Her Voice, Her Impact

Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to work with countless passionate women who have significantly impacted my journey. Their wisdom and support have shaped me, inspiring me to uplift others and find their voices. Reflecting on the most memorable exchanges and lessons from my high school career, I am so grateful and thrilled to share these insights with you and the incredible women in my life!

My Mom: The Power of Self-Trust 

My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader, constantly reminding me that she knows I will thrive wherever I step. She often tells our family that she envisions me as a confident leader who easily negotiates and networks, a prototype that has fueled my ambition. She cut out and framed a Chinese quote from a calendar: “As long as you stay dedicated to your values and decisions, your life will be extraordinary,” in my room. Her unwavering belief in me and this message of self-trust continue to guide me as I navigate life’s challenges and opportunities.

Y-Scholars: Finding My Confidence

As a first-generation college student, my freshman year of high school was uncertain. Lacking resources and guidance at home, I struggled to navigate A-G requirements, write personal statements, and make myself stand out as an applicant. Through Y-Scholars, a college preparation program for first-generation and low-income (FGLI) students, I found a support system of peers and counselors who continue to guide me through essay writing, study strategies, and having a growth mindset. 

During my first year of Y-Scholars, I vividly remember applying to summer programs, feeling insecure and convinced that I lacked the qualities of a strong candidate. My counselor, however, was the first to recognize and verbalize my strengths, such as my resourcefulness and ability to take initiative. These qualities, once negligible to me, became values I cherish and center in my life. 

More than encouragement, she went the extra mile for me–sharing her journey from high school to university, reviewing my writing, and even writing me letters of recommendation. Her dedication and belief in me helped me shift my perspective and realize I was capable and worthy of the opportunities I dreamed of pursuing. 

Through Y-Scholars, I met a mentor at a local biotech start-up; an engineer who was also a first-generation college student. Her success in research helped me imagine myself in the science industry, a field many in my family believed was better suited for men. Because of this continued mentorship and career exploration, I am now a junior who sees myself as a potential scientist, engineer, or even dental hygienist, fields I never considered, believing they were out of reach. 

Debate: Owning My Voice

Debate has been critical in shaping my confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. At the beginning of my novice year, I watched GirlTalk, a documentary highlighting women in debate and how female debaters are often perceived as too aggressive or emotional compared to their male counterparts. Thankfully, this starkly contrasted with my own novice year, defined by a supportive, predominantly female team that cultivated a warm community. 

Furthermore, having a female debate coach has also reinforced my confidence. In my everyday life, I have often been told I am too loud or over-the-top, a characteristic that I worried made me a worse debater. Yet, she assured me that my speaking style was like a bold font, powerful and unique in its own way. That validation allowed me to embrace how I speak, and I continue to explore new rhetorical strategies to sound more persuasive. 

The Practice Space: Embracing Encouragement

El Cerrito’s Debate Team was also my connecting point to The Practice Space. As a previous member and current co-chair of the Junior Board, I’ve worked alongside many talented women from TPS. From revising and creating student curriculum and coach manuals for K-8 programs to volunteering at tournaments and leading judge training, El Cerrito’s annual debate tournament, TPS has given me countless opportunities to grow and contribute. 

Whether painting rocks for Berman or conducting mock interviews with students, I never fail to experience moments of warmth and encouragement from students, staff, volunteers, and community members. The positive energy of The Practice Space community around me reminds me how essential it is to uplift others and embrace the support we receive in return.

Paying It Forward: Empowering Others

Inspired by the amazing women who have supported me, I have started to push my boundaries and help others do the same. I’ve pursued competitive internships, competed in more tournaments, and ran (and won) a higher leadership position in Key Club, a community service organization! At the same time, I’ve mentored novices on my debate team, promoted service projects that increase access to education, and raised money for preferred charities that improve others’ quality of life, such as UNICEF. By embracing the support I’ve received and passing it forward, I hope to create a world where more women feel empowered to speak, lead, and thrive.