Falcon Flashback |Bridge Hu '17
In this edition of Falcon Flashback, we catch up with Bridge Hu '17, a world traveler and finance professional for Capital One in New York. In this interview, he reflects on his favorite O'Neal memories, travels, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Hi Bridge, and welcome to the latest edition of Falcon Flashback. You’re in the hot seat. Why don’t you start off by giving us the highlights of your life. Birth to now. Your life story. One minute on the clock. Go.
I was born and raised in Beijing, China. When I was 16 I came to the U.S. and went to high school at O'Neal. After I graduated high school, by the skin of my teeth, I went to the University of Washington and studied finance. After that, I went to Duke University for a year for my master's degree, which led me to my current job at Capital One in New York. My job is to build statistical models for the commercial banking branch's risk management practices.
It sounds like you’ve done more world traveling than most people your age. What’s your favorite place in the world?
I try to travel as much as I can. Argentina is a special one among all the places I've been to. I did a study abroad trip in Buenos Aires for two months before COVID-19 hit, and the two months were filled with steak, wine, cultural excursions, and astonishing sceneries; Patagonia is otherworldly. Japan comes on top if I have to pick a place to spend the rest of my life: respectful people, clean & safe streets, and great transportation systems. Did I mention that Japanese food is to die for?
I have to ask. Where does Pinehurst rank on your list?
I'm glad I spent my high school years in Pinehurst. My favorite part is the people as they always welcome you with open arms. The friendships we built still last to this day. In fact, I just met with a friend from O'Neal (Elizabeth Moore) in New York.
Let’s do a few quick hitters…
Favorite class at O’Neal?
AP Environmental Science
AP Environmental Science
Favorite place on the O’Neal campus?
Swimming Pool
Swimming Pool
Favorite O’Neal memory?
We did a math competition called COMAP (Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications). We spent two full days working on a math project, and we ended up ranking pretty high in the world. That was a really good experience, academically and socially.
We did a math competition called COMAP (Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications). We spent two full days working on a math project, and we ended up ranking pretty high in the world. That was a really good experience, academically and socially.
Where’s your college sports allegiance: Duke, UW or somewhere else???
I don't watch much, but Duke basketball is always awesome.
It’s a great year to be a Duke fan. Is there a classmate or teacher from your O’Neal days that you’d like to see profiled in an upcoming Falcon Flashback?
I can think of no better man, for Falcon Flashback or anything else in life, than Jack Casey.
Last one. Two-part question. Favorite goal you’ve accomplished in your life? And biggest goal you’re still working to achieve?
It's a bit lame but earning the opportunity to do my current job took years of hard work and dedication and quite a bit of luck. It pays for all my traveling, too, so I'll call that my favorite. And as far as the future, wasn't it Will Schirmer (Class of 2016 Valedictorian) who said in his speech that if you are going to do something anyways, do it well? I'm still working on that.
About the author:
Jared Lina '97, a Duke alumnus himself and O'Neal Trustee recently took the opportunity to connect with Bridge Hu '17.
Want to nominate someone for Falcon Flashback? Email alumni@onealschool.org.
Read More Falcon Flashbacks!
About the author:
Jared Lina '97, a Duke alumnus himself and O'Neal Trustee recently took the opportunity to connect with Bridge Hu '17.
Want to nominate someone for Falcon Flashback? Email alumni@onealschool.org.
Read More Falcon Flashbacks!
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