‘The truth of life is to live a plain life.’
When Jason received his offer from University College London in early April, there was a huge sense of relief.
When interviewed, Jason was at the point of concluding his time on campus, with many fond memories and reflections on his past showing in his answers.
Despite achieving near-perfect scores in three abilities in the CAT-4 (Cognitive Abilities Test) in his early years, and now holding offers from three top UK universities' mathematics departments, Jason still carries the pure and frank nature of his youth. His life has moments of brilliance, a sense of accomplishment, confusion, and the freedom to make his own choices.
When our university counsellor Terrance chatted with us about Jason, this is how he described him:
‘Plain and simple, down-to-earth, modest.’
Jason is seen by the sixth form teachers as a pupil with a strong academic drive and who is strict with himself. He is down-to-earth and focused, having determined his direction in mathematics from an early age and adopting it as his aspiration. He also comes from a supportive family, providing him with ample space for choice and support, as well as instilling in him a true internal drive for growth.
People may assume that Jason's personality would resemble that of the stereotypical 'engineering guy'—overly rational and somewhat rigid. However, when he sat down with us, he conveyed a gentle and intellectual demeanour instead, noting with a smile that such a contrast is quite normal.
When speaking about mathematics, the keywords he often uses are 'magical' and 'interesting'. You can feel his burning passion directly, and through his meticulous words and clear logic, you can also sense that mathematics has left a deep impression on his mind.
For instance, a function represents a cause-and-effect relationship, helping people understand that every action will bring about a corresponding result; a variable reminds people that life is filled with uncertainties and changes, and they need to learn to adapt and adjust; the concept of a limit tells people that it might be impossible to reach a state of perfection in some matters, but one can get close to it through constant efforts and pursuit.
It is his long-standing commitment to the subject of mathematics that has left a trail on his path of growth.
For the last five years, as a founding pupil at the WCCH, Jason has been exposed to pupils from around the world with different cultural backgrounds and advanced educational concepts. Here, through exchanges and collusions, he not only learned a wealth of mathematical knowledge but also broadened his horizons and deepened his understanding, and love, for the subject of mathematics.
In addition to his university application planning, Jason is particularly grateful for the help from WCCH in his academic endeavours, including improving his grades, cultivating his interests, selecting overseas universities, preparing for IELTS, and polishing his personal statement. During the interview, he did not overlook any teacher's contribution. He sincerely appreciates the encouragement-based education and psychological support from his high school teachers every step of the way.
As the first graduate of Wellington College Hangzhou campus, and the first graduate to be admitted to a UK G5 institution, we are curious about the psychological changes he has undergone and the impact on his campus life. However, during the conversation, our attention was drawn to Jason's personality. Speaking with him was like quietly attending an exciting small speech. He is open, comfortable and unguarded, yet remains grounded and subtle.
How do you believe the multicultural environment at WCCH has influenced your personal growth？
The world is not just one colour or one voice. The ability to think independently and critically is paramount in learning, particularly in a multicultural environment like WCCH.
When communicating with classmates from different cultural backgrounds, I occasionally encounter clashes and conflicts in viewpoints. These clashes make me realise that when faced with problems, I cannot rely solely on my own experiences and cognition to make judgements, but need to maintain a critical way of thinking. I started to learn to look at issues from different perspectives and to understand and respect others' views, and I am continually re-evaluating and revising my own opinions.
In what ways have you contributed to the school community and left a lasting impact?
I once supported a primary school through the "Dream House" project with my classmates. The children there have very different living and study conditions from us, and many of their parents cannot accompany them as they grow up because they work far from home. The small dreams of our pupils, such as buying gifts for their families or buying a cartoon doll for themselves, are not easy tasks for many of the children there.
Through the "Dream House" project, we provided support for these modest dreams. They too needed to make an effort, such as making academic progress, showing kindness to others, and working well within a team to accumulate points and ultimately realise their dreams at the "Dream House".
Steve Jobs once said: "Live with a sense of responsibility and duty, strive to make a meaningful contribution to the world, to make some contribution to higher causes. You will find that life is more meaningful and life is no longer dull."
Could you share a defining moment or experience you've had during your time at WCCH that has shaped who you are today?
It was a chance opportunity when I first came into contact with mathematical modelling. Prior to that, my understanding of mathematical modelling was only limited to books. However, when I actually started to apply theoretical knowledge to practical issues, I experienced unprecedented challenges and joy.
During that period, I devoted a significant amount of time and energy to learning the knowledge and techniques of mathematical modelling. I participated in various training sessions, discussed problems with classmates, and consulted a wealth of information. Although the process was tough, I felt tremendously excited and satisfied every time we conquered yet another difficult problem.
Through this experience, I not only learned the knowledge and skills of mathematical modelling, but more importantly, I learned how to face challenges and difficulties, how to collaborate and communicate in a team, and how to stay calm and confident under pressure. These experiences and skills are very important for my future university studies.
It can be said that it was this experience of mathematical modelling that made me more determined in my future studies and career direction.
Discuss a personal interest or passion of yours that you've been able to explore or cultivate while at school. How has the school environment facilitated this?
Fencing.
This sport not only exercises my body, but also greatly enhances my mental state. Every time I put on the protective gear and hold a long sword, all I see is my opponent. All I need to do is focus on observing the opponent's movements, anticipating their intentions, and quickly reacting. This highly concentrated mental state not only exercises my focus, but also teaches me how to stay calm and clear-headed in tense situations.
At WCCH, I have received many valuable opportunities for fencing training. The school provides us with professional venues and equipment, and experienced coaches also guide us. They not only taught me the basic skills, but also helped me understand the spirit of fencing, and truly made me fall in love with this sport.
In addition, fencing is a way for me to relieve stress, and it helps me find balance in my busy study life.
As part of WCCH's first graduating class, what message would you like to leave for current and future pupils at our campus?
Regardless of our family background or social resources, what truly makes us stand out in our academic and future career paths is our dedication and passion for our work.
I wish to tell my younger schoolmates, not to excessively pursue so-called background enhancements and ignore the real hard skills that can help you grow and improve. In your future studies and work, please maintain a passion for work and continuously improve your professional skills and overall qualities. Only in this way can we stand out in fierce competition and achieve our own values and dreams.
All roads lead to Rome. While many people are struggling to choose the shortest path, Jason, who has achieved outstanding grades and demonstrated his talent in mathematics, calmly tells us that there is no need to go to Rome. He has enough patience and ability to take on his own choices anywhere.
This attitude gives him a maturity beyond his 18 years.
In Jason's retrospective story, the reasons why he is outstanding, why he can gain recognition from G5 elite universities, why he can achieve his aspirations, and why he can be free and frank, are all fully displayed - this is the result of his continuous accumulation of knowledge and self-challenge at WCCH.
With a love for mathematics, expectations for university life, and the love and tolerance of his parents, Jason is about to cross the ocean and fly to a new city with a calm and steady attitude, guided by both the people around him and his own intuition.
The future is vast and broad, in the campus, in the laboratory, during leisurely walks in nearby cities with his friends, and in the mathematical formulae and logic that may change because of him. The journey of a young man is about to begin.
University College London (UCL), founded in 1826, is located in the United Kingdom's capital, London. It is a world-renowned institution of higher education and a highly prestigious comprehensive research university. As a founding member of the University of London federation, it is part of the esteemed 'Golden Triangle' of UK universities, which includes the universities of Cambridge and Oxford, as well as Imperial College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science, collectively known as the G5 super-elite universities. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, UCL is placed 9th globally.
Terrance Zhou
University Counsellor
Jason, I'm delighted to have become your academic advisor and form tutor. Over the past two years, you have grown tremendously. I greatly admire your sustained focus and passion for mathematics, as well as your mature thinking and the modest and composed nature that sets you apart from your peers. I am fond of your favourite quote, "The truth of life is to live a plain life." Indeed, our growth and "luck" mainly come from the daily accumulation of seemingly mundane tasks, and your realisation of this at the age of 18 is quite remarkable.
The critical thinking skills you've acquired during your time at WCCH reflect your growth over these years. The world is vast, and often there is no absolute right or wrong; different perspectives, ways of life, and modes of thinking can lead to varied opinions and outcomes regarding the same matter. Learning to approach the world with an open mind, accepting differences, experiencing different places, and communicating with people from diverse backgrounds will broaden your horizons and lead to many unexpected gains. The world is a marvellous place.
I'm delighted to see that you've received offers from renowned UK universities, UCL, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Warwick. Take good care of yourself whilst at university, your health is the most important, followed by enjoying your studies and getting to know classmates and friends from around the world. Finally, I wish you a joyous journey through the ocean of university knowledge, continuing your passion for pursuing mathematics!
