How did you earn The Congressional Award?

VPS: I was a Camp Counselor at Camp Invention, a non-profit organization who inspire children to be future innovators through science. I volunteered my time at a local hospital and organized a Halloween costume drive for families residing at a homeless shelter collecting over 300 costumes for the children who live there.

PD: For my Personal Development I worked at a local ice cream shop. I have been with the store since it opened over 4 years growing in my role by taking on additional job responsibilities. I started out as an ice cream scooper, was promoted to a shift leader, and last summer I was made the store manager.

PF: For my Physical Fitness I decided to improve my skills as a dancer. I increased my studio time in order to learn new technique and challenging choreography. Through my commitment and hard work I was awarded a solo on my competition team and currently I am a member of the Loyola University Maryland Dance Team.

EXP: For my Expedition I planned a 7 day, 6 night camping trip to Cape May, NJ. I coordinated 6 families, researched campsites, planned day trips, and organized daily meals for everyone. I learned the proper way to set up a base camp, went biking, and visited the Cape May Bird Observatory.

What are your current ambitions?

My current goal is to tackle my upcoming semester with persistence and determination. In addition to handling my course load, I am incredibly excited to partake in research within the chemistry department at my college, Loyola University Maryland. Aside from academics I look forward to being a peer tutor within the natural sciences and continuing my training with the Loyola University Maryland Dance Team.

Where do you find your motivation?

TED talks are my main source for motivation. Talks from incredible authors such as Bryan Stevenson and E.O. Wilson really inspire me to think outside the box and allow me to challenge what I thought I knew. I find additional inspiration from the incredible faculty at my university, the students I tutor, and my friends and family who push me to do my best every day.