What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?

I learned of food insecurity and food deserts through courses and outreach. Starvation and struggle in undeveloped and developing countries, in a world where others have excess. Across the world, we need an effective system of food distribution, allowing another country’s “extra” to feed others that lack a reliable diet.

How did you spend your last two summers?

During the pandemic, I founded a free K-8 math tutoring program through the [Redacted] Association of [City] and taught with 10+ tutors. During my next summer, I continued the program, attended [Summer Program], explored the Appalachian Mountains and creeks, shadowed a cardiologist and gastroenterologist, and wrote letters to my grandparents.

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?

Growing up, I was overcome by shadows of giant buildings as my mom drove to [NPO]. Back then, I didn’t know what St. Jude represented: a beacon of hope for families not only across [City], but across the world. I wish I could have attended the founding of St. Jude.

Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.

Marshmallows. Spaghetti. Coke. This might sound like a disastrous recipe, but these were the ingredients of knowledge I used to teach gravity, chemistry, and more at [City] Junior Science Association meetings. Watching students’ eyes grow wider as I mixed food coloring, oil, and water to explain polarity was pure joy.

The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.

Not many may appreciate the aroma of decomposing banana or the presence of fruit fly larvae, especially in their dorm room. However, I welcomed this opportunity as I embarked on research—and navigated mishaps—at [Summer Program] this past summer.

With guidance from our mentor, Dr. [Name], my student team aimed to evaluate conditions for cultivating a potential alternative food source—D. melanogaster. We had trouble securing larvae, but Dr. [Name] brought duck feed from her own backyard for us to sift through. When we discovered our self-constructed respirometer had limitations, Dr. [Name] mentored us as we refined our project, sought out existing data, ran ANOVA, and more.

With our project’s mishaps, I wondered if I was really destined to become a scientist. But Dr. [Name] shared her own past research mistakes and unexpected breakthroughs. She credited my group’s persistence and asked me what I learned—and would translate to future inquiries.

I thought back to my first years of high school. I had witnessed relentless curiosity from the kids I worked with in downtown [City]. As we worked together on after-school science experiments, I saw the inquisitiveness that make us scientists in the first place. I realized that when my research team worked through limitations and channeled our lessons—becoming as curious as little kids, like my students—we had earned our place in the community.

I feel connected to the scientific community because I keep asking questions, remain patient, and persist in the pursuit of knowledge—even if I may fail along the way.