On the small TV screen, BioSyn CEO Kelvin Thorne stood confidently at a podium. “Humanity is not being replaced,” he said, smiling. “But being upgraded.” Alex snorted. “Upgraded?” he muttered. “Easy to say when you still have a job.” Alex instantly shut the TV off and leaned back on the couch, staring at the dark reflection of himself. 5 months. It has been 5 whole months since that day at the restaurant. 5 months of rejection emails, government assistance forms, and constantly pretending everything was just “fine” around his friends and family. A couple months earlier, that same phrase had already begun haunting him. Standing in the restaurant kitchen, Alex watched as workers in neon jumpsuits rolled in massive crates stamped with the BioSyn logo. Alex’s boss, Jim, cleared his throat as curious employees began crowding around him. “The restaurant needs…upgrading,” Jim said. Alex felt his stomach drop. Soon, the truth came out. “We’re partnering with BioSyn. The machines will handle the cooking.” “What about us?” someone shouted. “I’ve got kids!” Jim avoided eye contact. “You aren’t being replaced,” he said stiffly, clearly repeating something he’d been told. “But being upgraded.” That was the moment Alex lost his job. Now unemployed for over 5 months, Alex heard that sentence everywhere – on ads, billboards, interviews. Every time, it felt like an insult. A lame excuse. But this morning, like most mornings, he checked online for more job postings. Same results as always. Position filled. Automated. No longer accepting applications. But one seemed to catch Alex’s eye: BioSyn Technician Training Program - No experience required (Paid). Alex gave a slight chuckle. Figures. Curious though…he clicks it. The program was promising training for displaced workers to “assist in maintenance and monitoring of various BioSyn units.” It wasn’t exactly cooking, but it was something. So, with nothing left to lose, Alex signed up. 3 days went by, and it was business as usual: crawl out of bed, coffee, shower, and look through the most recent job postings. But when Alex checked his inbox this time, he saw a new email: “Congratulations on your acceptance into the BioSyn Technician Training Program! Please follow the link below for more details on location, date, and times for our training sessions. Sincerely, the Hiring Committee.” Alex was simply in shock. He could not believe what he was reading. Alex leapt from his chair into a rather embarrassing celebratory dance. And yet with all his joy, he felt immediately slightly embittered afterwards considering the irony of the whole situation - the same machine that put him out of the job just might be the same one that will put him back. What made the situation even more ironic was the location for his training, which when he scrolled further into the email learned that it was the location of the restaurant that he worked at all those months ago… A few days later, training day. Alex returned to the same restaurant that had once let him go. The homey kitchen looked so much more different now - sleek BioSyn units lined the walls, their arms moving with perfect speed and precision. But Alex immediately felt like something was off. The food was fast. It was accurate. But it wasn’t great. In fact, it was as good as any microwave meal you would find at the store. And Alex noticed it right away. During one of the training sessions, when Alex was assigned BioSyn unit #1378, he called over his trainer and brought his grievance to him: “I have actually worked at this restaurant before, and I think this machine is kinda broken.” “Broken? Ha! Impossible! These $14,000 machines never skipped a beat. Doesn’t need breaks, doesn’t need to take a holiday, doesn’t need rest and still delivers amazing meals!” replied the trainer. “Speak for yourself,” Alex said calmly and started explaining. “Look, the sauce is decent, but it’s over reduced. And the noodles are not being tossed correctly,” said Alex. The trainer, initially doubtful of Alex’s judgment, quickly sided with him after reviewing his background at the restaurant and perfect onboarding training score. Afterwards, the trainer also brought up this complaint to his supervisor and other experienced technicians and engineers to get their take on what to do. The engineers were at first confused. “The measurements are correct,” one of them replied. “Yeah,” the trainer said, shaking his head. “But, it’s also true what Alex told me, that cooking isn’t just numbers. It’s timing, smell, sound. Knowing when to flip something because you feel it.” Then the engineers responded, hesitantly, “Maybe we should give him a chance.” After some careful consideration, they figured to allow Alex to control the machine’s settings for a trial run to see if there would be any improvements. When Alex learned he could adjust one of the BioSyn units, he relished the chance to redeem the meals he once loved to cook - he carefully adjusted the heat settings, added small timing variations, and programmed the robots to respond to sensory changes instead of strict timers. He taught the machines how to pause, how to adjust, how to taste - in their own mechanical way. Then, the next meal came up. Silence. Next, one of the engineers and Alex’s trainer both took a small bite. “This…actually tastes homemade!” Word spread quickly. BioSyn began hiring more experienced cooks just like Alex - not to replace them but to help train the machines using real human knowledge. Restaurants became partnerships. Alex finally had his job back. Maybe not the same one, but a better one. To replicate something that simply cannot be replaced - the human spirit. He wasn’t replaced. He was upgraded. At that moment, the words of the BioSyn CEO Kelvin Thorne rung in his ears as he stood confidently on that podium in the news: “Humanity is not being replaced but being upgraded.” Alex finally understood. The upgrade was never the machines. It was what happened when human knowledge was valued again.

As a Filipina woman from a low-income background, I am eager to enrich Arizona State University's community by pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering and further global efforts to sustainability. I can provide a unique perspective on underrepresented groups in STEM fields, fostering a more inclusive and rich learning environment for programs offered at my university. I would also provide unique skills sets, knowledge and understanding gained through the International Baccalaureate program and job experience. To further my passion for technology during high school, I became an intern to complete Dell Tech Certification. During the internship, I learned how to install and maintain computer systems for software and hardware on desktops and laptops and resolve internet and network access issues. I also learned how to make functional ethernet cables, replace LCD displays, and troubleshoot issues in classroom projectors. The skills gained during this internship align with my long-term goals. My skills in problem solving and troubleshooting were enhanced, which are crucial skills needed for an engineer. I also worked in a team with my classmates who were doing the same thing as me. I worked alongside others to solve issues seen with classroom projectors, which required knowledge about technology and communication. This experience prepared me for similar collaborative projects in the future. I also helped with workshops for incoming freshmen to show students how to best utilize their technology resources. This included learning how to navigate a Windows laptop, where to save important documents to OneDrive, using login information, and where they can go on campus for more assistance. Having experienced a similar technological shift myself during high school, I was able to relate to the freshmen’s frustration as they adapted to using Windows laptops instead of Chromebooks. This fueled my determination to be their guide. I learned how to break down technical jargon into plain language. Being able to personally witness the lightbulb moment as they grasped a new concept was incredibly rewarding. I learned the art of active listening, tailoring explanations to different learning styles, and building rapport quickly. These invaluable skills are essential for future engineering teamwork. During the summer of my freshmen year, I also finished a week-long online course at Arizona State University about the uses of 3D printing. One of the implications involved turning recycled material into 3D-printed homes. I learned how this method is cost-efficient, time-saving, and sustainable. This idea captivated me because it was something I had never seen before, which inspired me to want to create similar innovative solutions. This technology intersects with my vision of sustainable engineering because they were taking recycled materials to make homes. Overall, these experiences taught me how technology can benefit the well-being of others through creative and innovative ways, both inside and outside the classroom. With the support of this scholarship, I am eager to immerse myself in the vibrant academic and research environment at Arizona State University. I am certain the education that I will receive will empower me to design groundbreaking solutions to global problems, ultimately advancing my aspirations of a greener world.

I aspire to engineer groundbreaking technologies that further the global effort of sustainability. In ten years, I envision myself collaborating with diverse experts to achieve a shared goal in making a greener future. And I plan to bring this aspiration into a reality through hard work and dedication. To further this passion during high school and gain experience, I finished a week-long online course at Arizona State University about the uses of 3D printing. One of the implications involved turning recycled material into 3D-printed homes. I learned how this method is cost-efficient, time-saving, and sustainable. This idea captivated me because it was something I had never seen before, which inspired me to want to create similar innovative solutions. This technology intersects with my vision of sustainable engineering because they were taking recycled materials to make homes. This experience taught me how technology can benefit the well-being of others through creative and innovative ways. Now, I will be pursuing a mechanical engineering degree within the Barrett honors program at Arizona State University. Mechanical engineering is the best fit for my aspirations. Pursuing this degree will equip me with the knowledge and skills required to design, test, and develop technology made for sustainable living. I will be a part of the Grand Challenge Scholars Program at the university that aims at preparing tomorrow’s engineering leaders to solve significant challenges facing society. Through this program, students gain an interdisciplinary perspective and gain multicultural awareness by engaging in entrepreneurship and giving back to the community. With the support of this scholarship, I am eager to immerse myself in the vibrant academic and research environment at Arizona State University. I am certain the education that I will receive will empower me to design groundbreaking solutions to global problems, ultimately advancing my aspirations of a greener world.

The Bible. Although it consists of multiple books, has diverse literature, was written over the course of hundreds of years, and has multiple authors, it is unified by one overarching story - God’s plan to glorify Himself by redeeming His people, executing judgment on sin, and making all things new in Jesus Christ. I have learned through the Bible that it is not enough to simply be ‘a good person’ to get to Heaven. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) “As it is written: there is none righteous, no, not one;” (Romans 3:10). While someone might consider themselves ‘good’ compared to most people, how do we measure up to God’s law? If you have ever told a lie, then you are a liar. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” (James 2:10) Disobedience to an infinite, eternal God deserves infinite, eternal punishment. Yet God loves us so much that He gave Jesus Christ to take our place to save us. We can never be saved by what we do, but by confessing our sins to God and placing our faith in Jesus Christ who fully suffered the punishment we deserve. Now, in the same way Jesus died and rose from the dead, we are now dead to sin and rise to a new life with God. We are now a new creation and changed by the grace shown to us by God. We now have a restored relationship with God and are no longer held to sin to those who turn to Jesus Christ.

I am a second-generation Filipino American and want to gain experience in mechanical engineering. My goal is to further sustainable efforts in reducing the effects of climate change. My mother is Filipino and was born in Bohol, Philippines. She and her family moved to the United States so she could earn her bachelor's degree in social work at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I was inspired by my mother’s selfless motivation to help those in need. But after seeing the harsh realities of the heart of social work, it became emotionally draining on her and she no longer works in that profession. Since then, it has been difficult paying off student loans. From this experience, my mother always urges me to look for scholarships so as not to end up in the same situation as herself. Regardless, my mother found a way to help others by running her own small cleaning business. She started from scratch and navigated the complexities of business ownership, from developing customers to handling the day-to-day operations. And after working well over a few years in this business, she has gained numerous customers that she personally attends to everyday. Inspired by my mother’s entrepreneurialism and strong work ethic, I also want to study something that will help people. Mechanical engineering is a field of study that would be new to me. I want to expand on my STEM experience by learning how to optimize structures that use renewable energy. This would include the design and building of solar panels (and where better to learn than in the valley of the sun!) and wind turbines. To explore this interest, during the summer of my freshmen year, I finished a week-long online course that was provided by Arizona State University about the uses of 3D printing. One of the applications involved turning recycled material into 3D-printed homes. This method is cost-efficient, time-saving, and sustainable. This experience has taught me how technology can benefit others through innovative ways. As an intern, I learned how technology integration can transform educational experiences. Completing Dell tech certification was not just about validating skills in hardware and software; it gave way to a broader set of competencies that proved useful in creating a technology-rich learning environment. I gained hands-on experience through installing and maintaining computer systems, while also learning how to troubleshoot network issues. I also learned the art of customer service and effective communication as I interacted with many students and faculty members, addressing their various concerns. Overall, these experiences underscore the broader impact of integrating technology to benefit others, both inside and outside the classroom. Inspired by my mother, whose line of work that comes with the sole purpose of helping others has been a guiding light. I desire to apply the same selfless attitude through mechanical engineering, a powerful avenue that blends a desire to help others with innovative technological solutions to some of the world’s greatest issues. I seek to impact the lives of others directly and personally in my community, as my mother personally attends to each of her customers. This scholarship is an investment in my commitment to using technology as a force for positive, lasting change. And the curriculum offered at Barrett Arizona State University will help to nurture that passion and give me the experience needed to be well equipped to use technology for good.

My vision is to foster a sense of communal responsibility in others and encourage people to contribute to the well-being of the environment in all that we do. I believe that the things we do can affect other people, whether we realize it or not. I seek to work towards that goal by studying mechanical engineering, specifically having a concentration in energy and environment. I personally want to demonstrate that what we do can have an effect on the lives around us. This is so people can be more cognizant of the actions we take and its effects on the environment, and ultimately on the people around us. Sustainability matters to me because it aligns with my personal beliefs. This world was not made for personal gain. But was meant to be tended, cared for, and nurtured. However, the actions that we have done as a humanity have brought devastating and possibly lasting effects on the natural world that we get to experience. I would like to be involved in the leading efforts of sustainability through mechanical engineering. To further this interest while in high school, I finished a week-long online course at Arizona State University about the uses of 3D printing. One of the implications involved turning recycled material into 3D-printed homes. This method is cost-efficient, time-saving, and sustainable. Overall, these experiences taught me how technology can benefit the well-being of others through creative and innovative ways, both inside and outside the classroom. I also became an intern to complete Dell Tech Certification. This certification validates my skills in deploying Dell hardware and involves tasks such as installing and maintaining computer systems for software and hardware on desktops and laptops, resolving internet and network access issues. I also learned how to make functional ethernet cables, replace LCD displays, and troubleshoot issues in classroom projectors. Before the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, our Dell Student Tech Crew did workshops for incoming freshmen to show students how to best utilize their technology resources. Our team showed students how to use their login information, how to maintain their laptops, reach out to administration for repairs, and save important documents. This internship has taught me customer service, communication, and how to integrate technology to benefit others, specifically within the classroom. I want to grow on these experiences through mechanical engineering, a discipline that combines the two aspects of serving the community and using technology in innovative ways to contribute to a greater good. And this scholarship will help fund a future to nurture that passion and give me the experience needed to use those skills for others.

Laveen is a small town in Arizona. It is family-oriented, close-knit, and has a strong sense of community. It is also very diverse with about half of the population being Hispanic, 19% White, 16% African American, and 6% Asian. This is also reflected in my school where the total minority enrollment is 92%, and 58% of students are economically disadvantaged. Laveen is also unique in that it is close to downtown Phoenix, but is also close to farmland. A person might come across citrus orchards, cotton fields, cow farms, and other agricultural activities interspersed throughout the area. Laveen also holds many traditions. One of these is the annual Laveen Winter Festival, which I helped with during my sophomore year as an NHS member and officer. I assisted at a booth where kids could participate in free arts and craft activities such as making paper plate reindeer, snowmen, and ornaments. This otherwise simple task was meaningful to families because it allowed them to enjoy the event without having to worry about spending money. In Laveen, I learned the value of having empathy and compassion for others. Particularly when I volunteered for the Salvation Army Christmas tag event. I had to wrap donated gifts for financially struggling families. In the middle of a bustling mall, large tables with Christmas trees at each corner of the table were placed. Each Christmas tree was covered with the name tags of the children with their wish list below. Participants had to take a tag off one of the trees, buy the gift on the wishlist, and return it to the volunteers for the gifts to be wrapped. I found it impactful that one of the tags simply requested for “Bubbles.” I became more grateful for what I had as a result of this experience. It made me reflect on the abundance of my own life and how many of us take the small joys and blessings of our lives for granted. I have lived in this community since I was 9-years-old and it has instilled in me a stronger sense of community and seeing others like family. I have learned to appreciate people who come from different backgrounds, experiences, cultures, groups, and economic statuses. I hope to contribute to my community by serving it in both small, direct ways like community service and as well as in broader applications through my experience gained in education.

I have a passion for math (for the most part). I even gave up a month of my summer break during high school to learn Pre-Calculus to be enrolled in my Junior Year Calculus class. I spent hours both during and after school learning and understanding complex math concepts. If there’s one thing I can take away is that when you learn about math concepts, you learn to break down difficult problems piece by piece and see them for what they are and what can be done to address them. Learning just the fundamentals of Calculus has helped me to take a step back, reframe my mindset, and change my action plan to break down problems with first-principle thinking to effectively solve a complicated-looking problem that, at first, looked nothing but like hieroglyphics. I want to take this mindset and apply it, not only in just a STEM-related career but also throughout life. With this love of math, I want to apply it to biological data analysis to model and study biological systems for scientific research. As well as learn how macromolecules perform their functions and quantify their behavior through coding. Though this may seem like a daunting task, I feel that this scholarship will help to be that driving force to bring me one step closer to this goal and gain meaningful information that would benefit those in the medical field by learning how to break problems down piece by piece, equation by equation, step by step.

Building a drug from molecule to medicine is a difficult and complex process, and often ends in failure. But how do you make better molecules from the beginning? By designing drugs through a polypharmacological, patient-centered approach with Cyclica, which is a Toronto-based biotechnology company that uses AI and computational biophysics in order to effectively restructure the drug discovery process. The company offers the pharmaceutical industry an integrated enabling platform focused on polypharmacology that improves how scientists design, screen, and personalize medicines for patients while lessening off-target side effects. Cyclica’s patented AI-augmented platform also provides innovative insights and analyses into a drug’s polypharmacology. The company embraces the complexities of diseases and works to integrate systems of biology, medicinal chemistry, biophysics, and machine learning in order to tackle issues that are presented during the drug discovery process. Although Cyclica is within the beginning stages of creating tangible and quantitative results for the drug discovery process, the company has created a diversified portfolio of assets across multiple therapeutic indications through a partnership model. As well as collaborating with multinational companies that represent strategic partnership options for the Cyclica portfolio, increasing their probability of success. The company presents a steadfast desire to help patients by advancing the discovery and development of better medicines by taking a holistic yet personalized approach. I want to help bring visions such as these forward by partnering with hyper innovative biotech companies that are rooted in sound science and to help get medicines to patients more efficiently and precisely.

Something I thought Was out of reach Was always here Thinkin’ ‘bout Waking up at 6 Dressing up Felt lost with this I knew the hymns But never knew Him Felt disconnected Confused Broke a fuse Like I often do I walk up Sung the songs of praise O Hallowed Be Thy Name Didn’t know I was dying Didn’t know I was lost ‘Cause it’s more than just signing the cross ‘Cause see the gospel Isn’t that I’m good or perfect. It’s that You are. You never wanted my perfect. You just wanted my heart. But the things I do Takes us apart And that’s why You gave Your One And Only Son. And the Lord is giving me a chance to regain my dignity Because repentance is what unlocks a beautiful and powerful gift as a result of Your sovereignty. But some say that justice was not served, But we are more blessed than we realize that we didn’t get what we truly deserved. Even though a sinner, it’s plain and simple to see, That despite the things we have done wrong, we can say, “God still loves me.” You are not a distant God in Heaven above, You are within us because You are love. Love. Completely unworthy and underserving of... Love... That covers this blood stain cross. That covers me. Overwhelmed by this gift of Your life just to save mine. You stepped off Your Throne You who were sinless and perfect Came down to walk the ground that I walk on Just to save a sinful wretch that has done nothing but walk away. Why, O Lord, did you care for me? Somone so undeserving of such love? That you could be nailed on a cross And die for me and those who put You up there.

Building a drug from molecule to medicine is a difficult and complex process, and often ends in failure. But how do you make better molecules from the beginning? By designing drugs through a polypharmacological, patient-centered approach with Cyclica, which is a Toronto-based biotechnology company that uses AI and computational biophysics in order to effectively restructure the drug discovery process. The company offers the pharmaceutical industry an integrated enabling platform focused on polypharmacology that improves how scientists design, screen, and personalize medicines for patients while lessening off-target side effects. Cyclica’s patented AI-augmented platform provides innovative insights and analyses into a drug’s polypharmacology. The company embraces the complexities of diseases and works to integrate systems of biology, medicinal chemistry, biophysics, and machine learning in order to tackle issues that are presented during the drug discovery process. Although Cyclica is within the beginning stages of creating tangible and quantitative results for the drug discovery process, the company has created a diversified portfolio of assets across multiple therapeutic indications through a partnership model. As well as collaborating with multinational companies that represent strategic partnership options for the Cyclica portfolio, increasing their probability of success. The company presents a steadfast desire to help patients by advancing the discovery and development of better medicines by taking a holistic yet personalized approach. I want to help bring visions such as these forward by partnering with hyper innovative biotech companies that are rooted in sound science and get medicines to patients more efficiently and precisely. I have a strong passion and desire for things like computer science, biomedical engineering, and quite frankly any cool tech-y stuff your mind can conjure up (like Tony Starks suits or his fancy glasses). I am currently a part of my Robotics club at Betty Fairfax High school where I am collaborating with others to go in head-to-head robotics competitions in December of 2022. I was enrolled in CS50 (aka CS50x through edX), which is Harvard University's online self-paced program that introduces the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming. These activites have helped me to take a step back, reframe my mindset, and change my action plan to break down problems with first principles thinking and leverage on those principles to effectively problem solve. I want to apply these skills to help others and make a lasting, positive impact and help give the kind of opportunities I have for my future for others, if not more.

"Let's get down to business To defeat the Huns Did they send me daughters When I asked for sons?... Mister, I'll make a man out of youuuu." If you know cheesy and classic lines above, then congratulations - you've figured out that my favorite Disney character is Mulan. I personally try to mirror her admirable characteristics shown throughout the movie. Sure, most of us won't be asked to save our country or engage in a choreographed musical number while training to fight Genghis Khan, but I'm sure most of us can find this character relatable regarding the struggles she faces not just externally but internally and how some of us might admire her virtuous traits. Mulan certainly demonstrates acts of courage throughout the events of the film. Taking her father's armor and the family sword, directly defying the laws of own country, and dishonoring her family by going out to war as a female. Not to mention standing firm to her principles and what she feels should be done considering that her father is clearly not fit to fight in battle. She does all this despite what everyone else says and what society thinks Mulan should do in a situation like this. But by further proving her bravery, she completely defies gender norms by going off to war as a female. In a patriarchal, male-dominated society, she has been conditioned her entire life to conform to society's idea of how a woman should act - quiet, submissive, and obedient to men. But Mulan shows everything but these qualities of a "women" and fights right alongside men while (may I add) managing to hide her identity the entire time. However, as the story goes, she eventually reveals her identity as she realizes that hiding who she truly is is holding herself back. Although this is just a kid's show, it touches on very real issues on the struggles of one's identity and familial relationships. As someone also being Asian/Pacific Islander, I relate to Mulan constantly wanting to make her family proud and honor them but also struggling to be her authentic self. But her character has shown the importance of remaining firm in what you believe in and having the courage to stand up in spite of the circumstance or your fears. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from these kid shows.

The thing about being brave is that it doesn’t come with the absence of fear or anxiety. It’s the ability to look fear and anxiety in the face and say move aside, you are in my way. You are what’s preventing me from becoming all that I am meant to be. You are what’s preventing me from reaching my fullest potential. And no longer will I let you. Throughout my life, I have noticed that I am not as social as some other people because I feared I might do something embarrassing. At first, I didn’t think much of if it. So what if I don’t want to talk to some people? But that mindset swiftly backfired against me once I’ve started to notice that more the “social individuals” were far better at networking and interacting with others to develop those professional or social contacts, which I saw greatly benefitted them in the long run academically. From that point on, I desperately wanted to be as social as them and have been disciplining myself to forcibly speak to people I haven’t before. As well as learning to just throw myself out there and participate in class and take charge. And it has proven time and time again that I have made yet another meaningful connection with another student with whom I didn't even know I could make that connection with. This gave me a new sense of confidence and although I still feel odd when I speak, I've found that it’s been getting easier and easier. Today I actively participate in class without necessarily caring how other people might think, and even if I am awkward or weird who really cares? I'd rather regret saying something embarrassing than regret when I didn't say something at all.

I sit down at my desk. The final exam is in 4 weeks. I struggle and procrastinate in figuring out HOW and WHAT should be the first thing to do if I want to pass... When I first began researching to find productive strategies for studying, my impressionable self was distracted with the aesthetics of fancy stationary and endless “Study with Me” YouTube videos, believing that this will somehow help me in passing my exams. I failed to realize that exams, tests, and quizzes do not care about the kind of highlighters or notebooks I use to “study” because they are testing to see if I not only understand the concepts but are also able to apply it to realistic situations and problems. My study strategies now consist of practice tests, practice tests, and practice tests. I create a study plan by taking the total number of subjects that have been covered in the semester and divide it by how many days there are left until the exam. From there, I constantly use flash cards, videos for a visual aid, and any reference materials to test myself and tackle questions without time constraints so I can get used to different question-types. Then, I test myself AGAIN in a simulated environment to measure my improvements followed by quizzing myself a couple days prior to the exam. I also exercise and do physical activities as it helps to release stress and worry regarding many things along with the exam. The repetitive motions promote focus on my body instead of my mind. Throughout this whole process, I learned that discipline, organization, and consistency are what’s going to get me the results I want.

When a person is born, they do not have the power to choose where they live, who their family is, how much money their family earns, or their appearance. One does have the power to do good despite their circumstances because it costs nothing to be kind, compassionate, and empathetic. I could have been born anywhere in the world at any given moment in time, yet I was born into a loving family, a home with access to clean food and water, clothes, and an education that will help pave the way for a career in STEM. My motivation has always been reminding myself of how fortunate I am and that I must use the things I have to improve the quality of life for others by helping to give the kind of opportunities that I have for my future, if not more. My plan is to major in Computer Science Engineering and apply that to Biomedicine after I graduate from high school. My life goal has always been to make a difference in people's lives and bring a lasting, positive impact on my community and environment.

When a person is born, they do not have the power to choose where they live, who their family is, how much money their family earns, or their appearance. One does have the power to do good despite their circumstances because it costs nothing to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. I could have been born anywhere in the world at any given moment in time, yet I was born into a loving family, a home with access to clean food and water, clothes, and an education that will help pave the way for a career in STEM. I want to improve the quality of life for others by helping to give the kind of opportunities that I have for my future, if not more. My plan is to major in Computer Science Engineering and apply that to Biomedicine after I graduate from high school. My life goal has always been to make a difference in people's lives and bring a lasting, positive impact on my community and environment.

Hey! My name is Morgan and I don't have much to say, but I hope you'll like an intro written this way! You won’t regret your choice If selected, I’ll rejoice! I have plans for a career that keeps animals here, makes clearer skies, and rids plastic from the water. I've got huge plans in store you can help me pay for like internships, jobs, and research opportunities galore. I would be a fool if go into debt for school. So I’ll need some extra dough To be able to go and I got this intuition that you'll help me on my mission.

Ever so often, the glare of my laptop seems to intensify. My eyes read the same sentence two or three times, yet I fail to extract its meaning. I feel the need to force myself in getting through my growing list of assignments and projects to complete, messages to send and respond to, documents to read, and websites to research. There is so much more to do, but my brain is telling me to stop. You're running on a complete brain fog. I need some downtime. It is critical that I give myself time to recharge because that replenishes the brain’s stores of attention and motivation, encourages productivity and creativity, and is essential in achieving our highest levels of performance in the long run. I relax by simply listening to music, watching a movie with my family, playing my guitar, drawing, and the list goes on. I do things that will get my mind off my everyday schedule and allow me to enjoy the moment because a well-rested mind that is free of worry and stress is far more effective and creative.

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you," - Lewis B. Smedes. Forgiveness means choosing to let go of feelings of anger and resentment toward yourself or someone else and surrendering thoughts of revenge. Opposed to what many may believe, forgiveness is not forgetting. In fact, to "forgive and forget" something is not possible because it will be the one thing that will linger in the forefront of one's conscience. Forgiving someone does not mean that one no longer feels the pain of their offense. Instead, one must understand that the pain caused by another person will probably never vanish, but that doesn't mean one has not truly forgiven someone. Forgiving a person who has wronged or sinned against you does not mean you cease longing for justice. It also does not mean you are making it easy for the offender to hurt you again because one might set boundaries. For instance, a person named Sammy Rangel, who despite being a victim of childhood physical, mental and sexual abuse, living most of his juvenile life as a homeless throwaway child and encountering drugs, crime, sex, and violence in the street, overcame addiction and recovered from a life of violence. His recovery began after a pivotal moment in his life where his counselor asked, "Have you ever hurt anyone the way your mother has hurt you?" Since then, he turned his life around and became a college-graduate, a counselor, a mentor and a father because he understood forgiveness. Having graduated with Presidential honors and Summa Cum Laude, Rangel holds a Master of Social Work Degree and has earned many awards. His autobiographical book, FOURBEARS: The Myths of Forgiveness is not just a graphically illustrated memoir, but is also ‘instructions’ to forgive, change and recover.

"In a world of constant change and streaming technology, I find solace in the forest where a tree remains a tree." - Angie Weiland-Crosby When I'm outside, I try to focus on the setting around me and take in nature in all its beauty – a landscape that effortlessly falls into place. It displays this diversity with all flora and fauna that rely on each other for balance and models a healthier pace of life. Trees and plants grow slowly, deer graze peacefully, and rabbits scamper about, giving me this immediate sense of tranquility. It calls me back to reality because you cannot stop it from raining or delay the setting sun. I realize how little control I have and how human life is truly fragile and a blessing. I remember that a lack of control is part of life, and accepting this reality makes it not only bearable, but possible to feel the joy of being alive and learning to take things one day at a time.

Joy means to "smile while you still have teeth," as asserted by Mallory Hopkins, who of which is a journalist, editor, and producer. Although the phrase is humorous, it also gave me pause because it is true. I have always made every effort to succeed in my academic performance to the point where I would be completely drained and exhausted. I do this because I feel that the onus is on me to make something of myself and accomplish things no one has previously. I place these expectations of being a part of something bigger than myself. This ambition in wanting to do more made me lose sight of what I have now, which is a loving family, supportive friends, and opportunities that guarantee success if taken full advantage of without damaging my mental and physical health because being successful in life is not everything. It’s being able to be content where you are now and smile knowing that you have everything you ever need for a fulfilling life and to bring joy to others.

There are many things that can be done to improve education for future generations. Internationally, there is a lack of trained teachers, inadequate learning materials, makeshift classes, and poor sanitation facilities that make learning difficult for many children. Many households have access to education but cannot afford it. The most salient aspect that would better quality education would be affordability. Poverty remains a stubborn fact that refuses to open doors for generations to come. Children from low-income families often start school behind their peers who originate from affluent families. The depth, occurrence, duration, and timing of poverty all influence a child’s educational attainment. In addition to community characteristics and social networks. School readiness reflects a child’s ability to succeed academically and socially in a school environment. Its requirements include physical well-being, appropriate motor development, emotional health, a positive approach to new experiences, age-appropriate social knowledge, competence, language skills, general knowledge, and cognitive skills. And poverty abides as a well-documented adversity, decreasing a child’s readiness for school through positions of health, home life, schooling, and neighborhoods. A child’s home has a notably strong impact on school readiness. “Children from low-income families often do not receive the stimulation and do not learn the social skills required to prepare them for school,” as stated by NCBI resources. Studies deriving from successive waves of the NLSCY have consistently shown that socioeconomic factors have a large and pervasive influence over school achievement. However, education directly correlates with many solutions to poverty such as economic growth, reduced income inequality, reduced infant and maternal deaths, reduced stunting, reduced vulnerability to disease, and reduced violence at home and in society. Affordability would evidently create a substantial impact on children’s lives. “According to UNESCO, if all students in low-income countries had just basic reading skills (nothing else), an estimated 171 million people could escape extreme poverty. If all adults completed secondary education, we could cut the global poverty rate by more than half,” as asserted by Concern worldwide US. If education would become affordable to low-income families, a significant impact would occur in a child’s life and the rest of the positives would follow.

A common misconception is that art and science are two separate disciplines. However, when studied closely, it is clear how the two are intertwined. To demonstrate, my favorite artist is @singularitony who creates daily animation drawings. The shapes used in each animation can be applied in creating designs for STEM-related fields.

The concept of sustainability has gone from the fringes to mainstream, driven by an environmental crisis on a global scale. It encompasses an entire shift of our understanding of the world and our place within it. It is important for many reasons. To start, - Environmental Quality – To have healthy communities, we need clean air, natural resources, and a nontoxic environment. - Growth – We need resources such as energy, water, and space and I aim to use our planet's resources efficiently to benefit our community. - Healthcare – Sustainability and healthcare are intricately related given the quality of our environment affects public health. For instance, many health issues are directly related to air and water quality. Being green is more than just buying products at your local Target labeled "Biodegradable" or "Eco-friendly", it is having an unwavering commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. After obtaining a master’s degree, I want to become a biomedical engineer to improve the quality of life for others and contribute to a more sustainable world by applying my knowledge related to STEM. I’m looking to inspire others to participate in taking action, contribute to something far greater than myself, be a part of something that is going to outlive me, and help future generations. My vision is to help make a more sustainable world a reality and give opportunities to those who otherwise would not have them in the first place. I will know that I have succeeded when the amount of plastic waste has been reduced by at least 5% and reused again in other applications of sustainability. I have access to the resources needed to accomplish this goal: advanced high school classes and extracurricular programs that are related to STEM, faculty members that are more than willing to help, and online resources that can be used for research purposes. Thus, likely bringing success. This objective is relevant given it will benefit the depleting environment, which I am looking to accomplish after successfully graduating from high school. In the meantime, I will do the following: - Join advanced STEM-related courses - Get involved in extracurricular activities that are STEM-related - Explore other interests - Learn to balance home & academic life - Speak to multiple faculty members about my interests and values related to college. As well as, seeking help to discuss parts of my secondary education that are undecided. Once I have made a decision, I will do as follows: - Earn a master’s degree in biomedical engineering and sustainability. - Find ways to reduce the amount of plastic waste by at least 5% and reuse it again. However, I must accept the reality that helping to create a more sustainable world is going to take more than just a high school sophomore, but if it means helping to reduce plastic waste, I’m all for it. “The funny thing about sustainability is you gotta sustain it.” - Ron Finley