Hobbies and interests
Piano
Karate
Reading
Alpine Skiing
Movies And Film
Cleaning
Makeup and Beauty
Stargazing
Speech and Debate
Manga
History
Chemistry
Reading
Academic
Adult Fiction
Book Club
Classics
Criticism
Cultural
History
Self-Help
Novels
Biography
I read books multiple times per week
Stella Yuan
3,895
Bold Points3x
Nominee1x
FinalistStella Yuan
3,895
Bold Points3x
Nominee1x
FinalistBio
As an intern of the Amherst College Chemistry Anti-Racism Action Committee, I spend time executing inclusive events targeted to undergraduate science students who need to know about the resources available to them. We offer the department ideas such as adding a DEI requirement and increasing student voice in hiring. We connect the faculty and over 250 students in chemistry courses. Finally, we host fun activities to create fellowship among the students. In the future, I will learn more about how communities support and advance themselves and each other.
I am working on an emerging technology in the Olshansky lab that will revolutionize the world. My partner and I spent our Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) synthesizing small green InP-based quantum dots using air-free techniques. In September, we presented our findings at the poster presentation. After one year of research in the lab, I understand how important sharing knowledge is. Ultimately, audiences can gain insight into how InP quantum dots reveal new patterns in science and how these dots would improve energy efficiency in real-world applications.
As I eagerly work toward my degree, I will never forget to foster inclusion among students and invest in their lives. Education is the only path to a brighter future, and I feel happiest when I teach and spark curiosity. Understanding not only the emerging innovations but also research principles encourages students to embrace inquisitiveness and persevere. Upon graduation, I will pursue a Ph.D. and a career in chemistry.
Education
Amherst College
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Chemistry
Milton High
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Research
Dream career goals:
Summertime Custodian
Town of Milton2022 – 2022Music Theory Teacher
Ip Piano School2018 – 2018Sales Associate
7-Eleven2020 – 2020
Sports
Historical European Martial Arts
Club2022 – Present2 years
Badminton
Intramural2022 – Present2 years
Karate
Club2009 – 202213 years
Research
Chemistry
Amherst College — Researcher2023 – Present
Arts
WAMH Amherst College Radio
Film Criticism2024 – PresentTheatrical Choreography
Performance ArtAmherst College Talent Show2022 – PresentMilton Public Schools Applied Lessons Program
MusicFinal Concert2013 – 2020Piano
MusicABRSM Grade 8 Examination, Piano Quartet2009 – PresentWildcat Marching Band
MusicVeteran's Day Service, Memorial Day Service, MICCA Competition, Home Football Games2018 – 2022Tri-M
MusicVirtual Cabaret2020 – 2022Concert Band
MusicWinter Concert, MIOSM Concert, Spring Concert, Graduation Ceremony2015 – 2022SEMSBA Concert Band
MusicConcert2021 – 2022
Public services
Advocacy
Chinese Students Association — Event Manager2022 – PresentAdvocacy
Asian Culture Club — President2018 – 2022Public Service (Politics)
Massachusetts Girls’ State — Attorney General2021 – 2021Advocacy
Students Against Destructive Decisions — President2018 – 2020Volunteering
National Honor Society — Tutor2021 – 2022Volunteering
McNamara Style Ja Shin Do — Teaching assistant2017 – 2022
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Volunteering
Next Young Leaders Program Scholarship
"Hi, Stella!" My kids squealed, smiling.
"Hi, everyone!" I grinned back. "Let's go to the gym now! In a line, please. And don't take off your shoes yet."
With that, I started walking backward, observing my students' gleeful walking. Perhaps they did not stay in a line, but they bubbled in conversation with each other and - if I was lucky enough - with me.
I am the karate teaching assistant at the After School Enrichment program of my school district. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, I go to various elementary schools to instruct about fifty students in the first and second grades in martial art. In doing so, I form an invaluable bond with each student, helping to develop both their bodies and their characters.
After taking off our shoes and socks and putting on our uniforms, we start with the Focus Game. As the master explains, "You must stand very still. Don't move at all. Let your mind control your body, not the other way around." A prankster inevitably asks if the group may blink and breathe; when given the affirmative, the group settles into silence. Each student tries, though a twitch of a tiny toe or a little smile spoils the game. Even then, the master reminds children that they do not have to give up simply because they fidgeted once. They can keep playing, practicing control.
From there, we move on to knife-hands and eye-strikes, sidekicks and stomp kicks, oh my! The master teaches the first Form, which is a twenty-step pattern of blocks, punches, and stances. Only the students who practice, pay enough attention in class, and ask for help can memorize it. The zenith of self-discipline and self-confidence comes in a Test, where one student, watched by peers but aided by none, performs the Form without mistakes. Students who succeed receive an award; students who fail are applauded for their courage and told to keep practicing.
As for me, I enjoy listening and teaching the students. I appreciate the opportunity to lead lessons. However, I truly treasure the moments where I can talk with them. Inquisitive, the students brighten my days with questions that demonstrate their grit. I realize I do not know all the answers, but I answer them. I listen and empathize. This exemplifies a leader: searching for the best solutions, gaining wisdom, and living by example. Indeed, I went through the same ordeals in the same program as a young, wide-eyed student, and I have risen to the second-highest rank in the program. Occasionally, leadership brings toils, like managing a bloody nose. When this happens, I remember that I am honored to serve this student, and I run for a paper towel in bare feet.
Once the lesson concludes, we all stand to formally thank the master. Silently, I contemplate my future leadership goals: I can hold officer positions in my college's clubs; I can renew my participation in local social justice groups; I can even run for local office. However, I will never forget the kids who brought me to where I am, and for them, I am thankful.