Just like the bamboo...

Hello! I'm Xiaoya(Mia), and the story behind my Chinese name 'Xiao' is as unique as my journey. This character, rare and special, stands for bamboo – a plant revered in Chinese culture for its elegant grace and unyielding strength. Bamboo is an enduring symbol of resilience, beautifully mirroring my own life's philosophy.

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From the gentle sway of its leaves to the steadfastness of its stalk, bamboo represents my approach to life and learning. I embarked on my academic voyage in the world of Communication, a field rich with human connections and narratives. It was here that I first learned to weave stories, understand diverse perspectives, and appreciate the power of effective dialogue.

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Transitioning from Communication to User Experience Design (UXD) in graduate school was like stepping into a new forest, unfamiliar yet intriguing. This shift was not just a change in academic focus; it was a test of my resilience. Faced with the intricate complexities of UXD, a field both exciting and challenging, I did not shy away. Instead, I embraced the newness, channeling my inner 'Xiao'.

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Drawing parallels between the art of communication and the science of user experience, I found a harmonious blend of my past expertise and newfound passion. Just as bamboo stands resilient, bending with the wind but never breaking, I adapted, learning and growing with every challenge. In this journey, I've absorbed knowledge voraciously, nurturing my skills and branching out into innovative design solutions.