APIA Scholar recipient discusses his path to college and future aspirations

May marks Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which celebrates the historic and cultural contributions of individuals and communities of Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent.

FedEx supports several organizations dedicated to the needs of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, including APIA Scholars. Since 2007, FedEx has served as a Leadership and in-kind partner to APIA scholars, which is a non-profit that aims to help all APIA students access higher education and resources that cultivate their academic, personal, and professional success. FedEx supports four-year scholarship awards to several students per year.

See what one FedEx Scholar had to say about his path to college and future aspirations.  

What is your name?

  • My name is William (Will) Huang.

What college do you attend, including your major and classification?

  • I am a graduating senior at Williams College with a double major in chemistry and East Asian languages and cultures and a concentration in Asian American Studies.

Where are you from (hometown)?

  • I am from Great Neck, NY

Tell us about your pathway to college (e.g., are you a first-generation college student).

  • As a first-generation college student, I found the path to college rewarding but difficult. I remember the path being rugged, where I tripped and fell on several potholes formed by my knowledge gaps. However, even as I ached in pain and became weary, I implemented the strategies and advice I gathered from my teachers and friends. In doing so, I navigated the path better and, ultimately, reached the end of the path.

How has the FedEx scholarship helped with your college and career aspirations?

  • The FedEx scholarship helped alleviate some of the financial stress of attending college and connected me with the incredible APIA Scholars network. I found the APIA opportunities to be exciting and informative. One of which is the e-portfolio workshop series. Before this program, I struggled to understand how to present my work and journey effectively and clearly online. Through the program, I became more proficient in these areas and more excited about building my e-portfolio as a lifelong endeavor. In this process, I reflected on my career aspirations, spoke with APIA Scholars and supporters, and realized business consulting is my preferred career path. All of this would not have been possible without the generous support of FedEx in supporting my education and growth.

What are your plans post-college?

  • Post-college, I plan to work at a boutique consulting firm called The Dedham Group. I am excited to engage with clients focused on oncology and specialty therapeutics work. Outside of my career, I look forward to spending more time with my family and learning a hobby or two on the weekends.