Connie Chen

What is your favorite campus tradition?
Touchdown push-ups at Football Games and waking up to the marching band on game days

What is your favorite spot on campus?
7th floor in Corbett Hall overlooking the stadium and the Dome

What is your best Notre Dame memory?
Cavanaugh formal

What is your favorite Dining Hall Meal?
Pork dumplings (I go whack on these) or make your own gluten free pizza!

What is your favorite thing about dorm life?
Feeling comfortable and at home with the tight knit community; being able to smile and say hi to everyone in the dorm and on campus!

What clubs/activities are you involved in?
Jubilee Initiative for Financial Inclusion (JIFFI), Student International Business Council (SIBC), International Ambassadors, Club Boxing, Iron Sharpens Iron, Taiwanese Student Association, Intramural Soccer

What made you choose Notre Dame?
The moral values that are instilled along with the focus on social impact and empowerment in our community, on top of an amazing Business education with stellar professors.

What is your favorite part about being an international student at Notre Dame?
Being able to share my culture and world-wide experiences with everyone here, as well as being out of my comfort zone at most times, learning to pinpoint and differentiate my own experiences and views on life

How did you adjust to life on campus?
It was definitely difficult at first, but I joined everything that I had any slight interest in (as my time permitted) to meet as many people I could. I made sure I focused on spending time with what was most important to me: my faith, family, and friends. I called my parents quite often for that extra boost of support!

How do you celebrate your culture/heritage at ND?
Making boba (and other Asian sweets) for my friends; attending TSA’s events as well as gathering together with others for a meal at Cre-Asian or JW Chens!

What advice do you have for international students?
Don’t be afraid to have different ideals, experiences, and passions---these things are unique to what makes you, you! Step out of your comfort zone and spend time with people from other cultures, don’t limit yourself to your own cultural community, but of course, find upperclassmen and mentors who can help you feel at home when you need it most. And amidst school and stress, don’t forget to take a break and smile!