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Uldouz moved to the United States from Iran three years ago and the struggle of acclimating to a foreign culture and language has made her a strong individual able to face obstacles with determination. Her sense of humor always brings a smile to those around her, and she is very enthusiastic to share her culture with others. She started the ESL club at her school and is also involved in Multicultural club, Interact, AVID, Service Commission, tutors her peers in math and science and volunteers at her local library. She tries to help students who are new to the English language and American culture. Her hobbies include playing tennis, reading, bike riding, having good conversations, and learning. Eager to take advantage of the opportunities available to her, she hopes to benefit others through her passions.

Oswald thrives on service toward others. At his school, he is a leader both in and outside of the classroom. His activities include serving as student body president and volunteering at his local hospital, where he loves the personal connection he makes with patients. The many hardships Oswald has endured while in high school, particularly his father's struggle with cancer and untimely passing, have taught him to focus on those things in life he deems most important. His major source of strength in his life is his relationship with God. A dedicated scholar, his life goal has been to attend college. One day, he hopes to provide a tranquil and secure life for his mother. Oswald wants to be able to look back on his life on day and know that he has made a difference in the lives of those around him.

Lizeth always wears her radiant smile on her face despite the numerous hardships and barriers she has overcome. Rather than dwell on her trials, she uses them as a source of strength and inspiration in all of her endeavors. Lizeth admires perseverance, self-acceptance and boldness in others, so she searches for friends who are able to accept her beliefs. She seeks wisdom and understanding with optimism, sincerity, and a warm heart and sees all people as teachers in the journey of life. Lizeth holds several leadership positions in clubs at her high school, plays tennis, and enjoys volunteering at a local elementary school. As the daughter of Mexican parents, she plans to give back to the Hispanic community through a career in public health.

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
School: Friends Seminary
Professional Aspirations: Zoology, Marine Biology, International Relations

An idealistic, affectionate young woman, Zuzanna immigrated to the United States from Poland as a toddler. She is passionate about anything related to animals and the environment. Deeply concerned with issues such as global warming and the loss of biodiversity, she hopes to someday inspire people to love the Earth as much as she does. Zuzanna also firmly believes that world peace is an attainable goal. Her hope lies in teaching youth about conflict-free problem resolution because she realizes that violence is learned, not instinctive. Always joyful to be around, Zuzanna has a soothing presence and exudes a sense of compassion for others. She hopes to live a life that reminds people that there is a possibility of a better tomorrow. With her optimism tempered by her willingness to learn, she strives to follow her dreams.

Averi is an insightful young woman with a passion for helping others. Motivated by the promise of a better life, Averi dedicates herself to her studies and especially enjoys English. She enjoys a number of activities, including track and field and photography, which gives her a sense of control when creating images with her camera. Aspiring to be a catalyst for change, Averi enjoys working with the youth of her community and serving breakfast to the homeless through her church. She wishes to be a positive influence in the lives of others and values her family above anything else. After enduring major surgery as a child, Averi was inspired to become a pediatrician. Fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind, she also has a keen interest in psychology. She hopes to one day integrate all of her interests into a career that allows her to positively impact everyone she encounters.

An only child, Arian lives with his mother, Pari. He makes up for his lack of siblings with a large group of friends and a close relationship with his family. His young relatives inspire in him a love of children and an interest in pediatrics. Arian also finds himself intrigued by criminal and corporate law and psychology. His adventurous spirit is reflected not only in his willingness to tackle any subject in the classroom, but also in his dedication to a wide range of extracurricular activities. Throughout the year, Arian feels most alive on the volleyball court, playing for both his club team and his high school. He is also an editor for his school's yearbook and enjoys playing the guitar and writing music. He has always tried to please others and believes that in this way, he can bring out the best in himself. In the future, Arian hopes to use his caring and compassionate personality to create a loving family of his own.

A deeply spiritual and family-centered young man, Jorge seeks to make his mark in this world. His immigration to the United States from Mexico, which separated him from his large extended family, taught him the value of family. Jorge's religion sustains him through difficult experiences, and he hopes to be a preacher someday. He is also interested in civil engineering, drawing highways in his free moments, and has recently developed a fascination with environmental law. Jorge wishes to make a difference in the environment as a civil engineer, but more importantly he wants to make sure that his existence makes someone breathe easier. Appreciative and thoughtful, he would like to teach his children to care for the environment and to be responsible citizens who value a strong family bond.

Salone truly believes that the meaning of life does not lie in life itself but in our attitude towards it; as such, she strives to always find blessings in every situation that confronts her. Her profoundly compassionate nature shines through in her sincere attempts to invigorate the lives of those around her. Though she experienced the difficulties of moving to the United States from India only three years ago, she exudes optimism and confidence in her every endeavor. Salone's passion for crafting words led her to join the Mock Trial and Model United Nations teams at her school. She is a deep believer in serving those less fortunate than herself and finds time to tutor her peers in high school as well as sixth grade students at the local middle school. In the future, she hopes to return to India and develop a school for girls in a rural village.

Though born in Munich, Germany, Jessica has lived in California since she was a six-month old. She loves to sing, act, and dance, but has also spent much of her life being involved in sports, including soccer, tennis, and running. In school, her favorite subject is English, but her career interests are very widespread. While she spends much of her time working towards her academic and athletic aspirations, Jessica loves the time she gets to spend with all of the amazing people in her life. Jessica is very dedicated to her family, especially her dad and her grandmother, and is incredibly grateful for the love and support they have given her. Her bright eyes shine with possibility and her quiet smile brings joy to those around her. In the future, she hopes to work in a field where she can have a positive impact on the lives of others.

Pin-Yi is a caring young woman who aspires to become a doctor that she may improve the lives of those around her through her strong interest in the sciences. She is a genuine example of a kind and fun-loving person who draws people to her with a quiet self-assurance and cheerful smile. Inspiring others with her inner strength and dignity, Pin-Yi loves helping people and her friends always come to her with their problems, whether they be personal or school-related issues. She has faith in other people and wants to bring out the best in everyone she meets. An active member of the National honor Society, Pin-Yi spends numerous hours tutoring other students in a variety of subject areas. Passionate in everything that she does, Pin-Yi especially enjoys playing the violin and piano and studying math. She hopes to live a life of compassion and meaning, a goal she strives for everyday.

An altruistic individual, Gibran loves to spend time improving the lives of others. Whether it is tutoring students in science and mathematics or assisting patients at his local hospital, working to help others brings him a deep sense of happiness and satisfaction. Gibran enjoys many activities, including soccer, volleyball, chess, and rocket-building. He is deeply fascinated by astrophysics and medicine. Raised in Mexico, Gibran came to the United States at the age of eight and learned through his difficulties as an immigrant the power of hard-work, perseverance and sacrifice. He works as a dental assistant in order to help his mother support his family and has helped raise his little brother Brian. Being a role model and keeping the well-being of his family in mind have shaped Gibran and have helped him develop an unusual maturity.

Hometown: Redwood City, California
School: Bellarmine College Preparatory
Professional Aspirations: Engineering

Ever since he was a little boy, Francisco has been a self-sufficient individual. Whatever goal he is determined to achieve, he works diligently towards until it is completed. An optimist and a dreamer, no objective ever seems impossible to him. Much of his determination and compassion stems from the loving support of his parents. Immigrants from El Salvador, they have encouraged him in all of his endeavors and facilitated his rapid growth into maturity. Francisco also adores music and enjoys spending his free time playing the guitar and the piano; he lives in a constant state of learning a new song. He also has a strong passion for deep and meaningful relationships. An extremely dramatic, outgoing person, Francisco enjoys being around new, intriguing people. A members of his high school's robotics team, he hopes one day to pursue a career as an engineer.

Hardworking and motivated, Willie immerses herself in a wide range of activities. She actively promotes environmental awareness by running an Environmental Science Club at her high school and investigating alternative energy sources through her ongoing science fair project. An articulate and intelligent speaker, Willie is a dedicated Speech and Debate Team member. Her altruism extends to her commitment to community service. In her free time, she enjoys playing basketball, reading and painting. Willie's real love, however, is her family - they are her source of creativity and strength. With her evident determination and ability to persevere, it is easy to believe that Willie can accomplish anything she puts her mind to. She aspires to become a veterinarian who works around the world, living up to her motto: "If you want what you've never had, you must do what you've never done."

Born and raised in the Chicago area, David is an assertive and independent individual with a thirst for knowledge. He loves learning for its own sake and for its ability to help him improve the lives of others. David assumes leadership roles at his high school in the environmental club, the Math Honor Society and other organizations. He currently conducts research in biotechnology and medical ethics at Drexel University and the University of Chicago. David's diverse background taught him the importance of forming warm friendships with people of many cultures and interests. Before leaving home to attend his residential high school, David started and maintained Q Technologies, Inc., using his extensive technical knowledge to work for numerous businesses in Chicago. During his summers and vacations, he also volunteers at a local high school, teaching computer classes. David demonstrates his gratitude through his kind words and through his efforts to be a trustworthy person.

Living in the City of Roses has given Demetric the opportunity to learn about many different cultures and lifestyles. Since the age of five, he has been interested in trying to understand how the human body works, which led to a passion for medicine and helping others. He finds support in his friends, mentors, and, most of all, his older brother. These people encourage Demetric to do his best in all he attempts. With the understanding that his community lacks positive African-American males, Demetric joined an African-centered, character-building program that will help to elevate him to the status of true manhood. The majority of his free time is spent on the basketball court where he escapes from the worries of his life. Other pastimes include poetry, dance, and anything else that allows him to express himself. One day, he hopes to help the children in his community who face the difficulties that he has.

A lover of contrast, Terry splits his life into two passions: music and science. Imagination and creativity manifest themselves in his expressive music. Playing the alto saxophone, clarinet and guitar, Terry regrets that a day has only twenty-four hours. He loves to learn and searches for connections between the myriad activities that enrich his life; often the lines between his passions blur and so his musical creativity becomes indistinguishable from his scientific ingenuity. While he is always ready for an intellectual conversation, Terry has a quiet, profound side evident to all those around him. He is an empathetic young man who strives to be interdependent and to help everyone he can.

Dale is a gentle, sensitive human being with a passion for the ocean. He plans on making a career of studying it and to experience the exhilaration of its power through surfing. His other interests include writing poetry, snorkeling, and swimming, and he competes as one of the top members of his high school's gymnastics team. Dale is very close to both his mother and his sister. Motivated by his love for them as well as by his determination to succeed, Dale works tirelessly to achieve his goals no matter how high he sets them. A rather poetic individual, Dale tries to find the beauty in all things and uses meditation to relax his mind and body when life seems overwhelming. He enjoys photography and hopes to someday capture the beauty of the ocean with a camera.

Brianna loves to explore the world around her and has a never-ending thirst for knowledge. An exquisite performer, she has been involved in dance, particularly ballet, for eight years. Brianna is also an avid artist and has discovered sketching and painting as ways of expressing her emotions. Though she is not certain what career path she will take in life, she is considering careers in many areas including genetics, astronomy, environmental studies, international relations and teaching. Brianna's determination and integrity have helped her to succeed in academics. She is dedicated to her religion and family and especially enjoys playing with her two-year old brother. Quickly growing into a reflective and mature woman, Brianna is constantly looking to nature and to those around her for inspiration.

Kaitlin truly lives life to its fullest, always certain to take time to admire the small things. Her grace and lightheartedness shine through in her interactions with the people she encounters each day. She wishes to help those who are less fortunate and is active in her community as a counselor for a muscular dystrophy summer camp. She loves children because they embody the traits she likes most in herself: imagination, ambition, curiosity and excitement. She also enjoys track and field, tutoring and writing poetry. At home, Kaitlin has a close relationship with her parents and two younger siblings. She tackles life with enthusiasm and perception, ever cognizant of the fact that there is always room to have fun along the way. This determined young woman hopes to fulfill her passion of helping others by pursuing a career in medicine and spreading the knowledge she accrues through writing.

Hannah is an outgoing young woman who is very strong in her faith. Currently, her interests lie in business, politics and international relations and she hopes that her future career will involve her in these areas. She is also interested in fashion and wishes to have experience in the fashion industry someday. A romantic, one of Hannah's life goals is to find true love. She also hopes to be beneficial to society in some way. She realizes her importance as a role model in the lives of her family members and peers and delights in bringing joy into the lives of others. She tries to be a source of joy to the people around her, drawing from the joy she derives from their existence. A talented flautist, she enjoys playing the flute as well as painting and drawing.

Born and raised in China, Kevin is an industrious and passionate student. He loves the sciences, especially biology, and is looking into a career in medicine, specifically cardiology and ophthalmology. He also loves to help others and enjoys volunteering at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, where he serves as a teacher's assistant in collage and printmaking classes. Through his interactions with the students, Kevin has come to love children dearly. He also learns about molecular biology by volunteering as a laboratory assistant at the California Institute of Technology. His favorite pastimes include badminton, Ping-Pong and listening to music. Determined and focused, Kevin has an enthusiastic perspective on life and continually works towards a successful future.