Reset: My Fight for Inclusion and Lasting Change

As we begin this journey, it’s essential to understand the roots from which strength and resilience grow. Imagine a young girl, curious and bright, playing with a toy electric train. The batteries die, and she wonders how to bring it back to life. This simple moment of wonder ignites a passion for engineering that will shape her entire life. This spark of curiosity is a testament to how early experiences can set the course for a lifetime of learning and determination.

Her parents, immigrants from a tumultuous era, brought with them not just hopes but a fierce commitment to education and hard work. Their sacrifices, fleeing war and rebuilding their lives in a new country, instilled a belief that merit and persistence could overcome barriers. They modeled resilience and ambition, teaching that no obstacle was too great if met with effort and resolve.

Yet, this childhood was not without its shadows. Growing up as one of the few Asian children in a predominantly white suburb meant occasional moments of exclusion and painful racial slurs. These moments, though infrequent, left marks that would shape a lifelong awareness of bias and the need for inclusion. Despite these challenges, the warmth and support of family provided a sanctuary and a source of strength.

These early experiences laid the groundwork for a life driven by a desire to understand, to innovate, and to stand firm against adversity. They remind us that who we become is often rooted deeply in where we begin, and that the values we inherit can empower us to face even the most daunting challenges.

As we move forward, we will explore how these foundations carried through education and into the professional world, where new trials awaited but so did new opportunities for growth and change.