Growing up as an immigrant facing poverty, Tian hopes to create a more just and equitable future. Although Tian hopes to pursue this mission by becoming a doctor, he has already taken action through community service, activism, and simply lending a hand to those around him.

Since freshman year, Tian has led a team in his school's Science Research Program, teaching him the impact he could make through science. Hearing his mom, a home health aide, talk about the heartbreaking reality of her dementia patients, Tian directed a study investigating a new treatment, which won first place in the 27th St. Joseph's poster session.

Tian has also engaged in other opportunities that combine science with social work, whether improving health literacy in his community through the ACComPLISHED program, creating a resource on the Social Determinants of Health in NYU's medical ethics internship, or interning at a local hospital to improve patient care.

Tian has always been obsessed with keeping aquatic life in his fish tanks. In 2021, he turned this hobby into a business selling aquatic plants which has since grown into a considerable source of income, helping his household pay for essential expenses.

With both he and his mom having battled chronic, life-changing health complications, they might not be alive if not for government programs such as Medicaid. Because of this, Tian realized that medicine wasn't just scientific — it’s also political. This realization inspired him to start a Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter, which has since engaged in activism from canvassing to lobbying local officials. Regardless of his path, Tian will continue to work to positively impact others.