What makes you a Difference Maker?
I seek positive change, both in myself and others. I live with the conviction that anyone can stimulate a difference for the better and in many indirect ways, and we start by improving ourselves. Perhaps the difference I have mostly made was a result of keeping a determined and positive outlook, knowing it can be contagious, and helping others when I can. Giving advice, sharing experiences and resources, showing honest encouragement, and getting engaged in classes and activities are all small actions I made sure to make a habit of mine so that both I and others can benefit. Being a diligent scholar who shows a resolute attitude to achieve our goals has helped me support people and drive them to be their best. Sometimes as little as an insightful word stimulates a small change that spreads in the entire community.
Tell us about your leadership experience.
While I never held a board position for a student organization, I try wherever I am present to have a positive attitude and encourage the people around me to remain determined and confidently do their best. As a student, I tried to help classmates whenever I can and did not shy away from asking for help myself. As a grader, I answered students' questions when I can even if I was not required to do so. As a recipient of the 2020 CECS Co-op student award, I was congratulated by many who also reached out for advice on finding jobs or polishing resumes, and I was always happy to help. Off-campus, some friends have also asked for insight about computer science majors and practices in the workspace, and I found pleasure in being able to assist them to my best ability. Finally, as someone who still has a lot to learn, I always sought help when I knew I needed it and pointed this out to others around me. We all need guidance sometimes, whether from a fellow student, a mentor, a professor, or the many resources provided at campus, like student organization leaders and career services, and I hated to see some students “embarrassed” to reach out for help.
What is your dream career or goal?
There are many interests I would like to pursue in my future, but most importantly, regardless of where I work, I aim to always be a software engineer who stays up to date with emerging technologies and works on software that changes this world for the better. I am also planning on pursuing my Master’s degree in Cybersecurity to play a role in protecting our software by learning more about penetration testing and encryption. Even if my plans don’t work out as expected, I seek to always be someone who does not overlook the moral implications of our software as this may create injustice or harm to people’s lives without being noticed right away.
What is your most defining moment?
My most defining moment was when I was awarded the Chancellor’s medallion because it reminded me that we are commended not just for great academic performance but also for great character and integrity. Perhaps it could be difficult sometimes to always find meaning in what we do, and at stressful times, it may be easy to slip into an indifferent mindset that doesn’t care much about morale or grades, yet I tried to always remain spirited put in my best efforts, because a lot happens in our journey at UM-Dearborn. We meet great professors, mentors, and colleagues, who all share moments with us, along with our family and friends, as we discover and pursue our interests. We fail and succeed to learn lessons that develop us as better students and better people as well, in and out of the classroom. Receiving the medallion reminded me that making use of each moment at UM-Dearborn was worth it, and hard work and persistence always pays off.