In a world where stories shape how we see ourselves and each other, I believe the most impactful stories are often those that go untold. As a woman with a diverse background, I am driven by a passion to amplify voices that have long been underrepresented, particularly in the realms of film and television. Through my artistic and design pursuits, I aim to not only tell new stories but also contribute to the feminist rise in the film industry by creating narratives that reflect the complexities of gender, culture, and identity in ways that are authentic and empowering. Growing up as a woman in a multicultural environment, I have always been keenly aware of the power dynamics at play in media and how they shape perceptions of race, gender, and class. The lack of diversity in film and television has often left me feeling disconnected from mainstream narratives, and I know I am not alone in that. These experiences have fueled my desire to work in the entertainment industry, where I can bring my unique perspective to the table and contribute to reshaping the stories we tell. As a woman, I feel it is not just a privilege but a responsibility to participate in the growing feminist movement within film and TV. The entertainment industry has historically been dominated by male voices, and it is time for that to change. Women’s voices—particularly those of women of color—are essential to expanding the diversity of experiences, emotions, and viewpoints portrayed in media. Through my work, I hope to make a lasting impact by creating spaces for underrepresented voices to be heard. I want to break away from stereotypes and portray women as multifaceted, complex, and powerful individuals whose stories deserve to be told in all their richness. Whether through directing, screenwriting, or art direction, I plan to use my skills to craft narratives that highlight the lived experiences of women from diverse backgrounds—stories that reflect the intersections of culture, identity, and gender. In a world where representation matters more than ever, I aim to build a body of work that is not just artistically compelling but also socially transformative, contributing to a more inclusive and empathetic society. In the context of feminism, my goal is to challenge traditional portrayals of women in media and provide a platform for narratives that explore the breadth of female experiences. The feminist rise in the film industry is about more than just putting women on screen; it’s about telling their stories authentically, with nuance and depth. I believe that by fostering diverse creative voices, we can reframe how women are seen in both fiction and reality, empowering audiences to rethink their assumptions and engage with the world in a more open, inclusive way. To make a positive impact, I will continue honing my craft in design and storytelling, learning from the incredible women who have come before me while also paving my own way. I envision a future where film and TV are spaces where anyone—regardless of gender, race, or background—can see themselves reflected in the stories on screen. My mission is to be part of that change, not only as an artist but as an advocate for equity, representation, and the transformative power of storytelling. In everything I create, I will strive to elevate voices that have been silenced for too long and to contribute to the ongoing feminist movement in the entertainment industry. It’s time for women to tell their own stories, and I’m ready to be a part of that revolution.

Aloha isn't just a word—it's a way of life. I've developed a deep connection to the Polynesian culture through my father’s life in Maui, I’ve come to understand that Aloha isn’t merely about greeting others; it’s a profound philosophy rooted in respect, kindness, and community. My connection to the Hawaiian culture has been shaped by countless experiences, from drinking kava with friends and family to working at Wow Wow Lemonade, where I was asked about what "aloha" means in an interview, it was there that I realized how deeply the values of Aloha resonate with my own principles and actions. Spending summers and winters with my father in Maui, I’ve had the privilege of being immersed in a culture that places a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of all things. Whether it's the land, the ocean, or the people, the Polynesian worldview sees everything as part of a larger whole. This was especially evident after the Maui fires, where everyone on the island stepped up and helped in anyway they could. This philosophy has influenced the way I view life, teaching me to prioritize balance, respect, and gratitude. This sense of collective responsibility creates an environment where everyone is encouraged to lend a hand, share what they have, and contribute to the well-being of others. It’s a beautiful, inclusive perspective that I’ve taken to heart. Drinking kava with my father has been one of the ways I’ve connected with this sense of community. Kava, a traditional Polynesian beverage made from the root of the kava plant, is often shared in ceremonial settings. It symbolizes peace, harmony, and mutual respect. Each time we gather to drink kava, it’s not just about the beverage—it’s about the people around the circle and the shared spirit of togetherness. It’s a reminder that life is richer when we pause to appreciate one another’s company and share in experiences that foster connection and well-being. When I worked at Wow Wow Lemonade, I was asked, “What does Aloha mean to you?” My response was simple, yet deeply rooted in the Hawaiian values I’ve come to embrace: "To keep our community and island clean and happy, treating others the way everyone deserves to be treated, lending a hand, and being a member of this family." This is how I live Aloha every day. It’s not just about the big gestures—it’s about the small, everyday actions that contribute to the harmony and happiness of those around us. Whether it's picking up litter on the beach, smiling at a stranger, or offering help when someone needs it, Aloha happens in these moments of connection, kindness, and service. The phrase "Aloha Happens" is a reminder that we all have the power to create an environment of love and respect, not through grand declarations but through simple, meaningful actions. It’s about showing up with an open heart, offering help where needed, and building relationships based on mutual respect. In my life, I make Aloha happen by actively participating in my community, staying mindful of how my actions impact others, and fostering a sense of belonging wherever I go. Aloha is a practice, not just a philosophy, and I strive to live it every day. For me, the Polynesian culture embodies the values of connection, respect, and service. Whether it's through the shared moments of drinking kava or the everyday acts of kindness I carry with me, I continue to deepen my relationship with these traditions and bring Aloha to life in every interaction. Aloha is not just something you say; it’s something you live.

I have no money for college, my parents set aside no money for me, as being a first-year and first-born, college wasn't necessarily expected from me. Now I have accepted the fact that I will have to take out loans and save money during college with whatever jobs I can get, as I am doing now, but if I could win at least one scholarship to aid my education than I will be extremely grateful and not waste my opportunity. I am lucky enough to even have the opportunity and extremely honored to have received financial aid from Binghamton University, so I am doing all I can to get more.

As a soon to be first generation college student, my path to a college education was not even a dream when I was young, let alone the certainty it has now become. My mom and dad were unmarried and twenty years-old when I was born. They separated soon thereafter. I was raised in a constant state of dualities, going back and forth between two, very opposite households. Over the last couple of years, however, I have realized that these conflicting influences and exposure have made me who I am today, and have made me appreciate and truly value my opportunity for a life changing college experience. Like most twenty-year-olds with a baby, my parents were forced to grow up quickly and find work. My mom went into the music industry and my dad worked at tattoo shops in Venice Beach. From that point, their lives followed two roads that diverged widely. For my mom, motherhood meant reading parenting books and changing her lifestyle. Every decision she made focused on helping me to thrive. For my dad, fatherhood meant I should fit into his lifestyle. He would bring me to art shows, I’d meet his tattoo friends and speak with his clients. My mom had rules and etiquette she wanted to impart upon me; my dad wanted to talk to me like an adult and establish a sense of trust. Despite two vastly different philosophies on parenting, the one desire both of my parents shared was for me to succeed. For my mother, that meant I should have the best education possible with our limited financial means. To her, education meant opportunity (“education is the great equalizer in our society” she often told me) and choices in what I would choose to do with my life. For example, when I was younger, I attended schools where few children talked or thought about college. Four years ago, my mother moved us to one of the best public school districts in California, even though it meant she would commute over an hour each way to and from work, so I could attend one of the state’s top public high schools, have better teachers, take honors and AP courses, and be surrounded by students who wanted to go to college. In contrast, my father is less knowledgeable about the benefits of college and what a good education can do for you. He is very good at what he does (a tattoo artist and shop owner) and believes I can succeed without college because I am creative like him. I have explained that I do not know yet which career I will pursue, and that my education will help me in anything I choose because I will continue to learn how to think about and solve the many challenges I will face. As I get closer to a college education becoming a reality, and closer to my parents’ age when I was born, my motivation for going to college has changed. Now, while I remain grateful to my mother for all of her sacrifice and support, I am looking forward to college for my benefit in what I will learn and experience, both academically and socially. I am extremely proud and excited to begin my own road toward being the first college graduate in my family.

My mind is my everything. I know it sounds cheesy or perhaps too literally because it is the single source to living but it truly means everything to me. The mind is the most powerful tool we have and everybody has one. It has the power to dictate everything, such as your outlook on life, what you can and will accomplish as well as the power to make decisions and evaluate situations you come across. For a long time, I hated my mind and wished I could have a different one, because it felt like I had no control and that it was almost too powerful. I've always been blessed with being an overall happy person and that can be attributed to a number of factors, but like everybody else, I've gone through darker periods of unhappiness. I still deal with OCD as well anxiety that goes up and down, having panic attacks multiple times a day for weeks straight just wanting it to be over. It felt like a personal hell because I knew it was all in my mind, yet I couldn't change it, I felt completely and utterly powerless, to myself. As ironic as it was, it was painful and I wanted to shut it off. After a lot of hard work, which will never be completely over, I learned to manage it and fully grasp just the power that I had. I came up with sayings that would make me feel better and take back control of my mind, I finally had to realize that I was in control and that I was blessed with a creative mind. I learned that although it can take me to dark places, it can also take me to really beneficial and happy places too, learning to control and make more efforts on shifting my perspective of life. I also learned that the dark places could equally benefit me and I could use the thoughts that once burdened me into creative expression to get them out as well as being a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on, and listen to other who may experience similar periods or mental health issues. Working on yourself is a never ending process but it is all thanks to the mind that we can always be better. Its the most important tool we have and has the potential to be as powerful as you want. After all, you can do ANYTHING that you put your mind to.