Activities: Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority; National Society of Collegiate Scholars; Eta Sigma Delta international hospitality honor society; Asian American Pacific Islander Organization; College Democrats; Hospitality Leaders of Tomorrow; Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society; Student Government Association; Spectrum (bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgender and ally alliance); Commerce Bank Emerging Leaders; employee at Freshens restaurant
Why did you choose Missouri State?
Missouri State is one of few colleges that offer Chinese as minor. That is something I wanted specifically because I am half-Chinese. I also came because the public affairs mission stood out to me. I wanted to be with students who wanted to better themselves and world around them.
That’s a lot of majors and minors! How did that happen?
I started as a French major with a Chinese minor. I enjoy learning foreign languages; I currently can speak both French and Chinese. I added hospitality because I want to work internationally, and thought I might be interested in the hotel or restaurant business. My family owned a restaurant, and I like being around people, so I think hospitality is something I could do for the rest of my life. If I do work for a hospitality corporation with international establishments, I could use all of my training in ethical leadership and languages. And I will need technical writing so I can do paperwork correctly!
What would be your advice to students who want to be in student organizations?
Get involved — but maybe not as much as me at first! Scheduling is important; let yourself get used to college life in the beginning. Don’t overload yourself. Have some openings in your schedule to see your friends, even if it’s a weekly lunch or breakfast.
You have traveled to South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Canada and around the U.S. for volunteer work or fun. How do you finance that as a college student?
I wanted to find a way to raise money on my own, and I am passionate about baking. So I started my own fundraisers such as “Sweets for Singapore” or “Sweets for South Africa.” People order baked goods I make from scratch. If they are on campus I deliver, if not I can mail to them. I raised $100 for South Africa, and I hope to go to Italy and France in the future.
What is your favorite thing about being a student here?
I love the campus. It has small feel even though this is a big school. It’s comfortable and compact — you never have to walk 30 minutes to get to class. It’s easy to get to everything.
What do you do when you’re not doing school work or going to meetings?
Turning off my brain and chilling, usually in the residence halls. My closest friends and I play video games or watch movies — especially zombie movies. I also love going out to get food!
What is your favorite food in Springfield?
Ice cream or gelato. I love Andy’s Frozen Custard, the gelato at the Bistro Market downtown or any of the frozen yogurt places all over town. I have even done a midnight gelato run since Bistro Market is open late. You can walk to it, drive to it or take a Bear Line shuttle downtown.
Do you think Missouri State is a good value?
Absolutely; that was another reason I came here. I am from another state, and even the out-of-state fees here are cheaper than in-state fees at many schools I considered. And there are tons of different scholarships. I have a Multicultural Leadership Scholarship and an out-of-state-fee waiver.
You have lived in a few residence halls. What do you like about living on campus?
It is easier to get to know people because you have roommates and floor mates. The residence halls are also always putting on events. And if you want to go to an event on campus, you are there and can walk right over.
How do the faculty and staff show you they want you to succeed?
They encourage students to get involved — the head of the hospitality department has even nominated me for awards. The staff and faculty are very much here for the students. They want to better them and see them grow. Incoming students should feel free to talk with their professors, because they can help you. The hospitality department is good about making sure we’re meeting possible employers. Every semester we have career fairs where recruiters come to campus to meet us.
