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Jeremy Hill reflects on his experiences as a student, discovering who he is and what his identities mean to him. As a senior, Computer Engineering student, he’s learned the value of diverse perspectives and continues to encourage others to value intercultural experiences.

• What has influenced or shaped your passion for international education/exchange?

My own identity. I identify as Filipino-American. My mom is first generation Filipino-American, and my father is of Western European descent. Unfortunately a lot of my Filipino culture is becoming lost in the older generations of my family. When I got to college, I realized I wanted to learn more about myself and what it means to be Filipino-American. It really has become my driving force to explore my curiosity about myself and others. 

• In your opinion, what are some benefits to international education/exchange?
  

From a life perspective, I think there is a lot of value in having a diverse and intercultural team of people together. Difference of opinions, and having blended ideas is useful. I am only one human being and can’t have every single perspective. Intercultural education has given me more experience I can bring to the table, but I’m still one person, so I look to others to bring different perspectives.  

• As a student, how do you promote international education/exchange or expanded intercultural experiences whether through campus, community, or around the world?
  

When a peer and I founded Asian American Association (AAA), we envisioned it being a place where people can be themselves. We wanted it to be a space where they didn't have to put themselves in the “Asian” box or the “American” box. The term “Asian” has so many different meanings, there’s going to be vast differences in that experience as well. I truly hope we’re creating a space where people can feel comfortable being their whole selves.

• Where is a place you have always wanted to explore, and why?

Definitely the Philippines. I have never been, and would love to go. I would love to explore where my grandmother was born, and see places that were home to my family members. An interesting side of that is I’m also fearful of that experience, because I don’t always feel fully Filipino. My lack of speaking the native language, and not knowing all the details of the culture makes me nervous, but I still really want to visit it and see it for myself. 

• Who is someone that has inspired you or you believe to be a role model for global leadership? Why?

For me, it’s Yuan Zhou; she helped me start AAA, but she also came to UD from abroad, and took a deep dive into her experience. She did some really interesting research as a graduate student here on how being multiracial and multiethnic really affects you, and how people feel about holding those identities. Working with her cemented my desire to eventually to come back to working in higher education. There’s something about higher education and working with college students that’s really interesting. They're figuring out who they want, and who they don’t want to be, and that’s inspiring.

• If you had to pick a life motto or quote, what would it be? Why?

Be open-minded, and genuinely care about other people. Learning other people's story can really expand your own perspective.