The reason I am passionate in STEM programs is because they impact the lives of our society. STEM not only aids the life of our community, but also the lives of the ones employed in STEM related programs. The STEM program focuses on many aspects of studies from science, technology, engineering, and math that can be categorized into many health studies like the one I will be studying soon. My career choice is to help those who have been injured. Rehabilitation and physical therapy have been an interest in mine since I was very young, yet it took my almost six years to understand it. This field is considered in STEM because it goes very deep into the core of science. My love for biology and anatomy has been strong since the age of five. I used to play doctor since I knew my grandma and mother were very strong in their fields. Though my mother could never continue her education being a single mother, her interest in science inspired mine, creating a strong love to understand the study of life and the love of aiding others. STEM will be a very important way to help me understand more on the human and how to help prevent further pain to those who have been injured.

'You do not drown by falling into the river, but by staying submerged in it" is a quote I tell myself every time I feel down. Often being downplayed with how you feel by others makes you doubt your real emotions. It took me six years of hardship, but it was definitely worth the challenges because it led me to the place I am today. Since I was a preteen, I had struggled with unbearable sadness. I moved away from my family soon before twelve, into a new state, sparsely different from the place I called home. The change was quite damaging; I was stripped from happiness from my family. It was hard to handle, and for so long, Depression is like just being a tree in the winter, bare of its personality; deep down, it is cold and feels lifeless as much as it looks. I couldn't move. I couldn't try. I felt like I was sinking in quicksand with everyone around, unknowing my sinking figure. "Breathe, Mariah, Breathe!' says the voice in my mind. I was standing over my bathroom sink, looking in the mirror at who I have become. I knew I needed a change in my life, and with the help of therapy, family, and the outdoors, I was able to find myself again. After the grateful agreeance of treatment, I started right away with a good source of guidance. I lost terrific people along the way of seeking help, but I knew to keep going. In therapy, I learned more about putting myself first and stopping letting myself get walked over to do that; I had to let people go. I realized in the relationships I had with others had done more damage than good; although many were labeled as my best friends, there is a purpose they weren't in my life as much. I knew that there was a purpose of why people come and go; they showed me the importance of need instead of want. I deserved more, and it took me some time to realize I am worth more. I didn't need toxic people in my life. I needed sunshine, those who motivated me instead of brought me down. Not only that, finally fighting against my depression had shown me who I am. I am adventurous, both figuratively and literally. I had started focusing on myself by spending more time doing things I had enjoyed, not knowing what that would lead me to. I learned who I was by finding out more about what I wanted my future to look like. I used to think of my future and picture a black abyss. It was until I remembered my fascination with physical therapy. In a movie I watched long ago, the physical therapist had saved the NBA player from continuing his passions by aiding him after his injury. In some way, I see this as saving me. In physical therapy, they help those continue in life, get back up, and rub the dirt off their jeans. Finding this passion in aiding others keeps me going, pushes me through the bad, and helps me focus more on the good. Not only does it assist others to get out of their hardships, but it has also gotten me out of mine. I have fought a battle for six years, and I was successfully able to get out. Seeking help was one step to push me to fully understanding who I am and the bright future that awaits me.

What are mothers to you? Some are known to be childs' idols, companion, or simply a mother. My mother is like no other. She is my best friend and our bright star. Since the age of five, my mother was both mother and father to two children. Although terrified for their future, she has shaped ourselves and our lives into the most wide-eyed opening life imagined. My mother has always been the rock of our tiny little family. My brother and I needed her, and it was stressful. We always questioned what went wrong, if our father didn't truly love us, and what was next. Although my mom had no idea of what would happen the next day, she gave us strength. Not having power herself, she taught us how to see the beauty in what we had. My mother had a way of making all our fears go away. It would be a lot of the time playing with us when we had the chance, but she helped us realize the importance of life, time, and love. She showed us we didn't need anything in our lives besides the skin on our backs and the love of our family, and the hope we carried to make it through. There is no doubt I would've been this way without the life given to us. Even though it was an absolute roller coaster, we were able to make it day by day. My mother always wanted to make the best for us, even if she didn't have much to give. She would work long hours and do night school, coming home extremely late to make our lives more bright. She did all her hard work to help us make it through. Living paycheck to paycheck was hard on her. Although I didn't understand it then, I realized that I didn't need material love; as long as I had family, I would be alright. My mother showed me the importance of family; And to this day, I cherish my family like some would treasure a pound of gold. As we started to do better financially, I was able to see my mother more and more, and we would spend much time together. Due to that, I was able to dig deep and find more about who I was. My mother would always discuss how much she wanted to advance in her career in the medical field. Unfortunately, she couldn't. With us growing older, we had fewer people to pick us up at school, and just not enough financially to support us is all. She pushed me to do my best and showed me the importance of education. Since I was young, I tried my best in my school work to excel in all I can do. Although I have had tough times, I got back up from my fall and worked harder to the limits of taking care of myself. Times are getting complex, and with more demand for higher educated employees, it is hard to make it out globally. I've always wanted to be different in that aspect and show my potential throughout my education years. In the end, I try. I try for my mom, my family, and mostly myself. Not only as I graduate with my doctorates, but I also want to give back to the family who had stuck by us, especially my mother when our father didn't. Life was an absolute ride, but fortunately for my brother and me, my mother could buckle us up before the drop. My mother has taught me a lot since I was young. She taught me the importance of family, life, hard work, and overall success. Although we didn't have much when we were young, she showed us the importance of love within a family. Because of her, she taught me the true meaning of success through her love and care that brought me great gratitude and happiness.

'You do not drown by falling into the river, but by staying submerged in it" is a quote I tell myself every time I feel down. Often being downplayed with how you feel by others makes you doubt your real emotions. It took me six years of hardship, but it was definitely worth the challenges because it led me to the place I am today. Since I was a preteen, I had struggled with unbearable sadness. I moved away from my family soon before twelve, into a new state, sparsely different from the place I called home. The change was quite damaging; I was stripped from happiness from my family. It was hard to handle, and for so long, Parents told me that my body's changes made me feel this way, not actually by the separation of loved ones. Depression is like just being a tree in the winter, bare of its personality; deep down, it is cold and feels lifeless as much as it looks. I couldn't move. I couldn't try. I felt like I was sinking in quicksand with everyone around, unknowing my sinking figure. I was thrown in the shadows, no longer cared for by people I thought were friends, and filled with constant heartbreak with those broken friendships. "Breathe, Mariah, Breathe!' says the voice in my mind. I was standing over my bathroom sink, looking in the mirror at who I have become. I knew I needed a change in my life, and with the help of therapy, family, and the outdoors, I was able to find myself again. After the grateful agreeance of treatment, I started right away with a good source of guidance. I lost terrific people along the way of seeking help, but I knew to keep going. In therapy, I learned more about putting myself first and stopping letting myself get walked over to do that; I had to let people go. I realized in the relationships I had with others had done more damage than good; although many were labeled as my best friends, there is a purpose they weren't in my life as much. I knew that there was a purpose of why people come and go; they showed me the importance of need instead of want. I deserved more, and it took me some time to realize I am worth more. I didn't need toxic people in my life. I needed sunshine, those who motivated me instead of brought me down. Not only that, finally fighting against my depression had shown me who I am. I am adventurous, both figuratively and literally. I had started focusing on myself by spending more time doing things I had enjoyed, not knowing what that would lead me to. I learned who I was by finding out more about what I wanted my future to look like. I used to think of my future and picture a black abyss. It was until I remembered my fascination with physician therapy. In a movie I watched long ago, the physical therapist had saved the NBA player from continuing his passions by aiding him after his injury. In some way, I see this as saving me. In physical therapy, they help those continue in life, get back up, and rub the dirt off their jeans. Finding this passion in aiding others keeps me going, pushes me through the bad, and helps me focus more on the good. Not only does it assist others to get out of their hardships, but it has also gotten me out of mine. I have fought a battle for six years, and I was successfully able to get out. Seeking help was one step to push me to fully understanding who I am and the bright future that awaits me.

What are mothers to you? Some are known to be childs' idols, companion, or simply a mother. My mother is like no other. She is my best friend and our bright star. Since the age of five, my mother was both mother and father to two children. Although terrified for their future, she has shaped ourselves and our lives into the most wide-eyed opening life imagined. My mother has always been the rock of our tiny little family. My brother and I needed her, and it was stressful. We always questioned what went wrong, if our father didn't truly love us, and what was next. Although my mom had no idea of what would happen the next day, she gave us strength. Not having power herself, she taught us how to see the beauty in what we had. My mother had a way of making all our fears go away. It would be a lot of the time playing with us when we had the chance, but she helped us realize the importance of life, time, and love. She showed us we didn't need anything in our lives besides the skin on our backs and the love of our family, and the hope we carried to make it through. There is no doubt I would've been this way without the life given to us. Even though it was an absolute roller coaster, we were able to make it day by day. My mother always wanted to make the best for us, even if she didn't have much to give. She would work long hours and do night school, coming home extremely late to make our lives more bright. She did all her hard work to help us make it through. Living paycheck to paycheck was hard on her. Although I didn't understand it then, I realized that I didn't need material love; as long as I had family, I would be alright. My mother showed me the importance of family; And to this day, I cherish my family like some would treasure a pound of gold. As we started to do better financially, I was able to see my mother more and more, and we would spend much time together. Due to that, I was able to dig deep and find more about who I was. My mother would always discuss how much she wanted to advance in her career in the medical field. Unfortunately, she couldn't. With us growing older, we had fewer people to pick us up at school, and just not enough financially to support us is all. She pushed me to do my best and showed me the importance of education. Since I was young, I tried my best in my school work to excel in all I can do. Although I have had tough times, I got back up from my fall and worked harder to the limits of taking care of myself. Times are getting complex, and with more demand for higher educated employees, it is hard to make it out globally. I've always wanted to be different in that aspect and show my potential throughout my education years. In the end, I try. I try for my mom, my family, and mostly myself. Not only as I graduate with my doctorates, but I also want to give back to the family who had stuck by us, especially my mother when our father didn't. Life was an absolute ride, but fortunately for my brother and me, my mother could buckle us up before the drop. My mother has taught me a lot since I was young. She taught me the importance of family, life, hard work, and overall success. Although we didn't have much when we were young, she showed us the importance of love within a family. Because of her, she taught me the true meaning of success through her love and care that brought me great gratitude and happiness.

This is Cali. She's a stubborn little chihuaua Dachshund mix who does everything she can to get herself some sun. She's a true California baby like her momma.

'You do not drown by falling into the river, but by staying submerged in it" is a quote I tell myself every time I feel down. Often being downplayed with how you feel by others makes you doubt your real emotions. It took me six years of hardship, but it was definitely worth the challenges because it led me to the place I am today In therapy, I learned more about putting myself first and stopping letting myself get walked over to do that; I had to let people go. I realized in the relationships I had with others had done more damage than good; although many were labeled as my best friends, there is a purpose they weren't in my life as much. I knew that there was a purpose of why people come and go; they showed me the importance of need instead of want. I deserved more, and it took me some time to realize I am worth more. I didn't need toxic people in my life. I needed sunshine, those who motivated me instead of brought me down. Not only that, finally fighting against my depression had shown me who I am. I am adventurous, both figuratively and literally. I had started focusing on myself by spending more time doing things I had enjoyed like going on hikes, riding my bike, and reading new novels, not knowing what that would lead me to. I learned who I was by finding out more about what I wanted my future to look like. I used to think of my future and picture a black abyss. It was until I remembered my fascination with physician therapy. In a movie I watched long ago, the physical therapist had saved the NBA player from continuing his passions by aiding him after his injury. In some way, I see this as saving me.

''You do not drown by falling into the river, but by staying submerged in it" is a quote I tell myself every time I feel down. Often being downplayed with how you feel by others makes you doubt your real emotions. It took me six years of hardship, but it was definitely worth the challenges because it led me to the place I am today. Since I was a preteen, I had struggled with unbearable sadness. I moved away from my family soon before twelve, into a new state, sparsely different from the place I called home. The change was quite damaging; I was stripped from happiness from my family. It was hard to handle, and for so long, Depression is like just being a tree in the winter, bare of its personality; deep down, it is cold and feels lifeless as much as it looks. I couldn't move. I couldn't try. I felt like I was sinking in quicksand with everyone around, unknowing my sinking figure. I was thrown in the shadows, no longer cared for by people I thought were friends, and filled with constant heartbreak with those broken friendships. A way I had found separation from my dark cave was by seeking help. In therapy, I learned more about putting myself first and stopping letting myself get walked over to do that; I had to let people go. There was a reason for the reason people come and go in our lives. "They are in your lives to teach you something or learn something from you". I focused on goals and old hobbies of mine. Doing things I loved and finding new things I found enjoyment eventually lead me to where I am today. I found a passion in volunteering, and helping others, so after deep consideration it eventually helped me find what I wanted in life and where I wanted to go. Although the pain seems never ending, you will find your path, just don't give up.

'You do not drown by falling into the river, but by staying submerged in it" is a quote I tell myself every time I feel down. Often being downplayed with how you feel by others makes you doubt your real emotions. It took me six years of hardship, but it was definitely worth the challenges because it led me to the place I am today. Since I was a preteen, I had struggled with unbearable sadness. I moved away from my family soon before twelve, into a new state, sparsely different from the place I called home. The change was quite damaging; I was stripped from happiness from my family. It was hard to handle, and for so long, Parents told me that my body's changes made me feel this way, not actually by the separation of loved ones. Depression is like just being a tree in the winter, bare of its personality; deep down, it is cold and feels lifeless as much as it looks. I couldn't move. I couldn't try. I felt like I was sinking in quicksand with everyone around, unknowing my sinking figure. I was thrown in the shadows, no longer cared for by people I thought were friends, and filled with constant heartbreak with those broken friendships. "Breathe, Mariah, Breathe!' says the voice in my mind. I was standing over my bathroom sink, looking in the mirror at who I have become. I knew I needed a change in my life, and with the help of therapy, family, and the outdoors, I was able to find myself again. After the grateful agreeance of treatment, I started right away with a good source of guidance. I lost terrific people along the way of seeking help, but I knew to keep going. In therapy, I learned more about putting myself first and stopping letting myself get walked over to do that; I had to let people go. I realized in the relationships I had with others had done more damage than good; although many were labeled as my best friends, there is a purpose they weren't in my life as much. I knew that there was a purpose of why people come and go; they showed me the importance of need instead of want. I deserved more, and it took me some time to realize I am worth more. I didn't need toxic people in my life. I needed sunshine, those who motivated me instead of brought me down. Not only that, finally fighting against my depression had shown me who I am. I am adventurous, both figuratively and literally. I had started focusing on myself by spending more time doing things I had enjoyed, not knowing what that would lead me to. I learned who I was by finding out more about what I wanted my future to look like. I used to think of my future and picture a black abyss. It was until I remembered my fascination with physician therapy. In a movie I watched long ago, the physical therapist had saved the NBA player from continuing his passions by aiding him after his injury. In some way, I see this as saving me. In physical therapy, they help those continue in life, get back up, and rub the dirt off their jeans. Finding this passion in aiding others keeps me going, pushes me through the bad, and helps me focus more on the good. Not only does it assist others to get out of their hardships, but it has also gotten me out of mine. I have fought a battle for six years, and I was successfully able to get out. Seeking help was one step to push me to fully understanding who I am and the bright future that awaits me.

'You do not drown by falling into the river, but by staying submerged in it" is a quote I tell myself every time I feel down. Often being downplayed with how you feel by others makes you doubt your real emotions. It took me six years of hardship, but it was definitely worth the challenges because it led me to the place I am today. Since I was a preteen, I had struggled with unbearable sadness. I moved away from my family soon before twelve, into a new state, sparsely different from the place I called home. The change was quite damaging; I was stripped from happiness from my family. It was hard to handle, and for so long, Parents told me that my body's changes made me feel this way, not actually by the separation of loved ones. Depression is like just being a tree in the winter, bare of its personality; deep down, it is cold and feels lifeless as much as it looks. I couldn't move. I couldn't try. I felt like I was sinking in quicksand with everyone around, unknowing my sinking figure. I was thrown in the shadows, no longer cared for by people I thought were friends, and filled with constant heartbreak with those broken friendships. "Breathe, Mariah, Breathe!' says the voice in my mind. I was standing over my bathroom sink, looking in the mirror at who I have become. I knew I needed a change in my life, and with the help of therapy, family, and the outdoors, I was able to find myself again. After the grateful agreeance of treatment, I started right away with a good source of guidance. I lost terrific people along the way of seeking help, but I knew to keep going. In therapy, I learned more about putting myself first and stopping letting myself get walked over to do that; I had to let people go. I realized in the relationships I had with others had done more damage than good; although many were labeled as my best friends, there is a purpose they weren't in my life as much. I knew that there was a purpose of why people come and go; they showed me the importance of need instead of want. I deserved more, and it took me some time to realize I am worth more. I didn't need toxic people in my life. I needed sunshine, those who motivated me instead of brought me down. Not only that, finally fighting against my depression had shown me who I am. I am adventurous, both figuratively and literally. I had started focusing on myself by spending more time doing things I had enjoyed, not knowing what that would lead me to. I learned who I was by finding out more about what I wanted my future to look like. I used to think of my future and picture a black abyss. It was until I remembered my fascination with physician therapy. In a movie I watched long ago, the physical therapist had saved the NBA player from continuing his passions by aiding him after his injury. In some way, I see this as saving me. In physical therapy, they help those continue in life, get back up, and rub the dirt off their jeans. Finding this passion in aiding others keeps me going, pushes me through the bad, and helps me focus more on the good. Not only does it assist others to get out of their hardships, but it has also gotten me out of mine. I have fought a battle for six years, and I was successfully able to get out. Seeking help was one step to push me to fully understanding who I am and the bright future that awaits me.

'You do not drown by falling into the river, but by staying submerged in it" is a quote I tell myself every time I feel down. I was always getting sunken in by quicksand. I was letting myself suffocate. I didn't try to help myself, I was weak. Hearing this quote for the first time, caused me to break down into tears because I was the one staying underwater, letting my oxygen bubbles float above. It took me six years to get myself up. Seeking help was one step to push me to fully understanding who I am and the bright future that awaits me.

'You do not drown by falling into the river, but by staying submerged in it" is a quote I tell myself every time I feel down. Often being downplayed with how you feel by others makes you doubt your real emotions. It took me six years of hardship, but it was definitely worth the challenges because it led me to the place I am today. Since I was a preteen, I had struggled with unbearable sadness. I moved away from my family soon before twelve, into a new state, sparsely different from the place I called home. The change was quite damaging; I was stripped from happiness from my family. It was hard to handle, and for so long, Parents told me that my body's changes made me feel this way, not actually by the separation of loved ones. Depression is like just being a tree in the winter, bare of its personality; deep down, it is cold and feels lifeless as much as it looks. I couldn't move. I couldn't try. I felt like I was sinking in quicksand with everyone around, unknowing my sinking figure. I was thrown in the shadows, no longer cared for by people I thought were friends, and filled with constant heartbreak with those broken friendships. "Breathe, Mariah, Breathe!' says the voice in my mind. I was standing over my bathroom sink, looking in the mirror at who I have become. I knew I needed a change in my life, and with the help of therapy, family, and the outdoors, I was able to find myself again. After the grateful agreeance of treatment, I started right away with a good source of guidance. I lost terrific people along the way of seeking help, but I knew to keep going. In therapy, I learned more about putting myself first and stopping letting myself get walked over to do that; I had to let people go. I realized in the relationships I had with others had done more damage than good; although many were labeled as my best friends, there is a purpose they weren't in my life as much. I knew that there was a purpose of why people come and go; they showed me the importance of need instead of want. I deserved more, and it took me some time to realize I am worth more. I didn't need toxic people in my life. I needed sunshine, those who motivated me instead of brought me down. Not only that, finally fighting against my depression had shown me who I am. I am adventurous, both figuratively and literally. I had started focusing on myself by spending more time doing things I had enjoyed, not knowing what that would lead me to. I learned who I was by finding out more about what I wanted my future to look like. I used to think of my future and picture a black abyss. It was until I remembered my fascination with physician therapy. In a movie I watched long ago, the physical therapist had saved the NBA player from continuing his passions by aiding him after his injury. In some way, I see this as saving me. In physical therapy, they help those continue in life, get back up, and rub the dirt off their jeans. Finding this passion in aiding others keeps me going, pushes me through the bad, and helps me focus more on the good. Not only does it assist others to get out of their hardships, but it has also gotten me out of mine. I have fought a battle for six years, and I was successfully able to get out. Seeking help was one step to push me to fully understanding who I am and the bright future that awaits me.

Since I was young, I have always enjoyed baseball. Playing baseball was a dream of mine, especially playing for my favorite team, The Los Angeles Dodgers. After moving to Texas, I realized more that I wanted to go more into the medical field, but I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to pursue. After digging deeper, I had merged my ideal profession with my hobbies and realized I wanted to go into Sports Medicine. I've carried the helping hand trait from my grandmother as she is a nurse and always given instead of received. I want to be just like her, but with my "spin to the mix." In sports medicine, I will like to get my bachelors in Excercise and Sports Science to get my masters' in Physical Therapy. The end goal for me is to become a Sports Medicine Physician and help those players be and do the best in their love and also, teach others how to be safe when they play, so they can work efficiently and strive for success.

For the first photo of the cocker spaniel, that is my Gyspy girl. She passed away Febuarary 2020. A caption is, "My Princess Gypsy Love, the beauty of the Amaya-Crane family' The second photo, of our brown black mouth cur is Remington, Remi for short. Remi is our big rascal, A caption I would use is, "My big boy Remi Fremi!" The last two pictures are of my dog Cali. I included the funny photo of her when we were playing with her toy. Its a funny, and perfect off-guard. A caption, "my bonita chiquita".