I want to positively impact the world by improving relations between China and the United States. I am bilingual in Mandarin and was a 2019 Summer Finalist with the State Department's National Security Language Initiative. I lived with a local family and attended school for 6-weeks in Xi’an to further my studies and learn the Chinese culture. This immersive setting experience inspired my ambitions. In 2020, I took a gap year to do experiential learning while completing accredited college courses. First, I toured the Pacific Northwest, camping in 30 National Parks, and lived almost exclusively in the great outdoors for 80 days off the grid! I learned life-saving skills by receiving a Wilderness First Responder certification. In the spring, my new home was Ocean Star --a 60-foot schooner that sailed 80 days with 24 peer crew members across the Caribbean. I adjusted to the confined setting, charted courses along the coastline, and performed important duties to travel safely and efficiently. I also expanded my knowledge to help those in need by obtaining Rescue Diver and Emergency First Responder certifications. I completed the spring semester on the Dean's List at American University while participating in Beta Theta Phi leadership roles and interning on Capitol Hill for Congress' Majority Leader Steve Scalise. I enjoyed these challenges because I could put my administrative, logistics, and ability to learn under pressure to good use. This summer, I am proud to work for United States Representative Young Kim to further my experience in public service.