This winter break, I’m setting out on a trip I’ve been looking forward to for months — visiting some of the top universities on the West Coast. My plan is to tour USC, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and UC Davis. Each campus has its own culture, strengths, and traditions, and I can’t…

Over the summer, I had the chance to visit Rice University in Houston, Texas. I’d heard so much about Rice — from its strong academics to its unique student culture — and seeing it in person gave me a much clearer picture of what makes the school so special. First Impressions Rice’s campus is beautiful. The tree-lined…

Over spring break, I also had the opportunity to visit Texas A&M University in College Station. The trip gave me a firsthand look at not just the academics, but also the traditions and culture that make Texas A&M so unique. Values and Spirit One of the first things you notice at Texas A&M is its strong emphasis…

During spring break, I had the chance to visit Baylor University in Waco, Texas — and the experience left a lasting impression. First Impressions of Campus The campus immediately stood out to me. With its tree-lined paths, red brick buildings, and inviting green spaces, Baylor felt like a place designed for both learning and community. Everything was…

As a lifelong soccer fan, nothing excites me more than knowing that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to the United States. For years I’ve followed the tournament from afar — waking up early to watch matches, debating predictions with friends, and celebrating incredible goals. Now, to think that the biggest sporting event in the world…

Every second counts in an emergency. When someone’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing, immediate action can mean the difference between life and death. That’s where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) comes in. What Is CPR? CPR is a lifesaving technique that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen circulating in the body until…

This past summer, I started something that combined my love for swimming with my passion for helping others: a program to teach toddlers water and pool survival skills at my neighborhood community pool. Why Water Safety Matters Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among young children. Even in shallow water, toddlers can be…

I’m at a stage in life where everything feels both exciting and overwhelming: I’m getting ready to apply for college. Like most seniors, I’m juggling essays, SAT prep, application portals, financial aid forms, and endless lists of deadlines. But unlike many of my classmates, I don’t have parents who can guide me through this process.…

During high school, I had the opportunity to dive into a topic that affects millions of young people around the world: youth obesity. What started as a class research project quickly became something much more personal — a chance to understand not just the science behind the issue, but also the real-life challenges facing kids and…

When most people in the United States hear “TBC” or tuberculosis, it feels like a disease from the history books. It’s something we associate with black-and-white photos, sanatoriums, and old medical dramas — not something you’d expect to affect your family today. But for me, tuberculosis became personal when my grandpa was diagnosed with it.…