There was a time in my life when faith wasn't just something I relied on, it was the only thing I clung to to survive. A few years ago, I was in the darkest time I've ever known. I was lost, I felt depressed, anxious, and suicidal. I felt like I had nowhere to go, I was born to die, and that was it. That is when I truly met Jesus for the first time. I grew up in church, so I heard about him my whole life, but I never really knew him or had a relationship with him. I continued to pray and read scripture, and every day I continue to grow closer to him. I allowed his presence and love to fill the parts of me that felt empty. I have been living free of depression and anxiety and have been filled with hope and purpose. But faith is not a one-time fix; it is a daily journey. Recently, I have found myself in another season of trial. In the past month, I lost my great-grandma, with whom I was close, my great-grandpa is going through health problems and my aunt was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Watching them and my family struggle is heartbreaking. It's hard to understand how such a loving and powerful God could allow such pain and loss to his beloved children. This has been a huge challenge for my faith. There are times when I've prayed and felt like God was silent, and that silence can be painful. I've questioned why healing doesn't always come and why good people have to suffer, but even through these doubts, I've learned that faith is not about having all the answers, but about trusting even when the answers don't come immediately or aren't what you expect. I've come to realize that God's plan is far greater than what I can see, and that this life is only temporary. As hard as it is to lose people I love, I find peace in knowing that my GG is now pain-free and filled with incredible joy and peace in the presence of Jesus. Also that my Lolo and Tita are going to be taken care of, even if I cant understand God's masterful plan yet, I can trust that he will pull through and everything will be okay. Through these struggles, I've relied on prayer and faith more than ever. Reading the Bible reminds me that even the strongest believers, like Job, David, and Paul, faced suffering, yet they never gave up on God. It assures me that one day we will leave this world, and every tear will be dried, and there will be no more suffering or sorrow. And finally, that I was made with a purpose and God has a plan for everyone.

When I think of education, it's not just about books and classrooms, but about laying the foundation for opportunity, a strong community, and a fulfilling life. Personally, a higher education would help me pursue my dream of becoming a dentist. Which probably sounds like a strange dream for a 17-year-old, and every time I tell people, I am reminded of the little elf from "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer". I am not exactly sure what it is that attracts me to dentistry, but I know it will allow me to help others in my community and support my family. My goal in life is to be the first in my family to pursue a career in dentistry. Not just for the title, but to repay my family for everything they have done for me throughout my life. My family has always been very supportive of me and my sisters, giving us good educations, encouraging us through school, and helping us live out our love for sports. So, whether it's cleaning their teeth, providing for them, or just making them proud, I want to give back to the people who gave me everything. I believe the next levels of education can equip me with the tools I need to make this happen. Also, looking forward, I can see how much I will be able to serve others through my profession. Service has always been important to me, a value instilled in me by my parents. Growing up, I was always told to always put others before myself because "many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first". When I become a dentist, I will serve my community by restoring their confidence and helping alleviate their pain. I want to make dental care something that can be available for everyone. It is often overlooked, but it is essential for overall well-being. Another goal I want to achieve through my education is becoming a good provider for my family, not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually. I want to support my future family by helping them pursue their dreams and ambitions, just as mine did for me. A higher education would allow me to give them stability and comfort, but I understand that wealth and success are not just found in money; it is found in being present, loving, and encouraging. I would say that is my real goal for my future. Ultimately, I see my future as one of service, growth, and purpose. My education is an essential bridge to that future, and will equip me with the tools I need to reach these goals. I want to show that providing for others is more than financial support, but compassion, encouragement, and love. Whether it's my family or people in need in my community, my education will allow me to serve those around me and turn this vision into a reality.