Meet this week’s Campus Cutie, Pelin! Pelin is an ambitious, fun-loving Golden Hawk with a personality that brightens up any room she’s in. Between balancing her course work and involvement with the Student’s Union we managed to catch up with this lovely Campus Cutie to get to know a little more about her!
Name: Pelin Tan
Program: Biology & Psychology double major
Year of Study: 4th year
Hometown: Toronto
Relationship Status: In a relationship
Spirit Animal? Sloth
Wine, Beer or Mixed Drinks? Mixed Drinks
Board Games or Video Games? Video Games, I rock at fighting games. I’ve beaten every person who has said: “Girl’s can’t play fighting games!”
Guilty pleasure? Gossip Girl
Puppies or Kittens? Puppies
Pizza or Shawarma: Pizza
What are you involved with on campus? Tell us about your positions and roles.
I am the Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator with the Students Union. For those who don’t know, Healthy Lifestyles is a committee/service that promotes safe sex, consent, safe drinking, stress relief, and all forms of physical health through our campaigns and events. We are multi-campus, meaning there is a corresponding Healthy Lifestyles at the Brantford Campus! I also hold a position in Hiring and Recruitment for the Student’s Union. I am also a research assistant!
What inspired you to get involved?
The idea of fitting in the Laurier community and having the opportunity to meet new people. Orientation week was my biggest inspiration in first year, seeing that team dynamic and spirit. Seeing everyone being silly and such a family, it really inspired me. Though I have never been an icebreaker, volunteering with the Students Union was such a great experience and honestly half the people I know right now is through the Students Union!
What does it mean to be a Golden Hawk?
So much! Appreciating Wilf’s like it’s your personal heaven, giving back to the community all day everyday, and most importantly, rocking your Golden Hawk style literally everywhere you go!
Something on your bucket list?
Owning a Chanel purse and still being able to live comfortably!
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Princess, ambitious, and compassionate
Favourite spot at Laurier?
Solarium. When it’s dark and the lights are on it reminds me of Christmas, especially when it’s snowing!
How would you describe your style?
Fun and a sort of open minded elegance. I always dress to impress! You will never catch me in sweatpants in public, it would literally just never happen
Where would you travel in the world and why?
I have actually been to 32 countries already! I was born in Istanbul, Turkey and that is fairly close to Europe and my family likes to travel! In Turkey there are a lot of holidays so we travelled to a country each holiday. I started travelling when I was 3 years old and I only count countries I have been to on the basis that I stepped outside the airport. There are also certain countries I have been to more then once like France, Sweden, and Denmark! The only country I haven’t been to in Europe is Germany.
So I guess I would say Alaska. I have always wanted to see the Northern Lights. I just like the idea of the sun always being up, every day is bright!
What wise words has someone given you?
Give a woman the right lipstick and she can conquer the world – Poppy King
Brat Pack – Velvet Rope collection is my very favourite lipstick of Poppy King’s.
What would you like to be known for?
Something I have dedicated my life to; like my research or hopefully my future make-up line. As for personality, I would like to be known as caring, supportive and dedicated.
Favourite place to grab a bite to eat?
1. Trattoria Nervosa, in Yorkville is my absolute favourite Italian restaurant.
2. Moroco Chocolat, in Yorkville is this cool fondue and macaroon place! They also make Louboutin heel shaped chocolates.
3. Famoso is a local Italian restaurant in Uptown!
If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life and be happy, what would it be?
A bacon cheeseburger! That first bite which is pure happiness and a combination of healthy stuff with grease. It’s the perfect balance! Healthy yet satisfying and fat.
What would your dream career be?
Owning my own make-up line at Bergdorf Goodman in association with Poppy King
Pelin pictured with her inspiration Poppy King!
Who’s your inspiration?
My inspiration is Poppy King. Many people might not know her but she is the founder of Lipstick Queen. At the age of 18, she already had her own makeup line, ready to jump into the business world, just because she couldn’t find the perfect lipstick for herself. She inspires me everyday with her quotes and shows me there is no such a thing like being too brave or too ambitious. She teaches me that if you fail, you get up, shake it off, and you move onto your next adventure.
In your opinion, what’s one thing every Laurier student should experience?
Volunteering! It’s something that brings the Laurier community closer together and it’s something we are really well known for! It is definitely something that will open doors and connect you with so many people you be friends with for the rest of your life. You definitely won’t regret it!
What are you passionate about?
I am really passionate about make-up; I watched a lot of YouTube videos and beauty bloggers, specifically Michelle Phan. She is what started it all for me. I actually do makeup for friends and occasional wedding make-up! I also designed the make-up and styling for one of my high school productions. I have also had a few gigs with the Mirvish Theatre doing make-up for their productions!
I’m not going to lie I’m also really passionate about Psychology. I found that passion in second year after taking an interest in the course, PS363 Research in BioPsych, that course sparked everything and inspired my double major.
I’m also really into photography! I actually do wedding photography occasionally.
Pelin this interview was one of the best I have ever done! You had me laughing every moment and your smile is absolutely infectious. We can’t wait to see everything you accomplish this year and in the future.