Jason Koski/University Photography

Janice Hoi Sze Yeung, in Lounge 159 of Martha Van Rensselaer Hall. Yeung was one of six students to design the space.

Major: Design and environmental analysis, interior design
College: Human Ecology
Hometown: Hong Kong

My older sister is an alumna from Cornell and introduced me to the DEA program. Compared with other design schools, the DEA program involves more social science theories than just the visuals. It has been a challenging yet fun program.

• FantAsia -- the only Asian a cappella group on campus. Combining a Western musical style with Chinese pop songs is a fun experiment, and I am very happy to be leading this group that is related to both my cultural and musical background.
• Cornell Design League (CDL) -- The all student-run CDL fashion show I saw in freshman year left me in awe. I had wanted to become one of the designers who proudly present their designs on the runway, and finally I have my own line of five pieces this year. It is very time-consuming designing, sewing and fitting the models, but I would have really regretted it if I had not done it.

Being one of the six students to design Lounge 159 (student lounge) in Martha Van Rensselaer. Having the opportunity to work with a real client, budget and see a project come to construction while still being at school was just fascinating.

Organizing the annual Hong Kong Student Association Cultural Show in my sophomore year was also a great experience. Handling and organizing different performance groups and promoting the event under a tight budget were very challenging, but all my hard work paid off when I heard the applause exploded and saw the smiles on our members' faces.

The first and only time I got a D on an exam -- my first prelim in Psychology 101 freshman fall. Ever since it has become a reminder to me -- I want to prove to myself that I am capable and would not have forgiven myself if I didn't give it all. [She has repeatedly made dean's list ever since.]

The opportunity to know my DEA professors on a personal level. I was not expecting them to invite students to their houses and treat us like friends, or bring treats to the studio when we are pulling all-nighters. DEA is like a big family I have far away from home.

Working for a design firm for a few years and then going to graduate school. I would also like to travel to different countries, including Denmark and Japan, where I have studied abroad, and explore more diverse culture, architecture and design. After that, I shall return to Hong Kong and bring my skills and experiences to the design scene there.