An avid blogger with a deep interest in mental health and machine learning, freshman Connie Xu has found a second home at the Academy where she explores computer science, business, and art while living life on her own terms. Read on...

What does being at the Academy mean to you? 

The Academy is a creative playground for me to explore all my passions at the same time. Not only does the program provide the flexibility to study a broad spectrum of interests, but I’m also able to do so with unparalleled connections to the industry. When applying to colleges, I selected a different first-choice major in every single college I applied to because I couldn’t figure out whether I wanted to study computer science, business or art. But with the Academy, I didn’t have to choose between my biggest passions as I was able to do it all with the guidance of amazing resources and even better mentors.

What is something about the way the world works that you'd like to disrupt? 

There are so many directions to take when thinking about what to disrupt in our world. One specific field that I wish to evolve is in the medical realm.

In health and medicine, cognitive disorder diagnosis is not developed enough. There needs to be cheaper and more efficient methodologies for diagnosing cognition impairments. I researched heavily in this niche for the past couple of years, and I have made it a goal of mine to perfect the use of machine learning in the diagnosis of cognition diseases so that it can be accessible to anyone and everyone.

What are three goals you have this year? 

Take the time to learn and develop as a creator with amazing mentors and peers 
Move to LA and experience life at USC and in a bigger city 
Continue to pursue ventures that make me happy and excited.

Who is the most impressive entrepreneur alive today? Why? 

The most impressive entrepreneur has to be Mark Cuban. He is the epitome of a charismatic entrepreneur and he has been an idol of mine for years now. His rags to riches story is truly inspirational — it pushes me to be courageous and try new things. I admire Mark Cuban’s ability to both present himself as professional and humorous in all settings.

What are some things you want to know about your future senior self? 

I enjoy taking life moment by moment and not worry too much about what is in the past or future. So, I wouldn’t want to spoil my own life story by learning the path I take during my senior time.
There is one question that I think is worth asking: Have you found a non-dairy milk alternative that is better than almond milk?

Describe one thing most people don’t know about you? 

I am obsessed with reality TV, especially the Bachelor series. Dylan Barbour is by far the best contestant on the series thus far. I am an advocate of the idea that some of the best content put on this planet is from reality TV.

What is one thing your parents taught you that you’d like to share? 

My parents are the wisest and most genuine people I know. I don’t know where I’d be without their constant support and advice. They’ve taught me so many life lessons, but one, in particular, helped me find clarity with what I want for my future. My parents have always instilled in me that the life I live is mine and only mine.

“It doesn’t matter what others expect or want from you because, at the end of the day, you are the only one who has to live your life.” The moment my mom told me this piece of advice will forever be ingrained in my memories.” I interpret her wise words with the concept of being able to celebrate my successes because of my own work but also being able to accept my failures with pride.

I always think back to the first time I heard this life lesson whenever I feel confused or pressured to do something that won’t bring me joy. It was this advice that urged me to take the risks that brought me to where I am today.

What is a recent project you’ve worked on that you’re really proud of? 

Because of recent events, I found more free time on my hands to work on passion projects. From drawing random things to launching a blog, I’ve been able to dabble around in many different fields of interest.

Currently, I am working on a project with the Daily Awareness Society. The organization was created as a school club to promote the discussion of topics that aren’t talked about enough in our society. Recently, the club was able to transform into an entire website for ghostwriters to just spew out their thoughts in a safe and educational environment. It was especially rewarding to be able to work on this project because our team coded the website from scratch as well as create original content that aims to inform our audience on a variety of topics. It’s amazing hearing back from our readers and building a larger community with the power of the Internet. You can check out the articles at Daily Awareness Society.

What are the essential things you always keep in your backpack?

Earbuds: I’m always listening to music. 
Laptop: I do a lot of work on my laptop, so I can never leave it behind! 
Water: Stay hydrated. 
Aquaphor lip balm: Always the lip balm.

Spotify. I LOVE the music, the features, and the UI/UX. It’s definitely my most used app!

If you could be best friends with one fictional character who would it be? 

Sandy Cheeks from SpongeBob. She’s Texan and a scientist/innovator; I feel like we have so much in common, so we’d probably vibe.

Fresh Encounters: Connie Xu