​What is your major at UAB/BSC and why did you choose it? I’m a freshman Urban Environmental Studies major at Birmingham Southern College. As a kid, my favorite part of family vacations was (and still is!) visiting a city’s botanical gardens, local farmers markets, or urban parks. I am fascinated about ways of daily sustainable living from tiny houses to Earthships and eco-friendly city structures. Constructed as an interdisciplinary major, Urban Environmental Studies allows me to bridge the relationships between society and our natural environment.

What do you hope to do after you graduate? After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in public service. Whether that be through the government or nonprofit sector, I am most called towards advocacy work. Currently, I work with various civic organizations on social justices causes, aiming for a more inclusive and connected community. In the future, I hope to work more directly with Alabama’s state policies, particularly on environmental justice, women’s health care, and sex education. 

What is your dream job? While there are many careers I’d love to experience一like being a part of a botanical garden design team!一ultimately, I want to serve in public office, concentrating on community development, particularly through inclusion and green initiatives.

What do you hope to learn while interning with Gasp? While interning at GASP, I hope to grow closer to and more involved with the larger Birmingham community. In addition, I’m excited to learn more about community environmental initiatives, especially what social, political, and environmental methods we can apply to the environmental injustice prevalent in northern Birmingham communities. 

Why is our mission to reduce air pollution important to you? Birmingham’s air pollution is intertwined with political, social, and racial issues. A person’s access to life’s necessities such as the ability to breathe clean air is not a privilege for the powerful or wealthy, but a human right. As an Alabama native, a young woman and an Asian American, I understand the necessity to fight for a community that is conscious and inclusive of minority and marginalized groups. Through GASP’s mission, I believe we are not only working towards a healthy community, but a unified city. 

What is your favorite food? I eat anything and everything! But I’m always in the mood to eat curry! From different Indian curries to Thai, they always remind me of home. 

What are your hobbies? While I do consider my love of food adventures a hobby, I also love journaling, playing instruments, reading, and doing anything outdoors. From hiking to kayaking, I feel most at peace when I’m outside! 

Who or what are your influences? I grew up with a big family and since I was a kid, they have been my biggest supporters and sturdiest foundation. My parents who both immigrated to America for better life opportunities have endlessly encouraged me to pursue my passions and ambitions. 

What are some other fun facts about yourself?I play three instruments一piano, guitar, and ukulele! I love musical theatre! Some of my favorites include Waitress and Les Miserables.