“For a long time, I thought not having a hometown was a disadvantage. Looking back, it's one of the greatest gifts I've been given. Growing up moving throughout the United States before finding a home in San Diego taught me how to adapt, build new friendships, and embrace change with confidence. Those experiences helped me approach life with curiosity, resilience and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone. My path to UC San Diego wasn't linear. After high school, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, and the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic made it even harder to see what came next. Attending MiraCosta College gave me the opportunity to grow, challenge myself, and realize I was capable of more than I had imagined. Transferring to UC San Diego became a reminder that everyone's journey looks different, and that's okay. The greatest influence in my life has been my parents. They've always encouraged me to make choices I'll be proud of, appreciate every opportunity, and never stop p...