I was on the East Coast for my first year in the US, a high school in Maine. My relatives live close to Corvallis, so I applied to a number of schools in Oregon and found OSU to be beautiful. It seemed like a really good fit, especially since OSU has a very good engineering program.

What do you especially like about OSU and/or what have been your favorite experiences at OSU so far?

One thing I really like is the dynamic options you have at OSU. My experience has been very unique because of my involvement in a variety of activities. I have been a Resident Hall Assistant and a radio DJ and station manager where I created a national award winning radio show. My computer science advisor is frequently giving me challenging projects too.

How has studying in the US and at OSU changed you?

You see a different perspective. As an international student, I think I’ve become more mature and independent. When one comes to a country with a different language and you give up everything you own, it’s a challenge, and it’s also an invaluable experience which you can’t achieve any other way. The experience of living independently and forming another social support group is a challenging but fruitful experience. It gives you a crash course to prepare you for the real world. These days, everybody is talking about globalization. Through my experiences at OSU, I feel like I’ve gotten a little bit of an early start and that it will offer me a career advantage.

How do you believe studying at OSU will help you in the future and impact your career plans?

I participated in two six-month internships at OSU through MECOP (internship program in Engineering) working with companies in projects related to my field. I worked for a camera company in Oregon, making X-ray films and for a materials handling group that produces fork lift tracts. I also participated with OSU’s student operated TV and Radio stations. Even if you are not majoring in “communications”, you can still get involved. My jobs experiences have helped me develop skills in a variety of areas such as giving presentations, managing people, managing conflict and managing a business operation.

What advice do you have for future students?

International students often want to stay in their comfort zone, but I’ve benefited a lot by stepping out of my comfort zone. I can’t stress enough how important interacting and getting involved on the campus is…it’s priceless and you can’t get it from a classroom. Most international students try to blend into their new environment but it’s best to show the richness of your unique culture and give back to your community. Asian student are sometimes likely to try and finish school fast, but I feel that if being involved and getting the experience you want to get means postponing graduation, then do it!