Your Durham Inspiration

Do you remember why you first chose to study at Durham?

Durham was my top choice of school due to its all roundedness. Apart from being one of the best law schools in the country, I was particular intrigued by its strong athletic program. I wanted to attend a school where I could receive an exceptional education and be able to keep doing things I love, including sports. I also loved that Durham was a student town, I believed it would make my University experience even more unique and homely.

Tell us about any sports, societies or clubs you were involved in at Durham.

I was a member of Team Durham Volleyball, the Founder and President of Hild Bede Basketball and Volleyball, the Vice President of Malaysian Society, Events Officer of Entrepreneurs Durham, Public Affairs Officer of Hong Kong PASS Society, Project Director of Tenants' Rights under Pro-Bono Society, a member of College Ball Committee, Team Durham's College Basketball Officer and a College Basketball referee. I was also a member of Bar Society, and attended events hosted by Hong Kong Society and Singapore Society.

What work or moment were you were most proud of at Durham?

I think completing my law degree, dissertation while holding multiple leadership positions during my final year was quite special. On top of all, my volleyball team was promoted to a higher league after an undefeated season.

What are your fondest memories from your time here?

Traveling with teammates to volleyball games, sharing snacks and blasting music after a good, hard fought win before getting ready for a Durham, classic night out will always be one of my fondest memories. I also loved (and miss) bar hopping around the town, college formals, fashion shows and having a picnic with my best friends on the Observatory Hill. Finally, I had one particular spot by the river where I loved spending time alone, either be reading a book or listening to music. It was the most refreshing thing! Truly, I miss every bit of my time at Durham: the people, the town, the restaurants and cafes, really everything.

You

How has Durham inspired you to get to where you are today?
Durham's great selection of courses led me to find my passion in Medical Law. I also loved that Durham encouraged everyone to find our own interests instead of fitting to the norm.

What have you been up to since you left Durham?

I completed my Master of Laws at Loyola University Chicago, became certified in Healthcare Compliance and about to finish my Master of Bioethics at Harvard University.

What are you doing that is most meaningful to you now?

Being able to combine my knowledge of UK Law and US Law and making meaningful comparisons have been very interesting. I am a huge advocate of learning from other jurisdictions, and I find myself referring to foreign jurisdictions when proposing a change. I also love that I am learning to create a bridge between Law and Medicine through Bioethics, changing lives with my policy recommendations.

Is there anything from Durham that has stayed with you and still inspires you now?

The people. Durham graduates are amongst some of the most motivated, hard working yet kind people I know. Watching Durham graduates become successful makes me feel happy but motivated at the same time.

Tell us about your latest news or developments.

I will be starting a job as the Contracts Specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City this summer. I hope to combine my knowledge and skills in Law, Medicine and Bioethics in my work. I will also be taking the New York State Bar Exam in the near future.

Personal interests

Dogs, Sports, Medical Law, Medical Research, Bioethics, Travel, Food, Cooking and Baking.

Pass It On

What would be your top piece of advice for current students and/or recent graduates?

Keep an open mind, never go into something with a tunnel vision. For many years, I wanted to do one type of Law, and I am now going in a type of Law that I never imagined I would, and I love it every day. It's important to have a goal, but it's even more important to allow yourself to explore alternative paths during your road to success. Also, remember that it is POSSIBLE to go to every single party, hang out with your friends, join a sport and still do well in school. I started law school thinking that in order to get a job and do well in school, I had to give up all of the above. I am glad I eventually learned to work smart, not hard, and found ways that worked the best for me. I received the best grades the year I enjoyed myself most; my only regret is not learning this earlier in my University life. ENJOY COLLEGE! It is going to fly by, and you'll never have the same experience again.

Is there anything that you know now that you wish you’d known when graduating?

I wish I knew the presence of Durham all over the world. Moving to Chicago with no friends and family, I wish I had connected with some local alumni to ask for advice about my career options, living in Chicago, or really anything.