Amazon Scholarship Winner
College: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Career goal: Engineering
Growing up as a first-generation college student from a low-income, Chinese American family, I always knew that education was my way to a better future. My parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from farming backgrounds, have always worked tirelessly to give me opportunities they never had. Being one of the first in my family to go to college was something I always dreamed of doing, but I didn’t realize just how overwhelming and expensive college could be.
When I first learned about the costs of attending college, I was crushed. I never thought it would be possible for me to leave Fresno and attend a school like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I always assumed I would just stay close to home. Despite my fears, I worked hard and tried my best to stay focused because I knew having a successful high school journey was the path to college.
COVID really affected my freshman year, leaving me feeling unmotivated and lost. I struggled with anxiety, especially speech anxiety, and spent many days practicing just to speak in front of a group. When I returned to in-person school my sophomore year, I was terrified of putting myself out there, but I knew I had to push through.
So, I decided to join my school’s Robotics Club and Asian Club, and they really became a big part of my high school experience. As the lead designer on our Robotics team, I met new people and built upon my interests and skills. Being part of my school’s Asian club was also a fantastic experience, helping me embrace my identity and feel more connected to my roots. Over time, I began to see my challenges as opportunities to grow.
My friends have played a huge role in shaping who I am today. I’ve been so lucky to have been able to meet and surround myself with people who truly understand and support me. I really want to thank the three girls who have stuck with me, my amazing boyfriend, and the lovely people I’ve had the privilege to meet. They’ve helped me embrace my identity as part of the LGBTQ+ community and have been a source of strength and encouragement. They’ve taught me that it’s good to be curious, to try new things, and to not take life too seriously. The two-minute presentation you’re nervous about? It’s not that deep. Do the thing that scares you because you never know what you’re going to find.
The Edison Engineering Pathway was another major influence. One of my teachers pushed me to be an Engineer Pathway Ambassador, talking to younger students about what this program entailed. Freshman year, I would have been so scared to do this that I might have thrown up, but by senior year, I was presenting my senior project at Fresno State like it was second nature.
High school was like exposure therapy—gradually putting myself in situations that scared me until they didn’t anymore. I realized I was tired of being scared. I wanted to try new things and stop wasting time being afraid. This turning point was a long process throughout high school, but I can now say, “Wow! I am facing my fears and doing things I never thought I would do, and it makes me so proud!”
And then came the moment that I never anticipated. When I found out I won the Amazon scholarship, I was in shock for days. I couldn’t believe it, I never thought this could happen to me. This scholarship, along with other scholarships and financial aid, means I won’t have to pay anything out of pocket for my freshman year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. This support means I can focus on my education and future without the heavy burden of financial stress.
This scholarship means the world to me, especially as a first-generation college student from a low-income, Chinese American family. My parents have always worked tirelessly to give me a better future. I want to give them the biggest thanks as they have inspired me to work hard and to put myself out there. Now, I am one of the first in my family to go to college, and this achievement is deeply meaningful to me.
As I look to the future, I have several goals I’m excited to pursue. I want to work in engineering, though I’m not yet sure which branch. I am concerned about the amount of waste and plastic in our world and hope to address these issues through my work and, in general, just want to find a way to help those who need it. Helping my family and community is also very important to me. I want to give back to those who have supported me. Additionally, I have a passion for art and hope to never stop pursuing it in life.
To anyone reading this, especially those who might feel as I once did—scared, anxious, and uncertain—know that you are capable of amazing things. Push through your fears, embrace new experiences, and don’t be afraid to be curious. The journey might be messy, like baby animals learning to walk, but trust yourself—you will get there.
