| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | When I was young, my dad would take me to the zoo every weekend. I’d have to go see every animal. My parents like to say that my athleticism comes from all the walking we did and my love for nature from the animals. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I’m closest with my mom. Although we have very different personalities, she is such an understanding soul that I feel like I can talk to her about anything. She’s also the most capable person I know. I definitely try my best to think about what my mom would do when I’m in a difficult situation. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | Everyone has to have something they are curious and passionate about. If someone can be their authentic self and really take an interest in learning about the world, they have my deepest admiration. Other traits I think are important are humility, confidence, honesty, and compassion. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | One time at a swim meet, my teammates and I tricked our coach by turning the race into a big game of sharks and minnows. The starter went off, and we all swam as fast as we could to the other side. Surprising the coach, we all hopped out of the water except for my friend who yelled “MINNOWS CROSS!” as we all dove back into the water to finish the race. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | My dream destination is Bhutan. I respect so much of the nation’s philosophy regarding environmental protection, happiness, and maintaining cultural traditions. I feel like it’d be a great place to experience beautiful nature and gain new insight about the world in general. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I hope my children have a love for the environment and sports because I feel like those things have contributed most to who I am today. I hope that they have an appreciation and understanding of their Asian heritage and see it as a source of strength and pride. However, most of all, I hope that my children learn to be curious about the world and have a desire to make it a better place. |
