My mom’s a shoplifter. That’s what the vendor assumed after viewing misleading camera footage. My mom and I had attended an Indian jewelry event where numerous vendors sell jewelry at booths every year. Because the event is always so packed, the vendor thought my mom had stolen a pair of earrings even though she hadn't. It was the person next to her. What stood out to me, however, was how the vendor would now always have the footage. This sparked my curiosity about privacy. Given that I have an interest in computer science, I searched for ways that I could help others that deal with privacy breaches as well. During my internship at Rivu, a cyber security company, I explored a piece of tech that fascinates me. Federated learning stands as a captivating technological advancement with significant implications across diverse industries, particularly within the spheres of privacy and data analysis. What makes federated learning particularly captivating is its unique capability to process extensive datasets without necessitating centralized data storage. In the medical field, where safeguarding data privacy is paramount, federated learning presents an innovative pathway to leverage the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning. This approach empowers medical institutions, research centers, and healthcare entities to collaboratively enhance disease detection, treatment strategies, and patient care, all while upholding the integrity of patient confidentiality. A noteworthy application of federated learning that I researched emerges in the context of DNA analysis. Conventional DNA sequencing methodologies often entail sharing entire genetic sequences, which raises substantial privacy concerns. Federated learning, however, diverges from this norm. It initiates with a foundational DNA template and concentrates solely on the distinct variations or alterations within individual patients' DNA. This strategy enables the extraction of valuable insights without ever compromising the complete genetic blueprint of any individual. Through the implementation of federated learning in DNA analysis, researchers and medical experts gain the ability to discern genetic irregularities linked to diseases, monitor disease advancement, and craft personalized treatment protocols. Notably, this occurs while upholding the highest echelons of data security and privacy. This technology possesses the potential to reshape the approach to data analysis and machine learning model refinement across industries. It empowers entities to foster collaboration, innovation, and algorithmic enhancement without compromising data security and privacy.

My mom’s a shoplifter. That’s what the vendor assumed after viewing misleading camera footage. My mom and I had attended an Indian jewelry event where numerous vendors sell jewelry at booths every year. Because the event is always so packed, the vendor thought my mom had stolen a pair of earrings even though she hadn't. It was the person next to her. The thing that stood out to me, however, was how the vendor would now always have the footage. This sparked my curiosity about privacy. In college and beyond, I hope to pursue computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity. Growing up, I didn’t find the appeal in my dad's 9-5 software job. In fact, I tried to steer away from computer science as much as possible. One day, I met Mrs. Ohrie, the VP of Dell Technologies, when she came over for dinner. Rather than being straightforward and professional, she was more charismatic and carefree. I was in awe of her accomplishments in a male-dominated field. She motivated me to give computer science another shot. I took her advice and joined a GirlsWhoCode club where I was surrounded by like-minded girls who didn't care if I barely knew Python. They welcomed me with open arms and I felt a strange sense of belonging. From fixing bugs to attending hackathons, I experienced an unrivaled investment in the emotional rollercoaster that is coding. As I explored more coding classes like CS50 on EdX, I viewed computer science in a different light: the gratification of temporary success, the curiosity to still learn more, and the satisfaction of figuring things out on my own. However, I failed to see how any of it could be applied to the real world. Surely, my dad didn't sit at his computer all day and just code. Code for what? For who? and why? After cold-emailing professors and companies, I finally landed an internship to see how tech is used in the real world. It wasn’t just any computer science internship, but one rooted in cybersecurity research for a company that provides security services. My first few tasks consisted of researching broad topics like privacy and enclaves. I observed case studies where customers reported breaches in their data, ranging from logins to genomics data. I realized that there is so much more to computer science than just coding. It starts with a problem, like the jewelry vendor having misleading footage that could be used to call my mom a criminal. Then, I do research. Have there been similar cases before? How are they different? Which solutions worked? Finally, I develop a plan. By advancing in the computer science field, I hope to solve more problems than solely privacy breaches. More specifically, I've been exploring different ways differential privacy and federated learning, two fairly new technologies, can aid artificial intelligence (AI). In college, I hope to test the implementation of these technologies in the real world. For instance, privacy laws have prevented the medical industry from using AI to its advantage. Federated learning would allow companies to collaboratively train a decentralized model without sharing confidential medical records. Data like scans, MRIs, and others could be analyzed at a large scale to find new ways to detect and treat many diseases. Thus, computer science offers the tools to solve major issues in a world surrounded by technology. I’m constantly reassured I’ll never become bored, sedentary, or unmotivated.

I observed the mirage bubbling between the heated ground and the cars in the beach parking lot. The blistering heat made my thighs stick to the leather of the seat, creating a layer of sweat and restlessness every time I readjusted. My dad left the car with a smile on his face and a bounce in his steps while the rest of my family waited in the car, drained before the day had even begun. It must've taken us half an hour to find parking. Fifteen minutes of my dad pleading with the police officer to let us park in the crowded lot. I followed their conversation from the window. My dad spoke in broken English and the officer countered with a strong American accent. My dad couldn't understand and politely said, "Sorry, I didn't get you." This repeated until the police officer finally let us go. My brothers sprinted out of the car, ready for the beach, and my dad smiled at his triumph. Despite being yelled at for nearly 15 minutes straight, he remained optimistic. How does he do it? In a new country, with little to no assistance, a language barrier, and a family of 5 to support. How is he so resilient? After careful observation, I slowly learned the answer to this question. I admire my dad for his resilience which essentially stems from his carefree attitude in life. It's almost paradoxical, how can someone who's so carefree work so hard? Despite facing many struggles, he continues to live his life to the fullest, living on his own principles. My mom and I always joke that he's a foodie. But in reality, everything is an experience for him. If we're out eating, he devours his meal to the last grain. He enjoys vacations like they're his last, shows compassion in every conversation, and never loses his confidence. This realization has made me internalize my dad as my role model. For instance, he has helped me so much with my social anxiety. It's the little things like ordering food in public with confidence or doing speeches in front of my whole school. Before, I used to feel so anxious about these kinds of situations, but my dad's carefree attitude has shown me that it's okay to make mistakes or look silly sometimes. He always tells me that what's important is that I'm trying my best and putting myself out there. Seeing how he approaches social situations with ease and a positive mindset has inspired me to do the same. He has shown me that no matter what challenges come my way, I should never lose my sense of joy and adventure in life. Instead, I should embrace every moment as an opportunity to learn and grow. His resilience has taught me the importance of having a positive attitude and never giving up on my dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem. I'm proud to have a dad who embodies such strength and determination, and I hope to follow in his footsteps as I navigate through life's ups and downs.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, I co-founded Quarantutors.com with other high school students, an online platform offering free tutoring to students nationwide. Our goal was to help students find academic support during quarantine. Through this experience, I learned that doing the right thing was crucial in creating a team that could effectively serve students. Ultimately, doing the right thing comes down to recognizing that we all have a similar goal - to optimize our time to create a positive impact on people involved and inspire others to do the same. This realization helped me build better communication skills and find motivation. Additionally, I realized that being selfless meant finding gratitude in the things you can do for others, no matter how small. As a tutor, I formed meaningful relationships with students worldwide, and one of my most vivid memories was teaching a Canadian student how to create a resume for her dream school. This experience taught me the value of recognizing each person's experience, and I hope to carry the same principles with me as I pursue entrepreneurship in tech. I am applying for this scholarship because I want to continue my education, but financial constraints make it difficult for me to do so. I cannot qualify for financial aid because I am an H-4 dependent VISA holder, even though I have lived in the U.S. since kindergarten. This complication also restricts me from getting a job to help pay for my college tuition. I’m hoping that this scholarship will provide me with the financial support I need to continue my education and help me to achieve my goals. In the long run, this scholarship will have a profound impact on my future, by enabling me to pursue the career path of my choice and make a meaningful contribution to society.

I used to have an aversion to math, especially when I’d sit at the dining table late at night to finish my 5th-grade geometry homework. I found the repetitive nature of solving similar problems over and over again very tedious and uninteresting, which made me want to give up. However, as I entered high school, my perspective on math gradually began to change. I discovered my interest in math through calculus, the subject where I couldn't wait for class discussions to solve one complex integral. The feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction from solving intricate problems was like no other. The principles of mathematics have shaped my understanding of the world in many ways. For one, it has given me a more analytical mind. I am now able to break down problems into smaller, more manageable parts and identify patterns and relationships in data. Math has also given me a greater appreciation for the beauty and elegance of the world. Whether it is the symmetry of a snowflake or the patterns in a fractal, math can be found in some of the most unexpected places. Once, I was sitting in front of my screen with an equation staring back at me. The thing had more variables than numbers. The professionals on Zoom from my cybersecurity internship made me want to leave the meeting due to "WiFi issues." Reminding myself that I needed to start somewhere, I faced the equation. P(f(Dn))/P(f(Dn-1)) = e^ε. Step 1: Break it up: numerator and denominator Step 2: Exponent rules: ε to the power of 0 is 1 Conclusion: the closer ε is to 0, the more secure the information will be. The wave of relief that overcame me was a sign of victory. Mathematics plays a crucial role in cybersecurity, as it provides a solid foundation for understanding encryption, cryptography, and data analysis. Specifically, I want to study mathematical models and algorithms that can be used to detect and prevent cyberattacks and analyze data to identify patterns and potential vulnerabilities in security systems. By using math to advance my understanding of cybersecurity, I hope to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to protect sensitive data and networks from cyber threats. Whether I'm assisting my little brother in understanding negative numbers or utilizing binary mathematics in Computer Science class, math plays an essential role in my life.

Touching an elder's feet as a sign of respect is a practice that has been ingrained in Indian culture for centuries. It symbolizes the recognition of an elder's wisdom and experience and is a way of showing gratitude for the sacrifices they have made for the younger generations. As someone who grew up in a family that values tradition and respect, I have prioritized people in all aspects of my life. This means speaking politely and selflessly acting to help others whenever possible. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I, along with a group of high school students, founded Quarantutors.com, an online platform that provides free tutoring to students across the country. This initiative was born out of a desire to help students who were struggling with the transition to online learning due to the pandemic. The establishment of Quarantutors opened my eyes to how I could make a difference in the lives of others, even during such challenging times. As a co-founder, I quickly realized that "doing the right thing" was essential in creating a team that could effectively serve the students who needed our help. This included being honest with my co-founders and offering helpful feedback when necessary. Ultimately, doing the right thing comes down to recognizing that we all have a similar goal - to optimize our time to create a positive impact on people involved and inspire others to do the same. Over time, the experiences I had through Quarantutors helped me develop my people skills, which are essential in entrepreneurship and tech. I have come to realize that being selfless does not mean giving yourself up for others, but rather finding gratitude in the things you can do for them. By putting people first, I have learned that even the smallest actions can make a significant impact on someone else's life. As a tutor at Quarantutors, I formed meaningful relationships with the students I tutored and expanded our team worldwide. One of my most vivid memories was helping a student from Canada create a resume for her dream high school. It was a unique experience for both of us since resume skills are not typically taught in school, and I was grateful to mentor her through it. Experiences like this have taught me much more about myself than I had ever imagined. I have come to realize that it is essential to recognize the value of each person's experience, and by doing so, we can all learn from each other. I hope to carry the same principles of respect, selflessness, and gratitude with me in the future as I pursue entrepreneurship in tech. By creating a tech company, I will have the potential to create jobs and contribute to the economy, which can have a ripple effect throughout my community. My company may also be able to provide innovative solutions to problems faced by individuals and organizations in your community, improving their quality of life and increasing their productivity. However, it's equally important to continue volunteering at smaller organizations like Quarantutors. By doing so, I can address an immediate need in my community, whether it is by providing educational support to students or assisting with other charitable initiatives. I plan to participate in blood drives, Be The Match, and BigHelp Organization while furthering my education in universitry and beyond.

The movie "Catch Me If You Can" is a captivating film that has had a significant impact on my life. Released in 2002, the movie tells the story of a young man named Frank Abagnale, who becomes a con artist and impersonates various professionals, including a pilot, doctor, and lawyer, to live a life of luxury and evade the law. However, he is eventually caught by an FBI agent named Carl Hanratty, and the two develop a unique relationship as Frank helps the FBI catch other criminals. For me, the impact of the movie "Catch Me If You Can" goes beyond just its thrilling plot and outstanding performance of Leonardo DiCaprio. Growing up, I was raised in a very religious, Hindu household. My mom is a strong believer in fate and destiny. As I became older, I didn't like the box that the belief in a pre-determined destiny put me in. I wanted freedom for my own life and future. In fact, my mother always tells me to "think realistic" when I tell her about my dream life. However, to me, it isn't a dream but rather the reality I will attain. The film, "Catch Me If You Can," has solidified this belief in me. Frank Abagnale's ability to adapt and overcome any obstacle, despite his young age and lack of experience, has inspired me to push past my own limitations and pursue my goals with confidence. One of the most impactful scenes in the movie is when Frank's father tells him that he can be anything he wants to be, as long as he puts his mind to it. Though he takes this to a literal level, turning into a master con artist, this message resonates with me. It reminds me that my dreams are attainable if I am willing to work hard and believe in myself. Another important lesson that the movie has taught me is the value of honesty and integrity. Despite his criminal actions, Frank Abagnale is portrayed as a likable and sympathetic character, but his eventual redemption comes from his decision to work with the FBI and use his skills for good. This message has reminded me of the importance of being truthful and ethical in all aspects of my life and to use my talents and abilities to make a positive impact on the world. Last but not least, "Catch me if you can" has taught me the power of forgiveness and second chances. Although Frank Abagnale is a criminal, he is allowed to make amends for his actions and start anew. This message has reminded me that it is never too late to turn my life around and make things right, even if I have made mistakes in the past. The film is a powerful reminder that our past does not define us, and we have the power to create our own destiny through hard work, determination, and a positive mindset.

They say “more money more problems.” I wanted those problems. After all, a lack of money also brings problems. Coming from a family that had minimal financial knowledge, I was on a quest to become more educated in financial literacy. I became fascinated when I picked up the book Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert T. Kiyosaki. I was instantly hooked to the world of money and how people must learn to make it for themselves rather than work for it. Thus, I began reading more books (The Millionaire Next Door, by Thomas J. Stanley, The Automatic Millionaire, by David Bach, etc). A common trend I found through the books is that it’s important to start learning about money early. Time is one’s biggest asset! Much of what I learned through finance books was difficult for me to comprehend and apply to my life. However, I recognized the value of the tips and tricks authors teach in their books as I read through their stories. I realized that I wanted to further educate myself and teens my age (or anyone) about money. More specifically, I was focused on financial freedom. Not only is managing debt wisely and budgeting important, but learning to make money work for you would allow people to chase after dreams that require money. To bridge the barrier between people and financial information, I planned to create an app called WalletLux. After taking an online class in app development, I brainstormed ideas and designed the app on Figma. I coded the pages using Flutter and used Bravo Studio to connect the frontend design with the backend. Though dealing with conflicts during the free trial was challenging, I still managed to connect Airtable and implement a Firebase login. I am content with the prototype I created but yearn for something more advanced. Though I couldn't publish my app to the App Store due to costs, I used this experience to improve my app and learn more about back-end coding languages. Given more money, I hope to advance my app by implementing an AI aspect that would help users manage their money. Though wallet apps already exist, I hope to focus my app on guiding people to build assets wisely and create a strong financial portfolio. I would begin with research. The first step in creating an app is to conduct extensive market research. This should include understanding the different types of investments and financial products, as well as identifying the target audience for the app. The research should also identify the key features that users would find valuable in the app. Next, I would use my artistic and problem-solving skills to create a prototype. Due to its user-friendliness, I would use Figma to create a design plan. Once the design is complete, the next step is to develop the backend and frontend of the app. The backend should include a database to store user data and an API to communicate with the frontend. The frontend should be developed using modern web development technologies such as React, Angular, or Vue. The development process should be iterative and involve regular testing and feedback from the users. After testing, I plan to launch the app on the App Store and Google Play Store. Effective marketing is key to attracting users so I hope to advertise through social media campaigns, email marketing, and influencer partnerships. Last but not least, I would have a team maintain the app by fixing bugs, updating content, and improving features; regular updates should be released to address user feedback and issues.

As a college-bound student of an immigrant family, my journey has been filled with unique challenges and opportunities. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of education and the sacrifices they made to provide me with a better future. My parents both left their lives in India to settle in the US and thus, I moved here when I was in kindergarten. I still vividly remember when I’d failed an English test that would move me to a higher grade all because I called a clock a watch (though it was common in India to refer to a clock as a watch). Despite the language barrier, I worked hard in school and became the first in my family to pursue higher education. Though I’ve pushed myself in high school to land a seat at various universities, I have another obstacle to tackle. Because I am under the H-4 dependent VISA status (my family hasn’t yet received our green card) I am ineligible for financial aid and work outside of internships and co-ops. This makes it difficult for my family to support my college tuition making me fully rely on merit scholarships. Despite this setback, I continue to apply for scholarships and excel in my academics to help launch my career. My experiences as a child of immigrants have helped shape my worldview and instilled in me a deep sense of compassion and empathy for others. I have seen firsthand the struggles that immigrant families face and the barriers they must overcome to succeed. My education has given me the tools to make a positive impact in the world, and I plan to use my skills and knowledge to help others. As a college-bound student, I aspire to become a leader in my community and advocate for the rights of marginalized groups. I believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. For instance, I am interested in pursuing STEM and more specifically, computer science. It is a field that lacks females and other minorities. My goal is to pursue computer science in college to empower other women. I plan to take leadership in women in CS groups like GirlsWhoCode and WREN (Women’s Research Engagement Network) to create tight-knit study groups and mentor sessions. More often than not, women don’t receive academic assistance simply due to the lack of them in the computer science field but I hope to change that. Therefore, I am committed to using my education to make a positive impact in the world and help others overcome the challenges they face. I believe that by working together and embracing our differences, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

I used to have an aversion to math, especially when I’d sit at the dining table late at night to finish my 5th-grade geometry homework. I found the repetitive nature of solving similar problems over and over again very tedious and uninteresting, which made me want to give up. However, as I entered high school, my perspective on math gradually began to change. I discovered my interest in math through calculus, the subject where I couldn't wait for class discussions to solve one complex integral. The feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction from solving intricate problems was like no other. The principles of mathematics have shaped my understanding of the world in many ways. For one, it has given me a more analytical mind. I am now able to break down problems into smaller, more manageable parts and identify patterns and relationships in data. Math has also given me a greater appreciation for the beauty and elegance of the world. Whether it is the symmetry of a snowflake or the patterns in a fractal, math can be found in some of the most unexpected places. Once, I was sitting in front of my screen with an equation staring back at me. The thing had more variables than numbers. The professionals on the Zoom call made me want to leave the meeting due to "WiFi issues." Going into my cybersecurity internship, I knew the feeling of imposter syndrome would be an issue. In computer science, Once you learn one coding language, you realize that there are a million things you can do with it and a million more things you need to learn. That's the cyclical beauty of it. Reminding myself that I need to start somewhere, I faced the equation. P(f(Dn))/P(f(Dn-1)) = e^ε. - Step 1: Break it up: numerator and denominator - Step 2: Exponent rules: ε to the power of 0 is 1 Conclusion: the closer ε is to 0, the more secure the information will be. The wave of relief that overcame me was a sign of victory. Mathematics plays a crucial role in cybersecurity, as it provides a solid foundation for understanding encryption, cryptography, and data analysis. As I continue to pursue cybersecurity and computer science, I plan to use math to deepen my understanding of these concepts and apply them to real-world scenarios. Specifically, I want to study mathematical models and algorithms that can be used to detect and prevent cyberattacks, as well as analyze data to identify patterns and potential vulnerabilities in security systems. By using math to advance my understanding of cybersecurity, I hope to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to protect sensitive data and networks from cyber threats. Whether I'm assisting my little brother in understanding negative numbers or utilizing binary mathematics in Computer Science class, math plays an essential role in my life.

In my volunteer experience, there is one moment that never fails to make me smile. I was volunteering at the public library when a little girl asked for help with the vending machine. I took her crumpled dollar bill and bought a bag of chips. She walked away after saying “thank you” only to waddle back moments later to offer me a chip. It was one of the kindest gestures even though it was so simple. Appreciating my community has shown me how service doesn’t have to be extravagant, the most insignificant moments hold value for everyone. Growing up, I was taught to value respect and put people first in all aspects of my life. Whether it was through the polite way I spoke or the selfless actions I strived to take, I always made an effort to prioritize the well-being of those around me. This mindset eventually led me to found Quarantutors.com with a group of other high school students during the pandemic. Creating a team required "doing the right thing" in every sense of the phrase. This ranged from being honest with my co-founders and offering helpful feedback, to ensuring that our tutoring services were accessible and free to all students in need. Ultimately, doing the right thing comes down to recognizing that we all have a similar goal – to optimize our time and resources to create a positive impact on the people involved and inspire others to do the same. The establishment of Quarantutors opened my eyes to the countless ways in which I could make a difference in the world. From forming meaningful relationships with the students I tutored, to expanding the team worldwide, every moment was a chance to give back and show respect to those around me. Although getting Quarantutors featured in newsletters was one of my biggest accomplishments, my most vivid memory was helping a student from Canada create a resume for her dream high school. It was a unique experience for both of us – resume skills aren't taught in school, and I was grateful for the opportunity to mentor someone through it. Experiences like these have taught me much more about myself than I ever could have imagined. They have shown me that being selfless isn't about giving yourself up for others, but rather finding gratitude in the things you can do for them. Looking toward the future, I plan on pursuing entrepreneurship in the tech industry. This will involve having solid people skills and the ability to connect with a diverse range of individuals. I am confident that the principles of respect and selflessness that I have learned through my experiences with Quarantutors will serve me well as I continue to work towards my goals. Whether it's with college team members, incoming connections, or even strangers I pass by on the street, I hope to carry the same principles of respect and selflessness with me wherever I go. After all, there is no greater reward than the satisfaction of knowing that you have made a positive impact on the lives of others.

Growing up in a family full of software professionals, not pursuing higher education was out of the question. However, even without family expectations, I have a deep love for learning that motivates me to attend college. When I was young, I never understood the fascination behind my dad’s 9-5 software engineer job. I steered away from computer science after fixating on the poorly made decision that it was boring and stagnant. However, after meeting the VP of Dell, Mrs. Ohrie, I became in awe of the field. She opened my eyes to see computer science as more than a desk job. Through her charismatic, yet down-to-earth personality, she inspired me to get more females into tech, making my middle-school self internalize her as my role model. I joined GirlsWhoCode where I was surrounded by like-minded girls who didn't care if I barely knew Python. From fixing bugs to attending hackathons, I experienced an unrivaled investment in the emotional rollercoaster that is coding. My interest in the tech world doesn't end there. After gaining exposure to cybersecurity through my internship, I've developed a deep appreciation for the side of technology that often goes unnoticed. I discovered my love for working with software and observed the real-life impacts it makes on humans. I am constantly finding new problems that cybersecurity software can fix. One project I've worked on during my internship that I am passionate about is using federated learning to help researchers in the medical field use AI to make diagnoses without putting patient data at risk. The more shifts I work, I learn to accept the fact that I don't know much of the information I deal with, but understand that this is all a learning process. I am constantly inspired by the project team leaders and researchers in the company that dedicate their careers to helping others. By experiencing college and gaining the knowledge and soft skills needed to succeed in the real world, I hope to start my own tech company. I am applying for this scholarship because I want to continue my education, but financial constraints make it difficult for me to do so. I cannot qualify for financial aid because I am an H-4 dependent VISA holder, even though I have lived in the U.S. since kindergarten. This complication also restricts me from getting a job to help pay for my college tuition. I’m hoping that this scholarship will provide me with the financial support I need to continue my education and help me to achieve my goals. In the long run, this scholarship will have a profound impact on my future, by enabling me to pursue the career path of my choice and make a meaningful contribution to society.

My favorite Disney character is Mulan. When my 10 year-old-self watched a clever young girl and her witty sidekick dragon save China on screen, I was mesmerized. The beautiful story of Mulan captured my heart from my childhood but growing up has made me realize that I'm more alike to my favorite Disney princess than I'd originally thought. Under the pressures of female roles in imperial China, Mulan escapes the ordinary to follow her heart. She joins the Chinese army in place of her father to protect him from the brutalities of war. I find comfort in her justification for her actions: "There's a heart that must be free to fly." Though the army was a place for men during that time, Mulan defied the norms to follow her heart. I aspire to be Mulan in my world. Going into college as a computer science major is often daunting as it is a male-dominated field. However, the army, full of men, hadn't stopped Mulan from joining. I anticipate the imposter syndrome I may feel in classrooms full of boys or stereotypes within programs but I keep Mulan's fearless persona in my mind. Not only that, I admire the courage Mulan had when she took the biggest risk of her life. Pretending to be a man could've had her killed or become the greatest warrior in China. Thankfully, it was the latter. Her story proves that the risks we are afraid to take remove the possibility of a brighter future. In school, I try to adopt a "go big or go home" mindset keeping Mulan in mind. She quite literally left her home. For example, rather than enrolling in a biology class like all my friends, I took AP chemistry despite knowing that it'd be a challenging class. Aside from her clever and ambitious persona, I love Mulan for her simplicity. She doesn't overthink things but rather just goes with a feeling. In one scene, when she's teaching younger kids how to fight, she stresses the importance of taking things step-by-step and doing things with intention. Because of her fierce but gentle personality, Mulan will forever be my favorite Disney character.

The short answer is, I don’t. But that doesn’t mean I don’t try to. For a long time, I didn’t care much about my nutritional, physical, or even mental health. I don’t think it’s possible to pinpoint the exact time when I began to care but it was sometime in quarantine. The pandemic shifted my view on health, both mental and physical. I noticed my productivity was slacking, I was losing sleep, and eating more junk food. It was when my school introduced an online gym program during quarantine that I began to work out. At first, it had started for credit; I needed to complete one gym class per weekday to get a grade. I didn’t have weights at home so I started using my Tide laundry detergent container (it was heavy!). As I continued the classes for the rest of the semester, I began to notice the feeling after working out. It reduced my cramps, and I began having more energy for school. Thus, after the semester ended, I signed up for free quarantine workouts, I ran whenever it was safe outside, and even found an online community through social media. Working out and diets became popular on YouTube and fitness instructors soon became my inspiration. I found working out and dieting to be more of a mental than a physical task. I signed up for running events online to support Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease (through an app called Strava). Not only was I improving my mile time with the app challenges, but I also felt like a better person. It felt like I found like-minded people and was making a change to the world, as minor as it may be. With all that also came comments about my weight loss. I hadn’t been trying to lose weight but it came naturally with all the exercise I was doing. As a careful and educated individual, I knew the effects of an eating disorder so I wanted to find a healthy balance. Is there such a thing as too much exercise? I met with my pediatrician, with whom I’m grateful to be comfortable sharing my concerns, about how to balance my eating and workouts. She pushed me to do all the research I could. By the time I was entering junior year, things became more stressful. I had less time for running and planning meals. I began to idolize grades and it took many fails to realize that I needed to forgive myself. Instead of feeling guilty for not working out, I needed to find a healthy balance between challenging myself and taking breaks. Now, I try to fit in a quick pilates workout during busy weeks of school and leave the more heavy lifting for the weekend. I eat with intuition rather than following a diet. I fuel my sweet tooth but also try to get in more greens when I feel that they are lacking. My health teacher at school also pushed us to make gratitude journals and I still have mine. Though I forget sometimes, every night before I sleep, I write 3 things I'm grateful for. The key I've learned is writing with feeling rather than obligation. Through this, I've understood what "the little things" are that make me happy. At the end of a bad day, I'm happy I have at least 3 things that are good in my life. At the end of a good day, I'm happy that there are more than 3 things good in my life. Health is wealth.