He was able to finish his undergraduate studies with two majors and a minor one quarter early and was admitted to the best communication program in the U.S. by turning a rejection letter from four years ago into an offer. Despite that, he kept turning his personal interests into career paths. This is the story of Alan Lu, the Co-President and Director of Marketing of our CINEC Network Alumni Association. Let’s listen to his story, shall we?
Hello, my name is Alan. I am from the Class of 2017 of Nanyang Model High School’s BC program, and am serving as the Co-President and the Director of Marketing for our CINEC Network Alumni Association. I just graduated from the University of Washington this March with a double major in Political Science and Journalism, along with a minor in International Studies.
I will be joining Mailman Group to do some digital marketing work, mainly for the Los Angeles Lakers. In the future, I will head to one of the most prestigious communication schools in the world, the Annenberg School of the USC, to pursue a master’s degree in communication management.
Besides playing the piano and the guitar growing up, I enjoy all forms of sports (especially basketball), watching Korean variety shows, travelling, cooking, and engaging with the sneaker culture. A little fun fact — I possess a Food Worker Card and an official hunting license, both issued by the Washington State.
What was the most meaningful thing you did in high school?
My time in high school was busy but fruitful. In Grade 10, I served in the Student Union as a member of the Public Relations Department; One year later, I became the Director for both the Sports and the Association Department. I had been the translator for teacher-parent meeting multiple times, had been an active member of my band, had been the student organizer for the “Giving Tree,” had been the Assistant Manager for school play…
There is no way for me to choose one single event that is the most meaningful. It’s all of these experience that made me who I am today.
How did you feel when you received the masters offer from USC?
In fact, USC isn’t my dream school, but the Annenberg School is definitely a place that every communication student wants to be in. Compared to four years ago, I am more certain about the decision with my knowledge of multiple fields and internship experience gained from college education. So instead of ecstasy and surprise, I’m really looking forward to joining this extremely talented and achieved group of students at Annenberg. Los Angeles is one of my most familiar and favorite cities in the world, so I cannot wait to start this new adventure.
Why are you so passionate about Media for all these years?
First, it’s because it is literally everywhere, from government campaigns to advertisement on your social media. Media allows information to be accessible, thus making our lives complete.
Another thing is because I believe in media lies the power to change the world. As a diehard Laker fan, I was blessed to read stories written by ordinary people on “Mamba Mentality” and had the opportunity to interact with top high school basketball players in China when I was working on my “Mamba Week” celebration project for Nike. I’ve witnessed the will of “the Black Mamba” being passed down to the next generation through our designated platforms, and that’s when I realize that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.
How does it feel to turn your hobbies into your career?
I consider myself very lucky because a lot of people have been forced to work in industries that they don’t find interesting for their whole life. Looking back to all my past internship experience, I have worked for the largest sports apparel corporation, NGO, well-known street fashion brand, and even the kitchen of my university cafeteria.
One of the earliest motivations for me to pursue all these jobs was pure curiosity and passion, but as you get deeper into the nature of your work, you will find challenges behind all the glamour. Now I’ll be working for a team that I grew up loving, and I’m feeling both excited and nervous.
What do you want to say to yourself four years ago?
“You will visit an utterly beautiful city, get to know a whole bunch of new friends across the world, and spend the most unforgettable time there. So worry less, and Carpe diem.”
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