Tuck students recognize how their individuality adds to the fabric of Tuck. Tell us who you are.

Love—specifically my love for God, my family, my country and my fellow man—is what defines me. From childhood, I’ve been taught that service demonstrates love. During high school, I assisted an elderly widow with odd jobs, like mowing her lawn. Since she knew I wouldn’t accept payment, she hid money in my personal effects which I always returned. We became very close and kept in contact for years. Serving her inspired me to serve others. When a close friend and my brother confided that they struggled with depression, I co-founded a chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. I used this platform to organize support groups and fight the stigma around mental illness.

At age 19, I applied to serve a full-time mission for my church. I initially rated my level of interest in learning a foreign language as “zero”, but, after considering my mom’s counterpoint regarding missed opportunities, I changed my selection to the highest level of interest. For two years, I served the Mandarin-speaking population in (city), Texas, immersing myself in the Chinese language and culture. At college, I double-majored in Chinese and Accounting and added a 1-year fully-immersive program in China. Since 2014, I have conducted work meetings in Chinese, translated for the local Chinese congregation, and built relationships with many Chinese coworkers.

Through these experiences, I’ve grown to see cultural differences as strengths. I’ve also learned that I am capable of accomplishing hard things and that seizing opportunities results in an increased capacity to serve. Most importantly, I’ve realized that I have a strong desire and ability to connect with people. At Tuck, I look forward to connecting with classmates who share my values through leadership in clubs like Tuck Community Consulting, the International Club and Tuck Mentors.