Meet Our Alums
John Paul Lichon
Class of '06
Self-Designed Major in Asian Studies, Supplemental Major in Chinese
Current Position: Intern in Notre Dame Campus Ministry
Next Steps: ECHO Faith Formation Leadership Program
While studying Asian Studies and Chinese may not seem to have an important role in my current career choice as a campus minister, I feel strongly that my academic background has helped me considerably in my career and as a person. I am currently working in the Office of Campus Ministry at the University of Notre Dame as an intern. I help to plan, implement, execute, and improve various religious programs and activities for the Notre Dame student body. After my internship, I plan to continue working as a lay minister for the Church.
The professors in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (and other Asian Studies related professors) have not only provided me with a rigorous and comprehensive study of Asia, but they have also prepared me for the future in anything I choose to do.
In my “Hong Kong Action Cinema” class with Professor Aaron Magnan-Park (FTT), we learned how to analyze an argument: break down its structure, find its strengths and weaknesses, and then, most importantly, go beyond to formulate your own views. This same formula can be used in business, administration, or even coaching sports.
Also, in “Chinese Ways of Thought” with Professor Lionel Jensen, I learned that learning is meant to be interactive; that we all most take an active role in critically analyzing ideas while also being creative and imaginative in our studies. Learning is not a passive intake of dates and events but an active and critical engagement of various ideas, and we must keep setting the bar higher and higher through contributing new, improved ideas.
Studying abroad in Beijing, China, challenged me to broaden my perspective past the small bubble that Notre Dame sometimes creates. I met a variety of people from all over the world: China, Japan, Korea, Australia, Europe, etc., and I was able to interact with them on a day-to-day basis. I was immersed in an entirely different culture, and that taught me a lot about myself, a lot about others, and a lot about the similarities and differences among various cultures. Most of all, I was able to understand the Chinese people, history, and culture much better.
Throughout my studies at Notre Dame, I really took advantage of the opportunities available through the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures. Three times, I took one-on-one Directed Readings classes with a professor in order to study more fully topics of my own interest. Although there weren’t specific classes offered, the professors in EALL were quick to offer their own time, direction, and help.
The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures showed me what true scholarship and academia is all about. All my classes and professors went beyond my expectations, and they truly cared about each and every student. Overall, I have recognized the need to be an active learner in all areas, and that we all can contribute new, imaginative, and innovative ideas – whether it be a new business model, an improved defensive scheme for a football team, or an editorial on the war in Iraq in your local newspaper. I want to continue to push my limits, to continue to strive for excellence and creativity in every aspect of my life.
