Justin Cheung

Justin Cheung

“I love my little Ryan he so fine”
Interviewed by Jade Phay

Why did you choose your major?

I really enjoy computer science and statistics, but also economics as well. I think data science is a good combo between computer science and statistics while economics is a really good application of data. I thought the two vibed really well together.

Would you mind telling me about your past and current committees and your experiences?

I was in Data Consulting when I first joined and it was really fun! We worked on a startup monitoring natural produce prices such as cabbages, radishes, and carrots. My second semester, I was a director with Jay and we worked with a client called Cortex, a healthcare startup. My third semester, I was Web Development director. And my last semester, I was an Data Mentorship advisor but I also took a gap year. Now I’m the Professional Development Advisor. I actually just hosted the resume workshop a couple of weeks ago, and a lot of new members showed up!

What would you say was your favorite committee so far?

I would say my favorite committee is probably Data Mentorship because you have people from Data Foundations and various backgrounds. I think that committee is a group full of diverse people.

What is your favorite saas memory?

My favorite SAAS memory was the yacht party two semesters ago, Spring 2022. It was our first yacht party and it was really fun but cold.

How did you find out about SAAS and why did you join?

I came into Cal as a chemical engineering major. I joined SAAS my sophomore year because I was more involved in chemistry and chemical engineering my first year. I talked to people at the info session and found that the club was really cool. I joined through Data Consulting and found that it was really satisfying making some impact in the real world instead of just coding for a project. I also joined for the community because when I switched to Data Science, I didn’t have a lot of friends in tha major so I thought it would be cool to find friends that could support each other and take classes together.

What would you say is the worst course you've taken?

The worst course I’ve taken is Math 53. It’s not because I don’t enjoy calculus. I feel like most of the material I’ve learned in that course isn’t applicable to what I’m doing right now. I heard that the class is more useful for engineering or natural science majors, so that may be why.

What do you think you'll miss the most once you graduate?

I think I would miss having a set schedule. I know that sounds weird but once you get into work, nothing is really fixed. There might be meetings that just pop up or there might be events that you have to attend. There's no set schedule where you can think about how you’ll go to class at 9 and then hit the gym at 2. For Berkeley specifically, I’m really going to miss my friends because I’m going back to Hong Kong and don’t know if I’ll ever be back here. Maybe I’ll be back for grad school, but it will definitely be a while.

What is your favorite place to study on campus?

My favorite place to study is Doe library on the second floor. One thing I really like about that library is that you can't speak so it's really quiet. Whenever someone drops their hydro flask, everyone can hear it. I can't really study when there's a lot of noise. I think Moffit would be my second choice.

What's the topic you can talk about for hours?

One topic I can talk about for hours is probably like the gym, or like any sports related stuff. I recently got into American football, which is pretty cool. I enjoy looking up sports statistics. But generally, I could talk about anything related to sports or physical activities. For example, I recently got into badminton and enjoy playing with friends. I don’t play fantasy football though because I don’t quite understand how it works. But I do watch NFL games and look at how people analyze games to see what I didn’t catch.

What do you think is your toxic trait?

That's a good question! I feel like my toxic trait is that I would always compare myself with other people in every way possible, although I don't always voice it. But I do try to compare myself to people who are good at different things. For example, people who are good at studying sports. I try to be a better version of myself and sometimes that gives me some pressure. I’m trying to adjust though and not push myself too hard so I can appreciate the person that I am.

Do you think you changed a lot since you first came to Berkeley?

Definitely. When I first came here, I didn’t speak English well because I come from an international background. I was a blank piece of paper. I didn’t know anyone and was very introverted. Even if I joined a club, I wouldn’t show up to activities or hang out with people because I was shy. But I do think over these 4 years I’ve learned to open up. I’ve gotten to meet more people and find my community. Now I feel like my community is there for me, so I do think a lot has changed in a good way.

Do you have any advice for new SAASies or incoming freshman?

One piece of advice I have is to not be afraid to ask for help. For example, if you’re struggling in your classes, other people may be struggling as well. I really think we can all help each other. In terms of SAAS, I would tell them that this club is very open-minded. They’re really friendly and inclusive people. There are so many events to attend to meet people. I think that’s important because one thing I’ll remember from college is the friendships I’ve made, not the classes I’ve taken.

The website version of this interview was mildly edited for length and clarity.