Since the time I could understand it, I’ve had an interest in childbirth. This inherent interest led me to discover the practice of midwifery, a type of maternity care that stresses natural births led by midwives, and I soon became passionate learning more about its differences with traditional hospital maternity care, which is led by obstetricians, physicians trained in childbirth. Through articles, documentaries and books I came to understand the advantages and positive outcomes of midwife-led births, and conversely,...

Through the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, students are required to write an extended essay of up to 4000 words on a topic that interests them. As an IB student, I chose to write a historical argument essay examining the role of religion in the development of Vegetarianism in mid-1800s America. The required extended research and writing gave me the opportunity to dig deep into subject matter, develop my research and argumentative writing skills, and enjoy the rich learning process. In...

During my freshman and sophomore year, I played for my high school’s soccer team; but, overwhelmed with the time commitment the team demanded and the workload of academics, I decided not to try out my junior year. The lack of sleep and constant practices and games left me worn out. By the end of the season my sophomore year, I knew I couldn’t do it anymore. Nevertheless, breaking my commitment to the team bothered me for months. Although...

I wouldn’t say English if asked what my favorite subject was. I would likely say math; after all, it’s the subject at which I most excel. But with some thought (and honesty), English, actually, is my favorite subject. For all the fascination I get from math and its concreteness, the nuances and flavor of English excite me more. It is through English that I have been able to express my thoughts, articulate the precision of my view, shape...

In the daily bustle of school and responsibilities it’s easy to forget the greater meaning of an education. After all, the main focus emphasized throughout our school careers, and especially in high school, is grades and tests; the amount of time and energy devoted to exploration greatly dwindles after elementary school. And I miss it. I miss the fieldtrips we used to take to the art museum or the caverns or the county fair. I miss getting out of...

I’ve always been an avid reader, but until recently, I wasn’t thirsting for classics and Shakespeare. Young adult fiction was always my go-to, and while I have learned to appreciate and even love the classics, I always come back to my favorites. If I could teach a class during Paideia it would be “Harry Potter and Other Stories of Overcoming the Monster: Do they teach us anything and will they be important in the future?” for two reasons: (1)...

For a self-admitted introvert, I am surprisingly aware of how much I desperately need people in my life. I need people who will take on life with me, who will support and challenge me in my endeavors. Everyone needs these people. More than ever now, I realize I need not only supporters and challengers, but people I can relate to in aspiring to achieve more. I want to be surrounded by a student body that understands my desire to excel,...

I stumbled upon Santa Clara University in a rather un-academic way. My dad took my sister and I out to watch a professional soccer game, and it just so happened the venue was Santa Clara University’s stadium. I knew nothing of the university, and my dad had only once or twice heard the university brought up in conversation. What was this random university? If we hadn’t heard of it, was it any good? Now, these questions faded quickly,...

The aspect of Santa Clara University’s strategic vision that most appeals to me and has parallels with my own vision for myself is the emphasis on educating “leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion”. As an individual holding the responsibility to use my knowledge for good, SCU’s vision to educate leaders who use their competence compassionately and mindfully hits home. When I go out into the working world, I want to see things holistically, mindful of variables, and the...

College students are at a time in their lives where they’re gaining more responsibilities and getting a taste of independence. Point Loma Nazarene University’s Community Living Agreement creates an environment where students can grow into full-fledged adults in a positive and God-like manner. The Community Living Agreement creates a community founded on a common set of principles. In agreeing upon these laws, the student body is connected by their shared interest in the well-being of the community. A...

I have taken both a biology and a chemistry course my junior and senior years - I’ve loved both. However, I am anxious to learn about the cross section of the two. See, in both classes we’ve dabbled in the cross section, but I want to dig deep. I want to understand the chemistry behind the biology - how the interactions of microscopic molecules magnify into biological processes that we study in a “bigger picture” way. I want...

When I imagine the college atmosphere I want to be a part of, there are two words that sum it up: diverse and engaged. I believe Brown is just that. I want to go to Brown because I want to be surrounded by a challenging, inspiring, and diverse student body. Brown attracts a diverse group of intellectuals, coming from numerous different backgrounds, but all with the same fierce commitment to their studies and interests. Such a concentrated community of diverse...

Since I was born, I have lived in the Natomas community of Sacramento, California. Now, living in a suburb might seem normal, and not exciting, but Natomas is special. With the second most diverse school district in the U.S., Natomas has ingrained in me the importance of multicultural celebration. I grew up in classrooms where nobody was a majority or a minority, and where there was little consideration for the color of one’s skin. We were taught open...

My church small group with my mentor Christena Turnbough has been a cornerstone in my personal development. I look back a year and I can’t believe how much I developed in terms of character, mindfulness and resilience. Christena helped me to discuss what was going on in my mind and pinpoint what I needed to work on; the group made me accountable, but also supported and encouraged me. Although it’s the smallest group I’ve been a part...

Every Wednesday, I head to the “The Greenhouse”. This greenhouse however doesn’t cultivate plants - it cultivates students. I volunteer at The Greenhouse tutoring second graders who live in the surrounding low-income apartments. When I first started, I was shaking in my boots. I’d never worked with school-aged children. This was something my mom was better at - Why wasn’t I more like my mom? However, as I dipped my feet into the waters, I found something...