Rice’s Academic Life and The Residential College System

I hope to have a significant influence on the quality of Rice’s academic life and the Residential College System. I am an international scholar from Shenzhen, China and have studied in the United States (U.S.) for four years. I have participated in a variety of competitions and roles where I have acquired cultural competence, leadership skills, and spirit of inquiry that will be of positive influence to other students and the entire educational system.
From a personal perspective, learning institutions play a vital role in familiarizing students with global issues. It is my belief that students should acquire knowledge in a range of aspects irrespective of their career choice. Cultural awareness is one of the essential elements students should gain in learning institutions. At a personal level, I appreciate the significant differences ranging from customs, values, practices, and languages that different people possess. It is a skill I have acquired from my American host family who are exceptionally friendly to me. I seek to motivate others towards acknowledging individual differences to prevent presumptions and stereotypes that are mainly linked to cultural backgrounds. I believe that practicing cultural awareness is critical in the current learning environments that comprise a significant proportion of international students. It works to prevent disagreements between students and makes the institution well adapted to accommodating students and employees of diverse culture.
My spirit of inquiry has been demonstrated in numerous ways.

At school, I am the valedictorian of the class, and I dwell on the belief that curiosity makes learning more productive and enjoyable. I am a curious student who always asks questions and takes the time to do research to get answers to various problems. Moreover, I am an active member of the Mathematics team. I have promoted the spirit of inquisitiveness in the group, and it is the best performing group in the class. Working on group tasks has become pleasurable and learning math has become extensively satisfying. This skill will be of great significance in enhancing the quality of Rice’s academic life.
I possess exceptional leadership skills that I have acquired by participating in different roles. For the past few summers, I have worked as an intern at HuanRong Securities Co. Ltd as an assistant banking analyst where I assisted in analyzing data and preparing reports. I worked cooperatively with others to awaken productivity within the section. For many people, leadership has to be linked to particular job titles; however, I trust that efficient followership, is one of the most important elements of true leadership. It entails being part of a team and delivering to the expectations.
I am longing to learn more and acquire additional skills that will assist me to contribute to the achievements of the society in the coming years. Nevertheless, my current strengths will be of great significance to Rice, and I will facilitate to promote cultural awareness, leadership skills, and the spirit of inquiry. I am confident that I will be remembered for enhancing humanistic values, as well as academic productivity in Rice and the Residential College System.