I used to believe I was invincible, dismissing suggestions to get my ankle taped or wear a knee brace whenever I played basketball because I believed my body could handle anything. Despite the number of times I have slipped and fallen in each basketball game I played, my drive to win overpowered any injury I sustained. One day, however, during a pre-season game, I landed wrong and tore my posterior cruciate ligament in my knee. I refused surgery, believing artificially altering my body would change the way I performed forever. I was convinced that my determination compensated for the pain I felt. I continued to play, and after another year of recklessness, it re-tore. This second injury confronted me with a reality that I had been avoiding for far too long: my body needed rest. I needed to listen to what the doctors advised me and get the surgery. It has been a year since surgically reconstructing my PCL, and I have recovered and begun to play basketball again. What I had previously believed was impossible had been achieved through science. Experiencing firsthand the lasting impacts of the medical field sparked a curiosity in me that I was determined to explore. What interests me most about the medical field is its ability to prevent and cure illnesses through innovation. My experiences in the Project Lead The Way biomedical program have extended my knowledge of the diversity of healthcare. From assessing patients to designing nanomedicines combating osteoporosis, the program ignited a desire to further my education in biomedical sciences. Learning more about the physiology and psychological impact of a stroke on a person was the most insightful experience for me specifically. The information influenced me on a deeper level as I applied what I learned to real life, supporting my father in his recovery after he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Being able to apply what I learned to real-life situations has shown me the importance of patient-centered healthcare and has solidified my passion for pursuing a career in the medical field where I can improve lives. Over the summer I decided to volunteer at my school’s medical science camp and help much younger students spark the same passion that I have. I mentored the children and fostered an environment of creativity and collaboration. I helped them create their own innovations, like prosthetic arms, and taught them real-life applicable knowledge, such as CPR. While working in the club and camp, I had a revelation: Working with kids was fulfilling, so much so that I wanted to continue helping them in the future. I found my calling in pediatrics, inspired to help children grow in their most vulnerable moments—physical or mental—using the knowledge and empathy that I had developed. I plan to pursue my undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley, majoring in cell biology, development, and physiology. After obtaining my degree, my goal is to achieve my master's in physician assistant studies, specializing in pediatrics. My journey through adversity was a deciding factor in my decision to pursue education in healthcare, and I am so excited for the future. Thousands of children believe they are invincible, just like I did. My dream is to be there for them for every slip and fall, guiding them through every challenge. I faced my challenges, from my injury to my dad’s recovery, and they have taught me that, although we are vulnerable, there will always be innovations and people to support us. I strive to be one of those people, helping children grow and live with the support they need.

If selected, I plan to use the funds from the scholarship to pay for my tuition at UC Berkeley. There, I am majoring in molecular and cell biology, focusing on the division of cell biology, development, and physiology. My education is of the utmost importance to me, and the funds I receive will ensure I can continue my education to achieve my bachelor's degree at Cal. After graduating from Cal, I plan to pursue my master's degree in physician assistant studies, where my goal is to specialize in pediatrics. My love for the medical field blossomed after suffering from a PCL tear from playing basketball, in which I received surgery, and a curiosity regarding medical interventions was sparked. My experiences in the Project Lead The Way biomedical program have extended my knowledge of the diversity of healthcare. Learning more about the physiology and psychological impact of a stroke was the most insightful experience for me. The information influenced me on a deeper level as I applied what I learned to real life, supporting my father in his recovery after he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Being able to apply what I learned to real-life situations has shown me the importance of patient-centered healthcare and has solidified my passion for pursuing a career in the medical field, where I can improve lives. As I continue my journey in medicine, I hope to use the funds I receive from this scholarship to make a meaningful impact on society in the future.

I used to believe I was invincible, dismissing suggestions to get my ankle taped or wear a knee brace whenever I played basketball because I believed my body could handle anything. Despite the number of times I have slipped and fallen in each basketball game I played, my drive to win overpowered any injury I sustained. One day, however, during a pre-season game, I landed wrong and tore my posterior cruciate ligament in my knee. I refused surgery, believing artificially altering my body would change the way I performed forever. I was convinced that my determination compensated for the pain I felt. I continued to play, and after another year of recklessness, it re-tore. This second injury confronted me with a reality that I had been avoiding for far too long: my body needed rest. It has been a year since surgically reconstructing my PCL, and I have recovered and begun to play basketball again. What I had previously believed was impossible had been achieved through science. Experiencing firsthand the lasting impacts of the medical field sparked a curiosity in me that I was determined to explore. What interests me most about the medical field is its ability to prevent and cure illnesses through innovation. My experiences in the Project Lead The Way biomedical program have extended my knowledge of the diversity of healthcare. From assessing patients to designing nanomedicines combating osteoporosis, the program ignited a desire to further my education in biomedical sciences. Learning more about the physiology and psychological impact of a stroke on a person was the most insightful experience for me specifically. The information influenced me on a deeper level as I applied what I learned to real life, supporting my father in his recovery after he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Understanding the challenges he faces as he recovers has heavily aided me in how I care for him. Being able to apply what I learned to real-life situations has shown me the importance of patient-centered healthcare and has solidified my passion for pursuing a career in the medical field, where I can improve lives. I began a medical science club at my school to educate others more on how medical innovations have a lasting impact on our daily lives. Coordinating activities such as a phlebotomy simulation and suturing practice has provided my classmates with hands-on experiences that healthcare professionals perform, giving them exposure to many skills involved in the medical field. Over the summer I decided to volunteer at my school’s medical science camp and help much younger students spark the same passion that I have. I mentored the children and fostered an environment of creativity and collaboration. I helped them create their own innovations, like prosthetic arms, and taught them real-life applicable knowledge, such as CPR. While working in the club and camp, I had a revelation: Working with kids was fulfilling, so much so that I wanted to continue helping them in the future. I found my calling in pediatrics, inspired to help children grow in their most vulnerable moments—physical or mental—using the knowledge and empathy that I had developed. Thousands of children believe they are invincible, just like I did. My dream is to be there for them for every slip and fall, guiding them through every challenge. I faced my own challenges, from my injury to my dad’s recovery, and they have taught me that, although we are vulnerable, there will always be innovations and people to support us. I strive to be one of those people, helping children grow and live with the support they need.

I used to believe I was invincible, dismissing suggestions to get my ankle taped or wear a knee brace whenever I played basketball because I believed my body could handle anything. Despite the number of times I have slipped and fallen in each basketball game I played, my drive to win overpowered any injury I sustained. One day, however, during a pre-season game, I landed wrong and tore my posterior cruciate ligament in my knee. I refused surgery, believing artificially altering my body would change the way I performed forever. I was convinced that my determination compensated for the pain I felt. I continued to play, and after another year of recklessness, it re-tore. This second injury confronted me with a reality that I had been avoiding for far too long: my body needed rest. It has been a year since surgically reconstructing my PCL, and I have recovered and begun to play basketball again. What I had previously believed was impossible had been achieved through science. Experiencing firsthand the lasting impacts of the medical field sparked a curiosity in me that I was determined to explore. What interests me most about the medical field is its ability to prevent and cure illnesses through innovation. My experiences in the Project Lead The Way biomedical program have extended my knowledge of the diversity of healthcare. From participating in the program, I’ve learned about countless medical interventions. From assessing patients to designing nanomedicines combating osteoporosis, the program ignited a desire to further my education in biomedical sciences. Learning more about the physiology and psychological impact of a stroke on a person was the most insightful experience for me, specifically. The information influenced me on a deeper level as I applied what I learned to real life, supporting my father in his recovery after he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Understanding the challenges he faces as he recovers has heavily aided me in how I care for him. Being able to apply what I learned to real-life situations has shown me the importance of patient-centered healthcare and has solidified my passion for pursuing a career in the medical field, where I can improve lives. Over the summer, I decided to volunteer at my school’s medical science camp and help much younger students spark the same passion that I have. I mentored the children and fostered an environment of creativity and collaboration. I helped them create their own innovations, like prosthetic arms, and taught them real-life applicable knowledge, such as CPR. While working in the club and camp, I had a revelation: Working with kids was fulfilling, so much so that I wanted to continue helping them in the future. I found my calling in pediatrics, inspired to help children grow in their most vulnerable moments—physical or mental—using the knowledge and empathy that I had developed. Thousands of children believe they are invincible, just like I did. My dream is to be there for them for every slip and fall, guiding them through every challenge. I faced my own challenges, from my injury to my dad’s recovery, and they have taught me that, although we are vulnerable, there will always be innovations and people to support us. I strive to be one of those people, helping children grow and live with the support they need.

I used to believe I was invincible, dismissing suggestions to get my ankle taped or wear a knee brace whenever I played basketball because I believed my body could handle anything. Despite the number of times I have slipped and fallen in each basketball game I played, my drive to win overpowered any injury I sustained. One day, however, in the midst of a pre-season game, I landed wrong and tore my posterior cruciate ligament in my knee. I refused surgery, believing artificially altering my body would change the way I performed forever. I was convinced that my determination compensated for the pain I felt. I continued to play, and after another year of recklessness, it re-tore. This second injury confronted me with a reality that I had been avoiding for far too long: my body needed rest. It has been a year since surgically reconstructing my PCL, and I have recovered and begun to play basketball again. Experiencing firsthand the lasting impacts of the medical field sparked a curiosity in me that I was determined to explore. What interests me most about the medical field is its ability to prevent and cure illnesses through innovation. My experiences in the Project Lead The Way biomedical program have extended my knowledge of the diversity of healthcare. From participating in the program, I’ve learned about countless medical interventions. From assessing patients to designing nanomedicines combating osteoporosis, the program ignited a desire to further my education in biomedical sciences. Learning more about the physiology and psychological impact of a stroke on a person was the most insightful experience for me specifically. The information influenced me on a deeper level as I applied what I learned to real life, supporting my father in his recovery after he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Understanding the challenges he faces as he recovers has heavily aided me in how I care for him. Being able to apply what I learned to real-life situations has shown me the importance of patient-centered healthcare and has solidified my passion for pursuing a career in the medical field, where I can improve lives. Over the summer, I decided to volunteer at my school’s medical science camp and help much younger students spark the same passion that I have. I mentored the children and fostered an environment of creativity and collaboration. I helped them create their innovations, like prosthetic arms, and taught them real-life applicable knowledge, such as CPR. While working in the club and camp, I had a revelation: Working with kids was fulfilling, so much so that I wanted to continue helping them in the future. I found my calling in pediatrics, inspired to help children grow in their most vulnerable moments—physical or mental—using the knowledge and empathy that I had developed. My goal for the future is to obtain my bachelor's degree in molecular and cell biology and move forward to PA school, where I plan to specialize in pediatrics and help the youth. Thousands of children believe they are invincible, just like I did. My dream is to be there for them for every slip and fall, guiding them through every challenge. I faced my own challenges, from my injury to my dad’s recovery, and they have taught me that, although we are vulnerable, there will always be innovations and people to support us. I strive to be one of those people, helping children grow and live with the support they need.

Since I was young, the way I perceived myself was directly impacted by those around me. Like a mirror, I directly absorbed the comments of others and reflected them like rays of light— measuring my self-worth based on external validation. When I began my campaign for junior class president, I was confronted with the reality that some of my classmates were opposed to my candidacy strictly because of my gender. My confidence was shattered, and I pulled out of the running because I let their biases define me. That same year, I developed my assertiveness. I decided to push forward and run once more as senior class officer, this time driven to challenge my classmates’ way of thinking. After an abundance of campaigning with unwavering determination, I was elected. I’ve learned that being a leader is not defined by mirroring others’ expectations, but having the confidence to challenge close-minded perspectives and shed light on new ones. I strive to be an empowering source of light for others, utilizing my position to encourage people to embrace their individuality and communicate their struggles without judgement. My goal as a leader is to help my peers see beyond limitations set by both themselves and others and shine in their own unique way. Despite the number of times I have slipped and fallen in each basketball game I played, my drive to win overpowered any injury I sustained. One day, however, during a pre-season game, I landed wrong and tore my posterior cruciate ligament in my knee. I refused surgery, believing artificially altering my body would change the way I performed forever. I continued to play and after another year of recklessness, it re-tore. Despite my previous objections, my orthopedic surgeon and coaches convinced me to get my knee operated on. What I had previously believed was impossible had been achieved through science. It has been a year since surgically reconstructing my PCL, and I am recovering swiftly. What interests me most about the medical field is its ability to prevent and cure illnesses through innovation. I began a medical science club at my school to educate more on how these innovations, like suturing and surgery, work and their real-life applications. Over the summer at medical science camp, I taught younger students and helped them create their own innovations like prosthetic arms. My experiences in the Project Lead The Way biomedical program extended my knowledge of the diversity of healthcare. From assessing patients to designing nanomedicines combating osteoporosis, the program ignited a desire to further my education in biomedical sciences. Moreover, mentoring the youth inspired me to pursue pediatrics in the future. Learning more about the physiology and psychological impact of a stroke on a person was the most insightful experience for me, specifically. The information influenced me on a deeper level as I applied what I learned to real life, supporting my father in his recovery after he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Understanding the challenges he faces as he recovers has heavily aided me in how I care for him. Being able to apply what I learned to real-life situations has shown me the importance of patient-centered healthcare and has solidified my passion for pursuing a career in the medical field, where I can improve lives. I faced my own challenges, from my injury to my dad’s recovery, and they have taught me that, although we are vulnerable, there will always be innovations and leaders to support us. I strive to be one of those people, helping children grow and live with the support they need.

1. I used to believe I was invincible, dismissing suggestions to get my ankle taped or wear a knee brace whenever I played basketball. This ignorant mentality abruptly confronted me with the lasting impacts of the medical field. Surprisingly, it was this experience that inspired me to further study rehabilitation and injury prevention. Despite the number of times I have slipped and fallen in each basketball game I played, my drive to win overpowered any injury I sustained. One day, however, amid a pre-season game, I landed wrong and tore my posterior cruciate ligament. I refused surgery, believing artificially altering my knee would change the way I performed forever. I continued to play and after another year of recklessness, it re-tore. Despite my previous objections, my orthopedic surgeon and coaches convinced me to get my knee operated on. What I had previously believed was impossible had been achieved through science. It has been a year since surgically reconstructing my PCL, and I am recovering swiftly. What interests me most about the medical field is its ability to prevent and cure illnesses through innovation. I began a medical science club at my school to educate more on how these innovations, like suturing and surgery, work and their real-life applications. Over the summer at medical science camp, I taught younger students and helped them create their innovations like prosthetic arms. My experiences in the Project Lead The Way biomedical program extended my knowledge of the diversity of healthcare. From assessing patients to designing nanomedicines combating osteoporosis, the program ignited a desire to further my education in biomedical sciences. Moreover, mentoring the youth inspired me to pursue pediatrics in the future. There are thousands of young people like me who believe they are invincible. My dream is to be there for them for every slip and fall they encounter. 2. When I was little, food was a gateway to my Filipino heritage. It was difficult for me to grasp traditions and customs, but the rituals and flavors that came with meals helped me comprehend. I shared meals as a method of communicating and connecting to my culture. I stopped worrying about being unable to hold a conversation in Tagalog because the love from family dinners was universal. I began baking during the pandemic to cope with the isolation and lack of family gatherings, but soon, baking turned into an obsession. As I followed recipes, I realized how unfamiliar they tasted compared to what I had before; they lacked the vibrant tastes I was accustomed to. I began combining components of Filipino desserts to American recipes, adding halaya to vanilla cupcakes and incorporating pandan extract to snickerdoodles. I continued changing common recipes, and soon they began to taste familiar. My love for baking was no longer just about taste, but about finding my identity as a Filipino-American, paying homage to my childhood. I continued to bake. My sophomore year, I sold a hundred ube cupcakes at the Homecoming game to raise money for my class. I began baking for family gatherings, and seeing the dishes I once worshiped at the table only fueled my passion. Over the summer, I began to sell my Filipino-American desserts as part of an initiative called the Cafe Care Project. With the money I earn as I continue to bake and sell, I plan to donate 30% of the proceeds to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital to benefit others the way food has helped me. My passion for baking has allowed me to connect with my culture, and I am blessed to help others do the same.

I used to believe I was invincible, dismissing suggestions to get my ankle taped or wear a knee brace whenever I played basketball because I believed my body could handle anything. Despite the number of times I have slipped and fallen in each basketball game I played, my drive to win overpowered any injury I sustained. One day, however, in the midst of a pre-season game, I landed wrong and tore my posterior cruciate ligament in my knee. I refused surgery, convinced that my determination compensated for the pain I felt. I continued to play, and after another year of recklessness, it re-tore. This second injury confronted me with a reality that I had been avoiding for far too long: my body needed rest. I needed to listen to what the doctors advised me and get the surgery. It has been a year since surgically reconstructing my PCL, and I have recovered and begun to play basketball again. What I had previously believed was impossible had been achieved through science. Experiencing firsthand the lasting impacts of the medical field sparked a curiosity in me that I was determined to explore. What interests me most about the medical field is its ability to prevent and cure illnesses through innovation. My experiences in the Project Lead The Way biomedical program have extended my knowledge of the diversity of healthcare. From participating in the program, I’ve learned enhanced my problem-solving skills. From assessing patients to designing nanomedicines combating osteoporosis, the program ignited a desire to further my education in biomedical sciences. Learning more about the physiology and psychological impact of a stroke on a person was the most insightful experience for me specifically. The information influenced me on a deeper level as I applied what I learned to real life, supporting my father in his recovery after he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Understanding the challenges he faces as he recovers has heavily aided me in how I care for him. Being able to apply what I learned to real-life situations has shown me the importance of patient-centered healthcare and has solidified my passion for pursuing a career in the medical field where I can improve lives. I began a medical science club at my school to educate others more on how medical innovations have a lasting impact on our daily lives. Coordinating activities such as a phlebotomy simulation and suturing practice has provided my classmates with hands-on experiences that healthcare professionals actually perform. Over the summer I decided to volunteer at my school’s medical science camp and help much younger students spark the same passion that I have. I mentored the children and fostered an environment of creativity. I helped them create their own innovations, like prosthetic arms, and taught them real-life applicable knowledge. While working in the club and camp, I had a revelation: Working with kids was fulfilling, so much so that I wanted to continue helping them in the future. I found my calling in pediatrics, inspired to help children grow in their most vulnerable moments—physical or mental—using the knowledge and empathy that I had developed. There are thousands of children who believe they are invincible, just like I did. I was faced with an obstacle I believed diminished my self-worth. However, instead of letting it define me, I overcame it and allowed the adversity to shape my goals, pivoting my focus to something I realized I would like to pursue in the future. Today, I strive to help children grow and live with the support they need.