Calculus has a notorious reputation as a "weeder" class among college students. As someone who nearly weed-ed out after my first dismal exam, I can personally attest to its difficulty level! But now that I've spent a semester grappling with limits, derivatives, and integrals, I've realized calculus teaches skills that go far beyond formulas. Sure, I may not bust out calculus theorems explicitly on a daily basis in my future Biomedical Engineering career—that's what computers are for! But wrestling with those tricky proofs has honed my tenacity for systematically breaking down complex problems. I've learned not to panic and give up when I hit a wall, but to chip away at challenges bit by bit until they start cracking. The critical thinking, grit, and methodical problem-solving techniques I'm picking up in calculus will serve me well across all areas of life. While I still have an ongoing love-hate relationship with those brutal problem sets, I've come to appreciate calculus as an invaluable mental training ground. Surviving calculus is proving to myself that I can tackle other difficult challenges down the road. The abstract concepts and dense theorems may not all directly apply to my career, but the perseverance this class cultivates certainly will. In addition to building mental fortitude, studying calculus has given me a profound appreciation for its real-world power. While I may not be cranking out integrals every day in my future job, I now grasp the enormous value of calculus as a foundation for modeling the world mathematically. Everything from rocket trajectories to highway planning to medicine dosing relies on foundational calculus modeling. Seeing first-hand how derivatives and integrals translate real-life systems into solvable equations has been truly eye-opening. I've realized that without calculus, we'd be like primitive cave people chucking rocks at the moon versus actually landing on it! Sure, I've still spent my share of late nights banging my head against the desk when stumped by a nasty integral. But the satisfaction of finally reaching those "aha!" breakthroughs makes all the stress worthwhile. I've found calculus prepares me not just for excelling in STEM, but for tackling life's hairy problems with courage and creativity. The abstract thinking needed to grasp concepts like accumulation and rate of change has further developed my quantitative reasoning skills. And experiencing those lightbulb moments when everything suddenly clicks has been unforgettable. I may have cursed calculus at times, but I know I'll carry its mental rewards with me for life. Though at first glance it appears distant and theoretical, I now see that calculus provides a foundation for innovation. Our modern technological world would not exist without pioneers who had the brilliance and persistence to master this challenging but empowering form of mathematics. After weathering my first semester of calculus, I feel closer to standing on the shoulders of those giants someday.

As the sun began to rise over the rugged terrain, a group of young boys and their leader emerged from their tents, ready to take on the challenges of the day. Among them was a determined young boy, driven by a passion for adventure and a commitment to leadership. This was not his first foray into the wild, nor his last. For this intrepid Eagle Scout, the world was full of challenges to be faced and conquered. From a young age, I’d been drawn to the Boy Scouts, eager to explore the wilderness and learn survival skills for the most challenging environments. I started Cub Scouts in 2nd-grade, graduated to Boy Scouts in 6th-grade, embarked on a journey, and devoted over 1000+ hours to community service and held high-ranked leadership positions in San Diego Boy Scout Troop11, leading and mentoring a group of 30-40 boys. This was an award that only 4% of Scouts ever receive, a testament to my persistence and determination. As an Eagle Boy Scout, I have learned the value of giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. Baden Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, famous quote "Leave this world a little better than you found it." This quote carries significant meaning for me, as it encapsulates the spirit of environmental stewardship and the values that the Boy Scouts of America have instilled in me as a lifestyle choice for me. This quote is a call to action for all of us to take responsibility for our environmental footprint and make sustainable choices in our everyday lives. I have adopted and want to encourage others of his mindset so we can all contribute to a brighter future for ourselves and future generations. I have actively engaged in several community service activities that prioritize environmental conservation. These efforts have included organizing and participating in environmental clean-ups at Mission Bay Park, Tecolote Canyon, Mission/Pacific/Ocean/La Jolla Beach, Mataguay Scout Ranch, and various canyon areas in San Diego. Additionally, as an organizer with I Love A Clean San Diego, I have worked towards planting trees in Logan Heights and promoting recycling at the Farmer Open Insurance golf tournament, my list is endless. One of the most significant community service projects I spearheaded was organizing and managing a group of volunteers to construct and build the Tecolote Canyon Nature Center (TCNC) Native Seed Library. This project aimed to educate and provide native seeds for the Community to restore native plant habitat, which is essential for preserving biodiversity. Using native plant species can survive on rain alone and little to zero irrigation which is a great way to water conservation. The Ranger who manages all the canyon areas within San Diego even stated that it was one of his favorite volunteer projects. I invite you to come to check it out at TCNC 5180 Tecolote Rd, San Diego, CA 92110. Sustainability means finding ways to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations to ensure a healthy and brighter future for our communities. As a future Biomedical Engineering student, I am particularly interested in how sustainable practices can be applied to healthcare and medical technology. This includes developing innovative solutions that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and use environmentally friendly materials. Academic excellence has always been my priority, and I have maintained a high GPA. My dedication to my academics, active involvement in my community and the environment, hopefully set me apart as a candidate for this scholarship.

You can celebrate happiness by experiencing it to its fullest.

As the sun began to rise over the rugged terrain, a group of young boys and their leader emerged from their tents, ready to take on the challenges of the day. Among them was a determined young boy, driven by a passion for adventure and a commitment to leadership. This was not his first foray into the wild, nor his last. For this intrepid Eagle Scout, the world was full of challenges to be faced and conquered. From a young age, I’d been drawn to the Boy Scouts, eager to explore the wilderness and learn survival skills for the most challenging environments. I started Cub Scouts in 2nd-grade, graduated to Boy Scouts in 6th-grade, embarked on a journey, and devoted over 1000+ hours to community service and held high-ranked leadership positions in San Diego Boy Scout Troop11, leading and mentoring a group of 30-40 boys. This was an award that only 4% of Scouts ever receive, a testament to my persistence and determination. As an Eagle Boy Scout, I have learned the value of giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. Baden Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, famous quote "Leave this world a little better than you found it." This quote carries significant meaning for me, as it encapsulates the spirit of giving back to the community. This quote is a call to action for all of us to take responsibility for our footprint and make sustainable choices in our everyday lives. I have adopted and want to encourage others of his mindset so we can all contribute to a brighter future for ourselves and future generations. I have actively engaged in several community service activities that prioritize environmental conservation. These efforts have included organizing and participating in environmental clean-ups at Mission Bay Park, Tecolote Canyon, Mission/Pacific/Ocean/La Jolla Beach, Mataguay Scout Ranch, and various canyon areas in San Diego. Additionally, as an organizer with I Love A Clean San Diego, I have worked towards planting trees in Logan Heights and promoting recycling at the Farmer Open Insurance golf tournament, my list is endless. One of the most significant community service projects I spearheaded was organizing and managing a group of volunteers to construct and build the Tecolote Canyon Nature Center (TCNC) Native Seed Library. This project aimed to educate and provide native seeds for the Community to restore native plant habitat, which is essential for preserving biodiversity. Using native plant species can survive on rain alone and little to zero irrigation which is a great way to water conservation. The Ranger who manages all the canyon areas within San Diego even stated that it was one of his favorite volunteer projects. I invite you to come to check it out at TCNC 5180 Tecolote Rd, San Diego, CA 92110. Achieving numerous goals alone would take considerable time, but as a community, we can get there together more efficiently. A community can be a neighborhood, school, family, or group with a shared vision. Volunteering has enabled me to positively impact the community and experience the gratitude of others, creating a fulfilling sense of interconnectedness with the world around me. None of my accomplishments would have been possible without Boy Scout Troop 11. I am grateful for all the opportunities they have provided me.

As the sun began to rise over the rugged terrain, a group of young boys and their leader emerged from their tents, ready to take on the challenges of the day. Among them was a determined young boy, driven by a passion for adventure and a commitment to leadership. This was not his first foray into the wild, nor his last. For this intrepid Eagle Scout, the world was full of challenges to be faced and conquered. From a young age, I’d been drawn to the Boy Scouts, eager to explore the wilderness and learn survival skills for the most challenging environments. I started Cub Scouts in 2nd-grade, graduated to Boy Scouts in 6th-grade, embarked on a journey, and devoted over 1000+ hours to community service and held high-ranked leadership positions in San Diego Boy Scout Troop11, leading and mentoring a group of 30-40 boys. This was an award that only 4% of Scouts ever receive, a testament to my persistence and determination. As an Eagle Boy Scout, I have learned the value of giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. Baden Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, famous quote "Leave this world a little better than you found it." This quote carries significant meaning for me, as it encapsulates the spirit of environmental stewardship and the values that the Boy Scouts of America have instilled in me as a lifestyle choice for me. This quote is a call to action for all of us to take responsibility for our environmental footprint and make sustainable choices in our everyday lives. I have adopted and want to encourage others of his mindset so we can all contribute to a brighter future for ourselves and future generations. I have actively engaged in several community service activities that prioritize environmental conservation. These efforts have included organizing and participating in environmental clean-ups at Mission Bay Park, Tecolote Canyon, Mission/Pacific/Ocean/La Jolla Beach, Mataguay Scout Ranch, and various canyon areas in San Diego. Additionally, as an organizer with I Love A Clean San Diego, I have worked towards planting trees in Logan Heights and promoting recycling at the Farmer Open Insurance golf tournament, my list is endless. One of the most significant community service projects I spearheaded was organizing and managing a group of volunteers to construct and build the Tecolote Canyon Nature Center (TCNC) Native Seed Library. This project aimed to educate and provide native seeds for the Community to restore native plant habitat, which is essential for preserving biodiversity. Using native plant species can survive on rain alone and little to zero irrigation which is a great way to water conservation. The Ranger who manages all the canyon areas within San Diego even stated that it was one of his favorite volunteer projects. I invite you to come to check it out at TCNC 5180 Tecolote Rd, San Diego, CA 92110. Sustainability means finding ways to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations to ensure a healthy and brighter future for our communities. As a future Biomedical Engineering student, I am particularly interested in how sustainable practices can be applied to healthcare and medical technology. This includes developing innovative solutions that reduce waste, promote energy efficiency, and use environmentally friendly materials. Hopefully, you can see my academic excellence has always been my priority, and I have maintained a high GPA. My dedication to my academics and active involvement in my community and chosen field of study sets me apart as a candidate for this scholarship.

As a proud Filipino-American student, my heritage and culture have played a significant role in shaping my values and aspirations. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of Bayanihan, a core Filipino value that emphasizes the power of community and unity in achieving a common goal. This value is deeply ingrained in me and has influenced my passion for helping others. From a young age, I’d been drawn to the Boy Scouts, eager to explore the wilderness and learn survival skills for the most challenging environments. I started Cub Scouts in 2nd-grade, graduated to Boy Scouts in 6th-grade, embarked on a journey, and devoted 1000+ hours to achieve Eagle rank. This was an award that only 4% of Scouts ever receive, a testament to my persistence and determination. I’ve actively engaged in several community service activities that prioritize environmental conservation. These efforts have included organizing and participating in environmental clean-ups at Mission Bay Park, Tecolote Canyon, Mission/Pacific/Ocean/La Jolla Beach, Mataguay Scout Ranch, and various canyon areas in San Diego. Additionally, I’m an organizer with I Love A Clean San Diego, I’ve worked towards planting trees in Logan Heights and promoting recycling at the Farmer Open Insurance golf tournament, my list is endless. One of the most significant community service projects I spearheaded was organizing and managing a group of volunteers to construct and build the San Diego Tecolote Canyon Nature Center (TCNC) Native Seed Library. This project aimed to educate and provide native seeds for the Community to restore native plant habitat, which is essential for preserving biodiversity. Using native plant species can survive on rain alone and little to zero irrigation which is a great way to water conservation. As I enter college and continue my academic journey in the field of Biomedical Engineering, I aim to carry the Bayanihan values taught to me and apply them in all aspects of my life. I hope to continue seeking out new experiences and opportunities, while staying true to my Filipino roots and the values that have shaped me into the person that I am today.

As I stepped into the dimly lit classroom on my first day as a freshman in high school, I was met with a startling sight. The desks were overturned, and a motionless body lay in the middle of the classroom; she was identified as Maria. I was shocked and confused until the teacher explained that the "body" was a classroom exercise designed to teach us how to determine a cause of death. The "victim" was a character named Maria, and it was our job to gather evidence and use our knowledge of science to solve the mystery of how she died. This immersive experience was the start of my 4-year Biomedical Science Project-Lead-the-Way program at University City High School which ignited a passion for the Biomedical field. This program provided me with invaluable exposure to the principles of Biomedicine, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, and Biomedical Innovations through group projects, insightful guest speakers, and field trips to renowned institutions like the Salk Institute. In the summer of 2021, I furthered my knowledge by seeking out an in-person program backed by biomedical companies Illumina/Amgen, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions. This experience allowed me to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting and further hone my biomedical research and innovation skills. However, my most transformative experience has been my acceptance into the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) Synthetic Biology Cluster program at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) during the summer of 2022. This program provided a four-week intensive on-campus resident program where I could design my lab experiments at state-of-the-art UCSD Laboratories, listen in the lecture halls, research at the UCSD library databases, feast at the dining hall, socialize in the quad area, and sleep in the dorms. It was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the world of Synthetic Biology and develop my skills in computer programming, Python, and C++. But my passion for Biomedical Engineering doesn't end in the lab. As an Eagle Boy Scout, I have learned the value of giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. Over the years, I have devoted over 1000+ hours to community service and held high-ranked leadership positions in San Diego Boy Scout Troop11, leading and mentoring a group of 30-40 boys. These experiences have instilled in me a sense of responsibility to use my skills and knowledge, and I am committed to continuing this spirit of service as I pursue my studies in Biomedical Engineering. Hopefully, you can see my academic excellence has always been my priority, and I have maintained a high GPA. My dedication to my academics and active involvement in my community and chosen field of study sets me apart as a candidate for this scholarship. As a young and ambitious student with a passion for Biomedical Engineering, I believe that I have the potential to make significant contributions to the field, a possibility in a world where people can regrow body parts and heal from injuries in a matter of days with the help of a tiny "nano-bug." It sounds like something out of a science fiction novel, right? But what if I told you that this could be a reality? I am committed to using my education and skills to make a tangible and positive impact on society. So buckle up because the journey to a world of revolutionary medical technologies starts with me and my chosen college at the University of California, Irvine.