Sociologist & Researcher

Understanding
humansociety.

Hi, I'm Songyi. I'm a Communication & Sociology student at Santa Monica College, transferring to UCLA in 2026. I care about people, stories, and the systems that connect them.

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Songyi Yu

Bridging the gap
between theory
and lived experience.

I am a second-year student at Santa Monica College, double majoring in Communication Studies and Sociology. In September 2026, I will be transferring to UCLA to pursue a B.A. in Sociology.

My interests lie at the intersection of identity, culture, and social institutions. From directing theatre in Beijing to mentoring international students in Los Angeles, I have always been drawn to the spaces where people negotiate belonging and build community.

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Beyond academics, I am passionate about photography, media production, and community organizing. I believe that understanding society begins with listening closely to the people who live it.

Brief Timeline

2026

B.A. in Sociology (Incoming)

University of California, Los Angeles

2024

Communication Studies / Sociology

Santa Monica College

2022

Arts Management

The Central Academy of Drama, Beijing

2021

High School Diploma

The High School Affiliated to Peking University, Beijing

Selected Works

Writings & Notes

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Songyi Yu

Student • Creator • Community Builder

hello@songyiyu.com Santa Monica, CA

Education

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

B.A. in Sociology — Incoming

Santa Monica College

Communication Studies / Sociology · GPA 4.0 · 38 units completed

The Central Academy of Drama

B.A. in Arts Management · Beijing

The High School Affiliated to Peking University

High School Diploma · GPA 3.8 · Beijing

Experience

Peer Mentor & Administrative Assistant

SMC International Education Center

  • Edit Unibuddy content and answer prospective international students' inquiries, maintaining a 95%+ satisfaction rating.
  • Lead campus tours and support the IEC front desk with onboarding and administrative tasks; ~30% of visiting students later expressed an intent to apply.
  • Help plan and run student events such as Beach Day and Icebreaking, lifting average attendance by ~20%.

Student Ambassador

Kaplan International Languages, Los Angeles

  • Planned and ran weekly social events, including a large Lunar New Year Gala praised by Chinese and international students alike.
  • Coordinated event logistics — sourcing, setup, and staffing — delivering on time and within budget.

Content Operations Intern

Intellectuals (知识分子) WeChat Account, Beijing

  • Optimized layout and copy-editing for an account averaging 100,000+ reads per article, helping drive a single post past 100,000 reads.
  • Managed editorial performance and contributor-payment records with 100% data accuracy.
  • Coordinated reprint partnerships, opening 2 new collaboration channels to widen content reach.

Teaching Assistant

Tianjin New Youth Art-Exam Institution

  • Graded 50+ assignments per week for broadcasting & directing students, improving feedback turnaround and teaching quality.
  • Produced 30+ WeChat and short-video posts with full-time teachers, growing the account's following by ~20%.
  • Provided one-on-one guidance to 30+ students on study planning and college-major selection.

Student Director

The Central Academy of Drama, Beijing

  • Directed Under the Eaves of Shanghai, managing the full production cycle from pre-production through performance.
  • Coordinated actors, stage designers, technical staff, and faculty to deliver a high-quality production.

Campus Involvement

Chinese Culture Club

Founder & first President · Grew the official Instagram to 1,500+ followers

International Students Forum (ISF)

President · Led orientation, Prom, and cross-cultural events; managed budget & cross-club partnerships

International Students Forum (ISF)

Press Head

Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) Honor Society

ICC Delegate / Outreach Lead · Social Committee (Fall 2024) · Newsletter Committee (Spring 2025)

Human Rights Club

Events Organizer

Volunteer Experience

Meet the Pooper-Scooper Stray Animal Rescue

Volunteer · Matched rescued animals with adopters and guided on-site adoption events

PKU-Affiliated High School Senior Mentor Group

Mentor · Planned new-student orientation and led ceremony rehearsals

Wuhan University "Sun-Planting" Charity Team

Volunteer · Organized a rural children's craft exhibition, drawing 500+ visitors

Awards

California State Academic Scholarship ($1,000)

Nominated by Santa Monica College for campus leadership & club contributions

Dean's Honor List

Santa Monica College

Skills

Creative: Poster Design (Canva), Video Editing & Shooting (Premiere), Scriptwriting, Photography
Tools: Microsoft Office (O365), Proposal Development, Media Operations
Strengths: Cross-cultural communication, event planning, 3 years studying abroad
Languages: English (Working proficiency), Mandarin (Native)