Personal Statement
Born in a small town in Hubei, China, I moved to Beijing at the age of five and immigrated to Canada at fifteen. Growing up across vastly different cultures has profoundly shaped who I am, and made me appreciate our shared humanity and the rich complexity of our differences.
In Chinese culture, emotional expression is often subdued—a tradition I spent years unlearning as I sought deeper, more authentic connections. Choosing to minor in psychology allowed me to explore the power of the human mind and its immense potential for connection. My experiences taught me that understanding and empathy are transformative forces. Despite language barriers, cultural shifts, and personal challenges, I’ve learned that, fundamentally, we are more alike than different. This belief inspires my work and my vision for the future.
Volunteering as a crisis responder for youth and a patient visitor, and working as an advisor for students with disabilities exposed me to a spectrum of human experiences. These roles taught me the power of stepping into another’s reality, whether by listening, empathizing, or simply being present. When I lost my father to suicide three years ago, this personal tragedy profoundly deepened my resolve to prevent such tragedies from happening to others. It reinforced my commitment to fostering genuine human connections and addressing the silent struggles that many face. I am driven to explore how technology can bridge emotional gaps and provide support to those in need.
My identities as non-binary, BIPOC, and a first-generation immigrant inform my perspective but do not confine me. Growing up in Alberta, I often felt the weight of being a minority. I remember the isolating basement where “fresh off the boat” students gathered for lunch—a space that both sheltered and separated us. I realized then that isolation is sometimes self-imposed and that growth often requires stepping out of comfort zones. This realization has fueled my openness to new experiences, my passion for learning, and my belief in embracing—not merely tolerating—difference. Perhaps that's why, despite being a mixed martial artist, I am also a pacifist.
I believe in the ideal of a global citizen, a perspective shaped by my journey through diverse cultures and my faith in the future envisioned by Star Trek: a future of unity, exploration, and shared purpose. In a world often divided by nationalism and fear of the unknown, I remain hopeful that technology and innovation can bring us closer together.
I aspire to work with like-minded individuals who challenge the status quo and design technologies that empower us to connect with ourselves, with each other, and with the world. The Media Lab is the perfect environment to cultivate these ideas, where I can learn, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to shaping a more connected and empathetic future. My individuality and experiences have taught me that our differences are what make our collective journey extraordinary, and I am eager to contribute to this unique and creative community.
One fun fact about me is that I love Karaoke.
Thank you for your consideration.