KP Personal Statement #1
What impact do you want to have on the world and why?
The impact that I want to have on the world is to make others happy by turning every interaction I have with another person into a positive experience.
My friends would say this motivation stems from me being a kind person. My mom would say it’s because I’m too curious for my own good -- always wanting to know the “whys” and “hows”. My self-definition is a summary of both: I’m a designer, inspired and energized to make moments meaningful.
This past year, I’ve served as a Product Design Lead for Texas Product Engineering Organization: a UT Austin org where student engineers, PMS, and designers build and launch pro-bono products for non-profits. As a Lead, I’m also mentoring 10+ students and teaching a weekly product design curriculum.
TPEO is just one example where the joy I find from creating delightful digital and physical interactions connects with the impact I want to make on the world, and why I love being a designer in the first place: I have a skillset that goes beyond myself and is meant to help others.
Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about solving problems, and turning negative experiences into lasting, positive ones. Making others happy comes in a variety of forms, whether it's designing a cool app or simply having a conversation with someone. I hope my impact as a designer can inspire people to do the same for others.