One of my most memorable experiences at Duke was serving as co-president of the Tour Guides. It was an opportunity that shaped my personal and professional growth. This position not only allowed me to showcase my deep pride in the university but also challenged me to articulate Duke’s unique qualities with precision and passion. The role also pushed me to develop a deeper sense of curiosity. I even toured rival schools, fostering a spirit of continuous improvement, to understand how we could enhance our own campus experience.
The selection process for new tour guides proved to be an invaluable lesson in leadership. Tasked with interviewing hundreds of applicants for a limited number of positions, I honed my ability to assess talent and potential. This process demanded a keen eye for identifying individuals who could best represent Duke’s diverse and vibrant community. The skills I developed in evaluating candidates’ knowledge, enthusiasm and communication abilities have proven instrumental throughout my career. Beyond the Tour Guides program, I was deeply involved in Duke’s community. I served as chair of The Chronicle board, led the Asian Students Association, and was active in my living group. The breadth of leadership opportunities at Duke was remarkable, and I credit those experiences with helping me land my first big job at Procter & Gamble. My public policy major wasn’t the traditional fit for the role, but the leadership skills I developed at Duke helped me stand out – proving that, just like riding a bike, some skills stay with you
for life.