What did you do this past summer?
This past summer I worked for Summer Institute for the Gifted at the University of California, Berkeley. My position was that of a counselor and a teaching assistant. As such, I had the great pleasure and opportunity to touch the lives of gifted children from throughout the world.
Please comment on the pursuit of your major and minor, as well as any other academic interests.
My major is international studies. From a very young age, I have been travelling independently and also had the unique opportunity to live abroad in varying countries for extended periods of time. This exposure has really affected my perspective on my personal life, as well as society in general. I currently speak three languages fluently, am learning my fourth, and intend on learning more. I would love to be able to continue my travels and learning.
Please tell us about a significant or memorable experience you have had during your time at UChicago.
The beginning of my second year has thus far been filled with challenges and successes. The tense campus climate has caused me to reflect greatly and speak up about my own personal history and provoked both my acceptance and embracing of it. For this, I am ever so grateful.
What activities do you participate in outside of the classroom? Are there any that are new from last year?
Outside of the classroom, I participate in The University of Chicago’s French Club. I also am the marketing chairperson for the Socioeconomic Diversity Alliance. As a QuestBridge National College Match recipient, I am also a part of the local Quest chapter of UChicago. This year, I also am fortunate to have been accepted in both the Emerging Minds Project and the Student Leadership Institute.
As a scholarship recipient, to what extent are you grateful for the support you received? What are your thoughts on how you might one day give back to the University of Chicago?
Without my scholarship, there is little to no doubt that I would ever be able to attend such an amazing institution of higher learning. For that, I am forever and greatly indebted. That being said, I recognize that education is a privilege. It has been repeatedly denied to my parents and older siblings. This fact upsets me, since I believe that education is empowering and that everyone should have a right to benefit from an education. Thus, I do intend to one day to give back to the University of Chicago so as to extend the privilege of a world-class education to as many others as possible.
