Growing up, I have always thought of myself as less human and more frog. I’ve always felt a deep connection to them — creatures that, in many ways, embody the qualities I admire and strive to cultivate in myself. Because of their extraordinary adaptability, endless curiosity and innate “chillness,” these odd, wide-eyed and slimy amphibians have always struck a chord with me. These peculiar animals thrive in a variety of environments, constantly exploring and learning from the world around them. In a similar vein, I’ve actively sought to adapt to new challenges and pursue opportunities in both my personal and intellectual lives.
I was born and raised in Hong Kong, a bustling, fast-paced metropolis where ideas and cultures merge. The vibrancy and diversity of this international melting pot impacted my early years, where I was constantly exposed to new experiences and cultures.
Each day seemed like a chance to learn something new: at just 11 years old, I learned how to cook Bramboračka from my Czech friend, savored the flavors of Khao Soi thanks to my Thai friend and even tried Vegemite sandwiches introduced by my Australian friend.
However, everything changed when my family migrated to the U.S. when I was twelve years old. All of a sudden, I was forced to navigate a whole new society, culture and way of life. I traded the urban skyline of Victoria Harbor for the glistening beaches of Del Mar; I exchanged the neon-speckled streets of Kowloon for the coastal boutiques of Cardiff. It was difficult, but I greeted the change with curiosity and tenacity, much like a frog adjusting to a new habitat. In addition to improving my adaptability, this experience offered me a distinct global viewpoint that has influenced who I am now through a fusion of Eastern and Western ideas.
Living in social groups called armies, colonies or knots, frogs are social creatures. They form close-knit communities where they look out for one another. This element of their nature corresponds with my own desire to form meaningful connections and find my people— those who share my curiosity and drive to learn. Like frogs, I recognize the value in community and collaboration, and I think that when we connect with each other, we can accomplish more as a group than as individuals ever could.
As I look to the future, particularly as a journalism student, these frog-like attributes of adaptability, curiosity and community-building grow to take on an even greater importance. Journalists like myself must develop trust with their readers and sources, be flexible in quickly changing situations and chase and expose the truth with unwavering curiosity.
By embodying the characteristics of a frog — never slowing down in my journey to learn, perpetually eager to build connections with others and continuously adjusting to the world around me — I am preparing myself to thrive in any environment. I will bring these values with me wherever I go, ready to explore, connect and add to the global narrative, wherever I may be.
I want to live a life of curiosity, flexibility and wonder, just like frogs do.
