The Pledge of Allegiance, huge slices of pizza, and snow – things most Americans don’t bat an eyelash over – were just three elements of culture shock for Szeyin Lee ’14 when she moved to New York in 2003. Since coming to the United States, however, she’s found her international roots have helped her appreciate the global community and guided her in her education at Scripps College.
Born in Hong Kong in 1992, Szeyin – or Sze as she prefers – grew up in the Chinese region until her family moved to New York City seeking better educational opportunities in America. Although faced with a language barrier and a new lifestyle, Sze quickly found her footing.
“I was in a totally different environment with people I couldn’t identify with at first,” she says of her junior high experience. “I learned, however, to make new friends from different backgrounds.” Shortly thereafter, Sze passed the entrance exam to attend the prestigious Stuyvesant High School in Lower Manhattan.
Life as an immigrant also brought a deeper understanding of diversity that extends beyond the classroom. “It’s truly like a melting pot; you see people of different race and ethnicities everywhere you go. Before, I had just seen that on television. Now, I’m in a culture where I get to interact with all segments of society.”
“My mom said to think of myself as a global citizen,” she adds. “I feel like I can identify with a lot of different people; I have gotten to know and befriend my fellow Scrippsies who come from China, Singapore, and other places around the world. It enhances my experience at Scripps and allows me to gain a wider perspective in life.”
Sze is the first in her family to attend a four-year college: “My parents don’t really know what college is supposed to be, and I’m still exploring what a college education means for me.” Although still stepping with uncertainty on the path of a Scripps education, Sze embraces challenges and faces them head-on.
Elected as the multicultural relations chair for Scripps Associated Students, Sze strives to serve the Scripps community by creating a more aware and diverse atmosphere at Scripps.
“I have been really blessed to have met some incredibly inspirational role models at Scripps,” she says. “They have shown me the responsibility we all share to make an impact in the world. We can start from our immediate surroundings – right here at Scripps!”
By collaborating with other student leaders and staff, Sze has facilitated dialogue and hosted events to increase the visibility of some of the issues minority students face on campus. “I am really glad that the administration listened and has been taking steps to respond to the student’s voices. Communication is key in making Scripps a better home for all,” she says.