“The Odyssey Scholarship meant I could attend the place where I wanted to be, a place where I could imagine myself thriving for four years, challenged by rigorous courses and intellectual debate with my peers.”
Have you selected a course of study? Are there any professors whose classes have changed or challenged you?
I have decided that my course of study will be public policy with a psychology specialization and a visual arts minor. My decision to pursue this major was solidified when I took Policy Implementation with Professor Brophy. Her engaging lectures made me realize just how interested I was in studying all the aspects of public policy in depth. I also really enjoyed the class The Business of Nonprofits and the Evolving Social Sector with Christa Velasquez. I took the class as part of the requirements to join the nonprofit consulting organization campus CATALYST, but Christa taught me more than I could have imagined in one quarter. She pushed her students to dig deeper into the problems that their nonprofit organizations could have, and influenced me to be a better thinker but also a better member of society and be more socially aware of my actions.
What activities are you involved with outside the classroom? Have you held any leadership roles in your extracurricular activities?
During the time not dedicated to my classes, I'm a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and the Korean Students' Organization (KSO). I have been involved with both organizations since my first year of college, and both have taught me to be an outstanding student and a leader among my peers. Pi Phi gave me the chance to connect with a diverse group of women from all kinds of backgrounds, which also gave me a group of women who I could rely on for support and comfort. In terms of leadership roles, I am currently the Vice President of External Affairs for the KSO. This position has taught me how to be both a leader and a mentor to others. It has provided me chances to interact with my fellow students, teach them about my culture, and explain why my heritage is an important part of my identity.
What is your favorite UChicago memory or proudest achievement thus far?
My involvement with Pi Beta Phi has given me the chance to witness learning among young children and promote literacy and education among them. I have always been invested in philanthropy, whether it be Pi Phi's own foundation, which promotes children's literacy, or others' causes, such as cancer research. Last year, Pi Phi was able to raise over $20,000 for our foundation, which made me feel collectively proud of everyone's contribution to achieve such a feat. Just as the Odyssey Scholarship has supported my pursuit for a higher education, I was ecstatic to know that the women of Pi Phi were able to raise money to help young children continue their education and gain knowledge. Without the right resources, I would not be able to continue my education, and I'm thrilled to know that I can help other bright kids accomplish their dreams as well.
If you could speak directly to the person whose gift supported your scholarship, what would you say?
People say that money doesn't buy happiness, but indirectly it really does. Since coming to the College, I have faced hardships both large and small. Whether that's coming across an obstacle during my classes or handling the sometimes-stressful workload at this school, nothing has come easy. However, the Odyssey Scholarship has made things easier. When applying for colleges, financial aid was one of the biggest factors when it came to deciding where to invest the next four years. Thankfully, when admitted to the University of Chicago, I was met with an extremely generous financial aid award letter which meant that my dreams were possible. The Odyssey Scholarship meant I could attend the place where I wanted to be, a place where I could imagine myself thriving for four years, challenged by rigorous courses and intellectual debate with my peers. So far, I'd say I've gotten to accomplish all of that and more. These experiences would not have been possible without your gift—thank you.
