According to American author John C. Maxwell, “Leadership is the readiness to stand out in a crowd.” For most of my life, I considered myself a follower, someone whose talents and abilities were best used under the guidance and supervision of others. This mindset stuck with me until my sophomore year of high school when I became the secretary of Operation Smile, a club that raises money to provide free surgeries for children with cleft lip and palate. Everything was going well until the president abruptly announced his departure from the club, leaving me as the new president. This event kickstarted my journey as a club president, where I would face many difficulties but eventually find a new identity as a resolute leader who stands up for what she believes in.   After only a few weeks, I found myself thrust into the world of leadership, a place without a rulebook and abundant in gray areas. Despite my best efforts, I faced much backlash and scrutiny. Frustrated, I questioned whether or not I was leadership material and considered quitting. But instead of giving up, I decided to take concrete steps to become a better leader.  I began by forming a reliable team by assigning responsibilities to officers, overseeing team development, and setting up officer meetings. I became a stronger public speaker through interactive meetings and creative slideshows. My communication skills also improved as I collaborated with school staff and various organizations. Finally, the club started gaining momentum. Over the next two years, I organized several successful fundraisers, raising a total of $1025 to fund surgeries for kids with cleft lip and palate. Although difficult, my experience as President of Operation Smile helped me feel confident in my leadership abilities, inspiring me to take up the same role in other clubs. In my junior year of high school, I became the president of the Christian Club. In this club, I used the same communication, team building, and public speaking skills I developed in Operation Smile to enhance club meetings, attract new members, and organize new events (such as inviting religious speakers such as pastors, youth leaders, and deacons). In this club, my role was not only as a team leader but also as a spiritual guide for those who wanted to learn more about the faith.  Furthermore, in my senior year of high school, I became the president of BHS Women in STEM. Similarly, I used my leadership skills to improve the club by organizing a variety of events, including a UCLA tour, the Bebras computing challenge, guest speakers from La Mission College, and visiting local elementary students to teach about STEM. In this club, I primarily served as a mentor for the girls by providing advice on how to do well in advanced STEM classes and searching for resources to support them.  Looking back, being a club president has been a labor of love that has taught me resilience, as well as important leadership skills such as team building, communication, and adaptability. But most importantly, it has helped me find the courage to stand out from the crowd and support the causes that I believe in. I believe that it is this courage and resilience that makes me a great leader and an exceptional candidate for the Strong Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship.  As I leave my high school clubs behind, I look forward to joining new organizations at UCLA and beyond, where I can use my leadership skills to continue being a team leader, spiritual guide, and mentor while standing up for my passions and beliefs.

Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” Looking back, it was clear from the very beginning that I would pursue a career in the STEM field. Science and math were my favorite subjects in elementary school, and in my free time, I would watch educational shows like Wild Kratts and Nat Geo Kids. My affection for STEM continued in middle school, where I was placed in the school's advanced math program, which showed me the complex, conceptual side of math as opposed to simple arithmetic. Then, throughout high school, I filled my schedule with STEM-related coursework, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Engineering 1 and 2, and Computer Science. But what impacted me the most were the advanced math classes I took, including AP Calculus, Financial Planning 101, and my favorite, AP Statistics. These classes showed me how math can be used to model real-life situations and be applied to solve day-to-day problems. That is when I knew I would pursue a career in STEM, specifically mathematics. As I began looking for a part-time job, I knew I wanted to find a job related to the math field. In February 2022, I began working at Kumon, an afterschool math and reading tutoring program for kids. Assisting students with advanced levels of math allowed me to share my love of math with others, and it is always rewarding to see the spark in their eyes when they realize that math is not only possible but also enjoyable. Then, during my senior year of high school, I also became the president of the Women in STEM club. As president, I primarily served as a mentor and role model for the girls by providing advice on how to do well in advanced STEM classes, searching for resources to encourage and support them, and organizing several STEM-related events such as hosting speakers such as UCLA Women in the Physical Sciences and the Dean of LA Mission College, participating in the Bebras Computing Challenge, and teaching elementary schoolers about STEM. We also have a “Woman of the Week” where we learn about the many women who have contributed to STEM, including Marie Curie, Grace Hopper, and Katherine Johnson. Organizing these events has consolidated my identity as a woman in STEM and helped me prepare for a future in STEM, which I will pursue at UCLA. At UCLA, I will major in Statistics and Data Science, and I look forward to broadening my mathematical knowledge by taking more advanced coursework, as well as creating professional connections by joining STEM-oriented groups and organizations. I would also like to continue being a leader and mentor by participating in clubs and tutoring programs on campus. Finally, I would like to work with real-life data by participating in research projects at one of UCLA’s many research centers, such as the Undergraduate Research Center for Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. In an increasingly data-driven world, more people with expertise in programming, mathematics, and statistics are needed to collect and analyze this data. This is why after graduating, I plan on joining a market research firm as a Data Analyst and later moving into management positions such as senior-level analyst or chief data officer where I will help industry experts make informed decisions that will lead to a more productive, efficient, and sustainable future for all. Whether I receive the Otto Bear Memorial scholarship or not, I am certain that my journey with STEM is only beginning, and I can’t wait to see where the dots will connect next.

“We will always have STEM with us. Some things will drop out of the public eye and will go away, but there will always be science, engineering, and technology. And there will always, always be mathematics.” As a woman who is pursuing a degree in mathematics, this quote by NASA research mathematician Katherine Johnson resonates deeply with me. My journey towards becoming a woman in STEM has been shaped by many positive experiences in and out of the classroom. To begin, in high school I took many advanced STEM classes, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Engineering. But what impacted me the most were the advanced math classes I took, including AP Calculus, Financial Planning 101, and my favorite, AP Statistics. These classes showed me the practicality and versatility of math. For example, calculus can be used to measure the velocity and acceleration of a thrown object or calculate the rate of change of water in a tank. Mathematical equations can be used in finance to predict stocks or measure the value of an investment over time. Finally, statistics can be used in clinical research that adds to our current biomedical knowledge. These classes encouraged me to choose a career in STEM, specifically in mathematics. I realize that this is an unpopular choice for a woman, considering the evident gender disparity in STEM fields. Walking into my Engineering 2 class, I was shocked to see only one other girl present. This worried me, and I wondered if I would feel like an outcast. Then my teacher arranged the class into groups and assigned them each to an engineering project. However, he gave me the role of project manager because he noticed that I had exceptional organizational and communication skills. As a project manager, I oversaw meetings with team leaders, created Gantt charts, and reported team progress to the teacher. This experience showed me that women possess a unique skill set that can enhance the workplace and bring a fresh perspective to industries. During my senior year of high school, I became the president of the Women in STEM club. As president, I primarily served as a mentor and role model for the girls by searching for resources to support them and organizing several STEM-related events including hosting speakers from UCLA Women in the Physical Sciences, participating in the Bebras Computing Challenge, collaborating with the Neuroscience club, and visiting elementary schools to teach kids about STEM. We also had a “Woman of the Week" where we learned about the inspiring women in STEM including Marie Curie, Grace Hopper, and Katherine Johnson. Overall, this experience has consolidated my identity as a woman in STEM and helped me prepare myself and others for a future in STEM, which I will pursue at UCLA. At UCLA, I will be majoring in Statistics and Data Science, and I look forward to joining other Women in STEM groups and organizations to connect with like-minded women and continue being a mentor and role model for others. I will also participate in undergraduate research at one of their research centers, adding to our current scientific knowledge. After graduating, I plan on joining a market research firm as a Data Analyst and later moving into management positions such as senior-level analyst or chief data officer, where I will help industry experts make informed decisions that will lead to a more productive, efficient, and sustainable future for all. Whether I receive the Connie Konatsotis scholarship or not, I am certain that my journey with STEM is only beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.

American author John C. Maxwell once said, “Leadership is the readiness to stand out in a crowd.” For most of my life, I considered myself to be a follower, someone whose talents and abilities were best used under the guidance and supervision of others. This mindset stuck with me until my sophomore year of high school when I decided to become the secretary of Operation Smile, a club that raises money to provide free surgeries for children with cleft lip and palate. Everything was going well until the president abruptly announced his departure from the club, leaving me as the new president. This event kickstarted my journey as a club president, where I would face many difficulties but eventually find a new identity as a resolute leader who stands up for what she believes in. After only a few weeks, I found myself thrust into the world of leadership, a place without a rulebook and abundant in gray areas. Despite my best efforts, I faced much backlash and scrutiny. Frustrated, I questioned whether or not I was leadership material and considered quitting. But instead of giving up, I decided to take concrete steps to become a better leader. I began by forming a reliable team by assigning responsibilities to officers, overseeing team development, and setting up officer meetings. I became a stronger public speaker through interactive meetings and creative slideshows. My communication skills also improved as I collaborated with school staff and various organizations. Finally, the club started gaining momentum. Over the next two years, I organized several successful fundraisers, raising a total of $1025 to fund surgeries for kids with cleft lip and palate. Although difficult, my experience as President of Operation Smile helped me feel confident in my leadership abilities, inspiring me to take up the same role in other clubs. In my junior year of high school, I became the president of the Christian Club. In this club, I used the same communication, team building, and public speaking skills I developed in Operation Smile to enhance club meetings, attract new members, and organize new events (such as inviting religious speakers such as pastors, youth leaders, and deacons). In this club, my role was not only as a team leader but also as a spiritual guide for those who wanted to learn more about the faith. Furthermore, in my senior year of high school, I became the president of BHS Women in STEM. Similarly, I used my leadership skills to improve the club by organizing a wide variety of events, including a UCLA tour, the Bebras computing challenge, guest speakers from La Mission College, and visiting local elementary students to teach about STEM. In this club, I primarily served as a mentor for the girls by providing advice on how to do well in advanced STEM classes and searching for resources to support them. Looking back, being a club president has been a labor of love that has taught me resilience, as well as important leadership skills such as team-building, communication, and adaptability. But most importantly, it has helped me find the courage to stand out from the crowd and support the causes that I believe in. I believe that it is this courage and leadership that makes me an exceptional candidate for the Scholarship Institute's Annual Women’s Leadership Scholarship. Now that I have graduated and left my high school clubs behind, I look forward to joining new organizations at UCLA and beyond, where I can use my leadership skills to continue being a team leader, spiritual guide, and mentor while standing up for my passions and beliefs.

Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” Looking back, it was clear from the beginning that I would pursue a STEM field. Math and science were my favorite subjects in elementary school, and in my free time, I would watch educational shows like Wild Kratts and Nat Geo Kids. My affection for STEM continued in middle school, where I was placed in the school's advanced math program. This program challenged me to grow as a student and showed me the complex, conceptual side of math instead of simple arithmetic. Throughout high school, I filled my schedule with STEM-related coursework, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Engineering. But what impacted me the most were the advanced math classes I took, including AP Calculus, Financial Planning 101, and my favorite, AP Statistics. These classes showed me how math can be used to model real-life situations and applied to solve day-to-day problems. That is when I knew I would pursue a career in STEM, specifically mathematics. I realize that this is an unpopular choice for a woman, considering the evident disparity between women and men in STEM. Walking into my Engineering 2 class at the start of senior year, I was shocked to see only one other girl present. This worried me, and I wondered if I would feel like an outcast. Then my teacher arranged the class into groups and assigned them each to an engineering project. Instead of assigning me to a team, he gave me the role of project manager because he noticed that I had exceptional organizational and leadership skills. As a project manager, I oversaw meetings with team leaders, created Gantt charts, and reported team progress to the teacher. This experience showed me that women possess a unique skill set that can enhance the workplace and bring a fresh perspective to the industry. During my senior year of high school, I also became the president of the Women in STEM club. As president, I primarily served as a mentor and role model for the girls by providing advice on how to do well in advanced STEM classes, searching for resources to support them, and organizing several STEM-related events. These events included hosting speakers from UCLA Women in the Physical Sciences and LA Mission College, a UCLA tour, participating in the Bebras Computing Challenge, collaborating with the Neuroscience club, and visiting elementary schools to teach kids about STEM. We also have a “Woman of the Week" where we learn about the many women in STEM pioneers including Marie Curie, Grace Hopper, and Katherine Johnson. Overall, this experience has consolidated my identity as a woman in STEM and helped me prepare for a future in STEM, which I will pursue at UCLA. At UCLA, I will be majoring in Statistics and Data Science and I look forward to joining other Women in STEM groups and organizations to support women and find mentors and role models. I will also participate in undergraduate research at one of their research centers, adding to our current scientific knowledge. After graduating, I plan on joining a market research firm as a Data Analyst and later moving into management positions such as senior-level analyst or chief data officer, where I will help industry experts make informed decisions that will lead to a more productive, efficient, and sustainable future for all. Whether I receive this scholarship or not, I am certain that my journey with STEM is only beginning, and I can’t wait to see where the dots will connect next.

Upon learning that I serve as the president of three clubs, people often remark, "You must be really talented!" Chuckling, I respond that talent has nothing to do with it. Becoming a successful club president posed many challenges, but every step was worth it. I attained my first club position as the secretary of Operation Smile, a club that raises money to provide free surgery for children with cleft lip and palate. This role was effortless and stress-free, until the president abruptly announced his departure from the club, leaving me as the new president. Without any prior experience, I found myself thrust into the world of leadership, a place without a rulebook and abundant in gray areas. Despite my best efforts, I faced much backlash and scrutiny. Frustrated, I questioned whether or not I was leadership material and considered quitting. In this whirlwind of challenges, I recalled how my immigrant parents always told me to make the best of every opportunity I came across. I knew that being a club president would be a life-changing experience, but I feared failing miserably as a leader. But instead of giving up, I decided to prove my disbelievers wrong by taking concrete steps to become a better leader.  Determined to turn these challenges into opportunities, I began by forming a reliable team by assigning responsibilities to officers, overseeing team development, and setting up officer meetings. I became a stronger public speaker through interactive sessions and creative slideshows and improved my communication skills by collaborating with school staff and various organizations. Finally, the club started gaining momentum. Disaster struck again when I had to cancel an ice cream fundraiser twice in a row because it rained despite the promise of sunshine. I improvised by storing the tubs of ice cream in my fridge for weeks before the weather decided to cooperate. Then, when a publicity officer quit, it pushed me to get creative by making flyers and posters using design tools such as Canva, something I wouldn’t have previously attempted. Although unfortunate, these events taught me how to adjust to unforeseen circumstances and be open to learning new things. By the end of the year, I felt confident and comfortable as a president, inspiring me to take up the same role in other clubs. I also served as the president of the Christian Club and Women In STEM. At the Christian Club, I am a spiritual guide for those who want to learn more about the faith by encouraging dynamic discussion and inviting religious speakers. In Women In STEM, I serve as a mentor and role model for the girls by providing advice on how to do well in advanced STEM classes and searching for resources to encourage and support them. Coming into this position, I was worried that I would be unable to help other girls prepare for a career in STEM, especially since I am a first-generation college student. However, I organized several events including speakers such as UCLA Women in the Physical Sciences, hosting a UCLA tour, and the Bebras Computing Challenge. Organizing these events has consolidated my identity as a woman in STEM and helped me prepare for a future in STEM, which I will pursue at UCLA.  Looking back, being a club president has been a labor of love that has taught me resilience and leadership skills such as team-building communication, and adaptability. At UCLA and beyond, I hope to join new organizations to further refine my leadership skills and give back to my community, even after leaving my high school clubs behind.

Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” Looking back, it was clear from the beginning that I would pursue a STEM field. Math and science were my favorite subjects in elementary school, and in my free time, I would watch educational shows like Wild Kratts and Nat Geo Kids. My affection for STEM continued in middle school, where I was placed in the school's advanced math program. This program challenged me to grow as a student and showed me the complex, conceptual side of math instead of simple arithmetic.  Throughout high school, I filled my schedule with STEM-related coursework, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Computer Programming, and Engineering 1 and 2. But what impacted me the most were the advanced math classes I took, including AP Calculus, Financial Planning 101, and my favorite, AP Statistics. These classes showed me how math can be used to model real-life situations and applied to solve day-to-day problems. That is when I knew I would pursue a career in STEM, specifically mathematics.  During my senior year of high school, I became the president of the Women in STEM club. Coming into this position, I was worried that I would be unable to help other girls prepare for a career in STEM, especially since I am a first-generation college student. As the eldest daughter of Asian immigrants, I struggled to figure out how the education system works: what classes to choose, how to get involved in extracurriculars, how to apply to college, etc. This experience has taught me how to handle stress, how to problem-solve, and how to find and utilize available resources. I believe that these experiences have shaped who I am as a person of color and have given me a unique skill set and background that will allow me to contribute to the field of STEM in a way that promotes discovery and growth.  As president of the Woman in STEM club, I primarily served as a mentor and role model for the girls by providing advice on how to do well in advanced STEM classes, searching for resources to encourage and support them, and organizing several STEM-related events. These events included hosting speakers from UCLA Women in the Physical Sciences and LA Mission College, going on a UCLA tour, participating in the Bebras Computing Challenge, collaborating with the Neuroscience club, and visiting elementary schools to teach kids about STEM. We also have a “Woman of the Week" where we learn about the many women who have contributed to STEM, including Marie Curie, Grace Hopper, and Katherine Johnson. Overall, this experience has consolidated my identity as a woman in STEM and helped me prepare for a future in STEM, which I will pursue at UCLA.  At UCLA, I look forward to using my unique background and skill set as a woman of color in STEM by joining STEM-oriented groups and organizations to build professional relationships and continue being a leader and mentor. I will be majoring in Statistics and Data Science, and I plan on participating in research at one of UCLA's undergraduate research centers, adding to our current scientific knowledge. After graduating, I plan on joining a market research firm as a Data Analyst, where I will help industry experts make informed decisions that will lead to a more productive, efficient, and sustainable future for all. I am certain that my journey with STEM is only beginning, and I cannot wait to see the impact that I have on the STEM field as a person of color.

Yes, I am in love with my calculator. My TI-84 has been my faithful companion for over two years now, assisting me on the AP exams and the SAT. What exactly do I love about it? Well first of all I love graphs - how lines and dots can represent numbers, and boxes and slices of pie can represent categories. I also love tables - how they can simultaneously divide and combine information with vertical and horizontal lines. Moreover, I love math in general - taking the unknown and making it quantifiable. Growing up, math in elementary school was extremely boring and I longed for something more challenging. Then, I was placed in my middle school’s advanced math program, which introduced me to algebra and geometry. These subjects showed me the more conceptual side of math, as opposed to simple arithmetic. Although at the time I didn't understand the reasoning behind why we were solving for 'x' or finding the arc length of a circle segment, I appreciated the credibility of math. It was a dependable way to measure the world's vastness using dependable ratios and increments. In high school, I took advanced math courses such as AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Statistics, and Financial Planning 101. These classes showed me the practicality and versatility of math. For example, calculus can be used in physics to measure the speed and distance of a thrown object. In an engineering setting, calculus can be used to calculate the rate of change of water in a tank. Mathematical equations can be used in finance to predict stocks or measure the value of an investment over time. Finally, statistics can be used in clinical research that adds to our current biomedical knowledge. Not only is math something that I appreciate, but it also enables me to help others. In February 2022, I started working at Kumon, an afterschool math and reading tutoring program for kids. It is always rewarding to see the spark in my student's eyes when they realize that math is not only possible but also enjoyable. This fall, I will continue my love affair with my calculator by majoring in Statistics and Data Science at UCLA. I look forward to broadening my mathematical knowledge by taking more advanced coursework, participating in research at one of UCLA’s undergraduate research centers, and continuing to be a mentor by joining a tutoring program on campus.

After going to Saint Robert Bellarmine Church Sunday after Sunday, it has become a second home for me. Since I was a child, my continuous involvement within the Catholic church has strengthened my relationship with Jesus, inspiring me to act in a way that demonstrates the principles of love, faith, and community service. My involvement with the mass first started when I was around six or seven years old. I've always loved to sing, and one day I sang with such passion and volume that it caught the attention of the choir director, who asked me to join the children's choir. I excitedly agreed and found it to be a wonderful way to use my voice to glorify Him and create an atmosphere of reverence and jubilation that enhances the mass. This strengthened my relationship with Jesus by giving me a love for worship. Then, at eight years old, I became an altar server, where I would assist the priest during mass. Being an altar server helped me familiarize myself with the structure and preparation that goes into each mass. Learning this strengthened my relationship with Jesus by giving me a greater appreciation for the mass. As I got older, I wanted a more mature role in the mass. Therefore, I started training to be a lector, which is someone who proclaims a selected Bible passage to the congregation. Not only did lectoring improve my diction and voice projection, but it also strengthened my relationship with Jesus by giving me a greater understanding of the Bible and the principles it teaches. Outside of church, I started sharing my faith by becoming the president of the Christian Club at my high school. As president, I invited several speakers from local parishes, including a priest, a deacon, and a youth director. I also created slideshows for each meeting on topics such as the Bible, prayer, the Nativity story, the Eucharist, and the Easter season. Moreover, I also created prayer request QR codes which were displayed on the school announcements so that we could pray for people around the school with prayer requests. Today, I am a lector and choir member who regularly volunteers at soup kitchens, the annual parish festival, and other fundraising and charity events. Additionally, I recently started a new project within my church, where I will be updating and adding information to the parish website, as well as managing the church's Instagram to bring greater awareness of church events and how parishioners can get involved. As I transition from high school to college, I intend to continue living out and sharing my faith by joining new Catholic and Christian organizations, such as the UCLA Catholic Center. Here I will use my singing and public speaking talents to praise God and share his word. I also hope to attain a leadership position within this organization, where I can use my planning and communication skills to strengthen and grow the Catholic community on the UCLA campus. Moreover, I would also like to learn how to be an apologist and evangelize within the college community, which I believe needs a spiritual awakening. Looking back, it is clear that my actions have exemplified the principles of love, faith, and community service. Moreover, I have strong intentions to continue demonstrating these principles in college and beyond, which I believe makes me a worthy candidate for the God Hearted Girls Scholarship.

Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” Looking back, it was clear from the very beginning that I would pursue a STEM field. Science and math were my favorite subjects in elementary school, and in my free time, I would watch educational shows like Wild Kratts and Nat Geo Kids. My affection for STEM continued in middle school, where I was placed in the school's advanced math program, which showed me the complex, conceptual side of math as opposed to simple arithmetic. Then, throughout high school, I filled my schedule with STEM-related coursework, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Engineering 1 and 2, and Computer Science. But what impacted me the most were the advanced math classes I took, including AP Calculus, Financial Planning 101, and my favorite, AP Statistics. These classes showed me how math can be used to model real-life situations and be applied to solve day-to-day problems. That is when I knew I would pursue a career in STEM, specifically mathematics. Additionally, as I started looking for a part-time job, I knew I wanted to find a job related to the math field. Therefore, I began working at Kumon, an afterschool math and reading tutoring program for kids. Assisting students with advanced levels of math allowed me to share my love of math with others, and it is always rewarding to see the spark in their eyes when they realize that math is not only possible but also enjoyable. Finally, during my senior year of high school, I also became the president of the Women in STEM club. As president, I organized several events including speakers such as UCLA Women in the Physical Sciences and the Dean of LA Mission College, as well as hosting a UCLA tour, participating in the Bebras Computing Challenge, and teaching elementary schoolers about STEM topics. We also have a “Woman of the Week” where we learn about the many women who have contributed to STEM, including Marie Curie, Grace Hopper, and Katherine Johnson. Organizing these events has consolidated my identity as a woman in STEM and helped me prepare for a future in STEM, which I will pursue at UCLA. At UCLA, I will major in Statistics and Data Science, and I look forward to broadening my mathematical knowledge by taking more advanced coursework, as well as creating professional connections by joining STEM-oriented groups and organizations. I would also like to continue being a leader and mentor by participating in clubs and tutoring programs on campus. Finally, I would like to work with real-life data by participating in research projects at one of UCLA’s many research centers, such as the Undergraduate Research Center for Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. Winning the William Griggs Memorial Scholarship for Science and Math would help me at UCLA because it would give me the flexibility to invest my time working toward my future career (ex: taking an extra class or participating in an unpaid internship) rather than working at a random job for the sole purpose of getting money to cover college expenses. After graduating, I plan on joining a market research firm as a Data Analyst and later moving into management positions such as senior-level analyst or chief data officer, where I will help industry experts make informed decisions that will lead to a more productive, efficient, and sustainable future for all. Whether I receive this scholarship or not, I am certain that my journey with STEM is only beginning, and I can’t wait to see where the dots will connect next.

After going to Saint Robert Bellarmine Church Sunday after Sunday, it has become a second home to me. As a small child, I remember attending Sunday school with hordes of other kids. But as the years went by, I began to see fewer and fewer of my peer's faces at mass. It was clear that my church community was facing a huge problem – a lack of youth participation. As a result, I have stepped forward to serve my community through my talents. I've always loved to sing, and one day I sang with such passion and volume that the choir director asked me to join the children's choir. I excitedly agreed and found the church choir to be a wonderful way to use my God-given talents to glorify him. As a choir member, it has been extremely fulfilling to become a part of the atmosphere of reverence and jubilation that enhances the mass. At eight years old, I became an altar server because my church desperately needed them. I enjoyed assisting the priest during mass while receiving a greater understanding of the structure and preparation for each mass.  As I got older, I wanted a more mature role in the mass. Therefore, I started training to be a lector, someone who proclaims a selected bible passage to the congregation. Despite only being permitted for those who are sixteen and older, my parish priest allowed me to start when I was twelve. Not only did lectoring improve my diction and voice projection, but it also allowed me to interact more directly with the mass. Outside of church, I started sharing my faith by becoming the president of the Christian Club at my high school. As president, I encouraged dynamic discussion and invited several speakers from local parishes, including a priest, a deacon, and a youth director. I also created slideshows for each meeting and prayer request QR codes that were put on the school announcements. Recently, I started a new project within my church, where I will be updating and adding information to the parish website and managing the church's Instagram to bring greater awareness of church events and the different ways that parishioners can get involved in church activities. Today, I am a lector and choir member who regularly volunteers at soup kitchens, the annual parish festival, and other fundraising events throughout the year. Looking out from the altar, I see more faces of children at mass, perceiving me as a role model who doesn’t let her young age stop her from participating.  As I transition from high school to college, I intend to continue living out these principles by joining new Catholic and Christian organizations, such as the UCLA Catholic Center. At these organizations, I plan on using my singing and public speaking talents to praise God and share his word. I also hope to attain a leadership position within this organization, where I can use my planning and communication skills to strengthen and grow the Catholic community within the UCLA campus. Moreover, I would also like to learn how to be an apologist and evangelize within the campus community, which I believe desperately needs God today.  Looking back, it is clear that throughout my life my actions have exemplified the principles of love, faith, and community service, and I have strong intentions to continue demonstrating these principles in college and beyond, which I believe makes me a worthy candidate for the Rev. Ethel Scholarship.

American author, speaker, and pastor John C. Maxwell once said, “Leadership is the readiness to stand out in a crowd.” For most of my life, I considered myself to be a follower, someone whose talents and abilities were best used under the guidance and supervision of others. This mindset stuck with me until my sophomore year of high school when I decided to become the secretary of Operation Smile, a club that raises money to provide free surgeries for children with cleft lip and palate. Everything was going well until the president abruptly announced his departure from the club, leaving me as the new president. This event kickstarted my journey as a club president, where I would face many difficulties and unexpected circumstances, but eventually find a new identity as a resolute leader who stands up for what she believes in.   Without any prior experience, I found myself thrust into the world of leadership, a place without a rulebook and abundant in gray areas. I was engulfed in a sea of anxiety and uncertainty – and the members could sense it. They could tell that the meetings were poorly put together and that I had no clear vision for the club’s future. Despite my best efforts, I faced much backlash and scrutiny. After canceling the big event that we were planning because it was no longer realistic, members began to leave the club. Instead of trying to help me out, one of the officers accused me of destroying the club. "What type of leader are you?" he taunted.  Frustrated, I questioned whether or not I was leadership material and considered quitting. In this whirlwind of anxiety and uncertainty, I recalled how my immigrant parents always told me to make the best of every opportunity I came across. I knew that the opportunity to be a club president would be a life-changing experience, but I feared that I would fail miserably as a leader. Then I realized that this fear was driven by those who taunted me and expected me to fail. Instead of giving up, I decided to prove my doubters wrong by taking concrete steps to become a better leader.  Determined to turn these challenges into opportunities, I began by forming a reliable team. I started assigning responsibilities to officers, setting up officer meetings, holding officers accountable, and overseeing team development. I also became a stronger public speaker through interactive meetings and creative slideshows. My communication skills also improved significantly, as I conferred with officers and collaborated with school staff and various organizations. My organizational skills also improved, as I began to schedule and plan meetings ahead of time. As a result of these efforts, the club started gaining momentum. However, disaster struck again when I had to cancel an ice cream fundraiser because it rained twice in a row despite the promise of sunshine. I improvised by storing the tubs of ice cream in my fridge for weeks before the weather decided to cooperate. Then, when a publicity officer abruptly quit, it pushed me to get creative by making flyers and posters using design tools such as Canva, which is something I wouldn’t have previously attempted. Although unfortunate, these events taught me how to adjust to unforeseen circumstances and make the best of any situation. This adaptability helped me organize several successful events raising a total of $1025 to fund surgeries for kids with cleft lip and palate. Although difficult, my experience as President of Operation Smile helped me feel confident in my leadership abilities, inspiring me to take up the same role in other clubs. In my junior year of high school, I became the president of the Christian Club. In this club, I used the same communication, team building, and public speaking skills I developed in Operation Smile to enhance club meetings, attract new members, and organize new events (such as inviting religious speakers such as pastors, youth leaders, and deacons). In this club, my role was not only a team leader but also a spiritual guide for those who want to learn more about the faith by encouraging dynamic discussion and creating a space for Christianity to be shared on campus.  Furthermore, in my senior year of high school, I became the president of BHS Women In STEM. Similarly, I used my leadership skills to improve the club by organizing a wide variety of events, including a UCLA tour, the Bebras computing challenge, guest speakers from La Mission College, a collaboration with the neuroscience club, teaching local elementary students about STEM, etc. In this club, I primarily served as a mentor and role model for the girls by providing advice on how to do well in advanced STEM classes and searching for resources to encourage and support them.  Looking back, being a club president has been a labor of love that has taught me resilience, as well as important leadership skills such as team building, communication, and adaptability. It has also given me a sense of purpose, allowing me to assume the role of a team leader, a spiritual guide, and an academic mentor to my peers. But most importantly, it has helped me find the courage to stand out from the crowd and support the causes which I believe in. I believe that it is this courage and leadership that makes me an exceptional candidate for the Jonas Griffith scholarship.  Now that I have graduated and left my high school clubs behind, I look forward to joining new organizations at UCLA to continue refining my leadership skills, serving my community, and standing up for my passions and beliefs.

Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” Looking back, it was clear from the very beginning that I would pursue a STEM field. Math and science were my favorite subjects in elementary school, and in my free time, I would watch educational shows like Wild Kratts and Nat Geo Kids. My affection for STEM continued in middle school, where I was placed in the school's advanced math program. This program challenged me to grow as a student and showed me the complex, conceptual side of math as opposed to simple arithmetic.  Throughout high school, I filled my schedule with STEM-related coursework, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Engineering. But what impacted me the most were the advanced math classes I took, including AP Calculus, Financial Planning 101, and my favorite, AP Statistics. These classes showed me how math can be used to model real-life situations and applied to solve day-to-day problems. That is when I knew I would pursue a career in STEM, specifically mathematics.  I realize that this is an unpopular choice for a woman, considering the evident disparity between women and men in STEM. Walking into my Engineering 2 class at the start of senior year, I was shocked to see only one other girl present. This worried me, and I wondered if I would feel like an outcast. Thankfully, I found a place for myself when my teacher arranged the class into groups which would each work on a different engineering project. Instead of an ordinary team member, he gave me the role of project manager because he noticed that I had exceptional organizational and leadership skills. As a project manager, I oversee meetings with team leaders, create Gantt charts, and report team progress to the teacher. This experience showed me that women possess a unique skill set that can enhance the workplace and bring a fresh perspective to the industry.  During my senior year of high school, I also became the president of the Women in STEM club. Coming into this position, I was worried that I would be unable to help other girls prepare for a career in STEM, especially since I am a first-generation college student myself. However, I was able to organize several events including speakers such as UCLA Women in the Physical Sciences, hosting a UCLA tour, and the Bebras Computing Challenge. We also have a “Woman of the Week” where we learn about the many women who have contributed to STEM, including Marie Curie, Grace Hopper, and Katherine Johnson. Organizing these events has consolidated my identity as a woman in STEM and helped me prepare for a future in STEM, which I will pursue at UCLA.  At UCLA, I will be majoring in Statistics and Data Science in hopes of becoming a Data Analyst and I look forward to joining other Women in STEM groups and organizations to support women and find mentors and role models.  I will also participate in undergraduate research at one of their research centers, adding to our current scientific knowledge. Winning the Morgan STEM scholarship would help me at UCLA because it would give me the flexibility to invest my time working toward my future career (ex: taking an extra class or participating in an unpaid internship) rather than working at a random job for the sole purpose of getting money to cover college expenses. Whether I receive this scholarship or not, I am certain that my journey with STEM is only beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.

As a Gen-Z student, technology has always played a pivotal part in my education. However, it wasn’t until I started my high school career that online tools and resources became crucial to my academic advancement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I switched to online learning for my freshman year of high school. During this time, Google Classroom became essential to my learning. Google Classroom was the place where I would read class announcements, submit my assignments, and communicate with my teachers through private comments. It also sent me reminders of when each assignment was due, which helped me with time management. Google Classroom is also compatible with Google Docs and Google Slides. These tools helped me jot down notes and create virtual presentations, helping me connect with the material. Apart from Google Classroom, the other tools I used for online learning were Zoom and Google Hangouts, which created a virtual classroom where I could continue to learn and connect with teachers and classmates despite being stuck at home. I took full advantage of this resource by always having my camera on and participating in group discussions. During distance learning, many students saw their grades drop due to the drastic change in learning methods and environments. However, because I utilized these online tools and resources in a way that advanced my engagement with class material, I remained a straight-A student. During that same year, I started to take online community college classes. The jump from high school to college required learning how to use new resources. In these classes, the most essential tool for my learning was Canvas, which is very similar to Google Classroom, except that it is used for college classes and has unique features such as the ability to respond to discussion boards, private message classmates, and schedule office hours. I took advantage of these new features and connected with my teachers and classmates, helping me learn how to communicate with college students and get a feel of the college environment. Apart from Canvas, I also tried to connect with even more resources. One of the dual enrollment classes that I took was English 101: College Reading and Composition 1. In this class, I had to write several lengthy argumentative essays. Knowing that I needed extra help with these assignments, I turned to two online resources for help: Grammarly and NetTutor. Grammarly helped me fix the grammar and tone of my writing. NetTutor helped give me feedback on essay structure, topic development, and the transitions and fluency of my essay. Because I connected with these resources, I completed the class with 97%, which was the highest grade in the class. The next year, I started taking AP classes. This is when I started to use AP Classroom. AP Classroom has many videos and practice MCQs and FRQs that would help prepare me for their test content and question styles. AP Classroom also helped fill in the gaps in the curriculum which my teachers skipped over because there wasn’t enough time to go over it all in class. Because I used AP Classroom, I was able to get a score of 5 (highest score) on my AP Statistics, AP Biology, and AP Calc AB exams. Today, I am still an avid user of Google Classroom, Zoom, Canvas, and AP Classroom because they are incredibly helpful to me as a student. As I venture into college and beyond, I am sure that I will continue to find and utilize new online learning platforms and resources to further enhance my learning experience.

Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” Looking back, it was clear from the very beginning that I would pursue a STEM field. Math and science were my favorite subjects in elementary school, and I loved to watch educational shows like Wild Kratts and Nat Geo Kids in my free time. My affection for STEM continued in middle school, where I was placed in the school's advanced math program. This program allowed students to get ahead in math by completing sixth-grade math in one year, which challenged me to grow as a student and showed me the complex, conceptual side of math as opposed to simple arithmetic. Throughout high school, I filled my schedule with advanced STEM-related coursework, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Engineering. But what impacted me the most were the advanced math classes I took, including AP Calculus, Financial Planning 101, and my favorite, AP Statistics. These classes showed me how math can be used to model real-life situations and applied to solve day-to-day problems. My passion for math blossomed as my knowledge of math accumulated. That is when I knew I would pursue a career in STEM, specifically mathematics. I realize that this is an unpopular choice for a woman, considering the evident disparity between men and women in STEM. Walking into my Engineering 2 class at the start of the school year, I was shocked to see only one other girl present. It worried me to see this, and I wondered if I would feel like an outcast. Thankfully, I found a place for myself when my teacher split the class into several groups, which would each work on different engineering projects. Instead of being an ordinary team member, he gave me the role of project manager because he noticed that I had organizational, communication, and leadership skills. As a project manager, I oversee meetings with team leaders, create Gantt charts, and report team progress to the teacher. This experience showed me that women possess a unique skill set that can enhance the workplace and bring a fresh perspective to STEM fields. This year, I became the president of the Women in STEM club at my high school. This club has allowed me to meet other girls with similar interests and organize STEM events. Some of our events include inviting speakers such as UCLA Women in the Physical Sciences, touring prestigious colleges such as UCLA and Caltech, and participating in the Bebras Computing Challenge. We also have a “Woman of the Week” where we learn about the many women who have contributed to STEM, such as Marie Curie, Grace Hopper, and Katherine Johnson. Organizing these events has deepened my love for STEM and helped consolidate my identity as a woman in STEM. In the future, I look forward to continuing to learn more about STEM and contributing to the STEM field. I intend to do this by joining other Women in STEM groups and organizations to support women and find mentors and role models. I also want to major in Statistics at UCLA in hopes of becoming a Data Analyst. At UCLA, I would participate in research at one of their research centers, such as the Center for Statistical Research in Computational Biology, adding to our current knowledge. But this is just a rough plan. Like Jobs said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward.” While nothing is set in stone, I am certain that my journey with STEM is only beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.

Math in elementary school bored me—not because I disliked math—but because it was too easy. I was well-versed in the subject from early on, making it the easiest part of the school day. I longed for something more challenging to motivate me to pay attention and excel in class. Luckily, my middle school had an advanced math program. It allowed students to get two years ahead in math by completing sixth through eighth-grade math all in one year. I was accepted into the program and finally got to challenge myself. In 6th and 8th grade, I participated in the Math Field Day program. Math Field Day was a group of 15 students selected by the district for their proficiency in math to sharpen their math skills. I enjoyed working in a team to solve complex math problems. In 6th grade, my team and I were skilled enough to proceed to the state finals. Although we did not receive an award, it was a great learning experience. In February 2022, I started working at a local Kumon center. Kumon is an afterschool reading and math tutoring program for kids. Because Kumon offers advanced math levels, I took worksheets home to further my understanding and teaching abilities. I could now use my mathematical knowledge to help and teach others. I consider this the greatest of my math accomplishments. In my Junior year of high school, I took three advanced math courses: AP Calc AB, AP Stats, and Financial Planning 101 (dual enrollment). Taking these classes helped me further my knowledge and understand how math can be used to solve real world problems. Even after taking such rigorous courses, I never got tired of math. I was still hungry for more, just like in elementary school. That was when I knew that I should be a math major. It is my dream to study statistics at UCLA. I want to participate in research at one of UCLA’s eight statistical research centers. One center in particular that caught my attention is the Center for Statistical Research in Computational Biology. They use statistics to analyze biological data and publish their findings in academic journals. Then, medical professionals can use them to enhance medical techniques and practices. This is an exciting opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research. At UCLA, I also want to join the Statistics Club to meet students with similar interests. After graduating, I plan on joining the UCLA Society of Women in Statistics and the Statistics Graduate Student Association to encourage women to join the field and to represent graduate students from the department. Looking back, I can see how math has impacted my life. Not only is it something that I enjoy, but it also enables me to help others and opens up new opportunities. I can’t wait to see where my journey with math takes me next.

Time, temperature, measurements, and money have one thing in common—mathematics. I remember doing math in elementary school. The videos by GoMath always seemed to drag on for years. Occasionally I would yawn or cover my ears in disgust. It bored me—not because I disliked math—but because it was too easy. From early on, I was well-versed in the subject, making it the easiest part of the school day. Luckily, my middle school had an advanced math program. It allowed students to get two years ahead in math by completing sixth through eighth-grade math all in one year. The challenge of higher-level coursework motivated me to pay attention and excel in class. I also realized that math could model real-life situations. I started noticing how math popped up in my everyday life, such as sales tax on a purchase or calculating my score on a test. Math also tied in with other subjects, such as science, which made them easy to understand. In both 6th and 8th grade, I participated in the Math Field Day program. It was a new experience for me. I enjoyed working in a team with others to solve complex math problems. In 6th grade, my team and I were skilled enough to proceed to the state finals. Although we did not receive any awards, it was a great learning experience that I will never forget. In February 2022, I started working at a local Kumon center. Kumon is an afterschool reading and math tutoring program for kids. I was soon appointed to assist the older students since I was proficient in higher levels of math. I could now use my talent to help others, leading them toward success. I consider this the greatest of my math accomplishments, and I am incredibly thankful to work there. Today, I am taking three math-based classes: AP Calc AB, AP Stats, and Financial Planning 101 (dual enrollment course). I enjoy these classes, and I don’t mind the extra math. Looking back, I can see how math has impacted my life. Not only is it something that I enjoy, but it also opens up many new experiences, allows me to make more sense of the world, and enables me to help others. In the future, I look forward to continuing my journey with math, and I aspire to be a statistician.

I work at Kumon, where I have the pleasure of tutoring kids in math and reading. "Jane" is one of the students whom I tutor. When she was younger, she got food poisoning, which damaged her brain. Due to her condition, she gets all of her worksheets completely wrong. Day after day, it is always the same story. But what inspires me is that she always comes in with a huge smile to show that she is ready to learn and give it another try. So my best back-to-school tip would be to go through life one day at a time. Start each day with a positive outlook and forget about the past. And do not worry too much about the future either. Just live in the moment and have faith that everything will fall in place. My Instagram is _sarahjdias