Qianyi He, from Suzhou, China, recently received her BA in speech & hearing science and psychology from the University of Iowa (UI). She was a recipient of the International Distinction in Education Award Scholarship and a nominee for Student Employee of the Year, and was recently awarded a 2023 International Student Graduation International Community Advocacy Award for her contribution as an international student ambassador and student employee at the Office of Admissions. Her volunteering experiences at the UI Hospitals and Clinics and Special Olympics led to her decision to pursue a clinical doctorate in audiology at Northwestern University.
Learn more about her experience through the Q&A piece below.
How did Iowa prepare you for your achievements as a young scholar?
The thing I appreciate the most about Iowa is the resourceful environment it creates and the open access it provides for all students. The efforts always pay off when you take the initiative. In my undergraduate years, I was proactive in enhancing my education. Joining separate labs from different departments of my two majors and being a volunteer in the healthcare field has brought me a wide range of interprofessional experiences, including behavioral coding, clinical practical skills, knowledge about different setups of research studies, and how to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. All of these experiences have enriched my studies and life, paved my future career path, and cultivated my capacity for thinking independently and making thoughtful decisions based on varying situations.
What would you say to the people you met at Iowa?
I feel so grateful that I always met nice people throughout my four years, whether they were friends, co-workers, professors, advisors, supervisors, lab partners, or classmates. Their support has contributed to my personal growth and made me have higher expectations for my college life. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of them for their kindness which has helped me navigate challenges with confidence.
What advice would you give to other international students?
I would recommend that every international student not be afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone. I have considered my college life to be very fulfilling, but I still feel like I did not experience enough, such as fun electives, recreational fitness at the gym, and more club activities. Iowa is such a nice campus that embraces inclusivity and celebrates diversity in all forms. The earlier you get involved, the sooner you experience all of the special parts of being a Hawkeye.
What is your favorite Iowa memory?
Watching a football game at Kinnick Stadium and doing the Hawkeye Wave to the children at the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. I was deeply touched by the kindness of the Hawkeye spirit.
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.