“Hardworking, empathetic, and imaginative.” That’s how Christine Jang, a senior Special Education Low Vision and Blindness major and this week’s campus cutie, responded when asked to describe herself in three words. Honestly, I don’t think there is any better way to do so! Although she is away from campus this semester getting field-base and student teaching experience for her major, her cheerful school spirit is very much alive and well as an Illinois State student as she counts down her remaining days until her graduation this coming spring. To learn more about what this lively, beautiful, intelligent young woman (who’s also a very good friend of mine!) thinks about her time at ISU and campus fashion check out our interview below!
Name: Christine JangAge: 21 years oldMajor: Special Education: Low Vision and BlindnessYear in school: SeniorHometown: Round Lake, ILCelebrity Crush: Jim SturgessGuilty Pleasure: Watching British television shows, listening to American ‘90s and Korean pop music.
Her Campus Illinois State: You’re quickly approaching the end of your college career! What have been some of your best experiences in college thus far?Christine Jang: “To sum it up, some of my best experiences came from being a part of strong communities, organizations and groups. I’ve made such fond memories and met lovely people through them. To name a few- being a part of Encounter ministries, going on the STLF’s Pay it Forward Tour trips, being a Resident Assistant, becoming a STEP-UP Intern, and studying abroad at Yonsei University are some that I will cherish forever. Each in their own way provided me opportunities to learn more about myself, be exposed to new cultures, and gain more insight to what makes a leader.”
HC ISU: What are your goals for senior year?CJ: “My main goal for senior year is to take in every moment in my field-base and student teaching clinical semesters as learning experiences. I also want to stay open-minded and not be afraid to apply my creativity. I hope to gain as much insight as I can from my wonderful cooperating teachers who have been in the field so much longer than I.”
HC ISU: If you could give advice to your freshman self, what would you say and why?CJ: “If I could give advice to my freshman self, I would tell myself not to sweat the small things in life. I think I took everything a little too seriously and found myself putting more pressure on myself than I needed.”
HC ISU: Every college girl has their own unique style, and you are no exception! How has your campus style evolved over the years?CJ: “Personally, I feel like my style majorly evolved once I arrived to college because I finally found the courage to wear the clothes that I actually liked and found interest in. I still feel my style is continually changing, but at the moment I suppose I’ve been inspired by the monochromatic scheme, earth tones, and the classic ‘Parisian style’. This is a little different from my ‘freshman-self’ whom probably would’ve been more intrigued and interested by current/recent trends.”
HC ISU: Do you have any styling tips for other collegiate fashionistas?CJ: “I think my biggest styling tip that I would give to others is not to be afraid to try something new. Have fun experimenting with different color schemes, textures, and test out trends! And my ultimate rule is that you should wear something that makes you feel most like “you”- your clothes should make you feel confident and happy. After all, I think clothes can be used as another form of expression and is, in a way, can be a visual extension of you.”
HC ISU: Last, but certainly not least, what is your favorite thing about ISU and why?CJ: “I think my favorite thing about ISU is that in spite of it being a medium-sized university, the campus manages to still be personable and give off a familiar vibe. ISU’s faculty does an amazing job with making you feel cared for and I’ve been so appreciative of all the opportunities and resources that the university has to offer.”