What specific experiences (honors or otherwise) in the past year have had the most impact on your personal, academic, or professional goals and life trajectory? Which future experiences will further encourage this growth? Please articulate specific academic and/or professional goals for the next year.
This past year has been pivotal in shaping my personal, academic, and professional trajectory. Through a combination of immersive, hands-on learning and deep reflection, I’ve grown more confident in my long-term aspirations and more grounded in the values that guide me.
Professionally, my internship at Coterie Insurance, a growth-stage InsurTech startup, reaffirmed my interest in working with startups and in the field of venture capital. Being immersed in the fast-paced environment of a tech company showed me how innovation can lead to real impact. I saw how rethinking traditional systems, like commercial insurance, can create fairer, faster, and more accessible solutions for small businesses. This experience helped me realize that venture capital is not just a career path but also a way to influence which ideas shape our future economy. As a capital allocator, I want to support technologies and founders who are solving meaningful problems and pushing industries forward.
In parallel, leading the sustainability consulting branch of Net Impact UC taught me about leadership and the importance of building something that lasts. I was responsible not only for delivering client work but also for building structure, mentorship, and team culture. This taught me the difference between simply contributing and intentionally designing for long-term impact. I learned to think beyond short-term wins and to focus on sustainability in both people and systems.
Another experience that significantly shaped my goals was taking the Venture Capital Structure & Strategy course at UC. This was not just a class but a highly practical immersion into how venture firms operate. We built investment theses, evaluated real startup pitches, and participated in mock investment committee meetings. I was especially inspired by the guest speakers—many of whom are investors and operators I have long admired—who gave us direct insight into what it takes to succeed in the industry. The class helped me develop both practical skills and a deeper conviction that I want to build a career at the intersection of innovation, investment, and impact.
Outside of professional growth, I have also become more aware of my responsibility as a global citizen. This year, I made a conscious effort to understand global social and political issues more deeply, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Attending an educational event hosted by Students for Justice in Palestine helped me begin unpacking the complexity of the conflict. It reminded me that awareness and empathy are essential, and that injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere.
Looking ahead, I hope to secure an investing internship where I can gain more hands-on experience and continue developing a sharper understanding of the startup and venture ecosystem. I aim to deepen my perspective on the market by conducting independent research, writing investment theses, and engaging with both investment professionals and founders. Academically, I plan to broaden my knowledge through a combination of self-directed learning, meaningful conversations with peers and faculty, and continued involvement in communities that I care about.
This year taught me that growth comes not from doing everything perfectly, but from reflecting honestly, taking risks, and staying aligned with my values. I am committed to continuing that journey with clarity and purpose.