My name is Mary Pauline H. Diaz, meaning Humble Rebellion and carrying the songs of my parents and their families. It is those stories I hope to honor. My dad left everything for America where he lived alone for two years and worked several jobs at a time to prepare a better life for us. Meanwhile my mother raised 5 kids during the Marcos dictatorship and even refused to stuff ballots in an election. My parents sacrifice so much for me to have beautiful opportunities. I want to be that selfless--and I want my education to serve that. I want to use my passions and gifts toward the greatest good