Name: Kathy Cheng
Hometown: East Brunswick, NJ
University: MIT 12
Major: Urban Planning
What led you to apply for Venture for America?
College has taught me a lot about learning, thinking critically, dreaming big But after I graduate, I wanted to learn how to do, to get my hands dirty, and to build, though ideally in a company with a great group of individuals. Entrepreneurship, to me, embodies the dynamic environment of doing that I wanted to be a part of and VFA seemed like the perfect vehicle to do it. Great cause, great companies, great people.
What were you doing when you found out you were accepted?
I was heading out to dinner because it was Restaurant Week in Boston. Dinner was probably extra celebratory.
Now that youre a fellow, what are you most excited about with regard to VFA? What do you hope to accomplish?
Im really excited to get engaged with a company at the ground level and to really become invested and involved. Im excited to learn all of the practical, unique and quirky skills that makes entrepreneurship happen. And Im really excited to get to know all of the other fellows whove made this same commitment as me.
If you had to live one place for the rest of your life, where would you choose?
I dont think Ive seen or traveled enough to really say where I would want to be for the rest of my life, that seems like a really long horizon of time. But if its one thing that urban planning has taught me, its that Im really not that partial to suburbia. I like walkability, history and culture, access to good food (and caffeine, thats important), and a certain sense of coziness or charm. Bostons been pretty good on all fronts so far.
Best thing about MIT: Our Class Ring, the Brass Rat.
Favorite Book: Geography of Bliss
Favorite childhood TV show: Sailor Moon
Favorite meal: Brunch
Role model: Mother Teresa
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Best class you’ve ever taken: Economics of Education
Favorite movie quote: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present. Kung Fu Panda
Favorite thing to do on Sunday: The Sunday morning church tradition.
Favorite entrepreneur: Joanne Chang
Favorite cereal: Coco Puffs
Most worn article of clothing: My brown riding boots
Favorite sports team: Lakers! No shame about it, even though Im in Boston right now
Best trip you’ve ever been on: Global Urban Trek to Calcutta, India
Favorite historical figure: Coco Chanel
Accomplishment you’re most proud of: Right now, Im just really proud that I figured out what I want to do next year.
Check out Kathy’s feature in NextGen Journal: Future Entrepreneurs: “Kathy Cheng Joins Doodle Home”