A Journey Across Cultures: My Academic Odyssey in Layers

Arriving in the United States as an international high school student felt like embarking on a quest. Everywhere I looked, bridges spanned the vast landscapes, both literal and symbolic. These bridges became metaphors for the connections I sought to establish between my homeland's cherished traditions and the intriguing new culture surrounding me in the US.

Navigating this unfamiliar territory, I often drew parallels to my passion for baking. Just as two slices of cake require the right blend of whipped cream and fillings to truly become a dessert, I realized that the diverse worlds of my past and present could be united with the right elements.

It was during this transformative phase at Tilton School that I discovered the ingredients for my “cultural cake” – the disciplines of entrepreneurship, history, and psychology. They became the whipped cream and filling, uniting my experiences. Each echoed the importance of two pivotal skills: communication and marketing.

This realization was more than just an academic epiphany; it became my compass, guiding me further in my educational journey. At the University of Washington, I delved deeper into these disciplines, refining my skills and broadening my horizons. My thirst for global perspectives led me to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where my study abroad experience added another layer to my ever-evolving cake of knowledge, blending Eastern wisdom with Western innovation.

As I reflect on my academic odyssey, I realize that each institution, like the layers of a meticulously baked cake, has contributed uniquely to my growth, shaping me into the individual I am today.