The Journal

Welcome!

"So many advices but the major one 

1: Trust your instincts

2: Make good contacts "

-Manav Mehta

"Everything happens for a reason & you should never be afraid of taking a new path because you have nothing to lose.

Try not to get persuaded by others, you can decide for yourself what YOU want to be and what you do. Find your passions and be your own person because that’s what makes you unique!"

-Anonymous

Hello! I’m currently in high school which I love but I have a big passion for my interest in health and both my parents work related to health so I have always been interested! Especially becoming a radiologist I’m super interested in learning more in the future because I like being knowledgeable on new things. I personally love rewatching shows it does not matter how many times I’ve already watched it, we will watch it again! I also like doing henna, I’m usually the person everyone comes to for that! 

"1. Trying to please others will cause you to lose sight of who you are, 2. Respect is Earned, Not Given."

In the summer of 2023, I learned the first lesson when I was homeschooled and desperate for friends. I joined social media groups and changed my personality to fit in, but it left me feeling lost and disconnected from who I really am. I always felt like a chameleon who would constantly change its color but ended up forgetting my original form.

For the second lesson, I learned that you can’t expect others to respect you if you don’t respect yourself first. I think there's a big misconception on self-respect, people think they have self-respect because they don't vape or because they don't do drugs but true self-respect isn’t just avoiding bad habits; it’s about loving and accepting yourself, setting boundaries, and standing up for who you are. 

"Two pieces of advice I'd have to give is "Embrace Positivity", life can be challenging, but focusing on the positive and finding joy in the little things can make a huge difference. Choose happiness and don’t let negativity control your mindset.

For the second, I'd choose, "Discipline Leads to Growth", success doesn’t come overnight. Building discipline, staying consistent, and working toward your goals—even when it’s hard—will lead to personal growth and achievement in the long run."

-Mya Miller

I’m 15 years old, and I’m in 10th grade! I enjoy reading books, listening to music, exploring nature, and diving into conspiracy theories.

"Your best friend is yourself and your biggest enemy is yourself, your procrastination, your bad habits, your anxiety, your intrusive thoughts, etc

  Be in your prime 24/7" 

I learned through competitions where i had to "compete with others" where I realized i was actually competing with myself, also from school, also from friendships/relationships

"Hard work isn't gonna get you far without smart work

Smart work isn't gonna get you far without hard work" 

-CD

- high school junior

- likes computational neuroscience

- tries to be positive 

"There are many important lessons I've learned in life. Two key lessons are the importance of communication and maintaining a positive mindset. I’ve learned to take criticism and compliments with an open mind because no one is a mind reader, and communication is key. To be wise, you need to listen more, talk less, and focus on understanding. We all come from different cultures and backgrounds, and we grow up understanding things in unique ways. While we are not all the same, we share many similarities. I’ve also learned that fear can hold you back, but faith helps you move forward toward your goals. Life can be tough, but maintaining a positive mindset and believing in yourself is essential. Even when the world tries to bring you down, you have the power to build yourself up and overcome challenges. Words are powerful—they shape how we hear, speak, and understand one another. Like a double-edged sword, they can either hurt or heal, and they have the power to create change. Being mindful of how we use words is important because they shape our relationships and influence who we are."

I come from a Spanish household where hard work is a way of life. I’ve experienced what it means to have nothing and to gradually become wealthier, able to buy the things I want. I’ve also experienced racism firsthand, and I’ve learned that it doesn’t come from one group but from many. But then I realized it's not racism but rather hate, envy, anger, and all forms of negativity. It's someone seeing in another person what they desire to be because I have become the reflection of their aspirations. It’s hard not to get emotional and ask, 'Why me?' or 'What did I do?' It’s also difficult to avoid anger and ask, 'Why?' because anger doesn’t benefit me—it only brings a headache and a bad day. I don’t want to feel uncomfortable because my emotions influence my mindset and actions. I don’t need to feed off what others are giving me, as I don't want to attract trouble or develop bad habits.

I remember an older person telling me, “I’m African American, in my 60s, retired, and decided to travel the world. I went to a Spanish-speaking country and saw people of all skin colors and hair types, but they’re just like us, only speaking Spanish.” I agreed with her, saying that we are all similar, but each of us is unique in our own way. The problem is that we often don’t communicate in a way that allows us to understand each other without getting emotional or putting our opinions first. We can argue, but my mindset might differ from yours, and my words may come across differently than you hear them. Communication involves asking questions and striving to understand one another.   I once told a friend, “We come from different cultures, and you grew up differently from me. I need clarity and honesty. I won’t know what’s right or wrong for you because it may be different from my own experience. Please speak to me honestly, even if I come off as wrong or weird. Help me understand you better.”  As for maintaining a positive mindset, I often ask myself: Why should I be negative when the world already offers so much negativity? Why can’t I tell myself, “I can do it”? Success isn’t impossible if I believe in myself. Doubt is a form of fear, and I choose not to place fear or doubt in my words, because my mind will repeat them back to me. I am successful because success follows me. I place myself in a positive, faith-filled environment, so that my words will guide my life in the direction I want to go. 

"Listen First, Speak Later: Hear them out, ask the right questions, and if they still don’t get it, move on. Life’s too short to wait for everyone to catch up.

Keep It Positive: Life has enough problems—fill your mind with belief, and the rest will follow. With faith in yourself, there’s no stopping you."

-Deanna Rodriguez

I’m a full-time student and work part-time at a local community college. I have a strong passion for learning new things because there’s always so much interesting information out there. I’m currently learning Mandarin as a new language because I find it fascinating. My interests are quite diverse—I enjoy anything that is fun, creative, and informational, including law, science, anime, manga, novels, embroidery, technology, psychology, and philosophy. I also love picking up new skills, hobbies, and gaining knowledge in areas that spark my curiosity.

"Communicating is really important. Don't Listen to other people's opinion about you.

Don't rush things and life."

-ISV

I'm a sophomore. I love doing cheer.

"1. Always work hard and 2. don’t get involved in things you don’t need to get involved in."

My parents taught me the first one and school and different friendships taught me the second 

"1. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and 2. everything always works out in the end."

-Vivian Chow

I am a student and I like to play piano and crochet 

“Treat others the way you want to be treated back” and “ You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.”

My dad always taught me life lessons as a kid, he introduced me this quote, “Treat others the way you want to be treated back,” when I was about 7 years old. I think it’s a very important quote because it applies everyday and everyone in life. I learned this quote “You have to believe in yourself when no one does,” when I was going through a hard time at school with rumors, etc. I reminded myself this quote everyday, and pushed through.

"Always show kindness because you never know what someone is going through and treat others the way you want to be treated back."

-Irene Kim

I’m a middle school student. Violin and piano are my favorite instruments to play, I also enjoy singing as a hobby. I play volleyball on team and basketball, swimming, golf for fun. 

"1. Being flexible can lead to new opportunities.

2. Family can really shape your choices."

Even though I started out loving biology, I realized that changing direction of my career path like switching to physics education can open up a whole new path. If you feel something is right for the moment, you should go ahead and make the choice.

My son’s interest in architecture made me look at things differently, and it ended up inspiring my own career shift. Sometimes, the people you care about most help you discover what you really want to do. 

"It’s totally okay to change your path.

Use what’s around you to make learning stick."

-H.L

I am a high school physics teacher in South Korea. I was interested in biology in my earlier life, but i decided to switch my major to science education (physics) because of my son’s interest in architecture.

"1. You know you’ve truly succeeded when people start to envy you—not because you want their jealousy, but because it means you’ve done something worth noticing."

At first, it feels weird when people start acting differently toward you—maybe they become distant, or you hear comments behind your back. But over time, I’ve learned that success doesn’t always come with applause; sometimes, it comes with quiet resistance. Not everyone will be happy for you, especially if your growth reminds them of what they’re not doing. But instead of taking it personally, I’ve realized it’s actually a sign you’re growing. People don't envy mediocrity—they envy people doing meaningful things. When you start to experience envy or criticism for the work you’re proud of, it’s a strange kind of confirmation: you’re making waves. That taught me to stop shrinking myself just to make others comfortable. Growth is uncomfortable, and if you're chasing big dreams, not everyone will clap for you—and that’s okay.

"2. The second lesson I’ve learned is that everything you go through—especially the hard stuff—is building you into the person you’re meant to become."

When you’re in the middle of something painful or frustrating, it never feels like growth. It feels like failure, like unfairness, like being stuck. But looking back, every challenge I’ve faced taught me something vital—whether it was how to be more patient, how to speak up for myself, or how to keep going even when I didn’t feel ready. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t some big heroic moment—it’s just the quiet decision to keep trying, even when nothing seems to be working. The people who grow the most are often the ones who’ve faced the most. Every rejection, every loss, every lonely day—it all teaches you something. Now, I try to see every obstacle as part of the process, not a reason to give up. 

I learned the first lesson—that success can attract envy, even from unexpected places—through real experiences that were honestly a bit disheartening at the time. After working tirelessly for months—late nights, no mentor, just me figuring things out on my own—I finally started winning competitions. I was proud of what I had accomplished. But instead of people being happy for me, I started hearing things like, “I didn’t win because she won,” or “It’s disappointing that she got first.” Some even went as far as to say I bribed the judges, like I hadn’t earned it. What stung the most was that some of these people weren’t even second place—they had gotten third or just an honorable mention. My winning didn’t take anything from them. If they had been second, I could maybe understand the frustration. But their outcome had nothing to do with mine.

That’s when it really hit me: people will sometimes twist the story just to protect their own ego. Instead of saying, “She worked harder,” or “She deserved it,” they’ll say “It’s not fair.” And that’s not because you did something wrong—it’s because your success challenges something in them. That experience taught me not to measure my worth by other people’s comfort. When people start doubting your success, spreading rumors, or saying you only won because of luck or manipulation—that’s often a sign that you’re doing something worth talking about. People don’t envy what they don’t notice. You know you’re making progress when people stop seeing you as a peer and start seeing you as competition. It doesn’t feel good in the moment—but in hindsight, it’s a strange form of validation.

And the truth is, I know some of those envious people are my own peers—people I’ve sat next to in class, worked with on projects, or even helped in the past. But I don’t confront them. Not because I’m afraid, but because they’re simply not worth the time or energy. Their opinions don’t define my value, and giving them attention would only validate their behavior. What’s even funnier is how they all pretend to side with each other and nod in agreement—like they’ve all convinced themselves of some false narrative. But at the end of the day, people always report back to me. I end up hearing everything that’s being said, every rumor being spread, and every passive-aggressive comment that was made behind closed doors. So I stay quiet, stay focused, and keep doing what I do best—because nothing speaks louder than consistency and results.

The second lesson I’ve learned is that the hardest, most frustrating moments are often what make you strongest. Whether it was working on a project with no one to guide me, facing failure after failure, or just feeling isolated because no one around me shared the same goals—I’ve been there. But every single one of those struggles taught me something. I became more independent, more creative, more patient, and more resilient. Now, when something feels impossible or unfair, I remind myself: this is just part of the process. Growth happens in the discomfort. And every time I keep going, I come out more prepared than before. 

"1. Don’t let other people’s opinions decide how far you go."

The more you grow, the more people will try to project their fears, jealousy, or doubts onto you. Sometimes it’ll come in the form of fake compliments, backhanded comments, or even rumors meant to downplay your success. It can be painful—especially when it’s coming from people you once trusted or worked alongside. But the truth is, no one who’s truly ahead of you will ever try to drag you down. So keep your focus. Let your work speak louder than the noise, and don’t feel the need to defend yourself to people who are only trying to distract you. You don’t owe them your energy. You owe it to yourself to keep going.

"2. Growth happens in the quiet, hard moments—so don’t give up just because no one’s watching."

A lot of the most meaningful progress I’ve made happened when I felt completely alone. No applause, no recognition, just me and a goal I wasn’t sure I could reach. But those are the moments that build real character. If you keep showing up—whether it’s late at night, during a tough week, or when everything feels stacked against you—you’ll look back one day and realize those were the exact moments that made you who you are. So don’t wait for permission, praise, or a perfect plan. Start now, stay consistent, and trust that even if no one sees your effort yet, the results will speak in the end. 

-Jophy Lin

I'm a high school student passionate about computer science, biomedical engineering, and using AI to make healthcare more accessible and reliable. I’ve led a research course initiative that has reached over 11,300 students globally, helping democratize access to STEM education. My work has earned me recognition as a 2x ISEF Finalist, First Place winner in Computer Science at the Delaware Valley Science Fair (2024 & 2025), and recipient of awards from organizations like Johnson & Johnson, L3 Harris Technologies, and the Association of Old Crows. I've also been honored with a Lifetime Fellowship from the American Junior Academy of Science, NCWIT National Honorable Mention, and the NJ Governor’s Community Pillar Award for my service efforts.

Outside of academics, I love teaching, mentoring students in STEM, and exploring creative outlets like photography and filmmaking. I also enjoy volunteering, competitive programming (USACO Gold), and journaling about my experiences. In my free time, I’m probably either working on a project, creating educational resources, or rewatching my favorite K-dramas. 

"Don’t trust people too much.

You don’t always have to be surrounded by a lot of people. 

Friends are not everything.

You need to actually find something that you truly enjoy, not something fake for college."

-D.J.

I’m a highschool student in Korea. I want to be a lawyer or an attorney- something in the law field. I love to play the guitar. I’ve been playing since i was in elementary school and i’m currently in multiple bands, and we perform every saturday. 

"Practice makes perfect and discipline is needed to make yourself better."

I learned that practice makes perfect from piano and that discipline is needed to improve by working out and becoming stronger. 

"Even if you don't feel like doing something and it is going to be beneficial in any way, do it and get it over with because it might make a major change in life. If you don't do anything to make yourself better by practicing then you won't get anywhere."

-Alexander Cariaga

I'm a student in 6th grade 12 years old, and I like playing Roblox, I also do piano and thinking of doing track and bowling. 

"Take the classes that seem hard. Challenge yourself always.

If life becomes hard, that just means you are strong enough to overcome it."

-Anonymous

I’m a sophomore at River Dell High School. 

"1. You cannot procrastinate. This is only going to make you regret in the future and you will start being harsh on yourself for procrastinating, but this will also cause you to procrastinate more, and the cycle will not stop. 

2. You have to surround yourself with good people. You spend time with people that are nice and good, that will make you become a better person."

I learned these through my life in high school. 

"Study when you can. People say “studying is the easiest way to success”. I 100% agree with this."

-Doyoon L.

I am a student in Korea. I’m currently 17 years old and I’m interested in law. I want to be a lawyer or an attorney.

"Always choose to be respectful and loving to others"

I learned these lessons from my relationships with my family.

"Always be sincere with how you treat yourself and others"

-Jong Lee 

Nutritionist working at a senior center

"I learned to always be open-minded, no matter how different the situation may be from my comfort zone, and always put on a good attitude for learning new things!"

Through various experiences with running clubs, and being a part of different organizations, I’ve learned that being close-minded, and having an attitude will repel people away from you, and create a hard working environment.

"Lead with curiosity, not judgment."

Whether you're meeting someone new, encountering a different perspective, or facing a challenge, approach it with a desire to understand rather than to assume. 

"Curiosity opens doors—judgment closes them.

Progress matters more than perfection."

Waiting until you're "ready" or until something is flawless can hold you back. Take the first step, even if it’s small or messy. Growth happens when you move forward, not when you wait on the sidelines. 

-Emmanuella Elijah Umoh 

I’m a student leader and currently incoming freshman at Cornell with an interest in advocacy and public speaking

"One important lesson I’ve learned in relationships is not to seek approval from others, but to center myself and prioritize my own values. In the workplace, I’ve learned the importance of showcasing my abilities without constantly comparing myself to others."

"1. Failing or not doing something well doesn’t mean your life is over.

2. What you learn in school is often not practically useful. Regardless of your major, it’s essential to develop the habit of self-learning and find ways to enjoy the process. However, as many have pointed out, society tends to value soft skills even more than hard skills."

-Anonymous

I am a full-stack and web developer currently studying at Baruch College. I enjoy coding, creating digital art, and writing blogs in my free time.

"Don't be too hard on yourself, and everything happens for a reason.

Don't be afraid to try new things and do what makes you happy."

-Anonymous

I am a recent high school graduate who is interested in Computer Science and Economics. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, language learning, and cooking.

"Keep in mind time management and discipline.

Always make smart, actionable goals to work towards your dreams. Build good habits of discipline early on."

-Anonymous

Rising College Freshman going into Business with a concentration in Finance

"It's better to be alone and be emotionally mature by yourself, not in a way that you isolate from others, but in a way that you are able to find yourself without depending on others.

Learn to be independent that a person leaving you would make you sad, but would not be able to uproot you."

-A.F.

Student at the university of Sharjah in India. I like reading, looking for internships, and sometimes creating stuff on Instagram.

"1. Keep going, even when things are hard."

I’ve learned that staying focused and not giving up, especially during tough times can lead to great results. Even if things aren’t perfect, progress matters.

"2. It’s okay to ask for help."

Reaching out to others for support, advice, or new opportunities has helped me grow. You don’t have to do everything by yourself. 

I learned this through trial and error and mentorship programs.

"1. Don’t be afraid to try new things."

Even if you’re unsure or don’t feel ready, taking the first step can open doors you didn’t expect.

"2. Believe in yourself, even when things get tough."

There will be challenges, but trusting your ability to learn and grow makes a big difference. 

-V.B.

I'm a recent graduate with a Bachelor's in Finance and Economics, and I also hold an Associate’s degree in Computer Science. I'm passionate about the intersection of finance and technology and have experience in customer support, UX design, and IT. I’m currently exploring opportunities in FinTech, finance, or analyst roles at mission-driven companies. Personally, I enjoy dancing, traveling, learning about new cultures, and continuously finding ways to grow both professionally and personally.