First of all, I would like to say that it is a significant honor to be nominated for the National Honor Society. I am very grateful as I know it is a reward for all the hard work I have put in over the past three years at Cliffside Park High School. I remember when I was in eighth grade, I was faced with a difficult decision; one that would determine where I would get the most crucial four years of education of my life. My classmates and teachers encouraged me to apply for academies in the area. Academies are considered prestigious high schools and I rushed to complete my application and get my recommendations. However, my guidance counselor pointed out something to me that made me think twice. He told me, “Where you go to school isn't as important as you think. What matters is your desire to excel and your commitment to learning and participating. To this day, I still stick to my guidance counselor's advice. I am proud and I have no regrets about the decision I made. Cliffside Park High School has given me many opportunities. Every year, I took specialized courses in English, mathematics and science. Additionally, I took three years of Spanish as a third language and an Advanced Placement course for United States History. Over the past two years; I was able to maintain a high grade point average of around 4.4 (based on calculations made at the end of the second year) and achieve a high honor roll for almost all grading periods. However, my journey to where I am today has not been a perfect yellow brick road. Instead, it was a path with many twists and turns that led me through many dark and horrible experiences. Juggling all these classes was something I had adapted...... middle of paper ......d I loved being admired by most of them. I am aware that character is an important part of the NHS and I believe that my personality and character make me an exceptional addition to the group. Being inducted into the National Honor Society would not only be an honor, but a way for me to take on more responsibility in my school and community. I have already been a part of the National Junior Honor Society and hope to continue on the same path. Like many other students, I became attached to the theory of survival of the fittest. I fought long and hard to get to where I am now and I hope to continue on the same path. I would like to stand out within the NHS as well as when applying to colleges and universities. If I am fortunate enough to be inducted, I will strive to be the exemplary student desired by the NHS and will do nothing to demean this prestigious and important program..