I was born in Vietnam and moved to the United States when I was just six years old, a transition that profoundly shaped my identity and aspirations. Growing up, my family faced numerous challenges, especially after my father fell ill with coronary artery disease and my aunt battled diabetes. My mother and I took on the responsibility of providing for our family of five, navigating the intricacies of balancing work while supporting each other emotionally. Our early years were spent in a small rented basement, a place that felt both cramped and lonely, especially when my parents were at work and my brother and I were left to care for one another. However, those experiences taught me resilience, determination, and the value of hard work, all of which have driven me to pursue higher education. The influence of my family’s struggles ignited my ambition to attend college and pursue a career in medicine and nursing. My experiences in hospitals, whether accompanying family members during visits or volunteering, made me feel at home among the compassionate healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for others. The warmth and efficiency of those environments inspired my choice of major, as I want to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Staying in the hospital with my father when he first had his open heart surgery in 2020, I was ignited by the wonders of what my life could be if I was doing what the nurses do for my father; I wanted to pursue nursing to give back the care that was given to him. To contribute more, I donate blood during blood drives with the motivation that another person's blood saved my father too. In my spare time, I enjoy crocheting—creating cozy scarves for the library or decorative items for my home. It’s a hobby that not only allows me to express my creativity but also offers moments of tranquility amidst a busy life. Each stitch reminds me of the importance of care and attention, qualities I aim to embody in my future career. Each stitch allows me to tap into the silence and final calm that come when the day is coming to an end. As I look toward college, I carry with me the lessons learned from my family and my past, ready to forge a path that reflects both my aspirations and my commitment to helping others.

Preparing for the SAT has been both a challenging and rewarding journey for me. As a first-generation college student, I recognize the significance of this test not just for my academic future but also as a testament to my family's sacrifices. My goals with the SAT are to achieve a score that reflects my hard work and determination, ultimately aiding in my college admissions process and opening pathways for scholarships that could alleviate some of the financial burdens on my family. To prepare for the SAT, I have developed a structured study plan that incorporates various and rigorous resources. I started by taking a diagnostic test to identify my strengths and weaknesses. This initial assessment helped me tailor my study sessions to focus more on the areas where I needed improvement, such as math and reading comprehension. I dedicate specific hours each day to studying, breaking the material into manageable chunks. I find that using a combination of prep books, online resources, and practice tests has been incredibly effective. The practice tests are particularly useful because they simulate the actual test environment, helping me work on my timing and stress management. In addition to self-study, I have sought support from my teachers and peers. I've joined a study group where we share strategies, quiz each other, and discuss difficult concepts. This collaborative approach has not only enhanced my understanding of the content but also provided motivation and accountability. As I prepare for test day, I also prioritize my well-being. I believe that maintaining a healthy balance between studying and self-care is crucial. This includes regular exercise, healthy eating, and ensuring I get enough sleep. On a personal level, I’ve also been practicing mindfulness techniques to manage any anxiety related to the exam. Ultimately, my goal is to take the SAT not just as a test but as an opportunity to represent my journey and the hard work of my family. I want to score competitively so that I can apply to colleges with robust programs that align with my career aspirations. Beyond the numbers, I want my performance on the SAT to reflect my determination, resilience, and commitment to my education. In addition to my focus on academic preparation, I also recognize the importance of understanding the broader context of the SAT. It’s essential for me to approach the test with the right mindset. I remind myself that this exam is just one part of my college application and that it doesn’t define my entire future. I draw motivation from my experiences as an Asian American and the struggles my family has faced. This perspective fuels my ambition and reinforces my belief that education is a powerful tool for change. Regardless of the outcome, I aim to embrace the journey, learn from the preparation process, and use this experience to further galvanize my pursuit of higher education. My hope is that the skills I develop while preparing for the SAT will serve me well throughout my college experience and beyond, making me not just a better test-taker but a more resilient and resourceful individual.

My Asian American background extends far beyond a simple label; it encapsulates a complex tapestry woven from the threads of cultural identity, familial obligations, and personal ambition. Being Asian American signifies not just a blend of heritage, but also the shared experiences and challenges that come with it. It represents the pride I feel as a first-generation college student, a title that carries with it the weight of expectations—both my own and those of my family. My journey is rooted in my family's sacrifices, their struggles, and their unwavering belief in the potential for a better future. Reflecting on my upbringing, I often find myself looking back at the pivotal moment when my parents made the courageous decision to bring us to the United States in 2011. This wasn't merely a relocation; it was a leap of faith toward a promised land of opportunities. They envisioned a brighter future for their children—one that would allow us to challenge the status quo and create a life that is not just a continuation of their struggles, but an elevation of our shared hopes and dreams. Arriving in a new country and adapting to a different culture was daunting, but it also ignited a spark within me. As I embraced my identity as an Asian American, I also recognized the profound responsibility that comes with it. Growing up in a household where both my mother and I bear the weight of financial responsibility, I quickly learned the significance of hard work and determination. My mother and I are the pillars of our family of five, navigating the complexities of life with resilience. Both my father and my aunt face significant health challenges—my father with diabetes and my aunt suffering from coronary artery disease—ailments that have rendered them unable to contribute financially. This reality ignited an internal fire in me, a drive to excel academically and professionally, knowing that my family's well-being partially rests on my shoulders as the first sibling to pursue higher education. Education, for me, is not merely an avenue for personal advancement; it represents a means to uplift my family out of the struggles dictated by illness and financial strain. My motivation stems from a deep-seated desire to honor my parents’ sacrifices and the hard work they have poured into providing for us. While their encouragement has undoubtedly shaped my ambitions, the desire for a brighter future is equally my own—a responsibility I am eager to embrace. I often think of the countless hours my mother spends working two jobs to ensure we have enough to eat and a roof over our heads. Her perseverance and tireless efforts push me to strive for excellence, ensuring that I take full advantage of the opportunities available to me. However, being an Asian American also presents its unique challenges. In society, I have encountered the harsh reality of stereotypes and preconceived notions that often accompany my background. There's a tendency to be misunderstood or to be viewed through a singular lens, which can lead to moments of frustration. Yet, I have come to view these challenges not as barriers but as opportunities to assert my identity with confidence. My heritage is a source of strength; it has instilled in me values of determination and resilience. Despite societal expectations and pressures, I remain steadfast in my pursuit of education and success. Ultimately, my journey is not solely about personal achievement; it is about breaking generational cycles and creating a legacy of empowerment for my family. Being an Asian American means carrying forward the hopes of my parents while simultaneously carving out my path.

One of my top three Billie Eilish songs are Wildflower, Happier than Ever, What Was I Made For. These are one of the few songs that definitely shape my view of relationships. It allocates the rise and fall of relationships that people face today, and I find that beautiful. Wildflower. To me, Wildflower is how I feel about my significant other. Songs express more than what you can say to the other person, and that in itself is powerful. Like me, I am unable to voice my thoughts directly, but through songs-- it is way easier. Wildflower resonates with me so deeply, because it illustrates the feeling that someone feels when they are afraid of abandonment, and because of that they start doubting their partner. It resonates with me, because it's been with me when I feel lonely. It makes me feel like my feelings are validated because Billie feels it too. People who go through things like this feel it too. Happier than Ever. When 'Happier than Ever' comes on, I feel the rush of emotions that come over me as I think about my childhood life. Although it was not my parents fault for the way they have raised me, I feel like now that I am older, I feel happier than ever that I am out of my parents strict grasp. People from strict families, know that they have been raised with locks that are still chaining them down. Happier than ever expresses the idea that maybe you could get out of those chains. It resonates with me, because it makes me feel free. It makes me want to be free from the responsibility, from the hurt, and the trauma. It resonates with me because it includes the idea that some may love hard but get that love neglected. What was I made for. When it comes to relationships, they mostly fall apart because one can not fully love another unless they love themselves. It resonates with me, and a lot of other people because sometimes it's not my significant other's responsibility to make me feel better. It is my job to pick myself up, before I let them do it. The deep unfulfilled resentment that comes to the surface when you feel like you have to give your all, is draining. It makes me realize that couples need to meet at the fifty and fifty mark. Someone can not fully give another their all, unless they fill their cup first.

Some things are very fulfilling. Throughout my high school life, I could not contribute to the school clubs, and sports due to my situation at home. However, because of my at-home situation, I instead contributed to working at Rite Aid Pharmacy. I am a senior at the Abington Senior High in Abington, Pennsylvania. Arriving in America in 2011, I am a first-generation college student, a first-generation English language speaker in my family. With these responsibilities, my drive to succeed is heavy. Working at Rite Aid Pharmacy, I am experiencing all the aspects of people. I see people of all ages, but one that warms my heart is the elderly. Growing up, I never had the chance to experience the love of my grandparents due to their passing before I was born. When I am doing my job, I am making their day better, even by just a little. It warms my heart to know that my little interaction, greeting, and goodbye could impact them. Additionally, I have come across a non-profit organization called 'Love for Our Elders.' I contribute my free time to writing letters to the elderly. 'Love for Our Elders' is an organization that aims to alleviate social isolation among older adults through handwritten letters and intergenerational connections. They seek volunteers like me, to contribute our free time writing letters to the elderly who have not heard from their close relatives for months, or are living alone. With this program, I can communicate with elders that need someone. It's my passion, to help and to service. I drive with this passion through the 'Love for Our Elders' non-profit organization, to fight the growing loneliness epidemic that is currently still plaguing the elderly community. Although I do not have grandparents and have no experience with speaking to elders, I am still willing to combat this epidemic with my support. If I could start my charity, my mission would be to battle the epidemic of growing loneliness among our loving elders. The kinds of services that would be offered include having volunteers spend time with the elderly. These activities include reading to them, teaching them new things, and even providing them with the care they might need, such as emotional support. With these services, we can combat elderly loneliness, and help contribute to the communities that do not currently have the support they need. With our more experienced volunteers who have experience in life skills, they could help the elderly fix household things, go out and buy groceries, and even cook for them. With this interaction, we would combat our issue. Especially with young volunteers, we can close in that intergenerational gap and continue to provide support to our lovely elders.