Meet Chiao Sun, a third-year Innis student, the creator of Innis Inspirations, and the Digital Projects Coordinator in the Innis Registrar’s Office. 

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

I’m a third-year Cognitive Science and Psychology major, also minoring in Philosophy and Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health. I know it sounds long and complicated, but these programs actually have a lot of overlapping courses! My major scientific interest is understanding the nature of our cognition and mental health. I’m also a passionate photographer, one of the things I want to do in the future is photography-psychotherapy. I want to use the form of photos as a catalyst to increase one’s self-awareness and self-acceptance.

What’s your favourite thing about Innis?

There are many things I like about Innis, but my favourite? Hmm. It has to be the College Registrar – Donald Boere. He is exceptionally helpful and friendly; make sure to meet him if you are having difficulty with school!

Favourite course you’ve taken so far?

I have taken a range of bird courses, but the birdiest of them all is HPS100. Intro to history and philosophy of science. It’s a online class with online tut and online midterm. The contents are also interesting, provided you are into science.

Favourite study spot on campus?

7th floor study room at Innis Residence, where you have a beautiful view, quiet atmosphere, and friends everywhere.

What are you involved in outside of the classroom?

I’m involved in many clubs with my camera – if you see me around, don’t forget to ask me to take a new profile picture for you!

How have you been involved with the Office of Student Life in the past?

Yes! I was their Photographer for a year (proudly) and that’s how I founded Innis Inspirations with their help!

How do you relax or de-stress?

Oh I bought so many games and play them on Steam and PS4. If you are also on steam, friend me! My id is “Chiao’s OSAP money” 😛

What does “mindfulness” and “rejuvenation” mean to you?

I have been doing mindfulness meditation regularly for the past two years, and it has not only reduced my stress, but refined my joy and feelings.

Why do you think mindfulness and de-stressing are important?

People perform better in general when they are mindful and relaxed. In my classroom, Mindfulness is being studied a “Psychological Technology” which increases personal meta-awareness (Awareness of awareness). It’s deeply associated with the individual problem-solving skill as well as other cognitive functions as memorization and perception.

Any advice for first-year Chiao?

I think it takes trials and errors to find out what you really want. When I was a first-year, I took a lot of random courses, and tried a range of clubs. But it takes time to zero-in on what you really like. See, the nature of experience is, you don’t know how it is like unless you really try it yourself. I was doing computer science and then switched to English, but quickly I switched again to cinema studies. After realizing cinema studies was also not my cup of tea – I tried cognitive science and fell in love with it. Well, at least now I have a reason to wake up for my 9 AM class– not because I have to do it, but because I like to do it.