Student Spotlight: Amy Tan, Flag

It's 7am on a gameday Saturday in Ann Arbor. The city is woken up by echoes of The Victors; the band has taken the field. But even before a single note has been played, there is activity on Elbel. The Michigan flags have been hard at work since 6am. Among them is sophomore Amy Tan. 

"I didn't have that much experience with flag work before MMB," Tan said. "I always felt so behind and was worried that I was not good enough. Most people could get down technique faster than me. But as the season developed, I truly felt like I belonged. Everyone was so supportive. I had some trouble adjusting, but now I realize the possibilities I have to grow. At first, I had no muscle, it was hard to turn the flag around with one hand, but I got there."

It was not until her senior year of high school that Tan first started marching flag. However, with patience and determination, Tan progressed and joined Winter Ensemble, the competitive color guard ensemble offered in the winter semester. Winter Ensemble rehearses one routine throughout the semester, allowing them to dedicate more time for advanced technique and choreography. They practice twice a week for a total of 10 hours per week. 

"It was nice to meet new faces, because there are some people that do winter guard that don't march," Tan said. "It was much more artistic and freeform. I also learned how to toss, which we can't do in the Big House because the wind is so strong. We went to five or six competitions last semester, and won all of them."

Amidst all the hard work, the flag section has a level of camaraderie that is made stronger by the unique nature of their section. 

"After our first challenge, the rank leaders and section leaders go out and get us bubble tea," Tan said. "It's like a celebration that really helps take the stress off. We also have 'Jonesgiving.' It's like Thanksgiving, but instead we celebrate our coach. Joan never attends but it's a really joyful experience where we get to try each others' food and play party games. Also, before game days, the underclassmen usually sleep over at upperclassmen's houses. It's a good bonding time."

Off the field, Tan is on a pre-med track. Tan plans to pursue either neuroscience or Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience (BCN).

"I was interested in psychology and loved true crime documentaries and how people think," Tan said. "I also know people with disabilities and disorders and so I want to better understand how they think and how I can use that to aid in the healing process."

Tan is working at a clinical psychology lab studying adolescent neural development. The study follows a group of patients from birth until adulthood in order to observe neurological development. 

"We are analyzing people with disabilities," Tan said. "We are analyzing racism and how populations from underrepresented groups develop differently. Lower income families usually don't seek treatment as much, and they usually aren't represented in current scientific data."

At the clinic, Tan assists graduate students with psychiatric interviews and conducts tests to observe how participants solve problems. Tan also interacts with patients and observes procedures, like MRI imaging. 

"I love meeting the participants," Tan said. "They come from all walks of life. One time I met a bouncer. He was like 7'6'' and I was scared at first but he was one of the sweetest people I've ever met."

The lab employs both graduate and undergraduate students and provides career-building opportunities, like workshops and lectures.

"It is such a welcoming environment," Tan said. "The professors give presentations on their findings. They are always finding ways to bring our voices into the studies even if they are the ones whose names are on the papers. I tend to be a really shy person who can get nervous about interacting with strangers. Ever since I've been a part of this lab, I've gained more confidence and it has been very fulfilling."

Tan is also a chair for "Heal-Move-Shift," a non-profit dedicated to providing nutritional, mental and physical health programming for students in the Ann Arbor and Greater Detroit areas.

"This past semester, we made presentations and seminars for secondary and elementary schools about coping with mental health and wellness," Tan said. "I was also a facilitator for a drug seminar about how to say no to drugs and how to talk to a family member who faces addiction."

Throughout her first year at U-M, Tan has learned to endure criticism and focus on growth. She will continue to push forward and share her sunny disposition with everyone she meets.