Having spent eight years of my life in Manila, Philippines, I witnessed firsthand the limited opportunities experienced by those with fewer resources due to their socioeconomic status. My school's emphasis on experimental learning led me to engage in service opportunities, including organizing games for children with cleft palates and reading stories to orphans, with the goal of making a difference. Over time, I became passionate about closing the country's wealth gap and founded a nonprofit Kaya Cares to level the playing field for under-resourced youth in Manila, creating opportunities for 100 under-resourced young scholars to excel in both athletics and education.

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Fueled by my deep passion for storytelling and film, I produced a documentary during the summer of my sophomore year that captures the lives of individuals facing extreme poverty in Tondo, the largest slum in the Philippines. My ultimate goal in making this documentary was to connect with a global audience, by sharing compelling stories that highlight the harsh realities of socioeconomic inequality in the Philippines. By showcasing the warm-hearted and faithful spirit of the Filipino people, I hope to inspire people worldwide to help their neighbors and take meaningful action to create a more compassionate and equitable world, where opportunity is not limited by circumstance.