A teary-eyed girl sat next to the man who watched her take her first steps. Memories of their countless living room dances churned in her mind like an old roll of film, slowly tearing and withering away like the person laying in the hospital bed. Her father was no longer the boisterous and playful man he once was, just the mere shell of someone who used to be strong. His eyes—once a galaxy of bright stars—were hollow. His arms and legs—once mighty like trees—were frail. Her father’s hearty laughter was no longer there to cradle her. Instead, the room was filled with the stinging smell of antiseptic and the deafening sound of machines beeping. I wish I could say that this tale simply came out of a fictional novel. However, it is nothing but the truth. My truth. In 2017, my entire world was flipped on its axis. I received news that my father might not ever walk again. He was bedridden for several months due to severe gout, arthritis, and heart complications. He could not move the lower half of his body a single inch. The slightest of touches on his left leg would cause him to scream in agony. I witnessed all of his tears, his frustration, his fear, and his sorrow. Despite countless medications, x-rays, doctor appointments, and emergency room visits, it felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. However, one undeniable fact about my family is that we are warriors. So, with as much optimism as we could muster, my family resorted to our most drastic option: flying my father thousands of miles to our homeland to see if their medical care would be more effective. After a single injection and one week of being hospitalized, my father was already back on his feet. One early morning, he walked on foot to the nearest bakery. When I woke up, I was surprised to see him sitting at the dinner table, offering me pandesal* with a grin on his face. Though no words were exchanged while we ate, I could feel the warmth returning to our lives. This formidable challenge became the greatest miracle, and it will be permanently etched into the pages of my story. I was able to see firsthand how doctors can uplift those who are at their lowest point. Those doctors saved my father’s life and helped me decide on the direction of mine. This experience solidified my desire to work in the medical field as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and establish my own clinic in the Philippines, a third world country where the majority of people do not have access to quality healthcare. There is approximately 1 doctor per 1,000 people in the Philippines. In addition to this shortage, approximately 21 million Filipinos are impoverished and cannot afford a visit to the hospital. I want to become part of the solution. Medicine’s purpose is love. Famous Greek philosopher Hippocrates once said: “Where the art of medicine is loved, there is also love for humanity.” Being a doctor is synonymous with empathy and selflessness. Donning that white coat means devoting countless years to studying, training, and understanding the story of every patient. We cannot change the unpredictability of the universe. However, one thing is certain: the beautiful song of life will never stop playing. That gives me the drive to wake up and move forward. To the person reading this essay right now, I want you to realize the limited amount of time we have on this planet. Do not crawl. Life is made for dancing.

“Sala” Written By: Luche Angeline Mardie Asuncion Ganot A teary-eyed girl sat next to the man who watched her take her first steps. Memories of their countless living room dances churned in her mind like an old roll of film, slowly withering away like the person laying in the hospital bed. Her father was no longer the boisterous and playful man he once was, just the mere shell of someone who used to be strong. His eyes—once a galaxy of bright stars—were hollow. His arms and legs—once mighty like trees—were frail. Her father’s hearty laughter was no longer there to cradle her. Instead, the room was filled with the stinging smell of antiseptic and the deafening sound of machines beeping. I wish I could say that this tale simply came out of a fictional novel. However, it is nothing but the truth. My truth. In 2017, my entire world was flipped on its axis. I received news that my father might not ever walk again. He was bedridden for several months due to severe gout, arthritis, and heart complications. He could not move the lower half of his body a single inch. The slightest of touches on his left leg would cause him to scream in agony. I witnessed all of his tears, his frustration, his fear, and his sorrow. Despite countless medications, x-rays, doctor appointments, and emergency room visits, it felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. So, my family resorted to our most drastic option: flying my father thousands of miles to our homeland to seek medical care. After a single injection and one week of being hospitalized, my father was already back on his feet. One early morning, he walked on foot to the nearest bakery. When I woke up, he was sitting at the dinner table. He offered me pandesal* with a grin. Though no words were exchanged, I could feel the warm happiness returning to our lives. My father was here to stay. Though initially painful and heart-wrenching, this chapter of my life is one that I always revisit. I was able to see firsthand how doctors can uplift those who are at their lowest point. Those doctors saved my father’s life and helped me decide on the direction of mine. This experience solidified my desire to work in the medical field as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and establish my own clinic in the Philippines. Millions of Filipinos are impoverished and cannot afford a visit to the hospital. I want to give others the same miracle that I received. We cannot change the unpredictability of the universe. However, one thing is certain: the beautiful song of life will never stop playing. To the person reading this essay right now, I want you to realize the limited amount of time we have on this planet. Do not crawl. Life is made for dancing. Translations (From Ilocano to English): “Sala” - Dance “Pandesal” - Bread

My dream house is located in the northern part of Ilocos Norte. Placed right in the heart of Laoag City, the city bathed in warm sun rays. My house is simple in structure. With four walls and a roof made out of bamboo, wood, and nipa grass. The air breezes through the openings. It caresses the faces of those who doze in the woven hammock hanging from the beams. Behind the house is a pen full of pigs and chickens scurrying around, picking at the food that was scattered during breakfast. In the kitchen, above the dining table, a collection of crosses are displayed on the wall. A painting of the Last Supper serves as a reminder to be grateful for every grain of rice on the plate. Beside the house is a small convenience store, a sari-sari. The storefront's sign is rusting and fading. Evidence of the many years that the business has been alive. A symbol of the store being based down from one generation to the next. Inside, the store's concrete walls are plastered with advertisements and posters of movie stars. The antithesis of the simple people keeping the sari-sari running. Rolls of candy fill the store like colorful streamers. The glass cases offer the tastiest snacks and the coldest sodas. The perfect companion for a karaoke session. People young and old come to sit in front of the machine, clutching the mic and anticipating nothing less than a score of 95. However, located inside of the house is an even more special kind of music. In the living room sits a red leather couch, one that has many cracks and rips. Many dark spots from grandchildren who snuck off with colored markers. On this couch sits a grandpa and his eldest granddaughter. He strums his guitar with nimble fingers. Together, they sing ballads and folk songs. Whatever their hearts desire. This is the story of my Barbie house. One not made of grandeur or luxury, but of love.

Have you heard of the Butterfly Effect? It’s the idea that something unsuspecting like a butterfly fluttering its wings can ripple and cause a tremendous impact. This phenomenon represents change. Every good deed has the power to touch the hearts and lives of many people. One student leader is creating those positive ripples everywhere. She lives through actions, not just dreams. For years, she’s worked to become the butterfly that leads the rest of the swarm and initiates a migration toward a better tomorrow. For her community and for the entire globe. Her journey as a leader and as a human being has been a metamorphosis. As a child, her fiery spirit seemed inextinguishable. However, life never goes quite as planned. At three years old, she left the Philippines and immigrated to Hawaiʻi. The unfamiliar atmosphere made her feel hollow. However, attending elementary school was a catharsis. In fifth grade, she ran for student government. During her speech, her flames roared greater than ever. Ever since then, she’s been maintaining that heat. She has a 4.033 GPA from AP and early college classes. She’s ranked number one in Pahoa’s class of 2023. She was student body president for three years and currently serves as vice president of the National Honor Society. In eighth grade, she became the youngest member to join the Pahoa FFA Chapter (Future Farmers of America). She’s also a longtime AVID member. She won first place in: the islandwide FFA Creed Contest, the 2022 Mauna Kea Coin Contest, and the Hawaiʻi Gannenmono Contest. Also, she placed third in the Hawaiʻi Real Women Essay Contest. School helped her grow, and she believes that it’s the heart of any community. She’s executed spirit weeks, assemblies, dances, car washes, and fundraisers like her school’s annual Hoʻolauleʻa. By raising hundreds of dollars, parents don’t have to shoulder fees. Her school is Title 1, meaning that it receives government assistance due to underprivileged students. Life isn’t luxurious there, but she proves that there is hope. As a leader, she is also bridging the gap in classrooms by tutoring those struggling with math. She’s been a math tutor for two years. She helps students from grades 7-12, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, calculus, and trigonometry. She has volunteered at Pahoa Elementary to aid teachers in organizing classrooms and creating work packets. Additionally, she has spread awareness through FFA. In 2017, she participated in the creed contest. She memorized a five-paragraph creed, recited it in front of hundreds, and answered an impromptu question from the judges. She won first place and qualified for nationals in Indianapolis. She participated in a clean-up of the Panaʻewa Zoo and a tree-planting event. Beyond reciting lines of a creed, she’s actually living the life of a farmer. She works to put food on the table and serves as the backbone of society. She contributes to her community by showing the importance of agriculture and supporting local farmers. Her family’s livelihood is papaya farming. Their farm was decimated by the two recent lava flows, and the pandemic caused a huge drop in buyers. To this day, her family is struggling to rebuild and make ends meet. But, they rose up without help. If not them, then who? “Aggagetka anak ko” is an Ilocano phrase translating to: “Work hard, my dear child.” This is her mantra in school, on the farm, and in life. Her career aspiration is entwined with her plan to help the world. After graduation, she plans to become a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and establish her own clinic. Healthcare bridges her passion for science and service. The catalyst for this goal was a life-changing event. Her father was in severe pain due to gout, arthritis, and heart enlargement. He couldn’t stand up. Slight touches on his left leg were agonizing. After many months of hospitalization, he was able to walk again. Without those doctors, her dad would have been bedridden forever. As a DNP, she’d be able to give the same miracles that she has received. There are two major ingredients in the recipe for success: the dreamer and the drive. After high school ends, the metamorphosis of life will still continue. This student has many plans for herself and for the world. She has grit and passion in her arsenal. The path to the future will be littered with tribulations, but she’ll live up to her namesake. This is my story. I am that girl. I am LUCHE: The Brave Butterfly.

Have you heard of the Butterfly Effect? It’s the idea that something unsuspecting like a butterfly fluttering its wings can cause a tremendous impact. This phenomenon represents change. One student leader is creating those positive ripples everywhere. For years, she’s worked to become the butterfly that initiates a migration toward a better tomorrow. Her journey has been a metamorphosis. As a child, her fiery spirit seemed inextinguishable. However, life never goes quite as planned. At three years old, she left the Philippines and immigrated to Hawaiʻi. The unfamiliar atmosphere made her feel hollow. However, attending elementary school was a catharsis. In fifth grade, she ran for student government. During her speech, her flames roared greater than ever. Ever since then, she’s been maintaining that heat. She has a 4.033 GPA from AP and early college classes. She's the class of 2023 valedictorian for Pahoa High. She was student body president for three years and currently serves as vice president of the National Honor Society. In eighth grade, she became the youngest member to join the Pahoa FFA Chapter (Future Farmers of America). She’s also a longtime AVID member. She won first place in: the islandwide FFA Creed Contest, the 2022 Mauna Kea Coin Contest, and the Hawaiʻi Gannenmono Contest. Also, she placed third in the Hawaiʻi Real Women Essay Contest. School helped her grow, and she believes that it’s the heart of any community. She executed spirit weeks, assemblies, dances, car washes, and fundraisers like her school’s annual Hoʻolauleʻa. By raising hundreds of dollars, parents don’t have to shoulder fees. Her school is Title 1, meaning that it receives government assistance due to underprivileged students. Life isn’t luxurious there, but she proves that there is hope. As a leader, she is also bridging the gap in classrooms by tutoring those struggling with math. She’s been a math tutor for two years. She helps students from grades 7-12, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, calculus, and trigonometry. She has volunteered at Pahoa Elementary to aid teachers in organizing classrooms. Additionally, she has spread awareness through FFA. In 2017, she participated in the creed contest. She memorized a five-paragraph creed, recited it in front of hundreds, and answered an impromptu question from the judges. She won first place and qualified for nationals in Indianapolis. She participated in a clean-up of the Panaʻewa Zoo and a tree-planting event. She contributes to her community by showing the importance of agriculture and supporting local farmers. Her family’s livelihood is papaya farming. Their farm was decimated by the two recent lava flows, and the pandemic caused a huge drop in buyers. To this day, her family is struggling to rebuild and make ends meet. But, they rose without help. “Aggagetka anak ko” is an Ilocano phrase translating to: “Work hard, my dear child.” This is her mantra. After graduation, she plans to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice and establish a clinic. A few years ago, her father was in severe pain due to gout and arthritis. Slight touches on his left leg were agonizing. After months of hospitalization, he was able to walk again. Without doctors, her dad would have been bedridden forever. As a DNP, she’d be able to give the same miracles that she received. There are two major ingredients in the recipe for success: the dreamer and the drive. No matter the circumstances, the metamorphosis of life will always continue. This student has many plans for herself and the world. She has grit and passion in her arsenal. This is my story. I am that girl. I am LUCHE: The Brave Butterfly.

"Stay gold, Ponyboy." These are the final words that Johnny utters to Ponyboy before he passes away. This moment from SE Hinton's "The Outsiders" is absolutely heart-wrenching. The story is from the point of view of Ponyboy Curtis. We follow Ponyboy on his journey of living in a world where it is the "socials" versus the "greasers." A world where he feels like an outsider. The aspect that I loved most about this book was getting a glimpse into Ponyboy's head and hearing his deep musings. My favorite quote from Ponyboy is when he said: "We saw the same sunset." The phrase seems so simple, yet it definitely struck a chord with me. It sums up the idea of economic hierarchy/social classes pretty well. Ultimately, we all consider ourselves "outsiders" at one point in our lives. Ironically, that fact brings us closer together than anything else ever could. Extra points for the brotherly love shown between the Curtis brothers as well as their whole friend group. They prove that blood makes you related, but loyalty is what makes people family. In other words, life is not about who you are born to. Rather, it is who you would die for. Ponyboy is my favorite character because of his relatability. I sympathize with him the most. He loves sunsets, watching movies, and reading good books. He has a gentler, more thoughtful nature. Ponyboy breaks the mold with every action he takes. He is everything that a typical greaser is not. Instead, he is the embodiment of a true friend and brother. I know many kids like Ponyboy and his buddy Johnny whose lives are "rough all over." Yet, they remain bright-eyed and optimistic. Their outlook on life inspires me to keep moving forward. Reading this book has helped me reflect in a way. When Johnny said to "stay gold" I think that he wanted Ponyboy to enjoy life. I will take this advice and make the most out of every precious moment. Not only for my sake but also for the sake of the kids who cannot afford to stay gold. This essay is dedicated to them, the perpetual dreamers. If I could have everyone in the world read just one book, it would be "The Outsiders." Maybe by doing so, I can get people like Dally (the coldest, toughest greaser) to look up at the sky and appreciate the sunset.

“Sala” Written By: Luche Ganot A teary-eyed girl sat next to the man who watched her take her first steps. Memories of their countless living room dances churned in her mind like an old roll of film, slowly tearing and withering away like the person laying in the hospital bed. Her father was no longer the boisterous and playful man he once was, just the mere shell of someone who used to be strong. His eyes—once a galaxy of bright stars—were hollow. His arms and legs—once mighty like trees—were frail. Her father’s hearty laughter was no longer there to cradle her. Instead, the room was filled with the stinging smell of antiseptic and the deafening sound of machines beeping. I wish I could say that this tale simply came out of a fictional novel. However, it is nothing but the truth. My truth. In 2017, my entire world was flipped on its axis. I received news that my father might not ever walk again. He was bedridden for several months due to severe gout, arthritis, and heart complications. He could not move the lower half of his body a single inch. The slightest touch on his left leg would cause him to scream in agony. I witnessed all of his tears, his frustration, his fear, and his sorrow. Despite countless medications, x-rays, doctor appointments, and emergency room visits, it felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. However, one undeniable fact about my family is that we are warriors. My name, Luche, translates to “The Fighter.” So, with as much optimism as we could muster, my family resorted to our most drastic option: flying my father thousands of miles to our homeland to see if their medical care would be more effective. After a single injection and one week of being hospitalized, my father was already back on his feet. One early morning, he walked on foot to the nearest bakery. When I woke up, I was surprised to see him sitting at the dinner table, offering me pandesal*. At that moment, it felt like my father truly returned to me. Though initially painful and heart-wrenching, this chapter of my life is one that I always revisit. I was able to see firsthand how medical workers can uplift those who are at their lowest point. They saved my father’s life and helped me decide on the direction of mine. This experience solidified my desire to be an RN. Approximately 21 million Filipinos cannot afford a visit to the hospital. This issue is close to my heart. I want to become part of the solution and help my fellow Filipinos. As a student, I have always strived for academic excellence. I will continue upholding that standard in college and the workforce. On the surface level, medicine is often viewed as a strict science with little room for error. It does indeed require tact, precision, and logic. However, at the very core of medicine’s purpose is love. Famous Greek philosopher Hippocrates once said: “Where the art of medicine is loved, there is also love for humanity.” Being a nurse is synonymous with empathy and selflessness. With the help of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to fulfilling my goal of creating a global impact. We cannot change the unpredictability of the universe. However, one thing is certain: the beautiful song of life will never stop playing. I want you to realize the limited amount of time we have on this planet. Do not crawl. Life is made for dancing. Translations: “Sala” - Dance “Pandesal” - Bread

“Sala” Written By: Luche Ganot A teary-eyed girl sat next to the man who watched her take her first steps. Memories of their countless living room dances churned in her mind like an old roll of film, slowly tearing and withering away like the person laying in the hospital bed. Her father was no longer the boisterous and playful man he once was, just the mere shell of someone who used to be strong. His eyes—once a galaxy of bright stars—were hollow. His arms and legs—once mighty like trees—were frail. Her father’s hearty laughter was no longer there to cradle her. Instead, the room was filled with the stinging smell of antiseptic and the deafening sound of machines beeping. I wish I could say that this tale simply came out of a fictional novel. However, it is nothing but the truth. My truth. In 2017, my entire world was flipped on its axis. I received news that my father might not ever walk again. He was bedridden for several months due to severe gout, arthritis, and heart complications. He could not move the lower half of his body a single inch. The slightest touch on his left leg would cause him to scream in agony. I witnessed all of his tears, his frustration, his fear, and his sorrow. Despite countless medications, x-rays, doctor appointments, and emergency room visits, it felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. However, one undeniable fact about my family is that we are warriors. My name, Luche, translates to “The Fighter.” So, with as much optimism as we could muster, my family resorted to our most drastic option: flying my father thousands of miles to our homeland to see if their medical care would be more effective. After a single injection and one week of being hospitalized, my father was already back on his feet. One early morning, he walked on foot to the nearest bakery. When I woke up, I was surprised to see him sitting at the dinner table, offering me pandesal*. At that moment, it felt like my father truly returned to me. Though initially painful and heart-wrenching, this chapter of my life is one that I always revisit. I was able to see firsthand how medical workers can uplift those who are at their lowest point. They saved my father’s life and helped me decide on the direction of mine. This experience solidified my desire to be an RN. Approximately 21 million Filipinos cannot afford a visit to the hospital. This issue is close to my heart. I want to become part of the solution and help my fellow Filipinos. As a student, I have always strived for academic excellence. I will continue upholding that standard in college and the workforce. On the surface level, medicine is often viewed as a strict science with little room for error. It does indeed require tact, precision, and logic. However, at the very core of medicine’s purpose is love. Famous Greek philosopher Hippocrates once said: “Where the art of medicine is loved, there is also love for humanity.” Being a nurse is synonymous with empathy and selflessness. With the help of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to fulfilling my goal of creating a global impact. We cannot change the unpredictability of the universe. However, one thing is certain: the beautiful song of life will never stop playing. I want you to realize the limited amount of time we have on this planet. Do not crawl. Life is made for dancing. Translations: “Sala” - Dance “Pandesal” - Bread

Have you heard of the Butterfly Effect? It’s the idea that something unsuspecting like a butterfly fluttering its wings can cause a tremendous impact. This phenomenon represents change. One student leader is creating those positive ripples everywhere. For years, she’s worked to become the butterfly that initiates a migration toward a better tomorrow. Her journey has been a metamorphosis. As a child, her fiery spirit seemed inextinguishable. However, life never goes quite as planned. At three years old, she left the Philippines and immigrated to Hawaiʻi. The unfamiliar atmosphere made her feel hollow. However, attending elementary school was a catharsis. In fifth grade, she ran for student government. During her speech, her flames roared greater than ever. Ever since then, she’s been maintaining that heat. She has a 4.033 GPA from AP and early college classes. She's the class of 2023 valedictorian for Pahoa High. She was student body president for three years and currently serves as vice president of the National Honor Society. In eighth grade, she became the youngest member to join the Pahoa FFA Chapter (Future Farmers of America). She’s also a longtime AVID member. She won first place in: the islandwide FFA Creed Contest, the 2022 Mauna Kea Coin Contest, and the Hawaiʻi Gannenmono Contest. Also, she placed third in the Hawaiʻi Real Women Essay Contest. School helped her grow, and she believes that it’s the heart of any community. She executed spirit weeks, assemblies, dances, car washes, and fundraisers like her school’s annual Hoʻolauleʻa. By raising hundreds of dollars, parents don’t have to shoulder fees. Her school is Title 1, meaning that it receives government assistance due to underprivileged students. Life isn’t luxurious there, but she proves that there is hope. As a leader, she is also bridging the gap in classrooms by tutoring those struggling with math. She’s been a math tutor for two years. She helps students from grades 7-12, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, calculus, and trigonometry. She has volunteered at Pahoa Elementary to aid teachers in organizing classrooms. Additionally, she has spread awareness through FFA. In 2017, she participated in the creed contest. She memorized a five-paragraph creed, recited it in front of hundreds, and answered an impromptu question from the judges. She won first place and qualified for nationals in Indianapolis. She participated in a clean-up of the Panaʻewa Zoo and a tree-planting event. She contributes to her community by showing the importance of agriculture and supporting local farmers. Her family’s livelihood is papaya farming. Their farm was decimated by the two recent lava flows, and the pandemic caused a huge drop in buyers. To this day, her family is struggling to rebuild and make ends meet. But, they rose without help. “Aggagetka anak ko” is an Ilocano phrase translating to: “Work hard, my dear child.” This is her mantra. After graduation, she plans to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice and establish a clinic. A few years ago, her father was in severe pain due to gout and arthritis. Slight touches on his left leg were agonizing. After months of hospitalization, he was able to walk again. Without doctors, her dad would have been bedridden forever. As a DNP, she’d be able to give the same miracles that she received. There are two major ingredients in the recipe for success: the dreamer and the drive. No matter the circumstances, the metamorphosis of life will always continue. This student has many plans for herself and the world. She has grit and passion in her arsenal. This is my story. I am that girl. I am LUCHE: The Brave Butterfly.

“Sala” Written By: Luche Ganot A teary-eyed girl sat next to the man who watched her take her first steps. Memories of their countless living room dances churned in her mind like an old roll of film, slowly tearing and withering away like the person laying in the hospital bed. Her father was no longer the boisterous and playful man he once was, just the mere shell of someone who used to be strong. His eyes—once a galaxy of bright stars—were hollow. His arms and legs—once mighty like trees—were frail. Her father’s hearty laughter was no longer there to cradle her. Instead, the room was filled with the stinging smell of antiseptic and the deafening sound of machines beeping. I wish I could say that this tale simply came out of a fictional novel. However, it is nothing but the truth. My truth. In 2017, my entire world was flipped on its axis. I received news that my father might not ever walk again. He was bedridden for several months due to severe gout, arthritis, and heart complications. He could not move the lower half of his body a single inch. The slightest touch on his left leg would cause him to scream in agony. I witnessed all of his tears, his frustration, his fear, and his sorrow. Despite countless medications, x-rays, doctor appointments, and emergency room visits, it felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. However, one undeniable fact about my family is that we are warriors. My name, Luche, translates to “The Fighter.” So, with as much optimism as we could muster, my family resorted to our most drastic option: flying my father thousands of miles to our homeland to see if their medical care would be more effective. After a single injection and one week of being hospitalized, my father was already back on his feet. One early morning, he walked on foot to the nearest bakery. When I woke up, I was surprised to see him sitting at the dinner table, offering me pandesal*. At that moment, it felt like my father truly returned to me. Though initially painful and heart-wrenching, this chapter of my life is one that I always revisit. I was able to see firsthand how medical workers can uplift those who are at their lowest point. They saved my father’s life and helped me decide on the direction of mine. This experience solidified my desire to be an RN. Approximately 21 million Filipinos cannot afford a visit to the hospital. This issue is close to my heart. I want to become part of the solution and help my fellow Filipinos. As a student, I have always strived for academic excellence. I will continue upholding that standard in college and the workforce. On the surface level, medicine is often viewed as a strict science with little room for error. It does indeed require tact, precision, and logic. However, at the very core of medicine’s purpose is love. Famous Greek philosopher Hippocrates once said: “Where the art of medicine is loved, there is also love for humanity.” Being a nurse is synonymous with empathy and selflessness. With the help of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to fulfilling my goal of creating a global impact. We cannot change the unpredictability of the universe. However, one thing is certain: the beautiful song of life will never stop playing. I want you to realize the limited amount of time we have on this planet. Do not crawl. Life is made for dancing. Translations: “Sala” - Dance “Pandesal” - Bread

Have you heard of the Butterfly Effect? It’s the idea that something unsuspecting like a butterfly fluttering its wings can cause a tremendous impact. This phenomenon represents change. One student leader is creating those positive ripples everywhere. For years, she’s worked to become the butterfly that initiates a migration toward a better tomorrow. Her journey has been a metamorphosis. As a child, her fiery spirit seemed inextinguishable. However, life never goes quite as planned. At three years old, she left the Philippines and immigrated to Hawaiʻi. The unfamiliar atmosphere made her feel hollow. However, attending elementary school was a catharsis. In fifth grade, she ran for student government. During her speech, her flames roared greater than ever. Ever since then, she’s been maintaining that heat. She has a 4.033 GPA from AP and early college classes. She's the class of 2023 valedictorian for Pahoa High. She was student body president for three years and currently serves as vice president of the National Honor Society. In eighth grade, she became the youngest member to join the Pahoa FFA Chapter (Future Farmers of America). She’s also a longtime AVID member. She won first place in: the islandwide FFA Creed Contest, the 2022 Mauna Kea Coin Contest, and the Hawaiʻi Gannenmono Contest. Also, she placed third in the Hawaiʻi Real Women Essay Contest. School helped her grow, and she believes that it’s the heart of any community. She executed spirit weeks, assemblies, dances, car washes, and fundraisers like her school’s annual Hoʻolauleʻa. By raising hundreds of dollars, parents don’t have to shoulder fees. Her school is Title 1, meaning that it receives government assistance due to underprivileged students. Life isn’t luxurious there, but she proves that there is hope. As a leader, she is also bridging the gap in classrooms by tutoring those struggling with math. She’s been a math tutor for two years. She helps students from grades 7-12, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, calculus, and trigonometry. She has volunteered at Pahoa Elementary to aid teachers in organizing classrooms. Additionally, she has spread awareness through FFA. In 2017, she participated in the creed contest. She memorized a five-paragraph creed, recited it in front of hundreds, and answered an impromptu question from the judges. She won first place and qualified for nationals in Indianapolis. She participated in a clean-up of the Panaʻewa Zoo and a tree-planting event. She contributes to her community by showing the importance of agriculture and supporting local farmers. Her family’s livelihood is papaya farming. Their farm was decimated by the two recent lava flows, and the pandemic caused a huge drop in buyers. To this day, her family is struggling to rebuild and make ends meet. But, they rose without help. “Aggagetka anak ko” is an Ilocano phrase translating to: “Work hard, my dear child.” This is her mantra. After graduation, she plans to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice and establish a clinic. A few years ago, her father was in severe pain due to gout and arthritis. Slight touches on his left leg were agonizing. After months of hospitalization, he was able to walk again. Without doctors, her dad would have been bedridden forever. As a DNP, she’d be able to give the same miracles that she received. There are two major ingredients in the recipe for success: the dreamer and the drive. No matter the circumstances, the metamorphosis of life will always continue. This student has many plans for herself and the world. She has grit and passion in her arsenal. This is my story. I am that girl. I am LUCHE: The Brave Butterfly.

"The Mother...The Universe" By: Luche Angeline Mardie Asuncion Ganot There once was a woman Who gave birth to two daughters As different as the sun and the moon With the sun's fiery ambition And the moon's gentle soul Whenever the woman held the two She felt the weight of the universe In her hands However The woman knew That she could not Keep them hidden The world needed them Needed the sun's warmth Needed the moon's power over the tides So, the woman let them go First was the sun The brightest star The point of all orbit The moon would soon follow suit Leaving the mother in darkness But, they would meet again The two sisters would embrace And form the most beautiful eclipse

"Persistence guarantees that results are inevitable." - Paramahansa Yogananda Regardless of whether these results are the ones we desired, having some results is much better than having none at all. The number one thing that I have learned about applying for scholarships is that being the chosen one does not necessarily equate to success. It sounds contradictory, but it's true. Simply submitting an application is something to be proud of. I would always beat down on myself when I checked the results of a scholarship and didn't see my name on the winning list. But, I've changed. Do those results reduce the amount of time and work that went into my application? No. Do they take away from the fact that I poured my whole heart and soul into that endeavor? Absolutely not. Scholarships don't determine your worth as a student, as a human. These are irrevocable truths that took me a while to realize. Applying to scholarships has allowed me to live up to my namesake: Luche. It's Spanish for "fight." The rejections from over a hundred scholarships have taught me how to be a fighter. A fighter who has faith and keeps getting up after being knocked down. When it comes to applying for scholarships, there are no dead ends. Only detours. If one scholarship does not recognize what I have to offer, there are surely others who will. There is always a glimmer of hope. I learned to grab onto it. Scholarships can be cutthroat. I want to walk away knowing that I gave it a shot and left everything in the ring. Things that are worthwhile are never easy. When I submit a scholarship application, I am being added to a crowd of thousands. But, at least I am inside of that crowd. Many people waste their lives watching the crowd from the sidelines. I cannot afford to live like that. Applying for scholarships has taught me how to get rid of the pessimistic voice in my head that tells me I'll fail. My mother always reminds me that life is like a sphere. It's always round. I have never won a scholarship yet. But, maybe I'm on the part of the sphere that is still facing downwards. I just need to keep pushing until I am facing the sun. I learned that applying for scholarships requires an open mind and a wide net. I try my hand at all sorts of scholarships. Whether it be based on leadership, or service, or academics. Applying for scholarships has also taught me to value everything. Whether the cash prize is two hundred dollars or one thousand dollars. Though I have never received any scholarship money, I know that any amount will help in the long run. Besides persistence, bravery, grit, and appreciativeness, applying to scholarships has taught me the importance of self-reflection. I've applied to scholarships that asked open-ended essay questions about my favorite quotes, valuable life lessons, my interactions with other people, my outlook on life, my mental health, etc. These are all personal topics that have made me look in the mirror and contemplate who I really am. What drives me? What are my dreams? Knowing who I am has helped me gain a lot of confidence, boosted my self-worth, allowed me to express myself more clearly, and made me more compassionate. This introspection has also led to catharsis. In a way, applying for scholarships has helped strengthen my heart. I no longer let doubt control me, because I have the needed wings. It would be a waste not to spread them and try to soar.

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." This saying belongs to Hippocrates, a Greek physician and one of the most prominent figures in the history of medicine. Hippocrates lived in the era of Classical Greece during 460 BC, but his knowledge is still relevant today. I firmly believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best way to live healthily is to set a nutritious diet as your foundation. Our diets are similar to a bank account. I love superfoods because they prove to be the best investments. Eating superfoods is the best way to have an immune system that is impenetrable to sicknesses. Superfoods are effective due to their high mineral and vitamin content. I love how they provide substantial amounts of nutrients and have very few calories. They also contain antioxidants. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals to prevent cancer. Eating superfoods also helps with digestion, sleeping habits, and energy levels. If you feel good on the inside, you will look great on the outside. Superfoods give you a healthy glow. When you look at the mirror and scale, you will not be disappointed. Superfoods are vital to healthy body weight. Superfoods are healthy, but they are not boring. Oftentimes, "healthy" food is stereotyped as gross or flavorless. However, this does not apply to superfoods. Many superfood items like sweet potatoes, salmon, strawberries, apples, yogurt, and nuts are great on their own. Plus, they taste even better when combined. These foods prove that eating healthy does not require sacrificing happiness. My favorite superfoods would be eggs, sweet potatoes, nuts, and moringa. I love eating eggs. We have this little running joke in my family that we are "egg masters." How do I incorporate them into my diet? Well, I cook them in a variety of ways: boiled, sunny-side up, scrambled, you name it. I eat boiled eggs every day for breakfast. I also mix scrambled eggs with tomatoes or bitter melon. I enjoy the taste of both yellow and purple sweet potatoes. But, the purple ones are my favorite. In Filipino culture, we call purple sweet potatoes "ube". I incorporate it into my diet by using it as a healthier dessert alternative. Every Sunday, my mother and I buy purple potatoes from the local produce vendors. We boil a bunch of them to eat throughout the week. I also use the potatoes in ube halaya/ube jam and in "halo-halo" (the Filipino version of an ice cream sundae that contains ube, crushed ice, milk, red beans, and bananas.) I incorporate nuts into my diet by packing them as my school snack. During recess and lunch, I eat granola bars that contain mixed nuts. When I am at home studying, I have a can of peanuts or walnuts by my side that I much on. Nuts are brain food. Lastly, I would like to introduce you to a little-known superfood called "moringa." Filipinos call it "malunggay" and it's extremely popular in my home country. It is THE vegetable to eat to feel healthier. Malunggay is so versatile, but my favorite dish is malunggay soup. My father cooks it by using both its leaves and fruit. He adds either shrimp or chicken for protein. Malunggay has been a staple of my childhood and will forever be my comfort food. I urge you to eat more superfoods, both the popular and unconventional ones. They will heighten your palate and make eating a better experience. "To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art." - Francois de la Rochefoucauld

"Bravery is not the absence of fear. Bravery is feeling the fear, the doubt, the insecurity, and deciding that something else is more important." - Mark Manson The process of living boldly requires perspective. In order to be brave, the first thing I do is accept the fact that I might fail. Failure is not a pleasant feeling, but it is an eye-opening one. When I fall, I have a better understanding of who I am. Sometimes, this catharsis becomes more valuable than the adrenaline from winning. After acceptance, I can redefine my purpose and use my mistakes as basis for my training. That is another part of how I practice bravery: by pinpointing my weaknesses and grinding until I can call them strengths. From my experience, I have learned that lively boldly is a slow build-up. Jumping right into it and trying to accomplish an enormous feat can be overwhelming. I try to be brave through tiny changes in my daily schedule. For example, whenever I am in a public place like a store or restaurant, I try to strike up a conversation with the employees. When they ask me about my day, I reply and then also ask them that same question. In such fast-paced and stressful environments, a simple act of consideration like this can brighten someone's day. In the past, I was very shy and anxious. Over time, I learned that showing someone I care can be one of the bravest things to do. This applies to everyone that I interact with, strangers and loved ones alike. In summary, I would say that I live boldly by finding ways to be selfless. We are all vulnerable. We do not have the capacity to be flawless. But, we do have the capacity to love and to care.

Breathing is the essence of life. But, how can you live when breathing is a challenge? The process of inhaling and exhaling should be the easiest thing to do. However, that's not the case for me. There has always been a heavy weight on my chest. Literally. When my mother was pregnant with me, she had severe asthma. As I grew older, I developed severe asthma too. I've tried to manage it by using an inhaler, as well as fluticasone nasal spray to combat my allergies. However, despite these treatments, asthma has caused me to live my life in this tight, suffocating box. Instead of enjoying my youth, I have to constantly worry about my asthma triggers. I have never experienced the carefree nature of childhood. There are many painful memories seared into my brain. Times where I had to sit on a bench during recess. Times where I was the only middle schooler who could barely finish her mandatory P.E. exercises due to shortness of breath. Times where I cried too hard and it caused a coughing fit. However, these experiences pale in comparison to what I had to endure in the year 2018. I live on the Big Island of Hawai'i. When people hear about Hawai'i, they think of it as the "Aloha State" or "The Land of Paradise." However, paradise comes at a cost. The Big Island is home to Kīlauea, an active shield volcano. On May 3, 2018, the volcano erupted. This hugely affected the district that I live in. My family and I struggled to rebuild what we lost. My father is a papaya farmer and thirty acres of his farm were decimated by lava. During that time, our papaya trees were ready for harvesting. Imagine dedicating years of your life to something, then it gets burned to a crisp. Up till now, my family is struggling to make ends meet. My father has tried replanting, but inflation has made farming expenses sky-high. It's hard to break even when COVID-19 has made buyers scarce. In 2018, I tried to use school as my scapegoat from the challenges in my personal life. However, it quickly stopped being my safe place. During the eruption, vog filled the sky. Besides allergies, air pollution is another trigger of my asthma. My entire school was covered in a thick blanket of putrid gas and volcanic dust for weeks. My local Ace Hardware started giving out heavy-duty gas masks. I wore one to school, but the pain in my lungs was still there. Despite this, I sacrificed. I refused to be absent from school. I kept on pushing forward, not wanting my situation to be the downfall of my hard-earned grades. If an outsider were to look at the state of my school, it would have resembled a dystopian horror movie. However, for me, it was reality. I managed to overcome this adversity. During a time where you have no other options, you need to focus all of your energy on survival. I learned that the hard way. My relationship with asthma has been bitter, but I have gradually turned that bitterness into determination. Determination to achieve my future goal of being a pediatrician and opening my own clinic. I want to make sure that no child has to go through what I went through. And if that's not possible, I at least want to make sure that they don't go through it alone. Kids deserve a healthy, happy life. One with no complications attached, because everyone deserves to be in love with life through each and every breath they take.

Burnout is real. It’s a result of prolonged emotional, physical, and mental stress. I believe that it is the biggest problem facing the world right now. With so many deadlines, you need to race against the clock. It is hard to keep up with life’s demands. Sometimes, it feels like twenty-four hours in a day is not enough. We end up being so occupied with our jobs to the point where we cannot enjoy leisure activities or bond with loved ones. So, how can we work on this problem? We need to understand the value of time and prioritize the things that make us happy. Our health is like a triangle. The three sides (physical, mental, and social) are interconnected. If one is out of balance or not being taken care of properly, you have a higher risk of developing health issues in the other two states. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: “On average, there are 130 suicides per day.” COVID-19 has caused these numbers to rise even more. The CDC states: “Younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers reported having experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation.” Despite the difficult circumstances we are faced with, I want people to realize that taking care of yourself is not a waste of time. It is not selfish. In fact, it can be one of the most selfless things you can do. To the person reading this, start saying no to things that are not priorities. Take some time to unplug from your electronics and sit down with your family for a nice meal. Say yes to that hard-earned vacation, go on an adventure, find a new hobby. Do something, anything. In our world, one thing outweighs all riches: time.

They say that life can change within the blink of an eye. You are thrown on a course that you never imagined being on. Stepping into the unknown can be one of the scariest experiences someone can have. I should know. It happened to me at the young age of three. When I was three years old, life seemed so carefree. But, those moments got cut short when I fell ill with dengue fever. It is a viral infection that affects people living in tropical places. Dengue fever is spread by mosquitoes. Though tiny, those mosquitoes are deadly. I remember being rushed to the hospital when the symptoms started kicking in. As I lay in the hospital bed, everything was an angry shade of red. Pain. Extreme, crushing pain. I recall my grandma by my side, clutching my hand and weeping. I was so terrified about what my fate would be. But, as my family started to grow hopeless, there was a sudden ray of hope. The doctors that had attended to me were like sunshine parting through the clouds. With their help, I was able to fight. As I recovered, the shades of red dissipated and I was left with a soothing yellow. The color of happiness. The joy of knowing I got to go back home and taste grandma’s cooking again and play with my cousins. From that day forth, I knew that I wanted to work as a doctor. I knew that I wanted to give other people a chance. A chance to live another day. To love and feel loved. To find their “yellow.” To those doctors that helped me, please know that you inspired this dream. I hope that one day I'll be able to pay it forward. Maraming salamat for all that you do.

It was a Sunday morning. I was sitting in the socially distanced pews of our church. The priest begins his sermon and there is one unforgettable line: “Even if there’s only one drop of compassion in the world, there is still hope for humanity.” Though the priest’s face was masked, the overwhelming conviction in his voice struck my heartstrings. What does it really mean to be human? Though there have been great hardships like this pandemic, I will remember those who brought light to the darkest crevices. They proved that a good heart is something that will never wither despite the arduous circumstances it is placed in. The impact I hope to leave on the world is a legacy of contagious kindness. In order to do this, I will sacrifice my time and use my talents towards community service. I will also include small acts of kindness in my daily life like checking up on friends, offering a shoulder to lean on, or simply smiling at someone. Many people have sacrificed. We have seen heroes in action every day in our communities. These people are medical professionals, grocery store employees, teachers, and many more. Instead of capes, they wear their hearts on their sleeves. Putting others before themselves. That is what it means to be human. It is selflessness and service that have kept our world spinning. We should strive to be like them. As we near the new year, I have hope that things will get better. We just need to go forth with compassion. Making a difference, no matter the size, can be the greatest thing anyone can do. One day, that one drop of compassion can turn into an ocean overflowing with chances for a better future. One filled with growth, triumph, and most of all: love.

Recently, the number of fatalities caused by traffic accidents has been higher than ever. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states: “While Americans drove less in 2020 due to the pandemic, NHTSA’s early estimates show that an estimated 38,680 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes—the largest projected number of fatalities since 2007.” These numbers are alarming. However, with the help of new technology, there may be a solution to this problem. Self-driving cars are showing much promise, and they are becoming a better alternative to regular cars. I believe that self-driving cars have many advantages and will bring a positive change to our world. For these vehicles to work, artificial intelligence is the key. A self-driving car uses software, hardware, multiple sensors, radar, GPS, laser beams, lidar, radar, and cameras to navigate the road. The car’s software has been coded and “trained” to respond like a real driver. Cameras are high resolution so that the vehicle can see all street markings, signs, pedestrians, etc. The car creates a map of its surroundings and plans the best path to avoid obstacles. The biggest pro of self-driving cars is that they could drastically reduce the amount of traffic-related accidents. They are much safer because there is no human error involved. There is no risk of drunk driving, texting while driving, or driving under the influence of drugs. Also, the car would not get tired or lose focus like how a human would. While a human may go over the speed limit or run through a red light, a self-driving car always obeys the road rules. This makes the road a much safer place for everyone. Another pro of self-driving cars is that they provide convenience and accessibility. Self-driving vehicles can help people with disabilities and health conditions that prevent them from driving. They could also lessen congestion and busy traffic. Self-driving cars are able to communicate with each other. This lets them travel at optimized distances from each other. It also eliminates bumper-to-bumper traffic jams. This feature could help you cut down the time needed to get to work, school, etc. Lastly, self-driving cars are good for the environment. They do this by burning less gas. If you do not want to use gas at all, many self-driving cars operate just by using electricity. Tesla cars are electric and rechargeable. Self-driving cars offer a lot of benefits to our world. With self-driving cars, there are no human mistakes such as drunk driving or texting while driving. Also, self-driving cars can decrease the number of traffic jams. Thus, everyone can get to their destination faster. People with disabilities would benefit from this type of car. It would safely transport them to wherever they need to go. I believe we can trust self-driving cars because intensive research has been put into coding and manufacturing them. In the future, I think that more people should start switching to self-driving vehicles. This way, we can have a more convenient, safer, and greener world.

Ten seconds left on the clock. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. You try to center yourself despite the pounding of your heartbeat. You raise your arms and aim. Thunk! The arrow lands on the target. One inch away from the bullseye. You crumple to the ground in defeat... Everyone has experienced a moment like this. A time where you came so close, but it was not enough. In my life, I've been knocked down multiple times. So, how do I manage to keep on going? The answer is simple: I developed grit. Grit is "strength of character." One turnaround story that helped me build grit was when I competed in the FFA creed recitation contest and represented my school. FFA stands for Future Farmers of America. It’s an organization that promotes agricultural education and leadership skills. I had to memorize and recite the FFA creed in front of a panel of judges as well as answer an impromptu question. I practiced daily. I wanted to win not only for myself but for those who believed in me. The results came in, and I placed second. I was devastated. But there was a silver lining behind the clouds. I still qualified to go on to the next round of the competition. I decided to get back up and hustle harder. During the inter-island level of the contest, I left my heart on the stage. I won first place and qualified for nationals in Indianapolis. This experience changed me as a person. Although success doesn’t come the first time around, that shouldn’t stop you. Grit got me to the finish line. To anyone who wants to take on a new challenge, you might struggle at the start. But I promise that if you keep going, the result of your work will be beautiful.

There is a phenomenon called the "Butterfly Effect." It is when something as small as the flutter of a butterfly's wings ends up creating huge ripples. This is the reason why giving is so important to me. The act of giving is very contagious. When many people decide to give, change happens. I give back to my community by turning my school into a welcoming environment for everyone. I've been a member of student government for three years. I have helped to put on events such as spirit weeks, assemblies, dances, holiday drive-throughs, car washes, and fundraisers. By helping to raise hundreds of dollars, parents don't have to face the burden of paying fees to support our grad night. My school is a Title 1 school. This means that we receive assistance from the federal government because statistics show that 80% of students here are underprivileged. One example of this assistance is free meals. All of the students receive free meals, both breakfast and lunch. Also, every student at my school receives free bus transportation. By planning and doing all of these school events, I not only provide my peers with a fun opportunity but I also help out financially. As an active leader and role model in my school, I believe that I am inspiring other students. Life is not luxurious here, but by doing good in school and being kind to others I can show that there is hope and opportunities out there. So let's put the Butterfly Effect to the test. Go out there and do something, anything. Encourage others to give back as well. Because if one butterfly can do so much, then imagine a whole world full of them. Our society needs change and it needs it now. There's no better time to take flight.

"Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be. The future's not ours to see." These are some of the lines to "Que Sera, Sera." It was my favorite lullaby when I was younger. I have fond memories of my mother singing it to me and soothing my nightmares. When I grew up in the Philippines, music was everywhere. No matter if they were cooking or cleaning the house, my aunts and uncles would be singing. I quickly grew a love for singing, too. I had a collection of nursery rhyme CDs. I would constantly replay them. I eventually memorized them all by heart and would perform them for my family. It was difficult for me when my parents and I immigrated to the states. The Philippines was the only home that I ever knew. Though my relatives were far away, I always kept my love for music close to my heart. For me, it is my way of remembering them. Before the pandemic happened, I would go back and visit my relatives in the summer. Those days were so happy. At night, we would bring out the karaoke machine and sing till the sun went up. I would duet with my uncles. Usually, our songs of choice were rock and roll. I also recall late-night jam sessions with my cousins. We would all crowd around the porch and sing. But now, we’re are living in different times. But, music can adapt. My sister and I recently auditioned for our school’s virtual talent show. Instead of a big crowd of faces, we were playing the piano in front of my computer screen. Yes, it is not the same. However, for me, the magic of music is still alive. I am passionate about making sure that this art form never dies out.

Teaching is one of the most selfless professions. My mother is a teacher. I have seen how much patience the job requires. It's not just about making sure that the students learn. You have to support them mentally and emotionally as well. You have to provide a safe environment. I recently got my first experience teaching others. At my school, there is a program that hires students to be math tutors. I am one of the four tutors. I tutor kids from grade seven to grade twelve. At first, I thought of it as a way to make a little bit of extra cash and learn some responsibility. But, each day that I tutor, I walk away with something more valuable: listening skills. To me, listening means caring. I actively listen to those around me by being nonjudgemental. Expressing your feelings or asking for help can make you feel vulnerable. So, the last thing I want to do is make someone feel ashamed or uncomfortable. When I tutor others, I make sure not to talk over them. I ask them what part of their math work is hard and offer different methods to figure out how they learn best. I try to match my pace with theirs and avoid explaining things too fast. I observe how they work and listen to their thought processes. From my tutoring experience, I can definitely debunk any negative stereotypes about kids that come in for tutoring. They are certainly not dumb. All they need is a little push to unlock their full potential. My favorite part of tutoring is seeing their "eureka!" moment. Though I am the tutor, I have found that I am the one who has learned the most. From listening, I have learned how to have empathy. And that is indispensable.

Data shows that eight hours of sleep gives you energy, boosts your immune system, and increases productivity. While this is great, the big question is: do I get enough sleep? The answer is no. I stay up late on a daily basis. The culprit for my horrible sleep schedule is my sister. Well, it's not all her fault. We're both to blame. My most cherished simple pleasures are the late-night talks I have with my sister. My sister and I still share a room. Sometimes it can get annoying, but it is never lonely. At night, its illuminated by our dinosaur nightlight whom we've named "Bob." My sister and I whisper so that our parents don't wake up. Whenever we hear the sound of footsteps, we quickly pretend to be dozing. The topics of our late-night chitchats are usually humorous. We discuss funny school stories, share cool tiktoks, or recite old vines. On other nights, we feel nostalgic and talk about childhood memories. The good ones and the embarrassing ones. But, there are also nights when our talks are serious. Usually, these are about the future. This topic is bittersweet for me. Next year is going to be my last year of high school. However, it's also going to be my sister's first year. Soon, I'm going to be in a university dorm room a thousand miles away. I'll be lying in my bed at night. However, I will no longer have anyone to talk to. There's always sadness in my heart when I think about being apart from my sister. So, before I have to leave the nest, I'm going to cherish every single one of those conversations. If I get to listen to her voice for a while longer, staying up a few more nights is worth it.

I recently watched a video discussing the myth of Icarus. It is a Greek myth about a boy who could fly using wings made out of feathers and wax. However, Icarus flew too close to the sun. In the end, that led to his demise. I bring up this story because I feel like it depicts my pursuit of perfection. After so many trials, tears, and sacrifices, I have learned that it is not possible. There was a time in my life where I ended up like Icarus, scorched by the flame of my ambition. One thing I have learned about perfection is that it consumes you. My obsession with perfection has negatively impacted my mental health. It has caused me to question my worth. It has caused me to feel anxious, sad, and overwhelmed with everything. But, as I have grown and experienced new things, my beliefs have transformed drastically. I think that the world needs to start focusing on progress over perfection. Having a growth mindset is valuable. Learning from your failures will help you improve yourself and develop the grit needed to tackle life. I think that is more important than perfection. I define perfection as being consistently flawless in every aspect of life: academics, careers, personality, and relationships with other people. I have tried so hard to be a perfect student, a perfect daughter, a perfect friend. But, there has always been a time where I have fallen short. Trying to be perfect has also cost me hefty sacrifices. For as long as I can remember, the stress has always been overwhelming. It has caused a strain on my relationships with others. I started isolating myself from others, choosing to bury myself in work rather than spending time with loved ones. To me, there was no such thing as a break. Eventually, I became too tired. I learned the hard way that no man is an island. I know now that I can share my burdens with others. When it comes to academic perfection, I have tried so hard to reach it. In school, I am a very competitive person. I work hard in every class, and I have had straight A’s since seventh grade. I was the student body president for my grade level and the youngest member of the Pahoa FFA chapter (Future Farmers of America). Maintaining all of these things requires dedication. I have spent many sleepless nights studying or preparing for a competition. I know that there are people out there who are even more extreme than me. I have watched many documentaries about students in countries like China and Japan. They live in such competitive environments and attend competitive schools. Over there, students spend hours studying for tests that determine their future. When they do not reach perfection, it drives them to depression and suicide. I do not think that being perfect is worth sacrificing your physical and mental well-being. Besides academics, I think that having a perfect personality, perfect morals, and perfect relationships are not possible. As humans, we experience many negative emotions like anger and jealousy. It is impossible to avoid having these feelings. What we need to do is learn from our mistakes and try to act differently. Expecting perfection out of other people will often lead to disappointment in relationships. That is why we need to admit our faults and help each other. The wisdom you learn from your stumbles could help someone else. My experience with mental health has really solidified my desire to work in the medical field as a doctor. By being a doctor, I can help tons of people who are struggling both mentally and physically. I could recommend lifestyle changes that could help my patients improve their mental health, such as exercise. Besides treatment and medications, I could also provide a safe space. I could let people voice their true feelings without being judged. I think that a listening ear can go a long way. As a doctor, I could reassure people that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Before I end this essay, I would like you to start saying “practice makes permanent” instead of “practice makes perfect.” I think that we should be valuing progress over perfection. Reaching perfection does not equate to success or happiness. When you try to be perfect, you develop a fear of failure. You start avoiding situations where you might make a mistake. However, this prevents you from trying anything new. It keeps you from discovering your untapped potential. Also, when you are obsessed with perfection, it can prevent you from taking pride in your work. You will be focusing on everything you did wrong without taking a moment to acknowledge the effort you put into it. With continuous progression, you will gain skills and knowledge that no one will be able to take away from you. You will also become a better person. Do not let your mistakes stop you from seeing your worth and the worth your life holds. Do not let the story of Icarus prevent you from flying. Instead, let it be a reminder that you can always come back down to the ground and take a rest when needed.

Have you heard about the "Butterfly Effect"? It's when something tiny like a butterfly fluttering its wings ripples and causes a huge impact. This phenomenon represents service. Every time you do a good deed, it has the power to touch the lives of multiple people. I try to create those positive ripples every chance I get. My passion for community service sparked when I joined my school's student council. I've worked to create a sense of "togetherness" among my peers by executing spirit weeks, assemblies, dances, car washes, and fundraisers. By raising money, we can have funds for our grad night. My school is Title 1, meaning that we receive government assistance because 80% of students are underprivileged. Life isn't luxurious here, but I want to show that there's hope. I'm also passionate about agriculture and the environment. I helped beautify my local zoo and planted trees at our park. I'm also part of my school's FFA chapter (Future Farmers of America). I won first place in the creed contest and qualified for nationals. My favorite line is: "...with a faith born not of words but of deeds." I've also worked to bridge the gap in classrooms. I tutor kids who have a hard time understanding math. I help kids from grades 7th through 12th. Service is indeed a domino effect. If I help my fellow students, it ends up helping their families, which improves the community. As more people pay the good deeds forward, the world will be full of kindness. Let's put the Butterfly Effect to the test. Go out and do something. Encourage others to do service as well. If one butterfly can do so much, then imagine a whole world full of them. Our society needs change right now. There's no better time to take flight.

The living room was bathed in orange sunlight. My sister and I were sitting in comfortable silence, briefly interrupted by the rustling of yarn and crochet hooks. Sundays like these were my favorite. The rush of daily life was put on pause and I could take a minute to just breathe. I stopped for a moment, breaking away from my crochet project to look at my sister. "So, are you planning on hanging out with your friends tomorrow?" she asked me. "I don't know. I'll see what the day brings," I responded. I looked back down at my lap with furrowed brows. The rows were slightly uneven, causing the yarn to curl instead of laying flat. I sighed and yanked at the yarn, causing it to unravel. "You know, crocheting is a lot like friendship," my sister stated abruptly. I shot her a confused look. "How so?" I asked her. "Well, for starters, friendships never start out perfect. Just like crochet projects. But, both deserve second chances," she explained while grabbing my crochet hook and helping me restart. I mulled over her words while working on my project. Completing one crochet square and adding on a second one. "There's another similarity between the two," I said. I held up my work in progress and pointed to the different colored squares. "I thought that the colors would clash. The two types of yarn are so different. They come from different brands, but they complement each other really well," I explained. My sister agreed. We continued working on our projects for a few more minutes before I finally presented my finished product. That is when I realized that friendship is a thick crochet blanket. With yarn bonding together past and present, wrapping you in safety and comfort. And most of all: warmth.

Deadlines. Homework. Stress. Rinse and repeat. This hectic cycle has me racing against the clock. I slump against my desk, weary from the long week that had just passed. There's a storm cloud hovering over my head. Ugly and gray and consuming. As my mental battery drains, I reach for my saving grace: my sketchbook. The scratching of the pencil against the paper drowns out the thoughts rumbling in my head. Each line put down is a weight lifted from my shoulders. For me, creating art is not just a form of self-care. It is one of my greatest passions. Art impacts my life by giving me freedom. I do not have to draw in a certain way or follow any set rules. The only thing that I have to worry about is making a statement. One that truly reflects what I am feeling. I'm always amazed when I look at my old pieces and realize that these papers and canvas boards are time capsules. Whenever I look at my past art, I can vividly remember where I was sitting, what I was feeling and thinking at that exact moment. Once my drawings are complete, I hang them up for the world to see. The purest and rawest parts of myself become bared on social media. I have to admit that sometimes it is scary. There are moments when I hesitate before clicking that "post" button. But, in the end, I never regret it. My soul heals as I see how my art touches the hearts of people around the globe. We all need a bit of self-care once in a while. We are all human. And if these hands can create some sort of solace from the storm of everyday life, then I think that makes everything worth it.

I recently watched a video discussing the myth of Icarus. It is a Greek myth about a boy who could fly using wings made out of feathers and wax. However, Icarus flew too close to the sun. In the end, that led to his demise. I bring up this story because I feel like it depicts my pursuit of perfection. After so many trials, tears, and sacrifices, I have learned that it is not possible. There was a time in my life where I ended up like Icarus, scorched by the flame of my ambition. One thing I have learned about perfection is that it consumes you. My obsession with perfection has negatively impacted my mental health. It has caused me to question my worth. It has caused me to feel anxious, sad, and overwhelmed with everything. But, as I have grown and experienced new things, my beliefs have transformed drastically. I think that the world needs to start focusing on progress over perfection. Having a growth mindset is valuable. Learning from your failures will help you improve yourself and develop the grit needed to tackle life. I think that is more important than perfection. I define perfection as being consistently flawless in every aspect of life: academics, careers, personality, and relationships with other people. I have tried so hard to be a perfect student, a perfect daughter, a perfect friend. But, there has always been a time where I have fallen short. Trying to be perfect has also cost me hefty sacrifices. For as long as I can remember, the stress has always been overwhelming. It has caused a strain on my relationships with others. I started isolating myself from others, choosing to bury myself in work rather than spending time with loved ones. To me, there was no such thing as a break. Eventually, I became too tired. I learned the hard way that no man is an island. I know now that I can share my burdens with others. When it comes to academic perfection, I have tried so hard to reach it. In school, I am a very competitive person. I work hard in every class, and I have had straight A’s since seventh grade. I was the student body president for my grade level and the youngest member of the Pahoa FFA chapter (Future Farmers of America). Maintaining all of these things requires dedication. I have spent many sleepless nights studying or preparing for a competition. I know that there are people out there who are even more extreme than me. I have watched many documentaries about students in countries like China and Japan. They live in such competitive environments and attend competitive schools. Over there, students spend hours studying for tests that determine their future. When they do not reach perfection, it drives them to depression and suicide. I do not think that being perfect is worth sacrificing your physical and mental well-being. Besides academics, I think that having a perfect personality, perfect morals, and perfect relationships are not possible. As humans, we experience many negative emotions like anger and jealousy. It is impossible to avoid having these feelings. What we need to do is learn from our mistakes and try to act differently. Expecting perfection out of other people will often lead to disappointment in relationships. That is why we need to admit our faults and help each other. The wisdom you learn from your stumbles could help someone else. My experience with mental health has really solidified my desire to work in the medical field as a doctor. By being a doctor, I can help tons of people who are struggling both mentally and physically. I could recommend lifestyle changes that could help my patients improve their mental health, such as exercise. Besides treatment and medications, I could also provide a safe space. I could let people voice their true feelings without being judged. I think that a listening ear can go a long way. As a doctor, I could reassure people that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Before I end this essay, I would like you to start saying “practice makes permanent” instead of “practice makes perfect.” I think that we should be valuing progress over perfection. Reaching perfection does not equate to success or happiness. When you try to be perfect, you develop a fear of failure. You start avoiding situations where you might make a mistake. However, this prevents you from trying anything new. It keeps you from discovering your untapped potential. Also, when you are obsessed with perfection, it can prevent you from taking pride in your work. You will be focusing on everything you did wrong without taking a moment to acknowledge the effort you put into it. With continuous progression, you will gain skills and knowledge that no one will be able to take away from you. You will also become a better person. Do not let your mistakes stop you from seeing your worth and the worth your life holds. Do not let the story of Icarus prevent you from flying. Instead, let it be a reminder that you can always come back down to the ground and take a rest when needed.

5 years old. Taking her first steps into this new land called "paradise." 5 years old. Foreign to this place. Culture shock hit her like a giant tidal wave. She finally got a taste of what life was like on the other side. 5 years old. These new words sounding like nonsense to her ears. English words awkwardly sitting upon her tongue. Still so naive, so young. 5 years old. Mom sat her down and told her she’d be going to school. For once her eyes filled with light. Something began to ignite. Little did she know it would change her life. School became a shining light. She discovered a love of learning that was nurtured and allowed to run wild. But now let me tell you that she is I. I was once that kid. The journey was not easy. But I became a new me. Someone who I never thought I could be. 16 years old. President of the student body, youngest member of her FFA chapter, member of National Honor Society. I collect these titles and wear them with pride. Blood, sweat, and tears to which each are tied. A future nurse in the making. I plan to go back home to the place that still holds my heart. Where resources are low I will go. Try to help those who need it most. Not just with medicine but also a message of hope. Hope. That is what I want my legacy to be. So that every immigrant child knows that they can succeed. There will be battles for them. But, they'll be okay. Because the best flame burns brightest on their darkest days. Right now the word "legacy" seems so distant, so far. Before that happens, I remain a simple dreamer chasing her stars.

“Agaggetka, anak ko”- “Work hard, my child” A phrase forever stamped in my mind It reminds me that I’m the embodiment of my parents’ hopes and pride They left everything on the line when they decided to change life’s design and migrate to this new land All of the dreams they had planned They worked so hard so that I could have the world in the palm of my hand long before I could even stand "One day, our anak will be a doctor" They're a teacher and a humble farmer Mom and dad work everyday so that I may prosper and fulfill this aspiration of a daughter with success of her own creation I bury my head in my studies without pause People ask me the cause Why I'm always trying to be my best I do it so that one day my parents’ minds will be able to rest knowing that their labor didn't go to waste because this life of ours is a race Chances zoom by and mistakes can't be erased Being immigrants was so tough but my parents didn't give up because they knew that there'd be a silver lining behind the clouds I pray everyday that with God's grace I'll be able to make them proud "Mom, Dad. One day I will give you everything, riches as far as the eye can see" This is my vow to them I'll make it a guarantee Just believe in me While writing this rhyme I realized it was high time for us to understand that the purest form of devotion is from the people who brought us into this land Parents sacrificing everything for their kids if that’s not motivation then I don’t know what is... *anak = “child” (my native language: Ilocano)

"Love is enough." Billions of people on Earth. Hundreds of countries. Different languages, cultures, and beliefs. Yet, the concept of love is something every human understands. It is the invisible thread tying all of us together. Love is not tangible, yet it is such a strong force. The greatest events in history were fought in the name of love. But what exactly is it? Some say it’s a feeling, some say it’s a choice. I think love is an enigma. It is multifaceted, ever-changing yet timeless. When people think about what it means to love, they picture the perfect relationships that have been emblazoned on the silver screen and inscribed in the spines of classic books. But love has so many types: romantic, familial, platonic, self-love, etc. If we go to its bare bones, love is the heaviest thing in the world. I don’t mean this in the sense that it is a burden. Rather, it is a promise. When you love someone or something, it encompasses every positive value: respect, kindness, patience, honesty, etc. Saying those three sacred words, “I love you”, should be taken seriously. Love is enough to heal the world if we give it the chance to do so. 2020 and 2021 have been prime examples of this. Though there have been hardships like the pandemic, selfless heroes arose from it. These are doctors, nurses, teachers, etc. They continue to sacrifice for the greater good of humanity. I would like to urge you to go out and express acts of love. They do not have to be grand. It could be as simple as calling or texting a friend. Or it could be an act of self-love like giving yourself that well-deserved break. Whatever it is, do it. Life is short. Let’s live it with love.

Crack two large eggs in a bowl. Add melted butter and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour in a cup of chocolate chips. Incorporate the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly for a few minutes. “This sounds easy enough,” you think to yourself as you scan the cookbook instructions. You fasten your apron with a fiery determination in your eyes. After a few minutes of arduous mixing, you're left with a sore arm and a consistent batter. You wipe your brow, spoon the batter onto the tray, and then put it into the oven. You watch as the timer on your phone counts down. “Hurry up already,” you complain. You try waiting a little longer. But as the growls from your stomach grow louder, your patience grows thinner. You grab your oven mitts and take out the cookies early. “They look fine,” you tell yourself. But as you take a bite out of one of the cookies, your face contorts with disgust. It’s raw... Every success story is like a batch of cookies. All cookies are unique, but they all follow a recipe. The secret to a tasty cookie and a great success story is patience. I believe that along with patience comes thoughtfulness. It is important to be patient so that we can assess the situation and make the wisest choice. By rushing into things, we become blind-sighted. We forget to think about the long-term effects of our actions and how they could set us back. How they could harm us rather than benefit us. When you are patient, you will get to savor your success story. You will get to take a bite of that perfect, delicious cookie. And most of all: by being patient, you can ensure that you never have to face the consequences of a half-baked plan.

Ten seconds left on the clock. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. You try to center yourself despite the pounding of your heartbeat. You raise your arms and aim. Thunk! The arrow lands on the target. One inch away from the bullseye. You crumple to the ground in defeat... Everyone has experienced a moment like this. A time where you came so close, but it was not enough. In my life, I've been knocked down multiple times. So, how do I manage to keep a growth mindset? The answer is simple: I developed grit. Grit is "strength of character." One event that helped me build grit was when I competed in the FFA creed recitation contest and represented my school. FFA stands for Future Farmers of America. It’s an organization that promotes agricultural education and leadership skills. I had to memorize and recite the FFA creed in front of a panel of judges as well as answer an impromptu question. I practiced daily. I wanted to win not only for myself but for those who believed in me. The results came in, and I placed second. I was devastated. But there was a silver lining behind the clouds. I still qualified to go on to the next round of the competition. I decided to get back up and hustle harder. During the inter-island level of the contest, I left my heart on the stage. I won first place and qualified for nationals in Indianapolis. This experience changed me as a person. Although success doesn’t come the first time around, that shouldn’t stop you. Grit got me to the finish line. To anyone who wants to take on a new challenge, you might struggle at the start. But I promise that if you keep going, the result of your work will be beautiful.

Three years old. A girl takes her first steps into this new land dubbed "paradise." Three years old. Foreign to this place. Culture shock hit her like a giant tidal wave. She finally got a taste of what life was like on the other side. Three years old. An airplane transported her from the Philippines to the states. People back home said that luck had dealt her a great fate. But they did not know the hardships she had to undergo. Three years old. This new language sounding like nonsense to her ears. English words awkwardly sitting upon her tongue. Three years old. Her cries at night would shatter the silence of the room. "I want to go back home." This was her daily plea. Three years old. Mom sat her down and told her that she would be going to school. For once, her eyes filled with light. Something within her started to ignite. Little did she know, it would change her life. School became a shining light. She discovered a love of learning that was nurtured and allowed to run wild. But now let me tell you that she is I. I was that kid. The journey was rough, but it shaped me into who I am today. It taught me the value of strength, hard work, and determination. A future nurse in the making, I plan to go back to the place that still holds my heart. Where resources are low, I will try to help those who need it most. Sixteen years old. I am a dreamer chasing her stars. I hope that my story will inspire other immigrant children someday. Though I still have my battles, I know I will be okay. I learned that the best flame burns brightest on the darkest days.

"Stay gold, Ponyboy." These are the final words that Johnny utters to Ponyboy before he passes away. This moment from SE Hinton's "The Outsiders" is absolutely heart-wrenching. The story is from the point of view of Ponyboy Curtis. We follow Ponyboy on his journey of living in a world where it is the socials versus greasers. A world where he feels like an "outsider." The thing I loved most about this book was getting a glimpse into Ponyboy’s head. My favorite quote from him is when he said: "We saw the same sunset." The phrase seems so simple, yet it struck a chord with me. It sums up the whole idea of clashing social classes pretty well. Ultimately, we all consider ourselves "outsiders" and ironically, that fact brings us closer together than anything else could. Extra points for the brotherly love shown between the Curtis brothers as well as the whole friend group. They prove that blood makes you related, but loyalty is what makes people family. Ponyboy is my favorite character. I sympathize with him the most. He loves sunsets, watching movies, and reading good books. Ponyboy is everything that a typical greaser is not. I know many kids like Ponyboy and Johnny whose lives are "rough all over." Yet, they remain bright-eyed and optimistic. This book helped me to reflect in a way. When Johnny said to "stay gold" I think that he wanted Ponyboy to enjoy life. I will take this advice and make the most out of every moment. Not only for my sake but also for the sake of the kids who cannot afford to stay gold. I would definitely recommend this book to others. Maybe by doing so, I can get people like Dally to look up at the sky and appreciate the sunset.

Twelve years ago, an intrepid explorer left the familiar soil of her homeland and ventured into the unknown. That girl is me. At the age of three, I immigrated to Hawai'i from the Philippines. That is when I heard the word “Aloha” for the first time. According to Merriam-Webster, “Aloha” is “used as a greeting or farewell.” But I believe that “Aloha” has a deeper meaning. It is about having respect, courage, and kindness. Having “Aloha” is the best way to live a long, healthy life. One example of practicing “Aloha” is treating everyone with respect. This means thinking before you act. Everything you do has an impact. A second example of “Aloha” is having kindness. You can be kind by dedicating your time to a good cause. "Aloha" is also about being courageous. Courage does not always equate to grand displays of strength. There is courage in things such as having humility and speaking out about injustice. “Aloha" not only helps us live healthy lives, it also makes our community a better place. Those who practice “Aloha” become role models. When people see others doing acts of good, they will feel compelled to do the same. It might start as a small group of people, but “Aloha” is infectious. A whole world full of kind people would help solve many of the issues we have right now. Living an “Aloha” lifestyle is a choice. No one can force you to do it. Just like when I moved to Hawai'i, having an “Aloha” lifestyle seems like a daunting task. But, it is worth it. Do not be afraid to take that first step. Planting that seed of “Aloha” in your heart and nurturing it every day will allow you to bloom into a better friend, family member, and human being.

My alarm buzzes, urging me to get out of bed. The house is bustling with noise as everyone rushes to pack their things. The ride to school is short. Before I open the truck door, my mom’s voice breaks the comfortable silence. "Agaggetka, anak ko," she says. With a nod and a wave, I head to my first class with a fierce new determination. Those three words are my daily inspiration. The phrase is in Ilocano, my native tongue. It translates to: “Work hard, my dear child.” Each time my parents say it, their voices are full of the most sincere type of love. They are the reason why I work hard in school. It is the rough calluses on my dad’s hands after years of farm labor, my mom’s tired face when she comes home from work, the countless sacrifices they made for me. They are my #back2school inspiration today and every day. After high school, the marathon will still continue. Hard work and grit are the keys. I know that I can get to where I want to be because all great success stories start with a dreamer.

Have you ever heard about the "Butterfly Effect"? It's the idea that something as tiny and unsuspecting as a butterfly fluttering its wings can ripple and cause a huge impact. The reason why I mention this phenomenon is because it represents volunteer work and community service. You might not think much of it, but every time you do a good deed it has the power to touch the hearts and lives of multiple people. As a high school junior, I try to create those positive ripples every chance I get. I believe that schools are the heart of any community and that the youth are going to be the ones shaping our world. My initial passion for community service sparked when I joined the student council at my school. I started it during my elementary years then continued doing it in middle school and high school. I have been the student body president of my graduating class for three consecutive years. During this time, one of the big changes that I wanted to see in my community was a fun and welcoming school environment for all of the students. The school that I attend is a melting pot of various cultures and backgrounds. I have worked to create a sense of "togetherness" among my peers. I have been involved in events such as spirit weeks, assemblies, dances, car washes, and fundraisers. One of the bigger fundraisers that I helped to plan and execute was a festival full of games and food booths. Here in Hawai'i, we call it "Ho'olaule'a." I sold Krispy Kreme donuts to raise money. By helping to raise hundreds of dollars, parents don't have to face the burden of paying fees to support our grad night. Our school is a Title 1 school. This means that we receive assistance from the federal government because statistics show that 80% of students here are underprivileged. One example of this assistance is free meals. All of the students receive free meals, both breakfast and lunch. By planning and doing all of these school events, I not only provide my peers with a fun opportunity but I also help out financially. As an active leader and role model in my school, I believe that I am inspiring other students. Life is not luxurious here, but by doing good in school and being kind to others I can show that there is hope and opportunities out there. Another change that I want to see in my community and country is a better understanding and appreciation for agriculture. I want more people to live self-sustaining lifestyles because not only is it good for the environment but it is also healthier for us. Especially here in Hawai'i where there is fertile land available to grow produce. I have worked to make these changes by being a member of my school's FFA chapter. FFA stands for Future Farmers of America. It is a national organization that allows students to grow their leadership skills as well as agricultural knowledge. One of the FFA contests that I have participated in is the creed recitation. I won first place and qualified for nationals in Indianapolis. By reciting this creed, I affirm my belief in the power of agriculture and my promise to do my part. I have firsthand experience with farming because that is my family's livelihood. On my free time, I help out on my family's farm and do things like putting up fencing to keep wild pigs out. Although there are hardships, the result of our labor is being able to provide food for our community. One of my favorite lines from the FFA creed is "...with a faith born not of words but of deeds." This explains what service is. Not just promises but actions. Another FFA event I was involved in was a clean-up of our local zoo. I helped to pull weeds and beautify the place. This is another change that I am passionate about: making sure that the ʻĀina (land) is beautiful and well taken care of for the generations to come. Another event that I participated in to help the environment was a tree-planting event in our community park. By doing this, I created a chance for cleaner oxygen, better soil, and homes for wildlife. The last change that I am really passionate about is helping to bridge the gap in classrooms. I help tutor kids who are falling behind or have a hard time understanding classroom material. There is this one girl who I've been tutoring for three years. I am proud to say that she is doing a lot better and is slowly becoming more independent. This past year she was able to get all A's in her classes. I have also helped after school to clean and organize teacher's classrooms. I went to my town's local elementary school and helped out a kindergarten teacher. Community service is indeed a domino effect. If I help my fellow students, it ends up helping their families, which helps the town, and the impact continues getting bigger. I am changing the world in my own way because if I help one person and that person pays it forward, then the world will be full of people wanting to do good. So let's put the Butterfly Effect to the test. Go out there and do something, anything. Encourage others to do service as well. Because if one butterfly can do so much, then imagine a whole world full of them. Our society needs change and it needs it now. There's no better time to take flight.

"Love is enough." Seven billion people on Earth. Hundreds of countries. 50 states. Different languages, cultures, and beliefs. Yet, the concept of love is something that every human being is capable of understanding. You could ask a toddler about love and they could give you an answer. It is the invisible thread tying all of us together. The word “love” itself evokes such strong emotions. Love is not tangible, yet it is such a strong force. It has been the catalyst for revolutions. The greatest events in history were fought in the name of love. But what exactly is love? Some say it’s a feeling, some say it’s a choice, some say it’s the center of their life. Now, the thing about love is that it is an enigma. It fits all of these definitions and many more. Love is multifaceted, ever-changing yet timeless. When people think about what it means to love, they picture the perfect relationships that have been emblazoned on the silver screen and inscribed in the spines of classic books. But love is not confined to Romeo and Juliet or Cinderella and Prince Charming. Love has many types: romantic, familial, platonic, etc. Love is not only the relationships we form with others, it includes our dreams and passions. People can have a love of nature, a love of art, or whatever their interest is. There is also self-love. Being able to look in the mirror and embrace our imperfections. Then there is familial love which is one of the purest forms. A parent can love a child even before they are born and continue to love them unconditionally for the rest of time. If we go to its bare bones, love is the heaviest thing in the world. I don’t mean this in the sense that it is a burden. Rather, it is a promise. When you love someone or something, it encompasses all of the positive values we need: respect, kindness, patience, honesty, etc. Saying those three sacred words, “I love you”, should be taken seriously. There is weight when you say it. The reason why this quote is important/special to me is because I believe that love can heal, love can lead to new opportunities, love can change the world if we give it the chance to do so. 2020 and 2021 have been prime examples of the power of love. Though there have been hardships like this pandemic, selfless heroes arose from it. These are doctors, nurses, teachers, etc. They sacrificed a lot and continue to sacrifice for the greater good of humanity. Before I end my essay, I would like to urge you to go out and express acts of love. They do not have to be grand. It could be as simple as calling someone and checking up on them. Or it could be an act of self-love like giving yourself that well-deserved break. Whatever it is, do it. Life is short. Let’s live it with love.