I vividly remember failing to make the varsity volleyball team in high school. It hurt, but my father's words reminded me that failure is an opportunity to grow. I worked harder and made the team the next year and even became a captain. Through this experience, I realized setbacks aren't the end but a chance to succeed. My father's resilience taught me to face challenges with courage and determination, knowing that with the right mindset, I can overcome anything. Struggling academically was another challenge I encountered. Despite putting in hours of study, I often found myself falling short of my own expectations. Doubt crept in, and I questioned whether I had what it takes to succeed. However, my father's unwavering support and encouragement kept me going. He reminded me that learning is a journey filled with ups and downs, and that it's okay to stumble along the way. His belief in my abilities gave me the strength to persevere, even when the odds seemed stacked against me. Through my father's example, I learned to approach academic challenges with resilience and determination. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, I began to see them as opportunities for growth and development. I sought out additional support, whether it was tutoring or extra study sessions, and slowly but surely, I started to see improvements in my grades. My father's words echoed in my mind, reminding me that no challenge is insurmountable with hard work and perseverance. Conversely, my Filipino-American identity, intertwined with my Italian heritage, forms the vibrant mosaic that shapes my purpose in life. Rooted in the Filipino tradition of family gatherings, where laughter intertwines with the aromas of goat, laing, adobo, lumpia, and pansit, my cultural experiences have imbued me with a profound sense of belonging and connection. My identity is a rich tapestry woven from diverse cultural threads, each influencing my purpose in life in profound ways. At the heart of this identity lies the cherished tradition of family gatherings, where bonds are strengthened over shared meals and laughter. The aroma of goat simmering in rich spices, the creamy goodness of laing, the savory tang of adobo, the crispy perfection of lumpia, and the comforting warmth of pansit—all these delicacies evoke memories of joyous celebrations with loved ones. Growing up, my Filipino heritage taught me the value of community, resilience, and hospitality. These values shape my purpose, driving me to build bridges between cultures and foster understanding and empathy in the world. My experiences, such as my 18th birthday cotillon, where I immersed myself in the vibrant dances of tinikling and the graceful movements of cotillon dancing, have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the beauty of diversity. As a Filipino-American, I carry the responsibility of honoring my heritage while embracing the opportunities and challenges of my multicultural identity. This fusion of cultures fuels my passion for social justice and equity, motivating me to advocate for marginalized communities and strive for a more inclusive society. In essence, my Filipino-American identity serves as a compass guiding me towards a purpose rooted in cultural pride, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. It empowers me to celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and work towards a future where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of their background. Through my actions and endeavors, I seek to honor the legacy of my ancestors and contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious world.

When my father returned home injured from deployment, it was a defining moment in my life. His passion and dedication to his duty were palpable, even in the way he carried himself despite his injuries. Witnessing his resilience in the face of adversity left an indelible mark on me and shaped my perspective on challenges, setbacks, and failures. Growing up, my father was the embodiment of strength, courage, and selflessness. His deployments were always a source of pride for our family, albeit tinged with worry and anxiety. We understood the sacrifices he made for his country, but nothing could prepare us for the sight of him returning home injured. The day he came home, I was filled with a mixture of relief and apprehension. Relief that he was back safely, but apprehension at the sight of his injuries. Despite the pain etched on his face, there was a glimmer of determination in his eyes. He refused to let his injuries define him or dampen his spirit. Instead, he focused on his recovery with unwavering determination and resilience. As I watched my father navigate through his rehabilitation process, I couldn't help but be inspired by his strength and perseverance. He approached each obstacle with a stoic resolve, never allowing himself to wallow in self-pity or despair. His unwavering determination taught me the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. In the months that followed, I found myself facing my own challenges and setbacks. Whether it was academic struggles, personal disappointments, or setbacks in my extracurricular pursuits, I drew strength from my father's example. I learned that setbacks were not insurmountable obstacles, but rather opportunities for growth and self-discovery. One particular setback stands out in my memory. It was during my sophomore year of high school when I failed to make the cut for the varsity volleyball team. As someone who had dedicated countless hours to training and honing my skills, the rejection hit me hard. I felt like I had let myself and my family down. In the immediate aftermath of the setback, I grappled with feelings of disappointment and self-doubt. However, instead of allowing myself to be consumed by negativity, I turned to my father's experience for guidance. He reminded me that failure was not a reflection of my worth as a person, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. With my father's words of wisdom echoing in my mind, I resolved to turn my setback into a stepping stone for future success. I threw myself into training with renewed determination, determined to prove myself worthy of a spot on the team. Through sheer hard work and perseverance, I eventually earned a place on the varsity squad the following year and became a captain. Looking back on that experience, I realized that failure was not the end of the road, but rather a detour on the journey to success. It taught me the importance of resilience, perseverance, and self-belief in overcoming obstacles. Most importantly, it reinforced the invaluable lesson my father had taught me – that the greatest triumphs often arise from the ashes of adversity. In conclusion, my father's return home injured from deployment not only gave me a profound perspective on passion and dedication but also taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of setbacks. Through his example, I learned that setbacks are not stumbling blocks but stepping stones on the path to success. His unwavering resilience continues to inspire me to face life's challenges with courage and determination, knowing that no obstacle is insurmountable with the right mindset and determination.