CAN DO continues to build a talented and dedicated team to support its efforts of fostering economic development and community growth in the Greater Hazleton area. This summer, the CAN DO staff is joined by Tina Huang, a newly graduated student from Penn State Hazleton specializing in Business and Project & Supply Chain Management, as a Marketing & Communications Intern.
Who are you and where are you from?
Hi, my name is Tina Huang, a first-generation college graduate from Effort, PA – a small town near Stroudsburg and Tannersville. I am a passionate individual who wants to make the best out of everything, including for myself, my family, and those around me.
What inspired you to study Business/Supply Chain Management at Penn State?
Originally, I was in the 2+2 program studying Accounting but I had a change of heart and decided to look into business as a whole. The great thing about Penn State is that they offer different concentrations in business that you can specialize in while still touching base on other aspects of the major. On my third year, I decided to take on Project and Supply Chain Management as well since I wanted to expand my choices and gain insight on the more operational side of business.
Considering your background, what made you want to pursue a marketing internship?
My business major concentrated on marketing and management which provided me with a lot of marketing courses and exposure. In these courses, I discovered I enjoy working in small groups and collaborating with other people. Marketing is a very creative field and having that creative freedom is very nice. This internship is an opportunity for me to utilize what I have learned from related courses, expand my knowledge, and gain hands-on experience in the marketing industry.
What was your experience at Penn State like? Any plans after graduation?
I came to Penn State Hazleton during the pandemic. Needless to say, there were not many students around on campus, much less living at the dormitories. As the following semesters began to roll in and restrictions began to lift, more and more students moved to campus and started attending classes. This allowed me to experience what Penn State Hazleton was really like – a welcoming community where everyone is always ready to help one another in times of need. I was very timid when I first started but over the years grew to be more confident. I was not afraid of asking questions, began interacting with others more, etc. Being on campus allowed me to grow as a person and warm up to others more easily. After graduation, I want to develop and gain skills that will allow me to be successful. I have set my goal on finding a comfortable job where I can devote my time to myself, my family, and my career evenly.
Considering that you’re from the Effort area, what made you want to work for CAN DO in Hazleton?
While I was searching for career options, I expanded my job search around my campus and eventually found CAN DO. Looking further into the organization, I saw there were efforts to help the community and economy which included the residents and business owners. I understand how important a community is, as it serves as a connection to all residents and as a network of support. I also know firsthand the struggles and difficulty of managing and operating your own business. Seeing CAN DO focus on the community, small business owners, and the economy made me want to be a part of it.
Let’s get to know you a bit more! What do you like to do for fun?
While I am by no means talented, I like to draw, do creative writing, and read light novels. I also like watching anime with my brother as it’s an opportunity for us to sit down and enjoy a show together. My favorite genres to watch are action, mystery and psychological.
Do you consider yourself to be a glass-half-full or a glass-half-empty type of person?
I am more of a glass-half-empty type of person. I have the tendency to look at the negative aspects of how something could go awry or what obstacles I could come across. This allows me to anticipate difficulties and better prepare to overcome them.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
My favorite food is pho and Vietnamese grilled pork so while it’s not local to the Hazleton area, my favorite restaurant in my hometown would have to be Pho Saigon 3.
Staff discussions get pretty intense when it comes to coffee. How do you like yours made?
I like my coffee sweeter than most people so at home, I use regular powdered creamer and sugar – three scoops of powdered creamer and three scoops of sugar to be exact!
At this very moment, are there more doors or wheels in the world?
Looking at this on a more literal side, I believe there are more wheels in the world as wheels are more common than doors. There are wheels on chairs, tables, bikes, toys, etc. Breaking it down further, I believe a gear/cog can also be considered as a wheel. With all that in consideration, I think that physically there are more wheels than doors in the world
On the other hand, doors can represent opportunities and wheels can symbolize progress or advancements in life. Thinking about doors and wheels in this way, there are endless possibilities of what to pick. This quote by Debasish sums this up perfectly: “Every morning, the sun rises with endless possibilities that give you endless opportunities to begin again and to create a brand-new life.” — Debasish Mridha.