My name is Maricruz Mercado. I am a first-year student at UC Santa Barbara in the College of Letters and Science, currently undeclared. I am passionate about community service because I enjoy being part of spaces where I can support others through creativity, education, and hands-on involvement. Through my experience with Associated Student Body (ASB), Mural Club, and community-based internships, I have developed skills in communication, teamwork, event coordination, and creative problem-solving. I have worked in leadership and mentoring roles that have shown me the importance of building inclusive and supportive environments. My long-term goal is to pursue a career that connects creativity with community impact. In my free time, I enjoy creating visual art and experimenting with different creative media.