Mental illness has always been a silent presence in my family. Growing up, my mom struggled with depression and anxiety, though it was rarely spoken about. I remember the weight in the air, the way things felt off even when no one said anything. Sometimes she couldn’t fully participate in family events, and I would sit beside her, wondering why she seemed distant. As a child, I didn’t understand that it wasn’t just her—it was mental illness. I thought it was part of who she was, but as I grew older, I realized it wasn’t that simple. Watching my dad try to support her was confusing too. He never knew how to help, though he tried in every way he could. I felt helpless, unable to reach either of them when they needed support most. By the time I hit my teenage years, I started to feel the weight myself. Anxiety crept in, and I realized I was mimicking the behaviors I had seen. I began retreating inside myself, and the cycle continued. It wasn’t until I started therapy that I understood how mental health affects every part of life. I learned that it wasn’t something to hide or be ashamed of. I also learned the power of vulnerability and how it creates space for healing—not just for me, but for my mom and the people I loved. As I began to understand my own struggles, I looked at my family differently. I saw their strength not in trying to hold everything together, but in continuing to show up, even when they were barely holding on. Real resilience comes from sharing our wounds and saying, “I need help.” That’s when I knew I had to do something, not just for myself, but for others too. Now, I’m determined to help break the stigma surrounding mental health and create spaces where it’s okay to ask for help. I’ve seen the toll silence can take, and I’ve experienced the power of connection and understanding. Through my experiences, I’ve gained the courage to face my own battles—and to encourage others to do the same. Mental health isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a part of being human. My family has shaped who I am, and I carry with me the lessons of resilience, love, and vulnerability that I’ve learned from their struggles. It’s not easy, but I know the hardest parts of life often teach us the most.

Growing up half-Korean and living in Seoul, I would often hold my breath as I made my way through the city's smog. During a recent visit, I witnessed first-hand the damage that pollution had caused to this once-beautiful city. This experience ignited a passion within me for sustainability and inspired me to make intentional choices in my daily life to reduce my carbon footprint. In college, I have taken this passion to the next level by starting a sustainability organization with fellow students. We discuss and share methods of sustainable transportation, from electric skateboards and longboards to bicycles and electric scooters. We have playful debates about which mode of transport is best and share our experiences with one another. Our organization also advocates for more sustainable transportation options in the city of Austin and around our college campus. We have reached out to the city and our university to discuss the possibility of making the surrounding area more accommodating to electric skateboard and scooter riders. We are also working to partner with big-brand manufacturers of electric skateboards and scooters, such as GoTrax and Backfire, to secure bulk discounts for our organization members. Through this organization, I have found a community of like-minded individuals who share my passion for sustainability. Together, we are making a difference in our community and inspiring others to make conscious choices that benefit both themselves and the environment. In addition to my involvement in this organization, I have also made personal changes in my daily life to reduce my carbon footprint. For instance, I do not bring a car to campus and instead rely on public transportation and my electric skateboard to get around. This not only helps reduce emissions, but also saves money on gas and parking fees. My passion for sustainability has also led me to secure an internship at Tesla, where I can apply my skills in engineering to help accelerate the transition to sustainable energy. I am excited to be a part of a company that is making a positive impact on the world and working towards a more sustainable future. As I continue to move forward in my career and personal life, I am committed to advocating for sustainability and making conscious choices to reduce my carbon footprint. It is my hope that others will join me in this mission and work towards a healthier, cleaner planet for generations to come.

Owen was a friend who had a bright future ahead of him, but one mistake changed everything. One night, he got into a car with a drunk driver who lost control and crashed. Owen didn't survive. It was a tragedy that affected everyone around us. His family, my family and friends, and even the family of the drunk driver who also died in the accident. The effects of drunk driving are devastating. I saw it firsthand. It's not just about the loss of life, it's about the emotional toll it takes on everyone. That's why I knew I had to do something to prevent it from happening again. I started by researching the strategies used to prevent drunk driving. I learned about education, awareness campaigns, and stricter laws. I realized that all of these approaches were necessary, but I wanted to focus on something that would have a more immediate impact. That's when I started an organization to fight against drunk driving. We organize events and campaigns to raise awareness and encourage people to make better choices. We work with local law enforcement to enforce existing laws and push for stronger ones. We also provide support and resources for victims and their families. Starting this organization wasn't easy. It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but it was worth it. We've grown significantly since our humble beginnings, and I'm proud of the impact we've had. Our message is spreading, and more and more people are making the right choices. But we still have a long way to go. College students, in particular, are at risk for driving under the influence of various substances. That's why I've been focusing on growing our organization at UT. We're working with student organizations and hosting events to reach as many people as possible. I know that this is something I'll be fighting for the rest of my life. It's not just about preventing drunk driving, it's about making sure that people understand the consequences of their actions. It's about making sure that Owen's memory lives on, and that no one else has to go through what his family, my family and friends, and I did. Every time I see someone make the right choice, whether it's calling a ride-share or choosing not to drink, it gives me hope. Hope that we can make a difference. Hope that we can prevent another tragedy like the one that took Owen from us. I'll never forget Owen, and I'll never stop fighting for what's right. Drunk driving is preventable, and it's up to all of us to make sure that it stops.

It all started on a whim. I was having a terrible day, and there were heavy bags at my gym. So, I decided to give boxing a try. Little did I know that it would become a beautiful thing for me. Boxing has become a gift that brings me a perfect balance of physical and mental wellness. When I step into the ring, I am fully present. I forget about everything else that is going on in my life. All my focus is on the punches and the movements. It is a form of meditation for me. The physical aspect of boxing is also incredibly beneficial. It keeps me fit and greatly improves my conditioning. Boxing has also been incredibly helpful in dealing with mental stress and anxiety. When I am feeling overwhelmed, I hit the gym and start working on the bags. The intense physical exertion of boxing is a great way to release pent-up emotions. The rush of endorphins from the workout leaves me feeling calm and relaxed. Not only has boxing helped me deal with my own struggles, but it has also given me increased confidence. Knowing that I can defend myself if I need to is an empowering feeling. It has made me more confident in all areas of my life. As I enter a world where I have to juggle increasingly difficult engineering college classes and leadership positions in various organizations, boxing will be more important than ever. I know that balancing everything will not be easy, but I am confident that boxing will help me stay grounded. It will be my constant, my refuge. No matter what is going on in my life, I know that I can always turn to boxing. In the future, I see myself using my passion for boxing to help others. I plan on taking over the boxing club for my college next year as the current coach graduates. I want to spread the love for boxing to all and show them the benefits of this incredible sport. I believe that everyone can benefit from the balance of physical and mental wellness that boxing provides. Boxing has become so much more than just a workout for me. It has become a way of life. It has taught me discipline, focus, and perseverance. It has helped me become the best version of myself. I am grateful for the day that I decided to give it a try, and I am excited about all the ways that it will continue to shape my life in the future.

Inspired by the buffest kid in my grade, I signed up for a gym membership at the beginning of high school. He agreed to train me, and we became close friends. Thanks to his help, what could have been a nerve-racking, months-long stretch of crashing weights, fierce grunts, and extreme anxiety became a massive head start in my fitness journey. Gratefully looking back years later, I wanted to pass the favor forward. The opportunity eventually came along when I inspired a close friend of mine to also begin working out. She spoke about how she hated her appearance and how it was a constant source of stress and depression. After discussing these insecurities and goals, much like my mentor of the past, I offered my help and took her under my wing. Meeting every day, she quickly learned the ropes of fitness as I trained her to maintain healthy habits both inside and outside the gym. We covered a lot: what to eat, how much to eat, how often to train, how to do certain exercises, and how to create personally curated workout routines. It was fun for both of us. We got to learn more about each other, do what we love, and better ourselves all at the same time. After a year of being her personal trainer, she told me how she and those around her have noticed the changes in not only her body, but also her happiness and self-confidence. I will be forever grateful for the guidance I received when I began exercising, and being able to pass it forward as the mentor that watches and helps my friend grow is easily one of my proudest experiences. Since then, mentorship has integrated itself into my life as a whole. Helping my peers in their endeavors—including academics, friendships, relationships, and mental health—has been my way of giving back to the world that’s allowed me to be where I am today. My mentorship has come to be one of the defining characteristics of my high school years, and as I dive into the next chapter of my life, I have every intention of continuing this momentum in even more avenues. The University of Texas at Austin has opened unmatched doors which I have walked straight through as I expand my mentoring capabilities into other realms. Through my school’s American Society of Mechanical Engineers organization, I am using my experience to help other students grow into effective engineers. Though I surely continue to train my peers in the gym, I plan to move even further by spreading my passions and cultivating close ties with those I aid as we walk through UT Austin together.

My friend group had been inseparable since elementary school. We all grew up together, experiencing the joys and struggles of adolescence side by side. We were all like family, and we were always there for each other. But everything changed when Gabriel committed suicide. I remember the day I found out. I was at home, trying to concentrate on my schoolwork, when I received a text from one of our friends. The message was simple but devastating: Gabriel was gone. I was in disbelief. I couldn't believe that one of our own had succumbed to such a terrible fate. The next few weeks were a blur. My group and I tried to return to our studies, but it was hard to focus. We were grieving, and it was taking a toll on us. It was during this time that I realized how important my friendships were to me. I had always known that I loved my friends, but Gabriel's death showed me just how much they meant to me. We leaned on each other for support, and we were there for each other through every moment of grief. As time passed, we began to heal. We talked about Gabriel, sharing memories and stories about our time with him. We talked about how we wished he was still with us, and how we would do anything to bring him back. But we also talked about how we could honor his memory, and how we could make the most of the time we have with the people we love. That experience taught me that life is fleeting. We never know how much time we have with the people we love, and we should cherish every moment. It also showed me the importance of fostering deep, meaningful connections with the people in our lives. These are the relationships that sustain us through life's hardest moments, and they are the ones that bring us the greatest joy. Further, overcoming this hardship has lit a fire inside of me to never let something like this happen again. As I prepare to enter the world of engineering, I know that I will face new challenges. I will have to work in groups, and I will have to build connections with my classmates and colleagues. But I am up for the challenge. I have a burning desire to fight for the kind of deep, lifelong relationships that I have with my friend group. I want to create a community where everyone feels seen and heard, where we can support each other through thick and thin, and where anybody that is going through difficult times or struggling with mental health can get the help they need. I will not let this happen again. I know that this won't be easy. Building meaningful relationships takes time and effort. It requires vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to put yourself out there. But I am ready to do the work. I am ready to fight for the kind of community that I know is possible, one where we lift each other up and help each other grow. Gabriel's death taught me so much about life and what is truly important. It taught me the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones and the importance of building deep, meaningful relationships. It has ignited an unextinguishable fire inside of me to never let something similar happen again. As I enter the engineering world, I am ready to fight for these kinds of relationships and to build a healthy community that will sustain each other through life's hardest moments.

My friend group had been inseparable since elementary school. We all grew up together, experiencing the joys and struggles of adolescence side by side. We were all like family, and we were always there for each other. But everything changed when Gabriel committed suicide. Gabriel was one of us. He was the funny one, always cracking jokes and making us laugh. He was always there for us when we needed him, and we never thought we would have to be there for him in such a tragic way. It was a shock to us all when we found out that he had taken his own life. I remember the day I found out. I was at home, trying to concentrate on my schoolwork, when I received a text from one of our friends. The message was simple but devastating: Gabriel was gone. I was in disbelief. I couldn't believe that one of our own had succumbed to such a terrible fate. The next few weeks were a blur. I attended Gabriel's funeral, but it didn't feel real. I was in a fog, trying to wrap my head around what had happened. My group and I tried to return to our studies, but it was hard to focus. We were grieving, and it was taking a toll on us. It was during this time that I realized how important my friendships were to me. I had always known that I loved my friends, but Gabriel's death showed me just how much they meant to me. We leaned on each other for support, and we were there for each other through every moment of grief. As time passed, we began to heal. We talked about Gabriel, sharing memories and stories about our time with him. We talked about how we wished he was still with us, and how we would do anything to bring him back. But we also talked about how we could honor his memory, and how we could make the most of the time we have with the people we love. That experience taught me that life is fleeting. We never know how much time we have with the people we love, and we should cherish every moment. It also showed me the importance of fostering deep, meaningful connections with the people in our lives. These are the relationships that sustain us through life's hardest moments, and they are the ones that bring us the greatest joy. Further, overcoming this hardship has lit a fire inside of me to never let something like this happen again. As I prepare to enter the world of engineering, I know that I will face new challenges. I will have to work in groups, and I will have to build connections with my classmates and colleagues. But I am up for the challenge. I have a burning desire to fight for the kind of deep, lifelong relationships that I have with my friend group. I want to create a community where everyone feels seen and heard, where we can support each other through thick and thin, and where anybody that is going through difficult times or struggling with mental health can get the help they need. I will not let this happen again. I know that this won't be easy. Building meaningful relationships takes time and effort. It requires vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to put yourself out there. But I am ready to do the work. I am ready to fight for the kind of community that I know is possible, one where we lift each other up and help each other grow. Gabriel's death taught me so much about life and what is truly important. It taught me the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones and the importance of building deep, meaningful relationships. It has ignited an unextinguishable fire inside of me to never let something similar happen again. As I enter the engineering world, I am ready to fight for these kinds of relationships, and to build a healthy community that will sustain each other through life's hardest moments.

Math has always been a fascinating subject for me. From an early age, I loved solving puzzles and riddles, and math was like a giant puzzle that I couldn't wait to solve. As I grew older, my passion for math only intensified, and now, I can't imagine pursuing a career that doesn't involve mathematics in some way. One of the reasons why I believe math is so important is because it is the foundation for so many fields. From physics to engineering, computer science to finance, math plays a crucial role in the development of new technologies, innovations, and solutions to complex problems. Without math, many of the advancements we enjoy today would not be possible. For me, one particular area of math that I find especially fascinating is calculus. It's a complex and intricate subject that involves the study of rates of change and how things are connected. The concepts of derivatives and integrals, for example, can help us understand everything from how a ball moves through the air to how a car's speed changes over time. And when we take it a step further with vector calculus, we can even begin to understand the forces that shape our world. My passion for calculus and math in general has led me to dive deep into the subject, studying not only the concepts but also the history and development of mathematics. I've spent countless hours poring over textbooks, working through complex equations and problems, and exploring the many applications of math in various fields. And while I may not be perfect, I do feel that my mastery of the subject sets me apart. My understanding of vector calculus and other complex mathematical concepts has opened doors for me in the STEM field, and I am excited to see where this passion will take me in the future. But it's not just about my own personal goals and aspirations. I believe that my passion for math can also benefit my community and society as a whole. By sharing my knowledge and love for math, I hope to inspire others to pursue their own interests and goals, whether that be in STEM fields or elsewhere. Math can be a difficult subject to understand, but with the right guidance and inspiration, it can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling pursuit. In essence, I love math because of the challenges it presents, the doors it opens, and the ways it can benefit society. I may not be perfect, but my passion and mastery of calculus and other mathematical concepts set me apart and drive me forward. And I hope to share that passion with others, inspiring them to pursue their own interests and change the world for the better.

Growing up, I always felt like I didn't quite fit in. I was never the smartest, the funniest, or the most popular. But as I've grown older, I've come to appreciate the things that make me unique. One of those things is my ability to connect with people. I've always been the person that people come to when they need a listening ear or some advice. I don't know what it is about me, but people seem to feel comfortable opening up to me. I've realized that this is something special, something that I can use to make a difference in my community. I want to be a mental health advocate, someone who can help people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. I know firsthand how hard it can be to struggle with these things. I've had my own battles with anxiety, and I know how isolating it can feel. But I've also learned that it's okay not to be perfect, and that everyone has their own struggles and their own way of dealing with them. That's why I want to use my unique attribute of connecting with people to make a difference. I want to start a support group for people who are struggling with mental health issues, a safe space where they can come and talk to others who understand what they're going through. I know that starting something like this won't be easy. It will take time, effort, and resources. But I believe that it's worth it, that it's something that will benefit not only the people in my community but also change lives all around us. I've already started doing some research, reaching out to mental health professionals in my area and talking to people who have started similar groups. I've also talked to friends who have struggled with mental health issues, getting their input and advice on what they would want in a support group. I'm still in the early stages, but I'm excited about the possibilities. I believe that by using my unique attribute of connecting with people, I can make a real difference in the lives of others. I also know that I'm not perfect. There will be challenges and setbacks along the way. But I'm committed to seeing this through, to using my strengths to help others and make a positive impact in my community. In the end, I believe that's what it's all about: using our unique attributes to give back, to make a difference, and to make the world a better place. I may not be the smartest or the funniest, but I know that my ability to connect with people is something special, something that can change lives. And that's something that I'm proud of.

Inspired by the buffest kid in my grade, I signed up for a gym membership at the beginning of high school. He agreed to train me, and we became close friends. Thanks to his help, what could have been a nerve-racking, months-long stretch of crashing weights, fierce grunts, and extreme anxiety became a massive head start in my fitness journey. Gratefully looking back years later, I wanted to pass the favor forward. The opportunity eventually came along when I inspired a close friend of mine to also begin working out. She spoke about how she hated her appearance and how it was a constant source of stress and depression. After discussing these insecurities and goals, much like my mentor of the past, I offered my help and took her under my wing. Meeting every day, she quickly learned the ropes of fitness as I trained her to maintain healthy habits both inside and outside the gym. We covered a lot: what to eat, how much to eat, how often to train, how to do certain exercises, and how to create personally curated workout routines. It was fun for both of us. We got to learn more about each other, do what we love, and better ourselves all at the same time. After a year of being her personal trainer, she told me how she and those around her have noticed the changes in not only her body, but also her happiness and self-confidence. I will be forever grateful for the guidance I received when I began exercising, and being able to pass it forward as the mentor that watches and helps my friend grow is easily one of my proudest experiences. Since then, mentorship has integrated itself into my life as a whole. Helping my peers in their endeavors—including academics, friendships, relationships, and mental health—has been my way of giving back to the world that’s allowed me to be where I am today. My mentorship has come to be one of the defining characteristics of my high school years, and as I dive into the next chapter of my life, I have every intention of continuing this momentum in even more avenues. The University of Texas at Austin has opened unmatched doors which I have walked straight through as I expand my mentoring capabilities into other realms. Through my school’s American Society of Mechanical Engineers organization, I am using my experience to help other students grow into effective engineers. Though I surely continue to train my peers in the gym, I plan to move even further by spreading my passions and cultivating close ties with those I aid as we walk through UT Austin together.

I had always been interested in personal finance, even before I fully understood what that meant. As a child, I would always find myself browsing through the finance section of the bookstore, picking up books on investing and money management. I remember being in middle school and asking my parents for stocks as gifts, something that they found amusing but also encouraged. By the time I got to high school, I was already a self-proclaimed personal finance enthusiast. I had read every book I could find on the subject and had even started investing in basic index funds. But despite my knowledge and interest, I still felt overwhelmed and unsure about how to properly manage my money. That's when I met Gerry. Gerry was a family friend who worked as a financial advisor. He was in his mid-thirties and had been working in finance for over a decade. I had heard about him from my parents and had finally gotten the chance to meet him over dinner one evening. We hit it off immediately, and I found myself talking to him about my love for personal finance. Over the next few months, Gerry and I started meeting regularly to discuss investing strategies, real estate opportunities, and diversifying my portfolio. He showed me how to create a diversified portfolio that would not only grow my money but also protect it from market volatility. He introduced me to the world of real estate investing and explained the potential benefits and risks of owning property. But the best piece of financial advice Gerry ever gave me had nothing to do with investing or real estate. It was something that seemed so simple but had a profound impact on the way I managed my money. "Pay yourself first," he said. At first, I didn't quite understand what he meant. But Gerry explained that before paying bills, buying groceries, or even investing, I should put a portion of my paycheck into savings. This way, I was prioritizing my future self and building a financial safety net. The amount didn't have to be large, but it had to be consistent. So I started doing just that. Every time I got paid, I would transfer a percentage of my paycheck into a separate savings account. At first, it felt strange to put money away before paying bills, but I quickly got used to it. And then life happened. My car broke down, and I needed a new transmission. Without my savings account, I would have been scrambling to find the money to pay for the repairs. But because I had been paying myself first, I was able to cover the cost without any stress or worry. It was then that I realized the true value of that advice. By prioritizing my future self, I was creating a safety net for unexpected expenses and emergencies. I was also building a foundation for long-term financial stability. I continued to meet with Gerry regularly, and he taught me more about the ins and outs of investing. I learned about asset allocation and how to pick stocks. I also became interested in real estate investing and started researching ways to get started in the market. During my senior year of high school, Gerry and I decided to take the plunge and invest in my first rental property together. It was a small studio apartment in a good location, and I knew it would be a good investment. I used the money I had saved from paying myself first to help make the down payment, and I was able to secure a mortgage with a reasonable interest rate. Managing a rental property wasn't easy, but it was worth it. The monthly rent checks were a welcome addition to my small income, and the property appreciated in value over time. Then, one day, my world turned upside down. My mom was diagnosed with cancer. It was devastating news, and I felt like my whole world was crumbling around me. The next few months were a blur. I spent all of my time shuttling back and forth to the hospital, talking to doctors, and helping my mom through her treatment. I was emotionally drained, but I knew that I had to be strong for her. As the medical bills started piling up, I realized that all of the money I had saved and invested over the years was going to be used to pay for my mom's treatment. I was devastated. It felt like all of my hard work had been for nothing. But then, something strange happened. As I was sitting in the waiting room, I struck up a conversation with another patient's family member. They told me about a financial planner they had been working with, and how they had helped them navigate the financial challenges of dealing with a serious illness. I was intrigued, and I decided to reach out to the financial planner. Over the next few weeks, we worked together to come up with a plan to manage my mom's medical bills while also preserving my long-term financial goals. It wasn't easy, but we managed to find a balance that worked for both me and my mom. In addition to paying myself first, I also learned that money isn't everything. Yes, it's important to save and invest, but it's equally important to have a support system in place when life gets tough. My friends and family were there for me when I needed them most, and that was worth more than any amount of money. Now, my mom is in remission, and I'm slowly rebuilding my savings and investments. But I'll never forget the lessons I learned during that difficult time. Money is important, but it's not everything. What really matters is the people in your life and the support system you have in place.