My passion for creative writing started in my childhood when I fell in love with storytelling from the Chinese historical novels my grandfather read to me.

After immigrating to the US with my parents at the age of 5, I experienced the dichotomy and challenge of growing up in western culture while having a traditional Chinese upbringing at home. In high school, I continued to hone my literary interests by serving as the editor for the newspaper and yearbook. During this time, I navigated the college admissions application writing process on my own while gaining admission to several top 30 universities. As a sophomore at UCLA, I discovered my passion for teaching and mentorship by serving as peer counselor, workshop leader, and health instructor over several years. After college, I started my career in education through teaching at several large companies including Kumon, IvyMax, and Pacific Clinics, thus gaining experience instructing various age groups.

In 2016, I moved to Shanghai for a work-study program to pursue my Masters in International Education. Since then, I have been working as a counselor and writing instructor at Pinghe Bilingual School helping hundreds of students on their college application essays for US universities. Most of my my students matriculated into top 30 universities including Upenn, Brown, Cornell, Vanderbilt, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, University of Chicago, UCLA etc. My additional roles at my school include teaching academic & creative writing, facilitating personal statement workshops, and hosting webinars related to college application essays.

Being immersed in both cultures helped me gain insights into the education systems in China and the US. I am fascinated to bridge the bi-cultural gap between Chinese and American perspectives through my instruction of students planning to attend prestigious universities abroad. By utilizing the college application essays as vehicles for self reflection and personal growth, I aspire to make a positive impact during a critical, transitional period my students’ lives just like the process had done for me at their age.

Through my initial passion for story telling, I now coach students to develop self awareness, critical thinking, and cultural understanding. I take my students through the process of reflective writing by crafting their own narrative in their application essays, which can greatly increase their chances of gaining admission into top American universities.

What makes me unique?

- Bilingual (both in language and culture of China and US)
- Specializing in helping students in college application essays since 2016 in top bilingual school in Shanghai
- Involved in education and mentorship since 2009
- Member of IACAC: attend counselor conferences and host admissions officers
- Bachelors of Science in Anthropology (2012) : the study of humans through their past
- Navigated the college admission process and graduate of the #1 ranked public university in the US
- Masters in International Education (2019). Thesis: Parental Influence in Chinese Students’ Decision to Study Abroad

Timeline of Relevant Experience

• 2020-present: Counselor & Director of Writing @ Shanghai Pinghe School
• 2016-2019: Academic Counselor @ Shanghai Pinghe School
• 2014-2016: Family Specialist and Educator @ Asian Pacific Family Center
• 2013-2014: Counselor & Application Essay Editor @ IvyMax Education Prep
• 2009-2011: Peer Counselor & Discussion Leader @ UCLA
• 2005-2007: Editor of Newspaper and Yearbook @ Loyola High School