My mom played a significant role in my life, even though I was young when she passed away. She battled ovarian cancer for several years before she died when I was in second grade. While I may not remember every detail, I do remember the strength she showed during that time and the way my family came together to support her. Her presence, even in those difficult moments, left a lasting impact on me. Losing my mom at such a young age changed my life in ways I did not fully understand at the time. It created a sense of responsibility and awareness that most kids my age did not have. After she passed, my dad became a single parent, working hard to provide for my older sister and me while also supporting us emotionally. Watching him take on that role showed me what resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional love look like. Her loss has shaped my journey by forcing me to mature earlier and appreciate the people around me more deeply. I learned that time with loved ones is not guaranteed, which has made me more intentional about valuing my relationships, especially with my family. It has also pushed me to become more independent and disciplined, knowing that I needed to take responsibility for my own growth and future. There have been moments where the absence of my mom has been especially difficult, such as during important milestones or challenges in my life. During those times, I have had to rely on my own strength, my faith, and the support of my dad and family. Those experiences have helped me build resilience and a mindset that allows me to keep moving forward even when things are difficult. Her impact is also reflected in my motivation. I carry a sense of purpose in everything I do, whether it is in school, soccer, or leadership roles. I want to make the most of the opportunities I have, not only for myself but also to honor her and the sacrifices my family has made. Her loss has taught me to approach life with gratitude, determination, and a commitment to growth. Although losing my mom has been one of the most difficult parts of my life, it has also shaped me into the person I am today. It has given me a deeper understanding of resilience, responsibility, and the importance of family, and it continues to influence the way I approach my goals and my future.

I was raised in a single parent household by my dad, who has been the main source of support, strength, and guidance in my life. When I was in second grade, my mom passed away after battling ovarian cancer for several years. From that point on, my dad took on the full responsibility of raising me and my older sister while continuing to provide for our family. Watching him balance work, parenting, and personal grief showed me what sacrifice and resilience truly look like at a young age. Growing up in this environment forced me to mature earlier than most. I learned how to be independent, disciplined, and responsible, not only for myself but also in supporting my family in any way I could. Later, during my freshman year of high school, my dad suffered a stroke and was unable to work for several months. During that time, I had to take on even more responsibility at home while staying committed to school, soccer, and my personal goals. That experience tested me mentally and emotionally, but it also strengthened my ability to stay focused and handle challenges even when life felt uncertain. The most important realization I have had came through these experiences with my family. Losing my mom at a young age and later seeing my dad go through a serious health issue made me truly understand how important it is to value the people in my life. It taught me not to take time with my family for granted and to appreciate even the small moments we have together. I learned that relationships and time are not guaranteed, and that understanding has changed the way I live my daily life. These challenges also pushed me to mature in my decisions and the way I take care of myself. I realized that I needed to become more responsible not only in helping my family, but also in making choices that would prepare me for my future. When my family was not in the best of health, I understood that I had to remain strong, disciplined, and focused to continue moving forward. I also learned the importance of emotional maturity and being able to support myself and others during difficult times. In addition, these experiences helped me develop a stronger sense of independence. I became more confident in making decisions on my own and understanding the consequences of those decisions. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by adversity, I learned how to use it as motivation to grow and stay grounded in what truly matters. In the end, these experiences have shaped who I am in a very positive way. They have helped me grow into someone more resilient, thoughtful, and aware of the importance of family and responsibility. I am now more confident in my ability to make decisions for myself while continuing to support and appreciate my family. These experiences continue to guide my mindset and motivate me to become the best version of myself moving forward.

Faith plays a central role in my life and has been a source of strength, guidance, and perspective, especially during some of the most challenging moments I have faced. Growing up, I experienced significant hardships, including the loss of my mom at a young age and later my dad’s serious health struggles. During those times, my faith became something I could rely on when everything else felt uncertain. It gave me hope and reminded me that there was still purpose in what I was going through, even when I did not fully understand it. It helped me find stability in situations that felt out of my control. Through reading the Bible and growing in my relationship with God, I began to shift my mindset. Instead of focusing only on why difficult things were happening, I started asking how I could grow from them and what I could learn. This perspective has helped me stay grounded, remain positive, and continue moving forward even during adversity. My faith has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting the process, all of which have influenced how I approach both academics and athletics. It has also helped me develop a stronger sense of identity and confidence in who I am. Academically, my faith has motivated me to stay disciplined and focused. I view my education as an opportunity and a responsibility, knowing that not everyone is given the same chances. It has pushed me to work hard, stay committed to my goals, and use my abilities in ways that honor the sacrifices my family has made. As I pursue higher education and my goal of playing collegiate soccer, I carry a sense of purpose that goes beyond personal success. I want to grow into someone who can lead, give back, and positively impact others while representing my values. In addition to my faith, my family has been a major influence in pushing me toward higher education. My dad’s resilience as a single parent and my grandfather’s sacrifice of coming to the United States and serving in the U.S. Navy to create opportunities for our family have deeply motivated me. In everything I do, I try to give my best effort and make my dad proud. Their sacrifices remind me daily of why it is important to take full advantage of the opportunities I have and never take them for granted. Overall, my faith has shaped not only my outlook on life but also my goals for the future. It continues to guide me as I work toward higher education, personal growth, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others while staying grounded in my values. Instagram: @braydenmerza

Being raised by a single father has deeply shaped my life, my values, and the way I view responsibility and perseverance. My dad has faced many challenges throughout my life, but the most significant moments came after the passing of my mom and later when he suffered a stroke. After my mom passed away from ovarian cancer when I was young, my dad became the sole provider for our family while also caring for my older sister and me. He carried the emotional weight of losing his partner while still making sure we had stability and support. Years later, when my dad suffered a stroke during my freshman year of high school, everything became even more challenging. He was unable to work for several months, and our family had to adjust quickly to a new reality. During that time, I saw firsthand how much responsibility he carried, even while recovering. Despite his condition, he still focused on making sure my sister and I stayed on track in school and life. Watching him go through that experience taught me what true strength and sacrifice look like. Growing up in this environment has taught me how to be more mature, disciplined, and appreciative of the opportunities I have. I learned early on that nothing in life is guaranteed, and that hard work and consistency are necessary to build a stable future. My relationship with my dad is one built on respect, gratitude, and understanding. Even though life has been difficult at times, I have always felt supported by him. He has taught me the importance of education, responsibility, and staying grounded no matter what challenges arise. Education has become especially important in my life because I see it as the key to creating future opportunities not only for myself, but also as a way to honor my dad’s sacrifices. I want to make the most of the opportunities he has worked so hard to provide, and I understand that doing well in school and pursuing higher education is one way I can build a better future for both myself and my family. Despite the hardships, life with my dad has been incredibly meaningful. Some of the most impactful moments have come from simple things, like seeing him push through difficult days or still showing up for me even when he was going through his own struggles. Those moments have stayed with me and continue to motivate me every day. My dad inspires me to keep pushing forward, even when things feel overwhelming. His resilience has become the foundation of how I approach challenges in school, soccer, and life. He has shown me that setbacks do not define a person, but how they respond to them does. If I were to receive this scholarship, it would have a meaningful impact on my life by helping ease financial pressure and allowing me to focus more on my education and athletic goals. More importantly, it would allow me to continue honoring my dad’s sacrifices by working toward a future where I can give back to him and make him proud.

Education has played a major role in shaping my goals and giving me a clear sense of direction for my future. Through my experiences in school, I have developed discipline, time management, and a strong work ethic that have pushed me to pursue both academic and athletic success. As someone who plans to study business while playing soccer at the collegiate level, education has helped me understand how I can combine my passions with practical skills to build a meaningful and successful career. It has shown me that learning is not limited to the classroom, but is something that can be applied to leadership, decision making, and personal growth in all areas of life. My journey, however, has been shaped by significant challenges that have influenced the way I approach both school and life. When I was in second grade, my mom passed away after battling ovarian cancer for several years. During that time, she was unable to work, which placed a financial and emotional strain on my family. My dad worked tirelessly to support us while also caring for her. After her passing, he became a single parent, raising my older sister and me while continuing to provide for us. Losing my mom at such a young age forced me to grow up quickly and develop a deeper understanding of responsibility and perseverance. Years later, during my freshman year of high school, my family faced another major challenge when my dad suffered a stroke. He was unable to work for several months, which created uncertainty and stress within our household. During this time, I had to take on more responsibility at home while continuing to stay focused on my academics and athletics. Balancing school, soccer, and family responsibilities was not easy, and there were moments where it felt overwhelming. However, those experiences pushed me to become more disciplined, independent, and resilient. I learned how to manage my time effectively, stay organized, and continue working toward my goals even when circumstances were difficult. These challenges have completely changed the way I view education. I no longer see it as just something I am required to do, but as an opportunity to create a better future for myself and my family. Education has given me a sense of stability and direction during uncertain times, allowing me to focus on my goals and continue progressing forward. It has also helped me build confidence in my ability to overcome obstacles and succeed through consistent effort. I understand that the opportunities I have today are the result of sacrifices made by my family, especially my grandfather, who came to the United States from the Philippines and served in the U.S. Navy in order to gain citizenship and create a path for his family to come to America. His sacrifice laid the foundation for the opportunities I have today, and it motivates me to take full advantage of my education. In addition to academics, my involvement in leadership roles has further shaped my sense of purpose. As a member of ASB for two years, I have worked to create a more positive and inclusive school environment by helping organize events and support school activities. I have also taken on a leadership role as the head of the soccer club at my school, where I organize games and lead sessions that bring students together. Through these experiences, I have learned how to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and lead by example. I have also seen how even small efforts can make a meaningful impact on a community. Education has also extended beyond the classroom through my experiences as a student-athlete. Competing at a high level in soccer has taught me discipline, accountability, and the importance of consistency. Balancing the demands of training, travel, and schoolwork has strengthened my ability to stay focused and committed to my goals. These lessons have carried over into my academic life, helping me stay organized and motivated even when facing challenges. Looking ahead, I hope to use my education to create opportunities not only for myself, but for others as well. By pursuing a business career, I want to develop the skills needed to lead, innovate, and give back to my community. I am motivated not only by my own goals, but by the sacrifices my family has made for me. I want to honor those sacrifices by making the most of my education and using it as a tool to build a better future. Ultimately, education has given me purpose, direction, and the foundation to overcome challenges. It has shaped who I am today and continues to guide me toward the person I want to become. Through resilience, discipline, and a commitment to growth, I hope to use my education to not only improve my own life, but to make a positive and lasting impact on others and my community.

My academic and professional goals are centered around continuing my education while pursuing soccer at the collegiate level and eventually building a career in business. I am interested in studying business because it will allow me to develop skills in leadership, management, and entrepreneurship that I can apply in real world situations. My goal is not only to succeed personally, but also to create opportunities for others in the future. Playing college soccer is also a major goal of mine because it represents years of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice. Competing at that level will challenge me to continue growing both as an athlete and as a person while preparing me for future success. Giving back to my community has been an important part of my high school experience and has shaped the way I view leadership. As a member of ASB for two years, I have worked to create a more positive and inclusive school environment by helping organize events and supporting activities such as teacher appreciation. These experiences showed me that even small actions can have a meaningful impact on the people around me and can bring a community closer together. I have also taken on a leadership role as the head of the soccer club at my school, where I organize games and lead sessions for students. Through this, I have been able to create a space where students of all skill levels feel comfortable participating, staying active, and building connections. Being able to bring people together through something I am passionate about has been one of the most meaningful ways I have given back to my community. In addition, I have been involved in my school’s Filipino club, where I helped organize activities that celebrate Filipino culture and bring awareness to our traditions. This was important to me because it allowed me to represent my background and help others feel a sense of belonging. Outside of school, I have also supported my church’s youth community by assisting with activities and helping create a positive and welcoming environment. These experiences have inspired me to want to make a difference by continuing to lead and serve others. I have learned that impact does not always come from large actions, but from consistent effort and genuine care. In the future, I hope to use my education, leadership, and experiences to give back, create opportunities, and make a lasting positive difference in the lives of others.

The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is The Pursuit of Happyness. I connected with it deeply because it reflects themes of perseverance, resilience, and determination in the face of extreme hardship. It is not just a story about success, but about the daily discipline required to keep moving forward when life becomes uncertain and difficult. What stood out to me most was Chris Gardner’s journey of struggling through homelessness while still pursuing a career in finance and trying to create a better life for his son. Despite constant setbacks, financial stress, and instability, he continued to show up every day and work toward his goal. This message resonated with me because it showed that success is not defined by circumstances, but by mindset, consistency, and the willingness to keep going even when things feel impossible or discouraging. I also related to the emotional weight of responsibility portrayed in the film. Chris Gardner’s motivation came from wanting to provide a better future for his son, even when he had very little for himself. That idea strongly connects to my own life and family values. Much of my motivation comes from the sacrifices my family has made, especially my grandfather, who served in the U.S. Navy and worked to create a better path for future generations of our family. Watching the movie made me reflect on how important it is to honor those sacrifices by staying disciplined, focused, and committed to my own goals and opportunities. In my own life, I have experienced challenges that required me to grow up quickly and develop mental toughness. There have been times when balancing academics, athletics, leadership roles, and personal responsibilities has felt overwhelming. However, like Chris Gardner, I have learned that consistency matters more than motivation. Even on difficult days, I try to stay committed to my responsibilities and push forward because I understand that long-term success is built through daily effort, not short bursts of inspiration. The movie also reinforced the importance of resilience in the face of rejection and failure. Chris Gardner faced constant setbacks, yet he never allowed those moments to define him or stop his progress. Instead, he used them as motivation to continue improving and believing in his future. That mindset has influenced how I approach challenges in soccer, school, and leadership. Whether I am training, competing, or managing schoolwork, I try to maintain the same level of persistence and focus. Overall, The Pursuit of Happyness has had a lasting impact on me because it reminds me that struggles are part of the journey, not the end of it. It has taught me that with discipline, resilience, and belief in your goals, it is possible to overcome difficult circumstances and continue moving toward a better future with purpose and determination.

1. Most significant challenge and its impact on academics The most significant challenge I have faced in my life has been dealing with major family hardships at a young age. When I was in second grade, my mom passed away after battling ovarian cancer for several years. During that time, she was unable to work, and my dad took on the full responsibility of caring for our family while also supporting her through her illness. After she passed, he became a single parent raising my older sister and me while managing financial and emotional responsibilities on his own. Later in my freshman year of high school, my dad suffered a stroke that kept him out of work for several months. During this time, I had to grow up quickly and take on more responsibility at home while also staying committed to my academics and athletics. There were moments where balancing everything felt overwhelming, but I learned how to stay disciplined, manage my time, and keep moving forward even when circumstances were difficult. This challenge affected my academic life by forcing me to develop structure and accountability earlier than most students. I had to learn how to stay organized, complete assignments independently, and remain focused even when my home life was uncertain. While it was not easy, it ultimately helped me become a more responsible and resilient student who understands the importance of consistency and effort. 2. Filipino-American identity and purpose in life My Filipino-American identity has deeply shaped my values, purpose, and the way I view my future. Growing up in the Bay Area in a Filipino household, I was surrounded by a culture that emphasizes family, respect, humility, and hard work. However, one of the most influential parts of my identity comes from my grandfather’s story. My grandfather made an incredible sacrifice by coming to the United States and serving in the U.S. Navy. His goal was not only to build a better life for himself, but to create opportunities for his family to come to the United States through his citizenship. His decision required courage, discipline, and selflessness, and it laid the foundation for the opportunities my family has today. Knowing this history makes me more aware that I am part of something bigger than myself. His sacrifice has shaped the way I approach my own life. It reminds me that the opportunities I have in education, athletics, and leadership were earned through the sacrifices of those before me. Because of that, I feel a strong responsibility to work hard and take advantage of every opportunity I am given. Whether it is in school, soccer, ASB, or my community, I try to carry myself in a way that honors my family’s journey. Being Filipino-American also connects me to a strong sense of community and resilience. I have seen how my family values supporting one another and staying grounded through challenges. That mindset has influenced my own purpose in life: to grow into someone who leads with discipline, gives back to others, and represents my family and culture with pride. Overall, my Filipino-American identity is not just a background detail in my life. It is a driving force that reminds me of where I come from, the sacrifices made for me, and the responsibility I have to build on that foundation in everything I do.

Fitness has become one of the most important passions in my life because it has shaped me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through soccer and consistent training, I have learned to push myself beyond my limits and stay committed even when things get difficult. What started as a love for the game has grown into a deeper commitment to developing my body and mindset so I can compete at the highest level possible. As a student-athlete competing at a high level, fitness is part of my everyday routine. In recent years, I have increasingly and consistently focused on improving my strength, conditioning, and overall muscle development. I have made it a priority to work on my body through weight training and structured workouts so I can prepare myself for the demands of collegiate soccer. I know that at the next level I will be playing against older, stronger, and more physically mature players, so I am intentionally building my body to match that level of competition. Training, conditioning, and recovery require discipline and consistency. There are many days when I feel exhausted from balancing school, practice, and other responsibilities, but I have learned that those are the moments that matter most for growth. Fitness has taught me that improvement does not come from motivation alone, but from showing up every day and putting in the work even when it is uncomfortable. Beyond athletics, fitness has had a major impact on my mental health and overall well-being. It gives me an outlet to relieve stress and reset my mind. When I am working out or training, I am able to focus fully on the present moment, which helps me return to school and other responsibilities with a clearer and more focused mindset. It has also helped me build confidence in my ability to handle challenges and trust my process. Fitness has also been especially meaningful during personal adversity. When my family faced difficult times, staying active gave me structure and stability. It helped me stay grounded and continue moving forward while also developing the discipline and maturity needed to support my family. Overall, fitness has helped me grow into someone who is more resilient, focused, and prepared for the next level. It continues to shape me into a stronger athlete and person as I work toward playing collegiate soccer and competing at the highest level while staying fully committed every single day.

As a student-athlete, I have developed discipline, teamwork, and resilience through both academics and high level soccer. I have competed at an elite level as a two year captain for the San Jose Earthquakes Academy, where I faced top competition from across the United States and internationally. Being a captain required me to lead by example, stay composed under pressure, and support my teammates through both success and adversity. Being a student-athlete has shaped who I am both on and off the field, teaching me dedication, teamwork, and resilience through my daily experiences. Soccer has been a central part of my life, and I have had the opportunity to compete at a high level as a two year captain for the San Jose Earthquakes Academy. Playing against top competition across the United States and internationally pushed me to constantly improve, but more importantly, it taught me how to lead others. As a captain, I learned that leadership is not just about performance, but about setting the tone, encouraging teammates during difficult moments, and holding everyone, including myself, accountable. Balancing academics with the demands of high level soccer has required strong discipline and time management. With frequent training sessions, travel, and games, I have had to stay organized and focused to keep up with my schoolwork. There are times when it can feel overwhelming, but I have learned how to stay committed and push through, understanding that success in both areas requires consistent effort. This balance has helped me grow not only as a student and athlete, but also as a person who takes responsibility for his goals. Teamwork is something I value deeply. On the field, success depends on trust, communication, and selflessness. I make it a priority to support my teammates, whether that means motivating them during a tough game or building chemistry off the field. I bring that same mindset into my school community. As the head of the soccer club, I create opportunities for students to come together, enjoy the game, and feel included regardless of their skill level. Through ASB, I also work with others to plan events that bring energy and connection to the school. Resilience has been one of the most important qualities I have developed. While soccer has taught me how to respond to losses and setbacks, my personal life has challenged me in deeper ways. Losing my mom at a young age and later supporting my family when my dad faced health challenges forced me to mature quickly. Those experiences taught me how to stay strong, remain focused, and continue moving forward even when things are difficult. Overall, being a student-athlete has given me a strong foundation of discipline, leadership, and perseverance. It has taught me how to handle pressure, work with others, and stay committed to growth in every aspect of my life.