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 folded my first paper airplane at the age of five, my fascination with flight was ignited. Watching my creation gracefully glide sparked countless afternoons of meticulously designing and enthusiastically testing models. This early curiosity propelled me into high school chemistry, a subject that initially mirrored the intricacy of flight.

Under Mr. Foster, my chemistry journey flourished. I recall him dissolving a chicken drumstick with piranha solution, turning shock into fascination. Another time, he used gas laws to navigate an egg into a beaker, further igniting my passion for chemical reactions and their real-world applications.

However, the AP Chemistry class at my school fell short of my expectations. Instead of giving up, I wholeheartedly embraced the challenge, diligently delving into online resources and virtual labs to master the material. Earning a 4 on the rigorous AP exam demonstrated my unwavering dedication and ability to overcome significant academic challenges.

Outside the classroom, my love for flight matured from origami to aerodynamics. Inspired by Scott H. Young’s “MIT Challenge” and “Ultralearning,” I pursued engineering and CAD design. I collaborated with passionate friends to build a modified tricycle go-kart, overcoming challenges in sourcing specific parts and adapting to a pre-built frame, which deepened my appreciation for teamwork and creative problem-solving.

This blend of chemistry and engineering is crucial to my aspirations in aerospace engineering. Understanding materials science and chemical reactions enhances my approach to aircraft design and sustainable aviation technologies.

I envision developing innovative eco-friendly aviation solutions, such as electric propulsion systems, that significantly reduce environmental impact without compromising safety or efficiency. At the University of California, I plan to leverage my interests by joining the Aerospace Engineering Society, engaging in research on sustainable materials, and pursuing internships to contribute to advancements in aerospace technology and drive meaningful change.

From folding paper airplanes to excelling in self-taught AP Chemistry and building a go-kart, I’ve learned that passion and perseverance transform curiosity into achievement. These experiences have equipped me to tackle aerospace engineering challenges and fueled a lifelong desire to innovate in a field that has captivated me since childhood.