About Me
Hi! I am Minsu from South Korea. I am currently enrolled in First Year Engineering (FYE) and planning to study Industrial Engineering in the upcoming semester. Before coming to Purdue, I studied in South Korea and the Netherlands. My favorite subject is Math, particularly optimization and statistics. I am especially into Valorant these days! I do not have any professional experience yet, but I am eager to find one.
Why did you come to Purdue?
I chose to study at Purdue because of the FYE curriculum which allows students to delve into different fields before committing to a major. It has not been long since I decided to pursue IE as my major. In fact, I was very lost in choosing which major I wanted to pursue. Purdue, with its FYE program that guides students to truly find what they want to study, was a perfect fit for me. Throughout the first semester, I attended various callouts and exhibitions, only to realize that IE would be my future path.
Goals and Plans
My goal is to work in the consulting industry, where I can help communities optimize resources effectively and equitably. To achieve this, I want to build a strong hands-on experience through internships, research, and student organizations at Purdue.
Best memories and favorite spaces at Purdue
I recently found my favorite space at Purdue—the recreational pool in Co-Rec. Not many people seem to know that there is a proper hot spa at the facility (or maybe it was just me). My friend and I spent hours in the spa, having fun. It was unforgettable how the golden light from the sunset reflected on the ceiling. I highly recommend visiting to the spa with your friends!
Experience with PLaCE classes or workshops
This year, I am taking SCLA 110 and SCLA 111 with Dr. Haiyan Li and participated in the Conversation Club multiple times. The courses and workshops hosted by PLaCE were a perfect way to delve into a new cultural environment. The SCLA courses have been academically useful in learning about different cultures. I particularly found the Conversation Club very helpful and enjoyable for immersing myself in the ‘small talk’ culture.
Advice to new Purdue students
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong, upon stepping onto the Moon in 1969. For new international students, taking first small steps, such as overcoming cultural barriers, joining student organizations, or practicing English daily, may feel frightening. If you feel overwhelmed about the first step, remember that PLaCE is a great place to start. Don’t be afraid to participate in workshops (like Conversational Club or Writing Lab) and ask SCLA instructors or advisors for guidance—they are here to help. These small steps will eventually accumulate into a giant leap in personal and academic growth over time.