I believe that mental health is foundational to every aspect of life. It shapes how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. For me, mental health is not just about avoiding illness but about thriving—being able to pursue my goals, maintain healthy relationships, and find joy and fulfillment in daily life. As someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD, I’ve come to understand that mental health requires ongoing attention and care, much like physical health. Maintaining my mental wellness is a priority because I know how deeply it affects my ability to function and succeed. Over the years, I’ve developed several strategies to support my mental health, and they’ve become integral to my routine. One of the most important practices for me is mindfulness. Taking time each day to center myself—whether through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply a quiet walk—helps me manage stress and stay grounded. Mindfulness allows me to be present in the moment, reducing anxiety and helping me focus, which is particularly important for managing ADHD. Another key aspect of maintaining my mental health is staying physically active. Exercise is not just about keeping my body healthy; it’s a powerful tool for managing stress, boosting mood, and improving concentration. I make it a point to incorporate physical activity into my daily routine, whether it’s going for a run, practicing yoga, or even just taking a break to stretch and move around. Exercise helps me release pent-up energy and clears my mind, leaving me better equipped to handle the challenges of the day. In addition to these practices, I’m mindful of the importance of a strong support system. Surrounding myself with positive, understanding people who care about my well-being has been crucial. Whether it’s friends, family, or mentors, having someone to talk to when things get tough makes a significant difference. I’ve also learned to set boundaries and prioritize self-care, understanding that it’s okay to say no and take time for myself when needed. Finally, I’ve found purpose and fulfillment in giving back to others, which has also been a source of mental wellness. Volunteering with UCLA UniCamp, for example, has provided me with a sense of community and belonging, while also allowing me to make a positive impact on the lives of underserved youth. Helping others reminds me of the importance of compassion and connection, both of which are essential for mental health. In sum, I believe mental health is crucial because it affects every part of who we are and what we can achieve. By practicing mindfulness, staying active, maintaining a support system, and giving back, I’m able to keep my mental wellness in check and continue moving forward in life.

Selflessness, to me, is about putting others’ needs before my own and offering help without expecting anything in return. It’s about being present for others in their moments of need, whether the gesture is small or life-changing. Throughout my life, I’ve strived to embody selflessness, believing that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact. One of the most significant examples of this is my volunteer work with UCLA's charity UniCamp. As a camp counselor, I work with underserved youth in Los Angeles, many of whom face significant challenges in their lives, from economic hardship to mental health struggles. My role is to provide them with a fun, educational, and supportive summer camp experience, but it goes far beyond that. I see myself as a mentor and a confidant, someone they can turn to when they need guidance or simply a listening ear. This summer, I worked closely with a camper who was struggling with anxiety and feeling out of place. I spent extra time with him, encouraging him to open up about his feelings and helping him find ways to manage his anxiety. By the end of the camp, he had gained more confidence, made new friends, and even took on a leadership role in his cabin. Seeing his transformation was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my commitment to helping others. Another example of selflessness in my life was when I helped run a sustainability fair at UniCamp. Our group recognized that many of the children lacked access to basic necessities like new clothing, so we took the initiative to gather donations from volunteers and thrift stores to give back to the children. I personally fundraised $300 dollars in funds that went into the pool of money for the clothes for these children in an effort to support as much as I could. We provided the children with free clothes, giving them not only the essentials they needed but also a sense of dignity and belonging as they showed off their new clothes they chose with a sense of fashion and pride. This effort was about more than just handing out clothes; it was about showing these children that they matter, and that someone cares about their well-being. Beyond UniCamp, I try to embody selflessness in my daily life. Whether it’s helping a classmate who’s struggling with an assignment, offering support to a friend going through a tough time, or even just listening when someone needs to talk, I believe that selflessness is about being there for others in whatever way they need. Ultimately, selflessness is about making a positive impact on the lives of others, no matter how big or small. It’s about recognizing that we all have the power to make a difference and choosing to use that power to uplift those around us.

My journey toward sustainability began in my childhood, where afternoons spent exploring nature and camping sparked a deep love for the environment. However, as I grew older and learned about the devastating effects of climate change, that love turned into a commitment to make a difference. This commitment now shapes the intentional choices I make every day to live sustainably. Thrifting has become a significant part of my life, initially driven by necessity as a struggling financially independent student, but then quickly evolving into a conscious effort to reduce my carbon footprint. By choosing secondhand clothing, I actively avoid contributing to the fast fashion industry, one of the largest polluters globally. Each thrifted item I purchase represents a small victory in the fight against environmental degradation, giving new life to clothes that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Even more, thrifting makes a unique fashion statement about my values and gives life to old clothes while turning my eyes as I express myself with rejuvenated garments. Beyond thrifting, I make responsible shopping decisions, opting for locally-produced farmer's market goods to minimize transportation emissions and always carrying a tote bag to reduce plastic waste. These daily choices reflect my belief that even small actions can have a significant impact on our planet. Furthermore, my dedication to sustainability also extends to my work with UCLA's official charity UniCamp, where I volunteer as a camp counselor to inspire underserved and marginalized youth in Los Angeles. Last year, I helped organize a sustainability fair up at camp, providing these young campers with free clothing donated by volunteers and sourced from local thrift stores. Seeing the joy on their faces as they selected their new clothes was deeply rewarding. But even more meaningful was knowing that I was helping to instill a sense of environmental responsibility in the next generation while also giving back to these kids, some of whom had very little. These children, who often face significant challenges in and out of the neighborhoods, deserve the chance to thrive in a world where sustainability is valued and practiced and they can grow up playing in green clean parks. Reducing our carbon footprint is more crucial than ever because the effects of climate change are already here, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable among us. Every choice we make, from what we wear to how we shop, can either harm or heal the planet. I believe it is our responsibility to choose the latter. Living sustainably is more than just a lifestyle for me; it’s a deeply personal mission. Whether it’s through thrifting, organizing sustainability events, or simply using a tote bag, I’m committed to doing my part to protect the environment. I hope to inspire others to join me in making these intentional choices so that together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable world for everyone—especially for those who need it most.

Growing up with ADHD, I often felt like I was navigating a world that wasn’t built for me. The stigma surrounding mental health made it difficult to seek help, especially as a young poor person of color. This struggle ignited my passion for making mental health care more accessible, particularly for marginalized communities. That is why volunteering as a camp counselor for UCLA's official charity UniCamp, where the mission is to provide a supportive summer experience for underserved youth in Los Angeles, has been so transformative. Many of the campers I worked with faced mental health challenges similar to my own, yet they lacked the resources and support systems necessary to cope effectively. Witnessing their struggles reinforced my commitment to creating safe accessible spaces where young people feel seen and supported. This experience inspired me to pursue cognitive science, where I’ve contributed to Alzheimer’s research at UCI, studying brain amyloids and Aβ proteins through microscopy and computation. I hope to apply this knowledge to develop affordable, culturally sensitive mental health therapies, ensuring that care is accessible to all, regardless of background. I am determined to bridge the gap between mental health care and those who need it most. This scholarship would help me continue my education and empower me to make a lasting impact on the mental health landscape. I envision a future where every person, regardless of race, income, or age, has access to the mental health support they deserve—and I am committed to making that vision a reality.