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Participating in the moderated discussion on affirmative action was enlightening and engaging. The moderator, Mohammed Mohareb, provided diverse sources that offered a comprehensive view of the topic, allowing me to form a well-rounded opinion. Personally, I believe that affirmative action should be implemented, particularly in university admissions, as it serves as a catalyst for minorities to explore fields or institutions dominated by specific genders, sexualities, or races. While acknowledging its imperfections, I see it as the optimal method currently available to promote diversity and inclusivity.

During the discussion, I effectively shared my opinions and provided counterarguments in response to fellow participants. This helped foster a dynamic conversation and allowed for a deeper exploration of the complexities surrounding affirmative action. However, reflecting on my participation, I recognize the potential for improvement. I could have asked more questions to further understand the perspectives of my peers and to encourage a more inclusive exchange of ideas.

This experience broadened my knowledge about affirmative action, its historical context, and its impact on minority communities. Exploring the pros and cons, as well as the consequences of not implementing such policies, deepened my understanding of the subject. Overall, the discussion was great, and I thoroughly enjoyed exchanging ideas with my peers.

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As the moderator for the abortion discussion, I carefully selected sources, including two videos, to explore the nuanced aspects of abortion—specifically, when life begins and the justifiability of abortion. The videos, presenting real-life experiences and diverse perspectives, proved suitable for fostering an engaging discussion on the chosen topics.

A notable aspect of my role as the moderator was ensuring all participants actively engaged with the questions I had prepared. I maintained a balanced discussion environment, ensuring that no individual dominated the conversation, thus fostering inclusivity and allowing everyone to express their viewpoints.

To enhance my moderation skills, I could have been more proactive in steering the discussion without introducing bias or expressing personal opinions. Instead of directly sharing my viewpoint, I effectively employed follow-up questions, encouraging participants to elaborate on their stances, thereby understanding counterarguments and facilitating a more comprehensive discussion.

This experience served as a valuable learning opportunity, as some participants presented compelling arguments that broadened my perspective on the complexities surrounding abortion. As the moderator, navigating through a controversial topic like abortion boosted my confidence and comfort level in facilitating meaningful discussions within the group.

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Last summer, I participated in a summer program where I encountered a situation that led to unforeseen negative consequences. During the program, I met a fellow participant from China who appeared reserved and introverted. Based on cultural stereotypes, I assumed that she preferred privacy and might not be interested in socializing. Regrettably, I allowed this single story to influence my interactions with her during the early weeks of the program.

Instead of reaching out and engaging in conversation, I hesitated, thinking that I was respecting her cultural preferences. However, as time progressed, I realized the negative consequences of my assumptions. After overcoming my initial reservations, I eventually initiated a conversation with her. I was surprised to find out that she was very funny and had a great personality. She told me that she had trouble making friends because of her social anxiety. She was the only international student in a program where most of the students were from Saudi Arabia, which made her even more nervous.

After thinking about our interaction, I realized that my assumptions about her had prevented us from having a better time together. If I hadn't judged her based on stereotypes, I could have reached out to her earlier and provided support and friendship to help her with her social anxiety.

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Walk more for better fitness:

Short-term goal (1-2 months):

Daily walking routine, health app, and comfortable footwear.

Walk for at least 30 minutes a day or 10000 steps and track steps with the health app.

Long-term goal (6-12 months):

Regular health check-ups and improved walking stamina.

Schedule health check-ups every six months to monitor progress and gradually increase daily walking duration.

Save money from monthly stipend:

Short-term goal (1-2 months):

Budgeting app(Notion page), expense tracking.

Savings target: 100$ a month.

Long-term goal (6-12 months):

Savings account and investment opportunities.

Improve time management with to-do lists:

Short-term goal (1-2 months):

Digital or physical to-do list(I am currently using the notes app and Notion), time management apps, and daily planning.

Long-term goal (6-12 months):

Maintain consistent time tracking and goal setting.

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Improve my writing during the foundation year:

Short-term goal (1-2 months)

Studying for SAT writing and writing my application essays.

Complete 20 SAT writing practice tests, write 30 application essays, and receive feedback from teachers or peers.

Long-term goal (6-12 months):

Journaling and reading more.

Write 4 journal entries a week, read 4 books, and maintain a consistent record of reading progress.

Obtain a 1400 on the SAT by December:

Short-term goal (1-3 months)

Khan Academy SAT prep, tutoring sessions, and practice tests.

Complete all assigned Khan Academy tasks, attend a tutoring session per week, and solve 20 number of past SAT exams.

Long-term goal (3-6 months):

Regular reading and timed practice tests.

Read 4 books and take 20 timed practice tests. Track score improvements over time.

Obtain a 105 on the TOEFL by November:

Short-term goal (1-2 months):

24 TOEFL writing task-1 AI practice tasks, error log, READTHEORY, and typing.com.

Track errors in the error log and improve typing skills by a 10 WPM.

Long-term goal (3-6 months):

Read more and engage in regular conversations with native speakers to improve speaking skills.

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Why do Americans take pride in their diverse population, yet instances of racial discrimination against minority groups persist within the nation?

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1- The early struggles for women's rights in the US and their role in the nation's history
2- Stories of immigrants who succeeded and shaped the nation

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1- Indivdual freedom <-> Self reliance
2- Equal chance of oppurtinity and succeeding is one of America's most valuable ethical rules
3- Titles of nobility are forbidden by the United States' constitution

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"Themselves" is one of the most frequent responses when asked about what Americans believe, like, and value the most. Narcissism/self-centeration and pride can be confused with each other when thinking about Americans loyalty and devotion to their country. Prior to the interviews, I expected this aspect of pride to be positively viewed, however, based on the results, some subjects perceived it negatively.