Mingrui He '22

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
I was born in Jiangsu Province, China.

What languages do you speak?
I speak Chinese, English, and a little French.

What course or project is your favorite? Tell us all about it!
My favorite course is Integrative Studio, which I completed during my freshman year. I got to explore the possibilities for myself of being an artist, and not just a fashion designer.

How has Paris inspired you in your projects and classes?
Paris has so many museums to go to, which I used a lot as my references and inspirations.

What does your typical weekend look like?
During my first year, I would go out just walking around the city or go to exhibitions and get good food. For sophomore year, I spend most of my time working at school, but of course, I do allocate some time to rest.

Have you done an internship? If so, where? What was your experience like?
I have done a couple of internships so far. All the internships were so different, but I am glad to have had the opportunity to try different positions as it covers different aspects of the industry. For example, I was a backstage dresser, showroom assistant, and photographer, but all for different brands.

Does Paris feel like home? If so, how did you make it your own? What kind of challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Thankfully, it does feel like home. I have lived in another city for three years other than my hometown, so I could quickly adapt to new environments. Not having enough sleep is the only challenge that I am facing right now.

What three words would you use to describe the Parsons Paris community?

Friendly, tight-knit, and supportive.