to inspire a fire in them to help others like I will help them communicate. Maybe they’ll keep something from me like I did the young mother. I still have one of the quarters from that day; I keep it in a bag on my corkboard. I’m purchasing a frame for the coin to have it on my college desk.

**A Voice for Change: How a Scholarship Will Empower My Journey in Speech and Hearing Sciences** In the quiet corners of our small Texas town, where the vast sky stretches endlessly above and the days flow with a gentle rhythm, a single moment changed my life forever. I remember sitting on the porch, holding my younger brother’s hand as he tried to find the words to express what he needed. His struggle to communicate, a challenge rooted in his autism, became the spark that ignited my passion for studying speech and hearing sciences. That evening, under the warm glow of the setting sun, I made a promise to myself: I would dedicate my life to understanding and helping others like him, to bridge the gap between silence and speech. This scholarship represents a critical step toward realizing that promise and achieving my vision of success. Growing up with a younger brother who has autism has given me a unique perspective on the challenges of communication. From a young age, I watched as he faced difficulties in expressing his thoughts and needs. His frustration and isolation were palpable, and my heart ached to see him struggle. I remember the day when, after countless hours of therapy and practice, he finally managed to say “Mom” for the first time. The joy and relief in his eyes were profound, and it was then that I truly understood the power of effective communication. It wasn’t just about words; it was about connection, understanding, and the ability to navigate the world more easily. This personal experience has shaped my academic and career aspirations. I want to pursue a degree in speech and hearing sciences to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to help individuals like my brother. Success for me is not defined by personal accolades or achievements alone but by making a tangible difference in the lives of others. It means being able to contribute to the field in a way that helps bridge communication gaps, providing support and advocacy for those who face similar challenges. However, pursuing this dream requires more than just determination and passion. It involves navigating the complexities of higher education and gaining access to the resources and training necessary to make a meaningful impact. This is where the scholarship plays a crucial role. The financial support from this scholarship would ease the burden of tuition and associated educational expenses, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies and practical training. It would enable me to attend a top university with a strong program in speech and hearing sciences, where I can learn from leading experts and gain hands-on experience in clinical settings. The opportunity to work directly with patients, conduct research, and engage in specialized coursework is essential for my development as a future speech-language pathologist. Moreover, this scholarship would support my participation in internships and workshops, which are vital for gaining real-world experience and building a professional network. These experiences will not only enhance my academic learning but also prepare me to enter the field with confidence and competence. By engaging in these opportunities, I will be better equipped to contribute to research and practice, ultimately helping to improve communication therapies and support for individuals with speech and hearing difficulties. In addition to the academic and professional benefits, the scholarship would allow me to participate in outreach programs and advocacy efforts. I am passionate about raising awareness and providing resources for families dealing with communication challenges. By sharing my experiences and knowledge, I hope to inspire and support others facing similar struggles, just as my brother has inspired me. Success, for me, is not just about achieving a degree or finding a job; it’s about making a difference in the world through my work. It’s about using my skills and experiences to help others find their voices and connect with the world around them. This scholarship is not just a financial aid; it’s a stepping stone toward achieving that vision of success. In conclusion, the support from this scholarship would be transformative for my journey in speech and hearing sciences. It would provide me with the necessary resources to pursue my passion, gain essential experience, and make a meaningful impact in the field. Most importantly, it would help me fulfill my promise to myself and my brother—to bridge the gap between silence and speech, and to be a voice for change and understanding. As I look toward the future, I am driven by the hope that, with this support, I can turn my aspirations into reality and make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.

**Exploring the Boundaries of Our Understanding: The Importance of Unveiling the Universe** As I embark on my academic journey, the question of why we should strive to deepen our understanding of the universe has become increasingly compelling to me. The pursuit of knowledge about the cosmos is not merely an academic exercise but a profound endeavor that touches on the essence of our existence and our place in the grand tapestry of reality. In this essay, I will explore why it is crucial to enhance our grasp of the universe and outline the concepts and ideas I intend to employ in this pursuit. **The Intrinsic Value of Understanding the Universe** The quest to comprehend the universe extends beyond scientific curiosity; it resonates with a deeper philosophical and existential quest. Our understanding of the universe fundamentally shapes our worldview and, by extension, influences how we interact with our environment and each other. The more we learn about the universe's fundamental workings, the more we uncover the principles that govern our own existence. For example, understanding the laws of physics not only explains celestial phenomena but also informs technological advancements that improve human life. One of the most profound aspects of this pursuit is the way it can inspire a sense of wonder and humility. The more we learn about the vastness and complexity of the universe, the more we realize how small and interconnected we are. This perspective can foster a greater appreciation for the fragility of our planet and the need for responsible stewardship. Furthermore, by exploring cosmic phenomena, we uncover the fundamental processes that shape our own world, from the formation of stars to the development of planetary systems. **The Interplay of Curiosity and Practicality** From a practical standpoint, the benefits of expanding our understanding of the universe are manifold. Advances in cosmology and astrophysics have led to technological innovations that permeate everyday life. For instance, the development of algorithms for analyzing astronomical data has found applications in medical imaging and data compression technologies. The drive to explore the cosmos often leads to technological breakthroughs that ripple through various fields, demonstrating the interconnected nature of scientific inquiry and practical advancements. Moreover, the quest for understanding the universe can stimulate economic growth and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and thinkers. Investing in space exploration and related research initiatives not only advances our scientific knowledge but also generates high-tech jobs and fosters educational opportunities. The spirit of exploration, embodied in missions to Mars or the study of black holes, captivates public imagination and encourages young people to engage in STEM fields, ensuring a pipeline of talent and innovation for the future. **Concepts and Ideas for Understanding the Universe** To contribute meaningfully to the quest for understanding the universe, I plan to focus on several key concepts and ideas that are central to contemporary cosmology and astrophysics. These include: 1. **The Nature of Dark Matter and Dark Energy**: Despite constituting most of the universe's mass-energy content, dark matter and dark energy remain largely mysterious. Investigating these elusive components is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the universe’s structure and evolution. I am particularly interested in the intersection of theoretical models and observational data in unraveling the nature of these phenomena. 2. **Quantum Mechanics and Relativity**: The reconciliation of quantum mechanics and general relativity remains one of the greatest challenges in modern physics. Exploring theories such as quantum gravity and string theory offers the potential for groundbreaking insights into the fundamental nature of spacetime and the behavior of particles at the smallest scales. By delving into these theories, I aim to contribute to a unified framework that can explain both the cosmic and subatomic realms. 3. **Cosmological Observations and Data Analysis**: The use of observational data from telescopes and space missions is vital for testing theoretical models and refining our understanding of the universe. Developing expertise in data analysis techniques and leveraging advanced technologies, such as machine learning, can enhance our ability to extract meaningful information from astronomical observations. This approach not only aids in validating existing theories but also in discovering new phenomena. 4. **The Role of Interdisciplinary Approaches**: Understanding the universe requires integrating insights from various scientific disciplines, including physics, astronomy, chemistry, and even philosophy. An interdisciplinary approach allows for a more holistic perspective and fosters innovative solutions to complex problems. I plan to engage with diverse fields of study to gain a comprehensive understanding of the universe and its myriad components. **Conclusion** The quest to better understand the nature of our universe is an endeavor that transcends the boundaries of science and touches upon fundamental questions about existence and our place in the cosmos. By exploring the intrinsic value of cosmic knowledge, the practical benefits of scientific advancements, and the key concepts driving contemporary research, I hope to contribute to this grand pursuit. The challenge lies not only in unraveling the mysteries of the universe but also in applying this knowledge to enrich human life and inspire future generations. As I continue my academic journey, I am driven by the conviction that our exploration of the cosmos is a testament to our enduring curiosity and our quest for meaning in the vast expanse of reality.

Billie Eilish, at a remarkably young age, has crafted a unique space in the music industry with her whispery vocals, haunting soundscapes, and deeply introspective lyrics. Her music resonates with millions around the world, including myself, due to its emotional depth and the manner in which it confronts complex human experiences. In this reflective essay, I explore three Billie Eilish songs that personally resonate with me: "when the party's over," "everything i wanted," and "Happier Than Ever." Each of these tracks touches on universal themes of loneliness, self-discovery, and emotional honesty, capturing intricate nuances of human emotion that I find profoundly engaging. "When the party's over" is a song that speaks to the feeling of isolation one can experience even when surrounded by others. The minimalist piano melody and Eilish’s soft vocals create a somber, yet soulful atmosphere that mimics the quiet that follows after social events. For me, this song captures the paradox of feeling alone in a crowd. Eilish’s lyrics articulate the exhaustion of keeping up appearances and the yearning for authenticity, which reverberates with anyone who has felt disconnected amidst superficial interactions. The vivid imagery of pouring out emotions like spilling drinks reinforces the struggle of maintaining one's facade in the public eye, which I find deeply relatable as it mirrors my own experiences with social anxiety and the pursuit of genuine connection. The second song, "everything i wanted," delves into anxieties surrounding self-worth and the pressures of achieving success. This song portrays a dream where Eilish grapples with fame and its potential to distort one's sense of self. The ethereal production, juxtaposed with the stark realities of her lyrics, creates a tension that underscores the vulnerability of ambition. Personally, this resonates with the relentless pursuit of perfection that many college students, including myself, face. The reassuring presence of Eilish’s brother, Finneas, in the song serves as a reminder of the importance of support systems, reinforcing the idea that despite challenges, we are not alone. This message is both comforting and motivating, encouraging acceptance of our intrinsic value beyond external achievements. Lastly, "Happier Than Ever" traces an emotional journey from suppression to liberation. The song begins with a tender, melancholic tone and evolves into a powerful, cathartic release. This transformation mirrors a personal evolution—navigating through toxic situations, acknowledging emotional pain, and ultimately breaking free. For me, this song encapsulates the importance of self-empowerment and emotional honesty in personal growth. The transition from a soft ballad to a raw, liberating anthem is a metaphor for the courage it takes to confront and break away from negative influences in one’s life. Experiencing such a transformation in sound and emotion, Eilish allows listeners, like myself, to vicariously experience this varied emotional journey and encourages self-reflection on one's own sources of unhappiness and growth. In conclusion, Billie Eilish’s music remains impactful due to its empathetic exploration of universal human experiences paired with her distinctive musical style. The songs "when the party's over," "everything i wanted," and "Happier Than Ever" are all sonically diverse yet thematically unified through their exploration of isolation, self-worth, and emotional liberation. Each track resonates with different facets of my life, providing introspective solace and empowering an emotional journey that many listeners can find identifying with. Through her artistry, Eilish continues to shed light on the depths of the human condition, offering a poignant reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and authenticity.