27 seconds remained. Our team and rival team were quick at work at the 3rd grade robotics competition. Hands flew over the remote, looking for the right program that would earn us the most points. The score was close, 3 points was all that separated us. But we pushed in order to get ahead and worked in tandem, each team member fulfilling their duty with quickness and efficiency. We had spent months building/ programming/ and testing our robot- all in preparation of this very day. When the round had concluded, we came out as the winners. But what I found was that the true joy came not from winning, but from the process of creating the robot in the first place. This experience drove me to the engineering program at my high school, where I later decided to immerse myself in the thing that had initially sparked my interest; robotics. Heads turning, faces marked with surprise, and eyes widening—this was the reaction that occurred when I made my first appearance on the robotics team. I had anticipated this response, as the gender gap in STEM fields is ever prevalent today. Yet, this initial interaction did not deter me; instead, it fueled a determination to contribute meaningfully. Focusing on impact rather than expectation, I immersed myself in the team’s mission of mentorship and inclusion, by: organizing STEM camps for elementary/middle/high schoolers, creating a robust digital presence through our website and Instagram, mentoring a local team, volunteering at 3rd grade robotics competitions, running a "Women In STEM" passion project (where I actively fought the gender gap), and executing tasks through our student enterprise (Grizzly Graphics). This dedication did not go unnoticed. My team earned the Motivate and Connect awards at the subsequent competitions, thanks to these efforts. The following year, my team voted me into leadership. Being elected team captain the following year meant so much more than a title; it was internal recognition by my fellow members that my work had transcended the initial surprise and earned their respect. The foundation of that value, and what truly draws me to engineering, is the reality that there are infinite ways to solve a problem. This perspective has fundamentally altered how I perceive learning and challenges. With many subjects, I often find a prescribed path to a singular, defined solution. Engineering, on the other hand, offers a boundless landscape. Knowing there is no single, correct way to invent something grants me the freedom to experiment and iterate until I find the most effective method. This iterative process—improving upon existing methods and generating novel approaches—brings the distinct satisfaction that stems from enhancing the tools and objects people interact with every day. Whether I am 3D modeling parts for our robot, compiling code for a project or refining an iteration for a community project, I find immense fulfillment in having the creative liberty to approach challenges without restriction. This creative liberty is what drove me to study Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University next fall, where I represent 2% of Materials Science Engineers, being Asian, and a woman. Driven by a love and desire to serve, solve, and create, I am determined to further my education in engineering because it represents a complete amalgamation of everything I have ever loved. It is a field that rewards dedication and leadership with the limitless potential for innovation—a field where a surprise reaction can quickly be replaced by tangible, recognized results, and where the freedom to design is the freedom to improve the world.

27 seconds remained. Our team and rival team were quick at work at the 3rd grade robotics competition. Hands flew over the remote, looking for the right program that would earn us the most points. The score was close, 3 points was all that separated us. But we pushed in order to get ahead and worked in tandem, each team member fulfilling their duty with quickness and efficiency. We had spent months building/ programming/ and testing our robot- all in preparation of this very day. When the round had concluded, we came out as the winners. But what I found was that the true joy came not from winning, but from the process of creating the robot in the first place. This experience drove me to the engineering program at my high school, where I later decided to immerse myself in the thing that had initially sparked my interest; robotics. Heads turning, faces marked with surprise, and eyes widening—this was the reaction that occurred when I made my first appearance on the robotics team. I had anticipated this response, as the gender gap in STEM fields is ever prevalent today. Yet, this initial interaction did not deter me; instead, it fueled a determination to contribute meaningfully. Focusing on impact rather than expectation, I immersed myself in the team’s mission of mentorship and inclusion, by: organizing STEM camps for elementary/middle/high schoolers, creating a robust digital presence through our website and Instagram, mentoring a local team, volunteering at 3rd grade robotics competitions, running a "Women In STEM" passion project (where I actively fought the gender gap), and executing tasks through our student enterprise (Grizzly Graphics). This dedication did not go unnoticed, earning my team the Motivate and Connect awards at the subsequent competitions. The following year, my team voted me into leadership. Being elected team captain the following year meant so much more than a title; it was internal recognition by my fellow members that my work had transcended the initial surprise and established real value. The foundation of that value, and what truly draws me to engineering, is the reality that there are infinite ways to solve a problem. This perspective has fundamentally altered how I perceive learning and challenges. With many subjects, I often find a prescribed path to a singular, defined solution. Engineering, on the other hand, offers a boundless landscape. Knowing there is no single, correct way to invent something grants me the freedom to experiment and iterate until I find the most effective method. This iterative process—improving upon existing methods and generating novel approaches—brings the distinct satisfaction that stems from enhancing the tools and objects people interact with every day. Whether I am 3D modeling parts for our robot, compiling code for a project or refining an iteration for a community project, I find immense fulfillment in having the creative liberty to approach challenges without restriction. This creative liberty is what drove me to study Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University next fall, where I represent 2% of Materials Science Engineers, being Asian and a woman. I believe education is important because it provides me with the knowledge that I need to help + empower others. By being enrolled in the EASA (Engineering Aerospace and Science Academy) program for 4 years, I've obtained: CAD (with Inventor and Fusion), coding (Robot C), tool usage, documentation (EWB, Tech Sheets, Design Review Packets, Drawing sheets etc.), and organizational skills. Acting to use this information I've acquired: through robotics, as the team captain and outreach lead, I've organized and facilitated STEM camps for elementary/ middle school/ and high school students. Some of these STEM camps have been through my passion project "Women In STEM" where I aim to empower strong STEM loving women with the resources that they need to succeed in the field, in hopes of reducing the gender gap that is ever so prevalent within STEM. We had one recently where I assembled a culmination of simple machines and then had the girls build it in small teams (as engineering is a collaborative pursuit). In addition, I used Edison V3 robots to introduce the girls to python based coding, utilizing a scratch program. I then gave them several challenges, getting progressively more difficult each time. At camps and in general, seeing the kids succeed are among the moments that bring me the greatest fulfillment. I will use this fulfillment to continue organizing camps for youth to get involved and interested in STEM. My greatest hope is to apply this knowledge and passion to directly help people. Driven by a love and desire to serve, solve, and create, I am determined to further my education in engineering because it represents a complete amalgamation of everything I have ever loved. It is a field that rewards dedication and leadership with the limitless potential for innovation—a field where a surprise reaction can quickly be replaced by tangible, recognized results, and where the freedom to design is the freedom to improve the world.

27 seconds remained. Our team and rival team were quick at work at the 3rd grade robotics competition. Hands flew over the remote, looking for the right program that would earn us the most points. The score was close, 3 points was all that separated us. But we pushed in order to get ahead and worked in tandem, each team member fulfilling their duty with quickness and efficiency. We had spent months building/ programming/ and testing our robot- all in preparation of this very day. When the round had concluded, we came out as the winners. But what I found was that the true joy came not from winning, but from the process of creating the robot in the first place. This experience drove me to the engineering program at my high school, where I later decided to immerse myself in the thing that had initially sparked my interest; robotics. Heads turning, faces marked with surprise, and eyes widening—this was the reaction that occurred when I made my first appearance on the robotics team. I had anticipated this response, as the gender gap in STEM fields is ever prevalent today. Yet, this initial interaction did not deter me; instead, it fueled a determination to contribute meaningfully. Focusing on impact rather than expectation, I immersed myself in the team’s mission of mentorship and inclusion, by: organizing STEM camps for elementary/middle/high schoolers, creating a robust digital presence through our website and Instagram, mentoring a local team, volunteering at 3rd grade robotics competitions, running a "Women In STEM" passion project, and executing tasks through our student enterprise (Grizzly Graphics). This dedication did not go unnoticed, earning my team the Motivate and Connect awards at the subsequent competitions. The following year, my team voted me into leadership. Being elected team captain the following year meant so much more than a title; it was internal recognition by my fellow members that my work had transcended the initial surprise and established real value. The foundation of that value, and what truly draws me to engineering, is the reality that there are infinite ways to solve a problem. This perspective has fundamentally altered how I perceive learning and challenges. With many subjects, I often find a prescribed path to a singular, defined solution. Engineering, on the other hand, offers a boundless landscape. Knowing there is no single, correct way to invent something grants me the freedom to experiment and iterate until I find the most effective method. This iterative process—improving upon existing methods and generating novel approaches—brings the distinct satisfaction that stems from enhancing the tools and objects people interact with every day. Whether I am 3D modeling parts for our robot, compiling code for a project or refining an iteration for a community project, I find immense fulfillment in having the creative liberty to approach challenges without restriction. As a result, I am pursuing Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University in the upcoming fall. This scholarship would help me afford my education there. My greatest hope is to apply this knowledge and passion to directly help people. Driven by a love and desire to serve, solve, and create, I am determined to further my education in engineering because it represents a complete amalgamation of everything I have ever loved. It is a field that rewards dedication and leadership with the limitless potential for innovation—a field where a surprise reaction can quickly be replaced by tangible, recognized results, and where the freedom to design is the freedom to improve the world.

27 seconds remained. Our team and rival team were quick at work at the 3rd grade robotics competition. Hands flew over the remote, looking for the right program that would earn us the most points. The score was close, 3 points was all that separated us. But we pushed in order to get ahead and worked in tandem, each team member fulfilling their duty with quickness and efficiency. We had spent months building/ programming/ and testing our robot- all in preparation of this very day. When the round had concluded, we came out as the winners. But what I found was that the true joy came not from winning, but from the process of creating the robot in the first place. This experience drove me to the engineering program at my high school, where I later decided to immerse myself in the thing that had initially sparked my interest; robotics. Heads turning, faces marked with surprise, and eyes widening—this was the reaction that occurred when I made my first appearance on the robotics team. I had anticipated this response, as the gender gap in STEM fields is ever prevalent today. Yet, this initial interaction did not deter me; instead, it fueled a determination to contribute meaningfully. Focusing on impact rather than expectation, I immersed myself in the team’s mission of mentorship and inclusion, by: organizing STEM camps for elementary/middle/high schoolers, creating a robust digital presence through our website and Instagram, mentoring a local team, volunteering at 3rd grade robotics competitions, running a "Women In STEM" passion project (where I actively fought the gender gap), and executing tasks through our student enterprise (Grizzly Graphics). This dedication did not go unnoticed, earning my team the Motivate and Connect awards at the subsequent competitions. The following year, my team voted me into leadership. Being elected team captain the following year meant so much more than a title; it was internal recognition by my fellow members that my work had transcended the initial surprise and established real value. The foundation of that value, and what truly draws me to engineering, is the reality that there are infinite ways to solve a problem. This perspective has fundamentally altered how I perceive learning and challenges. With many subjects, I often find a prescribed path to a singular, defined solution. Engineering, on the other hand, offers a boundless landscape. Knowing there is no single, correct way to invent something grants me the freedom to experiment and iterate until I find the most effective method. This iterative process—improving upon existing methods and generating novel approaches—brings the distinct satisfaction that stems from enhancing the tools and objects people interact with every day. Whether I am 3D modeling parts for our robot, compiling code for a project or refining an iteration for a community project, I find immense fulfillment in having the creative liberty to approach challenges without restriction. This creative liberty is what drove me to study Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University next fall, where I represent 2% of Materials Science Engineers, being Asian and a woman. My greatest hope is to apply this knowledge and passion to directly help people. Driven by a love and desire to serve, solve, and create, I am determined to further my education in engineering because it represents a complete amalgamation of everything I have ever loved. It is a field that rewards dedication and leadership with the limitless potential for innovation—a field where a surprise reaction can quickly be replaced by tangible, recognized results, and where the freedom to design is the freedom to improve the world.

27 seconds remained. Our team and rival team were quick at work at the 3rd grade robotics competition. Hands flew over the remote, looking for the right program that would earn us the most points. The score was close, 3 points was all that separated us. But we pushed in order to get ahead and worked in tandem, each team member fulfilling their duty with quickness and efficiency. We had spent months building/ programming/ and testing our robot- all in preparation of this very day. When the round had concluded, we came out as the winners. But what I found was that the true joy came not from winning, but from the process of creating the robot in the first place. This experience drove me to the engineering program at my high school, where I later decided to immerse myself in the thing that had initially sparked my interest; robotics. Heads turning, faces marked with surprise, and eyes widening—this was the reaction that occurred when I made my first appearance on the robotics team. I had anticipated this response, as the gender gap in STEM fields is ever prevalent today. Yet, this initial interaction did not deter me; instead, it fueled a determination to contribute meaningfully. Focusing on impact rather than expectation, I immersed myself in the team’s mission of mentorship and inclusion, by: organizing STEM camps for elementary/middle/high schoolers, creating a robust digital presence through our website and Instagram, mentoring a local team, volunteering at 3rd grade robotics competitions, running a "Women In STEM" passion project (where I actively fought the gender gap), and executing tasks through our student enterprise (Grizzly Graphics). This dedication did not go unnoticed, earning my team the Motivate and Connect awards at the subsequent competitions. The following year, my team voted me into leadership. Being elected team captain the following year meant so much more than a title; it was internal recognition by my fellow members that my work had transcended the initial surprise and established real value. The foundation of that value, and what truly draws me to engineering, is the reality that there are infinite ways to solve a problem. This perspective has fundamentally altered how I perceive learning and challenges. With many subjects, I often find a prescribed path to a singular, defined solution. Engineering, on the other hand, offers a boundless landscape. Knowing there is no single, correct way to invent something grants me the freedom to experiment and iterate until I find the most effective method. This iterative process—improving upon existing methods and generating novel approaches—brings the distinct satisfaction that stems from enhancing the tools and objects people interact with every day. Whether I am 3D modeling parts for our robot, compiling code for a project or refining an iteration for a community project, I find immense fulfillment in having the creative liberty to approach challenges without restriction. This creative liberty is what drove me to study Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University next fall, where I represent 2% of Materials Science Engineers, being Asian and a woman. My greatest hope is to apply this knowledge and passion to directly help people. Driven by a love and desire to serve, solve, and create, I am determined to further my education in engineering because it represents a complete amalgamation of everything I have ever loved. It is a field that rewards dedication and leadership with the limitless potential for innovation—a field where a surprise reaction can quickly be replaced by tangible, recognized results, and where the freedom to design is the freedom to improve the world.

27 seconds remained. Our team and rival team were quick at work at the 3rd grade robotics competition. Hands flew over the remote, looking for the right program that would earn us the most points. The score was close, 3 points was all that separated us. But we pushed in order to get ahead and worked in tandem, each team member fulfilling their duty with quickness and efficiency. We had spent months building/ programming/ and testing our robot- all in preparation of this very day. When the round had concluded, we came out as the winners. But what I found was that the true joy came not from winning, but from the process of creating the robot in the first place. This experience drove me to the engineering program at my high school, where I later decided to immerse myself in the thing that had initially sparked my interest; robotics. Heads turning, faces marked with surprise, and eyes widening—this was the reaction that occurred when I made my first appearance on the robotics team. I had anticipated this response, as the gender gap in STEM fields is ever prevalent today. Yet, this initial interaction did not deter me; instead, it fueled a determination to contribute meaningfully. Focusing on impact rather than expectation, I immersed myself in the team’s mission of mentorship and inclusion, by: organizing STEM camps for elementary/middle/high schoolers, creating a robust digital presence through our website and Instagram, mentoring a local team, volunteering at 3rd grade robotics competitions, running a "Women In STEM" passion project (where I actively fought the gender gap), and executing tasks through our student enterprise (Grizzly Graphics). This dedication did not go unnoticed, earning my team the Motivate and Connect awards at the subsequent competitions. The following year, my team voted me into leadership. Being elected team captain the following year meant so much more than a title; it was internal recognition by my fellow members that my work had transcended the initial surprise and established real value. The foundation of that value, and what truly draws me to engineering, is the reality that there are infinite ways to solve a problem. This perspective has fundamentally altered how I perceive learning and challenges. With many subjects, I often find a prescribed path to a singular, defined solution. Engineering, on the other hand, offers a boundless landscape. Knowing there is no single, correct way to invent something grants me the freedom to experiment and iterate until I find the most effective method. This iterative process—improving upon existing methods and generating novel approaches—brings the distinct satisfaction that stems from enhancing the tools and objects people interact with every day. Whether I am 3D modeling parts for our robot, compiling code for a project or refining an iteration for a community project, I find immense fulfillment in having the creative liberty to approach challenges without restriction. This creative liberty is what drove me to study Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University next fall, where I represent 2% of Materials Science Engineers, being Asian and a woman. My greatest hope is to apply this knowledge and passion to directly help people. Driven by a love and desire to serve, solve, and create, I am determined to further my education in engineering because it represents a complete amalgamation of everything I have ever loved. It is a field that rewards dedication and leadership with the limitless potential for innovation—a field where a surprise reaction can quickly be replaced by tangible, recognized results, and where the freedom to design is the freedom to improve the world.

Heads turning, faces marked with surprise, and eyes widening—this was the reaction that occurred when I made my first appearance on the robotics team. I had anticipated this response, as the gender gap in STEM fields is ever prevalent today. Yet, this initial interaction did not deter me; instead, it fueled a determination to contribute meaningfully. Focusing on impact rather than expectation, I immersed myself in the team’s mission of mentorship and inclusion, by: organizing STEM camps, creating a robust digital presence through our website and Instagram, mentoring a local team, volunteering at competitions, running a "Women In STEM" passion project, and executing tasks through our student enterprise. This dedication did not go unnoticed, earning my team the Motivate and Connect awards at the subsequent competitions. The following year, my team voted me into leadership. Being elected team captain the following year meant so much more than a title; it was internal recognition by my fellow members that my work had transcended the initial surprise and established real value. The foundation of that value, and what truly draws me to engineering, is the reality that there are infinite ways to solve a problem. This perspective has fundamentally altered how I perceive learning and challenges. With many subjects, I often find a prescribed path to a singular, defined solution. Engineering, on the other hand, offers a boundless landscape. Knowing there is no single, correct way to invent something grants me the freedom to experiment and iterate until I find the most effective method. This iterative process—improving upon existing methods and generating novel approaches—brings the distinct satisfaction that stems from enhancing the tools and objects people interact with every day. Whether I am 3D modeling parts for our robot, compiling code for a project or refining an iteration for a community project, I find immense fulfillment in having the creative liberty to approach challenges without restriction. My greatest hope is to apply this knowledge and passion to directly help people. Driven by a love and desire to serve, solve, and create, I am determined to further my education in engineering because it represents a complete amalgamation of everything I have ever loved. It is a field that rewards dedication and leadership with the limitless potential for innovation—a field where a surprise reaction can quickly be replaced by tangible, recognized results, and where the freedom to design is the freedom to improve the world.

27 seconds remained. Our team and rival team were quick at work at the 3rd grade robotics competition. Hands flew over the remote, looking for the right program that would earn us the most points. The score was close, 3 points was all that separated us. But we pushed in order to get ahead and worked in tandem, each team member fulfilling their duty with quickness and efficiency. We had spent months building/ programming/ and testing our robot- all in preparation of this very day. When the round had concluded, we came out as the winners. But what I found was that the true joy came not from winning, but from the process of creating the robot in the first place. This experience drove me to the engineering program at my high school, where I later decided to immerse myself in the thing that had initially sparked my interest; robotics. Heads turning, faces marked with surprise, and eyes widening—this was the reaction that occurred when I made my first appearance on the robotics team. I had anticipated this response, as the gender gap in STEM fields is ever prevalent today. Yet, this initial interaction did not deter me; instead, it fueled a determination to contribute meaningfully. Focusing on impact rather than expectation, I immersed myself in the team’s mission of mentorship and inclusion, by: organizing STEM camps for elementary/middle/high schoolers/women, creating a robust digital presence through our website and Instagram, mentoring a local team, volunteering at competitions, running a "Women In STEM" passion project, and executing tasks through our student enterprise (Grizzly Graphics) to raise over $2000. This dedication did not go unnoticed, earning my team the Motivate and Connect awards at the subsequent competitions. The following year, my team voted me into leadership. Being elected team captain the following year meant so much more than a title; it was internal recognition by my fellow members that my work had transcended the initial surprise and established real value. The foundation of that value, and what truly draws me to engineering, is the reality that there are infinite ways to solve a problem. This perspective has fundamentally altered how I perceive learning and challenges. With many subjects, I often find a prescribed path to a singular, defined solution. Engineering, on the other hand, offers a boundless landscape. Knowing there is no single, correct way to invent something grants me the freedom to experiment and iterate until I find the most effective method. This iterative process—improving upon existing methods and generating novel approaches—brings the distinct satisfaction that stems from enhancing the tools and objects people interact with every day. Whether I am 3D modeling parts for our robot, compiling code for a project or refining an iteration for a community project, I find immense fulfillment in having the creative liberty to approach challenges without restriction. My greatest hope is to apply this knowledge and passion to directly help people. Driven by a love and desire to serve, solve, and create, I am determined to further my education in engineering because it represents a complete amalgamation of everything I have ever loved. It is a field that rewards dedication and leadership with the limitless potential for innovation—a field where a surprise reaction can quickly be replaced by tangible, recognized results, and where the freedom to design is the freedom to improve the world.

To me, a community is a team (defined as a group of people working towards a common goal). Nowhere else is community as prevalent as it is within karate. And doing karate for 12 years, I recognized communities all around me. The first level of community was within the dojo. Training with the same people for multiple hours everyday elicited a type of bonding that I could best describe as familial. Pushing each other to train harder, grinding together, and celebrating each others wins and successes showed me that I had a place where I belonged. Mentoring at the classes with younger students, being a camp leader, and leading class emphasized the way our Sensei pushed us to give back to our dojo family and stay involved with the next generation of karateka. The next level of community was found within national competitions. Though we gave our all during matches, didn't hold back, and all came from different dojos, we still had the ability to hang out as friends, and demonstrate respect whether winning or losing our matches. When I lost, I used it as motivation in training, but I was also genuinely happy for my opponent. Knowing that their hard work paid off pushed me to work for the same result. This ability to compete against each other to raise the bar of USA Karate as a whole and make genuine connections that will last a lifetime was one of the greatest gifts karate could have ever given me. The last level of community was at the Pan-American Championships in Santiago, Chile. Competing against the other top 2 seeds from 21 countries was an experience that I was honored to be a part of. Matches were intense, but there was a universal respect amongst all the athletes that allowed us to treat each other with kindness and intensity. Because the bar was high, we drew out the best performances from each other, and competed at the highest level we knew how. I am a better person today because of the standards and qualities that karate communities instilled in me. In terms of the future, I will be studying Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University in the fall. The reality that there are infinite ways to solve a problem is what draws me to engineering. This reality has altered my perception of learning. With other subjects, I find that there are usually singular ways to achieve a solution. With engineering, however, knowing that there is no single correct way to go about the invention of something allows me the freedom to try things until I find the most effective method. Improving upon these methods brings me the satisfaction that stems from helping to improve the things people interact with and use throughout their everyday life. Whether I'm 3D modeling parts for our robot or improving on an iteration for a project, I find great fulfillment in having the creative liberty to solve problems. My greatest hope for the future is to apply my knowledge to help people. I’m motivated and determined to further my education in pursuit of this goal. Driven by a love and desire to serve, solve, and create, I want to study engineering because it is a complete amalgamation of everything l've ever loved. Because engineering is a collaborative pursuit, I will apply the work ethic and humility learned from karate communities and apply it to continue being a better person and a human being of impact.

"Boldly, Unapologetically Me" Prompt Response: When I first joined my robotics team, the surprised reactions to my presence highlighted the persistent gender gap in STEM. But rather than being deterred, I used that energy to fuel a commitment to service. I shifted the focus from expectations to impact, dedicating myself to outreach efforts that would strengthen both my team and our local community. My contributions centered on expanding the reach of STEM. I organized community STEM camps for elementary schoolers/ middle schoolers/ high schoolers/ + women, mentored local teams in Dayton, raised over $2000 through our student enterprise (Grizzly Graphics) and volunteered at 3rd grade robotics competitions, whilst also building a robust digital presence through our website and social media. These initiatives were crucial to our team earning the Motivate and Connect awards—honors that specifically recognize community integration and inspiration. Being elected Team Captain the following year was a profound milestone to me because it signaled that my peers valued my contributions and leadership over initial stereotypes. For me, engineering is defined by the freedom to iterate with infinite ways to solve a problem. Whether I am 3D modeling robot components or refining a community-based project, I find fulfillment in the creative process of improving the tools/objects people use in their everyday lives. Ultimately, my journey in robotics is driven by a desire to serve and create. Engineering represents the perfect amalgamation of leadership and innovation- a field where a surprise reaction can quickly be replaced by tangible, recognized results, and where the freedom to design is the freedom to improve the world. "Kindness in Action" Prompt Response: When I first joined student government, Associated Student Body (ASB) Executive Diego showed incredibly kind + welcoming actions, making me feel like I belonged when I felt I didn't. Leading today, I take the initiative to make others feel included and valued; like him. In robotics, defying the STEM gender gap, I transformed initial surprise into institutional value. I immersed myself in my robotics team’s mission- organizing STEM camps for: elementary schoolers, middle schoolers and other women; volunteering at 3rd grade robotics competitions; launching a digital presence through Instagram; and mentoring local teams— efforts that earned us the Motivate and Connect awards. My election as Team Captain validated that my contributions transcended stereotypes, establishing me as a leader focused on tangible results. As team captain, I make sure to use my position to advocate for fellow girls on the team to get into the roles that they hoped for. When I saw the boys on our team try to push the girls into Outreach (as they had done with me), I made arrangements for meetings with them where they could express their desires (without the misogynistic undertones from fellow guys on the team). After hearing from them, I ensure that they get the opportunities that I never got: working as a builder, coder, or CAD person rather than someone pushed to the side to do outreach or secretarial jobs. They are now thriving in these roles, and I make sure to commend and applaud them for their contributions. This support that I was able to give them meant a lot to me because I try to carry an inclusive value not only as a leader, but also a person; and any actions that reflect that, are extremely important to me because I want to do my part in supporting my teammates as a Team Captain, and as a person trying to bridge the gap for women in STEM.

27 seconds remained. Our team and rival team were quick at work at the 3rd grade robotics competition. Hands flew over the remote, looking for the right program that would earn us the most points. The score was close, 3 points was all that separated us. But we pushed in order to get ahead and worked in tandem, each team member fulfilling their duty with quickness and efficiency. We had spent months building/ programming/ and testing our robot- all in preparation of this very day. When the round had concluded, we came out as the winners. But what I found was that the true joy came not from winning, but from the process of creating the robot in the first place. This experience drove me to the engineering program at my high school, where I later decided to immerse myself in the thing that had initially sparked my interest: robotics. Heads turning, faces marked with surprise, and eyes widening—this was the reaction that occurred when I made my first appearance on the robotics team. I had anticipated this response, as the gender gap in STEM fields is ever prevalent today. Yet, this initial interaction did not deter me; instead, it fueled a determination to contribute meaningfully. Focusing on impact rather than expectation, I immersed myself in the team’s mission, organizing STEM camps for elementary schoolers and other women, creating a robust digital presence through our website and Instagram, mentoring a local team, volunteering at 3rd grade robotics competitions, and executing tasks through our student enterprise. This dedication did not go unnoticed, earning my team the Motivate and Connect awards. Being elected team captain the following year meant so much more than a title; it was internal recognition by my fellow members that my work had transcended the initial surprise and established real value. The foundation of that value, and what truly draws me to engineering, is the reality that there are infinite ways to solve a problem. This perspective has fundamentally altered how I perceive learning and challenges. With many subjects, I often find a prescribed path to a singular, defined solution. Engineering, conversely, offers a boundless landscape. Knowing there is no single, correct way to invent something grants me the freedom to experiment and iterate until I find the most effective method. This iterative process—improving upon existing methods and generating novel approaches—brings the distinct satisfaction that stems from enhancing the tools and objects people interact with every day. Whether I am 3D modeling crucial parts for our robot or refining an iteration for a community project, I find immense fulfillment in having the creative liberty to approach challenges without restriction. My greatest hope is to apply this knowledge and passion to directly help people. Driven by a love and desire to serve, solve, and create, I am determined to further my education in engineering because it represents a complete amalgamation of everything I have ever loved. It is a field that rewards dedication and leadership with the limitless potential for innovation—a field where a surprise reaction can quickly be replaced by tangible, recognized results, and where the freedom to design is the freedom to improve the world.

27 seconds remained. Our team and rival team were quick at work at the 3rd grade robotics competition. Hands flew over the remote, looking for the right program that would earn us the most points. The score was close, 3 points was all that separated us. But we pushed in order to get ahead and worked in tandem, each team member fulfilling their duty with quickness and efficiency. We had spent months building/ programming/ and testing our robot- all in preparation of this very day. When the round had concluded, we came out as the winners. But what I found was that the true joy came not from winning, but from the process of creating the robot in the first place. This experience drove me to the engineering program at my high school, where I later decided to immerse myself in the thing that had initially sparked my interest; robotics. Heads turning, faces marked with surprise, and eyes widening—this was the reaction that occurred when I made my first appearance on the robotics team. I had anticipated this response, as the gender gap in STEM fields is ever prevalent today. Yet, this initial interaction did not deter me; instead, it fueled a determination to contribute meaningfully. Focusing on impact rather than expectation, I immersed myself in the team’s mission of mentorship and inclusion, by: organizing STEM camps, creating a robust digital presence through our website and Instagram, mentoring a local team, volunteering at competitions, running a "Women In STEM" passion project, and executing tasks through our student enterprise. This dedication did not go unnoticed, earning my team the Motivate and Connect awards at the subsequent competitions. The following year, my team voted me into leadership. Being elected team captain the following year meant so much more than a title; it was internal recognition by my fellow members that my work had transcended the initial surprise and established real value. The foundation of that value, and what truly draws me to engineering, is the reality that there are infinite ways to solve a problem. This perspective has fundamentally altered how I perceive learning and challenges. With many subjects, I often find a prescribed path to a singular, defined solution. Engineering, on the other hand, offers a boundless landscape. Knowing there is no single, correct way to invent something grants me the freedom to experiment and iterate until I find the most effective method. This iterative process—improving upon existing methods and generating novel approaches—brings the distinct satisfaction that stems from enhancing the tools and objects people interact with every day. Whether I am 3D modeling parts for our robot, compiling code for a project or refining an iteration for a community project, I find immense fulfillment in having the creative liberty to approach challenges without restriction. My greatest hope is to apply this knowledge and passion to directly help people. Driven by a love and desire to serve, solve, and create, I am determined to further my education in engineering because it represents a complete amalgamation of everything I have ever loved. It is a field that rewards dedication and leadership with the limitless potential for innovation—a field where a surprise reaction can quickly be replaced by tangible, recognized results, and where the freedom to design is the freedom to improve the world.

Heads turning, faces marked with surprise, and eyes widening—this was the reaction that occurred when I made my first appearance on the robotics team. I had anticipated this response, as the gender gap in STEM fields is ever prevalent today. Yet, this initial interaction did not deter me; instead, it fueled a determination to contribute meaningfully. Focusing on impact rather than expectation, I immersed myself in the team’s mission of mentorship and inclusion, by: organizing STEM camps, creating a robust digital presence through our website and Instagram, mentoring a local team, volunteering at competitions, running a "Women In STEM" passion project, and executing tasks through our student enterprise. This dedication did not go unnoticed, earning my team the Motivate and Connect awards at the subsequent competitions. The following year, my team voted me into leadership. Being elected team captain the following year meant so much more than a title; it was internal recognition by my fellow members that my work had transcended the initial surprise and established real value. The foundation of that value, and what truly draws me to engineering, is the reality that there are infinite ways to solve a problem. This perspective has fundamentally altered how I perceive learning and challenges. With many subjects, I often find a prescribed path to a singular, defined solution. Engineering, on the other hand, offers a boundless landscape. Knowing there is no single, correct way to invent something grants me the freedom to experiment and iterate until I find the most effective method. This iterative process—improving upon existing methods and generating novel approaches—brings the distinct satisfaction that stems from enhancing the tools and objects people interact with every day. Whether I am 3D modeling parts for our robot, compiling code for a project or refining an iteration for a community project, I find immense fulfillment in having the creative liberty to approach challenges without restriction. My greatest hope is to apply this knowledge and passion to directly help people. Driven by a love and desire to serve, solve, and create, I am determined to further my education in engineering because it represents a complete amalgamation of everything I have ever loved. It is a field that rewards dedication and leadership with the limitless potential for innovation—a field where a surprise reaction can quickly be replaced by tangible, recognized results, and where the freedom to design is the freedom to improve the world.