Caltech Y 2024 Annual Report Out Now!

Dear Caltech Y Community,

My name is Leo Zhang, and I recently graduated with a degree in Computer Science. I served on the Caltech Y’s student Executive Committee (ExComm) and student board member. As a Frosh, I came in with a deep curiosity for math and robotics, but not many stories of my own to tell.

That changed because of the Caltech Y. The Y’s pillars, PLACES (Perspective, Leadership, Adventure, Civic Engagement, and Service), really did capture my experience with the Y. I want to share some of those stories, made possible by your generosity, and show how deeply the Y has shaped me.

My first Y experience was the Science Policy Trip to Washington, D.C. during my junior year. It was an action-packed learning and exploring trip. One evening, after a full day of meetings, we heard from Michael Ledford, Caltech’s lobbyist (I didn’t realize we had one!), and his warmth, humor, and practical wisdom about navigating politics instantly captured my attention. I filled two pages with notes: how to approach politicians, where to stand at events (by the cheese!), and how communication is the key to change. His talk completely changed my perspective and opened my eyes to the power of communication. Until that trip, I believed that good science alone would be enough to fix problems. But Michael’s stories showed me how much influence lies in the ability to communicate and advocate.

Inspired by that trip, I went to my first Y ExComm meeting and organized a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm. I was clueless (I thought there might be berries) and nervous about emailing Greg from the Y staff. I spoke to Catherine Ko and she guided me through the process, which gave me the confidence to lead more events and eventually mentor younger students myself.

This was just the beginning of my time with the Y. Through the Caltech Y’s Hastrup Travel Grant, I took my first solo international trip to Spain. I led the Eco Urban Gardens volunteer site for Make-a-Difference Day. I learned how to take minutes at ExComm meetings, and I even gave a speech to my fellow graduating students to encourage them to give to the Y after commencement.

Now, I’ve returned home to Florida and will be starting my job soon. But I’m bringing with me a new outlook, a fuller sense of self, and a commitment to stay engaged with my community. Caltech taught me how to think critically. The Y taught me how to live thoughtfully.

I want to make sure the Y has the same impact on other students that it had to me. I have pledged to support the Y and become a Friend like you.

If you’d like to read more student stories like mine, please check out the Caltech Y Annual Report, where you’ll find reflections from students whose lives have also been shaped by the Y.

Thank you for supporting the Caltech Y, students like me, and for making these experiences possible.

Best,

Leo Zhang

Caltech Class of 2025

Go PLACES with the Annual Report

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