Name: Caitlyn O’ Neil
Major: Accounting and History
Age: 21
Class: Junior
Our Campus Celebrity for this week is Caitlyn O’Neil! She is an accomplished student who has held multiple positions in many clubs and organizations, including both the History Club and the Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity. She is an involved student both within these organizations and around campus. Caitlyn is a native of Pueblo, Colorado and is actively involved with the Chine language program. I was able to sit down with Caitlyn and ask her a few questions about both her involvement on and off campus, as well as her upcoming exchange trip to Taiwan over the summer.
HC: So we have heard that you will be traveling to Taiwan over the summer. Tell us, what made you choose to do this?
Well, as a student of Chinese language studies, I felt that traveling to Taiwan for three months would not only help me to gain better language skills concerning the Chinese language, but it would also help me to experience some of the business practices found over there. After all, China (as many people know) is a thriving nation in the business world and I would love to participate in that part of the economy one day.
HC: Fascinating! So are you nervous to be traveling so far away from home?
That’s a silly question. Of course I am! However, just because I am nervous does not mean that I am not excited. I love the culture that Taiwan embodies and I am excited to take this step into the world and expand my knowledge of the Chinese language.
HC: So you have mentioned that one of the reasons that you are traveling to Taiwan is to expand your knowledge of the language. What do you plan to do with the knowledge after you graduate?
That’s a great question. One of the focuses of my studies is accounting, which, as many of you know, is directly ties to the economy. One of my dreams is to not only master the Chinese language but also actively participate in the business world. Traveling to Taiwan and gaining a better understanding of the native language would help to open up new doors into the business realm.
HC: That’s exciting! How do you feel that your experiences here in the United States have helped to prepare you to study abroad?
I, myself, have been involved in multiple organizations, including the History Club, which has helped me to not only learn more about the subject but also has given me multiple opportunities to be a leader and I feel that it is these experiences that will help me to get the most out of my exchange trip.
HC: That is excellent! So tell us, what is one word of advice you would give to our readers who may be hoping to study abroad one day?
I would tell them to never give up trying to achieve your dreams. It’s cliché, I know, but it is truly some of the best advice that I can give. No matter what obstacle you may face or whatever hill you have to climb, never give up. I never gave up and now I’m fulfilling a childhood dream!