Graduating with my college degree means more than just an academic milestone—it signifies the culmination of a journey that’s been shaped by both personal challenges and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others. The road to this point has been long, with obstacles that have tested my resilience, but every challenge has reinforced my passion for dietetics and the transformative power of nutrition. For me, this degree is not only the key to opening doors to a fulfilling career but also the fulfillment of a promise I made to myself after my father's passing. Watching him battle ALS and seeing how nutrition could play a role in his care left a lasting impact on me. It sparked my drive to become a registered dietitian, particularly in clinical nutrition, where I can make a real difference in the lives of critically ill patients. My career aspirations are deeply rooted in the belief that nutrition can be a powerful tool for healing, particularly for patients in the ICU or those facing life-threatening conditions. I’ve seen firsthand the importance of nutrition in both preventing complications and promoting recovery. During my dietetic internship, I had the privilege of working with patients who were dealing with critical conditions such as stroke, cancer, and severe malnutrition. What stood out to me was how essential it is to treat not only the body but also the emotional and psychological aspects of illness. For many patients, food is more than just sustenance—it’s tied to their dignity, comfort, and a sense of normalcy. I’ve always believed that nutrition is about more than the physical—it’s about helping people regain control over their health and well-being, even when the world feels completely out of their hands. One specific career goal I have is to create a comprehensive nutrition care program for ICU patients, focusing on the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. I want to ensure that patients in these critical stages are supported not just nutritionally but holistically, addressing their needs for emotional support and a sense of stability during a time that can feel like complete chaos. I believe that by working closely with medical teams, I can develop nutrition interventions that not only optimize recovery but also ease the emotional burdens that patients and their families experience. This is where I believe I can make a unique contribution to the field, especially in critical care settings where the impact of good nutrition cannot be overstated. In addition to my clinical work, I want to contribute to the field through research, particularly in investigating how nutritional interventions can improve long-term recovery outcomes in critically ill patients. Many of these patients are at risk for malnutrition, infections, and other complications that can extend their hospital stays or even prevent full recovery. I believe that evidence-based research on the role of nutrition in these contexts could be a game changer, both in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. This is a field I’m deeply passionate about, and I want to help shape the future of nutrition care in critical care settings. I also have a passion for sports nutrition, specifically for athletes in extreme sports like mountain climbing, rock climbing, and long-distance running. These athletes push their bodies to extremes, and the toll this takes on their nutritional needs is something I’m eager to explore. As someone who has always loved pushing my own physical boundaries through athletics, I understand the importance of proper nutrition in optimizing performance and preventing injury. I hope to work with athletes in these fields, helping them maintain optimal health and performance by providing tailored nutritional strategies that support endurance, recovery, and injury prevention. This area of nutrition is still under-researched, and I want to be at the forefront of exploring how nutrition can enhance performance in some of the most demanding sports. To achieve my goals, I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Exercise and Sports Nutrition while completing my dietetic internship. The combination of these experiences is providing me with a solid foundation in both clinical nutrition and sports nutrition, preparing me to make a lasting impact in the field. However, as a full-time student and intern, I have not been able to work, which has placed a significant financial burden on me. I’ve been relying on savings I’ve built up over the years and student loans to support myself. While I view loans as an investment in my future, the financial strain has been overwhelming at times, and it has created additional stress as I focus on my studies. This is where receiving a scholarship would make a profound difference. It would help alleviate the financial strain, allowing me to focus on my education without the constant worry about money. This scholarship would give me the flexibility to explore additional growth opportunities, such as certifications, workshops, and conferences that will deepen my knowledge and expand my expertise in both clinical and sports nutrition. Additionally, it would provide the support I need to transition into my professional career without the weight of overwhelming debt, allowing me to begin my work as a registered dietitian with a clear mind and the resources to make a true impact on the lives of my patients. In the future, I also aspire to take on leadership roles within the dietetics field, advocating for the broader integration of nutrition into all aspects of healthcare, including corporate wellness, sustainable food systems, and policy-making. I want to be part of a movement that promotes the value of dietitians in diverse sectors, where nutrition is recognized as a fundamental pillar of health and well-being. This scholarship would play a key role in helping me achieve these aspirations, providing the financial support necessary to complete my education and transition into the next phase of my career. I am deeply committed to becoming a dietitian who not only provides high-quality care to patients but also contributes to the broader field of nutrition through research, advocacy, and leadership. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to focus on my education, gain valuable experience, and ultimately make a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of others. Thank you for considering my application and for your role in helping me achieve my vision.

Nutrition has always been deeply personal to me. Growing up, I watched my father battle ALS, a disease that slowly took away his ability to walk, speak, and eventually, eat. I vividly remember sitting beside him, helping him with every meal as his body weakened. I learned early on how crucial nutrition is—not just as a means of survival but also as a key component of quality of life. This experience shaped my desire to help others facing similar challenges and sparked my passion for becoming a dietitian. If awarded this scholarship, my mission would be to help patients and families understand the powerful link between nutrition and their ability to manage or prevent chronic conditions. Proper nutrition can be one of the most effective tools to slow disease progression and improve recovery. For patients battling cancer, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders, the right diet can significantly impact their outcomes. When my father was ill, nutrition played a huge role in maintaining his dignity and comfort. Even though his body was failing him, a well-prepared meal—sometimes simply a sip of something nutritious—gave him a sense of control. This taught me that nutrition counseling should focus not only on food choices but on the emotional aspects of eating. For many patients, the loss of appetite or the inability to eat causes profound emotional stress. I would want to approach every patient with the same compassion I had for my father, considering the psychological aspects of eating while still helping them make the best choices for their health. I would focus on providing personalized, compassionate care. By understanding each patient’s lifestyle, preferences, and emotional needs, I can offer the most effective guidance. Nutrition isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s crucial to create realistic goals that patients can achieve in their circumstances. I’ve seen how overwhelming it can be to adopt a new diet during a serious illness, and that’s why consistent support is so important. Beyond improving health outcomes, I want to help patients rediscover the joy of food. During my father’s illness, we spent hours experimenting with different flavors and making meals enjoyable despite his limitations. In my practice, I would encourage patients to find comfort and joy in their food, even in challenging times. Additionally, I want to help patients see that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. During my college years, I lived on a tight budget and had to get creative with my meals. I would share these strategies with patients, offering affordable and practical solutions for meal planning and grocery shopping. My ultimate goal is to help patients understand that small, positive changes in their nutrition habits can lead to improved health outcomes. I want to empower them to take control of their health through nutrition, as I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be. My journey has been deeply shaped by my father’s illness, and I carry that experience with me as I move forward in my work as a dietitian. I want to make a difference for individuals and their families navigating the challenges of chronic disease.

Billie Eilish's music has been a significant part of my life, especially during my formative years. Growing up, her songs provided a sense of connection and understanding, particularly when it came to the mental health struggles that she openly shares. Three of her songs—"Everything I Wanted," "Therefore I Am," and "Wildflower"—resonate with me deeply, each capturing different aspects of my journey and emotions. "Everything I Wanted" speaks to the pressure of expectations and the feeling of isolation that can accompany success. The haunting melody and introspective lyrics reflect the internal struggles that many people, including myself, face when trying to balance personal desires with external expectations. As someone who has often felt the weight of being the first in my family to attend graduate school, this song resonates with me on a profound level. It reminds me of the importance of staying grounded and finding comfort in the support of loved ones, even when the world feels overwhelming. Growing up, I often felt a disconnect between my aspirations and the reality around me, and this song encapsulates that struggle in a way that feels deeply personal. "Therefore I Am" is a powerful anthem of self-assertion and confidence. The unapologetic tone and message of not allowing others to define your worth resonate with me as I navigate my academic and personal journey. In a world where it’s easy to feel judged or misunderstood, especially as a young person finding their way, this song serves as a reminder to stay true to myself and not let the opinions of others dictate my path. It empowers me to stand tall and embrace my individuality, which is essential as I carve out my own identity in both my studies and future career. Finally, "Wildflower" captures the essence of resilience and growth. Although it’s not as widely known as some of her other songs, its lyrics about blooming in adversity and finding beauty in imperfection deeply resonate with my journey as a first-generation graduate student. The song symbolizes hope and the idea that, even in challenging circumstances, it’s possible to thrive and create something beautiful. This message of resilience is something I hold close as I pursue my goals, reminding me that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and evolve. Billie Eilish’s music has been a constant companion throughout my life, resonating with me in moments of both struggle and triumph. Her openness about mental health and the challenges she’s faced made me feel less alone as a young person navigating similar experiences. These songs remind me to stay true to myself, embrace my journey with all its ups and downs, and continue striving toward my goals with confidence and resilience.

As the first member of my family to attend graduate school, I carry the weight of both pride and challenge. My grandparents emigrated from the Philippines in pursuit of a better life, and my mother, despite being the first in her family to earn a Bachelor's degree in the U.S., faced significant obstacles due to cultural and systemic barriers. Growing up, I watched her navigate these challenges with resilience, but I also witnessed the limitations that a lack of familial guidance in higher education can impose. While my mother has been an unwavering source of support, the path I’m on is largely uncharted territory for my family, making the navigation of higher education particularly challenging. The lack of direct guidance and understanding from my family has been difficult, but it has also fueled my determination to succeed. My journey through academia has been shaped by a need to be resourceful and independent. I have had to seek out mentors, rely on my resilience, and learn to advocate for myself in ways that my family never had the opportunity to teach me. These experiences have not only shaped my academic journey but have also deepened my commitment to my studies in exercise and sports nutrition. I am driven to succeed not only for myself but also to pave the way for others like me who may feel like outsiders in academia. I want to be a role model, showing that it is possible to succeed even when the path is unclear. Being a first-generation graduate student has profoundly influenced my future goals. I am deeply committed to giving back to communities like mine by providing the knowledge and resources that are often inaccessible to first-generation students and immigrants. I hope to use my education to bridge gaps in health and wellness, particularly within underrepresented communities, and to empower individuals to lead healthier lives. The struggles I have faced have instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Pursuing a career as a Registered Dietitian aligns perfectly with these goals. By studying nutrition, I am equipping myself with the tools needed to make a tangible difference in people's lives, especially in communities that are often overlooked. Becoming a Registered Dietitian will allow me to combine my passion for health with my commitment to serving others, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the knowledge and support needed to achieve optimal well-being. This scholarship will be instrumental in helping me achieve this vision, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue my journey with the support and confidence needed to succeed.