I used to dream of becoming a doctor, yet my experiences revealed when patients reach hospitals, systemic issues have already taken their toll. Through local government work and international service, I discovered that true health equity requires policy change and global collaboration; this understanding inspires me to pursue a career in Foreign Service or State Department in health diplomacy. When I think about my path toward becoming a global diplomat, I realize my education so far has taught me lessons that are the foundation for my future.The first is that real change happens when we create spaces for every voice to be heard. This understanding started early in my Spanish immersion program, where I didn't just learn vocabulary and grammar—I learned that language is a bridge to understanding different perspectives and experiences. Later, working at the Mar Vista Farmers Market has shown me how this plays out in practice. When I translate between vendors and customers, I'm not just converting words from one language to another; I'm facilitating connections that wouldn't otherwise exist. My education has also shown me that systems and institutions can be changed, but it requires understanding how they actually work. My experience establishing Santa Monica's Youth Advisory Council deepened this understanding when I had to navigate political tensions and find common ground across party lines. These local experiences have been invaluable, but I recognize they're just the beginning. College represents the critical next step in preparing for international diplomacy. At Vanderbilt, I'll study Political Science and Medicine, Health and Society, gaining the theoretical framework to understand global systems and policy mechanisms that I've only glimpsed through my work on youth advisory councils. The classroom will challenge me to think more critically about root causes of displacement and inequality—moving beyond the immediate service I've provided as a volunteer. The research opportunities at university will allow me to deepen my understanding of NGO’s, studying how they successfully combine direct service with systemic change. Two components that are important to my career. What excites me most about college is the opportunity to learn alongside peers from around the world, bringing different cultural perspectives to classroom discussions about global issues. This diversity will be essential preparation for diplomatic work, where understanding multiple viewpoints isn't just helpful—it's necessary for crafting sustainable solutions. College will transform my passion for bridge-building into the sophisticated analytical skills and global perspective essential for effective international diplomacy. I am so excited about my future opportunities and path towards my goals.

Santa Monica Youth Advisory Council — Founder April 2024 - Present Contact: Lana Negrete, Santa Monica Mayor 310-463-4847 Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov In founding the Santa Monica Youth Advisory Council, I identified a crucial gap between local government and young voices and then took decisive action to bridge it. Working directly with the mayor and city council, I not only conceived this initiative but successfully navigated the complex approval process, requiring both persistence and political acumen during an election year. And it really did take a lot of persistence! The project's success in gaining official approval validated my drive to be an active citizen of the city I love. I am incredibly proud of this work to create a lasting platform for future generations of high school students to engage with local government, ensuring young voices will continue to shape Santa Monica's future. I also earned the California State Seal of Civic Engagement for this accomplishment. Letters to Our Leaders Club, SAMOHI — Founder + President August 2022 - 2025 Contact: Katharina Valentiner kvalentiner@smmusd.org 310-395-3204 Founded with a mission to provide students an outlet to express their voice before they can vote, and increase youth civic engagement through letter writing. 100s of letters have been written to date. Currently working to expand the club nationally. Hunger Awareness Club, SAMOHI — Co-founder Co-president August 2023 - PRESENT. Contact: Patti Braun 310-621-7119 pattibraun@aol.com What began as a response to an immediate need evolved into something much more significant. My co-founder and I rescued a pandemic program that had been started to help food-insecure families with weekend meals. When it was canceled, I went from being a food pantry volunteer to becoming a club founder and leader. Once we secured approval and sponsorship, we coordinated the distribution of 8,000+ meals to food-insecure SMMUSD families each year. Organized twice-yearly food drives and managed weekly volunteer teams for food packing. Secured corporate partnerships and led fundraising initiatives. Established an anonymous distribution system through school liaisons. This club grew far beyond expectations and continues to grow today. Boys and Girls State, Sacramento, CA-Delegate June 2024 Contact: David Gibson bdavid.gibson@gmail.com or Dan Rummel rummeldl79@gmail.com One of 3 students sent from my high school. It is a hands on civic leadership program, or mock government. I acted as a City Councilwoman, Media Editor, photographer, and private attorney. Congressman Ted Lieu Youth Advisory Council, District 36 — Delegate August 2024 - May 2025. Contact: Janet Turner 323-651-1040 Janet.Turner@mail.house.gov Debate and vote on House bills, providing a valuable youth perspective. Deliver recommendations to Congressman Lieu on legislative support. Collaborate with peers to analyze and discuss complex policy issues. Gain an in-depth understanding of federal lawmaking and congressional operations. Write and propose your own original bill. Immersion Club, SAMOHI — Volunteer/Member August 2022 - 2025. Contact: Katharina Valentiner kvalentiner@smmusd.org 310-395-3204 SAMOHIs is an immersion program club for students dedicated to their K12 immersion family. The club supports the immersion community at all levels through community service, advocacy, fundraising, and sustaining the immersion community outside of school. Money raised provides temporary relief for families in need, and scholarships for students going on to college. GlobalWorks Spain Service Program, Spain — Volunteer June 2023 - July 2023 Volunteer at La Fundacion Escuela de Solidaridad, working with refugees and immigrants, helping them adjust to Spanish life. Assisting with translation, craft work, and childcare. Work also included manual labor to clean and rehabilitate an unused space. Volunteer and translator at Amayuelas de Abajo, working in environmental awareness and sustainable agriculture. Contributed to the building of a farm shed by making hundreds of adobe bricks from clay and grass.