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Aliyana Castorena

835

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

Hello there! my name is Aliyana. At the age, I am currently 14 and soon to turn 15, I have big dreams and aspirations. I've always had my eyes set on the future, but I'm not going anywhere without pursuing my passions as well. I'm dedicated to making a difference in the world, whether it's through my studies, my sports, or my hobbies. I'm passionate about softball, badminton, music, writing, and drawing, but most importantly living life to its fullest extent even with what little I may have to others. I'm looking to break the barrier that my family hasn't been able to cross which is going to college/university. I want to go to a good university like Harvard, Princeton, Duke, etc, where I can be proud to be the first and lead the way for my family. Getting a big opportunity as such a scholarship would make this dream come true and be the first step to creating a lasting difference for my family's future and my path to success in life. I'll take this opportunity to be the first in my family to go to a good university and break the cycle. So far with what I've written my point is I'm a hard worker, reliable, and take every opportunity I can get. I'm a great candidate for scholarships, you just gotta believe in me how I believe in myself that I can go places

Education

Vintage High

High School
2023 - 2027

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Majors of interest:

    • Law
    • Criminology
    • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
    • Music
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
    • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
    • Architectural Engineering
    • Engineering Mechanics
    • Marine Sciences
    • American Sign Language
    • International Business
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Law Practice

    • Dream career goals:

      to become either a lawyer or a entrepaunuer

      Sports

      Badminton

      Varsity
      2023 – 20241 year

      Arts

      • scholastic art and writing awards

        Photography
        2022 – 2023

      Future Interests

      Advocacy

      Politics

      Volunteering

      Philanthropy

      Entrepreneurship

      GUTS- Olivia Rodrigo Fan Scholarship
      **The Resonance of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘All-American Bitch’ in My Teenage Experience** Navigating the tumultuous terrain of adolescence is a journey marked by self-discovery, societal expectations, and an evolving sense of identity. Olivia Rodrigo’s album *GUTS* encapsulates these trials with striking precision, and one lyric from the track "All-American Bitch" particularly resonates with my own teenage experiences. The line, “I’m just an all-American bitch, who’s trying to be polite,” vividly reflects the internal and external conflicts that define the teenage years. This lyric captures the essence of adolescence, highlighting the tension between societal expectations and personal authenticity. In "All-American Bitch," Rodrigo’s candid expression of frustration with conforming to societal norms and expectations resonates deeply with me. The phrase “all-American bitch” serves as a powerful commentary on the pressure to fit into predefined roles and the struggle to maintain politeness and composure in the face of these demands. For me, this lyric mirrors the experience of feeling compelled to meet certain standards and the frustration that accompanies trying to balance personal desires with societal expectations. Adolescence is a period fraught with complexities and contradictions. It’s a time when one’s identity is in flux, and the desire to belong often clashes with the need to assert individuality. Rodrigo’s lyric encapsulates this internal struggle by addressing the duality of wanting to conform while also grappling with the desire to break free from imposed expectations. This reflects my own journey through high school, where I faced constant pressure to fit in, excel academically, and adhere to social norms, all while trying to discover and express my true self. The notion of being a “bitch” in the context of the song can be seen as a reclamation of power and authenticity. It challenges the stereotypes and judgments often placed on young women who assert themselves or deviate from expected behaviors. Rodrigo’s use of this term resonates with me as it captures the essence of fighting against the constraints of societal expectations. It reflects the struggle to assert oneself in a world that often discourages deviation from the norm. This struggle has been a significant part of my teenage experience, where I’ve had to navigate the expectations of being a “model” student and a “perfect” friend while trying to maintain my own sense of identity. Furthermore, the lyric “trying to be polite” underscores the broader theme of societal expectations and the internal conflict that arises from them. In many ways, adolescence is a period where one is often expected to fit into predefined roles and behaviors, which can lead to a disconnect between one’s true self and the persona one presents to the world. Rodrigo’s lyrics highlight this dissonance, capturing the frustration of trying to adhere to social norms while feeling constrained by them. This theme resonates with my own experiences of feeling torn between societal expectations and personal authenticity, often leading to a sense of frustration and self-doubt. The impact of this lyric extends beyond just capturing personal experience; it also speaks to a broader narrative of teenage life. It reflects the universal struggle of adolescents trying to navigate the complexities of identity formation while dealing with societal pressures and expectations. Rodrigo’s ability to articulate these feelings with raw honesty and emotional depth is a testament to her talent as a songwriter and her understanding of the adolescent experience. In conclusion, Olivia Rodrigo’s lyric from “All-American Bitch” offers a poignant reflection of the teenage experience, capturing the essence of the internal and external conflicts that define adolescence. It resonates with my own journey through high school, highlighting the struggle to balance societal expectations with personal authenticity.
      Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
      My journey with mental health has been a profound shaping force in my life, touching every aspect of my existence — from my goals and relationships to my understanding of the world itself. It's been both a challenging odyssey and a transformative one, ultimately guiding me toward a purpose rooted in empathy, compassion, and the pursuit of happiness. In the crucible of my own mental health struggles, I've discovered a resilient determination to make the world a better, happier place. It's a drive born not just from personal experience but also from witnessing the struggles of others. Through my own battles with mental health, I've come to realize the importance of kindness, understanding, and support in fostering well-being. This realization has fueled my ambition to contribute positively to the lives of those around me and, by extension, to society at large. My relationships have been profoundly impacted by my journey with mental health. I've learned the value of vulnerability, honesty, and genuine connection in fostering meaningful bonds with others. My struggles have taught me to appreciate the strength in seeking help and the beauty in offering it. Through the highs and lows, I've cultivated relationships built on trust, empathy, and mutual support, enriching my life in ways I couldn't have imagined. Perhaps most significantly, my understanding of the world has been deeply influenced by my experiences with mental health. At times, the world can seem bleak and unforgiving, but through the lens of my own struggles and growth, I've found hope. I've seen firsthand the resilience of the human spirit, the capacity for change, and the transformative power of empathy and understanding. These experiences have instilled in me a belief in the inherent goodness of people and a conviction that positive change is not only possible but achievable. In essence, my journey with mental health has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in profound ways. It has imbued me with a sense of purpose, a commitment to fostering connection and well-being, and an unwavering belief in the potential for positive change. Through it all, I'm reminded that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope — hope for healing, hope for growth, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.