I am the daughter of immigrant parents who came to the United States with little more than a dream and the unwavering belief that education could unlock a world of opportunities. Growing up as a woman of color in a multicultural household, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of navigating different worlds. My upbringing was a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and the pursuit of the American dream, all underpinned by the values of hard work, resilience, and the relentless quest for knowledge. My journey into the world of STEM began with curiosity and a sense of wonder. As a child, I would dismantle toys to understand their inner workings, much to the dismay of my parents. This curiosity evolved into a fascination with computers and technology. I remember the day my father brought home our first computer—a bulky, outdated machine by today’s standards, but to me, it was a portal to endless possibilities. I was captivated by the way this device could execute complex tasks with simple commands and how it opened up a universe of information at my fingertips. Throughout high school, my interest in technology deepened. I enrolled in every computer science course available and participated in coding competitions, where I found joy in solving intricate problems and creating innovative solutions. I joined the robotics club, where I learned to apply programming skills to bring mechanical creations to life. These experiences solidified my passion for STEM and, more specifically, computer science. I am particularly drawn to the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The idea that we can create systems that learn, adapt, and make decisions fascinates me. I see AI not just as a technological marvel but as a powerful tool that can address real-world issues, from improving healthcare outcomes to enhancing environmental sustainability. My dream is to delve into this field and explore how we can harness the power of AI to create technologies that are ethical, inclusive, and beneficial to society as a whole. My passion for computer science is also driven by a desire to break barriers and contribute to a more inclusive tech landscape. As a woman of color, I am acutely aware of the underrepresentation of people like me in STEM fields. The lack of diversity in tech not only limits the range of perspectives and innovations but also perpetuates inequalities. I am committed to being a part of the change that challenges these norms. I want to pave the way for future generations of women and underrepresented minorities to see themselves in STEM and to believe that they too can thrive in these fields. As I prepare to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer science, I am filled with excitement for the journey ahead. I plan to immerse myself in AI research and development, seeking to push the boundaries of what these technologies can achieve. I aspire to work on projects that not only advance technological capabilities but also prioritize ethical considerations and societal benefits. Beyond my academic and professional aspirations, I am dedicated to continuing my advocacy for diversity and inclusion in tech. I want to mentor young students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, and inspire them to pursue their passions in STEM. I believe that by sharing my journey and experiences, I can help others navigate their paths and contribute to a more diverse and innovative future. In essence, my passion for computer science is fueled by a blend of personal curiosity, a commitment to societal impact, and a drive to challenge and redefine the status quo in STEM.

Growing up as the daughter of Indian immigrants in the U.S. has been a journey of navigating two worlds—honoring my cultural heritage while adapting to the expectations of American society. My parents left India with little more than their dreams and an unwavering determination to build a better life for their children. Their resilience and sacrifices have deeply influenced my identity and aspirations. From a young age, my home was a vibrant blend of rich traditions and the pursuit of new opportunities. We celebrated Diwali with the same fervor as the Fourth of July, and the aromas of homemade samosas often mingled with the scent of mac and cheese. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for us, instilling in me the values of hard work, education, and perseverance. Yet, alongside these moments of joy and unity, there were also challenges and conflicts. In school, I often felt like an outsider, straddling the line between my Indian culture and the American environment around me. There were times when I was teased for the food I brought for lunch or for not understanding certain cultural references. These experiences fostered a sense of isolation, but they also fueled a deep determination to succeed. I wanted to honor my parents' sacrifices by excelling academically and proving that I belonged in any room I entered. A defining moment in my life came in middle school during a parent-teacher conference. My science teacher, Mrs. O’Connor, praised my curiosity and potential, but she also pointed out that I often hesitated to speak up in class. She encouraged my parents to support my academic pursuits more actively, explaining that their involvement could bridge the gap between my home culture and the demands of the American education system. This conversation was a turning point for my family. My parents, who had always focused on hard work as the key to success, began to engage more deeply with my education. They attended school meetings, learned about the American educational landscape, and supported my involvement in extracurricular activities. This shift created a new dynamic in our family, one where my academic achievements were celebrated as communal victories and my struggles were met with collective support. Inspired by my parents' newfound involvement, I began to pursue my interests with renewed vigor. I joined the science club, participated in math competitions, and discovered a passion for technology and engineering. Each achievement felt like a step closer to bridging the gap between my Indian heritage and the American dream my parents envisioned for me. High school presented new challenges but also opportunities to further define my path. I took advanced courses, became involved in STEM programs, and even founded a coding club aimed at encouraging other girls from diverse backgrounds to explore technology. Through these experiences, I found not only my academic passion but also a sense of community and belonging. My background as the child of Indian immigrants has profoundly shaped my academic endeavors. It has instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the value of education. The challenges I faced in balancing two cultures have taught me resilience and adaptability, qualities that have been crucial in my academic journey. As I prepare to enter college, I carry with me the lessons learned from my upbringing. I am motivated by the desire to honor my parents' sacrifices and to contribute to the world in a way that reflects both my heritage and my ambitions. I am committed to pursuing a career in technology and engineering, fields where I can innovate and make a tangible impact.

Graduating high school was supposed to be a moment of triumph, yet I found myself standing at the ceremony with a mixture of pride and trepidation. As a first-generation woman of color, I carried not only my hopes but the dreams and sacrifices of my family. My parents had left everything behind in their home country to build a life where I could have opportunities they never had. Their journey was my motivation, but it also became a source of immense pressure. During high school, this pressure often felt overwhelming. I struggled with anxiety and depression, feelings I could barely admit to myself, let alone to my family. Our community viewed mental health issues as something to be endured in silence, a belief I had internalized deeply. The expectations to excel academically and culturally navigate two worlds weighed heavily on me, leading to a growing sense of isolation and despair. The turning point came in my sophomore year during a routine parent-teacher conference. My chemistry teacher, Mrs. Patel, a woman of color who had also been a first-generation student, noticed the signs I had tried so hard to hide. After the meeting, she asked me to stay behind and talk. Her voice was soft but firm as she shared her own story of struggles and triumphs. She told me about her own battles with mental health and how she had learned to seek help and support. “I see so much potential in you,” she said, her eyes filled with understanding. “But you have to take care of yourself first. It’s okay to ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak; it makes you strong.” Her words struck a chord deep within me. For the first time, I felt seen and understood. Mrs. Patel’s openness about her experiences gave me the courage to confront my own struggles. That conversation was an impact moment that motivated me to seek help and start the journey towards becoming a better version of myself. Taking her advice to heart, I reached out to my school counselor. It was terrifying to admit that I needed help, but it was also liberating. Therapy provided me with tools to manage my anxiety and depression and helped me understand that my worth wasn’t tied to meeting every expectation placed upon me. It was the beginning of a transformation that changed how I viewed myself and my future. As I approached graduation, I reflected on Mrs. Patel’s influence and how her simple act of kindness had changed my life. She had seen my potential beyond the surface struggles and inspired me to embrace my identity and challenges as sources of strength rather than obstacles. This realization fueled my desire to give back and support others who might be facing similar battles. Motivated by this experience, I began volunteering at a local community center, mentoring younger students and sharing my story. I wanted to be the voice of understanding and encouragement that Mrs. Patel had been for me. Through this work, I discovered a passion for helping others and a commitment to advocating for mental health awareness within my community. Graduating high school became more than just an academic achievement; it marked the beginning of a new chapter where I was not just surviving but thriving. I learned that true strength comes from embracing our vulnerabilities and using them as a foundation for growth. As I prepare for college, I am driven by a desire to continue this journey of self-improvement and to uplift those around me.

Graduating high school was a milestone that felt both monumental and bittersweet. As a first-generation woman of color, the expectations and dreams my family held for me were immense. Their sacrifices and the hope they placed on my shoulders were a source of pride, yet they also fed into a silent storm brewing within me—one of depression, at my darkest moments- thoughts of ending it all. High school was a labyrinth of pressure and identity struggles. On the surface, I was the diligent student, striving to honor my family’s sacrifices by excelling academically. But underneath, I wrestled with feelings of inadequacy and an ever-present fear of failure. The weight of these expectations often left me feeling like I was suffocating, caught between the desire to make my family proud and the reality of my mental health struggles. In our community, mental health was a topic cloaked in silence. The idea of anxiety or depression seemed almost foreign, something that wasn’t supposed to affect people like us. Admitting to these feelings felt like a betrayal of my family’s dreams and a sign of weakness. So, I buried them deep, masking my pain with a facade of resilience and determination. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that the cracks in this facade began to show. The relentless pressure became too much to bear. I found myself withdrawing from friends and activities I once loved, consumed by a darkness I couldn’t escape. The nights were the hardest; thoughts of hopelessness and worthlessness would spiral, leading me to contemplate if the world would be better off without me. Confiding in a school counselor felt like lifting a veil of silence. She listened without judgment, offering a safe space for me to explore my feelings. Through her support, and eventually through therapy, I began to understand my struggles and learned that my mental health didn’t define my worth or diminish my achievements. This journey through mental health became a pivotal part of my identity. It taught me that true strength lies not in suppressing our vulnerabilities but in confronting and growing from them. As I approached graduation, I found myself reflecting on how these experiences could shape my future. I realized that my struggle had a purpose, and that purpose was to create change. I decided to start small but meaningful. Inspired by my own experiences, I began to envision a platform that would provide mental health support specifically for first-generation students and people of color. While still in high school, I launched a simple online blog where I shared my journey and offered resources for others navigating similar challenges. The response was overwhelming; it became clear that many were seeking a space where they felt seen and understood. This initial step into entrepreneurship opened my eyes to its potential as a force for empowerment and change. I discovered that entrepreneurship wasn’t just about business; it was a way to channel my pain into purpose and to create something that could make a difference in others’ lives. It was about building a legacy that honored my family’s resilience while addressing the urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health support. Graduating high school has marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. As I prepare for college, I am more committed than ever to expanding my entrepreneurial efforts. I aim to develop my platform into a comprehensive resource hub that can reach and support more first-generation students and people of color. I want to break the silence around mental health in our communities and foster a culture of openness and support.

Can I tell you a secret? I’m a princess. And before you ask, no, my mom isn’t a queen. And no, my dad isn’t the king of some foreign kingdom you’ve never heard of. But that doesn’t matter, because truly, deep inside my soul, I am a princess. For as long as I can remember, Disney has been part of my life. My mom bought me the fairytale books, and I’ve been to the parks since I could talk. But the highlight of my childhood was going to the Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boutique and having a lovely woman named Darla turn me into Princess Aurora, going on to meet all my favorite princesses, and then getting their autograph. I was about seven at the time, but looking into that mirror and actually feeling beautiful in that sparkly dress and makeup made me glum. Why couldn’t I look like this all the time? Why couldn’t I actually be a Disney princess? But being the absentminded child I was, I forgot all about those feelings. That was until I turned twelve, and my family had decided to visit Disney again, this time with my little sister in tow. My sister didn’t have the same experiences as I did growing up. She’s what my generation calls an iPad kid. She didn’t grow up watching movies on DVDs; she grew up attached to our mom’s phone, watching Cookie Swirl C. It was absolutely absurd for her to go to Disney without knowing these characters, who were so dear to my heart. So as her big sister, I made the executive decision to watch all the movies with her on our ancient DVD player. We started with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and finished with Moana. In doing so, I recalled my last trip to Disney and what I had felt as a young girl decked out in princess gear and looking at myself in the mirror. That girl looking back at me, I realized, was a princess. And it only took me five years and more movies than I could count to have that epiphany. Not because she was wearing a plastic crown and a long pink dress. Not because her parents weren’t really her parents and her long-lost ones were royalty. But because, like Mulan, she was fierce, Like Rapunzel, she dared to be adventurous. Like Jasmine, she had an insatiable urge to learn and explore the world around her. Like Tiana, she would work herself to the bone to achieve her dreams. Like Belle, she was tenacious and saw the best in people, and like Moana, she listened to her heart. That’s the magic of Disney. The ability to make dreams come true by allowing young girls and boys to get lost in a world so full of imagination and excitement that when they returned to the real world, they were able to reach for the stars, exceed the expectations of society, and conquer their wildest dreams That magic defined my childhood and shaped my personality, transforming me into a resilient, ambitious, intelligent young woman who has the unwavering desire to make her mark on the world. So, thank you, Disney, for making princesses like me every day. For being that guiding force for children like me who needed it in times of darkness. That legacy will last forever. To infinity and beyond.