Year and Area(s) of Study?
Third year Commerce, specializing in International Business
Hometown?
I don’t know. I was born in Beijing, but grew up in Shanghai, and moved to Oakville when I was 14.
How do you feel about the recent weather?
Humid. Surprisingly humid. Can we please take a look at the global warming situation?
Favourite thing about fall?
PSL (pumpkin spice latte).
What clothing item or accessory is a must-have for you?
Short-shorts and shades for summer; distressed jeans and my fake frames for winter. For all seasons, my bracelets. It’s always good to have accessories on the arm.
What are your favourite daytime and nighttime spots in Kingston?
Daytime: Balzac’s, Parfait, or Starbucks if there’s nothing else open. Basically, any stylish coffee shop where you can sit down and study, have a dessert, read a book, etc. Nighttime: The Brass.
What’s one thing you cannot live without?
Coffee for sure.
Do you have any funny stories about customers you’ve encountered at a job of yours?
I work at Mio Gelato, and one day there was this very cute couple that came in twice in one day, asking for the largest size possible. They tried about 14 different flavours. The second time they came in, I gave them a 15% discount because we encourage this type of behaviour.
What was the best part about spending your past two summers in Shanghai?
The summer after first year, I worked with Accenture, and the most exciting part was working with a project team. I was able to work on a project from start to end and participate in all the meetings, which was a very nice experience.
This past summer I worked for the consulate of Finland, in an office called Finpro – Invest In Finland (IIF). It’s basically responsible for attracting Chinese investors to invest in Finnish companies. The most exciting part was participating in the official visit of the Finnish Prime Minister. I was able to go on a very luxurious diplomatic trip to Beijing and participated in a lot of reception dinners and cocktail parties. I met the Prime Minister himself and was able to work for about 30 minutes as his language interpreter. I also met the ambassador of China at his private residence. Press conferences, signing ceremonies… it was surreal. We actually attracted a 1.1 billion USD investment for a Finnish gaming company called Supercell as well, so this summer I guess I was feeling very accomplished. I had a great experience – great food, great trip, great hotel!
What do you wish you could do more of?
I wish I had more opportunities to be creative. I want to create a lot of things, whether they’re school-related or school-not-related!
Who do you look up to?
My boss this past summer. Funnily enough, he was actually one of the first Chinese students to go on exchange when he was a student at Queen’s. He lived in the JDUC. The first day I met him we had a very interesting conversation. “Oh, Stauffer! Goodes Hall!” It was like déja vu. He also has a PhD in life sciences. He’s an extremely brilliant guy- very smart and very accomplished in the diplomatic world.
What do you wish you knew in first year?
Don’t choose your friends; make friends with everybody.
What’s been a standout or defining moment/experience for you in your time at Queen’s so far?
First year during frosh week, when each group had to do a performance for chief boss, I ran onto the field and belted out “Unconditionally” by Katy Perry as a solo. Surprisingly, I actually won the competition for my group.
What would your autobiography be called?
My first instinct is to say “the Adventurous Life of a Maniac.”
Diamonds or pearls?
*Rolls eyes* Is that even a question?