My name is Nadia Watts-Jackson, and I am a high school senior at Jackson High School in Massillon, Ohio. Since freshman year, I have been passionate about my future and academics. I knew I wanted to take myself to the next level. I, unfortunately, got hit with a significant block in the road during my freshman year that caused me to be an online student. COVID became a new, unwelcome part of my life, setting me back academically. I experienced more pain and confusion in that one year than I have ever felt in my entire life. It seemed everything was against me: COVID took over my freshman year, I had to get knee surgery and quit basketball, and my stepdad died all in the span of a year. I began to get really down and behind academically. I returned for sophomore year, determined to create a new narrative for myself. I began my sophomore year with a 2.8 GPA. I knew I needed to work twice as hard to catch up. I stayed in my JAGS and JSA programs and began signing up for every club I had the slightest interest in.  From eighth grade, I had plans to be an attorney. I started to participate in mock trial, and that's when I knew a career in law was my calling. By junior year, I started the Legal Studies program at Lake High School and continued through my senior year. Through Legal Studies,  I have competed in two mock trial competitions and received the Outstanding Attorney award in both. I also completed a moot court competition and a college-level Legal Terminology course. As junior year progressed, so did my academic achievements. By junior year, I brought my GPA up to 3.4 while packing my schedule with college and AP courses. I was invited to represent two separate organizations, including Jackson High School, to be a part of Buckeye Girls State. By my senior year, I had brought my GPA up to 3.8 and got accepted to one of the best Historically Black Universities in America. Throughout high school, I kept my eyes on the future and my mind open to new challenges. All I needed was someone to take a chance on me, now I want to extend that grace to others in my future career as an attorney. Because of the challenges I had throughout my life, specifically high school, I gained a newfound respect for myself because of the work I put in to achieve my goals. The programs I am a part of both added more opportunities to my life, and I plan to continue working hard to achieve any and all goals I have for my future.