Facilitator Corner: Zehua (Wedward)

 

FIUTS Facilitators are student leaders from all over the world who welcome new international visitors, help organize events, and lead activities for hundreds of students each quarter. Read on to find out more about the FIUTS facilitator experience from Zehua (Wedward) Wei and join us today!

 
Zehua (left) on the boat cruise with our past facilitator corner Terry!

Zehua (left) on the boat cruise with our past facilitator corner Terry!

 

Name: Zehua (Wedward) Wei
Country: China                  
Major: Chemical Engineering
Class: 2016 MS
FIUTS Facilitator Since: August 2015

Brief Introduction

Wedward is the English name I chose for myself to commemorate a preeminent American organic chemist Robert. B. Woodward, who is the first scientist that completed quinine total synthesis. I combined “Woodward” and my Chinese last name “Wei” together and made “Wedward”. If organic chemistry doesn’t make any sense for you, I would like to introduce myself as a portrait photographer or a backpacker. Although my overseas travel experience was limited, I have been to almost all of the provinces in China, which have great variety in environment and culture. I always feel excited about sharing my curiosity with people from different places, and find more knowledge and possibilities for growth in this world. Hopefully, I will visit the hometowns of my friends and acquaintances someday to deepen my understanding, which is part of my eternal pursuit to open up, make unceasing progress constantly, and like the UW logo - BE BOUNDLESS.

 

What does it mean to be a FIUTS facilitator?

I was a student in FIUTS homestay program last year when I arrived in Seattle. My host Charlotte became my new best friend the first day I settled in. We talked about education systems all evening to fight against my jet lag. Since those first two weeks, we have spent many weekends together exploring the Greater Seattle Area, not only doing outdoor activities  like hiking and skiing in spectacular landscapes, but also learning about her Danish and Canadian background. I have been moved by her dedication to the community that had such a positive effect on me. In this way, I would like to pay it forward to help new incoming students who need me, as I had already gotten the most unforgettable experience with Charlotte.

I made a photograph album for Charlotte, Jim, Zoe, Alexandra, Prima (the whole family!) as a Christmas present because I usually take a lot of photos. I believe a photographer can keep a happy moment everlasting by using the camera shutter. Though I did not register for any photographer events for international student orientations, I know I will always be an unofficial cameraman wherever people want to show their smiling faces.

I used to be a leader in my undergraduate climbing club in China, and miss my friends a lot because we were always together. But now, I just need to show up at any FIUTS event and my friends are there.

Favorite FIUTS anecdote as a facilitator

My favorite FIUTS event is Seattle Challenge. Though the things we did can be silly, such as counting how many seats we have in the first Starbucks, it was an enjoyable experience and it really made me fall in love with public transportation in Seattle. So when this year’s orientation was coming, I decided to help Seattle Challenge, and volunteered to be the hub in Fremont near the sculpture “Waiting for the Interurban”.  I felt like such a Seattleite that day because I stood in a heavy shower like a statue in green raincoat for an hour.

I like the boat cruise too, and we finally made a dance party on the boat this year. Dancing on a boat is pretty exciting. When the deck is fluctuating randomly, sometimes we were waving with the dance music, and sometimes we were jumping up and down on the floor and trying to cause another sinking of the Titanic.

Tips/comments for peer facilitators

When you find friends that share common interests, knowledge and experience with you in FIUTS, you can hardly refuse anything because you want to see them again at FIUTS events. Besides, I enjoyed every moment I am here, because I feel needed.

If you are a loving person, and you like breaking the ice with people coming with different backgrounds, you are at the right place.

 
FIUTS Front Desk