Yutong Liu
What is your favorite campus tradition? My favorite campus tradition is the push ups after every touch down in football games. It’s crazy but fun!
What is your favorite spot on campus? My favorite spots on campus are the grotto and the general lake side area. It looks beautiful in the morning and is agreat place for a jog or just for some peaceful time with yourself.
What is your best Notre Dame memory? My best Notre Dame memory is the Texas game. (We crushed them!) And the celebration that followed. (#fountainfun)
What is your favorite Dining Hall Meal? My favorite dining hall meal is the Asian stir-fry. They remind me of home and they are delicious!
What is your favorite thing about dorm life? My favorite thing about dorm life is the close relationships I have with other students in my dorm. We eat lunch and dinner together, have dances/parties, and we are always there for each other.
What clubs/activities are you involved in? The last year-and-a-half I have spent here at Notre Dame was inspiring and exciting. During my freshman year, I was able to participate in undergraduate research on the topic of renal-regeneration in zebra fish, which allowed me to acquire different lab skills and gain a deeper understanding in biological lab research. In the Summer of my freshman year, I spent 10 weeks in six different cities in Uganda facilitating the construction of a palliative care data collection system based on smart phones. During my time there, I learned more about Ugandan culture, global health, and developed a deeper appreciation for human life and dignity. Today, I serve as a student coordinator and team leader for two sites for the Take Ten program, which endeavors to empower children and adults with knowledge in effective conflict resolution.
What made you choose Notre Dame? I choose Notre Dame for its great academics – the focus on undergraduate education, while still having the resources of a graduate research institution. However, I also choose Notre Dame for its community. The amount of caring, inclusiveness, and sense of engagement with the community cannot be found anywhere else.
What is your favorite part about being an international student at Notre Dame? My favorite part about being an international student at Notre Dame is the amount of care and respect I receive in the ND community. There is always helpif you need it, and everyone seems interested in my cultural background.
How did you adjust to life on campus? My RAs and people in my dorm helpedme a lot when I was adjusting to life here at ND. They showed me around campus and gave me tips on dorm life and how to approach academics in college.
How do you celebrate your culture/heritage at ND? I am a member of the AAA (Asian American Association). AAA has many cultural events and activates every year, including an overnight retreat and Asian Allure, a show that celebrates Asian cultures.
What advice do you have for international students? Keep in contact with your family and friends! While it is important and exciting to meet new people here at ND, it is also even more important to keep your relationships back home active.Talking to family and friends back home helps you to relief moments of nostalgiaand provides motivation when you feel down.