Ariel Fu
MY OBJECTIVES
Undergraduate Major in Pre-Veterinary Studies
Veterinary School
Veterinary Doctor
During Elementary school and partly Middle school, I had no idea what exactly I wanted to be when I grew up. However, throughout my years of high school the long since interest I've had for animals flowered into a large fascination in animal care and medicine, largely due to the extracurriculars that I’ve taken part in. Through the Sports Medicine class that I’m taking in school, I have fostered my strong interest in the processes of working with fractures, certain injuries and neurology, and I wish to expand my knowledge in this field to animal physiology and medicine. The veterinary field combines my interest and passion for learning about animals and medicine, which is exactly why I want to pursue this career path!
PROGRAMS / VOLUNTEER
Pokemon cards - dimensional beyond their thin frames, creatures of the superpowered realm completely encapsulated me as a young child. Such curiosity gradually morphed into the eagerness of learning everything about animals, which guided me through the selection of my volunteering and summer programs. To my surprise, when being immersed in those programs, I found superpowered realm really do exist. How fascinating it is to learn about those creatures’ unique abilities that I used to believe only existed in the imaginary world.
Life beyond our own, on land, in the sky, and under water, will continue to fascinate me, and I fully intend to explore their habitats, soar into their wonderland, and delve deeper into their realm as I pursue my studies in the animal world in college.
Zooteen, Happy Hollow Zoo — Volunteer
FRESHMAN - CURRENT
Went through a competitive application and interview process and was accepted into the Zooteen volunteering program.
Over the summer, I assisted as a Camp Counselor for the various camps that were held. In addition, during the school terms, I volunteer from 9am to 1pm with animal care, learn about the myriad of animals sheltered at their zoo, and assist/inform visitors about them.
Due to COVID this year, Happy Hollow Zoo has closed itself off the visitors and volunteers. However, they are constantly in contact and will soon be open to volunteers! I have already completed the safety training, so I will be set to continue immediately once the Zoo opens.
Science Internship Program (SIP) — UC Santa Cruz
JUNE 2021 - AUGUST 2021
Went through a competitive application process and attended an 8 week internship that focused mainly on marine conservation. I had the opportunity to work with a mentor from UCSC and two other interns and delve into the world of ocean sciences, specifically corals and coastal hardening. Through satellite mapping, I created a geographical database of coastal structures in the US Virgin Islands through a program called QGIS! I also studied many research papers, learning about the effects of coastal hardening as well as methods for coral restoration. At the end of the eight weeks, I presented my methods and findings (watch the YouTube video at the left).
Since this course was moved online due to the COVID crisis, I was not able to do as much hands-on research as I would’ve liked, but I was still able to gain some important software and presentation skills. It was definitely an incredible opportunity to work so closely with a mentor and conduct my own research!
Adventures in Veterinary Medicine — Tufts University
JULY 2020
Went through a competitive application process and attended the one week Adventures in Veterinary Medicine course which delved deep into topics from animal behavior and anatomy all the way to diagnostic imaging and toxicology!
While this course was moved online due to COVID, this was one of the most enriching and fun experiences I’ve ever had and it really helped narrow my choices in what I want to pursue in the future. It was truly amazing to learn from current vet students as well as seasoned instructors.
Academic Connections, UCSD — Scripps Institution of Oceanography: Marine Invertebrates
JULY 2019 - AUGUST 2019
Was accepted into and attended Academic Connections, a month-long residential program at UCSD, earning 6 college credits for the course: Marine Invertebrates at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
I participated in a series of labs, observing live invertebrates, taking part in afternoon lectures about 35 different invertebrate phyla, and finally presented a fully-researched presentation on any chosen invertebrate.
Stanford Science Circle, Stanford University — Biosciences
JANUARY 2020 - MARCH 2020
Was accepted into and attended Stanford Science Circle, which focused mainly on neuroscience and genetics. I had the opportunity of participating in lectures from current Stanford Researchers, even engaging in debates surrounding the ethicality of genetic engineering (CRISPR).
I learned topics ranging from the molecular breakdown on the process of gene-editing to forms of treatment in decelerating the effects of cancer, and it was fascinating being able to ask my lecturer on the specifics of his own research project.
Garrod Farms Horse Riding and Care Program
JULY 2018
Attended this summer camp for one month learning about basic horse care such as dietary needs, correct saddle and knot-tying methods as well as cleaning and grooming. Along with that, horse-riding control and form techniques were taught and the mechanics of walking, trotting and loping.
Young Genius Speech and Debate Program — Impromptu, Original Oratory, Public Forum
JULY 2018
This vigorous three-week program exercised my ability to think quickly on the spot, research and write an original oratory speech and create compelling arguments for specific topics.
Though this was out of my comfort zone, learning certain techniques to overcome anxiety issues and some skills to use during a debate or speech definitely helped me feel more comfortable in the public-speaking field.
EXTRA CURRICULA / AWARDS
I started attending dance and art lessons as early as my age of 6. As you can imagine, at the beginning it was like a chore just for fulfilling my parents wishes, but going through years and years of classes and recitals on stage, I fell in love with feeling liberated and expressive while dancing and letting my imagination and emotion flow freely and visualized while drawing.
Isadora Duncan, a great American dancer, mentioned kinds of dancers, “…those who, by concentrating their minds, lead the body into the rhythm of a desired emotion, expressing a remembered feeling or experience. And finally, there are those who convert the body into a luminous fluidity, surrendering it to the inspiration of the soul." The words not only so accurately describe what I feel like to dance, but they also apply to the moments when I draw if you replace the word “body” with “paintbrush”.
Competitive Dance, Dance Academy USA — Teen Production Jazz, Senior Production Jazz
7TH GRADE - FRESHMAN
Danced on the Teen Production Jazz competition team for two years and advanced to the Senior Production Jazz team in 9th grade.
My team and I earned a High Gold at the Nationals Hollywood Vibe Convention and Competition during 7th and 8th grade.
My team and I took 3rd place Gold at the Nationals Hollywood Connection Convention and Competition in 9th grade.
I earned a scholarship award from a Hollywood Connection Faculty Choreographer that made me eligible to attend a Music Video Workshop.
Competitive Color Guard and Winter Guard, Fremont High Marching Band— Group Mentor
FRESHMAN - CURRENT
Marched alongside the Fremont High School Marching Band as a Color Guard member since the freshman year, competing at an average of six competitions per year. Performed the duet in the band’s shows “Black Swan” in 2019 and “Classic Rach“ in 2021. Received the “Dancer of the Year” award from the band in my Junior year. I am currently a group mentor instructing junior members in flag, rifle and sabre skills.
Various Artistic Awards, Silicon Valley Chinese School — 2nd, 1st, and 3rd
6TH GRADE - 8TH GRADE
Partook in the school-wide art competition held by the Silicon Valley Chinese School at Lynbrook High.
Took 2nd place in 6th grade
Took 1st place in 7th grade
Took 3rd place in 8th grade
CLUBS
Interact Club
FRESHMAN - CURRENT
A service club in partnership with Rotary dedicated to raising money for a specific cause each year. It requires 20 service hours over the course of a school year and fosters leadership in youth.
I participate in community service opportunities, both virtual and physical, and dedicate myself to raising money for the year’s cause, while also improving my social and leadership skills. I have illustrated three separate designs for apparel and merchandise that were used to fundraise money for the community and international projects.
Red Cross Club
SOPHOMORE
Primarily a club centralized around teaching first-aid and CPR procedures along with various volunteering opportunities. We also fundraise towards many different humanitarian issues such as California Wildfire Relief and nonprofits that eliminate hunger.
Animal Awareness Advocates Club
SOPHOMORE
This club focuses on learning about endangered species and the effects of animal cruelty. We also take the initiative to volunteer at local ranches and zoos, assisting the staff with their daily chores and gaining hands-on experience with the animals.