Giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the world has always been a guiding principle in my life. Over the past few years, I have been dedicated to raising funds for the Padres Pedal the Cause cancer research foundation, an organization that donates all the money raised to research centers here in San Diego. Each year, after fundraising, my father and I participate in a 25-mile bike race, and our combined efforts have successfully raised upwards of $5,000 annually for this crucial cause. The fundraising journey is as important as the race itself. We begin months in advance, reaching out to friends, family, and acquaintances to spread awareness about the cause and its significance. We share personal stories and the impact cancer has had on our lives, which resonates deeply with many and encourages them to contribute. It's a collaborative effort driven by the belief that every dollar raised brings us closer to finding a cure and improving treatment options for those battling cancer. My passion for healthcare is deeply personal and rooted in my own family's experiences. When my sister was eight, she battled Crohn's disease and spent nearly a year in the hospital. Watching her fight through such a challenging illness at a young age had a profound impact on me. It opened my eyes to the importance of compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals who can make a significant difference in the lives of their patients. More recently, my aunt's two-year battle with cancer, which sadly ended with her passing away at the age of 60 in September, further solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare. Currently, I am on a pre-Physician Assistant (PA) or medical school track, majoring in biology. My goal is to work in healthcare, either as a PA or a physician, where I can directly impact patients' lives. I am particularly interested in research and patient care, both of which play vital roles in improving healthcare outcomes. Through my education and future career, I hope to contribute to medical advancements and provide high-quality care to those in need. In addition to my professional aspirations, I plan to continue my involvement with charitable organizations and community service. I believe that combining hands-on medical practice with ongoing support for research and awareness initiatives can create a comprehensive approach to making a difference. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or advocating for important health issues, I am committed to being an active participant in efforts to improve healthcare and support those affected by serious illnesses. My experiences have taught me the value of resilience, empathy, and the importance of giving back. By pursuing a career in healthcare and continuing to support cancer research, I aim to honor the memory of my loved ones and contribute to a healthier, more humane world.

My best friend, Dyl Friedland, has been a constant and supportive presence in my life through some of the most challenging times. Our friendship, which began in middle school, was a lifeline during the years when I faced frequent bullying. Dyl's unwavering support and our shared experiences forged a bond that has only grown stronger over time. Middle school was particularly tough for me. I was often the target of bullying and often felt left out of everything. Dyl, however, was always there for me. He stood by me when others didn't, offering a sense of security and companionship that I needed. His kindness and empathy made those difficult years more bearable, and I am forever grateful for his friendship during that time. But our friendship wasn't just one-sided. Dyl faced his own significant challenges, especially when his father was diagnosed with brain cancer. It was a heart-wrenching two years for him, filled with uncertainty and pain. I tried to be his shoulder to lean on, just as he had been for me. We spent countless hours talking, often late into the night, about his fears and hopes. When his father eventually passed away, I was there to support him through the grief and loss. Those moments of shared vulnerability and support cemented our bond even further. Still, to this day, we can go to each other about any obstacles we face and help persevere through them. Our friendship also thrived during the good times, particularly during the 2019 summer of COVID-19 after school shut down. With the world in lockdown, we found solace and freedom in our daily bike rides to the beach. The streets were empty, giving us a sense of adventure and exploration that felt liberating. We would ride for hours, talking about everything and nothing, feeling the wind in our faces and the sun on our backs. Those bike rides were an escape from the monotony and uncertainty of the pandemic, and they remain some of the happiest memories of my life. The beach became our second home. There was something profoundly peaceful about the moments, and they provided a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic time. We discovered hidden trails, found new places to explore, and relished the simplicity of being outdoors together. That summer was the best of my life, not just because of the adventures we had but because of the deep connection we shared. Dyl's friendship has been a cornerstone of my life. He has been there for me through the darkest times and the brightest moments, offering unyielding support and friendship. Our shared experiences have created a bond that is unbreakable, and I am profoundly grateful for his presence in my life. His friendship has taught me the true meaning of loyalty, empathy, and resilience, and although we go to different universities now, whenever we are together, it feels like nothing has changed.

The Covid-19 Pandemic. Schools nationwide forced online with endless technology mishaps, cheating, and nonsense curriculum. Beaches obstructed with zig zags of faint, sun-beaten yellow caution tape restricting an uninhabited pacific ocean. Gyms were vacated as death tolls rose dramatically. It was aggravating having to succumb to the restrictions and lockdowns, although there was one way to escape the madness. The epidemic that took control of the world also took control of my mental health, and soccer was there waiting to save me from this unexpected halt in my daily life. Throughout the pandemic, soccer was the only physical activity I could rely on to stay somewhat in shape while the world was locked inside their homes as if they were caged animals. The first couple of months of practices in the backyard on Zoom calls with coach were almost unbearable, but it gave me a much-needed break from the monotony of pandemic life. Toddlers, children, and teenagers like myself began going stir-crazy, yet I was fortunate enough that my soccer team decided to practice in person once again. The physical activity and social interaction with friends I lost due to online school were once again restored in practice, giving me a glimpse of what to hope for once the pandemic neared its end. Despite the fact that life was not normal, the beneficial decisions RSF soccer made to bring back practices were monumental for not just my mental and physical health but for the 18 other people on my team. As I continued to play weekly with my teammates, I soon recognized the importance of physical health and exercise in a new light. The pandemic highlighted the critical role that healthcare professionals play in keeping individuals and communities healthy and that our team would be non-existent without them. This influenced me to explore career options in the healthcare field. I began researching different roles and got fascinated with the idea of becoming a physical therapist, nurse, or dietitian to educate kids on the importance of being fit and healthy with sports, exercise, and nutrition. Playing soccer alongside my team also helped me develop skills that are essential in the healthcare field. As a team, we learned the importance of communication, teamwork, and collaboration. Furthermore, we learned to stay calm under pressure and handle challenging situations with composure and grace. These skills have been valuable in my personal and professional life and will undoubtedly benefit me in my future healthcare career, and I will be able to thank soccer for teaching me these traits. I will forever be grateful for soccer and my teammates for the past four years for helping me and each other through the Covid-19 pandemic while giving me a sense of direction for my future career goals.

Walking the halls of Rady Children’s Hospital and listening to ECMO machines oxygenate blood, eavesdropping on doctors giving orders, and smelling the malodorous scent of bodily fluids masked by bleach was the start of it all. My childhood seemed normal compared to others, and I did not realize how good I had it. Life was happy and easygoing. My sibling and I did our fair share of sibling fighting but also had our fair share of fun memories, including playing with our dog, arguing over who won Monopoly, boogie boarding at the beach, and sharing school stories with our parents over dinner. Then, during the fifth grade, my seven-year-old sister was hospitalized with Crohn's disease. She woke up one morning with a nearly fatal fever, and my mom took her to the hospital. The day she was admitted to the hospital was the end of my childhood. However, what preceded the following year was an obstacle so significant that I can mark the time between childhood and adulthood. This was the spark that ignited my future goals and career ambitions. It turns out that spending hours in Rady Children’s Hospital ended up being a pivotal point in my life. Seeing my parents, as well as my sister, getting beat down daily in the ICU reflected upon my emotions. Countless remarks from doctors expressing their reassurance that everything was going to be alright took some stress off our family and we were immensely grateful when she improved after almost six months of discomfort. Eventually, the sight of my mom stressed and working hard concurrently with my sister in the hospital motivated me to do my best at school onward through education in life. After my undergraduate degree, I would like to delve into the pediatric specialty of nursing to help children just like my sister become healthy and grow up without countless health complications. My mother's career as a pediatric nurse in the cardiac intensive care unit at a children's hospital has also influenced my decision. Growing up, stories upon stories of hospital trauma and heart transplant cases have been embedded into my head sparking my purpose to continue on with this for the rest of my life. I have been lucky enough to shadow and learn from dozens of healthcare professionals by asking questions and learning from observations which have further intensified my interest in my career goals. Although seeing kids bedridden with dreadful sicknesses is very painful, comprehending that I one day might cure them is what brings me the most joy. Furthermore, my grandfather served in the United States Navy that unfortunately passed away from cancer before I got to meet him has also influenced my goal of becoming a nurse. After he got discharged, he worked for fundraisers and charities making deliveries daily to children in need down in Tijuana, Mexico while battling cancer. His determination to push through life and help the less fortunate while battling his own disease inspired me to help others in the hospital fight against their tough battles with illness. My aspiration to be in the medical field has been apparent from a young age. Walking through Rady Children’s Hospital, I’ve understood patients' pain, especially my sister's. Pursuing a career in nursing will allow me to help people heal and go on to live their lives to the fullest.

Walking the halls of Rady Children’s Hospital and listening to ECMO machines oxygenate blood, eavesdropping on doctors giving orders, and smelling the malodorous scent of bodily fluids masked by bleach was the start of it all. My childhood seemed normal compared to others, and I did not realize how good I had it. Life was happy and easygoing. My sibling and I did our fair share of sibling fighting but also had our fair share of fun memories, including playing with our dog, arguing over who won Monopoly, boogie boarding at the beach, and sharing school stories with our parents over dinner. Then, during the fifth grade, my seven-year-old sister was hospitalized with Crohn's disease. She woke up one morning with a nearly fatal fever, and my mom took her to the hospital. The day she was admitted to the hospital was the end of my childhood. However, what preceded the following year was an obstacle so significant that I can mark the time between childhood and adulthood. This was the spark that ignited my future goals and career ambitions. It turns out that spending hours in Rady Children’s Hospital ended up being a pivotal point in my life. Seeing my parents, as well as my sister, getting beat down daily in the ICU reflected upon my emotions as well. Countless remarks from doctors expressing their reassurance that everything was going to be alright took some stress off our family and we were immensely grateful when she improved after almost six months of discomfort. Eventually, the sight of my mom stressed and working hard concurrently with my sister in the hospital motivated me to do my best at school onward through education in life. After my undergraduate degree, I would like to delve into the pediatric specialty of nursing to help children just like my sister become healthy and grow up without countless health complications. My mother's career as a pediatric nurse in the cardiac intensive care unit at a children's hospital has also influenced my decision. Growing up, stories upon stories of hospital trauma and heart transplant cases have been embedded into my head sparking my purpose to continue on with this for the rest of my life. Although seeing kids bedridden with dreadful sicknesses is very painful, comprehending that I one day might cure them is what brings me the most joy. Throughout high school, I have been able to take AP and honors-level courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy/physiology preparing me for the future ahead. I have also been primed to know what it's like working in a hospital after shadowing many of my mother's coworkers and friends in her unit which has helped me solidify my decision. My aspiration to be in the medical field has been apparent from a young age. Walking through Rady Children’s Hospital, I’ve understood patients' pain, especially my sister's. Pursuing a career in nursing will allow me to help people heal and go on to live their lives to the fullest.

The phrase teamwork makes the dream work may be banal yet its relation to the work ethic of the healthcare field is necessary for the aspiring and current workforce in medicine. Collaboration and diversity are crucial for advancing the medical field as they provide the industry with the necessary cooperative tools that facilitate research and therapies to expand. First off, collaboration enables a handful of individuals and experts from different backgrounds to come together to bring their ideas, research, and unique perspectives to the table. By working together, these medical professionals from different fields can pool their knowledge and solve convoluted hypotheses, questions, and problems that may be exceeding the expertise of one individual. With a multitude of different thoughts, ideas, and philosophies collaborating together these are without a doubt stronger than an individual's capacity to problem solve alone. Furthermore, diversity enables people from all backgrounds of life such as differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, and geography to come together and represent a wide range of perspectives in the healthcare industry. Without diversity, medical professionals would be unable to provide for multifarious patient populations and adequate care could not be established for special circumstances patients face. Additionally, diverse healthcare will be able to ease some health disparities that plague different ethnicities throughout the world and help form more resounding connections between physicians and patients who could maybe share similar backgrounds, thus enabling a deeper understanding of one's circumstances. Without a collaborative mindset and personality, I would not have been able to raise over 25,000 dollars in donations toward cancer research over the past two years. The non-profit, philanthropic organization, Curebound Padres Pedal the Cause, has given me the ability to use my collaborative personality for the greater good in medicine. My father and I took up this discovery to help research progress for something directly affecting our lives. What followed our discovery of this organization was dozens of emails, texts, and phone calls that got sent to relatives, extended family, friends, and strangers with a link to donate and support cancer research. This created an interconnected web of a community that was willing to participate in raising money for a cure for cancer. My aunt and cousin recently got diagnosed with different types of stage three cancer and for them to see a community of people come together to donate for something that directly affects their lives brought them lots of joy. In just a month, we got over 10,000 dollars in donations from relatives and friends that will go directly to research centers around San Diego County. It was the day for the community to come together for the 25-mile bike race and 5k in downtown San Diego. After two hours of biking, my dad and I rode into the Petco Park stadium, where two pictures of myself with my aunt and cousin were shown on the scoreboard angled directly towards a crowd of 5,000 who were all supporting the cause. Our family and friends were cheering and clapping in the stands as they could see firsthand how big this community of people frankly was. Without a collaborative mindset, donations would have been almost impossible to come by, and truly shows how much of an impact collaborating with others can have.

Walking the halls of Rady Children’s Hospital and listening to ECMO machines oxygenate blood, eavesdropping on doctors giving orders, and smelling the malodorous scent of bodily fluids masked by bleach was the start of it all. My childhood seemed normal compared to others, and I did not realize how good I had it. Life was happy and easygoing. My sibling and I did our fair share of sibling fighting but also had our fair share of fun memories, including playing with our dog, arguing over who won Monopoly, boogie boarding at the beach, and sharing school stories with our parents over dinner. Then, during the fifth grade, my seven-year-old sister was hospitalized with Crohn's disease. She woke up one morning with a nearly fatal fever, and my mom took her to the hospital. The day she was admitted to the hospital was the end of my childhood. However, what preceded the following year was an obstacle so significant that I can mark the time between childhood and adulthood. This was the spark that ignited my future goals and career ambitions. It turns out that spending hours in a Hospital room as a kid ended up being a pivotal point in my life. Seeing my parents, as well as my sister, getting beat down daily in the ICU reflected upon my emotions as well. Countless remarks from doctors expressing their reassurance that everything was going to be alright took some stress off our family. Seeing nurses and doctors working tirelessly to find a diagnosis my sister stood out to me the most. Eventually, the sight of my mom stressed and working hard concurrently with my sister in the hospital motivated me to do my best at school onward through education in life. A career in medicine. A service to help people recover, heal, and survive. A job that, not only is required in our world but is valued by everyone. With this beneficial scholarship, the funds allocated would be put toward my undergraduate degree in Biology and relieve some financial burden and stress that comes along with college. My expectation is to continue on to grad school to get my masters in nursing allowing me to become a nurse practitioner. I have been lucky enough to shadow dozens of healthcare professionals who are also my mother's coworkers in the cardiac intensive care unit at Rady Childrens Hospital in San Diego. Asking questions and learning from observations have intensified my interest regarding my career goals. Watching and contributing to healing others has always been a dream of mine after months of watching hospital staff cure my little sister. My aspiration to be in the medical field has been apparent from a tender age. Walking through Rady Children’s Hospital, I’ve understood the pain patients endure, especially my sister. Pursuing a career in nursing will allow me to help people heal and go on to live their lives to the fullest.

Walking the halls of Rady Children’s Hospital and listening to ECMO machines oxygenate blood, eavesdropping on doctors giving orders, and smelling the malodorous scent of bodily fluids masked by bleach was the start of it all. My childhood seemed normal compared to others, and I did not realize how good I had it. Life was happy and easygoing. My sibling and I did our fair share of sibling fighting but also had our fair share of fun memories, including playing with our dog, arguing over who won Monopoly, boogie boarding at the beach, and sharing school stories with our parents over dinner. Then, during the fifth grade, my seven-year-old sister was hospitalized with Crohn's disease. She woke up one morning with a nearly fatal fever, and my mom took her to the hospital. The day she was admitted to the hospital was the end of my childhood. However, what preceded the following year was an obstacle so significant that I can mark the time between childhood and adulthood. This was the spark that ignited my future goals and career ambitions. It turns out that spending hours in Rady Children’s Hospital ended up being a pivotal point in my life. Seeing my parents, as well as my sister, getting beat down daily in the ICU reflected upon my emotions as well. Countless remarks from doctors expressing their reassurance that everything was going to be alright took some stress off our family. Seeing nurses and doctors working tirelessly to find a diagnosis my sister stood out to me the most. Eventually, the sight of my mom stressed and working hard concurrently with my sister in the hospital motivated me to do my best at school onward through education in life. A career in medicine. A service to help people recover, heal, and survive. A job that, not only is required in our world but is valued by everyone. With this beneficial scholarship, the funds allocated would be put toward my undergraduate degree in Biology and relieve some financial burden and stress that comes along with college. My hope is to continue on to grad school to get my masters in nursing allowing me to become a nurse practitioner. My family is often faced with financial hardships, so the ability to acquire scholarships supports me as well as my parents. Without the compounding stress of trying to work to obtain funds to pay off college while simultaneously going to class, I would be able to focus on the thing that matters most: my education. Watching and contributing to healing others has always been a dream of mine after months of watching hospital staff heal my little sister. I have the drive, passion, and attributes for what it takes to obtain my goals. My aspiration to be in the medical field has been apparent from a tender age. Walking through Rady Children’s Hospital, I’ve understood the pain patients endure, especially my sister. Pursuing a career in nursing will allow me to help people heal and go on to live their lives to the fullest.

An essential component of overall health and well-being is mental health. It concerns our psychological, emotional, and social health and influences how we feel, think, and act. Our mental health depends on our ability to handle life's stressors and challenges, form resonant relationships with others, and lead fulfilling lives. On the other hand, poor mental health can result in a number of detrimental effects, such as lowered productivity, social isolation, and physical sickness. In my opinion, mental health is plaguing our country and is the leading cause of violence and death currently in the United States. I believe that a clear, healthy conscious will allow anyone to prevail through life no matter how tough the obstacle. To maintain excellent mental health, one must keep a positive outlook. Even though various aspects affect mental health, such as genetics, the environment, and life experiences, there are some particular tactics that I utilize frequently to advance my mental health and general well-being. One of the most practical methods I use daily is exercise. One of the most effective ways to combat mental health issues is through regular exercise. Furthermore, it has been shown to reduce symptoms of moderate depression and anxiety, improve self-esteem, and increase an individual's aptitude to stress. I try to obtain 60 minutes a day as physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, and natural chemicals in the brain that act as mood elevators and painkillers. Instead of taking Lexapro and other prescribed mental health medications exercise could replenish and increase neurotransmitters naturally. Regular exercise also promotes better sleep, specifically REM sleep, which is essential for brain growth, healing, and overall adequate mental health. Another crucial element of maintaining good mental health in my life is therapy. While some may think that going to therapy is only necessary for terrible cases of mental disease, this is not the case. Talking to a licensed therapist can provide a safe and supportive space to explore thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work through difficult emotions instead of sweeping issues under the rug. It allows me to express my daily struggles and annoyances to someone I know I can trust and that will never get spread around. You come to find out that during your teenage years, you don't want to go and talk to your mom about some issues in your social life and that's where a therapist can really be beneficial. Lastly, in addition to exercise and therapy, nutrition is my third piece of the puzzle to maintaining stable mental health. A healthy diet that is rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals can help promote brain function regarding neurotransmitters and mood stability. Research has exhibited that certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins D, C, and B are particularly important for mental health. Conversely, a diet that is high in processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats has been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety as these foods lack the basic nutrients that our body needs and craves for basic functions. Overall, individuals should not be ashamed to talk about mental health anymore, we as a society need to leave that in the past and allow people to come out and talk about their emotions instead of bottling up their feelings to a point of no return. Although not all mental health can be cured with my daily habits I think these three things can have truly beneficial effects on anyone looking to become a more content self.