2011 Ambassadors

Christina Cai
I am from Beijing, China and have lived in Canada for 11 years. I am currently a first year student at the University of Toronto studying social sciences. I moved to Toronto from Vancouver in September of 2010 and moved into residence at U of Toronto. Move in day was definitely a new experience. I packed up my life in four suitcases and moved to Toronto, unpacking in my new room with my new roommate was a little nerve racking but I soon discovered new opportunities. The experience was very fun because I was living amongst friends rather than living with family. I had the chance to try new things such as Frosh and made lots of new friends.

Evanka Chang
I came to Canada 3 years ago and currently studying at Rotman Commerce in UofT. Canada attracts me the most with her hospitality towards diversified culture. I have learned a lot through discovering Canadian culture as well as communicating with students from different countries. One of my most memorable stories happened in Canada when I was in my first year of university. My residence was a lovely house lived by 15 Canadian girls and I was the only Chinese girl. I found we have very different life styles and it is interesting that I learned to live in a totally new but joyful environment. During the days, not only I have gained more understanding on Canadian culture but also they have taught me many useful lessons about life. Additionally, we always held parties in our house which was definitely a unique and funny memory to me.

Jieni Xu
Jieni Xu, a second year undergraduate in University of Toronto, is currently specializing in statistics and also taking a minor in math and computer science. Born in Yichang and grown up in Beijing, she loves all the exciting and cultural experiences one can get in big cities, but during school seasons she spends most of the time in libraries and lecture rooms. She’s devoted into books, music and movies outside classes and is passionate about environment protection, energy conservation and supporting domestic products.

Wu Di
I was not like evey other guys since I was in elementery school, I liked things that are not popular, or not favored by the “general public” (just my classmates and friends). It took me a long time to learn how to get along with people, I cant join their topics in pop music, love affairs of stars. But I liked to be recognized. In my last year in highschool, I was told by my teacher to not to take the National College Entrance Examination, because my grade was so low. Eventually I made it 20 points away from the line for type one college in China, and made it all the way to U of T. I had the chance to make more choices myself in my life than ordinary ones in the age of mine.

Yining Ji
I’m Yining and I was born in Harbin (my favorite place in the world!) but I have lived in many cities around the world such as Columbus, Vancouver and Toronto. I have lived in Canada for 8 years already, wow time flies by! Overall I’ve had an enjoyable time here.In Canada, I’ve had a job since I was 15 years old. I’ve worked in many places. I’ve been a Starbucks barista, a tutor, a sales associated at Sears, an office assistant at St. Johns Ambulance and an Internship Research Assistant at U of T. But I have to admit, I liked my job at Starbucks the most! I’m very thankful for being a student at U of T, as there are so many opportunities and ways to pursue your dreams. For example, this summer Iwas able to go to Europe to study Political Science even though I’m an Actuarial science student. I went to England, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria and Poland! In the upcoming school year, I will be doing a full year exchange at Tsinghua University. Anything can be accomplished as long as you work hard!

Andreas Steckenborn
Hello,
My name is Andreas Steckenborn, I studied Chinese Language at Qingdao University for twoyears before taking Engineering at the University of Toronto, where I am currently doing myfirst year. I am also an organizer of the Chinese Language Exchange Program at the University of Toronto. I have a deep passion and knowledge of China’s history, geography, literature, regionalcultures and natural environment. I hope that my knowledge and experience can help thedelegates get the most out of this upcoming conference, express their potential and creativity tothe fullest and help answer their questions about studying abroad.

Jason Zhao
Hi! I’m Jason Zhao, a first year undergraduate student studying Engineering Science at theUniversity of Toronto. But I can teach you bridge (the card game) or how to stack mahjong tilesin addition to bridge design and civil engineering! I love Chinese culture and food as a native ofBeijing. But a Canadian citizen, I represent the best of both worlds. If you have questions aboutabsolutely anything, anytime, feel free to ask!

Yuchao Niu
Hi Everybody! My name is Yuchao, a third year life science student, specializing in Pharmacologyand majoring in statistics. Apart from being really studious like most of my U of T fellows, I amalso a huge fan of vocals and board games, an enthusiastic debater and a committed Englishteacher in the community. It is my great honor to be one of your student ambassadors thisyear! I believe together we will make good things happen. That being said, I so look forward tomeeting all of you in the summer!

Shang Yi
As a second year undergraduate in University of Toronto, ShangYi is currently enrolled infinance and economics. She took an active interest in school related activities, demonstratinga broad range of interests beside academic life. She is optimistic, independent, helpful andapproachable. Inspired by UTACCEL, she hopes to devote her efforts and strength on the upcoming conference and help improve the understanding of our two glorious cultures and bringthem closer together through friendship and communication.

Summer Liu
Hello! My name is Summer Liu. I just finished my first-year at University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. I will start my second year at U of T downtown nextSeptember and specialize in neuroscience. Can’t wait to get my hands on fresh sheepbrains! In high school, I’ve always imagined that my university life would unveil inUSA, but U of T surprised me with its sparks of energy as well as wisdom. Stumblingupon UTACCEL was pure serendipity for me. Here, not only did I meet the mosteloquent speakers, brainy brilliant engineers and future business elites, but also,to my surprise, the best culinary artists and joke tellers! I had so much fun withUTACCEL last year, and I can’t wait to share with you my knowledge and experience.Come join us in the big family!




