I’ve come to terms with expression as a blend of herbal tea and mint gum. Both mild and minty, the mix of two different flavors tastes like a mix of two different cultures. Raised by a traditional Chinese family, I was told not to comment on controversial issues. In my parents’ eyes, being safe and worthy to others meant giving up my own voice. But growing up all my life in New York, I’m constantly surrounded by diversity....

I wouldn’t have to give up anything here because I would be able to give everything here. I wouldn’t have to give up the performing arts, because I could still be a percussionist in the Cooper Union Symphony Orchestra. I could perform and still be a musician while maintaining my studies. I could play music from Baroque to Contemporary. I wouldn’t have to give up my experience in producing my high-school yearbook or in journalism, because I...

Lot of supplemental questions.