Essay Questions

What is your most memorable childhood experience?The 2006 Chinese Grand Prix was my most memorable childhood experience. The race saw Michael Schumacher winning after starting from sixth and became his 91st and final victory in Formula 1. It was one of the all-time classics and I was fortunate to watch it live, albeit in front of a television.
What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why?I identify most with my maternal grandfather because I spent most of my younger childhood days with him. His profession as a merchant captain was also one of the most unique around me in my younger days, so it was fun to listen to his sea tales. I also considered him like a father figure since my parents moved to America when I was young.
What character traits do you admire in an individual?I admire stoicism, perseverance, and tenacity the most. Being stoic under stressful situations shows the true courage of a person. Perseverance is a trait that takes commitment and resolution to achieve. Lastly, tenacity is independent of physical abilities and intelligence that really defines one's character.
What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you?Throughout my teenage days, I was one of the few that spoke Cantonese around my friends. Naturally, given the influence of Hong Kong films, many were exposed to Cantonese but doesn't quite understand it. Along the way they started to joke with me in Cantonese profanity since the nature of it being a rather unique dialect of Chinese.
If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why?I would travel to Monaco. I want to take a yacht and sail the Mediterranean and enjoy the scenery of the French Riviera. Also, Monaco is the host to the most iconic Formula 1 race on the calendar.
When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them?I was raised in the intersection of Eastern and Western Culture. Most of my interests and hobbies were self-discovered rather than passed down. If anything, I wish my children to share my interests, hobbies and passions in the way I was never able to with my parents. I also hope that they pick up Cantonese along the way, as I consider that to be my mother tongue.