My name is Rachel Chong and am currently an undergraduate student studying at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am majoring in Information Sciences with a minor in Art + Design and Advertising.

While art had a consistent presence in my life through classes or my creative hobbies, it wasn’t something I thought to pursue. However, it wasn't until university that I came across a pathway that captures the intersection of technology and creativity. The diverse pathways offered within the iSchool introduced me to the world of Human-Centered Design and User Experience (UX) design, steering me towards a passion I hadn't fully discovered during my earlier years.

This journey has solidified my commitment to a career where technology and design meet to create meaningful, user-friendly solutions. As I continue to explore the dynamic field of Human-Centered Design and User Experience, I am eager to contribute innovative ideas and play a role in shaping the future of technology with empathy and human understanding at its core.

From a computer science enthusiast to a passionate advocate for user-centric design, my journey reflects not only a shift in academic focus but a personal transformation driven by the profound impact design can have on enriching people's lives.