What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you? 250
If I describe to you my life, you’d assume I’m a spy.
After all, I was recruited when I was 11. I receive assignments via email, text, or phone and liaise with PR’s, determining time and location. My assignments require significant travel to infiltrate red carpets and junkets, relaying intel to bosses who sit atop skyscrapers.
Instead of X-Ray sunglasses, I’m equipped only with a mic and a notepad. I pore over my feature stories and rewrite movie reviews in the dead of night. Like a secret agent studying files, I spend hours researching the targets and brainstorming unique questions that will yield priceless insight.
On the job, I work erratic hours and stay calm under pressure. Though I’m not setting traps for villains, I do talk with green monsters like the Hulk, Kermit, and Mike Wazowski. I undergo intense training to enter the Scorch Trials, study How to Train Your Dragon, and venture Into The Woods. I conduct intelligence operations with other Divergents, learn the mystical arts under the guidance of Doctor Strange, and sail across Sea of Monsters and Stranger Tides to accomplish my missions. It all pays off when I acquire exclusive insight into artists’ lives, revealing another facet of depth. I connect with another human and gain invaluable perspective.
Real spy or not--I’m happy with this job. It’s just as cool. (225)
Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (250 word limit)
At an arts school worth the two-hour bus rides, I have learned to summon the spirits of writers like Haruki Murakami and Amy Tan into the classroom, and at USC, nothing will change. I can’t wait to indulge in different mediums—to break down the structure of Toy Story in film, to study why TV is currently the most progressive medium, to tell stories that need to be told through journalism. Storytelling has emboldened me to face my fears, stretch my imagination, and fight for Asian American representation.
At USC School of Cinematic Arts, I will rehearse my synopsis in the mirror in preparation for a chance elevator encounter and for First Pitch. I’ll expand myself beyond writing courses. Feel the weight of a camera in my hands as I lie belly flop on the dirt as a director. Roll words off my tongue as an actor. Spend my nights writing/filming/editing away with fellow visionaries in the name of a secret USC game (which doesn’t exist of course) where Reality ends.
At Annenberg, everything comes into play--from the countless required essay-writing classes to desert field trips to learning dance to studying the The Science of Happiness. Whether it is interviewing USC guest speakers or sharpening my journalism skills daily at the media hub behind the scenes as well as in front of a green screen, I will pursue journalism’s highest calling: to be a vessel for readers to connect with the world around them.
Explain your educational and career interests and why Annenberg is the best match for you. (250 word limit)
A thrill shoots up my spine every time I stand on the front lines, knowing that the perspective viewers can gain from an interview can be surprisingly invaluable.
As a USC Annenberg undergrad, I picture myself working shifts in Annenberg Hall surrounded by screens flashing breaking news as well as the live, student-produced newscast. Annenberg supports paid internships, and it is my hope to intern as a journalist either on campus or halfway across the world, knowing I have the support of a lifelong mentor through the Annenberg Advantage. I want to learn how to script and film different forms of storytelling such as breaking news reporting to profile writing to documentary-style exploring.
I have a voice in this world. I do not take it lightly--I have the honor and grave responsibility of using my voice on behalf of those who do not. I want to speak up against injustices and serve as one of the world’s watchdogs--fighting corruption, examining diversity in the workplace, in Hollywood, and in politics, and telling the important stories that may be hard to tell. I will champion the Media Diversity & Social Change initiative because what we see on screen can either limit or expand our imagination of what is possible.
When I emerge from USC, I will be a broadcast journalist, a producer, network executive—the possibilities are endless in front of and behind the camera. No matter what, I will continue to help people with the skills and resources I gained from Annenberg.
Describe yourself in three words: visionary, optimistic, passionate
What is your favorite snack? Cookies and Creme Ice Cream, Pocky, Pollock Fish Snack Filled with Sesame
Favorite app/website: YouTube
Best movie of all time: Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Hashtag to describe yourself: #blessed
Dream job: Storyteller, Director, Writer, Actor, Advocate, Journalist
What is your theme song? "Nonstop" from Hamilton
Dream Trip: Korea
What TV show will you binge watch next? Boy Meets World
Place you are most content? Coffee shops, secret libraries, and my room