When I first found out I made the cut for my school's varsity track team, I was excited and very optimistic about my future on the team. However, it didn’t take long to realize that we lacked proper training, coaching, and guidance. Our practices were unstructured, and many of my teammates, myself included, were left to figure things out on our own. Despite my passion for running, I often felt like my efforts were scattered and without real direction, and as a result, my performance plateaued. Still, I refused to give up. And by my junior year, I was named captain of the sprint team, and with that title came an opportunity; an opportunity to change things not just for myself, but for my entire team. I took on responsibilities that extended far beyond just being an athlete. Since we didn’t have a coach to develop a structured training, I created one. I spent hours watching videos and researching sprint techniques, race strategies, and strength training. I then crafted weekly schedules to ensure everyone had a plan for success. It wasn’t just about the workouts, though. Many of my teammates were freshmen or sophomores who were new to the team, so I took it upon myself to mentor them individually. I worked one-on-one with younger runners, helping them refine their starting techniques and pacing. I watched their confidence grow as they shaved a significant amount of their times, and in those moments, I realized that leadership isn’t about being the fastest on the team; it’s about making those around you better. However, our challenges extended beyond training. Our team was severely underfunded compared to the other sports teams at my high school. Most of us ran in the school's gym clothes or passed down uniforms from previous team members. It was frustrating, but rather than accept it, I took action. I worked with teammates to organize a fundraiser, reaching out to the school community. We ended up raising $400, which was enough to buy proper uniforms. And although it wasn’t much, it gave us a sense of pride. These experiences transformed me from an athlete into a leader. And as I look toward my future, I know that these lessons will stay with me. Just like in a race, progress happens step by step. Whether in athletics or life, I will continue to uplift those around me, ensuring that the next generation of runners has the support and mentorship they deserve.

I still remember my first day at the MAP Lab, a day that was equally filled with many nerves and a whole lot of excitement. I arrived at 5th Ave 107th St, clutching my phone as I struggled to open the email with the directions. Then, suddenly, I looked up and was greeted by a bubbly guide named Rachel, who took me inside. The lab wasn’t a sterile, typical research facility; it was more like a long apartment with computers, a refrigerator, and even a ping-pong table, all of which came together for an undoubtedly unexpected mix. Soon, I was immersed in training and, within an hour, was put into a 45-minute lab meeting discussing “MINIs” (comprehensive review papers that were anything but mini). I felt out of place at first, but as I navigated this chaotic, vibrant space, I discovered that science was as diverse as the people in the lab. Each individual brought a different perspective, underscoring that breakthroughs don’t come from uniformity but from a rich tapestry of ideas. Seeing all of these diverse perspectives come together in tackling less-researched problems affecting underserved populations is what allowed me to envision myself as a scientist. I want to lead research that doesn’t just produce data but transforms lives and addresses the numerous mental health disparities in Black and Hispanic communities. I aim to pursue a life of research and use science as a tool to create equitable systems that truly serve every community.

Throughout my life, I have faced a variety of challenges, from channeling my inner actor in High School Musical 2 to exploring the science behind the amygdala’s role in emotions. These very different experiences sparked my love for science, motivating me to ask 'why' at every turn–a question that definitely tested the patience of my teachers and family. However, with time, I learned to utilize my curiosity and creativity in my academic and extracurricular pursuits. A pivotal moment in my journey was joining the Lloyd Sherman Scholars Program (a biomedical program affiliated with Mount Sinai Hospital). Being in the program allowed me to engage with my interests in several new ways. For example, in my lab placement, I was able to conduct my own independent research, looking at the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on media use across age groups—something that I never dreamed I’d be able to do as a high school student. The experiences I gained in the Lloyd Sherman Scholars Program and my role as a student volunteer at the Motivational Affective Psychopathology (MAP) Lab have given me personal insight into the world of research and its impact on society. Through analyzing my lab's COVID youth study, I was able to examine first hand how small differences in demographics can drastically change the impact that events have on people. My goal in pursuing a degree in STEM is to acquire the expertise needed to not only lead my own research relating to the brain and emotions, but to find the best methods to solve the mental health disparities across a multitude of groups. As it is imperative that I have the qualifications and ability to build a team to organize and conduct such studies. Pursuing a degree in STEM will also prepare me by allowing me to hone my skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication–all of which are essential skills, not just in the lab but also in the real world. It is important to mention that different communities face unique challenges, and what can be considered a problem in one particular group might not be entirely reflected in another. And for this reason, we need a diverse group of researchers in order to effectively solve problems across multiple groups rather than autonomously creating research that serves to benefit just one. Diverse perspectives are also crucial for developing comprehensive solutions to those less-researched problems affecting underserved populations. By supporting historically underrepresented groups in STEM, we can cultivate a field that thrives on inclusivity, understanding, and discovery, ultimately enriching the scientific world and its impact on society. Overall, the journey to obtaining a STEM degree will enable me to combine my passion for discovery and positively impact mental health in disadvantaged communities across the world and future generations.

LeBron James is more than just my favorite athlete; he’s my sunshine. His resilience, work ethic, and leadership inspire me in ways that go beyond basketball. Whether he’s making history on the court or using his platform for positive change, LeBron represents the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back. Watching LeBron play feels like watching poetry in motion. His ability to control the game, adapt to any challenge, and dominate at the highest level year after year is nothing short of incredible. But what truly makes him my sunshine is the way he carries himself with grace, humility, and a unshakable belief in hard work. Even when faced with criticism, he never backs down. Instead, he pushes forward, setting an example for those of us who strive to overcome our own obstacles. Is LeBron the greatest basketball player of all time? To me, without a doubt. His versatility, longevity, and ability to rise in the biggest moments set him apart. But what truly makes him the GOAT in my eyes is his heart. He shines not just through his talent but through his dedication to inspiring the next generation. LeBron James is my sunshine because he represents everything I aspire to be: hardworking, fearless, and committed to making the world a better place. No matter what I pursue, I’ll carry his lessons with me, striving to be my best self just as he does every day.

Throughout my life, I have faced a variety of challenges, from channeling my inner actor in High School Musical 2 to exploring the science behind the amygdala’s role in emotions. These very different experiences sparked my love for science, motivating me to ask 'why' at every turn–a question that definitely tested the patience of my teachers and family. However, with time, I learned to utilize my curiosity and creativity in my academic and extracurricular pursuits. A pivotal moment in my journey was joining the Lloyd Sherman Scholars Program (a biomedical program affiliated with Mount Sinai Hospital). Being in the program allowed me to engage with my interests in several new ways. For example, in my lab placement, I was able to conduct my own independent research, looking at the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on media use across age groups—something that I never dreamed I’d be able to do as a high school student. The experiences I gained in the Lloyd Sherman Scholars Program and my role as a student volunteer at the Motivational Affective Psychopathology (MAP) Lab have given me personal insight into the world of research and its impact on society. Through analyzing my lab's COVID youth study, I was able to examine first hand how small differences in demographics can drastically change the impact that events have on people. My goal in pursuing a degree in STEM is to acquire the expertise needed to not only lead my own research relating to the brain and emotions, but to find the best methods to solve the mental health disparities across a multitude of groups. As it is imperative that I have the qualifications and ability to build a team to organize and conduct such studies. Pursuing a degree in STEM will also prepare me by allowing me to hone my skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication–all of which are essential skills, not just in the lab but also in the real world. It is important to mention that different communities face unique challenges, and what can be considered a problem in one particular group might not be entirely reflected in another. And for this reason, we need a diverse group of researchers in order to effectively solve problems across multiple groups rather than autonomously creating research that serves to benefit just one. Diverse perspectives are also crucial for developing comprehensive solutions to those less-researched problems affecting underserved populations. By supporting historically underrepresented groups in STEM, we can cultivate a field that thrives on inclusivity, understanding, and discovery, ultimately enriching the scientific world and its impact on society. Overall, the journey to obtaining a STEM degree will enable me to combine my passion for discovery and positively impact mental health in disadvantaged communities across the world and future generations.