Growing up in the supportive community of Happy Valley, Oregon, has shaped who I am today and what I strive to become in the future. I am fortunate to live in a city that acknowledges the diversity of those who live here. I am part of a community that creates a central gathering place in the park for all to come to celebrate, whether it's for a 4th of July parade, enjoy food and drinks while listening to music, pumpkin carving for Octoberfest, or the annual holiday tree lighting with carols. In this community, we all feel welcome. The same is true for my school community. Diversity is seen through our teachers, support staff, coaches, counselors, and students. I have been fortunate to be part of the Athletic Leadership team that collaborates with the various clubs in the school to honor the diversity in our school by using local Hispanic and black artists to create t-shirts for Hispanic Heritage Month or Black History Month. In unity, the student-athletes wear t-shirts to honor the diversity in our school. Ethno-food nights showcase the traditional dishes from different countries and regions within our school community for the students and parents to enjoy. From football games to speech debates, diversity is celebrated throughout my school. I am blessed to be part of a school community that creates a sense of belonging and acceptance for all. I am blessed with a community of immediate family that has always encouraged my growth and accepted me for exactly who I am. My parents and sister have always been my biggest cheerleaders at every cross-country race, swim meet, track and field event, and orchestra concert. I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by a supported community, whether it's been a large gathering at the park, events at the school, or time with my family. Having a supportive community permits me to fail forward in life. To know that failing is just another stepping stone towards success. It has allowed me to persevere through challenging situations, become resilient in hard times, and adapt to all that life throws my way. It has empowered me to strive for future educational goals in a well-established biochemistry and molecular biology program that will allow me to expand my knowledge, aid in developing my thought processes, and evolve my scientific communication and technical skills in this field, creating a diverse pathway for my future career goals in molecular sciences, where I hope to contribute to new ideas that impact the world around me.

I always dreamed of going to college. So, as a freshman in high school, I embarked on the building blocks of hard work and dedication to achieve this dream. I challenged myself by taking advanced placement classes that gave me the opportunity for a hands-on learning environment, to think critically, and to problem-solve. By immersing myself in my studies, I scored a five on the AP Biology exam, and this is where I kindled my passion for the sciences.  During my sophomore year, I decided to step out of my comfort zone even further and try out for the cross country team, swim team, track and field team, and put my name in for the position of Key Club President. At first, I thought I needed to fit into the pre-established cliques at my school to be part of these groups. Instead of giving up or trying to please others, I remained true to myself. I did not achieve my goal of becoming president that year or set any school records for cross country, swim, or track and field. Nevertheless, what I did learn was more about myself. I realized that through consistency and determination, I could achieve more. I learned that failing forward is just an avenue toward success. As my high school graduation approaches, I see the fruition of the building blocks of hard work and determination established in my freshman year finally pay off.  I aim to graduate with the Honors Diploma, the AP Capstone Degree, and a 4.0 GPA. Through failing forward with resilience and perseverance, I was captain of the Cross Country team, president of the National Honors Society, and treasurer of the Athletics Leadership Club in my senior year. I am looking to the future, where I will step out of my comfort zone again to pursue a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and impact the world around me through research.