UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — At the College of the Liberal Arts commencement ceremony on May 4, Mi Ni Tzou will represent sociology as its student marshal. The Schreyer Scholar is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in sociology and communication arts and sciences. She will be escorted by her faculty marshal, Samar Farage, associate teaching professor of sociology and criminology.
During her time at Penn State, Tzou spent her time participating in multiple organizations, including the Presidential Leadership Academy. She also was involved in World in Conversation as a discussion facilitator.
“My academic achievements in the College of the Liberal Arts have strengthened my abilities of independent research, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning. As a liberal arts student, I was able to receive an interdisciplinary education in sociology, communication arts and sciences, and history,” said Tzou. “I have researched into the structural factors that lead to public dissatisfaction, the ethics of communication, and the history of Taiwan's democratic movement. Overall, my liberal arts education provided the skill to connect ideas in different branches of knowledge and inspired me to devote my future career into Taiwan's public policy.”
Tzou grew up in Taiwan and hopes to possibly return after graduating. She plans on taking the education she learned in the College of the Liberal Arts and helping her native country to grow and prosper.
“After I graduate, I plan to work in one of the political parties in Taiwan and help them run for the 2020 legislative election. At the same time, I will apply for graduate programs in sociology as well as in public policy. I would like to pursue the study in social problems and social policies in Western Europe. My long-term goal is to support Taiwan to be officially recognized by the international community as a sovereign state and help Taiwan maintain good relationships with other countries.”
Since Tzou grew up in Taiwan and is a non-native English speaker, coming to Penn State was a big decision and a bit scary at that. However, Tzou wanted to step out of her comfort zone, and she encourages other students to do the same.
“When we are no longer afraid, we begin to live. The moment that I engaged in the Penn State community was when I could be true to myself,” said Tzou. “I am a shy person and a non-native English speaker. That is OK. I still can create my own way to meet people, to try things that I am passionate about. Penn State is where you could build on self-realization.”
This is the 11th in a series of stories on the 22 student marshals representing the College of the Liberal Arts at the spring 2019 commencement ceremony.