I was raised in a small rural town in Oregon, where orchards stretched as far as the eye could see and became the backdrop of my childhood. Summers were spent working alongside my parents in those orchards, where I learned the value of hard work and developed a deep appreciation for the rhythms of nature.

Life eventually took a different turn when my family faced difficult changes, leading to my parents’ separation and our move to Federal Way a lively, diverse community nestled in the Seattle-Tacoma area. This transition opened my eyes to a wider world filled with new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities that continue to shape how I see and engage with life.

Now living in a dynamic urban environment, I’ve come to fully embrace the diversity that surrounds me. It has played a major role in my personal development and inspired me to continue my educational journey. I’m excited to keep learning, connect with people from all walks of life, and grow through shared experiences.

Above all, this path has strengthened my desire to contribute meaningfully to my community and beyond to create positive change grounded in empathy, understanding, and resilience.

My educational journey has taken me through several schools across Oregon, each offering distinct experiences that shaped the way I view the world. Throughout these years, I encountered a wide range of social dynamics at times finding myself on both sides of the spectrum, from being a bully to being bullied, and also simply trying to blend in as a typical student. These experiences taught me important lessons about empathy, self-awareness, and the complexity of human interactions.

Everything changed when my family relocated to Washington State. Enrolling in an urban school was a major adjustment. I suddenly found myself surrounded by a large and culturally diverse student body something completely unfamiliar to me. At first, I felt quiet and disconnected, struggling to find my place in such a fast paced and unfamiliar environment.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, adding yet another layer of uncertainty. With schools shifting to remote learning, I had to adapt to an entirely new way of engaging with education. When we returned to in-person classes during the 2021–2022 school year, there was a mix of excitement and lingering anxiety. Despite the disruption and challenges, I remained committed to my education, determined to stay focused and make the most of my high school years.

That perseverance paid off. Graduating high school was not just an academic achievement it was a deeply personal milestone that reflected the resilience I had developed through years of change, challenge, and growth.

Now, as I step into this new chapter, I’m eager to continue my education and embrace the opportunities ahead. This journey has taught me the power of adaptability and the importance of embracing different perspectives lessons I carry with me as I continue to grow both academically and personally.