Uncovering My Passion During My Time at Tufts University

At first glance, data and human emotion might seem like opposites—one rooted in logic, the other in feeling. But in truth, it's through data that we often gain a deeper understanding of our most complex, subjective experiences.

When interpreted thoughtfully, numbers can serve as a powerful tool to quantify human behavior, track emotional responses, and bridge the gap between analytical reasoning and real-world empathy. In this way, data becomes a second language—one that gives shape to the intangible.

At Nova Scholar Education, we believe in the power of that intersection. Our academic mentorship programs are built on the idea that students thrive not just by mastering facts, but by connecting ideas across disciplines—math and psychology, engineering and ethics, science and creativity.

In a world that values interdisciplinary research and emotional intelligence, students who learn to move fluidly between logic and empathy gain an edge. And my own journey—marked by doubt, exploration, and eventual clarity—reflects that exact philosophy.‍

A Childhood Immersed in Mathematics

From an early age, math wasn’t just a subject—it was a daily ritual. My mother, understanding the value of a strong analytical foundation, guided me through structured math exercises every summer.

While others played outside, I sat in the back office of her shop solving problems from Mathcounts workbooks and prepping for Math Day competitions. Her support helped me:

• Place highly in regional contests
  
  
• Build resilience through repetition
  
  
• Develop a systematic approach to problem-solving
  
  

These wins gave me confidence, but something still felt off. While I enjoyed solving problems, I didn’t feel emotionally connected to the work. Math was about discipline and achievement—not passion.

As high school approached, that emotional distance became more noticeable. My peers seemed to know where they were headed—toward medicine, law, the arts—while I felt stuck. Math sharpened my thinking, but didn’t light a fire in my heart.‍

The Contrast of Clarity: My Brother’s Influence

While I drifted, my brother thrived. Kean Hsu discovered psychology in high school and pursued it relentlessly. He had the kind of clarity I envied.

Even as a teenager, he showed emotional intelligence far beyond his years. His ability to connect with others shaped not only his personality but his future—culminating in early admission to Yale and later, a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Watching him move with such confidence and purpose highlighted what I was missing: direction.

But it also taught me something important: Passion doesn’t arrive on demand. Sometimes, it emerges slowly, shaped by experience and guided by exploration.‍

Choosing Exploration at Tufts University

Unlike Kean, I didn’t enter college with a fixed plan. I chose Tufts University for its flexible liberal arts curriculum. I wanted the freedom to explore widely, to try new things until something clicked.

And explore I did:

• Mandarin Chinese classes broadened my worldview.
  
  
• Philosophy seminars challenged my thinking on consciousness and ethics.
  
  
• Creative writing workshops awakened a love for storytelling.
  
  

I dabbled across disciplines—math, psychology, writing, languages—hoping one would feel like “the one.”

Eventually, I chose to major in Psychology. Not because it was my passion yet, but because it allowed for intellectual range and the chance to keep exploring.

What I didn’t know at the time was that this openness—to uncertainty, to discovery—would become the most defining trait of my academic path.‍

Discovering Purpose in a Psychology Lab

The true turning point came when I joined the Emotion, Brain, and Behavior Lab (EBBL) under Professor Heather Urry at Tufts.

Initially, the work felt mundane: attaching sensors, recording physiological responses, and logging data. But when I began analyzing those numbers with a graduate mentor, something clicked.

I saw how:

• Slight heart rate changes aligned with moments of laughter
  
  
• Increases in skin conductance revealed anxiety
  
  
• Facial muscle shifts tracked transitions into calm
  
  

What once felt like raw data now became emotional stories, captured through science. I saw how numbers could decode feelings—how data could be a window into the soul.

This was it. This was the intersection I had been searching for. I wasn’t choosing between numbers and people anymore—I had found a way to combine both.‍

Merging Data and Emotion in My Career Path

That lab experience reshaped everything. It transformed my interests into purpose. After Tufts, I began my career in economic consulting. The work was intellectually rigorous, and I learned to:

• Build statistical models
  
  
• Interpret large datasets
  
  
• Solve real-world business problems
  
  

But the human connection was missing.

So I pivoted. I pursued an MBA, focusing on data-driven marketing. This brought me closer to user behavior and decision-making. Still, something felt incomplete—too much focus on behavior, not enough on emotional depth.

The next evolution came through product management and growth analytics. Here, I finally found a home for my blended interests:

• Data science to guide smart decisions
  
  
• Human psychology to inform product design
  
  
• Empathy to create better experiences for users
  
  

Now, I work at the intersection of logic and emotion—using data to improve lives in tangible, meaningful ways.‍

Lessons for Students: How to Find Your Passion

If you’re in high school or college, wrestling with what comes next, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Passion Takes Time

Not everyone finds their calling in high school. That’s okay. Give yourself the space to explore before you specialize.

2. Embrace the Power of Interdisciplinary Learning

Your “aha” moment might come from combining fields—like math and psychology, or computer science and ethics.

3. Use Research to Unlock Purpose

Structured research opportunities, like those at Nova Scholar Education, help students find direction through real-world experience.‍

How Nova Scholar Education Supports Passion Discovery

At Nova Scholar Education, our mission goes beyond helping students excel academically—we’re committed to guiding them toward what truly inspires them. We believe that when students discover their genuine interests and passions, they don’t just achieve more—they learn with purpose, curiosity, and confidence.

Our mentorship-driven programs are designed to offer personalized academic journeys, tailored to each student’s goals, strengths, and evolving interests. Whether a middle schooler exploring new ideas or a high school student seeking advanced research opportunities, Nova Scholar provides the structure, resources, and expert guidance needed to succeed.‍

Our Signature Programs:

Nova Fundamentals (1 Month):
Ideal for middle school students, this program builds strong academic foundations while cultivating intellectual curiosity. It introduces students to critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning early on.

Nova Research (2.5–5 Months):
Designed for motivated high school students, this intensive program allows participants to design, execute, and present original research projects. With mentorship from scholars at top-tier institutions like Stanford, Harvard, and MIT, students gain real-world research experience and valuable academic exposure.

Nova Patent (2–4 Months):
This hands-on program helps high school innovators turn ideas into real-world inventions. From prototype design to legal guidance on intellectual property, students receive support every step of the way.

Topics Our Students Explore:

• Data Science & Behavioral Psychology
  
  
• Artificial Intelligence & Ethics
  
  
• Urban Planning & Social Justice
  
  
• Literature & Digital Storytelling
  
  

The common thread in all our programs? Passion-driven learning through expert mentorship and meaningful exploration.

At Nova Scholar, students don’t just prepare for the future—they begin to shape it. Let us help your child uncover their unique path and build the confidence to follow it.‍

Final Thoughts: Your Journey Is Valid—Wherever You Are

If you feel lost or unsure about your future, know this: You are not behind.

Passion is not a deadline. It’s a process of discovery.

Be curious. Ask questions. Try new things. And when something feels “right,” follow it—even if the path forward isn’t obvious yet.

As my journey shows, the convergence of data and emotion, of logic and empathy, is not only possible—it’s powerful. And it might be where your greatest purpose lies.