Sabrina Hu

What’ve you enjoyed most about your area of study? Was there a particular discovery, new skill or way of thinking, or insight that you found especially valuable? Please share an example from your favorite class or experience.

I majored in 21E, combining Comparative Media Studies/Writing and Computer Science because it was the perfect blend of humanities and engineering. Through my classes, I had the opportunity to make documentaries and podcasts, build apps and hardware, develop a full-fledged video game, and analyze fairy tales and myths through the lens of gender studies. My course load has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m grateful for the experience. It has shaped how I think about the impact of my work on the world, encouraging me to create projects that explore the human experience. For example, I am currently producing a short documentary about high-achieving Asian American daughters, mental health, and the balance of love and forgiveness in parent-child relationships. I’ve gotten a much deeper understanding of storytelling as a way to connect.

How does the knowledge from this field, or your interest in it, combine with your other major or minor studies at MIT?

My computer science background gave me the technical and problem-solving skills to build the ideas in my head. My Comparative Media Studies background gave me the creativity, imagination, and empathy to tell meaningful stories. Together, they have allowed me to build projects that bridge technology and human connection. For example, I developed a digital communication platform at the MIT Digital Humanities Lab, engineered a portable water purification device at the MIT Urban Risk Lab, and designed and taught a computer science curriculum for international students in the United Kingdom through MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI). This blend of technical expertise and human-centered design has allowed me to approach problem-solving in an analytical and empathetic way.

An MIT education includes study in the scientific, technical, social science, arts, and humanities fields. How do you think that wide range of knowledge and perspectives will be valuable to you – for your career success and for your enjoyment of life?

MIT taught me how to love learning again. My exposure to different fields has given me an appreciation for the diverse work and advancements happening around me. Even if I’m not an expert in every area, I’ve gained enough understanding to connect ideas across disciplines and collaborate effectively. Beyond my career, this mindset allows me to approach problems with curiosity and engage with others more thoughtfully.

What are your plans for the future?

I will be joining Oliver Wyman in Singapore as a full-time consultant. Afterward, I hope to pursue an MBA in a different country and eventually co-found a startup. One day, I want to give a TED Talk that inspires millions of people.