Despite the fact that I’m in no way, shape, or form a musician of any kind, lover of Greek mythology, or Hufflepuff at heart, I’m looking forward to meeting others who are fond of such things. Maybe if they’re looking for a photographer and lover of pan dulce, I’m here to take that place. Growing up in a world where I felt very limited in terms of connections made that idea of success just a simple dream. However, I was very fortunate to have parents that allowed me to express myself in any way that I could. But what people claimed as ‘different’ conflicted with the definition of success. I continuously asked myself if my introverted behavior was okay, if the shirt that I had designed was as cool as I thought it would be, and if the dances that I choreographed in my head would ever become my reality. Despite the fact that I quickly learned that the world of dance just wasn’t for me, I found a love for learning about anything and everything that I could. Pursuing higher education wasn't a choice for me because I knew I wanted to study neurodegenerative diseases, continue my love for photography, and flourish as an activist for this country. But what I am most looking forward to as I step into this next chapter of my life is to learn from others. The things that make us so different from one another are what makes us so strong and capable. Just as biologists and chemists utilize beakers, microscopes, and protective gear in order to discover what seems to be the unknown, my camera serves as a device that takes part in my strive for self-discovery; my camera is and will be a representation of how far I’ve come and how far I will go. Even though life’s toughest moments, I will capture it all through a simple click as a reminder of how resilient I am for accomplishing what, for a split second, seemed impossible. I would love to share this passion of mine with others at college. Photography has allowed me to bring my story to life. I am able to capture even the simplest of things but still, they speak to me. A simple leaf from a tree in the fall season resembles how the days get shorter and the color becomes crisper. A rose, my favorite flower, from a simple bouquet of flowers that was gifted to my mother resembles love and care. The unorthodox pictures are the most thought captivating and meaningful. Every picture that I capture with my beloved camera carries a sense of hope for various reasons. It is my desire to positively advance this imperfect world and influence the future of those that come after me. Through my love for photography and work with children in diverse spaces, I aspire to assist a variety of people from impoverished communities through medicine by pursuing a career in healthcare or by being the creator of an organization that is as passionate as I am about advancing health education and beyond. For that to become a reality, I won't feel limited but will flourish through exposure to higher learning. As a way to pursue that goal, I would love to have the opportunity to facilitate health classes for high school students, conduct research in global health tied to neuroscience, and project my love for photography as an undergrad at the University of Chicago. Through engagement in research, I look forward to sharpening my vision as to what healthcare can and should become.

Just as biologists and chemists utilize beakers, microscopes, and protective gear in order to discover what seems to be the unknown, my camera serves as a device that takes part in my strive for self discovery; my camera is and will be a representation of how far I’ve come and how far I will go. Even through life’s toughest moments, I will capture it all through a simple click as a reminder of how resilient I am for accomplishing what, for a split second, seemed impossible. The value in capturing life’s simplest moments has provided a window of hope during the most difficult times of my life. It is through capturing these moments that I have come to realize that, as I continue to better myself, I will inspire others to do the same, for hope is all they need. My camera was a gift from my father, a hard working, generous man. With much sacrifice, my father’s coarse but gentle hands placed my camera under the Christmas tree. From the moment I began to unwrap my gift, I felt a spark light within me. It was subtle, but it was there. You could see the excitement in my eyes, as I raced to hug my father holding onto the camera that would soon speak to me. My father’s voice, deep and calming, echoed from the walls. As my eyes met his, he exclaimed that I had the potential to better the world, for I am in control of my destiny. I stand by and will forever stand by my father’s words. I was determined to do as he said, for my story would be accurately told by me with the click of a button. Photography has allowed me to bring my story to life. While my pictures aren’t perfect, photography is my form of self-expression and my creative freedom. I am able to capture even the simplest of things but still, they speak to me. A simple leaf from a tree in the fall season resembles how the days get shorter and the color becomes crisper. A rose, my favorite flower, from a simple bouquet of flowers that was gifted to my mother resembles love and care. The unorthodox pictures are the most thought captivating and meaningful. Every picture that I capture with my beloved camera carries a sense of hope for various reasons. During this past summer, I dedicated time to traveling with my family. The experience was eye opening. I spent my time photographing every second of everyday, especially as my days of departure neared. These were experiences that I will never forget: the smiles of my family, the smiles of new friends, the most beautiful places on planet earth. As much as I long to return to such a touching time, especially under the current circumstances of today, the photographs that I took of such beautiful places influenced the type of person that I want to become for my living community and for the future of this world, so that others can witness the beauty of the world and its progression overtime just as much as I will progress as a women, a daughter, and a leader. My camera allows me to find a part of myself that I am passionate about and continually gives me strength to make my goals a reality. It is for my camera that I am hopeful. It is my camera that gives me assurance of my abilities and my potential to contribute to this world. It is my camera and the clear, concise, vivid images on the viewfinder, the possibilities that come with a simple click, and the memories of the mind that are captured that gives me the determination to make my goals real with a sprinkle of hope. It is my desire to positively advance this imperfect world and influence the future of those that come after me. Through my love for photography and work with children in diverse spaces, I aspire to assist a variety of people from impoverished communities through medicine by pursuing a career in healthcare or by being the creator of an organization that is as passionate as I am about advancing health education and beyond. For that to become a reality, I won't fell limited but will flourish through an exposure to higher learning. As a way to pursue that goal, I would love to have the opportunity to facilitate health classes for high school students, conduct research in global health tied to neuroscience, and project my love for photography. Through engagement in research, I look forward to sharpening my vision as to what healthcare can and should become for many.