Selflessness, to me, is about prioritizing the needs of others, even when it requires sacrifice. It’s about showing up when it matters most and ensuring that our actions leave a lasting, positive impact. I’ve always believed that our worth is measured by how we serve others, not just when it’s convenient, but especially when it’s difficult. This belief drives me in everything I do. One of my most meaningful experiences in community service was organizing a fundraiser for Bantay Bata 163, a Philippine foundation supporting at-risk children. As co-cultural director of the Filipino Student Society at Wayne State University, I wanted to turn our annual Philippine Culture Night into more than just a celebration—it became a mission to raise awareness and funds for vulnerable children. The process was challenging. I had to balance my academic responsibilities while reaching out to sponsors, organizing logistics, and motivating volunteers. But the cause was far greater than the challenges I faced. The fundraiser succeeded, raising over $5,000, which provided much-needed resources to children in need. This experience taught me that selflessness often involves persistence and pushing through personal discomfort to help others. The reward is knowing the difference we make in someone’s life. Beyond this major event, my commitment to community service has been ongoing. I have volunteered as an ESL tutor and Spanish interpreter for the Detroit community, helping non-native English speakers overcome language barriers. I understand how isolating it can feel to be misunderstood, having grown up bilingual myself. I’ve seen firsthand how language can be a barrier to essential services, and my role as a volunteer has been to bridge that gap, ensuring that people have access to the support they need. One specific moment stands out. I was working as a Spanish interpreter at a local health clinic when a family came in, clearly distressed about their child’s health. The parents only spoke Spanish, and their child’s condition required immediate medical attention. I stepped in to translate, ensuring that the medical staff understood the family’s concerns and that the parents felt reassured. The relief on their faces was overwhelming. In that moment, I realized that selflessness isn’t just about service—it’s about making people feel seen, heard, and cared for. It’s about giving them the dignity of being understood, no matter their circumstances. These experiences have shaped my future ambitions. I’m currently pursuing a degree in the medical field, aiming to become a Physician Assistant. I want to dedicate my career to serving underserved communities, particularly those facing barriers to healthcare access. I believe that selflessness is not just a trait, but a responsibility—something I must carry into my profession. As a healthcare provider, I know that small acts of kindness, taking the extra time to listen, and making patients feel heard can profoundly impact their experience. Selflessness, to me, is about showing up, even when it’s hard, and persevering in our efforts to improve the lives of others. Whether through organizing fundraisers or simply translating for someone in need, I’ve committed myself to embodying these values in my life. I plan to continue this work as I move forward, ensuring that the communities I serve feel understood, supported, and cared for.

My first language is Filipino/Tagalog, and it has shaped how I navigate life. Growing up bilingual meant serving as a bridge between two worlds—my family’s, where Tagalog filled our home, and the outside world, dominated by English. One of my earliest memories of this was sitting in a doctor’s office with my parents, nervously trying to translate medical instructions that I barely understood. As a child, the responsibility felt enormous. I wasn’t just translating words; I was translating the health and well-being of my family. This experience showed me how hard it can be for non-native English speakers to access essential services. It made me acutely aware of how language is more than just words—it’s power, and without it, you feel disconnected. Learning English as my second language was difficult. I often fell behind my peers, not just in understanding the material, but in expressing myself. But this challenge taught me resilience and determination. I had to work harder, not only to learn new ideas but to translate them into a language that wasn’t my own. In that struggle, I grew stronger. Eventually, I realized that being bilingual isn’t a limitation—it’s a gift. It allows me to connect with people from different backgrounds, understand their struggles, and advocate for those who feel voiceless. This realization sparked my passion for public health. I understand the challenges faced by underserved communities, especially those who encounter language barriers in healthcare, and I’ve made it my mission to break those barriers. One of the most impactful ways I’ve given back is through my work as an ESL tutor and as a Spanish interpreter for the Detroit community. Helping others navigate the same language challenges I once faced felt like coming full circle. I’ve seen how a simple conversation in someone’s native language can build trust and open doors. These experiences have fueled my drive to become a Physician Assistant, where I can use my multilingual skills to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive care. After graduating, I plan to work in immigrant and underserved communities, where language barriers often prevent people from receiving adequate healthcare. My goal is to ensure that language is never a barrier to quality care. Speaking to someone in their native language creates an instant connection, and I want to be that person for my future patients. The challenges of being bilingual have shaped me into someone adaptable, empathetic, and committed to making a difference. I’ve learned to navigate two languages and two cultures, and in doing so, I’ve gained skills that extend far beyond words. This scholarship would provide the financial support I need to continue my education and focus on my passion for public health, allowing me to develop the skills needed to serve my future patients. Being bilingual has shaped my identity and my purpose. It has prepared me to bridge gaps in healthcare, to be a voice for those who need it, and to ensure that language is never an obstacle to care. Just as I once helped my family navigate an unfamiliar world, I am now ready to help others navigate theirs.

Newton’s First Law of Motion states that an object will remain at rest unless acted upon by an external force. While rooted in physics, this principle also applies to the moral dilemmas we face in life. Standing still often seems like the easier path when confronted with daunting challenges. But in these moments, a decision or an action can move us toward meaningful change. I have experienced this firsthand, and it’s a lesson deeply rooted in Filipino history—when individuals and nations have chosen to act, even in the face of overwhelming odds. In 1937, President Manuel L. Quezon of the Philippines faced such a moment. As World War II loomed, thousands of Jewish refugees fled Nazi persecution. Many nations turned them away, fearing political, social, and economic repercussions. The problem seemed insurmountable, and offering refuge appeared risky. Quezon, however, chose humanity over expediency. He signed Proclamation No. 173, welcoming over 1,200 Jewish refugees to the Philippines. This bold and compassionate act demonstrated that doing what is morally right is worth any sacrifice. Quezon’s decision is a beacon of what can be achieved when one dares to act, even in the face of immense challenges. I faced a situation where the problem seemed too large for me to solve, yet I knew I had to act. As the co-cultural director for the Filipino Student Society at Wayne State University, I was tasked with organizing Philippine Culture Night, a cultural event meant to celebrate our heritage. However, I saw an opportunity to elevate the event. In the Philippines, countless children were living in vulnerable conditions, exposed to neglect and exploitation. Inspired by this, I proposed transforming the event into a fundraiser for Bantay Bata 163, a social welfare program that rescues and rehabilitates at-risk children. The goal felt daunting. Turning a cultural event into a successful fundraiser was no small feat, and the logistics were overwhelming. Our resources were limited, and there were doubts about whether we could make a significant impact. It would have been easier to stick to a simple celebration. But how could we ignore children in need when we had the power to help? Despite doubts, we moved forward. There were sleepless nights spent contacting sponsors, securing donations, brainstorming fundraiser ideas, and organizing every final detail. Whenever exhaustion threatened to overtake me, I reminded myself of the children who had no voice or protection. In the end, the event raised over $5,000 for Bantay Bata, enabling the foundation to provide shelter, education, and rehabilitation to vulnerable children. This experience cemented a core belief in me: the size of the problem doesn’t matter when the necessity of action is clear. So, I ask: when faced with an insurmountable challenge, will you act or remain a passive observer? The cost of action is often high, but the cost of inaction is far greater. As Quezon’s leadership showed, and as I learned through Bantay Bata, there are moments when doing what is right is non-negotiable. The lesson I would pass to the next generation is this: never underestimate the power of your choices, especially in the face of adversity. It’s not the magnitude of the problem that defines us, but the strength of our resolve to face it. Choose courage. Choose action. History is shaped by those who act when it matters most. Just like Newton’s law, we remain at rest until a force—a decision—moves us. It’s in that moment of choice that we define not only ourselves but the world around us.