Grade my essay based on these criteria:
1. Core Values (aka Information) a. Can you name at least 4-5 of the author’s core values? b. Do you detect a variety of values, or do the values repeat? Examples of NOT varied values: hard work, determination, perseverance Examples of more varied values: autonomy, resourcefulness, healthy boundaries, diversity 2. Vulnerability a. Does the essay sound like it’s mostly analytical or like it’s coming from a deeper, more vulnerable place? Another way of asking this: Does it sound like the author wrote it using mostly his or her head (intellect) or his or her heart and gut? b. After reading the essay, do you know more about the author AND feel closer to him or her? 3. “So what” moments (aka Important & interesting connections) a. Can you identify at least 3-5 “so what” moments of insight in the essay? b. Are these moments kind of predictable, or are they truly illuminating? 4. Craft a. Do the ideas in the essay connect in a way that is logical, but not too obvious (aka boring)? b. Can you tell that the essay represents a series of carefully considered choices and that the author spent a lot of time revising the essay over the course of several drafts? c. Is it interesting and succinct throughout? If not, where do you lose interest? Where could words be cut or which part isn’t revealing as much as it could be?
UC Prompt# 6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.


From the moment I first folded a paper airplane at the age of five, my fascination with flight was ignited. This curiosity persisted, and in my sophomore year of high school, I discovered a similar interest in chemistry, sparked by the interesting and inspiring chemistry teacher Mr. Foster. His engaging demonstrations—like dissolving chicken with sulfuric acid and piranha solution and using gas laws to get an egg inside a beaker—transformed seemingly abstract concepts in chemistry into memorable experiences which helped me get a handle on chemistry and solidified my passion for understanding and navigating the intricacies and the complex world of chemical reactions, marking the next step in my journey as AP Chemistry.

Although the AP Chemistry class at my school did not meet my expectations, leading me to self-study, I scored a 4 on the AP exam, demonstrating my dedication to the subject matter. Outside the classroom, I expanded my understanding of chemistry through online demonstrations, such as those by professional chemists like NileRed.

My love for airplanes evolved from origami to exploring flight physics, started by Scott H. Young’s “MIT Challenge.” His concepts of self-learning and books like “Ultralearning” empowered me to independently pursue knowledge in the field of engineering and drove me to acquire engineering skills, such as CAD design, culminating in a collaborative project with 2 of my friends to build a modified tricycle go-kart. Through building this somewhat whimsical project I overcame obstacles in sourcing parts and adapting a pre-built frame which honed my problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills.

This intersection of chemistry and engineering(which I stumbled upon by chance) is vital to my aspirations in aerospace engineering as chemistry enhances my understanding of materials science and reactions essential for aircraft design, enabling me to address challenges like sustainable and safe aviation technologies.

At the University of California, I aim to leverage my interdisciplinary interests by joining innovative clubs, engaging in research, and pursuing internships that will allow me to deepen my knowledge, collaborate with peers, and make a meaningful impact in the aerospace field. Through my contributions, I hope to drive both personal growth and advancements within the university community and the aerospace engineering field.