May you share a little background about yourself and your academic journey so far?
I am a 17 year old Taiwanese American from Sammamish, Washington. I entered UW as a freshman this year through the UW Robinson Academy, which is a program for early entrance to college after 10th grade. This year, I’ve been taking all sorts of classes, including business, psychology, and of course, history. I plan to major in Accounting and Information Systems through the Foster School of Business. Outside of the classroom, I’m involved in the Taiwanese Student Association, where I’ll be serving as Vice President External next year, and I’m currently working as an accounting intern at the Seattle Department of Transportation.
Could you share with us the core message of your essay, ‘A Diplomatic Speech: Politics Under the Table,’ which was awarded the 2025 Library Research Award?
My essay explores Taiwan’s diplomatic strategy in the 1970s through a speech given by the ROC Ambassador Liu Chieh. Unpacking the nationalistic viewpoint of the speech serves as a starting point to explore the underlying forces determining Taiwan’s fate in the UN, such as US foreign policy shifts and Cold War geopolitics. The essay highlights how Taiwan’s diplomatic strategy relied on presenting a firm stance while privately remaining flexible to protect its long-term interests, especially its alliance with the US. This contrast between public messaging and private priorities reveals how diplomacy often operates both on the surface and behind the scenes, which is a very applicable message to many diplomatic situations.
In what ways did Professor James Lin’s course, HSTAS 235 A: History of Modern Taiwan, shape your understanding of Taiwan’s political and social transformations?
Professor Lin’s course helped me better understand the historical context behind Taiwan’s current position and the political and social transformations that led up to today. Through engaging lectures, detailed primary source analysis, and thoughtful class discussions, I feel like I know more about not only Taiwan’s international challenges but also the internal political shifts, such as the transition from authoritarianism to democracy. This knowledge has helped me understand my motherland, giving me a stronger sense of identity as a Taiwanese American. As someone who used to participate in Model UN, I also found it super fascinating to do a deep dive into Taiwan’s international positioning surrounding the UN. The course has inspired me to be more politically engaged and informed, especially when it comes to advocating for Taiwan and understanding how its history continues to shape its future.
What are your goals for the remainder of your time at UW, and how do they connect to your plans after graduation?
I hope to continue exploring different fields and learning as much as I can while at UW. In addition to pursuing my business major, I’m excited to take more Taiwan-related courses that allow me to better understand my heritage through academics. As the incoming Vice President External of the Taiwanese Student Association, I plan to strengthen connections between the Taiwanese American student body and the broader local community through professional networking and cultural events. After graduation, I hope to begin my career in accounting or financial services, ideally in a role that values global awareness. I’m interested in how financial systems operate across borders, and I’d love to eventually work in a space that ties together my professional skills and cultural background!