Hello

My Story

My journey toward understanding and engaging with global issues began unexpectedly. Growing up in an insulated environment, my awareness of the broader world's complexities was limited. A book, a documentary, or a classroom lecture did not spark my interest in global matters but a deeply personal and poignant narrative: my grandfather's life story. His experiences during the Chinese Cultural Revolution and ensuing migration to America opened my eyes to world history's complexities and the human spirit's resilience.
 
My grandfather's tales of his youth in China during the tumultuous times of the Cultural Revolution were more gripping than any history book. He shared stories tinged with fear and bitterness, recounting how the communist regime deprived his family of their possessions and thrust them into a vortex of profound personal tragedies. The decision to leave China and come to America was monumental. His journey from the familiarity of home to the vast unknown of America was fraught with challenges that tested his resolve at every turn. Yet, his tales of overcoming these obstacles—adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life—captivated me and reshaped my understanding of the world. Stories like my grandfather's have shaped my perspective on global issues. Immigrant stories are more than just personal tales; they reflect more significant global problems. These narratives are valuable perspectives on the delicate interplay between individual journeys and the overarching currents of international events, including political change and cultural conflict. 
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In my desire to understand the complexities of global affairs and immigrant experience, I joined the USC Shoah's William P. Lauder Internship as a junior intern. There, I completed 40 hours of volunteer time engaging in digital literacy skills and contributing to developing testimony-based educational resources for iWitness. This internship has benefited me immensely and taught me the idea of being an upstander versus being a bystander and how important it is to advocate for fairness and justice. The different testimonies of survivors of genocide have given me profound insights into the past and its lasting impacts. These narratives and my grandfather's personal story have instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a desire to understand the complexities of global affairs. 
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Immediately after completing the USC Shoah internship, I became a Family Wishlist Ambassador with Miry's List, aiding families like the Safis from Afghanistan, who have five daughters and two sons, in acquiring essential items like beds, kitchen supplies, and clothes. This role connected me to my grandparents' legacy and instilled a deep sense of humility and purpose. The gratitude that the Safi family felt taught me invaluable lessons about kindness, compassion, and the power of community support. This experience has fueled my desire to engage more deeply, where I aspire to develop strategies and solutions for the challenges immigrant families face as they transition to their new life in America. 
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The Global Scholars Program is a pathway to personal growth and hopefully will cultivate a deeper cultural awareness. By engaging with peers and mentors from various backgrounds, I look forward to broadening my understanding of global events and diverse cultures, going beyond superficial knowledge to appreciate the complexities of different societies. This experience will allow me to view the world through a compassionate and more inclusive lens. I look forward to deepening my knowledge of global viewpoints through immigrant stories. Understanding their struggles, dreams, and aspirations could give me a powerful insight into human experiences that differ from mine. The program's focus on global challenges, such as social inequality and climate change, will allow me to contribute to these conversations, preparing me to become a more informed and engaged global citizen. This program will challenge me to step out of my comfort zone and enhance my communication and critical thinking skills, making me more adept at addressing and understanding global issues. My goal is to return from this program to be more knowledgeable about the world and more capable of contributing positively to it. 
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My grandfather's immigrant story inspired my ambition to grow as a global citizen. At ninety-eight, he has led a rich and fulfilling life, overcoming numerous challenges that continue to shape my worldview. Once tinged with resentment over leaving his homeland, his narrative has evolved into stories of achievements and pride, especially in his role as the lead scientist who designed the Apollo landing gear. This journey, culminating in the Apollo moon landing, is a testament to the fulfillment of the American dream and has significantly shaped my aspirations.