Dried mud. Chocolate pudding. Coffee stain. Depending on how you look at it, it could be anything. I have a ginormous birthmark on my arm. Well, it’s not that big… but if someone sees me wearing a t-shirt, they might think I have a skin disease or beginning my transformation into a monkey. I always viewed my birthmark as some sort of a monster—the sole reason my friends teased and called me names like “monkey boy” and “mole kid.” Having to spend the rest of my life with a ‘monster,’ I questioned how we even met. Starting from the fundamentals in Honors Biology, I quickly became amazed by the organs and tissues the body consists of. From the lymphatic system combating diseases to the integumentary system providing a barrier against pathogens, I was fascinated by the intricacies of billions of cells working together to allow our bodies to function. Most importantly, I discovered that my birthmark is a result of an overgrowth of pigment cells and how in Chinese culture, a birthmark is symbolic of good luck and prosperity. Now, I no longer view it as a monster, but rather a lucky sign, inviting me to dive into the cause of the mark and explore a lifelong interest in biology and medicine. Immersing myself in health-related courses, I discovered the true monster: the current healthcare system. Learning that millions from low-income households cannot receive medical treatment due to financial burden and coming from a low-income background, this injustice hit too close to home. It brought back memories of my mother avoiding the doctor as a visit is equivalent to a week’s worth of groceries. Just like my birthmark, I want to find the root problem of the healthcare system, but for now, I cannot watch this monster continue to ruin the lives of millions. Determined to take action, I found myself volunteering at a local hospital and working at a doctor’s office. Throughout transporting and talking to patients, I listened to their struggles of not having enough to afford food or fear of being unable to pay their medical bills. I noticed a trend: many were unaware of publicly available government resources. One after the other, I patiently assisted individuals register for governmental programs like CalFresh and Medicare. Although I recognized my ability to positively affect others, there’s still more work to be done. While something as small as a birthmark sparked my interest in biology, my involvement in my community helped me harness that interest to realize the bigger purpose: increasing the accessibility of healthcare for everyone. Being the first in my family to attend college, I will succeed not just for myself, but for my family and the countless others from low-income communities. I aspire to become a physician and provide affordable care to the public. Though the journey ahead is difficult, I will spearhead initiatives to revolutionize the healthcare system, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access the quality healthcare they deserve. As the first in my family to navigate the path of higher education, my journey is not only a personal pursuit, but also a testament to breaking barriers and this generational curse, and helping others, especially those that are underserved.

My friend and I were debating whether or not a rattlesnake would win against a king cobra, but I couldn’t pronounce words with an “s” sound. Though I made good points, he’d constantly make fun of my speech impediment, saying things like “s-s-s-s-snake?” Up until 6th grade, I would hear comments like these over and over from my very own friends. The teasing discouraged me from raising my hand in class to ask about a concept I didn’t fully understand. After failing my first semester of 6th grade, I couldn’t take it anymore. I didn’t want to be afraid to ask for help because I am unable to correctly pronounce words. Reaching out for help, I met Ms. Rubalcaba, a Speech-Language Pathologist, who provided suggestions on how to make the proper sounds. Over the span of three years, I repeated hundreds of words over and over, going through each consonant and syllable until I would get them just right. I also wanted to improve myself outside of the sessions I had with Ms. R. Although I was afraid of being laughed at for my enunciation of words, my time with her opened a doorway into the world. I felt more confident speaking to my peers and from there, I spoke more and more. While learning about cell division in biology class, I became confused between mitosis and meiosis due to the similar spelling of the two. Without hesitation, I raised my hand and asked “what is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?” while simultaneously pronouncing the words with ease. I continued asking for clarification whenever I was unsure about a particular subject. Though I didn’t choose to have a speech impediment, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I knew that overcoming this challenge wouldn’t be easy, but I realized that if I wanted to improve my pronunciation, I needed to ask for help. As I continued my education into high school, I’ve met many friends, explored numerous clubs, and even succeeded in countless rigorous courses. It wasn’t until I took those initial steps and met with Ms. Rubalaca, whose name I ironically still cannot pronounce, that I realized overcoming my speech impediment was possible. Today, if I did not mention it, no one would know I ever had a speech impediment. With numerous leadership positions and experience throughout high school, I have been able to volunteer and give back to my school and community through leading various clubs, sports, as well as spending my weekends in the hospital. Having overcome my speech impediment, I am using my voice today to advocate and help those who currently do not have their voice. As I pursue higher education and be the first in my family to do so, it is with the mindset of learning from challenges like this and asking for help that I will overcome any obstacle in my way.

Dried mud. Chocolate pudding. Coffee stain. Depending on how you look at it, it could be anything. I have a ginormous birthmark on my arm. Well, it’s not that big… but if someone sees me wearing a t-shirt, they might think I have a skin disease or beginning my transformation into a monkey. I always viewed my birthmark as some sort of a monster—the sole reason my friends teased and called me names like “monkey boy” and “mole kid.” Having to spend the rest of my life with a ‘monster,’ I questioned how we even met. Starting from the fundamentals in Honors Biology, I quickly became amazed by the organs and tissues the body consists of. From the lymphatic system combating diseases to the integumentary system providing a barrier against pathogens, I was fascinated by the intricacies of billions of cells working together to allow our bodies to function. Most importantly, I discovered that my birthmark is a result of an overgrowth of pigment cells and how in Chinese culture, a birthmark is symbolic of good luck and prosperity. Now, I no longer view it as a monster, but rather a lucky sign, inviting me to dive into the cause of the mark and explore a lifelong interest in biology and medicine. Immersing myself in health-related courses, I discovered the true monster: the current healthcare system. Learning that millions from low-income households cannot receive medical treatment due to financial burden and coming from a low-income background, this injustice hit too close to home. It brought back memories of my mother avoiding the doctor as a visit is equivalent to a week’s worth of groceries. Just like my birthmark, I want to find the root problem of the healthcare system, but for now, I cannot watch this monster continue to ruin the lives of millions. Determined to take action, I found myself volunteering at a local hospital and working at a doctor’s office. Throughout transporting and talking to patients, I listened to their struggles of not having enough to afford food or fear of being unable to pay their medical bills. I noticed a trend: many were unaware of publicly available government resources. One after the other, I patiently assisted individuals register for governmental programs like CalFresh and Medicare. Although I recognized my ability to positively affect others, there’s still more work to be done. As someone who plans on becoming an Emergency Medicine Physician, I plan to be able to help my community where I can have the most impact, at the Emergency Room where everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status is taken care of without regard to whether an individual can afford the care or not. While something as small as a birthmark sparked my interest in biology, my involvement in my community helped me harness that interest to realize the bigger purpose: increasing the accessibility of healthcare for everyone. Being the first in my family to attend college, I will succeed not just for myself, but for my family and the countless others from low-income communities. I aspire to become a physician and provide affordable care to the public. Though the journey ahead is difficult, I will spearhead initiatives to revolutionize the healthcare system, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access the quality healthcare they deserve. The moment when everyone can receive medical treatment without having to worry about whether or not they can afford it is what success is to me.

Dried mud. Chocolate pudding. Coffee stain. Depending on how you look at it, it could be anything. I have a ginormous birthmark on my arm. Well, it’s not that big… but if someone sees me wearing a t-shirt, they might think I have a skin disease or beginning my transformation into a monkey. I always viewed my birthmark as some sort of a monster—the sole reason my friends teased and called me names like “monkey boy” and “mole kid.” Having to spend the rest of my life with a ‘monster,’ I questioned how we even met. Starting from the fundamentals in Honors Biology, I quickly became amazed by the organs and tissues the body consists of. From the lymphatic system combating diseases to the integumentary system providing a barrier against pathogens, I was fascinated by the intricacies of billions of cells working together to allow our bodies to function. Most importantly, I discovered that my birthmark is a result of an overgrowth of pigment cells and how in Chinese culture, a birthmark is symbolic of good luck and prosperity. Now, I no longer view it as a monster, but rather a lucky sign, inviting me to dive into the cause of the mark and explore a lifelong interest in biology and medicine. Immersing myself in health-related courses, I discovered the true monster: the current healthcare system. Learning that millions from low-income households cannot receive medical treatment due to financial burden and coming from a low-income background, this injustice hit too close to home. It brought back memories of my mother avoiding the doctor as a visit is equivalent to a week’s worth of groceries. Just like my birthmark, I want to find the root problem of the healthcare system, but for now, I cannot watch this monster continue to ruin the lives of millions. Determined to take action, I found myself volunteering at a local hospital and working at a doctor’s office. Throughout transporting and talking to patients, I listened to their struggles of not having enough to afford food or fear of being unable to pay their medical bills. I noticed a trend: many were unaware of publicly available government resources. One after the other, I patiently assisted individuals register for governmental programs like CalFresh and Medicare. Although I recognized my ability to positively affect others, there’s still more work to be done. As someone who plans on becoming an Emergency Medicine Physician, I plan to be able to help my community where I can have the most impact, at the Emergency Room where everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status is taken care of without regard to whether an individual can afford the care or not. While something as small as a birthmark sparked my interest in biology, my involvement in my community helped me harness that interest to realize the bigger purpose: increasing the accessibility of healthcare for everyone. Being the first in my family to attend college, I will succeed not just for myself, but for my family and the countless others from low-income communities. I aspire to become a physician and provide affordable care to the public. Though the journey ahead is difficult, I will spearhead initiatives to revolutionize the healthcare system, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access the quality healthcare they deserve.

Dried mud. Chocolate pudding. Coffee stain. Depending on how you look at it, it could be anything. I have a ginormous birthmark on my arm. Well, it’s not that big… but if someone sees me wearing a t-shirt, they might think I have a skin disease or beginning my transformation into a monkey. I always viewed my birthmark as some sort of a monster—the sole reason my friends teased and called me names like “monkey boy” and “mole kid.” Having to spend the rest of my life with a ‘monster,’ I questioned how we even met. Starting from the fundamentals in Honors Biology, I quickly became amazed by the organs and tissues the body consists of. From the lymphatic system combating diseases to the integumentary system providing a barrier against pathogens, I was fascinated by the intricacies of billions of cells working together to allow our bodies to function. Most importantly, I discovered that my birthmark is a result of an overgrowth of pigment cells and how in Chinese culture, a birthmark is symbolic of good luck and prosperity. Now, I no longer view it as a monster, but rather a lucky sign, inviting me to dive into the cause of the mark and explore a lifelong interest in biology and medicine. Immersing myself in health-related courses, I discovered the true monster: the current healthcare system. Learning that millions from low-income households cannot receive medical treatment due to financial burden and coming from a low-income background, this injustice hit too close to home. It brought back memories of my mother avoiding the doctor as a visit is equivalent to a week’s worth of groceries. Just like my birthmark, I want to find the root problem of the healthcare system, but for now, I cannot watch this monster continue to ruin the lives of millions. Determined to take action, I found myself volunteering at a local hospital and working at a doctor’s office. Throughout transporting and talking to patients, I listened to their struggles of not having enough to afford food or fear of being unable to pay their medical bills. I noticed a trend: many were unaware of publicly available government resources. One after the other, I patiently assisted individuals register for governmental programs like CalFresh and Medicare. Although I recognized my ability to positively affect others, there’s still more work to be done. As someone who plans on becoming an Emergency Medicine Physician, I plan to be able to help my community where I can have the most impact, at the Emergency Room where everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status is taken care of without regard to whether an individual can afford the care or not. While something as small as a birthmark sparked my interest in biology, my involvement in my community helped me harness that interest to realize the bigger purpose: increasing the accessibility of healthcare for everyone. Being the first in my family to attend college, I will succeed not just for myself, but for my family and the countless others from low-income communities. I aspire to become a physician and provide affordable care to the public. Though the journey ahead is difficult, I will spearhead initiatives to revolutionize the healthcare system, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access the quality healthcare they deserve.

My friend and I were debating whether or not a rattlesnake would win against a king cobra, but I couldn’t pronounce words with an “s” sound. Though I made good points, he’d constantly make fun of my speech impediment, saying things like “s-s-s-s-snake?” Up until 6th grade, I would hear comments like these over and over from my very own friends. The teasing discouraged me from raising my hand in class to ask about a concept I didn’t fully understand. After failing my first semester of 6th grade, I couldn’t take it anymore. I didn’t want to be afraid to ask for help because I am unable to correctly pronounce words. Reaching out for help, I met Ms. Rubalcaba, a Speech-Language Pathologist, who provided suggestions on how to make the proper sounds. Over the span of three years, I repeated hundreds of words over and over, going through each consonant and syllable until I would get them just right. I also wanted to improve myself outside of the sessions I had with Ms. R. Although I was afraid of being laughed at for my enunciation of words, my time with her opened a doorway into the world. I felt more confident speaking to my peers and from there, I spoke more and more. While learning about cell division in biology class, I became confused between mitosis and meiosis due to the similar spelling of the two. Without hesitation, I raised my hand and asked “what is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?” while simultaneously pronouncing the words with ease. I continued asking for clarification whenever I was unsure about a particular subject. Though I didn’t choose to have a speech impediment, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I knew that overcoming this challenge wouldn’t be easy, but I realized that if I wanted to improve my pronunciation, I needed to ask for help. As I continued my education into high school, I’ve met many friends, explored numerous clubs, and even succeeded in countless rigorous courses. It wasn’t until I took those initial steps and met with Ms. Rubalaca, whose name I ironically still cannot pronounce, that I realized overcoming my speech impediment was possible. Today, if I did not mention it, no one would know I ever had a speech impediment. With numerous leadership positions and experience throughout high school, I have been able to volunteer and give back to my school and community through leading various clubs, sports, as well as spending my weekends in the hospital. Having overcome my speech impediment, I am using my voice today to advocate and help those who currently do not have their voice. As I pursue higher education and be the first in my family to do so, it is with the mindset of learning from challenges like this and asking for help that I will overcome any obstacle in my way.

Dried mud. Chocolate pudding. Coffee stain. Depending on how you look at it, it could be anything. I have a ginormous birthmark on my arm. Well, it’s not that big… but if someone sees me wearing a t-shirt, they might think I have a skin disease or beginning my transformation into a monkey. I always viewed my birthmark as some sort of a monster—the sole reason my friends teased and called me names like “monkey boy” and “mole kid.” Having to spend the rest of my life with a ‘monster,’ I questioned how we even met. Starting from the fundamentals in Honors Biology, I quickly became amazed by the organs and tissues the body consists of. From the lymphatic system combating diseases to the integumentary system providing a barrier against pathogens, I was fascinated by the intricacies of billions of cells working together to allow our bodies to function. Most importantly, I discovered that my birthmark is a result of an overgrowth of pigment cells and how in Chinese culture, a birthmark is symbolic of good luck and prosperity. Now, I no longer view it as a monster, but rather a lucky sign, inviting me to dive into the cause of the mark and explore a lifelong interest in biology and medicine. Immersing myself in health-related courses, I discovered the true monster: the current healthcare system. Learning that millions from low-income households cannot receive medical treatment due to financial burden and coming from a low-income background, this injustice hit too close to home. It brought back memories of my mother avoiding the doctor as a visit is equivalent to a week’s worth of groceries. Just like my birthmark, I want to find the root problem of the healthcare system, but for now, I cannot watch this monster continue to ruin the lives of millions. Determined to take action, I found myself volunteering at a local hospital and working at a doctor’s office. Throughout transporting and talking to patients, I listened to their struggles of not having enough to afford food or fear of being unable to pay their medical bills. I noticed a trend: many were unaware of publicly available government resources. One after the other, I patiently assisted individuals register for governmental programs like CalFresh and Medicare. Although I recognized my ability to positively affect others, there’s still more work to be done. While something as small as a birthmark sparked my interest in biology, my involvement in my community helped me harness that interest to realize the bigger purpose: increasing the accessibility of healthcare for everyone. Being the first in my family to attend college, I will succeed not just for myself, but for my family and the countless others from low-income communities. I aspire to become a physician and provide affordable care to the public. Though the journey ahead is difficult, I will spearhead initiatives to revolutionize the healthcare system, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access the quality healthcare they deserve.

Dried mud. Chocolate pudding. Coffee stain. Depending on how you look at it, it could be anything. I have a ginormous birthmark on my arm. Well, it’s not that big… but if someone sees me wearing a t-shirt, they might think I have a skin disease or beginning my transformation into a monkey. I always viewed my birthmark as some sort of a monster—the sole reason my friends teased and called me names like “monkey boy” and “mole kid.” Having to spend the rest of my life with a ‘monster,’ I questioned how we even met. Starting from the fundamentals in Honors Biology, I quickly became amazed by the organs and tissues the body consists of. From the lymphatic system combating diseases to the integumentary system providing a barrier against pathogens, I was fascinated by the intricacies of billions of cells working together to allow our bodies to function. Most importantly, I discovered that my birthmark is a result of an overgrowth of pigment cells and how in Chinese culture, a birthmark is symbolic of good luck and prosperity. Now, I no longer view it as a monster, but rather a lucky sign, inviting me to dive into the cause of the mark and explore a lifelong interest in biology and medicine. Immersing myself in health-related courses, I discovered the true monster: the current healthcare system. Learning that millions from low-income households cannot receive medical treatment due to financial burden and coming from a low-income background, this injustice hit too close to home. It brought back memories of my mother avoiding the doctor as a visit is equivalent to a week’s worth of groceries. Just like my birthmark, I want to find the root problem of the healthcare system, but for now, I cannot watch this monster continue to ruin the lives of millions. Determined to take action, I found myself volunteering at a local hospital and working at a doctor’s office. Throughout transporting and talking to patients, I listened to their struggles of not having enough to afford food or fear of being unable to pay their medical bills. I noticed a trend: many were unaware of publicly available government resources. One after the other, I patiently assisted individuals register for governmental programs like CalFresh and Medicare. Although I recognized my ability to positively affect others, there’s still more work to be done. As someone who plans on becoming an Emergency Medicine Physician, I plan to be able to help my community where I can have the most impact, at the Emergency Room where everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status is taken care of without regard to whether an individual can afford the care or not. While something as small as a birthmark sparked my interest in biology, my involvement in my community helped me harness that interest to realize the bigger purpose: increasing the accessibility of healthcare for everyone. Being the first in my family to attend college, I will succeed not just for myself, but for my family and the countless others from low-income communities. I aspire to become a physician and provide affordable care to the public. Though the journey ahead is difficult, I will spearhead initiatives to revolutionize the healthcare system, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access the quality healthcare they deserve.

My friend and I were debating whether or not a rattlesnake would win against a king cobra, but I couldn’t pronounce words with an “s” sound. Though I made good points, he’d constantly make fun of my speech impediment, saying things like “s-s-s-s-snake?” Up until 6th grade, I would hear comments like these over and over from my very own friends. The teasing discouraged me from raising my hand in class to ask about a concept I didn’t fully understand. After failing my first semester of 6th grade, I couldn’t take it anymore. I didn’t want to be afraid to ask for help because I am unable to correctly pronounce words. Reaching out for help, I met Ms. Rubalcaba, a Speech-Language Pathologist, who provided suggestions on how to make the proper sounds. Over the span of three years, I repeated hundreds of words over and over, going through each consonant and syllable until I would get them just right. I also wanted to improve myself outside of the sessions I had with Ms. R. Although I was afraid of being laughed at for my enunciation of words, my time with her opened a doorway into the world. I felt more confident speaking to my peers and from there, I spoke more and more. While learning about cell division in biology class, I became confused between mitosis and meiosis due to the similar spelling of the two. Without hesitation, I raised my hand and asked “what is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?” while simultaneously pronouncing the words with ease. I continued asking for clarification whenever I was unsure about a particular subject. Though I didn’t choose to have a speech impediment, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I knew that overcoming this challenge wouldn’t be easy, but I realized that if I wanted to improve my pronunciation, I needed to ask for help. As I continued my education into high school, I’ve met many friends, explored numerous clubs, and even succeeded in countless rigorous courses. It wasn’t until I took those initial steps and met with Ms. Rubalaca, whose name I ironically still cannot pronounce, that I realized overcoming my speech impediment was possible. Today, if I did not mention it, no one would know I ever had a speech impediment. With numerous leadership positions and experience throughout high school, I have been able to volunteer and give back to my school and community through leading various clubs, sports, as well as spending my weekends in the hospital. Having overcome my speech impediment, I am using my voice today to advocate and help those who currently do not have their voice. As I pursue higher education and be the first in my family to do so, it is with the mindset of learning from challenges like this and asking for help that I will overcome any obstacle in my way.

Dried mud. Chocolate pudding. Coffee stain. Depending on how you look at it, it could be anything. I have a ginormous birthmark on my arm. Well, it’s not that big… but if someone sees me wearing a t-shirt, they might think I have a skin disease or beginning my transformation into a monkey. I always viewed my birthmark as some sort of a monster—the sole reason my friends teased and called me names like “monkey boy.” Having to spend the rest of my life with a ‘monster,’ I questioned how we even met. Starting from the fundamentals in Honors Biology, I quickly became amazed by the countless organs and tissues the body consists of. From the lymphatic system combating diseases to the integumentary system providing a barrier against pathogens, I was fascinated by the intricacies of billions of cells working together to allow our bodies to function. Most importantly, I found the answers I was looking for. I discovered my birthmark is a result of an overgrowth of pigment cells and its significance in Chinese culture—a birthmark is symbolic of good luck and prosperity. Now, I no longer view it as a monster, but rather a lucky sign, inviting me to dive into the cause of the mark and explore a lifelong interest in biology. Finally learning why I have a birthmark, my interest in biology intensified when I discovered the regenerative ability of plants. Even if a plant is cut to its stem, the leaves, stem, and roots will regrow under the right conditions of water and sunlight. Observing plants regenerate as if nothing happened, I pondered whether humans could do the same. Under my school’s biomedical science program, I investigated the components of plants, examined their cells at a microscopic level, and learned that plants consist of unique meristematic cells capable of transforming into various plant tissues. Seeing the applications of biology and cell regeneration to addressing human illnesses, particularly the lack of access to organ transplants, I became increasingly interested in medicine. Immersing myself in health-related courses like Cultural and Legal Topics in Healthcare, I discovered who the true monster is: the current healthcare system. I learned that millions from low-income households cannot receive medical treatment due to the financial strain of seeking assistance. Coming from a low-income background, this injustice hit too close to home. It brought back memories of my mother avoiding the doctor as a visit is equivalent to a week’s worth of groceries. Just like my birthmark, I want to find the root problem of the healthcare system, but for now, I cannot watch this monster continue to ruin the lives of millions. Determined to take action, I found myself volunteering at a local hospital and working at a doctor’s office. Throughout transporting and talking to patients, I listened to their struggles of not having enough to afford food or fear of being unable to pay their medical bills. I noticed a trend: many were unaware of publicly available government resources. One after the other, I patiently assisted numerous low-income individuals to register for governmental programs like CalFresh, Medicaid, and Medicare. Although I recognized my ability to positively affect others, there’s still more work to be done. From here, I aim to continue my search to amplify my impact. While something as small as a birthmark sparked my interest in biology, my involvement in my community helped me harness that interest to realize the bigger purpose: increasing the accessibility of healthcare for everyone. Being the first in my family to attend college, I will succeed not just for myself, but for my family and the countless others from low-income communities. I aspire to become a physician and provide affordable care to the public. Though the journey ahead is difficult, I will spearhead initiatives to revolutionize the healthcare system, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access the quality healthcare they deserve.