Jerome Gan
What is your favorite spot on campus?
The quiet study area at the back of Jordan Hall during Winter.
What is your best Notre Dame memory?
Hanging out with all my friends in Stanford Hall during the weekends of Freshman year. It was a tiny dorm room, but we filled it with great company.
What is your favorite Dining Hall Meal?
Braised Beef Cheek at North Dining Hall (last seen Spring Semester 2020). Great times.
What is your favorite thing about dorm life?
I like being able to go down my section in Baumer Hall and popping into different rooms to catch up and hang out with friends. The sense of familiarity and community really makes me feel like I belong here at ND.
What clubs/activities are you involved in?
Asian American Association (AAA), Undergraduate Research, International Ambassadors Program, Student International Business Council (SIBC)
What made you choose Notre Dame?
All colleges always advertise that they have a strong sense of community across all levels of the student body, but ND always felt more genuine. I’m very pleased and proud to say that this community really came through, especially during my first few months at ND, and truly made me feel at home.
What is your favorite part about being an international student at Notre Dame?
Being able to meet so many people from different backgrounds and relating similarities between our cultures and traditions. It’s always surprising to see how much you have in common with someone who grew up halfway across the world from you.
How did you adjust to life on campus?
I tried everything that seemed interesting to me and met lots of amazing people/friends along the way.
How do you celebrate your culture/heritage at ND?
I would participate in the activities that the cultural clubs host to share common/similar experiences. Additionally, it has become an interesting habit that my friends and I would ask each other about how things are done at home, to get to know what our lives are like when we’re not at ND.
What advice do you have for international students?
I’d really suggest trying anything that might interest you. There are so many opportunities on campus, ranging from juggling club to running a nuclear accelerator. You never know what might interest you and there is no better way to find out than to try it for yourself. I would also highly advise not shying away from an area of study/activity because you’re not initially/innately “good” at it. Just keep trying because it’s the only way you’ll ever get really good at something. Lastly, always expect to wait much longer than you think it will take for just about anything, except your 2-day Amazon Prime delivery.