Graduating Senior Spotlight: Q&A with Boyu Wen

What brought you to the University of Minnesota and how did you choose your major(s) and minor(s)?

I chose the University of Minnesota due to a close friend who studied there, and the prevalent mental health issues I observed around me led me to major in psychology, a field I was deeply passionate about at this university. Initially committed to psychology, my growing love for the arts eventually inspired me to also pursue a major in fine arts.

Which CLA class or professor has had the biggest impact on you? Why?

The course CI1124 profoundly influenced me, especially due to Professor Bob, whom I greatly respected. His willingness to listen to students' concerns and provide various perspectives on societal matters was particularly impactful. Under his guidance, I felt as if I had discovered a new world, appreciating his approach to teaching and mentorship.

What course would you recommend for other students in your major? And for students outside of your major, what course would be a good introduction to what you study?

For students within my psychology major, the three core courses are essential, with PSY 3001W standing out for its focus on research paper writing skills. For non-majors looking to gain insight into psychology, PSY 1001 offers a comprehensive introduction to the field. As for my interest in fine arts, I highly recommend drawing classes, particularly those focused on the human figure, to anyone with a similar inclination.

Tell us about a class you still think a lot about.

PSY 3001W is a course that frequently comes to mind due to its rigorous demands, encompassing both examinations and extensive essay writing, which created a high-pressure environment. The need to fill out answer sheets added to the challenge. Despite the stress, the course proved immensely beneficial for my future research endeavors, acting as a foundational introduction to the research methodology.

If you had the world's attention for 30 seconds, what would you say?

If I had the world's attention for 30 seconds, I would share my insights on kindness and empathy. Through my experiences as a psychology and fine arts student, I've learned that understanding and compassion are essential for healing and connection. I hope everyone can embrace our shared humanity, transcend differences, and support each other with an open heart. With each small act of empathy, we can create a kinder and more understanding world.

If you could be any member on a TV show, who would you be?

If I could be any character on a TV show, I would choose to be a superhero with the power to reverse time. This ability would give me the chance to travel back to the past and rectify all my regrets, allowing me to make different choices and perhaps lead to a better outcome in various situations.

Is there an app you hate but use anyways?

Tiktok.

What's next for you? What are your post-graduation plans?

I plan to further my education in psychology at the graduate level, aspiring to become a therapist who intertwines the disciplines of painting and psychology. My goal is to integrate these passions to forge a distinctive therapeutic approach, enriching the healing process through the combined power of art and psychological insight.