I used to barely be able to walk. Tennis was the only sport I could play. Soon after I defeated leukemia when I was only five years old, I began taking tennis lessons with my district’s high school tennis coach. I enrolled in tennis lessons for two reasons: I needed to gain my strength back, and my parents were hesitant to allow me to play team sports with children my age, as they would have likely become frustrated playing with someone with physical restrictions. Despite this seemingly unfortunate situation, those tennis lessons have shaped my life in so many ways. Tennis has always pushed me through life by giving me something fun to look forward to and giving me confidence in my abilities. I remember being especially slower than everyone else at summer lessons. However, I always tried my hardest. In fact, my mother recently told me that sometimes I would come back jumping up and down to tell her that I ran a full lap around the court—even if I was far behind everyone else. These occurrences were the first sight of confidence for me. After being in and out of a hospital for over two years, this was viewed as a huge accomplishment in my eyes. I always finished last, but I did it. After some hope in my abilities was established, I soon picked up on the art of the sport. Before I was eight years old, other parents were astounded by my acceleration in the sport. Fast forward to my freshman year of high school, I was incredibly nervous for tryouts. I had to play a four-game match against every person on the team—including high school seniors. Despite being intimidated, I landed in second place on the line-up ladder. I was shocked that I was playing first doubles my freshman year. It had never been done before at my school. After a good season, I was chosen to play on the regional team. My partner and I won and moved onto the state tournament. We were out in the first round, but making it was an incredible achievement. Since then, I have won 3rd and 1st place in the county tournament and have won two team state champion medals. Having such a strong love for tennis, I now work alongside my coach, teaching the same lesson program I once went through. It’s surreal to stand on the same courts where I used to celebrate simply finishing a lap and now encourage younger players who are just starting their own journeys. In many ways, I see myself in them. Tennis gave me my confidence back when I needed it most, and being able to pass that on feels like everything coming full circle.

I have come to realize that the activities I care most about all come down to people. The activities I engage in have always been about helping others, not about helping me build my resume. Growing up with leukemia, I was surrounded by many individuals who were comforting and encouraging during a difficult time. Their support had such a strong impact on me, that I now want to give back that same feeling to others. I’m drawn to spaces where I can build real connections and support individuals and families who are going through something difficult—especially kids. Through my community service, I’ve seen what compassion actually looks like in practice. At Camp Hope, I help lead projects repairing homes for families in need. On the surface, it’s construction work, but it never really feels like that. It feels like showing up for someone during a time when they need it most. I’ve learned that even small improvements to a home can bring a sense of relief and stability. At the Food Pantry, the impact is quieter but just as meaningful. Sometimes it’s just a conversation while handing someone their groceries or helping them to their car, but those moments matter. A lot of what I do is centered around advocating for kids who don’t always have a voice. Co-founding Team Payton and helping raise over $125,000 for critically ill children showed me how powerful collective effort can be. At the same time, being involved with the Children’s Cancer Foundation and participating in Climb the Hill Youth Advocacy Day pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Speaking to members of Congress was honestly intimidating, but it was also one of the most meaningful things I have done. It made me realize that even as a student, I can contribute to bigger change. Mentorship is another part of my life that I really value. Through Inclusive Pathways, I work with students with disabilities, and a lot of what we do is just building trust and confidence over time. At Horizon Day Camp, I get to help create a space where kids with cancer and their siblings can just have fun and feel normal for a while. Coaching basketball and teaching tennis has been another way to connect with younger kids. I’ve learned that being a good mentor is about being consistent, patient, and encouraging. In addition, through the Outstanding Young Women Leaders Program, my cohort planned and executed a big event meant to encourage and teach important life skills to females throughout the community. I mainly encouraged them to enter STEM fields, especially engineering. All of these experiences have shaped how I see leadership. As Class President, I try to focus on listening and making sure people feel represented. Being part of varsity tennis has also taught me how to balance personal goals with supporting a team. When I look at everything I’m involved in, the common thread is connection. Whether it’s helping a family, mentoring a student, or advocating for change, I’m motivated by the idea that small actions can add up to something meaningful. These experiences have genuinely changed how I see the world, and they’ve made me want to keep doing work that brings people together and makes others feel supported.