Live and Learn

Hometown: Houston, TX and Taipei, Taiwan
MPA track: Taxation
Class status: MPA (traditional approach)
Estimated graduation date: Fall 2009

Why did you choose to attend The University of Texas at Austin?
There were a few reasons that contributed to my decisions to attend The University of Texas at Austin. First, I had been away from Texas for five years due to attending college and working out of state, and I was starting to miss home. Second, I had always been a music enthusiast, and the robust musical environment in Austin was very attractive to me. Third, and perhaps the most important reason, was that the MPA program at UT Austin has been very strong and the best in the nation, and I was fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to participate in this program. So, here I am!

What do you want to do when you graduate from the MPA program?
My answer for this question may not be very original, but it is what I hope to do when I finish the MPA program: I want to work in the tax department of a Big 4 accounting firm, preferably in a group that specializes in international taxation. Law school is also in my long-term plan, but I think I will need a break from school and gain some real-life accounting experience prior to returning for another degree.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the lobby area in the Engineering building; it has a row of cubicles along the windows that are very inducive to studying. It is also nice to see a different group of UT students from time to time, so I was excited when my friend brought me to this study area. But, honestly, the UT campus is so large that I have not explored all of it without getting completely lost yet!

Where are your favorite places to go in Austin? What are your favorite things to do in Austin?
So far, my favorite places to go in Austin are Barton Springs and the shops and restaurants in the South Congress area. Austin is such a laid-back city with so many interesting characters that I just enjoy going to one of its many coffee shops (like Mozart’s) to catch up with friends and people watch. I also really like going to the music venues in downtown Austin and catching shows with friends.

Other interesting facts about you:
I am a compulsive Yelper (http://www.yelp.com/austin). Yelp and other similar review sites (e.g. http://www.austin360.com) were especially helpful when I first arrived in Austin and needed a haircut or was craving sushi. Reading other people’s reviews really saves time and avoids some potentially unpleasant experiences! Also, I am horrible with directions, so my trusty GPS has truly been an asset in the past few months when I was still getting acquainted to the city. These things have put me on the fast track to familiarize with the city!