The Draw Of A U.S. Education

As a student overall, I was the typical 亚洲女孩 (Chinese for “Asian girl”, as my Chinese teachers at Stanford were also quick to point out) which meant that I got tongue-tied around my parents, strangers, relatives, teachers - practically everyone. I was incredibly reluctant to ask questions in class and do anything on my own. My mother would berate me and say that I needed to learn how to be more independent, and that I needed to learn how to be more like American girls, who did everything by themselves.

Hence, when the time came to apply for universities, they were the most supportive parents I could imagine. They were keen on helping me strengthen my character and prove myself without them watching me and coddling me constantly. Looking back on this, I realize that I made the right decision.

Since starting college in the U.S., I’ve become more outspoken and professional, and I’ve become a lot wiser in terms of facing the real world. I would have been a different person had I not been given the chance to go to university abroad.

The biggest factor in my decision to apply to a U.S. university was the quality of education - specifically the academic programs offered at these universities. The facilities and the staff were known for their contributions in all fields; I wanted to experience being in an institution that valued research and independent study. I wanted to be able to construct my own opinions and actively participate in the learning experience. The fact that U.S. universities value independence and individualism appealed to a sheltered high school student like me.