Stanford University
Vanessa | Sophomore @ Stanford University Econ + MS&E
Hi everyone! My name is Vanessa, I'm currently a rising sophomore at Stanford studying Econ + MS&E. I'm from Medford, Oregon and studied a few times aboard in China. I am a VP of a few clubs here and highly involved with the student body. I love to share my own experiences and help other navigate the scary transitions and unknowns that come with college/college applications. I'm always open to chat and love to answer questions! Would love to meet all of you and give you a tour of the school I fell in love with! Languages: Mandrain (intermediate), Spanish (basic), Hokkien (intermediate)
About me
- GenderFemale
- Current academic yearSophomore
- Age19
- Admission typeAdmitted as a freshman
- Academic focusBusiness/Finance
- Personality typeExtroverted
- College experience ratingAmazing
Tour type
- Campus tour
- Video chat
Hometown
Medford, Oregon
Major(s)
Economics, MS&E, Computer Science
Minor(s)
Product Design
Extracurriculars activities
- Greek life
- Club/Organization
- Job/Internship
- ROTC
- NCAA varsity sport
- Recreational sport
- Student government
- Community service
- Religious/Cultural group
- Art/Music/Performance
- Study abroad
- Other
Clubs, organizations & involvement
Scholar of Finance - VP of Marketing ASES (Affiliated Stanford Entrepreneurial Students) - Director of Marketing and Recruitment/Summit On Call Cafe (late night student run cafe) - Toast Master - SENSA Archery (8th in the state of OR 2022-2023) Indonesian Student Association SEA Association (South East Asian) - VP of Growth Chang Le Dance (traditional Chinese dancing) TSA (Taiwan Student Association) BlockChain Association
Housing experience
- Dorm
- Off-campus house or apartment
- Fraternity or sorority house
- Home (Commuter)
- Other
Describe your college experience
Overall amazing but of course there were some hurtles. Coming from a small town I wasn't used to the big city at first and that can be scary for some. But if you keep a open mind and heart you'll meet some of the most amazing people at Stanford. Everyone says the people you meet here is what makes the university so special and that is completely true. I've met people from around the world, olympians just two doors away from me, renowned coders and chefs, its actually endless. I have had a amazing time here and I'd love to tell you all about the crazy and fun adventures I've had at Stanford.
Tip for future students
Live with no regrets. Stay true to yourself. Don't be afraid to ask, be rejected or the unknown, embrace them! Everything happens for a reason. I think as students especially those in high school we place college on a pedestal and in some sort of way torture ourselves to live up to perfection to getting into "top" schools. But perfection isn't everything and shouldn't be the norm. We mess up and makes mistakes because we're human. Don't beat yourself over something, everything will work out :)
Favorite class
Super hard question! So many actually (not exaggerating), I feel like every class at Stanford is so unique and what makes them special are the people you meet. My favorite class would probably have to be a CEE 227 - Global Project Finance. It was a grad student class, so a bit difficult but I learned so much about financial modeling and got to listen to amazing speakers.
Career goals
After college... crazy to think I only have 3 years til then. I want to go into the finance industry specifically private equity or wealth management. Hopefully I'll be living it up in NY living out the corporate life. But since I'm still in university I want to someday start my own startup and if that were to go well I'd love to be a entrepreneur after college!
Ideal way to spend a free night
I like to catch up with friends, whether that be going out to a dinner, watching a good or simply having some great conversations. I like to go on spontaneous adventures whenever I'm free such as driving to Half Moon Bay with friends at midnight or doing a cooking challenge. If I'm feeling a bit tired, I like to just have a chill night in my room watching a k/cdrama or calling my parents.
High school or secondary school
St. Mary's School, Medford, OR
Meeting point
Tanner Fountain on the Stanford University campus