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For this post, I chose to write about the movie Saltburn—a film that embodies the desire for wealth and extravagance. I recently watched it as it was recommended to me by my best friend, Megan. Did she like the movie? Maybe not fully, but as a journalism major, she enjoyed the aesthetics of the film. She hoped I would also watch it so we could discuss it together. As a good friend, I ended up suggesting it during my movie night with another friend last weekend. If you thought I would be giving an extraordinary review that would make you want to watch the film, you might be wrong. While this was a well-crafted and paced cinema, it was a hard watch, and I had to skip certain graphic scenes. (P.S. I am not the best with revolting scenes in movies, so that could just be me.) After the film, I found out that the unsettling feelings viewers are left with following Saltburn's graphic scenes are the product of a subliminal technique known as "psychological distancing," a tool usu...

Just finished "American Like Me" by America Ferrera, and I was truly impressed by the depth and diversity of stories within. This book felt like a series of intimate conversations with individuals who've thrived against the odds, in fields where their success was far from guaranteed. A recurring theme that struck a chord with me was the crucial role of hard work and determination, especially with the sacrifices of their families. Many contributors spoke of their parents' unwavering support as pivotal to their achievements. It reminded me of my own background, witnessing first-hand my parents' sacrifices as they gave up their thriving lives in their homeland to provide us better opportunities. The narratives also shed light on how challenges faced in childhood can forge resilience and strength. What I found particularly compelling was the impact of growing up in multicultural neighborhoods. These environments provided the authors a perspective to see beyond racial ...

The Sacred Art of Dumpling Making: A Journey to the Center of Potstickers   Making dumplings is a challenging feat. It's an ancient craft passed down through generations, requiring zen-like focus, preternatural dexterity, and a touch of harmony. But don’t you worry - with my guidance, you can achieve dumpling enlightenment. Grab your apron, and let's get folding! In this adventure, I'll lead you step-by-step through the hallowed process of crafting perfect potstickers. You'll learn ancient Chinese secrets like the best filling combinations, how to pleat the wrappers and the ideal cooking techniques. I'll share my dumpling disasters, too (oh, the soggy bottoms I’ve seen) so you can avoid my mistakes.  Get ready to laugh, cry, and discover your life's calling as we dive into the glorious world of dumplings! The Filling: The Heart of the Dumpling The filling is the soul of the dumpling. Get it right, and you're halfway to making them perfect. So, let's star...

For my first book, I chose "American Like Me" by America Ferrera, anticipating a connection to my own cultural background. I prefer physical books, so I purchased a copy on Amazon last week and am currently about 60 pages into the book. As a Turkish individual born in China, I grew up as a minority in my hometown. When my parents immigrated to the United States, I was once again a minority. Thus, the stories in the book resonate deeply, articulating perfectly the tension between preserving one's heritage and blending into American society. Ferrera and her co-authors provide insight into the nuanced emotions of self-discovery in a country where one might feel like an 'other.' The candid storytelling, which I've encountered so far, highlights the bravery required to navigate the landscape of cultural expectations. For example, Ferrera discusses her discomfort with her name in the classroom—a feeling I relate to due to the mispronunciation caused by the Chinese s...

Event Coordinator Intern I hesitated to name the title of this job for several minutes. You may be wondering why. As an intern at a startup, you typically juggle a seemingly endless array of tasks. They assign you a title but one week in, you may question its accuracy. I eventually embraced the title of an “event coordinator”, defined as “a person responsible for everything that happens on the day of a particular event” (Workable). I will dive into the logic behind this choice in the next two pages.  Over the summer, I began an internship at the Medici Network - a company that bridges the gap between institutional investors and digital assets. They foster a network of global investors, founders, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists through formal conferences and related events. The company’s main sectors include the annual Medici LA conference and Medici Singapore conference, research reports, and global satellite events.  Annual Medici LA Conference  Understanding the ...

Home I currently call home La Cañada Flintridge, California. It is about 30 minutes north of the USC campus. Originally, I was born in Xinjiang, China and moved to the United States during elementary school.  About Me I am not quite certain of exactly where I will end up other than the desire to work in the blockchain industry. Immediately after college, I plan to work at a research firm in the industry. Further, I am interested in working in venture capital as that is where I originated my passion for blockchain in a past internship.  The rest is rather uncertain, which I believe is what makes this industry exciting for me.  "If you don't know where you want to go, then it doesn't matter which path you take." -  The Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland) I am like my parents in that I value family greatly. Additionally, I have also adapted how much they appreciate learning about other cultures and their history. I am unlike my parents in that I grew up influenced by th...