From a young age, I understood that success is not merely a destination but a journey paved with careful planning and unwavering resilience. This philosophy has been the cornerstone of everything I have done, guiding me through both personal aspirations and professional milestones. At the age of nine, my ambitions were already crystal clear—I dreamt of attending Stanford, not for the prestige or the academic rigor, but driven by a deeper, more personal motive. I yearned for my father’s pride, a testament to the lengths a child will go to secure their parent’s approval.

 

 

However, the summer before my high school years, my family’s relocation from the familiar suburbs of California to rural Texas presented an unforeseen challenge. The transition was not just a change of scenery; it was an emotional and intellectual upheaval. Adapting to a new environment, especially one as demanding as high school, tested my limits. Yet, in the face of adversity, we learn to adapt and thrive—making lemonade out of lemons.

 

Despite attending one of my new state’s least remarkable public schools, my dream of Stanford remained undeterred. My limited resources became a catalyst for innovation and determination. From the very first day of high school, I deployed a comprehensive study and testing strategy, leveraging every available asset. Teachers transformed into mentors, and peers into a supportive community, collectively forming a formidable network of guidance and encouragement. This strategic approach and the unwavering support of my “village” were instrumental in turning my dream into reality.

 

My time at Stanford was a pivotal chapter in my life, shaping my path in profound ways. The privilege of studying engineering at such a prestigious institution not only equipped me with invaluable knowledge but also unlocked opportunities across the globe in investment banking and the energy sector. The true catalyst behind these opened doors, however, was the extraordinary diversity of brilliant minds I encountered there—from the offspring of technology magnates to individuals who had overcome the trials of refugee life.

 

My professional journey commenced in New York at Lehman Brothers, where I navigated through the tumultuous economic downturn and remained with the firm as it transitioned to Barclays following its acquisition. This period of my career on Wall Street was nothing short of a masterclass in professional resilience. I would later transition to Citigroup, and it was during these formative years that my interest in the alternative energy sector took root. I was captivated by the innovation occurring within the industry, particularly by companies at the forefront of developing “clean” technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. My focus shifted towards facilitating acquisitions of such pioneering companies, marking the beginning of my commitment to contributing to a sustainable future.

 

When the decision was made to divest of these stocks, my curiosity was piqued: why were these promising energy technologies being sidelined in favor of conventional oil and gas? This question prompted a pivotal career transition, leading me to delve deeper into the energy sector from an insider’s perspective. I joined Shell, a move that not only broadened my understanding of the industry’s intricacies but also took my career on an international trajectory, with roles in Singapore, Brunei, Japan, and the UK. This experience was instrumental in enriching my global perspective and deepening my insights into the energy landscape.

 

During my tenure at Shell, my frequent visits to Greenland became a transformative aspect of my life. As a passionate photographer, the icebergs, with their skyscraper-like enormity and billion-ton weight, held me in thrall. Standing before these natural giants, one cannot help but feel a profound sense of awe and humility.

 

With each journey, my connection to Greenland deepened, particularly with the indigenous Kalaallit people. The friendships I formed offered me intimate insights into the rapid environmental changes impacting their homeland. The icebergs I captured through my lens, earning me the nickname “icebergchik” online, often vanished before my return, serving as a stark reminder of the fragile balance we are disrupting. The firsthand accounts of shifting weather patterns and dwindling sea ice from the Kalaallit emphasized the urgent reality of climate change.

 

This realization made the issue of climate change deeply personal for me, prompting a significant career shift. I decided to leave Shell to dedicate myself to raising awareness about Greenland’s vanishing ice landscapes. Now, I lead expeditions for documentarians, photographers, scientists, and students, aiming to highlight the beauty and the plight of this region. Furthermore, I share my expertise on the lecture circuit, speaking aboard cruises bound for the polar regions, to enlighten others about the critical environmental changes we face globally, as presaged by Greenland’s rapidly changing environment.

 

As a Stanford alum, I have devoted considerable effort to championing the institution that has played such a pivotal role in my life. My engagement with the admissions process began during my undergraduate years, spurred by a keen desire to be actively involved in campus initiatives. As a sophomore, I collaborated with the Admissions Office to devise and implement strategies aimed at enhancing yield rates. This involvement not only persisted but deepened throughout my Stanford journey. By my senior year, I had taken on the role of a Diversity Recruitment Intern within the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, traveling across the United States to promote Stanford and engage prospective students.

 

Since graduating, I have embraced the role of a mentor to Stanford’s young alumni, offering guidance and insights into careers in investment banking and the energy sector. My commitment to fostering connections within the Stanford community has also seen me lead reunion and fundraising efforts for my class at the fifth, tenth, and fifteenth anniversaries. These roles have afforded me a vast network of contacts and have been immensely rewarding.

 

In addition to these contributions, I conduct interviews with approximately 80 Stanford applicants annually, striving to illuminate the school’s values and assist applicants in showcasing their unique qualities. Through these interviews, I aim to reveal aspects of candidates that may not be immediately apparent— their curiosity, interests, and the depth of their character—facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of their potential fit with Stanford.

 

An inveterate Japanophile, my fascination with Japanese culture has been a lifelong journey, culminating in my study abroad experience at the esteemed Kyoto University in Japan, where I learned Japanese. Presently, I am actively involved with the US-Japan Council, contributing to the enhancement of bilateral relations through roles that include accompanying officials on trade missions, delegations, and fostering people-to-people exchanges. Beyond these diplomatic endeavors, I am deeply committed to philanthropic efforts within Japan, addressing issues such as bullying, mental health, and the advancement of women’s initiatives.

 

In my latest endeavor, I find myself advising students navigating the high-pressure world of college admissions, as well as those who have already secured a place at their dream institution. The intensity of stress and pressure faced by students today is unprecedented, with many unprepared for the challenges that extend beyond gaining admission, including the daunting prospect of graduating in a state of well-being rather than fragmented by stress. With nearly two decades of experience in mentoring and counseling students, I pride myself on being a steadfast problem solver, always ready to provide perspective and guide students towards harnessing their stress into productive outcomes. My approach is rooted in fostering long-term planning and resilience, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate their academic journeys successfully. If you’re a student or the parent of a high-achieving student uncertain about the path to realizing your full potential, connect with us — we are here to help you do exactly that.