Facilitator Corner: Bowen Wang
FIUTS Facilitators are student leaders from all over the world who welcome new international students, help organize events, and lead activities for hundreds of students each quarter. Read on to find out more about the FIUTS facilitator experience from Bowen…
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Bowen Wang, FIUTS Facilitator and UW student majoring in International Studies and Psychology.
Name: Bowen Wang
Hometown: Nanchang, China
Major: International Studies & Psychology
Class: Junior, Undergraduate
INTRODUCTION
Hello everyone, my name is Bowen. I'm a very versatile person who enjoys both dances at a loud club all night long and reads a book on a quiet afternoon. So come say hi to me, we can be besties.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A FIUTS FACILITATOR?
Being a FIUTS facilitator is about bringing people together. We’re the catalyst that fastens the chemical formation of friendship. Too shy to say hi? FIUTS facilitators are there to say:
”Have you met this wonderful human being yet? I think you two would have a lot to talk about!"
Over the summer, Bowen took part in a socially-distanced kayaking activity with FIUTS.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANECDOTE AS A FACILITATOR?
I started my time as a FIUTS facilitator under the age of COVID, so our mobility was restricted. Instead of in-person campus tours, we filmed all the events and places for new international students to enjoy at their own pace. The filming process was fun and I was glad we could still offer students the best view of the UW campus.
HOW HAVE YOU GROWN AS A LEADER THROUGH BEING A FACILITATOR?
I'm a very talkative person. I used to dominate the conversation and miss out on what other people have to say. Being a FIUTS Facilitator helped me to become a better listener. It is a fascinating experience to hear other people's stories and learn from them.
Bowen and international student friends, pre-pandemic, enjoying a meal in the U-District.
WHAT TIPS OR COMMENTS DO YOU HAVE FOR PEER FACILITATORS?
Sometimes people come to a FIUTS event with a friend or as a group and stick to it. Do not afraid to mix the pot! Have an ice-break and introduce students to each other. FIUTS is a great place to meet new people and strike a new friendship.
Facilitator Corner is published on the FIUTS blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Read past posts by searching for Facilitator Corner on our website main page!
Interested in being featured in Facilitator Corner? Contact Annie Lewis: annie@fiuts.org.
Guest posts on the FIUTS blog represent the experiences and views of individual writers. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FIUTS or any organizations or institutions affiliated with our programs.