When I was in kindergarten, my grandmother placed a square piece of paper in my hands and instructed me on how to fold it into a crane. It was just a game then, but as I grew older, I realized that origami was more than an art form. It was a connection to my heritage, a patience and imagination lesson, and a way of sharing happiness with others.
It was that conviction that inspired me to co-found Origami For Good, an international nonprofit with 170+ chapters across 25+ countries, over 6,000 volunteers, and 4.3 million social media impressions. Our mission is simple: to share joy and comfort through origami. We have distributed over 820,000 pieces of origami since we began to hospitals, nursing homes, and shelters, bringing a small moment of joy to those who need it.
Perhaps the most impactful moment of my experience was when a nurse at a hospital explained that a young patient had isolated himself for weeks. After presenting a softly creased paper crane, the child smiled for the first time. This experience reaffirmed something I have always known—acts of small kindness can endure forever.
Leading Origami For Good has also given me the ability to empower others. Our volunteers make their own chapters, lead community workshops, and organize fundraisers. Seeing young leaders gain confidence as they produce something of their own has been as rewarding as the impact we have through our donations. 
Outside of Origami For Good, I have sought out opportunities that allow me to lead, create, and inspire. As a Class Representative, representing 832 students, I represent and voice out for my classmates and work towards creating a sense of community in my school. I am also a member of the Executive Board for both the Asian Students Association and GEMs, where I work toward creating spaces to celebrate culture and empower women in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through TEDx Talks, which are posted on the TEDx official channel, I have shared in the richness of being a generalist “renaissance person,” and this is something that has informed my own path. 
My passion for service and leadership has also taken me outside the classroom walls. I have performed violin for senior centers, interned at Premier Corex under Dr. Maggie Benge, and conducted research in mechanical engineering at the University of North Texas with Dr. Choi, where I shadowed PhD students in their studies. Writing has allowed me to make my voice heard, and winning the grand prize at the AWM/MfA Essay Contest enabled me to interview prominent mathematicians and share their stories.
Through every encounter, I have realized that influence comes in a variety of forms. Whether through a crumpled crane, a collective effort, or an experience experienced throughout the world, I intend to continue to channel my interests with the aim to create lasting impacts.
