2023-2024, Year-in-Review

• What specific experiences (honors or otherwise) in the past year have impacted your personal, academic, or professional goals and life trajectory most? Which future experiences will further encourage this growth? Please articulate specific academic and professional goals for the next year.

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Just when I thought I had experienced a great freshman year, my sophomore year turned out to be even more enriching, filled with opportunities that significantly impacted my personal, academic, and professional growth. The past academic year has been a journey of exploration and realization, with several key experiences shaping my goals and life trajectory.

The most impactful experience was the trip to San Francisco with the Center of Entrepreneurship and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. As a computer science student, visiting Silicon Valley was a dream come true. During this trip, I visited renowned companies like IDEO, Notion, Google, and Apple. These visits provided me with the opportunity to engage with AI engineers and software developers, gaining invaluable insights into the fields of computer science and artificial intelligence. Conversations with these industry leaders helped me understand the current trends and future possibilities in AI and technology. This experience was instrumental in solidifying my interest in AI and guiding me toward a focused career path.

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San Francisco itself was an inspiring city. Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, a marvel of engineering built by UC alumnus Joseph Strauss, was particularly moving. It was a tangible reminder of how hard work and passion can lead to monumental achievements. This trip reinforced my belief that dedication and perseverance are key to success, motivating me to pursue my goals with renewed energy.

Another significant experience was my participation in the Venture Lab accelerator program at the 1819 Innovation Hub. I have been working on a startup aimed at making physical therapy more accessible and ensuring better patient adherence. The accelerator program was a deep dive into the entrepreneurial world, where I learned about the intricacies of launching and managing a startup. The focus on customer discovery was particularly enlightening, as it emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing customer needs. Through this program, I gained essential entrepreneurial skills, from market research to pitching ideas, and this experience affirmed my passion for developing my physical therapy startup. It also provided me with the confidence and knowledge to push forward with my entrepreneurial endeavors.

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Additionally, my first internship at Phillips Edison and Company was a transformative experience. This co-op opportunity allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting, giving me a deeper understanding of how the industry operates. Working on various projects, collaborating with professionals, and navigating the corporate environment helped me develop critical skills and clarified my career aspirations. This internship confirmed my desire to work in the tech industry and provided a clearer picture of the field I want to specialize in post-graduation.

Looking ahead, my goals for the next year are both ambitious and exciting. I aim to advance my startup by expanding my team and developing a fully functional product that can be tested clinically. This will involve rigorous development, testing, and refinement to ensure the product meets the needs of physical therapy patients effectively. Additionally, I plan to deepen my knowledge in machine learning and AI, fields that have captivated my interest. To achieve this, I intend to take advanced courses and secure an internship focused on machine learning. Hands-on experience in this area will be invaluable, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems and gain insights from industry experts.

These experiences have not only shaped my personal and professional goals but also set a clear trajectory for my future endeavors. The past year has demonstrated the importance of hard work, passion, and the pursuit of knowledge. As I move forward, I am excited to build on these experiences, continue learning, and strive toward making meaningful contributions to the fields of AI and physical therapy.