Business, Service, and Adventure
Lisa Pin was recognized at graduation for her numerous service contributions. She has tutored children, managed international service projects, and led a multicultural organization. How does her IPS support her service-oriented pursuits? Lisa's thoughts are below:
About Me
As a double major in Marketing and International Relations, I was able to apply my education to my interests in community service and international experiences. My community service experience included being a participant of the Sharpe Community Scholars Program, a tutor for the College Partnership for Kids, and a participant then later Co-Leader of Project Mexico, an international service trip dedicated to the issue of inadequate housing. I was also highly involved with the multicultural community, where I eventually served as the Co-President of the Chinese Student Organization (CSO). As a result of my campus involvement, I was among the recipients of the 2009 Ewell Award.
Aside from my extracurricular activities, I have studied
abroad in Beijing, served as a Chinese Language Teaching Assistant, and served
as a Tutor for Academic Support. Furthermore, during the summer of 2008, I was an intern at the
Department of State, in the Office of Press and Public Diplomacy in the Bureau
of South and Central Asian Affairs. That
was a perfect combination of my two majors, because a major aspect of public
diplomacy is marketing the U.S. to other countries.
Highlights
Although I have many great memories, probably among the most memorable is dinner at Prof. Franklin Robeson's house. The homemade dinner was a reward for having the best, team-written paper for his Strategic Management course. My teammates and I tied with a group from another section, so the two teams had the opportunity to eat in the company of Dr. Robeson, Mrs. Robeson, Dean Pulley, Asst. Dean Geary, and President Reveley. I have really enjoyed and benefited from the relationships that students could build with their professors, and this is a prime example of how professors are supportive of their students.
Defining Moment
I studied abroad in Beijing, China the summer of my freshman year. I remember one particular moment: I was on the top floor of a major mall in Beijing, looked over the rail to various floors, absorbed the impact of globalization, and then decided I wanted to study Business and International Relations. The brands, the ads, and the products I come across in the U.S. were altered to fit the Chinese culture; I know we read and studied it, but experiencing it really made it hit home.
Furthermore, the rest of my trip to China, which included a tour of areas including Tibet, Chengdu, Wenzhou, and Guilin, reaffirmed my decision. The areas that we visited were more destitute and still developing, but still had great business potential. My experience in China made me realize I wanted to be involved with the economic development of China.
Future Plans
I am currently searching for a job related to marketing or international relations, where I can ideally apply both my education and experiences.
