Qiao Li (Lily) Huang

My Name: Lily Huang

High School:  Lincoln Park High School 2005

College/Major: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Psychology, East Asian Languages and Cultures, Minor in Asian American Studies Sophomore

Favorite Class/Activity:  My favorite class (so far) has to be Asian American Studies 100. It brought many issues Asian Americans are dealing with, and it really hit home because I can relate to a lot of the issues. It was an emotional outbreak for me and releived in ways I couldn't believe.

Being a Multicultural Advocate (MA) in the Undergraduate Residence Halls is my job but also my passion. I learn so much from the people I work with, the residents, but most importantly from my mistakes and myself.

Most memorable college experience to date:  Studying abroad in Paris, France during Winter of 2005 to 2006 was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. I realized the France is a country of beauty, history, and diversity. Not only did I visit all of th tourists attractions that makes Paris famous, but I also saw a lot of things tourists would not see, like the suburbs where the riots were in, different ethnic towns, and three very different high schools. 

Favorite way to relax:  Nap! Can't get enough sleep since I don't get enough sleep on a regular basis. You have no idea how naps can be so powerful until you get to college.

Favorite book:  One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

My dream profession:  Honestly, I really don't know. That's why I'm in college, to explore my options. 

Future plans:  Graduate school! I take education very seriously, no matter if it's with books or not. 

Key insight to college freshmen:  Don't get over sighted by the exciting new people you mett or the interesting new things you experience They matter to you in the long run, but you also need to focus on class and work.

My hero:  It may sound cliched, but I would have to say my parents. They have worked so hard to be where they are at right now, and they still strive for a better future. Every time I get frustrated or set-back I think about them, what they have done for me, and how they support and love me, I am rejuvenated with motivation. I literally owe them my life.