The following interview is part of a series the College of Science conducted with some of our alumni. While their experiences and career paths vary widely, their passion for science and love for the College and OSU tie them together.
Stanley Yu
Major: Biology, minor in Chemistry
Occupation: Owner of Teapresso Bars, Hawaii
How did the College of Science prepare you for your future career?
The College of Science prepared me for the real world. Although I didn’t end up with a job in science, it helped prepare me for business and to find my true passion which ended up being opening up with me launching a coffee and milk tea cafe in Hawaii. I’ve opened up two so far in Honolulu, and one more in the works, opening in April 2021!
Describe your career. How are you making a difference?
Quite simply, opening a cafe provides so many opportunities for jobs for younger people to experience first-hand on how the real world is. It is so self-gratifying to provide jobs for so many and to teach many first-time workers the appropriate work ethics and customer service.
What might people be surprised to learn about your profession?
Many people may think, it’s only a cafe, how hard can it be? Well, on average, it takes an employee 6-months to remember and familiarize themselves on how to make our drinks correctly. That’s why we pride ourselves in the quality of the drinks and customer service.
Was there a particular professor or advisor who made an impact in your undergraduate career?
Sandy Tsuneyoshi, director of OSU’s Asian and Pacific Islander American Student Services, is the sweetest and kindest advisor I have ever met.
How were you involved in the OSU community?
I was one of the founders of HKSA (Hong Kong Student Association) at OSU.
What is one favorite College of Science memory?
I arrived a week before my first day of class to prepare to find out that I was not ready for the cold. Nope, not at all...
What did you do for fun to de-stress from schoolwork?
I played basketball at Dixon Recreation Center.
What advice would you share to current College of Science students?
Follow the path to what makes you content in life, and through various trials and errors, financials will eventually follow, guiding you to a path of success.
