Xiadi Zhai

Hi Penguins! My name is Xiadi (pronounced “shaw-dee” like the songs) and I’m so thrilled to be one of your non-resident tutors this year! I grew up in Boston and was a resident of Currier House in the class of 2022; I concentrated in Chemistry and Physics with a secondary in Comparative Literature. After graduating, I moved to Iowa City and received my MFA in Creative Writing/Poetry from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop—I also taught undergraduate writing workshops at the University of Iowa (go Hawkeyes!) which was incredible fun! I’m now in my first year at medical school and am overjoyed to meet you all :)

If you have any questions about applying for medical school and/or MFAs, taking non-medical or non-scientific gap years, mental health research and advocacy, developing a creative practice, what to do in Boston/Cambridge, or anything else, I’d absolutely love to chat! I also enjoy trail-running and hiking, playing lacrosse, watching hockey, and brewing my own kombucha.