Facilitator Corner: Joey Liao

 

Read about the experiences of one of our amazing volunteer student leaders!

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

Joey (second from right) at Mt. Rainier with FIUTS friends

Joey (second from right) at Mt. Rainier with FIUTS friends

Name: Joey Liao (Yunyi)
Country: China
Major: Communication
Class: Junior
FIUTS Facilitator Since: 2014

Brief Introduction

Joey Liao currently lives in Seattle in pursuit of her Bachelor degree at the University of Washington with a major in Communication and minor in Education, Learning & Society. Originally born and raised in a small town in China, Joey has traveled to many places which have given her the chance to see and connect worldwide. She seeks truth, social justice and community, hoping one day she will work for an NGO helping shed light on more serious issues in the world.

What does it mean to be a FIUTS facilitator?

I couldn't find a better way to connect and give back to this community other than being a FIUTS facilitator. With the privilege to take on this leadership role, having access to many more resources, facilitators are fully encouraged to bridge further and deeper connections among individuals, helping them find a way to navigate through the seemingly daunting new lifestyle in a different culture.

As the word says, facilitators lead in a way to facilitate, which gives them the maximum chance to adjust and cooperate with peers to make the best experience out of it. It’s a great role for them to connect, share and learn from others.

Favorite FIUTS anecdote as a facilitator

In the summer I facilitated FIUTS camp which has been recognized as one of the all time most popular events during orientation in FIUTS history. It’s a weekend long trip to a summer camp where students new to the Seattle area engage in a series of challenges and activities designed to break the ice and boundaries among them so to better connect with each other.

Apart from the crazy intense passion everyone showed during the "Campetition," it’s amazing to see how everyone’s coming with a welcoming attitude, open to meeting new people and  making effort to get involved to know each other better. On the last day of Camp we spent the entire time doing cultural skits in which all students coming from over 30 different countries would come up with different forms of skits representing their culture or country. I had most fun watching them performing the unique creative pieces telling their stories.(Still amazed by the Japanese dancing skit I recorded on my phone!)

Tips/comments for peer facilitators

Take initiative, be spontaneous connecting with people you don’t know, model that behavior to encourage others to jump outside of their comfort zone as well.

Stay open-minded and culturally sensitive. Be aware that we may come from drastically different cultures and that certain beliefs, behaviors and norms don’t generalize to them all, and be respectful to them. Don’t hesitate or be shy to ask away if you’re genuinely not familiar with their culture.

Have fun! Rain or shine! All about good company and laugh together.

 
FIUTS Front Desk