Shu Yi's Journey Against All Odds

Shu Yi Zhou was born to immigrant parents from Guangzhou, China. She grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Brooklyn but defied stereotypes and shattering glass ceilings.

Her journey is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the importance of recognizing the inherent potential in every individual, regardless of their circumstances.

Overcoming Adversity

As the first in her family to attend middle school, high school, and college, Shu Yi navigated the educational system without the guidance many of her peers received from college-educated parents. Unaware of crucial aspects like scholarships, competitive schools offering financial aid, and the "hidden curriculum" of higher education, she was disadvantaged. The pressure to choose a career path weighed heavily on Shu Yi, as on many high school and college students. Her single mother's words echoed in her mind: "You can either be a doctor, a lawyer, or a failure." Shu Yi felt lost, unsure of her passions and interests, with her parents having never attended college.

Despite working two jobs to support her family while attending college, Shu Yi refused to give up on her dreams. Her mantra became "watch me," fueling her determination to defy the odds and cross the finish line, even if it took longer than expected. Balancing the demands of being a student, which is a full-time job, and working was a constant struggle. She wasn't able to always study or attend her professors' office hours due to conflicts with her waitressing job. To play it safe, Shu Yi majored in human biology, a decision influenced by societal pressures.

Defying Societal Norms

Shu Yi graduated with a 2.7 GPA from SUNY Albany, a public state university. The harsh reality of being a homeless student and juggling multiple jobs took a toll, leaving her feeling like a "loser" in the eyes of society. "I really internalised my value based on what people were telling me about numbers and rankings," Shu Yi states. However, her determination and refusal to conform to narrow definitions of success ultimately paved the way for her to embrace her true calling in education.

Shu Yi's vibrant purple hair symbolizes her defiance of societal norms and her determination to embrace her individuality. "The only difference that we have is just literally that one chromosome that dictates the other," she states, referring to the societal biases and limitations imposed on women and girls. "It really is a shame and I'm very proud of you (Ama) and I'm very proud of other young women out there who are defying the odds," Shu Yi shared with me in solidarity during our interview. 

Inspiring Change

After graduation, Shu Yi became a preschool teacher, embracing her love for working with students despite the low pay of $8.60 an hour. This experience propelled her to work in the nonprofit sector and eventually land a position at Yale University. Driven to continue pursuing her passion, Shu Yi applied to the Harvard Graduate School of Education on a whim during the pandemic, despite her 2.7 GPA but armed with determination. Against all odds, she was accepted, and she graduated two years ago with a 4.0 GPA while working as a program manager at Yale.

Shu Yi's journey is a powerful beacon of inspiration, a reminder that true potential lies not in numbers or rankings but in the resilience to overcome obstacles. I am sharing her story as a reminder of every individual's inherent worth and potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through her work at Yale and her education at Harvard, Shu Yi is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable educational system that celebrates diversity and empowers individuals to embrace their unique strengths and perspectives.