Scholar in the News
Ahmad Ali Lewis isn't a typical Stanford undergrad - nor is he a typical rapper
Connie S Cho
“I have simply stayed dedicated to what I love: the critical pursuit of knowledge and music.”
- Program: 2009 College Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Columbia, MO
- Hometown: Columbia, MO
- Age: 20
- Four-year College or University: Yale University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Government, Health Care, International Economic Development, International NGO/Relations, Medical Practitioner, Nonprofits, Politics and Diplomacy, Public Policy, Public Services
- Other Interests: Foreign Languages / International Study, Health Care, Honor Society, International Relations / NGOs, Languages, Leadership Development, Liberal Arts, Literature, Performing Arts / Theatre, Sciences, Sports, Student Government, Tutoring / Mentoring, Volunteer Work
Biography
Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: Constance “Connie” Cho said she is “living the American dream.” She understands the opportunities being a Young Scholar provided her and has sought to “pay it forward” by helping other students through mentoring and volunteer programs. During the summer of 2008 she participated in The Oxford Tradition in the United Kingdom, studying Molecular Medicine during a four-week course. Other summer stops included Duke University for a medical science course and the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina where she studied piano.
Profile: Never underestimate the power of the printed word. Connie always wanted a career in medicine, but after reading an article in The New York Times about the work of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) in foreign nations, she became passionate about building a career in global public health. After reading how visionaries were launching and enriching projects to combat disease and provide healthcare to the world’s poor and suffering, she became hooked and her career path came into focus. The real work begins this fall as her undergraduate career commences at Yale. Then, hopefully, it will be on to medical school and public health work somewhere around the globe.
Inspiration: Connie’s parents emigrated from South Korea to Missouri. Her father had to move back to South Korea for a job, but Connie and her mother remained behind so that Connie could live her parents’ dream and she could have an education in the United States. “My parents have instilled in me a thirst for knowledge and encouraged me to never be satisfied with the status quo. I will never forget their tremendous sacrifice.”
Aspiration: A career in global public health.
Making a Difference: During her sophomore year at Hickman High School, Connie founded the Hickman Music Society, “a sort of music volunteering” organization to vitalize high school musicians’ involvement in the community. For over three years Connie has mentored fourth graders at a local public school.
Accolades: Connie has received national recognition in honor of her academic achievements. At Hickman High she also received the Fine Arts Department Award and in 2006 and 2007 finished second in the separate piano soloist competitions in Missouri.
Interesting fact: She keeps track of what day it is based on which columnists’ Op-Eds are published in The New York Times. For example, “if Cohen or Kristof’s Op-Eds are printed, that means I have a Mu Alpha Theta meeting that day.”
Other Scholars Like Connie
Joshua Ripple
Graduate Scholar
Georgetown University
Rainjade Chung
College Scholar
Harvard University
Alessandro Bailetti
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
TBA
Kyle Stevenson
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
American University