This week we feature the terrific roommate duo of Alex Chan and Ayush Thomas, or as they prefer to be called, “A-squared”. Both residents of Simmons Hall and members of the GLOBE community (a special living option on the K-floor of Simmons Hall – for more information and the origin story of the GLOBE, check out this article on the SHC website), Alex is majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Ayush in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
MV: What’s your favorite thing about living in the GLOBE?
AT: Definitely the sense of community. Everyone here shares an international perspective and has experienced living abroad or is open to the idea. The community is so welcoming, it really brings everyone together. Also, I love the events. It’s so unique how we live on a co-ed floor with upperclassmen and have that opportunity as a freshman. The activities here are just amazing. It’s all enlightening and is a fast track to college life.
MV: Alex, anything to add?
AC: I concur.
MV: Great! So, what advice would you give to incoming freshman who are considering living in the GLOBE?
AC: Don’t think twice. You’ll make your best friends in this organization/club/community. You’ll make friends with the same method of thinking.
AT: Well, the application is pretty intimidating for an SLO. I know I was like, What’s going on? But just go for it, that’s life in college. You’re going to ask yourself that question so many times. Just go for it!
AC: Yeah, if you think you want it, go for it!
AT: Take risks!
MV: What has been the best GLOBE event you’ve attended so far this year?
AC: The Humphrey Fellows Dinner was definitely the best! It was a program where people from other countries in programs that focused on education came and met with us. They were all so passionate about learning and teaching in other countries. The dinner was so diverse and they all gave the best advice!
AT: Oh yeah, I was sitting next to a man from Pakistan, and as I’m from India, we’re supposed to be rivals, but our generation really doesn’t have that mindset. He was a really big advocate for education in his country, and explained the entire India-Pakistan conflict to me. It was amazing, definitely worth the time!
AC: Yeah, I remember when we got back, I think it was on a Wednesday night, and we all had so much work, but we just couldn’t stop talking about everything from the dinner.
AT: And the food was good, too.
AC: They gave the best advice about life. The woman I was talking to told me when I’m stressed just to think about all those who are less fortunate and how lucky we are to be where we are, and to make some tea.
MV: Wow, that sounds like an amazing experience! So, what’s your favorite roommate memory?
AT: It’d have to be chilling on the weekend. We hardly have free time during the week, as we’re usually busy, so the weekend is much lighter and relaxed. Sometimes we run, watch movies together, and have midnight discussions.
AC: Yeah, I’m always asking Ayush, So, what do you think about _____? at like midnight.
AT: And then it’s like 2 AM and we say we should go to bed…
MV: Ah yes, I’ve definitely had many, many of those.
AC: The midnight discussions are awesome. We might have to go to sleep, but we talk anyways. Before Spring Break, I just asked Ayush, When are you going home? We figured out we were both going home Saturday, so we decided to watch movies all day Saturday because classes would all be over.
AT: It’s the little things.
AC: Like that time you threw a shoe at my face? To make me go to dinner at Big Bowl?
AT: Well, yeah, every single Big Bowl memory is great! They have those scallion pancakes we’re going to learn how to make someday.
This great roommate pair is making the best of life in the GLOBE. Who knows, maybe we’ll see A-squared cooking up some scallion pancakes in the GLOBE kitchen someday soon!
jla5458 says
Prior to living in Eastview Terrace, I was very interested in living in the GLOBE. I think that the perspective that it offers is great, and living with people who share your same interests is awesome. I know many people who live in Life House in Beaver Halls, and they all said that it was a good decision, because everyone is similar to them and has many of the same views. That makes it more comfortable and welcoming in my opinion.
lrg5172 says
I liked how you interviewed two people this time. I know these two guys pretty well so it was funny to hear all of their stories. I also liked how you asked them questions about the environment of the special living option because it allows others to see whether or not this place is somewhere they would want to live.