Through her six years in the program, Clarissa has been able to develop a strong love for STEM. She has been involved with the continuation of STEM Circle of Friends, where the team visits Pomeroy Elementary on Wednesdays to work with special education students on STEM projects. She is grateful to how this experience has expanded her view with integrating empathy into the seemingly mechanical STEM experience. 

Outside of STEM, you can find Clarissa in the pool, in the theater, in the studio, or driving around. She has competed as a national level diver, as well as being on Santa Clara High’s Swim & Dive Team, notably placing at CCS. Clarissa has notably participated in and choreographed for multiple shows for the Drama Department, as well as being co-president of Drama Club, and she is grateful for the community that stands behind her. She is also co-president of the Filipinx-American Student Association, which aims to explore and teach Filipino culture to everyone. In her limited free time, she enjoys sleeping and eating at new restaurants with her friends. 

Clarissa will be attending Carnegie Mellon University in the fall, majoring in biochemistry and competing for the Swim and Dive team.