For Patrick Chen, a sophomore from Katy, Texas, the choice to join the Canfield Business Honors Program (Canfield BHP) came down to the prestige of McCombs, the cost, and what he read online. “Older friends told me about the community and opportunities, and I liked the idea of having small-school connections but still enjoying all the big-school resources.” His first days in the program, especially during Leadership Kickoff, cemented his decision. He enjoys the collaborative side of Canfield BHP, with project-based classes and a focus on teamwork.
But Patrick’s UT experience has been shaped just as much outside the classroom. Early on, he joined the Honors Business Association (HBA) as an associate on the External Affairs committee, drawn to the community service aspect. “I was really involved in service in high school and wanted to keep that going,” he explains. In HBA, Patrick helped plan a large-scale volunteer event serving the homeless with WeCanNow. By his sophomore year, Patrick ran for and became Vice President of External Affairs, determined to create more low-commitment, casual volunteer events so students could get involved without feeling overwhelmed. Looking towards the new year he wants to partner with corporate sponsors to volunteer alongside us. Patrick encourages freshmen to join, saying “it’s a great way to meet people and make an impact.”
Patrick also dove into 180 Degrees Consulting, taking on the rare role of project lead in just his second semester. He led projects for organizations ranging from a dog rescue and political advocacy group to an education nonprofit that needed a volunteer management system. “Being a freshman project lead was a big adjustment,” he says. “At first, you’re just pretending to know what you’re doing. But I learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about encouraging your team, delegating well, and making sure everyone’s work comes together to make a difference.”
His leadership experience extends beyond McCombs. Through AACM, a Christian ministry, Patrick co-leads a freshman small group. “It’s a good way to have a community outside of McCombs,” he says. And when Canfield BHP upperclassmen encouraged him to try something outside his comfort zone, he joined UT’s Trap and Skeet Shooting club.
This past summer Patrick went on the Copenhagen study abroad. He heard from upper classmen that “it was life-changing” so he decided to apply. It turned out to be one of his favorite experiences in college.” Outside the classroom, Copenhagen offered endless opportunities for adventure: weekend trips to Norway (including a 17-mile hike in a single day), 20 minute train rides to Sweden, plunges into the cold harbor water at least once a week, and communal dinners with classmates. Closer to home, he explored the city’s oldest amusement park, wandered through beautiful gardens, and embarked on food crawls featuring Denmark’s famous pastries. Living abroad also came with lessons in independence. “You learn how to adapt, how to cook for yourself, and how to find community in a new place,” he says. One moment that stuck with him happened during a weekend trip to Germany, when the group thought their bags had been stolen. “We called the police, and then found them somewhere else; it was stressful, but we laugh about it now.”
Day to day, Patrick keeps balance in his life by making time for his passions. He’s an avid gym-goer and he loves cooking for friends at social gatherings. Having teammates in HBA, 180 Degrees Consulting, and Canfield BHP means you can always rely on people when things get busy.
His professional goals are still taking shape, but he envisions starting in consulting, and moving into the tech industry later on. His dream job would be something in the food industry, whether that be a food reviewer or even starting a restaurant of his own. He believes Canfield BHP is preparing him well for whatever comes next. The mix of rigorous academics, leadership experience, and diverse opportunities means he can explore a lot of paths and be ready for them.
Patrick’s advice to incoming Canfield BHP students reflects his own approach to college: “Tap into HBA, utilize the resources, and make an effort to get to know people. Don’t close yourself off to new experiences.”
And as for traditions? Patrick, who was born in Oklahoma, loves the energy of UT football games, tailgates, and the annual Texas vs OU rivalry trip. “Making that trip was really memorable,” he says.
Whether it’s leading a consulting project, serving his community, hiking across Norway, or learning trap shooting from scratch, Patrick has embraced the variety of experiences Canfield and UT have to offer. If the past few years are any indication, his next adventure, whatever it may be, will be met with the same mix of curiosity, commitment, and enthusiasm.