Facilitator Corner: Jaden 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 Jaden…
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Jaden Wang, University of Washington class of 2024.
Name: Jaden Wang
Hometown: Issaquah, Washington
Major: Computer Science and Music Education (double degree)
Class: Undergraduate, class of 2024
INTRODUCTION
I'm Chinese American and have grown up in the Seattle area. I love music and play a bunch of instruments including piano and violin. I also enjoy baking and my favorite dessert is cheesecake. I like volunteering around the community and advocating for equity. In my free time, I play a few video games and try out a variety of hobbies.
Fun facts:
I've been working on equity related projects for the school district I just graduated from. We deal with a variety of issues involving race, culture, gender identity, religion, mental health, disabilities, and more.
I'm on the board of the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra.
Regarding music, I really like transcribing and arranging songs. I also teach a little bit of violin and piano.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A FIUTS FACILITATOR?
For me, facilitating FIUTS events is all about the connections I make with everyone. It's an opportunity for me to create an environment in which people get to know one another while doing something fun and/or impactful. In addition, being able to meet people from all around the world through FIUTS has been very cool, especially having been in the Seattle area my whole life. Also, something that matters a lot to me is to create a world where everyone has a sense of acceptance for one another, and I think that FIUTS is a group that really supports these kinds of connections and relationships.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANECDOTE AS A FACILITATOR?
Jaden participating in FIUTS Virtual Bingo Night event.
One of my favorite events that I have facilitated is one of the virtual game nights. It had been a while into the pandemic's social distancing orders, and I decided to help out with this event to relax and have some fun. Throughout the games we played, the atmosphere we were able to create really helped me feel connected with the people I met even in a time of isolation and uncertainty. On top of the entertaining energy of the games, there was this satisfying feeling of peace and acceptance knowing that FIUTS is a safe, welcoming group to be a part of. I really desire to share this feeling with more people, especially through facilitating more activities!
HOW HAVE YOU GROWN AS A LEADER THROUGH BEING A FACILITATOR?
Jaden (pictured with quartet) preforming at the Eastshore Solo Ensemble Festival.
My facilitator experiences have really helped me develop my skills in working cooperatively with other people, whether that is other facilitators or the individuals attending FIUTS events. It's been an opportunity for me to help everyone shine in their own unique ways! In addition, I feel that I've gained a broader comprehension of cultures and values from across the world; as someone who cares a lot about mutual understanding, this is a really cool feeling and motivates me to do greater, impactful things on a larger scale.
Jaden (pictured with group) at Evergreen Philharmonic’s “Swingin' in Vienna” dance.
WHAT TIPS OR COMMENTS DO YOU HAVE FOR PEER FACILITATORS?
I'd say if there's something you're interested in, go for it! There were some events that I was nervous about signing up for because they were very new experiences to me, but they all turned out to be fun. You may need to step out of your comfort zone a little, but once you do, you will really enjoy it.
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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.