1. What’s your name?
My legal name is my Korean name Gun Hee Sim, but I go by my English name Erin.
2. Where are you from?
I am from Orange County located in the Southern part of California!
3. What are you studying and what do you want to be when you grow up?
At the moment, I am studying Global Studies and I am aiming to have a position in politics later on in my future. I focus my studies mainly on East Asia, however, I also love studying about the different current events and cultural aspects of all people and countries.
4. What’s a quirky fun fact most people don’t know about you?
A quirky fact that most people don’t know is that I love perfumes and nice fragrance in general. The fragrance from a person can change my first impression of the person.
5. Why did you choose Clean the World Asia?
I chose Clean the World Asia due to my fascination with non-profit organizations. I took a class back at my university on governments and governmental agencies. During this class, we had a week focusing on non-profit organizations which had very clear missions and functions. Also, I was a leader of a club which aimed to expand global knowledge towards children in lesser incomed families. Seeing these children grow and learn in such environment and reading about Clean the World Asia’s mission, I knew I wanted to be part of Clean the World Asia during my stay in Hong Kong. Furthermore, Clean the World Asia’s close relation with the community, governmental agencies, corporates, and major hotel operators was another pull factor.
6. What’s your role whilst working at CTWA?
My role while working at CTWA was mostly social media strategist. I created posts on all the events of Clean the World Asia during the two months and tried to expand the audience of the social platforms, as well as, increase the awareness of the work of CTWA and the importance of hygiene.
7. What’s been your favorite experience working with CTWA so far?
My favorite experience while working with CTWA so far was the Fun Festival. I absolutely adored all the younger guests who joined us that morning and afternoon. It was a joy seeing the children interact with the hygiene activities that were laid out and learn more about the importance of soap.
8. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen or eaten in HK?
The weirdest thing I have seen in HK are men who work topless in the streets. It is not that common in any of the places I have been to see this many people working topless due to the heat. I found this very interesting and different about Hong Kong.
9. What’s your favorite quote?
“If you can dream it, you can do it.”- Walt Disney. I have had this quote in my head and my heart for many years now.
10. What has been your biggest lesson from your intern experience at CTWA?
My biggest lesson from my intern experience at CTWA is being flexible and learning about how much change is being brought forward from organizations such as Clean the World Asia. After attending two events with other eco-friendly organizations, I was truly surprised by how many different organizations and businesses I have never heard of are working hard to bring a change to the materialistic world and save the environment. Also, through my time with CTWA, I now know my strength and weaknesses better and I am able to work in various areas with all the new terminologies and information I learned from CTWA. I am very grateful for my internship with CTWA and grew a lot from my time here.
11. What is your favorite thing about Hong Kong?
My favorite thing about Hong Kong is the convenience and fast pace of the city. I love the city life and coming from a much more suburban part, I thoroughly enjoyed the life Hong Kong had to offer. Everything is accessible by the MTR and there are so much wonderful items, food, and people throughout Hong Kong.
Read about our other summer 2018 interns here:
Connie Chan
Alora Stickley