1. How do you define success? How would you achieve the success you have defined?
To me, success is defined by your impact and the amount of good that you do for others. How would I achieve success? My mother always said, in order to get 100% on a test or in anything in life, you have to study or work as if you want to get 120% - always put in all of your effort. Even if you don’t succeed, you will know that you gave your very best effort and will have no regrets. But whether you succeed or not, you should learn from everything.
2. If you had the opportunity to establish a charitable organization, what issue would you focus on?
What motivates me is the sense that every day will be a new adventure, and that nothing will be completely the same. Because of this, I love exploring the unknown and pushing myself outside my comfort zone, to learn something new about myself or the world every day.
3. If you had the opportunity to establish a charitable organization, what issue would you focus on?
As we all know, the population is aging, and elderly people may encounter loneliness and feel like they have no support, particularly since families are getting smaller and smaller. During COVID, I was fortunate to work with an organization that paired up students with elderly people in long term care. We organized social events and one-on-one chats with volunteers. I think it is so important to connect today’s youth with our seniors, who have so much experience and wisdom to offer. The youth who participate would learn patience and acceptance, which seems to be in such short supply these days.
4. What Chinese cultural traditions do you particularly cherish? Why?
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of my favourite holidays. Every year since I can remember, I would get to choose a lantern, and our whole family would go and watch the moon with the lantern. My favourite lanterns are always the peach or the fish.
5. Any family traditions that you would like to pass on to your next generation?
Every year, I don’t get a physical birthday present. Instead, our whole family goes on a trip together. Because my parents, who are always working at the hospital, and I am so busy, we have realized that time together is the most precious gift of all. On these trips, we experience new things, travel the world, and make memories together. We celebrated my 10th birthday in Hong Kong, a city that I love, and I will be returning to Hong Kong soon to celebrate my 22nd birthday.
6. What would your 10-year-old self think about you participating in the Miss Chinese Toronto pageant?
Ten-year-old me would be very excited and extremely proud of myself. I always loved watching the show on TV, and would ask my mom to translate what everyone was saying. I would hum the opening tune of the show all the time, but I never thought that someday I would be part of this myself.
7. What part of your daily life do you look forward to the most?
I really look forward to connecting with my loved ones every day, and checking in on their lives. It’s so important to support those around you and lend a listening ear.
8. What activities, such as listening to music or reading, help you feel calm and relaxed?
I enjoy rereading my favorite books, which is very calming because you know what will happen but you want to revisit the story. When I was 6, I reread my Greek mythology books at least 20 times each.
9. Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert? Please provide an example.
I consider myself an ambivert - I am capable of being an extrovert or an introvert depending on the situation and the people that surround me. When I was in Montreal working in an internship, I was extremely extroverted because I was in a new city, wanted to fully engage myself in my work environment and wanted to make new friends in a city that I had moved to completely by myself. In other situations, I am more of an introvert, so that I will be more reflective, but also to let some of my more introverted friends shine.
10. If you were a piece of art, what form or style do you think you would take? Why?
I would be a piece of pottery - as a child, you are molded by the people who surround you and guide your personal growth. You start out somewhat shapeless but full of potential, and through your own efforts and what is around you, wind up becoming completely unique in your shape and personality.