As an Asian American, my background has always been a source of pride and identity. Growing up in a household where multiple generations coexisted, I was deeply connected to both my cultural heritage and my diverse American experience. My parents, immigrants from China, instilled in me the value of hard work, respect, and family, principles that have shaped my outlook on life and future aspirations. These teachings have not only helped me navigate the complexities of being an Asian American but have also motivated me to pursue higher education as a means to honor my heritage and create a better future for myself and community. Being an Asian American, I once believed that money was the solution to all problems. I was convinced that my mother prioritized her nail salon more than us, leading to a fragile relationship between us. Although now I understand that her intentions are rooted from deep love and a strong desire to provide for us, it can get difficult to understand how to navigate the world on our own. As a young woman entering high school, I started to help out more at the nail salon and our bond slowly began to strengthen. Through the countless hours together, it transformed our relationship into a heartfelt moment when she expressed, “Thank you for helping out; I always feel less burdened and anxious with you around.” This sense of unity fuels my desire to pursue higher education—not just for personal growth, but to give back to my family who have sacrificed so much for me to achieve higher education. Higher education will provide me with the tools to advocate for others, to break down barriers, and to make a meaningful impact on issues that affect not only Asian Americans but society as a whole. My goal is to leverage my education to amplify the voices of marginalized groups, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. My Asian American background means much more than just a cultural identity; it is the foundation upon which my dreams are built. Higher education represents not only an opportunity to acquire knowledge but also a chance to break barriers and create a better world for future generations. For me, pursuing higher education is a way to honor the sacrifices my parents made and the values they instilled in me. It is a means to gain the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to society while uplifting others, particularly those from communities like mine, who often face systemic challengings. Ultimately, higher education is a gateway for me to grow intellectually, broaden my perspectives, and gain the tools to empower myself and others in ways that can lead to lasting change.

Empowerment influences the way we approach new opportunities and challenges. My empowerment combines a clear sense of purpose with the drive for personal and intellectual growth. This empowerment motivates me not only to achieve my own potential but also to empower others through my work and relationships. As I prepare for college, I recognize that empowerment will guide how I use my time both inside and outside the classroom, while helping others along the way. At the heart of my empowerment is a strong sense of purpose. This purpose pushes me to seek opportunities where I can confidently build and maintain strong relationships with the people around me and make meaningful impact within the lives of others. In college, I intend to carefully select courses that not only challenge my problem-solving skills, but ones that also directly align with my future aspirations. By choosing rigorous academic courses, I also gain the knowledge and skills that I need to contribute to other areas in my life and my future aspirations. Inside the classroom, I want to be open and helpful towards my peers. I want to make an effort to foster closer relationships with my peers by offering help and support whenever they need it, whether it be assisting them on any problems that utilize challenging concepts or even listening to their different perceptions. Through this support, we can form a collaborative and supportive network where we can all grow together. Outside the classroom, I plan to be equally as intentional on how I should use my time. College offers a plethora of opportunities where I can explore new ideas, connect with people that share similar interests, and discover new hobbies or interests that I never encountered before. I believe that college is the perfect environment where I can push my boundaries, therefore I want to take advantage of every opportunity to interact with people of different backgrounds and diverse perspectives and broaden my horizons. I also want to get involved in student organizations that directly align with my interests so I can contribute to causes that I care about and develop new skills. These experiences will not only enrich my time in college but also build relationships with others and foster a deeper sense of community. My empowerment is also driven by my desire for growth, both intellectually and personally. College is an environment where I can step out of my comfort zone and push my boundaries so that I can grow in limitless ways. I see college as a safe space for me to hone my leadership and critical thinking skills. I can take on leadership roles in student organizations and participate in research opportunities alongside mentors that can help me explore areas of interests I have not fully explored yet. These experiences could help me grow and reach my full potential that extend beyond my college years. Empowerment and growth are central to my approach to college. The combination of purpose and growth will shape how I approach my time in college. I am motivated to seek out new opportunities that will allow me to build and foster new relationships with the people around me and grow intellectually and personally. By focusing on my academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, and meaningful relationships, I hope that I can make the most out of my time in my college journey and continue developing into the person that I strive to be.

From a young age, I have been fascinated by the complexity of the human body, especially the skin. Dermatology intrigued me, not only because of its intricate scientific nature but also due to its profound impact on people’s self-esteem. My personal struggle with acne, which often left me feeling isolated and self-conscious, sparked my interest in this field. The relentless social stigma and the emotional toll of visible imperfections fueled my curiosity about how dermatologists diagnose, treat, and ultimately restore confidence in their patients. Over time, I recognized that dermatology offers the rare opportunity to improve lives, not only by addressing physical symptoms but by restoring confidence. Through dermatology, I aspire to do more than simply enhance the appearance of my patients’ skin; I aim to foster long-term skin health by preventing future issues. Having personally experienced the emotional rollercoaster of acne, I understand the frustration that comes with the inconsistent progress of skin treatment—feeling as though you are finally seeing results one week, only to face a setback the next. As a future dermatologist, I do not want to merely provide temporary fixes. Instead, I am driven to address the root causes of skin issues and offer lasting solutions that will leave patients feeling not only physically healed but emotionally rejuvenated as well. My goal is to offer comprehensive care that encourages sustained confidence and well-being. One of my greatest adversities I have faced in relation to my future career aspirations is my ongoing battle with acne. I was among the first to experience the physical changes of puberty, and my struggle with acne began as early as elementary school. This early onset of skin issues set me apart from my peers and led to feelings of isolation. Throughout both elementary and middle school, I was frequently ridiculed by classmates, which greatly impacted my self-confidence and sense of self-worth. However, over time, I learned the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming such challenges. I realized that confidence does not come from external appearances alone but from within. This personal experience has reinforced my desire to pursue dermatology and make a positive impact on others who may be struggling with similar issues. The journey to becoming a dermatologist will undoubtedly be challenging, but I am fully committed to putting in the necessary work. I will never forget the emotional hardships I endured as a young person struggling with acne, and I hope to use my experiences to empathize with and heal others who are facing similar obstacles. My goal is not only to help people heal physically but also to empower them with the confidence they deserve.