- Pronouns: He/him
- Hometown: I’m from Mt. Airy, a neighborhood in Philadelphia. I enjoy spending time downtown, especially in Chinatown, because of the wide variety of restaurants and dessert spots. It's a great place to explore and try new things!
- School: St. Joseph's University, class of 2029
- Major: Political Science
- Other interests: Running track, watching movies, reading, playing video games, hanging out with friends and trying new foods.
- Coach: John and Sharon Bracken
What is something you love about your school?
One thing I love about my school is the campus. It's spacious, beautiful, and filled with great resources that support both academic and personal growth. I also really appreciate the friendly, welcoming vibe of the community. from students to faculty,
How did you choose your major?
I chose to major in Political Science because I’ve always aspired to become a lawyer, specifically a criminal defense attorney. I'm passionate about advocating for people who may not have access to the resources or opportunities they need to navigate the legal system. I want to help ensure that everyone receives fair representation, regardless of their background or circumstances.
What is your relationship with your ZF coach like/In what ways have they helped you?
My relationship with my ZF coaches has been incredibly friendly, welcoming, and supportive. From the start, they made me feel comfortable and understood. And they’ve been flexible with my schedule, always available when I needed guidance. I could tell they genuinely cared about my success. Their knowledge and encouragement have helped me feel more confident navigating college, setting goals, and staying organized. They didn’t just provide information; they helped me understand it and apply it in a way that made sense for me. Having people in my corner who believed in me and were always ready to help made the entire college and scholarship journey less stressful, and I genuinely felt supported throughout.
What hobbies/extracurriculars/other interests do you have?
I’m passionate about running track. It keeps me active and helps me push my limits both physically and mentally. Besides that, I enjoy watching movies because they offer a great escape and a chance to experience different stories and perspectives. I also like to read when I have the time, which helps me relax and learn new things. Playing video games and hanging out with my friends are some of my favorite ways to unwind and connect. I’m also adventurous with food and love trying new dishes whenever I get the chance.
Why did you apply to ZF/what drew you to this organization?
I first heard about ZF from my guidance counselor, who thought I’d be a great fit for the program. I also reached out to a friend who was a recipient, and he spoke really highly of his experience. After doing some research on the website, I felt confident that ZF was the right fit for me. What really stood out was the strong sense of community, the idea of being part of a supportive group that you can always turn to really resonated with me. That sense of connection and shared support was something I found very valuable.
What impact has ZF had on your academic and professional career thus far?
The Zenie Foundation has helped me become more financially stable and make smarter, more informed decisions about my education. The CAT was especially helpful. It gave me a clearer understanding of how to plan for my future, both academically and financially. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue building connections within the ZF community. I hope to form lasting relationships and learn from others who share similar goals and values.
Tell us something you are excited about! This can be anything: an upcoming study abroad trip, an internship or fellowship, a new position in your club, etc.
I’m excited to meet new people and expand my network as I start my college journey. I’m looking forward to getting back into running, this time at the college level, which is something I’m passionate about and truly enjoy. I also plan to explore new clubs and activities on campus, which I see as a great way to grow, have fun, and try new things outside of the classroom.
Tell us about a time you made yourself proud.
One moment that made me really proud was competing at the Penn Relays this year. My team made it to the Championship of America and broke our school record, a major achievement that reflected all our hard work. Personally, I was proud to break two minutes in the 800m, a milestone I had been working toward for a long time. It felt amazing to see my efforts pay off. That experience reminded me of the importance of perseverance and showed me that with dedication, I can achieve the goals I set for myself, not just in track, but in every aspect of my life.
Who is a role model for you/someone that you look up to and why?
I look up to my mom because she’s incredibly strong and resilient. I’ve seen everything she had to go through to provide for me on her own, and despite the challenges, she never lost her focus or gave up. She faced every obstacle with determination and overcame them every time. Her strength and perseverance inspire me to keep pushing forward no matter what.
Do you have a favorite quote/what is a saying that you live by?
"Be where your feet are."
One thing I love about my school is the campus. It's spacious, beautiful, and filled with great resources that support both academic and personal growth. I also really appreciate the friendly, welcoming vibe of the community. from students to faculty,
How did you choose your major?
I chose to major in Political Science because I’ve always aspired to become a lawyer, specifically a criminal defense attorney. I'm passionate about advocating for people who may not have access to the resources or opportunities they need to navigate the legal system. I want to help ensure that everyone receives fair representation, regardless of their background or circumstances.
What is your relationship with your ZF coach like/In what ways have they helped you?
My relationship with my ZF coaches has been incredibly friendly, welcoming, and supportive. From the start, they made me feel comfortable and understood. And they’ve been flexible with my schedule, always available when I needed guidance. I could tell they genuinely cared about my success. Their knowledge and encouragement have helped me feel more confident navigating college, setting goals, and staying organized. They didn’t just provide information; they helped me understand it and apply it in a way that made sense for me. Having people in my corner who believed in me and were always ready to help made the entire college and scholarship journey less stressful, and I genuinely felt supported throughout.
What hobbies/extracurriculars/other interests do you have?
I’m passionate about running track. It keeps me active and helps me push my limits both physically and mentally. Besides that, I enjoy watching movies because they offer a great escape and a chance to experience different stories and perspectives. I also like to read when I have the time, which helps me relax and learn new things. Playing video games and hanging out with my friends are some of my favorite ways to unwind and connect. I’m also adventurous with food and love trying new dishes whenever I get the chance.
Why did you apply to ZF/what drew you to this organization?
I first heard about ZF from my guidance counselor, who thought I’d be a great fit for the program. I also reached out to a friend who was a recipient, and he spoke really highly of his experience. After doing some research on the website, I felt confident that ZF was the right fit for me. What really stood out was the strong sense of community, the idea of being part of a supportive group that you can always turn to really resonated with me. That sense of connection and shared support was something I found very valuable.
What impact has ZF had on your academic and professional career thus far?
The Zenie Foundation has helped me become more financially stable and make smarter, more informed decisions about my education. The CAT was especially helpful. It gave me a clearer understanding of how to plan for my future, both academically and financially. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue building connections within the ZF community. I hope to form lasting relationships and learn from others who share similar goals and values.
Tell us something you are excited about! This can be anything: an upcoming study abroad trip, an internship or fellowship, a new position in your club, etc.
I’m excited to meet new people and expand my network as I start my college journey. I’m looking forward to getting back into running, this time at the college level, which is something I’m passionate about and truly enjoy. I also plan to explore new clubs and activities on campus, which I see as a great way to grow, have fun, and try new things outside of the classroom.
Tell us about a time you made yourself proud.
One moment that made me really proud was competing at the Penn Relays this year. My team made it to the Championship of America and broke our school record, a major achievement that reflected all our hard work. Personally, I was proud to break two minutes in the 800m, a milestone I had been working toward for a long time. It felt amazing to see my efforts pay off. That experience reminded me of the importance of perseverance and showed me that with dedication, I can achieve the goals I set for myself, not just in track, but in every aspect of my life.
Who is a role model for you/someone that you look up to and why?
I look up to my mom because she’s incredibly strong and resilient. I’ve seen everything she had to go through to provide for me on her own, and despite the challenges, she never lost her focus or gave up. She faced every obstacle with determination and overcame them every time. Her strength and perseverance inspire me to keep pushing forward no matter what.
Do you have a favorite quote/what is a saying that you live by?
"Be where your feet are."
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