As a first-generation immigrant, I'm often sacrificing the time spent on my academics to prioritize finances and family matters. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly street vending to provide for us, instilling in me a strong work ethic and resilience. However, this also meant that I had to take on significant responsibilities from a young age, especially in helping my mom run her small business. Managing the online systems of her business' website gave me a deep understanding of the struggles small businesses face and the transformative power of digital platforms. I'm determined to work on projects that provide affordable and effective digital solutions for small businesses, especially those run by immigrants. With significant family responsibilities, I developed a habit of taking on too much myself, believing it was my duty to handle everything. This tendency often leads to my lack of ability to collaborate effectively in group settings. Recognizing this fault, I've pushed myself to spend more time on the preparation process when working with fellow interns or peers on projects. This not only lightens my workload but also enhances the overall quality of the project through diverse contributions, allowing me to enjoy the work itself. This scholarship would enable me to engage more deeply in extracurricular activities, such as more hackathons that nurture my technical skills and curious drive. These experiences are crucial for my professional development, but they require time and resources that I currently struggle to allocate. I am also passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. Coming into university, I had a lingering feeling of imposter syndrome. Since coming from a background that wasn't filled with elaborate tech boot camps or projects, I felt like I didn't belong with my impressive classmates, although I shared the same drive for curiosity and learning. With this in mind, I still push to mentor girls interested in CS as a full stack development teaching assistant for the Society of Women Engineers and the week-long CS Kickstart boot camp for incoming female and non-binary identifying students at UC Berkeley, despite the financial and personal barriers. I was determined to learn as much as possible and spread the knowledge that I had. Paving the way forward for Women in STEM is equally as important to me as working on user-centric products, such as those I am working on as Software Engineering Intern at Censia this Summer. I'm constantly asking questions to deepen my understanding, unafraid of feeling like I look stupid. As the youngest and only female identifying intern on the engineering team, I continue to feel like I need to work harder to prove my worth. However, I recognize that this opportunity is rare, and rather than following along, I also have the opportunity to create impact in my own ways. I realized that being curious and taking action on it is the whole point of growing as a professional. I’m writing code that will be used by hundreds of their clients, all because I am intentional with my work, am willing to reach out to others within the company, and continually pushing myself to learn outside of what is “necessary.”

As a first-generation immigrant, I'm often sacrificing the time spent on my academics to prioritize finances and family matters. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly street vending to provide for us, instilling in me a strong work ethic and resilience. However, this also meant that I had to take on significant responsibilities from a young age, especially in helping my mom run her small business. Managing the online systems of her business' website gave me a deep understanding of the struggles small businesses face and the transformative power of digital platforms. I'm determined to work on projects that provide affordable and effective digital solutions for small businesses, especially those run by immigrants. With significant family responsibilities, I developed a habit of taking on too much myself, believing it was my duty to handle everything. This tendency often leads to my lack of ability to collaborate effectively in group settings. Recognizing this fault, I've pushed myself to spend more time on the preparation process when working with fellow interns or peers on projects. This not only lightens my workload but also enhances the overall quality of the project through diverse contributions, allowing me to enjoy the work itself. This scholarship would enable me to engage more deeply in extracurricular activities, such as more hackathons that nurture my technical skills and curious drive. These experiences are crucial for my professional development, but they require time and resources that I currently struggle to allocate. I am also passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. Coming into university, I had a lingering feeling of imposter syndrome. Since coming from a background that wasn't filled with elaborate tech boot camps or projects, I felt like I didn't belong with my impressive classmates, although I shared the same drive for curiosity and learning. With this in mind, I still push to mentor girls interested in CS as a full stack development teaching assistant for the Society of Women Engineers and the week-long CS Kickstart boot camp for incoming female and non-binary identifying students at UC Berkeley, despite the financial and personal barriers. I was determined to learn as much as possible and spread the knowledge that I had. Paving the way forward for Women in STEM is equally as important to me as working on user-centric products, such as those I am working on as Software Engineering Intern at Censia this Summer. I'm constantly asking questions to deepen my understanding, unafraid of feeling like I look stupid. As the youngest and only female identifying intern on the engineering team, I continue to feel like I need to work harder to prove my worth. However, I recognize that this opportunity is rare, and rather than following along, I also have the opportunity to create impact in my own ways. I realized that being curious and taking action on it is the whole point of growing as a professional. I’m writing code that will be used by hundreds of their clients, all because I am intentional with my work, am willing to reach out to others within the company, and continually pushing myself to learn outside of what is “necessary.”

As a first-generation immigrant, I'm often sacrificing the time spent on my academics to prioritize finances and family matters. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly street vending to provide for us, instilling in me a strong work ethic and resilience. However, this also meant that I had to take on significant responsibilities from a young age, especially in helping my mom run her small business. Managing the online systems of her business' website gave me a deep understanding of the struggles small businesses face and the transformative power of digital platforms. I'm determined to work on projects that provide affordable and effective digital solutions for small businesses, especially those run by immigrants. With significant family responsibilities, I developed a habit of taking on too much myself, believing it was my duty to handle everything. This tendency often leads to my lack of ability to collaborate effectively in group settings. Recognizing this fault, I've pushed myself to spend more time on the preparation process when working with fellow interns or peers on projects. This not only lightens my workload but also enhances the overall quality of the project through diverse contributions, allowing me to enjoy the work itself. This scholarship would enable me to engage more deeply in extracurricular activities, such as more hackathons that nurture my technical skills and curious drive. These experiences are crucial for my professional development, but they require time and resources that I currently struggle to allocate. I am also passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. Coming into university, I had a lingering feeling of imposter syndrome. Since coming from a background that wasn't filled with elaborate tech boot camps or projects, I felt like I didn't belong with my impressive classmates, although I shared the same drive for curiosity and learning. With this in mind, I still push to mentor girls interested in CS as a full stack development teaching assistant for the Society of Women Engineers and the week-long CS Kickstart boot camp for incoming female and non-binary identifying students at UC Berkeley, despite the financial and personal barriers. I was determined to learn as much as possible and spread the knowledge that I had. Paving the way forward for Women in STEM is equally as important to me as working on user-centric products, such as those I am working on as Software Engineering Intern at Censia this Summer. I'm constantly asking questions to deepen my understanding, unafraid of feeling like I look stupid. As the youngest and only female identifying intern on the engineering team, I continue to feel like I need to work harder to prove my worth. However, I recognize that this opportunity is rare, and rather than following along, I also have the opportunity to create impact in my own ways. I realized that being curious and taking action on it is the whole point of growing as a professional. I’m writing code that will be used by hundreds of their clients, all because I am intentional with my work, am willing to reach out to others within the company, and continually pushing myself to learn outside of what is “necessary.”

As a first-generation immigrant, I'm often sacrificing the time spent on my academics to prioritize finances and family matters. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly street vending to provide for us, instilling in me a strong work ethic and resilience. However, this also meant that I had to take on significant responsibilities from a young age, especially in helping my mom run her small business. Managing the online systems of her business' website gave me a deep understanding of the struggles small businesses face and the transformative power of digital platforms. I'm determined to work on projects that provide affordable and effective digital solutions for small businesses, especially those run by immigrants. With significant family responsibilities, I developed a habit of taking on too much myself, believing it was my duty to handle everything. This tendency often leads to my lack of ability to collaborate effectively in group settings. Recognizing this fault, I've pushed myself to spend more time on the preparation process when working with fellow interns or peers on projects. This not only lightens my workload but also enhances the overall quality of the project through diverse contributions, allowing me to enjoy the work itself. This scholarship would enable me to engage more deeply in extracurricular activities, such as more hackathons that nurture my technical skills and curious drive. These experiences are crucial for my professional development, but they require time and resources that I currently struggle to allocate. I am also passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. Coming into university, I had a lingering feeling of imposter syndrome. Since coming from a background that wasn't filled with elaborate tech boot camps or projects, I felt like I didn't belong with my impressive classmates, although I shared the same drive for curiosity and learning. With this in mind, I still push to mentor girls interested in CS as a full stack development teaching assistant for the Society of Women Engineers and the week-long CS Kickstart boot camp for incoming female and non-binary identifying students at UC Berkeley, despite the financial and personal barriers. I was determined to learn as much as possible and spread the knowledge that I had. Paving the way forward for Women in STEM is equally as important to me as working on user-centric products, such as those I am working on as Software Engineering Intern at Censia this Summer. I'm constantly asking questions to deepen my understanding, unafraid of feeling like I look stupid. As the youngest and only female identifying intern on the engineering team, I continue to feel like I need to work harder to prove my worth. However, I recognize that this opportunity is rare, and rather than following along, I also have the opportunity to create impact in my own ways. I realized that being curious and taking action on it is the whole point of growing as a professional. I’m writing code that will be used by hundreds of their clients, all because I am intentional with my work, am willing to reach out to others within the company, and continually pushing myself to learn outside of what is “necessary.”

As a first-generation immigrant, I'm often sacrificing the time spent on my academics to prioritize finances and family matters. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly street vending to provide for us, instilling in me a strong work ethic and resilience. However, this also meant that I had to take on significant responsibilities from a young age, especially in helping my mom run her small business. Managing the online systems of her business' website gave me a deep understanding of the struggles small businesses face and the transformative power of digital platforms. I'm determined to work on projects that provide affordable and effective digital solutions for small businesses, especially those run by immigrants. With significant family responsibilities, I developed a habit of taking on too much myself, believing it was my duty to handle everything. This tendency often leads to my lack of ability to collaborate effectively in group settings. Recognizing this fault, I've pushed myself to spend more time on the preparation process when working with fellow interns or peers on projects. This not only lightens my workload but also enhances the overall quality of the project through diverse contributions, allowing me to enjoy the work itself. This scholarship would enable me to engage more deeply in extracurricular activities, such as more hackathons that nurture my technical skills and curious drive. These experiences are crucial for my professional development, but they require time and resources that I currently struggle to allocate. I am also passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. Coming into university, I had a lingering feeling of imposter syndrome. Since coming from a background that wasn't filled with elaborate tech boot camps or projects, I felt like I didn't belong with my impressive classmates, although I shared the same drive for curiosity and learning. With this in mind, I still push to mentor girls interested in CS as a full stack development teaching assistant for the Society of Women Engineers and the week-long CS Kickstart boot camp for incoming female and non-binary identifying students at UC Berkeley, despite the financial and personal barriers. I was determined to learn as much as possible and spread the knowledge that I had. Paving the way forward for Women in STEM is equally as important to me as working on user-centric products, such as those I am working on as Software Engineering Intern at Censia this Summer. I'm constantly asking questions to deepen my understanding, unafraid of feeling like I look stupid. As the youngest and only female identifying intern on the engineering team, I continue to feel like I need to work harder to prove my worth. However, I recognize that this opportunity is rare, and rather than following along, I also have the opportunity to create impact in my own ways. I realized that being curious and taking action on it is the whole point of growing as a professional. I’m writing code that will be used by hundreds of their clients, all because I am intentional with my work, am willing to reach out to others within the company, and continually pushing myself to learn outside of what is “necessary.”

As a first-generation immigrant, I'm often sacrificing the time spent on my academics to prioritize finances and family matters. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly street vending to provide for us, instilling in me a strong work ethic and resilience. However, this also meant that I had to take on significant responsibilities from a young age, especially in helping my mom run her small business. Managing the online systems of her business' website gave me a deep understanding of the struggles small businesses face and the transformative power of digital platforms. I'm determined to work on projects that provide affordable and effective digital solutions for small businesses, especially those run by immigrants. With significant family responsibilities, I developed a habit of taking on too much myself, believing it was my duty to handle everything. This tendency often leads to my lack of ability to collaborate effectively in group settings. Recognizing this fault, I've pushed myself to spend more time on the preparation process when working with fellow interns or peers on projects. This not only lightens my workload but also enhances the overall quality of the project through diverse contributions, allowing me to enjoy the work itself. This scholarship would enable me to engage more deeply in extracurricular activities, such as more hackathons that nurture my technical skills and curious drive. These experiences are crucial for my professional development, but they require time and resources that I currently struggle to allocate. I am also passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. Coming into university, I had a lingering feeling of imposter syndrome. Since coming from a background that wasn't filled with elaborate tech boot camps or projects, I felt like I didn't belong with my impressive classmates, although I shared the same drive for curiosity and learning. With this in mind, I still push to mentor girls interested in CS as a full stack development teaching assistant for the Society of Women Engineers and the week-long CS Kickstart boot camp for incoming female and non-binary identifying students at UC Berkeley, despite the financial and personal barriers. I was determined to learn as much as possible and spread the knowledge that I had. Paving the way forward for Women in STEM is equally as important to me as working on user-centric products, such as those I am working on as Software Engineering Intern at Censia this Summer. I'm constantly asking questions to deepen my understanding, unafraid of feeling like I look stupid. As the youngest and only female identifying intern on the engineering team, I continue to feel like I need to work harder to prove my worth. However, I recognize that this opportunity is rare, and rather than following along, I also have the opportunity to create impact in my own ways. I realized that being curious and taking action on it is the whole point of growing as a professional. I’m writing code that will be used by hundreds of their clients, all because I am intentional with my work, am willing to reach out to others within the company, and continually pushing myself to learn outside of what is “necessary.”

As a first-generation immigrant and a software engineering student, I’ve always had a deep love for tinkering with technology, much like Kyle Lam did. But for me, it’s not just about solving problems—it’s about making people smile with the unexpected and turning something intimidating into something delightful. One of my proudest moments of sharing this “hacker spirit” was when I turned a coding bootcamp for incoming female and non-binary students into a playful, interactive experience that helped them fall in love with programming. When I noticed how nervous many of the students were at the beginning of the program, I saw a younger version of myself in their eyes. Most of them had never written a line of code before, and the idea of jumping into programming felt overwhelming. I remember one student saying, “I feel like everyone here knows what they’re doing, and I’m going to be left behind.” It broke my heart because I knew exactly what that felt like—I had been in their shoes not too long ago coming into UC Berkeley as a student who came from a non-STEM focused high school. I wanted to show them that coding didn’t have to be scary; it could be fun, creative, and even a little magical. So, I decided to hack together a gamified learning platform to shake things up. The idea was simple: let them experiment with code in a low-pressure environment where mistakes were encouraged, and progress was rewarded. I built a platform where they could write small snippets of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, and immediately see the results—whether that was a dancing robot, a flashing neon sign, or even an exploding confetti animation on the screen. The best part? They earned points and unlocked fun new features for their projects with every challenge they completed. It turned coding into a game, where curiosity led the way, and creativity was the goal. I’ll never forget the joy on their faces when they saw the results of their code come to life for the first time. One student, who had been especially hesitant, got so into it that she stayed after hours trying to build a custom animated character that danced across the screen. By the end of the week, she had not only mastered the basics of coding but was helping others debug their projects with newfound confidence. The room went from quiet and nervous to buzzing with excitement and laughter. It felt like we were all kids again, discovering something for the first time, without the fear of making mistakes. That experience wasn’t just about teaching coding; it was about creating a space where students could feel free to experiment and have fun, which I think is the essence of the “hacker spirit.” It was one of those moments where I felt like I had shared a piece of my own passion for technology with others in a way that was meaningful and heartwarming. And that’s what keeps me going—knowing that something as simple as code can bring people together, inspire creativity, and maybe even change a life or two.

I had an amazing opportunity to work directly with cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies as an intern in Software Engineering at Censia, an AI-powered HR technology startup. My role included the integration and bettering of our AI-driven talent intelligence platform, which perfectly aligns with my passion for leveraging technology in solving real-world problems. Precisely, I worked with the API offering at OpenAI to iteratively improve key features using our resume and inferred skills parser. One of my key focuses was reducing the hallucination rates-these are the wrong or unreliable outputs that the AI makes. This was both an overwhelming and rewarding task in itself because making sure that AI predictions are correct is actually quite critical when dealing with sensitive processes like hiring. As I worked on enhancing this feature, I contributed to improving the reliability of candidate assessments provided through our platform for both companies and job seekers. Some of the work that was most exciting was upgrading our LangChain agent, a system that would let AI process and fetch back relevant data. I realized the implementation of file uploads and also the use of vector stores, which are advanced data structures that allow for effective information retrieval. This upgrade makes candidate assessment and recommendations many times more accurate. In this project, I was allowed to refine the way our system would parse the data so that, finally, the refinement helped the whole platform deliver better results in terms of high-potential candidates. Considering that this project allowed me to make use of my skills to improve an existing system and have real-world impact, it became particularly fulfilling, as it can affect the hiring outcomes of so many companies directly. What really resonated about this project for me was its strong potential in improving diversity in hiring. These improvements I contributed to tripled the rate at which we identified diverse candidates. By doing so-in ways, at least, to reduce some of the biases that often arise in traditional hiring practices-I felt this was one small but important way of supporting underrepresented communities. The opportunity to leverage AI in a way which didn't just streamline but also promoted inclusivity was incredibly inspiring. It proved that AI could be a strong intervention toward solving social inequalities if thoughtfully applied. What really excites me about working with AI is that it develops an effective and user-oriented approach toward solving multi-faceted problems. While technology, especially AI, may reshape whole industries, it also involves a moment of responsibility in such a way that the fruits of such innovations do not create any kind of inequality. The experience, on my part, best showed how AI could be put to use in ways other than mere business improvement to result in effective social impact. This project further inspired me to work at this cross-section of AI and human-centered design. Whether it be streamlining processes, eradicating inefficiencies, or simply making systems more inclusive, for me, technology is a great way to combine technical acumen with passion for finding solutions whose real needs are very much felt, as an enriching and meaningful venture.

From ages nine to fifteen, my weekends were dedicated to street vending alongside my mother. While she meticulously prepared flowers for sale, I assumed the role of a makeshift salesperson. I arranged rows of vases on portable tables, tirelessly refilled water from public restrooms, and roamed the streets, acting as a human billboard, trying to capture the attention of passersby. In my youthful innocence, I believed in the innate kindness of strangers. However, the harsh reality of disappointment often greeted me as I silently counted the unsold roses at the end of each arduous day. Amidst this challenging existence, I clung tenaciously to my dreams of education. I carved unconventional study spaces and moments, diligently completing math packets and assigned readings on patches of grass. While my parents praised me for my academic achievements, I struggled with a profound sense of guilt and anger. Guilt that I felt a sense of accomplishment even though my grades did not directly contribute to our family's income, and anger that I was defining my self-worth based on my utility to our struggling business. It often felt like my mind raced ahead, seeking solutions faster than I could keep up. Yet, the burden of this dual existence, of being both a child and a peer to my parents, gradually evolved into a source of strength. I came to realize that I played a pivotal role in my family's survival. The skills and qualities I developed during those challenging years shaped me into a dependable individual, not only within the confines of our household but also within the broader community. This newfound sense of responsibility and resilience drove me to excel in various aspects of life. When our school's activities director unexpectedly left during night rally season, I seized the opportunity to lead in designing backdrops, floats, and even participating in skits. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature to me, a way of providing stability amidst chaos. My journey has been marked by an unyielding pursuit of stability, initially born out of necessity but eventually transforming into a passion for creating stable environments for others. Though I still grapple with feelings of guilt and hope, I am immensely proud of my role in contributing to a stable space where my younger brother doesn't have to bear the same burdens. The lessons I learned have allowed me to become a source of inspiration and support for others enduring similar trials. I have been actively involved in my community, volunteering my time to mentor and guide those facing adversity, particularly young immigrants who, like me, have had to navigate the complexities of a new country while balancing familial responsibilities. I strive to instill in others the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the unwavering belief in their own potential. Through my experiences, I have come to understand that our collective strength as a family is our most significant asset. We have learned to adapt to challenging circumstances, support each other unwaveringly, and transform adversity into opportunities for growth. Today, I stand as a testament to the power of resilience and the capacity to overcome even the most daunting challenges. This experience taught me the value of responsibility, resourcefulness, and the ability to provide stability amidst chaos. My pursuit of stability has evolved into a mission to create stable environments for others, and my experiences have equipped me to be a source of inspiration and support for those facing adversity. Our shared resilience as a family has strengthened our bonds and enabled us to triumph over the toughest scenarios life throws our way.

As a first-generation immigrant, I'm often sacrificing the time spent on my academics to prioritize finances and family matters. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly street vending to provide for us, instilling in me a strong work ethic and resilience. However, this also meant that I had to take on significant responsibilities from a young age, especially in helping my mom run her small business. Managing the online systems of her business' website gave me a deep understanding of the struggles small businesses face and the transformative power of digital platforms. I'm determined to work on projects that provide affordable and effective digital solutions for small businesses, especially those run by immigrants. With significant family responsibilities, I developed a habit of taking on too much myself, believing it was my duty to handle everything. This tendency often leads to my lack of ability to collaborate effectively in group settings. Recognizing this fault, I've pushed myself to spend more time on the preparation process when working with fellow interns or peers on projects. This not only lightens my workload but also enhances the overall quality of the project through diverse contributions, allowing me to enjoy the work itself. This scholarship would enable me to engage more deeply in extracurricular activities, such as more hackathons that nurture my technical skills and curious drive. These experiences are crucial for my professional development, but they require time and resources that I currently struggle to allocate. I am also passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. Coming into university, I had a lingering feeling of imposter syndrome. Since coming from a background that wasn't filled with elaborate tech boot camps or projects, I felt like I didn't belong with my impressive classmates, although I shared the same drive for curiosity and learning. With this in mind, I still push to mentor girls interested in CS as a full stack development teaching assistant for the Society of Women Engineers and the week-long CS Kickstart boot camp for incoming female and non-binary identifying students at UC Berkeley, despite the financial and personal barriers. I was determined to learn as much as possible and spread the knowledge that I had. Paving the way forward for Women in STEM is equally as important to me as working on user-centric products, such as those I am working on as Software Engineering Intern at Censia this Summer. I'm constantly asking questions to deepen my understanding, unafraid of feeling like I look stupid. I realized that being curious and taking action on it is the whole point of growing as a professional.

As a first-generation immigrant, I’m often sacrificing the time spent on my academics to prioritize finances and family matters. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly street vending to provide for us, instilling in me a strong work ethic and resilience. However, this also meant that I had to take on significant responsibilities from a young age, especially in helping my mom run her small business. Managing the online systems of her business’ website gave me a deep understanding of the struggles small businesses face and the transformative power of digital platforms. I’m determined to work on projects that provide affordable and effective digital solutions for small businesses, especially those run by immigrants. This scholarship would enable me to engage more deeply in extracurricular activities, such as more hackathons that nurture my technical skills. These experiences are crucial for my professional development, but they require time and resources that I currently struggle to allocate. I am also passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. Despite time and financial restrictions, I still push to mentor girls interested in CS as a full stack development teaching assistant for the Society of Women Engineers and the week-long CS Kickstart boot camp for incoming female and non-binary identifying students at UC Berkeley. Paving the way forward for Women in STEM is equally as important to me as working on user-centric products, such as those I will be working on as Software Engineering Intern at Censia this Summer.

From a young age, I was immersed in the world of street vending, growing up as the eldest daughter in a family that relied on this unconventional business for their livelihood. Witnessing the dedication and resilience required to sustain a small enterprise left an indelible impression on me. Despite the challenges, I pursued education fervently, yearning to bring stability to my family's life. However, I grappled with feelings of guilt, recognizing that my achievements weren't directly contributing to our income. Yet, in that struggle, I discovered the strength to become a pillar of support for my loved ones, nurturing skills and qualities that molded me into a dependable individual. The weight I carried on my young shoulders nurtured a sense of responsibility and resilience, propelling me to seek stability not just for my family but also for others. During high school, I naturally assumed leadership roles, orchestrating designs for school events, and spreading my abilities wherever needed. Amidst the chaos, I found solace in providing peace. These experiences taught me the power of adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to make a positive impact even in the face of adversity. As I assisted my family's small business and witnessed the transformative potential of digital platforms, my passion for technology was ignited. Understanding how a digital presence could change lives and open doors for countless entrepreneurs, I became enamored with web development and user interface design. Through these mediums, I found a way to connect with users on a deeper level, using silent empathy as my language of communication. Intrigued by the limitless possibilities of technology, I delved into the intricacies of algorithms, psychology, and user experience design. An internship with the nonprofit organization BRIDGEGOOD provided invaluable experience in prototyping and showcased the impact of design choices on user engagement. This transformative experience only solidified my desire to design for social good, driving me towards a future where I could utilize technology to bridge the gap between users and create positive change. My goal lies in helping small businesses thrive in the digital world, connecting them with new pools of online consumers. Witnessing the transformative power of technology within my own family's business, I am fueled by the belief that implementing inclusive and equitable innovations can reshape lives and communities. I've learned the value of giving back and breaking cycles of poverty and limited access to education. I am resolute in my determination to contribute to nonprofit tech organizations that focus on empowering minority high school students, equipping them with the necessary skills and opportunities to enter the world of technology. Through mentorship and advocacy, I aspire to create a more inclusive and diverse industry that uplifts individuals and communities who have been historically marginalized. My passion for pursuing a Computer Science degree arises from a deep-rooted desire to weave empathy and technology together, creating meaningful solutions that positively impact the lives of others. My upbringing and life experiences have sculpted my character, instilling resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. As I embark on this academic journey, I carry with me the lessons learned, ready to embrace challenges and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world through the power of technology. I am also passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry and plan to volunteer with organizations that mentor minority high school students. After graduating, I aim to establish a tech consultancy that helps small businesses and non-profits succeed in the digital world. By providing affordable and effective digital solutions, I can contribute to the economic growth and stability of my community.

My experience with calculus has been a rough but fulfilling relationship. Back in my junior year of high school, I had a tough time with precalculus. It was so challenging that I had several panic attacks, which made me rethink how I approached learning. I had to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable pieces, and this helped me develop a better way of learning. By the time I got to my senior year, I was able to score a 5 on the AP Calculus exam. This turnaround showed me the value of perseverance and a good learning strategy. Calculus is crucial in STEM for several reasons. First, it gives us tools to understand and model dynamic systems. In computer science, calculus concepts are behind many algorithms and data structures. For example, understanding how things change over time is key to solving optimization problems, which we see in areas like machine learning and operations research. Even in web development, calculus plays a role, though it might not be obvious at first. When optimizing a website’s performance, developers use algorithms that involve calculus to minimize load times and enhance user experience. Techniques like responsive design, animations, and graphics rendering are all based on mathematical principles, including calculus, to make interactions smooth and efficient. Beyond its direct applications, calculus helps develop a strong analytical mindset. It teaches us to think critically about changes and movements, which is essential for innovation in technology. For computer scientists, this means coming up with new algorithms, improving how efficiently we can compute things, and solving complex problems that need a lot of abstract thinking. My personal experience with overcoming difficulties in precalculus and then doing well in calculus has not only improved my math skills but also given me a set of tools for solving problems in my field. The discipline to understand calculus, the persistence to solve its problems, and the analytical skills I developed are all directly useful in my work in web development and computer science. Calculus is a must-know in the STEM field because it builds crucial analytical and problem-solving skills. For a computer science major like me, understanding and applying calculus principles is key to tackling dynamic systems, optimizing algorithms, and driving innovation in technology. My journey through the ups and downs of learning calculus has highlighted its importance and prepared me to use these principles in my future career.

As the eldest daughter, I became intimately acquainted with the world of street vending, a life of hardship that demanded both physical and emotional sacrifices. This period of our lives taught me profound lessons about resilience, determination, and the power of supporting others through adversity. From ages nine to fifteen, my weekends were dedicated to street vending alongside my mother. While she meticulously prepared flowers for sale, I assumed the role of a makeshift salesperson. I arranged rows of vases on portable tables, tirelessly refilled water from public restrooms, and roamed the streets, acting as a human billboard, trying to capture the attention of passersby. In my youthful innocence, I believed in the innate kindness of strangers. However, the harsh reality of disappointment often greeted me as I silently counted the unsold roses at the end of each arduous day. Amidst this challenging existence, I clung tenaciously to my dreams of education. I carved unconventional study spaces and moments, diligently completing math packets and assigned readings on patches of grass. While my parents praised me for my academic achievements, I struggled with a profound sense of guilt and anger. Guilt that I felt a sense of accomplishment even though my grades did not directly contribute to our family's income, and anger that I was defining my self-worth based on my utility to our struggling business. It often felt like my mind raced ahead, seeking solutions faster than I could keep up. Yet, the burden of this dual existence, of being both a child and a peer to my parents, gradually evolved into a source of strength. I came to realize that I played a pivotal role in my family's survival. The skills and qualities I developed during those challenging years shaped me into a dependable individual, not only within the confines of our household but also within the broader community. This newfound sense of responsibility and resilience drove me to excel in various aspects of life. When our school's activities director unexpectedly left during night rally season, I seized the opportunity to lead in designing backdrops, floats, and even participating in skits. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature to me, a way of providing stability amidst chaos. My journey has been marked by an unyielding pursuit of stability, initially born out of necessity but eventually transforming into a passion for creating stable environments for others. Though I still grapple with feelings of guilt and hope, I am immensely proud of my role in contributing to a stable space where my younger brother doesn't have to bear the same burdens. The impact of this transformative period extends far beyond my own life. Through our family's shared experience, we developed a deep bond and resilience that has fortified us against life's challenges. We have learned that adversity can be met with determination and that family support is an invaluable resource. Moreover, the lessons I gleaned from our journey have allowed me to become a source of inspiration and support for others enduring similar trials. I have been actively involved in my community, volunteering my time to mentor and guide those facing adversity, particularly young immigrants who, like me, have had to navigate the complexities of a new country while balancing familial responsibilities. In my capacity as a mentor, I strive to instill in others the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the unwavering belief in their own potential. I share my story to inspire them, emphasizing that adversity can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. Education is a gateway into paving it forward

From ages nine to fifteen, my weekends were dedicated to street vending alongside my mother. While she meticulously prepared flowers for sale, I assumed the role of a makeshift salesperson. I arranged rows of vases on portable tables, tirelessly refilled water from public restrooms, and roamed the streets, acting as a human billboard, trying to capture the attention of passersby. In my youthful innocence, I believed in the innate kindness of strangers. However, the harsh reality of disappointment often greeted me as I silently counted the unsold roses at the end of each arduous day. Amidst this challenging existence, I clung tenaciously to my dreams of education. I carved unconventional study spaces and moments, diligently completing math packets and assigned readings on patches of grass. While my parents praised me for my academic achievements, I struggled with a profound sense of guilt and anger. Guilt that I felt a sense of accomplishment even though my grades did not directly contribute to our family's income, and anger that I was defining my self-worth based on my utility to our struggling business. It often felt like my mind raced ahead, seeking solutions faster than I could keep up. Yet, the burden of this dual existence, of being both a child and a peer to my parents, gradually evolved into a source of strength. I came to realize that I played a pivotal role in my family's survival. The skills and qualities I developed during those challenging years shaped me into a dependable individual, not only within the confines of our household but also within the broader community. This newfound sense of responsibility and resilience drove me to excel in various aspects of life. When our school's activities director unexpectedly left during night rally season, I seized the opportunity to lead in designing backdrops, floats, and even participating in skits. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature to me, a way of providing stability amidst chaos. My journey has been marked by an unyielding pursuit of stability, initially born out of necessity but eventually transforming into a passion for creating stable environments for others. Though I still grapple with feelings of guilt and hope, I am immensely proud of my role in contributing to a stable space where my younger brother doesn't have to bear the same burdens. The impact of this transformative period extends far beyond my own life. Through our family's shared experience, we developed a deep bond and resilience that has fortified us against life's challenges. We have learned that adversity can be met with determination and that family support is an invaluable resource. Moreover, the lessons I gleaned from our journey have allowed me to become a source of inspiration and support for others enduring similar trials. I have been actively involved in my community, volunteering my time to mentor and guide those facing adversity, particularly young immigrants who, like me, have had to navigate the complexities of a new country while balancing familial responsibilities. In my capacity as a mentor, I strive to instill in others the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the unwavering belief in their own potential. I share my story to inspire them, emphasizing that adversity can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. Through my experiences, I have come to understand that our collective strength as a family is our most significant asset. We have learned to adapt to challenging circumstances, support each other unwaveringly, and transform adversity into opportunities for growth. Today, I stand as a testament to the power of resilience and the capacity to overcome even the most daunting challenges. My family's journey from street vending to stability has left an indelible mark on my life. It taught me the value of responsibility, resourcefulness, and the ability to provide stability amidst chaos. My pursuit of stability has evolved into a mission to create stable environments for others, and my experiences have equipped me to be a source of inspiration and support for those facing adversity. Through this experience, I discovered my passion for web development and working on user-centric products that are affordable digital solutions for small businesses run by immigrants like my own.

One of my primary goals is to assist small businesses in connecting with a broader audience online. I have witnessed firsthand how implementing a digital platform can transform the trajectory of a business, including my family's own. By utilizing my knowledge of web development, I aim to empower entrepreneurs and provide them with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive online marketplace. By helping these businesses thrive, I will contribute to the economic growth and stability of my community. Furthermore, I am passionate about promoting diversity and inclusivity in the technology industry. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their background or financial circumstances, should have equal opportunities to enter the technology world. To achieve this, I plan to collaborate with nonprofit tech organizations that focus on supporting minority high school students. These organizations play a crucial role in providing mentorship, education, and resources to empower these students and break the cycle of poverty and limited access to education. By volunteering my time and sharing my knowledge, I aim to inspire and equip these aspiring young minds with the necessary skills to pursue successful careers in technology. Education is a vital component of empowering individuals and creating a better community. I recognize that financial constraints often hinder students from pursuing higher education. To address this issue, I aspire to establish scholarship programs that provide financial aid to deserving students who lack the means to seize educational opportunities. By removing financial barriers, I can contribute to breaking the cycle of limited access to education and empower individuals to reach their full potential. In addition to my direct involvement with nonprofit organizations and scholarship initiatives, I will continue to advocate for inclusive and equitable innovations in the technology industry. I plan to stay informed about the latest developments and contribute to the dialogue surrounding ethical practices, diversity, and data privacy. By staying engaged and raising awareness, I hope to influence the industry's direction and ensure that technological advancements benefit all members of society. Lastly, I aim to serve as a mentor and role model for aspiring technologists, particularly individuals from underrepresented communities. By sharing my experiences and providing guidance, I can help others overcome obstacles and navigate their own paths in the technology field. Through mentorship, I hope to inspire a new generation of diverse, talented individuals who will go on to make their own positive contributions to the community. In conclusion, I am deeply committed to using my skills in technology and my passion for social good to make a lasting impact on my community. Whether it is helping small businesses thrive, supporting minority students in pursuing technology careers, establishing scholarship programs, advocating for inclusivity, or mentoring aspiring technologists, I am determined to create positive change. By dedicating myself to these endeavors, I believe that I can contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous community after graduation. Coming from a low-income household, finance has been the biggest barrier for me in terms of education. I want to be transparent as to what the main reason for my scholarship application is and why I deserve it in terms of my financial situation. Receiving the full California Grant and participating in work-study programs have been instrumental in alleviating my financial burden as a student. However, my commitment to extracurricular clubs and dedicated focus on building computer science projects during my free time necessitates a strategic approach to employment. I have chosen to reserve my work commitments primarily for the summer through internships to allow me the necessary flexibility for these pursuits.

Balancing the demands of UC Berkeley's academic intensity with the responsibilities tied to my family's small florist business has become a defining aspect of my journey. Our family business is not merely a source of income; it's a tangible expression of our immigrant story and a testament to the resilience ingrained in the fabric of our family. The florist shop, nestled in the heart of our community, is where I spent my formative years learning about entrepreneurship, customer service, and the intricate art of floristry. It's not just a shop; it's a living testament to my mother's dedication and hard work as an immigrant entrepreneur. The small, vibrant space is filled with the fragrance of flowers, each bloom holding the essence of our collective efforts and dreams. My involvement in the family business is not just about financial contributions; it's a personal commitment to ensuring the success and sustainability of an enterprise that represents the sacrifices and aspirations of my immigrant family. From arranging bouquets for local events to managing customer interactions, my role in the florist shop extends beyond a familial duty – it's a hands-on education in the complexities of running a small business. Yet, as rewarding as it is, the delicate dance between academics and supporting the family business comes with its own set of challenges. The pressures to excel in my studies at UC Berkeley, combined with the responsibility of contributing to the florist shop, has illuminated the intricate interplay between family, education, and personal growth. Through these experiences, I've developed a profound understanding of the struggles and triumphs that define small businesses, particularly those owned by immigrants. It has fueled my passion for leveraging technology, specifically through software engineering, to empower and revolutionize such enterprises. I see it as a way to not only contribute to the family business but also to uplift other small businesses facing similar challenges. The florist shop, with its colorful blooms and the hum of daily transactions, represents not just a livelihood but a symbol of the immigrant spirit – a spirit that has fueled my ambition to succeed academically and professionally. My journey is a continuous dance between the academic rigor of UC Berkeley and the nurturing of our family business, each influencing the other in profound ways. Through it all, I carry with me the lessons learned in the small, vibrant florist shop that stands as a testament to the resilience, dreams, and unwavering commitment of my family.

Embracing my academic journey, I'm a first-generation Vietnamese-American, destined to leverage my experiences and dreams to shape a brighter future. My path as a Computer Science major at the esteemed University of California Berkeley is driven by a powerful convergence of my upbringing and life experiences, poised to bridge the divide between empathy and innovation. Growing up amidst the world of street vending, I witnessed the tenacity and strength required to sustain a family through unconventional means. This upbringing cultivated my sense of responsibility and resilience, propelling me to seek stability for my family and beyond. In high school, I assumed leadership roles, orchestrating designs for events and finding solace in providing tranquility amidst chaos. These experiences illuminated the power of adaptability and resourcefulness, nurturing my capacity to make a positive impact in challenging situations. The transformative potential of technology became apparent as I aided my family's small business and understood the doors that a digital presence could open. My passion for technology crystallized as I embraced web development and user interface design, using silent empathy as a means of communication to connect deeply with users. An internship with BRIDGEGOOD solidified my dedication to designing for social good, reinforcing my commitment to leveraging technology for positive change. As I enter the realm of Computer Science, I'm devoted to empowering small businesses in the digital world, broadening their reach and linking them with online consumers. My upbringing has ignited my fervor to contribute to nonprofit tech organizations, focusing on empowering minority high school students by equipping them with skills to thrive in technology. Through mentorship, I aim to foster inclusivity in an industry that has historically marginalized certain communities. My aspiration to create an equitable and inclusive world is intertwined with my journey. I'm fueled by the belief that technology can reshape lives and communities, especially those traditionally underserved. This belief reflects the lessons learned from my upbringing: the power of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to create meaningful change. As I embark on this academic journey, the lessons imprinted by my family's struggles and my own determination are my companions. I'm poised to tackle challenges, armed with an education that melds empathy and technology. My goal is to weave these threads into the fabric of our society, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable world. With gratitude, I face the future, confident in the opportunities that lie ahead and my capacity to craft a better tomorrow. Just as Ruebenna Greenfield Flack's impact was sustained by lessons and friendships, my journey is bolstered by the belief that empathy-driven innovation can shape destinies and transform lives.

My heart is set on making a meaningful impact by bridging the gap between empathy and innovation, driven by the convergence of my upbringing and life experiences. From a young age, I was immersed in the world of street vending, growing up as the eldest daughter in a family that relied on this unconventional business for their livelihood. Witnessing the dedication and resilience required to sustain a small enterprise left an indelible impression on me. Despite the challenges, I pursued education fervently, yearning to stabilize my family's life. However, I grappled with feelings of guilt, recognizing that my achievements weren't directly contributing to our income. Yet, in that struggle, I discovered the strength to become a pillar of support for my loved ones, nurturing skills and qualities that molded me into a dependable individual. The weight I carried on my young shoulders nurtured a sense of responsibility and resilience, propelling me to seek stability not just for my family but also for others. During high school, I naturally assumed leadership roles, orchestrating designs for school events, and spreading my abilities wherever needed. Amidst the chaos, I found solace in providing peace. These experiences taught me the power of adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to make a positive impact even in the face of adversity. As I assisted my family's small business and witnessed the transformative potential of digital platforms, my passion for technology was ignited. Understanding how a digital presence could change lives and open doors for countless entrepreneurs, I became enamored with web development and user interface design. Through these mediums, I found a way to connect with users on a deeper level, using silent empathy as my language of communication. Intrigued by the limitless possibilities of technology, I delved into the intricacies of algorithms, psychology, and user experience design. An internship with the nonprofit organization BRIDGEGOOD provided invaluable experience in prototyping and showcased the impact of design choices on user engagement. This transformative experience only solidified my desire to design for social good, driving me towards a future where I could utilize technology to bridge the gap between users and create positive change. My upbringing and life experiences have equipped me with the determination to contribute to the advancement of small businesses and underserved communities. Stepping into the realm of Computer Science, my commitment lies in helping small businesses thrive in the digital world, connecting them with new pools of online consumers. Witnessing the transformative power of technology within my own family's business, I am fueled by the belief that implementing inclusive and equitable innovations can reshape lives and communities. Moreover, my upbringing has taught me the value of giving back and breaking cycles of poverty and limited access to education. I am resolute in my determination to contribute to nonprofit tech organizations that focus on empowering minority high school students, equipping them with the necessary skills and opportunities to enter the world of technology. Through mentorship and advocacy, I aspire to create a more inclusive and diverse industry that uplifts individuals and communities who have been historically marginalized. My passion arises from a deep-rooted desire to weave empathy and technology together, creating meaningful solutions that positively impact the lives of others. As I embark on this academic journey, I carry with me the lessons learned, ready to embrace challenges and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world through the power of technology. With humility and gratitude, I stand before the future, hopeful of the opportunities that await to shape a better tomorrow.

As I stand on the brink of my academic journey, I'm engulfed by the path ahead—a path that glimmers with the potential to intertwine my identity as a first-generation Vietnamese American with the intricate fabric of technology and innovation. At the revered University of California Berkeley, stepping into the realm of Computer Science, I carry the legacy of my heritage, poised to infuse its profound impact into a future where empathy and progress converge. My narrative originates in the vibrant streets of my family's street vending business, where cultures collided and the aroma of traditional Vietnamese cuisine harmonized. As the eldest daughter, I was immersed in this unconventional livelihood, imprinted with resilience and an unyielding work ethic from my parents' relentless toil. Each dawn heralded fresh hopes and dreams, painted with sweat and determination against adversity. Education emerged as my guiding star, steering me into uncharted territories. Amid the glow of accomplishments, an unspoken guilt gnawed—I knew my pursuits didn't directly ease my family's burdens. Yet, this internal struggle uncovered my strength, casting me as a beacon for loved ones. From this crucible, I nurtured qualities born of necessity—dependability, fortitude, and an innate sense of duty. My high school journey was punctuated by transformative leadership roles. Orchestrating designs infused serenity into chaos, offering solace to peers and mentors. Here, I learned the art of adaptation, the magic of resourcefulness, and the potency of igniting positivity amidst life's tempests. Amid our family's whirlwind enterprise, I witnessed digital platforms transform small businesses into global forces. Technology's power to level the field ignited a spark within. In the realms of web development and user interface design, I uncovered a canvas where empathy and technology seamlessly merged. Every line of code I penned became an empathetic pixel, bridging me to users globally. My internship at BRIDGEGOOD—a nonprofit—illuminated design's capacity to amplify change. The screen metamorphosed into my canvas, empathy my palette. This solidified my resolve to fuse innovation with empathy. My trajectory is steeped in heritage's spirit and lessons from my upbringing. As I enter Computer Science, my ambition eclipses personal triumph; I yearn to empower small businesses, bestowing them with technological wings to soar digitally. My family's narrative—a saga of hard work, resilience, and undaunted dreams—accompanies me. My voyage also underscores education's transformative potency. Via engagement with nonprofits, I'm steadfast in my mission to unlock doors for minority students, offering tools to carve their tech futures. The cascade of empowerment possesses the might to shatter access constraints and usher in transformation. In prelude to my journey's launch, I reflect on experiences that have sculpted me. My identity isn't just a label; it's a mosaic woven with culture, history, and resolve. As I stride forward, I bear not just algorithms and coding knowledge, but also the intangible gifts of empathy, resilience, and a heart pulsating for change. The horizon awaits—an empty canvas primed for my strokes of innovation, empathy, and my distinct narrative.

The dream version of my future self is one where I harness the synergy between my personal journey—from growing up in a family sustained by street vending to pursuing a Computer Science major at the prestigious University of California Berkeley—and my passion for technology, allowing me to craft empathetic and innovative solutions that uplift underserved communities, small businesses, and marginalized individuals, while championing inclusivity and equity in the world of technology.

As I stand at the threshold of my academic journey, poised to enter the realm of higher education as a Computer Science major at the esteemed University of California Berkeley, my fervent aspirations extend beyond the realm of code and algorithms. With an unyielding dedication to effect meaningful change through technology, I am driven by a fusion of computer science and broader life goals that have shaped my journey thus far. Growing up as the eldest daughter in a family immersed in the world of street vending, I bore witness to the tenacity and determination required to sustain a small business. Weekends were spent laboring alongside my mother, peddling flowers on bustling streets. Amidst this unconventional upbringing, I yearned for stability and ardently pursued education despite the accompanying challenges. Each academic triumph came intertwined with feelings of responsibility, understanding that my achievements weren't solely for myself but for the betterment of my family. This forged within me an unshakable foundation of support and reliability, virtues that have guided me through both personal and academic endeavors. The weight of familial expectations honed in me a sense of accountability and resilience, propelling me into leadership roles during high school – orchestrating backdrops and floats for school events. In the midst of chaos, I found tranquility in contributing to order. These experiences imparted upon me the virtues of adaptability and resourcefulness, qualities that continue to shape my approach to challenges. Bearing witness to the transformative potential of digital platforms and technology in bolstering small businesses ignited my passion for the field. Recognizing that a digital presence could revolutionize entrepreneurship and open new avenues, I delved into web development and user interface design. Through these mediums, I learned to connect with users on a profound level, utilizing design as a channel of empathy. My curiosity led me to explore the nuances of algorithms, psychology, and user experience design. A pivotal internship with BRIDGEGOOD, a nonprofit, provided me with firsthand insight into prototyping and the tangible impact of design choices on user engagement. This catalytic experience intensified my resolve to design for social good, solidifying my ambition to utilize technology as a conduit for positive transformation. Guided by my familial experiences and exposure to the power of technology, my journey into Computer Science is anchored in a commitment to propel small businesses into the digital landscape, enabling them to tap into broader online markets. Witnessing firsthand the metamorphosis of my own family's business, I am unwavering in my belief that equitable digital innovation can reshape lives and empower underserved communities. Moreover, my upbringing instilled within me a profound commitment to giving back and dismantling cycles of poverty and educational disparity. I am resolute in my aim to contribute to nonprofit tech initiatives that empower minority high school students, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to navigate the tech industry. Through mentorship and advocacy, my goal is to catalyze an inclusive and diverse tech landscape that uplifts historically marginalized individuals and communities. In summation, my pursuit of a Computer Science degree is infused with a purpose that transcends coding – a drive to intertwine empathy and technology to devise solutions that resonate deeply and positively impact lives. My upbringing and life experiences have forged within me qualities of resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to change. As I embark on this academic odyssey, I carry with me the lessons imprinted by my journey thus far, ready to embrace challenges and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world through the potent amalgamation of technology and compassion.

Romance novels hold a unique power to transcend mere words on paper and touch the very core of our emotions. For me, these novels became a conduit through which I emerged from my shell, understanding both myself and others in ways I hadn't before. Among the novels that played a pivotal role in this transformation is Jenny Han's "The Summer I Turned Pretty." As I immersed myself in the series, the journey of the protagonist, Belly, intertwined with my own, leading me to embrace Team Jeremiah as the embodiment of growth, support, and genuine connection. In the captivating world of "The Summer I Turned Pretty," Belly's evolution from a shy and uncertain girl to a young woman with newfound confidence mirrored my own path of self-discovery. Jeremiah's unwavering friendship and genuine kindness acted as a beacon of light that guided not only Belly but also me through moments of doubt and self-exploration. When she needed someone to lean on, Jeremiah was always there, providing the understanding and empathy she craved. Jeremiah's steadfast presence is especially evident during the series' pivotal moments. When Belly faces heartbreak, Jeremiah's unwavering support demonstrates his emotional maturity and depth. In Book One, when Belly's feelings for Conrad are left unrequited, it is Jeremiah who catches her tears, offering a shoulder to cry on without judgment or hidden agendas. This poignant moment of vulnerability reveals his capacity to be a true friend – a quality I deeply admire. Furthermore, Team Jeremiah is rooted in authenticity and a shared sense of adventure. Jeremiah's light-hearted humor and genuine enthusiasm for life provide a stark contrast to Conrad's brooding demeanor. Belly's connection with Jeremiah is characterized by mutual respect, open communication, and shared interests. Their playful banter, their ability to tease each other, and their shared experiences make their relationship feel grounded in reality, mirroring the growth of my own interpersonal connections. While Conrad may possess an air of mystery that is often intriguing in romance novels, it's Jeremiah's approachable nature and genuine interest in Belly's well-being that draw me to his character. His willingness to put her needs first is evident when he respects her feelings for Conrad and prioritizes her happiness, even when it means setting aside his own desires. Jeremiah's selflessness and ability to be a true friend transcends romantic attraction, demonstrating the depth of their bond. In conclusion, my journey with "The Summer I Turned Pretty" has been a transformative one, much like Belly's own evolution. As I resonated with her experiences of growth, self-discovery, and the complexities of human connection, Team Jeremiah emerged as the embodiment of the qualities I value in relationships. His genuine friendship, support, and authenticity spoke to me on a personal level, reminding me of the profound impact that understanding and true connection can have on our lives. Just as romance novels allowed me to step out of my shell and explore the intricate nuances of human emotions, Team Jeremiah represents the kind of connection that fosters personal growth and blossoms in the most unexpected ways.

Moving to a new country can be an exhilarating yet overwhelming experience. Leaving behind the familiar faces, culture, and customs of one's homeland and stepping into the unknown can often leave one feeling like a fish out of water. Such was my experience when I first moved to America from Vietnam. Amidst the sea of newness, it was the fall-inspired Starbucks drinks that unexpectedly became the bridge connecting me to my roots and helping me navigate the challenges of adaptation. Fall holds a special place in the hearts of many, with its cozy ambiance and vibrant foliage painting the world in warm hues. But for me, the fall season took on an even deeper significance, thanks to Starbucks and its enticing array of seasonal drinks. Among them, the Pumpkin Spice Latte emerged as a comforting companion that played a crucial role in shaping my American journey. As I embarked on this new chapter of my life, the initial excitement soon gave way to moments of feeling out of place. The language, the customs, the very pace of life – everything was different. Yet, amid this unfamiliarity, the scent of a freshly brewed cup of coffee served as a nostalgic reminder of home. Coffee is not just a beverage in Vietnam; it's a cultural symbol, a bridge between generations, a source of solace, and a reason for people to come together. To me, it was a connection to my motherland and its cherished traditions. The Pumpkin Spice Latte, a quintessential fall treat at Starbucks, soon became more than just a drink; it became a vessel carrying memories of shared laughter, family gatherings, and the aroma of my grandmother's kitchen back in Vietnam. With each sip, the warm spices transported me to familiar streets and bustling markets, where coffee vendors skillfully brewed cups of robust Vietnamese coffee – a ritual that brought people closer. This drink became a character in my fall narrative by weaving threads of familiarity into the tapestry of my new life. It was a cup of understanding on days when the language barrier left me feeling isolated, a reminder that comfort could be found even amid change. Just as fall signifies transition and transformation in nature, the Pumpkin Spice Latte symbolized my evolution, helping me bridge the gap between two worlds. Beyond its taste and aroma, the Pumpkin Spice Latte introduced me to a sense of belonging and community. Striking up conversations with fellow coffee lovers in Starbucks, I discovered the universal language of shared experiences. The drink became a conversation starter, a gateway to forming connections with people from various walks of life. This unexpected unity mirrored the essence of coffee culture in my motherland, where sitting down for a cup of coffee often led to deep conversations and lasting relationships. In conclusion, the fall-inspired drinks at Starbucks, particularly the Pumpkin Spice Latte, have become an integral part of my journey as an immigrant in America. They have transformed the simple act of sipping a beverage into a bridge that connects me to my homeland, my past, and the people around me. Through the Pumpkin Spice Latte, I have found solace, companionship, and a renewed sense of belonging. Just as fall marks a season of change, this drink has marked a chapter of my life defined by adaptation, growth, and the heartwarming realization that even in a new land, a warm cup of coffee can make me feel at home.

From ages 9 to 15, I dedicated weekends to street vending alongside my mother. Balancing flower displays, water refills, and human billboard duties, I believed in strangers' inherent kindness, though disappointment lingered as unsold roses remained. Despite an unconventional study environment and limited time, I completed math assignments and readings on grass. While praised for my academics, I grappled with guilt for accomplishments not directly aiding our household income, and frustration from tying self-worth to our family business. My mind often raced ahead, chasing solutions beyond my grasp. Initially burdened by my dual role as a child and my parents' peer, I recognized my pivotal role in our family's foundation. These experiences extended my skills beyond home, leading class projects and restoring calm amidst chaos. Embracing these responsibilities, I found pride in contributing to a secure environment for my younger brother. Driven by a pursuit of stability, I evolved from survival strategies to a passion for fostering stability. Though guilt and hope still intertwine, I'm proud of creating security for my brother. My dedication to effect positive change continues post-graduation, fueled by my technological skills and commitment to social betterment through web development. One objective is aiding small businesses' online expansion. Witnessing digital platforms transform trajectories, I aspire to empower entrepreneurs with web development expertise, contributing to my community's economic growth and stability. Promoting diversity and inclusivity in technology is a core value. Collaborating with nonprofit tech organizations, I aim to uplift minority high school students through mentorship and education. By volunteering my time and knowledge, I hope to inspire thriving careers in technology and break the cycle of limited access to education. Addressing educational constraints, I plan to establish scholarship programs, removing financial barriers for deserving students to access higher education. This dismantling of barriers will empower individuals to realize their full potential and uplift the community. Advocating for inclusive tech advancements is crucial. Staying informed and contributing to discussions on ethics, diversity, and data privacy, I aim to guide the industry toward benefiting all segments of society. Lastly, as a mentor, I aim to inspire aspiring technologists from underrepresented communities. Through sharing experiences and guidance, I'll assist in navigating challenges and fostering positive impacts within the tech realm. In conclusion, my commitment to leveraging technology and driving positive change remains resolute. Through empowering businesses, uplifting students, establishing scholarships, promoting inclusivity, and mentoring technologists, I strive to contribute to an inclusive, equitable, and prosperous community.

As an intended Computer Science major at the University of California Berkeley, my mission is to make a meaningful impact by bridging the gap between empathy and innovation, drawing from the confluence of my upbringing and life experiences. From a tender age, I was immersed in the world of street vending, growing up as the eldest daughter in a family that depended on this unconventional business for sustenance. Witnessing the dedication and resilience required to sustain a small enterprise left an indelible mark on me. Despite the challenges, I pursued education fervently, yearning to bring stability to my family's life. However, I grappled with guilt, realizing that my achievements weren't directly contributing to our income. Yet, in that struggle, I discovered the strength to become a pillar of support for my loved ones, nurturing skills and qualities that transformed me into a dependable individual. The weight I carried on my young shoulders nurtured a sense of responsibility and resilience, propelling me to seek stability not just for my family but also for others. During high school, I naturally assumed leadership roles, orchestrating designs for school events and offering my abilities wherever needed. Amidst the chaos, I found solace in bringing harmony. These experiences taught me the power of adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to make a positive impact even in the face of adversity. Assisting my family's small business and witnessing the transformative potential of digital platforms ignited my passion for technology. I became enamored with web development and user interface design, recognizing how a digital presence could change lives and open doors for countless entrepreneurs. Through these mediums, I found a way to connect with users on a deeper level, using silent empathy as my language of communication. Intrigued by the boundless possibilities of technology, I delved into the intricacies of algorithms, psychology, and user experience design. An internship with the nonprofit organization BRIDGEGOOD provided invaluable experience in prototyping and showcased the impact of design choices on user engagement. This transformative experience solidified my desire to design for social good, driving me towards a future where I could use technology to bridge the gap between users and create positive change. My upbringing and life experiences have not only shaped my character but also instilled in me the determination to contribute to the advancement of small businesses and underserved communities. Stepping into the realm of Computer Science, my commitment lies in helping small businesses thrive in the digital world, connecting them with new pools of online consumers. Witnessing the transformative power of technology within my own family's business, I am fueled by the belief that implementing inclusive and equitable innovations can reshape lives and communities. My upbringing has taught me the value of giving back and breaking cycles of poverty and limited access to education. I am resolute in my determination to contribute to nonprofit tech organizations that focus on empowering minority high school students, equipping them with the necessary skills and opportunities to enter the world of technology. I aspire to create a more inclusive and diverse industry that uplifts individuals and communities who have been historically marginalized. My passion for pursuing Computer Science arises from a deep-rooted desire to weave empathy and technology together, creating meaningful solutions that positively impact the lives of others. My life experiences have instilled resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. As I embark on this academic journey, I carry with me the lessons learned, ready to embrace challenges and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world through the power of technology.

As I prepare to embark on a path of higher learning as a Computer Science major at the University of California Berkeley, my future career aspirations are fueled by an unwavering passion to create a meaningful impact through technology. My upbringing and life experiences has ignited a deep sense of purpose to bridge the gap between empathy and innovation. Growing up as the eldest daughter in a family immersed in the world of street vending, I witnessed firsthand the dedication and resilience required to sustain a small business. Working alongside my mother, selling flowers on bustling streets, I yearned for stability and pursued my education fervently despite the accompanying challenges. Each academic triumph, however, was accompanied by a sense of guilt, as I felt my achievements did not directly contribute to our family's income. Nevertheless, this struggle taught me to become a pillar of support for my loved ones, fostering essential skills and qualities that shaped me into a dependable individual. Carrying the weight of responsibility on my young shoulders nurtured a sense of resilience and determination, driving me to seek stability not only for my family but also for others. This innate drive led me to assume leadership roles during high school, taking charge of designing backdrops and floats for our school's events. Providing support wherever needed became second nature, and amidst chaos, I discovered solace in bringing peace to those around me. These experiences highlighted the power of adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to make a positive impact even in the face of adversity. Assisting my family's small business and witnessing the transformative potential of digital platforms ignited my passion for technology. The realization that a digital presence could change lives and open doors for countless entrepreneurs inspired me to pursue web development and user interface design, using silent empathy as my language of communication to connect with users on a deeper level. Immersing myself in the intricacies of algorithms, psychology, and user experience design, I interned for a nonprofit organization, BRIDGEGOOD, gaining firsthand experience in prototyping and witnessing the impact of design choices on user engagement. This transformative experience further fueled my desire to design for social good, propelling me towards a future where I could use technology to bridge the gap between users and create positive change. My upbringing and experiences have equipped me with the determination to contribute to the advancement of small businesses and underserved communities. As I enter the world of tech, I am committed to helping small businesses thrive in the digital realm, connecting them with new pools of online consumers. Witnessing the transformative power of technology within my own family's business, I am driven by the belief that inclusive and equitable innovations can reshape lives and communities. My upbringing has taught me the value of giving back and breaking cycles of poverty and limited access to education. I am determined to contribute to nonprofit tech organizations that focus on empowering minority high school students, providing them with the necessary skills and opportunities to enter the technology world. Through mentorship and advocacy, my goal is to create a more inclusive and diverse industry that uplifts individuals and communities who have been historically marginalized. My passion stems from a deep-rooted desire to weave empathy and technology together, creating meaningful solutions that positively impact the lives of others. My upbringing and life experiences have sculpted my character, instilling within me resilience, adaptability, and commitment to make a difference. I carry with me the lessons learned, ready to embrace challenges and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world through the power of technology.

As I prepare to embark on my academic journey as a Computer Science major at UC Berkeley, my passion for making a meaningful impact through technology drives me. Growing up in a family immersed in street vending, I witnessed the dedication and resilience required to sustain a small business. Working alongside my mother, selling flowers on bustling streets, I yearned for stability and pursued my education fervently. These experiences instilled in me a sense of responsibility and resilience, propelling me to seek stability for my family and others. Taking on leadership roles during high school, I discovered the power of adaptability and resourcefulness. Whether it was designing backdrops and floats for school events or providing support in chaotic situations, I found solace in making a positive impact even in the face of adversity. These experiences taught me the importance of empathetic problem-solving and shaped my determination to create stability and support for those in need. It was through my role in assisting my family's small business and witnessing the transformative potential of digital platforms that my passion for technology was ignited. I realized that a digital presence had the power to change lives and open doors for countless entrepreneurs. This realization led me to delve into web development and user interface design, where I discovered a medium to connect with users on a deeper level, using silent empathy as my language of communication. Intrigued by the limitless possibilities of technology, I delved into the intricacies of algorithms, psychology, and user experience design. During an internship at the nonprofit organization BRIDGEGOOD, I gained firsthand experience in prototyping and witnessed the impact of design choices on user engagement. This further propelled me toward a future where I could utilize technology to bridge the gap between users and empower underserved communities. My upbringing and experiences equipped me with the determination to contribute to small businesses and underserved communities. I aim to help small businesses thrive in the digital realm, connecting them with online consumers. I aspire to empower minority high school students by providing them with tech skills and opportunities. My passion lies in weaving empathy and technology together to create solutions that positively impact lives. After receiving my Computer Science degree, my dream job is to be a software engineer at a socially conscious tech company. I want to be part of a team that combines cutting-edge technology with empathy and social responsibility to address real-world challenges. In summary, my journey towards a computer science degree was shaped by my upbringing, witnessing small business challenges, and discovering technology's transformative power. I aim to bridge the gap between empathy and innovation, empower underserved communities, and create a more inclusive tech industry.

As I embark on my academic journey as a Computer Science major at UC Berkeley, my passion for making a meaningful impact through technology burns brightly within me. The convergence of my upbringing and life events has shaped my character, instilling a profound sense of purpose and igniting my desire to bridge the gap between empathy and innovation. Growing up as the eldest daughter in a family immersed in the world of street vending, I witnessed the immense dedication and resilience required to sustain a small business. Working alongside my mother, selling flowers on bustling streets, I yearned for stability and pursued my education fervently, despite the challenges that accompanied it. This upbringing instilled in me a sense of responsibility and resilience, propelling me to seek stability for my family and others. Taking on leadership roles during high school, I discovered the power of adaptability and resourcefulness. Whether it was designing backdrops and floats for school events or providing support in chaotic situations, I found solace in making a positive impact even in the face of adversity. These experiences taught me the importance of empathetic problem-solving. It was through my role in assisting my family's small business and witnessing the transformative potential of digital platforms that my passion ignited. I realized that a digital presence had the power to open doors for countless entrepreneurs. This realization led me to delve into web development and user interface design, where I discovered a medium to connect with users on a deeper level, using silent empathy as my language of communication. Intrigued by the limitless possibilities of technology, I delved into the intricacies of algorithms, psychology, and user experience design. During an internship at the nonprofit organization BRIDGEGOOD, I gained firsthand experience in prototyping and witnessed the impact of design choices on user engagement. This further propelled me toward a future where I could utilize technology to bridge the gap between users and empower underserved communities. My upbringing has equipped me with the determination to contribute to the advancement of small businesses and underserved communities. I am committed to helping small businesses thrive in the digital realm, connecting them with new pools of online consumers. I witnessed the transformative power of technology within my own family's business. I am driven to break cycles of poverty and limited access to education. My goal is to empower minority students, providing them with the skills and opportunities to enter the technology world. Through mentorship and advocacy, I aim to create a more diverse industry that uplifts communities historically marginalized. My passion stems from a deep-rooted desire to weave empathy and technology together, creating meaningful solutions that positively impact lives. With my adaptability and unwavering commitment to making a difference, I believe I am ready to dedicate myself to my studies and projects that will push the boundaries of innovation. My dream job is to work as a software engineer at a socially conscious tech company. I aspire to be part of a team that combines cutting-edge technology with a deep sense of empathy and social responsibility. Together, we can create transformative solutions that address real-world challenges and improve lives. My journey towards pursuing a computer science degree was shaped by my upbringing, witnessing the challenges faced by small businesses, and discovering the transformative power of technology. My goal is to make a positive impact by bridging the gap between empathy and innovation, empowering underserved communities, and creating a more inclusive tech industry. With my determination, adapt ability, and commitment to making a difference, I believe I am the best candidate for receiving this scholarship.

As I prepare to embark on my academic journey as a Computer Science major at UC Berkeley, my passion for making a meaningful impact through technology drives me. Growing up in a family immersed in street vending, I witnessed the dedication and resilience required to sustain a small business. Working alongside my mother, selling flowers on bustling streets, I yearned for stability and pursued my education fervently. These experiences instilled in me a sense of responsibility and resilience, propelling me to seek stability for my family and others. Taking on leadership roles in high school, I found solace in making a positive impact even in the face of adversity. Through assisting my family's business and witnessing the transformative potential of digital platforms, my passion for technology was ignited. Delving into web development and user interface design, I discovered a medium to connect with users using empathy. Intrigued by technology's possibilities, I gained firsthand experience in prototyping during an internship at BRIDGEGOOD. This further propelled me to bridge the gap between users and empower underserved communities. My upbringing and experiences equipped me with the determination to contribute to small businesses and underserved communities. I aim to help small businesses thrive in the digital realm, connecting them with online consumers. I aspire to empower minority high school students by providing them with tech skills and opportunities. My passion lies in weaving empathy and technology together to create solutions that positively impact lives. After receiving my Computer Science degree, my dream job is to be a software engineer at a socially conscious tech company. I want to be part of a team that combines cutting-edge technology with empathy and social responsibility to address real-world challenges. In summary, my journey towards a computer science degree was shaped by my upbringing, witnessing small business challenges, and discovering technology's transformative power. I aim to bridge the gap between empathy and innovation, empower underserved communities, and create a more inclusive tech industry. With my determination and commitment, I am the ideal candidate for this scholarship.

As a first-generation college student, my journey has been shaped by a unique set of experiences that have deeply influenced my career goals. Growing up in a family immersed in the world of street vending, I witnessed the dedication and resilience required to sustain a small business. These experiences instilled within me a profound sense of responsibility and fueled my desire to create stability not only for my family but for others as well. Being the eldest daughter, I carried the weight of supporting my loved ones while pursuing my education. This responsibility nurtured qualities of resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic within me. As I navigated through high school, I assumed leadership roles and sought stability amidst chaos, finding solace in making a positive impact. Observing the transformative potential of digital platforms and their ability to change lives, I became passionate about technology. Web development and user interface design became my means of connecting with users and utilizing silent empathy as a language of communication. Interning for a nonprofit organization, I gained firsthand experience in prototyping and witnessed the impact of design choices on user engagement. As a first-generation college student, I am deeply committed to breaking cycles of poverty and limited access to education. My career goals revolve around empowering small businesses and underserved communities. I aim to help small businesses thrive in the digital realm, connecting them with new pools of online consumers. Additionally, I am dedicated to empowering minority high school students by providing them with the necessary skills and opportunities to enter the technology world. In summary, being a first-generation college student has shaped my career goals by instilling in me a sense of responsibility, resilience, and a commitment to make a difference. I aspire to bridge the gap between empathy and innovation, utilizing technology to uplift individuals and communities who have been historically marginalized. My passion stems from a deep-rooted desire to weave empathy and technology together, creating meaningful solutions that positively impact the lives of others. My upbringing and life events have sculpted my character, instilling within me resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to make a difference. As I stand on the precipice of my academic journey, ready to embark on a path of higher learning as a Computer Science major at the esteemed University of California Berkeley, I am fueled by an unwavering passion to make a meaningful impact through technology. The convergence of my upbringing and life events has shaped my character and instilled within me a profound sense of purpose, igniting my desire to bridge the gap between empathy and innovation.

As a first-generation college student, my journey has been shaped by a unique set of experiences that have deeply influenced my career goals. Growing up in a family immersed in the world of street vending, I witnessed the dedication and resilience required to sustain a small business. These experiences instilled within me a profound sense of responsibility and fueled my desire to create stability not only for my family but for others as well. Being the eldest daughter, I carried the weight of supporting my loved ones while pursuing my education. This responsibility nurtured qualities of resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic within me. As I navigated through high school, I assumed leadership roles and sought stability amidst chaos, finding solace in making a positive impact. Observing the transformative potential of digital platforms and their ability to change lives, I became passionate about technology. Web development and user interface design became my means of connecting with users and utilizing silent empathy as a language of communication. Interning for a nonprofit organization, I gained firsthand experience in prototyping and witnessed the impact of design choices on user engagement. As a first-generation college student, I am deeply committed to breaking cycles of poverty and limited access to education. My career goals revolve around empowering small businesses and underserved communities. I aim to help small businesses thrive in the digital realm, connecting them with new pools of online consumers. Additionally, I am dedicated to empowering minority high school students by providing them with the necessary skills and opportunities to enter the technology world. In summary, being a first-generation college student has shaped my career goals by instilling in me a sense of responsibility, resilience, and a commitment to make a difference. I aspire to bridge the gap between empathy and innovation, utilizing technology to uplift individuals and communities who have been historically marginalized.

As a first-generation college student, my journey has been shaped by a unique set of experiences that have deeply influenced my career goals. Growing up in a family immersed in the world of street vending, I witnessed the dedication and resilience required to sustain a small business. These experiences instilled within me a profound sense of responsibility and fueled my desire to create stability not only for my family but for others as well. Being the eldest daughter, I carried the weight of supporting my loved ones while pursuing my education. This responsibility nurtured qualities of resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic within me. As I navigated through high school, I assumed leadership roles and sought stability amidst chaos, finding solace in making a positive impact. Observing the transformative potential of digital platforms and their ability to change lives, I became passionate about technology. Web development and user interface design became my means of connecting with users and utilizing silent empathy as a language of communication. Interning for a nonprofit organization, I gained firsthand experience in prototyping and witnessed the impact of design choices on user engagement. As a first-generation college student, I am deeply committed to breaking cycles of poverty and limited access to education. My career goals revolve around empowering small businesses and underserved communities. I aim to help small businesses thrive in the digital realm, connecting them with new pools of online consumers. Additionally, I am dedicated to empowering minority high school students by providing them with the necessary skills and opportunities to enter the technology world. In summary, being a first-generation college student has shaped my career goals by instilling in me a sense of responsibility, resilience, and a commitment to make a difference. I aspire to bridge the gap between empathy and innovation, utilizing technology to uplift individuals and communities who have been historically marginalized.

As I stand on the precipice of my academic journey, ready to embark on a path of higher learning as a Computer Science major at the esteemed University of California Berkeley, I am fueled by an unwavering passion to make a meaningful impact through technology. The convergence of my upbringing and life events has shaped my character and instilled within me a profound sense of purpose, igniting my desire to bridge the gap between empathy and innovation. Growing up as the eldest daughter in a family immersed in the world of street vending, I witnessed firsthand the immense dedication and resilience required to sustain a small business. Weekends were devoted to toiling alongside my mother, selling flowers on bustling streets. In the midst of this unconventional environment, I yearned for stability and pursued my education fervently, despite the challenges that accompanied it. However, with each academic triumph, I wrestled with feelings of guilt, realizing that my achievements were not directly contributing to our family's income. Yet, within that struggle, I discovered the strength to become a pillar of support for my loved ones, developing fundamental skills and qualities that shaped me into a dependable individual. The weight I carried on my young shoulders nurtured a sense of responsibility and resilience, propelling me to seek stability not only for my family but for others as well. This innate drive led me to assume leadership roles during high school, taking charge of designing backdrops and floats for our school's events. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature, and amidst chaos, I found solace in providing peace. These experiences taught me the power of adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to make a positive impact even in the face of adversity. Through my role in assisting my family's small business and observing the transformative potential of digital platforms, my passion for technology was ignited. The realization that a digital presence had the power to change lives and open doors for countless entrepreneurs inspired me to pursue web development and user interface design. Through these mediums I found a way to connect with users on a deeper level, using silent empathy as my language of communication. Intrigued by the limitless possibilities of technology, I delved into the intricacies of algorithms, psychology, and user experience design. I interned for a nonprofit organization, BRIDGEGOOD, where I gained firsthand experience in prototyping and witnessed the impact of design choices on user engagement. This further propelled me towards a future where I could utilize technology to bridge the gap between users. My upbringing has equipped me with the determination to contribute to the advancement of small businesses and underserved communities. I am committed to helping small businesses thrive in the digital realm, connecting them with new pools of online consumers. Witnessing the transformative power of technology within my own family's business, I am driven by the belief that implementing inclusive and equitable innovations can reshape lives and communities. My upbringing has taught me the importance of breaking cycles of poverty and limited access to education. I am determined to empower minority high school students, providing them with the necessary skills and opportunities to enter the technology world. Through mentorship and advocacy, I aspire to create a more inclusive and diverse industry that uplifts individuals and communities who have been historically marginalized. My passion stems from a deep-rooted desire to weave empathy and technology together, creating meaningful solutions that positively impact the lives of others. My upbringing and life events have sculpted my character, instilling within me resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to make a difference.

My upbringing as the eldest daughter was deeply influenced by personal financial experiences, sparking a passion for financial education. From ages 9 to 15, I spent countless weekends alongside my mother, selling flowers as street vendors. While she arranged bouquets, I contributed by setting up displays, managing water supply, and promoting our products. These years taught me the value of hard work and the complexities of financial management. Despite the unconventional circumstances, I remained committed to prioritizing my education. I vividly remember sitting on the grass, completing math assignments and readings amidst the bustling street vending activities. Although my parents praised my academic achievements, I couldn't shake the feeling of anger and guilt. I resented that my grades didn't directly contribute to our family income, and I felt guilty for defining my self-worth based on financial support. Navigating the dual existence of being both a child and a peer to my parents brought its own challenges. However, I discovered that I served as a vital pillar for my family. I developed resilience, resourcefulness, and a strong work ethic that extended beyond our business. When our school's activities director unexpectedly left during night rally season, I eagerly took charge of designing backdrops, floats, and participating in skits. It became second nature for me to be proactive and contribute wherever possible. In times of chaos, I instinctively sought to provide stability and support. My unwavering drive has always been fueled by the pursuit of stability. What started as a survival tactic during my youth has evolved into a genuine passion for creating financial stability for myself and others. Though I still grapple with mixed emotions of guilt and hope, I take pride in contributing to a stable environment where my younger brother doesn't bear the same burdens. Accepting and understanding my family's financial dynamics has brought us closer to the stability we've longed for. Armed with these personal financial experiences, I am determined to leverage my education to build a brighter future. Recognizing the power of financial literacy, I intend to make informed decisions, establish a secure financial foundation, and inspire others to do the same. My first step towards achieving this is pursuing a degree in finance. By undertaking comprehensive coursework, engaging in internships, and seizing networking opportunities, I will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the intricacies of the financial world. Moreover, I am committed to sharing my financial knowledge and experiences with others, particularly in underserved communities. Volunteering with organizations that promote financial literacy, I aspire to empower individuals to take control of their finances, break free from poverty cycles, and build a secure future. Continuing my professional growth and development within the financial industry is another priority. Attending workshops, seminars, and joining professional associations will keep me abreast of the latest trends, strategies, and best practices. This will enable me to provide valuable insights and guidance to individuals seeking financial stability. My goal is to establish a career where I can apply my knowledge to help individuals and families achieve their financial goals. Whether through financial planning, investment management, or education, I aspire to contribute to their long-term financial well-being. My experiences have shaped my perspective and ignited a passion for financial education. Through resilience and a drive for stability, I have developed valuable skills that extend beyond my family's circumstances. I am determined to use my education to make informed decisions and empower others. By pursuing a degree in computer science, sharing my knowledge, and continuously growing in the field, I will strive to inspire financial stability in the lives of individuals and communities.

My family immigrated from Vietnam and one of the biggest cultural shocks they have had is becoming financially literate in this new country with a completely different system. While they navigate their own family lives, they had to pick up jobs and work with the American way of managing their finances. This has made me more motivated to learn how to become financially literate and translate it in a way that not only my parents but my other relatives can understand. Financial literacy is an essential life skill that transcends generations and plays a vital role in shaping our personal and professional lives. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to receive valuable advice on managing finances effectively. One particular piece of financial advice that has resonated with me is the importance of budgeting and living within my means. In this essay, I will discuss the significance of this advice, outline my plans to implement it throughout my college career and beyond, and emphasize the long-term benefits of financial literacy. The best piece of financial advice I have received is the power of budgeting. Budgeting involves creating a comprehensive financial plan that outlines income, expenses, and savings goals. It provides a roadmap to navigate financial decisions and empowers individuals to live within their means. This advice has instilled in me a deep sense of financial responsibility and long-term financial security. During my college career, I intend to implement this advice by developing a comprehensive budget that encompasses all my expenses, including tuition, housing, textbooks, transportation, and personal expenses. By diligently tracking my income and expenses, I can make informed financial decisions and ensure that I allocate funds appropriately. Budgeting will enable me to prioritize my needs, avoid unnecessary debt, and manage my financial resources effectively. Furthermore, I plan to explore various scholarship opportunities, part-time jobs, and internships to supplement my income and alleviate the financial burden. By taking proactive measures to earn and save money, I can reduce reliance on student loans and cultivate a mindset of financial independence. In addition to budgeting, the advice of living within my means has taught me the importance of financial discipline. It encourages conscious spending, distinguishing between needs and wants, and making prudent financial choices. By adopting a frugal lifestyle and avoiding unnecessary expenses, I can prioritize saving for future goals, such as graduate school or purchasing a home. Beyond my college career, I plan to continue expanding my financial literacy and apply the principles of budgeting and living within my means in various aspects of my life. I aim to educate myself about investment strategies, retirement planning, tax management, and the nuances of personal finance. By staying informed about financial markets and trends, I can make sound investment decisions and grow my wealth over time. Additionally, I intend to seek guidance from financial advisors and mentors who can provide valuable insights and help me navigate complex financial matters. By surrounding myself with knowledgeable individuals, I can gain different perspectives and enhance my financial decision-making skills. Recognizing the significance of financial literacy, I am deeply committed to promoting financial education in my community. I plan to actively volunteer with organizations that focus on teaching financial skills to underserved populations, particularly young adults and families. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I hope to empower individuals to take control of their financial futures, break the cycle of poverty, and make informed decisions that contribute to their overall well-being. In conclusion, the best piece of financial advice I have received is the importance of budgeting and living within my means. By implementing this advice throughout my college career and beyond, I will cultivate financial discipline, make informed financial decisions, and ensure long-term financial security. Embracing financial literacy will enable me to achieve my goals, contribute to my community, and inspire others to take control of their financial futures. By adhering to this advice, I am confident that I will build a solid foundation for a prosperous and fulfilling life, not only for myself but also for those I have the privilege to impact. With determination and continued dedication to financial literacy, I will navigate the complexities of the financial world and empower others to do the same.

I'm a first-generation Vietnamese American student passionate about change through design. As I embarked on my journey, I discovered the power of user experience design and its ability to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. My exploration began when I had the opportunity to prototype BRIDGEGOOD's donation site. Through careful selection of colors, such as particular shades of blue on donation buttons, we were able to attract hundreds more website visits. It was a small but powerful example of how design choices can influence user behavior and drive positive outcomes. Driven by the desire to understand the underlying psychology and algorithms behind ux design, I delved into research and deepened my knowledge in computer science. My introductory course in Python and immersion program in HTML opened my doors to the world of user interface design. The idea of indirectly interacting with users through blocks of code ignited my creative passion. Growing up as a semi-reserved girl who observed more than she spoke, I found solace in silent empathy, often expressing myself through actions rather than words. Back-end design became a natural fit, allowing me to harness the power of technology and turn my perceived timidity into a strength. While programming websites satisfied my analytical mind, I realized that my true motivation was to make an emotional impact on the digital world's inhabitants. As a customer representative for my mom's business and my own ventures, I interact with users on a daily basis. Recognizing that technology serves as the bridge connecting users, I immersed myself in wireframing, coding, and running my portfolio site. I needed to feel connected myself before I could connect others. My six-week internship transformed into a bridge that pulled me deeper into the world of web development, equipping me with the necessary tools to pursue my passion. Looking ahead, I envision dedicating my time to helping small businesses connect with online consumers, ultimately changing lives as it did for my family. Implementing digital platforms has the potential to uplift thousands of others, providing them with newfound opportunities and economic growth. As a newly accepted Computer Science major at the University of California, Berkeley, I am eager to dive deeper into the technology industry and contribute to inclusive and equitable innovations. I hope to make a significant impact by engaging with nonprofit tech organizations that focus on helping minority high school students enter the technology world. I firmly believe that there is immense potential in building their skill sets and breaking the cycle of poverty and educational disparities. Many of these talented individuals lack the financial aid necessary to seize opportunities, and it's my goal to bridge that gap, providing them with the resources they need to thrive. By leveraging the power of technology, I aim to contribute to the field of math and science through my work in web development and user experience design. Through my experiences, I have witnessed the transformative potential of technology in driving positive change. I am grateful for the opportunities that have led me to this point and feel a deep sense of responsibility to pay it forward. My journey has shaped my passion for designing for social impact and my commitment to making a difference in the fields of math and science. As I continue my education at UC Berkeley, I aim to harness the power of technology to create inclusive and equitable solutions, particularly for minority high school students seeking opportunities in the technology world. I am excited to embrace the challenges ahead and contribute to a brighter future where talent and opportunity know no boundaries.

As the eldest daughter, I devoted almost every weekend from ages 9-15 to street vending alongside my mom. While she snipped away at flower stems, I displayed rows of vases on portable tables, ran to refill water in public restrooms, and strolled around as a human billboard. Just as any hopeful child would, I believed in the abundant kindness of strangers. Nonetheless, my disappointment lingered as I silently counted how many roses remained at the end of each day. Despite having an unconventional study space and time, I still pushed to complete math packets and assigned readings on the grass. My parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt. Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades weren't contributing to our income. Yet angry that I defined my worth based on how helpful I've been to the business. Sometimes, it felt like my mind ran after solutions faster than I could keep up. The urge to resist the reality of my split existence, being both a child and my parent's peer, used to feel like a burden. However, by carrying a premature weight on my shoulders, I realized I served as a vital pillar for my family. I developed fundamental skills and qualities that shaped me into a dependable individual, even outside of my household. When Arroyo High School's activities director took abrupt leave during night rally season, I jumped to lead in designing our backdrops and floats, while also taking roles for skits. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature. When faced with chaos, I instinctively aim toward providing peace. My driven character has always been fueled by the desire to achieve stability. When I was younger, my tendency to chase after solutions was a survival tactic but it has also morphed into a thrill of producing stability for others. Although I'm still battling the balance of guilt and hope, I'm proud of contributing to a stable space where my younger brother doesn't need to. Accepting the way my family operates has brought us closer to the stability I've long craved. Growing up, I was perceived as a semi-reserved girl who observed more than she spoke. I communicate through silent empathy, oftentimes choosing actions to convey my thoughts. Back-end and front-end design foster my strong suits by allowing me to twist the negative narrative of my timid tendencies into a strength. Programming websites satisfy the part of me that enjoys analytical problems but I've realized what truly drove me was the hope of making an emotional impact on the people who make up the digital world. Looking into the future, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others. During the Summer going into my Senior year, I was a User Experience/User Interface intern at the nonprofit organization BRIDGEGOOD. I strategized ways to increase teen outreach by wireframing prototypes through design sprints and conducting user research interviews (6+). I digitally designed content for their social media by shadowing the apprentice workshops on UX software where I advanced my skills in photoshop and animation, bringing in 400+ views for their Instagram.

As the eldest daughter, I devoted almost every weekend from ages 9-15 to street vending alongside my mom. While she snipped away at flower stems, I displayed rows of vases on portable tables, ran to refill water in public restrooms, and strolled around as a human billboard. Just as any hopeful child would, I believed in the abundant kindness of strangers. Nonetheless, my disappointment lingered as I silently counted how many roses remained at the end of each day. Despite having an unconventional study space and time, I still pushed to complete math packets and assigned readings on the grass. My parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt. Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades weren't contributing to our income. Yet angry that I defined my worth based on how helpful I've been to the business. Sometimes, it felt like my mind ran after solutions faster than I could keep up. The urge to resist the reality of my split existence, being both a child and my parent's peer, used to feel like a burden. However, by carrying a premature weight on my shoulders, I realized I served as a vital pillar for my family. I developed fundamental skills and qualities that shaped me into a dependable individual, even outside of my household. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature. When faced with chaos, I instinctively aim toward providing peace. My driven character has always been fueled by the desire to achieve stability. When I was younger, my tendency to chase after solutions was a survival tactic but it has also morphed into a thrill of producing stability for others. Accepting the way my family operates has brought us closer to the stability I've long craved. My childhood upbringing has built a deeper understanding of struggle and perseverance in myself. I recognize the sacrifices it takes for many immigrant families and that has pushed me to spread compassion whenever I can. Through my future work in the technology industry, specifically User Experience and User Interface design, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others. I hope to get involved with nonprofit tech organizations that focus on helping minority high school students enter the technology world. There are so many opportunities to build their skill sets and break the cycle of poverty and lack of education simply because they weren’t given the financial aid to seize the opportunity. I’m grateful for the experiences that have led me here and hope to pay it forward.

As the eldest daughter, I devoted almost every weekend from ages 9-15 to street vending alongside my mom. While she snipped away at flower stems, I displayed rows of vases on portable tables, ran to refill water in public restrooms, and strolled around as a human billboard. Just as any hopeful child would, I believed in the abundant kindness of strangers. Nonetheless, my disappointment lingered as I silently counted how many roses remained at the end of each day. Despite having an unconventional study space and time, I still pushed to complete math packets and assigned readings on the grass. My parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt. Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades weren't contributing to our income. Yet angry that I defined my worth based on how helpful I've been to the business. Sometimes, it felt like my mind ran after solutions faster than I could keep up. The urge to resist the reality of my split existence, being both a child and my parent's peer, used to feel like a burden. However, by carrying a premature weight on my shoulders, I realized I served as a vital pillar for my family. I developed fundamental skills and qualities that shaped me into a dependable individual, even outside of my household. When Arroyo's activities director took abrupt leave during night rally season, I jumped to lead in designing our backdrops and floats, while also taking roles for skits. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature. When faced with chaos, I instinctively aim toward providing peace. My driven character has always been fueled by the desire to achieve stability. When I was younger, my tendency to chase after solutions was a survival tactic but it has also morphed into a thrill of producing stability for others. Although I'm still battling the balance of guilt and hope, I'm proud of contributing to a stable space where my younger brother doesn't need to. Accepting the way my family operates has brought us closer to the stability I've long craved. My childhood upbringing has built a deeper understanding of struggle and perseverence in myself. I recognize the sacrifices it takes for many immigrant families and that has pushed me to spread empathy and compassion whenever I can. Through my future work in the technology industry, specifically User Experience and User Interface design, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others.

There was a world of knowledge I had yet to conquer. Separating me were the pages of foreign English words screaming at me to understand. Every weekday, I was dropped off at the library's homework club mindlessly doodling inside a Brain Quest workbook. I never verbally spoke with the tutors but I was learning through the foreign language that welcomed me the most: art. The club shut down when I qualified to volunteer but I knew there'd always be someone waiting on an abstract communicator. Years after I first entered American schooling, my ethnically diverse community was still inadvertently isolating ESL kids. Enforcing rigid worksheets on impressionable children wasn't going to magically make them bilingual. They were separated by the same foreign words that once trapped me. Although a simple change of translation alienated them from their peers, they lived in the same surroundings. In the children's section of the library, I waited with blank paper. Six kids regularly attended my unofficial tutoring club, none speaking fluent English. Instead of shaming their wild imaginations, I tried utilizing their natural curiosity. I read aloud every word in our native tongue, all except nouns, in order to give them the sense of familiarity I remember craving. They pieced together the meaning of the other words solely through my illustrations. Before, my former lack of self-confidence served as a barrier to my younger self's relationship with learning. In an effort of stopping this cycle for them, I focused on using their strengths to build on a weakness; making socializing a source of relief rather than anxiety. Guiding their enthusiasm for learning has fostered empathy and compassion in my character, traits I now view most valuable. My students used to spend their time secluded in the corner where they were safe to speak their native language and broken English. Small developments brought them closer to engaging in read-aloud and art events outside of our bubble. Although in small numbers, I aided in building their sense of well-being, self-confidence, and openness to education, breaking down the walls that once silenced them and opening new doors. Volunteering has changed me as a creature of habit. My goals and aspirations are centered around sharing my hard work and resources to benefit others in the way it has benefited me. My experiences are a part of my shared sense of humanity with my community. As I work towards becoming a software engineer, I want to mentor others in a way that I wish I was mentored.

As the eldest daughter, I devoted almost every weekend from ages 9-15 to street vending alongside my mom. While she snipped away at flower stems, I displayed rows of vases on portable tables, ran to refill water in public restrooms, and strolled around as a human billboard. Just as any hopeful child would, I believed in the abundant kindness of strangers. Nonetheless, my disappointment lingered as I silently counted how many roses remained at the end of each day. Despite having an unconventional study space and time, I still pushed to complete math packets and assigned readings on the grass. My parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt. Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades weren't contributing to our income. Yet angry that I defined my worth based on how helpful I've been to the business. Sometimes, it felt like my mind ran after solutions faster than I could keep up. The urge to resist the reality of my split existence, being both a child and my parent's peer, used to feel like a burden. However, by carrying a premature weight on my shoulders, I realized I served as a vital pillar for my family. I developed fundamental skills and qualities that shaped me into a dependable individual, even outside of my household. When Arroyo's activities director took abrupt leave during night rally season, I jumped to lead in designing our backdrops and floats, while also taking roles for skits. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature. When faced with chaos, I instinctively aim toward providing peace. My driven character has always been fueled by the desire to achieve stability. When I was younger, my tendency to chase after solutions was a survival tactic but it has also morphed into a thrill of producing stability for others. Although I'm still battling the balance of guilt and hope, I'm proud of contributing to a stable space where my younger brother doesn't need to. Accepting the way my family operates has brought us closer to the stability I've long craved. My childhood upbringing has built a deeper understanding of struggle and perseverance in myself. I recognize the sacrifices it takes for many immigrant families and that has pushed me to spread empathy and compassion whenever I can. Through my future work in the technology industry, specifically User Experience and User Interface design, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others.

There was a world of knowledge I had yet to conquer. Separating me were the pages of foreign English words screaming at me to understand. Every weekday, I was dropped off at the library's homework club mindlessly doodling inside a Brain Quest workbook. I never verbally spoke with the tutors but I was learning through the foreign language that welcomed me the most: art. The club shut down when I qualified to volunteer but I knew there'd always be someone waiting on an abstract communicator. Years after I first entered American schooling, my ethnically diverse community was still inadvertently isolating ESL kids. Enforcing rigid worksheets on impressionable children wasn't going to magically make them bilingual. They were separated by the same foreign words that once trapped me. Although a simple change of translation alienated them from their peers, they lived in the same surroundings. In the children's section of the library, I waited with blank paper. Six kids regularly attended my unofficial tutoring club, none speaking fluent English. Instead of shaming their wild imaginations, I tried utilizing their natural curiosity. I read aloud every word in our native tongue, all except nouns, in order to give them the sense of familiarity I remember craving. They pieced together the meaning of the other words solely through my illustrations. Before, my former lack of self-confidence served as a barrier to my younger self's relationship with learning. In an effort of stopping this cycle for them, I focused on using their strengths to build on a weakness; making socializing a source of relief rather than anxiety. Guiding their enthusiasm for learning has fostered empathy and compassion in my character, traits I now view most valuable. My students used to spend their time secluded in the corner where they were safe to speak their native language and broken English. Small developments brought them closer to engaging in read-aloud and art events outside of our bubble. Although in small numbers, I aided in building their sense of well-being, self-confidence, and openness to education, breaking down the walls that once silenced them and opening new doors. Volunteering has changed me as a creature of habit. My goals and aspirations are centered around sharing my hard work and resources to benefit others in the way it has benefited me. My experiences are a part of my shared sense of humanity with my community. As I work towards becoming a software engineer, I want to mentor others in a way that I wish I was mentored.

There was a world of knowledge I had yet to conquer. Separating me were the pages of foreign English words screaming at me to understand. Every weekday, I was dropped off at the library's homework club mindlessly doodling inside a Brain Quest workbook. I never verbally spoke with the tutors but I was learning through the foreign language that welcomed me the most: art. The club shut down when I qualified to volunteer but I knew there'd always be someone waiting on an abstract communicator. Years after I first entered American schooling, my ethnically diverse community was still inadvertently isolating ESL kids. Enforcing rigid worksheets on impressionable children wasn't going to magically make them bilingual. They were separated by the same foreign words that once trapped me. Although a simple change of translation alienated them from their peers, they lived in the same surroundings. In the children's section of the library, I waited with blank paper. Six kids regularly attended my unofficial tutoring club, none speaking fluent English. Instead of shaming their wild imaginations, I tried utilizing their natural curiosity. I read aloud every word in our native tongue, all except nouns, in order to give them the sense of familiarity I remember craving. They pieced together the meaning of the other words solely through my illustrations. Before, my former lack of self-confidence served as a barrier to my younger self's relationship with learning. In an effort of stopping this cycle for them, I focused on using their strengths to build on a weakness; making socializing a source of relief rather than anxiety. Guiding their enthusiasm for learning has fostered empathy and compassion in my character, traits I now view most valuable. My students used to spend their time secluded in the corner where they were safe to speak their native language and broken English. Small developments brought them closer to engaging in read-aloud and art events outside of our bubble. Although in small numbers, I aided in building their sense of well-being, self-confidence, and openness to education, breaking down the walls that once silenced them and opening new doors. Volunteering has changed me as a creature of habit. My goals and aspirations are centered around sharing my hard work and resources to benefit others in the way it has benefited me. My experiences are a part of my shared sense of humanity with my community. As I work towards becoming a software engineer, I want to mentor others in a way that I wish I was mentored.

Prototyping BRIDGEGOOD's donation site opened my second pair of consumer eyes. Using particular shades of blue on donation buttons brought in hundreds of more website visits. Yet, including one too many words in the "learn more" section could cost the non-profit thousands. The limitless possibilities taunted my indecisive nature yet enticed me. BRIDGEGOOD's CEO left me with the parting words: keep designing for social good. The only lingering question left was "how?" Circling back to my safety net, I continued researching the algorithms and psychology behind user experience design. My introductory computer science course on python and immersion program in HTML opened my doors to user interface. The concept of indirectly interacting with users through nothing but blocks of code sparked my creative high. Growing up, I was perceived as a semi-reserved girl who observed more than she spoke. I communicate through silent empathy, oftentimes choosing actions to convey my thoughts. Back-end and front-end design foster my strong suits by allowing me to twist the negative narrative of my timid tendencies into a strength. Programming websites satisfy the part of me that enjoys analytical problems but I've realized what truly drove me was the hope of making an emotional impact on the people who make up the digital world. I deal with users on a daily basis as the customer representative for my Mom's business as well as my own. Once realizing that technology is the core of what bridges the bond between users, I started there: diving straight into wireframing, coding, and running my portfolio site. Before I could begin connecting other users together, I needed to feel like I was connected, myself. My 6-week internship morphed into a bridge, reeling me into the world of web development and giving me the tools to jumpstart my passion project. Looking into the future, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others. I believe the tech industry needs to take more initiative in lending its resources to minorities trying to balance both their creative ideas while working to make a living. My time with BRIDGEGOOD showed me how impactful it can be to create a safe space for minorities to feed their curious minds and further develop their skills. When you start incorporating inclusiveness at the very beginning of the design process, you're more likely to create products that are inclusive for the consumers. Every individual deserves access to products that cater to their specific needs. I hope to bring my contributions as a woman of color and immigrant to the tech industry. There's so much more we can do for hardworking individuals who aren't being spoken for.

There was a world of knowledge I had yet to conquer. Separating me were the pages of foreign English words screaming at me to understand. Every weekday, I was dropped off at the library's homework club mindlessly doodling inside a Brain Quest workbook. I never verbally spoke with the tutors but I was learning through the foreign language that welcomed me the most: art. The club shut down when I qualified to volunteer but I knew there'd always be someone waiting on an abstract communicator. Years after I first entered American schooling, my ethnically diverse community was still inadvertently isolating ESL kids. Enforcing rigid worksheets on impressionable children wasn't going to magically make them bilingual. They were separated by the same foreign words that once trapped me. Although a simple change of translation alienated them from their peers, they lived in the same surroundings. In the children's section of the library, I waited with blank paper. Six kids regularly attended my unofficial tutoring club, none speaking fluent English. Instead of shaming their wild imaginations, I tried utilizing their natural curiosity. I read aloud every word in our native tongue, all except nouns, in order to give them the sense of familiarity I remember craving. They pieced together the meaning of the other words solely through my illustrations. Before, my former lack of self-confidence served as a barrier to my younger self's relationship with learning. In an effort of stopping this cycle for them, I focused on using their strengths to build on a weakness; making socializing a source of relief rather than anxiety. Guiding their enthusiasm for learning has fostered empathy and compassion in my character, traits I now view most valuable. My students used to spend their time secluded in the corner where they were safe to speak their native language and broken English. Small developments brought them closer to engaging in read-aloud and art events outside of our bubble. Although in small numbers, I aided in building their sense of well-being, self-confidence, and openness to education, breaking down the walls that once silenced them and opening new doors. What inspires me the most is the goal of sharing my skills in a way that offers new resources to others. Back in my homeland Vietnam, the saying "pay it forward" is taken very seriously. Being a part of a community and representing your family values means valuing your neighbors and seeing what you can do to help others.

Prototyping BRIDGEGOOD's donation site opened my second pair of consumer eyes. Using particular shades of blue on donation buttons brought in hundreds of more website visits. Yet, including one too many words in the "learn more" section could cost the non-profit thousands. The limitless possibilities taunted my indecisive nature yet enticed me. BRIDGEGOOD's CEO left me with the parting words: keep designing for social good. The only lingering question left was "how?" Circling back to my safety net, I continued researching the algorithms and psychology behind user experience design. My introductory computer science course on python and immersion program in HTML opened my doors to user interface. The concept of indirectly interacting with users through nothing but blocks of code sparked my creative high. Growing up, I was perceived as a semi-reserved girl who observed more than she spoke. I communicate through silent empathy, oftentimes choosing actions to convey my thoughts. Back-end and front-end design foster my strong suits by allowing me to twist the negative narrative of my timid tendencies into a strength. Programming websites satisfy the part of me that enjoys analytical problems but I've realized what truly drove me was the hope of making an emotional impact on the people who make up the digital world. I deal with users on a daily basis as the customer representative for my Mom's business as well as my own. Once realizing that technology is the core of what bridges the bond between users, I started there: diving straight into wireframing, coding, and running my portfolio site. Before I could begin connecting other users together, I needed to feel like I was connected, myself. My 6-week internship morphed into a bridge, reeling me into the world of web development and giving me the tools to jumpstart my passion project. Looking into the future, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others. Choosing to apply for, and soon study, computer science in college will bring me one step closer to helping to contribute my time, energy, and resources to small businesses like my Mom's. All while simultaneously healing my compassionate and curious inner child. I'm excited to one day join the tech field as a woman of color and immigrant.

I grew up in a low-income household who immigrated from Vietnam when I was 4 years old. I spent much of my childhood learning about the American culture and keeping my roots at home. I want to pursue higher education to benefit my family as well as my community. I hope to help businesses like my Mom's through the technology field. One particular internship experience helped solidify my goal. Prototyping BRIDGEGOOD's donation site opened my second pair of consumer eyes. Using particular shades of blue on donation buttonsbrought in hundreds of more website visits. Yet, including one too many words in the "learn more" section could cost the non-profit thousands. The limitless possibilities taunted my indecisive nature yet enticed me. BRIDGEGOOD's CEO left me with the parting words: keep designing for social good. The only lingering question left was "how?" Circling back to my safety net, I continued researching the algorithms and psychology behind user experience design. My introductory computer science course on python and immersion program in HTML opened my doors to user interface. The concept of indirectly interacting with users through nothing but blocks of code sparked my creative high. Growing up, I was perceived as a semi-reserved girl who observed more than she spoke. I communicate through silent empathy, oftentimes choosing actions to convey my thoughts. Back-end and front-end design foster my strong suits by allowing me to twist the negative narrative of my timid tendencies into a strength. Programming websites satisfy the part of me that enjoys analytical problems but I've realized what truly drove me was the hope of making an emotional impact on the people who make up the digital world. I deal with users on a daily basis as the customer representative for my Mom's business as well as my own. Once realizing that technology is the core of what bridges the bond between users, I started there: diving straight into wireframing, coding, and running my portfolio site. Before I could begin connecting other users together, I needed to feel like I was connected, myself. My 6-week internship morphed into a bridge, reeling me into the world of web development and giving me the tools to jumpstart my passion project. Looking into the future, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others.

As the eldest daughter, I devoted almost every weekend from ages 9-15 to street vending alongside my mom. While she snipped away at flower stems, I displayed rows of vases on portable tables, ran to refill water in public restrooms, and strolled around as a human billboard. Just as any hopeful child would, I believed in the abundant kindness of strangers. Nonetheless, my disappointment lingered as I silently counted how many roses remained at the end of each day. Despite having an unconventional study space and time, I still pushed to complete math packets and assigned readings on the grass. My parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt. Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades weren't contributing to our income. Yet angry that I defined my worth based on how helpful I've been to the business. Sometimes, it felt like my mind ran after solutions faster than I could keep up. The urge to resist the reality of my split existence, being both a child and my parent's peer, used to feel like a burden. However, by carrying a premature weight on my shoulders, I realized I served as a vital pillar for my family. I developed fundamental skills and qualities that shaped me into a dependable individual, even outside of my household. When Arroyo's activities director took abrupt leave during night rally season, I jumped to lead in designing our backdrops and floats, while also taking roles for skits. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature. When faced with chaos, I instinctively aim toward providing peace. My driven character has always been fueled by the desire to achieve stability. When I was younger, my tendency to chase after solutions was a survival tactic but it has also morphed into a thrill of producing stability for others. Although I'm still battling the balance of guilt and hope, I'm proud of contributing to a stable space where my younger brother doesn't need to. Accepting the way my family operates has brought us closer to the stability I've long craved. My childhood upbringing has built a deeper understanding of struggle and perseverence in myself. I recognize the sacrifices it takes for many immigrant families and that has pushed me to spread empathy and compassion whenever I can. Through my future work in the technology industry, specifically User Experience and User Interface design, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others.

As the eldest daughter, I devoted almost every weekend from ages 9-15 to street vending alongside my mom. While she snipped away at flower stems, I displayed rows of vases on portable tables, ran to refill water in public restrooms, and strolled around as a human billboard. Just as any hopeful child would, I believed in the abundant kindness of strangers. Nonetheless, my disappointment lingered as I silently counted how many roses remained at the end of each day. Despite having an unconventional study space and time, I still pushed to complete math packets and assigned readings on the grass. My parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt. Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades weren't contributing to our income. Yet angry that I defined my worth based on how helpful I've been to the business. Sometimes, it felt like my mind ran after solutions faster than I could keep up. The urge to resist the reality of my split existence, being both a child and my parent's peer, used to feel like a burden. However, by carrying a premature weight on my shoulders, I realized I served as a vital pillar for my family. I developed fundamental skills and qualities that shaped me into a dependable individual, even outside of my household. When Arroyo's activities director took abrupt leave during night rally season, I jumped to lead in designing our backdrops and floats, while also taking roles for skits. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature. When faced with chaos, I instinctively aim toward providing peace. My driven character has always been fueled by the desire to achieve stability. When I was younger, my tendency to chase after solutions was a survival tactic but it has also morphed into a thrill of producing stability for others. Although I'm still battling the balance of guilt and hope, I'm proud of contributing to a stable space where my younger brother doesn't need to. Accepting the way my family operates has brought us closer to the stability I've long craved. Looking into the future, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others.

As the eldest daughter, I devoted almost every weekend from ages 9-15 to street vending alongside my mom. While she snipped away at flower stems, I displayed rows of vases on portable tables, ran to refill water in public restrooms, and strolled around as a human billboard. Just as any hopeful child would, I believed in the abundant kindness of strangers. Nonetheless, my disappointment lingered as I silently counted how many roses remained at the end of each day. Despite having an unconventional study space and time, I still pushed to complete math packets and assigned readings on the grass. My parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades 11/27/22, 7:48 PM Review & Submit - UC application https://apply.universityofcalifornia.edu/my-application/reviewSubmit 19/19 parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt. Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades weren't contributing to our income. Yet angry that I defined my worth based on how helpful I've been to the business. Sometimes, it felt like my mind ran after solutions faster than I could keep up. The urge to resist the reality of my split existence, being both a child and my parent's peer, used to feel like a burden. However, by carrying a premature weight on my shoulders, I realized I served as a vital pillar for my family. I developed fundamental skills and qualities that shaped me into a dependable individual, even outside of my household. When Arroyo's activities director took abrupt leave during night rally season, I jumped to lead in designing our backdrops and floats, while also taking roles for skits. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature. When faced with chaos, I instinctively aim toward providing peace. My driven character has always been fueled by the desire to achieve stability. When I was younger, my tendency to chase after solutions was a survival tactic but it has also morphed into a thrill of producing stability for others. Although I'm still battling the balance of guilt and hope, I'm proud of contributing to a stable space where my younger brother doesn't need to. Accepting the way my family operates has brought us closer to the stability I've long craved. As I work to obtain my degree in Computer Science, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others.

There was a world of knowledge I had yet to conquer. Separating me were the pages of foreign English words screaming at me to understand. Every weekday, I was dropped off at the library's homework club mindlessly doodling inside a Brain Quest workbook. I never verbally spoke with the tutors but I was learning through the foreign language that welcomed me the most: art. The club shut down when I qualified to volunteer but I knew there'd always be someone waiting on an abstract communicator. Years after I first entered American schooling, my ethnically diverse community was still inadvertently isolating ESL kids. Enforcing rigid worksheets on impressionable children wasn't going to magically make them bilingual. They were separated by the same foreign words that once trapped me. Although a simple change of translation alienated them from their peers, they lived in the same surroundings. In the children's section of the library, I waited with blank paper. Six kids regularly attended my unofficial tutoring club, none speaking fluent English. Instead of shaming their wild imaginations, I tried utilizing their natural curiosity. I read aloud every word in our native tongue, all except nouns, in order to give them the sense of familiarity I remember craving. They pieced together the meaning of the other words solely through my illustrations. Before, my former lack of self-confidence served as a barrier to my younger self's relationship with learning. In an effort of stopping this cycle for them, I focused on using their strengths to build on a weakness; making socializing a source of relief rather than anxiety. Guiding their enthusiasm for learning has fostered empathy and compassion in my character, traits I now view most valuable. My students used to spend their time secluded in the corner where they were safe to speak their native language and broken English. Small developments brought them closer to engaging in read-aloud and art events outside of our bubble. Although in small numbers, I aided in building their sense of well-being, self-confidence, and openness to education, breaking down the walls that once silenced them and opening new doors. Volunteering has changed me as a creature of habit. My goals and aspirations are centered around sharing my hard work and resources to benefit others in the way it has benefited me. My experiences are a part of my shared sense of humanity with my community. As I work towards becoming a software engineer, I want to mentor others in a way that I wish I was mentored.

As the eldest daughter, I devoted almost every weekend from ages 9-15 to street vending alongside my mom. While she snipped away at flower stems, I displayed rows of vases on portable tables, ran to refill water in public restrooms, and strolled around as a human billboard. Just as any hopeful child would, I believed in the abundant kindness of strangers. Nonetheless, my disappointment lingered as I silently counted how many roses remained at the end of each day. Despite having an unconventional study space and time, I still pushed to complete math packets and assigned readings on the grass. My parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt. Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades weren't contributing to our income. Yet angry that I defined my worth based on how helpful I've been to the business. Sometimes, it felt like my mind ran after solutions faster than I could keep up. The urge to resist the reality of my split existence, being both a child and my parent's peer, used to feel like a burden. However, by carrying a premature weight on my shoulders, I realized I served as a vital pillar for my family. I developed fundamental skills and qualities that shaped me into a dependable individual, even outside of my household. When Arroyo's activities director took abrupt leave during night rally season, I jumped to lead in designing our backdrops and floats, while also taking roles for skits. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature. When faced with chaos, I instinctively aim toward providing peace. My driven character has always been fueled by the desire to achieve stability. When I was younger, my tendency to chase after solutions was a survival tactic but it has also morphed into a thrill of producing stability for others. Although I'm still battling the balance of guilt and hope, I'm proud of contributing to a stable space where my younger brother doesn't need to. Accepting the way my family operates has brought us closer to the stability I've long craved. Although my childhood was filled with sacrafices and both personal and finance challenges, I've built work habits and characters traits I'm proud of. Adversity isn't a burden in all perspectives. Today, I find them to be thrilling in a sense. It makes me even more proud of the efforts I make to overcome them and find solutions.

As the eldest daughter, I devoted almost every weekend from ages 9-15 to street vending alongside my mom. While she snipped away at flower stems, I displayed rows of vases on portable tables, ran to refill water in public restrooms, and strolled around as a human billboard. Just as any hopeful child would, I believed in the abundant kindness of strangers. Nonetheless, my disappointment lingered as I silently counted how many roses remained at the end of each day. Despite having an unconventional study space and time, I still pushed to complete math packets and assigned readings on the grass. My parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades parents praised me for getting good grades but all I felt was anger and guilt. Guilty of feeling accomplished even though my grades weren't contributing to our income. Yet angry that I defined my worth based on how helpful I've been to the business. Sometimes, it felt like my mind ran after solutions faster than I could keep up. The urge to resist the reality of my split existence, being both a child and my parent's peer, used to feel like a burden. However, by carrying a premature weight on my shoulders, I realized I served as a vital pillar for my family. I developed fundamental skills and qualities that shaped me into a dependable individual, even outside of my household. When Arroyo's activities director took abrupt leave during night rally season, I jumped to lead in designing our backdrops and floats, while also taking roles for skits. Spreading myself and my abilities wherever possible became second nature. When faced with chaos, I instinctively aim toward providing peace. My driven character has always been fueled by the desire to achieve stability. When I was younger, my tendency to chase after solutions was a survival tactic but it has also morphed into a thrill of producing stability for others. Although I'm still battling the balance of guilt and hope, I'm proud of contributing to a stable space where my younger brother doesn't need to. Accepting the way my family operates has brought us closer to the stability I've long craved. My childhood upbringing has built a deeper understanding of struggle and perseverence in myself. I recognize the sacrifices it takes for many immigrant families and that has pushed me to spread empathy and compassion whenever I can. Through my future work in the technology industry, specifically User Experience and User Interface design, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others.

There was a world of knowledge I had yet to conquer. Separating me were the pages of foreign English words screaming at me to understand. Every weekday, I was dropped off at the library's homework club mindlessly doodling inside a Brain Quest workbook. I never verbally spoke with the tutors but I was learning through the foreign language that welcomed me the most: art. The club shut down when I qualified to volunteer but I knew there'd always be someone waiting on an abstract communicator. Years after I first entered American schooling, my ethnically diverse community was still inadvertently isolating ESL kids. Enforcing rigid worksheets on impressionable children wasn't going to magically make them bilingual. They were separated by the same foreign words that once trapped me. Although a simple change of translation alienated them from their peers, they lived in the same surroundings. In the children's section of the library, I waited with blank paper. Six kids regularly attended my unofficial tutoring club, none speaking fluent English. Instead of shaming their wild imaginations, I tried utilizing their natural curiosity. I read aloud every word in our native tongue, all except nouns, in order to give them the sense of familiarity I remember craving. They pieced together the meaning of the other words solely through my illustrations. Before, my former lack of self-confidence served as a barrier to my younger self's relationship with learning. In an effort of stopping this cycle for them, I focused on using their strengths to build on a weakness; making socializing a source of relief rather than anxiety. Guiding their enthusiasm for learning has fostered empathy and compassion in my character, traits I now view most valuable. My students used to spend their time secluded in the corner where they were safe to speak their native language and broken English. Small developments brought them closer to engaging in read-aloud and art events outside of our bubble. Although in small numbers, I aided in building their sense of well-being, self-confidence, and openness to education, breaking down the walls that once silenced them and opening new doors. Volunteering has pushed me to center my goals and aspirations to be centered around supporting others and passing the torch. Life isn't about competition but rather about a sense of shared humanity. It'll only benefit our community if we make the effort to take one step further to share what we learn and have access to. This scholarship will help fund my intended Computer Science degree at UC Berkeley. I'm passionate about web design and hope to use my skills to support small businesses. Looking into the future, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others.

Prototyping BRIDGEGOOD's donation site opened my second pair of consumer eyes. Using particular shades of blue on donation buttons brought in hundreds of more website visits. Yet, including one too many words in the "learn more" section could cost the non-profit thousands. The limitless possibilities taunted my indecisive nature yet enticed me. BRIDGEGOOD's CEO left me with the parting words: keep designing for social good. The only lingering question left was "how?" Circling back to my safety net, I continued researching the algorithms and psychology behind user experience design. My introductory computer science course on python and immersion program in HTML opened my doors to user interface. The concept of indirectly interacting with users through nothing but blocks of code sparked my creative high. Growing up, I was perceived as a semi-reserved girl who observed more than she spoke. I communicate through silent empathy, oftentimes choosing actions to convey my thoughts. Back-end and front-end design foster my strong suits by allowing me to twist the negative narrative of my timid tendencies into a strength. Programming websites satisfy the part of me that enjoys analytical problems but I've realized what truly drove me was the hope of making an emotional impact on the people who make up the digital world. I deal with users on a daily basis as the customer representative for my Mom's business as well as my own. Once realizing that technology is the core of what bridges the bond between users, I started there: diving straight into wireframing, coding, and running my portfolio site. Before I could begin connecting other users together, I needed to feel like I was connected, myself. My 6-week internship morphed into a bridge, reeling me into the world of web development and giving me the tools to jumpstart my passion project. Looking into the future, I see myself continuing to devote time to helping small businesses connect themselves with a new pool of online consumers. The choice of implementing a digital platform for a business has changed my family's life. Similarly, I know it has the potential to change thousands of others. All of my aspirtations and goals are built on the idea of spreading empathy and making a difference through creating success for others. In other words, promoting a sense of shared humanity. This is reflected in the books I choose to read that have tropes around found family, befriending strangers and building your personality around your day-to-day encounters. My favorite book so far has been "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" by Ocean Vuong. He tells the story of love and loss in regards to his relationship with his illiterate Vietnamese mother. Her struggles and perseverence came at a cost, impacting her relationship with Ocean. Although faced with setbacks, Ocean still pushes to create genuine relationships as a way to heal. Healing is the foundation of where I am and where I plan to go!

There's a saying in my family that you must work hard now in order to enjoy life later. I don't believe this is necessarily true. My dream life should be my entire life, not a climax point that could last as little or as long, which is not up to me. I like to speak about my dream life as if it were the present although I may not feel like it is at the moment. As cliche as it sounds, I want to be financially stable enough to travel and buy things without counting to the last dollar or scanning receipts for coupons. I want to wake up and feel an ocean breeze through the window as I read my favorite novels just because I have leisure time. I value simple but blissful moments. My dream life isn't grand in the scheme of things but there's so much I can do to experience this with people I have yet to meet. I want to provide resources and build relationships that will allow others to experience the blissful feeling that I dream of.

Adversity doesn't create motivation. There is a certain natural drive in women who face setbacks and lack community support to rebel against these mocking standards. Yet, the fuel will eventually run out if they aren't receiving acknowledgment for their efforts. So often, women lose their spark and sense of productiveness after getting lost in a cycle of overworking for minimum rewards. There are many ideas swirling in the minds of women that don't reach out due to a number of reasons. It could be insufficient resources, self-esteem, or overpowering leaders. There needs to be a push for a pathway that opens doors for those who are not yet confident enough in their contributions. I believe society needs to be more supportive and less competitive. In a workspace with both men and women, there's tension on the topic of who is better, or in the female case, "how can I prove myself?" It shouldn't constantly be about women trying to battle for their spot in an environment. Ideally, women and men should be on the same level, creating space for collaborative projects that empower both, however, this is not necessarily true. It's not possible to control the natural psyche of all human beings. These opinions and values have been long-held throughout every lifespan as a domino effect of the past. Therefore in an attempt to meet this ideal space, I think focusing on community groups that uplift each other would ensure that the demands are met. If women can't presently feel safe and confident enough in a workspace with men, they can build up to it. This can help eliminate the feeling of isolation that can draw them away from feeling good with their set of abilities and qualities. Something as simple as an all-female support group has the potential to change the outlook women have on their role in society long past their lifetime. Outside of a workplace or educational environment, women face the issues of being just a face or body. There's constant comparison and criticism on how they should look and feel. A major contributing factor would be through magazines, social media, gossip pages, etc. Eliminating apps such as photoshop could do wonders in re-adjusting the ideas of who women should be. Even in the young stages of childhood, girls are introduced to hourglass figures and stereotypes of who is deemed pretty and therefore "successful". Their end goal shouldn't be idolized as appearing alluring. Focusing on the younger generations and reestablishing their sense of self-confidence will bring more empowered women into the future.

For my entire life, I've been surrounded by the most hardworking, resilient, and loving Vietnamese role models, who brought their culture and heritage to America. I admire them as if they put the sun into the sky because at least for me they did. The Sunday trips to Grand Century Mall, the long hours we spent wrapping Banh Tet while Paris by Night played in the background on the night of Lunar New Year, and the days where I played hide and seek with my Ba Noi even though she couldn't stand up. Inside the four walls of my home in America, I had Danang, Vietnam with me. That was all it took to bring unconditional love and happiness to a young girl. I held these memories on a pedal stool, never missing the chance to tell my teachers. The relationships I had at home made up for my lack of friends at school, they viewed the culture and language barrier as a fault on my part. After 2nd grade, I believed it too. Inevitably, I grew a crush on a boy in my class. He started to call me "Chino" which is the word Chinese in Spanish. Keep in mind I am Vietnamese. However, I thought it meant he liked me back, so on Valentine's Day, I bought him a chocolate gram. He didn't even say thank you, all he did was laugh. As small as that was, it changed my whole view of myself. I decided I wanted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Hannah Montanna shirts instead of doremon, I made it my number one goal to be a clone replica of my white classmates. After that moment, I realized how different I was, I grew insecure, I hated being seen in my Lunar New Year Ao Dais, I hated any part of being Vietnamese in spaces with "true Americans". I let the pressure and alienation get to me. As much as I was ashamed of being different, I was more ashamed of feeling like I had something to be ashamed of. My relatives, culture, and home country made up who I am, I held them unbearably close to my heart.