Crossing time zones and international waters, Hsieh came to Guam from Taiwan when she was 16 years old. It was her first time living away from home, and she had to adjust to a new environment, a different culture, and an unfamiliar language.

Adapting to the changes took time, but they helped Hsieh become a dedicated, resilient student. She ultimately found her way to the University of Guam, where she pursued a Chemistry-Biology dual degree and earned the honor of being named the class valedictorian for Fañomnåkan (Spring) 2026.

While high academic achievement has undoubtedly been a highlight for Hsieh, the support she has received from the Triton community and the personal and professional growth she has experienced have been equally memorable and impactful. 

Finding Belonging in Community

In the first few years after moving to Guam, there were moments where Hsieh felt lonely and unsure about whether she fit in. It was at UOG that she began to develop a stronger sense of belonging.   

“What made UOG special was never only the classrooms or laboratories, but the people,” Hsieh says.

Classmates became sources of encouragement and support through hectic semesters. Professors shared their knowledge readily, often offering assistance even outside of class time. Advisors and mentors provided guidance on everything from internship opportunities to future career prospects. 

The meaningful relationships Hsieh forged at UOG helped transform uncertainty into confidence. 

“So many people encouraged me during times when I doubted myself,” Hsieh says. “Those experiences taught me the importance of kindness, empathy, and community support, especially for students studying far away from home.” 

Lessons From the Lab and the Land

In addition to working on the core requirements of her major, Hsieh was active in research, teaching assistantships, leadership activities, and community service, all of which strengthened her professional growth.  

Hsieh had the opportunity to attend a research internship at Academia Sinica, one of the leading academic institutions in Taiwan, where she studied plant heat acclimation and abiotic stress memory. Her interest in scientific inquiry and innovation grew even more after a research project she conducted on the antioxidant properties of breadfruit leaves through UOG’s Agriculture and Life Sciences Laboratory. The project helped Hsieh realize how science intersected with culture, traditional knowledge, and public well-being. 

“That experience changed the way I viewed research,” Hsieh shares. “I learned that research is not only about generating data, but also about understanding people, respecting local knowledge, and finding ways science can serve communities more meaningfully.” 

Answering the Call to Serve

As Hsieh prepares to attend the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, she brings with her a passion to give back, especially through advocacy for equitable healthcare access in underserved and island communities. 

“Living and studying in Guam taught me the importance of compassionate, community-centered care and showed me how meaningful it can be to support the communities that support you in return,” Hsieh says.

Hsieh’s dedication to service is also deeply personal. Inspired by her younger brother, who is on the autism spectrum, she has gained broader perspectives on the challenges that individuals and families may face when navigating healthcare systems, as well as the importance of empathy, patience, and communication. 

The learning does not end for Hsieh, but even as she leaves UOG, she hopes the institution’s values of Ina, Deskubre, Setbe continue to guide her. Whether in the next stage of her journey or in the distant future, Hsieh is motivated to make a difference in the lives of others.