Growing up in a low-income household, I have always dreamed of a better future for myself. Education has been my ticket out of a life of struggle and poverty, and I have found my passion in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, collectively known as STEM. I have always been fascinated by the way things work, from the smallest cell to the largest galaxy. STEM offers me the opportunity to explore and understand the world around me in a way that not only satisfies my curiosity, but also has the potential to create real change and impact in the world. STEM education is not just about memorizing facts and formulas; it is about problem-solving and critical thinking. It challenges me to think outside the box, to push the boundaries of what is possible, and to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. STEM also offers me the opportunity to make a difference in the world. From finding cures for diseases to developing sustainable energy sources, STEM has the potential to improve the quality of life for people around the globe. As someone who comes from a disadvantaged background, I am passionate about using my education in STEM to help improve the lives of others who may not have the same opportunities that I have had. Furthermore, a career in STEM also offers me financial security and stability. In a society where income inequality is a major issue, having a strong foundation in STEM can open the doors to lucrative and fulfilling career opportunities. This would not only benefit me, but also my family, as I would be able to provide for their needs and help break the cycle of poverty that has plagued us for generations. Despite the challenges and obstacles that come with pursuing a career in STEM, such as lack of resources and support, I am determined to overcome them and succeed. I am willing to put in the long hours of studying and hard work, to seek out mentors and opportunities for growth, and to never give up on my dreams. In conclusion, my passion for an education in STEM stems from a deep desire to create a better future for myself, my family, and the world. STEM offers me the chance to explore my interests, make a difference, and secure a bright and prosperous future. I am committed to achieving my goals and making the most of the opportunities that come my way, because I know that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Giving back to the community outside of school is incredibly important to me. I believe that it is essential to use my skills and talents to help those around me and make a positive impact on society. One way that I give back to my community outside of schoolis by volunteering at a local animal shelter, Austin Pets Alive. I volunteer typically with the dogs and help give them exercise by walking and participating in skill-building classes with them. In addition to volunteering at the food bank, I also participate in community service events through my JROTC program. We volunteer at food banks, clean up local parks, and have most recently volunteered for the Special Olympics in Austin Texas. I have accumulated over 200 community service hours over the course of my high school career. By participating in these events, I am able to connect with others in my community and work together towards a common goal of making our community a better place for everyone. My academic journey has been a challenging but rewarding one. I have always been passionate about learning and have pushed myself to excel in my studies. I have taken many advanced classes, participated in academic competitions through JROTC, and pursued extracurricular activities that have allowed me to expand my knowledge and develop new skills. Most recently, on April 9th, at the Navy Nationals Academic Athletic and Drill competition placed 27th overall in the Nation on the academic test. I have faced obstacles along the way, but I have always been determined to overcome them and continue striving towards my goals. As I prepare for college, I am excited to continue my academic journey and pursue excellence in my studies. I have been accepted to the Virginia Military Institute majoring in psychology. I've always been interested in learning the science of the human mind. During my career in the U.S Navy I plan on going back to college and getting a finance degree and using those skills to start my own company when I return to civilian life. In order to continue pursuing excellence in college, I plan on taking advantage of all the opportunities that come my way. I will seek out all opportunities and extracurricular activities that are presented in order to further develop my skills and gain real-world experience. In conclusion, giving back to the community is incredibly important to me, and I plan on continuing to do so in college. My academic journey has been a challenging but rewarding one, and I am excited to continue pursuing excellence in my studies. I hope to use my education and skills to make a positive impact on society and help those in need. Through a combination of academic success and community service, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that will inspire others to do the same.

In 2012, my life took an unexpected turn when my father was diagnosed with cancer. As an 11-year-old, I was forced to grapple with the harsh reality of the disease and its impact on my family. My father fought valiantly against the illness, but ultimately, he lost the battle in 2017. The loss of my father at such a young age left a profound mark on me and shaped my life journey in both positive and negative ways. On one hand, the experience of my father's battle with cancer taught me resilience and strength. I witnessed firsthand the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and grew to appreciate the value of making the most out of every moment. My father's courage in the face of his illness inspired me to strive for greatness and never give up, no matter the obstacles that may come my way. On the other hand, the loss of my father has left a void in my life that can never be filled. I miss his guidance, his wisdom, and his unwavering support. The pain of his absence is a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing those we love. Cancer has shown me the fragility of life and the importance of living each day to the fullest. Despite the challenges I have faced, I am determined to make the most of my life and honor my father's memory by pursuing my dreams. One of my biggest ambitions is to become a Navy Seal and serve my country in the U.S. Navy. I have been accepted into the Virginia Military Institute, where I will receive a rigorous education and training to prepare me for a career in the military. By attending college, I hope to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in my chosen field and make a positive impact on the world. In conclusion, cancer has had a profound impact on my life journey, both positively and negatively. While the loss of my father has been a source of pain and grief, it has also taught me valuable lessons about resilience, strength, and the importance of living life to the fullest. I am determined to make the most of my life and pursue my dreams, including becoming a Navy Seal. By attending college, I hope to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve my goals and make a difference in the world.