A legacy is a memory that is left behind by a notable member of a community that lives on well after they have passed away. They inspire the next generations to strive for positive change and achieve greatness in ways that have yet to be done. There are many different kinds of equally valuable legacies, ranging from familial legacies to global legacies. I hope to leave many legacies behind, those being dependent on my relationship I have with others around me. To my friends and family, I want my legacy to be how thoughtful, loving, adventurous, and hardworking I was. I hope to inspire those I love to live life experiencing as much as possible and meeting as many people of different backgrounds as possible. I try to live my life in the fullest way possible. I ensure I express my love and gratitude whenever possible. I believe legacies can be formed over a lifetime solely on the way a person composes themselves. Therefore, I will continue to live in a way that contributes positively to the world around me and hope to inspire the next generation to do the same. To the public or to those who I have not met, I hope to leave a legacy of innovation and scientific excellence. I am currently a bioengineering student at the University of California, Berkeley. My ultimate career goal is to contribute to the development of 3D-bioprinted, functional, and compatible organs for those experiencing organ failure. I have started doing tissue engineering and bioprinting research and intend to continue this throughout my entire career. As technology advances, I will be able to work with other engineers and doctors to provide millions of people with organs that they would have to wait years to receive on a transplant list. I want people to remember me as a scientist who pushed boundaries to make the seemingly impossible, possible. There are many different types of legacies people can leave behind and they largely depend on the relationship one has to that person. I hope to positively contribute to as many people’s as possible and inspire them to do the same to thoe in their lives.

To me, a degree in bioengineering is a means for opportunity, growth, and passion. When I was seven years old, my mom bought sheep organs to teach my sister’s fifth grade class about mammalian organ systems. After the class, she brought them home and allowed me to dissect them and explore the intricacies of each part. That was the first time I felt passionate about anything. Science became my favorite subject in school and still fascinates me to this day. I am currently completing my undergrad in bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley. Being a bioengineer at Berkeley has provided me with many opportunities to meet and work with incredible academics, become a member of prominent clubs and organizations, and become knowledgeable in the subjects that will aid me in my future success. My ultimate career goals are to earn an MD/Ph.D., become a neonatal surgeon, and contribute to the development of compatible, functioning organs. Bioengineering has allowed me to gain experience in research labs and mentor younger students so they can also have successful college careers. I am currently working on bioprinting research aimed to characterize cell behavior in different hydrogel environments. This opportunity has helped me grow as a researcher in many ways and is extremely applicable to the things I hope to accomplish in the future. Also, being a mentor has made me realize I enjoy working with younger students and teaching them all the things I love about science. I want to use my degree in bioengineer to continuously share my knowledge with those who share my passions for biological science. Throughout my career, I hope to also become a philanthropist and potentially a politician. I want to give back to the communities that have helped me my whole life and ensure the future generation can follow their passions. Finally, as a scientist, I want to get into politics and use science as a force for positive change. There are many issues concerning human health and climate that are often neglected by the world’s governments, so I hope to use science to educate people to care for themselves and our planet in the best way possible. Overall, a degree in bioengineering is a means for opportunity, growth, and passion.