Maggie, a compassionate student, intertwines her love for dance and the arts with a dedication to supporting neurodivergent youth. Committed to service and research, she delves into the intersection of art, cognition, neuroscience, and psychology, recognizing the therapeutic potential of the arts. Maggie harnesses the power of artistic expression as a profound outlet for herself and those she interacts with.
Dance has been Maggie's cherished passion for 12 years, offering resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Volunteering as a dance mentor for individuals with Down Syndrome, she observed a pattern of enhanced learning despite verbal challenges, fueling her curiosity about dance's unique cognitive processes. The genuine emotional expression of the Down Syndrome dancers resonated with Maggie, reinforcing her love for dance as unparalleled communication.
Motivated by her findings, Maggie reserached dance’s impact on cognition and mental health in adolescents. Analazing 30+ pieces of literature, she initiated a program teaching a curated dance curriculum at the Boys & Girls Club, resulting in reduced learning time and improved visuospatial function.
A dedicated student, Maggie excelled in academics, achieving all 5’s on sophomore AP exams, a 35 ACT, 1510 PSAT, and is a National Merit Finalist as a top 1% scorer in US overall. Her 4.0 in psychobiology at UCLA showcased academic prowess. Interning at STA Pharmaceutical Co. demonstrated her passion for biochemistry, while a UCI ethics center internship highlighted broader interests. Maggie's philanthropic efforts raised $5,500 for Halo through an art fundraiser and dance show, emphasizing her commitment to collaboration.
In the future, Maggie aspires to study neuroscience and design at a top US university, seeking to delve deeper into the connection between the brain and the arts. She aims to enhance her dance program, extending workshops to more establishments, making cognitive and mental healh benefits accessible to all who wish to learn.
