Umanga Liyanage

With an open mind, I learned to value time with friends and family more than anything. I find characteristics of empathy, compassion, and bravery to be the driving forces of change in my generation. During tough times, I stay optimistic and think "it may be a bad day, but it is not a bad life".

In 2015, I participated in a cultural pageant that made my younger-self dreams come true. I won runner-up and got the title of Miss Teen Taiwanese. I embraced my Taiwanese culture and reached out to my community. I learned that pageants exemplify grace in women and push superficial qualities aside.

All four years of high school, I had the pleasure of performing on stage for nearby elementary and middle schools, school and city faculty members, Disneyland, and my school peers. We sang and danced to pop, classical, and soft-rock music. I was able to share my passions of singing and performing.

I was introduced to Christianity at 8 years old and since then I have gone to church whenever possible and enjoyed my time with church brothers and sisters. They have given me emotional and spiritual support with endless love. I learned from the Bible and performed at church gatherings.

From cabinet, to Vice President, then President of American Red Cross club in my school, I fell in love with their mission. This non-profit organization not only helped refugees and provided blood donations, but also gave me opportunities to become a first aid responder at the Rose Parade.

I was introduced to this fundraising event through American Red Cross, but I continued because I felt a passion to spread awareness of cancer. My relatives have been affected by cancer so I willingly volunteered for and organized relays. I also met miraculous city mayors and faculty along the way.

Participating in Junior Varsity Tennis in high school, I was able to pick up a new sport and have teammates who supported and cheered each other on at games. I was never considered athletic so tennis gave me a chance to defy that label. Sweat and tears went into the many sunny afternoons!

In 8th grade, I was elected Vice President in Leadership and continued to class cabinet in high school. Currently, I am President of residential hall government in college. I am able to speak out for my peers and community while trying to create a closer bond between peers of diverse backgrounds.

I was chosen to participate in this club in high school where a GPA of 3.5 must be met Sophomore year. Throughout the three years, I was able to service my community and other cities during events and programs at senior homes, homeless shelters, parades, and with mentally disabled children.

I had the pleasure to volunteer at the City of Hope hospital in Duarte, CA where they specialize in cancer treatments. I was responsible for greeting patients and their family members along with escorting them to their appointments. I also handled paperwork and transferring of x-ray CDs to doctors.

When my mother felt I was old enough to explore nature with my friends and family members, I often took advantage of it for exercise and the sceneries. I have been on a road trip to Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado with my mother and many local hiking trails and water falls to enjoy fresh air.

Junior and Senior year of high school, I decided to earn my own allowance through a part-time job at two Yogurtland locations. I moved locations once a store closer to school opened. Through my experience as a cashier and store associate, I learned patience and positivity through customer service.

Since I can remember, I have been obsessed with creating art. I am always intrigued by DIY tutorials and inspired by daily natural occurrences to start crafting. I enjoy making room decor and intricate birthday cards and art pieces. In elementary school, I was fortunate enough to have art lessons!

I love food, so baking is a fun pastime for me and my friends. I came across recipes and the idea of baking when I began making treats as birthday and holiday gifts. My grandmother was a sushi chef, Chinese cook and restaurant owner, so I grew up with her influence in the kitchen.