During high school, I evolved into a student that is dependable, a leader, and a dynamic speaker because of my intrinsic motivation to excel and become my best self. I experienced multiple challenges like losing some of my closest friends, struggling with wanting to succeed for myself and not for the benefit of others, and balancing stress, work, and my social life. With that came many successes as well: becoming apart of the Harvard Debate Council Diversity project which pushed me to become a better leader and public speaker, learning the importance of self advocacy and interacting with adults in a professional manner, and figuring out that the perfect balance I was looking for didn’t exist but that what was important was for me to be my best. The work ethic, intellectual growth, and social skills I learned in this environment have prepared me to excel and continue to better myself in the future.