Good health is like music for your soul
What is your name, major and year?
My name is Elaine Yang. I am a junior who is majoring in health administration and public policy, better known as HAPP.
Where are you from (city, county, state)?
I am originally from Windsor Mill, but now I reside in Owings Mills, both in Baltimore County.
Who do you admire and why?
I admire my parents the most because when it came down to either moving and living comfortable lives back in their native Taiwan or staying here [in the United States], my parents chose to stay for the sake of my future. They sacrificed their lives essentially so that I could live mine here. This is the reason why I strive to succeed so that I can do what little I can to repay just a mere fraction of all that they have done for me.
What is your career goal?
My career goal is to graduate with the HAPP degree and then to get my degree at the University of Maryland in order to become a physician’s assistant while working on the administrative end of the healthcare system.
If you could change one thing around the world, what would it be?
I am very passionate about healthcare, and I think if I were to have the funds and ability to change the world, I would start a movement for health care reform and have the best-of-the-best professionals in the healthcare field team up with me to help provide the underprivileged with what we would consider as “basic hygiene and check-ups” around the world.
Describe something about you that uniquely stands out.
I think what is unique about me is my passion for people — all people — and my ability to see potential in people. Every day of my life, I want to be making a positive impact on lives even if it is just one person a day. I hope that when I leave this world, I will have made a difference and left a legacy.
What activities do you participate in on campus?
I am still currently exploring the many clubs at UMBC, but right now my main interests are the Taiwanese Student Association, Phi Mu Sorority and the running club.
Who is the celebrity you would like to meet; what would you do with them?
There are many celebrities that I would love to meet, but probably my top three would be Usher, John Legend and Alicia Keys. I just would like to play piano and have a musical jam session with them.
What is/are your favorite thing(s) to do outside of UMBC?
My favorite pastimes are any physical activity, but for the most part, listening to or making music, and reading and writing.
Where do you want to spend your next vacation?
I want to travel in Taiwan, where my family is from. Everything from the mountains to the cities and beaches are just miles apart. The food is amazing, and the country is beautiful. My desire is to truly experience my culture on a firsthand basis.
What is your favorite genre of television and why?
I do not get to watch television much, but I love comedy because I love to laugh and I also love dramatic shows like Law & Order SVU because I love seeing this one character, Olivia, change the lives of victims that she works with.
What kind of music do you like?
Because I am a musician myself, I love all different kinds of music from jazz and country to R&B and pop. I love it all!
If you met Dr. Hrabowski, what would you say to him?
If I met him, I would say, “Thanks, you are so right: UMBC definitely works on the buddy system. The smartest people study together and build off of each other to excel. I have definitely learned that here.”
Photo: Courtesy of Elaine Yang
