ziwei ye

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Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Major: MPA/Plan II Honors
Year: 3rd

1. Why did you join ABSA?

To meet you ;’)
I joined because I wanted to give ABSA a chance, but I stayed because of how much ABSA has given me: caring friends, supportive guidance, and a welcoming home. From the moment I stepped into my 1st General Meeting, everyone has been nothing but kind to me. They remembered me after initial introductions, and they genuinely wanted to get to know me. From then on, every time I see an ABSA member, he or she will always call out to me, no matter where we are. The members are always willing to go out of their way to care for each other, bringing medication to help me feel better, taking me grocery shopping, or, simply, eating with me so I don’t have to eat alone. ABSA has given me a home away from home.

2. What is your favorite ABSA memory?

Last year towards the end of the year, my branch decided to go to Enchanted Rock on an early Sunday morning (I remember because Chick-fil-A was closed, and I wanted to use my free 3-count Chicken Minis coupon). Even though it was early in the morning, we had a lot of fun taking power naps in the car, climbing (separately) up the rock, witnessing a proposal at the peak, and attempting to take quality pictures and failing… The little details of the trip occasionally replay in my mind again and again. It wasn’t until that day did we break down the seriousness among us. It wasn’t until that day did we get so much closer to each other. I am forever grateful for that morning :’)

3. What’s your favorite thing about the University of Texas at Austin?

The proximity to food – Guad, Dining Halls, Union, SAC, the list goes on and on. There’s always something to try/eat without driving anywhere (driving in Austin is hard). Of course, if you can drive, bike, lime/bird, bus, or even walk, Austin is your world. There are so many places you can explore, activities to do, and food to try.

4. If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman self, what would it be?

Be YOU. It doesn’t matter what other people are doing or what you are not doing. What truly matters is what you think is the best for you. Don’t get peer-pressured into doing something you don’t want to do. You are perfect the way you are. Just bear in mind that IF THEY CAN’T LOVE YOU AT YOUR WORST, THEY DON’T DESERVE YOU AT YOUR BEST :’)

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Imagine you are walking toward the ocean. The sand is very soft. The beach is limitless. The cool breeze is blowing past you. The waves are washing up onto the sand and receding back again and again. I want to live in a beach house working as a novelist… IN MY DREAM…

6. What’s your favorite TV Show/Movie/etc?

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

I really don’t think an explanation is necessary. IT IS THE BEST SHOW EVER.

  1. The quotes and humor (I have a book with some of the funniest jokes from the show !!!)

  2. Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat, what are they feeding you? – Phoebe

  3. How you doin’? – Joey

  4. Hi (in depressed tone) – Ross

  5. The most important reason: The Friendship and Love – It is realistic and relatable.

7. What is one thing that you love about yourself?

My ability to switch mood and tones in a split of a second: from jocular to solemn, from downhearted to cheerful, from punny jokes to deep emotional talks. I love it because people get confused about the situation and can’t tell whether I am serious or just joking.

8.  Name the top five things on your bucket list

  1. Backpack across the WORLD

  2. Bungee Jumping/Skydiving/Hang-Gliding

  3. Learn to swim so I can go shark- and dolphin-diving

  4. Own a Goldendoodle even though I am scared of dogs

  5. Participate in the world’s sleeping contest