Karen Chen

Remember the Din Tai Fung buns at Webb’s Lunar New Year celebration? Or the spicy Korean rice cakes? This event that brought joy and a sense of home to many international students on campus was planned by the international student liasons, co-headed by none other than Karen Chen, the most energetic leader and empathetic friend one could ask for. Karen divides her time well: outside of planning ISL events, she spends hours in the gym, mixing tracks on GarageBand, and baking pastries for her friends. Originally from Shanghai, Karen currently lives near Arcadia, has an Austrialian passport, but is technically from Hong Kong. Under all of these backgrounds lies someone with a deep passion for the simple things in life, whether it is eating with her parents on the weekends or enjoying a chicken al pastor bowl from Chipotle after an intense workout. Karen is strong, both physically and mentally, shown through her chapel talk that touched the hearts of many in the community. A constant giver, Karen’s form of self care is reflecting in Dr. Maxon’s Creative Nonfiction class, blasting EDM music in her room — turning it down occasionally due to noise complaints — or laughing in her own unique way (you have to hear it to understand) to “Nathan for You.” Next year, she will bring her quirks to USCD, majoring in Business Economics and preparing for law school. Webb will surely miss Karen’s infectious laughter, admirable selflessness, and goofy jokes funny only to her and her closest friends.