cultural exchange 

In October 2025, I traveled to Havana as a student ambassador for the Cuban-American Youth Orchestra (CAYO). I carried a suitcase full of basic supplies and OTC medicine—items many families there cannot easily access. What began as a simple donation effort became a deeper lesson in how health, scarcity, and social structures shape daily life. Sharing music with young musicians helped me understand how communities build connection and resilience even within limited resources, sparking my interest in exploring these inequalities through a human-centered lens.

Since returning home, I’ve been working as a board member of our school’s UNICEF chapter to support CAYO through a student-led service initiative. And this coming March, I’ve been invited back to Cuba to join CAYO and professional musicians in a recording project—an opportunity I feel deeply honored to take part in as I continue learning from this community.

From Chicago’s suburbs to a tiny village in southwestern France — I discovered that music has no borders.

In August 2024, I had the honor to join Cordes en Gascogne, a chamber-music festival held in the heart of the Gers countryside. As a young American violinist, I wanted to experience music beyond concert halls — in small villages, among local people, sharing music simply for connection.

We played not only at historic churches, but also in village markets and community halls. One evening, I performed Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence with my ensemble under candlelight for villagers and seniors — their smiles and applause reminded me that music isn’t about stages or prestige, but about heart.

This journey deepened my belief that music is for everyone, everywhere. Back in Illinois, I plan to bring that spirit — performing at local libraries, senior centers, and community events — wherever there is an audience waiting.