I used to take many things in my life for granted that I don't anymore. Socks, for instance, I never had to think twice about. Mild California weather definitely helps, but I've never had to worry about bone-chilling winters because we couldn't afford to keep warm. After hearing of an event called "Socktober" through social media, my eyes were opened to a problem prevalent in my city: the homeless' lack of warm clothes for the winter. Inspired to act, I...

The biology of the human body has always fascinated me. The process of trillions of cells working together to create a living, breathing human being will never cease to capture my attention. I was fortunate enough in high school to be able to explore this subject by getting involved in academic programs and clubs, and volunteering to gain knowledge on the nuances of biological systems and processes. I took a variety of honors and AP level classes, including AP Biology,...

Whether following a pattern or spontaneously starting a project with no preparation, sewing is a hobby that allows me to be creative and expressive. I've never been considered a particularly artistic or imaginative person, but pulling my Grandma's old sewing machine out from the attic finally gave me an outlet to express myself by creating a piece of clothing from scraps of fabric and thread. Creativity is a channel of self-expression. A way to transform your stress, emotion, and energy...

When I was offered a promotion from recreational gymnastics coach to team coach at 17, I took the opportunity to shape the young gymnasts into strong athletes who knew their limits and how to manage the mental challenges of the sport. I first began as an assistant, but my role quickly shifted as the competitive season approached. The level 4 and 5 team was incredibly disorganized, with the gymnasts frustrated about the slow pace at which their coach was teaching them the floor...

I am incredibly grateful to have taken advantage of the sports medicine program at my school. The opportunities provided through this college and career readiness program enabled me to discover my interest in the mechanics of the human body. Freshman year I was introduced to the world of sport medicine through an introductory course, and from there my interest grew. I received hands-on training for spine-boarding neck injuries, disaster response, CPR and first aid, experiences that I didn’t have...

To think the course of my life changed because of none other than a Panda Express dessert. When I cracked open my fortune cookie, eating a pity meal after being rejected from my school’s student government, I had no idea the words inside would set me on the path I am today. There is always time to try a new path in life. Now, I normally toss the small slip of paper in the trash immediately after opening, but...

If I were to develop a monument or art mural, it would be to commemorate four strong, inspirational people who have influenced my life. It’d be a monument to celebrate their individual achievements in mental health advocacy, independence, personal expression, and equality. First to be included would be two-time Olympic gymnast, Simone Biles. After the 2021 Olympics when Biles pulled out of the finals, she taught the world that putting your mental health first is more important than winning gold....

My sophomore year of high school I applied to be a hospital volunteer, curious about the inner-workings of a hospital and wanting to volunteer my time. However, upon reflection, I’ve come to realize my view of healthcare was one-sided and biased before I started volunteering in the post-operative care unit (PACU). I had previously made assumptions about the healthcare field, believing doctors played the largest, most important role in the healing process. I signed up for the [Organization Redacted]...

I started coaching gymnastics the day I turned 16, looking forward to teaching children the sport I grew up in. Beginning with younger children, I became more comfortable with communication and discipline over the next year, finding the experience gratifying. When my program director brought me into her office and asked if I would take on the added responsibility of coaching the level 4 and 5 competitive team, I jumped at the offer. I was eager to become the coach I never had,...

The culmination of all my life experiences have guided me to my decision to study biology in college and eventually go into the medical field. Everything from my job as a gymnastics coach and babysitter, my interest in science and sports medicine classes, my father’s near fatal heart arrhythmia, and my grandfather’s hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s have solidified my decision to dedicate my life to the service of others through the fascinating field of human biology. There�...