When I applied to the University of Washington, I also applied for the College of Engineering. I had a clear path in mind. I would pursue Bioengineering with a focus in Global Health. I knew that I was passionate about making a social impact and I was committed to this path that I had defined for myself. The summer before college started, I joined a research lab in the Bioengineering department at UW. While I found the research to be impactful, I felt like something was amiss. I realized that I wanted to directly work with people who I was conducting research for. For me, working in a wet lab felt distant and removed from the populations that I was interested in helping. Through a series of adventures and opportunities, I discovered HuskyADAPT, an organization working on accessible design and play opportunities. Through HuskyADAPT, I realized that I was interested in making a social impact but through a user experience and design lens. I continued to explore my options and stumbled upon Human Centered Design & Engineering. Instantly, I felt a spark. I wanted to work with people to improve their experiences with services and products.

My non-linear path to my major has highlighted the importance of exploration in my life. This has been a major theme throughout my career. My interdisciplinary education with the Honors program has further supported my passions and interests across different fields. I learn best by placing myself in unfamiliar environments and by trying new things. During my time at UW, I've been a wet lab researcher, a designer, a storyteller, and a leader. I've taken classes across a variety of departments that have fueled my interest in interdisciplinary learning and encouraged my passion for social justice, equity, accessibility, and public policy.