I did NOT grow up wanting to become a nurse. In fact, it was one of the last careers I wanted to pursue. But living in the Central Valley and witnessing the hardships faced by many families - especially the lack of access to basic resources - slowly shaped my understanding of what I wanted to do with my life. While I've been fortunate not to face these struggles personally, they ignited in me a desire to serve others. Realizing that equitable health services are a necessity lacking in my community, I grew to believe that providing inclusive healthcare and improving lives will be my way of shaping the future. Nursing illustrated itself as the perfect combination of my profound passion for service and the rich cultural legacy I carry as a Filipino-American. "Determined" is a word I would use to describe my newfound passion for nursing; more so, it was determination that inspired me to seek opportunities that combined my growing experience in the medical field with my dedication to helping others. The summer between my junior and senior year of high school, I was fortunate to collaborate in pediatric-related research. Through attendance of the webinars with the program, I have explored various subjects in pediatrics. Immunizations, pediatric oncology, and chronic illness scratch the surface of the topics covered. I found excitement in learning about the subjects presented by healthcare professionals, who had emphasized the significance of educating and advising families. I found myself inspired by the commitment and empathy that came with each discussion. During my senior year, I accumulated over 150 volunteer hours at a privately owned home for developmentally-disabled elderly. With a total of three patients, I rotated between each to spend time with them, gradually forming strong bonds. One patient even trusted me to spoon-feed him - a connection that my mentor describes as challenging at times. Gaining his trust reminded me that care extends beyond treatment. It's about human connection, dignity, and patience. Spending time with my first patients has deepened my desire to become a nurse, pushing me to find connections with more patients in my future. To prepare academically, I've taken many college courses alongside my high school classes to fast-track my path to nursing school. Earlier this fall, I'll be entering California State University, Bakersfield as a sophomore. I plan to complete my leftover prerequisites, join the California Nursing Student Association, earn my CNA license, and apply to the BSN program by 2026. Where nursing was once the last career I dedicated myself to, it now speaks to my deepest values and aspirations. I realize that supporting my community is not only my personal calling; it reflects the culmination of my growth, passion for service, and my heritage. Empowered by the expertise and knowledge I continue to gain, I look forward to advancing healthcare equity and improving lives as a future nurse.

I vividly remember the nervousness I felt when I first stepped into the facility of my first CNA clinical. To accommodate my busy schedule, I sacrificed my weekends to learn more about being a CNA and the skills necessary for success; later, I was finally able to apply what I had learned upon completion of theory. With a false-sense of confidence to help with acclimating into the environment, I eventually realized that if being a CNA is the gateway to becoming a nurse, then nursing truly was my personal calling. I felt immense joy in assisting residents with ADLs alongside my peers, eager to identify any room for self-improvement. After ensuring the well-being of the residents in my room assignment, I enjoyed answering call lights and meeting new residents. The ability to help others and being someone dependable developed both a sense of belonging and purpose within me. From that day forward, I felt assured in my choice to pursue nursing, brimming with eagerness to see where my journey would take me. In the fall, I will continue completing my pre-requisites at California State University, Bakersfield, so that I can begin applying to nursing school. While I anticipate the adventure to be tough, I am excited to be a step closer to my end goal. As of now, I have persistently searched for opportunities to leverage my healthcare experiences, and have even recently undergone an interview to intern at a local hospital in the spring. After graduating with my BSN, passing the NCLEX, and gaining some expertise, I will continue my nursing education to obtain my MSN to become a nurse practitioner. I plan to go into women's health. I am inspired to pursue women's health because of the time I spent volunteering at my local women's shelter during high school. Witnessing the vulnerabilities many women in the Central Valley face, such as the lack of resources and equitable healthcare, helped me realize that this is the population I want to continue supporting. As a women’s health nurse practitioner, I will foster an environment that is welcoming, positive, and dedicated to patient care. After years of experience, I see myself as a nurse instructor, similarly to how Sheila was. I hope to inspire those around me, guiding them through their own development of prosperous nursing careers. With my passion, I aspire to ignite the same love I hold for nursing within students. I intend to spread the same positivity and support that Sheila provided through nursing education. While I am unable to attest to her greatness firsthand, I intend to continue her legacy of optimal nursing education to the best of my ability. Sheila's story motivates me to carry forward a legacy of compassion, education, and excellence in nursing.

Some of my favorite memories include creating codenames for crushes with my best friends, receiving compliments from pretty girls, meeting the gaze of other girls and smiling at one another while walking down the street, giving “big sister” advice to younger girl friends, and protecting each other in unideal situations. Creating judgement-free spaces while getting ready and celebrating the success of other girls are also fond memories of “girlhood” — a word whose meaning is subjective, yet encapsulates one universal idea: the imperfect and human behavior of women (as beautifully described in ‘The Strand’). It is through girlhood that I have been led to nursing. Admittedly, it took me a while to realize that nursing was the career for me. I was confident that nursing would be the last career I pursued when I first started high school. But growing up in the Central Valley quickly challenged that belief. I realized that the comfort of girlhood is not something many have the opportunity to experience. Volunteering at my local women’s shelter exposed me to the vulnerable reality that many women face: lacking shelter, support and even access to equitable healthcare. Many had been stripped from their girlhood long before they had the chance to enjoy it. As a result, I developed a passion for caring for women across every stage of life. I plan on becoming a women's health nurse practitioner (also known as an OB/GYN NP) to continue supporting women during some of their most intimate and powerful moments. I want to be someone patients can trust – whether that’s childbirth, navigating reproductive health, or simply being heard in a healthcare system where women are often overlooked. I hope to extend the same comfort and safety girlhood has provided me with to the women who need it most. Each step I have taken has brought me closer to achieving this dream. I’ve enrolled in dual enrollment classes to fast-track my education, volunteered over 150 hours in a residential care facility, and participated in pediatric-related research that deepened my interest in women’s and children’s health. I’m even enrolled in a BSN program in the fall, with plans to pursue my MSN already being made. My desire to pursue a field that focuses on compassion, education, and empowerment, is strengthened each day. I know that nursing will be the career that allows me to turn something I care deeply about into something I can act on. For me, nursing will be more than just a career – it will be how I honor the sisterhood that shaped me and positively impact the lives of others.

I did NOT grow up wanting to become a nurse. In fact, it was one of the last careers I wanted to pursue. But living in the Central Valley and witnessing the hardships faced by many families, especially the lack of access to basic resources, slowly shaped my understanding of what I wanted to do with my life. While I've been fortunate not to face these struggles personally, they ignited in me a desire to serve others. Realizing that equitable health services are a necessity lacking in my community, I grew to believe that providing inclusive healthcare and improving lives will be my way of shaping the future. Nursing illustrated itself as the perfect combination of my profound passion for service and the rich cultural legacy I carry as a Filipino-American. "Determined" is a word I would use to describe my newfound passion for nursing. I was inspired to seek opportunities that combined my growing experience in the medical field with my dedication to helping others. The summer between my junior and senior year, I was fortunate to collaborate in pediatric-related research. Through attendance of the webinars with the program, I have explored various subjects in pediatrics. Immunizations, pediatric oncology, and chronic illness scratch the surface of the topics covered. I found excitement in learning about the subjects presented by healthcare professionals, who had emphasized the significance of educating and advising families. I found myself inspired by the commitment and empathy that came with each discussion. During my senior year, I accumulated over 150 volunteer hours at a privately owned home for developmentally-disabled elderly. With a total of three patients, I rotated between each to spend time with them, gradually forming strong bonds. One patient even trusted me to spoon-feed him - a connection that my mentor describes as challenging at times. Gaining his trust reminded me that care extends beyond treatment. It's about human connection, dignity, and patience. Spending time with my first patients has deepened my desire to become a nurse, pushing me to find connections with more patients in my future. To prepare academically, I've taken many college courses alongside my high school classes to fast-track my path to nursing school. In the fall, I'll be entering California State University, Bakersfield as a sophomore. I plan to complete my leftover prerequisites, join the California Nursing Student Association, earn my CNA license, and apply to the BSN program by 2026. Where nursing was once the last career I dedicated myself to, it now speaks to my deepest values and aspirations. I realize that supporting my community is not only my personal calling; it reflects the culmination of my growth, passion for service, and my heritage. Empowered by the expertise and knowledge I continue to gain, I look forward to advancing healthcare equity and improving lives as a future nurse.

The ketchup bottles stared back at me as I decided which would accompany my fried chicken and rice. Would I rather have the typical ketchup that I grew up with? Or would I better enjoy the uncharacteristically sweet yet welcoming banana ketchup instead? My Nanang and Tatang emigrated to America in the 80s, tenaciously seeking labor to provide for their family in the Philippines. Coming to America without a high school degree failed to hinder their accomplishments, as both of my grandparents were granted the opportunity to work in the bountiful fields of the Central Valley. While the sacrifices they made initially left them unable to complete their education, my mother, aunties, and uncle were able to pursue success. My Nanang inspires me to pursue my education. The concept of education as a means to escape poverty is deeply ingrained within Filipino culture; furthermore, it is why she instilled a strong respect for it and the value of hard work in my growing mind. Her emphasis on education has become a foundation for my self-discipline and success. Resultantly, I have consistently excelled in academics and involved myself in various extracurriculars, many of which being related to community service. Without my Nanang’s sacrifices, I wouldn't have been given the opportunities I have had so far. I chase my success – a testimony to the American Dream she envisioned for our family. My pursuit of education will empower me to assist others through nursing. Providing quality healthcare and improving lives is my way of shaping the future. Nursing is a field that builds flexibility and resilience in those who pursue it. Learning becomes continuous as nursing is ever-evolving. The combination of helping others, receiving gratitude, and facing daily challenges is what I seek in a fulfilling career. Togetherness is another core value my Nanang has pushed me to embrace. Not only is it the value that brings my family together, but it's the value that fuels my determination to give back to the community. Growing up Filipino-American has demonstrated the significance in which togetherness exists: to grant a community the strength and support necessary to succeed. My most significant career goal is advocating for equitable healthcare beyond social class. After numerous visits back home, I realize that many families out there need help. At some point in my career, I hope to return to the Philippines to provide quality care and resources in the province my parents grew up in. As I reach for the banana ketchup, I am reminded how my culture will always be a defining part of who I am. My Filipino-American community reminds me of the strength of those who came before me, motivating me to carry the same strength as I strive to make a difference through nursing. I look forward to a future of meaningful growth and giving back to my distinct community. Upon receiving this scholarship, overcoming college becomes another step of my journey toward accomplishment. I will be equipped to fully dedicate myself to achieving my academic and career goals, further capable of contributing to a brighter future for my people.

My friends were unsure of how to consult me after the movie had finished; I was sobbing into the couch pillow. The last thing I expected was to be so touched and resonate so deeply with the message it personally told me. A typically rebellious teen during the transition between middle school and the first year of high school, the relationship between my mother and I increasingly strained. Despite it being a time when I was trying to find my identity, I failed to realize how my mother was struggling to keep me connected with her.  Watching 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' reminded me of the inner conflict I had harbored during our struggle. I saw myself on screen with my mother, each of us playing our respective roles. The Wangs were just another Asian-American family that was trying to adapt to the Western way of life in an unfamiliar place, just like my own. The mother and daughter butt heads in the beginning. Their relationship heavily contrasts with traditional mother-daughter relationships portrayed in the media. As the movie suggested, Evelyn and Joy were just another version of Menchu and Ashea.  Towards the end, Evelyn told her only daughter, “I will always, always, want to be here with you”. The sincerity she portrayed was evident in her voice, while her daughter seemed unable to comprehend this. The emphasis on the second “always” was cemented in my mind as we watched the rest of the movie, making me wonder if my mother felt the same. This scene particularly upset me the most but in the best way possible. I related to Joy and understood her inner turmoil. I witnessed the perspective of my mother just trying to express her love to her daughter. Evelyn’s consistent chasing of Joy in every universe showed me the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.  EEAAO expresses the deep love a mother has for her daughter. It’s expressed in a manner that simplifies it enough for daughters to understand (to me- I think this part depends on who you ask). Between the cinematography, sophisticated acting, and message it had for me, EEAAO allowed me to accept the truth that I have wrongfully ignored: the fact my mother is here to support me amidst all my challenges. Whatever construct I had created in my mind believing otherwise was wrong. She had never been against me and only wanted me to succeed. In the adapting journey I’ve gone through while growing, my mother has always been my foundation- whether it’s implicitly or explicitly. She had and always will be my favorite supporter.  Despite my admiration for this masterpiece, I have only seen EEAAO once. Ironic, right? Yet, its influence has plagued my daily life and, significantly, my relationship with my mother. In the most humble way possible, I have matured well enough since freshman year to understand the different messages my mother shares through her actions. My friends could not understand the reason I was crying because of the inability to even express what had upset me.  EEAAO greatly inspired a reevaluation of my mother and I’s relationship. Since I first watched this film, a greater sense of appreciation has developed for my mother. As I move forward to face adulthood and the challenges it presents, I hold my mother’s unconditional love close to me. Witnessing the masterpiece of EEAAO was more than enough for me to implement its immeasurable message of a mother’s love in the life I lead today.

I remember the days I would spend after school at my older sister’s high school tennis matches. Then, I couldn’t even imagine myself falling in love with the sport- just like she had. I didn’t even play tennis during my first year of high school. It took the help of my close friend to get me into playing tennis the following year. Now entering my junior year, I’ve realized that I’ve learned a lot from playing tennis, getting me to where I am now and influencing me to move forward. Through continuous practice and strenuous determination, I worked my way into a promising position during my first season and played second chair for JV singles. As a learning season, I developed my important skills: time management, mental and physical resilience in the face of adversity, and most importantly, determination. It also developed my sense of identity. Adding another extracurricular on top of the ones I'm already involved in and the amount of schoolwork I was receiving seemed manageable at first. My tennis season takes place at the same time as my band/colorguard season. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I often spend around 14 hours at school- having to stay after tennis games to attend whatever time was left for colorguard practice. I remember October being the worst month of all for this reason, as the tennis season would come to an end and the band season hit its peak. The very little time I had outside of school pushed me to become more efficient during school and my classes while highlighting the importance of maintaining sustainable time management. I was constantly busy, yet tennis became more rewarding on days when I completed all my work during class. Throughout this time of balancing, I was sure to communicate with my coaches and instructors to compromise. During my second season, I had the opportunity to play fifth-seat varsity. The transition from JV to varsity was sudden, although anticipated and welcomed. However, this new change didn’t come without its hardships. Games were longer, and I could physically feel the sun beating down on me harder in a twistedly-inspiring manner. I remember my first scrimmage pre-season, where I played my first 2 sets of a 6-game pro set. Even now, that has been the longest I’ve ever played. I remember how enduring it was, as well as the mutual respect that developed between me and my opponent for playing continuously. After both winning a set, it led to my first tiebreaker. When the sun set and the wind came, the conditions were out for both of us. Despite losing that game, I’ll never forget how I felt when my opponent told me that the game we played was the best one she had ever played. Something that the game taught me was to keep playing and to keep pushing through. This mindset has influenced my lifestyle since, fostering my motivation to be continuously determined to succeed. Lastly, tennis has taught me the importance of finding my self. From playing, I was able to separate myself from the shadow of my older sister and instead build up my confidence to become truly myself. Through the wins and losses on the court, I’ve learned to embrace my individuality and define my path. Coming close to my senior year and soon entering the next chapter of my life, I am grateful for the impact tennis has had on me- both shaping my identity and equipping me with the resilience, determination, and time management skills necessary to pursue my dreams.