“My journey at UC San Diego has been shaped by growth, community, and a desire to help others learn. Coming into college, I was naturally quiet and reserved. For a long time, I preferred observing rather than speaking up, and navigating a large university initially felt intimidating. Over time, I learned that growth often begins before you feel ready. One of the biggest challenges I faced was overcoming my own shyness and discomfort with putting myself out there socially. During my first quarter, I started attending Data Science office hours not only to improve academically but also to become more comfortable engaging with others. What began as small conversations gradually turned into friendships, mentorship opportunities, and a strong sense of belonging. At UC San Diego, I pursued opportunities that combined my technical interests with service and community. As a DSC 40B tutor, an Undergraduate Research Scholar, and a Bonnie Reiss Leading on Climate Fellow, I had the chance to cont...