Spartans of UD: Sam (En-Yu) Wu
Sep 4, 2019
Spartans of UD highlights what makes University of Dubuque special – the people who live, work, and study on campus.
Sam (En-Yu) Wu, a junior nursing major from Taiwan, will carry his country’s flag during Opening Convocation on Thursday. He is also involved in many organizations.
1. What does it mean to you to be able to carry your flag during Opening Convocation?
"Carrying one's country flag is an honor for many people, and I am not an exception. However, carrying the Taiwanese flag in a foreign country means so much more than just the honor. Taiwan rarely gets the chance to display its flag on international events, such as the Olympics, because we are not recognized as an independent country by China. During these international events, Taiwan is usually displayed as ‘Chinese Taipei,’ and the flag is replaced by the Chinese Taipei Olympics Flag. Therefore, it is a great honor and feeling that I get to proudly carry the Taiwanese flag during the Opening Convocation at the University of Dubuque. It is of great assurance to know that the school recognizes Taiwan as a country, and I am very grateful to be given this opportunity to carry the flag."
2. You are involved in a variety of campus organizations. How do you balance your school work with your activities?
"'Never let an airplane take you somewhere that your brain didn't get to five minutes earlier.’ This is a common saying in the aviation world that points out planning and early visualizing is critical to pilots' situational awareness. Even though every pilot is trained to face emergencies, a pilot will do everything to avoid them. I also try my best to follow this mentality in my life. I look ahead to my school year, map out big events, and pinpoint the periods where I am busy and where I have more spare time. Every week I print off a weekly schedule sheet and fill out my schedule to the best of my ability. From there, I can visualize how much time I have for academics, meetings, events, etc. and plan accordingly. Being situationally aware of my upcoming schedule is my key to not overwhelm myself."
3. What advice do you have for other UD Spartans?
"You're not only here to get an education, but you're also here to become a leader and to serve the world with your gifts and heart. View your time at UD as a place to be equipped to chase your dreams, an opportunity to get a glimpse of this much greater world, and a time to learn how you can be servants of others. This mentality will keep you going through UD."
4. How has your involvement in different campus organizations impacted your life?
"I have learned skills in meeting procedures, being organized, hosting events, leading a team, and multitasking. The best and most important aspect is that I made connections and relationships with people in the different fields on campus that otherwise I would have never had if I wasn’t this involved. These relationships provide me with help from different places, and I also have the privilege of helping others out by connecting them with the people around campus."
5. What is your favorite spot on campus? Why?
"I love Blades Chapel. I can do my homework, take a nap, relax, play the piano, and play the guitar when the instruments are out. It is a good place to take a step back from the busy schedule, do some self-reflection, and spend quality time with God."
