Why did you decide to participate in the Mr. and Miss Cardinal competition?

Honestly, I wanted to join because a lot of my friends were joining and it is my senior year so I just want to make some memories and more long lasting friendships throughout it.

What makes you different from all the other contestants?

I’m not particularly fond of this question because I feel like the rest of the contestants. I am just a well-rounded student that wants to be involved with the school, but I guess what sets me apart from them is that I’m just a positive and optimistic person. 

If you win Miss Cardinal, what impacts would you try to make?

If I were to win Miss Cardinal, I would like to incorporate more campus improvements,  just making it better altogether, and cleaning it up the school we go to.

What are all the activities that you participate in school?

I’m in tennis, cheer, I’m in the Amous Club and Students for Change.

What are three words would you use to describe yourself to a stranger? 

I’m a very positive, respectful, and resilient person.

I heard you speak Tagalog; is that something you learned over time or is that something you grew up with?

My mom is half Filipino, half white. Then my dad’s full Filipino. So basically, growing up, I’ve been speaking Tagalog. It’s actually my first language. So I’m completely fluent, and we just speak Tagalog on a daily basis. Also at home, it’s like the only language we really speak.

What do you plan to do after high school?

This is a really broad question. After high school, obviously, or not obviously because some people don’t plan to, but I plan to go to a four year university, and I plan on majoring in nursing. Later on, I want to have a good loving family of my own, hopefully be financially stable and really happy.

What made you want to major in nursing?

Okay, I feel like I don’t know if I should include this but there’s always been like this stereotype of asians being nurses and all of my family, is in the medical field in some way, and I guess growing up I’ve always been instilled to be a nurse.  I’ve always wanted to help people in some way. I just care about people and, specifically, I want to be a pediatrician. I just, I want to take care of children so badly, but if nursing doesn’t work out, I do want to be a teacher, but yeah, I just want to help children.

What do you do outside of school?

I don’t know if this is bad to say but my whole personality is just sports and school, but outside of school one of my hobbies is reading. I love reading and I love to paint. When I see my art supplies, I just want to paint. I’m really into shows and movies. I love rewatching anything Star Wars, and I love rewatching everything everyday.

What do you think three characteristics a cheerleader should have?

Leadership, I think cheerleaders should represent positivity, strength, and kind-heartedness. I don’t know, I just think they should be good people all around. 

How has your overall high school experience been?

Well, starting off freshman year, I feel like it was a bit rocky because of COVID and being online. I had straight A’s during COVID and I think it set my expectations for high school in a bad way. In my sophomore and junior years, I didn’t try because of COVID. I think my senior year is going so great. I finally got out of sophomore-junior slump, which was a long slump, but I got out of it and I think my high school experience has gotten better. I’m really happy about that.

What are your greatest strengths?

I’m really proud of myself for being like a very understanding and respectful person. I know everyone says they’re an empath and I don’t want to sound like that person, but I really do try my best to put myself in other people’s shoes. I just try my best to be a really understanding person and I’m very proud of myself for that.

What is your definition of success and failure?

Oh, this is a hard one. My definition of success would be accomplishing as far as you can and just trying till you hit your limit, and for failure, honestly I don’t really believe in failure. I guess failure is just when you stop trying.

If you could give a girl or boy younger than you advice, what would you tell them?

I don’t want to say anything too cliche but honestly, going back to the other question, there’s no such thing as failure. You’re gonna feel like you are failing, but always try your best. Be the best version of yourself. Keep pushing.

What has been the most life changing thing that has happened up to this point of your life?

I think getting on the cheer team has really changed who I am as a person. Truly, I’ve never had friends that have been there for me. I think being on the cheer team has really made me treasure a lot of friendships, build a lot of memories, and it really has changed like the whole trajectory of my life.

Who is your biggest influence?

I love this question. My biggest influence would be my older sister. I love her so so much. She is literally my best friend, my second mom, and she is my soulmate all in one. I love her so much. I can talk to her about everything and anything; she just makes me feel so loved, she influences me in a good way. Since she is older, I’ve always looked up to her and she’s doing great in life and I aspire to be like her one day.

What would you like to say to the whole school?

I hope to fulfill the Miss Cardinal known duties, whichever that may be. I’m not necessarily sure but I just want to make sure I do the school proud.