Q&A With Tommy - Amerigo Grad & Boston University Student

Amerigo is proud of our incredible alumni who have gone onto some truly amazing things – such as Tommy Zhang, an international student from China and a graduate of Saint John’s High School, who is currently attending Boston University, where he’s studying Public Relations.  

Tommy took a few moments out of his busy college schedule to share more about his study abroad journey and give advice to international students looking to change their lives by studying abroad.

Ready to start your study abroad journey? Click here to learn more about applying to Amerigo.

What university are you currently studying at and what are you majoring in? Are you involved in any extracurriculars?

I am currently studying at Boston University, majoring in Public Relations. Outside of academics, I serve as the Account Executive at PRLab, a student-run PR agency. In this role, I lead and manage comprehensive public relations campaigns for the Boston University Police Department, enhancing their reputation and engaging their target audience to meet strategic communications goals. My work involves developing and executing PR plans that align with our clients’ objectives, leveraging media relations, social media and event management. I collaborate with a team of PR professionals to create compelling content, including press releases, media pitches and social media content, driving engagement and visibility.

How did Amerigo and St. John’s High School help you with your university applications?

During my junior year at St. John’s High School, Amerigo organized a university tour from New York to Boston, stopping by many top national universities. We had the opportunity to speak with former Amerigo alumni at these schools, which played a major role in my decision to choose Boston University as my dream school. Additionally, St. John’s provided one-on-one academic guidance, helping me build a strong academic foundation and achieve my college aspirations.

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What was your favorite thing about studying at St. John’s?

Choosing St. John’s was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It profoundly influenced my personality, lifestyle and way of thinking. My favorite part was participating in various sports teams, like track and tennis, which allowed me to meet more people and become quite popular at school. I even had the honor of being the first international student to be named “Homecoming King.” The students and faculty were incredibly friendly, and I continue to stay connected with many of them to this day.

What advice would you give to an international student considering coming to the US to study?

BRAVE: Embrace new challenges with courage. Moving to a new country can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to grow and learn about yourself and the world. Take risks and step outside your comfort zone –whether its engaging in campus activities, exploring different academic fields or making new friends from diverse backgrounds.

HARDWORKING: Dedicate yourself to your studies and goals. The academic environment in the US can be rigorous, so it’s important to stay organized and proactive about your learning. Use campus resources like tutoring centers, libraries and study groups to stay on top of your coursework.  

AMBITIOUS: I always tell myself, “I can, and I will!”Set clear goals and pursue them with determination. Whether your ambitions are academic, professional, or personal, use the vast resources available at U.S. universities to help you achieve them. This might include internships, networking events, seminars, and workshops that are often available to students.

KIND: Cultivate relationships with empathy and generosity. Being kind will help you build a supportive network of friends and colleagues, which is crucial when you’re far from home. Remember to also be kind to yourself; allow yourself room for mistakes and learning.

OPEN MIND: Be receptive to new ideas and different perspectives. Studying in the US will expose you to a variety of cultural and intellectual viewpoints. Embrace this diversity to enrich your understanding and broaden your horizons.

RESPECTFUL: Honor the customs and traditions of others! Respect in a diverse academic setting involves recognizing and appreciating differences without judgement. Engage in conversations with an intent to understand and learn, not to debate or convert!

How do you think your life is different because you came to the US to study at Saint John’s?

Studying at St. John’s in the US profoundly impacted my life, shaping both my personal and professional development. Living and studying in the US expanded my understanding of diverse cultures, making me more adaptable and improving my communication skills.

St. John’s rigorous academic environment challenged me intellectually, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are invaluable in my public relations career.

The independence of living in a new country fostered significant personal growth, helping me become more resilient and confident. I built a network of valuable connections – friends, mentors and professional contacts – that have supported my academic and career endeavors.

My leadership skills were honed through participation in various extracurricular activities, including sports and being named Homecoming King. \

Also, I was fortunate to meet my American host family, who treated me as their own child. My host mother, a math teacher at St. John’s, became like a second mother to me, and our relationship, including regular phone calls and visits between Long Island and Boston, continues to provide a cherished sense of family and belonging.

I have to say that my experience at St. John’s has been transformative, providing me with a comprehensive set of skills and a global perspective that positively influence my life decisions and career path.

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