Jenny Xiong

Major: Technical Communication
Applied Field: Public Relations
Hometown: Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

Looking back on your time at Stout, what was your favorite part of being a freshman?
My favorite part of being a freshman was meeting new people, being in a new school, and the excitement of all the opportunities that have been offered to me. I was a commuter freshman year, but loved the campus atmosphere so I decided to live on campus sophomore year. I loved the events throughout the school year, it showed so much school spirit and I wanted to be a part of it all. I was so excited about joining organizations and becoming good friends with everyone.

Do  you have a job on campus or in Menomonie that keeps you busy outside of class time?
I work at the Financial Aid office. Working there helps me pay for other bills that I have and it also helps me keep busy outside of class. But the fact that it closes early (4:30 p.m.), I have time to do homework and go hang out with friends. Working in the Financial Aid office has given me more experience with financial issues and I feel so fortunate to be working there and learning from great employees.

What is your favorite month of the year?
My favorite month of the year would have to be March, not only is it my birthday month but also several family member’s birthday month. That means that I usually get to see family for all the great birthday celebrations!

The best book you’ve ever read?
I can’t think of the best book that I have ever read, I would have to say I’m still looking for that book. But along the way I have ran into several good books such as Fish Bowl by Sarah Mlynowski and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Two very different books but worth reading every word!

Why did you choose to go to Stout?
I was intrigued the first time I toured Stout and ever since then I decided that I wanted to attend this school.I loved that fact that there are so many organizations and the fact that it’s not too far away from home. I also liked the fact that the class sizes weren’t so large to the point where my professors wouldn’t know me by name. I feel that it is very important to be able to have one-on-one contact with professors. Now that I’m here, I love it and do not regret it for one second.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I will be 26 in five years, I hope to have already graduated with my Bachelor’s degree and working in my profession. I want to work in a bigger city such as Milwaukee. I hope to have already gotten married and starting to put my life together.

What is one fun thing to do outside Menomonie and one thing to do inside?
Outside: Playing volleyball.
Inside: Playing board games.

Your first "college kiss." How did you meet the lucky one? On campus? Off?
It was with a friend of mine, in my hometown my freshman year.  It wasn’t anything special.

If you have friends coming over, what would you cook?
If I had friends coming over, I would make stir-fry. I love eating stir-fry and making it, I would have to say it’s one of my specialties, plus you can choose whatever veggies you want to put in there.

Who has been the biggest influence on you in you life? What lessons did they teach you?
The biggest influences in my life are my parents whom are also my best friends. They have been through so much and have come so far, they are my influence and inspiration to go far with my life and become someone great. They have taught me so much about respect, leadership, growing up, and relationships. They have supported me in everything and have been there for me through everything.

Has college been anything like you imagined it to be when you first started as a freshman?
I did not expect college to be like this at all. I thought it was going to be super stressful and super difficult, and at times it can be both, but not as much as I thought it would be. There is so much free time as well, and that is something that I thought I would never have being crammed with homework and all.

Are you looking forward to graduating college? What is your dream job?
I am but at the same time I’m not. I feel that college life is a great time to take advantage of all the opportunities that are given to us; I don’t want to give that up just yet.