My ultimate goal is to join UNICEF, but my current focus is on advancing social-emotional learning for middle school students in less affluent districts. This goal stems from personal experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by these communities. COVID-19 posed a significant threat to my life, and my parents faced job insecurities from my parents' separation from their long-term employment. Despite battling the symptoms of long COVID, I am grateful to be back in university pursuing higher education. However, I recognize the privilege I have compared to many families who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. My internship at an ed-tech startup in San Francisco provided me with firsthand experience in addressing the social-emotional learning needs of middle school educators and counselors in less affluent communities. I realized that traditional classroom teachings often fall short of addressing these crucial aspects, especially for students already struggling academically. Sometimes the counselors in those middle schools face an overwhelming amount of students, where the ratio is somewhere between 300 students or more to just one counselor. I had the opportunity to interview some of those counselors, and I see that there is a shared lack of resources for the counselors to provide to their students. Drawing from my diverse experiences, including roles as a Project Manager and Data Analytics Intern, I've utilized tools like Excel and SPSS to analyze educational data sets and develop actionable insights for counselors. Things like analyzing the responses of the middle school students to some classroom topics, to the general questions asking about how they are feeling and anything they like. I aggregate those responses and make points to show the counselors what they can talk about to open up conversations with specific students, building common ground and enabling them to form better connections than the traditional approach. Additionally, my time as an instructor at FUNDAY Online sharpened my ability to create tailored lesson plans and provide personalized feedback, resulting in improved student satisfaction and performance. I continue to try and explore ways to make connections to other students through my university's tutoring group and make connections one person at a time. These experiences have equipped me with the skills and insights necessary to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of social-emotional learning for middle school students. However, I anticipate facing further challenges as I continue this journey, including navigating systemic barriers and resource constraints in underprivileged communities. Despite these hardships, my determination to make a positive impact remains unwavering.

"I see so many of my 5th-grade students performing at a 2nd-grade level, and it is beyond the classroom, it's also how they interact with each other," said one of the counselors I interviewed with a deep sigh, "I have never seen such hostility - they hit and yell at each other." As a psychology intern at an ed-tech startup in San Francisco, I gained firsthand experience in addressing the social-emotional learning (SEL) needs of middle schoolers in less affluent communities. During my time there, I encountered a counselor who lamented the challenges of fostering SEL in a classroom environment where students were not only academically behind but also displayed hostility towards one another. This experience resonated deeply with me, prompting me to reflect on the intersection of academic achievement and social-emotional well-being, particularly in the context of Lieba Joran's inspiring story. All the concepts and theories I learned in classes don't have a direct application to the solutions or ways to mitigate the situation. How can a class that's teaching crucial fundamental subjects that's already falling behind, also add to a social-emotional learning curriculum that should have been taught at home? I have grown so much in learning the importance of social-emotional well-being and learning the story of Lieba, I have my admiration and utmost respect. Lieba's commitment to standing up for others, regardless of their popularity or social standing, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of nurturing kindness and empathy from a young age. Witnessing her unwavering advocacy for marginalized individuals, such as her friend and a girl with Down's Syndrome, left an indelible mark on me. It underscored the vital role of social-emotional support in creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. In my pursuit of a career in social work, I aim to continue Lieba's legacy by championing the rights and well-being of traditionally misunderstood, gifted children. My experiences as a Project Manager and Data Analytics Intern have equipped me with the skills to analyze and interpret large educational datasets, enabling me to identify patterns and trends related to social-emotional development. By leveraging tools like Excel, SPSS, and Looker Studio, I have facilitated the creation of actionable insights and personalized recommendations for counselors, empowering them to address the unique needs of each student. I would continue dedicating my time to advancing social-emotional learning tools to enhance the overall experience of elementary to middle school students. Currently, I am the president of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and a member of the Wolverine Tutors, where I am connected to tutor students with their subjects, and I also try to form more meaningful connections, one person at a time. My previous role as an instructor at FUNDAY Online allowed me to tailor lesson plans and provide personalized feedback to English learners, enhancing their overall satisfaction and performance. Through these experiences, I have developed a nuanced understanding of how to support individuals' social-emotional growth within educational settings, even amidst academic challenges. I have cultivated a passion for forming meaningful connections and fostering a sense of belonging among students. By integrating SEL principles into tutoring sessions and extracurricular activities, I strive to create environments where all students feel valued and supported. In applying for Lieba Joran's Legacy Scholarship, I am committed to furthering her mission of nurturing kindness, pursuing justice, and creating harmony in society. By pursuing a career in social work and dedicating myself to advancing social-emotional learning tools, I aspire to empower gifted children like Lieba to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Together, we can build a more equitable and compassionate world, one where every individual's unique gifts are celebrated and valued.

The anime series that I can watch over and over again is "Hunter x Hunter." What makes it endlessly captivating for me is the unique approach of the author, Yoshitaka Yoshihiro, in exploring the theme of pursuit rather than focusing solely on battles. Yoshitaka Yoshihiro, despite facing criticisms of being lazy and taking hiatuses, has left a profound impact on the comics industry. "Hunter x Hunter" stands out as a phenomenon-level manga recommended by him. Even influential manga creators like Akutami Shitoshita acknowledge the influence of Hanji's "Yu Yu Hakusho." The charm of "Hunter x Hunter" lies in its exploration of the concept of hunters. In this series, a hunter is not only someone who chases and kills prey but also a profession that requires passing a test to qualify. Each hunter has a specific "prey" in their heart, adding depth to their character. The series goes beyond traditional definitions, delving into the hunting and killing of "humans". Yoshihiro's depiction of the dark side of human nature, from the collection of human bodies to themes of cannibalism and power struggles, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. What sets "Hunter x Hunter" apart is its diverse range of themes and settings, from item identification to the vast world of Greed Island. Yoshihiro's intention to break away from the conventional focus on "the battle itself" is evident. Instead, the narrative places emphasis on the intricate and fascinating "pursuit" process behind the battles. In essence, "Hunter x Hunter" offers a treasure trove of storytelling, showcasing Yoshihiro's innovative approach to the shonen genre. The series' focus on the charm of pursuit, rather than just battles, makes it a compelling and endlessly captivating watch for me.

The memory of each session lives in my mind rent-free, archived in the hippocampus, carried by pictures. It is Nightingale, a student-run, monthly-held volunteering session in downtown Taipei. Months after months, I greeted different students from different schools as my team of the day. Despite that we are from other schools, we were passionate about contributing to the community. I am dedicated to creating positive change in my community, serving as a bridge that connects bridge people from different backgrounds to high school students. This volunteering session helps the student to gain a unique perspective of people - living in Taiwan - outside of school. I recognized the receptionist, and with a nod and a smile, and a hi, we started the service for the day. The confined classroom space setting changed to an open kitchen in front of a church; Sharp knives and peelers replaced pencils and erasers - cutting vegetables and fruits where we would never think of doing. On the other hand, they have strange brooms, not manufactured but one crafted by hand. The brooms are made out of bamboo branches woven together by an old string. Sweeping the floor like bringing a storm, it became magical. I feel as though this broomstick connects me to the community that was used for eons. During breaks, other students and I come together to examine the broom in an attempt to replicate the useful tool. It ended in failure but we gained more respect from the community and we all had fun. Here is a community of people looking out for each other, we’re all the same here. Some come for shelter and warmth, and some come for service and friends, but at the end of the day, we gather together for dinner and share our own stories while we eat. As we share our stories, we laugh and empathize. We learn more from listening and receiving feedback from them than from the didactic little stories we read in class, and we enjoyed the time we spent together. Before we go to the volunteering session, we all have a different perception of the community that we are helping, but after we go to the session we have consolidated our understanding of other people in the community and we cherish every moment we have together. Preparing food and sweeping the alley was fun, but the most enjoyable chore would be distributing and serving the food. It is where most interaction begins from the community. “Thank you,” they say, smiling at me just like the receptionist did. I made friends that I would never have met otherwise.

Dive into the welcome week, and power through the school year. In the University of Michigan, there are events tailored to preparing the students for the start of school. From new student convocation to after class bash event, there are multiple ways for both freshman and returning students to socialize and familiarize themselves within the university community. In those weeks of fun activities, the welcome week is truly one of the last big fun social activities on campus other than the football games. It would be the time to collect everything fun from events and friends before moving into classes where everyone will start being busy. After successfully transitioning into the university community, I would use the energy to propel me into studying. Instagram: @li._.ian