Tyler Wu | At-Large Trustee
Class of 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Why I Serve
I am living proof how attending the UW can change one’s personal trajectory and positively impact entire families and communities.
I was born in Seattle to a father who immigrated from China and a mother who was a Vietnamese refugee. They came to the United States as teenagers without money. Growing up, no one in my family had graduated from university. Nonetheless, my parents were determined to make it happen for me.
The beauty of the UW is that it meets people where they are. Some students launch into higher education knowing their interests and intended career path. Others, like me, need room and encouragement to explore. As a Husky, I had the opportunity to grow into myself, which was a transformational experience.
My UW mentor advised me that if something does not scare you, it is not challenging enough. I took that to heart. Already involved in student body government, I made the leap to run for ASUW president. My campaign platform was “Every Husky,” which reflected my desire to bridge gaps and build community. It was a privilege to be elected and advocate for fellow students.
To this day, my Husky experience informs my career. Post-graduation, I worked at a nonprofit working to expand higher education access and affordability. I am now working at a company working to unlock access to a higher education for our workforce.
Other family members have since followed in my footsteps and graduated from the UW. I was honored to help fill out forms, review college essays and provide guidance. I want everyone to have the support and resources to pursue higher education.
Mine is the story of a gay child of Asian immigrants who became a first-generation university graduate. As a Trustee, I hope that story helps alumni from all backgrounds feel seen, represented and inspires their involvement. The UW experience is bigger than just one person.
