Born in the Philippines and raised in America, I have always had one foot in my ancestry and one foot in a new world. I grew up in a home where family and tradition meant everything, yet the world around me pushed for independence. Between two cultures, I often questioned what the “American dream” truly meant and where I belonged within it. If an AI system were trained to understand the Filipino American experience, I would want it to know that our stories cannot be fully captured through data or digital records. My journey from Bulacan to rural Texas reflects more than migration. It embodies adaptation, resilience, and identity. In my family, communication extends beyond words. It is found in laughter that masks struggle, in shared meals that strengthen bonds, and in sacrifices that often go unspoken. An algorithm might capture our images or posts, but it would miss the quiet persistence of bayanihan, the spirit of communal unity and mutual help that drives us to lift one another. And more importantly the deep sense of utang na loob, a gratitude and reciprocity that binds generations together. These same values guide how I approach learning and leadership. In science, as in community, no one succeeds alone. Collaboration reflects bayanihan, where progress is achieved through shared effort, and kapwa—a profound recognition of shared humanity—reminds me that success holds meaning only when it uplifts others. My goal to integrate plant sciences, genetic engineering, and policy stems from this belief: that interdependence and empathy must shape innovation. By blending Filipino communal values with American creativity, I hope to build frameworks that address food security and climate resilience in a way that honors both people and the planet. Yet no algorithm could truly capture the feeling of being in-between being too Filipino for Americans and too American for Filipinos. It cannot measure nostalgia for a homeland I barely remember, or the warmth of kapwa that connects us despite distance. AI can record our achievements, but not the love, sacrifice, and shared humanity that sustain them. Representation matters because technology can inform, but only people can connect. The Filipino spirit endures in lived experience, compassion, and service. As I continue my academic and community journey, I hope to honor both sides of my identity building bridges between cultures, disciplines, and generations. AI note: to refine grammar, structure, and flow. All reflections and ideas are original

The World Happiness Report 2025 by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre reshaped my understanding of what truly drives happiness and success. Its central theme of caring, showing that both the giver and the receiver benefit, reflects an insight that compassion and humility build the foundation for progress. The Filipino value of pakikipagkapwa, or deep connection with others, echoes this “twice-blessed” idea: that mutual growth arises when empathy and generosity work hand in hand. It’s this same balance of empathy, integrity, and knowledge that I hope to carry into my work and future studies. The report found that benevolence, whether expressed through volunteering, donating, or small daily acts of kindness, not only increases individual happiness but also reduces inequality across societies. I was struck by the discovery that people consistently underestimate the kindness of others. Exploring the data table in the report challenged my own assumptions about happiness. I once believed economic prosperity was the most decisive factor, but the data proved that while GDP contributes to stability, it does not guarantee happiness. Instead, social trust, generosity, and perceptions of corruption showed stronger correlations with wellbeing. Among these, perception of corruption stood out as one of the most influential determinants. Countries that foster transparency and fairness tend to be happier, even when their economic standing is modest. This taught me that happiness thrives not in wealth, but in systems of trust and accountability which are principles that mirror President Ramon Magsaysay’s leadership, where integrity and service to others rebuilt unity in postwar Philippines. Another insight from the report came from the emotional rankings. Only two of the top ten countries for positive emotions, Denmark and Finland, also appeared among the top ten for overall happiness. This revealed that momentary joy does not always reflect long-term wellbeing. Similarly, nations with higher negative emotions consistently scored lower overall, showing that sustained happiness requires stability, empathy, and trust more than short bursts of positivity. If I were to choose one parameter to optimize, it would be perception of corruption, because it captures the foundation of trust in every relationship: between citizens and government, coworkers, and even within families. Where fairness and honesty are upheld, generosity and collaboration naturally follow. This principle shapes my approach to my future in STEM and sustainability: scientific progress must also serve human wellbeing, guided by transparency and empathy. Growing up Philippines and moving to America taught me that true strength lies in quiet perseverance and community-mindedness. My parents’ example of working hard, sharing what little they had, and helping others showed me that happiness endures when it is shared. As I prepare for my future career, I see work-life balance as managing time and about aligning values with action. The World Happiness Report reminded me that fulfillment grows when ambition meets compassion. My goal is to contribute to the wellbeing of both people and planet, paying forward the opportunities I’ve been given by mentoring like others before me. Like Magsaysay, I believe leadership begins with service. By combining data-driven insight with empathy and integrity, I hope to embody that “twice-blessed” balance—where giving, trust, and knowledge create a cycle of lasting happiness and impact.