Pronouns: He/They
Major: Computer Science
Minors: Chemistry; Math
Hometown: Orange County, California
Student groups, clubs, organizations, jobs, internships, honors, or athletic affiliations: Asian Student Association, The Brotherhood, Resident Assistant, Orientation Assistant
What made you choose Salem State, and what is one thing a prospective student should know about our campus community?
The main thing to know about Salem State's campus community is that it is extremely welcoming. It is honestly difficult not to find a group that fits your interests or hobbies. Throughout my time here, I have met many kinds of people, and that variety of experiences has made the community feel very open and supportive.
Once you got to campus, what made you say, "This is the place for me?"
For me, Salem State started to feel like the right place because of the people. Being able to connect with students across campus and find welcoming communities helped make the university feel like home.
What made you choose your major? What about your area of study ignites your passion?
I was on my high school robotics team as a senior and then mentored robotics students during my first year of college. That experience really shaped my love for software engineering. I love the process of solving problems, building something from the ground up and finally figuring out how to make something work. That same feeling I had while building robotics projects is the one I still get when I debug software or learn to implement a new concept in code.
Do you live on campus or commute? If you live on campus, what have you enjoyed most about your experience? If you commute, how have you stayed engaged with the campus community?
I have experienced both. During the year I commuted, I stayed involved through organizations like the Asian Student Association and The Brotherhood. Living on campus, though, has been especially meaningful because I'm close to my friends, campus events and the daily energy of the university. That closeness has made it easier to stay engaged and connected.
How have you grown as a person during your college experience?
My confidence and social skills have grown a lot since I first arrived at Salem State. College has helped me become more comfortable stepping into new spaces and building relationships.
Can you describe a challenge that you overcame at Salem State?
A challenge I had to overcome was learning how to balance academics, campus life and all the new responsibilities that came with college. That took time, but I've grown a lot in the process.
Could you discuss the relationships you've developed with faculty members and how these relationships have influenced your learning and personal growth?
Many faculty members here have always been supportive of my goals and have helped ensure I had what I needed to balance school and other responsibilities. They have also made me feel more welcome, encouraging me to keep working with them and growing as a student.
Can you describe the educational value and affordability you've experienced at Salem State University? How has the university supported your academic journey regarding quality and accessibility?
Salem State has provided a strong academic experience while also giving me access to supportive faculty, campus resources and organizations that make it easier to stay on track.
Salem State emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Can you share any memorable experiences where you've applied classroom knowledge in real-world settings or through projects?
One memorable example was in my software engineering classes, where our professor had us work as a team to develop the same website and treated it like an actual office environment. That experience helped me understand how collaboration, deadlines and communication work in real-world software development.
What are your post-graduation plans, and how do you believe your time at Salem State has equipped you for success in pursuing these plans?
After graduation, I hope to work in the software engineering industry as a developer. I don't have one specific app or product in mind, but I do want to create technology that benefits people and aligns with my values. The computer science department has helped prepare me for that by giving me hands-on experience and opportunities to work in team-based environments that reflect the kind of work I want to do in my career.