Gender disparity remains a pressing issue in various parts of the world, including the state of Texas. As an individual deeply committed to promoting equality and justice, I am driven by the urgency to confront gender disparity in Texas and create meaningful change. Through my educational pursuits and future career, I aspire to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals affected by gender inequality and contribute to the progress of society as a whole. My motivation to address gender disparity in Texas stems from both personal experiences and a broader understanding of the pervasive nature of inequality. Witnessing the struggles faced by women in my community and the discrimination they endure solely based on their gender has fueled my determination to fight for justice. I firmly believe that no individual should be denied opportunities, rights, or respect due to their gender identity. Furthermore, my motivation grows even stronger as I gain knowledge of the startling statistics regarding gender inequality in Texas. Reports highlighting the gender wage gap, underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, and limited access to quality healthcare and education for women serve as a reminder of the urgent need for change. By confronting gender disparity head-on, we can foster a more inclusive society that benefits everyone. With my degree in CS, I envision making a meaningful impact in Texas by challenging gender disparity through various avenues. Firstly, I plan to leverage my knowledge and skills to advocate for policy changes that dismantle systemic barriers and promote gender equality. By engaging with lawmakers, organizations, and community leaders, I aim to contribute to the development and implementation of progressive policies that address gender disparities in areas such as pay equity, healthcare, and education. Additionally, I hope to utilize my degree to empower women and girls by promoting education and professional development opportunities. By providing mentorship, organizing workshops, and supporting initiatives that encourage women's participation in traditionally male-dominated fields, I aim to break down societal stereotypes and create a more level playing field. Furthermore, as I advance in my career, I aspire to hold leadership positions where I can actively work towards gender equality within organizations and institutions. By advocating for fair hiring practices, implementing policies that promote work-life balance, and fostering an inclusive work environment, I intend to lead by example and inspire others to prioritize gender equality. Beyond my immediate career aspirations, I recognize the importance of creating lasting change through community engagement and grassroots efforts. I plan to collaborate with local organizations, participate in volunteer work, and raise awareness through public speaking engagements and social media campaigns. By amplifying voices, sharing stories, and fostering dialogue, I aim to create a collective movement that challenges societal norms and promotes gender equality. Confronting gender disparity in Texas is an ongoing battle that requires individuals who are motivated, determined, and committed to effecting change. Through my education, career, and community engagement, I aspire to make a lasting impact by addressing the root causes of gender inequality and fostering a society that values and respects the rights and opportunities of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. Together, we can create a future where gender disparity is a thing of the past and equality prevails.

Throughout our lives, we encounter various pieces of financial advice that shape our perspectives and decision-making. However, one particular piece of advice has had a profound impact on my financial journey. This simple yet powerful statement has become my guiding principle when it comes to financial decisions. It emphasizes the importance of personal growth, education, and skill development as the foundation for long-term financial success. Here's why this advice resonates with me: Investing in oneself means continuously seeking opportunities to learn and develop new skills. By dedicating time, effort, and resources to personal growth, we increase our knowledge and expertise, ultimately enhancing our earning potential. This advice encourages a mindset of continuous improvement, whether through formal education, professional development courses, or self-directed learning. It reinforces the idea that our greatest asset is ourselves and that ongoing investment in our skills and knowledge will yield the highest returns. The advice also emphasizes the pursuit of financial independence. By acquiring valuable skills and knowledge, we gain the ability to generate income and build wealth independently. Rather than relying solely on external factors such as employment or investments, we cultivate a sense of self-reliance and resilience. This empowerment enables us to adapt to changing circumstances, pursue diverse income streams, and navigate financial challenges with confidence. By investing in ourselves, we become better equipped to create and sustain our own financial stability. Investing in ourselves not only has financial benefits but also leads to personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Pursuing our passions, developing our talents, and acquiring new skills align us with our values and aspirations. This sense of purpose and fulfillment contributes to our overall well-being and happiness. By prioritizing personal growth and investing in our passions, we create a more meaningful and rewarding life experience. In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, adaptability is key. The best piece of financial advice acknowledges this reality by encouraging continuous learning and skill development. By staying ahead of technological advancements, industry trends, and market demands, we position ourselves to seize opportunities and navigate potential disruptions. This advice fosters a mindset. "The best investment you can make is in yourself" is the best piece of financial advice I have received. It encapsulates the idea that personal growth, education, and skill development are the foundations of long-term financial success. By investing in ourselves, we empower our financial independence, cultivate personal fulfillment, and develop the adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. This advice has become a guiding principle in my life, shaping my decisions and reinforcing the belief that I am my most valuable asset. By embracing the power of self-investment, we can unlock our full potential and pave the way for a prosperous future. Let us recognize the significance of continuously learning, developing our skills, and pursuing personal growth. By doing so, we not only enhance our financial well-being but also foster personal fulfillment and resilience in the face of an evolving world. The advice to "invest in yourself" has proven to be a transformative principle in my financial journey. It has reshaped my perspective on personal finance and highlighted the fundamental role of personal growth, education, and skill development in achieving long-term financial success. By dedicating time and resources to continuously learn and develop new skills, we not only enhance our knowledge and expertise but also increase our earning potential. This advice instills a mindset of constant improvement and recognizes that our greatest asset is ourselves. Furthermore, investing in ourselves goes beyond financial gains. It emphasizes the pursuit of financial independence, enabling us to generate income and build wealth independently. By acquiring valuable skills and knowledge, we cultivate self-reliance and resilience, empowering us to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate financial challenges confidently. This sense of empowerment brings not only financial stability but also a greater sense of control and self-determination. Investing in ourselves also leads to personal fulfillment and satisfaction. By pursuing our passions, developing our talents, and acquiring new skills, we align ourselves with our values and aspirations. This sense of purpose contributes to our overall well-being and happiness, creating a more meaningful and rewarding life experience. The journey of personal growth and self-investment becomes an end in itself, enriching our lives beyond financial measures. In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, adaptability is crucial. The advice to invest in ourselves recognizes this reality by encouraging continuous learning and skill development. By staying ahead of technological advancements, industry trends, and market demands, we position ourselves to seize opportunities and navigate potential disruptions. This advice fosters a growth mindset that is essential for thriving in an ever-changing landscape. "The best investment you can make is in yourself" encapsulates the essence of this advice. It reminds us that personal growth, education, and skill development are the foundations of long-term financial success. By investing in ourselves, we empower our financial independence, cultivate personal fulfillment, and develop the adaptability needed to thrive in an evolving world. This principle has become a guiding light in my life, shaping my decisions and reinforcing the belief that I am my most valuable asset. In conclusion, embracing the power of self-investment unlocks our full potential and paves the way for a prosperous future. Let us recognize the significance of continuously learning, developing our skills, and pursuing personal growth. By doing so, we not only enhance our financial well-being but also foster personal fulfillment and resilience in the face of an ever-changing world. Investing in ourselves is the key to unlocking a life of purpose, fulfillment, and financial abundance.

Mental health is a fundamental part of our overall well-being and can be defined as a state of psychological, emotional and social well-being. It is an integral part of our lives and can have a major influence on our beliefs, relationships and career aspirations. My personal experience with mental health has been one of growth and exploration, as I have learned to better understand and manage my mental health to lead a more balanced and fulfilled life. I have experienced anxiety and low self-esteem. These experiences have shaped my beliefs, relationships and career aspirations in various ways. Firstly, I have learned to gain a greater awareness of my own emotions and feelings, as well as those of others. This has enabled me to develop a more empathetic outlook on life and to better relate to people with different experiences and perspectives. The insights I have gained have also enabled me to become more compassionate toward myself, allowing me to accept my flaws and shortcomings. In the past, I have found that my anxiety issues have caused me to be more withdrawn and have led to difficulties in forming and maintaining meaningful relationships. However, I have also found that by understanding my mental health better, I have been able to develop healthier relationships with those around me. By being more open and honest about my mental health issues, I have been able to form more meaningful connections with my friends and family. Additionally, I have been able to use my experiences to help those around me to better understand their mental health issues. My experiences with mental health have also influenced my career aspirations. When I was younger, I was unsure of what I wanted to do in life, as I felt overwhelmed by the many possibilities and uncertain about my own abilities. However, as I have come to better understand and manage my mental health, I have become more confident in my abilities and more determined to pursue my passions. I have also become more aware of the importance of finding a career that is fulfilling and meaningful to me, rather than simply choosing a job based on money or status. Overall, my experience with mental health has been one of growth and exploration. It has enabled me to develop a greater understanding of myself and those around me, while also providing me with the motivation to pursue my passions and to create a meaningful and fulfilling career. By better understanding my mental health and the impact it has had on my beliefs, relationships and career aspirations, I have been able to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. My experience with mental health has also taught me the value of getting assistance and treatment when needed. I have been able to create coping mechanisms and methods to manage my anxiety and poor self-esteem through therapy and other types of mental health help. This has helped me live a more secure and satisfying life and has also taught me how important it is to get support when dealing with mental health issues. As I think it is crucial to lead a happy and healthy life, I intend to keep putting my mental health first and inspire others to do the same.

As the oldest of three children, money was tight, and my parents couldn't afford the coaching. When I tried out for the school’s tennis team in freshman year, I crashed against the harsh reality that professional coaching was necessary to make the junior varsity team. Practicing at 5:30 am with my dad just wouldn't cut it. There was always some ceiling I couldn't break and being self-taught only took me so far. Similar occurrences took place in other activities I was interested in. Though I experienced painfully real obstacles, that didn't mean I couldn't help others do what I could not and succeed where I was stopped. I decided to put my efforts into helping level the playing field. "Do to others as you would have them do to you." This invaluable saying I learned in church inspired me to look for ways to serve my fellow students. I researched and founded the Youth Passion Project (YPP) along with other volunteers. Many students do not have the opportunity to explore new topics of interest. I found high schoolers who would share their passions and encourage underprivileged students to supplement their learning. I helped introduce several activities (involving both arts and academics) and served as an instructor teaching Java. Recently I attended a dance performance by a YPP student Meera. It was an original she had improvised. Through Meera, I saw myself: a young girl who, given the opportunity, flourished. Even though it was not a traditional dance, I was thrilled with the outcome of the YPP classes. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to see what started as a personal passion project transform and impact hundreds of underserved students. To see students grow personally and professionally through education made my dream come true. My way of not accepting anything less in life was to step up and join YPP with the mission to incorporate equity, diversity, and inclusion. Like Meera, I had a "dance" of my own which is to inspire and mentor others to pursue their passion. In addition, I founded GirlsInSTEM to encourage women to pursue STEM careers in male-dominated fields and combat open sexism. I will advocate for more women to enter male-dominated fields in college, to achieve my personal and academic goals. I intend to work as an Artificial Intelligence Scientist in the Healthcare industry and develop algorithms that use information from chest scans to differentiate between distinct illnesses such as lung cancer and tuberculosis, which my grandmother had died of earlier. I hope to be a role model and combat stereotypes regarding women's intellectual abilities in order to close the gender gap.

Playing tennis has been a part of my life ever since I was six years old. Not only has tennis provided me with an opportunity to stay physically active, but it has also taught me valuable lessons that have shaped the way I live my life to this day. First and foremost, playing tennis has taught me how to be persistent and resilient when faced with difficult challenges and hardships. On the court, I have learned to never give up and keep fighting for every point even when things seem impossible. This mentality has helped me in all aspects of my life because it encourages me to keep pushing and striving for more no matter how daunting the task may appear at first glance. Whenever I am faced with a challenge, I remember a mantra I learned from playing tennis: never give up and keep working hard until I have achieved my goal. Moreover, playing tennis has also instilled in me the importance of teamwork and collaboration. As a team sport, it requires players to work together in order to be successful. This lesson is applicable both on and off the court as it teaches us that we are stronger collectively than we are as individuals. In my everyday life, this understanding helps guide my interactions with others as it encourages me to always think about how our collective actions will benefit everyone involved as opposed to just myself. Finally, tennis has also taught me about respect for others as well as for yourself. Playing sports in general can be quite competitive which is why players must treat each other respectfully at all times on the court regardless of the situation or outcome of a match or point. This lesson is crucial not just on the court but also in day-to-day life as we must learn to respect everyone regardless of their background or beliefs if we wish to create a peaceful society where everyone is treated fairly and equally. In conclusion, playing tennis has shaped who I am today by teaching me so many valuable lessons such as resilience, teamwork, and respect which have guided my decisions throughout my life. These lessons have been instrumental in helping prepare me for any future challenges or opportunities that come my way while also giving me an appreciation for sportsmanship that will never waver regardless of the circumstances at hand. I will keep on playing tennis and continue to learn more from this beautiful sport.

Math has been a source of fascination for me ever since I was a child. I was always curious about how numbers and equations could be used to explain the world around me. Mathematics is a language that enables us to quantify things that are often difficult to express in words. This understanding of math has been instrumental in developing my ability to think critically and solve problems in other aspects of life. The principles of mathematics have shaped my understanding of the world by helping me appreciate the beauty and complexity of it all. It made me realize that there's always more than what meets the eye and that every problem can be broken down into its parts before being solved. Math has taught me that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it; with enough effort, you can find solutions even for issues that appear to be beyond solution. The fact that mathematics is so widely used makes it an incredibly powerful tool for problem-solving in many fields. I find myself drawn to math because it allows me to explore the depths of human knowledge, both theoretical and practical. By learning mathematics, I'm able to understand how different areas are related, enabling me to gain insight into complex concepts like artificial intelligence and data science. Math also provides a platform for creativity; Albert Einstein once said, "Creativity is seeing something no one else has seen and thinking something no one else has thought." It's this creative power of mathematics combined with its logical basis that makes it such an integral part of my life. The principles of mathematics have enabled me to think analytically and systematically about issues, which helps me approach problems from multiple perspectives to find viable solutions. It’s also given me an appreciation for symmetry and beauty in unexpected places--it’s remarkable how simple mathematical equations can produce intricate patterns or create stunning images as if by magic! Math isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about exploring our universe and uncovering its secrets and what laws govern our universe. Mathematics gives us a window into these mysteries, allowing us to make sense of chaos and discover truths hidden beneath the surface. Math is a subject that will always hold a special place in my heart for as long as I live because of all of these reasons and more. It is truly amazing what we can accomplish with mathematics!

In order to make sound financial decisions, one must have financial literacy. It's important to know how to save, invest, and budget effectively in addition to how to make money. To ensure our financial security in the future, it is essential to learn the fundamentals of personal finance. One of the most important aspects of learning about financial literacy is getting reliable information from trustworthy sources. To assist with financial literacy, many online and offline resources are available. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling and jumpstart.org are two examples of numerous government and non-profit organizations that provide accurate and up-to-date information on financial literacy. Additionally, many guides and articles on personal finance topics are available on websites like moneycrashers.com and smartasset.com. Financial literacy can be enhanced by seeking professional guidance in addition to obtaining trustworthy information. Professional advisors such as chartered professional accountants (CPAs) and certified financial planners (CFPs) can provide individualized guidance based on an individual's financial situation and objectives. They can assist with understanding taxes, developing investment plans, and establishing and managing budgets. Financial literacy education for all ought to begin at a young age. Teaching children the fundamentals of money management, such as budgeting and saving, is an essential responsibility that falls on both parents and educators. This ought to begin at a young age and continue all the way through the child's education. Personal finance topics should be taught in schools and resources should be made available to help students understand how to manage money. Financial education programs can also help people become more financially literate. Budgeting, investing, taxes, and credit are just a few of the topics covered in numerous organizations' free or low-cost classes and workshops. Individuals can benefit greatly from these programs by gaining the knowledge and abilities necessary to become financially literate. Finally, peer-to-peer education has the potential to improve financial literacy. This can be accomplished through local meetups, online forums, or even casual conversations with family and friends. Individuals can be motivated to become more financially literate and gain valuable insights into personal finance by conversing with others and sharing their experiences. Financial literacy is an essential skill that every individual ought to have. Individuals can become more financially literate and make informed decisions about their finances by utilizing dependable resources, professional advice, education programs, peer-to-peer education, and other means. It is absolutely necessary for us to equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan for a financially secure future and make sound financial decisions.

The quality that I value most in myself is my capacity for empathy and compassion. Empathy and compassion can be of great assistance in a variety of real-world endeavors. With compassion and empathy, people can build stronger relationships, comprehend and relate to others better, and make a society that is more just and equitable. Additionally, people who exhibit these traits may be able to comprehend one another better and provide support to one another during trying times. Empathy and compassion can assist individuals in better-resolving conflicts and comprehending the perspectives of others. I believe having empathy and compassion allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, and it helps me to better understand their feelings and experiences. I have always been a sensitive person and I think that this quality has been a great asset in my life. Being able to empathize with others and truly understand their perspective has enabled me to build meaningful and lasting relationships with people. Being able to relate to others and give them a sense of understanding and acceptance is something that I believe is very important. Having empathy and compassion also helps me to be a better leader. I think that when you can put yourself in another person’s shoes, it allows you to better understand their needs and wants. This has been beneficial in my high school extracurriculars such as GirlsInStem,where as a leader it has enabled me to make decisions that are more effective and beneficial for the team. I also think that having empathy and compassion has allowed me to be more mindful and aware of my own feelings and emotions. This has been important for my mental health, as it has enabled me to be more in tune with my own needs and to be able to better manage my emotions. It has also enabled me to be more understanding and accepting of myself, which has been an invaluable asset. In general, I believe that empathy and compassion are two qualities that are necessary for leading a life that is rich in meaning. This quality has helped me understand myself better and build good relationships with other people. I can now lead more effectively and make better decisions. Empathy and compassion have been extremely helpful to me throughout my life, and I believe they will continue to benefit me for a very long time to come. I've also been able to keep an eye on the bigger picture while prioritizing the most important things.

Beautiful music resonated through the speakers. Red and yellow sparks of light flashed intermittently, complementing the dancer's multiple poses. The audience stood to its feet and erupted for my best friend, and for a good reason: she was one of the top Bharatnatyam dancers in Houston. While I was thrilled for her and lauded her performance, I felt a twinge of sadness and envy. Why didn't I have her talent? After pictures, laughter, and dinner, on our way back home, I leaned my head against the back seat window watching the day draw to a close. My dad looked at me through the rearview mirror and launched into a remorseful, pity-filled speech I could've smelled coming from a mile away. “If only I could have sent you to dance classes, you would have been the one on that stage.” Having heard this sob story a million times throughout my life, I began to zone out. I practically knew it verbatim. I usually didn't share his remorse or fancy his pity, but today, something punctured the shell and got in under the armor. There was more truth to his words than I'd previously understood. As the oldest of three children of first-generation immigrants, money was tight, and my parents couldn't afford the coaching. When I tried out for the school’s tennis team in freshman year, I crashed against the harsh reality that professional coaching was necessary, even to make the junior varsity team. Practicing at 5:30 am with my dad just wouldn't cut it. There was always some ceiling I couldn't break and being self-taught only took me so far. Similar occurrences took place in other activities I was interested in. Though I experienced painfully real obstacles, that didn't mean I couldn't help others do what I could not and succeed where I was stopped. I decided to put my efforts into helping level the playing field. "Do to others as you would have them do to you." This invaluable saying, I learned in church inspired me to look for ways to serve my fellow students. I went to work, researching ways to put my ideas into action and founded the Youth Passion Project (YPP) Houston Chapter along with other volunteers. Many students do not have the opportunity to explore new topics of interest and develop skills. I decided to help such students by finding high schoolers to share their passions and encourage younger students to expand and supplement their learning. I helped recruit instructors and organized more than 100 free online courses, ranging from Lego Robotics, Entrepreneurship and Java. I collaborated with the executive board to implement marketing and operational strategies. I also taught Java and Scratch as a Java instructor. I was thrilled to see young people find their hidden passion for coding. By contributing to an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive environment, I assisted students to flourish and achieve their full potential. Recently I attended a dance performance by a YPP student Meera. It was an original she had improvised. Through Meera, I saw myself: a young girl who, given the opportunity, flourished. Even though it was not a traditional dance, I was thrilled with the outcome of the YPP classes. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to see what started as a personal passion project transform and impact hundreds of underserved students. To see students grow personally and professionally through education made my dream come true. My way of not accepting anything less in life was to step up and join YPP with the mission to incorporate equity, diversity, and inclusion. My dance may not be the famous and beautiful Bharatanatyam, but I've found a "dance" of my own which is to inspire and mentor others to pursue their passion. I also started GirlsInSTEM to encourage and inspire girls in secondary schools to pursue male-dominated STEM fields like engineering and computer science because I saw very few girls in my CS class in order to fight open sexism. This came about as a result of my encounter with sexist viewpoints in a class during my sophomore year. I was surrounded by comments that ranged from "women can't code" to "how could you ask a young lady?" I knew I had to act and wanted to see more women working in STEM fields. Reaching out to ConocoPhillips, I invited female business leaders & petroleum engineers to talk about internships & discuss their experiences. I organized multiple Science nights at different schools, inspiring more than 300 students. I worked with different TX STEM clubs & set up stations for young girls to learn about Newton's laws of physics & code in java/python. Additionally, during a biweekly meetup I organized with elementary schools, each girl was assigned to a senior mentor who would introduce them to a variety of technology/science-based careers. In addition, I joined organizations such as Interns4good, Project Code Elaborate, and Send2Space and contributed tutorial videos on Python, Java, and Scratch for underserved children earning me the Presidential award. In my opinion, girls should have better access to coaching and they should be encouraged to pursue their passions. There is a need for a variety of perspectives and more women in STEM introduces a variety of points of view. I hope to see a rise in the number of international and local organizations that help students from underprivileged backgrounds. Today's active social participation has the potential to eventually alter society. I believe that organizations like Unicef, whose primary objective is to raise funds for disadvantaged children, should receive more funding. I contributed to the establishment of YPP, a national organization with underprivileged students enrolled from all over the USA to fulfill my part. We should volunteer more and encourage other students. We ought to mentor underserved students for the benefit of society.