Born in China, Jin Lai Dong is the first in his family to go to college. He is spending his summer taking English and music appreciation classes at FIU and living in Panther Hall. His FIU experience so far, he says, has been “really great. People are nice and friendly.”

This economics major has big plans for his college education. He wants to earn straight A’s and along the way, he would like learn to play the piano.

FIU is so proud to welcome this ambitious young man to the Golden Panther family that we’re featuring him in an ad campaign to run in The Miami Herald. Recently, we met with Dong and asked him a few questions about himself and his future plans.

Here is an excerpt of the interview:

What it took to be the best in my class:
I was surprised when they said I was valedictorian. I didn’t expect it. I just did what was required of me. I never missed class, did my homework, paid attention and studied hard.

On starting college at FIU:
Starting college is exciting. I get to make new friends, go to new places, try new stuff.

Where I see myself in five years:
I see myself working on Wall Street as an investor and driving a nice car.

My dream:
My dream would be to live in a big house, drive a Ferrari, go to work when I want to and have no financial concerns.

“I’m very ambitious. I’ve set my sights high, and FIU is going to take me there.”

To view the ad, which ran in the August 6th issue of The Miami Herald, please click here to download a PDF file.

You may download Adobe Acrobat Reader from here if needed to view the file.