A Semester in South Korea (I would like to link my blog posts if possible)
As a GLASS Scholar, I was required to study abroad during the Spring semester of my Sophomore year. To fulfill this requirement, I decided to go to Korea University in the heart of Seoul. This experience has been life-changing, to say the least. I got to travel all around the country, meet amazing people, and even learn a little bit of Korean.
I believe that in order for me to get new experiences and to really learn valuable lessons, I had to put myself out of my comfort zone. By coming to Korea, it was partially my intention and after a few months here, I can attest that it was a wise decision. Besides just learning Korean and having to adapt to a society I knew nothing about, I feel like the situations I found myself in because of my non-proficiency in Korean exposed me to a new set of challenges that taught me a lot about myself and the world around me.
Volunteer at a retirement home
Being able to spend time with and provide companionship to individuals in the later stages of their lives has taught me the importance of empathy, compassion, and patience. Through volunteering, I have developed excellent interpersonal and communication skills, honed my ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and gained a deeper appreciation for the value of intergenerational relationships. The opportunity to bring joy and companionship to the residents while learning from their life experiences has been an incredibly rewarding and humbling journey that I will cherish for a lifetime.
Orientation leader
As an orientation leader, I have had the privilege of welcoming and guiding new students, helping them navigate the campus, and fostering a sense of belonging and community. This role has taught me the importance of effective communication, adaptability, and empathy. It has pushed me to develop strong organizational skills, as I coordinate events and provide crucial information to help students acclimate to their new environment. Witnessing the transformation of nervous and uncertain individuals into confident and excited members of the campus community has been immensely rewarding.
President of NYU French Club
As the President of the French Club, my initial motivation was to connect with fellow francophone students and foster a community that shared my love for languages. Little did I know that this role would transform into a remarkable chance for personal growth and leadership development. Throughout my tenure, I have embraced numerous challenges and gained invaluable insights, which have honed my ability to lead and inspire others. By organizing engaging events, facilitating productive discussions, and fostering an inclusive environment, I have learned the art of effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making. This experience has been an enlightening journey that continues to shape me into a better leader, and I am committed to utilizing the skills I have acquired to make a positive impact within the French Club and beyond. I have learned the art of effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making by organizing engaging events, facilitating productive discussions, and fostering an inclusive environment.
SPARK is an exhilarating one-day think-tank-style innovation competition that fosters connections between accomplished students from esteemed universities and Ramboll's esteemed partners, clients, experts, and communities. By bringing together these bright minds, SPARK aims to empower students to discover fresh ideas and cultivate innovative and sustainable solutions that generate value and are resilient to real-world challenges. Participating in this competition has been an invaluable learning experience, particularly in terms of collaborative group work. Collaborating with fellow students, many of whom were new acquaintances, has taught me the art of effective teamwork, communication, and collective problem-solving. It is worth noting that this competition is closely aligned with the domains of "Affordable and clean energy," "Industry, innovation, and infrastructure," and "Sustainable cities and communities," ensuring its relevance to pressing global issues and the pursuit of a more sustainable future.
Through my involvement in a VIP (Vertically Integrated Project) focused on surgery, post-operative rehabilitation, and wearable technology, I have had the incredible opportunity to contribute to enhancing accessibility in the healthcare field. Within this project, our team at FAMS (Flexible AI-enabled Mechatronics Systems) has dedicated our efforts to developing innovative soft mechatronics systems, including silicone actuators, that mimic biological structures. This experience has been a transformative journey that has deepened my understanding of overcoming challenges as a collaborative unit. Working closely with my team, I have encountered and surmounted obstacles, honing my problem-solving skills and learning the importance of effective communication and collaboration. Moreover, being part of this VIP has exposed me to cutting-edge advancements in surgery and rehabilitation, as well as the potential of wearable technology in improving patient outcomes. By combining our skills and expertise, we strive to make a positive impact on the field of healthcare, pushing the boundaries of accessibility and ushering in a new era of patient-centered care.
Participating in genetic research focused on identifying the loci contributing to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been an immensely rewarding experience that has enhanced my understanding of the intricate complexities of this condition. As a part of this research project, I have actively collaborated with a diverse group of scientists and experts in the field, allowing me to expand my professional network and forge valuable connections. Through my involvement, I have gained insight into the cutting-edge methodologies employed in genetic research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. This opportunity has sharpened my scientific acumen and deepened my empathy and compassion for individuals affected by ASD and their families. By uncovering key genetic markers, I aim to contribute to the broader scientific community's understanding of ASD and help pave the way for the development of targeted interventions and therapies.