Growing up as a member of the Puerto Rican community has shaped my identity, values, and aspirations. It has given me pride, a sense of responsibility, and resilience while exposing me to unique challenges. My heritage has taught me the importance of family and the power of community. These lessons have guided me through obstacles and inspired my desire to pursue a career in law. I want to be a voice for those who feel unheard and a champion for justice in a system that too often overlooks people like us. One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced as a Puerto Rican student is navigating barriers to access and opportunity in education. Growing up, I noticed inequities in the school system. While some peers had access to advanced programs, extracurricular activities, or private tutors, my community often had fewer resources. When I chose to take Advanced Placement (AP) classes, I encountered doubts from teachers and peers about whether I could succeed. While their skepticism hurt, it motivated me to work even harder. Today, I lead my AP classes with a 4.2 GPA as a junior in high school, proving to myself and others what is possible. Representation has been another challenge. It’s rare to see teachers, school counselors, or professionals who look like me or share my experiences. This lack of representation made it hard to feel like I belonged in spaces that weren’t designed for students like me. At career fairs, I rarely saw Puerto Rican or Hispanic professionals, which was isolating. However, it also strengthened my determination to be the representation I’ve always wanted to see. Just as I’ve faced these challenges, others are navigating them, and I want to help pave the way for future generations. Despite these obstacles, my Puerto Rican heritage has been my anchor. Our history is one of resilience, from fighting for political representation to rebuilding after disasters like Hurricane Maria. These stories remind me that no matter the odds, we rise. My family, especially my parents, has been my greatest inspiration. They’ve always taught me that hard work and education are the keys to creating a better future, not just for myself but for my community. These experiences have solidified my desire to become a lawyer. The legal field offers opportunities to create meaningful change, especially for underrepresented groups. I want to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion by focusing on civil rights, education law, and immigration law—areas where systemic barriers often hinder access to justice. One of my primary goals is to increase access to legal resources for communities like mine. I know how challenging it can be to navigate systems not built for us. Whether it’s helping families understand their rights, advocating for fair education policies, or addressing systemic inequalities, I want to ensure justice is accessible to everyone. I also want to honor the legacy of leaders like Jesús Pérez, who fought for equality, justice, and opportunity. Through my legal career, I hope to mentor students from underrepresented backgrounds, provide pro bono legal services, and advocate for policies that create lasting change. Being part of the Puerto Rican community has shaped who I am and what I stand for. It has shown me the importance of fighting for equity and lifting up others. Pursuing a career in law isn’t just about personal success—it’s about using my voice and skills to uplift my community, honor those who came before me, and inspire future generations.

Playing sports throughout high school is both rewarding and challenging. As a student-athlete, I’ve faced many obstacles, but each one has taught me valuable lessons that go far beyond the field. Balancing academics, athletics, and personal life has been one of the biggest challenges. With practices, games, and tournaments taking up so much time, it can feel overwhelming to keep up with homework, projects, and studying for exams. Sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Another challenge is the physical and mental toll that sports can take. Injuries are a constant risk, and playing through pain or recovering from an injury can be incredibly difficult. Beyond the physical aspect, the mental pressure to perform well—whether it’s to help your team win or to impress coaches and recruiters—can be stressful. And of course, sports come with highs and lows. There are moments of triumph, but there are also moments of failure, like losing an important game or making a critical mistake. Despite these challenges, being a student-athlete has taught me lessons that I carry with me every day. Time management is one of the biggest. I’ve learned how to plan my days carefully, prioritize tasks, and make the most of the time I have. It’s not always easy, but it’s a skill that will help me in college and beyond. I’ve also learned resilience. There have been times when I’ve felt defeated, whether it was from an injury, a tough loss, or a bad performance. But playing sports has taught me that setbacks are just part of the game—and of life. What matters is how you bounce back. This mindset has helped me stay motivated and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. Teamwork is another valuable lesson. In softball, every player has a role, and success comes from working together. I’ve learned how to communicate, support my teammates, and lead by example. These skills don’t just apply to sports; they’re essential in school, work, and relationships. Ultimately, being a student-athlete has shaped me into a more disciplined, focused, and determined person. It’s not always easy, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. With keeping my faith in God and remembering that I can achieve everything I put my mind to, being a student athlete isn’t as hard as it seems. The lessons I’ve learned—about time management, resilience, and teamwork—are lessons I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

I’ve grown up Christian my whole life but never went to church religiously until recent years. I can never remember the day that something shifted in my brain and I started dedicating my life to Jesus. Although, I know that faith has always been a big part of my life, but it wasn’t until I faced one of the hardest challenges of my junior year that I truly understood how much it grounds me. As a softball player, my dream has always been to play in college. That dream seemed to hit a major roadblock when I injured my shoulder during a game. At the time, my team was ranked first in the state, and we were heading into the championship. I felt like everything I’d worked for was slipping through my fingers. At first, I struggled to process it all. I questioned why it had to happen at such an important time. But instead of letting the fear and frustration take over, I turned to my faith. I prayed for strength and for peace of mind to get through the situation. I also reflected on a verse from the Bible that had always stood out to me: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). That reminder helped me shift my focus. Instead of dwelling on what I couldn’t do, I started thinking about what I could still contribute. Even though I couldn’t play, I became my team’s biggest supporter. I cheered them on, helped review strategies, and stayed involved in every way I could. It wasn’t easy watching from the sidelines, but I found purpose in being there for my teammates. Through this experience, I learned that leadership isn’t just about what you do on the field—it’s also about how you uplift others. My faith also kept me motivated during recovery. I prayed daily, trusted the process, and reminded myself that setbacks are part of life. Eventually, I healed, but the lessons stayed with me. I realized that sometimes challenges happen to teach us patience, humility, and reliance on God’s plan. This experience reminded me that faith isn’t about everything going perfectly. It’s about trusting that there’s a purpose behind the struggle and finding strength in knowing you’re not alone. I carry that lesson with me in every area of my life, and it’s made me stronger as a student, an athlete, and a person.

For me, success is a life fully lived with purpose, passion, and the ability to contribute positively to the world. Growing up, the softball field was my first taste of success. It was those early morning practices or long nights perfecting my swing that taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. More than the rules of the game, softball has ingrained in me the tenacity to overcome adversities, the dedication that comes along with improvement over and over, and the understanding that success, at times,lies in collective effort. I have been a student and an athlete, and this is where my learning of success has expanded beyond personal achievement. While winning a game or doing well in a tournament feels great, I have learned that success is in the relationships built and the lessons carried off the field. Softball has taught me a lot about leadership and mentorship. I try to lead by example, pushing my teammates to work hard and celebrating their victories, no matter how small. These experiences have inspired me to look beyond the present and dream of a future in which I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As I envision my future, I see myself as an individual who is able to make a difference. Whether that is as a lawyer, advocating for the voiceless, or a medical professional saving lives, my goal is to make the world better than I find it. My passion for helping others drives me to leave a mark on this world that stands for kindness, determination, and a commitment to making a difference. I would like to use my career as a role model for others to show them that throughhard work and resilience, anything is possible. This opportunity will bring me closer to that vision. While pursuing academic and professional goals, I realize that financial support often opens the door for greater opportunities. This scholarship would allow me to focus more on my education and less on the financial burdens that come with it. Whether I am studying in a classroom or continuing to grow as a leader on the softball field, I know this support will give me the tools I need to succeed. Beyond financial assistance, this opportunity represents something even more valuable: the belief in my potential. It affirms that my hard work and dedication matter, and it motivates me to keep striving for excellence. It reinforces that success isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about the journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the people we uplift as we move forward. Success, to me, is the pinnacle of passion, perseverance, and purpose. It is embracing challenges, learning from failures, and striving to be better every day. With this opportunity, I will continue to pursue my dreams on and off the field and work towards a future where I can make a lasting impact. This opportunity would break barriers for myself and push me to my highest potential.

Kamala Harris is the 49th vice president of the United States. She is the first Black woman and South Asian American to hold this position in the United States. Before becoming vice president, she was a U.S. senator from California from 2017–2021 and the attorney general of California from 2011–2017. Harris is known for her work on criminal justice reform, women’s rights, and healthcare. Harris is so inspirational to me because she has broken many barriers within the United States including creating representation within the white house, advocating for women's rights, and also being a voice for middle-class families in America. To start, as a young woman of color, seeing Kamala Harris in a position of power is very important to me. Olympic Review article written by Phumzile Miambo-Ngcuka says, “We need visible role models of female athletes excelling on the field of play and reaching the Olympic podium, so that girls see, and believe in their capabilities”. This concept is equally important when applied to minority women in positions of power in politics. Representation matters—seeing someone who looks like me breaking barriers in one of the highest offices in the nation reinforces the belief that I, also, can achieve my dreams, regardless of limitations. Kamala Harris is a great example that gender, race, or background does not define someone's potential. Her success in politics challenges stereotypes and paves the way for others, who look like her, to follow. To continue, Harris started advocating for women's rights long before she stepped foot in office. From district attorney to attorney general of California and U.S. senator, she had been at the forefront, battling for women's equality, reproductive rights, and protection from gender-based violence. Her striving to answer the problems women face, especially women of color, has been part of her ongoing advocacy and public service. Harris's dedication to these issues shows her deep commitment to improving the lives of women and ensuring their voices are heard, which adds to her impact on me. Lastly, Kamala Harris has made sure the voices of the middle class have been heard. She has focused on issues such as affordable healthcare, access to education, and raising the minimum wage. As vice president, she has taken initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy, improving job opportunities, and providing financial relief for families. Harris understands the struggles of middle-class Americans because she grew up in a middle-class family herself. She has also worked tirelessly to ensure their concerns are reflected in legislation and policies, making sure they are not overlooked in the face of national challenges. Kamala Harris is inspirational to me because she has shown that no matter your gender, race, or background, you can break barriers and achieve greatness. Her dedication to women's rights, advocacy for the middle class, and commitment to the public resonates with my own goals and values. Kamala Harris’s journey reminds me that with perseverance and faith, anything is possible.

Navigating high school and preparing for college has come with many obstacles. One of the biggest challenges has been financial struggles within my family. My family has always struggled to make ends meet, so thinking about how to afford college is sometimes stressful. Ever since I can remember, I've always made it a point to save every dollar that I can and apply for scholarships to try to lighten the load on my parents. Balancing school while playing Softball is tough, but it’s taught me how to manage my time and stay focused on my goals. Being a first-generation college student is another obstacle I face even though it may not seem like one. My parents didn’t go to college, so they can’t give much advice on applying for scholarships, choosing the right classes, or figuring out what to expect in college. I’ve had to rely on my research, teachers, and older friends who have gone through the process to guide me. It can sometimes be overwhelming, but being the first in my family to strive for a higher education is also motivating. My cultural and social challenges have also played a huge role in my journey. I come from a minority background so most times I feel out of place in a school where most of my classmates don’t look like me or share my experiences. However, joining clubs celebrating my cultural differences has helped me find a sense of belonging in my culture. Despite these obstacles, I’m determined to use my education to give back to my community in the future. I want to become a role model for other students who are facing similar challenges that I have gone through. By sharing my experiences and offering guidance, I would love to inspire people to pursue their dreams regardless of the difficulties. I also want to use my education to address some of the issues my community faces financially. I’m committed to making a positive impact and helping others overcome the barriers that I’ve faced.

Kindness, faith, and love are some important traits that play into what makes me, me. Ever since I was younger, I've always been recognized as a person who treats others with the utmost kindness. People sometimes tell me "Sanae don't ever be too nice to people" but, I view my kindness as a highlight in people's lives. I believe that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference in people's lives, and it's important to spread that as much as I can. My faith in God has always been the most important part of my character. My faith gives me strength and hope to get through every day. Through my faith, I've learned to trust in God's plan for me and his timing. I've also learned to give God everything and let him take the wheel in every part of my life. My faith helps me stay grounded and reminds me to see the good in others, even when it's hard. It encourages me to believe in the possibility of better days and remain hopeful in hopeless situations. Love is the foundation of all my relationships. It's not just about the affection I have for my family and friends but also the compassion I show to everyone I meet. Love, to me, means being present, listening with an open heart, offering support without judgment, being a shoulder to cry on, and speaking life into people. Through love, everyone builds bridges and brings people together instead of breaking people down. Love isn't limited to gestures like buying flowers or chocolates; it's found in everyday interactions, like words of affirmation, a smile, or a helping hand to anyone who may need it. In the wise words of Lauryn Hill, "If I lack love then I am nothing at all. I can give away everything that I possess but left without love, then I have no happiness". As just a girl navigating through life, I've realized that love is what matters most. I can share everything I own and do a lot for others, but without love, it all feels pointless. Love is what makes me happy and gives my life meaning. It's the reason I try to be kind to everyone, keep my faith in God strong, and build real connections with people. This quote reminds me that love is the most important thing and the best gift I can offer.

In the show "The Office," the character I resonate the most with is Karen Filippelli. She was introduced in the third season of the show. Karen brings a mix of professionalism and strength to the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. Her time on the show is short, although, her character left an impression on me and shaped my perspective on workplace dynamics and humor. One of the main reasons I connect with Karen is because of her resilience, fierceness, and adaptability. When she moves from the Stamford branch to Scranton, she has to fit into a new and small office environment. She handled those changes with grace and assertiveness, qualities I admire and try to reflect in my own life. I play Softball and like Karen, I sometimes find myself in situations where I need to adapt quickly and keep my head up. Adapting to new coaching styles, new positions on the field, and even new teammates are all things that I need to adapt quickly to. Her character teaches the importance of being true to yourself while also remaining open to new experiences. Karen's professionalism is another trait I deeply respect. In an office full of different personalities and sometimes unprofessional behavior, she consistently maintains a high standard of work ethic and grit. She’s ambitious, driven, and confident—qualities that I strive to embody in my academic, athletic, and professional life in the future. Her approach to work reminds me that dedication and hard work are key to achieving my goals, even in distracting environments. Her sense of humor is also something I relate to. Karen’s humor is sometimes dry, unlike some of the more exaggerated characters. She says most of her lines with a straight face, letting the humor come from her reactions to the ridiculousness around her rather than over jokes. This style of humor reminds me that humor doesn’t always have to be loud or exaggerated like most people are and everyone shows humor in their unique way. To add on, Karen’s interactions with her colleagues highlight the differences in workplace relationships. She navigates her romantic relationship with Jim while dealing with the office, showing vulnerability, professionalism, and strength. Her ability to stand up for herself and maintain her dignity, even in awkward or difficult situations is inspiring. Watching Karen on "The Office" has shaped my understanding of how to navigate the professional world with confidence and humor. Her character reminds me to stay true to my values, work hard always, and find humor in everyday situations. She shows that it’s possible to be both strong and compassionate. She also shows that a good sense of humor can help you get through almost anything.