Equipped with a spirit of resilience and perseverance, Lina Lin is attending Yale University this fall where she’s planning to study Economics with a certificate in Data Science and Statistics. Read on for more about this 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship recipient.

What is your professional dream?

I aspire to become a visionary social impact entrepreneur, policymaker, and philanthropist committed to advancing key global issues such as education equity, affordable housing, accessible banking, and tech regulation.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

It will help cover my college expenses, including the costs of textbooks, while also acting as a vital supplement to my aspirations of studying abroad, attending conferences, and other educational events.

How is this scholarship helping you get closer to your dream?

It will truly allow me to unlock my full potential at Yale and allow me to maximize the wealth of opportunities and resources that Yale will have without worrying too much about college finances.

​What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

Don’t let your life circumstances determine your future dreams and aspirations! Always remember to dream big and shoot for the sky — what’s the worst that can happen?!

​Have you had any setbacks? How did you move past them?

Despite enduring numerous setbacks resulting from challenging family circumstances, I’ve always had a spirit of resilience and perseverance to triumph over adversity. Every day, I make a conscious effort to engage in self-reflection, drawing inspiration from motivational quotes and videos that fuel my determination. I also maintain a dedicated journal where I outline my future goals, using it as a tool to anchor my thoughts.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

As I start college, I hope to continue my social impact journey that I’ve developed in high school to help communities in need while keeping an open mind, meeting new people, and reflecting on the value of my college education in relation to the world.