Lots of people will tell incoming college students to “get involved” – if anyone ever gave that advice to Farmington native Mingda Sun, they can rest assured that she took it to heart. Piano club; the Chinese Undergraduate Student Association; the GIF dance troupe – Sun was so involved that she even founded her own club, UConn Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group! As she sets off for medical school, she reflects on the classes and experiences that shaped her years at UConn.
Why did you choose UConn?
I chose UConn because I am from Connecticut, and did not want to go to school too far away from home. I also chose UConn because it has a strong nutrition and pre-medical program, which were areas of study I wanted to pursue. Moreover, UConn is a large school with students of many different backgrounds, and I felt like it was a place where I could belong and find a community of friends.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
I am a nutrition major with a minor in Spanish. I am passionate about how nutrition relates to health and the human body and have worked in numerous community health and public health initiatives as an undergraduate that are related to nutrition and disease prevention. Learning different languages is something I enjoy and believe is an important skill for connecting with patients and populations as a future health care professional.
Did you have a favorite professor or class?
My favorite professor was Dr. Jason Chang of the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute at UConn. I took his class “The Asian American Experience Since the 1850s” in my sophomore year of college. As an Asian American, I learned a lot more about the history of my community through this class, and the broader historical contexts and events that shaped this identity and the challenges faced today. Dr. Chang was an extremely engaging, inspiring, and empathetic professor. His enthusiasm and passion for the class made the classroom an interesting and welcoming place for learning. I even helped Dr. Chang with some of his projects inside of class, including helping record the voice narration for the audio version of a book based on a true story of indentured Chinese men held captive on a ship in the 1800s. I would encourage all students at UConn to take classes that encourage them to develop new perspectives.
What activities were you involved in as a student?
I was involved in undergraduate research in the areas of basic science and community-based nutrition research under the mentorship of professors from the nutrition department and UConn Health. I received grant funding from the Holster Scholars Program to complete research at UConn Health my first year and have since continued to stay on the program as a student chair, mentoring incoming students. For my honors thesis, I conducted community-based nutrition research on dietary status and health disparities. I have also presented my research at the Big East Symposium, an incredible opportunity offered through UConn Office of Undergraduate Research.
I founded my own club, UConn Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group, which works with UConn medical students on disease prevention through the pillars of lifestyle medicine. In this club, we volunteered with organizations in Hartford to bring educational events and fresh vegetables to the local community and hosted cooking and wellness events for students all while fostering partnership between UConn medical, graduate, and undergraduate students.
I am a member of UConn’s GIF dance group that performs traditional Chinese dance with modern fusions. We perform each year at Asian Nite, UConn’s largest showcase of Asian culture! I am also part of UConn’s piano club, where we perform music for local senior centers. Additionally, I have served on the e-board of UConn’s Chinese Undergraduate Student Association (CUSA).
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
I was surprised by how rich student life can be at UConn. For example, UConn has thousands of student organizations in many different areas, from professional to hobby/ interest based. There is a club for everyone! Moreover, there are many fun activities to do on campus at UConn with friends such as attending sports games, attending cultural events such as Asian Nite or Lunar New Year celebrations, enjoying the nature around UConn with hikes and visits to Horsebarn Hill, and participating in events hosted by SUBOG like ice skating and movie nights.
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
I plan to attend medical school and become a doctor! I want to help people and serve my community as a future physician with a focus on public health and health advocacy.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
During my time at UConn, I have grown personally, academically, and professionally. I have taken classes that have not only prepared me for my future career, but I have opened my eyes to new perspectives, challenged my way of thinking, and encouraged hands on/ real world applications to my learning. For example, I have taken courses on ethics in health care, Medical Spanish, and community based participatory research. Moreover, in my four years here, I have met many students and faculty from different backgrounds and walks of life, and I have learned so much from their experiences that have helped me mature as a person and develop valuable lifelong connections. I have enjoyed connecting with people of similar and different cultural backgrounds, majors, and interests. As a future doctor and member of a community, it is so important to develop that capacity to communicate with people and patients.
Any advice for incoming students?
Get outside of your comfort zone, take classes that interest you, join new clubs, develop a new hobby, and just take the opportunity to explore and try new things! Also, do not be afraid to reach out for support, mentorship or guidance when you need it. I have met some wonderful mentors during my time at UConn who have helped me grow and succeed. If you have an idea or a passion that you want to pursue, there are faculty and students at UConn who are willing to help you. Don’t be afraid to take the initiative for your own learning!
What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
Participate in UConn traditions! Attend basketball games, get Dairy Bar ice cream, watch the sunset on Horse Barn Hill, and participate in events around campus with friends.
What will always make you think of UConn?
Whenever I see a husky, I will think of UConn, and all the times that I have spotted Jonathan around campus!
