Alumni Check-in: Jacinda Lee (Class of 2024)

Q. Where do you live now? Why? What are you doing?

A: I currently live in New York as I am doing my undergrad in Biology here at NYU!

Q. What are the biggest differences between there and Kaohsiung? What’s the biggest similarities?

A: One big difference between Kaohsiung and NYC is definitely the cost of living. Everything in New York is significantly more expensive than in Taiwan and the pace of everything also feels faster and more intense.

A similarity between Kaohsiung and New York is the convenience. In both cities, you can get almost anywhere through public transport, such as the subway or by walking, which makes getting around really easy.

Q. What does a typical day look like for you?

A: My classes usually start early in the morning, so I leave pretty early to get to campus. A typical day involves going to classes and then studying at the library with friends. When I don’t have classes, I usually meet up with friends to grab food somewhere in the city or explore different neighborhoods. 

Q. What's one thing you miss most about Taiwan?

A: Honestly, the food and the prices. Taiwan has some of the best food that’s also really affordable. I love being able to explore the night markets and just having something for every hour of the day.

Q. What advice would you give to the HS students?

A: Take advantage of the opportunities you have at KAS. Try different activities, step out of your comfort zone, and learn how to manage your time well!

Q. Did your KAS experience prepare you for life after HS?

A: Yes and no. A big part of college is having to figure things out or learn on your own, and I feel like that’s something I only understood once I got here.

However, the IB program did help prepare me for the workload and academic expectations here.

Q. What are you looking forward to most in the next five years?

A: Over the next five years, I’m excited to keep exploring the city and gain more hands-on experience through labs and research. I’m also hoping to get more clinical experiences before I graduate.

I’m currently taking an EMT class, so I’m looking forward to eventually working as an EMT and having opportunities to shadow physicians to learn more about the field!