This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Washington chapter.

Name: Rose Jao

Year in School: Freshman

Major: Business Administration

Hometown: Pullman, WA

Why did you choose to come to UW?

I came to visit UW my junior year of high school and stayed with a friend in her dorm for a few days. As cheesy as it sounds, I knew that this was the place I wanted to spend the next four years after exploring campus and Seattle. I love the diverse mix of cultures at UW, with a student population double the size of my entire hometown. Even though it’s so huge, I’ve been able to find communities where I fit in and I’m constantly being inspired by the passionate people I meet here.

As a freshman, what has been your favorite moment so far?

I’ve been at UW for less than a quarter, but I’ve had plenty of amazing moments. However, I’d have to say my favorite one is a moment that would be overlooked by most. I came to campus at the end of August for Early Fall Start, and spent every day after class watching tv locked in my room. I had a really hard time letting go of my friends at home, even though it was totally my fault for not putting in the effort to make new friends. One night my roommate and I decided to venture out of our room and hung out with these two guys that lived down the hall. What started off as a typical evening getting food progressed into some deep life talks that lasted until well into the night. This was the first time here that I truly felt like I had made a connection with others, and it’s one that I like to look back on as a reminder of how valuable it is to take the time to genuinely get to know people. We’ve been getting mod pizza together ever since.

Can you tell us more about becoming a DYW of WA and your experience?

Distinguished Young Women was by far one of the best decisions I made in high school. It’s the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. Participants compete in five judged categories: Scholastic, Self Expression, Talent, Interview and Fitness. The most important factor about this program is that it is based on who you are as a person – not how good you look flaunting across the stage in a swimsuit. It has helped me grow in so many ways, from improving my public speaking skills to meeting girls from all 50 states. After winning the Pullman program, I was fortunate enough to compete in and win the state program. After graduation, I got to travel to Mobile, AL and represent Washington in the National Finals. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world. I’ve met the most incredible people and made the best memories through DYW, and I would highly encourage any junior girls to consider participating.

What kind of impact do you hope to accomplish here at UW in the years to come?

I once attended a Key Club District Convention event where I got the opportunity to hear an inspirational speaker named Scott Bakovich. He said something that has stuck with me throughout the years. He challenged us all to be a catalyst, as in somebody who changes the status quo. I want to be a catalyst for our campus. I think that people don’t realize the extent to which their actions impact others. Every person has a unique combination of talent, of personality, and of experience to potentially solve a problem in the world. It’s important to me that people understand what they’re truly capable of, and so I hope that by the end of my time at UW I’ll have sparked a chain reaction of people becoming catalysts.

What do you like to do during your free time?

Music has been a huge part of my life ever since I began playing piano at the age of five. In my free time I taught myself how to play guitar and the ukulele, so now I enjoy practicing whenever I can. I also really enjoy singing – in the car, in my room, and especially in the shower. Even though I love playing music, I love listening to it just as much and I’m always looking for new artists to appreciate. Music has always kept me grounded and it’s one of the best feelings in the world to just escape into a song that perfectly fits the moment.

Campus Celebrity: Rose Jao

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