I’ve always been fond of art — it’s a quiet companion that’s followed me throughout my life. From a young age, I would spend time drawing with my cousin. We’ve always shared a unique bond because, coincidentally, we were born on the exact same day: October 3rd, 2008. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with leukemia at a young age, and art became our shared language. We’d draw together whenever the opportunity came. Those quiet, creative moments became our escape, a small pocket of joy that further deepened our connection.
In middle school, I started folding paper stars — tiny bursts of color with hand-drawn smiley faces, each no bigger than a fingertip. At first, it was a small hobby. I’d hand them to classmates randomly, just to brighten someone’s day, and always got a smile in return. My friends eventually grew curious and wanted to learn how to make them too. Then, when a friend told me she had been carrying her star for months, I realized how something so simple could mean so much. These stars weren’t just crafts – they were connections.
That idea became the foundation of Stellar Wonderz, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit I founded to bring light, love, and creativity to the community. Our mission is to illuminate and give hope to the people in our community: elders in homes, patients in hospitals, veterans in care centers, and children navigating long-term treatment. From handmade friendship bracelets to personalized craft kits and our signature star bundles, every gift we deliver reminds recipients that they are not alone — there are people cheering them on.
The inspiration behind our star bundles — large paper stars with 15 small stars inside, each containing a written message — comes from a Japanese legend about a girl named Hoshi, who folded paper stars to save the ones falling from the sky. She rallied her village to help, believing that “whenever a lucky star is made, a falling star is saved.” Just like Hoshi, I’ve invited over 1k young people across the country to fold stars, craft kits, and send joy to strangers. Each star carries a handwritten message of encouragement, and each bundle is a reminder that someone out there believes in you. Currently, we have donated over 4k crafts and 5k paper stars.
One of my most meaningful moments was when the principal of an art school in China informed us of a heart touching situation that happened upon receiving our donation. We prepared star jars and a pre-filmed video of encouragement for the young artists. After viewing the video, one of the students burst into tears. The teacher of the class had to help her calm back down. The reason for her tears was heartbreaking. The young student had been going through tough family matters for an extended time and wasn’t feeling loved, but with our words and gifts she genuinely felt heard. After a leadership member of Stellar Wonderz heard this story, she also teared up.
Outside of Stellar Wonderz, I’ve continued to explore the intersections of art, advocacy, and leadership. As a visual artist, I’ve received multiple Gold and Silver Scholastic Art Awards and recognition from national programs like Celebrating Art. I lead my school’s Chinese club as president, serve as a flautist in my state’s all-state band and orchestra, plan community cultural performances for nonprofit events, and MC cultural events that celebrate heritage and connection. Every role I take on reflects my belief in the power of creativity to inspire, unite, and heal.
Leading Stellar Wonderz has taught me so many lessons and helped build many of my personal values. I will continue to empower youth leadership and encourage youth to join our initiative.
