Hello! I'm Isabella Aldana, an immigrant from Venezuela now living in Miami. I find beauty in small things: clapping in sync at concerts, the comfort of cooking familiar recipes, or the way a story can live in a well-worn library book. My friends know me as the "calmest girl they've ever met". To strangers I may seem quiet, maybe even vapid at first glance. Reality, though, is the complete opposite of those appearances. I love living in bold letters and bright colors - living with passion, empathy, and purpose. That's why I have such a special connection to the arts and animals. They inspire me to express myself in ways beyond numbers and letters. Knowing how liberating expression can be makes me worry for those that are voiceless in this world. Next fall I'll be studying at UF to become a wildlife researcher, bridging the gap between animals and the rest of the world. I come from a single-income household and I'll be the first in my family to graduate in the U.S., so financial aid can propel my dreams forward. Whether through my 400+ hours of community service, leading my school clubs, or simply making someone feel seen, I work hard to grow, give back, and carry my culture proudly into everything I do. “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Jane Goodall