Joyce Tang is a sophomore double majoring in International Studies and Environmental Studies at American University. She hails from Queens, New York – one of the most diverse town in all of America, with more than 100 ethnicities and languages represented. According to Joyce, she thinks her hometown is where her current career endeavors and interests found their humble beginnings. Currently, her most recent interests include the Chinese culture, all thanks to her good friend, Denis, a connoisseur of China and an avid fan of China’s singing competitions.
Joyce was so thrilled to be chosen as Campus Celebrity, which was so characteristic of her modest and humble personality! With her passion, determination, and drive, this girl is owning campus life and has big plans for the future. Joyce has found it incredibly rewarding to have been given the opportunity to give back to the school she loves. As a member of the Residence Hall Association, AU Ambassadors, and the Chinese Language Club, she feels fortunate to be a part of efforts to foster a stronger sense of community not just around those who share similar interests, but around everyone on campus.
Hobbies/Interests: Snowboarding, Dragonboating (this is so cool), traveling, 90s sitcoms, Youtube, China, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (like c’mon ladies, whose heart didn’t melt after seeing him in 500 Days of Summer?)
Passions: China and all things relating to the environment
Can you talk a little bit about your involvement with RHA and other involvements on campus?
Coming to AU, I knew I really want to be involved and make a meaningful impact on campus. As President of Centennial Hall Council, I am honored to work with a team of an all-girl Hall Council to bring about educational and fun programming that foster a strong sense of community in the hall, as well as to advocate for the well-being of all residents. As an AU Ambassador, I get the chance to share with prospective students how great AU is and how they can possibly see themselves here. And with Chinese Language Club, I really enjoy being a part of a community that is just as passionate as I am about my favorite language!
What advice do you have to freshman (as residents and just as incoming students)?
Well here’s my Asian mom motto:
Always work hard, and remember your priorities.
Always be grateful – remember who has made you become who you are today. Finally, be true to yourself – people will appreciate and respect who you are!
That’s great advice! What are your future career goals?
Graduating with a masters in environmental policy. All while becoming fluent in Chinese – both Cantonese and Mandarin. Then find a job working on China’s environmental policies, especially dealing with air and water quality. And perhaps, backpack throughout East Asia and learn more about Buddhism. That’s the dream. Can you tell I love Asia? And if I achieve all of this by the time I’m 30, I’ll be the happiest girl in the world!
WOW! It sounds like you are out to take on the world, and somehow you manage to do it all while looking amazing. Where do you get your style inspiration and how do you change or blend it based on the occasion?
I always think that simple is chic, no matter what the occasion is. Or maybe I’m just lazy, and somehow try to make effortless become chic.