Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome

this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

Growing up I was put into many hardships, although they may have set me back they did
not hold me back. Since the age of five, my parents have been separated causing me to have to
travel back and forth between their houses on holidays, birthdays, and throughout the month.
Many people would ask, isn’t it better getting two of everything but in reality no one understands
how hard it can really be. Having two parents that don’t get along and that don’t communicate
tend to put their kids in the middle of each other. Being the communicator between my mother
and father at such a young age required me to grow up sooner than I should’ve. Although it was
challenging at times, it helped me develop my academic and personal goals. By the age of twelve
I already knew what I wanted to do with my life and where I planned to go, I had every compact
detail planned out for myself. Due to me setting such high goals for myself I tried hard in school,
I pushed myself to the best of my possible ability. Doing so, I was able to achieve many different
things I never would’ve expected like perfect attendance, principal’s honor roll, and a 4.3 gpa.
Through both achievements and hardships I was able to set high expectations for myself, one of
those being becoming a neurosurgeon. Although this may seem like such a high goal for
someone who was at the age of twelve then, the support system that I surrounded myself with
helped me through any trouble that may have come to me. Overall, the biggest hardship I was
put through at such a young age helped me get to where I am now, and it isn’t something I look
at as a setback but a reason to never give up.

What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and
demonstrated that talent over time?

Overtime, I have become highly involved in all aspects of school and extracurriculars. A
skill that comes along with these activities is leadership. Throughout my high school experience,
I have found myself being put into the FFA, LINK, and many community service opportunities.
Leadership is something that I am most thankful for because not only has it opened many doors
for me but also helped me come out of my shell and find the person I am today. Some people
may think that leadership is just the concept of talking in front of crowds, being known by
everyone, or even thinking you’re better than the others around you, leadership is not that.
Leadership has taught me to take advantage of situations where there is no control, be a leader
that sets a better example, influence others to do the right things and help in any way you may be
needed. Gaining leadership skills has allowed me to become a very open and outgoing
individual. This year, I was put into the ag leadership class on campus and it has been one of the
main highlights of my year. This class is where I have learned many of my leadership qualities
by hosting meetings, helping my teachers and peers with anything from a clean up to activity
planning, and setting examples for my younger classmates and the entire campus. Due to all my
hard work and dedication, I was awarded aggie of the month back in January of this year. This
award is given to any ag student who went above and beyond in anything they did, or used any
leadership skills they may have. In my case, I was awarded this achievement because my
teachers saw how hard I worked and tried to be the better example for my peers and always put
in my best effort for the things I did. Overall, with my leadership skills I have obtained, I have
become the person I have dreamed of always becoming.
 Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this
interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

The FFA is a national organization with chapters, sections, and regions all around the
world. Being in high school you are offered the opportunity to get involved with the FFA.
Luckily, I was given the offer and took it. It all began my sophomore year, it was mid October
and my chapter was hosting their annual Halloween carnival. As soon as I walked into the gates
of my school and saw the crowd, the good energy, and what would soon become my second
family I fell in love. I slowly started to get more involved by the day and now, as a senior, I am
top 5 most involved and hold high leadership roles in my chapter. The entire aspect of FFA
inspires me through their family aspect, fairness, inclusiveness, and so much more. I have been
able to take the things I learn here in my ag department and take them out into the real world for
everyday tasks I may need to take on. When outside of school I look for any ag aspect of
community service or job I can. For example, this past month, I volunteered to serve at both the
ag boosters dinner and the Merced County Farm Bureau dinner. These things, being leadership
and community service, were able to better help shape myself into the person I have always
dreamed of. Inside of the classroom, I am continuously planning, setting up, or helping with any
FFA activity my chapter has or even other chapters. Outside of the classroom I have been lucky
enough to attend both ALA (Advanced Leadership Academy) and the 94th Annual State FFA
Leadership Conference. Both of these conferences inspired me to keep going and always look for
the good in bad situations. Overall, FFA is something I will always try and be a part of no matter
where I end up because it’s an organization that has helped me find my path and taught me many
life lessons and skills.