Student Profiles

Student: Jon Chang
School: St. Olaf College
Major/Minor: Philosophy and Chinese double major
HECUA Program: Development and Community in Bangladesh

Who is Jon Chang?
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago with my dad and three older sisters. When I was a kid I wanted to be a walking mailman when I grew up. Well, I guess it’s never too late to fulfill a childhood dream!

Who or what has been influential/inspiring in your life?
My oldest sister has been the most influential person in my life.  She taught me the value of maturity and self-sacrifice. After my mom passed away, she moved back to Chicago at the age of 22. She raised me and taught me most everything I know about life.

What interested you about the HECUA program you participated in?
I applied to study abroad with HECUA, because I couldn’t find another program like it. If I hadn’t participated in this program, I would have never gone to Bangladesh. Even if I went to Bangladesh with another program, I wouldn’t have experienced the culture as in depth as what I experienced with HECUA. It was something completely unique and unforgettable.

The program throws you into Bangladesh like a little bird out of a nest, with guidance and structure, but encourages independence. I don’t think I would have learned nearly as much as I did if I wasn’t forced to be part of the culture.

What gives you hope?
Witnessing and/or being part of a group of hard working and caring people gives me hope, because I often need to be reminded devoted citizens can make large social change.