What is the best advice you've ever received? Explain.

The best advice I had ever received would be to not rely on those who can't even be there for themselves. There is no way I am ever going to be able to get the help, and get what I need from another person who can't do what is necessary in order to positively benefit themselves. There comes a point when you need to do what's best for yourself, even if it means not being able to be there for that person. If they want to be in your life, they will clean up their chaotic life in order to find a spot for you in it as well.

Explain a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dillema you have faced and its impact on you.

When I was younger I was surrounded by a world of drugs. I was in and out of foster homes, and shelters. I witnessed my parents being dragged down to the ground by multiple police officers on many occasions. However, realizing now, I wouldn't want to have grown up in a different environment. If it weren't for the things I had witnessed and was put through as a child,  I wouldn't have the same morals, and ambitions I have to this day. It changed the world that I live in, and change the way that I view it. My whole childhood was a significant experience. I would not be the same person I am, nor as appreciative for life as I am to this day.

Please describe your reactions/ideas to the following quote: "He does not possess wealth, it possesses him."

When blessed with as much wealth as some are, it may begin to get to one's head. Your actions are revolved around how to get more, rather than what good you can do with what you already have. However, there are many different opinions on what wealth is. To some, it may be what one physically possess, and to others it is what one emotionally owns. If your aspect of wealth is money and riches, they can begin to possess you. You will not spend the money, the money will spend you. Your greed will get the beast of you, and your actions will be based on what opportunities there are for you to gain more riches. And if your aspect of wealth is happiness, then your actions will be based on what there is to do in order for you to be happy. Either way, wealth possess the beholder, regardless of what the "wealth" may be.

If you could choose two things to change about our high school campus, what would they be and why?

Two things I would choose to change would be our new administration, and to modify our buildings. The administration that we recently had been appointed to our school do not have the spirit, and dedication one who should be running a high school should have. Every change that has been made to the school has not been to benefit the students, but to benefit themselves instead. Castle Park High School no longer has the spirit, and pride from the students as it has had in past years. Therefore, students do not look forward in waking up, and walking through those doors each morning, thus resulting in them not showing up, or caring, period. Second, students need a school which they feel honored to attend, meaning a respectable appearance. Modifying our buildings will not only bring a fresh new look to the school which could be used as a chance to start new, but it will also give the students the feeling of pride for their school, and they will start to respect our school as it should be respected.

Should school attendance be mandatory? In your answer, be sure to explore what the function of education is, and what our nation would look like if the masses were less educated.

In my opinion, I believe school attendance should be mandatory. However, if an individual doesn't want to attend, and make something out of their life, there is nothing you can say or do until they, themselves choose to want to. The school systems shouldn't be too concerned about those who refuse to go, rather than those who are prompt, and ready to learn. Education is an important factor in how well our society works together and whether or not we will stay afloat as one. It's importance should be constantly stressed to each generation, because with out it, our nation will be fighting for first class spots around the trash can fire for warmth.

If you had the ability to talk to one species of animal, which animal would you choose to communicate with? Why?

If given the ability to communicate with any animal, I'd choose any one which has gone extinct due to our society. I'd want to talk to them in order to understand their thoughts, and emotions towards their limiting number of species in hopes that perhaps the truth of the matter would persuade our civilization to slow down, and realize the effects that their actions are having on each and every species.

If you had the responsibility to decide where $1 million should be spent to improve conditions somewhere in the world, what project(s) would you choose? Why?

If given the opportunity, I wouldn't be able to choose just one area to change for the better. My money would be  well spent in trying to benefit an abundance of locations, even if it means only being able to help out each area with miniscule upgrades. No one place is any more deserving than the other. Why not change the world little by little if possible? In numerous places, just dollars help out tremendously. Therefore, if we spend on only the necessities, each and everyone can be a   part of the process of bettering the world, and going on to live healthy, happy lives.