What is your favorite part about OADI?

My favorite part about OADI is having a landing place on campus where I can go to exist, with no expectations or judgments--just understanding and solidarity. It is a place I can go to whether I'm motivated or unmotivated, inspired or burnt out, happy, sad, or everything in between. 

What part about being in QuestBridge has taught you the most?

Like many of my peers in QuestBridge, before I became a finalist for the National College Match, I had not dared to dream of attending an Ivy League school. I came from a high school where students weren't encouraged to reach far beyond a high school degree or a local college, but QuestBridge gave me the confidence I needed to dream big and believe I belong in a competitive institution. 

Do you have any advice for future QuestBridge scholars or incoming students to Cornell?

Take advantage of your resources. I remember how overwhelming it can be with so much information coming at you constantly, but I recommend keeping a document of resources for any needs you may have. For example, OADI has free printing, Barnes Hall has free professional headshots, and The Wardrobe has free professional clothing for students to rent. 

Tell us one of your most important dreams or goals.

My mom owns her own small upholstery business and is one of the hardest-working people I know. As much as she doesn't care to admit it, the labor is hard on her body, and I don't want her to have to continue this work well into her older years. One of my goals in my adult life is to retire my mom and eventually buy her a property where she can relax in her retirement and, knowing her, care for the many dogs she will adopt. 

Tell us a Fun fact about yourself!

I went to the first public Japanese Immersion Elementary School in the U.S., Yujin Gakuen, and spent twelve years in a Japanese immersion program! Currently, I am taking French classes to work towards my goal of eventually being a polyglot. I want to have professional working proficiency in Japanese, French, Spanish, and Mandarin.