What's your concentration and why did you choose it?
I concentrate in Sociology, which seems like a 180 degree turn from the initial pre-med track I started freshman year. However, sociology perfectly aligns with my enduring desire to better understand people in order to help mitigate and improve inequalities they face in their day-to-day life. I fell in love with the critical thinking and deep connection I felt to communities around me after my first Sociology course at Harvard.
 
What classes are you taking this semester and over your four years, what have been some of your favorite courses?
This semester, I'm taking a range of very interesting courses, including a psychology course on nature, a women and gender studies course on 21st century feminism, a sociology immigration research lab, and a course at the Harvard Divinity School titled Shock of the New on how people cope with trauma. One of my favorite courses was Sociology in the Age of Big Data, which demonstrated the potential of data usage and modeling in combination with qualitative stories to develop more holistic solutions for social impact. I am so blessed to say I have enjoyed all of my courses I've taken at Harvard!
 
Have any professors had an impact on your path?
Professor Manja Klemencic taught me how to keep people at the heart of everything you do and how it is still possible to powerfully lead with love and grace. I am so grateful to have her as a role model and friend.
 
Are you a part of any clubs or organizations at Harvard?
A big part of my time at Harvard was centered around being involved in CARE (Consent Advocates and Relationship Educators). As liaisons between the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention & Response (OSAPR) and fellow Harvard peers, we worked to foster a campus culture where sexual violence is unacceptable, bystander behavior and support is empowered, and consent is promoted. I'm passionate about creating environments where people feel safe and free to be who they are without limitations or fear.
 
What's it been like conducting this year remotely? Are you back on campus this semester, what's that like?
Finishing out senior spring from my childhood bedroom is definitely not what I expected, but I've been able to find the silver lining in it, like being home in the beautiful, warm state of California with my family. However, since I'm used to smaller class sizes, I do miss the authentic connection and conversation that happens in class settings that Zoom cannot easily provide. And of course, I miss the campus atmosphere, but I am grateful to have had 3 1/2 years to experience it fully.
 
Do you have a set plan for post-grad or still weighing options? Any career path you're leaning towards or dream job you're working toward?
With the impact of Covid-19, I have the awesome opportunity to play one last season of collegiate soccer. I decided to defer my job offer to use this opportunity to play soccer at Saint Mary's College of California and receive my master's degree in Management and Technology. I'm excited for this to lead me down a career path that allows me to combine my sociological background and advanced technology to enhance social good. 
 
What's a takeaway from your Harvard experience that will last beyond your time in Cambridge?
I know this is the classic thing everyone says, but it really is true! The people at Harvard are so important and so much of my informal learning came from conversations in the dining hall or between classes. However, this exposure to a diverse student population wouldn't have been possible without the liberal arts framework and the ability to take courses in various subjects. My Harvard experience taught me not to limit myself to one area of interest or friend group or experience, but to be open to all of the opportunities available.