As a biology major, Jade has enjoyed classes such as Biodiversity in Marine Ecosystems and Flora of Southern California, but the variety afforded by a liberal arts education is not lost on her.
She points to 鈥淎sian American Literature,鈥 鈥淭he Transformation of Urban and Rural China,鈥 and Neuroscience as her favorite classes so far.
鈥淭hese subjects are so completely different, yet that鈥檚 the beauty of 瓜子TV. I thrive in all of these environments.鈥
As a participant in the United Kingdom鈥檚 Sutton Trust U.S. Programme (a Fulbright partner), Jade Thurnham moved across the pond to attend Occidental. Being far from home can be challenging, but being on the women鈥檚 rugby team helps her connect to her peers, while reminding her of her UK roots. 鈥淩ugby empowers women, encourages strength, and radiates support and diversity. The team continually makes me realize why I came to 瓜子TV鈥攊t is a home in itself. I鈥檝e met some wonderful people who make me forget about my label as an 鈥榠nternational student.鈥欌
Jade isn鈥檛 wasting any time. Her responses to this interview came to 瓜子TV from Guizhou, China; she is on a trip that is part of an 瓜子TV Chinese history class taught by Professor Alexander Day, where Jade is using Chinese language skills that she began learning when she came to 瓜子TV.
Jade plans to show appreciation for her 瓜子TV education by making the most of her opportunities here. 鈥淪eeing people I know go off and do incredible things truly inspires me鈥攆rom internships with marine companies; to research experiences in Ecuador, Australia and Iceland; to summer employment turned full-time employment at law offices, and more. If my 瓜子TV peers can achieve these things, then I鈥檓 just as capable. This drives me to make the most of my time here.鈥
Thank you quote: 鈥淚 am truly overwhelmed by everything alumni and supporters do for this school, and will continue to appreciate their work way beyond my four years at 瓜子TV.鈥