My name is Jude, and I am pursuing my Honors BSc in Applied Physics and Physical Chemistry at the University of Washington. I am not a native to Seattle, but, in my first year living here, I have gotten to explore the university and the city's various neighborhoods, and would consider myself well informed on all the best spots to eat, hangout, and study.

Hometown

Bangkok, Thailand

Major(s)

Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry

Minor(s)

Economics

Clubs, organizations & involvement

ASUW Senate Representative, ASUW Disciplinary Chair, SPS Member, UW Nuclear Society Member, Pi Kappa Alpha Member

Describe your college experience

I moved from Bangkok, Thailand to attend the University of Washington on a private scholarship focused on chemistry. That transition was a complete shock. In my fall quarter, I found it hard to makes friends due to how far apart my dorm was from any other, and Seattle's infamous overcast weather only worsened my mental health. However, I found several clubs and organizations that aligned with my interests, and I began to build incredible relationships. By the end of my freshman year, I was super happy with my classes, friends, and the life I had built for myself. It just takes time.

Tip for future students

Try as hard as you can to be outgoing at the beginning of the school year. Everyone is new, awkward, and looking for friends. You'll probably end up standing around at a few weird frat parties, but you'll end up getting as much out of it all as you're willing to put in.

Favorite class

PHYS 143 is the honors equivalent of the introductory series course PHYS 123 (Wave Physics), in which they had entirely revamped the syllabus to cut out light optics in place of quantum mechanics. Learning how the quantum world worked on a basic level completely revolutionized how I think about physics.

Career goals

Pursue my PhD in Plasma Physics, then go on to work on fusion reactors, hopefully starting my own energy firm.

Ideal way to spend a free night

The absolute best way to spend a night here is to get some friends together, hop on the light rail to go down to cap hill or downtown, and try a cuisine at a new spot that you never imagined yourself eating before.

High school or secondary school

British Academy, Pretoria, South Africa NIST International School, Bangkok, Thailand

Previous college

N​/​A