Miki Chiu, a student at the University of Rochester, reflects on how her interests have evolved over time and how these changes have influenced her college experience. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” she recalls being asked as a child. Initially, her answers were clear and specific—she wanted to be a teacher, a singer, and later, a businesswoman. However, as she grew older, these dreams began to take on new forms.

Currently, Miki works as a Chinese tutor at the Language Center and a teaching assistant for CHIN 101. While her role is not traditional teaching, she finds it deeply rewarding to see students gain understanding. This experience has reaffirmed her desire to help others, a trait she attributes to her early dream of becoming a teacher. Additionally, she has been involved with Alpha Phi Omega, a community service fraternity, where she has held various leadership positions. These roles, whether directly helping others through service or supporting peers, continue to align with her desire to assist and contribute.

Miki shares that her transition to college has allowed her to see that old dreams do not disappear as career plans evolve. Instead, the reasons behind those dreams often persist. Her initial aspiration to teach was more about helping people learn and grow rather than just standing in a classroom. This realization has led her to embrace diverse ways of achieving her goals, recognizing that different roles can fulfill the same underlying desires.

Another significant shift in Miki’s interests occurred when she wanted to become a singer. Music was a creative outlet that brought her joy, and she envisioned a future centered around it. However, as her aspirations shifted, singing remained a vital part of her identity. At URochester, she continues to engage in vocal performances with NJR, allowing her to maintain this passion without it being her sole career focus. She notes that growing up does not necessarily mean leaving behind childhood dreams; sometimes, these dreams find new homes in different aspects of life.

The exploration of business was the final phase in Miki’s evolving interests. Initially, she was drawn to the idea of independence and turning ideas into reality. Business classes at URochester helped her explore various facets of entrepreneurship, marketing, and strategy. She discovered that her interest in business was more about working with people than the specific career path. Over time, she noticed that she enjoyed certain assignments, conversations, and projects more than others, gradually guiding her toward a clearer direction within the field of business.

As Miki delved deeper into business, she found that her creative side was also a crucial component. Her roles as Publicity Chair for D’Lion and Alpha Phi Omega allowed her to combine creativity with strategic thinking. This experience taught her that creativity and business could coexist, providing a canvas for her to experiment with designs and messaging. Through publicity, she learned how to frame ideas effectively, making them more engaging and actionable.

In recent years, Miki has begun to consider another potential future: opening a restaurant. While this idea remains fluid and undefined, it represents a synthesis of her various interests. Cooking, tutoring, singing, and community building all contribute to her broader vision of what she wants to achieve. She acknowledges that the restaurant concept may evolve, but for now, it offers a framework that encompasses her diverse passions.

Miki emphasizes that her future is a menu of possibilities, and she is comfortable with the uncertainty. Unlike her younger self, she is not rushed to make a definitive choice. Instead, she views each experience as a step toward discovering what truly resonates with her. This journey of self-discovery continues to shape her college experience and future aspirations.

A photograph from Miki’s freshman dorm, Genesee, captures a snapshot of her early days at URochester. Another image shows Miki and her boyfriend, Pau, holding a t-shirt designed for the D’Lions, reflecting her involvement in campus activities. A group photo from Alpha Phi Omega sectionals highlights her leadership roles. Lastly, a personal photo from a vacation in Catalonia with Pau’s family showcases her love for cooking and spending time with loved ones.

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