Reflecting on my journey from Hong Kong to the United States for my studies, I initially harbored certain preconceptions about American culture and its academic environment. Coming from a highly commercialized background in a bustling Asian metropolis, my perception was shaped by the stories of relentless ambition and rapid innovation often associated with the U.S., particularly in the realms of technology and finance. This view was not just based on media portrayals but also influenced by the global reputation of U.S. institutions and businesses as pioneers at the forefront of technological advancements and economic leadership.
Upon immersing myself in the academic and social fabric of the US, particularly through my experiences at Lafayette College and the internships I undertook, my perception began to evolve. My initial belief in the singular focus on technological and financial innovation as the core of American culture expanded to appreciate a deeper, more nuanced reality. This realization was partly due to my academic pursuits in Economics and Computer Science, where I studied economic theories and quantitative models. My studies went beyond the textbooks, allowing me to appreciate the strong relationship between individual behavior and economic progress, highlighting a broader societal commitment to using innovation for social impact.
This broader perspective was further reinforced during my internship experiences at various financial and technology firms. Working on investment assessment cases, particularly with a PE firm, exposed me to projects that were not just financially promising but also socially impactful. One notable project was the evaluation of a Singaporean company specializing in advanced direct-drive motors. This experience was transformative, as it showcased the potential of analytics not only in identifying viable business opportunities but also in assessing their broader impact on society. It was a clear demonstration of how American businesses and academic institutions are not just chasing economic success but are deeply invested in leveraging innovation for the greater good.
Moreover, my personal challenges and achievements, such as the expedition in Alaska, added another layer to my evolving perception. The physical and emotional ordeal of traversing glaciers and summits with heavy loads was a metaphor for the challenges one faces in unfamiliar environments. This experience taught me that limitations are often self-imposed and that a strong mindset can overcome physical constraints. It was a powerful reminder that the American spirit, as I came to understand it, is not just about innovation and progress but also about resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence against all odds.
Looking ahead, my aspiration to work as a junior analyst for an impact investment business reflects this nuanced understanding. It is not just about being at the cutting edge of financial analytics but about contributing to initiatives that enhance social welfare and industrial innovation. The analytical skills and methodologies I aim to acquire through further education, such as the Financial Technology Analytical, are tools I intend to use not just for personal or corporate gain but for the broader societal good.
In summary, my immersion in American culture and the academic environment has broadened my perspective from a singular focus on innovation and economic leadership to a more comprehensive appreciation of the U.S.’s commitment to using these strengths for social impact. This journey has transformed my initial perception and equipped me with a deeper understanding of the responsibilities that come with technological and financial prowess. As I continue this path, I carry with me the lessons learned and the inspiration drawn from both my academic pursuits and personal challenges, ready to contribute to a future where innovation serves not just the economy but society at large.
[Chinese]
回顾我从香港到美国学习的旅程，最初我对美国文化和其学术环境抱有一定的先入为主的看法。来自于一个繁忙的亚洲大都市，高度商业化的背景形塑了我对美国的看法，尤其是关于无止境的雄心和快速创新，这些通常与美国联系在一起，特别是在技术和金融领域。这种看法不仅基于媒体的描绘，也受到了美国机构和企业作为技术进步和经济领导力前沿的全球声誉的影响
当我沉浸在美国的学术和社会环境中，特别是通过我在拉斐特学院的经历和我参加的实习，我的看法开始演变。我最初对于技术和金融创新作为美国文化核心的信念，扩展到了更深层、更细腻的现实认识。这部分是因为我在经济学和计算机科学领域的学术追求，我研究了经济理论和定量模型。我的学习不仅限于课本，还让我欣赏到个体行为与经济进步之间的紧密关系，强调了使用创新来社会影响的更广泛社会承诺。
这种更广泛的视角在我在各种金融和技术公司的实习经历中进一步得到加强。在私募股权公司处理投资评估案例时，我接触到的项目不仅财务前景光明，而且社会影响深远。一个值得注意的项目是评估一家专门从事先进直驱电机的新加坡公司。这次经历是变革性的，因为它展示了分析不仅在识别可行的商业机会方面的潜力，还在评估其对社会更广泛影响方面的潜力。这清楚地展示了美国企业和学术机构不仅追求经济成功，而且深入投资于利用创新来服务更大的利益。
此外，我的个人挑战和成就，比如阿拉斯加的探险，为我的不断演变的看法增加了另一个层次。跨越冰川和山峰，背负重负的物理和情感折磨，是一个人在陌生环境中面临挑战的隐喻。这次经历教会了我，限制往往是自我设定的，强大的心态可以克服物理限制。这是一个强有力的提醒，我所理解的美国精神，不仅仅是关于创新和进步，还包括了韧性、决心和在一切困难面前追求卓越。
展望未来，我渴望作为一名初级分析师为一家影响力投资公司工作，这反映了我对这个细腻理解的认识。这不仅仅是关于处于金融分析的前沿，而是关于为增强社会福祉和产业创新做出贡献的举措。我通过进一步教育目标获得的分析技能和方法和工具。
总的来说，我对美国文化和学术环境的深入了解，使我的视角从单一地关注创新和经济领导力，扩展到更全面地欣赏美国致力于利用这些优势产生社会影响的承诺。这一旅程转变了我最初的认知，并使我对技术和财务实力所带来的责任有了更深刻的理解。随着我继续前进，我带着从学术追求和个人挑战中学到的经验和灵感，准备好为一个不仅仅服务于经济，而且服务于整个社会的创新未来做出贡献。