WHO YOU ARE MATTERS

Who am I? Where do I come from? 

I am Emily Lee. I am Taiwanese. I was born and raised in Taichung, Taiwan and all my family members, including my parents and grandparents, reside in Taiwan. Since young, I have always been someone who is very spontaneous and just do what I believe in. So when I was 14, I decided that the Taiwan educational system was not for me and left the country to study in the states. All of this was made possible because of my supportive, kind, loving parents who believed in me and supported what I believed in. Fast forward 8 years later, I am a senior now in the University of Southern California studying business administration.

<Taiwan>

Where am I going? How am I planning on getting there?

I want to become someone who one day has enough power to help the world in need to and make changes and hopefully one day have my own social venture. I plan on getting there by continue to pursue my progressive degree at USC and connecting with likeminded people to make the world a better place. 

How am I like/unlike my parents?

I am very similar to my parents when it comes to my core values as well as work ethics. My parents came from nothing and worked so hard to get to where they are today; they are humble, extremely hardworking, and persistence. Even beyond that, they always see the good within people; they taught me to always be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. I always remember that there was this one day where my car got hit in the parking lot and the person didn't even leave a note and I was really upset about it. However, the first thing my parents said was that the person who hit my car probably just doesn't have the financial ability or insurance to pay for the damage of the car and told me to not be so riled up about it. It is because of my parents that I am someone who has a lot of empathy and can see things from a different perspective. 

At the same time, my parents can be really tense and I was just like them, but in recent years I have learned to relax a bit more. My mom is also amazingly good at connecting with people and is super charismatic and she sees the opportunities when it comes to business; although not being exactly like her, I do hope to learn more from her.

Have I developed my own expectations of myself?

I think I have. Maybe it is because of growing up in an Asian society, it tends to become the norm to have high expectations for yourself. I do think that a lot of my expectations also come from the society and the definition of "being successful". Ever since I could remember, I had high expectations for myself. I started going to cram schools and having tutors in elementary school in order to excel in my academics and get into all the middle schools. I think now I am a bit more relaxed in trying to figure out what I really want to do in life.

Who serves as a model for me of someone who lives life with great passion and personal responsibility?

My parents have always been my biggest role models, but there's someone else who left a lasting impression on me: a doctor I met on my volunteer trips to Cambodia with a medical camp. This was between the ages of 13 and 17. He wasn't just any doctor; he had this incredible energy and commitment to helping others. I remember him telling me, "Even the smallest act of kindness can be life-changing for someone else." This really stuck with me.  What made him stand out was how he put those words into action. He would travel to various places, always ready to lend a hand, using his medical skills to help people in the most remote and challenging areas. It wasn't just about treating illnesses; it was how he connected with everyone. He listened to their stories, offered comfort, and went above and beyond just being a doctor.  This experience with him really shaped how I see the world and my role in it. It taught me that personal responsibility isn't just about doing your job; it's about making a positive impact in whatever way you can, big or small.

What wild animal do you feel a special connection with, and why?

I do feel like I have a special connection with sloths. I know it is weird. I don't know why but I saw sloths as my spirit animal. To me, they are just the most adorable little slow creature that just didn't have a care in the world. They take their time to relax and they are unbothered.

What is my significant childhood encounter with a tree or plant?

We had a little balcony garden in my house when I was growing up and the one thing I remember the most clearly was the kumquat tree. In our culture, kumquat tree is believed to to be an auspicious plant which symbolizes wealth and prosperity. I just remember growing up being able to pick the little kumquat from the tree and eat it– it was just a really interesting feeling to be able to eat fruit off of a tree in your house. As a kid, you really do feel very special.

🌞Sun Sign: Aquarius ♒

🌝 Moon Sign: Cancer ♋

⋰Ascendant/ Rising Sign: Pisces ♓