When my grandfather passed away in January 2021, the family was in for a shock. He died of lymphoma, and we did not detect this until much after its start. This was not the first time he was hospitalized; three years prior he experienced bone failure. Although he was struck with cancer and was limp on many days, I was hopeful that he would exit the hospital in perfect condition, like he had done three years ago. Yet, when I was told in January that he would have only one to three months left, I was determined to make the best of it. However, he never survived past two weeks. I was surprised and shocked that he would not return home and that we were not able to spend his last days together. When the tears began filling the wells of my eyes, I was almost certain that I would never recover. Not only did his passing negatively affect my mindset during that time, but I also began wondering what my life would begin to look like after the event. At the time, I was applying to a number of high schools, fighting to ensure that my grades would stay high and that I would enter a specialized high school in the state. But this setback began to take its toll on me; I began to be distracted and feeling purposeless. I still wondered if anything different could have been done. Instead of dwelling on this event and viewing it as a negative one, I decided to utilize it to motivate me. I strived to excel in math and science in honor of my grandfather, as he was a physicist. He always believed that I would become a strong mathematician and would teach me topics advanced beyond my years. He thought that academic excellence was the key to a strong life, so I pursued the most academically prestigious high school in the state. I studied hard for the entrance exam, sharpening my math skills and perfecting my reading comprehension. I spent long hours at my desk studying new concepts, sometimes going as far as to study the next year's curriculum. Even when I succeeded in being accepted to my dream school, I did not end my academic pursuits. I continued my pursuit of mathematics, studying to become part of the school's math team. This team only selected the highest-performing individuals in math within the school. I celebrated when I, too, was accepted to the team, and I participated in many math competitions, scoring high in every single one. However, this inspiration did not stop there. I practiced karate since second grade but did not fully put my all into the sport until after his passing. I was suddenly fueled by the feelings that I had experienced, and I was determined to excel in all aspects of my life, from academics to extracurricular. I participated in my first national karate tournament only a few months after that tragic event in August 2021. This tournament was not only national, but it also was the Olympic karate team trial. I competed in the most advanced section, and, considering that this was my first such experience, I achieved 19th place. I continued pushing myself to get better in karate by training every week to improve the speed and power of my techniques. Eventually, in July 2023, I again participated in the karate national competition. Not only was I even more determined to prove to my grandfather that I was capable, but also I won 4th place. This significant achievement was mostly because I knew who I was fighting for - my grandfather. In middle school, before the passing of my grandfather, I read a quote from a comic book that read, "If you are feeling disheartened, that you are somehow not enough, set your heart ablaze." Although I did not realize it until much later, this one quote changed the course of my life. I gritted my teeth and moved on, treating the event only as a sample of the barriers that I would need to encounter throughout life. My grandfather's death only proved to me that there was a limited amount of time in this world, and I would need to strive to do my best, no matter the number of setbacks.

Growing up as a low-income, first-generation Asian student in New York City, my pursuit of higher education has been marked by a series of obstacles. However, I firmly believe that education is the key to breaking free from the cycle of poverty, and I am determined to utilize the knowledge I acquire to give back to my community. One of the most prominent obstacles I've encountered is the financial burden associated with higher education. My family's limited income meant that every step toward my educational goals had to be taken with utmost consideration. Throughout high school, I worked tirelessly at local libraries, earning minimum wage to support my educational aspirations; it served as a constant reminder of the value of hard work and dedication. Additionally, being a first-generation student presented its own set of challenges. Navigating the complex college application process, scholarship applications, and financial aid forms was daunting, as there was no prior family experience to draw upon. I had to rely on the guidance of school counselors and teachers who offered their time to help me overcome these hurdles. Their support has been invaluable, and it is a great example of the power of mentorship and community in breaking barriers to education. Attending one of the academically best high schools in New York City came with high expectations and competition. While it provided me with invaluable educational resources, it also placed tremendous pressure on students like me, who had to balance their academic pursuits with part-time work and family responsibilities. This relentless academic environment taught me resilience and the importance of time management. I realized that, even though I may not have access to the same resources as my peers, my determination and work ethic could level the playing field. Despite these obstacles, I am constantly pursuing higher education. I firmly believe that it is through education that I can uplift my family and community, and break the cycle persistence of poverty. My goal is not only to better my circumstances but also to support others in my community who face similar challenges. In the future, I intend to use my experiences to give back to my community, as I am acutely aware of the hurdles that many face in accessing educational opportunities. I aspire to become a role model for underprivileged students, guiding them through the complexities of the education system. Additionally, I hope to establish educational initiatives that will help assist students from low-income backgrounds to acquire the resources they need to succeed academically. My journey to higher education as a low-income, first-generation Asian student has been marked by obstacles that have only fueled my determination. I view education as a powerful tool for personal and communal transformation. As I continue my academic journey, I am committed to using my education to break down barriers and provide opportunities for those who face similar challenges -- no matter where we come from, we all have the chance to reach for our dreams through the power of education.

When I first saw the game Minecraft, I noticed that the game had one main objective: to survive. However, I have always been interested in the building aspect of the game. As the game updated to include many more features, I found ways to incorporate each block to build a piece of work. Interestingly, this also deeply reflects my character. Creating these architectural marvels in Minecraft is an artful and dutiful process. Whether I'm taking on the grandiose task of raising tremendous cities from the virtual ground or fine-tuning the smallest details of my meticulously designed house, I always begin with a clear plan. Typically, this plan is brought to life through a swift sketch, which serves as my blueprint for the construction process. As I start placing the foundational blocks, the world I'm crafting begins to take shape, and it's a thrilling journey to watch my digital dreams materialize. Indeed, the process can be tedious, but it is one that I enjoy. The opportunity to harness my artistic imagination and transform it into a tangible, interactive work of art that anyone can explore is a truly fulfilling experience. In Minecraft, I find a platform not only to build structures but also to express my creativity and share it with a virtual world. This facet of the game truly aligns with my personality. I have an incredible passion for fostering creativity, often immersing myself in artistic activities like sketching, painting, and crafting digital art. My affinity for innovation and enhancement expands upon the realm of art, as demonstrated during my time as a dedicated member of my school's robotics team. There, I acquired valuable skills in problem-solving and learned to continually improve various aspects of our local community. Minecraft has allowed me to put my imaginative thoughts into reality. However, not only do I create for fun, but I also build to remember. At times, I would erect digital monuments for notable events that have occurred in my life. For example, when I was hired for my first job as a librarian, I embarked on a journey to create a replica of my new workplace. Minecraft has allowed me to put my imaginative thoughts into reality. Yet, my journey within this digital world extends far beyond mere recreation. In addition to the satisfaction I receive, I construct digital monuments to commemorate significant milestones in my life. One poignant example of this is when I was hired for my first job as a librarian. To mark this moment, I took on an ambitious task within Minecraft, one that involved recreating a replica of my new workplace. Every detail, from the shelves lined with books to the cozy reading nooks, was rendered in the virtual realm. This endeavor allowed me to preserve the essence of that transformative period in my life, ensuring that the memories of that first step into my career would remain with me. Each time I venture into this digital rendition of my library, it serves as a reminder of the dedication and hard work that led me to where I am today.