I take student loan debt seriously and understand that college is an investment. Because of this, I try to pay attention to how I plan for my future. My goal is to limit the amount I need to borrow so I can focus on my academics. One way I am addressing my student loan debt is by looking for scholarships and financial aid. Scholarships are important because they will directly reduce the burden I and my family will have. I also plan to maintain strong academic performance and continue my service work. This may increase my eligibility for merit-based aid. When possible, I will try to work part-time during college to cover some of my personal and school expenses. I also plan to be careful and strategic about borrowing money. I will only take out loans that are absolutely necessary. I also must pay attention to interest rates and the terms of repayment. Choosing a career in healthcare gives me more confidence that I will have a stable job after graduation, which will allow me to repay my loans easier. I have also been working on becoming CCMA certified which will allow me to be a medical assistant. This allows me to get experience in the medical field while still providing money and assistance towards repaying my debt. It may not be enough to pay everything off, but any amount of money is helpful. In preparing for repayment, I plan to educate myself on different repayment options. I have seen income-driven repayment plans and other loan forgiveness programs. Understanding these options early will allow me to make smarter financial decisions. It will also reduce my stress. Creating a budget and saving when possible will also help me stay organized and prepared once I have to start repaying my loans. The discipline and responsibility I have developed through academics, tennis, and leadership roles have also prepared me for financial challenges. It taught me how to balance things. I had to balance school, athletics, service work. It taught me how to plan ahead, stay organized, and remain accountable. These skills I will use in managing my student load debt. Overall, my approach to student loan debt is based on responsibility, preparation, and long-term planning. I am preparing for my future by applying for scholarships, working when I can, being smart with borrowing, and preparing for repayment. I want to graduate with manageable debt and a clear plan.

I am someone who has learned responsibility at a young age through both my family and community. Growing up with two brothers and a sister meant I was rarely thinking about myself. I had to watch them, help them with homework, and try to set a good example. Being a sibling taught me patience and empathy. It showed me how important it is to look out for others, especially people who are younger or need support. A big part of who I am comes from volunteering and attending the Boys and Girls Club. I spend a lot of time there helping kids with homework, playing games, and just being someone they can talk to. I remember one afternoon a younger kid was struggling with his math homework. He was too embarrassed to ask for help. I sat down with him and worked through the problems with him and showed him how to do it step by step. By the end, he was happy, smiling, and proud of himself. Moments like this remind me that sometimes kids do not just need help with schoolwork; they need someone to be there for them and encourage them. As I get ready for college, money is one of my biggest concerns. I do not have much financial aid, and my family is not able to cover any cost of higher education because they need to provide for the rest of my siblings. They would not be able to pay for every kid's tuition. With multiple siblings, our expenses add up quickly. I plan to work hard and stay committed to my education, but financial support would take a huge weight off not only my shoulders but my parents' as well so they do not have to worry. It would allow me to focus on my classes instead of constantly worrying about how to pay for tuition, housing, books, and other expenses. Keeping kids safe is something I care deeply about, especially because of my time at the Boys and Girls Club. I have seen how bullying can affect kids. One time, I noticed a child being teased during free play. I stepped in and separated the kids. I talked to each one and helped them understand how words can hurt. I tried to teach them about respect. Creating a safe space where kids can feel comfortable and protected is always a priority and goal for me. Online safety is just as important. I talk to kids about being careful online, like on Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, etc. I tell them to not share personal information and to tell an adult if someone is being mean online. I remind them that cyberbullying is real and that they are never alone in dealing with it. Through my family responsibilities and community involvement, I have learned to lead with kindness and responsibility. With support, I hope to continue helping others while working toward my education and future.

One high school teacher who truly changed my life was my English teacher, Ms. Burrows, during my sophomore year. At the time, I was quiet in class and rarely liked to share because I had just transferred schools. I worried about saying something wrong or sounding stupid, so I would just not say anything. One day, we were discussing a book, and Ms. Burrows asked a question about why the main character made a difficult choice. I did not raise my hand, but she noticed me looking at my paper and asked if I had a thought. I hesitated, but I explained my answer anyway. Instead of correcting me or moving on quickly, she paused and said, "That is an interesting way to look at it. Can you explain further?" For the first time, I felt like my thoughts actually mattered. After class he said to me, "You should speak more. You have a strong voice and should trust it." Another moment that stayed with me was after I did badly on a major essay. I was disappointed and embarrassed and thought that the grade defined me. Ms. Burrows asked me to stay after class, and we went through the essay. We went over every line. She did not focus on what I did wrong, but instead she showed me where I was strong and how to improve. She let me rewrite the essay, and when I did, I did much better the second time. She said, "This is what growth is." That changed how I saw failing. Because of her, I stopped being afraid of speaking up, not just in class, but also in life. I started raising my hand more, joining discussions, talking to people, and taking risks even if I did not know if I could do something. I learned that confidence is not about being perfect or amazing. It is about being willing to try or do something that is not normal. Ms. Burrows taught me more than how to analyze stories, write essays, or take tests. She taught me how to believe in myself, how to learn from mistakes, and how to speak with confidence. The lessons I learned in her classroom continue to help me. They guide me in life. They changed how I approach challenges, begin conversations, and attack opportunities today. I would not be who I am without Ms. Burrows and I am thankful for everything she has done for me.

Science is the study of the natural world. It allows us as a collective to understand how we work, how the work works, and how the universe works. It gives deeper insight into further lives. Science allows for new technology, new inventions, and an easier time in life. Science allows for a new future, a brighter future. It allows for a future where people are not hungry, where nobody is dying of a simple disease, and where everybody can be happy. The introduction of iPhones, the internet, cars, planes, and more are all things that stem from science. These are all basic necessities in the modern world. However, these innovations were never even thought of many years ago, but science allowed it to happen. Science opened the door for the creation of these items, which have changed life in dramatic ways. Communication has changed, research has changed, and transportation has changed. Furthermore, leadership can also shape our future. Leaders are what drive people and dictate what people do. There are always followers and leaders. Leaders are what will shape the new world of ours. They give direction to those who listen. They decided what would happen. Leaders allow change. Leaders give a path to a new future, a better future. For example, the important leader Martin Luther King Jr. shaped the future of his time. The thought of equality, no discrimination, united schools, and more was just a thought. They were not accomplished yet, but thanks to the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr., the future was shaped by this belief. Nowadays, discrimination is still rampant, but compared to what people back then had to deal with, we have made a big leap. This is why a leader is crucial in shaping the future, because without one, without someone that people will follow, a better future is hard to envision.

People of all backgrounds deserve a chance to achieve their dreams, no matter their background. If the person is a different religion, has a different skin color, or even a different part of the world, it does not change the fact that they are a person. If a person is motivated and a hard-working individual, they deserve the chance to do what they strive to do. Scholarships and grants are examples of opportunities the disadvantaged can get to better themselves, their family, or even the world. I have struggled through many hardships as well. People treat me differently because I am Asian. This has prevented many things in my academic career and in my life in general. As I played tennis, people gave me stares because I was the only Asian around. I was not treated as a player and barely even as a person. I decided to prove them wrong and become great, and make them acknowledge me. Become a good player, I did. I became a player who requires attention and made people around me see who I am, not that I am just an Asian person. However, this does not only occur in tennis but in many other aspects of my life. I was not given certain positions in clubs because of my race, and was ostracized in my grade because of my ethnicity as well. I did not let this stop me from following my dreams. I prevailed, studied hard, and now I am on my path to becoming a doctor like I have always dreamed. I have always wanted to care for people, save lives, and give people the treatment they deserve. However, this dream is expensive and lengthy. It requires lots of schooling and money for that schooling. This grant will help me achieve this dream and prove to people that Asian people and the disadvantaged are people as well. We deserve a voice and deserve to be treated as equals.