1) I am passionate about helping people achieve their health goals because I believe movement and wellness are essential to living a full and meaningful life. Playing collegiate field hockey has shown me the power of an active lifestyle—not only does exercise strengthen the body, but it also builds discipline, resilience, teamwork, and joy. The sport has been a huge part of my journey, and it inspires me to help others discover how movement can positively shape their own lives. Field hockey has taught me that health is holistic, encompassing not just physical strength but also mental focus, emotional balance, and a sense of community. I’ve seen how staying active can bring people together and give them the confidence to thrive in all areas of life. This has fueled my passion to encourage others to care for their bodies and embrace habits that support long-term wellness. Everyone deserves the opportunity to feel strong, capable, and energized by their own choices. What drives me is not just the science of exercise, but the joy of seeing people discover their potential and thrive. I want to encourage others to value their bodies, invest in their health, and pursue habits that support a life of purpose and wholeness. Helping others take that journey is what inspires me most. 2) To me, empathy means stepping into someone else’s shoes and truly seeking to understand their experiences, emotions, and struggles. It goes beyond feeling sorry for someone—it is an active choice to listen, connect, and respond with compassion. I experienced the power of empathy during my own athletic journey. As a field hockey, basketball and track & field athlete, I have struggled with recurring ankle injuries and foot problems that often left me discouraged. At times, I worried that others might think I was exaggerating my pain because it was so reoccuring. But my athletic trainer made a lasting impact on me by listening carefully, validating my experience, and helping me work through both the physical and mental challenges of recovery. His empathy reminded me that I wasn’t alone and showed me the difference it makes when someone genuinely cares. This experience is one of the reasons I am passionate about pursuing a career in health and human performance. I want to be the kind of professional who not only provides solutions, but also makes people feel seen and supported. Empathy is essential in this field because health challenges are rarely just physical—they often affect confidence, motivation, and identity. To ensure my work is human-centered, I will focus on building trust and relationships first. By listening to people’s stories, understanding their goals, and meeting them where they are, I can create personalized approaches that honor their unique journeys. My goal is to treat people as whole individuals and empower them to take steps toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.

As a tri-sport athlete, I have consistently been busy throughout high school, yet still prioritize maintaining academic excellence. I completed the Career Technical Education pathway in Sports Medicine indicating a future interest in Health and Exercise Science. I challenged myself by taking a rigorous elective course instead of taking “off rolls”. This course required 40 observation hours outside of school, and subsequent projects to reflect on the experiences. I accepted this challenge on top of my busy schedule as a student-athlete. As Team Captain of both my Field Hockey team and Track & Field team, I embrace the idea that being captain should not be easier, it should be harder. Leadership is not about wielding authority, but about serving others selflessly and inspiring them to achieve their full potential. I was selected to participate in programs such as the Rotary Youth Leadership Conference as well as the FBI Teen Academy in 2023. This illustrates my commitment to learning leadership development beyond the classroom. My involvement in various clubs, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Mental Wellness Club, and Future Medical Professionals Club, shows my diverse interests and dedication to personal growth. Overall, my high school journey reflects a balance of academic rigor, leadership, and community service, all while positively impacting those around me.

Words are one of the most impactful things that you can utilize in your life. They can change somebody's life for better or for worse. I learned the true impact of words when I was a sophomore in high school, and I learned that one of my friends had been struggling with mental health and had lost his life to suicide. The sound of his laughter and the guitar he would play, which used to be lively and full of life, was suddenly silent. This shocked me because my friend, Austin, never seemed to struggle with any mental health issues. He was the magazine cover high school boy, always skateboarding with friends and playing sports. At the age of 15, I was not familiar with the issue of suicide, so it was challenging to comprehend. But suicide in teens is a very real issue that needs to be addressed. This experience wasn't just about losing a friend; it made me realize the deep challenges that teenagers face with mental health. Mental health is often addressed in the wrong ways if at all, but everyone can do their part to change that. Suicides outnumber murders in the U.S. by a ratio of three to one, but the topic of suicide, unlike murder, rarely makes the national news. Everybody has the power to make a difference to save lives, it is just a matter of speaking up and educating the public. Before this experience, mental health was a topic often skirted around, if not outright ignored by people my age. Like many others, I had witnessed the harmful effects of societal stigmas surrounding mental illness, especially when it came to young boys. The toxic notion that expressing emotions or seeking help was a sign of weakness was pervasive, leaving many adolescents, including my friend, feeling isolated and unable to reach out for support. The loss of Austin brought a profound shift in perspective, compelling both my friends and me to reflect on our own lives. Through my leadership role in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club, and as a member of the Mental Wellness club at my school, I initiated the movement "Nobody Sits Alone." Our mission was to both create meaningful connections and combat the stigma surrounding mental health. Extending friendship to those in need, we would go out during lunch dispersing across the campus to seek out those who may be sitting alone or feeling isolated. The domino effect of our actions motivated others outside our club to join in to sit with people they may have never met before. Our campus began to feel less divided as we tried to break the barrier of only sitting with your same friend group every day. At the core of this movement was a singular goal: to ensure that no student felt alone and that everyone knew they were cared for. The concept of going out of your comfort zone to ensure the wellbeing of others is a significant lesson I want to carry into my college life. This journey has shaped not only our individual outlooks but also our collective approach to building a more compassionate and supportive environment for all. Shifting gears from my experience of caring for others, I want to describe the ways I take care of my own mental health when I face adversity. In my time as a tri-sport varsity athlete, the playing field taught me teamwork, time management, and the desire to always strive for excellence. Balancing extracurriculars not only requires intentional time management, but also an intentional attitude. A saying that sticks with me is to “run the mile you're in”; by marathon runner Ryan Hall illustrating the importance of being focused on what you can control today. You should love where you are at, not looking forward to tomorrow, or reminiscing on yesterday. In order to prevent burnout and maintain my well-being, I've learned to set boundaries and prioritize activities that align with my values and goals. As I continue my athletic career playing colligate field hockey, I reflect on one of the most significant lessons high school sports taught me. This is the mindset of unconditional gratitude. I have learned the importance of seeking out good in every situation, even those you’re uncomfortable in. The ability to be grateful for a negligible amount of good in life builds a foundation to be a better steward of the good opportunities you have in the future. Intentionality about my attitude toward where I am in life is the mindset I can carry into my adulthood and professional endeavors. It is more important to me to find joy in my circumstances, rather than trying to find circumstances that will bring me joy. In addition to athletics, music has served as a way to ground my mental health. Playing guitar has been more than just a hobby; it's been a lifeline, a source of joy, and memories. I have formed deep connections with fellow music enthusiasts and local artists. These relationships have also provided me with a sense of belonging and camaraderie that is irreplaceable. My connection to my guitar provides a creative outlet and a means of self-expression. It reminds me to pause and find beauty amidst the busyness. In a world full of distractions, my guitar has been my compass, pointing me toward what really matters and helping me stay true to myself. Guitar is always consistent and is one thing in life that will always produce the same thing you put into it. If you strum a C chord, you will hear a C chord. If you strum an F you will hear a F. As a teenager, life can be difficult to manage. Being able to come home after a long day of school and have the consistent anchor of music to ground you and recenter your focus is incredibly valuable.

In my time as a tri-sport varsity athlete, the playing field taught me life's most valuable lessons-commitment, teamwork, time management, and the desire to always strive for excellence. Balancing extracurriculars not only requires intentional time management, but also an intentional attitude. A saying that sticks with me is to “run the mile you're in”; by marathon runner Ryan Hall illustrating the importance of being focused on what you can control today. You should love where you are at, not looking forward to tomorrow, or reminiscing on yesterday. In order to prevent burnout and maintain my well-being, I've learned to set boundaries and prioritize activities that align with my values and goals. Pushing myself physically and mentally, I learned the value of self-improvement and setting ambitious goals. As I continue my athletic career playing colligate field hockey, I reflect on one of the most significant lessons high school sports taught me. This is the mindset of unconditional gratitude. I have learned the importance of seeking out good in every situation, even those you’re uncomfortable in. My senior season of basketball began with a rough twelve-game losing streak, and thoughts of quitting the team became frequent. It was challenging for me for my last season playing a sport I love not unraveling the way I had hoped. However, I reminded myself that being present in the moments we are given is what makes life worthwhile. I changed my perspective to value the time I had in high school, relationships I am able to build, and to find the beauty right where I am at. The ability to be grateful for a negligible amount of good in life builds a foundation to be a better steward of the good opportunities you have in the future. Intentionality about my attitude toward where I am in life is the mindset I can carry into my adulthood and professional endeavors. It is more important to me to find joy in my circumstances, rather than trying to find circumstances that will bring me joy. Outside of sports, my Faith grounds me in my mental health by giving me a firm foundation to build my values. Prayer and reflection provide a sense of purpose and perspective beyond the chaos of my schedule. I value genuine relationships and contributing positively to the lives of those around me. Moreover, making journaling a habit allows me to process my thoughts and emotions, and provides clarity. Writing about my experiences, challenges, and achievements lets me to navigate life's ups and downs with resilience. Music and guitar has been more than just a hobby; it's been a lifeline, a source of joy, and memories. I have formed deep connections with fellow music enthusiasts and local artists. These relationships have also provided me with a sense of belonging and camaraderie that is irreplaceable. My connection to my guitar provides a creative outlet and a means of self-expression. It reminds me to pause and find beauty amidst the busyness. In a world full of distractions, my guitar has been my compass, pointing me toward what really matters and helping me stay true to myself. Guitar is always consistent and is one thing in life that will always produce the same thing you put into it. If you strum a C chord, you will hear a C chord. If you strum an F you will hear a F. As a teenager, life can be difficult to manage. Being able to come home after a long day of school and have the consistent anchor of music to ground you and recenter your focus is incredibly valuable.

Throughout my life, I have encountered various obstacles, but none have been as profound and impactful as witnessing my father's struggles with his health. His battles with weight issues and associated health problems has been a constant source of worry for our family. His weight issues have led to multiple health complications that could be preventable if only he lived a more active lifestyle. As an active teen who plays three sports, it is difficult for me to watch my dad go days or weeks without exercise. This adversity, although daunting, has shaped me into the driven individual I am today. Witnessing my Dad battle with these health complications was emotionally taxing, and it forced me to confront the harsh reality of mortality. However, I chose to channel my emotions into action. Through my Sports Medicine class at my school, I have grown my understanding of the complexities of cardiovascular health and exercise physiology. I realized that my father's struggles were not unique. Millions of individuals worldwide grapple with similar health issues, and I was determined to make a difference. I am driven by the desire to find ways to alleviate suffering by raising awareness of the American obesity problem. The unhealthy food industry has been deemed as normal, and a stagnant desk job is common. My goal is to change this social norm to help those like me dad. Overcoming adversity is not merely about finding solutions to problems; it is about embracing resilience and perseverance in facing challenges. In addition to my aspirations to wrok in the medical field, I have also learned valuable lessons through my journey in high school sports. Through adversity in sports I have learned the importance of seeking out the good in every situation, even those you’re uncomfortable in. My senior season of basketball began with a rough twelve-game losing streak, and thoughts of quitting the team became frequent. It was challenging for me for my last season playing a sport I love not unraveling the way I had hoped and wanted. Despite this, I reminded myself that being present in the moments we are given is what makes life worthwhile. I changed my perspective from focusing on the scoreboard to focusing on learning. I learned to value the time I had in high school, the relationships I am able to build, and find the beauty right where I am at. Not only has this basketball season pushed me to appreciate aspects besides winning, but it pushed me to become a leader on the team. Regardless of the difficulties, I prioritize creating a good experience for younger players on my team. I strive to be a positive role model when my team feels discouraged and to be the one to suggest a team dinner even after a tough loss. It is more important to me to find joy in my circumstances, rather than trying to find circumstances that will bring me joy. Therefore, let us change our understanding of joy from a feeling to a proactive action of unconditional gratitude for all aspects of life. The ability to be grateful for a negligible amount of good in life builds a foundation to be a better steward of the good opportunities you have in the future. Intentionality about my attitude toward where I am in life is an important lesson I can carry into my adulthood and professional endeavors. At the highest of highs, lowest of lows, and I make it a priority to notice the details that make life beautiful.

In my time as a tri-sport varsity athlete, I’ve learned life's most valuable lessons-commitment, time management, and discipline. I have maintained a high standard for myself throughout highschool. My passion for high school sports runs deep, shaped by unique experiences and lessons from each sport. Field hockey was more than a game—it was a pathway to realizing my dreams. Through determination, I earned the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. Beyond personal achievements, I found fulfillment in mentoring younger players, guiding them on and off the field. Basketball fueled my desire to be part of something greater. We represented my school with pride in a sport our peers came to watch. Every basket scored and defensive stop made was for our collective effort as a team. Track and field offered personal growth and exhilarating competition. Pushing myself physically and mentally, I learned the value of self-improvement and setting ambitious goals. The thrill of competition, constantly challenging my limits, and the need to be the best. In essence, my passion for high school sports was a diverse journey encompassing the pursuit of personal excellence, the joy of teamwork, and thrill of competition. Whether it was field hockey, basketball, or track and field, each sport uniquely impacted my life, leaving a mark on my high school experience. As I finish high school, I plan to major in Exercise Physiology to eventually go to medical school for a career in cardiovascular rehabilitation. From anatomy to kinesiology and sports nutrition, I have immersed myself in coursework that deepens my understanding of the human body and its relationship to athletic performance. I have sought out opportunities for hands-on experience, volunteering at sports clinics, shadowing healthcare professionals, and exploring innovative approaches to sports injury management and prevention through my Sports Medicine and athletic training elective offered at my school. I connect this learning to my training by rehabilitating my body and being mindful of my nutrition. In both athletics and academics, I refuse to settle for mediocrity. Instead, I push myself to excel, constantly seeking ways to improve, innovate, and make an impact in the world of sports. I have been honored at my school as a Scholar Athlete, an Honor roll student, and “Female Athlete of the Month”. Whether I'm on the court or in the classroom, my passion for basketball and sports medicine fuels my drive to succeed and inspires me to reach new heights of achievement. As captain of both my field hockey team and track & field team, I embrace the idea that being captain should not be easier, it should be harder. Leadership is not about wielding authority, but about serving others selflessly and inspiring them to achieve their full potential. There should always be a sense of “leading by example” and putting the team before yourself. These experiences equipped me with the mindset to navigate challenges of college life, and to be a better steward of leadership roles I earn.

My passion for high school sports runs deep, shaped by unique experiences and lessons from each sport. Field hockey was more than a game—it was a pathway to realizing my dreams. Through determination, I earned the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. Beyond personal achievements, I found fulfillment in mentoring younger players, guiding them on and off the field. Basketball fueled my desire to be part of something greater. We represented my school with pride in a sport our peers came to watch. Every basket scored and defensive stop made was for our collective effort as a team. Track and field offered personal growth and exhilarating competition. Pushing myself physically and mentally, I learned the value of self-improvement and setting ambitious goals. The thrill of competition, constantly challenging my limits, and the need to be the best. In essence, my passion for high school sports was a diverse journey encompassing the pursuit of personal excellence, the joy of teamwork, and thrill of competition. Whether it was field hockey, basketball, or track and field, each sport uniquely impacted my life, leaving a mark on my high school experience. In my time as a tri-sport varsity athlete, I’ve learned life's most valuable lessons-commitment, teamwork, and discipline. As I continue my athletic career playing collegiate field hockey, I reflect on one of the most significant lessons high school sports taught me; the mindset of unconditional gratitude. I learned the importance of seeking out the good in every situation, even those you’re uncomfortable in. My senior season of basketball began with a rough twelve-game losing streak, and thoughts of quitting the team became frequent. It was challenging for my last season playing a sport I love not unraveling the way I had hoped and wanted. Despite this, I reminded myself that being present in the moments we’re given is what makes life worthwhile. I learned to value the time I had in high school, the relationships I can build, and find the beauty right where I’m at. High school flys by quickly, so it's my goal to inspire unity and positive engagement, getting my peers to “love where they're at”. It is more important to me to find joy in my circumstances, rather than trying to find circumstances that will bring me joy. Joy is not a feeling, instead a proactive action of unconditional gratitude for all aspects of life.The ability to be grateful for a negligible amount of good in life builds a foundation to be a better steward of the good opportunities in the future. Intentionality about my attitude toward where I am in life is an important lesson I can carry into my adulthood and professional endeavors. Not only did this basketball season push me to appreciate aspects besides winning, but it also pushed me to become a leader on the team. Regardless of difficulties, I prioritize creating a good experience for younger players on my team. I strived to be a positive role model when my team felt discouraged and to suggest a team dinner even after a tough loss. As captain of my field hockey team I embraced the idea that being captain should not be easier, it should be harder. Leadership is not about wielding authority, but about serving others selflessly and inspiring them to achieve their full potential. There should always be a sense of “leading by example” and putting the team before yourself. These experiences equipped me with the mindset to navigate challenges of college life, and to be a better steward of leadership roles I earn.

Throughout my high school years living in San Diego, music has been more than just a hobby; it's been a lifeline, a source of joy, and memories. Rooted in my love for rock and beach music, attending concerts of local bands has been a cornerstone of my teenage experience. Music is like a thread weaving through my life, stitching together memories and friendships that I'll treasure forever. Through shared experiences at concerts and jam sessions with friends, I have formed deep connections with fellow enthusiasts and local musicians alike. These relationships have not only enriched my social life but have also provided me with a sense of belonging and camaraderie that is truly irreplaceable. The summer going into my senior year of high school, my family and I traveld to Tokyo, Japan. I remember the difficulty trying to navigate the busy city, order at restaurants, and speak with staff due to the language barrier. During our trip, we found a guitar store in Japan, and I was immediately struck by a sense of familiarity amidst the foreign surroundings. Despite the unfamiliar language, the sight of the instruments lining the walls spoke to me in a language that transcended words. I picked up a guitar and began to play some of my favorite American songs. I remember a sense of vulnerability at first, just as one would in a Guitar Center in America. But in that moment, I felt a profound sense of connection with these strangers, bonded by our shared love for music. Even though the staff couldn’t converse with me, they gave me a thumbs up and a smile when I was playing for them. Through music, I was able to bridge the gap between cultures, creating connections that transcended nationality and language. It was a reminder of the remarkable power of music to unite people from diverse backgrounds. I began playing guitar at the age of 14, and fell in love with the process. I enjoyed being able to not only cover all my favorite songs, but also create new music myself. Whether strumming on my acoustic or shredding on my electric, mastering those strings has been a journey in itself. It's taught me way more than just chords and riffs; it's taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to manage my time. In a world full of distractions, my guitar has been my compass, pointing me towards what really matters and helping me stay true to myself. Guitar is always consistent, and is one thing in life that will always produce the same thing you put into it (unless its out of tune of course). If you strum a C chord, you will hear a C chord. If you strum an F you will hear a F. As a teenager, life can be difficult to manage. But being able to come home after a long day of school and have the consistent anchor of music to ground you and recenter your focus is incredibly valuable.