As I reflect upon my journey in the world of theater, I am reminded of the profound impact it has had on shaping my identity and fueling my passion for storytelling. It all began in high school, where the vibrant lights of the stage revealed a new world that resonated deep within my soul. Theater offered me an escape from the constraints of everyday life, where I could transform into characters and explore the depths of human emotion. I discovered an unyielding sense of purpose, a light that illuminated my path, and a community of like-minded individuals who shared my fervor for the arts. This newfound passion propelled me to pursue excellence in my craft, which culminated in the honor of receiving the Henry Mancini Award for Best Actor. Winning the prestigious award not only validated my dedication and talent but also presented me with an extraordinary opportunity to participate in the Jimmy Awards, the pinnacle of recognition for young musical theater performers. The experience ignited a fire within me, an insatiable hunger to strive for even greater heights in the world of performing arts. However, when faced with the critical decision of choosing a college major, I allowed fear to guide my initial choice. Concerned about financial stability, I opted for a safer route by enrolling in a business program. Nevertheless, my heart yearned for the limelight, for the sheer magic that unfolds on stage. It didn't take long for me to realize that my true calling lay in musical theater. Summoning the courage to switch majors, I embarked on a new trajectory that aligned with my passions and aspirations. While this decision was undoubtedly liberating, it came with its own set of challenges. Switching to the musical theater program meant that I had fallen behind in coursework, requiring me to take additional summer classes to catch up. These extra expenses presented a financial burden, as my parents, who had gone through a divorce, were unable to provide financial assistance for my education. Determined not to let financial constraints impede my artistic pursuits, I sought employment in two jobs alongside my studies. However, the demanding work schedule encroached upon the time I could dedicate to honing my craft, leaving me exhausted yet undeterred. These obstacles only served to reinforce my commitment and further fueled my drive to excel in the performing arts. Looking ahead, my aspirations in the arts are boundless. I hope to continue spreading positivity and impacting lives through the transformative power of storytelling. I envision myself gracing renowned stages, bringing characters to life and touching the hearts of audiences across the world. I strive to be an advocate for underrepresented voices, using the stage as a platform to promote diversity, inclusivity, and social change. In the future, I aim to establish my own production company, fostering an environment that nurtures and empowers emerging artists. By championing innovative works and fostering collaboration, I hope to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of theater and leave a lasting impact on the industry. Despite the challenges I face, I remain resolute in my pursuit of a BFA in Musical Theater at Kent State University. I am determined to embrace every opportunity, to learn, grow, and evolve as an artist. With unwavering commitment and relentless dedication, I will defy the odds, overcome obstacles, and bring my dreams to fruition. The theater has shaped me, inspired me, and instilled in me an unyielding passion that burns bright. I am ready to take the stage, share my gifts, and make a difference through the power of storytelling.

As an honors student at Kent State University studying Musical Theater and Economics, I am passionate about educating myself and others about financial literacy. Growing up with divorced parents, I have seen firsthand the importance of having a solid understanding of personal finance. I plan to utilize my experiences and skills to help myself and others become financially literate. To start, I plan to continue learning about personal finance through coursework, books, and workshops. In my economics classes, I have already gained a fundamental understanding of financial principles such as budgeting, saving, and investing. I plan to further expand my knowledge by taking elective courses that focus on personal finance, such as financial planning, taxation, and investments. Additionally, I will read books and articles written by financial experts to gain insights and tips on how to manage personal finances effectively. Finally, I plan to attend financial literacy workshops and seminars to keep up to date on the latest trends and best practices in the field. Once I have deepened my knowledge of personal finance, I will aim to share my insights and learnings with others. I believe that educating others is an essential component of promoting financial literacy. I plan to start by sharing my knowledge with my family and friends, and then expand to my church community and other social groups. I will offer workshops and seminars on topics such as budgeting, credit management, and investments. I will also create online content, such as blogs and social media posts, to reach a broader audience and make financial education more accessible. I believe that building financial literacy in communities starts with educating youth. As an avid member of my church, I will seek to work with youth organizations and ministries to create programs that teach financial management to young people. I will work to develop fun and engaging educational activities and games that teach children the basics of financial literacy. I will also seek to partner with local schools to provide financial education to students. Finally, I plan to collaborate with financial institutions, non-profit organizations, and other financial education advocates to promote financial literacy on a larger scale. I believe that the government, non-profits, and private businesses all have a role to play in promoting financial literacy. I will work to create partnerships that will enable us to reach more people and build a more financially literate society. I am committed to educating myself and others on personal finance. I will continue to deepen my knowledge of personal finance through coursework, reading, and attending workshops. I will then share my insights and learnings with others, starting with family and friends and expanding to the wider community. I will also seek to work with youth organizations and schools to promote financial education in young people. Finally, I will collaborate with financial institutions, non-profits, and other financial education advocates to build a more financially literate society.

As a dedicated student at Kent State University, studying Musical Theater and Economics, I strongly value my optimistic outlook on life. It is this trait that has given me the courage to take on a challenging double major, push myself academically, and stay positive through difficult times. Looking ahead, I am convinced that optimism will continue to be a valuable quality throughout my lifelong journey. An optimistic perspective is essential in tackling the challenges and obstacles that life presents. It allows one to see beyond the immediate setbacks and keep sight of the bigger picture. In my academic pursuits, optimism has been a key driver of my success, motivating me to keep working hard and staying committed to my goals. Whether it is preparing for a tough exam or taking on a new project, a positive outlook can inspire creativity and critical thinking, leading to better results and progress. Beyond academics, an optimistic outlook has also influenced the way I view the world around me. I find joy in helping others and believe that my actions can make a positive impact on the world. My optimistic mindset has driven me to be more involved in my church community, volunteer for various social causes, and look for opportunities to serve others. I hope that through my efforts, I can inspire and motivate others to believe in the possibility of a brighter future. Furthermore, optimism has also helped me maintain a sense of hope and resilience during challenging times, such as navigating through my parents' divorce. By focusing on the positive aspects of the situation, such as the love and support I receive from both my parents, I have been able to move past the difficulties and find meaning and purpose in my life. This optimistic mindset has helped me stay motivated and focused, even when faced with adversity, and it is a quality that will serve me well throughout my life. Ultimately, I believe that an optimistic outlook can help people to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. By focusing on the positive aspects of life, individuals can experience greater joy, meaning, and purpose in their pursuits. An optimistic perspective can inspire individuals to take on new challenges, seize opportunities, and keep pushing forward, even in the face of setbacks. This trait is one that I deeply value, and one that will undoubtedly continue to help me in my lifelong journey. Whether in academics, community service, or personal challenges, my optimistic mindset will inspire me to keep moving forward, stay committed to my goals, and remain hopeful for a brighter tomorrow.

My passion for the US Constitution stems from its significance as the cornerstone of our democracy and the protection it provides for individual freedoms and civil rights. My journey to discovering the importance of the Constitution began when my mom gave me a copy of it for Christmas, and I was immediately captivated by its language and ideals. The Constitution is the fundamental document that governs the United States, and it guarantees basic rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. The document is also responsible for creating a balance of power between the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. These principles ensure that our democracy remains stable and free, protecting the rights of all citizens. As someone who is studying Musical Theater and Economics, I understand that my passion for the Constitution may seem unrelated to my fields of study, but I believe that the arts and economics are both critical components of our democracy. The arts are a powerful medium for storytelling, and they can help to shine a light on social and political issues, while economics plays a critical role in shaping policy decisions that affect every citizen. These fields can also be used to promote social change, as they have the power to inspire and unite individuals. One of the most critical issues facing our society today is the fight for civil rights. Despite the progress made over the years, there are still significant disparities and systemic issues that need to be addressed. I believe that the Constitution can be a powerful tool in the fight for civil rights, as it provides the legal framework for protecting individual freedoms and equality under the law. By upholding the Constitution and its values, we can work towards a more just and equitable society. In terms of my career aspirations, I hope to use my education and talents to promote civil rights and fight for social justice. As a performer, I believe that the arts have the power to connect people and create empathy for those who may be different from ourselves. Through storytelling and performance, we can help to raise awareness and promote social change. In the field of economics, I plan to use my knowledge to promote policies that support equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. I believe that economic policies play a crucial role in promoting social justice, and I hope to use my education to advocate for fair and equitable policies that benefit all members of society. As a member of my church, I have also been involved in community service and activism. I believe that community service is an essential part of being an engaged citizen and can help to make a positive impact on the world. Through volunteering and community involvement, we can help to create positive change and promote civil rights. In conclusion, my passion for the US Constitution stems from its importance as the foundation of our democracy and the protection it provides for individual freedoms and civil rights. As an honors student at Kent State University who is studying Musical Theater and Economics and an avid member of my church, I plan to continue to fight for civil rights throughout my career by using the power of the arts and economics to promote social change, advocating for fair and equitable policies, and engaging in community service and activism.

My pursuit of a career in Musical Theater is driven by a deep passion for fine arts, as well as a desire to share my talents with others. From an early age, I have been drawn to the beauty and power of music, dance, and theater, and I have always sought to immerse myself in these art forms in any way I could. Through years of training and practice, I have honed my skills as a performer, and I have gained a deep appreciation for the transformative potential of the fine arts. One of the things that inspire me most about Musical Theater is its ability to tell stories that resonate with people from all walks of life. Whether it's a classic like "West Side Story" or a modern hit like "Hamilton," the best musicals have the power to transport us to new worlds, explore complex themes and ideas, and connect us to our own emotions and experiences. As a performer, I relish the opportunity to be part of this storytelling tradition, to bring characters to life on stage, and to share the joy and wonder of the theater with others. But beyond its storytelling potential, Musical Theater is also a powerful tool for social change. Throughout history, the stage has been a platform for artists to address issues of injustice and inequality, and to raise awareness about important social and political issues. From "Hair" to "Rent" to "Dear Evan Hansen," the musical has a long tradition of tackling difficult topics and inspiring audiences to take action. As someone who cares deeply about social justice and equity, I see the theater as an opportunity to use my voice and my art to make a positive difference in the world. Of course, pursuing a career in Musical Theater is not without its challenges. The competition in this field is fierce, and it requires a tremendous amount of hard work, dedication, and resilience to succeed. However, I believe that my passion for the art form, combined with my skills as a performer, my training in economics, and my strong work ethic, will enable me to thrive in this field. I am confident that I have the talent, drive, and vision to make a meaningful contribution to the world of Musical Theater, and to use my art to promote understanding, empathy, and positive change. Ultimately, I am pursuing a career in Musical Theater because I believe that it is the best way for me to use my talents to make a difference in the world. The fine arts have the power to inspire, educate, and uplift, and I am committed to using my skills as a performer to help create a better, more just, and more beautiful world. Whether I am singing, dancing, or acting, I know that I am making a difference and that my art is contributing to a legacy of creativity, innovation, and hope.

As a Kent State University honors student pursuing dual degrees in Musical Theater and Economics, I have found that getting involved in my community has been an essential aspect of my personal growth and development. While many of my peers are content to focus solely on their academic pursuits, I have always been motivated to engage with the wider world around me and contribute to positive change in my community. One of the primary inspirations for my involvement in my community is my deep sense of gratitude for the many opportunities and privileges that I have been fortunate enough to receive. Growing up in a loving and supportive family, I was instilled with a strong sense of responsibility to give back to my community and use my talents and resources to make a positive impact in the lives of others. To this end, I have actively sought out opportunities to get involved in a variety of community service projects and initiatives. As an active member of my church, I have participated in various charitable activities, including food drives, donation campaigns, and service projects that serve the needs of the underprivileged and vulnerable members of our society. Through these experiences, I have gained a deeper understanding of the social and economic issues that affect our community, and I have become increasingly committed to finding ways to address these challenges and bring about positive change. In addition to my involvement in community service projects, I have also sought to influence change in my community through my artistic endeavors. As a Musical Theater major, I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of productions that address important social issues and spark meaningful conversations about the world around us. Through my work in the theater, I have sought to use my voice and talents to bring attention to issues that affect our community, such as poverty, discrimination, and social injustice. One example of this was my involvement in a production of "Ragtime" at Kent State University, where I played the role of Coalhouse Walker Jr. This show explores issues of race, class, and inequality in early 20th century America, and I was deeply inspired by the opportunity to bring these important issues to the forefront of our community's consciousness. Through the power of the arts, I believe that we can create meaningful and lasting change, and I am deeply committed to continuing to use my talents in this way. In conclusion, my involvement in my community has been driven by a deep sense of gratitude, responsibility, and a desire to create positive change in the world around me. Whether through my participation in community service projects or my work in the arts, I am committed to using my talents and resources to make a difference in the lives of others, and I look forward to continuing this work in the years to come.

As an honors student at Kent State University who is studying Musical Theater and Economics and who also is an avid member of your church, Please share any attributes about yourself that make you unique. How do you plan to give back to your community? Use no less than 450 words As a student at Kent State University, I am driven by my passion for both the arts and economics, two seemingly disparate fields that have both captured my imagination. As an honors student, I bring a unique perspective to my studies, driven by a desire to excel and a commitment to lifelong learning. But what truly sets me apart is my deep involvement in my church community, which has shaped my values and instilled in me a sense of purpose and service. My love of Musical Theater stems from a childhood fascination with the magic of live performance, and the ability of the arts to transport us to different worlds and evoke powerful emotions. As a performer, I strive to bring my unique voice and perspective to each role I play, whether it be a classic Broadway tune or a modern pop song. I see the theater as a powerful vehicle for social change and hope to use my talents to promote positive messages and advocate for important causes. On the other hand, my interest in economics comes from a fascination with how the world works, from the mechanics of supply and demand to the complex interplay of global markets. As a student, I have delved into the complexities of micro and macroeconomics, always seeking to understand how economic principles impact the world around us. I believe that a strong grounding in economics can be a powerful tool for effecting positive change, from promoting social justice to addressing environmental challenges. While my academic pursuits are an important part of who I am, my involvement in my church community has played an equally transformative role in my life. As a dedicated member of our church, I have volunteered in a range of capacities, from teaching Sunday School to participating in service projects. Through these experiences, I have come to see the importance of service to others and the role of community in shaping our values and beliefs. Looking to the future, I am committed to giving back to my community in meaningful ways. I plan to use my talents and skills to promote positive change, whether it be through volunteering, advocacy, or artistic expression. I believe that the arts have a unique ability to bridge divides and promote understanding, and I hope to use my musical theater training to bring people together and promote messages of hope and healing. At the same time, I recognize the importance of a strong grounding in economics for promoting social justice and addressing global challenges. I hope to use my training in economics to promote policies and practices that benefit all members of our society, particularly those who are most marginalized. Ultimately, I believe that the key to making a meaningful impact in our world is through a combination of passion, knowledge, and service. As a musical theater and economics student who is deeply committed to my community, I am committed to using my unique attributes to make a difference in the world around me.

As an ardent reader and an individual committed to personal growth, I have come across a plethora of books that have impacted my life. However, one work that stands out as an exemplar of the life-changing potential of literature is "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. The book's erudite and pragmatic discourse on the merits of cultivating small, incremental habits that lead to remarkable changes over time has deeply resonated with me and has influenced my mindset and approach to self-improvement. What I found most compelling about "Atomic Habits" is the author's profound understanding of the psychological and behavioral underpinnings of habit formation. Clear illuminates the transformative potential of consistent, small actions, which can compound over time to yield significant results. This message is particularly impactful for individuals like myself, who have often struggled with the daunting task of making substantial changes in their lives. "Atomic Habits" serves as a roadmap for readers seeking to improve themselves by forging new, positive habits that become ingrained over time. The book illustrates the power of incremental progress and the critical role it plays in cultivating lasting change. Clear takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, enabling them to identify the habits that hold them back and replace them with healthier, more constructive behaviors. What distinguishes "Atomic Habits" from other self-help books is its emphasis on the role of the environment in shaping behavior. Clear's insight into the importance of creating conducive spaces that support the desired habits is a vital component of his philosophy. Drawing on a wealth of research in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and behaviorism, the author provides an intuitive and evidence-based approach to designing an environment that encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative ones. Beyond its practical advice and scientific rigor, "Atomic Habits" is also a testament to the power of storytelling. Clear's engaging and relatable anecdotes are a source of inspiration for readers, creating a sense of community and empowering individuals to believe in their capacity for positive change. Through sharing his struggles with habit formation and personal growth, the author has fostered a connection with readers, who can draw strength and motivation from his words. In conclusion, "Atomic Habits" has transformed my life and provided me with a compelling and actionable guide to self-improvement. The book's emphasis on small, consistent actions, the importance of the environment, and the power of storytelling has made it a seminal work in the field of personal development. Clear's unique blend of practicality and inspiration has empowered individuals to make positive changes in their lives and has served as a beacon of hope for those seeking to improve themselves.

As someone who has always loved sports, golf was a game that quickly captured my attention. It all started when I was in high school, and I was looking for a way to escape the stresses of school and my parent’s divorce. Golf offered a sense of peace and calm, and it was a way for me to forget about everything else and focus solely on the game. At first, I played alone, just me and the course. But soon, I started to get better and I found myself competing in local tournaments. As I became more confident in my game, I started to see golf as not only a way to escape but also a challenge. I was determined to get better, to push myself to new limits, and to see just how good I could become. As I improved, golf also became a social sport for me. I made new friends on the course, people who shared my love of the game and my passion for competition. We would spend hours playing, chatting, and laughing, and it was a welcome break from the stresses of life. But golf was not just a social sport for me, it was also a methodical game. I loved the strategy, the thought, and the precision that went into each shot. It was a game of focus and concentration, and it required me to think critically and plan. It was this combination of social and methodical elements that kept me coming back to the game, and it was what made golf such an important part of my life. As I got older, golf became more than just a hobby for me. It was a way to bond with friends, a way to escape stress, and a way to improve my mental and physical well-being. I found that being out on the course, surrounded by nature, helped me to clear my mind and to focus on the present moment. Golf has also taught me important life lessons, such as patience, perseverance, and sportsmanship. It has taught me to accept defeat with grace, to never give up, and to always strive for improvement. These lessons have not only made me a better golfer but also a better person, and I am grateful for the impact that golf has had on my life. Golf is an incredibly important part of my life. It started as a way to escape stress, but it has grown into so much more. It is a social sport, a methodical game, and a source of peace and happiness. I am grateful for the lessons it has taught me, the friends it has brought into my life, and the joy it brings me every time I step out onto the course.

I am passionate about performing in musical theater. It is an art form that combines music, dance, and drama to tell a story, and can transport me and the audience to another time, place, and experience. Being on stage and bringing characters to life is an incredible feeling. The collaborative nature of musical theater is also appealing, as I get to work with a team to create a cohesive and unforgettable production. One of the most important aspects of musical theater for me is the ability to evoke emotions and connect with the audience. Their response, whether it's laughter, tears, or a standing ovation, is a testament to the power of the performance and a reward for all the hard work that goes into production. The energy and excitement of live theater are unmatched, and I love the thrill of not knowing what will happen at the moment. While there are many musicals that I love, one that stands out to me is "Les Miserables." This classic show tells the story of a young man named Jean Valjean and his journey toward redemption and is a powerful story of love, loss, and the fight for justice. The music, lyrics, and choreography all work together to create an unforgettable experience for the audience. Last year, I had the honor of being nominated for the Henry Mancini Award for best actor. This is an award for the western half of Pennsylvania, and I was nominated both in 2021 and 2022. I had an outstanding time performing with the other nominees, and I was lucky enough to win the award this past year in May of 2022. This award was given for my role as Jack Kelly in Newsies and allowed me to travel to New York City for the first time and compete and perform at the Jimmy Awards. Growing up in a small hometown, I never imagined that one day I would be performing on Broadway. But that's exactly what happened, and it was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Being on Broadway and performing at the Jimmy's was a dream come true. The bright lights, the sound of the audience, and the energy of the theater all combined to create an unforgettable experience. It was a testament to all the hard work I had done in high school, and it was surreal to see it all come to fruition. But the impact of being on Broadway went beyond just my accomplishments. It was a chance for me to represent my hometown and show that anything is possible with hard work and determination. I am an untrained actor, so everything I know I mostly taught myself from a later age. The audience was made up of people from all walks of life, and to be able to connect with them through my performance was a truly humbling experience. Being on Broadway also taught me the importance of teamwork and collaboration. I was surrounded by talented performers, directors, and crew members, and it was amazing to see how we all came together to create a beautiful production. It was a reminder that success is not just about individual performance, but about working together towards a common goal. In conclusion, musical theater is a passion for me because of its ability to bring stories to life, evoke emotions, and connect with audiences. It allows me to express myself creatively and showcase my skills. Whether I am a performer, director, or audience member, musical theater has something to offer me and I am grateful for its impact on my life.

We all have a song that we can remember listening to that evokes a certain memory. Music is directly tied to memories; for someone who is passionate about music, this is a feeling I know quite well. In Case You Don't Live Forever by Ben Platt is a song I've been listening to for over two years. At the age of seven, my parents decided to file for a divorce; I somehow had an unspoken understanding that I was the one who needed to look after myself. This included collecting my thoughts by myself, and not sharing anything with anyone, even my friends. To this day, I hesitate saying "I love you" to anyone, including my parents. This is something I hate that I am unable to do, because I do love them, but I just simply cannot express it. For obvious reasons, this song resinates with me and the trauma I have gone through, even though I hesitate to call it trauma for people have gone through much worse. Regardless, this song is extremely important to me and inspires me to be grateful for everyone I have in my life, and strive to make sure they know that they are important to me before it's too late.

As a high school senior who grew up in the era of technology, I never leave the house without my phone. Seldom can you find me throughout the day when I'm not on my phone; this is a fact I came to recently and wanted a change. A month ago, I started meditating, taking cold showers, and going full days without the use of my phone, and this severely changed my entire mental state, thought process, and increased my gratitude immensely. When I feel my thoughts racing or the urge to pickup my phone without a purpose, I just simply stop and remind myself to become present in the current moment. This allows me to appreciate my thoughts, what I have around me. Taking a moment every-time I want to endlessly scroll on TikTok or watch a new Netflix series to appreciate that I have both the time, and the ability to do so allows me to gain a new perspective on what I could be doing with my time. Every-time I want to pickup my phone, I take a second to take a second to appreciate the simple pleasures in my life, and how I am blessed to have the opportunities I do have. Most of the time, this time of appreciation results in me not picking up my phone and doing something to where I can make someone else have the same happiness I have. Not everyone has the same opportunities, and helping others genuinely makes me happy especially when nothing is given in return. This relationship I have with others compares to how the sunrise gives me joy, yet I give the sunrise nothing. When we stop to take a breath and take in the small things around us, we can realize how blessed we truly are.

Since I was young, I have always enjoyed giving and listening more than receiving. At times, this impaired my happiness or need to speak, but I did not care. As humans, the ability to give attention and true uninterrupted listening is unparalleled. Many people, myself included sometimes, have a shorter attention span due to the abundance of technology. This makes bona fide conversations a scarce source in our society today. I enjoy listening to the people who need it; when I volunteer my time in nursing homes, or lead various programs through my school, I feel a connection with each person I talk to and I put an accent on making sure they feel heard. Last year, I had the honor of being selected as the Drum Major for my school, and in this position I held a similar mindset: give every single member a voice, and make sure they feel heard. I never compromised my leadership position, and we had a phenomenal season, however it was the most I have felt the band be united in many years. With my time affecting the lives of people around me as drum major, I further tried to ensure my peers had a positive experience in volunteering, student representative, student director, lead in the musical, and secretary in student council. The ability to speak clearly and make individuals feel heard and appreciated is a skill I am happy to give back to every person I can. Despite my move to college, I will maintain talking to everyone, because one never knows the background from which someone came, only the presence they choose to portray.

Since I was young, I have always enjoyed giving and listening more than receiving. At times, this impaired my happiness or need to speak, but I did not care. As humans, the ability to give attention and true uninterrupted listening is unparalleled. Many people, myself included sometimes, have a shorter attention span due to the abundance of technology. This makes bona fide conversations a scarce source in our society today. I enjoy giving back to the people who need it; when I volunteer my time in nursing homes, or lead various programs through my school, I feel a connection with each person I talk to and I put an accent on making sure they feel heard. Last year, I had the honor of being selected as the Drum Major for my school, and in this position I held a similar mindset: give every single member a voice, and make sure they feel heard. I never compromised my leadership position, and we had a phenomenal season, however it was the most I have felt the band be united in many years. With my time affecting the lives of people around me as drum major, I further tried to ensure my peers had a positive experience in volunteering, student representative, student director, lead in the musical, and secretary in student council. The ability to speak clearly and make individuals feel heard and appreciated is a skill I am happy to give back to every person I can. Despite my move to college, I will maintain talking to everyone, because one never knows the background from which someone came, only the presence they choose to portray.

Being the youngest and watching my brother's financial journey shaped me to become the financially independent person I am today. Because my parents decided to file for a divorce when I was young, I somehow had an unspoken understanding that I was the one who needed to look after myself; this included finances. Growing up I always watched my family struggle financially, and so I asked my mom how to prepare for my future. According to a Gallup study, only one-third of American families prepare a monthly household budget. To me, this is insanity. Budgeting and the ability to manage your own income is arguably the most crucial lesson of personal finance. From a young age, my mother taught me budgeting, and she always believed that if one can manage the income and outcome of their liquid assets, then they have control over their future. Many people and fellow peers of mine spend all of their money they earn from their job on material items while leaving nothing for emergency funds, and nothing for saving. This is similar to what my brother decided to do. He was unsure about his future, and decided to take courses at a local community college even though he did not have any passion or drive to pursue a secondary education. After watching his story unfold, I made it a mission to plan my budget on an eighty-twenty split. Eighty percent of all of my income I save either into my Roth-IRA saving for retirement or into a growth bank account to save to pay for my college. I have been working and saving since I was fourteen because I knew my parents could not afford to send me to college, so I have been working to save for my future.

Growth is a term I define as learning from failure. I keep growth in the center of my mind when I am upset about something, whether it's a setback from a failed experiment or just something I don't feel like doing. This is a feeling I'm certain everyone over the past two years knows well. The feeling of not finding motivation or simply not wanting to do something out of fear. I always push this uneasy feeling out by keeping growth in mind. I remind myself that I will always regret not doing something more than failure, and this mindset was set early to me when I was younger by my mom. My mom always told me her favorite saying, "Keep moving forward." This mindset of growth and forward thinking has always kept me on my feet despite overarching circumstances. Growth and the growth mindset are both crucial to a successful person and a successful life as well.

As an active member of National Honors Society (NHS), we volunteer our time to support our local community. Frequently, this time volunteered is to our local nursing homes. Community service is important to me because it allows me personally to share with others. I have always enjoyed placing people’s needs before my own, whether it’s simply talking about something they need to talk about or volunteering for people in need. It is very important to all of us to volunteer in our community to make a difference and make it a better place to live in. My favorite thing about the NHS is surrounding myself with like minded people that have similar interests. Helping the people of our community and people who need it is what makes this club so special. When we volunteer our time to nursing homes, my favorite activity to do is writing cards during various holidays. I just always imagine my grandparents alone during the holidays, and sharing some joy and making sure they know you care. I also enjoy caroling with either the Spanish club, or the Chambers Singers of my high school. When we carol with the Chambers Singers, many of the nursing homes we visit say that that is the highlight of their whole year. Without community service driven people, the world would be a far worse place, a place of greed, loneliness, and isolation. Community service is important, because a community driven by helping others is a long lasting and inviting place for all.

My name is Jacob Walker, and I am excited for the opportunities ahead of me for college. I am planning on attending Kent State university in the fall for Business Management with a double minor in Photography and Videography. Since March of 2020, I have been doing photography as a hobby, but it has been growing so quickly that I realized I would love for this to be my job one day. I have started my own business currently focused on photography when I was 16 years old. I have always been interested in any job that deals with communication as I have always had a passion for communicating with people. I am currently attending Knoch High School, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Knoch. Aside from the normal ups and downs of high school, I have enjoyed every second here. This is completely due to the clubs, sports, and activities that I am involved in. There were some sports and clubs that I did only for one year, these include soccer, track, photography club, history club, and Fall Play (Student Director). Although I only did them for one year most of them were done my senior year so I simply just ran out of time. My biggest accomplishment throughout high school was having the honor of being selected as Drum Major for our school’s marching band. This position came with an immense amount of responsibility, and it demanded me to be the best leader I could be. The responsibilities of a drum major require me to be open, have conflict resolution skills, confidence, and listening skills. It was a challenge, especially working through covid, but we worked through it together with my other drum major and my band director, and it was an experience I would not have changed for the world. All of these skills I use on a daily basis. As well as the marching band, I play in our concert band, jazz band, and also sing in our chamber singers, barber shop quartet, mens ensemble, and musical. In the musical this year, I got the lead role of Jack Kelly in Newsies. This is my favorite show of all time, and it was a pleasure to portray this role on the stage. All of these amazing programs run at Knoch allowed me to discover my music and arts passion. However, music is not the only passion that I found at Knoch. I had the honor of being selected as the Student Representative for the Class of 2022. This position allowed me to represent the student body during the school board meetings, and relay information to the rest of the school board and attending parents. In addition to the student representative position, I also have been involved in our Student Council throughout high school. My senior year I was appointed Treasurer of the Student Council for the high school, and was an active member of National Honors Society. Community service is important to me because it allows me personally to share with others. I have always enjoyed placing people’s needs before my own, whether it’s simply talking about something they need to talk about or volunteering for people in need. As a member of the National Honors Society (NHS), it is very important to all of us to volunteer in our community to make a difference and make it a better place to live in. My favorite thing about the NHS is surrounding myself with like minded people that have similar interests. Helping the people of our community and people who need it is what makes this club so special. Without community service driven people, the world would be a far worse place, a place of greed, loneliness, and isolation. Community service is important, because a community driven by helping others is a long lasting and inviting place for all. I plan to continue these ideas through my workflow and continuing to help those around me. These qualifications and previous experiences have prepared me to pursue a career in photography and entrepreneurship. I am excited to experience college life and attain a higher education, however, my parents are not helping me financially with college. As a straight A student, I have earned merit scholarships from Kent State, but any additional financial support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your consideration!

An article by Kevin Kruse defines leadership as “a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal.” Notice key elements of this definition: Leadership stems from social influence, not authority or power. Although power is definitely an attribute that leaders have, the social attributes of an influential leader are equally if not more important. This is a concept I thought I understood quite well, and in my first year of drum major in the fall of 2020, I found drum major to be an easy feat. Much to my chagrin, once I became the senior drum major it would have been much more difficult of a challenge that would allow me to learn an incredibly important life lesson regarding leadership and would inspire me to become the person I have become. In a normal junior year, the drum major learns from the senior drum major all of the extra responsibility that the senior drum major has, so that he or she can excel the next year. However, my junior year was easier because we had no drill, and both drum majors were doing the exact same thing. Learning the drum major process was so easy for me because I hid behind the senior drum major much of my junior year. This year, I knew I would be expected to lead the band and the 3 auxiliary squads, and this scared me at first. I had to work twice as hard to not only gain the knowledge that I lacked from the unusual previous year due to CoVid-19, but also to teach the junior drum major who was more inexperienced than I was. This definitely was a hefty feat to accomplish, but this situation, or rather, opportunity, allowed me to mature and realize how important a great leader is. Without a great leader, the people fall apart, even in states of the unknown where I don’t know what to do. I need to be the solid leader that the band looks up to so that they know what to do as well. The solution to the problem I had: communication. This year I have talked to my band director more than I have in the past 6 years of knowing him. This amount of communication, and understanding on his part as well, allowed me to catch up on the knowledge I needed to lead as the senior drum major as well as teach the other drum major the basics. While all of this was transpiring, we both were required to lead the band. This doubled my amount of time practicing, researching different techniques in leadership, and teaching time with my junior drum major, and we successfully led the band for a great full season where we not only had great performances, but also improved after each one. This challenging experience allowed me to gain a greater understanding of the leaders in our society, and is definitely an experience that made me change for the better. This lesson in communication taught me to be a better leader than I was at the time. It also brought validity to the saying, "it's not what you know, it's who you know that matters." Key communication builds relationships, keeps current ones healthy, and makes yourself more approachable to people who do not know you. The position of drum major and the conclusion I came to shaped me to the person, future business man, and leader that I am today. Thank you for listening to my story and for your consideration for the William M. DeSantis Sr. Scholarship.

A dog is a man's best friend. Everyone has heard this saying or phrase at one point in their life. What most people don't know is that this statement is not true. A dog is everyone's best friend, as they know nothing other than love for the people that care for them. Regardless if you are a man, woman, or anyone else, dogs love unconditionally, and this is why I love dogs so much. When I was 7, my parents informed me that they were getting a divorce. I remember this vividly. This day shaped the rest of my life and threw me into the fire that molded the person I am today. The tensity and inability to communicate between my parents are to this day unchanged. I remember coming home from school most days listening to my parents argue while I just played with my black lab named Fisher. Fisher is my best friend. He is a purebred black lab, and he is 14 years old. He has been around on this earth nearly as long as I have, and this is something that I place an immense amount of value in. Fisher has comforted me countless times while I dealt with my parents yelling when I was young, or listening to me cry over my breakup later, and many other times. The ability that both Fisher and all dogs have to love unconditionally is a skill that we as humans could learn from. They never judge, and that is something that our world today could learn from. Similarly, dogs and humans have the ability to comfort, love, and listen. Humans today mostly chose not to comfort, love, or listen to each other. This is where dogs have made an impact in so many lives just like my dog has impacted mine. Mortality is the humbling experience that dogs have that is similar to humans. As I mentioned, Fisher is 14 years old. He is coming to the end of his life as he is starting to struggle to walk. The best part of it all is that he still acts as if he is a puppy. He is so optimistic and hopeful everyday he goes and travels outside just like it was his first time in that lawn. I only hope to learn from him and retain his optimism, love, compassion, listening, and youth even with growing age. Thank you for taking time to listen to my story. I'm glad to know that others love dogs and they mean as much as them as they do to me. Thanks for your consideration for the DogCentral Dog Lover scholarship!

"Keep moving forward," my mom repeatedly expressed to me as a child. Through hardship, and through difficult times, I have always been taught to look to the future and take life one step at a time. My name is Jacob Walker, and I am excited for the opportunities ahead of me for college. I am planning on attending Kent State University in the fall for Business Entrepreneurship with a double minor in Photography and Videography. Since March of 2020, I have been doing photography as a hobby, but it has been growing so quickly that I realized I would love for this to be my job one day. Moving forward into the college experience, I am excited to experience the challenges of college academics. I am aware that college will be an uphill battle, but it is one I am well prepared for. I’ve been terrified of college for the longest time, but I finally mellowed out when I realized that college is simply one step at a time. My plan of action in college is to keep the mentality and work ethic and keep a rigorous schedule on top of all of my assignments. I am aware however that small business owners face hardship, and difficulties along the way. As my mom always said, "Keep moving forward." This will be the mentality I adapt in order to achieve my goals. The clubs and experiences at Knoch High School have prepared me to pursue a career in photography and entrepreneurship. I am excited to experience college life and attain a higher education, however, my parents are not helping me financially with college. As a straight A student, I have earned merit scholarships from Kent State, but any additional financial support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your consideration!

According to a Gallup study, only one-third of American families prepare a monthly household budget. To me, this is insanity. Budgeting and the ability to manage your own income is arguably the most important lesson of personal finance. Luckily my mother taught me budgeting, and it has become my most valuable tip in personal finance. If one can manage the income and outcome of their liquid assets, then they have control over their future. Many people and fellow peers of mine spend all of their money they earn from their job on material items while leaving nothing for emergency funds, and nothing for saving. When my mother taught me budgeting, I was hesitant at first, but now with more life experience than I had at the time, it is a skill I am most grateful for. I know exactly where all of my money goes each month. I do credit my parents for teaching me this skill, although they are fairly consistent with teaching me how to pay bills every month. So whether my money is going to pay my car insurance, photography subscriptions, cell phone bill, or any other daily expense, I know exactly where each penny goes. This is a skill that needs to be taught to every kid, even if they don't have any expenses or any income. Managing their birthday money and what toy to spend it on because they want to choose between different toys is still a great start for teaching them budgeting, and it's applicable to the rest of their lives as well.

My name is Jacob Walker, and I am excited for the opportunities ahead of me for college. I am planning on attending Kent State university in the fall for Business entrepreneurship with a double minor in Photography and Videography. Since March of 2020, I have been doing photography as a hobby, but it has been growing so quickly that I realized I would love for this to be my job one day. I have started my own business currently focused on photography. I have always been interested in any job that deals with communication as I have always had a passion for communicating with people. In May 2020, everything shut down and I was forced to find some kind of hobby to keep myself sane while in quarantine. I had always had fun taking pictures while on vacations, but I never focused into the specifics of Photography until quarantine. I instantly fell in love with photography, as it was a hobby I could pursue while being alone, yet I never felt alone when I was with my camera. It is a crazy concept to write down, but when I have my camera in my hands, and I'm looking through the lens, it's something that makes me feel together with whatever/whomever I am shooting. I focus mostly on portrait photography whether it is senior, family, lifestyle, or wedding portraits I love it all! By far my favorite part of photography is capturing candid moments. These are moments that are not staged and are 100% natural. These shots can only be achieved by working with the person you are shooting with. This communication aspect of photography is refreshing to me beyond belief. I always have enjoyed talking to people and hearing their stories, and photography gave me exactly that. It gave me a breath of fresh air in a not so fresh time period for most people. It is an honor to be able to say that I captured this moment in time that these people will look at and see for the rest of their lives. This hobby quickly became my passion, and I could not see myself pursuing anything other than photography in my future. I am excited to experience college life and attain a higher education, however, my parents are not helping me financially with college. As a straight A student, I have earned merit scholarships from Kent State, but any additional financial support would be greatly appreciated to allow me to turn my hobby into my career. Thank you for your consideration!

According to a Gallup study, only one-third of American families prepare a monthly household budget. To me, this is insanity. Budgeting and the ability to manage your own income is arguably the most important lesson of personal finance. If one can manage the income and outcome of their liquid assets, then they have control over their future. Many people and fellow peers of mine spend all of their money they earn from their job on material items while leaving nothing for emergency funds, and nothing for saving. Budgeting was taught to me at an early age by my parents, and it is a skill I am most grateful for. I know exactly where all of my money goes each month. I do credit my parents for teaching me this skill, although they are fairly consistent with teaching me how to pay bills every month. So whether my money is going to pay my car insurance, photography subscriptions, cell phone bill, or any other daily expense, I know exactly where each penny goes. This is a skill that needs taught to every kid, even if they don't have any expenses or any income. Managing their birthday money and what toy to spend it on because they want to chose between different toys is still a great start for teaching them budgeting, and its applicable to the rest of their lives as well. Thank you for listening to my most important personal finance lesson, and thank you for your consideration to the Bold Finance Literacy Scholarship!

My name is Jacob Walker, and I am excited for the opportunities ahead of me for college. I am planning on attending Kent State university in the fall for Business Management with a double minor in Photography and Videography. Since March of 2020, I have been doing photography as a hobby, but it has been growing so quickly that I realized I would love for this to be my job one day. I have started my own business currently focused on photography. I have always been interested in any job that deals with communication as I have always been good with talking to people. I am currently attending Knoch High School, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Knoch. Aside from the normal ups and downs of high school, I have enjoyed every second here. This is completely due to the clubs, sports, and activities that I am involved in. There were some sports and clubs that I did only for one year, these include soccer, track, photography club, history club, and Fall Play (Student Director). Although I only did them for one year most of them were done my senior year so I simply just ran out of time. My biggest accomplishment throughout high school was having the honor of being selected as Drum Major for our school’s marching band. This position came with an immense amount of responsibility, and it demanded me to be the best leader I could be. As well as the marching band, I play in our concert band, jazz band, and also sing in our chamber singers, barber shop quartet, mens ensemble, and musical. In the musical this year, I got the lead role of Jack Kelly in Newsies. This is my favorite show of all time, and it was a pleasure to portray this role on the stage. All of these amazing programs run at Knoch allowed me to discover my music and arts passion. Outside of music, I had the honor of being selected as the Student Representative for the Class of 2022. This position allowed me to represent the student body during the school board meetings, and relay information to the rest of the school board and attending parents. As a student who always had interests in politics, this was a breathtaking experience that allowed me to gain an insight to how decisions were made around my school. In addition to the student representative position, I also have been involved in our Student Council throughout high school. My senior year I was appointed Treasurer of the Student Council for the high school. These qualifications and previous experiences have prepared me to pursue a career in photography and entrepreneurship. I am excited to experience college life and attain a higher education, however, my parents are not helping me financially with college. My parents have always been truthful with me that because they got divorced, they would not be able to help me financially with college, so I have been planning for years how to save up for college as it's been my dream to pursue a higher education. I have been working as hard as I could in high school to achieve merit scholarships, and as a straight A student, I have been awarded merit scholarships from Kent State. In addition to merit scholarships, I have been applying for other scholarships in order to not be crippled by my debt after college. Any additional financial support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your consideration!