U0 is a year of experimenting with your interests and setting up a direction for the next year. During this period, it will definitely be nerve-racking to get involved in a major department council, since there are so many brilliant upper-year students and you, as a freshman “bird”, may be considered too “weak” to compete.
However, you don’t have to think of it that way. Sure, you are not as knowledgeable as upper-year students in the council, but you might just be the newest power they need!
This week, I had a chance to interview a close friend of mine, Xiao Yang, who has just achieved the position of 1st-year representative for CSUS (Computer Science Undergraduate Society). She will share her experiences with us today.
Huirui Zhang for Her Campus (HC McGill): Hi Xiao, thanks so much for sharing your experience in CSUS with us today! First, tell us a little about yourself?
Xiao Yang: Hi, I am Xiao! I’m a freshman U0 student, mainly studying CS this year. Some fun facts about myself: I love boxing and pole dancing.
HC McGill: Great! So what drew you to study CS?
Xiao Yang: It is challenging. I love doing things that are challenging. Also, CS involves lots of problem-solving, which is something I am always passionate about.
HC McGill: Why did you want to join CSUS?
Xiao Yang: I was being asked the same question during the interview! Before applying for U0 rep, I went to several events held by CSUS, for example the Microsoft panel. It just feels like a community. Everyone supports each other. People in CSUS are friendly, caring and they are willing to answer any question related to CS. Then it just became natural for me to want myself to be part of the community.
HC McGill: Is it worth it to be a first-year representative? What have you learned so far?
Xiao Yang: So far I’ve only been a U0 rep for 1 week. The most important thing I’ve learnt so far is to be prepared. By this I mean be prepared for every council meeting, be prepared to answer any questions from your peers about events or programs that your organization holds. To do that, you need to really learn more about your organization, such as get familiar with everyone’s position or learn about all the events and activities that your organization holds every year.
HC McGill: Any advice for students next year who want to try out the audition?
Xiao Yang: CSUS is great! Apply for it. You will not regret it.
Images Obtained from:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Tzl0ELY_TiM/maxresdefault.jpg
Other Images Provided by Interviewee.