Michelle Leung, is 19 but just a few weeks short of turning
Michelle Leung, is 19 but just a few weeks short of turning 20. She grew up in Walnut, California and is 100% Chinese 🙂 Michelle is entering her third year at UC Santa Barbara, double majoring in Political Science and Asian American Studies and minoring in the Global Peace and Security program. She loves UCSB and doesn’t think she could have picked a better school. She enjoys traveling and eating, is a fan of romantic comedies, and adores Hello Kitty. She is also a freelance graphic and web designer.
ASIANCE: Why did you choose your school?
Michelle: UCSB seemed really ideal and although it wasn’t my first choice, I’m glad I ended up coming here. Its atmosphere is stunning and it ranks well in academics and it’s also known for its social scene. It seemed like it had the best of everything.
ASIANCE: What is your major?
Michelle: I am currently a Political Science and Asian American Studies double major, with a minor in Global Peace and Security.
ASIANCE: What will you be doing once you graduate?
Michelle: I am currently shopping around, but I have narrowed my options to law school, or getting a graduate degree in Communications, Public Policy, or some sort of media studies.
ASIANCE: What clubs or extracurricular activities did you enjoy? If Asian specific, why did you choose to join?
Michelle: I’m a member of alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority, Inc., which is currently my biggest extracurricular involvement. We’re an Asian-Interest sorority. I chose to join because I thought it would be a great way to become more involved and well-rounded. I’m glad to be a part of it because I’ve developed many skills like leadership and time management, gotten more involved in school and in the community, and I’ve expanded my connections. Although aKDPhi is Asian-Interest, that wasn’t the main factor that drew me in, although it helped somewhat to meet more people that I could relate to easier.
ASIANCE: What do you look forward to the most about graduating?
Michelle: I am really liking my college experience so I’m not anxious to graduate yet, but I suppose I’d look forward making my own money – a real salary and not just a part time job. I definitely feel better about myself when I get to spend money that I’ve worked for myself.
ASIANCE: What will you miss about not attending school?
Michelle: Most likely spending time with friends and being in such close proximity to them.
ASIANCE: Was there another school you wanted to attend?
Not really. I was pretty open minded.
ASIANCE: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Michelle: Hopefully jumpstarting my career somewhere on the path to success….
ASIANCE: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Michelle: Continuing my path to success….really!
ASIANCE: Any significant accomplishments you would like to add during your time in college?
Michelle: None so far.
ASIANCE: Looking back would you do anything differently?
Michelle: Adjust to college life sooner. Although it was probably inevitable, I wish I’d gotten to perfect my time management, studying, and organization skills the moment I arrived at UCSB. It definitely took time to learn.
ASIANCE: Was there anything hard about being Asian at your school?
Michelle: UCSB isn’t known for being the “Asian UC” but I don’t have any trouble at all. In fact I feel like UCSB is really diverse – a good mix of everyone – and I like that. There wasn’t as much cultural diversity where I grew up, so I find UCSB relatively exciting.
ASIANCE: What advice would you give to girls who are looking at colleges right now?
Michelle: Explore and apply to colleges with an open mind because you never know what you’ll end up liking or what will suit you best. I knew almost nothing about UCSB when I applied to schools but I ended up coming here and loving it.