Starting your own business

Maybe you want to start your own graphic design business or you’ve got a knack for making handcrafted jewelry that you want to sell. First, you should speak to as many people as possible in the field and learn as much as you can. Ask about their experiences and challenges, tips on cost-related factors and how they price and market their product.

Make sure you’re 100 percent committed to your idea and that you have seed money to start out with, then don’t be afraid to dive in. (Bake sales are a relatively easy moneymaking option, and garage sales also clean out your closet!) If you’re still in high school, consider taking an introductory business course at your local community college. There are also great resources available on the Internet, such as bplans.com and free online money-tracking platforms like Indinero.

Recording your own CD

Who says you can’t be the next Taylor Swift? You don’t need to spend a fortune on booking a recording studio or buying fancy equipment to produce a quality CD. GarageBand, which comes with all Apple computers, is a fun and user-friendly program that includes both arrangement and recording capabilities. You can plug in a microphone, bass or guitar on top of a range of built-in instruments for back-up. If you need more direction, check out some of the hundreds of free tutorials on YouTube or stop by an Apple retail store.

For PC alternatives, try Cakewalk Music Creator ($50), which comes with over 1,000 music loops, built-in instruments, project templates and instructional videos. All you’ll need are a microphone and blank CD.

Getting a law passed

If you have great ideas on an issue you’re extremely passionate about, don’t be afraid to make your voice heard by contacting the local congressional member in your district. Simply look up their name online to find their congressional website, with details on their stances on different issues as well as their contact information.

Make sure to thoroughly research the issue you are concerned about and carefully craft the message that you will be sending. Not sure where to start? Professional templates can help guide you in structuring your letter.

You can also create a group to support your cause and encourage others to write to the area’s political representative. Be sure to consult house.gov regularly to check that there isn’t an existing or upcoming bill that is similar to what you might be advocating for.

Making a movie

The centerpiece of a good movie is a well-written script. Screenwriting is very different from creative or academic writing because it focuses heavily on dialogue, character actions and scene structure. Have others read your script to give you feedback or even act out the scenes to provide you with better direction.

For filming you’ll need a director (probably yourself!), actors, a video camera, a tripod, microphones, lighting equipment and a few volunteers to help set up between scenes. Depending on how professional you want your movie to look, try filming each scene from multiple angles and shots.

Once you’re done filming, the fun begins. Final Cut Pro is an easy and user-intuitive video-editing program. Make sure to remove any sequences that aren’t entirely captivating, experiment with cutting scenes, add music where appropriate and add a title and credits.

Starting a charity

If you want to give back in your own way, get involved in related organizations at your school and in the community to best identify where your interests might meet a specific need. If you’re interested in education, volunteer as a teacher’s assistant. If you’re an advocate of health issues, see where you can help out at your local hospital or community health center.

Also research similar organizations to figure out what your charity will potentially bring that is different and get ideas for how to possibly structure your organization. If you‘re serious about obtaining non-profit or 501(c)(3) status for your organization—meaning your organization will be exempt from IRS taxes—you’ll want to get a parent or adult mentor involved to help guide you through the appropriate paperwork. The IRS website is a good starting point, and keep in mind that requirements vary by state.

Have you done something incredible? Email us at info@mochimag.com if you’ve got a project you’d like to see featured on Mochi.

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Photo Credit: Liam Richards via Flickr.com

Like many Asian parents, mine wanted me to attend one of the top ten colleges in the nation—but I had no interest in even trying. I wanted to break free from the common misconception a lot of overachieving parents had—that getting into an Ivy League school was a valid way of measuring one’s intelligence and potential for overall success in the future.

Instead, in my senior year of high school, I waited anxiously to hear back from the University of Connecticut (UConn). That was where my older sister went and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. At school, she shared an exciting social life with a tight group of friends, met her future bridesmaids and husband, and always rooted for the Huskies. The basketball team was one of the best in the country, and who wouldn’t want to attend a school that had such fun spirit? Though my focus on social life wasn’t necessarily the most practical reason for wanting to attend UConn, I had it ingrained in my head that the school was the place for me. I just wanted to go somewhere far enough from my New Jersey home that I could be independent, and UConn’s campus was the only one I saw, so that was where I wanted to be.

But as it often does, the unexpected happened: I didn’t get into my first-choice college, after not even trying to get into any of my parents’ choices. I was upset and ashamed for days, so stressed out that I went to the gym two or three times a day for a week. But a few months after I received my rejection letter from UConn, I opened a letter from the University of Maryland (UMD) to see a “Congratulations!” in the first sentence. I was thrilled to be accepted, of course, but skeptical about whether or not I should actually attend.

As luck would have it, UMD turned out to be everything I never even knew I wanted, until I walked onto the campus as a freshman and saw the diverse classrooms and beautiful architecture. Unlike many others, UMD’s campus had a central hub with a sense of unity and high-spiritedness that was completely unexpected. Even UConn, whose school spirit I had so admired, only seemed that unified during sporting events.

Academically, it also didn’t take long to find that the school I’d only applied to on a whim was exactly where I was supposed to be. I entered as an education major, but quickly realized my passion for writing and reporting. Luckily, I happened to be at a school with one of the best journalism programs in the country—a fact I discovered after my first few days as a freshman on campus. My coursework was rigorous and challenging, led by NBC correspondents, Washington Post editors and more. I know I couldn’t have received a better education in the field I’m most interested in anywhere else.

And despite my initial reservations about finding my social niche, I forced myself to go to club meetings and campus events. I can be most awkward with strangers, but it was at these gatherings that I met my best friends, who were all sitting beside me during icebreakers. We found we all had a great deal in common in terms of interests and backgrounds and started hanging out at future club events. It was after such an event that I eventually met my long-term boyfriend of nearly four years; he knew one of my friends from that first week of school. Yet what if I had never given the social scene at UMD a chance, never pushed myself to be more outgoing, and never met those friends?

I think about how different my academic, personal and social life would have been had I not taken the initiative and attended those first few meetings by myself (as uncomfortable as it was). I found my future bridesmaids and maybe my future husband—just as my sister had—at a school I never thought I’d want to attend. Whether or not my future turns out the way I want it to, I know for certain that I’ve made life-long friendships at UMD and will leave a well-educated journalist in just a few short months. So it turns out my world didn’t come to an end, even though it felt like it when I was rejected from my first-choice school. Thankfully, my mom and dad were okay with the choice I made, too. Like most parents, they just wanted me to receive a great education.

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Photo by Gabe Chmielewski via Flickr

Whether you’re interviewing for a job in high school or attending a company mixer in college, you’ll inevitably come across situations where professionalism and putting your best face forward are key. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s the smallest mistakes that can cost you a great opportunity—I once missed an entire job interview because of a careless time mix-up (BIG oops!). To prevent moments like these, here are some tips to help you shine.

General Tips

Be organized. This is a simple rule, but it’s your ultimate weapon to showing up and being prepared in the first place. Some of my favorite ways of staying organized are using free applications such as Stickies (for MacBooks) for making digital notes and Google Calendar for creating timed email alerts. Wunderlist, an easy-to-use and beautifully designed app that syncs on your computer or smartphone, is great for keeping track of multiple to-do lists. Cute wall calendars that remind you of important events don’t hurt, either!

Record a professional message on your cell phone. You never know when a
recruiter, college representative or professor might try to reach you, and you don’t want
a voicemail message full of street noise. For example: “Hi, you’ve reached ___. I’m
sorry I missed your call. Please leave me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as
I can,” is short, sweet and professional.

Invest in a few staple, professional clothing pieces. For high school, a nice button-
down blouse, black or gray slacks/skirt and a pair of closed-toe heels or flats will do
double duty. You can wear this outfit to both school events like concerts and to a job
interview. If it’s your first or second year in college, you’ll want to purchase a few more
business casual pieces and may even want to consider buying one classic two-piece
suit in black or gray. Some of my favorite places to shop for affordable, stylish business
clothing include Express, Banana Republic and Forever 21.

Job Searching Tips

Craft a winning resume. There are many how-to guides online, but using an easy-to-
read font, keeping it to one page and using a clean format are a must. Describing your
job experiences in a way that highlights what you have accomplished—not just a simple

rundown of your tasks—will also make you stand out. Statistics and numbers help too.
For example, “successfully sold 50 membership cards per month” packs a bigger punch
than “worked at the customer service desk.” In addition, it’s always a good idea to
have a friend, parent or mentor review your resume first to provide additional feedback
and check for typos you might have missed. Keep in mind that a high school resume
is different from what you’ll want to use in college. Also, take advantage of the career
services office at your college—they’re there to help!

Communicate with a professional touch. When corresponding with professors, future
employers or other professionals through email, you’ll want to leave a good impression.
Avoid using casual language, and use exclamation points sparingly (if at all). Choose
an appropriate subject title that succinctly states why you are writing (i.e. “Summer
Volunteer Internship Opportunity” vs. “Job Stuff”), and proofread your email carefully
before sending. Another of my favorite tricks: leave inputting the sender’s address as
the last step for important emails, just in case you accidentally click send prematurely.

Interview Tips

Essentials to bring along:
• Notepad and pen (a nice, dark-colored folder—often offered in college
bookstores—that contains these is a plus)
• A few extra copies of your resume
• Bottled water, in case you get thirsty from all the talking
• Confidence and a smile

Preparation is key. It’s okay to be a little nervous before an interview, but you can
reduce your anxiety by preparing ahead of time. Research the position and organization
as thoroughly as you can prior to the interview. Make sure that you know the basic
job description and responsibilities. You should acquire a broad understanding of the
organization’s goals, operations and its various lines of business or programs prior to
the interview. Also, prep answers for the obvious questions you know will be asked,
such as “Why do you want to attend this school?” or “Why do you want this job?”
Instead of drawing a blank or scrambling for answers, you’ll come across as confident
and prepared.

Remember the little things. Plan on arriving at your interview 10 minutes early just
in case. Turn off or silence your cell phone before your interview begins to avoid
interruptions. Body language is extremely important. After you greet your interviewer
with a firm handshake, sit straight, try to maintain as much eye contact as possible and
lean forward slightly when the interviewer is talking. This indicates that you’re interested
in what they’re saying. Most importantly, smile! This will not only project self-assurance
and likeability to the interviewer, but it will also help you to relax.

Finish strong. End your interview by asking your interviewer specific, nuanced
questions that showcase your understanding of and enthusiasm for both the industry
and the job. After reading up on relevant news, for example, you can say: “I read
recently that crime levels have risen by 25% in City X in the past few months and
Senator Smith has been working hard to address the issue in his next campaign. As a
congressional intern in his office, will I be able to work on research projects concerning
urban crime?” Your interviewer will be impressed that you’ve done your research and
be eager to share more information with you. Lastly, thank them for their time and make
sure to get their business card or contact information to write a thank you email or card
later.

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Photo Credit: Mandy Yeh

We’ve heard it all before: college is the time to make new friends, discover yourself and enjoy the kind of freedom you didn’t have in high school. But in the midst of all the adventure, classes are just as important. If you’re feeling stressed about keeping up, don’t worry—Mochi staffers (who have been through it all) have gathered our top tips on acing college classes and leaving those pesky final exams in the dust.

Pick the right major (re: something that you’re actually interested in), but don’t spend too much time agonizing over the decision. At the end of the day, your college experience and the people you meet are what really matters.

- Maggie Hsu, Co-Founder, Harvard College ‘08

Try to write essays ahead of time and have teaching assistants look them over. This way, you know what they’re looking for and can tailor future essays to their preferences.

-Tammy Ku, Food/Travel Editor, Yale University ‘05

Get out of your dorm! I found that my room had endless distractions—instant messaging, roommates walking in and out, and my very comfortable bed. I was the most productive at coffee shops, the library, and other places where I could find free Wi-Fi because I knew that the faster I got my work done, the sooner I could go home (and be back in bed).

- Steph Wu, Editor in Chief and Co-Founder, New York University ’09

Befriend your bright classmates and create study groups to go over material before exams. This is a great way to cover important points that you might have missed on your own and you can always review the material individually afterwards to solidify difficult concepts. I’ve found that this works like a charm, and the people you study with regularly will naturally become your good friends as well.

– Jasmine Ako, Staff Writer and Marketing Rep, University of Southern California

Ask for the syllabus a month before class starts. That way, you can order the books early to go through and get an overview of what your class is going to be about.

- Esther Suh, Staff Writer, Smith College

Studying all day and night right before an exam might be necessary, but remember the trade-off between stuffing your brain and actually being able to recall it all. I’d recommend at least six hours of sleep before an exam to help with memory consolidation. Maybe you won’t remember everything, but what you do remember you’ll get right!

-Stephanie Lee, Staff Writer, Boston University School of Medicine

Review your class texts regularly and stay on top of reading assignments. When you read the textbook, keep a pencil nearby to jot down brief summaries or connections to the text whenever they occur to you. Take notes on key facts and terms, but also force yourself to think critically about the text by adding your own thoughts in the margins of your notes (or textbook). I find that active reading helps me remember the information more easily so that less cramming is required during midterms or finals week.

-Nicole Tai, Staff Writer, De Anza College

Actually go to class—without your computer! (Unless you turn off your Wi-Fi and refrain from playing Solitaire.)

- Christine Wei, Deputy Editor, Washington University in St. Louis ‘10

Take good notes. Most of the exams I’ve had to take as a student majoring in international relations were based on class notes rather than the textbooks. When studying for exams, you can compare your notes to those of your classmates to make sure you’ve got everything covered. Also, if libraries are so quiet that they put you to sleep like they do to me, head to a nearby coffeehouse instead.

–Angela Lee, Senior Marketing Rep, Boston University ‘08

Try to establish a healthy routine of work and play and make sure you keep yourself accountable. If you can’t do it on your own, develop an accountability system with a buddy! The last thing you want to do is fail a class your first semester in college because you partied too hard.

- Mandy Yeh, Photo Editor, New York University ‘09

Stay on top of your syllabus. While you want to look out for any big papers and exams that come up, it’s also really important to do all the readings and smaller assignments. This will help make writing those 10-page term papers or studying for midterms and finals easier because the ideas and concepts are fresh in your mind.

- Tiffany Ayuda, Health Editor, Hofstra University ‘08

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Courtesy Valley Library Flickr

Picking a major that could potentially influence the rest of your life can be daunting, so we’ve compiled a guide to the 10 most common majors to get you thinking about which could be the best fit. While there are many other majors out there that we highly encourage you to explore, this guide is meant to get you on the right track. If you do your research and think deeply about your personal strengths, interests and career goals, the decision should be slightly easier. Also, it’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor prior to making a change to your major or even deciding to add on a second.

Major: Business Administration/Management
Perfect if you are: Outgoing, enjoy working in teams, a people person, comfortable working with numbers, an innate problem-solver
Examples of classes: Organizational behavior, marketing, business statistics, finance, economics, accounting, operations management, leadership
Potential careers: Entrepreneur, business manager, marketing researcher, management consultant, financial analyst
School with a standout undergraduate program for this major: University of Notre Dame

Major: Social Sciences/History
Perfect if you are: Interested in exploring human society, naturally inquisitive, a strong writer, a conceptual thinker, considering graduate school in the future
Examples of classes: Depending on the area you choose, classes can be taken in anthropology, archaeology, geography, law, political science, psychology and international studies
Potential careers: Positions in government, national security, lawyer, teacher, university professor, researcher, psychologist, a natural path to graduate school
School with a standout undergraduate program for this major: Harvard University

Major: Education
Perfect if you are: Confident you want to work as a teacher or in a school administrative role
Examples of classes: Teaching primary/secondary science and humanities, teaching skills and methods, technology in the classroom, learning theories and classroom practice, topics in urban education
Potential careers: Primary and secondary school teaching or administration
School with a standout undergraduate program for this major: Columbia University

Major: Psychology
Perfect if you are: Fascinated by how the mind works and how people make decisions, open to diverse career paths, considering graduate school
Examples of classes: Cognitive processes, learning and memory, developmental psychology, neuroscience, social psychology, childhood and adolescent development, human behavior
Potential careers: Psychologist, counselor, consumer and market research, labor relations/human resources, various administration, research and management positions
School with a standout undergraduate program for this major: Stanford University

Major: Communications/Journalism
Perfect if you are: A strong writer, passionate about telling stories and following the news, naturally outgoing and well-spoken
Examples of classes: Communication and mass media, interpersonal communication, American media and entertainment industries, news writing, online media technologies, feature writing, writing magazine non-fiction
Potential careers: News reporter, broadcast journalist, magazine writer, editorial positions, business or technical copywriter, various positions in public relations/marketing and in the entertainment industry
School with a standout undergraduate program for this major: Northwestern University

Major: Biology/Biomedical Sciences
Perfect if you are: Avid about pursuing a career in the medical field, seriously considering going to medical school
Examples of classes: General and advanced biology, microbiology, physiology, neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry
Potential careers: Doctor (numerous disciplines), dentist, pharmacist, medical assistant, biological researcher, veterinarian, science teacher, marine biologist
School with a standout undergraduate program for this major: University of Chicago – Illinois

Major: Nursing
Perfect if you are: Confident that you want to pursue a career in nursing
Examples of classes: Pharmacology, biology, statistics, nursing ethics, clinical care, health promotion, nursing care of children and the elderly, leadership and management in nursing
Potential careers: Hospital nurse, office nurse, home health nurse, occupational health nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife
School with a standout undergraduate program for this major: University of Washington – Seattle

Major: Computer Science
Perfect if you are: A lover of computers and technology, interested in digital media and programming, a critical, logical thinker
Examples of classes: Introduction to computers and programming, various programming languages courses, enterprise architecture frameworks, data structures and algorithms, operating systems, internet software development
Potential careers: Software engineer, computer and information systems managers, database administrator, computer specialist, video game designer
School with a standout undergraduate program for this major: Yale University

Major: English
Perfect if you are: Passionate about reading and writing, a literature enthusiast, strong critical thinker, adept with words
Examples of classes: Fiction writing, poetry writing, various selections in English literature and American literature, English drama, other literatures (African American, Asian American, Chicano and Latino)
Potential careers: Writer/author, journalist, technical writer, copywriter, teacher, lawyer, public relations expert, business communications specialist, research analyst
School with a standout undergraduate program for this major: University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Major: Engineering
Perfect if you are: Interested in solving the world’s problems, a math whiz, analytical, an out-of-the-box thinker
Examples of classes: Depending on what engineering discipline you choose, coursework can be taken in electrical, civil, marine, chemical, software, systems, information and industrial engineering
Potential careers: Engineer in various disciplines, technology or operations management consultant
School with a standout undergraduate program for this major: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sources: Business Week, Education-Portal.com, U.S. News & World Report Rankings

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Ranking and reputation

A school’s reputation is a powerful factor in making your college decision (and in pleasing your parents). Prestige is attractive, but you shouldn’t choose a campus simply because it’s an Ivy League school. You also have to consider what field of study you might pursue. If business is in your future, it may surprise you that Bloomberg BusinessWeek reported that undergrad business programs at Notre Dame and University of Virginia were more successful at securing jobs post-graduation for their students than those at the University of Pennsylvania. Make sure to thoroughly research every option before narrowing down your choices.

Courtesy Brandie Raasch

Plan a visit

Timing is everything when you’re visiting colleges. Though it may be convenient for you to go over the summer or during spring break, try to time your visit for when classes are in session so you can get an accurate vibe of the school. By seeing how students interact, what type of activities are going on and how the environment feels on a regular day, you can better imagine yourself at the school. If accepted, you may also want to visit again on admitted students’ weekend, since its extra energetic during those special weekends.

Stay overnight

College is about continued learning, career ambitions and GPAs, but let’s be honest— it’s also about the social aspect. You may hear stories about the Greek scene or the nightlife at a college town, but it’s best to get a glimpse of the experience yourself. If you can find yourself a host—maybe someone who graduated from your high school or a friend’s older sibling—and they’re generous enough to take you under their wing for a night or two, do it. This is a great way to see the dorm situation and get a candid insider perspective on the college life. If you can’t find a host or aren’t visiting during the school year, talk to alumni who can tell you about student life at that school.

Check out the living situation

College dorms are nothing like home. You’re considered extremely lucky at a public school if you share a bathroom with less than 10 people and never run into critters like infamous bed bugs during your stay. So when you’re visiting, pay extra attention to the dorm conditions. Other aspects to consider are resident policies—gender-neutral housing is becoming increasingly popular—and price. Note that during campus tours, the dorms you visit may not necessarily be representative of all the housing options available. Try to find a student who is willing to take you around and give you a realistic taste of all the dorms on campus.

Sit in on a class

The best way to gauge what class size is best for your learning experience is to sit in on class. If you find yourself drowning in a large lecture hall or sweating in a small class, you know to run the other way. It’s a good idea to call the department beforehand so you can get permission and the class schedules. If you’re visiting during the summer, find out if you can at least view the largest lecture halls and smallest classrooms to get a sense of the range of class sizes. Keep in mind that class size will always depend on your major—pre-meds and psych students often get the most crowded intro courses due to the largest amount of interest.

Consider finances

Will you be in serious debt after graduating? Will it be worth it? Make sure to visit the school’s financial aid offices with your parents and speak to an advisor, who can estimate how many student loans, grants or scholarships you will likely receive if you attend the school, based on your family’s income. Also make sure to inquire about extra costs not factored into tuition, like transportation expenses and textbook costs.

Ask about professional opportunities

Depending on your career goals, you should also consider the resources and connections available at the college. For instance, if you want to work in finance, going to school in New York City will give you greater opportunity to intern. Visit the career center, and ask current students how its services help with job connections and resume building.

Go with your gut

If you love it, you love it. If something doesn’t feel right, then it’s not for you. Look for a connection, a click. Call it clichéd if you’d like, but you’re looking for a perfect match.

For other rankings, such as colleges with the best food, the most conservative campus, the most Greek social scenes, etc., check out: Princetonreview.com/college-rankings.aspx and sign up for free access. Collegeprowler.com also gives reviews of the general attractiveness of the student body, while also providing insight to the academics and the general stereotypes of the school. And of course, for a list of majors, clubs, traditions and more, you should look up the actual school Web site.

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Take a Part-time Job

Unlike unpaid internships, which experts now estimate make up a fourth to a half of existing internships, part-time jobs guarantee you money in the bank. This is a major plus for those of you who are feeling the pinch of college tuition costs or just want extra spending money without having to bug your parents. In addition, the flexibility of a part-time job makes it easy to tackle other activities on your off days, such as summer school classes.

Courtesy Mandy Yeh

One of the best places to start looking for a part-time job is at your own school. Take initiative and visit your campus career center or administrative office to find out what student positions are offered during the summer. Whether it’s tutoring, working as an office or library assistant, conducting academic research or coordinating summer school programs, you’re bound to find something worthwhile. If school is the last place you want to be during the summer (totally understandable), check out job listings in your local city on Craigslist—many retail stores and restaurants look specifically for seasonal hires over the summer.

Volunteer at a Local Nonprofit Organization

For those of you who have charitable hearts and want to give back to the community, there are many nonprofit and neighborhood organizations that seek volunteers over the summer. High school students can inquire about volunteer opportunities at the local pet shelter, hospital, medical clinic, church, library, soup kitchen or senior care home. These places are usually more than happy to accommodate extra help. For college students, there are a number of opportunities you can explore to lend a helping hand while also getting paid. Many nonprofits offer paid positions as grant writers, event organizers, fundraising assistants and communications coordinators.

Idealist.org is a terrific resource to search for volunteer opportunities and nonprofit internships in your area. You can even narrow down your search by nonprofit industry, such as the environment, urban affairs and the arts. VolunteerMatch.com is another website that easily allows you to search for volunteer jobs. In addition, the incredibly innovative site DoSomething.org asks the simple but straightforward questions: What cause? Who with? Where? and How long? to automatically suggest a list of prospective projects suited to your needs.

Take a Service Trip Abroad

For you adventurers who crave travel or want to take a walk outside of your comfort zone, summer is really the perfect time to take a service trip abroad. If you’re in high school, find out what programs your school offers. For example, each summer my high school would send students to rural schools in China to teach English. In college, the opportunities to serve abroad grow exponentially, especially through on-campus organizations. Habitat for Humanity sends groups of student volunteers to underprivileged countries to build houses and Christian fellowships will help send members abroad for missionary work. If money is an issue, organizations like these may offer scholarships—so keep your eyes and ears peeled for the right opportunity. Read about Mochi writer Esther Suh’s own eye-opening service trip experience here.

Tackle a Unique Personal Project

Maybe you don’t want a job this summer, which is perfectly fine. Why not take on a personal project? Art students and journalists can use this extra time to create a quality online portfolio—it’ll serve as an accessible place to store and view your work, in addition to giving you a professional edge for your future job search. Anyone can start a blog on platforms such as tumblr.com, posterous.com or wordpress.com, redecorate your room, or pick up a new hobby or skill. I took up crocheting one summer, spent two weeks making a huge blanket and then ended up donating it to charity. Take a visit to your local craft store or Ben Franklin’s, and I guarantee that just by walking through the store, you’ll be inspired to try something new. Or maybe you just want to accomplish something simple, like catching up on all the books you’ve wanted to read. Check out our top 10 summer books list for a great place to start!

Still stumped? Here is a list of other ideas and websites to keep you occupied and hopefully inspire larger ideas for projects over the summer.

etsy.com – Are you an aspiring craftmaker/artist/photographer/fashion designer? Start selling goods to create a name for yourself and earn some cash. Etsy makes it devastatingly simple, and the simple interface and user friendly site makes it a joy to browse through other seller’s items. Just don’t spend too much money!

Academicearth.org – Want to learn about a new subject but don’t want to shell out the money for summer school or make the large time commitment? This site offers free online video lectures taught by top Ivy League professors, where you can learn about everything from philosophy to entrepreneurship for free.

Foodnetwork.com – Why not use this summer to improve your culinary skills, especially for those of you heading out to college? I like Food Network‘s quick and easy recipes—the lemon chicken pasta was delicious and easy for me to whip up. Invite your friends over to help you or treat your parents to days off from cooking.

Freerice.com – Test your vocabulary knowledge while donating rice to feed the hungry— the more you play, the more rice you donate. Plus, you’ll be increasing your future SAT critical reading score.

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Courtesy John Russo

No one wants to go through life known as “the Asian dude.” But for Harry Shum, Jr., it’s a dream come true. The 27-year-old plays football player and show-choir member Mike Chang on the hit show “Glee,” but he’s much better known for being “the other Asian,” a nickname dubbed by Jane Lynch’s scary cheerleading coach character, Sue Sylvester.

Shum is no stranger to being a token Asian. Growing up in Costa Rica, he was often the only Asian in a crowd of Latin American faces. “My parents spoke three different languages in one sentence, and I would get so confused as a kid,” he recalled. While he spoke Spanish and English at school, it wasn’t until he moved to San Francisco at age six that he began to learn Cantonese as well. But that wasn’t the only difficult part of his childhood. “I was a really shy, really quiet kid—almost to the point where my parents thought something was wrong with me,” he said. So how did a young child who never spoke or socialized with others end up with a life in the spotlight?

“I always loved movies,” said Shum. “Inside, I always wanted to perform in some way or the other, but I never did. I was just too shy.” But in his room, alone, he was free to emote as he pleased. “I would sing songs and act out scenes in movies. But if anyone had walked in the door, and saw me, I would have been so scared.” His favorite performances to reenact were cartoons like “Transformers” and Michael Jackson’s music videos.

It wasn’t until one day in junior high that he got up the nerve to try out for a school play, which led to multiple performances at school. Then in high school, a good friend dared him to audition for the dance team, which exposed him to different styles of dancing, like hip-hop. “We did dances to songs by Ginuwine, and girls would scream,” Shum said. “And the football players suddenly wanted to join us.” Sound familiar? “In high school, I fell into the dance team like Mike [Chang] fell into Glee club.”

Shum’s experience acting, singing and dancing in high school set him on a path to pursue a career in the performing arts. After a brief, three-month stint at San Francisco State (where he studied cinema and international business—“to make my parents happy”), Shum and his best friend took off one day and never looked back. “He’s a music producer now,” said Shum. “We wanted to go and live our dreams.” While his parents originally had their doubts, Shum was able to convince them to let him give performing a real shot.

Courtesy John Russo

It goes without saying that the bet has paid off. He went on to dance in “Stomp the Yard” and “Step Up 2.” While working on the latter, he hit if off with director Jon M. Chu and joined his dance crew, The LXD (short for The League of Extraordinary Dancers). “Chinese people aren’t known for dancing, especially hip-hop wise,” Shum said. “I’m not saying they can’t do it, but they haven’t been portrayed [doing so]. It’s something that resonates as cool and hip, not the geeky Asian that people usually see.” The LXD is slowly changing this perception with the national attention they’ve received from their performances at the Oscars and the TED conference.

Of his breakthrough role in “Glee,” Shum remembers hearing that people were auditioning for Vocal Adrenaline, the rival show choir, in the pilot. “They told me [“Glee”] was cool and funny, but you hear that about a lot of shows,” he said. “I auditioned like everybody else, and I had to sing and dance.” When he got the call and e-mail letting him know he had received the part, there was no word on how involved of a role it would be. “I thought I’d be there for one day, and it ended up being rehearsal tomorrow, shooting next week. And then it kept going on, and no one told me how long I would be staying. That’s when I realized I would be there for awhile,” he said.

In the time he’s been a full-time cast member, Shum has developed a strong bond with his “Glee” cast and crew. “We don’t get sick of each other, which is really special about the cast. To be honest, that’s what makes the show work,” he said. “I’m close with everyone in different ways. Cory [who plays Finn] and I sit around for hours talking about technology. Matt Morrison [Mr. Schuester] knows some Chinese words, which he learned from friends. He can’t understand much, but he knows some Cantonese, which is always funny. Jenna [who plays Tina] and I cheer each other on, like ‘Go, Asian!’ Best of all, being part of the Glee crew means working with stellar guest stars, like Kristin Chenoweth. “She is an incredible person. Aside from being a little bundle of joy, you can learn so much from her,” said Shum. “I think the whole cast has a professional crush on her.”

When “Glee” returns from its mid-season hiatus, fans can expect a Madonna-centric episode, cameos from Neil Patrick Harris, Molly Shannon and Jonathan Groff, and much more singing. “[Creator] Ryan Murphy took the fans’ requests for stories developing in song, and you’ll see a lot more of that,” said Shum. And in the future, he hopes his character will get a love interest like Kurt and Mercedes allegedly do in upcoming episodes. “Mike Chang needs some loving!” he joked.

Catch Harry Shum, Jr. on the small screen when “Glee” returns April 13 and online at www.thelxd.com.

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Courtesy Rodney Ray

For Nikki SooHoo, acting isn’t just a job; it’s part of a framework through which she can use her voice to change the world.

“My mom always tells me, ‘I just want you to be happy and to make the world a better place,’” said the 21-year-old Orange County native. “And that’s exactly what I’m going to do through acting. I’m going to use my voice to make a difference, to reach out to charities, to spread the message to people so that they reach out as well.”

SooHoo’s acting career began seven years ago when she was 14, but her preparation for the profession began long before she reached high school. The third-generation Chinese American grew up in a culture of support and high standards of achievement. The actress recalled that her childhood also exposed her to a lot of new experiences. “My parents pushed me into everything that I could possibly do: dance, play basketball, play soccer, play tennis, play golf … I pretty much tried every single sport,” she said with a laugh.

Her family has also directly inspired her to enter the realm of performing arts. “My whole family is very artistic,” she said—her father owns a graphic design firm and her brother is a salsa dancer. The family’s enthusiasm for fine arts is clearly reflected in SooHoo, who in February organized a charity event bringing Los Angeles-based dancers, spoken-word poets and other artists to the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (an organization providing opportunities for special-needs and at-risk youth) to perform and talk about their work.

SooHoo’s latest role was in Peter Jackson’s “The Lovely Bones,” where she played Vietnamese teenager Holly in protagonist Susie Salmon’s afterlife. She elaborated, “[Holly] is not only [Susie’s] best friend, but also the spiritual guide who helps Susie get from the in-between to heaven.”

Courtesy Rodney Ray

Her first major role was gymnastics movie “Stick It” (2006), where she trained for three months to play gymnast Wei-Wei Yong. She then played Christina in “Bring it On: Fight to the Finish” (2009).

“All my characters that I’ve ever played have kind of been like me,” she said, reflecting on the course of her career. “They accentuate a part of me that is quirky or fun or happy-go-lucky, and also fun and lovable.”

One of SooHoo’s goals is to become an agent of social change. In particular, she strives to represent the Asian minority in Hollywood and eventually hopes to introduce more diversity to the film business. “I want to set a good example as an Asian American in the [acting] industry,” she said. Her manager, Addison Witt, believes that SooHoo is well on her way to achieving that goal. “As an actress of Chinese decent, Nikki has already had an influence on Hollywood’s claim for diversity in ways that can only be fully told as time progresses,” he said.

On her days off, SooHoo is a college student studying world arts and culture at UCLA. “Education has always been a really important part of my life,” she said. (Her mother, a professor at Chapman University, often emphasizes the importance of going to school). In addition, she is involved in a wide variety of extracurricular projects, ranging from participating in a UCLA dance team to organizing charity events in her community.

However, SooHoo is undaunted by the high investment of time and effort needed to excel in all her activities. “I’ve always thought that I could do multiple things at a time,” she said.

Courtesy Rodney Ray

After graduating from college, SooHoo hopes to move on to graduate school while continuing her career as an actress. In addition, she is “really interested in learning and delving into the psychology of nutrition.” She specified, “I want to help fight the American obesity problem by studying the psychology behind [eating], because it is mainly a psychological problem.”

No matter what, the actress appreciates the feedback she receives from her fans. “I like to connect with [my fans] on a personal level,” she said. “A lot of them truly inspire me a lot—they write to me on Facebook, on Twitter, on MySpace, and it just moves me [to read] how much they loved a certain movie, or how they respect me or how they want to get into acting because of me.”

She added, “If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have a voice—and I wouldn’t be able to reach out if no one was listening.”

Follow Nikki SooHoo on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

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Courtesy Michelle Trinh

After watching amateur makeup tutorials online, Trinh began to imagine herself in front of the camera doling out the same kind of beauty advice. At the end of her junior year, she decided to follow in their footsteps by creating an account and dusting off her digital camera. “In the beginning, I was ecstatic every time I got a new subscriber and very grateful that I had viewers. It wasn’t until I started posting hair videos that I started to receive many more followers,” she said. “At first, I didn’t think it was real because I couldn’t compare myself to the gurus I looked up to. I am extremely grateful for the amount of followers I have now and still can’t believe how I’ve reached it.”

Trinh originally kept her videos, which include tutorials on cutting your own side-swept bangs and painting zebra-striped tips on your nails, a secret from her friends and family. She was later exposed when her brother discovered her YouTube channel on her monitor and when classmates caught wind of the viral buzz of her videos. “To this day, I’m still embarrassed and shy [about my work],” she said, “but I know my friends and family are very proud of me. My parents are always concerned about my safety and well-being on the internet—interacting with people I’ve never met—but now they like to brag about me to their friends.”

The video star is currently in her first year at Humber College, majoring in Cosmetic Management. Trinh admits that up until now, she never had any formal training with hair or makeup, crediting her mother and aunts with teaching her how to do her hair.“For makeup, I think some of my ability comes from my artistic talent, and my only makeup trainers were the helpful gurus on YouTube,” she said. After finishing her education, Trinh dreams of becoming a professional makeup artist and hair stylist. “I would love to work in theatrical shows or something like Cirque De Soleil, where I can expand on more than just makeup and makeup art,” she said.

For future gurus, she offers sound advice. “They should make videos for their own enjoyment. Many people get caught up in the glory of money and free products, and they start to lose the objective of why they wanted to make videos,” she said. “Be true to yourself and never change to please others. After making videos for so long, I’ve learned that you can never please everyone.”

To see what the fuss is about, visit her YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/s2pandapple.

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Photographer: Jeffrey Zhang
Stylists: Stephanie Wu and Alexander Liang
Hair: Bobbie Yanoupeth
Makeup: Giro Iriarte
Models: Kevin Paik, Graziella Barrette, Mwaji the dog
Cupcakes courtesy of Buttercup Bake Shop

Where to buy:
Levi’s: levis.com; H&M: hm.com; Miss Me: missme.com; Lyell: lyellnyc.com; Steven Alan: stevenalan.com; Twinkle by Wenlan: twinklebywenlan.com; Risky Wraps: riskywraps.com; Abercrombie & Fitch: abercrombie.com; Nicole Baras: jbaras.com; Topshop: topshop.com; American Apparel: americanapparel.com; Uniqlo: uniqlo.com; Hunter Dixon: hunterdixon.com; Issy Salomon: issysalomondesigns.com; Think Closet: 212.228.2282.

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Hair and Makeup Artist: Amy Zdunowski-Roeder
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Perhaps students pass over Asia in favor of their European study abroad counterparts, which seem to be more definitive of the fun college study abroad experience. We interviewed students who studied abroad in Shanghai, Tokyo, Nagoya and Hong Kong and had them share their experiences and insights into the cultures that make Asian countries the global powerhouses they are today. Check out their responses in our special study abroad series.

Shanghai, China: “A unique city that’s a collision of the new and the old.”
Tokyo, Japan: “An eclectic mixture of Japanese culture, international business, technology and popular entertainment.”
Nagoya, Japan: “Foreigner-friendly” and a surprisingly “international experience.”
Hong Kong: “A lot of Western influence in every aspect—food, fashion and architecture.”

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Courtesy Yosep Sugiarto/SXC

Hong Kong, like many other Asian cities, has two sides: the bustling, ultra-modern city and the quieter backstreets with its temples and street vendors. The two official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English—a unique feature among Chinese provinces.

“Hong Kong has a lot of Western influence in every aspect—food, fashion and architecture,” said Natalie Ngai, a senior at Washington University in St. Louis. “There are English signs everywhere, and practically everyone can understand simple English. Compared to most other Asian cities, Hong Kong has prettier buildings and a much more developed public transportation system.”

Ngai studied at the University of Hong Kong in the fall semester of her junior year. As a former finance major (she is now a biology major with a finance minor), Ngai felt that “[visiting] the Asian financial center was beneficial” for her future.

The residents of Hong Kong are just like other urbanites in other countries, said Ngai. “People in Hong Kong are a lot like those who live in New York—always in a hurry…and they don’t really care about or notice those around them,” she said. She advises students to be wary of street vendors who “try to make as much money as possible off foreigners.”

Not all locals are indifferent to foreigners, though. On the contrary, some are quite helpful and friendly, according to Ngai. Because many residents at her location –the University of Hong Kong, which is in the western district of the city – speak English as well as Chinese, Ngai felt comfortable and also noted that most people spoke English with British accents, a result of Hong Kong’s history as a British colony.

One downfall of studying abroad in Hong Kong might be its unusual approach to learning. “In Hong Kong, everyone knows how to memorize things they don’t understand, so I feel that American students who have been taught to understand concepts are at a disadvantage,” said Ngai. “Teachers and professors test [material] in a way that benefits rote memory—for example, exam questions ask one to regurgitate fine details from a chapter in the textbook, rather than requiring one to apply the knowledge.”

Hong Kong is well-known for its Cantonese cuisine, with influences from non-Cantonese provinces of China, Southeast Asia and the West. “The city has some wonderful food,” said Ngai. “It’s very international, so you can find delicious food from everywhere.” Ngai particularly recommends tea restaurants that serve a wide variety of dishes, ranging from snacks—French toast, egg tarts and chicken wings, for example—to more substantial items such as rice plates and noodle dishes.

Hong Kong’s location at the southeastern coast of China makes it a gateway to the rest of the country and other Asian nations. Ngai recommends taking time out of schoolwork to visit nearby cities and countries.

This story is one in a four-part series about studying abroad in Asia. Click on each city to read about studying in Shanghai, Tokyo and Nagoya.

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“Shanghai is a unique city in that it’s a collision of the new and the old,” said Valerie Guan, a finance and international business major at New York University. “You can walk down a block full of shacks selling animals in their front yard and then turn the corner to a new high-rise building. It’s remarkable.”

Courtesy Vladimir Fofanov/SXC

Like other Asian metropolises, Shanghai is a crowded environment. “Because there are so many people, personal space and privacy are interpreted very differently,” said Alice Hu, a senior at Boston University and Mochi marketing representative. “Chinese people aren’t as careful about personal space as Americans and upon meeting you for the first time, they may ask you questions you would consider rude.” However, she adds that Chinese natives “are very friendly and interested in learning about what life is like in America.”

Shanghai’s social scene is described as vibrant and diverse. “The night-life was fun, especially since you don’t need to be 21, but it can be fairly expensive,” said Leah Clark, an economics student at NYU. “You get used to paying 10 kuai (about $1.50) for dinner, and then you go out to pay 30 kuai (about $4.40) for a beer.” Chan adds that many non-Chinese visit the clubs.There are “lots of different scenes within the nightlife.”

As for dining, “the food in Shanghai cannot be beat,” said Guan. “There’s always something new and different to try at every corner.” Street food is a particular aspect of Shanghai that students recommend. In fact, for Clark, ordering street food was a good way to practice speaking in Chinese. “I learned how to order my favorites and communicate with street food vendors pretty quickly,” said Clark.

Opportunities for entertainment in Shanghai are almost endless due to international influences. “There was always something new to try in Shanghai, whether it was checking out the underground urban scene, talking to French graffiti artists or listening to a jazz concert,” said Guan. In addition, shopping is cheaper there with plenty of room for bargaining.

When choosing a study abroad program in China, Clark recommends paying attention to whether they offer you trips while you’re there, refund museum tickets and to what sort of activities they give you access. Because in China, especially if you don’t speak Chinese, it can be difficult to find ways to experience the ‘real’ China without guidance.

Places to visit:
“If you’ve never been to Asia before, I would definitely get a multi-entry visa and start traveling a lot. Go to Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Korea, Japan. A must-try in Shanghai itself is the fabric market where you custom-design your own clothes. There’s a market [of imitation brand products and clothing] on Nanjing Xi Lu, and a road right by it filled with street vendors for food. Lastly, you cannot leave Shanghai without going to Yu Yuan Garden for xiaolong baos [soup-filled dumplings]. The best I have ever eaten.” –Regina Chan, NYU alumni

“Travel around in China. It is such a huge country and there are so many different places to see. Obviously, go to the Great Wall, [but] if you can, arrange to go a little further out where you can hike on the wall and isn’t so crowded. Guilin was also beautiful for its mountains, and Hainan offered an island vacation without leaving the PRC.” –Leah Clark

“Travel to Hangzhou and visit the famous lake. It’s beautiful at night. Try street food, but wait a few weeks until your stomach is accustomed to China. Explore Xin Tian Di. Go to the fabric market and get custom dresses, jackets and suits made for cheap. Go to Xiao Chi Jie and try all the different snacks!” –Valerie Guan

“Hangzhou and Suzhuo are cities close by to Shanghai that have beautiful gardens. Pudong side of the Bund gives you a great view with all the old buildings. De La Coast [is a good club] for Friday nights.” –Alice Hu

This story is one in a four-part series about studying abroad in Asia. Click on each city to read about studying in Tokyo, Nagoya and Hong Kong.

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2. Study Abroad Series: Tokyo, Japan Tokyo is an eclectic mixture of Japanese culture, international business,...
3. Study Abroad Series: Nagoya, Japan Nagoya, the third largest city in Japan, contains 2.2 million...