Genesis
When I think about being a leader, I don’t think about being the best at everything or collecting awards. For me, it’s about showing up for the people who need me. A lot of that starts at home with my two little sisters, who are six and four. Being their big sister has taught me patience and responsibility. Some days it’s helping them with homework or getting them ready for school, and other days it’s just sitting on the floor to play dolls or singing silly songs on my guitar to make them laugh. I try to be someone they can look up to, not because I’m perfect, but because I keep showing up for them. Family has shaped me in many ways.
When I was five, I was separated from my parents and lived with my grandmother in Mexico. Even though I was still a child myself, I helped care for her. That experience made me grow up faster than most kids my age and taught me how important it is to be there for family. My grandmother is also deaf, and because of her, I started learning American Sign Language. At first it was just a way to talk with her, but over time it became something much more. Each new sign I learn brings us closer and reminds me how important it is to make people feel included.
Outside of home, I volunteer and work at a hospital. Balancing school, family, and the hospital can be challenging, but I’ve learned so much from it. Even small acts like helping a patient, supporting staff, or simply being reliable can make a difference in someone’s day.
Those moments have taught me a lot about compassion and responsibility, and they’ve also inspired my future. Being in a hospital environment has made me want to pursue a career in medicine.
My dream is to become a radiologist, and I’m working hard in school now so that one day I can study at a university like Harvard, Yale, SDSU, or UC Berkeley. To prepare for that future, I’ve challenged myself academically. I’m currently taking six AP classes and I plan to enroll in dual enrollment courses. Balancing this workload with everything else in my life is not easy, but it’s teaching me discipline, time management, and perseverance—the same skills I will need as a doctor. Every late night of studying and every challenge I push through now is helping me build the foundation to succeed in medical school and beyond.
Creativity is another part of who I am. I play guitar, piano, and violin, and I also love to sing and dance. I enjoy making origami paper flowers too. They may be simple, but I love giving them to my sisters or friends to brighten their day. Whether it’s sharing music, dancing around the living room, or handing someone a paper flower, I’ve found that small creative moments can bring joy and connection.
At school, I push myself to do my best, even when it’s hard. I want to set an example for my sisters and classmates that effort and persistence matter more than being perfect. I may not always get everything right, but I never stop trying. To me, being a role model means being real, being present, and using what you have to lift others up. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has taught me resilience. If my story can inspire even one person to keep going, then I know it was worth sharing