Mabuhay, and welcome to my profile! My name is Mark Vela, and I currently go to West Chester University of Pennsylvania to study Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry. Since growing up, I have had a passion for forensic science since I watched and read many true crime documentaries. At the same time, I wondered how I could make my dream of becoming a forensic scientist a reality. Sadly, only a few colleges offer a forensics program in my country of origin, the Philippines, due to its unpopularity, lack of faculty, and government funding for this expensive program. I also have a passion for music and the performing arts. Even before I moved to the US, I sang in my high school choir and played the violin in my spare time. I came to the US as a petitioned immigrant back in 2016 to have better opportunities for my passion and hobbies. I finished my secondary education, performing in many musical and theatrical productions compared to before moving here. When I finish my education, my goal is to return and give back to my home country by teaching forensics in high schools and starting college programs in many more universities. Unfortunately, the Philippines currently has a slow justice system due to what I have previously said, lack of funding, but most importantly, a lack of faculty for this college program to produce crime scene investigators and crime lab scientists. And I aim to help fix this issue! Hopefully, with the help of scholarships, I can graduate with less student debt and help my country as soon as I can. Thank you so much for stopping by! :)