My mother has been the guiding force in shaping who I am today. Her unwavering support, love, and belief in my potential have influenced every step of my journey. From the very beginning, she encouraged me to explore different interests, no matter how fleeting or uncertain they seemed. Whether it was a new hobby, a passion, or a long-term commitment, my mother was there with me every step of the way, providing me with the tools, encouragement, and confidence to pursue it. Her support was not limited to success but extended to the value of trying, learning, and growing, regardless of the outcome. Growing up, I dabbled in a variety of activities—some of which stuck and others, not so much. I remember the excitement I felt when I first showed an interest in dance. My mother didn’t hesitate to sign me up for Chinese folk dance, ballet, and hip hop classes. Despite the fact that I didn't pursue dance for the long haul, my mother’s unwavering support was evident. She drove me to classes, attended every performance, and cheered me on with boundless enthusiasm. She never made me feel bad for not pursuing one interest longer than another; instead, she encouraged me to find what truly spoke to me. Her approach wasn't just about fostering one specific talent but about giving me the freedom to explore, knowing that each experience would contribute to my personal growth. When I ventured into martial arts, specifically kung fu, she didn’t shy away from investing in training, even though I wasn’t always the most disciplined. I remember her words of encouragement when I struggled: “It’s not about being perfect; it’s about trying your best and learning from every experience.” Through every failure and setback, my mother showed me that persistence and patience were as valuable as success itself. On the other hand, I also tried activities that didn’t become long-term interests, such as piano lessons and theater. I wasn’t naturally inclined to them, but my mother always supported me without question. She ensured I felt encouraged, no matter how many times I tried something and realized it wasn't for me. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to try things outside my comfort zone, knowing that my failures were simply stepping stones toward growth. If I were given the opportunity to use funds to build my future, I would direct them toward my education, specifically my dental school tuition. Pursuing a career in dentistry has been a long-standing goal of mine, and securing the necessary funding would allow me to focus fully on my studies and training. My mother has always emphasized the importance of education, knowing it is the foundation for a fulfilling career. By attending dental school, I will fulfill my passion for helping others and gain the skills to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. This funding would allow me to focus on honing my skills and contributing meaningfully to my community. In conclusion, my mother has been a constant source of love, guidance, and inspiration. She taught me perseverance, the value of exploration, and the freedom to fail and try again. Her unwavering support has helped me become the person I am today, and her lessons will continue to shape how I approach my future. With the right resources and support, I can follow the path she has helped me pave and build a future where I can grow, contribute, and make a positive impact on the world.

Volunteering at a homeless shelter was one of the most profound experiences of my life. It was there that I saw, firsthand, the struggles of those in need—people who, despite their circumstances, held onto hope and resilience. This experience deepened my understanding of service and reinforced my belief in the power of community, leadership, and faith. I was inspired to volunteer after witnessing the growing number of people experiencing homelessness in my city. I often saw individuals on the streets, wrapped in tattered blankets, holding signs asking for help. Many walked past them without a second glance, but I felt compelled to act. I couldn’t ignore the reality that these were people with stories, struggles, and dreams—just like me. Wanting to make a difference, I joined a local homeless shelter as a volunteer. At the shelter, my responsibilities included serving meals, organizing donations, and engaging in conversations with guests. Initially, I felt a sense of unease, unsure of how to interact. However, as I got to know the individuals at the shelter, I realized that what they needed most—aside from basic necessities—was to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity. One story that deeply affected me was that of Sarah, a mother of two living out of her car. She worried constantly about her children—not only about their basic needs but also about how they would be treated because they lacked clean clothes or a stable home. Despite her situation, she remained hopeful, doing everything she could to provide for her kids. Her strength reinforced the urgent need for more resources and support systems for families in crisis. I also met James, a man who had lost his home after a divorce. He could only see his son occasionally because he had no stable place to stay. With no permanent address, he struggled to maintain contact, relying on public places with free WiFi to call his son. His story made me realize how homelessness affects individuals and fractures families, making it even harder for people to rebuild their lives. Despite the rewarding nature of this work, I faced challenges. Witnessing the magnitude of the issue was disheartening, knowing my efforts, though meaningful, could not solve the larger systemic problems contributing to homelessness. Additionally, I met individuals skeptical of help, having faced disappointment time and again. This made it clear that trust had to be earned and that genuine service required patience and perseverance. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of leadership. True leadership, I realized, is not about authority but about serving others selflessly. It is about stepping up when others hesitate, advocating for change, and leading by example. Serving at the shelter also strengthened my faith. I saw kindness in action—through volunteers, donors, and even among those experiencing homelessness themselves. Witnessing such acts of generosity reaffirmed my belief in the goodness of people and the importance of faith in action. Ultimately, volunteering at the homeless shelter changed me. It opened my eyes to the realities of poverty and inequality, while also showing me the impact one person’s kindness can have. It taught me that service is not just an act but a way of life—one that requires commitment, empathy, and a willingness to stand up for those in need. Moving forward, I am committed to continuing this work, whether through advocacy, direct service, or simply treating every person I meet with dignity and respect. By sharing these stories, I hope to inspire others to take action and see those in need as fellow human beings deserving of compassion and support.