One’s surroundings can benefit one’s studying.

Kevin Ho, junior computer animated design major, enjoys studying at Missouri Southern.

“I like the area, the environment and the people,” Ho said.

Ho first came to the United States in 2000. He is originally from Hong Kong.

He came as an International Student Exchange Program member. As part of the program, he moved to Marionville, Mo.

There, his high school guidance counselor told him about the opportunities he would have at Southern.

Ho took the advice and came.

Ho said there are a few things he likes about the United States that are different from Hong Kong.

“I love the trees,” he said.

“Here, it is relaxing. Everything is slow.”

Ho said the relaxing atmosphere is different from the daily rush of Hong Kong.

He does, however, miss his family.

“That’s why I decided to get my associate’s and go home,” he said.

He has gone home every summer since he came to the United States.

Though he misses his family, he still enjoys being with his friends.

His friends also enjoy being with him.

“His personality is blooming,” said Rahila Kahn, junior physics major. “I’m quite sad that Kevin will be leaving at the end of this semester. I think it’s too soon.”

His instructors are also glad to have him in class.

Dave Noblett, associate professor of art, knows Ho from the graphic design classes Ho has taken through the years.

“His work is very well crafted,” Noblett said.

“He’s a nice guy.”

Noblett said that by having Ho in the classroom, the students can gain first-hand knowledge about a different culture.

“I think he’ll be a good artist,” Noblett said. “His work is solid with a good sense of design.”

In his free time, Ho plays intramural volleyball and soccer.

He also tutors Chinese in the Language Resource Center.

Ho enjoys watching American television, especially the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

“When I was young, I liked America a lot,” Ho said.

“I guess it was because of TV.”

Among his most memorable adventures in the United States is a road trip from Missouri to Washington, D.C., to New York City.

He and a friend drove the entire distance without stopping.

“When we went there, we were very excited so we were not tired,” Ho said.

He plans to go home after this semester.

In Hong Kong, he will look for a job doing any type of design.

“I just like art,” he said.

Ho said if he decides to come back, he will complete his bachelor’s degree at Southern.