A second-generation Chinese American, Susan grew up surrounded by values of family, community, and hard work. Born in Boston, Susan was raised largely by her grandparents while her parents worked multiple jobs so that she and her older sister could grow up comfortably. Currently a rising senior at Boston Latin School, Susan is an active member in her community, both in and out of school. When class is not in session, Susan can usually be found either in the band room practicing the French horn or the trumpet, leading meetings as co-president of her school’s environmental club, or tutoring underclassmen in a variety of subjects ranging from Latin to algebra.
Outside of school, Susan is a youth leader in Boston’s Chinatown with the program A-VOYCE (Asian Voices of Organized Youth for Community Empowerment), constantly working to make the community a better place through a number of different projects, ranging from creating murals to organizing and volunteering at community events. In addition to being a youth leader, Susan is also a tour guide in Chinatown, educating others about the cultural and historical significance of Boston’s Chinatown as well as the issues it is facing today, such as gentrification. Susan is grateful for the opportunity to connect to her culture and give back to the community in which she grew up in. Susan’s passion for public service stems from her love of community and her desire to help others, both in Chinatown and beyond.
Having lived in Boston her entire life, Susan has a deep love for the city, but is looking to travel and explore new places for college, where she plans to major in Environmental Science and Public Administration. Aside from music, environmental issues, and community organizing, Susan loves baking, Latin, and spending time with her friends and family. Susan hopes that her time interning in Congressman Joe Kennedy’s office will be a valuable learning experience that will help springboard her into a career of public service where she will be able to positively impact her community and beyond.