Alumni Check-in: Tribeca Kao (Class of 2024)

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

A: I currently live in Ithaca, New York, studying Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in CS at Cornell University.

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

A: The biggest differences are the weather and food. The weather here is mostly cold and snowy, unlike the sunny Kaohsiung that we were used to. Food in Taiwan is much better and has many more good options.

I honestly cannot think of anything that's similar. It’s just so much of a difference. My life has changed completely, and had to adapt to these changes. 

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

A: 9:00 -10:00 Wake up & get ready

10:00 - 13:00 Classes

13:00 - 14:00 Lunch & finish HW or study

14:00 - 16:30 Lab / Class

17:00 - 19:30 Project team work session/meeting, dance practice, IM basketball (depending on the day of the week) 

20:00 - 2:00 Dinner / study / HW / shower 

Crowdfunding for my project team!!! Support our research by donating :)))))) 

https://crowdfunding.cornell.edu/amb/tkao 

Q. What's one thing you miss most about being a high school student?

A: Motivation is relatively simple and straightforward. Most of my friends were working towards similar directions, just ask someone if you feel unsure.

In college, everyone is moving towards completely different paths, different life goals, and sometimes you feel lonely and don’t know what to do.

Q. What's the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the "real world" that you wish you knew while you were in high school?

A: It is always more important to figure out your direction first before you start working. Ultimately, moving in a straight line is always faster and more efficient than trying to find your direction while you work.

Q. What advice would you give to your high school self?

A: Don’t be afraid to ask for opportunities; it’s never that deep.

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

A: Because I have good friends and a good school experience in general when I was at KAS, I felt more confident when trying to make new friends and fit into the new college experience.

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

A: Graduating and applying to grad school, maybe doing research, dedicating time to professional clubs, getting an internship, and working towards professionalism in my future career path. 

Q. Anything else? 

A: College is fun but also tiring, make sure you find interest in what you want to study, you’ll have more motivation, and will definitely do better :)