As the youngest in a family of 8 from Vietnam who has moved over 10 times, and lived internationally and on the east and west coasts, I'm keenly aware of the power of education. At Columbia, I've been lucky to have been challenged personally and intellectually, resulting in growth and empowerment I could have never imagined for myself. I've explored from the rigors of science, to the beauty of innovation here in New York. But the most valuable takeaway is my community- I thank everyone for supporting my education in school and life at large- from my amazing advising Dean, to my friends and professors in EBHS, to my incredibly admirable colleagues at the Zuckerman Institute and community in Harlem, and always back full circle to my friends and family.