Be You. Be Independent.  Meet 2024 Graduating Pupil Andy

They say success belongs to the prepared. 

Andy truly stands out as he holds offers from 15 top overseas universities, including the University of Toronto, the University of Melbourne, Northeastern University, and the University of Manchester.

How does one choose the optimal destination from such a multitude of universities? Which one is the most suited for oneself despite different opinions? What is the key to receiving so many offer letters? 

Let us hear the answers from Andy.

Unlike some other graduates, Andy has always seemed less interested in ‘becoming dazzling’. 

His focus has always been on self-discovery and expression, on the plight that needs to be changed, and on the people who need help.  

He is passionate about charity. In the WCCH ‘Dream House’ project, Andy and other team members visited the Daciyan Central Primary School in Jiande, Hangzhou, where he met a group of children studying in conditions very different from what he is accustomed to, many of whom grew up without the company of their parents who had to work away from home. 

"Wishes that may seem trivial to us, such as buying a gift for a family member or a doll for oneself, are not easily things to do for many children there." 

These children from remote areas gave Andy a bit of a ‘culture shock’, and through his repeated charitable trips, he has also gained a more personal understanding of the challenges the children face, leading to a new way of thinking:  

What are the ways for an individual to help those in need? 

Is the help one provides truly what the other party needs? 

What paths in life have the children he helped taken now? 

One only grows through ongoing reflection. Beyond donating money and goods, what lies behind charity work is a desire to research the causes behind urban and rural disparities, provoking discussions about how to release individual strengths within the community, and create a more inclusive and diverse community environment. These are different forms of service that Andy and his peers can engage in, ways that can bring about change. 

He then documented these reflections, crafting a personal statement with a compelling framework. After meticulous refinement by his Sixth Form teachers at Wellington College Hangzhou, it became a narrative that intertwined his life story with philosophical insights, ultimately resonating with the admissions officers at Northeastern University. 

"Even if I cannot change the world right now, I can prepare for it. By working withan organisation with more power than I have, I can do my part to the best of my ability." 

Andy adores Northeastern University. "This university stands out as it focuses on the role students play in the community, the contributions they make, and the thoughts they generate," he said, adding that this aligns well with his aspiration and the image he wished to convey in his application essays and extracurricular activities. 

Reflecting on the application process, Andy finds it difficult to judge whether he has reached the best state since there are no standards against which to compare, but he has no regrets because every decision he made was the result of his careful consideration. 

Andy's chosen course is Economics and Business Administration. 

"During my classes at school, I found economics particularly interesting as it is closely intertwined with many social phenomena. Studying economics deepens my understanding of society as a whole, the impacts certain government policies may have on society, and many issues facing the society, such as poverty." 

Although Andy chose economics as his course, he was not quite clear about his inner motivation, topics for future research, or the specific economics issues that interested him. 

During his time studying economics at Wellington College Hangzhou, he gradually realised that economics is a multidisciplinary field and dispelled the misconception that economics learning equals money-making. He shifted his focus towards developing his own skills in game theory and leadership, pushed himself to communicate with others and gained new perspectives on the world through interactions with different people and activities. 

After immersing himself in a multitude of activities related to economics and being exposed to a professional academic environment, Andy did not offer any grand or sweeping statements when asked about his aspirations for the future in this field. He says, "In fact, I calmly accept myself as an ordinary person." 

The eighteen-year-old gives no talk of grand ideals but finds joy in the learning process of economics itself.  

Andy mentioned the influence of his parents: "My mother has enriched my upbringing, allowing me to make decisions earlier, laying the foundation for an independent future life, and developing myself as an individual. My father has always been the sturdy support of the family. As I entered Wellington College Hangzhou, he started to see me as an independent young man, giving me the respect and autonomy to make my own choices.” 

He also mentioned the help the school provided him: "I feel secure at Wellington College Hangzhou, academically, socially, and emotionally. My worries were reduced, and anxieties lowered in my six years here because I am convinced that nothing would go south as long as I trust my teachers."  

Although Andy might not be the top student defined by high scores and competition awards, his passion, personality, and character shine through every extracurricular activity he participates in, every piece of homework he writes, and every document he completes. 

Just like how Andy received the offer letter from his dream school after overcoming initial uncertainty and academic pressure, he will stay undisturbed by external opinion and clear any future confusion in his university years with a steadfast belief, embracing a rich, diverse and bright life. 

Andy possesses the qualities favoured by Northeastern University and many other American universities: a passion for trying and practising, outstanding leadership, and a global perspective. 

There is no enticing secret to his success; it is simply a straightforward mutual selection and matching process.