US@UO Tours: Maggie Dong

Meet Maggie Dong, UO's videographer. Growing up in the south, she moved to UO's hometown of Philadelphia right after attending college in Florida.
Enter Maggie's home as she shares the importance of representing her culture, how her studio doubles as a dance practice space, and the joys of having cat hair everywhere.

What makes a space a home to you?

Fun furniture, colorful lighting, my cats. I love a vibe that’s simultaneously playful and relaxing. I’m able to dance and host game nights, or curl up on the couch and watch movies. I think my cats feel the same way. Every surface is for climbing and zoomies, or lazy days and YouTube videos of mice.

Why is it important to have your culture so strongly represented into your space?

I feel safe and at-home with pieces of my childhood incorporated into my space. My family is from China, and I grew up with my parents taking me to art museums but making a beeline for the Asian exhibit hall. We’d make dumplings from scratch every Saturday, and I went to Chinese school every Sunday. My cultural background is a huge part of my identity, and I love representing that within my home.

How did the UO Home pieces accentuate the vibe that you curated for your space?

Colorful patterns and unique statement pieces really elevate the playful mood, especially the various lamps. Cherry, goose, mushroom - they add so much to my lighting and silhouette variety.

Would your inner child feel that your current home is a safe space?

Absolutely, for sure. Curating my space has been a great creative outlet for a rebellious wild child turned teen-in-my-twenties.