Within 2019 the Hong Kong democracy movement had been crushed by Beijing’s authoritarian rule, a protest occurred in the streets of Hong Kong with rallying cries of, “攬炒,” meaning, “if we burn, you burn with us.” The cries for freedom were met with riot police swarming the streets with tear gas. A clip of such news captured the chaos of the situation, yet decided to play Louis Armstrong over the video, singing ever so calmly, “And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.” It’s one example out of many regarding the violence and struggle for freedom. What guilt, such anger and frustration I felt for being so helpless in the situation. Throughout my life I had only ever focused on my own life as an American citizen, I never sought to discover more about the governance and culture in China, but the desire to succeed in this world instilled by my parents. As an aspiring trial and patent attorney to reinstate the world’s faith in their own freedom while reminding myself of who I was as a Chinese American citizen. In my eyes, the gift of freedom comes from those with a thirst for knowledge and is a gift I hope I can grasp at USC, where intellectual vitality and interdisciplinary learning prosper under the Renaissance Ideal program, where my education goes beyond contemporary standards and can encourage me to major in creative writing and economics, an odd yet complementary path towards viewing how wonderful the world truly is.

What’s America’s biggest fear? Bugs? Heights? Ghosts? Surprisingly, a survey that questioned common phobias among millennials deemed public speaking as America's biggest phobia, drastically upstaging death and loss. But what makes public speaking more terrifying than the possibility of death itself? With public speaking, there's a common form of social anxiety regarding the rejection and judgement from the audience based on one’s performance. Class presentations, debates, or even mere explanations is something we’ve all experienced, and thus there’s a common understanding regarding the anxiety and pressure our minds drift to when presenting our complicated ideas to others clearly. The significance of communication came when I first began writing speeches, where statistics and analytics flooded my papers, and I failed to make good use of them by making them a supporting part of my argument, thus becoming anxious over the bored and confused faces of judges in speech competitions. Over time I learned that each speech was somewhat like a conversation, where arguments were declared, analytics were explained, and maybe a bit of humor here and there would keep one entertained. And the more I learn, the farther the conversation expands and develops beyond my audience. Now, I would be conducting my own investigation in AP Research, learning about narcissistic traits and academic performance in adolescents. With an audience willing to listen and a head full of facts, may the experience of sharing a new idea with others overpower any fear I have over public speaking.

What’s America’s biggest fear? Bugs? Heights? Ghosts? Surprisingly, a survey that questioned common phobias among millennials deemed public speaking as America's biggest phobia, drastically upstaging death and loss. But what makes public speaking more terrifying than the possibility of death itself? With public speaking, there's a common form of social anxiety regarding the rejection and judgement from the audience based on one’s performance. Class presentations, debates, or even mere explanations is something we’ve all experienced, and thus there’s a common understanding regarding the anxiety and pressure our minds drift to when presenting our complicated ideas to others clearly. The significance of communication came when I first began writing speeches, where statistics and analytics flooded my papers, and I failed to make good use of them by making them a supporting part of my argument, thus becoming anxious over the bored and confused faces of judges in speech competitions. Over time I learned that each speech was somewhat like a conversation, where arguments were declared, analytics were explained, and maybe a bit of humor here and there would keep one entertained. And the more I learn, the farther the conversation expands and develops beyond my audience. Now, I would be conducting my own investigation in AP Research, learning about narcissistic traits and academic performance in adolescents. With an audience willing to listen and a head full of facts, may the experience of sharing a new idea with others overpower any fear I have over public speaking.

Over time, modern film and literature have often portrayed how, in some instances, reality is more appealing than fantasy. Everyone’s a main and background character developing their own story and learning from those around them. One of those lessons involves the younger generation, who will eventually learn that the parents who raised them are not always right, even if they are the figures that are supposed to navigate us through society. Along the way they let go of our hands and eventually we shall do the same with the next generation. Take my parents for example, who are seen as respectable and influential, but one lesson from them stood out and made me reimagine the world I was living in. Everyone in society had their chosen roles wrapped in one large story, tracking and recording the progress of society, and each member had a significant impact on its history. With that lesson in mind, I take it into account that my curiosity is my valued characteristic to assist me through my life journey. Curiosity spawned from the time spent with my parents, who show their love through constant lectures, but when it comes to talking about others, my parents would use them as examples in order to teach us what it means to be successful and functioning members of society. Living in a small city, there are many plumbers, gardeners, and waste collectors, doing their jobs the best they can constantly. Whenever my parents would see these workers, they didn’t hesitate to make comments, telling me constantly “to not end up like them.” To them, they weren’t seen as successful or happy, despite using their service themselves constantly. It was hypocritical, and even though my parents wanted the best for me, it was important to recognize the work these laborers trifle through in order to make a living. Not only was their work significant, but it provides a greater appreciation for what life provides us. Organized buildings, brilliant infrastructure, and clean streets would not be seen without those who choose to care for it. Additionally, within modern standards, occupations that are portrayed as insignificant to society are capable of becoming financially successful. A person who has any of these occupations is as fascinating as any other individual, as they have goals to reach, aspirations to follow, stories to share, and unique abilities unlike no other that develop their character. These are the characters that live in the same world as me, and provide a sense of inspiration for my future. In the past, one of my teachers described every job as a ‘“way of contributing to the world’s affairs,”’ and one could do so by either saving the environment from people, or people from themselves, because both were in desperate need of assistance. I had decided from my third year of high school that law and engineering would be the path I wanted to take to achieve such goals and return to the world what I thought was due, and that was giving back to those who made the world I lived in so brilliant in the first place. It would involve creating technology and enforcing laws and ideals that uphold the value of safety amongst the community. To make a better world for the next generation goes beyond my imagination and only grazes the thought of reality. Floating cities, robotic servants, and flying cars have always been deemed as science fiction, but, with everything humanity has created so far, I’d like to view these creations as scientific possibilities for me to build upon for the rest of my life.

Over time, modern film and literature have often portrayed how, in some instances, reality is more appealing than fantasy. Everyone’s a main and background character developing their own story and learning from those around them. One of those lessons involves the younger generation, who will eventually learn that the parents who raised them are not always right, even if they are the figures that are supposed to navigate us through society. Along the way they let go of our hands and eventually we shall do the same with the next generation. Take my parents for example, who are seen as respectable and influential, but one lesson from them stood out and made me reimagine the world I was living in. Everyone in society had their chosen roles wrapped in one large story, tracking and recording the progress of society, and each member had a significant impact on its history. To be with my parents means getting lectured almost every minute, and it’s usually seen as an act of love, but when it comes to talking about others, my parents would use them as examples in order to teach us what it means to be successful and functioning members of society. Living in a small city, there are many plumbers, gardeners, and waste collectors, doing their jobs the best they can constantly. Whenever my parents would see these workers, they didn’t hesitate to make comments, telling me constantly “to not end up like them.” To them, they weren’t seen as successful or happy, despite using their service themselves constantly. It was hypocritical, and even though my parents wanted the best for me, it was important to recognize the work these laborers trifle through in order to make a living. Not only was their work significant, but it provides a greater appreciation for what life provides us. Organized buildings, brilliant infrastructure, and clean streets would not be seen without those who choose to care for it. Additionally, within modern standards, occupations that are portrayed as insignificant to society are capable of becoming financially successful. A person who has any of these occupations is as fascinating as any other individual, as they have goals to reach, aspirations to follow, stories to share, and unique abilities unlike no other that develop their character. These are the characters that live in the same world as me, and provide a sense of inspiration for my future. In the past, one of my teachers described every job as a ‘“way of contributing to the world’s affairs,”’ and one could do so by either saving the environment from people, or people from themselves, because both were in desperate need of assistance. I had decided from my third year of high school that law and engineering would be the path I wanted to take to achieve such goals and return to the world what I thought was due, and that was giving back to those who made the world I lived in so brilliant in the first place. It would involve creating technology and enforcing laws and ideals that uphold the value of safety amongst the community. To make a better world for the next generation goes beyond my imagination. Floating cities, robotic servants, and flying cars have always been deemed as science fiction, but, with everything humanity has created so far, I’d like to view these creations as scientific possibilities for me to build upon for the rest of my life. Looking back, surprisingly, I recalled viewing these technological innovations and asking my family how much did they cost, how did it help the people and the environment? All I could recall was asking the people I loved, pointing at the screen, “What if I made it for you? What if I made it a reality?” And with such aspirations, I was met with unlimited support.

Over time, modern film and literature have often portrayed how, in some instances, reality is more appealing than fantasy. Everyone’s a main and background character developing their own story and learning from those around them. But all members of society had their chosen roles wrapped in one large story, holding onto the wisdom of their own capabilities that allowed them to progress of society, and each member had a significant impact on its history. Living in a small city, there are many plumbers, gardeners, and waste collectors, doing their jobs but whenever my parents would saw them, they didn’t to tell me “ not end up like them.” To them, they weren’t seen as successful or happy, despite using their service themselves constantly. Such a statement was as unwise as it was hypocritical, and even though my parents wanted the best for me, it was important to recognize the work these laborers trifle through in order to make a living. In the past, one of my teachers described every job as a ‘“way of contributing to the world’s affairs,”’ and one could do so by either saving the environment from people, or people from themselves, because both were in desperate need of assistance. I had decided that law and engineering would allow me to achieve such goals and return to the world what I thought was due, and give back to those who made the world I lived in so brilliant in the first place. To make a better world for the next generation goes beyond my imagination. Floating cities, robotic servants, and flying cars have always been deemed as science fiction, but, with everything humanity has created so far, I’d like to view these creations as scientific possibilities for me to build upon for the rest of my life.