About Me
Johannesburg, South Africa
2002
Miami, Florida, USA
2009
Gainesville, Florida, USA
2020
Location Loading . . .
2024
Origin
I am a first-generation immigrant and college student. I am of Taiwanese descent but was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to Miami, Florida in 2009.
Keywords
South Africa, Taiwan, Miami
Passions
When it comes to the things I love to do, I tend to focus on three important aspects:
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Movement - I enjoy dancing and am currently training for my purple belt in Kenpo. These activities not only maintain my physical health but they act as stress relievers for me and a form of nonverbal expression.
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Connection - Building relationships with my peers and community is something I deeply value. I spend a lot of time volunteering at my local homeless shelter to learn more about the needs of individuals throughout my community. Culture is another way for me to connect with my community and I have been fortunate enough to find a dance community at the University of Florida that performs at various cultural shows and celebrates the diversity of the Gainesville and UF community.
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Growth - I believe that pushing myself to try new things is the only way that I may experience the full scope of what life has to offer. In everything I do, I seek ways to challenge myself or go out of my comfort zone. Using dance as an instrument to connect with other cultures on campus, I have danced with other cultural organizations from South Asian, Latinx, and African backgrounds. I have also participated in multiple programs at UF to expand my knowledge and academic mindset.
Keywords
Movement, Connection, Growth, Dance, Kenpo, Volunteering, Culture
"If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet..."
Rachel Wolchin
"Communication is merely an exchange of information, but connection is an exchange of our humanity"
Sean Stephenson
"You never know what you can do until you try, and very few try unless they have to"
C.S. Lewis
Academic Background
During my undergraduate years, I studied Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience in the Psychology Department at the University of Florida. My interest in understanding global perspective and my goal to volunteer for PeaceCorps led me to participate in the International Scholars Program and PeaceCorps Prep Program. I decided to take on a minor in Computer and Information Science and Engineering, as well as, a certificate in Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals and Applications to learn more about the technology industry and the future of AI.
Keywords
Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, International Scholars, PeaceCorps Prep, Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals and Applications
Psychology: Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
Computer and Information Science and Engineering
International Scholars Program
PeaceCorps Prep Program
Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals and Applications
Shai's Goal Checklist
Graduate from the University of Florida
Graduate from Law school
Volunteer for the PeaceCorps
Build Homeless Shelter
Future Goals
After graduation, I will be studying for my LSAT and applying to law schools to pursue International Law.
A lifelong goal of mine is to build a homeless shelter that focuses on providing resources that can lessen potential societal gaps and barriers for individuals experiencing housing insecurity. This shelter would provide scholarships and opportunities for individuals to pursue trade school, learn financial literacy, and formulate life plans to secure basic life necessities like adequate housing, healthcare, and education.
My last goal is to complete a volunteer service under the Youth and Development Sector for the PeaceCorps.
Keywords
Law, Homeless Shelter, PeaceCorps