Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I am currently enrolled in the 12th grade at Emmaus High School.

Q. Please provide the first names of your family members: parents, siblings and pets.

A. My parents’ names are Allan (father) and Ramona (mother). I have a younger sister, Danica and no pets.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. After taking an AP Psychology course during my sophomore year, I became intrigued with psychology as a subject. More specifically, I find the complexity of human behavior quite fascinating. Because other subjects play a role in psychology, such as statistics and chemistry, it challenges me to think from multiple perspectives. I believe that, by exploring how human minds function, we can build a better understanding of our modern society. Thus, psychology opens this door of opportunity.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. In the seventh and eighth grades, I won the Eyer Middle School Spelling Bee, through which I advanced to regional spelling bees. I’ve also received various journalism awards on local and state levels, including those from the Pennsylvania Press Club and Keystone Press Awards. My most notable journalism award comes from the Pennsylvania School Press Association, where I was named state champion of Yearbook Caption Writing. Since my sophomore year, I have competed in the Rotary Club’s 4-Way Speech Contest, placing on school and regional levels.

During my junior year, I was recognized for Engaged Citizenship in Science by Emmaus High School’s underclassmen awards, also earning an AP Scholar with Honor award from the College Board. I have made the Principal’s Honor Roll for all completed years of high school thus far.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How has being involved in these organizations impacted your high school experience?

A. At the high school, I serve as president of the Interact Club and EHS Debate Team, two positions that lend me valuable leadership experience. When it comes to Interact Club, I enjoy collaborating with the Emmaus Rotary Club to benefit our surrounding community, such as collecting materials for pediatric cancer patients.

After joining The Stinger, EHS’ school newspaper, as a freshman, I have since progressed to the role of social media editor, where I manage the paper’s online presence. I appreciate this role because it has enhanced my writing and reporting skills as a journalist.

My time on The Stinger has also led me to write the biweekly Hornet Happenings column for the East Penn Press, where I share school-related announcements with the community.

During my senior year, I will participate in the Emerging Health Professionals Program, run by LCTI and LCCC, to gain firsthand exposure to the world of medicine. Outside of school, I have played the piano for nine years, including performances for residents at Phoebe Ministries of Allentown.

Additionally, I am a dining associate at Country Meadows Retirement Community, which allows for dual exposure to food service and the medical field. Finally, I have volunteered at St. Luke’s Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Home, two experiences that relate to my intended field of study: premedicine.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. To date, my biggest challenge revolves around managing my time. Between school, extracurriculars and my social life, I find it challenging to stay on a fixed schedule, especially with just 24 hours in a day. As a freshman, my time management struggles were at their peak, affecting even my sleeping habits. However, as I continue to mature over the course of high school, self-discipline helps me to stick to a routine and complete tasks ahead of time.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. After high school, I plan to follow a premedicine track, going on to medical school and eventually a residency program. Currently, I am interested in majoring in neuroscience and pursuing a career in pediatrics, but this is bound to change as I continue to explore the field of medicine. My most immediate goal is to be accepted to a strong, diverse premedicine program for undergraduate students.

Q. Whom do you hope to emulate? Why?

A. I hope to emulate the diligence and kindness of my four grandparents, all of whom immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines in their early 20s and 30s. Although each very different characters, my grandparents shared the same love for their children (my parents), driving them to establish supportive families in a new country. Only with their determination am I able to live a fulfilling life today and I strive to emulate these character traits, whether it be in my career, family or education. While I may not be immigrating to a new country anytime soon, I would like to carry on my grandparents’ kindness unto others, changing the world for the better.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. In alignment with my career interests, I would like to be remembered as someone who improved others’ quality of life, whether it be through medical care, volunteer work or even simple favors, such as sharing piano music. If I can make a positive impact on others’ lives using my own talents and passions as tools, I would consider my life a rewarding one.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. I would advise my peers to thoroughly explore the subjects offered in school. Start with things that interest you, then branch out if necessary. Once you find your true passion, the work will come rather easily. You’ll find yourself motivated and engaged in your schooling and you can study toward a job that you’ll actually look forward to each day. Life is more rewarding when you establish a purpose and work actively toward it.