Southern Methodist University

Since I was little, we've moved three times; from Taiwan to Australia and then nine years ago across the globe to the US. I've lived here in the US most of my life, and it's been great. I've traveled during the summer; I've been to the cold, to the hot, and to visit family.

Every time I go on a plane, I'm fascinated by the fact that this massive metal tube with wings can soar across the globe; and I ask myself how can an enormous plane like this run and make a profit. Likewise, it fascinates me whenever I open Youtube and see a new Business Insider video telling me how products are manufactured and businesses are run.

At SMU, I'm looking forward to joining several clubs where I hope to provide knowledge about specific topics and gain understanding from them. Clubs like the Cox Business Aviation Club, where I hope to learn more about aviation and the business aspect of airlines and where I hope to share my interest in aviation and business. A club like the Cox Foodie Club, where I'd be able to share my knowledge about travel and cuisines from across the globe; where I'd be able to share my diverse background and heritage with others, would be unique. Finally, clubs like the BBA Finance Club would allow me to explore career paths, gain internship experience and engage with others with similar interests. All these experiences would enable me to amplify my interests and knowledge.

When I grow up, I want to be someone that sparks change in people's lives. I want to spark change in people who don't have access to millions, thousands, or even hundreds of dollars, people who don't know what to do with their money, and people who are living paycheck to paycheck, searching for that moment when they can breathe.

Ever since my 1st paycheck, I've been obsessed with the notion of investing my money, investing in creating a better future for myself but also for my family. Then the roadblock came, you had to be 18; although I couldn't invest this paycheck on my own, I knew in the future I would be able to; I knew that investing provided the potential for those who have the know-how and learning about finance at SMU would give me that know-how.

At SMU, I can look forward to learning about the Portfolio Management Practicum course that manages the whopping $3 million Ann Rife Cox Undergraduate Fund, and I can participate in the fantastic real-time money-management experience. In addition, I can learn about Alternative Asset Management from Professor Maxwell; I'd be able to learn about things like private equity, hedge fund investing, and investment banking. I'd also have access to the phenomenal Kitt Investing and Trading center and learn about the fusion of technology and finance. All these components led me to realize that finance at SMU would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and would let me cause a spark in people's futures.