“Kindness in Action” One of the most meaningful acts of kindness I’ve offered happened during a moment when no one else chose to step in. A girl on my volleyball team struggled socially, and because she didn’t know how to interact with others, many of my teammates avoided her. She was often talked about, excluded, and bullied, not just on the team, but throughout the school. Even though we didn’t always get along, I had always noticed her isolation and felt uncomfortable ignoring it. One day, she ran out of the room crying. Everyone saw it happen, but no one followed. Without really thinking, I went after her. I found her sitting alone in the stairwell, trying to eat while crying. Instead of leaving, I sat down next to her. What started as a simple check-in turned into an hour-long conversation. She opened up about how overwhelmed she felt with school and how alone she was. I stayed with her, talking, listening, and trying to make her laugh. That moment mattered because it forced me to look past differences and discomfort. Even though we weren’t close, I realized that kindness is not about who someone is to you. It is about recognizing when someone needs support and choosing to show up anyway. It taught me that small actions, like sitting beside someone when no one else will, can mean everything. Since then, I have tried to be more aware, because sometimes the people who are hardest to connect with are the ones who need it most. “Boldly, Unapologetically Me” Throughout high school, I have felt a constant pressure to be more relaxed about school, to not care as much about grades, to go along with what everyone else was doing, and to prioritize fun over responsibility. But I have always known that I take my academics seriously, and I have chosen not to compromise that, even when it meant separating myself from others. There have been many times when my friends did not want to study for a test or would encourage me to skip class to hang out. In those moments, it would have been easier to just go along with them. Instead, I made the decision to walk away and focus on my work. Whether that meant studying on my own or staying back while others left, I chose to prioritize what I knew was important for my future. This was not always easy. Saying no sometimes meant feeling left out or being seen as too serious. Over time, I realized that being unapologetically myself meant standing firm in my values, even when they were not the majority. I do not believe that caring about your goals should be something to hide or downplay. Choosing discipline over pressure has shaped who I am. It has taught me independence, self-respect, and confidence in my decisions. Being true to myself does not always look bold from the outside, but it shows in the quiet choices, walking away, staying focused, and knowing that I am building something that matters to me.

The one thing that truly takes up most of my life is volleyball. Ever since I was eight years old, I have been fortunate enough to play a sport that I love, and I have continued that passion to the point of playing at the college level. Volleyball has not only shaped my daily routine, but it has also taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of teamwork. Alongside my commitment to volleyball, I have consistently challenged myself academically. Throughout all four years of high school, I have worked hard to maintain a 4.0 GPA, and I am determined to continue that same level of dedication as I move into college. Beyond athletics and academics, I am very involved in my community, especially within my church. I served as an altar server for two years, which allowed me to grow in responsibility and strengthen my faith. Although my volleyball schedule eventually became too demanding for me to continue serving regularly at Mass, I still remain active and connected to my church community in other ways. This involvement has been an important part of who I am, helping me stay grounded and connected to something greater than myself. Another strong passion of mine is my love for animals. I have two cats and three dogs, which reflects how much I truly care about animals and their well-being. This summer, I plan to volunteer at the PAWS animal shelter to help support adoption efforts, especially during the busy season when shelters often become overcrowded. After my older cat passed away, I visited PAWS while looking into adoption and saw firsthand how many animals go without homes. That experience had a strong impact on me and motivated me to want to help. I was able to adopt two kittens of my own, but I also want to give back by helping other animals find loving homes. If I had the opportunity to start my own charity, I would focus on two areas that are most meaningful to me. The first would be creating an animal shelter that provides care and support for animals in need, inspired by people like Millie Bobby Brown, who has worked to help animals through her own efforts. The second, and most important to me, would be giving back to the sports community. I would want to create opportunities for kids who cannot afford to participate in club sports, allowing them to experience the same growth, lessons, and joy that sports have given me. Overall, my experiences in volleyball, academics, community service, and my love for animals have shaped who I am today. Each of these areas has taught me valuable lessons about hard work, compassion, and giving back. Moving forward, I hope to continue using these passions to make a positive impact, not only in my own life but in the lives of others.

If you asked me in first-grader, when I first started volleyball, if I thought I would play in college, my answer would’ve been, “That would be my dream!” After my first practice on my elementary school team, I never played another sport besides volleyball because I had fallen in love with the sport. My dad, who played volleyball in college, was always the person I strove to make happy. From age 8 to 16, I played indoor club volleyball, and around 13 is when I started playing beach. For me, deciding whether to play beach or indoor volleyball in college was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, but eventually the answer became clear. On the indoor court, I was one of those players who could play almost any position, which came from my experience on the beach. I started as a libero when I was younger, moved to outside hitter, then to setter and right side, and eventually back to libero. Being moved around so much made it hard for me to really feel settled and play freely. Beach, on the other hand, is where I feel the most comfortable. I get to play every position, touch the ball almost every play, and have more control over my game. That is what made me fall in love with it. As a very competitive player, having more control on the beach made it even more appealing. With only one partner, the strategy becomes more intense, and allows me to have to stay mentally tough, especially when you’re being targeted. That challenge is something I enjoy the most. I am committed to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of Oregon, where I will be playing on their beach volleyball team. But athletics wasn’t the only reason I chose Oregon. I plan to pursue architecture, and I was admitted into their architecture program, which is selective and requires a separate application. I will also be part of the honors college, where I’ll take more in-depth, higher-level courses. Like the architecture program, the honors college also requires a separate application due to its rigor. Academics are very important to me because, while volleyball is a big part of my life, I’m also thinking about what comes after. My goal is to run my own design-and-build company someday, so getting into the architecture program was a huge step for me. My dream is to remodel homes, because I want to take a home that is special to people, and make it even more personal and meaningful. Owning my own company matters to me because I want to be hands-on and fully involved in my work, rather than just completing assigned tasks. I’m really excited for this next chapter in college and can’t wait to see how what I learn will help me reach my long-term goals.

Faith is often thought of as something constant, but for me, it has been more like a rhythm, sometimes steady, sometimes distant, yet always returning. My relationship with Jesus has grown within that rhythm, shaped by years in a Catholic school environment that has continuously guided me back to what matters most. Through both consistency and struggle, my faith has become not just something I practice, but something that actively shapes how I understand myself and the world around me. Growing up in a Catholic school, I was immersed in learning about Jesus, His life, His teachings, and the way He calls people to live with purpose and compassion. This foundation made my faith feel natural and strong, but it also allowed me to engage with it intellectually and personally. One of the most meaningful ideas I have encountered is the connection between morality and happiness. I have come to understand that true fulfillment does not come from temporary success or external validation, but from living a life rooted in goodness, integrity, and service to others. This realization has deepened my faith, transforming it from a set of beliefs into a guide for how I want to live. However, my faith has not always been perfectly consistent. There have been times when I felt distracted or disconnected, especially when life became overwhelming or routine. Yet what stands out to me is that I have always found my way back. Being in an environment that encourages daily reflection, prayer, and discussion has played a major role in that return. My school has not expected perfection, but instead has created space for growth, which has allowed my relationship with Jesus to feel personal rather than forced. One of the most impactful experiences in my faith journey has been the Kairos retreat. Unlike the structure of everyday school life, Kairos offered a rare opportunity to step away from distractions and truly reflect. It was not about hearing God in a literal sense, but about creating silence, removing the constant noise of daily life so that I could become more aware of His presence. That experience taught me the importance of intentionality in faith. It showed me that growing closer to Jesus requires making space for Him, especially in moments when life feels the busiest. As I look ahead to my educational journey in college, I am committed to maintaining and strengthening this relationship. Without the built in structure of a Catholic school, I know that my faith will require more personal initiative. I plan to seek out communities, retreats, and moments of reflection similar to Kairos, ensuring that I continue to grow spiritually even in a new environment. More importantly, I want my faith to be evident not just in private moments, but in how I treat others, approach challenges, and make decisions. Ultimately, my relationship with Jesus has taught me that faith is not about perfection, but about persistence. It is about continually choosing to return, to grow, and to live with intention. As I move forward, I hope to carry that mindset with me, allowing my faith to remain a steady and guiding presence throughout my education and beyond.

Being at a Catholic high school has placed me in a world that often feels small, limited to what exists within and just beyond campus. Growing up in Catholic schools my entire life, I have always been part of a small class where everyone knows each other. That closeness has been a gift because it allows for deep relationships and a strong sense of community. At the same time, it can make the world feel small, as if my community is the whole picture rather than just a small part of something much bigger. That is why I am so interested in leaving Texas to attend the University of Oregon. At a large public university, but not one of the overwhelming mega schools, I would be able to step out of my comfort zone and experience the world in a way I never have before. At St. Michael’s, I have been able to support my school in ways that would not be possible everywhere. Because I know my teachers and staff so well, I can have real conversations with them and work toward change. One of the ways I have given back is through something close to my heart: volleyball. I was selected to serve on the Women in Athletics Sports Council, where a few girls represented their sports and discussed issues female athletes were facing. Being part of this council allowed me to be hands-on in creating change within my school community. I have also led volleyball camps for younger students who hope to attend St. Michael’s one day. As a coach, I tried to set an example not only as a player but as a person. I talked to them about what to expect in high school and how to carry themselves with confidence and character. My involvement has extended beyond sports as well. I started and ran a baking club that sold desserts at St. Michael’s events, with the goal of raising money to donate to charity at the end of the year. Although we ran into challenges midway through the year that prevented us from continuing sales, we did not stop trying to give back. We continued meeting to brainstorm ideas, and during one special meeting, we made holiday cards for patients in hospitals so they could feel remembered and encouraged during Christmas. Overall, I hope my commitment to serving my community does not end with high school. Whether it is hosting card-making nights, baking to raise money, playing on a beach volleyball team and inspiring younger girls, or giving my time in other ways, I want service to remain part of who I am. As I move into this next phase of life, I hope to embrace the shift from a small, familiar environment to a larger and more diverse one. I want to see the world differently, grow beyond what I know now, and continue becoming a better and more open person.

My “Pie in the Sky” dream is simple, but it is deeply personal. For more than half of my life, volleyball has been at the center. I started playing for my elementary school team when I was six years old, and by the age of eight I joined a club program and began training more seriously. From that point on, the sport became more than just an activity. It became my foundation. Growing up surrounded by strong female coaches who modeled confidence, and leadership shaped the way I see the world. Watching them lead with strength and humility showed me what kind of woman I want to become. At the same time, having a father who coaches has influenced me in countless ways and played a major role in my development. Now, as I prepare to attend the University of Oregon to compete in beach volleyball, my dream after college looks different from many of my peers. Volleyball has always been my safe place. No matter what is happening in my life, when I step onto the court, everything else fades away. I never pursued other sports competitively because nothing ever sparked the same passion. Even now, I still feel like the eight-year-old girl who first fell in love with the game. That joy has never disappeared, even as the competition has grown more intense and expectations higher. The court is where I feel most confident, challenged, and myself. My journey, however, has been shaped by more than wins and losses. Every year I had a different coach, and each one uniquely influenced me. They taught me resilience, accountability, and humility. They showed me how to handle pressure, communicate with teammates, and lead with integrity. Through them, I learned that success comes from discipline, but your character development is the most important in everything you do. My dad’s coaching has had the greatest impact. Seeing the person I love so much push me to be my very best, while still allowing me to make mistakes and grow from them, has given me a deep appreciation for true leadership. He never expected perfection, but he always expected effort and heart. That balance of high standards and support shaped me not only as an athlete, but as a person. Because of him, I understand that great coaching requires both challenge and trust. That is why my greatest dream is not centered on money. My dream is to become a collegiate coach and impact others the way my coaches impacted me. Because volleyball has given me so much, I want to give that same time and energy back. Coaching athletes during one of the most formative periods of their lives sounds exciting to me. College is a time of growth, independence, and pressure. Supporting players as they chase their goals and discover who they are would be incredibly meaningful. I am willing to work my way up, whether as a recruiting coordinator, assistant coach, or eventually a head coach. My ambition is to one day lead a major program and leave a legacy defined by strength, opportunity, and empowerment. Even now, coaching younger players has become part of my life. Watching young girls fall in love with the sport reminds me of where I started. My ultimate goal is to give athletes the same opportunities I was given. And no matter where life takes me, I know volleyball will always remain part of who I am.

Athletics has had the greatest impact on who I am today, shaping not only my discipline and work ethic but also the way I approach challenges in every part of my life. Playing beach volleyball taught me lessons that extend far beyond the court. Through practices, competitions, as well as high-pressure moments, volleyball has helped me develop resilience, confidence, and a drive to continually push myself to be better than I was the day before. Playing volleyball for so long has made the sport especially meaningful to me. It has become more than just a game. For me, it is a space where I have learned how to manage stress, fight through high stakes moments, and work with others. Volleyball has taught me that pressure is not something to run away from, rather something you have to work through with focus. The sport has shown me the value of consistency and commitment, proving that growth comes from showing up every day and putting in the effort, even when progress feels slow. These lessons have shaped how I handle academics, leadership, and personal goals. Because volleyball has given me so much, I have made a point to give back to the community that has had such a profound impact on my life. How I do that is through volunteering as a coach. Coaching has allowed me to share my knowledge of the sport while also supporting younger athletes as they develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork. Seeing players grow reinforces the importance I see in providing both a mentorship and service to others. This experience has strengthened my sense of responsibility to my community and shown me how meaningful it is to use my skills to positively impact others. As I look ahead, I hope to pursue a career in architecture and eventually own my own architectural business. I am drawn to architecture because it has a lasting impact on people’s lives. Buildings are not just structures, they are rather spaces where people live, grow, and build their futures. Through my career, I want to make a positive impact on my community and the world by focusing on affordable housing, particularly in apartment complexes and rural areas that are often overlooked. While many architects design extravagant homes, luxury hotels, or high-end developments, my goal is to serve communities that need safe and accessible housing the most. I want to design affordable homes that are not only cost-effective but also comfortable, reliable, and thoughtfully designed. Everyone deserves to live in a space that feels secure. By creating practical yet welcoming housing, I hope to improve quality of life and strengthen communities. Through my career, volunteer efforts, and commitment to service, I hope to continue giving back and leaving a lasting, positive impact on the communities that have shaped me.

As a high school student, it can be hard to know what you want to be when you grow up. For me, I hope that whatever path I choose, I can do two things: first, be an advocate for what I believe, and second, work hard for whatever I want to achieve. Getting into Oregon’s honors college has given me the ability to explore many possibilities. One question that often comes to mind is, “Why not study law?” My dad being a lawyer gives me a role model to look up to and has provided me with the perspective that a foundational understanding of law is valuable. Many people think law is only needed for lawyers, but I believe it is essential knowledge for everyone, whether you are running a business or navigating everyday situations like driving. I have participated in a mock trial before, which gave me an amazing insight into the effort required to pursue law. It was inspiring to see the different sides of each case, the countless details involved, and the balance of stories and evidence. My favorite part was the closing argument, because it is the most powerful part of any trial. It is where attention to detail and confidence matter most, as you present your side even when the outcome is uncertain. Alongside my interest in law, I am also drawn to design and architecture. During an internship with a construction and design company in my junior year, I learned about the tiny details that go into designing spaces. I also had the opportunity to observe real projects being built in real time, which gave me insight into how design and function come together. I am passionate about creating spaces where people feel safe and inspired, and I want to build atmospheres that leave a lasting impression. In the future, I hope to own my own architecture firm, focusing on projects like apartments, hotels, and residential buildings. This is one reason why I want a law degree. I believe that to run a company successfully, you need more than just business knowledge; you need to understand the legal framework that shapes our world. Watching my dad succeed as a lawyer has shown me the importance of law in daily life and in professional success. I believe that by pursuing both law and architecture, I can positively impact my future profession. I want to be seen not only as a creative designer but also as a professional who understands the broader world and can lead a company effectively. I hope to redefine what it means to be an architect by creating spaces that truly matter to the people who use them. Owning my own firm will allow me to combine creativity, leadership, and advocacy in a meaningful way.

Mental health can impact anyone, whether they put up a barrier and seem like they are doing great or express their struggles openly. Being a light in someone’s day is something I strive for. Every day, my goal is to be the person who makes others smile and laugh. I support others’ mental health by being a shoulder they can lean on and someone they can talk to without judgment. Throughout high school, my focus has been on how we can navigate the everyday social stresses and pressures we face. I have learned that one way to cope is by not dwelling on these pressures too much. Feeling excluded or not good enough can take a heavy emotional toll, but small gestures, like a smile in the hallway, can make a big difference. That is what I strive to do. I try to make people laugh on their bad days, help them take their mind off stress, or simply provide a space to vent. I have personally gone to therapy for about three years. Much of my sessions focus on learning how to reset when life feels overwhelming. One outlet that helps me feel safe and balanced is baking. Following a system and creating something allows me to take a deep breath and momentarily forget about stress. I also practice breathwork, meditation, yoga, and sometimes just sit in silence. These practices help me reset both mind and body and provide a sense of comfort. In my future career, I hope to inspire people and help them discover their own safe spaces. Everyone’s comfort looks different, but by sharing what has helped me navigate difficult times, I can offer guidance in finding calm and balance. I want to help others when they are struggling and encourage them to accept themselves and create balance in their lives. Through my work, I hope to emotionally support those around me by showing that small gestures, self-care, and understanding can make a meaningful difference.

My freshman year was one of the most influential years. When I began at high school, 2 weeks before I had school, I had jaw surgery. Not knowing anyone at the high school I was going to was already a stressful thought for me. But, I didn’t know how hard it was going to be when I also didn’t know myself. When I had jaw surgery, looking myself in the mirror, and seeing someone I didn’t recognize was extremely challenging for me. Trying to be confident in myself, when I didn’t like the way my face looked was a constant battle. I had also gained weight before the surgery, because the eating diet was so strict that I lost some weight. But starting high school, shame grew because I didn’t look like everyone else. I struggled with comparing myself to others and questioning my worth based on what I saw in the mirror. This caused me to not want to eat. I restricted myself at lunch, and I would go most days without eating full meals until dinner. When I heard people finally praising me for my looks saying that I looked so different in a good way validated my reason for not eating. This caused me to be self conscious all the time. I would pick every little detail about myself. In pictures I talked about how my face was still swollen from the surgery. Or how I didn’t look good enough in my clothing. I constantly made myself believe that my worth is determined by how I look in photos, or in the mirror. As an athlete, this wasn’t good for my body. I would constantly feel bad, like I didnt have any energy. I even sometimes felt light headed during workouts, but I thought it was just because I didn’t drink enough water. Eventually, I met with a sports psychologist. Getting to talk about myself as an athlete, as well as a student made me realize how important my health was. When discussing what I want to accomplish as a top athlete, I realized it wasn’t just what I do on the court, it was also what I do off the court. I learned through talking with someone that all I can do is control myself, and not shape myself after what I like about others. Because we are all different. Some girls I want to “look like” aren’t athletes that practice everyday and weight lift. Treating myself with care was the best thing I could do for myself. Loving my body as it is. Realizing it is what helps me to excel as a high achieving athlete. I came to this understanding when I got to watch Team USA volleyball compete in California. Looking around, I didn’t see women who were the skinniest. What I saw were athletes who trained, lifted weights, and fueled themselves well enough to withstand everything they were doing. It allowed me to realize that is how I need to view my body as well. Not as an object, but as myself. Something that is allowing me to be the best version of myself on and off of the court. This is why I am interested in helping others. And one particular quote has really pushed me especially to want to help. The quote is “We were never meant to stare at ourselves in a mirror. We were always meant to see reflections moving in the water.” In our cultural, we put so much pressure on how we look. I want to help people recognize their worth in different ways.

I am a huge fan of Sabrina Carpenter because of what she represents. In a time where women are constantly being looked at as objects, Sabrina's confidence on stage is what many young women want to achieve. I look up to her because she is someone you aspire to be like. You want her charisma, charm, but most of all, you want her ability to inspire others. Watching her grow from the Disney Channel Girl Meets World Character, to now a world-famous singer is something that you want wish to achieve. Not that I want to go from Disney to being a singer, but rather the fact that she, in a way, reinvented herself into something that is even more powerful. Also, her songs are an inspiration to me in a way that it shows female power. She sings with such force. I have loved watching her music grow. Even in the short time span between short and week and manchild, you can see her mature through her music in a way that you can tell she is becoming more comfortable with who she wants to portray herself through music. When I saw her in concert, it was inspiring. Getting to hear her in person live is even better than the recordings. My favorite song was Don't Smile. When she sang it live, I was so excited. In summary, there are many aspects of Sabrina's life and career that I look up to. But I think most of all, her growth into who she is now is something that inspires me the most.

One high school teacher who deeply influenced me was my freshman year English teacher and advisor for 4 years. When I was a freshman, I didn't know anyone at the school. I went from being one of the most outgoing kids in my middle school class to a shy freshman. I was uncomfortable in my own skin. I had just had a major jaw surgery, and going through the struggle of not knowing anyone and having a face that was so swollen I couldn't even recognize it was unbearably hard for me. Then I remember for the first time walking into my advisory. It was full of juniors, sophomores, and freshmen whom I had never talked to. But the teacher noticed that I was scared to talk to anyone, scared to open up because I felt as if everyone was judging me. So she helped to push me to socialize. She had me play games with my advisees. She always made sure I was included in everything we did. And on days when I was feeling sad or stressed, she was the first person in the halls to notice that something was up. As I eventually grew up, she still played a major role in my ability to become more confident in myself. As I grew into my own skin, she noticed. But rather than stop caring about me, she only started to care more. She checked in with me every week on how I was doing. Whether it was me telling her I had a heavy workload or that volleyball was stressing me out, she was always there to listen to me. In my sophomore year, at my sister's graduation ceremony, they announced the teacher of the year. When I heard her name get announced, I remember the only thing that was going through my head was "There was no one better." This teacher has influenced my life in ways I sometimes couldn't even notice until it was pointed out. When we went on our senior retreat for my school, there was a special part where you read letters that your family and friends can write for you. The one I was not expecting to make me feel so emotional was hers. I didn't know she had written something for me until I opened it up to read it. In the letter, she said one thing that stuck with me. It was "I loved seeing you grow out of your shell. From a shy freshman who was uncomfortable in her skin, to someone bold and confident, I could not be more proud." In that moment, when I read those words, I was just overwhelmed with joy to have such an amazing teacher like her. Learning from her, the one thing I take away is kindness. She is the one teacher that I know to be the most caring and most genuine person I know. She is always there for you, even in the most subtle of ways. That is why I want to embody what she did for me during my time in high school. Because she demonstrated how to live, I have learned to just listen to others, because maybe then I can understand them and treat them with love and kindness. Just as she did for me.

The most important aspect of my life for me is being a student athlete. Since I was 6 years old, I have played the same sport, which is volleyball. Volleyball has always been the one place that I can take my mind off of everything. When I started high school, I played for 2 volleyball clubs. At the time, I was with Roots Volleyball for Indoor volleyball training, and I was with Silver Beach for beach volleyball training. Balancing those 2 different communities and practice along with school was a challenge for me. I have always been very driven in everything that I do. I strive to be the team captain of my teams, but I also strive for 90s and above in school. Learning to say no to my friends on the weekend when I didn't have tournaments so that I could catch up on school became a habit for me. My parents have always taught me that it is called student athlete for a reason. We are asked to do things that not everyone gets to experience, which involves putting all our effort into learning, but also our sports. Volleyball plays such a huge role in my life that I allow it to be my safe place. Rather than it being something that I use to consume my time, I make it the one place that I reset from the day. Whatever happens during school, or however stressed I am from my workload, when I was on the volleyball court all I good think about was playing my best. That has allowed me to focus on being present with my team. The connections I have made through volleyball are some of my closest relationships. Volleyball has allowed me to be myself without any judgment. A lot of times during school, you get so caught up in the drama of the day, or how much stress you're under, that it feels like you forget to take a deep breath. When I am around my teammates, I get to be myself, free from distractions. I get to be as energetic and funny as I can be. Playing a sport has truly changed my life. Sometimes I think I don't know what I would do without volleyball. Learning to deal with the pressure that sports throw at you regarding performance has prepared me for every other aspect of my life. Because of volleyball, I have learned to be strong-minded and find a way to walk through life with a calm demeanor. In volleyball, you try to avoid having up and down moments. Rather, you want the team to be unable to read whether you are in your head or having an amazing game. That has taught me something about myself in everyday life. When I am taking a test, rather than approaching it stressed out, I approach it like it is a game, and it helps me to perform better. Ultimately, it is hard to explain in words how much volleyball has impacted my life. Growing with the sport from when I was a little kid to now is eye-opening to see myself as a person. Looking at how much it has pushed me to learn to find balance in my life. I could not be prouder of where I am today, being both an amazing student and an athlete.