Kazu Suzuki

Kazu Suzuki '16
Japan
Psychology, Business
ksuzuki@pugetsound.edu

Kazu was born in Japan, moved to a boarding school in England for high school, and came here to the University of Puget Sound. He loves the view on the campus. Also, walking to the waterfront always gives him great refreshment!

Why did you choose to come to University of Puget Sound?
UPS met with my all expectations: located at Pacific Northwest, relatively small campus, liberal arts, close relations to the professors. Being able to talk to professors often is actually amazing!

What extracurricular or work experiences have you had at Puget Sound?
Working at the Center for Writing, Learning, and Teaching was a lot of fun. I met with many great people, tutors, and writing advisers.

Are there any interesting things you would like to share about you or your experiences in the U.S./Puget Sound?
Learning from each other is always exciting - it leads me to find something really interesting, and perhaps some connected ideas that are outside of your discipline.

 

Rebecca Slather Jenkins

Rebecca Sather Jenkins '18
Melbourne, Australia
History, English
rsatherjenkins@pugetsound.edu

Rebecca was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, but she has her family all over the world - so, she's been brought up with a love for travel! In her (very limited) free time, she likes to cook, do origami, color and read.

Why did you choose to come to University of Puget Sound?
Six family members have studied here before me, actually! So I wanted to continue a family tradition, but I also fell in love with the campus (views of Rainier!!), and the freedom to study whatever I wanted without the pressure of choosing a major first.

What extracurricular or work experiences have you had at Puget Sound?
I work at the Collins Library, which has been so much fun! I'm also the co-editor of Tamanawas Yearbook, and am a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, and International Club! This year I'm also excited to be volunteering with Youth Programs to mentor/tutor at a local elementary school.

Are there any interesting things you would like to share about you or your experiences in the U.S./Puget Sound?
I've had a wonderful time here so far, and I'm still just a sophomore! UPS is such a great school in that there is something for everyone. If you want something, UPS probably has it, and if not, you have the freedom and opportunities to create it here!

 

Kyungin Kim

Kyungin Kim '18
Seoul, South Korea
International Political Economy, Chinese
kikim@pugetsound.edu

Kim is originally from Seoul, South Korea. At the age of 8, she moved to Shanghai, China. There, she attended an international school and met many friends from all around the world. In her free time, she likes to paint, sketch, bake, play basketball, sing, and watch movies with her friends. She is passionate about civic engagement and volunteering activities.

Why did you choose to come to University of Puget Sound?
Being raised in an international environment from a very young age, I always wanted to explore further and broaden my education experience somewhere outside of Asia. Also, I wanted to attend a liberal arts college to be in a close-knit community where I would have more chance to connect with the students and professors. So, University of Puget Sound was the perfect place for me. Moreover, the amazing nature in Pacific North West was a plus!

What extracurricular or work experiences have you had at Puget Sound?
I'm currently working as a student assistant at the International Programs office here at UPS. Also, I work as a blogger for the UPS website and as a treasurer of Humans of Puget Sound, which is a photo-blog club featuring portraits and interviews of people living in the Puget Sound area (mainly Tacoma). Other than that, I'm participating in Circle K, which is a group that devotes its time on volunteering and helping out in important community events (e.g. Aids Walk, Hunger Walk). Lastly, I attend yoga club sessions every now and then as well.

Are there any interesting things you would like to share about you or your experiences in the U.S./Puget Sound?
I had wonderful experiences at UPS so far! I love taking classes from professors who are so devoted in their academic fields and are willing to interact with students in and out of classrooms settings; this kind of intimate learning environment is priceless to me. Also, I have met many great friends here who share similar interests and passion.

 

Constanza Moreno Martinez

Constanza Moreno Martinez '18
Mexico City, Mexico
Mathematics, Engineering, French
cmorenomartinez@pugetsound.edu

Constanza was born in Mexico City, but grew up in Cuernavaca. In her free time, she loves to go swimming, making playlists for her radio show, meeting new people, and hanging out with friends. She loves everything about UPS - It has become her second home!

Why did you choose to come to University of Puget Sound?
The main thing that brought me to UPS was its excellent Engineering program an the small and tight community. Choosing UPS was one of the best decisions I have ever made! Since the very first time I stepped foot onto this campus, I knew it was the perfect school for me!

What extracurricular or work experiences have you had at Puget Sound?
This year I decided to join the crew team, and so far I been having a blast! I feel I’m back at home because we train on the Sound and the team is amazing. Also, I had the opportunity to join KUPS which is the school radio show. At the beginning I was scared about talking live on air, but slowly I’ve learned to love it. It was one of the things I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have done if I wasn't at UPS. I also have a job at the UPS Security Services, and it has been a great opportunity to see the university from a different angle. And finally, I’m part of a Kappa Alpha Theta. If you asked me 2 years ago if I would join a sorority, I would have answered 'no'. Right now, I don’t see myself anywhere else!

Are there any interesting things you would like to share about you or your experiences in the U.S./Puget Sound?
UPS has shown me things about myself that I would have never found on my own. I’m so glad, I have the opportunity to study here, and if you do, I promise you, you won’t regret it! And a fun fact about me: I always carry candy with me because I believe it is good luck (it has to be spicy)!

 

Phillip Sandler

Phillip Sandler '18
Ottawa, Canada
International Political Economy, Studio Art
psandler@pugetsound.edu

Phil was born in Ottawa, Canada, but moved to Switzerland and attended an international boarding school there when he was 13. He loves skiing, playing hockey, listening to and playing music on the radio, playing chess and drawing!

Why did you choose to come to University of Puget Sound?
I chose UPS because I wanted a school with a low teacher to student ratio so I could really get to know my professors. The campus is absolutely gorgeous but the people are what make the school.

What extracurricular or work experiences have you had at Puget Sound?
During my freshman year I was apart of the Rugby club and during my Sophomore year I joined KUPS and Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Are there any interesting things you would like to share about you or your experiences in the U.S./Puget Sound?
I really love UPS! It's a really great school and there is a niche for everyone here! One of my favorite things about it was the orientation. Camping on a lake in the beautiful Washington weather was the best way to start my experience at Puget Sound!​

Zhu Zhu '19
Qingdao, China
Psychology, music
zzhu@pugetsound.edu

Zhu Zhu moved to New York City from Qingdao, China at age of 15 for education. When she was in New York, she attended a Catholic high school called St. Francis Preparatory School. She was part of the Girls Varsity Golf Team and the Chamber Orchestra as a cellist.

Why did you choose to come to University of Puget Sound?
The reason why I chose UPS dates back to when I first started my college application process. I wanted to move to a different area to start college life - because I wanted to learn more about the American culture. I decided that I wanted to attend a liberal arts college, because it provides more opportunities for students. After I visited the UPS campus, I told myself that this is the best place for me. So, that's why I'm here right now! UPS has a really nice campus; although it's small compared to other colleges, I like it because I don't have to walk a long way from my dorm to my classes!

What extracurricular or work experiences have you had at Puget Sound?
Currently, I'm pat of the golf team on campus. We only play in Fall and Spring, and the two seasons are short, but I'm having a great time with my teammates. I'm planning to have an on-campus job right now, but I haven't started yet.

Are there any interesting things you would like to share about you or your experiences in the U.S./Puget Sound?
I'm only a freshman this year, but I'm looking forward to getting a job here at UPS, because it will help me to manage my time - which is a very important quality I need at college!