Aspiring to become an academic researcher, Joseph Andrew M. Santillana spends some of his free time reading about current social issues and self-studying topics in math and science above his curriculum to become more educated, aware, and capable to meaningly contribute to the impact he wants to leave on the world. He is currently working with a research team for the New York Academy of Science’s Junior Academy in a project about green retrofitting. On the weekends, he spends his time at church as a pianist; audio technician-in-training; choir member; photographer; and team head, scriptwriter, and host for DZBR 531 Bible Radio. At home, he dedicates his time to his medically complex but joyful younger brother and enjoys reading novels. As a Best Peer Review winner of Write the World’s 2026 Memoir Competition, he also loves to write poetry and short stories. He is committed to improving education for all, in honor of those before him who helped him find his true potential.