“I not only carry my dream with me, but I carry the dreams of my ancestors who were too busy surviving to realize their own. It still awes me sometimes when I think about how far I have come.”
Have you selected a course of study? Are there any professors whose classes have changed or challenged you?
I have decided to major in Biological Sciences with a tentative minor in History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Medicine (HIPS). Professor Valerie Keller's Organic Chemistry class reinvigorated my love for the learning and the passion for the sciences. Before her class, I felt disillusioned about my ability to do well in my field, but, after taking Dr. Keller's class, I felt confident that with perseverance and some grit, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I remember the dreams that I came to UChicago with, and I will continue to see them through.
What activities are you involved with outside the classroom? Have you held any leadership roles in your extracurricular activities?
I am President of Genehackers, an independent synthetic research RSO on campus. Each year, we attend the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in Boston, where teams from all over the world present their research in synthetic biology. Additionally, I am a Baby Cuddler at the hospital and I volunteer as a Cantonese translator at UChicago Medicine's Bridgeport Free Clinic. I am also part of Alpha Phi Omega, the service fraternity on campus, and I serve as a Maroon Mentor with the Center for College Student Success (CCSS).
What is your favorite UChicago memory or proudest achievement thus far?
It's hard to place my favorite UChicago memory. I have so many that I treasure, but a recurring memory that I will always remember is the genuine passion and kindness of the UChicago students around me. My UChicago friends have been amazing throughout my entire career here, and I am blessed to meet such amazing, intelligent people in my life. Many people go through their entire lives without finding such friendships, but UChicago has made it possible for me to meet, learn and grow with these people, and, for that, I am eternally grateful. So my favorite memories would be every one that includes learning about Physics with my friends at 1am at night, talking about the existence of God in the Hinds Geosciences Center, and laughing with my APO brothers while cleaning up the Midway Plaisance. I am proud to call these people my friends, and I hope to continue to learn, grow, and flourish with them.
If you could speak directly to the person whose gift supported your scholarship, what would you say?
I am the first generation in my family to go to college. My grandmother was not able to learn how to read because she didn't have the money to learn. So I would like to say thank you.Thank you for not only helping me realize my dream, but helping generations of my family realize their dreams. I not only carry my dream with me, but I carry the dreams of my ancestors who were too busy surviving to realize their own. It still awes me sometimes when I think about how far I have come. I am realizing my dreams and realizing the dreams that my family never dared to have. For the longest time, I dreamt of being a doctor, and I still continue to chase that dream today. I am learning something new every single day, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.Thank you for believing in me, kind donor.The University of Chicago changed my life, and it was because of you.
