One of my earliest ventures into leadership and innovation was through music. After years of solitary practice on the violin, the joy I once found in playing had diminished. It was only when I joined the Chordas quartet that I rediscovered my passion. Inspired by the dedication of my fellow musicians, I realized that music is a collaborative art, thriving on shared ideas and collective effort. This experience ignited my entrepreneurial spirit. I founded a 40-person orchestra at my school, assuming the roles of conductor and concertmaster. Our initial rehearsals were chaotic, with individuals struggling to synchronize. Undeterred, I implemented individual lessons and peer collaboration, gradually transforming our disparate group into a cohesive, spirited ensemble. Our second-place finish in a major competition was a testament to our hard work and unity. This endeavor taught me the importance of leadership, innovation, and resilience—qualities integral to any entrepreneurial pursuit. My entrepreneurial journey continued after moving to California when I founded the Global Mental Health Outreach Program to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness. I was inspired to do so after a friend attempted suicide. Students whispered cruel rumors without taking her plight seriously. Unlike other mental health organizations, mine focuses on teen-to-teen interactions. Many find talking to a peer more relatable, and they are more willing to open up and seek help. In addition to creating hours of webinars and many articles for our website, I established branches in multiple countries to plan events tailored to local needs. I recruited over 60 students worldwide, including Egypt, Bangladesh, and Romania, to assist. This diversity helps bridge cultural gaps on many sensitive topics. For example, personality disorders are considered a weakness in Nigeria, so many people are afraid to discuss them. I organized and helped create online classes on their repercussions with RehabAfrica, designed to teach about personality disorders while alleviating cultural stigmas. This initiative embodies my passion for innovation and my commitment to scholarly engagement, as I continually research and adapt our approach to meet the needs of different communities. Furthermore, my curiosity about the world and dedication to academic excellence are reflected in my co-founding of Biology for Better (BFBThis non-profit organization aims to make STEM education more accessible, particularly in developing countries. By partnering with schools in India, Tanzania, and Malawi, we provided small-group tutorials, worksheets, and video lectures to supplement their biology courses. This project not only addressed educational disparities but also fueled my intellectual curiosity, allowing me to explore diverse educational systems and adapt our resources to fit varied learning environments. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the children we serve inspire me, reinforcing the importance of putting words into action and demonstrating the power of education to bridge global gaps. Each of these experiences has shaped my entrepreneurial spirit, deepened my scholarly engagement, and fueled my curiosity. They have taught me the value of collaboration, the importance of empathy, and the power of innovative thinking. Whether leading an orchestra, addressing mental health stigma, or promoting STEM education, I have sought to create meaningful, lasting impact. These endeavors have not only enriched my academic journey but also instilled in me a profound sense of purpose and responsibility. The qualities of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, scholarly engagement, curiosity, and academic excellence are not just abstract ideals but lived experiences that continue to shape my path. Through music, mental health advocacy, and educational initiatives, I have strived to embody these attributes, driving positive change and inspiring others to join in this journey of discovery and impact.

My passion for community service and STEM started during my freshman year biology class when I investigated the optimum temperature for human digestive enzymes. When I found the perfect temperature and the sample bubbled into white foam in the test tube, I became fascinated with the hidden intricacies of the human body and how they could go wrong. There is a stereotype that science limits creativity. That is why I sought out scientific experiences that extend beyond knowledge simply found in books. This past summer, I joined the Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program because I knew I liked scientific thinking and would enthusiastically take on any new challenge. I was paired with an investigator, who assigned me a research topic on the FTO gene, the human gene that causes obesity. I researched inhibition derivatives for the gene by synthesizing 3-Nitrophenypyrazole and curcumin. Working on such research was harder than I anticipated, as there are no solutions on the Internet or in textbooks to the problems I encountered. Once, I needed to evaporate acetic acid from the samples I was studying, but I burned the compounds three times in a row because of the wrong measurements. I wasn’t precise enough, and due to these tiny differences, I had to restart my experiment. After days of trial and error, I finally found the solutions that no one else had discovered and realized how much I enjoy critical thinking and problem-solving, which are valuable pieces of training for a future physician. These experiences were some of the most enjoyable of my life, as I connected with people who shared my drive and enthusiasm. The setbacks I faced in both programs taught me something about myself that I did not know: I love solving complex problems whose answers are not yet known. This research program inspired me, and I became more interested in the STEM field. The following summer, I co-founded Biology for Better (BFB), a non-profit student organization that promotes STEM education through webinars and online classes. Volunteering there, I studied the disparities in STEM education around the world. When I realized that many people lack the opportunities I have had, I was determined to help make science education more accessible, especially in developing countries. I established partnerships with schools in India, Tanzania, and Malawi to assist them with teaching. I coordinated small-group online tutorials for the students. I recruited volunteers and worked with them to create more than 200 worksheets and video lectures for the schools’ biology courses. The children our organization serves are always curious. Their eagerness inspires me because removing educational barriers helps me feel more connected to the world and demonstrates the power of putting words into action. These experiences in both laboratory research and community service have had a crucial impact on my future career. First, I became more driven to discover the mysteries of the biological world. Through experimentation and countless hours of trial and error, I aim to unlock new solutions to current challenges, specifically effective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders that interest me. Besides, I realized I love interacting with and serving people in need. In the future, my goal is to take provide care for patients. The expertise I have gained throughout the years will help me address the healthcare disparities in the world, as a lot of students do not have equitable access to quality medical services. Besides, education disparities in STEM fields are also a rising problem in underdeveloped countries. Currently, I am volunteering with BFB to expand our network so that more communities can be reached and receive small-group STEM classes.

I founded the Global Mental Health Outreach Program to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness. I was inspired to do so after a friend attempted suicide. Students whispered cruel rumors without taking her plight seriously. Unlike other mental health organizations, mine focuses on teen-to-teen interactions. Many find talking to a peer more relatable, and they are more willing to open up and seek help. In addition to creating hours of webinars and many articles for our website, I established branches in multiple countries to plan events tailored to local needs. I recruited over 60 students worldwide, including Egypt, Bangladesh, and Romania, to assist. This diversity helps bridge cultural gaps on many sensitive topics. For example, personality disorders are considered a weakness in Nigeria, so many people are afraid to discuss them. I organized and helped create online classes on their repercussions with RehabAfrica, designed to teach about personality disorders while alleviating cultural stigmas. I also created non-judgmental platforms for people to inspire one another, gathering stories from people recovering from mental illnesses to give hope to those experiencing similar struggles. We provided them encouragement, sympathy, and understanding, along with practical resources to help, and many mentioned they were blessed to receive our kind words of support. Furthermore, I co-founded Biology for Better (BFB), a non-profit student organization that promotes STEM education through webinars and online classes. Volunteering there, I studied the disparities in STEM education around the world. When I realized that many people lack the opportunities I have had, I was determined to help make science education more accessible, especially in developing countries. I established partnerships with schools in India, Tanzania, and Malawi to assist them with teaching. These schools have large classes, and science teachers have little time for personalized education. I coordinated small-group online tutorials for the students. I recruited volunteers and worked together to create more than 200 worksheets and video lectures for the schools’ biology courses. The children our organization serves are always excited and curious. Their eagerness inspires me because removing educational barriers helps me feel more connected to the world and demonstrates the power of putting words into action. These experiences in community service have had a crucial impact on my future career. First, I became more driven to discover the mysteries of the biological world. Besides, I realized I love interacting with and serving people in need. In the future, my goal is to take advantage of the privilege I have to provide care for patients directly: diagnosing illnesses and providing treatments. The expertise I have gained throughout the years will also help me address the healthcare disparities in the world. I hope to raise awareness of this serious issue, as a lot of students do not have equitable access to quality medical services. In addition to healthcare disparities, education disparities in STEM fields are also a rising problem in underdeveloped countries. Currently, I am volunteering with BFB to expand our network so that more communities can be reached and receive small-group STEM classes. My work with BFB showed me the joy of creating projects that improve the world. Sharing my passion for healthcare helps others and makes these interests more meaningful for me, in a way that studying on my own can never do. Serving others excites me because I feel obliged to create optimism and prosperity in the world. As a pre-medical student, these experiences inspire me to create more opportunities for those in need and give back to the community as a future physician, improving people’s overall well-being.

As a Biology major, I am thrilled to embark on my journey of scientific exploration and helping people in healthcare, specifically as a future physician. I am optimistic that my future career has a strong potential in making significant impacts on the world: by sharing my passion for medicine, and my dedication to serving and improving society. My passion for community service and biology started during my freshman year biology class when I investigated the optimum temperature for human digestive enzymes. When I found the perfect temperature and the sample bubbled into white foam in the test tube, I became fascinated with the hidden intricacies of the human body and how they could go wrong. The following summer, I co-founded Biology for Better (BFB), a non-profit student organization that promotes STEM education through webinars and online classes. Volunteering there, I studied the disparities in STEM education around the world. When I realized that many people lack the opportunities I have had, I was determined to help make science education more accessible, especially in developing countries. I established partnerships with schools in India, Tanzania, and Malawi to assist them with teaching. I coordinated small-group online tutorials for the students. I recruited volunteers and worked with them to create more than 200 worksheets and video lectures for the schools’ biology courses. The children our organization serves are always excited and curious. Their eagerness inspires me because removing educational barriers helps me feel more connected to the world and demonstrates the power of putting words into action. These experiences in both laboratory research and community service have had a crucial impact on my future career. First, I became more driven to discover the mysteries of the biological world. Through experimentation and countless hours of trial and error, I aim to unlock new solutions to current challenges, specifically effective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders that interest me. Besides, I realized I love interacting with and serving people in need. In the future, my goal is to take advantage of the privilege I have to provide care for patients directly: diagnosing illnesses and providing treatments. The expertise I have gained throughout the years will also help me address the healthcare disparities in the world. I hope to raise awareness of this serious issue, as a lot of students do not have equitable access to quality medical services. In addition to healthcare disparities, education disparities in STEM fields are also a rising problem in underdeveloped countries. Currently, I am volunteering with BFB to expand our network so that more communities can be reached and receive small-group STEM classes. My work with BFB showed me the joy of creating projects that improve the world. Sharing my passion for healthcare helps others and makes these interests more meaningful for me, in a way that studying on my own can never do. Serving others excites me because I feel obliged to create optimism and prosperity in the world. As a pre-medical student, these experiences inspire me to create more opportunities for those in need and give back to the community as a future physician, improving people’s overall well-being.

I was five hours into practicing Grieg's Violin Sonata, yet the melody sounded lifeless. I had spent so many hours practicing alone that the joy had disappeared. I was on the verge of quitting altogether‒until I was invited to play in the Chordas quartet. Our first rehearsal was wobbly, our efforts sounding as lifeless as my attempts at Grieg months before. But my fellow musicians’ dedication inspired me to improve. I practiced countless hours, scrutinizing every note, polishing every measure to bring emotions and storytelling into the music. Our different ideas blended to create unique interpretations, and I discovered the true joy of creating music with others. Building on what I had learned from Chordas, and knowing that many other students struggled to find the motivation to play, I founded a 40-person string orchestra at my school, serving as both conductor and concertmaster. Our first few rehearsals were chaotic. I felt helpless. How could I unite these independent players around a single goal? I started with individual lessons, demonstrating techniques and encouraging them to play in pairs, reflect upon their playing, and help one another improve. Soon, we began to think and play as one, and confidence replaced the uncertainty of our first awkward rehearsals. After two months of practice, I led my orchestra in a competition. Thousands of eyes watched as I conducted Grieg’s Holberg Suite and we poured our hearts into the music. A year before, my resentment towards Grieg’s Violin Sonata had nearly extinguished my passion for music, but now his music sounded profoundly meaningful. Our second-place finish among seventeen orchestras gave me goosebumps. I had transformed our group from a bunch of passive individuals into spirited, engaged musicians. After I moved to California, leaving my orchestra behind, I looked for an equal purpose in my new country. I discovered it when I founded the Global Mental Health Outreach Program to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness. I was inspired to do so after a friend attempted suicide. Students whispered cruel rumors without taking her plight seriously. Unlike other mental health organizations, mine focuses on teen-to-teen interactions. Many find talking to a peer more relatable, and they are more willing to open up and seek help. In addition to creating hours of webinars and many articles for our website, I established branches in multiple countries to plan events tailored to local needs. I recruited over 60 students worldwide, including Egypt, Bangladesh, and Romania, to assist. This diversity helps bridge cultural gaps on many sensitive topics. For example, personality disorders are considered a weakness in Nigeria, so many people are afraid to discuss them. I organized and helped create online classes on their repercussions with RehabAfrica, designed to teach about personality disorders while alleviating cultural stigmas. I also created non-judgmental platforms for people to inspire one another, gathering stories from people recovering from mental illnesses to give hope and encouragement to those experiencing similar struggles. After I launched these events, many teenagers reached out for advice on our website. We provided them encouragement, sympathy, and understanding, along with practical resources to help, and many mentioned they were blessed to receive our kind words of support. My orchestra and my work with GMHO showed me the joy of creating projects that improve the world. Sharing my passion for music and mental health both helps others and makes these interests more meaningful for me, in a way that practicing an instrument or studying on my own can never do. Serving others excites me because I feel obliged to create optimism and prosperity in the world.

I was five hours into practicing Grieg's Violin Sonata, yet the melody sounded lifeless. I had spent so many hours practicing alone that the joy had disappeared. I was on the verge of quitting altogether‒until I was invited to play in the Chordas quartet. Our first rehearsal was wobbly, but my fellow musicians’ dedication inspired me to improve. I practiced countless hours, polishing every measure to bring emotions and storytelling into the music. Our different ideas blended to create unique interpretations, and I discovered the true joy of creating music with others. Building on what I had learned from Chordas, and knowing that many other students struggled to find the motivation to play, I founded a 40-person string orchestra at my school, serving as both conductor and concertmaster. Our first few rehearsals were chaotic. People weren’t working together, and many members questioned my leadership. Why should they listen to a little freshman girl? I felt helpless. How could I unite these independent players around a single goal? I started with individual lessons, demonstrating techniques and encouraging them to play in pairs, reflect upon their playing, and help one another improve. Soon, we began to think and play as one, and confidence replaced the uncertainty of our first awkward rehearsals. After two months of practice, I led my orchestra in a competition. Thousands of eyes watched as I conducted Grieg’s Holberg Suite and we poured our hearts into the music. A year before, my resentment towards Grieg’s Violin Sonata had nearly extinguished my passion for music, but now his music sounded profoundly meaningful. Our second-place finish among seventeen orchestras gave me goosebumps. I had transformed our group from a bunch of passive individuals into spirited, engaged musicians. After I moved to California, leaving my orchestra behind, I looked for an equal purpose in my new country. I discovered it when I founded the Global Mental Health Outreach Program to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness. I was inspired to do so after a friend attempted suicide. Students whispered cruel rumors without taking her plight seriously. Unlike other mental health organizations, mine focuses on teen-to-teen interactions. Many find talking to a peer more relatable, and they are more willing to open up and seek help. In addition to creating hours of webinars and many articles for our website, I established branches in multiple countries to plan events tailored to local needs. I recruited over 60 students worldwide, including Egypt, Bangladesh, and Romania, to assist. This diversity helps bridge cultural gaps on many sensitive topics. For example, personality disorders are considered a weakness in Nigeria, so many people are afraid to discuss them. I organized and helped create online classes on their repercussions with RehabAfrica, designed to teach about personality disorders while alleviating cultural stigmas. I also created non-judgmental platforms for people to inspire one another, gathering stories from people recovering from mental illnesses to give hope and encouragement to those experiencing similar struggles. After I launched these events, many teenagers reached out for advice on our website. We provided them encouragement, sympathy, and understanding, along with practical resources to help, and many mentioned they were blessed to receive our kind words of support. My orchestra and my work with GMHO showed me the joy of creating projects that improve the world. Sharing my passion for music and mental health both helps others and makes these interests more meaningful for me, in a way that practicing an instrument or studying on my own can never do. Serving others excites me because I feel obliged to create optimism and prosperity in the world.