JOANNE LEE ’22

Yale 2026

The word "passion" is a complex one for Joanne. It carries connotations that suggest an unwavering commitment to a single pursuit. However, Joanne's passions have always been fluid, adapting to the circumstances that shape her life. For her, passion isn't confined to one place or one direction. There are numerous avenues to explore, and it's perfectly okay to be lost in the process of discovering one's passion. “Passion does not have to be monotonic and based in one area. It’s okay to have multiple versions of oneself and love multiple interests.”

As a student with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and an insatiable curiosity, Joanne Lee embodies the spirit of a lifelong learner. She is a sophomore at Yale University, majoring in economics and mathematics after she realized that she enjoyed these fields more than history which she also loves but feels can be self-taught. Her journey is a testament to the idea that passion need not be confined to a singular path but can instead be a dynamic, evolving force shaped by experiences and circumstances.

Beyond economics and math, Joanne's heart beats for storytelling. Her interest in history, places, and the people around her all stem from her belief that stories shape our experiences and narrate our lives. Economic development, in her eyes, is about capturing these stories and catering to the needs of the people.

One transformative summer, Joanne worked for a President's Public Service Fellowship for the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. This experience thrust her into the real financial world, exposing her to economic development and workforce issues. Her passion for economic development encompassed a wide range of activities and goals, including the revitalization of communities and ensuring financial and social well-being for all.

Joanne's commitment to community is unwavering, a trait and desire to give back both honed through her involvement at SFS and her own communities. Her work during the summer allowed her to witness communities coming back to life through businesses. With flexibility, hands-on work, and personal connections with business owners, she started to see New Haven from a different perspective and realized the city held untapped potential as a business hotspot.

Joanne visited a struggling beverage bottling company. This experience allowed her to connect with the business owner on a personal level, learning about his family and his aspirations. She found a suitable location for the business expansion that was close to his home to permit him to spend more time with his newborn son. Finding solutions that tailor to individual needs was a moment of discovery.

That same summer, Joanne delved into research at the School of Management, exploring the revolving door between the public and private sectors. She examined the influence of policy decisions and the economic effects of transitions between the two sectors. Real-world implications of theories and phenomena became tangible through her research.

These horizon-broadening experiences from SFS to college to community engagement has permitted Joanne to branch out, gain real life experiences, and connect them to help her explore interests and to further expand her career goals and passions. “I do not have one set of passion and career goals anymore because there is so much I want to do.”

Her experiences and skill set from SFS transferred seamlessly to college, allowing her to become more exploratory. College has broadened her horizons, presenting her with a plethora of career opportunities and interests. These interests all connect, forming a complex tapestry of her journey. Joanne firmly believes in having multiple versions of oneself and loving multiple interests. At Yale, she continues to engage in various activities, ranging from running to playing the cello, debating, tutoring, and fostering friendships. These diverse experiences taught her the art of being multifaceted, and she found immense happiness in them.

Her formative years at SFS from 5th to 12th grade played a crucial role in shaping her identity. Joanne engaged in various activities and found a welcoming community at SFS that helped craft her identity. The many experiences provided diverse intellectual stimulation and nurtured her curiosity and courage to explore her passions.

Joanne's love for travel was also nurtured at SFS, where she learned that she had no boundaries. Her involvement in Yale's debate and Model United Nations (MUN) clubs even led her to travel to Paris for a MUN world conference. Embracing a spirit of courage, she ventured into new areas, getting involved in a legal aid organization, trying her hand at finance, and joining the securities club. Her participation in Yale activities are a result of being involved at SFS.

In Joanne's view, passion is not confined to a single avenue. It's about how you feel about a lot of different things and finding joy in those experiences. SFS exposed her to this philosophy and taught her to love a wide array of interests. “Passion is not a singular avenue. SFS exposed me to these different things and taught me to love them. SFS is a safe playground and space to explore anything and everything.”

Her memories of SFS are among her happiest because of its warm community and lifelong relationships. As Joanne reflects on her journey, she exudes gratitude for SFS faculty who made an impact on her life and were there for her. She explained that though the Yale curriculum is applauded, she learned so much at SFS. SFS gave her courage to explore her passions and provided diverse intellectual stimulation. The nurturing community and mentorship of her SFS teachers have left an indelible mark on her life, “I remember all my SFS teachers and the impact they had on my growth. They shaped my experiences and my trajectory of life.”

One SFS faculty member, Ms. AhYoung Chi, stands out as a guiding light. Joanne confides in her about everything, from religion to social life, and she credits Ms. Chi with leading her through life's challenges. An email exchange during her second semester at Yale, when she felt lost, led to Ms. Chi sending her the book, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming by Henri J. M. Nouwen which remains one of Joanne's favorites. Later, Ms. Chi sent Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle which helped Joanne with her exploration of the uncertainties in life.

In her free time, Joanne continues to nurture her relationships with SFS faculty and friends. For her, the journey is just beginning, and she looks forward to the boundless opportunities and discoveries that lie ahead.