Sports, Writing, and Awards

My Filipino heritage, my expression of compassion toward others, and my love for engineering are all very important to me. However, there are other important experiences and accomplishments on this page that have greatly impacted the person I am today.

Papers

During my school year as a Junior, I took AP Seminar, during which I did research on interesting topics ranging from Filipino opioid abuse, to Olympian mistreatment and counseling. The time I’ve spent working on these papers has greatly improved my abilities as a writer and researcher, and informed me on topics that I care deeply about.

My AP Seminar Papers:

The Need for African American-Directed Sickle Cell Education

The US Government’s Need for Improved Flood Relief Programs

Addressing Opioid Abuse in the Philippines

Guidance Counseling to Improve Olympic Athlete Mental Health

Website

During the summer of my rising Senior year, I was mentored as a researcher for the Lumiere Research Program. During this program, I wrote a literature review on the use of robotic systems for reforestation efforts.

My Summer Paper:

Optimized reforestation Strategy and Drone Role Replacement

Badminton

During the summer of my rising Junior year, I developed an interest in Badminton. Many of my friends played, and it was very different than the sports I had previously played (Basketball, Lacrosse, Cross Country, and Track & Field). Because of this, I began practicing that summer, with the goal of trying out for our school's badminton team that Spring. I initially played as a JV mixed player, however I would later play in a Varsity mixed match. Although I wasn’t the best for my grade, the process of learning a new sport and the dedication required taught me a lot about trying new things, and how strong of a role hard work plays in success. I’ve made friends I wouldn’t have otherwise met, and learned valuable life lessons along the way.

Cross Country and Track & Field

During my Freshman year, I ran Cross Country and Track & Field. I had running experience from middle school which is where I learned to enjoy these sports because of how they challenged me mentally. While running Cross Country I physically felt as though I couldn’t go on, however, I mentally had to tell myself to keep going. This built my perseverance, which has greatly improved my work ethic and mindset toward work and life. By contrast, as a Track & Field runner I was a sprinter, running the 100 m, 200 m, and 400 m. I loved these events because of the excitement and sudden adrenaline they gave me. Although I wasn’t the fastest, the feeling of exerting all of my energy in a dozen seconds was an addicting contrast to the mentally and physically taxing runs for Cross Country.

In my Sophomore and Junior years, I applied for the President Volunteer Service Award. This award is given to students who have accumulated a specific number of volunteer hours for that year. In my sophomore year, I received the Gold Teen President Volunteer Service Award by accumulating over 140 volunteering hours. As a Junior, I received the Bronze Young Adult President Volunteer Service Award by accumulating over 220 volunteering hours.