Science is a core subject which has inspired me the most throughout my life. The sciences are ever-evolving, built on rigorous research, logic, and reasoning rather than pure faith. For forever, I have been an incredibly curious individual, always questioning the happenings of the world. Thus, from its extensive variety of disciplines to its diversity of practitioners, past and present, science has been the groundwork through which I have always attempted to understand how this unique and complicated world works. Whether I apply mechanical physics to determine how a roller coaster carries carts or thermodynamics to understand how an oven cooks food, I have consistently viewed the world under the objective light of the sciences. I even try to perceive entertainment from a scientific lens, for example, questioning how the Jedi in Star Wars can perform such incredible feats as energetically dashing at high speeds or swiftly leaping across incredible bounds without breaking a limb, or how heroes in action movies avoid turning deaf from the constant gunfire and explosions. In high school, I studied in the most relevant and challenging science classes to further my exploration and understanding of the scientific world. Previously, I have even competed in my middle school’s Science Olympiad division, earning a bronze medal in a water quality analysis event. Within the classroom, I frequently discuss with my classmates both the class’s current subjects, as well as other scientific topics, like how global powers should solve climate change, how the coronavirus became so rampant, or how wormholes could be utilized for space travel. I intend to major in biomedical science or microbiology and later find work as a medical or clinical researcher so I can use both my vast scientific knowledge and keen inquisitiveness for the greater betterment of humanity. The world has shown me innumerable wonders, from penicillin to particle accelerators, to the incalculable strength of human bonds, which have stimulated my fervent curiosity for all my life, and I doubt such will cease any time soon. Therefore, it is only logical I give some more good and wonders back to this extraordinary world.

For context, my grandfather had fought in the Vietnam War before leaving everything he knew in the pursuit of a better life for his family in the States. He was more than a relative, he was my inspiration, my emotional backbone, which made it all the more heart-wrenching when I discovered he was deathly ill from the rampant coronavirus. I was terrified both for him and how it would affect me and my brother, my parents, my relatives, all of them. Despite considering myself an atheist, I prayed to God for Grandpa to be healthy again, or at least live to see my older brother graduate so he would die knowing his legacy was secure in our hands. My prayers went unanswered. During the funeral, my brother tried his best to comfort me as I wept during the service, as I carried the coffin to the furnace, and as I said my final goodbyes. Afterward, I began thinking to myself, regardless of my academic achievements, I had not done enough, I could not be enough to live up to everything Grandfather suffered, and I had already failed both him and everyone. Later, my brother graduated high school and was bound for Arizona State to pursue a career in pediatrics. He was on a path to extraordinary accomplishment whilst I felt I was not. Before he left, I finally talked to him about everything. He too was devastated by Grandpa’s death. However, he realized that after the war, and all the loss Grandpa experienced during then, all he wanted was for us to be happy with ourselves, and never experience the agony he did. That was why he cared, why he gave us so much, and why I now do all I can to uphold his dying wish, doing my absolute best in not just school, but everything I do, so both I and my family are proud of my life. My academic grades have improved, yes, but so has my determination to overcome any obstacle in the pursuit of a better, healthier life for, not just me, but everyone. I will put that determination towards my future career in biomedical research to help people around the world through advancing medicine, ensuring that no one else has to experience such illness or heartbreak and that an excellent standard of health is more attainable to all. I also hope to show others the value of honesty, hard work, and perseverance, no matter the hardships you face. To any others who face similar adversity, similar tragedy, similar agony, know this: You are never alone. There will always be your family who will aid you through any obstacles life throws at you. If not your blood family, then your found family, the people around you whom you hold closest. If you yet find yourself somehow seemingly alone in your fight, then reach out, and be more open and willing to accept not only different perspectives but the aid of others. There are 8 billion unique people on this Earth. It is a statistical guarantee that there will always be others who share your struggle, and those who are more than willing to support you. You just have to go out and find them. The odds you face may seem insurmountable, or implausible, but this universe is one of ever-expanding, infinite possibility. Therefore, especially with the aid of those by your side, and who share your adversity, nothing is impossible.

For context, my grandfather had fought in the Vietnam War before leaving everything he knew in the pursuit of a better life for his family in the States. He was more than a relative, he was my inspiration, my emotional backbone, which made it all the more heart-wrenching when I discovered he was deathly ill from the rampant coronavirus. I was terrified both for him and how it would affect me and my brother, my parents, my relatives, all of them. Despite considering myself an atheist, I prayed to God for Grandpa to be healthy again, or at least live to see my older brother graduate so he would die knowing his legacy was secure in our hands. My prayers went unanswered. During the funeral, my brother tried his best to comfort me as I wept during the service, as I carried the coffin to the furnace, and as I said my final goodbyes. Afterward, I began thinking to myself, regardless of my academic achievements, I had not done enough, I could not be enough to live up to everything Grandfather suffered, and I had already failed both him and everyone. Later, my brother graduated high school and was bound for Arizona State to pursue a career in pediatrics. He was on a path to extraordinary accomplishment whilst I felt I was not. Before he left, I finally talked to him about everything. He too was devastated by Grandpa’s death. However, he realized that after the war, and all the loss Grandpa experienced during then, all he wanted was for us to be happy with ourselves, and never experience the agony he did. That was why he cared, why he gave us so much, and why I now do all I can to uphold his dying wish, doing my absolute best in not just school, but everything I do, so both I and my family are proud of my life. My academic grades have improved, yes, but so has my determination to overcome any obstacle in the pursuit of a better, healthier life for, not just me, but everyone. I will put that determination towards my future career in pharmaceutical research to help people around the world through advancing medicine, ensuring that no one else has to experience such illness or heartbreak and that an excellent standard of health is more attainable to all. I also hope to show others the value of honesty, hard work, and perseverance, no matter the hardships you face.

For context, my grandfather had fought in the Vietnam War before leaving everything he knew in the pursuit of a better life for his family in the States. He was more than a relative, he was my inspiration, my emotional backbone, which made it all the more heart-wrenching when I discovered he was deathly ill from the rampant coronavirus. I was terrified both for him and how it would affect me and my brother, my parents, my relatives, all of them. Despite considering myself an atheist, I prayed to God for Grandpa to be healthy again, or at least live to see my older brother graduate so he would die knowing his legacy was secure in our hands. My prayers went unanswered. During the funeral, my brother tried his best to comfort me as I wept during the service, as I carried the coffin to the furnace, and as I said my final goodbyes. Afterward, I began thinking to myself, regardless of my academic achievements, I had not done enough, I could not be enough to live up to everything Grandfather suffered, and I had already failed both him and everyone. Later, my brother graduated high school and was bound for Arizona State to pursue a career in pediatrics. He was on a path to extraordinary accomplishment whilst I felt I was not. Before he left, I finally talked to him about everything. He too was devastated by Grandpa’s death. However, he realized that after the war, and all the loss Grandpa experienced during then, all he wanted was for us to be happy with ourselves, and never experience the agony he did. That was why he cared, why he gave us so much, and why I now do all I can to uphold his dying wish, doing my absolute best in not just school, but everything I do, so both I and my family are proud of my life. My academic grades have improved, yes, but so has my determination to overcome any obstacle in the pursuit of a better, healthier life for, not just me, but everyone. I will put that determination towards my future career in pharmaceutical research to help people around the world through advancing medicine, ensuring that no one else has to experience such illness or heartbreak and that an excellent standard of health is more attainable to all. I also hope to show others the value of honesty, hard work, and perseverance, no matter the hardships you face.