Chin-Hua Pan

Three words encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:
Enriching | Surprising | Life-changing

The college experience brings highs and lows, challenges and opportunities. How have you navigated those experiences?

As a student, one of the biggest challenges I faced was the language barrier. In my first year, I often found myself in class situations where I didn’t understand the questions, even if I knew the answers. This feeling of frustration made participating difficult.

To overcome this, I actively sought out resources. I participated in workshops offered by the school to improve my language skills, and I took advantage of the tutoring services available. This combination of focused learning and extra practice helped me significantly improve my ability to understand and participate in class discussions.

What has your journey at Northeastern University revelated to you about yourself?

Northeastern University has been a journey of self-discovery. One of the most impactful lessons came from a professor who taught me the concept of “faking it till you make it.” This idea, initially surprising, has been truly life-changing. It instilled in me the power of confidence, pushing me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new challenges.

Embracing this newfound confidence, I actively sought out new experiences at Northeastern. I didn’t shy away from unfamiliar territory, and the resulting achievements further solidified my belief in my abilities. This journey has instilled a deep sense of self-confidence that I know will propel me forward in the future.

What advice do you have for others considering higher education?

I would say: “Don’t be shy to seek resources, and it’s never too late to invest in yourself.” If there’s a dream that must be realized, then it’s worth pursuing for a lifetime.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

My passion for UX design ignited while working as a UX developer at a startup in Taiwan. However, due to limited UX-specific programs and resources available there, I decided to pursue a UX-related degree in the US to further develop my skills and advance my career in this exciting field.

After graduation, I’m eager to leverage the strong American UX design industry to gain valuable experience. Five years from now, I envision myself working as a UX Designer or UX developer here in the US. This will allow me to combine the skills I’ve gained at Northeastern with cutting-edge practices in the UX field, ultimately positioning me for a successful and fulfilling career in this dynamic industry.

Outside of studies, what do you like to do for fun?

Beyond academics, dance fuels my joy. From K-pop’s vibrancy to hip-hop’s power, it’s a way to express myself and unwind.