The impact volunteering has made on my mindset has been a positive one. Since middle school, I've been a model student, but I never pushed myself when it came to extracurriculars or helping my community. I often focused more on polishing my academic achievements and strengths than working on what would make me an exemplary working citizen. For some time, I hoped perfect grades would be enough to make it through life. Although I had the top scores people longed for, I didn't feel whole or fulfilled. In a sense, there was an emptiness inside of me. My counselors said there was no need to worry about me because I could go to any university I wanted to attend. However, despite their comforting words, there was still a little voice of anxiety in my head asking what I would do with myself. I had hobbies, but I couldn't imagine drawing, writing, or playing video games as a viable career that would bring me endless joy. If anything, I was worried making my hobby a job would ruin the whole appeal for me. So, until my senior year, I wallowed in crippling self-pity that I wouldn't be able to do anything in my life. Constant doubt followed me, and by urging my parents, I found a therapist. Therapy has done wonders for me, and my therapist was the one who encouraged me to volunteer in an institution that I cared about and had old connections to, which was the City of Stockton Animal Services Center. As I volunteered there every Wednesday and Saturday, I discovered new things about myself. I was already very passionate about animal science, but soon enough, it became something I genuinely wanted to pursue. The emptiness and dread of being able to do nothing I wanted to do seemed to dissolve as I helped the shelter's staff and watched a stream of fuzzy puppies and kittens get adopted. After that, my mindset shifted. Volunteering helped me realize what I wanted from my educational journey and future. In a way, I felt like I was helping the same animals that helped me. My childhood pets and the emotional support animals that helped me face my physical disabilities and emotional traumas could be cared for with the same love they gave me. The fact I could give back everything I received was an idea that I truly relished. With all the self-discovery I've done, the only thing I can do from this point makes it happen. Right now, my dream is to be able to work in a vet clinic or lab to address multiple issues like overpopulation and animal abuse/neglect. However, to solve problems like that, I need a high educational background. However, with how expensive college is becoming, I need to do what I can to lessen the burden of expenses and debt by applying to competitive scholarships that fit me. Winning this scholarship would financially ease my parent's and my worries and help me focus on finishing the college classes I need to earn my animal science/biology degree. As someone who has been poverty-stricken, I know how important getting an education can be, which is why I want to be able to follow my dreams while also supporting my family. They've been there for me through thick and thin, and I want to make them and myself proud. Setting myself up for success is only the first step. Through action and determination, I hope to pay off my undergraduate expenses so I can focus on what matters most: my educational journey.

To me, having integrity means holding myself accountable every day, even when no one sees me following my principles. If you cannot be honest and morally right even in the simplest of situations, then it is useless to have integrity. Integrity comes from doing the right thing when no one is watching, and it also comes from doing good things, even if it doesn't benefit you. Being able to follow such ethics shows the virtue that is the human soul. When I was younger, I didn't have a lot of integrity. It was an unknown concept as I constantly fed my parents white lies. I got away with small things like eating too many snacks or staying up too late. I indulged in activities that made me produce happy chemicals but didn't make me feel good long term. However, as I grew up and saw the world for what it was, people's experiences helped me build a better character. At first, I felt guilty for acting like a brat. Stories of war, famine, and poverty showed me that I was more privileged than I realized. I noticed I didn't appreciate my parent's enough for their sacrifices and ability to provide me with shelter, food, and love. Soon enough, I started to clean up my act. I focused on creating a routine I followed, even on holidays and breaks. I got rid of the silly things I did, like lying and binging on food. Changing myself was a good decision that made me feel more honored and proud of myself, and I think it shows integrity in many ways. I was honest with myself and improved from it. Integrity doesn't always mean you'll be perfect, but having it means you can take strides in becoming a better person for yourself and those around you. Sometimes, I don't always make the best decisions, but I have the decency to face my problems head-on and solve them, so it isn't an issue in the future.

Growing up, I faced a lot of financial and health issues. When my parents immigrated to the United States from China for a better future and source of education, I think the last thing they expected after much upheaval was my immediate diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome when I was born. It was a genetic disorder commonly characterized by overgrowth and other symptoms, and I had an overgrown tongue and a fast-growing leg. With little money, my parents paid for all my treatments and surgeries to allow my body to be ordinary so I could walk without difficulty and fit in with others. Because of financial burdens and the lack of education my parents had, I often accompanied them to places like the flea market. At that point, my dad's sign business wasn't reliable to pay for all our necessities, so my grandparents, mother, and I would work at the little tent we had set up by selling toys. I remember always being the one who would take the money and hand it to my grandma, but I also remember the sad conditions of our life. Although it was fulfilling to help my family with our situation, the flea market wasn't the safest place for a child. I witnessed violence and understood how solemn life is when you don't have the privilege to act young. As I grew older, I started taking responsibility and blame for my family's income, even though it wasn't my fault for having mutated genes; it was just a stroke of bad luck. When I was younger, I struggled with my emotions because I grew up with low self-esteem. Deep down, I felt a little out of place constantly, and I was starting to feel guilty for existing. However, this brought another problem, the stigma of mental health. Being Asian-American meant I was often told not to cry and to be strong. I don't ever blame my parents for thinking that way because that's all they've ever known growing up, but I was experiencing constant inner turmoil. Hatred, resentment, and loathing brewed inside me, and it was all directed toward myself. For a long time, I struggled to find help. An overabundance of arguments and misunderstandings occurred with my parents because I persistently asked for help. Inside of me was a little girl that refused to give up, no matter how grim things seemed for me. Despite all the odds, I had overcome so much. I proved expectations placed on me wrong when doctors worried about my academic ability. I held onto life desperately when it seemed like one day I almost wouldn't wake up from surgery. And now, I refused to leave a problem alone until there was a solution, and it worked. I found the help I needed. I found someone to talk to, who wouldn't judge my emotions, and would help me understand them. It took a lot of time, but I've been learning to be more compassionate toward myself. With therapy, I've realized how strong I am, and it shifted my perspective completely. Sometimes it feels like things never get better, but it eventually does with the right amount of effort. For a while, I believed I wouldn't get far in the future, but now I see that it's far from the truth. For someone who struggled so early on, I know I'm prepared for the future. I have the perseverance, attitude, and ambition to make my dreams happen and find contentment and happiness in my life despite the obstacles that'll come my way.

As someone with a genetic disorder, I had emotional support dogs to comfort me when undergoing treatments and surgeries as a child. At home, when I had to recover, my first dog Jadie would lie next to my bed on the floor to keep me company. Although I was awkward growing up due to not fitting in, I began to develop a love for animals and soon found that to become my passion after experiencing many different class subjects. When I was in high school, Jadie died due to complications in her back legs from age. The grief I experienced was heartbreaking, as she was always by my side. When she died, a part of me inside was gone. She was my family, and she brought me happiness. The companionship I experienced inspired me to learn about animal science in and out of the classroom from a young age. With her love and my family's encouragement, I dedicated time to gaining more wisdom and pushing myself academically. My first experience with animals was through a 5th-grade project that tested our abilities to present and bring positivity to the community. I interviewed the Animal Care Services Manager, Phillip Zimmerman, who showed me around the City of Stockton Animal Services facilities. I saw dogs and cats without a home and wanted to help. So, I designed a banner with my dad using their logo and donated it to them so they could use it in future events. Although I wished to do more, I was too young at the time. Once eligible, I started volunteering at the same shelter starting my senior year. Typically, I clean and prepare kennels, dishes, and laundry to prioritize the animal's comfort and health. For some, the stench of injured, neglected, and sick strays may deter them from working in such a field, but I don’t mind it. I want to help all animals, and the happiness I feel seeing them getting adopted motivates me to work harder. In school, I loved classes like AP Biology. Now, I’m taking anatomy & physiology, with plans to take environmental science in the spring semester. Despite the rigor, I push myself to learn the material because it is interesting, and I want to pursue biology or animal science as a major and career. It may be demanding, but I can provide the necessary physical and academic labor. Getting the education I need will help prepare me for specialized professions in labs, conservations, and the wild so I can handle animals ethically and humanely while conducting studies and creating positive impacts on the world. As someone with lots of ambition, I'm pursuing a science degree because it can connect my passions to my work. With proper education, I can change the world and make it more habitable for all animals, wild or domesticated. The most important thing for me is that these animals receive the respect they deserve. I can make that happen through hard work, diligence, and advocacy. It is why I can proudly say I excel in and out of school, so I can one day tell myself that dogs and animals like Jadie can live longer and more fulfilling lives because of the care and time I devoted to following my dreams.

As someone with a genetic disorder, I had emotional support dogs to comfort me when undergoing treatment. When I was in high school, my first dog Jadie passed away due to complications in her back legs. The grief was heartbreaking, as she was always by my side throughout my childhood. When she died, a part of me broke. She was family, and she brought me happiness. The companionship I experienced inspired me to learn about animal science in and out of the classroom from a young age. My first experience with animals was through a 5th-grade project that tested our abilities to present and bring positivity to the community. I interviewed the Animal Care Services Manager, Phillip Zimmerman, who showed me around the City of Stockton Animal Services facilities. I saw dogs and cats without a home and wanted to help. So, I designed a banner with my dad using their logo and donated it to them so they could use it in future events. Although I wished to do more, I was too young at the time. Once eligible, I started volunteering at the same shelter starting my senior year. Typically, I clean and prepare kennels, dishes, and laundry to prioritize the animal's comfort and health. For some, the stench of injured, neglected, and sick strays may deter them from working in such a field, but I don’t mind it. I want to help all animals, and the happiness I feel seeing them getting adopted motivates me to work harder. In school, I loved classes like AP Biology. Now, I’m taking anatomy & physiology, with plans to take environmental science in the spring semester. Despite the rigor, I push myself to learn the material because it is interesting, and I want to pursue biology or animal science as a major and career. It may be demanding, but I can provide the necessary physical and academic labor. Getting the education I need will help prepare me for specialized professions in labs, conservations, and the wild so I can handle animals ethically and humanely while conducting studies and creating positive impacts on the world. When I get the necessary education, I hope to make an impact that improves the livelihoods of any animal I interact with in the future. Because there are so many ways to work with animals, I believe the number one thing I want to focus on is their happiness. No matter if they're domesticated or wild, all animals deserve respect. I've always advocated for this because all animals are living beings with souls. With diligence, love, and care, we can give animals the best environment, treatments, and care they need to survive as we influence their lives. As humans, we have a responsibility over animal welfare. They have similar abilities to us and feel emotions to varying degrees. Although we don't always see their pain or happiness, we, directly and indirectly, affect how they live. We constantly interfere with their habitats, food/water sources, and needs, whether we like it or not. Because of the love animals gave me, I want to give back that love through dedication and hard work. The life I saw inside many animals made me deeply care for their well-being, safety, and health. Through proper education and management, animal lovers like me can mitigate the suffering of all animals due to human actions and consequences. Not only is it my duty, but it is also my passion. That is why I want to spread the word about animal advocacy and focus on finding fulfilling work in animal science that'll make a difference.

Growing up, I faced a lot of financial and health issues. When my parents immigrated to the United States from China for a better future and source of education, I think the last thing they expected after much upheaval was my immediate diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome when I was born. It was a genetic disorder commonly characterized by overgrowth and other symptoms, and I had an overgrown tongue and a fast-growing leg. With little money, my parents paid for all my treatments and surgeries to allow my body to be ordinary so I could walk without difficulty and fit in with others. Because of the financial burdens and the lack of education my parents had at the time, I often accompanied them to places like the flea market. At that point, my dad's sign business wasn't reliable to pay for all our necessities, so my grandparents, mother, and I would work at the little tent we had set up by selling toys. I remember always being the one who would take the money and hand it to my grandma, but I also remember the sad conditions of our life. Although it was fulfilling to help my family with our situation, the flea market wasn't the safest place for a child. I witnessed violence and understood how solemn life is when you don't have the privilege to act young. As I grew older, I started taking responsibility and blame for my family's income, even though it wasn't my fault for having mutated genes; it was just a stroke of bad luck. When I was younger, I struggled with my emotions because I grew up with low self-esteem. Deep down, I felt a little out of place constantly, and I was starting to feel guilty for existing. However, this brought another problem, the stigma of mental health. Being Asian-American meant I was often told not to cry and to be strong. I don't ever blame my parents for thinking that way because that's all they've ever known growing up, but I was experiencing constant inner turmoil. Hatred, resentment, and loathing brewed inside me, and it was all directed toward myself. For a long time, I struggled to find help. An overabundance of arguments and misunderstandings occurred with my parents because I persistently asked for help. Inside of me was a little girl that refused to give up, no matter how grim things seemed for me. Despite all the odds, I had overcome so much. I proved expectations placed on me wrong when doctors worried about my academic ability. I held onto life desperately when it seemed like one day I almost wouldn't wake up from surgery. And now, I refused to leave a problem alone until there was a solution, and it worked. I found the help I needed. I found someone to talk to, who wouldn't judge my emotions, and would help me understand them. It took a lot of time, but I've been learning to be more compassionate toward myself. With therapy, I've realized how strong I am, and it shifted my perspective completely. Sometimes it feels like things never get better, but it eventually does with the right amount of effort. For a while, I believed I wouldn't get far in the future, but now I see that it's far from the truth. For someone who struggled so early on, I know I'm prepared for the future. I have the perseverance, attitude, and ambition to make my dreams happen and find contentment and happiness in my life despite the obstacles that'll come my way.

I was born with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. It’s a genetic disorder characterized by overgrowth and several other symptoms that affect the person physically and mentally. I spent my childhood in and out of the hospital for surgeries and checkups. The doctors and my family were concerned about how I’d do in school. In some cases of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, brain malformations could occur. They worried about my academic development as I was already in speech therapy due to an enlarged tongue. Not only did this genetic disorder affect me academically, but it also affected my social life and mental health. I wondered if I was burdening my parents as they struggled with poverty and my disability. Not only that, but constantly being in and out of the hospital meant I didn’t know my classmates. Elementary school is a period where kids meet friends and learn to socialize, but I never got to experience that. I grew up socially awkward with low self-esteem. Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome caused tensions in my family. Because of financial struggles, I felt responsible for the strife that was happening between my parents. My school became a safe place to pour my pent-up energy into learning and academics, especially after my successful tongue surgery. Knowing I could do that gave me hope to do well in school. As I got older, I learned how to manage my time and workload, even with weekly checkups. With the odds stacked against me, I proved my doctors and family wrong. I went from a kid who needed learning programs in the hospital to a straight-A student who accepted challenges by taking college and AP courses. My academic achievements showed I was more than what my genetic disorder said I would be. I was capable, and despite my physical limitations, I kept up with my peers and excelled in my classes. If my younger self could see me now, she'd be delighted to know how she exceeded the expectations placed on her. With this scholarship, I want to continue to push my limits and challenge myself by getting higher education. Right now, I'm applying to multiple universities to get into an exceptional animal science program, so I can follow my goals of tackling issues that animals deal with due to human-led activities. However, I can't do that if finances become an issue. It is well-known that college is getting more expensive and competitive. If I win the Voila Natural Lifestyle Scholarship, I can ease that fear and use the money on my tuition, room and board, books/supplies, or transportation to fund my education and focus on my future. As someone who has struggled before, I want to make the future for myself as easy as possible, which means finding scholarships that fit me. One day, I can proudly say that I followed my passions and made my ambitions happen. I'll make the world a better place for animals to coexist with humans by working on problems like abuse, neglect, overpopulation, habitat loss, and more in a humane and ethical manner.

I have always had a passion for animal science and nature. My love for animals stems from my difficult childhood. I had pets to console me during days when tensions rose between my family; I had emotional support dogs to comfort me when I was recovering from multiple surgeries at the hospital due to my genetic disorder. Because so many animals soothed me during difficult times, I became influenced to do the same. As soon as I was eligible and healthy, I started volunteering at my local animal shelter while picking up multiple rigorous science classes through high school. Now, I'm planning on pursuing these passions through college applications to reach a career that will allow me to make a difference in climate change, overpopulation, animal abuse/neglect, and other related issues. Although I have my passions, I recognize my flaws. Many obstacles will come my way and test my patience as I seek higher education. However, I can overcome any obstacle because I am aware of my weaknesses, always striving to be a better person, and I am my own greatest advocate. As someone who has struggled with mental health, I've never given up on myself despite the stigma and judgment I received from family and friends. My persistence has helped me get therapy, and my determination continues to benefit me as I learn more about myself through sessions. Improving and opening my mindset/perspective is why I can treat myself with kindness and still recognize when I'm holding myself back. As of right now, I'm working on my unrealistic high expectations and harsh perfectionism, and even if it takes time, I know where to find resources if I'm struggling to do it by myself. As such, I know I have the necessary skills and strengths for the present and future. With my strengths and goals in mind, I hope to help less fortunate animals through the work I may do in the future. Whether this happens in a lab, zoo, conservation, or national park, I want to target issues caused by humans that affect animals. Whether this is direct or subtle, if I can help an animal get through any form of negligence, abuse, or human-led activities, I know I'm making the world a better, safer place for them to inhabit. As the highest form of life, we have a consciousness that allows us to recognize that we have direct responsibility for what happens to the planet and the life that lives on it. For me, the less fortunate are the wild animals driven out of their homes, the animals being poached and abused for human gain, and the animals without a loving home. My work will strive for a future where these animals can coexist with humans humanely and ethically.

Being born with a genetic disorder and going through several surgeries and checkups for treatment led to food becoming a source of comfort for me. I never felt like a normal kid growing up. I was always the outcast who couldn't participate in fun activities during P.E or the oddity in the classroom as I fumbled on my walker. Food helped me ignore the turbulent emotions I experienced and gave me a boost in my mood because everything tasted so good. However, with time, the thing I considered a solace became an unhealthy distraction and obsession that I could no longer balance. Throughout middle school and high school, I found myself slowly struggling with food. I was considered obese as a kid and often received jabs and teasing about my weight from my family and classmates. I started to hate my pudgy appearance and compare myself to the typical beauty standards you would see online. Suddenly, silly natural things like my cellulite, hair, and curves became peculiar and freakish. My relationship and views of food became distinctly negative because sometimes I couldn't control myself from binging on junk food to forcing myself to throw up and starve to offset the amount I ate. These uncontrolled actions led to feelings of self-loathing, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. For a long time, I let these feelings fester inside of me like a pot of boiling water. Sometimes, the fury of emotions would overflow, and I would break down from how tormented I felt. However, I never directly shared my struggles with my family. I often found myself keeping everything in because of how stigmatized mental health was in Asian culture. From a young age, I thought crying was wrong and that I should be strong. Internally, this meant I wouldn't make my pain obvious, but this constant denial and ignorance led to me making terrible decisions that only hurt myself and the people who cared for me. I was a prisoner in my mind for a long time. Sometimes I wish I could go back to the past and hug myself because I didn't deserve all the pain and uncertainty I went through. My journey to recovery wasn't easy. Getting help caused a lot of strife between my mother and me, but it also meant getting the courage to stand up for myself, an action that was difficult to do at the time. The day I finally changed and advocated for myself helped me start my recovery. A recovery that I am still on and continue to work on through therapy sessions and self-reflection. Right now, I'm happy with where I'm at, which I can proudly state without hesitancy or doubt. A long time ago, I wouldn't have been as sure as to where my place is in the world, but I can say that I have some big ambitions and goals for myself. Balancing food through moderation and creating a better support system for myself has changed my perspective on events that used to haunt me and has let me let go of the past. Instead of dwelling on things I wish to change, I move forward and try to heal by channeling my regrets into inspiration to be better than who I previously was and to find a future that'll suit my interests and lifestyle. Sometimes I still struggle with my mental health, but I know those moments won't define who I am or what I will do. I recognize that it's all a part of the process and that, in the end, I'll achieve happiness and success through persistence. Since I'm only in my last year of high school, I have much to look forward to and experience. I know I still have days where everything feels low, but it'll pass. Like a rainbow on a rainy day, I know that life holds lots of meaning and joy if you wait it out. Patience is a virtue, as many say, and it's a quote I always keep in the back of my head as I work on my dreams. One day, the scared little kid from back then would be ecstatic to know that she's chasing her dreams instead of holding herself back. I don't give myself enough credit for all the things I overcame. I took the first hard step of seeking the aid I needed. Because of my courage, I can enjoy the future and make it happen. Things that used to be impossible are now all within my reach, whether it be applying to universities or just finding an awakened interest in subjects like animal science. I'm so grateful for all the work I put into pursuing my ambitions because that's how I became the person I am today. Everything starts with small steps, even something minuscule like never giving up. We never know what we might reach, but I know being able to break my cycle of thinking and abuse will take me to greater heights than I ever was able to perceive. Because of my mental health journey, I want to actively bring awareness to mental health because we never know what someone else might be going through. Everyone deserves a chance to manifest the life they want, which can only happen if they get the proper resources they need. If sharing my journey can encourage someone to seek the betterment of their health, then I know my efforts to fight stigma and be brave weren't for nothing. Life always has its bumpy roads, but what we decide to make of it can change it all for the better.

The song with the most important message to me is Passing Through (Can't the Future Just Wait) by Kaden MacKay. For many scholars, the song's message is relatable as it discusses our present stressors, our fear of the future, and our regrets from the past. The theme that comes from this song is that we should live our lives despite our choices and decisions. Even when we have regrets, there is no point in analyzing them when there is so little time and so much change we will get to experience. One of my favorite lines from MacKay's song is when he sings, "Why do we try to divert the river when the water is what will deliver us where we need to go?" It sums up what we should take away from the song. Focusing too much on trying to fix the past, something that already happened, won't change the fact that the world will move on. Eventually, our lives will go on despite what we did, and the best thing we can do is accept it, learn from it, and change from it. When we do that, we can live our lives to the fullest and enjoy the future when it comes.

A technology that inspires me yet receives scrutiny is vaccines. As an immunocompromised individual, vaccines protect me from others and others from me. It is saddening to see controversy on world-saving infection control practices due to misinformation, fear, and ignorance. Despite that, I want to discuss the benefits of vaccines because of erased diseases, hesitancy surrounding success rates, and effects on public welfare. The creation of vaccines has advanced society. Many diseases are preventable, like polio. When you think of this disease, you think of the iron lung and the suffering it has caused. However, widespread polio vaccinations eradicated it in the United States. Some countries that lack medical resources/advancement have polio cases, but the fact it doesn't exist in the U.S shows the vaccine's power. Other diseases eradicated through vaccines include smallpox and rinderpest, originally serious infections. Despite the strength of vaccines, some people doubt their success due to changing germs. Considerable doubts from people hesitant about vaccines are what if it's unsuccessful? For example, someone catches the flu after receiving their vaccine. Some people use this to argue that vaccines are useless, but I digress. Influenza is regularly mutating. Sometimes these mutations become adaptations making it difficult for a vaccine to work. As influenza becomes more infectious and contagious, you want defenses for yourself and others as scientists and doctors work on making the vaccine more potent. It's the same for similar controversial vaccines for diseases like HPV and measles, denied by people for moral/religious reasons. The problem many scientists face with vaccines is the line that can intrude on someone's privacy. Earlier, I mentioned HPV, a sexually transmitted disease with vaccines recommended for pre-adolescent girls. Many parents denied the vaccine, not wanting to involve children in sexual activities. The issue with this perspective is that it causes ignorance and allows preventable diseases to spread later. Getting the HPV vaccine isn't about being sexually involved with people as a kid. It's to set you up with protection for the future from six kinds of cancer. I'm thankful for vaccines created against diseases. Although there is debate, we shouldn't overlook how frequently healthcare workers remind us that vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended. Facts have shown that vaccines are practical in protection. With education, reflection, and advocacy, we can continue to shine the light on vaccines and help others realize their everlasting impact on healthcare and our longevity.

Common ways to combat climate change advertised toward the ordinary citizen, such as recycling or taking a bike instead of a car, do not make an impact big enough to cause any change. It is not to say these actions are not helpful. Taking the time to minimize your carbon footprint is a great way to start battling climate change, but the real reason it is not enough is the majority of greenhouse gas emissions come from corporations. So, the realistic way to create an impact is to vote and share your voice. When I say the majority of greenhouse gas emissions are from large corporations, I mean it. A recent report published by the Carbon Majors Database identified that 100 energy companies are responsible for 71% of all industrial emissions since human-driven climate change was officially identified (Axelrod). On a broader scale, the major industries we rely on and consume from also have a poor carbon footprint. Every year, large companies generate more greenhouse gases than one person could add to the atmosphere. As such, we need to encourage these large companies to reduce their contributions to climate change as much as possible by holding them accountable. For a long time, we never blamed these corporations. The methods we depend on to combat climate change rely on the individual. However, one person following an eco-friendly lifestyle cannot make a dent in the damage constantly inflicted upon the environment by these gas emissions. So when we do our part to help the world, we should also start focusing our efforts on people who can make a difference. When people come together under a democracy, we can influence who leads us and solves the problems that matter to us. Right now, climate change has become an increasingly hot topic in politics. Whenever we have the chance to elect someone, we should try to appoint someone inclined toward pushing laws that take the environment into account. Essentially, this means voting for better laws to control climate change. If everyone does their part, we can reduce the number of emissions that go into the world. With everyday citizens making up 8 billion of the population, we cannot just ignore the fact that we also have a responsibility for how the planet is affected. However, more costly measures that can move the needle regarding how much emissions pollute the atmosphere can only happen through the democratic system. Climate change is a frustrating political battle because, for many corporations, it is about the money, not the world's health. As scientist Bill Nye puts it, "The Supreme Court does what the law says, so we just have to pass laws that are more direct, more specific, more in everybody’s best interest." Following this information, I strive to fight climate change by choosing to follow a sustainable lifestyle sprinkled with hints of advocacy and initiation. For example, although I am not of the legal age to vote, I still share what I think about climate change and what needs to happen to fix it. I also keep myself accountable by minimizing the number of natural resources I use. I try to eat healthily and save energy by reducing the amount of output I put into the world. Overall, I am always willing to do more for our planet, but being educated and using your political power is one of the best ways to strive for change.

Hardship came into my life from the moment I was born. I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, characterized by overgrowth. Symptoms range from child to child, but common problems include an enlarged tongue, abdominal abnormalities, too much insulin, and an increased risk for cancer. As such, I spent the majority of my childhood in the hospital. I had to have constant checkups and scans to ensure I wasn't developing tumors, and I had to get multiple surgeries on my leg and tongue to keep my overgrowth at bay. It was a confusing and stressful time for my family. At the time, doctors didn't have much information on Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. They knew the physical complications that came with it, but they often told my mother how they were worried about my mental development. I had to attend speech therapy and got warned I was unlikely to excel in school. While there is no evidence that Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome impaired children mentally, it was still a concern of the many practitioners I met. For some time, I struggled with keeping up with school work and making friends in elementary school because my health had to be my number one priority. Although I'm grateful for the treatments and care I received, I became emotionally and socially stunted. I was awkward and unsure because I missed so much school. There would be days when the teacher would assign us homework with fractions, and I couldn't comprehend how they worked. In physical education, I sat aside while everyone else bonded and played because I was recovering from leg surgeries. As a result, my mental health started to decline. I began to believe that I was a burden to others and wouldn't amount to much once I got to the real world. It was a scary, dark time for my mind. However, I overcame my insecurity and flaws through the support I received at home. My family did their best to tutor me whenever I couldn't understand math. Luckily, my mother was fond of learning and enjoyed educating others. Not only that, but I had a kind family dog who showed me empathy and love. My family helped me realize that I was more than the doctors said. However, what benefited me was when they let me get therapy. Having someone to talk to made me realize I was unique and strong enough to attend school and do my best despite my disadvantages. It makes me grateful that even if my parents don't always see eye to eye with me, they're still willing to listen to me and consider my solutions. I'm now in my last year of high school, and I can proudly state that I'm a straight-A student with big dreams and goals, such as earning a master's degree in animal science. In a way, my struggles taught me how to love myself even when I'm weak. I've built a better relationship with myself, and as a result, I can advocate for my needs. Getting therapy has helped me learn about acceptance and persistence through grueling times. Today, I'm an ambitious person who understands how to deal with life's challenges. Even when I do struggle, I always know where to seek help for myself. For a long time, I thought success was something I'd never be able to attain. It was a door that became closed due to expectations, but with motivation and effort, it's a door I know I can open myself if I continue to work hard.

I've always been an academically driven student from a young age. Due to health problems from a genetic disorder I had, doctors and family often expected me to be mentally impaired. Despite their expectations, I proved them wrong by excelling in school. After middle school, my mom enrolled me in San Joaquin Delta College through a college early start program. Before high school, I was already pushing myself in college classes to get ahead. With dedication and slight struggles, I quickly adapted and balanced my high school classes and college classes. I took courses every spring, summer, and fall semester and even added some extracurriculars, such as volunteering at a local animal shelter and engaging in my hobbies. With the amount of work I've put into school, I'm close to completing my IGETC certificate, which means I can bring all the classes I've taken at Delta College to UCs and CSUs. Since most of the classes I've taken are transferable, I can finish my bachelor's early, which allows me to focus on getting my master's. I plan on majoring in biology or animal science to work in a career that interacts with animals, whether it's a conservation or lab setting. Since the jobs I'm interested in require a high level of education, I'm prepared and ready to start my post-secondary journey as soon as I graduate high school in 2023. I've already started working on my college applications. I've had multiple people read through my insight questions and give their critiques. I want my application to be polished and in tip-top shape to show that I'm a strong candidate with knowledge, qualities, and persistence to work through college. Once my academic counselor gives me the okay that everything is in order, I'll be sending in the applications to the schools I'm interested in attending. Although my dreams are big, they all lead to the common goal, to better the world so animals and humans can coexist. Many species are dying out or driven out of their natural habitat, which forces them to interact with humans. I want to be able to give these animals a second chance, whether it be through innovative research or by providing them with a new home. I want to be someone who will give animals a voice when they cannot advocate for themselves. Because of my passion for animal science and advocacy, I'm pushing myself to go above and beyond academically, socially, and personally.

It is human nature to want to create change for the better. We often doubt our impact and wonder if it will lead to a happier, more peaceful society. However, it's the little and sizeable actions of people that unite us with the people, community, and things we care about that help us make advancements in life. My work, although small, is vital in making the world a friendlier place for animals and humans to coexist and live happily together. I was an animal lover growing up. I stayed stuck like glue to my German Shepherd Jadie from a young age. Her kindness influenced me. For some, the concept of emotions in animals is unfathomable, but I knew she cared for me. Whenever my parents argued over money, she would stay curled up with me on the bed. Stray licks of comfort consoled me during these stressful days. Not only that, but she genuinely cared for my safety. Once when I was young, I accidentally fell into a lake after getting too close to the edge to admire the ducks. Jadie barked frantically before jumping into the river before my dad pulled me out. I was cold and shocked, already crying from the consequences of my actions, while Jadie circled me, whimpering and licking my face again. If it weren't for the kindness from Jadie's soul, I would've never cared for animals on the level I do now. The first impact I made was on a little furry friend, a cat I named Katie. I found Katie randomly as a five-year-old kid. My mom had brought me to her friend's house. I liked exploring outside because the house was in a rural area. I stumbled upon some boxes and found a stray kitten all alone through further inspection. Although there were many cats in this area, even kittens, I didn't understand how she ended up there. I looked around my surroundings, wondering if Katie's mother was around, but it seemed like she was gone. When I brought Katie to my mom, we decided to foster her first and take care of her until we adopted her. From there, she stopped living her life in a cold box, a place she would likely starve in, to living in a home full of warmth and love. The second impact I made was in 5th grade through a project that tested our abilities to present and bring positive experiences to the Stockton community. After my interactions with stray animals, I decided to interview the Animal Care Services Manager Phillip Zimmerman, who showed me around the City of Stockton Animal Services. I saw dogs and cats without a home and wanted to help. To do that, I designed a banner with my dad using their logo and donated it to them so they could use it in future adoption and fundraising events. From there, I started to delve into my science classes. I was passionate about animal science, and the slightest connections I could make in subjects like biology and AP biology brought me so much joy. The most recent impact I made occurred in my last year of high school. During that time, Jadie passed away during my first year of high school, and I spent much of the isolation period of the pandemic grieving and missing her. After some support and encouragement from my mother and counselor, I started volunteering at the same shelter I helped in 5th grade. It has been a fulfilling, fun experience for me so far. Although the work can be laborious at times, it has never deterred me because my help with the chores lessens the responsibilities of the staff. The employees can focus on tending to and getting cute animals the loving home they deserve. Every day I see animals come and go, and it motivates me to keep working so I can make a difference. Over the last couple of weeks, I've continued my volunteer work, but I've recently started on my college applications. So far, I've applied to many well-known universities that offer programs surrounding biology or animal science. In the future, I want to make an impact by working in a lab or research setting. As I start my post-secondary journey, I'll keep advocating for animals and show they deserve as much kindness as any other person. If I am the one who needs to act as their voice, then I'll step up because every life is precious, big or small.

Adversity came into my life from the moment I was born. I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, characterized by overgrowth. Symptoms range from child to child, but common problems include an enlarged tongue, abdominal abnormalities, too much insulin, and an increased risk for cancer. As such, I spent the majority of my childhood in the hospital. I had to have constant checkups and scans to ensure I wasn't developing tumors, and I had to get multiple surgeries on my leg and tongue to keep my overgrowth at bay. It was a confusing and stressful time for my family. At the time, doctors didn't have much information on Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. They knew the physical complications that came with it, but they often told my mother how they were worried about my mental development. I had to attend speech therapy and got warned I was unlikely to excel in school. While there is no evidence that Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome impaired children mentally, it was still a concern of the many practitioners I met. For some time, I struggled with keeping up with school work and making friends in elementary school because my health had to be my number one priority. Although I'm grateful for the treatments and care I received, I became emotionally and socially stunted. I was awkward and unsure because I missed so much school. There would be days when the teacher would assign us homework with fractions, and I couldn't comprehend how they worked. In physical education, I sat aside while everyone else bonded and played because I was recovering from leg surgeries. As a result, my mental health started to decline. I began to believe that I was a burden to others and wouldn't amount to much once I got to the real world. It was a scary, dark time for my mind. However, I overcame my insecurity and flaws through the support I received at home. My family did their best to tutor me whenever I couldn't understand math. Luckily, my mother was fond of learning and enjoyed educating others. Not only that, but I had a kind family dog who showed me empathy and love. My family helped me realize that I was more than the doctors said. I was unique and strong enough to attend school and do my best despite my disadvantages. I'm now in my last year of high school, and I can proudly state that I'm a straight-A student with big dreams and goals, such as earning a master's degree in animal science. In a way, my struggles taught me how to love myself even when I'm weak. It's helped me learn about acceptance and persistence through even grueling times. Today, I'm an ambitious person who understands how to deal with life's challenges. Even when I do struggle, I always know where to seek help and how to advocate for myself. For a long time, I thought success was something I'd never be able to attain. It was a door that became closed due to expectations, but with motivation and effort, it's a door I know I can open myself if I continue to work hard.

For a long time, I felt uncertain about my future. I wasn't confident in what I wanted to pursue, and I still felt there was so much I could learn and experience. At first, I wanted to major in education, but then it changed to mathematics. However, with new experiences and interactions, I feel confident in pursuing animal science. I learned this is what I wanted to do because of volunteer work at my local animal shelter and my bonding experiences with emotional support dogs and my family dog. From a young age, I always had the goal of being educated. I always wanted a bachelor's and master's degree. I still do, and it's one of my main goals right now as a high school senior who is applying to colleges. With more insight into myself, I've decided to major in animal science or biology. I've conducted plenty of research into the colleges that fit my character and needs and found universities with good resources and opportunities. My main goal is to ensure that my applications are ready and in tip-top shape as they can be before submitting them. Although these are goals most people expect from teenagers, they are small ones I have created that lead up to my main goal, which is to be a lab technician or animal scientist. It took a lot of hardship, struggles, and memorable events to feel confident with this career choice. Something that has troubled my life and will most likely continue is my health issues. When my mom gave birth to me, I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. It is characterized by overgrowth, and treatments involve surgery. As such, I visited the hospital from a young age constantly. What truly helped start my positive experiences with animals was the emotional support dogs the staff brought to cheer up kids. The empathy these kind creatures showed me also helped me convince my parents to get a family dog. Our family dog was a German Shepherd named Jadie, who gave me comfort in times of debilitating sickness, injury, and sadness. With my health issues also came financial issues that stressed my parents to the point of consistent arguments. Despite the hardships I faced in my childhood, the animals I had in my life helped me learn how to cope with my emotions and pain properly and healthily. Another hardship I will likely experience is low-income. However, even though I can't pay off all of my fees, I know I can take advantage of the resources offered at the federal and state levels. I will complete paperwork regarding my FAFSA, Cal grants, and scholarships like this to give myself a better start. Getting a college education might be difficult, but I will never let that deter me. I feel motivated to achieve my dreams and make what I want to happen. I will continue to work hard, get excellent grades, and push myself in ways that test me. With the volunteer work I do, the classes I take, and the research I've done, I will prepare myself for the future, whether it's through getting a job, getting an internship, or getting into a rigorous program. Whatever happens, I will ensure I keep myself disciplined and ready for whatever obstacles may appear.

My journey as a minority woman started when my mom decided to move to the United States with my dad to give their children a better life. When I was born, I was diagnosed with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. It's a genetic disorder characterized by overgrowth. As a result, I had to undergo multiple surgeries for my limbs and tongue. I spent months in the hospital, going in and out for checkups. It was isolating for me as a child, and I often thought about how fun the kids at school must have compared to me. However, the hospital provided me with an experience that helped me learn how valuable animals would be in my life. One day, while in the fun room, some staff members brought an emotional support dog. It was a cute Golden Retriever that would sit by your side and cheer you up. At that point, I loved dogs and cats. When I finally recovered and started spending more time at home, my family got a German Shepherd named Jadie. I can confidently say that Jadie is the biggest reason I'm passionate about animal science and service. My family often argued over money because our financial situation wasn't the most stable. I often had nothing to do because my mom had to help my dad with his business so we wouldn't have to worry about my healthcare. So, I took solace and comfort in Jadie's presence. Jadie was a beautiful soul who had a lot of empathy for me. Whenever I was upset, she would sit by my side and cuddle with me. She passed away three years ago, but I still think about her daily and the influence she had on my life. She and my mom gave me opportunities. Without my mom, I would've never been enrolled in an Aspire school and surrounded by intellectual individuals who cared about my education and learning. If it weren't for Jadie, I would've never taken some science electives because I wouldn't have been passionate about learning about animal science. Because of Jadie, I've learned that I love science. Biology and AP Biology were the first classes that convinced me that pursuing an animal science major and career would be in my best interest. Even now, as a senior, I'm taking environmental science and anatomy and still enjoying the work I do. I also started volunteering at my local animal shelter for more experience and insight into myself and the type of work I want to pursue. With deep college research, once I earn the necessary degrees, I'll be trying to land a job either working in a lab or a conservation setting. Some careers I'm genuinely interested in learning more about include zookeepers, aquarists, lab technicians, specialists, and scientists. If it weren't for the support of my mom and the love of the animals around me, I wouldn't be where I am today. No matter how I struggle, I'll use every obstacle life throws at me as a learning opportunity to achieve the goals and dreams I've set for myself. With the support of this scholarship, I know I can make a difference in the lives of many animals. I would be able to create change in a subject that matters to me as we continue to coexist and rely on different animals. Society needs animals for knowledge, resources, and food, and I want to find a balance that would work in all of our best interests.

I plan on pursuing a career in STEM. I am very interested in science, specifically animal science, which is why I'd like to work as a technician or an animal scientist. I want to work in either career because I plan to get a bachelor's and master's degree. If I get a bachelor's degree in animal science, I'd be very comfortable and satisfied working in a lab in the beginning. I love working with data, and since I'm methodical, I enjoy having steps and procedures to follow. The sorts of responsibilities we see in lab assistants and technicians have fallen into this category. Usually, they have to work with electronic and computerized equipment that requires a good eye for analysis, coordination, and daily cleaning. Eventually, if I were to pursue my master's, I could officially work as an animal scientist. I want to be an animal scientist because it's always been a dream of mine to work with animals in some beneficial way. Learning about animals has been a passion of mine growing up. As I'm in my last year of high school, I've been gaining experience volunteering at my local animal shelter. So far, although the work is laborious, it's been rewarding and insightful. Knowing that I have a genuine interest in the well-being of animals encourages me to get a better education to make a better impact. As someone always striving to work hard and achieve more, I think working as an animal scientist would fit me very well. Working in a shelter with animals is one thing, but using knowledge and research to create change suits me much better in terms of my character. I would be able to work with complex data, design research studies, and possibly inspect and regulate many different industries that do work with animals. I want both society's best interests and the animals' best interests. Our world depends on thousands of different species to keep the world balanced. The responsibility scientists have in educating others and learning more about themselves is something I've always thought about doing. As a science lover, I want to pursue a career that I know I will enjoy and feel fulfilled in doing. I want to change the world through innovation, change, and invention. A place where animals and humans can live in harmony is something I want to achieve through the positive impacts I could cause.

I believe the quote is accurate because online gaming is a popular activity for adults, adolescents, and even kids. For supporters and players alike, online gaming means meeting strangers. People interact to cultivate a community and share an experience by communicating together to reach an objective. Some do it for fun others do it competitively. However, interacting with strangers often comes with discourse and its fair share of negativity. Some people disregard typical social norms because they think their actions are funny and valid. They don't provide the same respect they would have in real-life online because being online means you can hide behind a screen. A certain amount of anonymity comes with using the internet. How we decide to use it often differs from how we interact with people in real life. From personal experience, as someone who loves playing video games, I can confirm this phenomenon in-game. The gaming industry is well-known for its dominance of male players. Of course, girls can play too, and usually, most people don't care about your gender. However, I've faced a lot of stigmas, negativity, and judgment online from people because they have sexist, racist, or homophobic views they want to share in-game. After all, there isn't much social consequence. I've watched players spam slurs in the chat and say cruel things people would condemn for mentioning in public. Some offenses I've seen were for me. Some do it to get a reaction from people, and others do it because they're spiteful and have a lot of hatred. Either way, both sides of the spectrum have one thing in common, which is to be disrespectful. The problem is that since there is no consequence for these online players, the way they interact with real-life people is often similar. Over the years, I've noticed that with increased media, younger students have gotten comfortable with joking about race, sexuality, and gender because it's their norm. Although it can be a joke for most people, I know some people can take it out of hand and push it too far by hurting someone verbally or physically. Overall, the phenomenon of online gaming forums evokes the question of how we make a safer environment online. More barriers, consequences, and punishments need to exist for what we do online as we continue to advance as a society that relies on technology. Every day, more and more aspects of our daily lives get replaced with digital media, and we need to recognize that and create positive changes that will protect people from harm.

For a long time, I used to be someone who wanted to please others, who would endure mistreatment from strangers, family, and friends. Even if someone made me feel bad, I would avoid standing up for myself and guilt myself into accepting what they said about me. This summer, I started attending therapy sessions to help me grow a healthier mind and find better ways of combating anxiety and depression. Right away, we discussed things in my life that have held me back, starting with a friendship that had recently ended. For a long time, the girl I spent most of my high school years with meant the world to me. However, the moment I got into a good relationship, I realized she was passive-aggressive, non-communicative, and annoyed with me constantly. There were points when I thought things were going well as she talked to my boyfriend and even said they were friends. However, I've realized she mostly lied to save her dignity. She ended our friendship out of the blue, which made me feel confused and lost. I felt a lot of grief because we used to be very close. She typed out a long, lengthy paragraph describing how she could never trust my boyfriend and another number of passive-aggressive things that she didn't bring up until the end. I blamed myself for everything that happened in the beginning. I felt I shouldn't have meshed my social life with my relationship. My boyfriend, who was also hurt like me, comforted me through the troubling time, telling me much of what she did was toxic and immature. For example, she would post on her social media following about things that would vaguely happen between us. Whenever I saw what she posted, I knew she was talking about me. I always tried to communicate with her when that happened, and it'd make me feel very guilty that she was using subtext to attack my character instead of coming to me directly. When I started therapy, I realized several things. However, I mainly took away that the end of our friendship was not my fault. We both messed up, but there were issues on my friend's side I couldn't solve. We bonded over problems, and I got past them, but she couldn't do the same. As my therapist put it, she still had skeletons in her closet. One thing I grasped about myself now is that I want people who will support me and be happy for me. My relationship is something I'm very proud of, and I want people who will uplift me as I will do with them. With therapy and self-reflection, I learned to create boundaries surrounding my friendships and how to reflect on the past. I'm no longer the same girl who would take everyone's burdens. I still want to help others, but I won't do it at my expense. I've started to learn to love and protect myself, and now I know when I should say no or when I need to cut off something that is draining me. Even now, I'm still going to therapy and learning more about myself, and it's something I will continue as I change and grow.

My parents immigrated from China to the United States to provide a better life for me. However, because they didn't speak English very well, they had to work in the flea market to make ends meet. We were the very definition of a low-income family. Growing up, I didn't have the typical childhood experience many others had. Since my family couldn't afford to spare money for daycare services, they often brought me along to my dad's booth. From a young age, I felt some responsibility when it came to the topic of money. My mom always told me to avoid candies, snacks, and toys I didn't necessarily need. Not only that, but it didn't help I had health problems that required consistent checkups. Due to my genetic disorder, I felt guilty for the strife I caused between my parents, who often fought over how tight money was or how little we had. It was tough, and it created challenges mentally. Because of how I felt, I wanted to do everything I could to help my parents. When I was at the flea market with them, I would try my best to help with collecting money, sharing prices with customers, and keeping products organized. Although I did my best, I also witnessed a lot of violence at the flea market, as it wasn't the safest place. Fights sometimes broke out by our booth, and it was scary. Those days still follow me sometimes, and my experiences have encouraged me now as a teen to get a good education and job. I would never want any kid or adult to struggle as we did. In my last year of high school, I have high plans to make a decent living and help out my parents. I want to use my experiences to focus on my studies and earn a bachelor's and master's degree to work in a safer, more engaging, and more productive environment. If I can do that, I can positively impact my community and possibly the world through scientific research. As an animal science lover, who cares deeply for our environment, I know I can do that by gaining as much experience as possible. Recently this summer, I've been volunteering at my local animal shelter. The work I've done has been very fulfilling to me so far. If I keep up and persist as I always do, I know I can change my life and help the people I care about through life-changing work that benefits society and the animals around us.

STEM is a broad term used to group different academic disciplines; it includes varying levels of academics with many types of occupations someone can choose. I am very interested in science, specifically animal science, which is why I'd like to work as a technician or an animal scientist. I want to work in either career because I plan to get a bachelor's and master's degree. If I get a bachelor's degree in animal science, I'd be very comfortable and satisfied working in a lab in the beginning. I love working with data, and since I'm methodical, I enjoy having steps and procedures to follow. The sorts of responsibilities we see in lab assistants and technicians have fallen into this category. Usually, they have to work with electronic and computerized equipment that requires a good eye for analysis, coordination, and daily cleaning. Eventually, if I were to pursue my master's, I could officially work as an animal scientist. I want to be an animal scientist because it's always been a dream of mine to work with animals in some beneficial way. Learning about animals has been a passion of mine growing up. As I'm in my last year of high school, I've been gaining experience volunteering at my local animal shelter. So far, although the work is laborious, it's been rewarding and insightful. Knowing that I have a genuine interest in the well-being of animals encourages me to get a better education to make a better impact. As someone always striving to work hard and achieve more, I think working as an animal scientist would fit me very well. Working in a shelter with animals is one thing, but using knowledge and research to create change suits me much better in terms of my character. I would be able to work with complex data, design research studies, and possibly inspect and regulate many different industries that do work with animals. I want both society's best interests and the animals' best interests. Our world depends on thousands of different species to keep the world balanced. The responsibility scientists have in educating others and learning more about themselves is something I've always thought about doing. As a science lover, I want to pursue a career that I know I will enjoy and feel fulfilled in doing. These are the sorts of jobs that fit me best, which is why I want to pursue them so much.

One technology that inspires me in how technology can make the world a better place is the use of prosthetics. Although prosthetics were for humans who've lost limbs, I love how people go out of their way to make prosthetics for injured animals. The art of artificial limbs can help bring back lost mobility and a sense of normalcy for all living beings. As someone who loves animals, the idea of prosthetics can be helpful in many ways. Owning a pet can be very costly, especially when they need surgery or are disabled. Prosthetics can provide a new option that can act as an alternative between an expensive surgery or euthanasia. Prosthetics are inspiring because they are constantly being worked on and developed. Currently, prosthetics are more comfortable, lively-looking, and efficient. Scientists and engineers have changed the wooden/leather prosthetics we've seen in the past into technology that works with our brains. This one idea alone has a complicated history and timeline. It's fascinating to see how much has changed and how much we try to innovate. Although many other technologies create inspiration, prosthetics are one that constantly enlightens me as someone who has struggled through health issues surrounding surgeries and genetic disorders. Being in and out of the hospital has taught me how reliable technology can be. Because of that, sometimes I wonder if I had known about prosthetics earlier, how I could've given my old childhood dog a better life. My German Shepherd Jadie has passed away due to old age, but sometimes I wonder how happy she was near the end of it. She slowly lost mobility in her back legs and couldn't even walk properly by the time I was in high school. If I had access to prosthetics that could replace her legs, I believe I could've elevated her happiness. Thoughts and questions like these are the reason I believe in technology. They can improve the lives of both people and animals. That's why I want to pursue animal science and refine the technology we continue to rely on and use.

I plan on applying to well-known colleges that provide biology majors surrounding animal science. Some of my top choices are the University of California Davis, the University of California San Diego, and California Polytechnic State University. Majors that I have picked and hope to pursue include animal science, ecology, marine science, biology, and zoology. These are my plans because it is a goal/dream of mine to work with animals. To make my dream happen, I've set small goals for myself. Right now, I'm working on applying to universities, making sure I've given the correct information and continuing my volunteer work at my local animal shelter. I want to make sure my applications are in pristine shape before I submit them. Making them as accurate as possible will help me avoid any mistakes that may affect me if I am not accepted. Although I have a set goal in mind, I still want to ensure it's something I genuinely want to do. I've been volunteering at the City of Stockton Animal Services Center to test that. It has not only given me experience as to what it may be like to work at an animal shelter, but it has also given me insight into myself. I found out through my volunteer work that I enjoy working with animals, even if the work is tedious or chore-like. I believe the satisfaction of seeing animals getting adopted and being well-taken care of gives me a sense of fulfillment. As someone with a lot of empathy, love, and respect for animals, I want to keep gaining more and more experience. Eventually, when I go to college, I hope to set higher goals, such as applying for and entering programs and internships. I want to place these goals for myself because I know they are achievable and a part of the process of getting the career I want. However, I must work hard and focus on academics and extracurricular activities. Working on my personal life will prepare me in the best way possible. After my applications, I will be applying for financial aid. As someone from a low-income family, I don't want to struggle with affording an education. It helps to know that I have resources to go to regarding such circumstances. Overall, I have a good idea of what I want to do and how I'll make it happen. As I conduct more research and study how to make these things happen, I know my plans and goals will change and adapt to new information.

As a senior, I plan on applying to colleges and universities as an animal science/zoology/biology major. I am pursuing a degree in these fields because I want to work in a career that interacts with animals. However, many jobs that interact with animals require either a bachelor's degree or higher. As someone who wants to start working at a zoo or aquarium, I must get the necessary education to be knowledgeable enough for such a position. I am determined to work in such careers because learning about animals isn't a little hobby of mine. It's a passion. My love for animals has grown from many experiences, especially ones in my childhood. My childhood was a bit rough. I was born with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by overgrowth. To treat my problems, I had to undergo several surgeries. As such, I resided at the hospital. I was isolated from school and my peers, and I didn't have many people I could talk to as a kid. To cheer the children up, the hospital staff would bring emotional support dogs, who would stay by your side. Those moments with the lovable dogs made my days so much easier. Not only did I experience empathy from the dogs at the hospital, but my dog at home gave me the same kind of care. Because I had so many health issues, my parents had financial issues. We were a low-income family, so they often fought and argued over me. It was stressful for me to be at home because I didn't understand what was going on. It was unstable, but it was easier to get through because my German Shepherd would comfort me. Her name was Jadie, and she was one of the most gentle dogs I've ever seen or had. She could sense when I was emotionally distressed. Our bond motivated me to learn more about animals and work with them, especially after her passing. Without her companionship, I wouldn't be the animal-invested person I am today. As I gain more experience through my studies and volunteer work at my local animal shelter, I realize there are many obstacles I may encounter along the way. First, I may struggle with research and finding a solution. Much of the work in STEM requires students to find a problem, conduct experiments and studies, and find a problem. I will have to work on my critical-thinking skills to be able to do this. Second, I have to keep my personal opinions out of my work. As someone who will work with science, I may face situations that cause moral dilemmas. I might have to judge when to keep my opinions out of work and when I might be crossing what I believe. One last thing I may struggle with is explaining the importance of animals and connecting that information with the everyday consumer. Sometimes, people don't care or know to understand the issues that exist in our everyday world. Although I may face many struggles, I'm willing to persist through them all. Animal science is a genuine interest of mine, and I won't give up when things get tough. It's my dream to earn a job that works with animals, and I will get the education and work experience I need to make that happen. It's about persistence to get through whatever may try to block your path. It is why despite STEM being a difficult concept for some people to understand, I'll do what it takes to make it work in my favor.

I believe my mental health is relevant because it affects me emotionally, psychologically, and socially. My mental health can affect how I think, feel, and act. As such, taking care of your mental health is a priority everyone should have because it can influence how you handle stress, interact with others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is essential in every life stage because the older we get, the more we understand why we act the way we do. It is crucial to take care of your mental health to live a happy life because it stabilizes constructive behaviors and emotions and also plays a role in how you take care of your physical health. As someone who has struggled with mental health, I've been maintaining mental wellness by engaging in hobbies, staying connected with friends, taking care of my body through good eating/exercise, and going to therapy to unlearn any unhealthy mechanisms. I feel like I am at my happiest when I work on myself and stay consistent with what I do. For a long time, I would engage in behaviors that negatively affected my mental health. During depressive episodes, I'd avoid brushing my teeth and showering for months. I would also binge on food and isolate myself from friends and family by sleeping in all the time. I got stuck in a cycle of feeling bad about myself physically and feeling bad about myself mentally. Eventually, after a complicated conversation with my family, I convinced them to help me find a therapist. Therapy is always something I wanted, and I'm proud I advocated for myself despite the backlash I initially faced. In a way, therapy teaches me to maintain my mental wellness by thinking about my actions and emotions on a deeper level of reflection and pushing myself to stick to a routine consistently. With healthier habits, I feel a lot less anxious and depressed. Instead of feeling hopeless, I feel more confident in myself and the future I may have. Now that I've worked on my mental health, I've improved my physical health, which shows how interconnected they are. At my lowest point, I weighed around 189 lbs at 5'3", but now I weigh 115 lbs. In my mental health journey, I've also engaged in habits that helped my body physically and emotionally. For a long time, people stigmatized mental health, but as a society, we need to recognize that when we don't nurture our mental health, we let ourselves be more prone to sickness and unhappiness. We must take care of all sides of ourselves, not just the physical aspect alone. As such, I continue to go to therapy because it keeps me in check and helps me build better relationships with myself and others.

Right now, I own two dogs, but when I was younger, I had a childhood dog named Jadie. Jadie was a beautiful German Shepherd who was always by my side until she died on September 1st, 2021. Her companionship influenced my interests and future. I cannot put into words how important this dog was to me. She was family to me. Sometimes, I felt like she understood me better than the people around me. My childhood was turbulent and rough. I had a genetic disorder known as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome that caused overgrowth in my right leg and tongue. I had to undergo multiple surgeries during my elementary school years. As such, I didn't make many friends at school because I was so busy recovering and receiving healthcare. I was bedridden for a while, and my condition stressed my parents daily. We were a low-income family, and most of their finances went to me. They argued a lot about money, and on the days they would fight, I would find solace in Jadie. Jadie showed a lot of empathy toward me as a kid. When I started crying, she would curl up next to me and lick my face until I stopped. Her caring nature led her to be a source of emotional support. I would hold her until I felt calm or stand near her because her presence brought a sense of peace to a rocky, unstable life. As I got older, I soon realized how much I cherished her and loved animals. However, once I was in high school, she passed away. Her passing is something I still think about a couple of years later. I still grieve the loss and think about how empty I felt without her, but I also think about the impact she had on me now that I'm a senior. Without Jadie, I don't think I would've developed the interests I had in animals. I wouldn't be where I am now, preparing to apply to universities especially well-known for zoology or animal science. I've gained many experiences motivated by wanting to learn more and develop myself. Because of her, I started volunteering at an animal shelter in the summer of 2022, and it's been very fulfilling to see dogs and cats get adopted into kind, loving homes. I own dogs now, and they are just as important to me as Jadie was, but I must thank Jadie for the part she had in my childhood. Without her, I wouldn't know the path I wanted to go on or be the animal-loving person I am today. Every day, I'm glad Jadie came into my life, and I plan on giving the same love I received from her to the pets I have right now.

My favorite Disney character was Mulan. As an Asian-American, it was hard to see movies that represented your culture, and at the time, Mulan was one of the few movies with Asian representation. Now that I'm older, I recognize the flaws of Mulan, but her character taught me many life lessons surrounding myself and the world. The biggest reasons I loved Mulan as a kid were because she broke stereotypes, worked hard despite struggling, and took risks. Mulan's character broke many stereotypes embedded in both American and Asian cultures. During the 1900s, many people believed women should be subservient to men and that they didn't have any worth on the battlefield. Yet, Mulan disregarded that idea and secretly joined the war anyway. At first, when her secret got out, she was disgraced, but her ability to stand up for herself and save all of China helped people realize that being feminine didn't affect strength, wisdom, or willpower. Her ambition to break the expectations around her was also a factor in her success. At first, Mulan struggled to fit in and keep up with all the other men during training. However, as she was about to give up, she used creative thinking to make a new solution. Her innovation proved to Shang and the others that everyone had their part in the war and could contribute in some way. Not only that, but by pushing through every obstacle that faced her, she found herself. She realized she didn't need to be the perfect bride her family expected her to be and that her family would accept her just for who she was because they loved her. She would likely never discovered that part of her if she didn't take risks. Risks always come with success or failure, but sometimes you will never know the outcome if you don't try. Mulan's perseverance and ability to take risks showed that you reap the rewards if you try. Many of us can apply what Mulan taught us and try to take more risks in our lives. Sometimes we are too scared of the unknown, which holds us from doing more. I believe Mulan was the perfect role model. It is why she was always my favorite Disney princess out of everyone else.

To be healthy, we should nurture our brain, body, and health. However, focusing on all three can be difficult when work exists. It may be hard to maintain a healthy schedule while balancing school work. Since I'm in my last year of high school, I need to balance my health and focus on school to be in the best shape possible. School can be stressful, and I wasn't always the kindest to myself when it came to cutting myself some slack. I was hard on myself, and it was mentally draining to hold myself to high expectations. As I prepare for college and learn more about the real world, I've been relaxing a little more. It is always important to push yourself, but it's crucial to recognize that failure and struggle are human nature. I feel a bit freer from my mind knowing I'm putting in my best effort and that even if it doesn't get me what I want, it's enough. Being productive while taking necessary breaks is a step towards a better mindset. Another thing that can be hard to focus on is your physical health. Sometimes school doesn't make it easy to get in the exercise you need to be in tip-top shape. I can't spend hours at the gym because I have tests, assignments, and projects. However, I still try to dedicate time to get some fresh air. If I don't have the time to exercise, I always at least try to walk for 30 minutes. Using your muscles helps build energy and stamina and helps boost happy chemicals like endorphins. And it helps that once I go to college, I'll be able to go outside more because of a safer environment and freedom to control my schedule and what I do with time. Of course, going to school can interrupt healthy eating. To be blunt, the food at my school isn't always the most nutritious or filling. Not only that, but the time spent at school can often interfere with wanting to cook a healthy meal. As I learn more about my nutrition, I try to bring foods I want to eat that I know are filled with vitamins and satisfy my hunger. For example, when I control my portions and what I eat, I feel better than being forced to eat a school lunch due to time constraints. Because of the education I received, I know how important it is to watch what you eat. I always try to make sure I get two filling meals a day with some extra fruits, veggies, and snacks. Although school can take most of our attention, it's always important to give our bodies the necessary care. I always do my best to maintain a healthy mind, diet, and body. All of these make me feel better, and when I feel healthy, I feel like I do better in school. It's a bit of a motivating factor that pushes me to be the best person I can be when it comes to myself. After all, your health depends on the effort and time you're willing to contribute to yourself, and no one, not even school or work, should get in the way of what needs to come first.

I was born with a genetic disorder known as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. It is characterized by overgrowth, and although the severity varies from child to child, symptoms, and features can still be recognized at birth. I had overgrowth symptoms in my limbs, an overgrown tongue, and abdominal abnormalities. Although I didn't have other symptoms like low blood sugar, too much insulin, and cancer, I frequently got screened to ensure I didn't suddenly develop them. I spent much of my childhood in and out of the hospital for treatments and check-ups. I had four surgeries to combat overgrowth in my right leg and tongue from the age of four. It was a lengthy process that made me lose out on social opportunities. Due to a lack of social interactions, I became socially awkward and had low self-esteem. With very few friends to talk to, I continued going to the hospital for check-ups up to 8th grade, which also affected my academics. Growing up, I struggled with simple concepts like areas in a circle or how fractions worked because I missed so much school. Days of learning were days I spent resting and healing in bed from my surgeries or illnesses I would catch from a weak immune system. Not only that, but I often had to dedicate days to drive to the hospital as they were an hour or two away from where I lived. It was exhausting balancing my school life with my disorder because I didn't know how to keep up with my peers. I got stressed by everything. I wasn't feeling great about myself physically or academically, and I wasn't feeling good mentally. At home, my family struggled with financing the care I needed to get better. They would argue about issues surrounding money. It tore me up inside because I thought I was the reason they would fight and yell. They did everything they could to provide me with the best life possible, but the safety and care I felt weren't the most stable. Things are much better now that I no longer have that many issues when it comes to health, but I still remember the stressful days when fights escalated and never seemed to end. During my last year of high school, I've been reflecting on how my genetic disorder affected me and my goals. It was a difficult journey, but I've learned how to study and make friends. I have more confidence in myself physically, mentally, and academically. Back then, I never thought I'd excel in school, but I proved the doctors and myself wrong by getting straight A's. Deep down, I knew I had it in me. With my experiences growing up, the service animals in the hospital and my pets at home brought me the most joy and comfort in times of turbulence and disarray. They are the reason why I want to pursue animal science. With this in mind, I have multiple goals for the future. I want to attend a university with good programs and internships surrounding biology and zoology. I want to get a career that works with animals. And one day, I want to own a dog of my own and give it a big backyard by getting a house. Those are all the dreams I have I want to achieve, and I know I can get them despite the ups and downs in my journey of healing and struggles.

A book that has transformed my life was the book Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution by Ji-li Jiang. Red Scarf Girl recounts the historical experiences Ji-li experienced during the Cultural Revolution in China. Initially, Ji-li had a bright life as one of the most brilliant and admired girls in her class. She had a promising future in Communist China. However, when communist leader Mao Ze-Dong started the Cultural Revolution, everything in her life changed. Over the next few years, she watches violence tear apart families, friends, and neighbors. Her family lives in constant terror of arrest, which eventually happens to her father. During her father's imprisonment, her home got ransacked for a second time, and Ji-Li decided to stick with her family rather than choose the Chinese Communist Party. Despite losing her home, education, and safety, she ends the story by telling the readers how her family is happy in America now. Her dad got released from prison, but nothing can bring back the years they lost. She wrote the book to explain her family's experiences and bridge the gap between the United States and China. The reason this book made such an impact on me is that my family is from China. My mom and dad both immigrated to the United States for a better life. They also had experiences with Mao Ze-Dong's reign. My dad experienced the violent parts of the Cultural Revolution. He lost out on his education as his dad was also unjustly imprisoned. It made me realize why he struggled so much and worked laborious jobs. My mom's family, on the other hand, loved Mao Ze-Dong. She told me how her mom walked hundreds of miles to see him speak. When I visited my grandma once in China, they brought me directly to Mao Ze-Dong's palace as a fun tourist trip. It was so weird to realize that some people in China worshiped him, and others hated him. The book helped me realize why some of my family were so loyal to their country and why others were not. My mom's side of the family still resides in China and refuses to move out despite the political circumstances surrounding COVID-19. My dad's family moved to America way before I was born due to everything that happened. The book educated me on the choices both sides of my family made and how any tyrant reign can create discrimination on a local and global scale. I'm grateful Ji-li wrote the book because it helped open people's eyes. It even opened mine, and on some level, it felt relatable. I've experienced discrimination both in the U.S from strangers and in China from my own family. It influenced me to stay true to my beliefs and not to let the hate others may give me drag me down.

Mathematics is the subject of knowledge surrounding numbers and formulas. On a deeper level, these topics appear in shapes, structures, and space. I love mathematics for the processing skills you need to develop and the creativity that can come with its solutions. Not only that, but mathematics is an essential component in keeping things orderly. We compute formulas and solve equations through a logical process. I enjoy solving math problems for that reason. I like seeing how math has a concrete step that makes sense. For me, it's not the solution that evokes a sense of pride but rather the ability to know what to do. Sure, you can get answers quickly through calculators and the internet, but if you don't know how to reach it, you lose out on critical processing skills that will help you with advanced math that doesn't appear on Google. Math is a subject that develops skills you need to rely on in any career. Even if you go into science, economy, or business careers, you will deal with numbers at some point. Learning the basics helps develop and nurture these skills to prepare you for the future. When you think about the scale on which we use math, it is constantly around us. From the architecture of buildings to products we use daily, math helps us build a structure and shape. Without math, I wouldn't be able to understand proportions in the human face or body when I draw. Math is deeply rooted in our society because it prevents chaos. It prevents us from messing up and helps us calculate how to minimize such problems. The best way to understand math is to recognize its importance. I love math because it challenges my ability to comprehend new subjects and keeps the peace by being a systematic method you can utilize without bias. The math shows the facts, not opinions, which is why it's so reliable and convenient. Math is a phenomenal tool anyone can rely on if they put their mind to it. For me, it helps me comprehend the things around me with greater efficiency. It also helps my creativity and makes me organized. Overall, math is so practical that it'd be tough to live in a world without it.

Learning helps us develop our minds and skills as we grow into adulthood. As such, learning is essential to polish who I am as a person who wants to apply myself to higher feats. I love learning because it challenges my brain physically and mentally. In classes, when I feel like my head is full of new information, I know it's because I'm struggling and doing my best to understand the material. Mentally, learning keeps me open-minded to new situations. Because the concept of learning intertwines with my values, I'll continue learning through higher education. As of 2022, I'm a senior who will graduate in 2023. I've been looking at colleges to apply to that satisfy my needs and interests. Right now, I'm interested in universities that have majors like zoology, animal science, and marine sciences. The biggest reason is that animals have been a long-held interest of mine. Growing up, I was always intrigued by how complex and unique each animal is, and it helped that I grew up loving dogs and cats, which further fostered this interest of mine. With my positive childhood experiences, I want to learn about animals on a broader scale. It used to be a small hobby, but now it's a passion. Learning more about animals will help me in the future for the careers I want to pursue. Recently, I've been looking at career choices, and I feel like workers in zoos, aquariums, national parks, and more would fit me best. However, many of these careers require a bachelor's degree or higher because of the expertise needed. If I desire to achieve my dreams, I need to keep learning through college classes that'll teach me the basics about specific subjects like anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and more. But I also need to absorb information through real-world experiences, such as volunteer work and internships. I've already started volunteering in the summer of 2022 at the Stockton Animal Shelter to get a feel for how work may be, but I want to learn more through programs that could send me to work with the animals directly. Since my goals require a lot of academic and physical work is why learning is so important to me. It's preparing me for a life of fulfillment that I know I'll be thrilled to have. I know I'll be where I want to be as I continue to sharpen my cognitive functioning and critical thinking skills.

My dream in life is to have a career that works with animals. I plan on achieving this dream by setting up goals like attending a 4-year university and earning my bachelor's degree. Overall, I want to learn more about the complexities of animals and conserve them.

It is essential to have healthy eating habits to have a long, prosperous life through one's nutrition and diet. Not only does eating nutritiously affect you positively physically, but it also positively affects you mentally and emotionally, which is why those who eat healthier tend to have a longer lifespan. I can attest to how creating and practicing healthy eating habits has helped me in my health journey. When I received nutritional advice, I never listened to my parents like many other children. Being told to eat your greens often felt like a punishment despite the good intentions behind the statement. Rather than eat my vegetables or fruits, I would secretly eat and binge on junk food. I would eat family-sized chips in only a day. I ate so many unhealthy foods that eventually led me to obesity with a BMI of over 33. At my heaviest, I weighed 189 lbs at 5" 3. I could barely take a couple of steps without feeling out of breath. The physical effects of being obese were burdening, but my mental state also declined. With my weight, I was prone to teasing and bullying from my family and kids at school. I felt like I received insults left and right, which worsened my self-esteem. I hated how I looked so much that I became desperate to change how I looked through any means necessary. My desperation evolved into disordered eating habits during the pandemic. I realized how bad my eating habits were and dialed it back tenfold. Instead of eating over 2,500 calories daily, I only ate 800 calories. If I felt like I had much one day, I would force myself to throw it back up. Since I quickly saw changes in my weight, it motivated me to starve myself more. It was damaging to my overall health. I felt like I was never skinny enough and had zero energy to do any activity. Not only that, but you could see I wasn't receiving any nutrition through my flaky, cracking skin. Eventually, my weight reached a standstill at 120 lbs. I wasn't losing any more weight no matter how little I ate. Soon enough, my mom recommended I take a nutrition class. It was through this nutrition class that I learned that I needed to change my eating habits. I slowly began to incorporate more meals into my schedule. At first, it was scary. My relationship with food had deteriorated so bad that I would have a panic attack after eating a couple of pieces of meat. I would also count my calories to feel in control, but it wasn't helping me feel good about myself. Slowly pushing through all my bad habits and unlearning all my unhealthy coping mechanisms changed my life for the better. Physically, I lost a bit more weight because my metabolism increased as I got the necessary calories for my basal metabolic rate. Mentally and emotionally, I felt happier because I gave myself more freedom regarding the foods I eat. I eat healthily, but it's also about my established habits. I stopped restricting junk food and let myself enjoy it once in a while because it's about making positive experiences with the food I eat rather than negative ones. I'm so much more different from before, and you can see it through my glowing skin and mood, which is why it's essential to have healthy eating habits.

Science is an integral part of society that challenges students to think, create, and articulate their thoughts. All of these components are why I plan on majoring in animal science. Without science, we lose innovative contributions that have changed the world for the better. There are so many reasons why science is essential, but the biggest ones are it improves basic life skills, creates improvements through change, and is a part of our everyday lives. Science is both a tool and a process. When kids start school, science challenges them to develop critical skills that we constantly use when we're older. Examples of life-long skills we grow from science include critical-thinking skills, communication skills, writing skills, mathematical skills, and more. Science incorporates subjects we rely on daily, which hardens and polishes our capabilities. When we don't improve these skills, we lose out on experiments that could create universal change. Without practice, we can't go through the scientific method and its many detailed steps. When done accurately, science creates new inventions and innovations. Any idea could further improve institutions in our society like healthcare, technology, government, schooling, etc. Science has always been the root of how we create groundbreaking research. It's a process that requires tedious discipline and effort that comes with high rewards. For example, recent studies from the University of Queensland revealed that a certain common mealworm has enzymes that can digest and break down plastics like styrofoam as a source of nutrients. It is possible with further research that we could improve our problems surrounding pollution and waste. Possibilities like these motivate people to use science because they can contribute solutions to issues we've had for a long time. With this idea in mind, it helps people realize how incorporated science is into our everyday life. We cannot avoid science being a part of our lives. It is with us from the day we were born to the way we learn to the food we eat. The ways science is in our lives are endless because science itself is a subject with hundreds of different practices and categories. We constantly rely on science to be as healthy as we can be. Without it, we probably wouldn't know how to eat nutritiously, exercise safely and efficiently, or nurture the sick and injured. When science grows, so do we as a society. It is a process that changes the way we see ourselves and the knowledge around us. Science keeps us open-minded to new prospects making it essential to keep society knowledgeable, skilled, and healthy. Every day, everyone, in some way, use science. The growth of science and humankind is deeply intertwined together. Since the beginning of human history, we have seen how science has changed, which is why it's crucial today.

With college applications opening, I've decided to major in animal science. I chose this major for several reasons regarding my childhood experiences, interests, and passions. Learning who I am was a big part of why I ultimately finalized my decision. Majoring in and getting a degree in animal science is one goal for the careers I'm considering in the far future. I grew up with animals and had positive experiences around them. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my childhood dog Jadie. She was a German Shepherd my family got when I was four. Back then, my family struggled with money due to their low income. It was always tense, and my parents would argue about their financial situation. Whenever times got tough, Jadie was there to comfort me. She constantly stayed close to me whenever I would cry too loud or start panicking. The fact that animals could pick up on your emotional state and sympathize helped foster my love of animals. Jadie's comfort isn't the only example of my positive experiences with animals. I was also around service animals since I was in and out of the hospital. When I was born, I was diagnosed with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by overgrowth. I needed surgeries on my legs and tongue, which affected my mental state. I didn't get to go to school that often when I was younger, and it caused me to feel isolated and lonely. The kind nurses and staff at the hospital tried to provide me with company, but it didn't always make me feel better. So, they brought service dogs into the hospital to raise the mood. Once I got older, my love for animals was so strong that I wanted to learn more about them. I was always a bit interested in animals because of how unique they could be. There are so many species that have qualities that aren't in any other animal. Now that I'm older and have more independence, I've been working on learning the basics surrounding animal science and what my future work may be like through volunteering and high school courses. I've been volunteering at the Stockton Animal Shelter since the summer of 2022, and it's been fulfilling. It makes me happy to give back to the animals that brought me so much joy when I was younger. I enjoyed classes like biology and AP biology despite rigor. It only further convinced me majoring in animal science was the right choice. The truth is that I'm passionate about animal science, and I feel sure about the place they have in my future. The biggest reason I chose animal science is to be able to help and cater to animals like how they cared for me. I know I can do this through workplaces like zoos, national parks, and aquariums. Animal science is just one step toward achieving this long-held dream.

Throughout my life, art has been one that has let me refine my skills and build a haven for myself. I've been drawing since I was four years old and started drawing digitally at ten years old. For 13 years, I've been creating my pieces of art and stories. Despite its subjectivity, art requires a lot of practice, and even masters of this craft still struggle and polish their skills over the years. My persistence and passion for art have massively impacted my mental health, skills, and friendships. It's important to note that when I started art, it was to express myself. More often than not, it became a source of comfort for me in times of boredom, sadness, and trouble. It was cathartic to express my emotions in the form of art. When I couldn't share how I felt with others or struggled to put my mood into words, I would draw whatever I felt. In a way, drawing vent art helped me experiment and jump out of my comfort zone and improve essential qualities such as anatomy, shading, and line art. You accumulate practice over the years when you stay true to your craft. As someone who has consistently drawn over my teen years, I've watched my drawings transform. When I was younger, the scribbles I made of people looked anatomically incorrect, and honestly, the random colors I would use would be sore to your eyes. As I've improved my skills, I can see how I've incorporated a process into my drawings. Whenever I draw a human, I try to sketch basic shapes, like circles for the face, cylinders for the arm, squares for the torso, etc. Then, I add more detail and reference real life by studying images with perspective and different poses. All of these challenges me to make my drawings more compelling to the viewer. Honing in on my talents has helped me realize how dedicated I am to this hobby. It's one of the few hobbies I haven't dropped or given up on because even when I'm in an art block, I still love depicting my creativity on paper. My passion has helped me find similar people I've managed to befriend. Some of my closest friends are artists like me. They understood the time and effort we've put into a drawing and how soothing it can be. Their support and encouragement helped me keep drawing and motivated me to do art studies. They also inspired me because we all have unique styles. I know friends who are talented in realism and others who integrate a cartoon feel. I have a mix of styles from animated shows I like, with some realism regarding anatomy and proportions. Overall, art has connected me and helped me form inseparable bonds with people. My passion for art goes a long way toward my self-esteem. It's helped me gain pride and confidence because I know my continued efforts will go a long way. It's pushed me to make friends with people who share similar interests. It's taught me to be persistent and stubborn even when I struggle because the result is worth it if you keep up with it. My life would've been strikingly different if I didn't have art. I wouldn't be where I am now if I didn't try, and I'm glad I've been unwavering through it all.

My favorite scientific discovery is a study conducted by researchers at the University of Queensland. They took the common Zophobas Morio, a superworm, and tried to see if they could ingest polystyrene. A common form of polystyrene is styrofoam. They fed super worms different diets over a 3-week period, which allowed them to compare the superworms that ate polystyrene to the ones that ate bran or fasted. A common hypothesis is that the superworms wouldn't survive on plastic, but this study has proven us wrong. In fact, not only did the superworms survive, but they also gained some noticeable weight, indicating they got some form of nutritional value from polystyrene. With metagenomics, the researchers found several encoded enzymes that can degrade such material. These enzymes meant that gut microbes in the superworms helped with digestion. The breakdown reaction in the stomachs of these superworms meant they could upcycle plastic products into beneficial compounds like bioplastics. It is with high hopes that more research is conducted into growing the gut bacteria to test its potential. Perhaps the world has new opportunities to combat issues connected with plastic waste pollution and degradation. The reason this study intrigued me is that I love when science finds new ways to possibly combat issues we've been trying to get rid of for so long. Pollution has only worsened over the years and affects not only the standard of living for humans but also the health of many poor animals. As an animal lover, I hope we'll make some breakthroughs with this knowledge and find a solution.

Higher education is ingrained in my values and beliefs because of my family. My parents were immigrants who came to the United States from China. As such, growing up, money was tight. My parents made sacrifices for the family, and since they never wanted us to suffer as they did, they always tried to encourage us to think about college in the future. Their encouragement meant a lot to me, and the careers I wanted to require a degree. Not only that, but my mother set an example by pursuing higher education herself. As a kid, I remember the struggles that happened in my family due to a lack of money. When I was 4, my parents set up a tent at the flea market daily. Work was laborious and not that rewarding in the slightest. It didn't help that the flea market wasn't exactly the safest place. My parents' car and the truck would be graffiti-ed often, and one time I witnessed a fight in the tent right ahead of us. It was terrifying, and I vowed as I grew up to be careful with my money and save up so I could attend a good university. As I got older, I started to carve out my path. I started to love animals and the science behind them. I excelled in classes like biology and AP biology and felt a genuine want for knowledge. Soon enough, I decided I wanted a job that worked with animals like a zookeeper or aquarist. However, researching such jobs made me realize I would need to get a bachelor's degree at the minimum. If I were to achieve my dreams and feel content with my life, I knew I had to get a higher education. I feel like partly my ambitious nature comes from my mom, who showed me that you didn't need to settle. Starting when I was younger, my mom was a full-time stay-at-home mom. She had to give me 100% of her attention due to health issues and complications from my genetic disorder. After multiple surgeries and check-ups, the doctors say I'm safe and unlikely to face any more pain or struggle. With my growing independence and character, my mom had more time to focus on herself. Once I was in middle school, my mom started taking night classes to improve her English skills. When she was more fluent in her reading and writing, she got into San Joaquin Delta College and worked on getting her AA degree. She then got into California State University, Stanislaus, and earned her bachelor's degree. Recently, she got a job in the finance department of Delta College and showed me that you can always work hard to make a name for yourself. Knowing myself and the pride I have for my family motivates me to always reach for the skies. I know I can make great strides in my status and achieve everything I always wanted, which is why higher education means so much to me. It's a goal and priority that I'll soon be focusing on with college applications.

I struggled with obesity and disordered eating since elementary school due to a genetic disorder I had and a lack of education. Growing up, I had multiple surgeries to deal with overgrowth in my limbs due to Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. As such, I never really got to exercise or participate in physical, rigorous activities at school. Since I was physically unfit, it would've made sense to try and maintain a healthy diet, but I didn't care about that as a kid. I loved food as a kid, especially junk food. I would binge on a variety of chips throughout my elementary school days. I was lectured and told to eat more healthily, but I never really cared because of the dopamine I would get from the tasty foods. Eventually, my constant overeating made me overweight. I struggled with obesity as, by my first year of high school, I was 189 lbs. By that time, I realized how unhealthy I was. I felt insecure in my own body and hated how I looked. In a desperate attempt, I would binge on food but immediately force myself to throw it back up. Not only that, but I would spend days avoiding food. Those never helped me feel better because I'd always fall back into my old habits and eat as much as I wanted. Eventually, the pandemic hit, and in the summer of 2020, I found myself in a relationship. Not only that, but I was also taking summer classes at a community college on a college early start program. One of those classes was a nutrition class, which changed my life. At that time, I was strict with myself because I wanted to look better and feel better about myself. I was motivated to consume 800 calories daily because I wanted to be healthy for my boyfriend. However, through projects and quizzes in nutrition, I realized that wasn't good for my body either. Sure, I had lost a ton of weight and now weighed 109 lbs, but my skin was breaking and very flaky. I felt fatigued every day, and the lack of nutrition in my new diet made me feel constantly light-headed. Talking with my professor, boyfriend, and family helped me try to eat more consistently. It wasn't the same level I used to eat before, but it was an average eating schedule most people followed, which included 2 or 3 meals and some snacks. It was hard not to fall back into old habits, but staying in this routine has helped me repair my relationship with food and myself. I learned how to be healthy by eating more homemade meals with nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and good protein. Not only that, but recently, I've been learning how to be healthy mentally with food. I used to avoid eating out for months, but now if my family wants to get fast food or eat at a restaurant once in a while, I enjoy myself. I now know that having a tasty treat isn't going to ruin the progress I made as long as I stick with it. Improving my lifestyle has made me so much happier and healthier. I now weigh 116 lbs, which is fine for someone of my height and gender. My skin is brighter and smoother, and I feel more energized because of the good foods I incorporate into my diet. My health journey has been bumpy so far, but I feel like it's smooth sailing from here.

Incorporating clean living practices helps maximize the nutrition your body receives and minimizes our carbon footprint to maintain a healthier environment. The idea of clean living can combat many issues we face today. If people choose a clean lifestyle, they are less likely to struggle with obesity and health problems and can build health benefits, such as increased immunity and energy levels. Our health is tied to what we eat. Our food intake and the balance of different foods can affect how we feel and look. I believe clean living is essential in this aspect as someone who used to struggle with having a healthy relationship with food. I was never in a good balance of watching what I ate. If I overate and binged on junk food, I would react by forcing myself to starve and throw up anything I ingested. I never knew the damage I was causing to my body until I took a nutrition class. In nutrition, we had a big project at the end of the semester to put everything we ate for three days straight. The website we used would provide statistics and data on our total calories, sodium, and more. I was under my necessary calorie deficit every day. I had to analyze the numbers and answer questions that asked how this could affect my body. I realized that I had to find a balance in my diet to get good nutrition. Instead of eating junk food or nothing at all, I've been trying to eat homemade meals and whole foods. Such a change has made a big difference in my health. I went from 189 lbs to 116 lbs, which is a good weight for someone of my stature. Clean living helped me feel happier and proud of myself. I gained the confidence to dress up more and be myself in public. Not only that, but as someone who is an animal advocate and a huge lover of nature, I like knowing that clean living decreases our carbon footprint. I don't want to harm the planet we live on, and incorporating clean living practices like avoiding plastic food storage and choosing safe cookware makes me feel like I'm holding my values and beliefs into a lifestyle I can keep. Clean living can make a huge difference in your life if you choose to be consistent and persistent with it. My new lifestyle evokes joy and pride, and as I learn more about the foods and products in our society, I want to carefully pick and choose the ones that will provide the best benefits to my health and the environment.

Each day people are challenging social norms and acting as a positive force to better help society in the present and the future. The current parameters of the current social expectations don't have to contain how people think or act. For example, Alan Turing made groundbreaking discoveries that saved millions of lives despite being homosexual and criminalized for it. Past social norms showed that people don't have to fall into others' expectations. I am a positive force who wants to contribute to animal welfare despite the challenges I may face in the future. As someone passionate about animal advocacy, I've known for a long time that I want to pursue a job working with animals. I want to contribute and show society how beautiful nature is and how important animals are to keeping our planet healthy. Whether this is through educating people by conducting research in a laboratory setting or rehabilitating animals and releasing them back into the wild, I know it's a positive contribution. Animals are such an integral, overlooked part of our ecosystem. They keep the world in balance and fit into niches that keep everything in check. I want to spread this knowledge to others. If I were to work in a career like a zoologist, zookeeper, or aquarist, I could directly show people the complexities of animals and how they add to our world. For example, many people are disgusted by scavenging animals like condors or vultures. But they might not know how important they are to combating disease and ridding of waste like rotting corpses. Condors almost went extinct due to poaching, and many rehabilitation facilities worked on getting their numbers back up. Although usually overlooked, it may be easier to imagine them as the clean-up crew of the wild. It's not the most appreciated job, but without their help, we'd be more prone to disease outbreaks. No matter the challenges I face, I know this is my dream. I know my genuine interest in animals can create positive change if I were to continue on this path. If I achieve this, I could one day increase the number of endangered animals to a healthy number with our researchers or provide information to the people of the public to stop damaging habits and create ecologically-safer ones. These are just a few possibilities, and I know there are many more if I continue to believe in myself and keep working towards my goals.

I'm excited about college because I can delve into my interests and turn them into a possible career. The fact that I could deepen my knowledge surrounding animal science and work with animals in the future is one of the reasons I want to pursue higher education. Not only that but the freedom to find people with similar interests as me makes me excited to make new connections and friends. Although these are what excites me, I do realize I have to be reasonable and realistic. I can't just focus on the academic and social aspects of college. It'll probably be tough to balance both. Plus, just because I'm majoring in animal science doesn't mean I can avoid other classes like math and English. They are still necessary classes that teach me life skills I need to learn for the future. I know this because many people often go into some majors with the hopes of avoiding certain classes. I don't want to go back into economy classes, but I'll most likely have to take courses about the basics. To maintain a healthy mind, body, and soul, I must find a balance and create a routine that captures all my needs. For my body, I should eat food that provides the nutrition I need. I also need to exercise at least 30 minutes daily to manage my weight, strengthen my bones and muscles, and improve my brain health. It is important to note that focusing on one aspect of myself can help others. Although I'm trying to find a good balance for my body, it can tie in with my mind. I don't plan on eating healthy every day because I want to indulge myself weekly. It won't hurt me to get popcorn chicken on a Saturday after eating well every other day. It's about keeping myself mentally happy as well. Since elementary school, I have struggled with mental health. It didn't get any easier when I got to high school. I wasn't in tune with myself, and it was hard to motivate myself to try. As I got to my senior year, I put more effort into balancing my mental health. I've been going to therapy weekly, which has helped me unlearn unhealthy coping mechanisms. I've learned to manage my emotions and stress and turn them into positive reflections. Feeling better about my mental health has helped me feel better about myself and, in turn, maintain my soul. It has motivated me to go out and do things I've always wanted to try, like volunteer at the local animal shelter. The fact I have been doing all of this despite school has proven to me that I'll be able to stay healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally. I know I'll be ready for college with all of these down. And as I continue to work and finish high school, I know I'll still be making improvements on myself to create a better future I constantly strive for and want. It's a healthy cycle I'm grateful for and can't wait to keep up when I start my post-secondary education journey.

It has always been human nature to question the universe and explore its complexities to find answers. Our ability to think has created great strides in technology, innovation, medicine, education, and more. However, living in a great big universe generates the question of why it is relevant. Why do we need to understand our universe to live in it? Well, understanding the nature of our universe allows us to employ concepts and ideas that have already been theorized and adapt and improve them with new information. When we understand the universe, we know the basics, which can improve living standards, unlock new secrets, and keep our minds sharp. There are different levels to the universe that can improve living standards. On a spatial level, we are questioning if we can move across planets to find more suitable land to inhabit. On a micro level, we can use the biomes and organisms living on our Earth to create new medicines that can combat poisons, venom, and illnesses. Existing knowledge can act as a foundation, built upon with new findings. For example, in AP biology, I learned that proteins are macromolecules with many functions. However, they typically provide structure. Knowing the basics of proteins, I know snake venom has a complex amount of protein toxins. If we use that understanding and conduct further research, we could create cures and treatments for conditions like cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and more. The possibilities are endless, and advancing things like medicine, healthcare, and technology can improve the standard of living for people who are suffering, living in poor conditions, and ill. Finding the new is always a motivating factor for people who want to understand the world we inhabit. When we research and make new findings, we open possibilities future generations can look at and question. A prime example is the thousands of experiments conducted to test different theories. Scientific work has always been about understanding the basics of our universe and creating hypotheses around it. We can never be sure if theories are facts because if one experiment finds different results, our understanding of the universe is changed. So, challenging old information and creating new ones encourages us to understand our world. Without probing, our brains would've never been able enough to understand the things we are questioning in the first place, which is why we always build upon the information we have already learned. Keeping the brain sharp is an essential factor in being able to understand the complexities of our universe. Many students often question why they take calculus when they don't use it, but it's not about finding usage in our lives. It's about polishing our brain and keeping it flexible for the ideas we will later work on in our future occupations. For example, I may not have to employ a lot of mathematics in the career I want, but being able to do math means I can find solutions and work through problems in a logical order. It teaches us ways that help our comprehension skills. Understanding the universe we live in takes skills that need development. We can employ several concepts and ideas we learn through different classes and life lessons to improve our cognition. The universe holds many secrets, and we have so much to discover. If I could understand the universe, I could understand the biology and zoology that fascinates me every day.

I firmly believe any animal, wild or domesticated, is a soul deserving of respect and love. Animals can also experience pain, happiness, and a wide range of emotions we have yet to discover. Many intelligent creatures can solve puzzles, use tools, and communicate. Animals are complex and bring much to the environment we share with them. I am passionate about animal advocacy because of my upbringing, the suffering thousands of animals endure, and the importance they have in keeping our planet healthy. Growing up, I had dogs and cats. My experience with pets has created healthy, tight bonds. To me, they were family because they got me through tough times when my family struggled with money and argued. Not only that, but they were so loving and caring, characteristics some people lack. These intuitive creatures sometimes understood me on an emotional level. My German Shepherd Jadie would lick my face and lay with me if I was sad. If I had anxiety, my cat Orange would meow for cuddles until I stopped what I was doing. They were so loving to me that I only wanted to provide the best I could for them. I didn't want to feel neglected or abused like the animals I saw on shows like Animal Cops: Houston or out on the streets. At a young age, I sincerely believed they didn't deserve anything like that. A depressing statistic from the Humane Society of the United States says that over 1 million animals are abused or killed in domestic cases. The truth is humans can be cruel for their gain. People who host dog fights can result in profits up to $500,000. Greed and a lack of empathy can make it easy for people to hurt and influence innocent animals. It's a moral dilemma people often don't question. It's why I'm so passionate about putting down misinformation and keeping people educated. For example, people have misconceptions regarding pit bulls. Many people believe they are instinctively violent and dangerous. In reality, they are a loving dog breed. When a pit bull is aggressive, I suspect it is because of the owner, not the dog. A dog that is appropriately loved and socialized is a life companion. A dog hurt for acting a certain way will internalize that pain and learn to be violent. Animal advocacy starts with stopping these cruel acts, but it also continues with spreading information. When we advocate for animals, it doesn't only have to be for moral reasons. It can remind people that animals keep our planet healthy. When we fight for animal protection, it is because we want nature to prosper. It's why environmental laws pair with animal protections. If we overhunt animals, it can lead to negative externalities. Too many herbivores cause a lack of natural flora. Too many carnivores cause food scarcity. All animals fit a niche, and if we force a change, it creates damaging consequences. A prime example is when we hunted wolves because they were killing our livestock, even though they were trying to find food for natural reasons. Then later, we realized that wolves were an integral part of the ecosystem in keeping prey and disease in check. I am passionate about animal advocacy because of love, interest, and vigilance. I have loved animals from a very young age. They have always interested me with their different qualities. To study these animals, we must be careful and aware of our actions. My passion for animals runs deep in my veins. I will always be the voice they need when they cannot express themselves.

Selflessness can come in many forms, but the most common is the love and care someone has for others. Be it romantic, platonic, familial, or devoted love, selflessness can appear in people dedicated to their family, friends, lovers, interests, and jobs. I am most selfless when my loved ones need help or animals who deserve compassion are in pain. I embody selflessness because I am concerned about what others may need, and for me, my needs don't need to be first or above others. I am motivated by the genuine want to help because the world always needs more positive energy. Starting in March 2020, the pandemic hit everyone hard. It was socially isolating and for many people, adapting to work was difficult. My boyfriend, Julian, was especially struggling in school. My school continued classes online due to California's laws, but he lived in Alabama. His school decided to go back in person. I remember him telling me later in the year how disorganized everything was and how he was behind in his classes. I offered help in several ways. I wasn't going to do all the work, but I wanted Julian to get through the school year. I offered to tutor him and edit any paper assignments he had. I also let him confide in me when it was a stressful day because I was usually at home doing online school. I was always there for him when he needed me. I remember a particular essay he was worried about for his English class. It was in the book they were reading, and he wasn't sure if he was quoting his evidence correctly. We were on a call as I edited his paper and provided general grammar tips. He took up most of my suggestions, changing and improving his wording. Over the next week, he messaged me elated, talking about how he got a 100%. It was the highest score he got on a paper, and the teacher even congratulated him for getting the highest score. I was so proud of him. I knew he'd get through the school year without any big bumps. If he needed any more help, I'd always be there. The pandemic made everything more difficult and stressful for everyone, but I never let it get in the way of helping the people I loved. As we return to normalcy, I still go out of my way to help the people I love and the community that raised me. Recently, in the summer, I started volunteering at a local animal shelter to gain experience and help homeless animals. I hope my volunteer experience will help future animals who require care. For a long time, I've wanted to work in a job that caters to rehabilitating animals like zookeepers or aquarists. I want to do this because animals have given me so much joy over the years that I want to give back the happiness they gave me and give them the life they deserve.

Growing up with a genetic disorder called Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome has adversely affected my self-esteem. In turn, it has affected my beliefs, relationships, and goals. As a kid, I had multiple surgeries to deal with overgrowth in my leg and tongue. Constant checkups for brain malformations and possible tumors in the kidney meant a heavy financial burden for my low-income family. Tensions and arguments between my parents made me believe I was nothing more than an annoyance. At a young age, I hated myself. I believed I was to blame for things out of my control. I engaged in unhealthy behaviors as I battled anxiety and depression. My skin has so many self-harm scars. Because I believed I was my worst enemy, I purposely ruined opportunities for myself. Not only that, but many of my friendships died because of my thinking. In middle school and high school, I had many opportunities each day to join new clubs that pertained to my interests but never bothered me. I had so much fear that I was an outcast or thrown out. Never receiving reassurance from my own family and instead being affirmed to bottle up my feelings made it easy to follow the narrative that I was a horrible person that deserved terrible things. I was so insecure that friends found me overwhelmed. No one wanted to be around someone as pessimistic as me. I lost several friends I considered to be the people closest to me. I got told that I was an emotional burden, which only strengthened my beliefs. I found myself in toxic, exhausting friendships because I didn't dare to cut off people. I didn't want to be alone. Stuck in a negative cycle, I had no hope for my future. I had careers to be interested in but believed I'd never be employed or live past 18. I tried hard to do well in school, but even with my effort, I couldn't see myself getting a good job. It was disheartening because I just wanted to enjoy life like everyone else. My aspirations fell short, and I never tried anything outside my academic achievements. Eventually, during the pandemic, I found a healthy relationship with my present boyfriend. Initially, I was very insecure. I was scared I wasn't good enough. My boyfriend didn't want me to be codependent on him and asked me to find help. I think the fact my parents saw I never really got better with their advice convinced them to find me help. I went through a doctor who wasn't confident in being able to help me, a series of mental health centers who wouldn't accept me because I was a minor, and a college center who couldn't take me in because I didn't have the right insurance. It was a stressful period when I got yelled at for being so difficult. I felt helpless. However, with my endeavors, Foresight Mental Health Services took me in. The process of getting help isn't simple. It has its faults, but I was finally getting therapy. I was unlearning things that made me believe things were so hopeless. Mental health has plagued me since I was a child, but I finally feel like I'm more than I thought. I feel more hopeful for the future, and I have a better understanding of the world. It can be cruel sometimes, but there is also great beauty in small things. I want to live for the little things like the enjoyment I get from delicious food or the beautiful views of the sky, moon, and sun. Bettering my mental health has helped me in many ways, and I'm grateful I'm still trying to improve myself.

I have been an active leader in my community by taking the initiative to take extracurricular activities in and out of school. I've done this in many ways regarding leadership roles offered at my schools and volunteer opportunities in the city of Stockton. Since I have taken these chances and continued to build my background knowledge, I can demonstrate several leadership qualities. Starting from 5th grade, I knew how important it is to be a part of the community. My elementary school gave the 5th graders a final project known as ROPES. The goal was to present and provide the community with a positive experience. Growing up, I loved animals, so I donated a banner to the Stockton Animal Shelter. It was a nerve-wracking experience getting through the interview. However, I was able to make a difference and provide the shelter with materials they could use at offsite adoption or fundraising events. With some experience under my belt, I also took up a leadership role offered in my middle school in 8th grade. 8th graders had a chance to apply to be a WEB leader. The goal of the WEB program was to help new incoming 6th graders adjust to the new school environment. I remember taking the opportunity and encouraging my friends to do the same. It was a rewarding experience because I remember how anxious I was when I started middle school. Being able to help these 6th graders navigate their new classes was rewarding. Eventually, I decided to start volunteering at the same animal shelter I donated to starting my summer break in 2022. I spend a couple of hours every Wednesday and Saturday helping the animal shelter with its workload. It eases the employee's stress and makes it easier for them to help all the lovable dogs and cats they have taken in. Each week I get at least 4 hours of volunteering completed, and it is something I'm continuing in my senior year. I don't plan on stopping this activity because I have found genuine joy and fulfillment in my work. My volunteer work has helped me feel confident in the path I wish to take later in my life regarding colleges and careers. Hopefully, when I'm older, I will be out of college with an animal science degree, ready to help the community by working at a zoo, aquarium, conservation center, or something similar.

Growing up with a genetic disorder called Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome has adversely affected my self-esteem. In turn, it has affected my beliefs, relationships, and aspirations. As a kid, I had multiple surgeries to deal with overgrowth in my limbs and tongue. Constant checkups for brain malformations and possible tumors in the kidney meant a heavy financial burden for my low-income family. Tensions and arguments between my parents made me believe I was nothing more than an annoyance. At a young age, I hated myself. I believed I was to blame for things out of my control. I engaged in unhealthy behaviors as I battled anxiety and depression. My skin has so many self-harm scars. Because I believed I was my worst enemy, I purposely ruined opportunities for myself. Not only that, but many of my friendships died because of my thinking. In middle school and high school, I had many opportunities each day to join new clubs that pertained to my interests but never bothered me. I had so much fear that I was an outcast or thrown out. Never receiving reassurance from my own family and instead being affirmed to bottle up my feelings made it easy to follow the narrative that I was a horrible person that deserved terrible things. I was so insecure that friends found me overwhelmed. No one wanted to be around someone as pessimistic as me. I lost several friends I considered to be the people closest to me. I got told that I was an emotional burden, which only strengthened my beliefs. I found myself in toxic, exhausting friendships because I didn't dare to cut off people. I didn't want to be alone. Stuck in a negative cycle, I had no hope for my future. I had careers to be interested in but believed I'd never be employed or live past 18. I tried hard to do well in school, but even with my effort, I couldn't see myself getting a good job. It was disheartening because I just wanted to enjoy life like everyone else. My aspirations fell short, and I never tried anything outside my academic achievements. Eventually, during the pandemic, I found a healthy relationship with my present boyfriend. Initially, I was very insecure. I was scared I wasn't good enough. My boyfriend didn't want me to be codependent on him and asked me to find help. I think the fact my parents saw I never really got better with their advice convinced them to find me help. I went through a doctor who wasn't confident in being able to help me, a series of mental health centers who wouldn't accept me because I was a minor, and a college center who couldn't take me in because I didn't have the right insurance. It was a stressful period when I got yelled at for being so difficult. I felt helpless. However, with my endeavors, Foresight Mental Health Services took me in. The process of getting help isn't simple. It has its faults, but I was finally getting therapy. I was unlearning things that made me believe things were so hopeless. Mental health has plagued me since I was a child, but I finally feel like I'm more than I thought. There are so many things that need improvement for people who struggle with mental health and need help. Finding help isn't easy because it's easier to stay miserable. If I didn't convince my family, I don't think I would've lived in the long run. Mental health should be nurtured and needs proper care. Getting help from my therapist has made it easier to deal with as it is a long process to unlearn everything I learned and build better relationships and goals.

I'm pursuing animal science to honor the interest and love my pets have given me towards the animal kingdom. Growing up, I had a difficult home life. Money wasn't stable, and because of it, my parents argued a lot. Fights frightened me as a kid, and I felt stuck in a cycle of wanting everything to stop. However, during those high moments of panic, my German Shepherd, Jadie, and my cat Orange were always there for me. Jadie was the sweetest dog I have ever had. She was great with children and was well-trained. She would let me sob into her fur and hold on for warmth during the hard times. Sadly, she passed away in 2021 due to old age and issues regarding her back legs. I think about her daily, wondering if I could've been a better owner or given her the help she needed. The love she gave me helped jump-start my interest in nature. Orange is still with me, but I've had him since I was 8. He's my family, and I cherish him daily. Even though school can be exhausting, seeing him sitting on my bed when I get home never fails to bring a smile to my face. I love how he wakes me with his meows every morning and wants to cuddle in the morning. I want to give him the best life possible, and I can only do that by getting experience and knowledge. Starting my senior year, I got into volunteering at an animal shelter. The work can be laborious at times, but it's fulfilling. Seeing happy families adopt cats and dogs who deserve a loving home makes it all worth it. Because I feel so much joy from volunteering alone makes me confident that pursuing an animal science degree will be the right path for me. However, working with animals often requires a bachelor's degree or higher. My main goal is to ensure I get into a good university or college that has the right programs for the major of my choice, which is why I'm applying for this scholarship. If I win, I can ease my financial situation and focus on learning more about animals, how they work, how I can help, and much more. Taking advantage of the scholarships offered to me is only one step of the process. My dream is to be able to work with the same animals that provided me so much joy when I was younger. I'm determined to pursue animal science to make this happen, and applying for scholarships will benefit me financially, mentally, and emotionally.

I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome when I was born. Although it was physically debilitating, it adversely affected my mental health in several ways. From a young age, I was in and out of the hospital. I had constant checkups, and as such, I missed a lot of classes. Elementary school was scary for me when I was younger because I felt behind and out of place. I experienced textbook anxiety symptoms, and home wasn't any better. Due to my health, my parents struggled with money. Our finances were tight, and they had to work day and night to ensure they could provide for me. Fights and words exchanged led me to believe I was a burden. Starting in 5th grade, I struggled with how I felt about myself and experienced depression and suicidal thoughts. It was a saddening reality as I struggled with wanting to live at such a young age. I told no one how I felt because growing up in an Asian culture meant hiding my feelings. You were stronger if you didn't express yourself and bottle things up. In middle school, I became exceptionally good at hiding my issues, but it was becoming overwhelmingly clear that I wasn't happy. I was high-functioning, despite struggling to fight the urge to stay in bed each day. In 8th grade, it finally slipped to my parents that I wanted to die. I remember the day very clearly as I walked to the counselors. They talked to me by asking me about my depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. I poured myself out and vulnerably shared that I didn't want to live. They gave me resources and said that I should try to find myself help. However, when I got home, I got lectured. At that moment, when I got told that I had no good reason to want to die, I felt ashamed of myself. The idea that I needed a valid reason worsened my self-hatred. I forced myself to believe that there was nothing wrong with me. I tried to think I didn't have depression or any anxiety disorder, but all it did was harm me in the end. Starting in high school, I engaged in self-harm and often debated just swallowing a bunch of pills. I didn't understand why I couldn't see a future ahead of me despite all the work I put into school. Then COVID hit. I was stuck at home and left by myself almost every day. I truly felt miserable, and eventually, I broke down badly. I wanted help. I was desperate to get rid of the mess I felt in my head. I think the fact I never really got better convinced my parents to seek therapy. As of my senior year, I'm finally working on my mental health with a therapist who has validated me and guided me towards a better way of thinking. I was diagnosed with Dysthymia, which is a persistent depressive disorder. I still feel depressed when I wake up, but if I'm struggling, I feel more hopeful for my future. I'm so thankful for my therapist. He has helped me untangle the scary, upsetting moments in my life and view them in a better light. Overcoming it is still a process I'm going through, but I feel like I'll make it. I feel like I'm no longer defined by my flaws and mental illnesses but by my good characteristics and effort instead.

Since I'm a high school senior, I've been learning how to apply for scholarships in my advisory class. Scholarships are beneficial in every way and are not harmful to your college applications. They provide financial support to students to help them pay for a college degree. As such, people who want to pursue higher education often look for scholarship opportunities, whether it's through a random drawing or by catching the attention of applicant readers through an essay like this one. The first thing that caught my attention was how specific scholarships are. They can go from a federal, state, or local level. For example, while researching for scholarships to apply for, I found a scholarship specifically targeted toward Central California Asian American Women. I fit all those requirements, which increased my chances of possibly winning the award. As such, it's critical to find scholarships that apply to you because they can show up in several ways. The more scholarships you search for, the more you can apply concerning your job, major, hobbies, ethnicity, race, age, and circumstances. The next thing I learned was that you can apply for as many scholarships as you wish to. There is no set limit. Usually, more scholarships mean a greater chance of earning more money to help you get a college degree. Some people can apply for multiple $500 - $1,000 scholarships to ease their financial situations, and others can get a full-ride scholarship to the university they wish to attend. The third thing I learned is that most scholarships are based on merit. The more distinguished the student, the more likely they are to win. Merit is established on academic excellence, participation in extracurricular activities like clubs or after-school services, and the involvement someone has in their community. Although some scholarships are based on random drawings to give everyone an equal chance, scholarships based on merit are trying to hand their award to someone who deserves it. Such ideas mean that people who have struggled and persevered have a chance to make a difference in their lives. By proving themselves, they can earn financial aid and change their lives. Finally, the last thing I learned that impressed me was the availability of scholarships. Scholarships are open to high schoolers, even in their first year. Such openness allows students to get a head start and be more prepared. Applying for scholarships and conducting research have taught me all these things. I'm grateful that I can try for so many scholarships and learn more about my college journey and future.

The health of planet Earth and its organisms can be improved through education. Educating people leads to advocacy and commitment. The more people know about the damages happening to the Earth, the more solutions can be generated and attempted. It's important to note that the harm inflicted on the environment is created by large corporations that can generate high-scale waste and pollution. The average everyday person cannot generate such an amount of pollution on that scale. As such, education makes people knowledgeable, willing, and persistent. To truly improve the health of our planet, people need to be informed. Higher education or self-research helps people stay on top of the news and find information that the general public may not be aware of. Knowing what's happening may influence a person's lifestyle and ability to diminish their carbon footprint. However, more importantly, finding hidden statistics may make a person more strong-willed to generate change and push for it. Many corporations are motivated by profit and gains. More often than not, a corporation's reputation can negatively or positively affect consumer interactions. A great example of this is the many companies in the meat industry, such as Homel Foods. When public justice groups revealed the company was mistreating their pigs and misleading consumers, a public backlash occurred. They were under hot water and now were being investigated. When we hold corporations accountable for their actions, they're less likely to continue such harmful practices. However, we can only keep such changes through persistence. Persistence in wanting change is a huge reason for how we can keep the planet healthy. When we advocate for ourselves and stick to it, the less we will lose the beneficial policies. Being stubborn is extremely helpful when it comes to bringing awareness to issues. When people are willing to keep fighting for change, we have a greater chance of enacting change. Being stubborn weakens the resolve of large corporations and makes it likely for them to consider the options the public is offering. We can see this happen daily with politicians and activists. Examples include LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, women's rights, etc. Every day, our climate is worsening. To better our planet's health, we should continue to reach for higher feats and surpass our limits. Finding education or just staying knowledgeable makes a big difference. Knowledge makes people more ambitious, stronger, and open-minded to finding solutions that can better our world.

As an Asian-American from a low-income family, I firmly believe in pursuing academics and higher education. Statistics show that a college degree can help low-income families reach new opportunities and make new lives for themselves. My mom has demonstrated this core fact to me by setting examples as a role model. Not only that, but many of the careers I wish to pursue require at least a bachelor's degree or higher. So I am trying to get a college degree for my values, family, and dreams. I know college may not be for everyone, but it has always been the option I've sought starting from middle school. I've spent years dedicating time to learning how to study and learn. I knew I liked learning because of classes like biology, AP biology, and several other science classes that revolved around the complexities of life. For many students, writing essays in English or completing math problems could be frustrating, but it was a challenge I enjoyed. I liked how school threw rigorous courses at me, and every time I had to struggle, I came out on top with high grades like an A or A+. Higher education can allow me to learn about specific topics I want to know. More often than not, universities have more resources to get into the nitty-gritty. For example, my high school lacks a lot of extracurricular activities surrounding animal science. However, I can name several universities with farms and programs open for students who want to work with animals. These are my beliefs surrounding the education system, and my family shares similar values. At home, my mother has constantly set the example that higher education is something you can achieve. She's in her forties now, but she still comes to my family and discusses how she may want to pursue her master's. Recently, she got her bachelor's degree from California State University, Stanislaus. It was an upgrade from who she was during my elementary school days. I remember my mom going to night school to learn English. She had immigrated from China to the USA to achieve bigger things in life and give her children a better start. Then, once she got better at English, she enrolled at San Joaquin Delta College. She worked on getting her GED and credits because community colleges made higher education more accessible. Finally, around 2020, she got into Stanislaus and got a job in the finance department after several attempts. She shared her achievements and showed me how pursuing a college degree can make life easier and more fulfilling if you're an ambitious person who enjoys education. As an ambitious person, many careers I'm interested in require at least a bachelor's degree. My dream is to work with animals. It's a dream I thought about when I was younger but eventually fully believed after engaging myself more during my high school year. I hope by pursuing my college degree, I'll be able to work in places like zoos, aquariums, conservation centers, and more. College degrees can open many different doors for different kinds of people. College degrees have shown me how people can reach for higher feats. Pursuing higher education is something I need and want to do to continue the goals I have set for myself.