About Me
My name is Huanci Yang, and my English name is April. I am currently pursuing a degree in Business Analytics at Purdue University. Before transferring to Purdue, I studied at a university in China. I’m originally from Shenzhen, China, a vibrant and modern city. I have a strong interest in data analysis, economics, and market research. Academically, I have challenged myself to adapt to a new educational system and have achieved a perfect score on one of my exams, which was a significant milestone for me. I also enjoy participating in campus activities and recently served as a host for the PUCSSA campus singer competition. Outside of academics, I love singing, spending time with friends, and traveling to explore different cultures. I also have a deep appreciation for beautiful skies and fluffy kittens. My personal philosophy is to enjoy the process rather than just focus on the result.
Why did you come to Purdue?
I chose to study at Purdue because of its strong programs in business analytics and data science. The university provides great resources and a diverse learning environment, which helps me develop my skills. Purdue also offers an open and flexible environment where I can manage my time freely and focus on what I truly want to do. My classes focus on data analysis, statistics, and programming, which are useful for business decision-making. I also take an astronomy class out of personal interest. I enjoy learning about microeconomics, especially market structures and game theory, and I have experience using STATA for statistical analysis. Studying at Purdue has been both challenging and rewarding, helping me grow academically and adapt to a new environment.
Goals and Plans
My goal is to continue my studies and pursue a graduate degree in quantitative analysis. After graduation, I hope to become a financial analyst and apply my skills in data and market analysis. At Purdue, I want to gain more hands-on experience, improve my communication skills, and connect with professionals in my field. Beyond academics, I hope to keep playing music, traveling, and exploring new interests while enjoying the process.
Best memories and favorite spaces at Purdue
Visiting the historic piano store was a memorable experience. As a piano lover, I was amazed by the collection of pianos dating back to the 19th century. The store had a unique charm, and the owner shared interesting stories about the pianos and their upkeep. It felt like stepping into the past, and I could almost hear the music that once filled the air. It was a special moment that deepened my appreciation for the history of these instruments.
Experience with PLaCE classes or workshops
I took the SCLA 110 course to give myself a transition space as I adjusted to life in the U.S. In this class, I gradually felt welcomed and included, thanks to Dr. Allen’s patience and enthusiasm. I really enjoyed how he guided us to explore our goals and taught us time management skills. I also liked the exploration tasks he assigned. The most memorable experience was visiting a piano store in Lafayette. As a piano lover, I never imagined finding such a historic piano shop near Purdue, and it left a deep impression on me.
Advice to new Purdue students
Never be afraid to speak up. The first step is always the hardest, but as long as you’re willing to take it, you’ve already succeeded. In truth, people won’t focus too much on your grammar or pronunciation—what matters is having the courage to express your thoughts. My advice is: seize every opportunity to communicate with classmates or professors, and make good use of translation tools (translation itself is also part of learning English).