At Seattle Prep, three exceptional seniors, Daniel Soto Parra, Marcus Yeung, and Jace Baptista-Allan, stand out as inspirational leaders. Their experiences speak to the importance of exploring new opportunities and using one’s passions to make a difference. While they have dabbled in various hobbies and sports, their shared love for STEM and music truly sets them apart.
While in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, Yeung described how it became a time of self-discovery that sparked his interest in biology. Soto Parra’s interest was ignited while a family member was experiencing health issues, leading him to research and discover his profound curiosity in biology. Baptista-Allan described his fascination for mathematics, programming, and engineering.
In their junior year, the three curious students entered a competition called ExploraVision, where students throughout the nation work together to solve real-world problems within STEM. Soto Parra, Yeung, and Baptista-Allan partnered and presented a biotech concept called Trojan Horse that worked to combat cancer. The general idea entailed a nano molecule that enters a cell and releases cancer-killing components. They became national finalists, inspiring them to continue their work.
They went on to found BioVision Innovations, which is a student-run, international organization that actively works to investigate and publish information regarding health care and other biological research. All three students described their desire to leverage their passions while helping others, which compelled them to create BioVision Innovations, which continues to evolve. Despite obstacles, including different time zones and occasional troubles with coordination, Soto Parra shared his perspective: “A big part of growing is willingly entering into the uncomfortable because that induces growth and understanding.”
In addition to their achievements in the realm of science, all three students have pursued another passion: music.
Baptista-Allan began playing piano for four years until he switched to playing the drums when he was seven years old and has played ever since. Baptista-Allan explained the simplicity he enjoyed about the rhythm of drumming and said, “Drumming is basically finding patterns that sound best without worrying too much about the tune or melody.”
Soto Parra began to enjoy piano after he improved his skills, enabling him to use his talent to unite other people. Yeung has been dedicated to playing piano since he was five years old but recently decided to pursue piano in college. Yeung has engaged and competed in chamber music and spoke about how it connects him to other musicians who share his appreciation for the art.
While all three students’ backgrounds regarding music vary, they were emphatic as they shared the fulfillment it gave them through mastering different pieces, expressing emotions through playing, and sharing their music with other student pianists or at nursing homes. Their love and enthusiasm for music was vibrant; Yeung stated, “There is a sentimental part… over the years you can come back to a certain peace, and it feels nostalgic, renewing, and you can express so much.”
Beyond investing in their strongest passions, Soto Parra, Yeung, and Baptista-Allan’s perspectives shifted immensely over the past four years. Soto Parra added, “My perspective changed from being narrow and focused on grades to finding value in everything and using drive and passion to enjoy myself and help others at the same time.” Soto Parra, Yeung, and Baptista-Allan have grown over their time at Prep and cultivated their passions, which fueled them to achieve such profound accomplishments.
Baptista-Allan emphasized the benefits of being involved in his community, asking for help, and most of all, how “collaborating with others through ExploraVision, Science Club, Biovision, tutoring, etc. has been one of my biggest causes for personal growth.”
Reflecting on his experiences, Yeung encouraged other students at Prep, “Explore as much as you can to find a passion that drives you because it gives you a better perspective and purpose.”
