As a son of Filipino immigrant parents, I have always felt a strong responsibility not to take their sacrifices for granted. Everything they worked for was meant to give me opportunities they never had, and one of the main ways I show my appreciation is by striving to excel academically. Throughout high school, I immersed myself in leadership and service roles, holding officer positions such as President of the National Honor Society and Executive Board Secretary for Student Government. I also challenged myself by joining track and field for the first time, balancing academics, athletics, and extracurriculars with determination.

During the first year and a half of high school, I felt confident in the path I was on; however, in December 2022, I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. It was a dark and uncertain time for my family and I, and one of my first thoughts was how I could continue to make my parents proud despite everything changing. Throughout 2023, I continued my education online with the support of my high school, maintaining the academic standards I set for myself while focusing on recovery.

My parents were amazed not only by my commitment to school, but also by my resilience and determination to overcome my challenges. When I returned to campus around Thanksgiving of my junior year, things began to improve. I pursued more rigorous coursework, including dual enrollment at the University of Georgia, which is something I never imagined possible within two years. I later graduated with honors. Through this journey, I learned that honoring my parents goes beyond academics; it lives in my perseverance, resilience, and refusal to give up on my goals, no matter the obstacles.