Between midday naps, Raiden Chen '26 loves playing tennis with BBBT (Blake Bears boys’ tennis) and scrapbooking the last week's events. You can always find him snacking, binging a new show or playing roguelike video games.
Q: What's your favorite family tradition?
A: The pro-con list. Whenever a family member makes a big decision (like recently with my brother choosing between Ph.D. programs) we call each other to make a pro-con list and hear what other family members think.
Q: Would you rather explore a new planet or the deepest parts of the ocean and why?
A: Definitely the deepest parts of the ocean. The Earth is fascinating to me, and learning how life survives down there without oxygen is so intriguing. Maybe my choice is a part of my hope that we can love and care enough for this Earth that we don't need to explore a new planet.
Q: In what ways are you the same as your childhood self?
A: We both love ginger ale. But now I’ve grown to love sparkling water too.
Q: What teacher inspired you the most? How?
A: Ms Holm! Her overflowing curiosity for chemistry is so contagious that suddenly you're in love with chemistry too—even if you're not that good at it.
Q: What do you miss most about being a kid?
A: Being teeny-tiny and thus devilishly good at hide and seek.
Q: If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?
A: Taking a walk with whoever I can convince into a stroll with me.
Q: Who is your hero?
A: My mom. From raising four babies during residency to battling off breast cancer, she is someone I aspire to be—caring, resilient and totally badass.
Q: Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours.
A: Whenever I'm bored in public, I'll pull out my notes app and write a digital diary entry of the day.
Q: What book has influenced you greatly? How?
A: "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" by Ocean Vuong. He has a way with words that resonates with my own experiences.
Q: What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
A: Making tea: black or jasmine