"La Vita è Bella", or "Life is Beautiful", is one of my favorite movies of all time. Before watching it, I never would've thought that a movie in a foreign language would have such a large impact on my perspective of the world or elicit a strong emotional reaction in me. However, the Italian film carries a touching message that easily transcends any language barriers. The movie spans many years, following an Italian-Jewish man named Guido as he falls in love, gets married, and has a son he names Giosue. However, his idyllic and seemingly perfect is interrupted as World War Two begins and he and his family are forced into a concentration camp. Throughout the rest of the film, Guido protects his son from the horrors of the Nazis with his optimism and humor that makes watchers want to simultaneously laugh and cry. Eventually, Guido sacrifices himself to distract the Nazi guards from his son, a heart wrenching moment; yet it is because of Guido's sacrifice that Giosue survives long enough to be liberated from the camp and reunite with his mother. The film ends with Giosue reminiscing upon his father's ultimate act of love, and realizing that Guido's optimism throughout the film was, in and of itself, a sacrifice he made to shield his son from the evils around him. "Life is Beautiful" shows the watcher just that- that life is, indeed beautiful. Guido demonstrates to the audience time and time again that even in the darkest of situations, there are still people worth helping and still small joys to be found. The film illuminates the possibility of hope in the places that seem most devoid of it. Love runs deeply through this film, and upon every rewatch, your heart is both filled with Guido's interminable love for his family yet also broken because of it. I often find myself returning to this movie. When I am going through a rough patch in my life, I think back to the optimism Guido showed and try to emulate it in my own life. When I am filled with love for my own family, my mind drifts back to the sacrifice Guido made in the film. And when I have children of my own someday, I will treat them with the same loving optimism shown in the movie. Because of this movie, I am determined to create a positive impact in the world, and more importantly, on my loved ones, just like Guido did.

I have always felt a connection with music. It seems to be inexorably tied to my soul. I love everything about it: the hours of practice, the anticipation of performance, the way the melodies and harmonies combine to make an interwoven tapestry of sonic beauty. For a while, I wasn't sure about what I wanted to do with my life. I researched many careers, but none of them quite felt right. But when one of my friends said they were going to be a music major, I had an awakening: music would be my career! I am a bassoonist who has been classically trained for seven years. However, in order to achieve my dream of one day playing in a top symphony orchestra, I will need many more years of education and training. This is why I am preparing to enter a university where I would learn from a professor with many years of experience. After the four years at my university would come a master's degree. This program is intense, yet is the final step needed before making a career as a classical musician. After exiting the master's program, I would have enough experience to become a symphony musician. As a member of an orchestra, my job would be to perform symphonies and concertos for the audience. It is my dream to one day play in a world-class symphony- through hard work and dedication to my craft, I know that one day, I can make this dream a reality and share my love of music with the world!

My name is Maggie McHenry, I am from Fort Worth, and I am a musician. Ever since I was a kid, music called out to me- once I began taking piano lessons in first grade, something within me snapped into place. Music was an escape for me from the bullies I faced at my school, from the sadness of my mom's cancer diagnosis, from the world that seemed to be covered in a cloak of depressing gray. While making music, I could slide into the colorful melodies and harmonies, listening as the chords under my fingers created a sanctuary deep within my soul, a place where no tragedy or pain could intrude. Now that I'm older, I have fallen even more in love with music. Music has become a way to outreach to my community and share the joy I feel. Last year, my church asked me to be the organist, a volunteer position. I excitedly accepted, knowing that my years and years of piano lessons would finally be paying off. Now, every Sunday, I get to play the hymns for my congregation and fill our chapel with the beautiful strains of our sacred music. Serving my church community in this manner always brings a smile to my face and a sense of joy into the church building. All my life, I've witnessed the happiness music can bring me and the people who hear it. Watching music give people a safe space has been incredible, and it is something I want to continue to foster throughout my life. It is because of this that I have decided to major in classical music . Going to college to further my musical training would allow for me to reach a wider audience with the peace and joy that accompanies a musical performance. One day, I will sit on a stage, looking up at an audience that seems impossibly large. I will close my eyes, take a deep breath, and begin to play. The opening notes of the symphony will swirl from my fingers and my heart, out into the concert hall and into the souls of every individual who hears it. And it will stir their souls, enlarge their hearts, and they will feel an otherworldly peace. Music is incredibly special to me. It is how I show love to my community, and my hope is that one day, my "community" will have expanded to include more than just my church congregation- that one day, the joy I feel when I play music touches the hearts of the world.

For me, math is more than sitting in a classroom listening to a teacher lecture. It's more than the endless equations, the graphs. For me, math is the eyes of a kid lighting up in excitement and understanding. It's the joy that comes with solving a difficult math problem that had previously seemed unsolvable. As a math tutor, I get to love math in an entirely new way every day. I work at a company called Mathnasium. As an instructor there, I am able to work with children ages 5-17. In my time working there, I have been able to bond with my students over math, and mentor them in a skill that I know will serve them their entire life. Math has never come easy for me- I remember many late nights filled with the bitterness of endless studying. Though I loved doing math, it was hard for me, and my love was tinged with frustration. However, my hard work eventually paid off, and I grew more and more skilled at math with every passing day. I decided to become a tutor because I never wanted any child's love of math to dissipate into hatred with the inevitable struggles that come with the subject. It is my job now to help kids succeed, and watching them overcome their obstacles is the most rewarding feeling. Whether it's elucidating complex algebra or just simple addition, watching my love of math get transferred to a younger person is incredibly fulfilling. Not only do I get to transfer important math skills, but I also get to impart wisdom that will help students throughout their lives. As a mentor, I teach that, just as in math, every problem in life has a solution. No matter how complicated it seems, there is always an answer. At the end of the day, I love math because of my students. Watching them come to love the subject only makes my love for it grow along with them.

The movie "Frozen" came out when I was nine years old. I remember watching the movie for the first time and falling in love with it. The music, the visuals, the characters, the story- I adored it. This led my favorite Disney character to become Anna- I wanted to be just like her, and still do. Anna is endlessly optimistic, a trait that I greatly admire and wish to develop in myself. She constantly displays a joie de vivre that is unparalleled and always sees the best in people. Though it seems that Elsa has shut her out forever, her unceasing attempts to reestablish contact demonstrate the faith she holds that her elder sister will one day reciprocate her love. She is rejected time and time again by Elsa, yet she never stops reaching out, her determination and sisterly love shining through hardships in her life. Anna is also fearless and will do anything to protect the people she loves. She races into danger without a second thought so that she can help her kingdom, and when Elsa is about to be killed, Anna jumps in the way, sacrificing herself so that Elsa can live. However, though Anna's outward bravery is certainly impressive, it is her inward strength that inspires me the most. Anna always was able to find intrinsic motivation to accomplish what needed to be done. In the first movie, she took it upon herself to save the kingdom and help her sister. No one needed to tell her what to do- she simply knew. Similarly, in the sequel to "Frozen", Anna is at her lowest point after her sister shoved her away once again. Yet she perseveres, singing that "This next step, this next choice is one that I can make". No matter the odds against her, Anna has the tenacity to continue on. However, despite all the exceptional traits that made me want to be like Anna all those years ago, the reason I love Anna the most is because of her relationship with Elsa. My sister and I have always been close, and watching "Frozen", even to this day, will remind me of the unbreakable bond sisters have. She is the Elsa to my Anna, and even though we occasionally have rough patches, I know that, just like Anna, I would never hesitate to throw myself into peril if it meant keeping my sister safe.

I never thought I'd be a dog person. Up until last year, I had only ever had a cat. I couldn't see myself taking a dog on a long walk, going to the dog park, or- heaven forbid- picking up my dog's poop. Stella was my surprise puppy. My parents told me we were going on a trip to visit my cousins, and I didn't realize there was anything out of the ordinary. When we got to our destination, my dad said that we were going to meet one of his friends at a local park. However, when we got to the park, it was empty- except for a man with a small black puppy. He walked over to us, and my mom told me that this was my dog. I was shocked, as my parents had said we would likely never get a dog. However, though I had previously never wanted a canine companion, I fell in love with Stella the moment I looked into her chocolatey brown eyes. She was the sweetest puppy I had ever seen. Her fur had never been cut, and it enveloped her tiny body, making her look like an adorable rat. She leaped into my arms and immediately began showering me in kisses. I've had Stella for almost a year now, and the sweet puppy has grown into an even sweeter dog. Whenever I come home from an especially hard day at school and just collapse on the floor, Stella comes and quietly lays next to me, just the emotional support I need. Stella and I are a lot alike. We both love to go on adventures together. She adores walking through the forest, and she gets so excited when it snows, just like me. She is always so curious about the world and wants to discover it all. At school, I don't have much of a support group. My friends aren't usually the nicest people to me, and I end up very upset at the end of most days. However, when I come home and see my precious puppy wagging her tail so hard that she can't walk straight as she comes to give me a kiss, all of my loneliness and frustration melt away. Before Stella, I didn't have a true idea of the meaning of unconditional love. But now that I've had her in my life, I know that no matter what I do, I will always have a dog that loves me. I will be devastated when, in a few short months, I will have to leave for college and say goodbye to my Stella. However, she has left a paw print on my heart, and I know that when I come back to visit, she will love me just the same- just as I will love her.

Animals have always fascinated me. From the smallest insects to the largest mammals, observing them brings endless joy to me. There is nothing I love more than walking through the woods behind my house on a quiet morning, deer bounding through the clearings, crows cackling above, and fish lazily swimming through the gentle current of the creek. I first heard about the field of wildlife biology from the World Wildlife Foundation's website. While reading an article about the dangers polar bears face in an increasingly warm world, I realized that the scientists being quoted have spent their lives observing animals- something I already love to do. I started reading everything I could find about wildlife biology and the adventures of these brave field researchers. I came to especially love the stories of Jane Goodall and Birute Galdikas, primatologists who lived in the wild to study apes. Learning about the stories created a desire within me to, like my heros, live amongst the animals I study. Wildlife biology and conservation is massively important field on our planet where the climate is rapidly becoming hotter. Animals, who cannot speak for themselves, need advocates who understand their needs and can communicate to society the correct actions to take to preserve them. There are still so many species left to be discovered on Earth. Not only is it crucial to find these animals so that we can help conserve them, it is of the utmost importance that we protect the habitats they need to survive. As a wildlife biologist, I hope to be able to communicate this importance to the public, as well as learn more about the wonderful creatures of our planet. After all, a world without a diversity of species is, in my opinion, one not worth living in, as observing and caring for animals provides the greatest joy imaginable.

As I was pondering which technological marvel to write about, my mind kept coming back to the washing machine. I shook off my thoughts on the conventional household appliance and thought about life-saving medical devices, computers, and airplanes- all of which certainly have made our world a more efficient, enjoyable, and safe place to live. However, in the end, the washing machine has arguably a greater impact on society than any other technological creation. The first automatic washing machine was patented in 1937 by an American company. However, the appliances were often too expensive for the average American family, and as such, they didn't become a staple in homes until the 50s. Up until this point, women bore the responsibility of laundering the family clothing. This process could take up to eight and a half hours, as it was extremely intensive. However, with the advent of the washing machine into American homes, this time would be reduced to less than an hour. With this newfound time, women were able to join the workforce alongside men, a massive step for women's rights and feminism. What would my life be like in a world without washing machines? I would likely not be in school anymore, as the household chores would take up too much of my time. My hands would be red, blistered, and bloody from the constant exposure to water and harsh soap. My life would be extremely limited, and I would not have any opportunities to fulfill my dreams. Though there have been so many incredible inventions throughout human history, it is the washing machine that inspires me the most. If 20th-century technology ended up liberating my foremothers from a life of endless drudgery, who's to say what our increasingly advanced creations could do? There are still so many problems in our world, from systemic discrimination to poverty and hunger. However, just as the washing machine was able to further women's rights, I have full faith that as new advances in technology are made, solutions to societal issues will become clearer and more inevitable.

Always engage with the teacher in class- asking and answering questions gets you much farther than idly listening! Whenever I am starting out a new school year, I always make an effort to interact in class with my teachers. Not only does this establish rapport between us, which is necessary to have an enjoyable school year, is helps me to learn the material better. On days when I don't ask/answer questions in class, I find myself zoning out and missing a large portion of the lecture. That's why, at the beginning, I always try to start a habit of engagement that I know will help my learning throughout the entire year. My Instagram handle is @maggie_the_musical

Entomology, the study of insects, is not a scientific field commonly thought of. However, the world of insects is one I find fascinating, and I love learning more about the six-legged inhabitants of our planet. Thus, my favorite scientific discovery is not one that many people know about. It's not the discovery of other planets or the law of relativity. It was not discovered by an old man in a lab with wild white hair. Instead, my favorite scientific finding is the discovery of the white witch moth. This moth, one of the largest insects in the order Lepidoptera, can reach a wingspan of up to fourteen inches. They are an elusive species- their larvae have never been observed by a human before- and their beautiful markings allow them to blend into trees with ease. However, though the white witch is an endless source of wonder, the story of its discovery makes me love it even more. In 1699, Maria Sibylla Merian traveled to Surinam on an entomology expedition. Unable to receive funding from the government because she was a woman, she saved up her money until she could afford to send herself, becoming the first European woman to go on an independent expedition. In a time when insects were thought to be spawn of the devil, Merian saw differently. By putting her life in danger by going to an unfamiliar land, she was able to make countless advances in the field of entomology, proving the life cycle of insects and devoting her life to observing them. However, despite all the contributions Merian made, the discovery of the white witch moth is still my favorite. It was a chance discovery for her- she caught it on accident- but it has never been able to be topped, even to this day.

My name is Maggie McHenry, and I am a senior in North Texas. I love to create music, read books about anything, spend time in nature, and volunteer at my community library. I have always been interested in a multitude of career fields. My dream job would change seemingly every week, and all options sounded amazing- whether it was an astrophysicist, author, lawyer, ambassador, biologist, teacher, or musician, I could see myself in each and every one. However, I have narrowed it down between two subjects: wildlife biology and music performance. My passion for both of these is what drives me to do one of these amazing jobs, and I believe that I could make remarkable contributions to both fields. My journey in music started at the age of six. My mom sold her French horn to buy a keyboard, and with her limited skills, she began to teach me to play piano. I quickly grasped on to the instrument, and, in time, I started taking piano lessons from a lady next door. Fast forward almost twelve years, and I am even more passionate about piano than I was as a little girl. However, though piano was my first love, and one that I will never let go of, my true passion is the bassoon. The bassoon is a low woodwind instrument that plays in orchestral settings, and its warm, reedy sound is all I love in life. Playing bassoon feels like I'm coming home, and it is on this instrument that I would pursue a career in symphonic playing. Every time I take the stage with my bassoon, my heart swells. The sounds emerging from my instrument, and from the instruments around me, has moved me to tears on a number of occasions. There is something about the feeling of creating music that is indescribable. The feeling you get as you crescendo the notes to a booming forte that fills the room is truly magical. Music has an overwhelming power to help people through trials and sorrow. It is a comforting force for good, and as a symphony musician, I could help bring true, exalted joy to people through beautiful music. However, my passions are equally directed towards wildlife conservation. I have always loved animals, and working to observe and protect the wonderful creatures of our planet, a planet that is increasingly in danger. The animals of the Arctic regions have always fascinated me, especially polar bears. They are the most majestic beings on the planet- however, they are arguably the most in danger from humanity. As a wildlife biologist, it would become my life's work to not only study polar bears and other Arctic animals, but also to work unceasingly to protect their habitats and their lives. In protecting species diversity in Arctic animals, I would help keep the world a beautiful planet that people are proud to live on. There is so much uncertainty in this world, and it can be absolutely terrifying. Due to climate change, war, political and social issues, and even just day-to-day life, there are so many anxieties that plague millions, if not billions, of people. However, though I have not entirely narrowed down what path I want to pursue with my life, I know that no matter what, I will make a positive impact. It may be through giving someone strength to go on via the beautiful music, or showing the world, through my conservation work, that humanity can be a force for good, but either way, I believe that I can provide something to make our world a more positive place.

Throughout my middle school years, I struggled with understanding math. I would work tirelessly to grasp the concepts the teachers threw at us, but inevitably, I would come up short. Math brought me countless tears, and I despised it with a burning passion. However, as I progressed in my education, math became easier for me with the assistance of amazing peer mentors. Because of the help that I received, I decided to pay it forward. I approached my local tutoring center and was able to obtain a position there as an instructor. The children who attend the center sometimes get frustrated with the concepts they are learning. But as I work to gently guide them toward the right response, their frustration gradually evaporates, leaving them only with a sense of pride and accomplishment as their answers are deemed correct. It is extremely rewarding to see their faces light up in moments of understanding. Many people in my position would think that their impact as a mentor is "to teach the next generation of scientists who will change the world for the better". However, while that may be true, I believe that the larger impact exists on a much smaller scale. I wish to have an impact of hope on my students. As their mentor, I not only want to show them that they can be good at math, but that they can be good at anything they set their minds to. I constantly strive to give my students hope that they can go beyond their wildest dreams. So while I may be teaching the next generation of scientists, I am also teaching the musicians, athletes, and leaders of tomorrow that their struggles- with math, and with life in general- can be overcome.

My personal hero, the renowned Jane Goodall, once said that "the greatest danger to our future is apathy". As we progress throughout time, this statement becomes increasingly more relevant. As I considered what to write this essay about, a multitude of ideas came to me. Should I write about sexism? Racism? Homophobia? Should I delve into the murky waters of climate change and environmental concerns? Should I discuss the injustices faced by those in developing countries, and the unawareness of the people unknowingly perpetuating their struggles? But as I examined each of these topics in turn, I started to see that a common thread tied them all together: apathy. In our day and age, people don't truly care about those around them, the strangers they see on the streets or on the bus. We are too busy hiding behind our smartphones to look up and notice the teenage girl who just needs a friend or the young child yearning for love. We are too absorbed in our podcasts or our Netflix shows to listen to the elderly's stories or the cries for help of the people around us. Apathy is, by definition, a lack of empathy. Empathy comes when we engage with the people around us, face to face. It comes when we take time to understand people's emotions and the problems that they struggle with. And as empathy increases for just one person, it increases for everyone and everything. The issues facing our world and its people matter more when we have empathy. Statistics are no longer statistics once we see the faces behind the numbers. Though we as a society face a myriad of issues, reaffirming the importance of empathy will surely help to solve them. After all, as apathy dissipates, true love emerges.

I first went into debt at the young age of ten. I will never forget the longing I felt as I looked at a pristine copy of my favorite book. But as I checked the price tag, my face fell. It was almost twenty dollars, and as a kid with a limited allowance, this was an exorbitant fee. When I begged my mom to buy it for me, she responded that I was going to have to purchase it myself. "But I don't have any money!" I responded sadly. My mom patiently explained to me that she could buy me the book, but that I would have to pay her back- with interest. I thought this was a magical arrangement, and triumphantly walked out of the bookstore with my prize. A few months later, however, I was not as pleased with the deal as I had been. I had already read my book, and my debt was steadily growing. I tried to pay my mom the twenty dollars, but she gently informed me that due to interest, the cost had risen to twenty-five. In a panic, I raided my coin collection, scraping together the additional money I needed to pay the interest. As I handed the coins over to my mother, I felt tangible relief at no longer having to stress about being in debt. My parents were determined to teach me from a young age the pitfalls of owing money to people. That experience forever changed how I view my purchases. I am now cautious with my spending, and I apply for scholarships in an attempt to lessen the student debt I will soon face. My parents' wise advice- "avoid debt at all costs"- may be simple, but it will guide my financial decisions throughout my entire lifetime.

As a senior in high school, I get asked a lot about what my career plans are. I always have to say "I don't know". Though it is sometimes embarrassing to admit that I'm not 100% sure what I want my career to be, it's ok, because I know what I want my life to look like. A lot of people have a very clear plan for their future. They take comfort in knowing that everything is laid out for them. I, on the other hand, function quite differently. I find new interests weekly, and I change my mind about what I want to do with my life almost daily. If I watch a nature documentary, I decide that I'm going to be a wildlife biologist. If I attend a symphony concert, I make up my mind to be a professional musician. On and on it goes There are endless career choices, and for an indecisive person like me, it's torture- especially when it seems like my peers know exactly what they're going to do. However, I have other goals outside of my career. I want to backpack across Europe, ride a tuk-tuk in South Asia, and hike Mount Kilimanjaro. I want to write a book, maybe a memoir or possibly a fantasy novel. I want to fall in love and have a family. I want to bring joy to others by serving my community. Though my career goals are vague, my life goals are crystal clear. No matter what my job is, my true goals in life are the ones that will fulfill me. I am working hard in school so that I can go to a respected university, but I am also working hard on myself so that I can lead the life of my dreams.

My life changed the moment I sat down at a piano. I was your average six-year-old: I enjoyed going to kindergarten, watching Disney movies, and eating fruit snacks. But when my mom pointed me toward the piano bench, I went with no hesitation. I was much too small for the piano back then. My legs dangled off the bench and my fingers struggled to hit the keys. Nevertheless, I adored it. Clumsy renditions of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Hot Cross Buns" were omnipresent back in those days. I'm sure my parents were annoyed, but they supported me anyway, paying for lessons, buying me books, and helping me practice. Fast-forward eleven years. I'm now your average teenager: I enjoy going to high school, watching Netflix, and eating pizza. But on top of those qualities, I have my talent for the piano. When I come home from a long day at school, instead of collapsing into bed, I collapse onto the piano bench. Frustrations flow from my fingertips as I play, pouring all the day's stress into music. Piano is my solace, my release from the monotony of day-to-day life. Creativity through music is not only my way of dealing with smaller problems, but a coping mechanism. I often struggle with anxiety. Some days are harder than others. But playing piano grounds me, stops my mind from racing. It reminds me that there is still beauty in the world- beauty that I have the power to create. The piano is always there for me. It's been there for almost my entire life, and I know that it will be there throughout my future. No matter where life may take me, I will always make time for the joy that the piano brings.

There is only one female principal bassoonist in the top ten symphony orchestras across the world. For female bassoonists like myself, this is an alarming disparity. The bassoon is arguably the most male-dominated woodwind instrument and its reputation as "masculine" tends to keep women tied to the traditionally feminine instruments, such as the flute. Having female role models is something I have always strived for. I constantly seek strong women in positions that I long to be in someday. However, when I look to the best symphony groups, there is an immense dearth of women bassoonists. This gender discrepancy among the highest level symphony orchestras is something I hope to one day disrupt. I love playing the bassoon with all my heart. I love practicing, but even more, I love performing. I love the delight I see on people's faces after a particularly outstanding concert. I love the torrent of applause and the wild cheers after our symphony concludes a piece. But above all, I love the expressions people get after I tell them I play the bassoon. Many people seem shocked when I tell them about my instrument: a four-and-a-half feet tall giant that plays some of the lowest notes in the orchestra. I love dismantling the stereotypes people have for women in music; by playing the bassoon, I am showing that people don't often fit into the traditional roles society expects from them. I wish to major in bassoon and work my way up to principal bassoonist of one of the top orchestras. The bassoon world desperately needs more women in high positions, and I desire to be one of them. Young female bassoonists, after all, need more role models to represent them. My aspiration is that one day, I will be able to inspire bassoon-playing girls to go after their dreams, just like I went after mine. Attached is a performance of Wanderlust, our high school's marching band show. I was featured throughout as the soloist- you can hear me at the very beginning and in various other places (my personal favorite is at 5:56, as it shows off my technical abilities)!

52% of people think that our planet is doomed, and I used to be one of them. I have always cared about nature, be it plants, animals, or even large environmenta. I spend a lot of my time outside- it is one of the things I am passionate about. However, every day in the news, there is an increasing amount of headlines that detail the effects of climate change. In the past, it was really difficult for me to have hope while reading that people keep negatively impacting our world. I let it all get to my head, and eventually, I was very anxious about the destruction of Mother Earth. I would cringe when large trucks would barrel past me on the highway, leaving a trail of black smoke in their wake. My heart would sink when I would see plastic in the forest, knowing that it would outlive me by thousands, if not millions, of years. When I signed up for my AP Environmental Science class, I certainly thought that humans were going to ruin the Earth beyond repair. However, with every lecture that passed, my doom-and-gloom attitude slowly began to dissipate. I started to realize that though there are a multitude of issues facing our planet, none are unconquerable. Humans have fixed environmental problems before, and I began to believe that we could do it again! My generation is growing up surrounded by talk of climate change. Though this can lead to stress towards the topic, it can also lead to change. I have an immense amount of hope for the future because I know that people are creative, clever, and innovative. Even though it may seem like an insurmountable challenge, I believe that climate change and global warming will be reversed with help from me and my peers. The Earth means a lot to me. Not only is it my home, but I have taken great delight in all of the beautiful creatures that inhabit it. I have faith that as my generation matures and begins to develop, we will be able to create a better future for all of us on this wonderful planet.

Rationally, I know that insecurity is a human experience- everyone feels this way at some point in their lives. However, as much as I'd love to believe that rationality is my defining trait, I know that deep down, I am ruled almost entirely by my emotions. I've always been insecure in every regard. I'm constantly comparing myself to others. I lament the fact that I am not the smartest person. I'm not the best writer or musician. I'm not particularly funny. I don't have the trendiest clothes or the prettiest face. I'm constantly surrounded by people that look like they have their entire lives together, and it's near impossible not to view my life's accomplishments in terms of theirs. However, I've been reclaiming the word "confidence" for myself. I realized that confidence doesn't mean that I have to be the best at everything, but rather that I have to be unafraid to embrace my failings. I know that I'm not the best- but I don't care. Confidence comes to me when I'm alone. It appears when I practice my instrument and improve at skills. It comes when I am reading or writing or listening to music. And it always comes with the realization that no matter what, I am somebody who matters in this world. Of course, I still struggle with my insecurities. I still find it extremely difficult to not watch the people around me and their seemingly perfect lives. But in the moments of true confidence that strike, I understand that by embracing who I really am, I can become so much more.

Throughout history, women have been disenfranchised. We have been seen as "the weaker sex". We have been told that our only place is domesticity. We have been belittled because of our gender. I am a young woman growing up in a society that undervalues women. And I'm going to change it. The first true memory I have of realizing there was gender inequality in the world was when my father read aloud to me "The Hobbit". I remember wondering, "Where are the girls?" I will also never forget the first time someone made a hurtful comment about my gender. I was eleven at the time, and my family was helping our neighbors load their belongings into a moving truck. I attempted to pick up a small table to move, but before I could lift it, my neighbor came rushing over. "No!" she exclaimed. "You can't lift it- it's too heavy and I don't want you to have any female problems!" I can still feel the sting of embarrassment from that day. I was just trying to be helpful, but it seemed like my neighbor wasn't interested- just because I was a girl. There have been many more demeaning experiences, times when I felt ashamed of my gender. But I believe there is still hope for the future. I am working on starting a chapter of the National Organization for Women at my school. Such an organization would empower my female peers to speak up against the injustices they face. It would fight for equality both on our campus and in the world. I intend to work unceasingly until women can truly be seen as equal to men. After all, it is never too late to change for the better, and I know I can help the world do just that.

I take deep, stirring breaths as my pen moves across the page. The words I write are rendered permanent as they get put in ink- no matter what happens in my life, I am content in the fact that through my writings, I have secured myself a legacy. Every night, for thirty minutes before bed, I sit down to write in my journal. Keeping a diary is often ridiculed- it can be seen as frivolous and unimportant. However, for me, it is how I keep my mental health from deteriorating. I began journaling in fourth grade. My first entry starts with the candid frankness of your typical ten-year-old: "Hi! I thought I should write in you because a lot happened today." With that sentence, I began a habit that has carried me through the latter half of elementary school, my horrifically awkward middle school years, and now throughout most of high school. I won't lie- I do occasionally find myself writing the stereotypical "teenage girl" diary entries: talking about drama within friend groups, obsessing over whatever guy I'm crushing on, ranting over my younger sibling's antics, etc. However, the most value I get out of my diary entries is when I prioritize my mental health. I often do deep dives into my emotions for the day. What made me feel happy? Sad? What do I wish had gone better, and what can I do in the future to make that happen? I also enjoy discussing my dreams for the future- where I want to live in, what career I want to have, where I see myself in five, ten years. Journaling is the most rewarding experience of my life. It has kept me sane and alive throughout my teenage years, and I will be forever grateful for it.

When a jazz musician is asked to name the "greats" of jazz piano, names like Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Duke Ellington come to mind. Hazel Scott is not an often-heard name. However, Scott was just as good, if not better, than some of the aforementioned "greats". Scott learned how to play piano at the tender age of three, and by age eight, she was auditioning for the most prestigious music conservatory in the country: The Juilliard School. She began her music career at fifteen, performing on the piano to great acclaim. Not only was she an amazing musician, but she was also an extremely talented advocate, fighting against social injustices faced by people of color. She refused to perform for segregated audiences, and if a racially offensive acting role was offered to her, she turned it down. However, her advocacy for racial equality rapidly turned the music industry against her, and the name of this virtuoso was widely forgotten. Hazel Scott inspires me because of her dedication to the important things in her life. Scott was unafraid to fight for what she believed in. In a world where sexism and racism ran rampant, Scott was able to carve herself a space where she could shine. I myself am a jazz pianist, and I frequently find myself thinking of Hazel Scott's story. Jazz music is still a widely male-dominated space, and oftentimes, I am the only female performer. However, just like Scott, I aim to fight for my music and my voice to be heard and stand up boldly and honestly for the things that I believe in. Her legacy may be largely forgotten, but I like to think that it still lives on- through me and all other women jazz musicians who strive to emulate her.

Where I live, there is a swath of forest that has brought me innumerable hours of immense joy. Ever since I was a child, I loved to go play in the woods. My best friend and I would build secret forts, sneak quietly up on unsuspecting squirrels, and slowly expand our knowledge of the forest we were so lucky to have. Now that I'm older, I take a different sort of pleasure from being in the forest. Instead of loudly trampling through the underbrush as I once did, I now quietly sit and observe. During quarantine, the woods served as a peaceful getaway from the annoyances of my siblings. Every day, I would escape to the trees, sometimes with a notebook or novel, sometimes with nothing at all. And there I would sit for hours along the tranquil river, hearing the trickle of the tiny waterfall nearby and watching the trees high above sway in the wind. However, my favorite part about my quiet reveries in the forest was, and still is, the wildlife I got to see. Though deer, raccoons, squirrels, and snakes are by no means the most exotic animals, I found myself drawn to learn more about them. Through observing these woodland creatures, I was able to discover my passion for wildlife. I am now seriously considering pursuing a career in the field of wildlife biology and devoting my life to researching the graceful and beautiful members of the animal kingdom. Though I may hope to one day study creatures in far-away lands, I will never forget the peace I felt and the knowledge I acquired because of my days in the forest.

The cold ivory beneath my fingers sends chills up my spine as the blinding lights shine down on me. My mind moves so rapidly, I can barely process the rushing thoughts before they dissipate. As I finish my solo with a flourish, the crowd behind me explodes in applause, causing a smile to break out across my face. I am a jazz pianist. Unlike most other pianists, I don't usually play music by Mozart or Beethoven- as one can probably guess, I focus mainly on jazz. I practice rigorously every day, sometimes for multiple hours on end, for the sole purpose of honing my skills. My typical jazz practice routine includes a short warm-up period that is probably very similar to most other pianists. However, after this short time is over, I begin my favorite portion of my daily practice: improvising. Improvising is when I go off the page and start to truly create. There are no rules when I'm creating music on the fly; everything goes as long as I can sound confident. However, the best practice is not alone at a piano, but on a stage in front of a crowd. Performing is the chance to show off the work I've thrown myself into behind the scenes. I am in my high school's jazz band, and we have multiple concerts a year. At our most recent one, I had a total of nine improvised solos. Not all were as good as I hoped, but they all taught me about things I can improve on. As summer approaches, I intend to start playing by myself in public. Performing, after all, is the best way to practice, and I know I will be able to keep improving throughout my entire life if I become more comfortable with playing in public.

Everything I know about life, I learned from books. Whether it's nonfiction that teaches me about cultures and people, or fiction that shows me the finer points of human nature, I have learned so much from reading. However, the book series that has taught me the most about life is The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. Throughout the course of the novels, the main characters have to overcome a multitude of challenges in order to eventually vanquish the ultimate evil. The Wheel of Time endlessly taught me about empathy. As I began to feel for the fictional characters, I also began to feel for all those around me. The Wheel of Time also taught me about the power of choices. Each character throughout the series is faced with many challenging decisions with many potential outcomes. Some characters made correct choices, while some made choices that ultimately down the path of darkness. Witnessing the impact choices made on the protagonists made me more aware of the decisions I make in my life, leading me to now often question, "Where will this choice take me?" However, the most important thing I gained from the Wheel of Time is a closer relationship with my father. Both of us tend to be distant by nature, and as such, we don't have a lot of bonding time. However, I read The Wheel of Time for the first time alongside him, and as we discussed the book in depth, I drew nearer to him. I will forever be grateful to this book series for the impact it made on my relationship with my dad. I love The Wheel of Time with all my heart. It is not only an immensely enjoyable and engaging tale of bravery, but also one of empathy, decisions, and love.

Music means the world to me. I began playing piano at the age of six. I always loved the feeling of playing a piece perfectly. I would practice for hours, working hard to be the best pianist I could be. When I was in sixth grade, I discovered the bassoon. The bassoon isn't a very common instrument, but I adored it- I still do. Bassoon became my passion. The feeling I get when I play the bassoon is indescribable. I love it beyond words. This is why I wish to major in music performance. Music performance is far from an easy major. It requires hours and hours of intense practice and an immense drive to succeed. However, I am willing to undertake the challenges that come with being a music major because of my love of my instrument. I want to become a professional bassoonist and play with the best symphonies in the world. I wish to bring the joy I feel when I play bassoon to all the people who listen to me. In a world burdened with troubles, music is a solace for all of us. I love music, and I want everyone to love it as much as I do, and by being a professional bassoonist, I would be able to accomplish this goal.

I love to travel. I love learning about different cultures and people, and travel is the best way to do that. Seeing different countries in person is more vibrant and meaningful than just seeing pictures of them. I have had the privilege to travel to Europe, which was a massive bucket list item for me. My trip to London was one that I'll never forget. I loved the red phone booths, the view of the Thames, the British accents. That trip was the one that got me hooked on traveling. I now daydream about the different places I will one day see. I keep lists of landmarks I want to visit, and in my downtime, I look at pictures of foreign countries and read books about them. My bucket list mainly consists of locations I dream about. I wish to visit Thailand, and see elephants. I wish to see Mt. Kilmanjaro in Tanzania. I long to wander through the streets of Lisbon, Portugal, and climb atop the miradouros to look out over the city. There are innumerable sights to see, and I want to see all of them. After I graduate college, I wish to be a symphony musician. This career would allow me to tour around the globe and see all the splendors this beautiful world has to offer. The surface of my bucket list has barely been scratched, and I hope to someday complete it, visiting all the countries I dream of.