There was never a time where it wasn’t made perfectly clear to me that I was only a great student when ignoring my math grades. The tears, stomach aches, and frustration I experienced every math class all seemed like glaring warning signs that I was not meant for the meticulous world of architecture. However, my mindset was completely changed when I took pre-calculus. When I first walked into my pre-calculus class my junior year, I felt a pit in my stomach. The room was filled with the brightest, highest achieving, most academically competitive kids in my school. These kids had something to prove and a legacy to maintain. I felt so out of place remembering my past failures, serving as a reminder that I was not meant for the enormity of architecture. Like always, I quickly became overwhelmed by all the information thrown my way until I was failing. When I saw my F for the first time I thought I was hallucinating. That day I ran to my room and cried my heart out. What hurt the most was the fact that once again my poor math skills seemed to define me in a way I wasn’t ready to accept. My stubbornness got the better of me in the moment when I realized that I didn’t want to settle on a future that was only half of what I was capable of. I wanted to prove to my teachers and classmates that just because I had always done poorly in math, didn’t mean that I always would. My stubbornness fueled tenacity as I redid every problem I could find regardless of how impossible it felt. Strangely, I noticed that I lost all track of time as I tried to determine the limit statement or simplified logarithmic functions. The only thing that had ever put me in such a state of serenity was drawing in my sketchbook. This connection was powerful. The pain I had once felt staring at a math problem subsided into ecstasy. After each test, I saw myself getting better and better until I was getting the highest grades in my class. I was finally respected by the geniuses of my class who once saw me as one of the dullest. The class that was once the fountainhead of frustration in my life, had transformed into my reason for waking up in the morning. The sour feeling that what I wanted out of life was too big for me began to fade. Suddenly, becoming an architect didn’t seem like such a laughable idea to me anymore. However, as much as I have a genuine passion for art and math, it’s my tenacity that constantly reminds me that I was made to become an architect. After this experience, I wanted to fight for other girls who struggled the same way I did. I began tutoring classmates: first casually during lunch, then as a Pre-Calculus TA, helping them build confidence in their math skills. However, I realized that so many of the girls I worked with still hesitated to openly love math. They were capable, but often lacked the encouragement to see that potential in themselves. That’s when I co-created InnovateHER, a STEM camp for girls designed to change that. With over 50 girls, we created a space where young women could collaborate, problem-solve, and feel seen. Watching their confidence grow reminded me of the power of community. I saw myself in those girls, and it confirmed something I’ve always believed: if we want more women in STEM, we need to make space for their voices early on.

For me, success will always be difficult to define because it varies so much from person to person. Malala found success in advocating for women’s rights to education, while my little sister found success in learning how to share her toys. I believe that success is about figuring out what you’re made for and dedicating yourself fully to that path. It’s about fulfilling your telos. That’s why it’s so attractive to us: it makes us feel more alive. For a long time, I struggled to understand what success would look like for me. But I’ve realized that the moments when I’ve felt most successful are the times I’ve made a real difference in my community. Throughout high school, I dedicated my time to helping others, especially women, as a math tutor and TA for AP Precalculus. Through these experiences, I came to understand how many women lacked confidence in STEM. The girls I tutored were smart and capable, but they often hesitated to speak up or second-guessed themselves before even trying. I found success in helping them gain confidence, but I wanted to do more. This realization led me to co-found InnovateHER, a STEM camp for girls. There’s still a noticeable gender gap in STEM, and I felt it personally. It took me 16 years to discover my love for math and physics, which shows the lack of encouragement for women in these fields. When we started InnovateHER, I didn’t expect it to take off the way it did. We received an overwhelming response with over 50 sign-ups from girls in grades 5-8. The girls were so curious about STEM, asking questions about cybersecurity, elephant toothpaste, and structural engineering. It was inspiring to see their excitement and enthusiasm. That’s when I realized how much potential these girls have when given the opportunity to explore STEM in a supportive environment. Looking back on my journey, I know that success for me is about being part of something bigger than myself. Helping these girls realize their potential and showing them that STEM isn’t just for those who possess a Y chromosome, but for everyone, has been the most fulfilling part of my high school experience. Ultimately, I won't be telling my future grandchildren about my 4.0 GPA or my AP classes. However, I will tell them about the joy I felt seeing the smiles on the girls’ faces as they worked together to build trusses or competed in math competitions. I never had a community growing up that encouraged me to explore STEM, but watching these girls take full advantage of the opportunities InnovateHER provided has been indescribable. Moments like these are what define success for me: the ones where I can create a positive impact and help others rise. When we started InnovateHER, we wanted to make sure it was accessible to as many girls as possible, so we made the camp completely free. We relied solely on donations and our own money to cover materials, and we were lucky enough to receive all the funds we needed with over $400 in donations. This experience opened my eyes to how willing people are to support educational opportunities when they see the value in them. However, it also showed me the role money plays in education. We didn’t want financial constraints to limit who could join, and that’s a lesson that has stuck with me: education and opportunity shouldn’t be restricted by what someone can afford. Unfortunately, money is also playing a significant role in my own education right now. Like the girls in our camp, I don’t want my future to be limited by what I can currently afford, which is why I’m determined to earn this scholarship. This scholarship would allow me to continue making an impact in my community. I want to keep tutoring and mentoring the girls in my community, but I can't fully dedicate myself to this work if I am constantly seeking part-time jobs to pay for college tuition. By easing my financial concerns, this scholarship would enable me to stay focused on helping these young women find their place in STEM, just as I have. It would give me the freedom to keep pushing forward with the work I've already started, further encouraging girls to see the beauty and potential in STEM, and supporting them as they pursue their passions. Ultimately, success for me isn’t about accolades or titles; it’s about creating lasting change. It’s about fostering confidence, building communities, and showing young women that they belong in every field, especially STEM. This scholarship is an essential step in my journey to become the architect and mentor I aspire to be. It will not only help me grow academically, but it will also allow me to continue making an impact in my community and beyond.

My favorite local community event has been one that I not only participated in but also helped create. I’ve always had a passion for community service because it allows me to tangibly see my efforts help those around me. From nursing homes to feeding the homeless to volunteering at school events, I’ve done a lot. However, this year, I wanted to start something that was completely my own. With this in mind, I took my passion for community building a step further by starting a STEM camp for girls called InnovateHER, along with my friends. As a woman in STEM, I wanted to challenge the outdated notion that STEM fields aren’t for women. While most people agree that women should have the freedom to pursue any career they choose, there is still a noticeable gender gap in STEM. As a math tutor, I’ve seen firsthand how many women, despite being more than capable, struggle with confidence in math-based subjects. It took me 16 years to find an affinity for math and physics, which shows the lack of encouragement available to women in STEM. This is why we created InnovateHER. When my friends and I started the camp, I never expected it to grow the way it did. We proposed the idea to a small private middle school next door, hoping to attract a handful of kids. However, we received an overwhelming response with over 50 sign-ups from girls in grades 5-8. I was completely shocked by the number of girls who were genuinely curious about STEM. Having them ask questions about cybersecurity, the catalysts in elephant toothpaste, and structural engineering made me realize just how much potential exists in these girls when their curiosity is nurtured in an environment like the one my friends and I created. It was inspiring to see their excitement and enthusiasm, which reinforced the impact we were making in fostering their interest and confidence in STEM. I’ve witnessed many women, including those in my own family, hesitate to pursue their true passions because they don’t feel they have a community supporting them. As a co-creator of InnovateHER, I want to help change that narrative. I want to show young women, both in my community and beyond, that STEM would be incomplete without their unique perspective and insight. Through my work with the girls, I noticed something increasingly clear: women approach problems differently. They were more inclined to collaborate than work independently and wanted to hear all perspectives before moving forward. When these girls were in a room without male peers, the dynamics shifted, and their confidence skyrocketed. Despite taking different approaches, all the girls showed impressive results. This deeply moved me because it proved that, with the support of a community, women excel in STEM. Ultimately, my goal is to not only become a successful architect but also to inspire more women to pursue careers in STEM. I hope that through events like InnovateHER, I can encourage girls to recognize that anyone, regardless of gender, can contribute to solving the world’s most pressing problems. As a result of InnovateHER, I would like to see the girls who participated never forget the curiosity they had during the month I spent with them. Despite any barriers they may face in their education, I hope they always feel that STEM is an option for them. I don’t expect all of them to become world-class scientists, but my hope is that they remain open to the possibilities that STEM offers, no matter where life takes them.

In the past, if someone had asked me how I felt about STEM, I would have said I hated it. I grew up going to Mexico to see my extended family and all they had accomplished: pursuing careers in physics, finishing their residency, and earning degrees in aerospace engineering or data science. I always felt proud to call them my family, but it also served as a reminder that STEM was too complex for me. That was until I took Precalculus my junior year. At first, I struggled with Precalculus the way I had with any math subject. I always did enough, but never pushed myself to be amazing. I saw no change until I was failing the class halfway through the year. My heart sank as I witnessed my poor math skills holding me back again. However, for the first time in my life, instead of accepting defeat, I used my frustration to motivate me. With my newfound determination, I started to embrace the challenge. I asked questions every day, requested more practice, and never settled for anything less than my best. That year, I went from failing to becoming a TA and earned Student of the Year in Precalculus. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have the sour feeling that math was too complex for me. STEM was what I grew up with, it’s what gets me out of bed each day, and it’s what I’m meant to pursue. Ultimately, I’ve chosen to pursue STEM because it offers tangible solutions to the real-world problems that affect millions every day. Take, for example, the housing crisis in America. As our population grows, the demand for housing continues to outpace the supply. While economists, politicians, and journalists can analyze and report on this issue, they are not equipped to solve it. That’s where STEM comes in. Innovations like 3D-printed homes, offering an affordable, efficient, and sustainable way to build, demonstrate just how transformative STEM-based architecture and engineering can be. While other fields may shed light on the issues of our time, STEM provides the tools to address them. It’s this problem-solving potential that drives my passion for it. In the short amount of time I’ve spent loving STEM, I’ve also realized the challenges that come with it. As a math tutor, I’ve found that many girls lack confidence in their abilities and hesitate to openly embrace their love for math. This, along with my own experiences, demonstrates the lack of encouragement available to women in STEM. It was this realization that inspired me and my friends to create InnovateHER. InnovateHER is a STEM empowerment program for middle-school girls to experiment with all things STEM. Through InnovateHER, I’ve witnessed firsthand how a supportive community can help girls truly excel in STEM as they collaborate to solve challenges and listen to women-led talks about different STEM careers. While I continue working on this project, I’ve found immense joy in knowing that I’ve left a legacy in my community that is uniquely mine. Ultimately, my goal is to not only be a successful architect but also to continue inspiring more women to pursue careers in STEM. By continuing to encourage young women through InnovateHER, I’ve become part of the movement to change the way women are represented in STEM and how the world approaches its biggest challenges.

As a little girl, I remember being overwhelmed with excitement every Christmas and summer break when my family would travel to Monterrey, Mexico. While I had many reasons to be excited, one of the biggest was the city's architecture. Unlike the suburban landscape I had grown so accustomed to, life in Monterrey felt so much bigger. Every corner and crevice of the city is adorned with skyscrapers that bejewel the skyline, the hills are covered in hundreds of tiny colorful homes evocative of a work of pointillism, and the museums and government buildings embody the grandeur of royal palaces. These awe-inspiring buildings not only changed my life, but also transformed the lives of those living there by giving the city its unique and powerful voice. That capacity is exactly what drew me to architecture in the first place. The ability of design disciplines to impact the world by transforming entire communities not only captivated me but also became my passion. To me, pursuing architecture means creating designs that speak for the people they serve. Designs that capture everything unique and inspiring about a place and culture and putting it into physical form. As I move forward with my college education, I aim to develop designs that speak for the communities they represent, creating spaces that are not only functional but also deeply connected to the culture and spirit of the people they serve. Additionally to celebrating the cultures of different communities, a topic that has become a passion of mine is solving the housing crisis in America. After the recent wildfires in California, America was yet again reminded that innovation in construction and design is needed in order to replace the homes that have been tragically lost. The demand for housing will only continue to outpace the supply. While economists, politicians, and journalists can analyze and report on this issue, they are not equipped to solve it. That’s where architecture, engineering and construction comes in. While other fields may shed light on the issues of our time, STEM fields provides the tools to actively address them. Solutions to issues such as the housing crisis through the use of 3-D printed homes is nothing short of inspirational. It’s this problem-solving potential blended with creativity that drives my passion for architecture and its related fields. Ultimately, architecture is not simply about the building, but it's about addressing and representing the people that they were made for. Through the inspiration I get from cities like Monterrey and my determination to become an innovator in my field, I know that I will make lasting contributions in the world of architecture.

Throughout high school, I’ve learned that the most valuable lessons often come from stepping beyond my own ambitions to help others: whether intellectually, emotionally, or collaboratively. One of my greatest accomplishments has been tutoring my classmates in math. As a junior, I achieved the deep understanding of math I had long sought. I was at the top of my class, able to articulate the right answers with ease. For many, this would have been the definition of success, but for me, it wasn’t enough. I saw that many of my classmates struggled with math in ways I once had, and I felt moved to help. I dedicated myself to tutoring whenever possible. Through tutoring, I've learned a lot about myself and have found success that I never thought I was capable of. It started with explaining problems to my friends during lunch, then getting to school early to tutor the underclassmen in algebra, to finally becoming the official TA for Pre-Calculus. My friends joke that the only thing I ever do with my free time is tutor but I can't think of anything more rewarding. Through giving back to my community at school by tutoring, I've learned so much about the importance of having someone on your side. Mentally, I share the successes and failures of the kids I tutor so any time that I have to give is theirs. I believe this mindset is what has made me successful in high school and what will make me successful in college, My generosity has given me the ability to form friendships with kids I would have never had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Ultimately, tutoring has shown me how to uplift my community in a way that's unique to who I am. While I hold leadership roles in other clubs and honor societies, tutoring has had the most profound impact on me. It allowed me to make a tangible difference in my community, helping students ranging from 6th to 12th grade. While I have a few tutees that pay me for hour-long after school sessions, the majority are unpaid because I believe that education should not be limited to those who can afford it. This initiative has been entirely my own, and I am proud not only of the number of people I’ve helped but of the lasting impact I've made in helping others understand math. More importantly, I’ve seen my community grow into one that doesn’t shy away from asking questions or seeking help: something I believe will continue beyond the classroom.

I’ve chosen to pursue STEM because it offers tangible solutions to the real-world problems that affect millions every day. Take, for example, the housing crisis in America. As our population grows through both natural birth rates and immigration, the demand for housing continues to outpace the supply. While economists, politicians, and journalists can analyze and report on this issue, they are not equipped to solve it. That’s where STEM comes in. While other fields may shed light on the issues of our time, STEM provides the tools to actively address them. It’s this problem-solving potential that drives my passion for the field. As an aspiring architect, I am determined to be not only a voice but a working hand to address issues such as the housing crisis. Many people think of architecture as simply a design major, but that’s a narrow, and frankly grotesque, view of the field. Architecture is deeply rooted in STEM: it requires advanced knowledge of mathematics, engineering, and physics to create homes that are not only beautiful, but sustainable, safe, and cost-effective. Innovations like 3D-printed homes, offering an affordable, efficient, and sustainable way to build, demonstrate just how transformative STEM-based architecture can be when applied to real-world challenges. Without a solid STEM education, I wouldn’t be able to contribute ideas like this to tackle problems that millions of people face daily. What excites me most about architecture is how it blends creativity with practicality to solve problems that directly impact communities. We live in a world where resources are limited, construction costs are high, and waste is rampant. STEM offers a way to tackle these issues through both analysis and innovation. The more I learn, the more I see how real breakthroughs in architecture happen when we combine engineering, technology, and environmental science to create buildings that serve both people and the planet. It's this mix of creative thinking and problem-solving that makes me want to pursue architecture within STEM. As a woman in STEM, I also want to challenge the outdated notion that certain fields, like architecture and engineering, are not for women. While most people agree that women should have the freedom to pursue any career they choose, there is still a noticeable gender gap in STEM fields, especially in engineering and architecture. As a math tutor, I’ve seen firsthand how many women, despite being more than capable, struggle with confidence in math-based subjects. It took me 16 years to find an affinity for math and physics which to me demonstrates the lack of encouragement available to inspire women to choose STEM. I’ve watched many women hesitate to pursue what they’re truly passionate about, simply because they don’t feel they have a community to back them up. I want to be part of changing that narrative. I want to show young women, both in my community and beyond, that STEM would be lost without their unique perspective and insight. Ultimately, my goal is to not only be a successful architect, but also to inspire more women to pursue careers in STEM. I want to prove that anyone, regardless of gender, can contribute to solving the world’s most pressing problems. STEM is a field for creators, innovators, and problem-solvers, all of which are qualities that are found in all women. To discourage and neglect women means losing half of the population's perspective and ideas simply because of their lack of a Y chromosome. If we can change the way women are represented in STEM, we can also change the way the world approaches its biggest challenges.

As an aspiring architect and passionate advocate for women in STEM, I have dedicated my high school career to empowering young girls to pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while challenging the barriers that often hold them back. All my life, I struggled with math until I was inspired by my high school math teacher, Mr. J, who showed me my potential in STEM. Because of this, I decided to give back by tutoring classmates, from explaining problems during lunch to becoming a Pre-Calculus TA. Through tutoring, I was able to uplift my community, build meaningful connections, and support others in ways that helped both them and me grow. However, I started to notice that many of the girls I tutored lacked confidence in their abilities and hesitated to openly embrace their love for math. Because of this, I wanted to take my passion for community building a step further by starting a STEM camp for girls called InnovateHER with my friends. As a woman in STEM, I wanted to challenge the outdated notion that STEM fields are not for women. While most people agree that women should have the freedom to pursue any career they choose, there is still a noticeable gender gap in STEM fields. As a math tutor, I’ve seen firsthand how many women, despite being more than capable, struggle with confidence in math-based subjects. It took me 16 years to find an affinity for math and physics, which to me demonstrates the lack of encouragement available to women in STEM, hence the creation of InnovateHER. I’ve watched many women, including my own family, hesitate to pursue what they’re truly passionate about simply because they don’t feel they have a community to back them up. As a co-creator of InnovateHER, I want to be a part of changing that narrative in my community. I want to show young women, both in my community and beyond, that STEM would be lost without their unique perspective and insight. As I’ve worked with the girls and observed the way they tackle problems, I’ve noticed something increasingly apparent: women are different. I saw how the girls were more inclined to collaborate than work independently and how they were eager to hear all perspectives before moving forward. It was obvious to me that when these girls were put in a room without their male peers, the dynamics changed, and their confidence skyrocketed. Despite taking different approaches and communication styles, I still saw impressive results from all the girls. This deeply moved me because it proved to me that, with the help of a supportive community, women truly excel in STEM. To discourage and neglect women means losing half of the population's perspective and ideas simply because of their lack of a Y chromosome. If we can change the way women are represented in STEM, we can also change the way the world approaches its biggest challenges. In my humble opinion, nothing is as rewarding as having a vision of how you want to change a community and actually succeeding in doing it. While I continue working on this project, I’ve found immense joy in knowing that I’ve left a legacy in my community that is so unique to me. Ultimately, my goal is to not only be a successful architect but also to inspire more women to pursue careers in STEM. By continuing to encourage young women through InnovateHER, I’ve become part of the movement to not only change the way women are represented in STEM but also change the way the world approaches its biggest challenges.

As an aspiring architect and woman in STEM, I’ve worked to instill confidence in young girls pursuing STEM careers. Starting with tutoring and later co-creating a STEM camp called InnovateHER, I have empowered young women to overcome gender-based barriers. Throughout my life, I struggled with math until I was inspired by my precalculus teacher to improve. In turn, I decided to give back by tutoring classmates, whether it was explaining problems during lunch or becoming a Pre-Calculus TA. However, I noticed that many of the girls I tutored lacked confidence in their abilities and hesitated to fully embrace their love for math. This inspired me to take my passion for community-building a step further by starting InnovateHER, a STEM camp for girls, with my friends. Through InnovateHER, I’ve demonstrated that with the support of a strong community, women truly excel in STEM. I take immense pride in knowing that I’ve created a unique legacy in my community. As a future architect, I want to continue giving back to my community, not only through my career but by encouraging others to uplift their own communities using their own gifts and passions.

I’ve helped my community by instilling confidence in young girls pursuing STEM careers, starting with tutoring and later co-creating a STEM camp called InnovateHER to empower them to overcome gender-based barriers. All my life, I struggled with math until I was inspired by my high school math teacher (Mr. J) who showed me my potential, so I gave back by tutoring classmates, from explaining problems during lunch to becoming a Pre-Calculus TA. Through tutoring, I was able to uplift my community, build meaningful connections, and support others in ways that helped both them and me grow. However, I started to notice that many of the girls that I tutored lacked confidence in their abilities and hesitated to openly love math. Because of this, I wanted to take my passion for community building a step further by starting a STEM camp for girls called InnovateHER with my friends. As a woman in STEM, I wanted to challenge the outdated notion that STEM fields are not for women. As a math tutor, I’ve seen firsthand how many women, despite being more than capable, struggle with confidence in math-based subjects. It took me 16 years to find an affinity for math and physics, which to me demonstrates the lack of encouragement available to inspire women to choose STEM, hence the creation of InnovateHER. I’ve watched many women, including my own family, hesitate to pursue what they’re truly passionate about, simply because they don’t feel they have a community to back them up. As a Co-creator of InnovateHER, I want to be a part of changing that narrative in my community by showing young girls that STEM would be lost without their unique perspective and insight. As I’ve worked with the girls and seen the way they tackle problems, I’ve noticed something that is more and more apparent: Women are different. I saw how the girls were more inclined to collaborate than work independently and to hear all perspectives before moving forward. It was obvious to me that when these girls were put in a room without their male peers, the dynamics changed and their confidence skyrocketed. Despite taking different approaches and communication styles, I still saw impressive results from all the girls. This deeply moved me because it proved to me that with the help of a supportive community, women truly excel in STEM. There’s no denying that there’s a difference between the two sexes, but regardless, these girls proved women can contribute to solving the world’s most pressing problems. To discourage and neglect women means losing half of the population's perspective and ideas simply because of their lack of a Y chromosome. If we can change the way women are represented in STEM, we can also change the way the world approaches its biggest challenges. While I continue working on this project, I’ve found immense joy in knowing that I’ve left a legacy in my community that is so unique to me. I saw an issue with the community and let my passion take hold of my actions. That’s what I’d like to do for the rest of my life. I want to continue to give back to my community, but not only that, I want others to uplift their own communities using their own gifts and passions. Mine has been encouraging women in STEM, but for others, it might be mental wellness or environmental sustainability. In my humble opinion, nothing is as rewarding as having a vision on how you want to change a community and actually succeeding in doing it.

As a little girl, I remember being overwhelmed with excitement every Christmas and summer break when my family would travel to Monterrey, Mexico. While I had many reasons to be excited, one of the biggest was the city's architecture. Unlike the suburban landscape I had grown so accustomed to, life in Monterrey felt so much bigger. Every corner and crevice of the city is adorned with skyscrapers that bejewel the skyline, the hills are covered in hundreds of tiny colorful homes evocative of a work of pointillism, and the museums and government buildings embody the grandeur of royal palaces. These awe-inspiring buildings not only changed my life, but also transformed the lives of those living there by giving the city its unique and powerful voice. That capacity is exactly what drew me to architecture in the first place. The ability of design disciplines to impact the world by transforming entire communities not only captivated me but also became my passion. To me, pursuing architecture means creating designs that speak for the people they serve. Designs that capture everything unique and inspiring about a place and culture and putting it into physical form. As I move forward with my college education, I aim to develop designs that speak for the communities they represent, creating spaces that are not only functional but also deeply connected to the culture and spirit of the people they serve. As beautiful as Monterrey is, it also stands as a symbol to me of the reality that success has a price tag. I’ve seen firsthand how, without proper financial support, many individuals are unable to pursue higher education. My parents, both from Monterrey, were fortunate to receive financial aid through scholarships, but not everyone has that opportunity. I want to be one of the fortunate ones who isn’t limited by financial circumstances, and that’s why scholarships like this are crucial to my success. The opportunity to study architecture is both a dream and a challenge. With most architecture programs lasting five years, the additional year adds financial strain. This scholarship would help relieve that burden, allowing me to focus on my education and growth as an architect. With the financial support of this scholarship, I would be able to immerse myself in my studies, gain the necessary skills, and continue my journey toward designing spaces that positively impact communities. This assistance would ensure I can remain focused on my passion for architecture without the added stress of funding my tuition.

For as long as I can remember, people have told me that I was destined to become an architect. Growing up, my childhood consisted of notebooks completely filled with sketches of houses and kitchens from my imagination and Sunday mornings in bed watching home renovation shows. No other 8 year old seemed to get it, but the deep sense of joy I felt when when everything about a room melted into place was magical. Despite my obsession with the world of design, it wasn't until I experienced the real world of architecture that I fell in love with it. As a little girl, I remember being overwhelmed with excitement every Christmas and summer break when my family would travel to Monterrey, Mexico. While I had many reasons to be excited, one of the biggest was the city's architecture. Unlike the suburban landscape I had grown so accustomed to, life in Monterrey felt so much bigger. Every corner and crevice of the city is adorned with skyscrapers that bejewel the skyline, the hills are covered in hundreds of tiny colorful homes evocative of a work of pointillism, and the museums and government buildings embody the grandeur of royal palaces. Even as an 8 year old girl, I knew I wanted my life to reflect the beauty that I saw in the city. These awe-inspiring buildings not only changed my life, but also transformed the lives of those living there by giving the city its unique and powerful voice. It was this vibrant architectural landscape that sparked my curiosity about design, revealing how architecture shapes not only a city’s identity but also its cultural narrative. One remarkable aspect of Monterrey is that locals can easily identify their location based solely on the architecture around them. Just mentioning landmarks like the “Lipstick Building,” “Torres Moradas,” or the “Safi Hotel” instantly reveals your whereabouts. This underscores the profound impact architecture has on the city’s identity. That capacity is exactly what drew me to architecture in the first place. The ability of design disciplines to impact the world by transforming entire communities not only captivated me but also became my passion. To me, pursuing architecture means creating designs that speak for the people they serve. Designs that capture everything unique and inspiring about a place and culture and putting it into physical form. As I look ahead to college, I intend to learn new skills with the understanding that my work carries a voice: A voice that represents not only me but the communities I design for.

This year, "All You Had To Do Was Stay" has resonated with me in a more personal way than one would expect making it the first song on my year's soundtrack. It was a melancholic Saturday in November. I had just been let down again by one of my closest friends. Ever since 8th grade, her capricious spirit has been the weakening point in our friendship. I’ve watched her pick other friends over me time and time again in hopes of becoming a happier version of herself. And time and time again, I’ve seen her fail and come crawling back to me for support. I was her rock, a firm foundation. She, however, felt more like a foundation made of sand: unstable and weak. This Saturday, I found myself particularly upset because she had canceled her plans with me to hang out with her new friends from her new school. As always, I felt my eyes sting with salty tears as they rolled down my cheeks, and I asked myself what I had done wrong. The feeling of betrayal hurt then the same way it had hurt countless times before. Whenever I’m really upset, like I was on that day, I’ve made it a habit to listen to upbeat music to make myself forget what I was crying about. As I scrolled through my Spotify, I decided that it was about time I re-listened to "1989 (Taylor’s Version)" for about the seventh time since it came out. I remember distinctly lying on the bathroom floor while "All You Had To Do Was Stay" blasted through my eardrums. I had listened to this song all throughout my childhood, but never had the lyrics mirrored so well what I was feeling. Although Taylor was singing about a romantic relationship, I still felt the weight of her emotions as she sang about a toxic relationship with a person who didn’t appreciate her. "All You Had To Do Was Stay" is more than just another pop song that you play on road trips with friends; it’s a song that spreads the powerful message that any relationship is built on dependability. She reminded me that I’m not an emotional support dog; I’m a person who only needed my best friend to stay. "All You Had To Do Was Stay" has been my anthem ever since that day as I learned to say goodbye to the people who have locked me out.

Before this year, I used to hate math. I remember being told all of elementary and middle school that I was a decent student but only when ignoring my math grades. Because of my lack of talent for math, I gave up trying to be good at it. I was lucky to get a B in math but C’s were usually expected from me. However, my attitude towards math completely changed after taking pre-calc. About halfway through the first semester of my junior year, my mental health declined and I was suffering from a severe lack of motivation. My anxiety about school was sky-high but I couldn’t bring myself to do anything about it. I was failing pre-calc which was devastating because although I was never good at math, I always managed to do enough to get by. That’s when I knew I needed to change. I remember staying up late one Friday night and redoing all of my math homework until 4 in the morning when something strange happened. For the first time in weeks, I found myself in an incredible state of peace. All of my anxiety was gone as I took each math problem step by step, filling me with a small sense of purpose. As the weeks went by, I only loved pre-calculus more and I even found myself becoming quite good at it. I became so excited about my new hobby, that I decided to take it a step further by tutoring my fellow classmates in pre-calc and the freshman taking algebra. Teaching math only made me happier because it gave me an amazing opportunity to share my love for math with people who struggle with the subject in the same way I did. I was even asked to be the teacher’s assistant for pre-calculus next year because my teacher could see how eager I was to help anyone who was struggling. To my understanding, people usually enjoy math because of the challenge, the problem-solving, or the objective nature of the subject. While I appreciate all of those things, my favorite thing about math is the way that it’s given me the chance to connect and help so many people who were probably told that they're bad at math the same way I was. I can see myself making a difference in my community through the subject and for that I am forever grateful.