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College of Arts & Sciences

Emma Ko - October 2024

Picture of Emma Ko

Name:

Emma Ko

Hometown:

Chengdu China, but now Melissa, TX

High School:

Homeschooled

Degree objective: 

Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

Expected graduation:

Spring, 2026

University highlights, awards, scholarships:

-The Sumners Scholarship

- Research presentations and publications, including winning 1st at TAMU's Student Research Week

- Internships with World Affairs Council, U.S. Army War College, and Bush School's Economic Statecraft Program

- Study abroad in South Korea

- Student Organization leadership including President of TAMES, Undergraduate Liaison for Alexander Hamilton Society

- University Honors Student Dean's List

Clubs/Organizations I am (was) a part of:

University Honors Peer Mentor Program, Texas A&M Economics Society, Future participation: SCONA, Alexander Hamilton Society

Current employment:

Economic Statecraft Program, LIVE Lab

Family ties to Texas A&M:

N/A

I chose to attend Texas A&M because…

I chose to attend Texas A&M because I could receive an excellent education without going into debt. The opportunities afforded by such a large state university, with its emphasis on research and collaborations with the Bush School, which allow me to work with both Economics and International Affairs, were very persuasive.

My favorite things to do on campus are…

My favorite thing to do on campus is to lie on the grass, either in the backyard of All Faiths Chapel or at the Leach Teaching Gardens.

When I have free time, I like…

What free time? As nerdy as it sounds, I enjoy reading books and writing little articles. I also like swimming, especially in the Olympic-sized pool at the Student Rec. However, I do have an unhealthy addiction to video games, so gaming with my friends is often a go-to.

The craziest thing I’ve done is…

I'm not sure about the craziest, but I did once feed a 3-foot-long fish with a baby bottle while it was in the water.

My favorite place to study is…

My favorite place to study is in the LASB or Mays Business School after everyone has gone home.

My favorite ECON professor is…

Oh, I don't do favorites (Dr. Meer).

My favorite part of being an Economics student is…

My favorite part of being an Econ student is how small the department is. A&M is such a large school, but I feel pretty connected with Econ both with my fellow undergrads but also with professors, department staff, and Masters students.

If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…

I would love to share an afternoon with my four siblings, doing whatever, as long as it involves eating ice cream.

If I knew I could not fail, I would…

I would retrace Magellan's route around the world in a sailboat. Not failing includes unlimited resources and not dying, right?

If money was not a consideration, I would love to…

I would love to start an Economic Freedom group. We would be a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance and benefits of Economic Freedom and advocating for it in various countries. I envision different departments, such as a legal/diplomatic department focused on improving legislation worldwide to support Economic Freedom, an education department dedicated to teaching people how Economic Freedom can benefit them, and a finance department that could help jumpstart struggling communities' economies through micro-financing. https://www.fraserinstitute.org/economic-freedom/economic-freedom-basics

What is your passion and how are you committed to pursuing it?

My passion is economics, especially as it relates to international affairs. I plan to pursue this passion by working either in Foreign Service with Economic Development or as an academic specializing in Economic Statecraft.

After graduation, I plan to…

After graduation, I plan to go abroad either to further study International Affairs and Diplomacy or to start working immediately in Economic Development.

The one Texas A&M experience I will always remember is…

When I was a freshman in high school, I competed in a USA Archery competition at Texas A&M. I remember thinking as we drove in that I would never end up at this school, yet six years later, here I am!