ESSOnian of the Month: Eugene Hu

In recognition of his unbridled enthusiasm, kindness and dedication as a member and leader in ESSO, upper Eugene Hu was recently chosen as the ESSOnian of the Month for March. Hu works with many children in the surrounding community as the co-head of two ESSO language clubs — HFCC Chinese Lessons and ESSO Spanish Lessons — where he shares his knowledge and passion for both languages.

Hu’s weekly schedule is one filled with service, as he is also an active and eager member of many other ESSO clubs, such as Relay for Life planning committee, Haiti Pen Pals and YMCA meetings.

ESSO co-President upper Grace Gray gave insight on the process of choosing the ESSOnian of the Month. “When we were talking about who to choose as ESSOnain of the month, [Hu’s] name came up a lot of times, because he’s always someone there who’s willing to give something more to ESSO and to the project he’s devoting himself to,” she said.

Fellow co-President upper Jenny Yang could only agree, adding, “Eugene is an enthusiastic and dedicated ESSOnian who cares deeply about those around him. These qualities are showcased not only in his commitment to ESSO, but also his everyday interactions with friends and roommates.”

When asked about any of Hu’s specific qualities that determined him as the pick for ESSOnian of the month, Gray cited his energy, drive, creativity and reliability. “He’s always there putting himself out there, and willing to offer himself up to the next project,” she said.

“At the end of the day [ESSO] serves as learning experience for everybody, and the broader the scope, the more people you can reach out to the better. That’s the best part of ESSO.”

Hu encourages more Exonians to participate in ESSO. “The very fact that there is such a social service program here at Exeter is a testament to our own privilege. Sometimes we neglect the fact that there are people out there who are way less privileged than we are,” he said.

Hu’s selflessness, generosity and care, however, reaches far beyond ESSO to all those who know him. Also a fellow classmate of Hu, when asked about her favorite aspects of his personality, Gray added, “I know that if a friend of his isn’t doing well, he will check in with that friend and always be there caring for that person. Not only is he a very good friend and someone who would really care about you and wants to see the best in you, Eugene is also a really special person himself.”

All who know Hu well and have had the privilege to work alongside him can attest to his generous personality and love for others. Hu only wishes to inspire more Exonians to find their own passion for helping others, finishing with the wise words: “At the end of the day [ESSO] serves as learning experience for everybody, and the broader the scope, the more people you can reach out to the better. That’s the best part of ESSO.”