AAPAAN Scholarship Recipients

2024 AAPAAN Scholarship Recipients

Emi Miyazaki

I am incredibly honored and grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Asian and Asian Pacific American Alumni Network Scholarship! I am currently a 3rd year at UVA pursuing a double major in Statistics and Economics. Coming into college, I was hoping to find a Japanese organization on Grounds to connect with others who shared a similar interest and/or background as I did. Although I did not find such a group at first, my desire to share Japanese culture with others and foster a community inspired me to collaborate with others to start the Japanese Student Association (JSA) during my first year, and it quickly became my main involvement. As Secretary during my first and second years, and now as Vice-President, I have had the privilege of witnessing JSA’s growth and impact. As a CIO, we’ve gotten to share Japanese culture with the UVA community through various events, activities, and food.

Besides my involvement in JSA, I’m a resident advisor, teaching assistant, and a member of the University Singers and the University Guide Service. I am immensely grateful for this scholarship, and I hope to continue enriching and improving upon the APISAA community at UVA during the rest of my time here.

Daisy Dudley

It is an honor to be selected as a 2024 AAPAAN Scholarship recipient. I am a third-year, studying Printmaking as a Studio Art major with a Chinese Language and Literature minor. Born in Taiwan and growing up all over the U.S. I have found myself curious about the stories tied to place and how they influence local expressions of art. I hope to use what I am learning at UVA to understand and propagate artist networks that share authentic stories of place beyond dominant narratives.

As an older student re-approaching undergrad, my goal is that my education be one that enjoys the unique opportunities and expertise that UVA has to offer. UVA’s interdisciplinary encouragement has given me the confidence to determine my own path that weaves itself between traditional career expectations; allowing me to focus on the intersections between social practice, personal narrative, cultural identity, craft, problem solving, discovery, and play. A significant part of my experience has been getting to explore my Taiwanese identity in relation to “belonging” here in Charlottesville, as well as community organizing and solidarity through programs like the Women’s Asian American Leadership Initiative (WAALI) and the Asian Pacific American Leadership Training Institute (APALTI).

After graduation, I hope to expand on my career as an artist to create more personally driven art focused on place, community, local resource, and generational connections. I especially hope to tie what I have learned here and improved fluency to connect more deeply with my family in Taiwan and bring that cultural history to Central Virginia through art.

I want to thank AAPAAN for their generosity and support of Asian and Asian Pacific American students. The recognition from this scholarship is a reaffirmation that the directions my guiding curiosity has led me to explore through higher education are shared by others as well! I feel such a thrill to think of the connection I have found here as a student, and how that appears to extend well beyond student tenure through Alumni Networks like this one.

Desiree Ho

I am honored to be a recipient of this year’s AAPAAN scholarship. I’m a third year majoring in Public Policy at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. Throughout my time at UVA, I have been actively involved in elevating AAPI voices. Recognizing the importance for representation of my cultural identity, I co-founded HKSA to host monthly gatherings connecting students with Hong Kong roots. To ease the transition of new students into UVA, I coordinate with the Hong Kong alumni club to welcome them annually. I have expanded my mentorship efforts by founding the Batten Asian Alliance, a student network at the Batten School to foster academic and career success for Asian students in policy. As the president, I lead the executive board in collaborating with the Admissions office and Student Services team to help current and incoming students navigate job searches and expand their networks. As I continue my academic journey, I am dedicated to creating a culture of mentorship and support that empowers students to thrive at UVA and beyond. This scholarship serves as a reaffirmation of my commitment to uplifting AAPI voices, and I am grateful to AAPAAN for their belief in my potential and support.

Rachel Lin

I am deeply honored and grateful to be receiving the Yee Family American Dream Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year! I am currently a third-year pursuing a double major in Commerce (IT and Management concentrations on a Business Analytics track) through the McIntire School of Commerce and Chinese Language & Literature through the College of Arts and Sciences.

As a first-generation low-income (FGLI) APIDA student, it is a privilege for me to be able to attend this university. I was born and raised in Northern Virginia, but have always had a strong tie to my Chinese roots through my parents who were both born in Fujian, China. However, it was not until I came to college that I truly began to appreciate my culture and recognize the importance of creating a lasting impact for both current and future FGLI APIDA students who will walk the same Grounds as I have.

As the current President of the UVA QuestBridge Chapter, I advocate for the awareness of FGLI
students on Grounds and work closely with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to increase
access to higher education opportunities for marginalized communities. I am dedicated to
building a strong community and support network within the university as well as serving the
greater Charlottesville community.

Additionally, I serve as a Language Consultant through Volunteers with International Students,
Staff, & Scholars (VISAS), which is one of the largest community service organizations here on
Grounds. By engaging in meaningful conversations and bonding over shared interests, I strive to
build meaningful relationships that not only deepen my understanding of my own heritage but
also serve others through fostering open communication.

Finally, volunteering with Madison House as an Income Tax Preparer through their Creating
Assets Savings and Hope (CASH) Program has allowed me to extend my commitment to
financial accessibility outside of UVA Grounds. Guiding low and middle-income individuals
through their refunds, I am able to help enhance their financial well-being and bridge the
knowledge gap of complex financial systems.

As I enter my final year at UVA, I hope to continue advocating for students who identify as part
of the APIDA community and serve as a resource to prospective students. I extend my heartfelt
appreciation once again to the Asian and Asian Pacific American Alumni Network for their
generous support in my academic journey. I will always be grateful for the AAPAAN, the
scholarship committee, and all the scholarship donors for their invaluable contribution to my
education. Thank you for believing in me and investing in the future of myself and others.

2023 AAPAAN Scholarship Recipients

Marian Herboso

I’m extremely grateful to have been selected for the 2023 AAPAAN Scholarship. I’m currently a second year studying Youth and Social Innovation at the School of Education, hoping to double major in Psychology. Born and raised in Virginia Beach by immigrant parents, I was surrounded by a strong Filipino American community. But I always longed to learn more about who I was concerning my cultural and ethnic background.

During my time at UVA, I’ve aimed to discover ways to continuously advocate for voices like mine to be heard and represented. This year, I was lucky enough to serve as one of the Community Chairs for the Organization of Young Filipino Americans (OYFA), where I made it a priority to implement more cultural aspects to our events. With my co-chair, we were able to implement Filipino folklore to Treat-or-Treating on the Lawn and do Tinikling workshops with local schools. I also serve as a Community Outreacher and Curriculum Designer for Kapwa, where we’re working to hold virtual workshops related to Filipino culture and history.

Alongside OYFA and Kapwa, I am a Big Sister in the Young Women Leaders Program and Family Head in the Peer Advising Family Network. I also work at the Sheila C. Johnson Center as a Clinical Administration & Program Evaluation Intern. Through my extracurricular activities, I hope to gain the experience I need to understand marginalized youth in a mentorship and mental health setting.

It’s been a long-term goal of mine to pursue a career in youth development. Finding an identity through culture is a driven desire that many youth face, and I’d like to become someone who can support others on that journey. This scholarship only reaffirms my hopes in pursuing my passions and serves as a reminder that I am breaking generational struggles. I’d like to thank the Asian and Asian Pacific American Alumni Network for their support.

Rachel Lin

I am incredibly honored and grateful to be named a recipient of the 2023 Jack T. Chen Memorial Scholarship! I am currently a second-year pursuing a double major in Commerce (Accounting and Finance Concentrations) through the McIntire School of Commerce and Chinese Language & Literature through the College of Arts and Sciences. In the future, I hope to use my education to engage in meaningful conversations and help bridge the financial literacy gap in various underrepresented communities, including the FGLI APIDA community.

As a first-generation low-income (FGLI) APIDA student, it means a lot to me and my family for me to be able to attend this extraordinary university. I was born and raised in Fairfax, VA, but have always had a strong connection to my Chinese roots through my parents who were born in Fujian, China. However, it wasn’t until I arrived at UVA, that I truly began to appreciate my culture and saw a need to create a lasting impact for both current and future FGLI APIDA students who would one day walk the same Grounds as I had.

As the current Vice President of the UVA Questbridge Chapter, I advocate for the awareness of FGLI students on Grounds and work closely with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to increase access to higher education opportunities for marginalized communities. I am dedicated to building a strong community and support network within the university as well as serving the greater Charlottesville community. Additionally, by serving as a Language Consultant through Volunteers with International Students, Staff, & Scholars (VISAS), which is one of the largest community service programs here on Grounds. I have been able to foster a sense of community by interacting with various international scholars and bonding over topics of mutual interest to help them feel more comfortable with the language/culture. Oftentimes, there is a feeling of
disconnect with the international community here, and so VISAS has allowed me to gain a better understanding of my own culture and serve others through open communication.

During my time at UVA, I hope to continue advocating for the students who identify as part of the APIDA community and serve as a resource to future students. I would like to once again express my gratitude towards the Asian and Asian Pacific American Alumni Network for their generosity and support in my academic journey. Thank you for trusting me and investing in the future of myself and others. I will always be grateful for the AAPAAN at UVA, the Scholarship Committee, and scholarship donors.

Emily Nguyen

Thank you so much to those who chose me to become a repeat AAPAAN scholarship recipient. This year, I am so happy and grateful to be a recipient of the Yee Family American Dream scholarship. I am currently a rising 3rd year student in the School of Nursing. I take great pride in my Vietnamese heritage and what it means to represent Vietnamese people in the nursing community. As the co-president for Diversity in
Nursing for a Better Community (DNBC), I enjoy helping high school students learn about what nursing at UVA has to offer as a part of our annual event: Dare to Dream. Additionally, I am committed to sharing and learning about Vietnamese and Filipino culture, so I am a member of the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) and the Organization of Young Filipinos of America (OYFA). Unlike last year, I started working this year, alongside being a full time student. Roughly 20 hours a week, I dedicate my efforts towards paying for nursing materials and transportation costs for clinical, which is why this scholarship is so important to me. The Yee Family American Dream scholarship will support me financially and academically as well, reducing the burden I have to take on. I plan to graduate with my Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) to work for a few years as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the emergency department. Later on, I want to return to UVA to pursue my Master’s in Nursing (MSN) to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP).

Yilun Zhou

I am extremely honored to be a recipient of the AAPAAN Scholarship! I am a second-year pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Computer Science with a minor in Chemistry. My upbringing in China for the first half of my life and subsequent move to the U.S. has instilled in me a strong connection to my Asian heritage. Since coming to UVA, I have been grateful for the opportunity to further explore and embrace the diverse cultures that make up our community. Throughout the past year, I have actively promoted diversity and inclusion in my leadership positions across various organizations on campus. This scholarship represents the American dream that my family and I have been working towards, and I am committed to giving back to the Asian and Asian Pacific American community at UVA through continued involvement in leadership and community service. I am truly grateful to be the recipient of this scholarship and it will serve as a powerful motivator for me to strive towards my personal goals and reciprocate to our community.

2022 AAPAAN Scholarship Recipients

Isabel Carino

I am deeply honored and thankful to be the first repeat recipient of the AAPAAN Scholarship! I am currently a third-year majoring in Cognitive Science and minoring in Health and Wellbeing. I was born in Biñan, Laguna, Philippines and moved to Northern Virginia when I was 2 years old.

It wasn’t until I got to UVA and joined the Organization of Young Filipino Americans (OYFA) that I really began to appreciate my culture and be more in touch with my Filipino roots — I have been able to explore my identity on what it means to be Filipino-American at a PWI. This past year, I had served as one of the Scholarship chairs of OYFA, where I promoted academic and professional excellence within the organization as well as strengthen our relationships with alumni. In addition to OYFA, I served as the Social Media Manager for The Cavalier Daily this past year. My goal was to amplify the voices of UVA students, especially students of color, as well as share important University news on social media. I am proud to have played a role in sharing The Cavalier Daily’s impactful stories to the UVA and broader Charlottesville communities.

I am extremely grateful to the Asian and Asian Pacific American Alumni Network, the Scholarship Committee, and the scholarship donors for their continued support in my academic and personal endeavors.

Sanjeev Kumar

I am incredibly humbled to receive the 2022 AAPAAN Scholarship! I am a third-year student pursuing a double major in Commerce and American Studies with a minor in Data Science. I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, but I have always had a strong connection to my Indian roots through my parents and the South Asian community in my area. I took it for granted until I came to UVA where I was able to dive deeper into what it meant to be Asian American and to explore my heritage.

This past year, I served as the president of the Asian Student Union, where I advocated on behalf of the Asian and Asian American community for more resources and support from University administration. I coordinated with the Asian Leaders Council and other Asian organizations on grounds to push for an Asian American Student Center, increased Asian American faculty on grounds, and increased funding for Multicultural Student Services.

Alongside with ASU, I co-founded and currently serve as the captain of Virginia Ke Aashiq, UVA’s competitive and inclusive Bollywood fusion dance team. I built a team of twenty dancers where we compete across the nation while celebrating our South Asian heritage at a predominately white institution.

I am so thankful to the Asian and Asian Pacific American Alumni Network for their support in my academic and personal endeavors. This award will allow me to continue efforts in building a strong Asian American community for current and future students at the University!

Emily Nguyen

I am extremely grateful to be a recipient of the Jack T. Chen Memorial Award. This scholarship means so much to me as both an Asian American college student and a UVA School of Nursing student. As a child, I always believed that I would have to shoulder the costs of a secondary education on my own. Furthermore, with my major being the most expensive at UVA, expenses are constantly on my mind. As my second year approaches and I start clinicals, knowing that my comfort can be a priority makes me eternally appreciative of the Asian and Asian American Pacific American Alumni Network.

My passions revolve around giving back to communities that have supported me in my endeavors. As a co-founder of two non-profit organizations, the group focused on raising money by combining culture and volunteering. By cooking Vietnamese meals and tutoring peers, we hope to foster a brighter future for those in need. Additionally, at UVA, I hold multiple positions in leadership where I commit myself to the betterment of my nursing community and the nearby Charlottesville neighborhood.

This scholarship will greatly improve my chances of successfully accomplishing my goals as a future registered nurse. During my time at UVA, I hope to continue doing research, collaborating with my peers, and devoting my best efforts in every part of my academic life.

Hayly Nguyen

As a Vietnamese American first year at UVA, I am so honored and grateful to be a recipient of the Yee Family American Dream Scholarship. This scholarship was established to empower Asian and Asian Pacific American students to create their own American dream. For me, my American dream is to become a physician to help patients in low-income, remote areas who don’t have sufficient access to healthcare. I developed this dream with the values my family has instilled in me: hard work and compassion for others.

I learned about these values from my mother’s stories of immigrating to the United States. With no knowledge of the language or American cultural customs, she worked tirelessly to acquire an education while juggling numerous jobs to support her family. Hearing all these stories of perseverance and resilience, I learned that to fulfill my American Dream, I must make the most of my opportunities that my family worked so painfully to give me.

At UVA, I plan to major in Neuroscience and have involved myself in various clubs and positions. I joined the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) to embrace my culture and Vietnamese American identity. I also became a research assistant at the Connelly Lab to learn more about how research is conducted and positively impacts individuals. I want to share my experiences with other Asian and Asian Pacific American students to foster a welcoming community of members who support each other to succeed.

2021 AAPAAN Scholarship Recipients

Anjali Patel

First off, I’d like to say that I am honored to have been a recipient for the AAPAAN scholarship, it means so much. I am a current third year majoring in Biology and South Asian Studies on a pre-dental track. I would love to also possibly teach South Asian courses in the future at other schools.

This scholarship will help me in helping my parents with the burden of college tuition. Coming from an Asian background, we all probably get that stereotype where people think we are all “well off,” or in the upper middle class at least, but we all know that’s not true. My family has always been in the lower middle class and in their 20 years here, language has been a huge barrier for us. Being the first generation and oldest sibling in America, I see how much they struggle and work every day for mine and my brother’s education.

I am also thankful for this scholarship because it makes me feel so blessed to have been part of all the South Asian cultural/religious clubs and associations here at UVA. No matter what part of South Asia or what religion the organization practices, I make sure I am a part of it and have even reached executive/council positions in many of them. I have been raised to embrace culture and ethnicity, been raised to keep roots and native languages in the blood, and been raised to teach others to do the same. Back home, I used to teach language and scripture studies every week at the temple, and when I got here, I immediately got involved with the South Asian communities here. All of them have shaped my experience here at UVA, and made me feel so welcome and loved. I have made lifelong friends in these organizations and am so grateful that minorities like us stand so strong, proud, and have a voice at UVA.

Isabel Carino

I am extremely honored and thankful to receive the 2021 AAPAAN Scholarship. I am a second-year majoring in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Cognitive Psychology. Born in Biñan, Laguna, Philippines, then moving to Northern Virginia when I was two years old, I have always had a strong connection to my Philippine roots. However, it wasn’t until I got to UVA when I really began to appreciate my Filipino culture and explore what it means to be Filipino-American.

This past year, I served as one of the Community chairs for the Organization of Young Filipino Americans (OYFA), where I strived to connect OYFA with the UVA, Charlottesville, and Philippine communities. My co-chair and I held several fundraisers and donation drives to foster a sense of unity within our organization by having an overarching goal – using our platform to support underprivileged communities.

In addition to OYFA, I have also aimed to contribute to the University community through my involvement with The Cavalier Daily, the UVA Democracy Initiative, and Asian Pacific American Leadership Training Institute (APALTI).

I am immensely grateful to the Asian and Asian Pacific American Alumni Network, the Scholarship Committee, and the scholarship donors for their support in my academic and personal endeavors. This award will certainly empower me and other APIDA students to continue our efforts in giving back to our community.

Seoyeon Heo

I would like to express my gratitude to the Asian and Asian Pacific American Alumni Network at the University of Virginia for the honor of being chosen as a recipient of the 2021 AAPAAN Scholarship. To me, receiving this scholarship means more than just financial assistance. It is hope that I can bring a positive change to Asian and Asian Pacific American students at UVA through my leadership and community service and is an opportunity to become a greater asset to those in need in our communities.

I am studying economics with a concentration in international economics in the College of Arts and Sciences. Starting next fall, I will begin my master’s study in public policy at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy to research and analyze economics policy to solve problems that can transform many communities. I later want to use my education to create a more financially just and ethical society in our communities, including my own: the Asian and Asian Pacific American community.

Steven Jiang

I am extremely honored and grateful to be the recipient of the Yee Family American Dream Scholarship! I am a second-year student at the McIntire School of Commerce pursuing a double major in Commerce (Accounting & Finance Concentrations) and Archaeology. Coming into UVA as a first-generation low-income (FGLI) APIDA student, I have strived to create a lasting impact for both FGLI and APIDA students. Growing up, finances were always the main talk of my family and I have sought out the American Dream in the hopes of being the first person in my family to attend college. Bringing my background and experiences to the University has pushed me to take on various roles within the community such as Co-chair of the Prospective/Alumni Relations committee and Treasurer for the Asian Student Union as well as Program Director for CASH. Working with both students and low-income families has taught me that I have the potential to create initiatives lasting beyond my time at UVA; I hope to establish a non-profit organization aimed towards providing low-income families with the support, mentorship, and resources to be financially independent. To have received the Yee Family American Dream Scholarship, I will always be appreciative for the wonderful support of the APIDA community and will continue my efforts towards helping underprivileged APIDA students and community members.

2020 AAPAAN Scholarship Recipients

Valerie Young – AAPAAN Scholarship

Graduation Year: 2021
Major: Computer Science, Media Studies

I am extremely honored to receive the AAPAAN Scholarship for 2020! Currently, I am a third-year College student pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Media Studies. I have served as the President of the Asian Student Union and the Vice President of the Korean Student Association for this past school year, and I’ve also spent this year working on an independent study with Professor Sylvia Chong and ASU Vice President Kirtana Pathak on the 2020 Asian/Asian American Student Survey. Coming into UVA, I noticed that although Asians make up the largest minority population, the University does not devote many resources to our community. With this census-like survey, we hope to gather disaggregated data in order to give the University an updated portrait of our community. I’m excited to be able to share the results of this survey at the Association for Asian American Studies (AAAS) Conference this April! My hope is that the University recognizes the diversity of students in the Asian Pacific American Islander (APIDA) community, and this award will definitely motivate me to continue contributing to our community in the future.

Suraj Patel – Yee Family American Dream Scholarship

Graduation Year: 2021
Major: Psychology, Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies

I am deeply honored and immensely grateful to be the recipient of the Yee Family American Dream Scholarship. It will help me achieve my dreams of pursuing doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology by easing much of my family and I’s financial burdens. I hope to one day be a licensed therapist as well as suicide researcher to help those from underrepresented minority communities who were born without the same resources as many others. I am so grateful for this scholarship because it so perfectly exemplifies my desires in life to achieve my own American Dream for my family and myself. Growing up, financial burdens were no stranger to me and I still face the struggles of my low-income background today. Seeing what my own family went through and what other communities, within and outside the Asian community, go through today, I want to be able to do what I can to provide resources to other disadvantaged families like my own, especially those without access to mental health services. Additionally, I hope to continue my current work with political advocacy and charity to help provide for those in need. I hope to also give back to my parents all the resources, time, and love they have dedicated to me through success in my own career and education. I will always be grateful for the AAPAAN network, donors, and scholarship committee for providing me aid in pursuing my goals.

Andrea Dilao – Jack T. Chen Scholarship

Graduation Year: 2021
Major: Global Development Studies, Economics

I am honored and grateful to be this year’s recipient of the Jack T. Chen Scholarship. Born in Batangas City, Philippines but raised in Falls Church, Virginia, I seek to challenge notions of race and identity, especially as they relate to the Filipino-American experience. As a third year double majoring in Global Development Studies and Economics, I am interested in Asian development and security issues and how they intersect with histories of colonization and Western capitalism.

Kelly Sun – AAPAAN Scholarship

Graduation Year: 2021
Major: Commerce (Finance and Management Concentrations)

I am a third-year student at the McIntire School of Commerce pursuing a double major in Commerce (Finance & Management Concentrations) and Economics, with a minor in Statistics.  I am honored to have received the 2020 AAPAAN Scholarship.

2019 AAPAAN Scholarship Recipients

Jingjing (Nicki) Xu – Yee Family American Dream Scholarship

Graduation Year: 2020
Major: Commerce (Marketing and Management concentration, Business Analytics and Entrepreneurship track)

I am a third-year student studying Marketing and Management in the McIntire School of Commerce. Studying in United States since fourteen without speaking fluent English, I become who I am through my determination, action, and patience. I am extremely honored to receive the Yee Family American Dream Scholarship, and this award will always motivate me to continue contributing to the community. In the long term, I hope to help underprivileged APA students and communities via my own efforts.

Winston (Yizhou) Tang – Jack T. Chen Scholarship

Graduation year: 2020 (undergraduate) 2021 (master)
Major: Government, minor in Architecture

I am humbled and honored to be the recipient of the Jack T. Chen Scholarship. Currently a third year student, I am passionate about student self-governance and serving my peers. Having been president of my first year dorm and Vice President of the Architecture School Student Council, I recognize the importance of collective value and team cooperation. And as an Asian student, I cherish my culture heritage and mutual understanding with others in the AAPA community.

In the next two years, I will be part of the Accelerated Master of Public Policy program at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. It is my sincere hope that ultimately, I will be able to bring positive impact to today’s increasing globalized world through innovative and effective institutional approach, such as policy change and political reform. Without doubt, the Jack T. Chen Scholarship is a high honor and invaluable recognition that encourages me to strengthen my love for and commitment in both the AAPA community and the world that we live in.

Yi Fan Lim – AAPAAN Scholarship

Graduation year: 2020
Major: Commerce (Finance) and Computer Science

I am a third-year student at the McIntire School of Commerce pursuing a double major in Commerce (Finance) and Computer Science. Coming to Charlottesville from Singapore, I witnessed firsthand the negative impacts the University has on local residents. One of the most visible impacts was on the homeless who were displaced due to skyrocketing rental prices. I aim to help address problems the homeless face through volunteer work and partnership programs. With the AAPAAN Scholarship, I will be able to divert more of my attention from worrying about financial needs to creating an impact larger than myself.

2018 AAPAAN Scholarship Recipients

Pingxuan Cao – AAPAAN Scholarship

Linjiang (Hannah) Han – Yee Family American Dream Scholarship

I am a third-year student studying Accounting and Finance in the McIntire School of Commerce. Following graduation, I hope to work in the accounting industry and specifically in forensic accounting.

I am incredibly honored to receive the Yee Family American Dream Scholarship. As an immigrant, I have always sought new experiences in different cultures and diversity, which has led to my involvement in UVA’s A/APA community. I am very grateful for both the network’s and the Yee Family’s support for A/APA students’ endeavors at UVA and beyond graduation.

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Hahna Cho: Jack T. Chen Scholar

2017 AAPAAN Scholarship Recipients

Shambhawi Thakur: Jack T. Chen Scholar

Graduation Year: 2018
Major:  Spanish with Pre-Med Track

I am highly honored to be the recipient of Jack T. Chen Scholarship. I am a Spanish major and am aiming to become a successful doctor. Being a part of the APA community has fostered my determination and hard-work to achieve my goals. I am also extremely grateful for the opportunities I have had to be involved with the APA community as I am really passionate about helping others. I hope to continue my contributions throughout the upcoming future.

Yulin Ge: Yee Family American Dream Scholar

Graduation Year: 2018
Intended Major: Commerce (Finance and Accounting) & Statistics

I am a third year student studying Finance and Accounting in the McIntire School of Commerce, also double majoring in Statistics. I came from Shanghai and always like to challenge my own boundaries. I hope to work in the Financial Service industry in the US after graduation. In the long-term, I want to use my business skills to make social impact in China, potentially through an educational startup.

I am more than honored to receive the Yee Family American Dream Scholarship. My cultural identity has always reminded me to be a respectful and caring person and also be persistent in achieving my goals. This award from AAPAAN definitely encourages me to keep taking initiatives to serve the need of my community and mentor younger students from A/APA background.

2016 AAPAAN Scholarship Recipients

Bryan Chen: Yee Family American Dream Scholar

Graduation Year: 2018
Intended Major: Commerce (Finance Concentration) & Computer Science; Intended Economics Minor

I am extremely honored to be a recipient of the Yee Family American Dream Scholarship of 2016 and thankful that this award encourages me to continue to give back to the APA community. I am currently a third year Computer Science major. My goals are to work in the tech industry after graduation and, hopefully in the long term, to make a social impact and establish a business aiding underprivileged APA students and communities.

Shan Shan: Jack T. Chen Scholar

Graduation Year: 2017
Major: Politics (Foreign Affairs) & Commerce (Finance and IT Concentration with Business Analytics track)

It’s my great honor to receive the Jack T. Chen Memorial Scholarship. This award encourages me to keep on contributing to the APA community and creating a positive impact. After graduation, I hope to keep in close contact with the APA students at UVA and try my best to give them advice and guidance. Furthermore, I aspire to connect and help strengthen the alumni network, making our voice stronger and more influential to benefit the broader university community in the future.

2015 AAPAAN Scholarship Recipients

Tiffany Chong: Jack T. Chen Scholar

Graduation Year: 2018
Major: Pre-Commerce

I am extremely honored to be a recipient of the Jack T. Chen Memorial Scholarship. I am from Northern Virginia and hope to pursue a business-related field, potentially in the future working for a non-profit company. Regardless of what I end up doing in the future, I am forever grateful for all my positive experiences with the APA community. It has helped shape my work ethic, passion, and values. I have found a warm and welcoming home in UVa’s APA community, and I greatly hope to serve them well.

Yimeng (Blaire) Huang: Yee Family American Dream Scholar

Graduation Year: 2016
Major: Commerce (Finance and IT Concentrations) & Political Philosophy, Policy, and

2014 Jack T. Chen Scholarship Recipients

Deepak De

Graduation Year: 2016
Major: Commerce

After being part of the APA community at UVA and studying abroad in Japan, I hope to bring more of my experiences into the UVA community and further understanding among people of different cultures. This scholarship inspires me to go further with the support of the new first year class by helping them transition into an amazing UVA experience.

Tae Yoon Seo

Graduation Year: 2016

My name is Tae Yoon Seo and I am a Third Year Nursing student. I am hoping to work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the DC Metropolitan area after I graduate and become a midwife as my long-term profession. I love mothers and babies. I have a strong passion for photography and music. I am very thankful to be chosen as a recipient for the Jack T. Chen scholarship and hope to continue contributing to the AAPAAN community.

2013 Jack T. Chen Scholarship Recipients

Jason Liao

Graduation Year: 2014
Major: Chemistry with specialization in Biochemistry & American Chemical Society Certification
Future Plans:  Work and travel before attending medical school.

It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the A/APA community. Not only has this award helped me to achieve my goals, but it has also encouraged me to expand my service to the A/APA community. I hope to live up to Jack Chen’s reputation as a scholarly and loving human being here at UVA and well after graduation.

Ruyin Liao

Graduation Year: 2014
Major: Commerce (Double concentrations in Finance and Marketing)

I felt beyond honored to receive the Jack T. Chen Memorial Scholarship. The University provides limited financial aids to international students and the Scholarship supported me in a time of great needs. I am very thankful to have been so involved in the AAPA community at UVa, to have been given so many opportunities to learn about leadership, to garner friendship, to meet the supportive AAPAAN at the Signature Event, and to have more than enough reason to improve myself every day. I look forward to making my contribution to AAPAAN one day.

2012 Jack T. Chen Scholarship Recipients

Mika Nomura

Nationality: Japanese/Taiwanese
Graduation Year: 2013
Major: Psychology and Sociology

Future Plans: My current goal is to do both research and clinical work at a university after receiving a PhD in clinical psychology.

What this Award Means to Me: I am very excited to receive this honor and recognition for my contributions to the A/APA community. This award inspires me to continue to promote multiculturalism and pursue my academic career. I am forever grateful for the support my family, friends, and the UVa community has given me.

Xiaoyi (Sean) Yu

Hometown: Beijing, China
Year: 2015
Major: Pre-Commerce and Economics

Future Plans: Get into Commerce School, seek career in financial industry after graduation, and finally start a business for children education.

What this Award Means to Me: It’s my honor to receive this award. And it encourages me to continue to put my efforts in bringing more meaningful opportunities to the APA community and to help the APA students fit in the American culture here. With my Outreach position in Mainland Student Network and Head of Event position in Global Student Council, I will also organize more cultural communication events to raise the awareness of APA community in University of Virginia.

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