Meet the Minerva Freshmen - Chelsea Sze Yiu Wong

What made you apply to Minerva?

The opportunity to travel and the free application fee initially caught my attention. Still, it was the unconventional application process and the ongoing support from the enrollment team that truly compelled me to apply. After spending three years in a close-knit boarding community, I knew I wanted a small college experience where I could build meaningful connections - and I believed Minerva was the place to make that happen. As I progressed through the application process, I became increasingly drawn to this unique university. I could clearly envision myself immersed in its diverse community, surrounded by students eager to make a positive impact on the world. What resonated most with me was Minerva’s belief that education is more than rote memorization; true learning comes from hands-on experience. 

What have you learned about yourself during the application process?

I’ve learned that a person is made up of many elements that go beyond mere intelligence. While Minerva values academics, they are not fixated on the letters on your report card. Instead, they want to understand who you are as a person and your potential to grow. Minerva’s application process reminded me that I am much more than just my grades. It was an empowering realization that encouraged me to explore aspects of myself I hadn’t considered valuable before - both during the application process and in life. 

What was your favorite accomplishment you mentioned in your Minerva application?

For the past few years, I have dedicated my birthdays to supporting non-profit organizations that are close to my heart. I began this tradition at the age of thirteen as I deeply believed there should be more to my birthday than receiving gifts. Since then, I’ve worked with charities like Save the Children Australia (focused on improving the lives of vulnerable children), the Victoria Humane Society (which provides medical care for animals in need in Victoria, BC), and Mind HK (dedicated to ensuring no one in Hong Kong faces mental health challenges alone). With a passion for social impact, this accomplishment has given me a deep sense of hope in our shared humanity and the tangible difference we can make in supporting organizations that work to help others. Bringing my communities together to create meaningful change is the most rewarding gift I could ever ask for.

Is there anything you are particularly excited about regarding your first year at Minerva?

Minerva is more than just a school; it is an experience like no other. What excites me the most are the opportunities for growth and engagement, through experiences such as our first-year Civic Project. This project allows us to connect with local communities in the rotation city and tackle specific research challenges we are passionate about. Alongside four teammates, I’ll have the chance to collaborate with Miracle Messages, a non-profit organization that helps individuals experiencing homelessness and relational poverty rebuild their social support systems. I am thrilled to see how our project evolves and to witness the impact of our efforts - leaving the city a little better than we found it.

What are your first impressions of the Class of 2028 community?

As soon as I received my acceptance letter and joined the Minerva Class of 2028 group chat, I was overwhelmed by the unwavering support from both the staff and my fellow students. At first, I was uncertain about attending Minerva, but that uncertainty faded as I experienced a powerful, almost surreal feeling of relief and clarity. At that moment, I realized: “This is where I am meant to be”. Arriving in San Francisco in August only confirmed what I had already sensed about the community. Everyone had such an open mindset and a genuine willingness to learn from one another. Being a part of Minerva means feeling embraced and supported at every stage of your journey. Though it has only been two months, I already consider these people my home, and I look forward to growing alongside such an incredible group of individuals. 

What is your favorite Minerva memory so far?

“Kitchen time” - a term my friends and I coined for those late-night moments when we’d gather in the eighth-floor kitchen, talking about whatever was on our minds. It all started when we noticed our natural tendency to gravitate toward that space. Though it's difficult to choose my favorite “kitchen time”, one that stands out is when we decided to give each other names from our respective cultures. From Chinese names to Kyrgyzh, Ukrainian, Japanese, Indian - you name it, the list goes on. The once-empty kitchen soon transformed into a space full of laughter, stories, and shared experiences. We left our stress and worries behind, focusing only on being present in the moment. Hearing about everyone’s background and the meaning behind their names deepened our connection in ways words alone could not express.

What advice would you give to future applicants?

Try your best and don’t stress! As cliché as it may sound, the process is about more than just meeting specific requirements - it’s about being true to who you are. Minerva considers every aspect of you, so embrace the opportunity to share your unique experiences and perspectives. Take plenty of deep breaths, and remind yourself that you are already the best version of yourself you’ve ever been. Trust the process, and remember that every step, no matter how challenging, is part of the journey toward discovering where you truly belong.

If you were inspired by Chelsea’s story and are seeking a college experience that will teach you valuable pragmatic skills that will enable you to change the world, apply to join Minerva today.