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Wihl Costelo

1x

Finalist

General information

Gender
Male
US Citizenship
US Citizen
Ethnicity
Asian

Hobbies & Interests

  • Key Club
  • Math
  • Martial Arts
  • 3D Modeling
  • Architecture
  • Anime
  • Business And Entrepreneurship
  • Stocks And Investing
  • Coding And Computer Science
  • Kickboxing
  • Boxing
  • Combat Sports
  • Sports

Reading

  • Psychology
  • Philosophy
  • Action
  • Adult Fiction
  • Contemporary
  • Business
  • Leadership
  • Classics

I read books daily.

Bio

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Florida pursuing a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, with a passion for innovation, leadership, and creating opportunities for others. My academic and career interests focus on semiconductor technology, particularly ASIC/FPGA design, with the goal of contributing to advancements in the next generation of computing. At UF, I serve as Professional Development Chair of the Semiconductor Career Readiness Organization (SCRO), where I organize industry networking events, foster connections between students and professionals, and promote career development opportunities. I am also involved in UF Silicon, IEEE, FPGAtors, and the International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC), gaining hands-on experience in digital hardware design, embedded systems, and collaborative engineering projects. Beyond academics, I enjoy entrepreneurship, mentoring peers, and challenging myself through UF Kickboxing. My experiences have reinforced my belief that meaningful leadership involves not only pursuing personal excellence but also empowering others to succeed. I aspire to build a career that combines technological innovation, mentorship, and community impact, using my education to advance the semiconductor industry while inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Education

University of Florida

Bachelor's degree program

2025 – 2029

Majors:
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
GPA4.0 GPA

Everglades High School

High School

2021 – 2025

GPA3.9 GPA

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Majors of interest:
Electromechanical Engineering, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science
Desired degree modality:
Full-Time
Medical school interest:
No
English as first language:
Yes
Homeschooled:
No

Career

  • Professional Development Chair

    Electrical Engineering · SCRO (Semiconductor Career Readiness Organization)

    Apr 2026 – Present

  • Backend Developer Manager

    Computer Software · CatchPredict

    Jan 2025 – Present

  • Student Liaison

    Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing · IEEE Computer Society

    Jan 2025 – Present

  • Electrical Engineer

    Aviation & Aerospace · Swamp Launch Payload Team

    Jan 2025 – Present

  • Summer Intern for Economic Development and Housing

    Financial Services · The City of Miramar

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2024

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Hardware
Dream career goals:
My long-term goal is to work in the semiconductor industry as a verification engineer. Right now, I am focused on exploring the various fields within electrical engineering to gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of what career path aligns best with my skills and interests.
Work experience:
0 years
Has nursing license:
No
Leadership experience:
Yes

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Brian Moore Memorial Scholarship
Question 2: My dad was an electrical engineer before moving to America. He left that career behind when our family immigrated, taking on different work so we could build a better life here. But his passion for engineering never faded. Growing up, he would explain how circuits worked and share his fascination with technology. I remember being amazed that people had built machines capable of processing information and essentially thinking on their own. That curiosity stuck with me. I wanted to understand how it all worked, and I wanted to be someone who could build things like that. My mom shaped me differently. She works as a nurse, and her dedication to helping others has always inspired me. She comes home exhausted after long shifts but never stops caring. She taught me that work is not just about what you accomplish. It is about who you help along the way. From her, I learned empathy and the importance of showing up for people when they need it most. For a while, I thought I had to choose between these two paths. Engineering felt technical, while healthcare felt personal. But I eventually realized they are deeply connected. The devices in hospitals, the systems that monitor patients, the technology that supports doctors, all of it exists because engineers built it with people in mind. That realization brought everything together. I did not have to choose between my dad's curiosity and my mom's compassion. I could pursue both through healthcare technology. That belief led me to create Heart Tag during a hackathon. My team and I built a full-stack application using RFID technology to give healthcare workers instant access to patient information like allergies, medications, and history. We designed it because we understood the pressures nurses like my mom face every day. Quick and accurate access to critical data can make a real difference in patient care. Building Heart Tag felt like combining everything my parents taught me. Now, as an electrical engineering student at the University of Florida, I continue building on that foundation. As an electronics payload engineer for IREC, I design and review PCBs with the precision that real-world systems demand. Through IEEE, I expand my technical skills and collaborate with peers who share my passion. Every experience reinforces my belief that engineering matters most when it serves people. I plan to pay my inspiration forward by pursuing healthcare technology, designing systems that support nurses, doctors, and patients. My dad sacrificed his career so our family could have opportunities here, and my mom dedicates herself to caring for others every day. I carry both of their lessons with me, and I intend to build a future that honors what they gave and continue to give.
Brooks Martin Memorial Scholarship
My grandfather was someone I looked up to more than I realized until he was gone. He came from a small village in the Philippines with almost nothing, raised my dad in the slums, and through determination built an electrical business of his own. He was not the type to constantly talk about his struggles, but you could see his values in the way he lived: integrity, discipline, and pride in doing things the right way. Losing him left a real emptiness in my life, but it also left me with a lesson that has shaped who I am today. Nothing worth having comes easy, and the hard path is often the one that builds you. Growing up, I heard pieces of his story through my dad. There were times when my grandfather worked long hours just to keep their family afloat. He had to figure things out as he went, learn skills on his own, and earn trust through consistent effort. Even when life was unfair, he did not make excuses or cut corners. He kept going. Looking back, what stands out most is not only what he achieved, but how he achieved it. He built his business on honesty and reputation, and that is what made people respect him. When he passed away, I felt like I lost more than a person. I lost someone who represented where my family came from and what it took to get here. I also realized how easy it is to assume you will have more time. I wish I had asked him more questions about his work, his decisions, and what kept him going when things were at their hardest. Grief made me more aware of how quickly life can change, but it also made me more grateful for the people I still have and more intentional about how I spend my time. His loss has influenced my goals in a direct way. I chose to pursue electrical engineering because it challenges me and because it connects to his story. When I am reviewing a schematic, troubleshooting a circuit, or working through a design that is not working, I think about how he learned his trade through experience and persistence. He reminds me that struggle is not a sign that I am failing. It is part of the process. That mindset has changed the way I handle pressure. Instead of panicking when something is difficult, I try to stay patient, break it down, and keep pushing forward. It has also shaped my outlook on the kind of life I want to live. My grandfather did not chase shortcuts. He built something real that supported others, and he did it with integrity. I want that same foundation in my career and in my character. Whether I end up working in verification, hardware design, or technology that supports healthcare systems, I want my work to be reliable and meaningful. I want to create things that people can trust, because I understand that behind every device or system there are real people depending on it. Losing my grandfather made me take life more seriously, but in a motivating way. It pushed me to pursue something I love that also challenges me, because I know effort is unavoidable and time is not guaranteed. His memory is a constant reminder that hardship does not disqualify you from success. It prepares you for it. I carry that with me every day, and it continues to shape the person I am becoming.
Teaching Technicians Scholarship
I have always been fascinated by the intersection of engineering and real-world impact. What drives me is not just understanding how systems work, but knowing that the circuits I design, the code I write, and the hardware I build can improve lives. As I pursue my degree in electrical engineering at the University of Florida, I am particularly drawn to how technology can transform healthcare, making it safer, more efficient, and more accessible. My journey into healthcare technology began with a personal project called Heart Tag, a full-stack application that uses RFID technology to give healthcare workers instant access to patient medical information. The concept is simple: a patient wears a small tag, and when scanned, it displays critical data like allergies, medications, and medical history. Working on this project taught me how thoughtful engineering can directly improve patient outcomes and streamline processes in high-pressure environments. It was not just about building a functional system. It was about creating something that could save time and potentially save lives. Since starting at UF, I have continued building my skills in ways that prepare me for this kind of impact. As an electronics payload engineer for IREC, I design and review PCBs using Altium Designer, ensuring that every component, trace, and connection works reliably under extreme conditions. One of our current projects involves developing a metabolic experiment payload that integrates fluorometers, temperature sensors, and data logging modules with a Raspberry Pi Pico. These components must function flawlessly in microgravity, which has taught me the importance of precision, testing, and collaboration across disciplines. The same principles apply to healthcare technology, where reliability is not optional and failure is not an option. I am also deepening my technical foundation through IEEE, where I participate in workshops on PCB design, circuit analysis, and digital systems. As a liaison for the IEEE Computer Society chapter, I help connect students with industry professionals and coordinate technical workshops. These experiences have shown me how collaboration and mentorship strengthen the engineering community and push innovation forward. I believe healthcare engineering thrives on the same principles: working across teams, learning continuously, and staying curious. Beyond technical work, I have gained hands-on experience managing backend systems and databases through CatchPredict, a web application I co-founded that uses machine learning to predict optimal fishing conditions. While this project is not healthcare-related, it taught me how to manage complex data pipelines, optimize performance, and design systems that users can rely on. These skills translate directly to healthcare technology, where data accuracy, security, and accessibility are critical. My goal is to work at the intersection of electrical engineering and healthcare innovation. Whether I am designing medical devices, verifying microprocessors used in hospital equipment, or developing systems that support clinical decision-making, I want my work to contribute to better patient care. I believe that engineers have a responsibility to build technology that serves people, especially in fields like healthcare where the stakes are so high. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing this path without the financial burden that often limits opportunity. It would give me the support I need to focus on my education, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop the skills necessary to make a lasting impact in healthcare engineering.
Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship
Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly to give our family opportunities I could never take for granted. My mom worked long hours as a nurse, and my dad stayed home to care for me and my siblings, often making sacrifices to ensure we had what we needed. Today, my dad works a demanding job to help send me to college and make sure I have everything I need to succeed. Seeing his dedication motivates me to work hard, stay disciplined, and make the most of every opportunity. Their resilience shaped my understanding of hard work, responsibility, and the importance of giving back to others. From an early age, I sought ways to contribute to my community. I became involved in Key Club, where I eventually served as President, leading projects that helped local families and organizations. Organizing volunteer events and mentoring younger members taught me the value of leadership, collaboration, and the impact one person can make when motivated to serve. Beyond Key Club, I consistently try to help others, whether tutoring peers, participating in community cleanups, or volunteering at local events, because I believe supporting others is a responsibility as well as a privilege. Alongside my community involvement, I am dedicated to sports and personal growth. I actively practice kickboxing, which has taught me discipline, perseverance, and goal-setting. Sports have strengthened my ability to work as part of a team, handle setbacks, and maintain focus under pressure, skills that translate directly into both academic and professional pursuits. I am currently pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, driven by my desire to combine technical expertise with tangible contributions to society. I have worked on projects like CatchPredict, a startup that uses machine learning to predict the best fishing times and locations, and Heart Tag, a full-stack application that manages patient information through RFID technology. While these projects highlight my technical abilities, my underlying motivation is the same: using my skills to help others and create practical solutions that improve lives. My long-term goal is to work as a verification engineer in the semiconductor industry, contributing to the development of reliable, efficient systems that power the devices people rely on every day. Receiving the Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing my education and community involvement without financial stress. It would give me the freedom to dedicate more time to volunteer work, leadership roles, and technical projects that can have a real impact. This scholarship embodies the qualities I strive for: ambition, dedication, and service to others. Supporting my education would help me honor my parents’ sacrifices and carry Kalia's legacy forward by fostering my growth as a student, engineer, and community member committed to making a difference.
Dr. Junior Gentles Memorial Scholarship
When I was young, my family didn’t have much. My mom worked long hours as a nurse, and my dad stayed home, taking care of me and finding creative ways to stretch every dollar, sometimes even dumpster diving for furniture. Watching their persistence shaped my understanding of resilience and the value of education. I learned early that hard work and determination can open doors, even when resources are limited. I am currently pursuing a degree in electrical engineering with a focus on computer science and technology. I am passionate about building projects that solve real problems and provide value to others. For example, I worked with the founder and team of CatchPredict, a startup that uses machine learning to predict the best fishing times and locations. We developed a full-stack website with heatmaps and data visualization tools that help users determine where and when to fish based on learned patterns from historical data. This experience taught me how to collaborate in a professional environment, translate complex data into actionable insights, and create a product that is useful for real users. It strengthened my coding, problem-solving, and project management skills while giving me hands-on experience with both backend and frontend development. Another project I am proud of is Heart Tag, a full-stack web application built using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js). Heart Tag allows users to scan or enter an RFID code to retrieve a patient’s information, including age, medical history, allergies, and medications, directly from a database. The application can generate and store .txt patient files that are automatically synchronized into the database, and it supports RFID integration and auto-sync services on the backend. This project gave me valuable experience in database management, API development, and designing intuitive user interfaces while creating a real-world system that could improve the efficiency of healthcare workflows. My long-term goal is to work as a verification engineer in the semiconductor industry, contributing to the creation of reliable and efficient technology. I also hope to mentor other students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them navigate STEM pathways as my parents helped me navigate life’s challenges. These experiences have reinforced my belief that education and technology are powerful tools to solve problems and uplift communities. Receiving the Dr. Junior Gentles Scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and projects without the burden of financial stress. Beyond the financial support, this scholarship represents the values of perseverance, generosity, and dedication to education that Dr. Gentles embodied. It would inspire me to continue striving for excellence in my academic and professional pursuits while helping others access opportunities in STEM. You can check out my projects using this link: - CatchPredict: https://www.catchpredict.com/ - HeartTag: https://www.hackathonparty.com/hackathons/40/projects/474
Future Leaders Scholarship
Leadership is rarely about having all the answers; it’s about navigating uncertainty, earning trust, and finding a way forward when the path isn’t clear. I learned this during my senior year when I was elected president of my school’s Key Club. What I expected to be a rewarding leadership role quickly became one of the most challenging experiences of my high school career. From the start, I faced several obstacles. I was the only returning senior on the officer board and the only one with experience from the previous year. The rest of the officers were new, and none had served in a leadership position before. Instead of a team that shared the workload, I found myself having to lead while also teaching others how to lead. There was no one to lean on for guidance, and the responsibility quickly became overwhelming. To make matters worse, our faculty sponsor was unmotivated and often dismissive. When we proposed events or needed approval, responses were delayed or ignored. At times, the sponsor was openly rude, shooting down suggestions or withholding support that previous leaders had counted on. I felt stuck between wanting to serve the club well and being blocked at every turn by someone who should have been helping us. There were days I questioned whether I could keep going. But I refused to let the situation define the club’s success. I knew our members deserved the best experience possible, so I took initiative. I went through archived documents to understand what had worked in the past, contacted former officers for advice, and networked with local organizations to independently organize events. I created structured meeting agendas, held officer training sessions, and developed a clear communication system to keep the team motivated. I made myself available to answer questions, guide my peers, and support them as they found their voices. It wasn’t easy, but I saw real growth, not just in myself, but in the officers around me. Despite the lack of support from our sponsor, we successfully organized park cleanups, school supply drives, and community service events that brought dozens of members together to serve. Seeing the club become active again, knowing that I helped revive that energy, was one of the most fulfilling moments of my high school experience. This experience shaped my view of what leadership truly is. It’s not about titles or recognition; it’s about showing up when it matters, taking ownership even when it’s inconvenient, and bringing out the best in others, especially during difficult times. I learned how to lead with empathy, patience, and resilience. As I pursue a career in electrical and computer engineering, I know these lessons will follow me. In a fast-paced and technical field like engineering, there will be times when teams are misaligned, resources are tight, or problems seem too complex. I will bring with me the ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and lead others through uncertainty. Just like with Key Club, I won’t wait for perfect conditions; I’ll create progress with what I have and inspire others to do the same. That’s how I plan to make a positive difference.
Anderson Engineering Scholarship
Growing up in a household where every penny mattered, I learned early that innovation is not just about flashy inventions; it is about solving real problems with limited resources. My parents came from the slums of the Philippines to America with nothing but a dream of a better life for me. Witnessing their struggle and determination made me even more committed to giving back and creating something from nothing. This desire to make something worthwhile out of limited means ignited my passion for engineering. Engineering is a powerful mix of creativity, logic, and problem-solving. It allows me to take concepts and convert them into tangible solutions that can transform lives. I am especially interested in electrical and computer engineering because it spans both the physical and digital worlds, designing the circuits and software that power modern technology. The challenge of understanding how complicated systems work and then building them is what excites me most. I want to be at the forefront of developing technology that shapes the future. My hands-on experience reflects this passion and commitment. I am professionally certified in AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Revit, and SOLIDWORKS, programs widely used in the engineering field to model and design real products. These skills enabled me to lead and contribute to Science Olympiad events, where I helped design and build an electric vehicle and a wind turbine. Both of these projects earned first place at regionals and taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, iteration, and engineering design. In 2025, I was honored to serve as project director for a five-member team in the Broward ACE Mentorship Program Competition. We were challenged to redesign high school learning spaces to be more sustainable and community-focused. Winning first place in the competition reaffirmed my belief that engineering is not just about product design but about improving communities and the world around us. These experiences have shown me that success in engineering comes from a blend of hands-on practice, innovation, and a willingness to learn. Outside of competitions, I serve as president of Key Club, vice president of both UNICEF and Mu Alpha Theta, and recording officer of LatinxTech. Through these roles, I have organized STEM outreach events, led service projects, and promoted diversity in technology. I am also a member of the Science Honor Society and have visited elementary and middle schools to get younger students excited about engineering and STEM. These leadership experiences remind me that engineering is not only about technology; it is about people. Although I am not currently in a co-op engineering program, I am eager to join one in college. I want to gain real-world experience through internships, research, and campus engineering projects. I plan to participate in campus incubators, collaborative builds, and competitions that challenge my thinking and prepare me for a career in advanced technologies. Looking ahead, I hope to specialize in fields like embedded systems and quantum computing. I aspire to work for innovative companies or create my own business that merges engineering with education. My goal is to develop tools and platforms that help make STEM accessible for underrepresented students. To me, engineering is about using creativity and resilience to solve real problems. With each project I complete, I am laying the foundation for a career that makes a lasting, positive difference.
El Jefe Entrepreneurial Scholarship
To me, entrepreneurship has never been solely about startups and business plans. It's about creativity, risk, and creating something from nothing. Having been raised in a low-income, immigrant household, I understood early on the value of resourcefulness. My parents, who came to America from the slums of the Philippines, gave up a lot to give me a better chance at a better life. Watching them work hard and persevere inspired me, but I also knew that I would have to take action if I was going to change my situation. That's where entrepreneurship began for me: at home, with a box of second-hand trading cards. I started flipping collectibles, cards, comics, toys, and anything I thought I could resell. I'd study trends, predict value appreciation, and take educated financial risks with the little bit of savings that I had. I'd sometimes profit and sometimes not. But each sale, win or lose, taught me something new about marketing, negotiation, and the power of persistence. This wasn't just a hustle. It was my first real lesson in business. As I matured, I realized entrepreneurship was not just a way to make money. It was a way to address problems and create opportunities. That mindset pushed me to take part in service-oriented leadership. I became the Key Club president, and I organized community projects and charity events. I served in leadership roles at UNICEF and LatinxTech, fighting for diversity in STEM and helping underprivileged communities gain access to resources. These positions showed me that the strongest concepts are those that benefit other people. I also experimented with tech entrepreneurship. I built basic apps, a food app that provides recommendations, a Korean menu generator, and small projects that helped me practice turning concepts into reality. I discovered that tech and entrepreneurship come hand in hand. My dream is to build a business that merges engineering and education, taking STEM to more students like me who do not necessarily have the resources but have the passion. That is why I am going to major in Electrical and Computer Engineering and minor in Entrepreneurship. College will equip me with the technical knowledge and the business savvy to scale my ideas and take bigger risks. I wish to be involved in campus incubators, pitch competitions, and connect with fellow change-makers. I know the path will be challenging, but I've already started it, with every collectible that I've sold and every failure that I've learned from. I want to use entrepreneurship not just to achieve financial independence for myself, but to create systems that enable others. I want to create businesses that give mentorship, affordable tech tools, and platforms for students from underrepresented backgrounds to thrive. I know what it feels like to start from zero, and I want to create something that means others don't have to start from zero. With the support of this scholarship, I’ll continue flipping more than just cards. I’ll flip expectations, flip barriers, and flip the future toward something better.
Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship
Growing up as the child of Filipino immigrants who came from the slums and built a life for me in America, I’ve always felt a deep sense of purpose. My parents left behind everything familiar so I could grow up in a place where opportunity existed. That sacrifice taught me to live intentionally and take every chance to grow, serve, and give back. My biggest goal in life is to use what I’ve learned to make a positive impact, especially in underserved communities like the one my parents came from. I plan to study electrical and computer engineering so I can build real-world solutions that help people, whether that means developing clean energy systems, creating accessible tech, or designing tools that make daily life easier for those with limited resources. I want to use engineering not just for innovation, but for compassion and progress. But my desire to help others doesn’t stop with academics. Service has always been a huge part of my life. I’ve volunteered at local food drives, mentored students, and helped organize school supply donations. I serve as President of Key Club, where I’ve led dozens of service initiatives focused on community support, health awareness, and environmental efforts. In UNICEF, I’ve helped raise funds and awareness for global child welfare causes. And with LatinxTech, I’ve worked to encourage minority students, especially those from Latino and immigrant backgrounds, to explore technology and STEM fields. These leadership roles have taught me that impact isn’t just about big inventions; it’s about showing up consistently, inspiring others, and being the person who takes initiative. I've learned to lead with empathy and act with purpose, and those lessons are just as important to me as anything I’ve learned in a classroom. In the future, I want to combine my love for engineering and my passion for service by working in industries that prioritize social impact, especially fields like renewable energy, educational technology, or even quantum computing. One day, I hope to start an organization that helps students in low-income communities learn about STEM through mentorship and hands-on experience so that more kids can see a future for themselves in tech. I want to support my family, give back to my community, and become someone younger students can look up to. Through every step of my journey, I plan to keep serving others, not just with what I know, but with who I am. This scholarship would help me pursue my education, deepen my impact, and carry the spirit of compassion and selflessness into everything I do.
De Los Santos Family Scholarship
“You are your ancestors’ wildest dreams.” That quote resonates deeply with me. My parents grew up in the slums of the Philippines, surrounded by poverty, but not without hope. Through hard work and relentless determination, they secured jobs, left behind the only life they knew, and moved to America to give their future child, me, a more comfortable, stable life. From the moment I could understand their story, I felt a responsibility to make it all worth it. I was raised in Florida, far from the strong Filipino-American communities of places like the Bay Area. But even without that physical community, I never felt disconnected from my heritage. My identity lived in our home. I saw it in the way my parents greeted every guest with unmatched generosity, offering food before even asking for a name. I heard it in the voices of my titos and titas calling long-distance on birthdays and holidays. I felt it during the rare but meaningful cultural events we attended, where I saw strangers become family through shared tradition and language. Even though I didn’t grow up immersed in a large Filipino-American environment, I was always reminded of the values my heritage carried: humility, respect, community, and above all, kindness. Those lessons shaped how I approached others. I always tried to make people feel welcome and valued, because I saw how much it meant when my parents did it, even with little to give. I learned to listen before speaking, to offer help before it was asked for, and to be grateful in both success and failure. I never saw these things as extraordinary, just the right thing to do. But I realize now how deeply they’ve influenced my purpose in life: I want to help others feel seen, supported, and capable. Still, being a first-generation student in America came with pressure. I wasn’t just trying to succeed for myself; I was trying to live up to my parents’ sacrifice. I held myself to extremely high standards, and my biggest fear was falling short. Every test, every assignment, felt like it carried the weight of their journey. During junior year, I failed a quiz in AP Calculus AB, scoring a 0%. For someone who had built their identity around academic success, it was a crushing moment. I wanted to quit. I questioned whether I was even cut out for advanced courses. But instead of giving up, I chose to change my mindset. I stopped chasing grades and started chasing understanding. I asked questions, studied with intention, and found joy in solving difficult problems, not because it would get me an A, but because I finally understood. That shift transformed how I saw education. Learning became exciting again. I started seeing math and science everywhere: how stairs relate to energy and how ropes and angles affect tension. This new curiosity lifted the pressure off my shoulders and helped me grow, not just academically but personally. I became someone who welcomes failure as a step toward progress. My Filipino-American identity is more than my background; it’s my foundation. It taught me to stay humble, work hard, and always uplift others. I now understand that my purpose isn’t just to succeed for myself, but to become someone others can rely on, someone who represents the dreams of those who came before me, and someone who inspires those who come next.
Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
For most of my life, I believed success was about achievement: grades, awards, leadership titles. In high school, this belief became an obsession. I sacrificed sleep, health, and happiness to chase perfection. What I didn't realize then was that I was setting myself on a path toward burnout, not fulfillment. Freshman year, I came in ready to conquer everything. I wanted to be the top student, the person everyone looked up to. At first, it worked. I got straight A's, juggled extracurriculars, and pushed myself to always stay ahead. But behind all the accomplishments was a scared, exhausted version of myself I kept hidden. I wasn't driven by joy or purpose. I was driven by fear. Fear of disappointing my family. Fear of not living up to expectations. Fear that if I slowed down, I'd be left behind. That year, I spent countless nights awake past 2 AM, staring at textbooks or refreshing my grades, worrying that one low test score would undo everything I had worked for. I skipped meals. I ignored my mental and physical limits. Eventually, the stress began to take a toll I couldn't ignore. I started getting sick more often. I became isolated. I'd lose motivation entirely, then berate myself for being lazy. I fell into a quiet spiral. One no one saw because on the outside, I still looked "successful." What made it worse was the silence. In my community, especially among boys and young men, mental health wasn't something we talked about. Struggling meant weakness. Resting meant laziness. Asking for help meant failure. So I said nothing. Eventually, I reached a point where I couldn't keep going the way I had been. I felt like I was drowning in my own ambition. One night, I broke down, not because of one specific thing, but because I realized I wasn't happy. I wasn't even sure who I was chasing all this success for. That moment changed everything. I started small. I opened up to a close friend. I took honest looks at my schedule and stopped overloading myself just to prove something. I began defining success on my own terms. Sometimes that meant getting an A, but other times it meant saying no, taking a break, or just being kind to myself. My relationship with success, and with myself, has changed. I still have big goals, but I pursue them in a healthier way. I've stopped measuring my worth by how much I can produce. I've started valuing how I feel, how I treat others, and how I take care of myself. Mental health isn't a side note in my story anymore. It's central to who I am and how I see the world. It's shaped how I build relationships. I'm more honest, more empathetic, more aware that everyone is fighting something invisible. It's shaped my goals. I plan to pursue a career in electrical engineering, not just for the prestige, but to create things that genuinely help people, especially those silently struggling like I once was. Most importantly, it's shaped how I define success. Success isn't perfection. It's peace. It's authenticity. It's waking up and knowing you're doing your best for yourself, not for anyone else's approval. This essay isn't about a perfect ending. I still have bad days. I still fall into old habits. But I keep growing. I keep learning. And I keep reminding myself that my story isn't about chasing a flawless version of success. It's about finding my own.
Wihl Costelo Student Profile | Bold.org