My name is Ezana Alemayehu and I am currently a high school senior at California High School. I plan to obtain a Bioengineering degree on the premed track at Santa Clara University. My dad is an immigrant from Ethiopia, so I was fortunate enough to visit and witness poverty firsthand. This experience inspired me to want to give back. My ultimate goal is to one day return to Ethiopia to open a healthcare clinic which will provide quality healthcare to those in need. Another passion of mine is soccer. Throughout my entire life, the sport of soccer has guided me along a path of self discovery and growth. Soccer has taught me perseverance, dedication, and many important life skills. It has completely shaped the person I am today, instilling core values from a young age which I still hold within myself. Through soccer, I’ve developed an understanding of what it takes to be successful in anything. Talent alone is never enough, and I’ve learned that results will always follow consistency and commitment. Staying focused on a task or area of improvement and sticking with it is one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my lifetime. I appreciate every moment I spend with soccer and use them as opportunities to grow. The beautiful game will always hold a special place in my heart, as it’s been an incredible mentor in the story of my life.