Success can take on many different forms. For some, it may be defined by academic achievements, while for others, it is the pursuit of personal passions and goals. In my case, success means overcoming obstacles, embracing resilience, and following my unique path toward becoming the best version of myself. My journey began with a fight for survival and continues today as I pursue my dream of excelling in both academics and athletics. Have you ever seen a baby bird that has fallen from its nest? That is how my mother described my twin sister and me on the day we were born, weighing less than two pounds each. Our eyes were still fused shut, and we relied on ventilators because our lungs were underdeveloped. My parents were told that even if we survived, we were at high risk for mental and physical disabilities. After 17 days of battling for life, my sister passed away. I continued my fight, and after 125 days in the neonatal intensive care unit, I was finally able to go home. Many might see my premature birth as a tragedy, but I choose to see it as a miracle. As Albert Einstein once said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.” My story isn’t one of tragedy—it’s one of triumph, perseverance, and growth. At the age of three, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and coordination. Basic tasks requiring balance and strength were difficult, and participating in sports alongside my peers seemed like a distant dream. I wasn’t strong enough for T-ball, I couldn’t balance well enough for soccer, and basketball was beyond reach. Despite the physical barriers, I didn’t give up on finding a sport that fit me. Eventually, I discovered ice hockey—a game that required balance and strength, but also allowed for gliding on the ice, which helped compensate for my challenges. For the first time, I felt like I belonged. When I was 14, I finally made it onto a travel hockey team with my closest friends, and it felt like I had achieved something extraordinary. However, the following year brought new challenges. While others grew stronger and taller, I found myself falling behind. Despite training harder than ever, I was cut from the team not once, but twice. It would have been easy to walk away from the sport, but that wasn’t an option for me. I remained determined, trained harder, and ultimately earned a spot back on the team. This journey taught me that success isn’t always about being the best right away. It’s about perseverance, self-improvement, and never giving up when faced with setbacks. These lessons have followed me into college, where I am now a freshman at Duquesne University, majoring in Digital Media Arts. I’ve also made it to the university’s club hockey team—currently on the practice squad but hoping for the “call up” during my four years here. To me, being part of the team is already a success. Every time I step onto the ice, I am reminded of how far I’ve come. Success, in my eyes, is about the pursuit of goals, no matter how difficult the path may be. It’s about passion—whether that passion is for academics, sports, or personal growth. My path hasn’t been traditional or easy, but it has been meaningful, marked by the lessons I’ve learned and the strength I’ve gained. My story reflects that success can be achieved through resilience, self-education, and the courage to follow an unconventional route. I’ve learned that life isn’t about avoiding challenges but about embracing them and using them as opportunities for growth. Whether it’s striving to excel in my digital media arts studies or working toward my goal of becoming a regular player on my hockey team, I approach each day with a sense of gratitude and determination. Albert Einstein’s words resonate deeply with me. My journey has been full of obstacles, but it’s those very challenges that have fueled my determination. Who would have thought that the tiny premature baby fighting for life in the NICU would one day attend his dream college and skate with his university’s hockey team? I’ve learned that success isn’t about where you start—it’s about how you rise, again and again, when the odds are stacked against you. Do you believe in miracles? Because I do.

I have always felt fortunate to have inherited a love of art from my aunt. On the day I was born, she drew pictures that my parents hung around the incubator, which was my home for the first four and a half months of my life. As I grew, her artwork continued to mark every milestone. There are beautiful quotes she wrote that hang on the bulletin board in my room, handmade ornaments on our Christmas tree, and a banner she created that adorned our truck in my graduation parade. Growing up, art education played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of self-expression and creativity. From an early age, art classes provided me with an outlet to explore new techniques and materials, which helped me develop confidence in my abilities. This foundation allowed me to see art not just as a hobby, but as a meaningful way to communicate my thoughts and emotions. My aunt has always nurtured my love of art and is the person I turn to when sharing a new piece I’ve created. She is my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me to pursue a degree in the arts. I am blessed to be doing just that and can’t wait to begin this journey, fully immersing myself in the creative process and learning from other talented artists and instructors. Many artists, in addition to my aunt, have inspired me, but my favorite is Keith Haring. When I moved from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit incubator to my crib at home, Keith Haring’s piece “The Radiant Baby” adorned my wall. As I grew, different Keith Haring prints hung in my room, the first ones chosen by my parents, and as I grew older, chosen by me, marking transitions and reflecting my evolving tastes. One of the first things I bought for my next transition from bedroom to dorm was a Keith Haring print. As I write, I ask myself why I am so drawn to his art. Maybe it’s the black outlines, the vibrant colors, or the stylized shapes that captivate me and leave me feeling happy. Keith Haring was born in my hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania, and I am fascinated by his life story. His commitment to social activism and his ability to communicate powerful messages through his art is inspiring. His work is not just visually appealing but also meaningful. Keith Haring has a way of addressing important social issues in a way that is accessible to everyone and engaging. Art has always been a significant part of my life, and I am excited to continue exploring it in new and deeper ways. The influence of my aunt, art teachers, and the inspiration from artists like Keith Haring inspire passion and drive to make my mark in the art world. I look forward to creating art that expresses my vision and deeply inspires and connects with others.

Living with cerebral palsy has been a journey marked by both hurdles and victories, profoundly shaping how I see the world and my place in it. Despite the physical limitations I face, I have never seen my disability as a barrier to success. Instead, it has been a source of strength, teaching me resilience, determination, and the value of perseverance. While I haven't required additional resources to thrive academically, my experience as part of the disabled community has given me a unique perspective on the importance of inclusivity and advocacy. From an early age, I was aware that I was different from my peers. Simple tasks that others took for granted, such as running or balancing, were hurdles that I had to overcome. However, rather than being discouraged by these challenges, I was determined to find ways to compensate and excel. This determination led me to the world of sports, where I discovered my passion for ice hockey. On the ice, I found a sense of freedom and empowerment, as gliding allowed me to compensate for some of my physical limitations. Hockey became my outlet, my escape, and my way of proving to myself and others that I could succeed, regardless of the obstacles in my path. My journey in hockey wasn't without setbacks. As I grew older, the physical demands of the sport became more challenging, and I found myself at a disadvantage compared to my peers. Being cut from the travel team not once, but twice, was a difficult blow. Yet, rather than giving up, I chose to view these setbacks as opportunities to grow. I dedicated myself to training harder than ever before, spending countless hours in the gym and on the ice. My persistence paid off, and eventually, I earned my place back on the team. The experience taught me that success is not always about being the strongest or the fastest—sometimes, it's about having the heart to keep going, even when the odds are against you. While I have been fortunate to find ways to succeed despite my disability, I am acutely aware that many students with disabilities do not have the same opportunities. Schools and organizations often lack the resources and support systems necessary to help these students thrive. This realization has inspired me to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in education and athletics. While I am still at the beginning of this journey, I am passionate about doing what I can to ensure that every student, regardless of their physical abilities, has the opportunity to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. As I look to the future, I am committed to using my experiences to make a positive impact on the world around me. I plan to pursue higher education not only to further my own goals but also to become a voice for others in the disabled community. I want to work towards creating a more inclusive society, where students with disabilities are given the support and resources they need to succeed. Whether through advocacy, mentorship, or simply leading by example, I am determined to make a difference. I will continue to champion the idea that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible. I am excited to take the lessons I have learned and apply them to my academic journey and beyond, knowing that the impact I make will extend far beyond myself.

Have you ever seen a baby bird that has fallen from its nest? That is how my mother described my twin sister and me on the day that we were born. Each of us weighed less than two pounds. Our eyes were still fused shut. A ventilator helped us to breathe as our lungs were not fully developed. Tiny wired stickers covered our chest, feet, wrists, arms, and legs in order to monitor our blood pressure, breathing rates, and oxygen levels. My parents were taken to a quiet room and given the grim statistics. At the time of our birth, the survival rate was about 50 percent. Charts and diagrams that were shown explained that even if we did survive, we faced a high risk of mental and physical disabilities. The only thing my parents could do was watch, wait, and pray. After 17 days of fighting to stay alive, my sister passed away. After 125 days in the neonatal intensive care unit, I finally made it home. Some may read this and see it as a tragedy. I prefer to adopt the thoughts of Albert Einstein who was born two months premature and was quoted as saying “There are only two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.” My premature birth has been the source of many obstacles and challenges that I have had to overcome throughout my life. When I was just three years old, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. Simple tasks requiring balance and agility were a struggle, and keeping up with my peers seemed impossible. I was determined to play sports just like any other kid, but I faced many barriers due to my physical limitations. I wasn't strong enough for T-ball, couldn't balance enough for soccer, and basketball was out of the question. Eventually, I discovered ice hockey, a game that required strength, balance, and coordination, but also allowed for gliding on the ice, which helped me compensate for some of my physical limitations. I finally felt like I had found a sport that fit me. When I turned 14, I was thrilled to join a travel team with my closest friends, and it was an incredible season filled with magical moments. However, the following year, I noticed that all the other kids had grown taller and stronger, leaving me at a disadvantage. Although the odds were against me, I remained determined to make the team. Regrettably, I was cut, not only that year but the year after as well. Despite being cut from the team not once, but twice, I refused to give up on my dream. I devoted myself to training harder than ever before, spending countless hours in the gym and on the ice. Eventually, my determination paid off when I received the news that I had finally made it. I can honestly say that there is no one on the ice who is more grateful or happy to be there than I am. Like Michael Mattera Jr., I have faced challenges and pushed through to pursue my education. Despite the many challenges that I have faced as a result of my premature birth, I have learned to be resilient and persistent. My experiences have taught me the importance of perseverance and have inspired me to pursue my goals despite the obstacles that I may encounter, including obtaining a degree in graphic design. I think Albert Einstein had it right. Do you believe in miracles?

As the vivid shades of summer gradually give way to the crisp arrival of autumn, a sense of nostalgic anticipation fills the air. The changing leaves, cool breezes, and the aroma of pumpkin spices announce the arrival of a new season. For me, a senior in high school with a passion for ice hockey and dreams of pursuing graphic design in college, one particular fall-inspired drink from Starbucks holds a special place in my heart - the Spiced Chai Latte. This beverage has seamlessly woven itself into my fall narrative, becoming a character that symbolizes comfort, connection, and creative inspiration. "Give it a try," she urged with a smile. I was skeptical but intrigued. Introduced to this drink by my older sister, the Spiced Chai Latte, with its blend of cinnamon, clove, and cardamom, captures the essence of autumn in a cup. As a hockey player, the changing seasons mirror the shifting dynamics on the ice. The shift from intense summer training to the exhilarating fall games stirs a mix of emotions - excitement, nervousness, and a profound sense of unity with my teammates. The Spiced Chai Latte's cozy and invigorating flavors offer a comforting start to my mornings, helping me reset after challenging practices and intense games. It's a brief escape that allows me to appreciate the present and reflect on my journey so far. Just as each hockey game tells a unique story, the Spiced Chai Latte becomes a character in my fall narrative by marking significant moments. Pre-game rituals are an integral part of my routine, and enjoying a Spiced Chai Latte on the road to the rink has become a cherished tradition. This drink has become a source of consistency and comfort amidst the unpredictable nature of the game. Its rich flavors not only awaken my senses but also ground me, reminding me that I am part of something larger than myself - a team, a season, and a tradition of hard work and dedication. When I'm not on the ice, my passion for graphic design gets a little lift from the intricate flavors of the Spiced Chai Latte. As I savor it, I can't help but notice how the spices come together, sort of like how I piece together my designs. The latte's foam forms these cool swirls, like brushstrokes on a canvas. The warm colors give off this snug feeling, like being in a comfy design. Every sip gives me a nudge of inspiration, merging with my design ambitions and the autumn vibe. In the tapestry of my fall narrative, the Spiced Chai Latte weaves threads of familiarity, comfort, and inspiration. It is a companion that accompanies me on the journey from summer's end to the cusp of winter's arrival. Standing on the threshold of new beginnings, the Spiced Chai Latte reminds me that even in moments of change, there are constants that ground us and give us the strength to navigate the unknown. With its comforting flavors and welcoming presence, this drink transcends being a mere beverage; it transforms into a character that encapsulates the essence of autumn. It seamlessly weaves together the threads of my narrative, linking my passions for hockey and graphic design through a tapestry of experiences and emotions.