I have magic. No, not the kind with sparkly fairies, mermaids, and Santa Claus. The real kind. The kind that transforms your world. I first stumbled upon this magic with the help of a grandmotherly touch. I was packing my suitcase, shoving my clothes and belongings into a feebly small suitcase. The quiet, tranquil summer, filled with long walks to and from [REDACTED] Summer School alone and helping with household chores for my grandma, was coming to an end. As...

In fourth grade, I was entrusted with a life. I took my responsibilities as a guardian very seriously, feeding my child at least three times a day and providing any resources they might require. But despite my greatest efforts, my plant basil still withered. However, my love for nature blossomed. Nature, although powerful, is also delicate. It is very sensitive to the actions of others, especially those of human beings. Looking back at my beloved basil plant, it thrived when...

Columbia’s SHAPE Innovation and Design course facilitated my interest in the intersection of technology and the environment. Under Professor Yesilevskiy, my partner and I created the schematics of an apartment and beginner-friendly compost bin as well as a slideshow presentation detailing the science and purpose of each element of the composter. Titled “The Tomato Bin”, my project brought knowledge, laughter, and friendship to my quarantine summer. Throughout high school, I’ve also attended three Hackathons. Named in order, they...

Ruby Falls, Tennessee. Fuzhou, China. Baotou, China. Boston, United States. These are the only four locations on Earth I’ve ever seen with the exception of my hometown in New York. I dream to see more. In the future, whether it’s through taking a gap year or through vacationing, I desire to see and experience more of the world. Oftentimes, it is easy to forget about the bubble that silently cages you in, that draws the line separating you...

As a kinesthetic learner, I jump at any opportunity to engage with my environment as I’m learning. This is why I find Duke’s Service Learning program and Immersive Opportunities so exciting. These programs can allow me to actively create and gain real-world experience as I simultaneously am taught the course materials. It is invigorating knowing that my education can leave a positive lasting imprint in my community as it leaves a lasting impact on me. Duke’s interdisciplinary...

Time is ever so fleeting. In the past, it slipped right through my fingers; moments would pass and I would have no recollection of what happened. Days slowly morphed into weeks then into months. I felt lost and confused in a world that slowed down for no one. But, journaling changed that. June 12, 2020: Finally launched [REDACTED] after months of preparation! So pumped to see what we can do. Lately, all of my last thoughts before sleeping were on this project....

Although my teeth chatter uncontrollably and my body screams for the torture to stop, I continue to torment myself under the freezing cold water. Adrenaline begins to pump through my body. Starting to take cold showers marked the beginning of my n=1 experiments, of my bio-hacking journey. Ever since learning about the anatomy and physiology of the human body in 9th grade, I have been obsessed with finding ways to maximize different body processes, ranging from sleep to energy to...

Before the age of 16, I never argued with my parents. Even if I disagreed with their thoughts, my opinions were never strong enough to spur me to dissent verbally. It wasn’t until I had to write a research paper in my Sophomore year on factory farming did I discover a viewpoint worth fighting for: becoming vegan. The conversation with my parents started off civilly. However, it ended with me in tears from the unforgiving parental barrage of arguments and...

Speaking, although almost a universal act, is an art form. More specifically, being able to articulate and express one’s thoughts during a discussion is an art form. At Princeton, I hope to cultivate my public speaking skills through challenging myself to participate in clubs such as The American Whig-Cliosophic Society.

Journaling grounds me to the present, reminds me of the past, and creates enthusiasm for the future. Time and experiences hold more meaning now that I’ve found my way of documenting them. Each entry is like a snapshot of time, of both the mundane and interesting moments.

Permission to Dance by BTS. Despite the hecticness of my schedule and stress-filled days, dancing haphazardly in my room at midnight and jamming to pop songs never fails to make me relax, smile, and laugh. As the lyrics go, “Ain't nothing that can stop how we move.”

An idea existed: to provide students with an opportunity to explore topics outside the typical school curriculum and to give students a chance to learn when most programs had been canceled or postponed due to the pandemic. The only problem with our plan: what will the logistics look like? That was the question my co-founder, members of a partnering organization, and I struggled with for the next two months. How many courses will we have? How will we provide volunteering...

“Thank you all so much for coming, and if there are no further questions we’ll see you next week!” I heard myself say as I wrapped up the weekly director meeting. Wow, I actually sound legit. If you had asked me two months ago what my biggest passion was, I would have replied embroidering or dancing to K-pop songs alone at midnight. Anything but running my own student-led organization. I never envisioned it in the cards for myself. But...