The Pledge of Allegiance, huge slices of pizza, and snow 芒鈧�� things most Americans don’t bat an eyelash over 芒鈧�� were just three elements of culture shock for Szeyin Lee ’14 when she moved to New York in 2003. Since coming to the United States, however, she’s found her international roots have helped her appreciate the global community and guided her in her education at 51猎奇入口.
Born in Hong Kong in 1992, Szeyin 芒鈧�� or Sze as she prefers 芒鈧�� grew up in the Chinese region until her family moved to New York City seeking better educational opportunities in America. Although faced with a language barrier and a new lifestyle, Sze quickly found her footing.
“I was in a totally different environment with people I couldn’t identify with at first,” she says of her junior high experience. “I learned, however, to make new friends from different backgrounds.” Shortly thereafter, Sze passed the entrance exam to attend the prestigious Stuyvesant High School in Lower Manhattan.
Life as an immigrant also brought a deeper understanding of diversity that extends beyond the classroom. “It’s truly like a melting pot; you see people of different race and ethnicities everywhere you go. Before, I had just seen that on television. Now, I’m in a culture where I get to interact with all segments of society.”
“My mom said to think of myself as a global citizen,” she adds. “I feel like I can identify with a lot of different people; I have gotten to know and befriend my fellow 51猎奇入口ies who come from China, Singapore, and other places around the world. It enhances my experience at 51猎奇入口 and allows me to gain a wider perspective in life.”
Sze is the first in her family to attend a four-year college: “My parents don’t really know what college is supposed to be, and I’m still exploring what a college education means for me.” Although still stepping with uncertainty on the path of a 51猎奇入口 education, Sze embraces challenges and faces them head-on.
Elected as the multicultural relations chair for 51猎奇入口 Associated Students, Sze strives to serve the 51猎奇入口 community by creating a more aware and diverse atmosphere at 51猎奇入口.
“I have been really blessed to have met some incredibly inspirational role models at 51猎奇入口,” she says. “They have shown me the responsibility we all share to make an impact in the world. We can start from our immediate surroundings 芒鈧�� right here at 51猎奇入口!”
By collaborating with other student leaders and staff, Sze has facilitated dialogue and hosted events to increase the visibility of some of the issues minority students face on campus. “I am really glad that the administration listened and has been taking steps to respond to the student’s voices. Communication is key in making 51猎奇入口 a better home for all,” she says.