About me:
Hi there! I’m Hayley Ford Tsuen. I’m a South African-born, Chinese computer engineering student at Purdue University Northwest, graduating in December 2025 with a minor in Electrical Engineering and a 3.70 GPA. I’ve always believed that technology should make life simpler, smarter, and a little more human. That belief fuels everything I do.
As a former NCAA Division II student-athlete, I competed for four years on the Purdue Northwest tennis team, where I learned the value of teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Balancing engineering coursework with athletics taught me how to stay composed under pressure and lead with both focus and empathy. Those lessons continue to guide how I approach every project and collaboration.
Beyond the court, I’ve served as a Resident Assistant (RA) for over two years, developing strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while supporting a diverse community of students. I thrive in environments that demand adaptability, empathy, and initiative, whether it’s resolving challenges in residence life or coordinating complex engineering tasks with my peers.
I also currently serve as a Campus Ambassador, representing Purdue Northwest through campus tours, admissions events, and student engagement activities. I love connecting with prospective students and helping them see the possibilities that PNW offers. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience.
Previously, I worked as a Web Designer for the Communication Creative Labs, where I collaborated with a small, talented team to design, brand, and visually market projects that captured the spirit of the university. This role allowed me to blend creativity with technical skill, crafting digital experiences that communicate meaning and inspire connection.
I have a strong foundation in Java, C++, HTML, CSS, and SQL, and I’m fluent in tools across Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. I also hold the Google Project Management Certificate, which strengthened my ability to plan, organize, and deliver impactful technical initiatives.
At my core, I’m a builder of projects, relationships, and ideas that matter. I’m passionate about merging technology, design, and sustainability to create solutions that spark progress and make a real difference in people’s lives.
In the bustling streets of Johannesburg, South Africa, where vibrant energy fills every corner, my journey began with a tennis racket in my hand at the age of five. From the very first swing, I was hooked. Tennis became my world; a place where focus, resilience, and discipline turned into second nature.
As I grew older, my passion for movement expanded beyond the tennis court. I explored karate, golf, dance, rock climbing, and netball, throwing myself into every challenge with curiosity and determination. Each sport taught me something different; strength, rhythm, balance, and teamwork all came together to shape the foundation of who I am today.
But behind the athletic confidence, I was once an incredibly shy and quiet child. That began to change in high school when I decided, somewhat courageously, to take Dramatic Arts as a subject. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Stepping on stage for the first time pushed me far beyond my comfort zone and opened my eyes to the power of self-expression and connection.
Since then, I’ve continued to grow through every opportunity that has required me to speak, lead, and empathize. Serving as a Resident Assistant for over two years helped me develop strong communication and leadership skills while learning to guide others with patience and understanding. Now, as a Campus Ambassador, I use those same strengths to represent Purdue Northwest. I give tours, welcome future students, and share stories that help them see what’s possible here.
Looking back, I can see how far I’ve come, from a shy little girl in Johannesburg to a confident young woman who loves people, teamwork, and meaningful communication. And while I’m proud of the growth so far, I know I still have so much more to learn, explore, and become.
My History
My Journey Abroad
In 10th Grade (2018), I stumbled upon an opportunity that would change my life; the chance to study in the United States on a tennis scholarship. That single discovery lit a spark in me. From that moment on, I pushed harder than ever, determined to excel in the classroom, sharpen my tennis game, and stay active in every extracurricular I could find.
By 11th Grade (2019), I was ready to make it happen. I created my first recruiting video, a highlight reel that showed not just my skills but the passion and drive behind every swing. Sending that video out to college coaches across the U.S. felt like sending a piece of my dream into the world, and I was determined to make it count.
When Grade 12 (2020) arrived, I doubled down on my efforts. I refined my recruiting video to reflect how much I had grown and took on the challenge of the SAT, earning a score of 1310. That moment proved to me that my hard work, both on the court and in the classroom, was paying off.
Then came the exciting part; the offers started rolling in. One by one, universities reached out, but one stood out above them all: Purdue University Northwest (PNW). It wasn’t just about the tennis scholarship or even the academic scholarship. What really drew me in was the perfect blend of prestigious engineering programs, proximity to the city of Chicago, and, of course, the magical promise of experiencing snow for the first time.
Choosing PNW felt like destiny. It offered everything I was searching for: a place to grow academically, compete athletically, and experience life in a new, vibrant environment. I knew this was the perfect launching pad for my future, and I couldn’t wait to see where the journey would take me next.