The Jack of All Trades

Ask Calvin Sun, CC '08, what he's doing this weekend, and he'll have to pull out a small black planner before he can even think of answering.

In addition to being a premedical biochemistry major, Sun is the vice president of the Asian American Alliance, works on the Columbia College Student Council as the director of campus events, tutors introductory biology students, conducts independent study research at the Columbia University Medical Center, and is or has been involved with the dance group Raw Elementz, the Columbia Bartending Agency, the advisory board of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the New Student Orientation Program.

But above the breakdancing-his greatest passion-and drink mixing, he says his main focus at Columbia is to "increase bridge-building among clubs on campus" and unify the entire student body.

"I want to change the Columbia community," he says. "Not to leave a name for myself, but because my friends are affected here and I want to help."

He grins sardonically.

"Some people who don't know me might not believe that because they think I'm a cocky motherfucking asshole. And I'm sorry, because sometimes I do act that way, but I'm really just trying to address the views of my close friends," he says.

From where he sits in Cafe 212, Sun pauses the interview at regular intervals to greet friends and coordinate plans. He laughs when asked about his informal status as campus socialite.

"I think I'm the most oblivious person in the world because whenever someone tells me that I'm surprised. Sure, I like to be friends with everyone-people I dance with, student council people, students I interact with at AAA-but it's nothing more than that. I'm kind of embarrassed about it."

And indeed, far from viewing himself as being a social butterfly, Sun admits that at one point, he was quite the opposite.

"Yes, I'm a geek," he said. "Come on, I'm a premedical biochemistry major. I love science, and I love research. I like Star Wars. I used to be a big Power Rangers fan. I collected pogs. But that was back in grade school. Not anymore! I don't want to fall into the premedical stereotype; premeds can still have fun."

Born and raised in Manhattan, Sun said, "A big part of my identity comes from this city. I've never lived anywhere else except for Shanghai, which is just like New York City. But my experience at Columbia has been defined by the friends I've made here."

He continues: "I have my goals, but they are largely shaped by the people I work with and the people I interact with. My friends are pretty much my family-my father passed this past summer, so now I take care of my mom and my support network consists of my friends."

Sun admits that his goals for Columbia are idealistic, but the realization doesn't seem to faze him.

"I understand that they're almost too idealistic," he says. "But if no one's doing it, if everyone's jaded and cynical, then what's there to live for? We all have to have our little goals to aspire to. I understand that nothing might change in the four years that I'll spend here. I understand that. But it gives me something to live for. ... I will do anything to make this campus a better place."