Beedie Luminaries Spotlight: Jerry Deng
Jerry Deng from Cohort 2020 has always been a advocate for STEM. In fact, from a young age, Jerry knew that he wanted to have a career in science. Today, he has chosen to pursue studies in computer science at Simon Fraser University. Read more about Jerry below.
What program will you be taking in post-secondary and why does it interest you?
I will be attending Simon Fraser University. I am currently enrolled in a computer science program and am considering a minor in interactive arts and technology. What interests me about computer science is what you can do with computers to create really cool and beneficial tools. I am more interested especially with how people interact with computer systems, whether through improving our quality of life or assisting us in some way or another.
Tell us a little bit about your background (growing up, going to school, extra-curricular activities, etc.).
I was born in Peru, but grew up here in Downtown East Vancouver and attended Lord Strathcona for elementary then Britannia Secondary for high school. I had always enjoyed helping others so I spent my time giving back to my community; at day camps and the community kitchen at Strathcona CC, and at youth camps with UGM. In high school, I played volleyball and badminton and was a part of my community center’s dragon boating team. I was also active in clubs and became the President of my school’s service club and recycling program.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
What I wanted to be the most was a scientist when I was a kid because science and STEM is amazing! Although I am leaning towards the computer sciences, my passion for STEM and learning hasn’t ceased.
What was your senior quote in high school?
“You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the entire ocean in a drop” — Rumi
What are you looking forward to in your freshman year?
I looked forward to making new friends and exploring my interests through the many clubs my school had offered. I think the best thing about entering university is the new environment which enables you venture and learn more about yourself.
Who would you have dinner with if you could have it with any person, living or dead?
The person who I would like to have dinner with is a youth worker and friend of mine. He has taught me a lot about what leadership is and how I can be a better person.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood” — David Ng.
What was the last book you read?
“The Happiness Equation” by Neil Pasricha. I took away important lessons from the book, especially in the notion of putting your best interest in yourself before others.
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I can cook and have been learning since I was a kid. However, my best dish would probably be fried rice because it is such a versatile dish to experiment and be creative with.
