Mary Zhou
I am a post-baccalaureate student studying Chinese. My first degree was in Computer Science, which I had chosen for job security but had no passion for. After a few years of working in the industry, I realized that I wanted my career to be something that fulfilled me, not just something to pay the bills. After a lot of soul-searching, I decided to come back to school to pursue my dream of being a literary translator. As a second-generation immigrant, I know what it's like to bridge two worlds, and I hope the books I translate will help people connect despite their cultural differences. I applied for a Fulbright study grant to study Translation and Interpretation at National Taiwan Normal University. The MA in Translation and Interpretation will give me the skills I need to be a conscientious and proficient translator. In addition, pursuing my master's in Taiwan will give me the opportunity to immerse myself in Taiwanese culture and connect me to authors and works that I can translate to English. Outside of school, I like to read, play video games, and hang out with my cat Maru.
Tips
I think it's important to have a clear sense of your passions and skills, so you know which scholarships and programs are a good fit for you, as well as what to highlight when applying. Take advantage of the resources available at UW, including the Office of Merit Scholarships and the Writing Center. Finally, don't be afraid to try for something you think is too competitive or a long shot. You never know what could happen, and even if you don't get it, it is worth the time you spend improving your writing and reflecting on your own goals.
