“Hi Man Hing. Pick up or delivery?” Whether I liked it or not, this phrase has and will continue to follow me throughout my entire life—and not just because I say it about 100 times a day. Growing up as a Chinese kid in a predominantly Caucasian area, I was often alienated because of my foreign lifestyle. Not taking into account the cruel, savage nature of children, I often blamed myself for not fitting in with the status quo. The...

Chemistry is a world of endless possibilities, constantly seeking new answers and explanations: a reminder that there are always discoveries to be made. It serves as a medium through which I can view a world different from what exists, while helping me visualize and understand what actually does. With aspirations to benefit people worldwide, I plan to pursue chemistry or chemical engineering. Drawn to mathematics and science because of their complexity and Promethean natures, yet infatuated by the creativity of...

At Yale, I see a place to pursue all my interests through its interdisciplinary collaboration and programs including “STARS” and “Expository Writing”, not to mention College Teas. I see the best research university and endless resources “to engage in life-long learning.” I see the fountainhead of world-class professors and students who will shed light upon the darkest corners of my world, or perhaps re-enlighten it completely, to collaborate with and grow as a scientist, writer, and artist. I see an...

1. Possibility—with it on my side, I am unstoppable 2. Anne Frank—to see the virtue within everyone 3. How to be Hipster 101—to encourage people to transcend beyond conformity 4. A mean wonton soup… and vitality

When I realized my passion for chemistry, I spent every waking moment learning more about it. However, the initial magic of examining matter eventually began to feel like a routine. I became desperate for something, anything, to free me from this cyclical pattern. I found my escape in writing. Penning a story instilled a rush of adrenaline similar to when I first discovered chemistry. The ability to evoke emotions through words inspires me to explore this different side of life....

While it may seem superficial and trivial, I love taking photographs and uploading them on Instagram. In the technology-obsessed, selfie-taking world today, I look past Instagram as a means of social media but rather as a medium of expression. Although my original intentions were to create an aesthetic collection of photographs, the reasons behind my photography have evolved into something much more than simply "taking pretty pictures.” It’s evoking emotions and thoughts and telling a story that truly draws...

Throughout high school, I’ve been warned time after time, “Don't bite off more than you can chew.” Being the sassy, adamant freshman I was, two thoughts came to mind. First: Don’t tell me what to do. Second: I’ll bite off as much as I want to bite off. By defying these limitations, I’ve pursued whatever interested me, eventually discovering what I truly love: community service, photography, mathematics, biology, and chemistry. While most colleges only allow me...