In my sophomore year, my family faced eviction. I remember my parents’ quiet panic as they tried to figure out what to do next. As a teenager, I was used to relying on them for stability. But in that moment, they needed me to be strong too. We packed up our lives in a few days and began moving from place to place, staying with relatives and friends until we could find something more permanent. The instability affected everything. I missed classes, fell behind on assignments, and struggled to concentrate. My grades dropped for the first time in my life. I felt overwhelmed and ashamed. Not only was I falling apart academically, but I also felt like I was letting my family down. I stopped asking for help and tried to handle everything on my own, which only made things worse. Every day felt like a balancing act between keeping it together emotionally and trying to catch up academically. Eventually, I realized that staying silent was not the same as being strong. I reached out to my teachers and counselors, explained my situation, and asked for support. They responded with kindness and flexibility, giving me extensions, checking in with me, and reminding me that I was not alone. I built a schedule, set small goals, and slowly started regaining control. I learned how to manage my time more efficiently and prioritize what mattered. By junior year, I had earned back my credits and finished with a 4.0 GPA. That challenge taught me resilience, not just in surviving hardship, but in asking for help, rebuilding from failure, and believing in my ability to grow. As a first-generation Filipino-American born and raised in the Bay Area, my identity has shaped the way I see the world and my place in it. I grew up in a multigenerational household where we shared meals, told stories, and held tightly to our values. My parents and grandparents taught me about the importance of humility, family, and hard work. At the same time, growing up in such a diverse and progressive community opened my eyes to new ideas and perspectives. It helped me understand that my culture is not a barrier but a foundation. Being Filipino-American means understanding sacrifice and valuing community. My family's journey motivates me to succeed not only for myself but for them. I hope to become a psychologist serving low-income, immigrant families, especially youth facing challenges like the ones I overcame. I want to be the support I once needed.

The greatest achievement that I am most proud of is my comeback academically and mentally in my Sophomore and Junior year. In my mid-sophomore year, my parents informed the family that we were being evicted. Apparently the owner of the house we rented had relatives who were coming into state, so they needed the house for them. Despite our chaotic situation, we still had to pack and search for a new home. With the eviction deadline approaching and the house still full of furniture, I prioritized my family’s needs. I spent my days moving boxes and furniture, trying to maintain my academic performance while silently struggling under the stress. The pressure soon took its toll. I fell behind in school, missing assignments and classes. I told them I was keeping up to shield my parents from worrying. But despite my efforts, I failed my sophomore year. That summer, I enrolled in summer school to make up for lost credits, but my mental health deteriorated. Consumed by self-doubt, exhaustion, and depression, I questioned whether I had the strength to keep going. In my darkest moments, I found support from unexpected places– friends, teachers, and, most surprisingly, my parents. They reminded me they were proud of me, regardless of my setbacks. Their encouragement fueled my determination to rise above my struggles. I adopted healthier habits, such as regular exercise and balanced meals, while staying focused on my summer school courses. Gradually, I regained my confidence, completed the courses, and earned the credits I had lost. After that summer, I transferred to a new school, seeking a fresh start. Armed with the lessons I had learned about resilience and self-care, I maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my junior year. I became more outgoing, seeking connections with others and using my experiences to grow both emotionally and academically. This challenging period taught me the power of perseverance and emotional resilience. My struggles are no longer a source of shame but a motivation to excel. I now understand that difficult experiences, whether joyful or painful, shape us and help us grow stronger. As I continue with my education, I strive to learn from any difficult experiences I may face with positivity and ambition. And through completing my college education, I want to put my plan of volunteering across the world into motion. Like getting two birds with one stone, I can fufill my dream of seeing the world all the while assisting with the people whom need assistance.