Unveiling My Path: A Journey of Self-Discovery to Tufts

Zhiyan (Hermione) Deng, Data Analytics MS student
Image of the Joyce Cummings Center at Tufts University
11/03/2022 - Medford/Somerville, Mass. - The sun sets behind the Joyce Cummings Center building on November 3, 2022. (Alonso Nichols/Tufts University)

Embarking on the Quest for Identity

Navigating life's path without a clear destination in sight can feel like wandering through an impenetrable mist. This was my reality, a stark contrast to those with their futures precisely charted. The enigmatic questions of identity and aptitude haunted me well beyond my days at Boston University, only beginning to unravel as I stepped toward the gateway of Tufts University.

The Boston University Odyssey: Between Creativity and Calculation

My academic odyssey at Boston University was marked by a dichotomy of disciplines: Advertising and Economics. Enthralled by the prospect of orchestrating imaginative campaigns, I soon confronted the reality that my brand of creativity diverged from the conventional norms of advertising. This realization steered me towards more analytical roles, yet a sense of true fulfillment remained just out of reach. Economics, though an unexpected ally, became a testament to my resilience, pursued with more determination than ardor.

Turning the Page: A New Chapter Unfolds

The conclusion of my undergraduate chapter led me to an unexpected yet pivotal role at a private school in Cambridge, MA. As a full-stack communication specialist, I flourished under the mentorship of a remarkably open-minded supervisor, exploring realms of design and video production I had once viewed with trepidation. The pandemic era's voracious appetite for digital content stoked the flames of my passion for video storytelling.

 

01/08/2024 - Medford/Somerville, Mass. - The Jumbo mascot statue on the Academic Quad on the morning after a snowfall on January 8, 2024. (Alonso Nichols/Tufts University)

The Revelation: Discovering My True Calling

Immersed in the world of video editing and soundtrack curation, I experienced a profound revelation: my heart lies in video content creation. Launching my YouTube channel became the cornerstone of this discovery, propelling me into the world of travel vlogging. I chronicled the vibrant essence of China, from its Hakka roots to the ethereal beauty of Shangri-La, connecting with a global audience and affirming my newfound direction despite the myriad challenges encountered.

Bridging Worlds: The Confluence of Creativity and Strategy

Amidst my creative journey, I concurrently embraced the role of program manager for a renowned mobile gaming company in China. The global acclaim of our projects was thrilling, yet it was the behind-the-scenes synergy and fervor that truly resonated with me, inspiring a deep-seated belief in the pursuit of passion. This dual experience catalyzed a curiosity: the fusion of creative expression with the precision of coding and analytics.

A New Trajectory: The Analytics Awakening

While content creation brought me immense satisfaction, it also illuminated a crucial skills gap: a profound understanding of analytics. Whether scrutinizing click-rates in advertising, gauging audience engagement on YouTube, or forecasting resource allocation in game development, analytics emerged as the cornerstone of success. This epiphany guided me towards pursuing a Master's degree in Data Analytics at Tufts, aiming to marry my creative zeal with the acumen of data analysis.

The Journey Continues: Towards Clarity and Purpose

This odyssey of self-exploration and learning has led me to Tufts, where the once-opaque fog of uncertainty starts to clear. Armed with a tapestry of experiences, I stand poised to delve into the realms of analytics, eager for the clarity and direction it promises. The journey to self-discovery is rarely linear, yet each twist and turn is a step closer to our true destination.

As I embark on this chapter at Tufts, I carry the invaluable lessons learned from each preceding step, ready to forge a future where creativity and analytics converge, illuminating the path ahead.