Michelle Lee
| Home Country: | USA |
| Major/Minor: | Media Arts and Design/Art minor |
| Graduation: | 2015 |
| E-mail: | lee2my@dukes.jmu.edu |
Why did you choose JMU?
Originally, I chose JMU because the Media Arts and Design major stood out to me. I was interested in studying the media because of my desire to have a career in doing digital media or writing for non-profit organizations, so I decided to come to JMU. But after I came to visit the campus through the CHOICES program, I fell in love with the school itself. I saw how beautiful the Quad was, and how the campus has filled with enthusiasm everywhere. I felt that JMU would be the perfect college for me to be active and grow as a person. Now it’s my second home where I love what I study and I enjoy what I do here. Choosing JMU over any other college was one of the best decisions I’d ever made.
What is your favorite class?
My favorite class is SMAD 302: Special Topics. Last summer, I studied abroad and went to Urbino, Italy to study Multimedia Journalism, which is a special topic for the SMAD 302 course. While I was there, I learned about and did extensive training for feature writing for the web, photography and videography. I had a blast learning about and getting to work on projects that applied these subjects! But it wasn’t just the things I did in the classroom that made this course interesting for me. Being in a foreign setting, I was immersed in a different culture and got to meet a lot of new people, whether it was to interview them for my article or just to make new friends.
Besides studying, how do you occupy your time?
Outside of my studies, I like to go out with my friends for all kinds of random fun. From spontaneous trips to fast food restaurants or lying down on the Kissing Rock to watch the stars at night, there are many ways to enjoy JMU and Harrisonburg. I also de-stress from my academics by playing ukulele or going to UREC for a game of racquetball. In my spare time, I like to kick back with hot tea and a movie. I've been a movie buff for as long as I can remember and I watch films of all genres. One of my favorite movies is Se7en!
What clubs/activities are you involved with at JMU?
Here on campus, JMU provides a large number of clubs and organizations where students can get involved and find their niche. Because culture is a great interest of mine, I am involved with several minority organizations. Outside of my academics, I am currently the Media Director for Korean Student Association, work closely with the Center for Multicultural Student Services, and participate in events or shows for other Asian organizations. I also do freelance photography by request and work as a customer support specialist at the JMU Computing HelpDesk!
What do you like best about JMU?
JMU is a wonderful school for many reasons, but what I love most about it is the community. Everyone here, whether a student, a faculty member or a bus driver, is so kind and welcoming. I’ve never gone through a day when someone didn’t hold a door open for another person or say “Thank you” for little acts of kindness. The warm atmosphere at JMU encourages its students to jump into all kinds of opportunities without a fear of insecurities or failures. We’re all here to live and grow together, and the people at JMU don’t just say the message; they show it.
What advice would you give to international students who are considering studying at JMU?
Leaving home to go to another country is always scary, but it’s also an adventure. No matter who you are or where you come from, you’ll see that JMU welcomes all cultural backgrounds. So don’t be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone and explore! In no time after coming to the JMU, you’ll naturally feel at home where you’ll make amazing friends, love the things you get involved with, and make unforgettable memories!
Events
- Sep 2: - Oct 31: Art in the Arboretum
- Sep 10: Bonsai Workshop
- Sep 14: Monarch Migration Tagging Workshop