My core purpose is to help others, a drive rooted in my Filipino heritage. Though born in the Philippines, I grew up in the United States, where my parents taught me Filipino the values of Bayanihan (heroism), Katapatan (loyalty), and Karangalan (honor). These principles have shaped my identity and aspirations, guiding me toward a future in community service and healthcare. My involvement with Gawad Kalinga, a nonprofit dedicated to eradicating poverty through community development in the Philippines, has profoundly impacted my understanding of service. While volunteering in one of their villages, I engaged with children, teaching them essential life skills such as planting vegetables and cooking nutritious meals. These activities fostered self-sufficiency and resilience among young minds. Additionally, I organized team-building games that encouraged collaboration and developed their social skills. Witnessing their joy and enthusiasm reinforced my belief in Bayanihan, where the community's strength uplifts its members. It taught me that true heroism lies in individual efforts and in collective actions that transform lives. The value of Katapatan is significant in my life. My parents exemplified loyalty to their dreams and a commitment to ensuring a brighter future for our family, despite their sacrifices. They left the Philippines to pursue opportunities in the United States, facing countless challenges. Their determination inspires me to honor their sacrifices by dedicating myself to my education and service. This loyalty to my family and community drives my ambition to become a doctor, where I can treat patients and advocate for those who lack access to quality healthcare. Moreover, Karangalan resonates deeply with me. I believe in preserving the dignity of all individuals, especially those facing adversity. My experiences have shaped my understanding that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. It is my responsibility to advocate for equitable healthcare access and empower marginalized communities. By embracing these values, I strive to uplift others, ensuring they receive the respect and care they deserve. The Filipino American Scholarship Fund represents a vital opportunity for me to continue my education and amplify my impact. With the resources provided, I can further embody the values of Bayanihan, Katapatan, and Karangalan, transforming my passion for helping others into tangible outcomes for my community. I aspire to serve not only as a healthcare provider but also as a leader who inspires future generations of Filipinos to embrace service and contribute to the betterment of our society.

I never imagined myself as a golfer. I wanted to do “normal” sports like cheer or volleyball, but my dad wanted me to play golf. It all started when my dad picked up his first set of clubs on vacation in Lake Tahoe. He played with his group of friends for the first time and loved it. At six years old, I thought he was crazy! How was hitting a ball with a metal stick fun? One day, he brought me to the local driving range so I can try. Initially, I missed the ball multiple times. Once I hit it, it went two yards right. I hated golf; I wondered why I was so bad at it. Who knew that I would continue the sport at 17. As a child, I watched LPGA golfers swing their clubs with ease and grace but did not realize the difficulty of doing so. I felt the frustration build up inside when I continuously missed. This experience humbled me, but I did not give up. I practiced every day after school. When I was seven, I was hitting the ball straight at around 50 yards. This motivated me to continue. In middle school, I was the only girl on the golf team and eventually became a key player. To further enrich my skills, I began lessons with my coach and mentor, Renee Powell. Her father, Bill Powell, designed and owned Clearview Golf Course, the first integrated golf course which catered to African-Americans. He is the first African-American to do so. As for his daughter, Renee, she is the second African-American woman to play on the LPGA tour. Through her guidance, my scores and swing improved each year. Renee taught me the values of patience, honesty, and adaptability as the key drivers in golf. Not only are these qualities applicable in the game but also in life. Whether it is in school or work, being patient, honest, and adaptable is important. One day, you might have to patiently wait for an important package or life-changing news. Maybe you made a mistake that can put your job or company at risk if you do not admit to it. Life is constantly changing and throwing curveballs, so being patient and honest is important, but also having the ability to adapt to any situation is essential. Furthermore, the game is typically played as a group. Interacting collegially with each other to either help find a ball or pass time is important. Sometimes you make lifelong connections on the course. I continued golfing in high school. My first high school team made it to the state tournament twice. My second high school team is recreational, so there are no state tournaments; however, we still had matches and my score always counted. At the beginning of my golf career, I was shooting 60s, now I am very close to shooting high 30s. My hatred for golf turned into love and appreciation for the game and I plan to continue playing this lifelong sport while applying the lifelong values that it taught me. Without my dad introducing me to this sport, I believe I would have missed out on a lot of opportunities and friendships.