Year In Review 
(2024 - 2025)

University Honors Program
June 5, 2025

The past academic year has been a turning point, a year where learning moved far beyond the classroom and into new cultures, disciplines, and communities. Each experience I took on reshaped how I see my academic path and my role in the larger world.

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Studying abroad at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in Switzerland was a defining part of this year. Immersed in an international environment, I studied advanced topics in computer vision and machine learning while adapting to a new academic culture. It was an experience that stretched my independence, challenged my thinking, and gave me firsthand insight into the global nature of technology and research. Living and learning in a new country pushed me to be more adaptable and open-minded, skills I know will stay with me far beyond this semester.

In parallel, my work in research and leadership continued to ground me. At UC’s XR Labs, I contributed to projects exploring the intersection of virtual reality, education, and human interaction, work that sharpened both my technical skills and my ability to think critically about how emerging technologies affect society. I also had the opportunity to mentor and support other students through my role as a University Honors Ambassador and Onboarding Mentor, helping new honors students navigate their own transitions into university life.

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This year was also the first time I saw the direct connection between local action and global understanding. Selected for the Ruhr Fellowship Program in Germany, I’ve begun preparing for a summer that will combine professional research in energy and sustainability with cross-cultural leadership training. It's an opportunity I’m incredibly excited about, and one that I hope will bridge my technical background with broader societal impact, something I have been working toward since my first year at UC.

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Across all these experiences, one common thread has been the value of interdisciplinary learning. Whether it’s combining computer science with business analytics, or understanding how technology intersects with education and social equity, I’ve learned that innovation happens at the edges,  where different ways of thinking meet.

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Looking forward, my goals are rooted in these lessons. In the coming year, I aim to:

• Complete my senior coursework in computer science with a focus on AI and data-driven systems.

• Deepen my research skills, potentially through a thesis or capstone project focused on ethical technology design.

• Explore graduate programs that emphasize both technical depth and global impact.

• Stay involved in leadership roles that allow me to mentor others and give back to the communities that have supported me.

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The past year has made it clear that success is not just about technical skills, but about perspective, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning in unfamiliar environments. As I head into my final year at UC, I’m grateful for the experiences that have shaped me so far and excited for the ones still ahead.