Interviewed by Tiffany W. (11th Grade)
Can you share a story of a time you recruited a peer or a younger student into a project, and how that one-on-one connection changed their perspective?
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had was recruiting a younger student to help coach at my Wantan Tennis Clinics, a project dedicated to helping beginners learn and enjoy tennis. When I first approached him, he was hesitant because he didn’t think he was experienced enough to teach others.
I spent time working with him one-on-one, showing him how to lead drills, explain basic techniques, and encourage younger players. After a week of training, he grew comfortable teaching little kids how to play tennis.
Over the course of the clinics, his confidence increased dramatically, and he started taking initiative by leading activities and mentoring students on his own. Watching him transform from a hesitant volunteer into a confident coach changed his perspective on leadership and service, while also reinforcing my belief that personal connections and mentorship can inspire people to make a positive impact in their communities.
As you move into college, what is the one piece of ‘institutional knowledge’ you want to leave behind for younger students?
As I move through college, the biggest piece of institutional knowledge I want to leave behind is that your major does not have to define your opportunities. Coming into UC Berkeley as an Applied Mathematics major, I initially worried that I would be at a disadvantage compared to students directly admitted to CS-related programs.
However, I learned that initiative matters far more than what your degree is. By taking CS courses and pursuing projects outside the classroom, students can build the skills and experiences they want regardless of their starting point. I want younger students to know that college is full of different paths that aren’t always obvious, and that asking questions, seeking guidance, and taking risks can open doors they may not have thought were available to them.
If you could fast-forward ten years, how do you see your current studies or projects evolving into a career?
If I could fast-forward ten years, I see my current studies in Applied Mathematics and my projects in computer science and artificial intelligence evolving into a career that uses data and technology to solve real-world problems. Through projects such as developing machine learning models and exploring computer vision applications in tennis, I’ve become fascinated by how data can be used to identify patterns, improve decision-making, and create meaningful impact.
In the future, I hope to work at the intersection of AI, data science, and software development, building technologies that make complex information more accessible and useful. Whether that involves developing intelligent systems, analyzing large datasets, or creating tools that improve people’s daily lives, I want to continue learning and applying quantitative thinking to challenges that affect a broad range of communities.
About me
My name is Joey W. and I am currently a rising sophomore at UC Berkeley. I am planning on studying computer or data science in the near future at Berkeley. Outside of my studies, I like to play tennis, poker, and video games. Looking back, many of my most meaningful experiences have come from learning alongside others and helping them grow. I am excited to continue building those connections in college and beyond while using my skills to make a positive impact in my community.
