Best Self Analysis

Introduction

Best Self Analysis is a self-assessment exercise. I invited more than 30 friends to give me three stories about my best performances under both academic and social settings. Here are the common themes emerged from these stories.

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Ambitious

Dare to tackle the toughest problems and vow to achieve the impossible. Willing to exit the comfort zone and explore unknown territories. Remain optimistic and hopeful even when the situation is dire.

• Leading Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers to secure the bid to host 2018 Midwest conference, after merely being President for three months

• Expanding the Education committee for Association of Chinese Economic Development (ACED)

• Pursuing two rigorous degrees (business + data science) while balancing many extracurricular involvements

• Not settling for mediocre career opportunities; aiming for highly-coveted positions at big companies

• Leaving everything behind in China and studying abroad in America

Honest & Authentic

Committed to one’s own values and live up to them every single day. Refrain from telling lies of any sort and tell only the truth. Be true to one’s own feelings and emotions and respect others.

• Honest reflections about China’s current economic situation during ACED presentations

• Speaking candidly to mentees about personal experiences with Ross and Data Science

• Always start the meeting by spending time chit chatting with board members

• Someone who is receptive towards feedbacks in leadership style

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Adaptive

Adapt to changing environment and situation swiftly. Achieve the maximum level of success even in unknown situations. Not afraid to step out of the comfort zone and remain open minded about the world around us.

• Leaving everything behind in China and studying abroad in America

• Pursuing two rigorous degrees (business + data science) while balancing many extracurricular involvement

• Excellent performance during Leadership Crisis Challenge when facing multiple problems

• Receptive towards new ideas in student org management

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Resilient

Have the tenacity to keep fighting for what’s right. Not afraid of challenges and stay committed to the mission long after other people have quit. Stay positive and innovative when progress has stagnated.

• Pursuing two rigorous degrees (business + data science) while balancing many extracurricular involvements

• Keep reaching out to alumni for informational interviews even though many of them did not reply

• Staying involved with MoneyThink, a financial literacy education group for underrepresented high school students, for two years. One of the longest-committed members.

• Leading education team meetings every single week for an entire semester for ACED

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Friendly & Approachable

Willing to help others whenever they need it. Always approach other people with a smiling face and heart. Understand other people’s struggles and show sympathy towards those who are unfortunate.

• Speaking candidly to mentees about personal experiences with Ross and Data Science

• Willing to jump on a half-hour call with a random incoming freshman

• Involved with multiple mentoring organizations for the sole purpose of helping others

• Serving as a Residential Advisor for South Quad Honor program, mentoring 20-25 freshman

• Willing to delegate tasks to others so that they can learn and grow as well

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Visionary

Think and dream boldly. Be willing to commit oneself to an ambitious mission. Able to convince others to believe in the vision and step onboard.

• Leading Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers to secure the bid to host 2018 Midwest conference, after merely being President for three months

• Pursuing two rigorous degrees (business + data science) while balancing many extracurricular involvements

• Establish SASE-Elevate Business program, focusing on bridging gap between technology and business for members

• Encouraging other to challenge themselves and take more computer science classes​