TRUE XIONG
Admission Counselor
Direct: (507) 933-7680
Toll-free: 1-800-GUSTAVUS
Education: B.A., management, Gustavus, 2006
Territory: Twin Cities, Michigan, some schools in SW MN
Life before Gustavus:
A year after graduating from Gustavus, I realized I was more passionate about higher education than I was trying to climb the corporate ladder. After some thought, I knew I wanted to give others the chance to grow and find themselves intellectually and spiritually as I did during college. So here I am back at Gustavus with the hopes to help students make that first step.
What are your professional/work interests?
I enjoy building prospective students’ dream of attending a private, liberal arts college. There are so many students out there who, without the least bit of consideration, rule out Gustavus or other private colleges from their options post-high school graduation. I enjoy widening their scope of thought and helping students to realize the very real niches that await them at Gustavus.
On top of that, I’m a strong advocate for diversity. My four years at Gustavus remain memorable because of the exchange of ideas, people, and experiences that were so different and enlightening from my own. The benefit of encountering diversity, in whatever form(s) it make take, is that you challenge yourself to think more deeply about who you are and what you value. I hope that every college student gets to experience this for themselves.
What is you best college search tip?
My college search tip would be to ask LOTS of questions when you visit campus. Choosing a college is a huge decision and as all major decisions go, it might be more complicated than you imagined. You should ease your insecurities about the college selection process through asking questions, especially when 9 times out of 10, another student is wondering about the same thing.
What are your most recent professional/work projects?
I am working with college assistance programs, such as Multi-Cultural Excellence Program (MEP) and Admission Possible, and bringing their participants on campus.
What do you learn from interacting with Gustavus students?
Gustavus students are committed to their academics and community and it’s evident in how they manage their time. When they’re not studying, many students take part in extracurricular activities that help to build stronger ties with their community, whether it’s playing on the Gustavus Rugby team or tutoring a third grader at one of the local elementary schools.
What do you value most about working at Gustavus?
Working at Gustavus is really about promoting opportunity. Especially for many of the underrepresented students, my job is to show them that the opportunity to be a student at Gustavus is attainable. I enjoy being able to open the doors to opportunities that students may not have seen or been exposed to before.
What are your hobbies?
I joined a women’s flag football team from late spring to early fall. Being a part of the team has not only challenged my athletic abilities, but taught me about the power of teamwork, friendship, and having fun, which I find to be the answers to some of life’s most pressing questions.
What is your favorite Gustavus tradition?
My favorite Gustavus tradition is Midnight Express. Students take a break from studying to relax from the chaos of finals; they enjoy good music and food. Midnight Express sends a strong message about the necessity of relaxation, pacing yourself, and giving yourself a break every once in awhile.
