Meet Amy Chen, a second-year Innisian and the Innis OSL arts and culture co-chair!

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What year are you in and what are you studying?

Hi, my name is Amy. I’m in second year and specializing in Pharmacology and Biomedical Toxicology.

 

What’s your favourite thing about Innis?

The friendly and caring people. 🙂

 

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?

Japan. I have always been wanted to travel there.

 

Favourite course you’ve taken so far?

PSY100. As an introductory course, its contents involved a few streams of psychology, so the contents were actually quite broad and interesting. There were guests invited when talking about specific content, for example, when talking about synesthesia, a patient was invited to illustrate how his life was. This was very eye-broadening to me, and helped deepen my comprehension to the content. Also, it allowed students to participate in psychological experiments, which was fun.

 

What are you involved in outside of the classroom?

Besides volunteering for Innis OSL, I have also joined the PTSA mentorship program as a mentee, and the Blueprint Program.

 

What is your role with the Innis Office of Student Life? How has the experience been so far?

I am one of the Arts and Culture committee chairs. The experience have been quite pleasant so far. In late October our committee held a Mid-Autumn Festival event. Seeing people enjoyed the performances, the mooncakes, and the riddles gives me a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, I am glad that our collaboration with other committees and clubs went well.

 

How do you think arts and culture benefits student life?

Arts enrich and diversify student life. By participating in arts activities, students can release stress and relax themselves from fast-paced university life and heavy academic workload. Arts activities also provide a platform for students to discover and show their talents. Culture-focussed activities eliminate boundaries and enable higher community involvement. Through diverse cultural activities, students can explore and gain familiarity with the city and university, strengthening our connection and sense of belonging to our communities.

 

What do you think is unique or interesting about the culture of Toronto and the university?

I am quite impressed by the cultural inclusiveness of Toronto and the University. People live in Toronto vary a lot in their cultural backgrounds, so as the members in the University. I think this is one of the important factors that give rise to the diversity of the arts events and festival events in the city and the university, and make the culture unique.

 

Any ideas for future events?

Our committee is planning a visit to the Christmas Market in early December, and a skating event. We are also planning an Open-Mic event earlier next semester for students to show their talents!

 

Any advice for first-year Amy?

My advice would be don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help. There are so many resources on campus, such as the Registrar’s Office, the Academic Success Centre, etc. These are always there for you.