My long-term goal is to pursue a research career in astrophysics, and I’m currently deciding between two paths, astrogeology and astroparticle physics, and plan to explore both here at UC Berkeley. Whichever path I choose, I want to pursue it as a researcher at a university or other research institution (such as CERN, LIGO, or JPL), where I can pursue questions about our universe and contribute to scientific discoveries. While research is my primary passion, I’ve also found joy in sharing knowledge with others. As a child, I always wanted to be a teacher. While I have not continued along that career path, I still harbor a love for teaching. This has made me very passionate about creating a more inclusive and welcoming scientific community, as I understand how isolating STEM spaces can feel. This motivation has guided my academic and research experiences, beginning with my participation in the highly competitive NASA SEES internship at the University of Texas at Austin. After hearing about the internship through astronomy club, I applied and was accepted into the Planetary Geology team. During those two weeks, I gained priceless experience analyzing scientific literature, communicating results, and tackling real research questions that deepened my passion for discovery. The internship culminated in a presentation of our research at the American Geophysical Union’s December conference, where we received feedback from scientists. Beyond research, I channeled my passion into educating and mentoring my peers as co-president of my high school’s astronomy club. In this role, I led beginner-friendly lessons, organized outreach events for young students, and mentored underclassmen. I also guided our team through research competitions such as CERN Beamline for Schools and NASA TechRise. While our proposals were not selected, the students came away from the experience with greater knowledge, ready to take on more competitions. Now, at UC Berkeley, I have continued building on this foundation. I joined an engineering team building a zero-gravity experiment, continuing a question first sparked during NASA SEES: how do things behave when we remove gravity? Between astrophysics lectures, geology labs, and meetings for my gravitational microlensing research group, Berkeley has pushed me to embrace uncertainty and think deeply. But my journey doesn’t end with my undergraduate education at Berkeley. I plan to pursue my master’s and PhD, focusing on astrogeology or astroparticle physics, to deepen my expertise and contribute original research to these fields. I aim to gain hands-on experience through internships and fellowships at the world’s best research institutions, giving me the opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists and participate in large-scale experiments. Alongside my future research, I am committed to mentoring and creating outreach programs that support underrepresented students in STEM, especially young women, to foster a more inclusive and welcoming scientific community. My first semester at Berkeley has confirmed that I thrive most when challenged and surrounded by peers who expect creative problem-solving, all conditions that mirror the kind of research career I am working toward. I have no doubt that my past experiences, continued growth at Berkeley, and future steps will enable me to spend my career answering the unsolved questions about our universe while inspiring the next generation of young scientists in my community. This journey will require courage, perseverance, and connection, all qualities I will continue to develop as I take the next steps toward my “Pie in the Sky” goal.

I clicked on the video out of curiosity. Its title promised me a “Timelapse of the Future” and I wondered what that would look like. It started out slow with a narrator speaking of human advancement, but that wasn’t the best part. It was after. Trillions of billions of years into the future, where all that was left of the universe were stars slowly dying out or bursting into black holes. This is where it got interesting. The video spoke of multiple universes trapped within one another, dark energy pushing our expanding universe to expand faster, and of heat death, the predicted end of our universe. Many people might have found that terrifying, but not me. I was amazed. I had never heard of such things: black holes withering away, the death of heat itself, and a universe made of 97% mystery. It lit a spark within me that grew into a fire that continues to drive me. There was so much we didn’t know or understand, and I wanted to be a part of solving it. I want to discover the unknowns of the universe and answer our biggest questions about it. How did it begin? How is it evolving? What will become of it? I hope to contribute to our understanding of the Big Bang, planetary formation, dark energy, and cosmic expansion while bringing others along with me in that pursuit. After that video, I took up everything related to astrophysics that I could. I bought and read every book I could get my hands on. I took the highest-level physics classes that I could. I joined my school’s astronomy club and eventually became the president. I volunteered as a math tutor and at the library, helping kids read about science, too. In little moments, I saw the impact of the roles I took up. A kid’s grandfather pulling me aside after our astronomy demonstration and saying, “Thank you, he’s never had anyone to talk to about space before.” Reading feedback from people I tutored for the SAT: “You’ve made me a better test taker!!” Joining the library Zoom, seeing a little girl’s excited face, ready to read another book together. Messages in my yearbook from astronomy club officers telling me how much they had learned, and now, as they became co-presidents, they followed in my footsteps. While I do not plan to teach in a classroom, I hope to mentor, inspire, and make science accessible to others throughout my career as an astrophysicist. I want to help others discover their love and passion for STEM as I did. Through outreach programs for students worldwide, I hope to mentor others who, like me, once felt like there wasn’t a place for them in STEM. I wish to conduct research that not only explores the mysteries of the universe but also informs the public about my discoveries through outreach, making science more available to everyone. While the scientific community has made great strides in discovery and diversity, there is still much distance to cover, and I want to be a part of pushing our understanding further while including everyone. Because to truly understand the universe, we will need every outside-of-the-box idea we can get, and diversity in identity leads to diversity in thought. It all started with a time-lapse of the future. Now, I’m working to build a future where science belongs to everyone.

Next month, I’ll float in microgravity for the very first time, an extension of my NASA internship from last summer and a part of my project testing foam and fluid dynamics. Long before I put on my flight suit, I was the little girl, pestering every adult around me with a million questions about the world and how it worked. I’ve always been immensely curious about everything, especially space, with its beauty, its chaos, and its secrets. Now, I’m turning that curiosity into a career. I plan to study astrophysics at UC Berkeley and dedicate my life to exploring our most fundamental questions about the universe, from dark energy to the possibility of other life. For me, astronomy is more than just a passion; it’s a purpose. My passion for space has always been there, but it truly took off when I came across a YouTube video titled “Timelapse of the Future: A Journey to the End of Time”. It detailed black holes, the multiverse, and the heat death of the universe. Many people would think of these things with a sense of existential dread, but I was immensely fascinated. It made me feel small, yes, but also deeply alive. That curiosity has continued to burn brightly even when everything else has felt dim. Throughout high school, I have struggled with burnout and mental health challenges that sometimes made getting through the day harder than unraveling the mysteries of the universe. But, no matter how overwhelmed I felt, knowing that I would one day study the stars one day gave me direction. It reminded me that I wasn’t just floating through life but that I had something worth reaching for. That sense of purpose drove me to push myself in both my academics and extracurriculars. Last summer, I interned with NASA, something that ultimately led to me being selected to design and fly my own experiment in microgravity. To challenge myself academically, I’ve taken advanced physics and math courses at my local community college. As co-president of my school’s astronomy club, I proposed a fixed-target experiment for the CERN Beamline competition. These opportunities are not just lines in my résumé, but rather affirmations. Whenever I solve a challenging physics problem or test my experiment, I answer the same question in a thousand different ways: How and why does the universe work the way it does? In 10 years, I hope to have obtained both my Bachelor’s degree and PhD in astrophysics and become a part of a wonderful research team at CERN, NASA, or another renowned laboratory. I hope to specialize in astroparticle physics or astrogeology; either smashing atoms together to recreate conditions from the Big Bang or scouring the surfaces of distant worlds for signs of life. But more than just answering our biggest questions, I want to be a part of a scientific community that makes space for everyone. I want to be a mentor and role model to other women in STEM, allowing for innovative ideas to be shared by those with unique experiences. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has only deepened my commitment and love of this field. With the support of this scholarship, I’ll be able to focus entirely on learning, researching, and discovering, not just for myself, but for the sake of everyone who looks up and wonders: why?

I’m sitting in the same seat for the third day in a row. For days, I’ve stared at lines of code that refused to cooperate. Every failed attempt made me wonder if I was wasting my time. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for this. But I kept going. Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V, Enter. The window pops up. I click through a few drop boxes and click “Start Tracking”. Almost like magic, the video bursts to life, every frame mapped in color. I did it! After weeks of debugging, the tracking software finally works. It’s late. I have hours of homework that I should be doing, but instead, I’m stuck on this – customizing my computer wallpaper. I tinker with the code, testing it one last time before calling it a night, and it works! My automated to-do list updates on my screen, a reminder of just how much homework I’ve set aside for this little victory. I’m back in the same classroom, the same one I sit in every morning at 9:30 sharp. But today, it’s for our final exam. So far, I’m doing pretty well, but one problem has me completely stumped. I had skipped over this problem earlier, hoping something else on the test would spark an idea. Now, with fifteen minutes left, panic started creeping in. God, I wished I had studied more. Why hadn’t my brain just let me? I reach for my water bottle when suddenly, a video flashes in my mind. I’ve seen this before! My professor posted it last week. Scrambling for my pencil, I replay the explanation in my head, and I know what I’m doing this time. These moments, of frustration, of near giving up, of pushing through despite any doubt, have shaped my definition of success. Success, to me, isn’t just about reaching the final answer; it's about the persistence, problem-solving, and curiosity it takes to get there, even when it feels impossible. The drive to keep tinkering, keep adjusting, and keep learning until something clicks. As a future astrophysicist, these moments of discovery fuel me and push me forward, something I know that my future at UC Berkeley will only help multiply. Ever since I got that famed admissions letter, I have been filled to the brim with excitement over the opportunities that will now be available to me. I know that UC Berkeley will challenge me to push the boundaries of my own curiosity even further. With access to world-class courses, I can explore everything from data science and statistics to deepen my math and analysis skills to quantum mechanics and spectroscopy, examining the very small to potentially unlock the theory of everything. I’m eager to join one of the many available research projects exploring astrophysics' frontiers, whether I am studying telescope data looking for black holes or building the very instruments used to get that data. Beyond research, I look forward to collaborating with peers in clubs like the Society of Women Engineers or SPACE at Berkeley, tackling new challenges with fellow aspiring scientists. My curiosity isn’t confined to astrophysics alone. I also want to dive deep into the intersections of planetary science and astrophysics through a minor in geology. My NASA internship last summer introduced me to this connection, and studying planetary geophysics will help me better understand other worlds. Just as I want to understand the language of the universe, I also want to deepen my knowledge of human languages. Continuing my five-year-long study of French through a French minor will allow me to dig into another language and culture and open doors for international collaboration in the scientific community. Studying abroad would offer me a chance to engage with other approaches and perspectives on science, strengthening my understanding of the world around me while still working towards my degree. As eager as I am to jump into these opportunities, I’m scared. I know that pushing myself too hard has often led to burnout. My passion for learning has sometimes pushed me to the brink of exhaustion, teaching me that success isn’t just about constant achievement; it’s also about sustainability, knowing when to take a break and step back so I can keep moving forward. I know that Berkeley's academic rigor will push me harder than ever before, and I want to be able to give it my all without constantly worrying about the cost of tuition. This scholarship wouldn’t just ease a financial burden; it would give me the freedom to truly engage with my education without fear of burnout. With persistence, curiosity, and the support of this scholarship, I’m ready to tackle the next set of unsolved problems—whether in code, in equations, or in the vast unknowns of the universe—one discovery at a time.

Yellow Group – Types of Crochet Stitches: double, single, slip, treble This group consists of different types of crochet stitches - something a bit tricky for non-fiber artists, but still recognizable through patterns (no pun intended). I have been crocheting since I was 8, meaning I’ve spent over half my life with a hook in hand. It is something I find great joy in, so much so that I started my own crochet small business on Etsy to share the stuff I make with people. Beyond that, I use my business as a small way to use what I have (lots of yarn) to make the world just a bit better by donating 25% of my revenue to charities supporting various causes. Green Group – Primitive Data Types: boolean, character, float, integer This group consists of different primitive data types – particularly those used in Java. While I once avoided all things computer science, everything changed when I learned Python as a part of my NASA internship last summer. Suddenly, I was obsessed. As a numbers-orientated person, I find coding to be quite satisfying (as long as there’s no debugging involved). I’ve since taken multiple courses in Java and integrated programming into my daily life. One of my favorite projects was using Python to spruce up my computer wallpaper, adding an auto-updating to-do list linked to my Notion page and a national day tracker (Fun fact: Today is “National Virtual Vacation Day.”) Blue Group – Single-Word Lady Gaga Songs: Americano, Monster, Starstruck, Telephone This group consists of a few of my favorite single-word Lady Gaga songs. I’ve been a Little Monster for as long as I can remember—my love for Gaga first sparked by car rides blasting ARTPOP with my dad. As a queer person, I’ve always admired how Gaga fully embraces here identity and encourages others to do the same. Her iconic music and fashion reject the idea of “normal,” which is something I deeply respect. If I had to pick a favorite? Telephone. Something about it hooked me; maybe it’s the Beyonce feature, maybe it’s the beat, or maybe it’s the nine-minute cinematic masterpiece of a music video. Purple Group - __ Star: binary, neutron, north, super This group consists of a few words that can come before star. This might be my favorite category because I want to be an astrophysicist. Next year, I’ll be majoring in Astrophysics at UC Berkeley, continuing my lifelong fascination with the cosmos. Binary and neutron stars are especially important to stellar evolution, relating back to my major, but I love that the last two words add a bit of a challenge to the puzzle. “Blank” categories are always the hardest for me, so I thought it would be fun to add one in here. At its core, “Connections” is about recognizing patterns, thinking creatively, and making sense of the seemingly unrelated. To me, that’s what problem-solving is all about—and why I find joy in everything from crocheting to coding and, of course, solving puzzles.

I still remember when the first single off brat was dropped - I saw it on my YouTube home page and clicked out of pure curiosity. Ever since that moment last summer, I have been unequivocally obsessed with one album in particular: brat. I have always loved hyperpop as a genre and subsequently had listened to some of Charli’s music before, but nothing has hit me as hard as brat did. It was like I was possessed. As an AuDHDer (someone with both ADHD and autism), I can and will listen to my favorite songs over and over again, but the hyper fixation period had never lasted this long. Even now, almost a year from its release, I still listen to at least one song off brat every single day. The beats, the lyrics, and most of all, the ‘it-girl’ energy have captured my heart and soul. I’ve never been the most confident person, often lying awake at night second-guessing every action. I struggled with my body and mind, wishing I could wake up as someone else. So, having an entire album that is full of unadulterated self-expression was empowering. While no album alone can fix self-esteem issues, having anthems that remind me it’s okay to not be okay—and that even 'it-girls' have bad days—is powerful. brat is a masterclass in expressing both loud moments of hyper-confidence and the quieter, more doubtful ones. At one end of the spectrum, there are songs like “I might say something stupid” or “I think about it all the time” that are clearly vulnerable with their softer voices and more serious topics. Next, in the middle, there are songs like “Girl, so confusing” or “Sympathy is a knife”. They’re upbeat, yet the lyrics act like confessions, revealing Charli’s true feelings of insecurity and uncertainty about her relationships with other artists. Finally, in extreme contrast at the end of the spectrum, there are songs like “Von dutch” or “365” that don’t let on much deeper about Charli other than her large ego and carefree bratty party girl attitude. Many people would dismiss brat as just another pop album about drugs and partying endlessly, but I completely disagree. The album’s variety in vulnerability, especially the non-linear narrative conveyed by the order of the songs, demonstrates that even an icon like Charli goes through low points that can come without warning. That’s why my favorite song from brat is “Girl, so confusing”. “Girl, so confusing” is all about Charli’s relationship with another artist, Lorde, and how she is unsure whether Lorde likes her or not. As I mentioned previously, I am quite insecure, and I have autism, which makes it hard to interpret my relationships with others. Consequently, lyrics like “I don’t know if you like me / Sometimes I think you might hate me” are incredibly relatable to me. Not only is the song a reflection of my own experiences, but it’s just really good. The beat, the chorus, and the melodies are catchy, and I often find myself with the song stuck in my head. brat has helped me tap into my inner ‘it-girl’ energy and become more confident in being my authentic self. I am now my own number one. Charli XCX ranked as my fifth top artist in last year’s Spotify Wrapped, and thanks to brat, I have a feeling that she will continue to heavily feature in it for years to come.

Ever since Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess came out last fall, my friends and I have been massive fans. The 80’s synth, fun dances, and queer themes of her songs hooked us all immediately. A year later, I still listen to at least one of her songs a day. Growing up queer, there weren’t many artists to look up to; now, there are multitudes. While I have gained a lot of confidence in myself and my identity since I was a child, it is still heartwarming to have a celebrity to look up to who is just as confident about who they are. Chappell’s songs (e.g., Casual, Naked in Manhattan, Femininomenon, etc.) flaunt her identity freely and feel as if queer euphoria was distilled into music. Not all her songs are so happy and upbeat, though. Despite its sad tone, Pink Pony Club has to be my favorite song of hers. It combines lively rhythms and guitar solos with heartbreaking lyrics about her queerness battling with her family’s values, something all too familiar to me and many other queer people. I am not from the South or the Midwest, but I do have an unsupportive family, making it hard even to consider coming out sometimes. Singing along to Chappell’s songs helps give me a brief outlet to show who I really am, even if it's in secret. That is why I am such a strong supporter of her and her career. Because I hope that her confidence and fun music can help other people like me know that it's not only okay to be queer, but it's encouraged. I hope her fans and community can help people break out of their shells and be confident enough to come out to their families and friends.