Senior at St. Vincent de Paul College Preparatory in Petaluma, CA. National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, three-year Honor Roll. I work behind the scenes so the people around me can succeed.
The patterns that show up everywhere — in friendships, in leadership, in the conversations I keep coming back to.
Connecting with people is what I enjoy most. I want to make an impact on specific individuals — rather than trying to change the world, I focus on changing individual perspectives on life and education.
I get to know people deeply through one-on-one conversations. My personal time is centered on friends, family, and teammates. Lasting change happens through deep connections.
I make a quieter impact when supporting others, but I am consistently present. I work behind the scenes to ensure my friends are positioned for success, and I help everyone perform at their best regardless of their endeavors.
I maintain a strong moral code centered on actions that benefit all parties and create mutually positive outcomes. Kindness and the courage to advocate for others guide my decisions.
When my sister needed support coming out to our parents, I stood by her. Even though it wasn't widely accepted, I knew it was right. This reflects who I am: I support the people I care about, especially during difficult moments.
I believe in doing what's right even when it is difficult or unpopular. I prioritize sibling relationships despite geographic distance, and I take accountability for my actions and their consequences.
I spend hours researching topics that fascinate me. Recently, I have been studying U.S. foreign policy decisions and global relations — Greenland, Iran, Latin America. I find it compelling how historical events shape modern society.
I love learning even when there's no grade attached. History is easily the most entertaining thing humans have ever done. When something interests me, I'll research it for hours without stopping.
"I lead by empowering others to shine. I make a quiet impact by making sure everyone's in the best position to succeed."
Student → Co-Leader → Treasurer → Mentor
As Troop Treasurer, managed $1,000–$1,500 monthly budgets so everyone could focus on learning. Led 20 scouts (2–3 years younger) at Marin Sierras by teaching, not directing. Set up systems so teammates could excel. Multi-day expeditions across the Florida Keys, Sierra Nevada, and Mount Diablo.
Global Leadership Adventures · Liberia, Costa Rica
Constructed 20 nesting sites protecting ~200 endangered sea turtle eggs. Removed 1,000 pounds of roadside trash near Liberia in a single day. Assisted a local water treatment facility serving surrounding communities. Collaborated with an 11-person team from four regions.
Honors track since freshman year. Junior year: 4 AP courses + Honors Chemistry, all A's.
Junior Year — Current Term
Communications · Political Science · Psychology
I'm interested in how people communicate, make decisions, and build communities. Historical patterns and modern governance fascinate me. Long-term, I want a career combining communication strengths with community impact.
Also planning a community college cooking class for life skills.
"I find fulfillment in helping my community and witnessing the tangible impact of my work on people's lives."
Tenderloin District, San Francisco
Prepared and distributed 40 Thanksgiving meals to transition housing residents. Direct engagement with San Francisco's most vulnerable communities. Witnessed urban poverty challenges firsthand.
The affordable housing crisis is one of society's biggest challenges. I want to contribute by building relationships and supporting systemic change.
I want a small, intimate college environment where I can have one-on-one conversations with professors. What excites me is being part of a community with people from all over the world who are there to learn and pursue being better people.
Honest accounting of the setbacks and what I'm carrying forward into college.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted me physically and mentally. I gained substantial weight and lost confidence. Over the past two years, I have dedicated myself to recovery through regular gym attendance, basketball, and an active lifestyle. The experience taught me how quickly one can lose ground — but I'm returning stronger than before.
Recovering from setbacks requires consistent effort. I'm developing my confidence and independence while thriving in competitive environments. I strive to learn from mistakes and break negative patterns.
I hope college will help me develop greater independence. I recognize that I rely too heavily on others, and these transition years are an opportunity for growth. I want to graduate with both field-specific expertise and practical life skills — cooking, household management — while maturing mentally and physically.
I aim to build independence while keeping my collaborative strengths. Cultivate a strong support network of friends. Become a better version of myself.
"The first opportunity is all I need. After that initial chance, there will be no reason not to want me there."