August Scholar of the Month Yanqing Lei Tells Us About Energy Inclusion

Hi everyone! My name is Yanqing Lei and I’m a rising junior at Wellesley College. I’m majoring in Political Science & Women’s and Gender Studies. I’m from Los Angeles, California. I’ve been studying remotely for the past year and I’m super excited to get back to campus in the fall! I can’t wait to see all my friends and professors in-person!

What have been the most rewarding activities/academics you participated in?

One of the most rewarding experience of my college journey is being the Student Co-coordinator for the First-Generation and Low-income (FLI) Network on-campus. I’m involved in this organization since my first year and it’s honestly been the highlight of my college journey. I had so much fun creating and organizing bonding, FLI alumni panels, mental health workshops, and celebration events for our students. I’m also beyond grateful to connect with our FLI students and support each other to thrive at college.

Can you tell us about what you have been working on this summer? How have you liked it?

I’m working as an Energy Inclusion and Equity intern at Solar United Neighbors this summer. I learned about this opportunity through All Ways Up and FutureMap and I’m really grateful for this great learning and growing opportunity! Some of the projects I’ve worked on this summer is to create two solar energy surveys (one in Minnesota and one in Indiana) and conduct them to learn about low- and moderate- income families experiences in going solar energy. In addition, I also conducted research on 60+ non profit organizations that focused on diversity in Tucson, Arizona for a solar grant opportunity. This internship expanded my horizon in the energy sector and taught me how to use solar energy to support low-income families and create local wealth in the community.

What is some advice you have for incoming freshmen/ underclassmen to help them navigate their college experience?

Some advice I have for incoming freshmen is that don’t be afraid to ask questions and speak up during class! Classes can feel overwhelming sometimes but remember that college is marathon, not a sprint. Take things one at a time and be good to yourself. Visit your professors’ office hours, go to your TA’s tutoring and visit your writing tutors before you submit that paper! I promise you will get better at what you do and improve a lot by asking for questions and seeking out for support! Remember you are not getting through your college journey alone - lean on your support systems. Last word of advice: don’t compare yourself with others, only compare and focus on yourself. Everyone serves as small pieces of a bigger puzzle - some will be the corner pieces, and some will be at the center - but the puzzle wouldn’t be complete without both pieces. Use your college journey to discover who you are and what your passions are!

What are you most excited about for your junior year at Wellesley College? Are you moving in soon?

I’m so excited about seeing all my professors, friends, and faculties in-person soon! I also miss our campus a lot and I’m looking forward to walking around our beautiful lake! And I’m moving in the beginning of September!